Every Step Away

ESA31

ESA31

Iris found me crying in the comfort room. Sumunod siya noong napansin na ang tagal kong nawala. She panicked when she saw me but I promised her I'm fine and I just wanna go home.

Nakita ko sa mata niya na gusto niyang magtanong but she didn't vocal it out. Mabuti nalang dahil mukhang hindi ko rin naman kayang sumagot.

We settled the bill before we went out. Sinundan niya ako hanggang sa makarating kami sa kotse ko.

"Are you sure you can drive?"

Pagod akong ngumiti. "Yeah, don't worry."

Ngumiti rin siya at inabot ang aking kamay pinisil iyon ng isang beses.

"I hope you'll be okay. Ingat ah? Call me."

"Sorry, Iris."

She shook her head and smiled at me like she understands when I know how confused she is right now.

"It's okay. We can reschedule naman diba?"

"Of course."

"Okay! Take care!" I know she's trying to cheer me up with her mood.

"Thank you..."

That was the only thing I remembered that night. I drove back to Cavite even if I'm unstable. I don't think I can stay in my condo. It has too many memories that could make me feel more pained and sorry.

"Umiyak ka ba?"

Natigilan ako sa pagkain ng breakfast noong marinig ko ng boses ni Daddy. Kanina pa siya tahimik dito sa hapag-kainan. Hindi siya nakikisali sa pag uusap ng mag-iina niya.

Hindi ko alam na pinapanood niya pala ako kaya hindi siya makasali kahit tinatanong siya ni Tita Dan kanina.

Biglang tumahimik ang buong hapag-kainan. I saw Tita Dan's sharp stare at me. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero bawat galaw ko ata akala niya aagawin ko si Daddy.

"Nope, Dad. Puyat lang." I said without looking up to him. Nasa pagkain ko pa rin ang tingin ko.

He didn't ask more but I can feel his stare at me. Bukod sa wala akong gana, hindi rin ako nakakain ng maayos dahil sa tinging pinupukol ni Daddy. I was a little worried that he would bring it up again.

Pumasok ako sa guest room kung saan ako nananatili at agad naligo. I wore a white polo shirt I asked from Dad's staff awhile ago. It has my Dad's name and his ballot number. I tucked it in my ripped jeans. Nagsuot ako ng sneakers at hindi na ako nag abala pang maglagay ng make-up. I just hid my puffy eyes. I was okay fixing my brows, putting a little blush on my cheeks and lip tint. Papawisan din naman ako mamaya.

"Why are you still here?" tanong ko habang inaayos ang aking ballcap.

Nakita ko si Daddy na nakaupo sa receiving area habang nagbabasa ng broadsheet. Noong makababa ako ay tinanggal niya ang kanyang salamin at binaba ang dyaryong hawak.

"I waited for you."

"Why? Di ka pwedeng ma-late don!" I grumpily scolded him.

I don't want people to say that he's pa "VIP" just because of me! Tsaka mas importanteng maingat ang mga kilos niya ngayon dahil nasa kanya ang mata ng mga tao. I'm sure a lot of people are just waiting for him to make mistakes now.

"I need to talk to you."

"Edi sana mamaya na! The campaign is more important."

Napalingon ako noong may biglang umubo na tila peke naman. My lips parted when I saw my Titos and Titas looking shocked while watching us. Oh shit, nakita ba nila akong pinapagalitan si Daddy?