Veil of Love (Military Series #3)

Chapter 33 : SEPARATE

After processing Ate Ina's words, I continued cooking for Dove. She must be so hungry by now. Lalo siguro ‘yun nainis sa akin dahil medyo natagalan ako sa pagluluto.

After cooking her meal, I served it on our dining table. Manang was not there anymore and so is Ate Ina. Dove was all alone.

“Kain ka na,” I said as I lay the chicken down the table.

Dove didn't respond, as usual. She just remained her straight face.

She only moved to serve herself some chicken and rice. I settled down in my chair to eat because I am starving.

I poured her glass with some cold water and so is mine. After that, I served myself with the food that I prepared for the both of us.

“Thank you for cooking this for me,” she said nonchalantly.

I didn't expect that so I choke. She immediately handed me a glass of water and she gently patted my back.

“Ayos ka lang? Dahan-dahan lang kasi, gutom ka ba?” she asked. Her tone was laced with concern. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung matutuwa ba ako o maaawa sa sarili ko.

“I-Im... fine. N-Nagulat lang ako sa s-sinabi mo.” I couldn't look at her because of too much embarrassment.

She sat down on her chair again before asking me.

“Ano'ng sinabi ko?”

“You thanked me for preparing your food,” nahihiya kong sambit. Hindi ako makatingin sa kaniya dala ng sobrang kahihiyan.

“Is that it? That's too shallow, Dylan.”

Shallow?

I'm just happy that she appreciates all the things that I'm doing for her. And she thought my appreciation is shallow?

“S-Sorry. I guess you're right.”

“Ipinagluto mo ako at nagpasalamat ako. That's all it is, Dylan. There's no need for you to make this a big deal for the both of us.”

“A-Alright... I'm sorry.” I bowed my head again.

You suck, Dylan. Kahit kailan ay palpak ka.

Dove quickly stood up and drank water from her glass. It seems like she's about to leave.

“T-Tapos ka nang kumain?” natatakot kong tanong. I should be cautious of my actions and words. Baka ma-offend ko na naman siya unintentionally.

“Yes, I'm done.”

“P-Pero... kakaunti pa lang ang nakakain mo. Busog ka na ba?” I asked worriedly.

Tatlong subo pa lang yata ang nakakain niya? Hindi ba at gutom siya?

“Nawalan ako ng ganang kumain, Dylan.” She faced me with an annoyed expression.

Oh.

“Is it... because of me?” I asked hesitantly. I am too scared of her. Baka nagalit na naman siya sa akin.

She heaved a heavy sigh before looking at me in the eyes.

Before the accident, whenever I look into Dove's eyes, all I can see was happiness, love, and peace. But now that I'm looking into them... I couldn't find those three things anymore. All I can see is indifference.

It hurts so much. I don't know if I could still bottle up these feelings inside me. Pakiramdam ko, isang kalabit na lang, sasabog na ako.

“Yes, Dylan. Kasalanan mo. Now, if you'll excuse me,” she said as she tries to walk out from me.

But I didn't let her.

I held her wrist and made her face me. Nakatindig na ako at nakatingala siya ngayon sa akin.

“You're not walking out from me again, Dove.”

“What?” she gasped. “Let me go!”

“I can't! And I won't!” sigaw ko na ikagulat niya.

“Kausapin mo ako nang maayos, Dove. Hindi yung palagi mo na lang akong tinatakasan. Paano natin ito maaayos kung lagi ka na lang aalis at iiwan ako?” I sounded so desperate.

Binawi niya ang braso niya mula sa pagkakahawak ko.

“Wala nang aayusin, Dylan. Wala na.” She shook her head. Her eyes were glistening because of her unshed tears.

“W-What do you mean?” nanghihina kong tanong.

I think... I already know where this is going.

“I want a separation from you, Dylan.”

Hearing those words caused my knees to wobble and slowly, they touched the floor.

My tears voluntarily fall down on my cheeks as I feel my heart tearing down.

Sobrang sakit na.