Think of Laura ✔️

Chapter 8

There's a part of me that I should believe his words and give him a chance.

However, there's a different side of me that I should not because my mind keeps saying 'actions speak louder than words.' 

"Umuwi ka na," Iyon na lang ang nasabi ko.

His expression changes quickly. It was like he was hurt...kinda rejected.

I shook my head to go back to my sense. 

Oliver still looking at me full of adoration. 

I can't look at him for a long minute because there was a strange feeling running throughout my body when my eyes met his. 

"Gabi na rin saka kailangan ko ng matulog." lumingon pa ako sa likod upang siguraduhin na kami nga lang ang nandidito.

I drifted my eyes at Oliver again who is still staring at me for a whole time.

"Ayokong madagdagan ang weeks ng punishment ko, Oliver. Kaya sige na...umuwi ka na."

He nods his head slowly. Then he put his both hands inside his jeans pocket. 

At sa madilim na gabi, nasilayan ko ang ngiti niya.

I don't know...but his smile comforts me.

"No matter what happens, I will never give up. I will do many ways to soften your heart to me," he said, confidently.

I step backward and I did not meet his eyes again.

Unti-unti kong sinarado ang pinto bago ako sumandal dito.

Hinawakan ko ang bandang puso ko na biglang bumilis ang pagtibok into at kinakapos na rin ako ng hininga.

Tulala akong tumingin sa harapan.

I just know that he has a good intention for me...but I can't help it.

I'm scared to fall in love again. I'm scared to be cheated and left hanging alone.

Natatakot ako, Oliver...

Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko at huminga ng malalim para pakalmahin ang isip at ng puso ko.

I took a deep breath for a few seconds then I opened my eyes. I gave a nod to myself.

I was about to go upstairs but my body startled when I saw Mommy is looking at me here. She's in the third to the last step of the stairs. She was wearing her usual silky nightdress. 

Nakita niya kaya ako na nakikipag-usap kay Oliver?

Nang makababa si Mommy ay naglakad ito sa kusina. Binuksan ang refrigerator at kinuha ang pitcher. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa kanya. Kumuha rin ako ng baso. Siya ang naglagay ng tubig sa baso ko. 

Ininom ko ito kaagad. 

When I put down my glass, she turned her head at me, raising her brows.  

"Why are you still awake, princess?"

I gulped. Hindi ko naman pwede sabihin na may kinausap ako. Mas lalo lang niya ako tatanungin. 

"I can't sleep," I lied.

Mahabang katahimikan ang nanaig sa paligid namin. 

"I'm sorry, nak...hindi kita kayang ipaglaban sa Daddy mo. Siya at siya lang ang masusunod."

"Ma, hindi mo naman kailangan mag-sorry. It was not your fault. There was no fault." I sighed and hold Mom's right hand. "But truly, Mom, I was mad at Daddy kasi habang tumatagal mas lalo siyang nagiging strict sa akin. Bakit nung nasa edad ko pa lang si Kuya, hindi siya ganito sa kanya? Ba't sa akin sumosobra 'ata?"