CRIPPLED: JULLIANNA (VUILLTRAEN SISTERS SERIES #1)

41

FRIEND

"You don't have to wake up-"

He stopped talking when I suddenly hugged him. I felt him stiffened in surprise at what I did. But later on, he hugs me back. I was silent crying on his shoulder, cautiously not making any sound so he won't move to ask me.

"Baby, are you crying?" He softly asked. I shook my head, still hugging him. "My shoulder felt warm and wet, what could it be?"

Kumalas ako sa kanya at mabilis na pinunasan ang mga luha. Pero masyado niya 'ata akong kilala at pati 'yon ay napansin niya pa. Hinawakan niya ang baba ko at unti-unting inangat para magtama ang tingin namin.

"I'm sorry for making you cry." He said with eyes full of pain. "I won't do this again." He captured the tears rolling down in my cheeks using his thumb.

"Akala ko... Akala ko ba hindi ka darating?" Nakaiwas tingin kong tanong sa kanya.

"Can it be? Of all those first days you're age changed, I was there. If it happens I didn't come, then this will be the first time." He chuckled.

Nito ko lang na-realize na tama siya. Sa lahat ng kaarawan ko nando'n pala siya. Wala akong maaalalang kaarawan ko na hindi ko siya nakikita.

"You liar," I rolled my eyes at him.

"I know, I'm sorry. You won't be surprised if I won't lie though." He said, hugging me.

"I..." I swallowed hard. "...don't want you to missed any birthday celebration I'll have." I admit, half begging.

"Shush, don't beg. I promise I won't." He tightened his hug before letting me go."By the way, here's my gift for you." He handed out a Chanel paper bag.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita 'yon. Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa kanya at sa paper bag. Ilang segundo pa bago ako kumurap, hindi makapaniwala sa nakikita.

"Are... Are you sure this one's really for me?" I unbelievably asked.

He pinched my cheek. "Cute mo talaga. Oo, sa'yo 'to." Tinanggap ko 'yon. "Open it na. I want to see your reaction." He sounds thrilled.

Binuksan ko 'yon at laking gulat ko nang makita ang isang bag. 'Yong bag na nagustuhan ko no'ng pumunta kami ni Ate ng U.S para bisitahin si Lola't Lolo! 'Yong bag sa Chanel na nagustuhan ko pero hindi ko binili kasi namamahalan ako! Paano niya nalaman na gustong-gusto ko 'yon?!

"I always view Ylle's story in IG. I once saw her story, you're checking that bag. I know you really liked that one but you're just... nasasayangan sa money mo." He explained.

Lumapit ako sa kanya at niyakap siya. "Thank you!" I even kissed him on his cheek. "But this is expensive. You shouldn't spend your parent's money-"

"Hey, it's not my parents' money, 'no!" He cuts me off. "I worked sa site namin every free time ko. Kaya madalas akong umuuwing province noon."

I felt a knife stabbed in my chest while listening to him. He... what? Worked on their site to earn money?! And he just spends it easily upon buying me this expensive bag?!

"Viscount, you shouldn't have to spend it in this bag!" I said, scowling. "You're earning-"

He cuts me off by kissing me on my cheek. "I love you... that's why. Besides, I can earn it again soon." He said, giving me an assuring smile.