(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...
WARNING: This story may contain mature and disturbing themes not suitable for young audience.
THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SCENES THAT MAY BE TRIGGERING TO OTHER READERS. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE.
IʼM SORRY BUT THIS HAS TO HAPPEN.
A/N: ALSO, NO SPOILERS!!!
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PENNY
"SIGURADO ka ba talagang kaya mong mag-isa?" Clifford asked for the nth time, and also for the nth time, I smiled as I nodded my head.
"Yes, dum-dum! Iʼve been telling you that for like the fifth time already!" Naiinis man, hindi ko pa rin maiwasang matawa nang mahina.
Ngumuso lang siya habang dahan-dahang hinahalo ang niluluto niyang ulam. Heʼs been cooking for us ever since the inevitable happened. I told him na kaya ko naman, pero lagi niyang pinagpipilitan na siya na lang ang gagawa nito. Kaya sa huli, wala na akong ibang nagawa pa kundi hayaan siya hanggaʼt sa makasanayan na rin naming dalawa. Itʼs basically a routine for us already.
"Ayaw mo ba talagang sumama? Pwede naman tayong magpunta sa mall o kung saan pagkatapos," he suggested but I was quick to shook my head in disagreement.
"I told you, Iʼm fine." Tinapik ko ang balikat niya at pilit na ngumiti. "Plus, this is your first job interview. Wait, whatʼs the position theyʼre offering you again?"
"Physical Education teacher daw. Isama mo na 'yong pagiging substitute coach ng basketball team ng school nila," paalala niya kung kayaʼt makailang-ulit akong tumango.
"See? Ang ganda ng ino-offer nila sa 'yo! You should just focus on acing that job interview. Iʼm sure youʼll nail it, especially if you wonʼt worry about anything else," giit ko.
Napatingin naman siya sa 'kin, bakas ang pag-aalala sa kaniyang mukha. Ngumiti lang ako at tumango, pilit siyang sinisiguro na magiging okay lang ako.
Clifford has already done a lot of things for me lately. Heʼs been sacrificing his time, effort, and energy just to stay by my side. As much as I feel comfort whenever heʼs around, I donʼt want him to forget that he still has a life on his own.
"Ayaw mo talagang sumama?" he asked, his lips slightly pouting. Hindi ko alam kung nagpapa-cute ba siya o hindi, but itʼs totally working.
Muli, ngumiti ako at umiling. "I can handle myself. Also, donʼt be too worried. Mga ilang oras ka lang naman mawawala. Iʼm not going anywhere either."
I let out a laugh but he just continued to look at me, worry and concern still etched on his eyes. Para bang nagdadalawang-isip pa siya kung iiwan niya akong mag-isa.
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako at dahan-dahang hinawakan ang kamay niya. Nagbaba naman siya ng tingin dito bago ibalik ang mga mata sa 'kin. Ngumiti ako nang magtama ang tingin naming dalawa.
