Veiled of Hearts

12: "I won't keep us a secret."

Chapter 12

Being in my shoes isn't easy. For the passed tormenting years of my life, all I see is greed, inflicting pain and death... No one treated me like the way I wanted. Simple lang naman kasi ang hangad ko. I just want to feel loved and valued. But... it never happened. Not until... he walked into my life with a bright smile on his lips.

"Raylan Imperial." Malaki ang ngiti niya habang inilalahad sa akin ang kamay.

I was in Grade 9 when Cindy introduced Raylan to me. I was a known delinquent. Halos bumagsak ako sa lahat ng subject ko dahil sa pag - cu - cutting classes ko. I was even warned to get sued by the School's principal when I insulted him back. Kaya isang malaking palaisipan sa akin ang mga kilos ni Raylan.

He was the kind of boy that everyone's adore. Kabaliktaran sa akin na halos ipasumpa ng lahat dahil sa pagiging pasaway.

I crossed my arm, not accepting his friendly manner. "Hindi ako nagtatanong."

Napawi ang ngiti niya sa sinabi ko. Slowly, he put his hand down. Awkward na natawa si Cindy sa tabi ko at mahina akong hinampas sa braso.

"Tyra, h'wag ka namang maging masungit kay Raylan. Gusto lang niyang pagpakilala, e."

I rolled my eyes. "Do you think gusto kong makilala ang nerd na 'yan?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Cindy at laglag panga akong tinignan. Sumulyap ako sa lalaking nakatayo sa harap namin. Looking at him, with his well - ironed polo and black slacks and shinning black shoes, I don't think I  could even be friend with him. He's too good for me!

Hindi natigil doon ang pangungulit ni Cindy sa akin tungkol kay Raylan. She always try to strike a conversation with Raylan when I'm around. Paunti - unting din niyang sinisingit na crush daw ako ni Raylan kaya gusto niyang makipagkaibigan sa akin. I found it ridiculous so I always laughed and mocked them.

Aamin ko. I maybe have the same face like my beautiful mother, but my attitude screams like my stern father. Hindi ako palakaibigan dahil na rin sa hindi ako nagtitiwala sa mga tao. Kung may mapagkakatiwalaan man ako, si Loki lang. We grew up together and he saw the worst days of my life.

"T-Tyra, I bought you a lunch---"

Raylan stopped talking amidst of giving me the packed lunch. Taas kilay ko siyang sinipat na alam kong ikinakaba niya. I have mastered how to intimidate people. Thanks to my father who always beat me up when I done wrong. And to Claudia... my merciless stepmother who would do anything for me to be heartless like her.

"Ganyan ka ba ka tanga sa akin?" I spat.

Umawang ang labi ni Raylan sa marahas kong salita. He looked offended but still managed to smile. Parang may punyal na tumutusok sa puso ko sa tuwing nakikita siyang nasasaktan dahil sa akin. It was an absurb feeling for me. I never sympathize people before. But when he came... the walls I built for myself slowly falling down.

"I did not saw you during our morning class. S-So I thought you are not feeling well. And maybe I could brought you a food."

Hindi ako nagpatinag sa nararamdaman kong awa sa kanya. Humalukipkip ako at walang ganang binigyan pansin ang hawak niyang packed lunch.

"I cooked it for you! You know. Sinabi sa akin ni Cindy na paborito mo raw ang calamares... so uh, I tried to cook your... uhm, favorite food." He smiled shyly.