Dying Embers

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Two: Embers

We said our goodbyes to my parents after a long, tiring day, but despite the exhaustion, we had enjoyed ourselves. My mom took a moment to remind me to look after myself. "Make sure you take care of your body and study hard," she said, her voice filled with concern. "We won't be living under the same roof anymore, and I won't be able to call you all the time since we have other things to take care of."

My dad echoed her sentiments, adding his own advice. "You've got to stay focused and responsible now that you're on your own. It's a big step, but I know you can handle it." I nodded, feeling the weight of their expectations, but also a sense of determination to make them proud.

Hinatid kami ni Clarence pauwi, pero sinabi ko sa kaniya na idiretso na lang agad kami sa tapat ng CSU para pare-parehas kaming bababa ng sasakyan. I planned to have Chance take me back to my apartment. He nodded without arguing, and I appreciated his willingness to go along with my plan.

As I thought about what Chance had said last night, a wave of frustration washed over me. I wanted to confront Clarence, hoping he hadn't really said what I feared he did. Yet, part of me felt too weak to face him. I knew Clarence could be difficult sometimes, but this time it felt different—like he had crossed a line. Still, I couldn't fully blame him; he had always been like a brother to me, fiercely protective since we were kids.

Pagkatapos naming makarating sa tapat ng CSU, nagpaalam na kaagad si Jilliana sa amin, dahil sakto, narito na rin kasi ang sundo niya. Sumunod naman na nagpaalam sina Henry at Nimbus.

"Thanks for the invite, Rain, we had a great time. I would love to hang out more with you guys, but this guy..." He pointed at Nimbus. "Looks like he wants to sulk like the Nimbus he is."

"Tangina mo, Hari!" Binatukan naman ni Nimbus si Henry na ikinatawa ko. Pero tila walang pakialam si Henry doon at lumingon kay Chance.

"Chancey, love you bro! Bye!" Henry also bid his goodbyes to Chance, hindi pa rin nawawala ang biro niya sa katawan kahit pagod na ang mga mata nito. Chance winced at Henry's words.

"Siraulo."

Pero humalakhak lamang si Henry.

"Thanks, Rain! Paano, uh, mauna na kami. Mag-ingat kayo." Nimbus also bid goodbyes, magkasabay kasi sina Henry at Nimbus, naka-motorbike kasi ang mga ito at pinark lang sa parking lot sa school dahil palagi namang may mga school guards inside.

Ngumiti ako sa kanila at kumaway.

"Rain, mauna na ako. Therese is already calling." Sabi ni Clarence sa loob ng SUV, hindi na rin siya bumaba kanina. Tumango ako sa kaniya.

"Thank you, Clarence. Mag-ingat ka."

He smiled. Hindi niya rin pinansin pa si Chance at agad nang pinaharurot ni Clarence ang sasakyan paalis. Little did the two know, na alam ko kung ano man ang tension ang nabuo sa kanilang dalawa kagabi, pero pinili ko na huwag na lang umimik.

Hinawakan ni Chance ang kamay ko na medyo ikinagulat ko pa. "Tara na?" Ngiti niya.

Tumango ako sa kaniya at agad na sumama. Kinuha niya ang kaniyang sasakyan, at itinigil iyon sa harap ko. Pagkatapos ay bumaba siya para ipagbukas ako ng pinto. This little gestures of his really makes my heart thump.

Habang nasa daan kami, hindi ko maiwasan ang maabala sa pananahimik ni Chance. Kaya binasag ko ang katahimikan na namamagitan sa aming dalawa.