Hiding Behind the Lenses (Arte del Amor #3)

Chapter 25

Nakaramdam ako ng pagdampi ng malamig na bagay sa noo ko.

Nang dumilat ako para tingnan iyon, kinailangan ko pang tumitig nang matagal bago ko na-realize na si Kuya Gael iyon at nilalagyan niya ako ng bimpo sa noo.

"Where's my Nichole?" wala sa sarili kong tanong.

The moment I tried to sit up, Gael gently pushed my forehead to get me to lay back down.

My head throbbed terribly and I feel so cold even though the air conditioning's not on.

"If you're asking about Nikolai, he went out to get you some medicine." Nagpatuloy si Kuya sa paghihilamos ng mukha ko.

"I have a lot of questions, but for now, you should focus on getting better. Ang taas ng lagnat mo."

Wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi panoorin siya sa ginagawa.

I started getting teary eyed and emotional with the way my brother is taking care of me.

I suddenly felt so vulnerable. Hindi nagtagal ay nagsimula akong humikbi habang patuloy akong lumuluha.

Pakiramdam ko ay bata kami ulit. Sana bata na lang kami ulit. Our childhood is over and I can't help but wish I cherished all those moments with my brothers... because those days are gone and time is the one thing that we can never get back. No matter how hard we try.

The days when I was still hopeful for a future. Back when I had no idea of the nightmare ahead of me. 'Yung mga panahon na hindi ko pa alam kung gaano kasakit ang buhay at kung gaano kalupit ang mundo.

Hindi ko naman masyadong iniisip sa mga normal na araw, pero ngayon, ewan ko ba. I miss waking up to annoy my brothers as their rooms are adjacent to mine. Going to school and coming home with them.

Those little things.

They turned out to be the most important of it all.

Even though I didn't get the chance to enjoy my childhood like other kids because of my early exposure, my brothers made it the best I could ever have... and now, Gael is here with me. I'm glad, but I can't help but wish that Kuya Gavin is, too.

Gael looked genuinely worried, "Why are you crying? May masakit ba, Gem? Tell me,"

"I miss you and Gavin..." I said, gaining a low chuckle from him.

I glared at him and rolled my eyes, "Don't laugh! Maya maya lang niyan may mga asawa na kayo... they're going to take you away from me."

Tumawa na naman siya! Sinubukan ko siyang abutin para sabunutan pero masyado akong mahina para doon kaya kinuntento ko na lang ang sarili ko sa pagtingin sa kaniya nang matalim.

"I know, I know. We miss you too... and no girl will ever snatch me away from my little sister." aniya habang sinusuklay ang buhok ko. "But you know what, Gem? I am now at ease..."

Pinunasan ko ang sarili kong luha para makita siya nang malinaw. "Why?"

"Because I now know that Nikolai's taking care of you. I know you say that you can take care of yourself, but Gem... it's great that you can take care of yourself, but it's also fine to have someone care for you."

Ngumuso ako. I appreciate Nikolai's care, it is more than enough. But I also treasure my brothers' love for me.

"You're not mad? That I kept Nikolai a secret for so long..."

He shook his head, "He's been there for you during the times when Gavin and I couldn't. Paano ko magagawang magalit? I'm actually grateful for him."