(WRITTEN SERIES #3)
Having their hearts broken after an expected affair, Penny and Clifford unexpectedly found comfort from each other. But as the bond between the two of them deepens, secrets resurface as conflicts wreck havoc to their present. Can...
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PENNY
WEEKS have passed since that night in the park happened. Ever since then, Clifford and I grew closer to each other more than we did before. Getting to find out about his family's history made me empathize with him. Meanwhile, I became more comfortable talking about my problems to him.
He understands me, and I understand him. It's a win-win situation for the both of us. It even feels like we share the same pain with each other.
As for the ruckus I had with my parents... When I got home the next day after staying for the night at Clifford's home, I was surprised to see them still in the mansion. Turns out, they were waiting for me.
Akala ko noong una, papagalitan lang nila ako at susumbatan. But I was beyond stupefied when they said that they agree about me staying here in Richmond Fields. Hindi na raw nila ako pag-aaralin sa ibang bansa, though, I still see in Dad's face that he's still considering that option.
Sa sobrang gulat ko noong sandaling 'yon, hindi na ako nakapagsalita pa at dumiretso na lang sa kwarto ko. Somehow, gumaan ang pakiramdam ko dahil hindi na ako mag-aalala pa para sa magiging buhay ko pagkatapos kong grumaduate ng high school.
I guess standing up for myself finally paved my own way in life.
"Group 3, time's up!" rinig kong sigaw ng P.E. teacher namin na nakatayo malapit sa bleachers habang may hawak pang stopwatch.
Agad ko namang hinila ang kamay ni Cora at nagsimulang mag-jog patungo sa bleachers. Naramdaman ko namang nakasunod sa amin sina Remi at Clifford na kasama rin naming tumakbo sa field.
We were huffing and puffing like a bunch of big bad wolves when we got to the bleachers. As expected, pinag-trip-an agad kami ni Jago. Palibhasa, kanina pa pinatigil ang grupo niya sa pagtakbo. Swerteng gago.
"I swear, once we graduate... I'll rip that teacher's... bald head using my... bare hands," putol-putol kong sabi dahil sa sobrang hingal. Patakbuhin ba naman kami ng kalbo naming teacher ng mahigit sampung beses sa field. Mukha kaming mga tangang paikot-ikot lang kanina!
"Depota talaga ang mga kalbo sa school na 'to," giit naman ni Remi na halos bumulagta na sa bleachers dahil sa pagod. She must also be pertaining to our school's principal who's also bald. May frenemy relationship kasi sila no'n.
"P, I think I won't survive this anymore." Cora dramatically laid on my lap like some dying dog in her last moments. Natawa na lang ako at pinunasan ang pawisan niyang noo gamit ang panyo ko.
Out of a sudden, may kamay na nag-abot sa 'kin ng bottled water. Napalingon naman ako at nakitang si Clifford pala ang nag-aabot nito. Ngumiti lang ako at kinuha ang bote saka uminom.
"Kahapon pa 'yang tubig na 'yan," bigla niyang sabi dahilan para maibuga ko ang iniinom ko. The shitty trinity; Clifford, Remi, and Jago laughed like crazy habang agad namang napatayo si Cora mula sa pagkakahiga sa lap ko.
