DV Series: decoding the boys (under revision) ??

56 | always

It was Racel.

I immediately answered the call.

"Hey," agad niyang bati. "You weren't answering my texts."

When I heard his voice, I felt the tension in my body ebb away. My shoulders slumping, I took a deep breath.

"Sorry, baby. I had a bad day lang."

"Everything okay? What's wrong?"

I paused, thinking, "Alam na ni Kuya. He found us out."

There was silence on his end for a full minute. I waited, just listening to the mere sound of his breathing.

"Nasaan ka? Pupuntahan kita."

Umiling ako kahit hindi niya ako nakikita. "I'd rather stay at home. Kakauwi ko lang and didn't you say may exams ka tomorrow?"

"Did he hurt you?"

"He would never," I said quickly. "You know that."

He sighed. "I'm sorry this had to happen. It's all my fault. Kaya pala hindi ka sumasagot."

"No, it's mine. I should've told him sooner. It's not your fault," I said softly.

"Are you sure I can't see you today? Kahit saglit lang."

I hesitated. The idea was tempting but I couldn't risk bringing him here. Not right now. Not like this.

"Sorry, baby. I want to sleep sana. Hindi kasi ako nakatulog kagabi. Medyo nahihilo na nga ako."

"Are we," he paused. "Are we okay?"

May narinig akong takot at alinlangan sa tanong niyang 'yon.

"He wanted us to break up but I fought for you. I'm staying. I just need some time. That's all."

"Okay, baby. I love you."

"I love you, too."

I dropped the call and lay back on the bed. Gusto ko siyang tanungin tungkol kay Giselle, kung bakit kahit kailan hindi niya nabanggit sa 'kin ang tungkol doon, pero ayokong guluhin ang isip niya ngayong alam kong kailangan niyang mag-focus sa studies niya.

Maybe later, I thought just before I succumbed to sleep.

#

I was woken in the middle of the night by a call.

"Hello?" I said groggily.

"Bunso," came the familiar voice from the other end.

Si Kuya Travis.

I jolted up and leaned against the bed frame. Kinusot ko ang inaantok ko pang mga mata.

"Yes, Kuya? Napatawag ka?"

"I heard from Nick. Pasensiya na ngayon lang ako nakatawag. Masyadong busy ngayon dito sa farm. How are you holding up?"

Hm. Siguro Gian told his brother what happened.

"I'll get by. No need to worry. 'Di pa rin ako kinikibo ni Kuya Jacob pero expected ko naman na mangyayari 'to. Medyo mahirap lang at nakakapanibago. Pati kasi yung iba, iniiwasan ako."

"He's not being too much, is he? Are they giving you a hard time?"

"I don't know, Kuya. Everything feels too much lately."

There was a sigh from his end. "That dumb brat. 'Di bale. Uuwi na kami ni Chris. We'll talk things out when we get back."

"Don't come home just for this. I'll," I said, halting, "I'll handle it on my own. I need to. I made this decision alone so I have to face it by myself. It's how I'll learn. I can't depend on you forever."