A Six-Word Story II

Chapter 24

Chapter 24: "You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there."

End it now? How could he say that so easily? He uttered those words like our relationship isn't worth the fight. How could he hurt me this way? For a moment, I just stared at him, shocked at how his words broke my heart into tiny pieces.

Guilt and regret crossed his face. "Babe.."

I raised my hand to stop him. Afraid, that his words might just cause me more pain. "Just like that.." I muttered as tears rolled down my cheeks.

Sinapo niya ang ulo at marahas na huminga. Walang kibong tumayo ako at lumabas ng kwarto. I didn't know where to go. All I know was that I had to leave. Away from him for now.

Sumakay ako sa aking kotse at umalis. Paikot-ikot lang ako. My phone kept on ringing but I didn't answer it. Hindi pa ako handang kausapin si Jeck. I was too hurt to talk to him. Itinigil ko ang sasakyan sa isang park. I broke down and cried like a little girl.

Muling tumunog ang cellphone ko. When I saw Maki's name on the screen, I answered it.

(Xie-xie, where are you?) He sounded so worried. (Jeck called me. Asan ka?)

Umiiyak na sinabi ko sa kanya kung nasaan ako. He said he'd come and get me. Nakatulala lang ako habang tumutulo ang mga luha ng makarinig ako ng katok sa bintana. Umawang ang mga labi ko ng makita si Jeck sa halip na si Maki.

He looked relieved to see me. Hindi ko na mabasa ang ibang emosyon pa na nakikita ko sa mga mata niya. I unlocked the door. He opened the door then knelt in front of me. Nanatili lang akong nakatitig sa kanya. So afraid to utter the wrong words that could break us completely.

Namumula ang mga mata na inabot niya ang kamay ko. He kissed the back of my hand gently then put it on his cheek. Lalo akong napaiyak sa ginawa niya.

"I'm so sorry," he muttered as his eyes started to water.

I hugged him without words and just cried in his arms. Isiniksik ko ang mukha sa leeg niya.

"Please don't give up on me," he said and tightened his arms around me like he was so scared to lose me.

Nakakandong ako sa kanya habang siya ay nakaupo sa gitna ng kama. Yakap ko ang isang braso niya na nakapaikot sa katawan ko.

I smiled bitterly. "Even if I want to, I can't," I said, shaking my head. "I love you too much to let go."

He kissed the top of my head. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

I took a deep breath and looked up to him then gently cupped his face. Malungkot akong tumingin sa kanya. "I know." Muli akong huminga ng malalim. "But you have to tell me what you feel. We can't keep being like this."

Bumakas ang pag-aalinlangan at takot sa mga mata niya. "I might h-hurt you again." He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against mine.

"I can take it, Jeck. If this is the only way for us to be okay, then I want you to let everything out."

Tumiim ang bagang niya at marahas na huminga. Matagal na katahimikan ang namayani sa amin. I let him take his time.

"I'm scared, babe." He bit his lower lip. "I'm scared to let you in completely again. Scared that if I did, you'd take me for granted again. Just like what had happened before you left."

Iniyakap ko ang mga braso sa kanya at isiniksik ang mukha sa leeg niya. I didn't wanna show him my tears.

"Babe.."