Throughout high school, Rae has only really liked one person. However, after finding out that he has a girlfriend, she did her best to stay away from him. But can she still ignore it when his presence is just too strong around her? Will she be able...
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Naalarma ako nang magising ako't hindi pamilyar ang kinaroroonan kong kuwarto. I was about to shout when I heard my mom's voice.
"Honey, we're here!" She got up and hugged me. Nasa kabilang dulo naman ng kama si Dad.
Seconds later, I realized I am in a hospital room. May nakakabit na suwero sa kamay ko at may suot din akong oxygen mask.
And now that I'm fully conscious, I remembered the last thing I saw before passing out
"Si Shane po? How is—" I started but I ended up coughing.
"Your classmate is safe and is sleeping in a room down the hall. You fainted at school yesterday, do you remember that? How are you feeling?" Umupo si 'Ma sa kama at hawak-hawak niya ang magkabila kong kamay.
"I'll call someone," Dad interrupted. He gave me a hug then went out of the room.
"Nauuhaw po," sabi ko nang kami na lang ni 'Ma ang naiwan.
Tumayo siya at kumuha ng bottled water mula sa mesa. Naubos ko ang laman nito at parang nauuhaw pa rin ako.
Hahanapin ko sana ang aking phone pero naalala kong kasama ko ito na lumusong sa tubig.
Bumalik ako sa pagkakahiga. My mom watched me like as if I'm going to disappear if she looks away.
"I'm fine..." tawag-pansin ko sa kanya.
"We were so scared," tugon niya at alam kong naiiyak na siya.
I sat back up to give her a quick hug. I've been out for almost a day then? If so, I can already imagine how that worried them.
"Bati na ba kayo ni Dad?" tanong ko na lang. Tumango siya't ngumiti habang pinupunasan ang kanyang luha.
"We're sorry you heard us."
"Ano po ba ang pinag-awayan ninyo? It bothered me because you rarely fight when I'm around."
"There's an urgent business matter in London. He wanted to go alone but I insisted I'll come along dahil ako ang nakakuha sa deal na iyon. Manuel said he'll take care of it and I should stay for you. But my damn pride..." She paused and it shows how dejected she is.
"Manuel said that you might need me than him. Lalo na at nangako kami na hanggang New Year kami dito. I know that you need us both. Pero sa oras na iyon, it sounded to me like I wasn't a good mother. Maybe I am. I'm so sorry, anak."
Tuluyan na siyang humagulhol at pati ako, naiyak na rin.
I never faulted them for choosing a career like this. I didn't have the right to whine because they were doing everything for my own sake. That's what I've always thought. But it can get really lonely when they're not around physically.
"It's okay, 'Ma. I don't hate you. Mahal na mahal ko kaya kayong dalawa." Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit.
Naudlot ang usapan namin nang bumukas ang pinto. Kasama ni Dad ang ilang doctors at nurses.
