Wicked Hearts

Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Agreed

What's going to happen?

If my sister's secret affair with Mr. Delgado was revealed, it would put her in unfathomable humiliation. I am also afraid that it might affect her job and reputation as a teacher. I could stand the names they call me, but I don't think I could do the same if it happened to Ate Sarah.

To hurt myself, even more, I opened my social media account. As expected, my notifications was bombarded with negative comments. I've also found out why Ulrich was suspended as the SSG President— he took the blame for me.

I placed my phone on the bed. Sumandal ako sa ulunan ng kama habang nakayakap sa unan. Natuyo na ang mga luha sa mata ko. Tumahan na rin ako kahit papaano.

Ulrich has already dropped our plan. That justified why Amanda was raging fire with her false accusations just to pin me down even more— she couldn't hold him on his neck anymore so she would do it to me instead.

I stand by my oath to protect my sister whatever it costs, even if it means I have to sacrifice something.

That night, a decision was made.

I texted someone.

This is my last shot.

Late na ring nakauwi si Ate Sarah. Nilabas ko agad siya para batiin. Nung makita ko ang hitsura ni Ate Sarah ay bigla akong naawa. Magulo ang buhok nito at halatang pagod sa maghapon na trabaho.

"Nag-dinner ka na?" tanong niya.

I shook my head. "I waited for you..."

"Sure. Magpapalit lang ako sandali."

She gave me a peck on my cheek before getting into her room. Dumiretso naman ako sa kusina para maghain na. Dumating din agad si Ate Sarah para tulungan ako. Sabay kaming kumain.

"Let's do that, Ate Sarah..." I said.

"Sure. We will."

Pumayag na ako sa gusto niyang paraan ng pag-celebrate ng graduation ko. We will camp in the backyard and spend the whole night together. Just... the two of us.

"My birthday is next week," I mentioned it, finally.

"Right..." Tila nahirapan pa sa pagsagot si Ate Sarah. "Do you have plans?"

"Barbeque party," nakangiti kong sagot.

"Gano'n? Sige."

Her lack of excitement for my birthday celebration confused me. I don't understand. Siya pa nga lagi ang mas excited sa aming dalawa tuwing birthday ko. Siya lagi ang nagsa-suggest kung ano ang gagawin namin.

Bakit parang nagbago bigla?

Nawalan akong gana na ubusin ang pagkain ko. Binitiwan ko na ang kubyertos saka uminom ng tubig. Tumayo na ako para maghugas ng kamay sa sink.

"Ayaw mo na?" tanong ni ate.

"Busog na ako eh," I said without looking at her.

"Ayos ka lang ba, Riza?"

"I am not," I said the truth.

Narinig kong gumalaw ang upuan ni Ate Sarah. Lumapit siya sa akin. Hinawakan niya ang balikat ko saka ako hinarap sa kanya. She tucked some strands of my hair behind my ear.

"B-bakit, ate?" tanong ko.

She smiled. "Ang ganda mo, Riza."

"A-ano ang nangyayari sa atin, Ate Sarah?"

I'm lost. Bakit humantong sag anito ang lahat?

I was hoping for an answer, but she did nothing but stare at me while smiling. She's doing nothing yet my heart kept sinking. Why do I feel like we are running out of time?