Crossing Through A Valiant Heart (ON-GOING)

Chapter 23

TW: mention of mercy killing

"Hi!" Kobie's sister greeted me when I entered my unit. She doesn't look that young but not that old either. I know that she's a first-year college student. She seems like a bright young lady.

"I'm Rylee!" I smiled at her and took my hand out. "Nice to meet you..?" I tried asking for her name.

"I'm Selene, Ate Rylee. Thank you for helping me.." she shyly said. I sat on the couch beside her and stared at her. She's really pretty and she looks kind-hearted too.

"No problem. Looks like we'll be staying together for a while. Do you want me to cook for you?" I learned to cook some really good food and I wanted to share it with someone.

"It's okay, Ate. I got us some food bago ako dalhin ni Kuya Kobie dito." she took out a paper bag that seems to be full of food. She even took some paper plates and placed them on my coffee table. She took some cups and filled them with water. "Eat well, Ate! Hope we get along."

I laughed and gave her a nod. "We will. You remind me of my young self."

"Really?"

Maybe the high school Rylee. The first-year Rylee was a little different. I feel like I was more innocent during my high school days. All I did was study all day and I thought talking to my friends was really fun after a long day. I'd go home and go back to studying. Now that I've learned the reasons why, maybe it wasn't that bad at all. I was protected for years and I'm still breathing because of them.

I hope Selene doesn't feel like she's not loved. For as long as she's here, I'll make sure she feels contented and happy with what she has. Whether or not she's been kicked out, I hope she realizes that there are people that care for her. Someone who's not invalidating her feelings.

"Since I'm your Ate, you can tell me anything that bothers you, okay? Don't be shy, I don't bite."  I took a sip and a spoonful of food.

She pursed her lips and lowered her head. "I hope you won't judge me.. I think you already know why I'm here." she sarcastically laughed.

I stopped doing everything and patted her on the shoulder.

"Was there a reason why you did that?" I asked with a soft voice. Hopefully, it doesn't scare her. She looked at me with bright and glowing eyes. She looks like she's about to cry, too.

"I was really stressed the night before that.. My parents were arguing and I lost my focus. I didn't want to fail them so I- I cheated. But I guess I made it worse." a tear dropped from her eye and it ran across her face. Nagulat ako dahil naiyak na siya kaya ang nagawa ko na lang ay niyakap siya ng mahigpit.

She gave in to my hug and hugged me tighter. She was trying to stop her tears but when I patted her back, she cried more. "I'm sorry, Ate.." she whispered.

"It's okay.. I understand." I fixed her hair and gave her water. I tried not to look at her when she was crying because I didn't want to cry, as well. "You're safe here. In here, crying is okay. You'll be okay."