Forget Thy Burden (Chances Series #2) ✓

Chapter 23

“Are you okay? Kanina ka pa tahimik.”

I shifted my gaze at Ryle who's busy maneuvering the steering wheel. I called him earlier and asked him to fetch me. Parang hindi ko kayang magmaneho.

Nanghihina at nanginginig ako dahil kanina. I felt like I will collapsed anytime after hearing those words from my friends and seeing him. Dalawang buwan na lang mag-iisang taon na simula nangyari iyon.

And now that he’s out of jail, I felt like I was pulled back in that time again. After seeing him again. Another bunch of anger rose in me. Different feelings and emotions are eating me right now.

“Do you know something about Ian?” I asked. Tinapunan niya ako ng isang tingin bago binalik ang mata sa daan.

I rolled my eyes when he didn’t answer. Of course, he knows something! He witnessed it all. He’s the one who appeals the case. Natural lang na alam niya.

“Why didn’t you tell me? K-Kailan pa?” I scoffed. I saw the crease in his forehead. A sign that he’s annoyed already.

“Does it matter?” He fired back. I gasp at his response.

Of course, it does! Napairap ako marahas na bumuntong hininga. He didn’t gave a glance at me. Seryosong nakatingin lang ito sa daan at nagmamaneho.

“Yes, it is! It is my case, Ryle!”

I heard him muttered small curses. Nanginginig na ang katawan ko dahil sa kaba, takot, at galit.

“About two weeks ago,” he said, pointing out when did he knew. Lalo akong napasinghap.

“And you hide it from me?” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko. He had a chance to face me because of the traffic.

“I don’t want you to think about it, Avery. I knew if you’ll find out this, iisipin mo lang ‘to. I’m worried about you. . . about your condition.” He said while looking directly in my eyes. He reached for my hand and held it gently. “I’m sorry if I hide it from you, baby. I-I just don’t want to trigger your trauma.” His voice cracked.

Napatitig ako sa kaniya. Above all, I know he’s hurting, too. He's worried about me. He's right, kapag nalaman ko. I would gonewild and hysterical. Mababalik lang ang trauma at takot ko.

I am not fully healed. I maybe able to surpass everything I’ve been through, but deep inside me, I am still wounded. The deepest part of my soul still bleeds. It wasn’t fully cicatrized. I am not yet fully recovered and healed.

“I’ll send you home. Take a rest,” he said before smiling at me slyly. Bahagya akong napatango. “I will take care of everything.” He added before continue driving.

Nang makarating sa bahay ay hindi pa rin ‘yon mawala sa isip ko. It occupied me for the whole night. Kung hindi lang tumawag si Andrea kanina para kumustahin ako, baka tulala pa rin ako.

Days went swift. Balik sa dating paghatid at pagsundo si Ryle. At baka kung walang trabaho ‘yon ay sinamahan na ako hanggang classroom. He wouldn’t take his eyes off me.

Naiintindihan ko rin naman, I know what that man is capable if doing. Kung nagawan niya ng paraan ang pag basura ng kaso. Magagawan din niya ng paraan ang makuha ulit ako.

Honestly, kinakabahan ako. These past few days, I feel that someone’s following and watching me from afar. Parang bawa’t kilos ay sinusubaybayan niya. Nitong mga nakaraang araw ay napapanaginipan ko rin ang mga nangyari noon. It’s haunting me. . . again.