Not A Fairytale✔

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

“Something she remembered triggered her mind, that’s why she got furious.”

“Gladly, hindi pa siya nababaliw.”

“Claire, may hindi ba kayo sinasabi sa akin? She was extremely frightened, and you’re the only person she can open up to.”

“Wala po, tita. Sa totoo lang po, hindi naman mabokang tao si Neterini, she doesn’t open up that much. May mga sikreto naman po kami pero I don’t think pwede iyong maging dahilan para magkaganyan siya.”

“What are you talking about?” Idinilat ko na ang mga mata ko at saglitang binigyan si Mama at Claire ng mapagtakang tanong.

Pareho silang nagulat sa biglaan ko paggising, agad akong nilapitan ni Mama at hinawakan ako sa kamay while Claire remained starring at me, sitting beside my hospital bed.

“I have to stay here longer, don’t I?” Agad kong tanong kay Mama.

Umiling si Mama at ngumiti. “For a little longer, until you feel better.”

“This makes no sense, it is normal for a person to break down. And it’s their appliance which makes it justifying, and it’s not like I am suffering from a disease or what.” Wika ko at tinitigan si Mama sa mata, pinipilit na paniwalain siya.

“It’s not like you throw things out when you break down, Neterini.” Mataman namang singit ni Claire sa gilid.

Napatingin ako sa kanya at nakita ko kung paano niya ako sinusuri, it makes me feel like she already knew that I am lying. She gave me that darting eyes.

“Am I not allowed to do the unusual?” Taas ko ng kilay sa kanya.

In my case, I shouldn’t get caught. So even if it’s the dumbest statement that could make me look like a total yankee, then so be it. Basta’t ayaw kong malaman nila. This is a huge fuss, and I don’t want to launch it by trying to earn sympathy from the people who cares.
Naningkit ang mga mata ni Claire sa akin. Hindi kuntento sa mga sinabi ko.

“It’s okay to not tell us right now, anak. Hindi kita pipilitin, I understand every nightmares and I know you cannot talk while feeling that way.” Ngumiti si Mama at naupo na rin sa tabi ni Claire.

Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong magsalita at tumitig na lamang kay Mama. She looks worried but at the same time, chilled.

“Claire, can you go buy some canned coffee for Neterini?” Bumaling bigla si Mama kay Claire.

Nag-aalanganin pa si Claire at bahagyang tumingin sa akin. Ngunit um-oo rin siya pagkatapos ay umalis din agad. Pinanuod namin siya nang sabay ni Mama hanggang sa makalabas siya sa pintuan, at bumaling namang muli si Mama sa akin nang naisara nang muli ang pintuan.

“Did an unknown woman came here?” She asked me.

Suddenly, her expression changed. From being smiley to being worried. Nagsalubong ang kilay ko sa kanya.

“Wala po akong maalala, Mama.” Iyon ang tanging naisagot ko habang tinitignan siya sa paraang nagtataka.

Nakita ko kung paano siya lumunok.

She’s nervous, that’s a sign when a person’s nervous.

“What is it, Mama?” Hindi ako nakuntento, gusto ko siyang sabihin lahat ng iniisip niya.

Umiling siya at muling ngumiti. “I love you. You’re my daughter, okay?” She said so suddenly.

Nagsalubong pa lalo ang mga kilay ko.