Garden of Wounds (Panacea Series #1)

Chapter 24

Twenty-four.

Feel what you feel until what you feel is finally healed. We can't help but get hurt, especially since it's a part of life. If we experience to be happy, there will be times when you will be sad. You just have to really embrace yourself in your darkest times because it teaches you to be brave. It teaches you without you being aware of it.

Feel the pain. Feel it deeply because when the day comes, you won't even notice that you're finally healed and that's one of the best things that can happen in life.

"I heard from Elaine that Zavion is already your boyfriend," Mama spoke formally. Sumabay ako sa kanilang kumain dahil mas'yado nang tahimik ang bahay at wala ng buhay. I've noticed in recent months, I rarely see Dad at home. We barely get along and that's not the usual him. Hindi ko rin naman naririnig na nag-aaway sila ni Mama kaya nakakapagtaka talaga.

I laid down the spoon and fork loudly. They both looked at me because of that. My eyes narrowed, looking straight into her eyes so I could know what this woman was planning again. I gritted my teeth and tilted my head. I stared at her for a long time and took a deep breath.

"If you're hindering my relationship with Zavion, I don't care, Ma." I said in monotone. "Grandpa already knew about our relationship and he didn't forbid me to have a boyfriend."

Elaine looked up after hearing what I said.  Her lips parted slightly, unable to believe what I was saying. I just smiled mischievously and ignored her.

"You— what? You introduced Zavion to your Grandpa?!" There was a hint of shock in Mama's voice. "What are you thinking, Elvira?! What if your Grandpa thinks you're just playing around and not studying? How—"

"Didn't you hear what I just said, Ma? I formally introduced Zavion as my boyfriend to them. They agreed. Wala silang problema roon." I explained. "At ano po ba ang problema mo kung may boyfriend ako? Hindi mo po ba tanggap na sa akin napunta si Zavion? Hanggang ngayon po ba, ayan pa rin ang pag-aawayan natin?"

"Elvira!" The strict voice of my sister made me look at her. I raised a brow. Wala akong ibang nararamdaman kundi galit at inis sa kanila. "Don't talk back to your parent! It's a sin!"

"Don't speak as if you were not committing a sin. Stop pretending, Elaine. We both know what you're doing," I said coldly. Hindi nakasagot si Elaine. Matalim ang kan'yang tingin sa akin ngunit hindi ko 'yon inalintana. Bakit ako matatakot sa kagaya niya?

"Invite Zavion here. Respect us, please, Elvira. We are still your parents! Saan mo ba nakuha 'yang katigasan ng ulo mo?!"

"Baka po sa 'yo noong gan'to pa lang 'yong edad mo sa akin," I answered sarcastically. "You know, they say, kung anong klase kang anak noon, gano'n din ang magiging anak mo. Siguro nakukuha mo ngayon 'yong karma mo..."

Halos hindi ako makapaniwala sa aking ginawa. Sinagot ko lamang si Mama nang walang pag-aatubili. Kahit si Elaine na madalas ay ginagatungan si Mama kapag pinapagalitan ako ay nanatiling tahimik. Napayuko siya at nagpanggap na hindi nakikinig sa alitan naming dalawa ni Mama. I clenched my fist in anger. Unti-unti nang nawawala 'yong respeto ko kay Mama.

Unti-unting nagbabago 'yong trato ko sa kan'ya. Nahulma ako sa ibang kaanyuan na sabi kong hinding-hindi ako magiging gano'n magpakailanman. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko noon na pasensya lang sa lahat. Huwag na silang labanan pa... ngunit hindi ko rin alam kung bakit at paano ako naging ganito.

Mama could hardly believe everything. When she realized what I've just did, she quickly took the glass beside her and poured the water on my face. Still not satisfied with that, she walked towards me and slapped my cheek hard. I stiffened in my seat, not able to process everything going on around me.