Kabanata 10
Flip
"I found her at the terrace. She must be in total distress last night..." I heard Rience whispered.
They kept a distance meters away from me but because I've been keeping my mouth shut, I could still here them. I continued reading the Economics book Rience handed to me earlier in breakfast. He already graduated months ago but he's still reading. Hindi na nakakapagtaka.
"Nadadamay ka pa sa problema..." Kuya Eulyses said in an apologetic voice.
I felt him glanced at me. Seryoso kong inulit ang isang sentence dahil na-distract nang bahagya. While I'm still here in the tree house, I don't want anyone to disturb my peace.
May kutson si Rience na nilabas kagabi. Although he didn't provide me any bed frame. He didn't specifically let me know whether he has that or not but I have a notion that he's got nothing. Besides, I didn't ask him further about that, too. Tinulungan na nga niya ako, mag-iinarte pa ba ako sa kaya niyang ibigay?
He left the house last night. I didn't know where he spent the night. He was nice enough to excuse himself so I could take my time alone. Nakatulog naman ako kahit paano. But then when I woke up, all things were still indifferent.
"Crescent."
My brother's shadow hovered over me. Humalukipkip ako. Tumagilid ako sa pag-upo at nagkunwaring nalulunod na sa binabasa kaya hindi siya mapansin.
"Crescentiana Magdalene," he warned but still, he got no response from me.
He took a deep breath. Nagulat ako nang hawakan niya ang aking braso. Nabitiwan ko ang libro. I gazed at him wide-eyed.
"What are you doing?" walang gana kong tanong.
"Let's go home. I'll call the doctor. We can't be sure that's only a sprain---"
"This is just sprain. Right, Rience?"
I angled my head so I can meet Rience's eyes. He looked a bit confused at first but he eventually did his part.
"Base sa kagabi, mukhang spain nga lang..." tango niya.
Ngumiti ako nang bahagya sa kaniya. I'm glad he's taking sides with me. Maybe he's already aware of the reason why I did this to myself and why I'm still refusing to enter our so-called home.
"There can be a broken bone, Rience. She was on the second floor!" pilit pa ng kapatid ko.
I rolled my eyes. Bakit mahirap para sa kaniyang maniwala? Hindi naman na masiyadong masakit ang pilay ko. Maybe ample of time to rest is a needed, but I can certainly not see a doctor.
Huminga nang malalim si Rience. I showed my refusal though eye contact. I can say he's a bit torn now but I don't want to go home! Wala akong amor na makita kahit isa sa kanilang tatlo.
I'll let them solve their own issues from this day on. Ayaw ko nang maapektuhan pa. I realized I should build walls for my own good. It's not necessary for me to hear them hurt each other, even it's apparent I'm their family.
They always shut me out. I always force my way in. Might as well end this futility now, huh? I'm done putting up with their nonstop fights.
"She said she's not hurt. Isn't that enough?" pagtatanggol ni Rience.
Kinagat ko ang aking labi. I grabbed the book again. I'll let him take over. He's not against me this time so I suppose, he won't give in to my brother.
"What are you saying? Have you gone heartless, Varrience? This is my injured sister we're discussing here!"
Tumataas na ang boses ng kapatid ko. I closed my eyes. Kung hindi lang ako pilay ay baka tumakbo na ulit ako palayo. He won't just stop insisting what he wants! Hindi na ako nagtataka na anak siya ni Mommy.
