Firm Tenacity (The Athletes #3) COMPLETED

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

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It felt like there was a lump in my throat. Naninikip ang dibdib ko, hindi dahil sa tuwa kundi sa takot. So, my nightmare is starting right now?

"Pinapasundo po kayo ni Sir Archibald." That line from his personal guard kept reverberating in my head.

Nasa labas kami ni Ate Maddizon kasama si Tita Mavie. It's still early and we're the first ones to wake up. Tulog pa ang iba dahil madaling araw nang natulog. Because after Mooze and I went inside to rest, his cousins decided to play and do marathon-viewing with us.

I was so happy, 'di ko naman alam na matutuldukan na pala ngayon.

"How did they enter, Tita?" Maddizon asked, annoyed now. Naka krus ang mga braso niya habang naka taas ang mga kilay sa mga tauhan ni Senyor.

My mind was divided. Iniisip ko si Mooze, si Senyor, sina Tita dahil baka madamay. I don't have any option but to come to them and end this temporary glee and face the reality of my life.

So, this is how it feels like? You were so happy hours ago, and now your heart's filled with fright and despair.

"I don't know, Maddizon..." nagtataka si Tita.

This is what I'm talking about. On one hand, Montevinskis are powerful, on the other hand, my grandfather is dirty. He can put dirt on his hands secretly. He talks a lot about how I ruin his name, but look what he's doing. He's messing up his own name just to break the happiness I am enjoying.

"I'll just go, Tita Mavie..." Nilakasan ko ang loob ko na sabihin 'yon kahit hinang-hina ako sa katotohanan. Ngumiti ako para ipakita na ayos lang ang ang lahat.

"But Mooze is out, Norwyn. Hindi 'yon papayag," mas lalong nainis ang itsura ni Maddizon. "Can she just go there by herself? Bakit kailangan na sunduin pa?" tanong niya sa lang gwardya na nakalabas sa dalawang itim na sasakyan.

We waited for an answer but they didn't utter even one word.

"What the fuck? Are you guys mute?!" her mad voice dominated the place.

Hindi pa rin natinag ang mga gwardya sa sigaw n'yang 'yon. Nagsalita lang sila nang iangat ni Tita Mavie ang cellphone niya.

"Mapipilitan po kaming hilahin s'ya pauwi sa oras na galawin n'yo ang cellphone n'yo, Mrs. Montevinski..." malamig ang boses n'ta, nanakot.

I was frustrated and ashamed. Nadadamay na sila. After everything they did to me, this is how I'm gonna repay them? They look scared and worried.

"Tita, sasama na po ako..." I smiled to tell her everything's gonna be fine. "Nadadamay na po kayo..."

"Norwyn, you're not a minor anymore! You can now decide for yourself!" mataas pa rin ang boses ni Maddizon.

Tipid lang akong ngumiti roon. I know that, but then I'm still powerless compared to my life's demons. I'm still weak to fight because I know people close to me might get hurt and be dragged in the same hole I'm gonna dig for myself once I fight back.

"Anak, 'di pa umuuwi si Mooze. Hintayin mo muna kaya ang anak ko? Baka may binili lang 'yon..." her voice was saddened. She cares of Mooze's feelings so much. Ako rin naman, pero...

I don't know where Mooze is right now. Wala siya sa loob, lumabas daw kaninang madaling araw. There are so many things running in my head. So many assumptions.

"Mooze will understand, Tita... I'll contact him po," my voice broke. Mas nilakasan ko pa ang loob ko para 'di maiyak.

"Norwyn..." Naiyak na si Tita Mavie. Niyakap niya ako nang mahigpit. Inisip ko na lang na si Mooze 'to, na niyakap niya ako para kay Mooze. "I'm sorry..."