The Epitome of Algedonic Love

18: LATE BLOOMER

"A person who experiences sexual attraction or interest later than their peers is considered a late bloomer in terms of sexuality. This delay could be due to several factors like cultural differences, individual biology, or past experiences. It is necessary to understand that every individual has a different journey and there is no set timeline for sexual development that should be considered normal."

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❆ CLÍODHNA EISDRACHEN POINT OF VIEW ❆

Pagkatapos naming kumain, sumama ako sa lababo kasama ang ilang kasambahay para tulungan silang maghugas ng pinggan.

Nasanay na kasi akong ako ang naghuhugas ng pinagkainan ko, actually lahat kaming magkakapatid ay marunong gumawa ng gawaing bahay, pero kahit ganoon masasabi kong si Frigg ang pinakatamad.

"Nako, huwag na hija. Kami na ang maghuhugas," Manang Flores said. I couldn't help but stare at her for a long time because she reminded me of Nana. Nana passed away several years ago.

"Huwag ka na kasing mapilit,"

Someone suddenly spoke from behind, and I quickly turned around.

It was Athena, she was wearing her pajamas. It was a bunny pajamas. Biglang naalala ko ang bunnies ko, kinilabutan but I quickly pushed the thought of my deceased pets away. It wasn't the time to be thinking about them.

"It's okay, I'm more used to doing things than just watching."

When Athena and I were on phone call, she always made me guess what she was wearing. So she was really wearing pajamas all this time.

"Bisita ka parin Clio"

Athena went to the refrigerator to get a cold drink. My eyes were drawn to the medicine container she picked up.

It was transparent and shaped like an ice cube tray with a removable lid, labeled from Monday to Sunday.

I didn't say anything and watched her do what she was doing. 

Binuksan niya ang container, limang tablets iyon kaya napakunot ako ng noo.

"Ganyan pala ang sinasabi mong okay lang"

"Clio, vitamins iyong iba" Athena replied, giving me a small smile.

Napatawa ako ng mahina para takpan ang pagkadismaya ko. Napasandal sa counter top ng island table.

"Ahh"

I knew those weren't vitamins. I wanted to ask, but at the same time, I didn't want to.

She probably had a reason why she was lying about her condition.

She cleared her throat softly and faced me after taking her medicine.

"Masyadong malalim ang iniisip mo. I told you, walang seryosong nangyayari sa health ko. Maintenance lang"

Bumuntong hininga ako at hinayaan nalang ang sariling samsamin ang mga tanong sa utak ko na hindi ko masabi.

Nang maglakad si Athena paalis ng kusina ay sumunod na rin ako. 

As Athena left the kitchen, I followed her out. We reached Hera's room, and I found myself frozen in front of the door. I mean, I get it.

Nanliligaw na ako sa kanya at may respeto ako pero basta! Hindi ko talaga alam kung paano ako makakatulog mamaya dahil sa sobrang kabog ng puso ko.

"Alam mo, hindi bubukas 'yang pintuan ng kusa"

Nakadungaw sa akin si Athena, nasa hagdan siya, nang-aasar ang kanyang ngiti.