Depths of Despair (Revision)

Chapter 8

We were still inside his car. He kept holding my hand because I kept wiping my tears violently.

The torrential rains persisted. Large drops had fallen to the ground, which I could see plainly through his car window. Despite the fact that it was raining heavily, his warm palm continue to caress my hand, providing me with comfort.

"What are you doing here, Laxus?"

Sa kabila ng malakas na pag-ulan ay narinig ko pa rin ang kaniyang buntong-hininga.

"Are you feeling better now?" Binalot niya ng panibagong tanong ang pang-uusisa ko.

"Laxus," I called his name so he will notice my question.

Tumingin siya sa akin. "I had a meeting earlier, and I'm supposed to go home, but my sister texted me to buy something here. It's not my intention to meet you. Why? Dito ka ba nakatira?" sagot niya at itinuro ang plastic na nasa dashboard ng kaniyang sasakyan.

I bit my lower lip as I felt the sudden embarrassment because of my questions. Idagdag pa na kahit hindi naman siya galit ay ganoon ang naging dating sa akin. Bakit nga ba kailangan ko pang magtanong? It's obvious that we just meet here coincidentally.

Wala namang nakakaalam ng bahay ko kahit pa nga sila Lynia. I don't want them to know what kind of environment did I grow up to. Medyo may kalayuan ang bahay ko sa university. That explains why I can see his tiredness. Mukhang naabala ko pa siya.

"I already answered your question, Kianna. Are you feeling better now?" He asked again, surprising me.

My gaze was drawn straight to his when he spoke. I could only sense his profound gaze, which was a blend of darkness and light amidst the pouring rain. Naghihintay ang kislap ng kaniyang mga mata.

Whenever I look into his eyes, I seem to be drawn to another universe. I inhaled deeply before lightly snatching my hand away from him. Prior to nodding and smiling at him, his gaze was locked on my motions.

"Thank you," mahinang bulong ko ngunit sapat na upang marinig niya.

I don't know what else to say or do except to express my gratitude. Because my heart is struggling with sorrow, this is all I can provide for now. Hindi rin ako sanay na sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon kami makakapag-usap ng hindi nagsisigawan o nagapataasan ng sarili.

He's been here long enough for me to be at ease with my temporary discomfort, at nagpapasalamat ako roon kahit pa nga ganito ang sitwasyon namin.

Hindi siya sumagot at pinakatitigan ako. Napansin niya ang pagkailang ko kaya mabilis lang siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. We enveloped with silence. Bahagya akong nanginig dahil sa lamig kaya pinagdikit ko ang aking mga palad at kiniskis bago idikit sa aking pisngi.

I blew a loud breath and he heard that causing me to get his attention. Ikinagulat ko ang bigla niyang pag-uklo sa back seat at pag-abot ng jacket na itim. Iniabot niya iyon sa akin. Hindi ako nakapagsalita o nakagalaw dahil sa gulat.

Kumunot ang makapal niyang kilay sa ginawa ko kaya maagap ko na iyon na iniabot at isinuot. Doon lang kumalma ang kaniyang mukha.

"Hindi ka ba magtatanong sa kung anong nangyari?"

My voice quivered a little, prompting me to bite my lower lip, which he noticed right away. I was almost engulfed by the fire I felt when he gave me a scorching glance. My weakness came from his gaze, which seemed to pierce me.

Kinakabahan ako aaminin ko, lalo na at hindi ako sanay na ikwento ang sitwasyon ko sa iba.

With the absence of the home's light and the additional anguish my father imposed on me, I believed my world to be horrible and dark, especially because the source of my misery and pain was my daily entertainment, which had turned into my weakness.