Embraced By The Howling Winds (Antique Series #1)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I took a deep and suppressed breath. Still hesitant to twist the main door open. Desperately wishing that my father's not inside... or just simply hope that the pain won't be severe like the last time.

Keeping myself from making loud noises, that's my goal. But after few steps, I heard a thundering voice coming over my direction.

"Sienna Saachi Gallegos!" Papa shouted in rage.

I shut my eyes close and grasp tightly on the straps of my bag. My nervousness and fear doubled as I felt his presence getting nearer to where I'm standing.

"Pinapaaral kita Sienna para maging matalino pero bakit mas nagiging mapurol 'yang utak mo?" He furiously shouted.

Papa gripped my arm and harshly dragged me to the living room. I fell on the floor and my back slightly hitted the wooden armchair of the sofa.

I tried my hardest not to make the groan of pain escape my mouth. Afraid it might trigger his anger more.

"Ginagawa ko naman po ang lahat ng makakaya ko, Papa. Hindi niyo lang po nakikita kasi palagi kayong abala sa trabaho o hindi naman po kaya, si Navee lang ang pinagtutuonan niyo ng pansin." I softly said and helped myself to get up.

Hindi pa ako nakakatayo ng maayos ay para ulit akong mawawalan ng balanse. Papa slapped me hard. I couldn't stop myself from shedding tears.

He's furiously mad and eyes were like throwing daggers at me. Maybe I've pressed his button that made him explode in anger the moment I explained my side.

"Kailan ka pa natutong sumagot-sagot sa akin Sienna Saachi Gallegos? Nakuha mo ba 'yang ugaling kalye sa mga barkada mo? Such a disgrce! You're an ungrateful child. Worthless and ignorant! In case you forget, I'm the one who feeds you, clothes you, shelters you, and even send you to a prestigious school! Aren't you ashamed of yourself that you're being called to principal's office for stealing the exam's answer keys and for whoring around?!"

Ang mga nagbabadyang luha ay tuluyan nang kumawala sa mga mata ko. Nakakahiya. Malandi. Walang kwenta. Ang sakit lang kasi hindi naman ako ganoong klaseng anak. All I did is to cry in front of my father because I don't want to defend myself, masasabihan lang akong bastos.

Sa katunayan, ito palang ang una at hindi naman ako kasali sa gulo ng mga schoolmates ko. Nagkataon lang talaga na nandoon ako habang nag-aaway sila. Umawat lang ako sa kanila at napasama sa guidance office para maging witness. I was called to the principal's office for a different matter... what Papa's accusing me is plainly absurd and fallacy.

Wala naman akong mga kaibigan dahil na rin sa kadahilanang gusto ko maging perpekto sa mga mata niya. Siya narin mismo ang naglayo sa'kin sa mga kaibigan ko at si Leigh na lang ang nag-iisang natira.

"You're doing your best in school yet you'll show me your ninety-three grade? What were you thinking, Sienna? You're running for valedictorian! Are you waiting for my slap so you'll come back to your senses?"

Mataas na ang gradong ninety-three. Pero bakit kulang parin padating kay Papa? Ninety-six naman ang average ng grado ko. Puro nga lang ako bahay—eskwela. Kulang parin?

Papa's been invalidating and humilating me... and it just hurts so much than I expected. Words that came from him really hits different than hearing it from other people.

Hindi ko alam kung saan nakuha ni Papa ang mga iyon pero mukhang pinapasama naman ata ako?

If slapping me would lessen the rage my father felt towards me, I'll let him do what he usually did. I should be used to his criticisms but I can't. I should be immuned to the pain he's inflicting me but I can't... because there's wounds after another even if the old ones weren't fully healed yet.