Crossing Through A Valiant Heart (ON-GOING)

Chapter 10

Trigger Warning: abduction

I sat down and took some food from the plates in front of me. I refused to look at them and just ate peacefully.

"How was the outing with Jace?" Mama asked while she was cutting her food. 

Sinabi sa akin ni Jace na nagpaalam siya na kaming dalawa lang ang lalabas. So, my parents don't know who else we were with. It's hard to lie but I have no choice. I know what will happen when they find out.

"It went well," I answered.

"A professor called me. Maayos naman daw grades mo. Keep it up, Ry." singit ni Papa. I felt relieved. I thought my grades would drop and they would notice. I guess I kept it up just right. "We're going to London next week. Come with us. That's a reward for doing well." dagdag pa niya.

"Okay," Pumayag ako dahil wala namang mawawala sa akin. I could rest while I'm at it, too. May two weeks break kami kaya okay lang. "Just us three?" I asked to make sure.

"Yes. May meeting kami doon but we decided to bring you with us." 

They finally considered taking me somewhere with them. I know I would've said no because I'm not comfortable but I want to get away too. This house is suffocating to me and school was just school. My friends have their own lives and I pitied myself for not living the life I wanted. This is my chance to breathe outside this country.

A week felt slow yet fast. Ice has been really suspicious ever since and hindi ko pa rin gets and ibig niyang sabihin. But I didn't mind it. As long as he looks happy.

"You're leaving next week? Gaano katagal?" he casually asked while we were in class. Our professor was checking papers in front of us and he didn't mind when my batchmates started talking casually.

"Just for a week, I guess. What's your plan during our break?" 

He couldn't answer me because he was hesitating to tell me. "Preparing my papers. I'll be leaving in a few months." he looked away.

I sighed. "You said you'll graduate here. Why are you leaving?" I pretended that I was fixing something while waiting for his answer.

"Her parents called me last year, December. They said they needed my help physically, emotionally, and financially. As soon as possible." he clenched his jaw. "She's my friend. I couldn't say no." I heard his deep sigh.

No. He had a choice. But he chose to leave. I probably sound selfish right now and I hate it. Bakit nga ba ngayon ko lang siya nakausap? Why not way back in high school? Would that have changed anything? Probably.

I've never fallen for anyone like this. He's making me sound and look like someone else. Or is this really me? The side that I haven't seen before because I always tried to be on the good side?

"Okay, everyone. I finished checking your papers and I'll be giving them out tomorrow. For now, take some rest." Our professor stood up and left the room, holding all of the papers.