Sinking Deep (GL)

CHAPTER 30

Dahan-dahan niya akong kinuyog nang nasa bandang gitna kami ay agad niya naman binitawan at medyo nagsiksikan na ang mga tao. Suddenly, a forceful grip seized my arm from the midst of the crowd. The touch was all too familiar. Turning my head, my suspicions were confirmed - it was her - Ma'am Rhea. She compelled me through the crowd towards the parking lot.

"Ma'am!?" I asked, startled by her sudden action. Hindi ko napansin na nasa gilid na pala kami ng bus na sinakyan namin kanina.

Hindi ito nagsalita pero hindi pa rin binibitawan ang kamay ko magsasalita na sana ako pero humarap ito sakin, "Do you enjoy your time ignoring me?" She asked, she's mad. Ang lamig pa ng boses.

"What are you sa - what is the meaning of this?" I abruptly said.

Tinulak niya ako nang malakas sa bus, "Answer me first, Mercedez!" she exclaimed. Her intense voice makes my spine shiver.

"Masakit, ano ba!" I groaned. Masakit naman talaga lalo na't tumama talaga ang likod ko sa bus.

Hinawakan niya nang madiin ang kamay ko.

"Is Vivien better than me? Is she better than me!?" She asked, her grip becoming tighter.

"Is he better than me!?" I abruptly answered. My eyes widened, mad by her sudden words.

"Why did you involve him in this situation?" she demanded, her voice maintaining its intense tone.

"Why must Ma'am Vivien be part of this?" I countered.

"Because I watched you enjoying your time with her, as if, as if I'm not here!" Her words escalated into a shout, her eyes shimmering with tears amid the dimness. It was undeniable.

"Ma'am, it's your fault," I replied calmly, yet my tone carried an icy edge.

"I know, and that's why I need to talk to you, but you keep ignoring me!" she shot back.

"Kasi nakita ko kayo. It was a good day, it really was. But then you suddenly appeared with him. Did you think it wouldn't hurt me? You shattered me that day, leaving me broken. That's why I've been avoiding talking to you or being near you, because it hurts," I explained passionately, locking my gaze with hers. Her grip on my hand loosened as she stood motionless, facing me.

"I'm suffering too. I despise seeing you around, entangled with her. I'm sorry. Hate me, hurt me, but please don't ignore me," she whispered weakly, her voice trembling, and I could tell she was crying.

My emotions churned within me, anger and frustration swirling in my chest. Yet, as soon as I heard her in tears, my feelings shifted. The anger dissipated, replaced by concern and a sense of urgency.

Without hesitation, I reached out my arms, inviting her into an embrace.

I couldn't bear to witness her tears.
I couldn't bear to hear her cries.

Mas gusto ko pang ako ang umiyak keysa makita siyang umiiyak.

"I-I'm so-sorry," she weakly whispered. I'm hugging her, embracing her giving my warmth.

I held her in a tight embrace, feeling her arms gradually wrap around me as she leaned into me, her head finding solace on my shoulder. Her tears flowed, and my heart ached for her.

"I can handle being ignored by others, but not by you. Please, just not you. Don't shut me out," she wept, her voice strained and her nose sniffling. Her tears were genuine.

My fingers gently traced soothing patterns on her back, my stance leaning against the bus as I continued to hold her close.

"I'm sorry," I murmured softly, my hand continuing its comforting motion along her back.