Every Game

Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Run Away From The Truth

Rocky has a peanut allergy. The reason why he didn't want to eat anything from that restaurant was because everything in there has a peanut --- the main ingredient of their foods is peanut. I thought he just really lost his appetite just like what he reasoned out. I thought he didn't want to eat because that place reminded him about his parents.

What did I do? I forced him to eat. I don't want to blame myself because I didn't know but I can't hide the fact that I am at fault. If I didn't just force him and just focused on my thing, this wouldn't happen.

He was rushed in Emergency Room. Tinanong pa ako ng doktor kung ano ang nakain niya kaya sinabi ko agad ang nalalaman ko. Pinaghintay ako sa labas. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang sumandal sa pader sa gilid ng pinto at maghintay.

He's good and if he's not, he will be. I know.

Nanginginig pa rin ako. When I saw how pale his face was and how rashes almost covered his skin... I lost myself. Hindi niya ako binitawan pero wala siyang nagawa kung hindi ang bumitaw nang ipasok siya sa loob.

"Baby, I'm scared..." That was his words before thet pushed him inside.

What's with this game? Hindi na lang ito basta-basta nananakit ng pakiramdam, pati ang katawan ngayon ay nadadamay. Maybe this is a sign that we are approaching the end --- that just like what Rocky said, the next tasks will be fatal.

Nang mapansin na baka matagalan pa sila sa loob ay lumabas muna ako para humanap ng payphone. Mabuti na lang at may barya pa ako sa bulsa at kabisado ko ang phone number ni Papa.

I held my emotion as he answered the call.

"Pa..." Suminghap ako ng hangin.

"Maddy?" bakas ang pag-aalala sa boses ni Papa. "Nasaan na kayo? Bakit hindi ka pa umuuwi? Totoo bang kasama mo si Rocky?"

"Opo," kalmado kong sagot. "Baka medyo matagalan lang kami ng uwi ngayong araw pero mayamaya rin po ay uuwi na ako. Don't worry, Pa. I'm good."

Sinigurado kong hindi niya mahahalata na may mali sa akin dahil baka mas mag-alala lang ito. Rocky is being treated, it will all be better soon. The seventh task is finished. We can continue this game next time. Right. This won't get worse anymore.

"A-Akala ko umalis na siya?" tanong ni Papa. "How did you two meet again?"

I bit my bottom lip as I wiped away the tears blocking my sight. Bahagya kong inilayo sa akin ang telepono para mahinang suminghap ng hangin.

Sumagot din agad ako. "Just because of some unfinish businness, Pa. Where is Kael?" pag-iiba ko sa usapan.

"Pumasok na siya. Hindi ka ba papasok ngayon?"

"Baka hindi na muna siguro, Pa. Baka medyo hapon na rin ako makauwi."

"Sigurado ka bang ayos ka lang?" Ngayon ay ramdam ko na ang pagdududa sa kanyang boses. "Your voice sounds tired and sleepy. Where are you? Bakit hindi cell phone mo ang gamit mo ngayon?"

"Naiwan ko sa kwarto ang phone ko, Pa," ang tanging nasagot ko sa dami ng mga tanong niya. "Sige na, Pa. Ibababa ko na ito. Uuwi rin po ako mamaya."

Narinig ko ang pagpapakawala nito ng mabigat na hininga.

"I have no idea what's happening but better come home earlier that you promised me. Hindi ako pumasok ngayon sa trabaho. I'll wait for you."

"S-Sige pa..."

Mabilis na ibinaba ko na ang tawag.

Inayos ko ang sarili ko bago bumalik sa loob ng ospital. Saktong palabas ng Emergency Room ang doktor na nakausap ko kanina. Lumapit ako sa kanya kaya humarap naman siya sa akin.