Run, Zhian (EL VICENTE SERIES #2) COMPLETED

Kabanata 16

I closed the book I'm holding.

I yawned while I was caressing Coen's hair. He was sleeping tight on my side. Sinikap kong tumayo para hindi siya magising dahil kaunting galaw ko lang ay nagigising kaagad siya.

I managed to get away from him. Lumabas ako at dumiretso sa study room para sa iniwang trabaho. Hinilot ko ang batok ko habang patungo ako doon.

Past really makes people change, big time. Every tough decision I had before is all worth it. Maybe some of them are not but I think I got a lesson from it, and that's the most important thing.

Naupo ako sa swivel chair ko at bumuntong hininga. My laptop is closed and its in its sleep mode. Ginalaw galaw ko ang laptop ko at isang tawag kaagad ang nagpakita. Ngumuso ako nang makitang si Issa iyon.

I smiled bitterly. Years passed and yet, she still haven't change. A clingy friend always. Hindi na yata siya magbabago. Not that I hate it, though. I always liked her calling me from time to time to check on me.

She was the first person who knew about my pregnancy. It was shocking. That was the most scary moment of my life. I almost can't cope up because of frustration that time.

Nanginginig ang kamay ko habang pinagmamasdan ang isang bagay sa kamay ko. It was a pregnancy test. Issa made me take this because she thinks I'm pregnant. I wasn't believing her even though the evidence was in front of me.

Week after I flew to California, I started feeling this. At first, I thought it was brought by my extreme sadness and almost depression. Gigising ako sa umaga at magsusuka, the morning sickness was worst. I always faint everywhere but I never wanted to be rushed in the hospital even if my father is panicking.

"I'm pregnant," pumiyok ang boses ko habang katawagan si Issa.

She didn't talk.

I took that time to cry out loud. I was inside my room when I knew it. Issa and I always call each other ever since I left. I respected that she didn't want anyone to know that she's communicating with me. People in ElVi were furious that time so I understand.

"Issa, buntis ako.." humagulgol ako at halos hindi na makahinga sa kakaiyak.

Rinig ko ang taranta niya. "How did it happen? You only stayed there for days—"

"Dylan.."

Natahimik kami pareho.

I didn't know what to do. I can't think straight. Gusto kong isipin na bangungot lang ito at hindi ito totoo. But I know I shouldn't consider this like that. I know I should take this a blessing but I just can't! Hindi pwede!

Bakit ngayon pa? I'm still trying to fix myself from everything. Bakit ngayon pa ito dumating?

"Zhian.." I heard her cries.

"Please, don't tell this yet. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko, Issa. We just left and.. and this is not the right time to go back! Hindi ako pwedeng bumalik d'yan!"

"I know, Zhianela. I also don't know what to do." she panicked. "You have to think about this properly. Pag isipan mo ng mabuti, Zhianela. But I won't tell it, I promise. I distanced myself from them now so you don't have to worry."

I never slept properly with those days. Walang gana ang pagkain ko at hindi sinasabi sa kahit kanino ang tungkol sa dinadala ko kung hindi kay Issa. I'm not yet ready to tell this. Specially to my father. I don't know how to tell this to my Dad, too. Ilang araw mang makarating kami dito ay away ang laging hantungan namin ni Dad. We always fight because I was mad at him.

Yumuko si Dad isang araw dahil sa paninigaw ko. "I regret it so much, Zhianela. Kung alam mo lang kung ano ang ginagawa ko ngayon para pagbayaran ang mga kasalanan ko!"