Paper Planes (Sandejas Siblings: Companion Book)

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14

"LENA, EAT." KATOK ni Papá sa pintuan pero kanina pa ako tulala sa mga kamay ko at patuloy na lumuluha.

"Leona..." he called again and knocked.

I stared at the door silently and shut my eyes closed tightly.

"I-I'm full, Pa." I answered back.

Natahimik siya at ako'y nanatiling tulala lang sa kamay ko, ang luha ay patuloy na pumapatak mula sa mga mata ko.

"Are you alright, hija?" he asked, gently this time.

I didn't answer him. Pinunasan ko ang luha ko at tinakpan ang bibig ko para pigilan ang paghagulgol.

"Y-Yes po," I said a little bit loudly. "M-Masama lang po ang pakiramdam ko."

"Do you want medicine? I will ask the maids to bring you one." He said, his voice laced with concern.

"N-No, Dad." I said, "it's just cough, itutulog ko na lang." I lied for the nth time.

"Sigurado ka? Can you go to school tomorrow? To take your exam?"

"Yes, Dad." I sighed.

"Okay, pahinga ka na." At nang mawala na siya sa labas ng kwarto ay kumawala ang mahinang hikbi ko sa mga labi.

My mother was furious the moment she found out I skipped my final exams. Hindi ko sinabi sa kanya ang dahilan, I told her I was not feeling well.

She scolded me, told me things but I was just quiet while listening to her. It was my fault, I admit.

Nang mapansin ni Papá na hindi ako nanlalaban kay Mamá ay nanahimik na siya at hindi na ako pinagalitan. I know he saw my tired and swollen eyes.

While my Mom continued scolding me, my father took me to my room and didn't say anything before leaving.

Mariing ipinikit ko ang mata at tahimik na niyakap ang unan ko para umiyak ng tahimik doon.

I'm so sorry, Jer... This is for you, for the best version of yourself.

I want you to get your dreams...and I won't be the hindrance of that.

Your love for me...will be your downfall.

Pinakiusapan ni Mamá ang mga professor at walang pagdadalawang-isip na pumayag ito sa kanyang gusto kaya kahit walang magandang tulog at hindi nakapag-aral ay pumasok ako.

"Make this good, Leona! Taasan mo! Hindi na ako natutuwa sa 'yo, simula nang makilala mo ang lalaking iyan, nagkanda peste-peste na ang buhay mo!"

"Ejercito has nothing to do with this, Mom." Mahinanahon kong sabi at suminghap.

"Anong wala? Simula nang dumating iyan, pabaya ka na! Break up with him! He is no good for you! He is a good for nothing guy!"

"He isn't," I sighed. "Stop talking ill about him."

"Totoo naman! He was a disgrace to his family! Walang ibang ginawa kung hindi ang maging pasakit! Walang pangarap! You stay away from—"

"We broke up!" I groaned loudly, stopping her.

Her mouth parted, nakita kong natigil ang Papá at napatitig sa akin. His forehead creased and my mother grinned widely.

"R-Really?"

"I broke up with him..." pinatatag ko ang boses ko kahit na sa totoo lang ay nanghihina na ang katawan ko at nanlalambot ang tuhod.

"That's great! I can call Augustine so you two can date—"