Invisible Line in Between

Chapter 22

#NewClassicILIB

Chapter 22
Go and Leave Me

"How are you at home?" Kuya Zedrick asked me as he just finished placing our orders. "Is everything fine?"

Since we were not staying at the same house after he moved out just a few days ago, he missed me right away and asked me if we could have dinner together.

I was reluctant about accepting his invitation at first because I didn't feel like I had the energy to eat out, but I also couldn't say no to my brother. I knew he was trying to make things alright for me, even though he had his own feelings and pain to settle. But it was just like him. He would always put me first more than anything. I would always be in his priority.

"Wala namang problema sa bahay..." tahimik kong sagot.

Bahagya siyang tumango ngunit nakakunot ang kanyang noo. "How about daddy?" sunod niyang tanong. "Is he taking care of you well enough?"

Pursing my lips, I nodded.

Kuya Zedrick looked doubtful. He was uncertain whether I was telling the truth or not. But I wasn't lying.

My father stayed true to his words and even went overboard to the point that it felt like he became a new person. He was doing everything he could to show me how amazing he could be as a father. Though it was unfortunate that such a tragic thing had to happen before he stepped up. It was a pity that my brother couldn't experience it as well.

Honestly, his efforts and persistence became my stepping stone. He picked me up and pushed me hard until I could finally feel myself slowly moving forward. He and Kuya Zedrick became my strength as they are my only family left.

We were all hurting. We all lost someone we love dearly. It made me realize that we were also each other's strength because we were the only ones who could understand one another the most.

Masakit man aminin sa sarili na hindi ko masyadong nabigyan ng halaga si mommy noong nabubuhay pa siya, pero susubukan kong bumangon ulit para iparamdam kina daddy at Kuya Zedrick ang halaga nila sa akin. Ngunit alam kong hindi ko kailangang magmadali. I knew I shouldn't force it because I would fail no matter what. I would take my time to heal and get back stronger than I was before.

"If you have any problem at home, don't hesitate to message or call me, okay?" Kuya Zedrick reminded me.

Tipid na lamang akong ngumiti sa kanya at tumango.

After we ate dinner, Kuya Zedrick drove me home. It was unusual to see him leaving once he dropped me off, instead of going inside with me. It was one of the changes that I had to adapt myself to.

"You're home." Napangiti at sinalubong ako ni daddy nang makapasok ako sa bahay. "Hinatid ka ba ng kuya mo?"

Since I might worry him, I texted him earlier that I wouldn't be eating dinner at home. Sinabi ko rin sa kanya na kasama ko si Kuya Zedrick kaya wala siyang dapat ipag-alala.

"Opo," sagot ko. "Akyat na po ako, 'ddy."

"Okay, okay..." He nodded, still wearing a fatherly smile. "You should rest now. You must be tired."

I smiled and just bid goodnight, before I went up to my room. I only had one assignment and I already did it while waiting for Kuya Zedrick earlier. Wala na akong gagawin kaya maaga akong natulog at maaga rin akong nagising.

Nakaluto na si daddy ng umagahan nang matapos akong maligo at mag-ayos para sa eskuwela. Simula noong umalis si Manang Ruby dahil sa katandaan ay si mommy na ang nagluluto. Ngayon naman na wala siya ay si daddy na ang sumalo noon. I would then extend my hands to do household chores.