I Have Loved You Wrong [Ruin & Lily]

Kabanata 21

Nanlamig ang buong mukha ko sa narinig na sinabi ni Kuya Ruin. Something clenched in my stomach, too, and I felt like throwing up, kahit pa wala naman akong isusuka dahil hindi pa ako kumakain simula kanina. With intense shoulders, a heaving chest, and his Adam’s apple bobbing heavily up and down, he finally turned around, radiating palpable anger.

“Muffin,” he called, his initial anger giving way to a gentle warmth as he laid eyes on me.

I found myself at a loss, swallowing hard, feeling like I was staring into the eyes of a total stranger. Despite seeing him often on social media, he appeared so different in person. Two and a half years had undoubtedly transformed him into someone I no longer knew. He exuded maturity and an intimidating presence. And witnessing him yell at Mama altered my perception of him even further.

Ibang tao na siya.

Hindi na siya ‘yong kapatid ko.

Hahakbang sana siya patungo sa akin pero pareho na lang kaming napalingon kay Papa nang biglang tawagin nita ang pangalan ni Mama sa nabigla at nag-aalalang tinig.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, mabilis na nag-alis ng tingin kay Kuya, at napatakbo kay Mama na biglang nawalan ng malay at sa sahig ay humandusay, not caring anymore if I would trip on my feet and twist my ankles with my high heels.

“Mama!” takot na takot na tawag ko habang lumuluhod sa tabi niya at tinutulungan si Papa na alalayan siya.

Hindi na maipaliwanag pa ang takot sa dibdib ko habang pinapanuod si Papa na binibigyan ng first aid treatment si Mama. I watched as he looked for any signs of a head injury, and thankfully, there were none. Then, he gently shook her shoulders, tapped her cheeks in an attempt to rouse her, and even resorted to raising his voice, but Mama remained unresponsive.

“Somebody call an emergency!” sigaw ni Papa roon sa mga hotel staff na pawang nabigla rin sa mga nangyari. “Lilianne, gumising ka!”

“Mama,” muling sambit ko habang niyuyugyog na rin siya, takot na takot sa maaaring mangyari sa kaniya.

“Lilianne! Jesus Christ! Wake up!” ani Papa sa ngayo’y basag ng tinig.

Naging magulo at masalimuot ang mga sumunod na pangyayari. The event hall doors continued to open and close incessantly, accompanied by the hurried sound of footsteps approaching us. When I looked up once more, I was met with a sea of curious gazes and concerned expressions.

“Anong nangyari?” tanong ni Tito Damien habang tumatayo sa tabi ni Papa.

“May tumawag na ba ng ambulansya?” tanong naman noong isang kamag-anak namin.