Even If It Means A War (Chaotic Series #1)

Kabanata 6

Even If It Means A War

Kabanata 6

Ang daloy ng tubig mula sa shower ay nagpaginhawa sa aking katawan. I closed my eyes and savored every stream while lying in the bathtub.

I turned off the shower when my phone rang on the side. As my wet hand reached for my ringing phone on the side, I answered the call without looking to see who was calling.

"You ready?" boses ni Rall sa kabilang linya.

"Medyo matagal pa ako. Eight pa naman, 'diba?" walang gana kong sagot.

"Yup. You still have time. I'm all prepared. Ikaw na lang ang hinihintay ko. I'll be there by seven-thirty."

"Okay," I let three seconds pass before ending the call.

I twisted the shower knob again, and the water was already overflowing in the bathtub. Malalim akong huminga at dinilat ang mga mata.

It's been one week. Again. It's been one week since the fight between Zame and Rall happened. It's been two weeks and I haven't seen my son again.

Ang laki na ng puwang sa dibdib ko. Sabi ni Zame, sa loob ng dalawang linggo, walang paltos niyang pinuntahan ang anak namin. But even though I have some peace of mind knowing that at least one of us is with Roine, it's not enough because I haven't seen him for several days.

Since Ate Kristina's encounter, Lolo became stricter. Parati siyang nagbibigay ng takdang oras sa pagpunta at pagbalik sa kahit anong bagay. Kailangang ipaalam pa namin sa kaniya kung saan ang bawat lakad namin. Maging si Rems ay nasasakal na. I know it's only temporary and he'll loosen up eventually, but I can't wait to escape.

Tonight, Rall and I are going to a bar. We've planned this for a long time, and now, it's finally happening on the third Saturday of the month. Inayawan ko na ang bagay na ito dahil wala akong gana, pero nang ipaalam ako ni Rall sa pamilya ko, pinagtulukan muli ako ni Lolo na paunlakan ang lakad namin ni Rall.

I didn't tell Zame that we're going out tonight. He texted me that he's at home, so I didn't mention that I'm leaving. I'd rather have him spend time with Roine at home than accompany me to the bar. Dahil kapag sinabi kong aalis kami ngayon ni Rall, baka pumunta siya. Besides, we can't be seen together because Rall will be with me. Bawal kami makitang magkasama.

Simula ng away nila ni Rall at pagkakaayos nila sa mansyon ng mga Maguin, hindi na kami muli nagkausap nang maayos ni Zame. He only texts me with a few words. A cold text, to be exact.

I put on my white short shorts, lavender cardigan, and a white spaghetti strap top. I applied a little powder and lip tint to keep my makeup minimal. I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed out. Bumaba ako at nakita ko si Rems sa sala na bihis na rin.

"Ang ganda ko tonight!" initsa niya ang kanyang buhok at umawra. "'Di ko deserve maging third wheel!"

Tumawa ako at kinuha ang susi sa loob ng aking bag. "You look pretty today, wala ka namang date."

"Ikaw nga may date pero–"

"Shh!" pinanlakihan ko siya ng mga mata at luminga-linga. "Bunganga mo talaga wala na namang preno. Tara na nga!"

Kumapit siya sa braso ko. "Hindi ba natin hihintayin si Rall?"

"Sa labas na natin hintayin."

Mama and Papa were already in their room kaya hindi na kami nagpaalam na aalis na. Alam naman na nila 'yon. Nagkaayos na rin silang mag-asawa noong nakaraan. Si Lolo naman ay nasa kuwarto na rin at nagpapahinga na.