My Guard for Life

Chapter 9

I gritted my teeth. I let myself cry for hours. I wanted to run to Pierre. Make him come back. Apologize to him. How could he?! He doesn't like me to meddle with his problems anymore? How about mine? I wanted him to meddle with mine! Why is he such a jerk?!

Paggising ko nang maaga ay nagsisi ako sa itsura ng mukha ko. My eyes are puffy from crying all night. My nose is still red. I felt defeated. I didn't know that our talk would end badly. Kasalanan ko ito! I should ask for his forgiveness.

I walked out of my room and stepped into his room. It's opened but he's not there anymore. Bumagsak ang balikat ko. Sandali akong nakatayo lamang at nakatingin sa kawalan.

"Good morning, Ma'am," bati ng isa sa mga kasambahay.

Tumango lang ako. I opened my mouth to speak. "Where's Pierre?" nahihiya kong tanong.

Nilapitan ako ni Issa at ibinigay sa akin ang maliit na papel na galing kay Pierre. I read it.

"Wait for me. I'll drive you to school."

Nag-init agad ang dugo ko. Nakalimutan ko ang gusto ko sanang gawin. I crumbled the piece of paper and toss it on the floor. Instead of telling me personally, he wrote it! Gano'n ba kalalim ang galit niya sa akin?

Bumuntong-hininga ako. I turned away and stepped into my room again. I got ready for school. I wore my uniform and gathered my stuff in my bag. I texted Ate Avi that I'll be Avffee's waitress starting today. I updated her about my manuscript too.

I realized that I shouldn't waste my time thinking about last night. I should get my goal straight. I need to start the next novel for the Coffee Series. I've finished two including 'yong ipapasa ko mamaya. Tory and Keanu will be next. I still have to plan the story outline. See? I've more important things to worry about!

Kinatok ako ni Issa mula sa labas. She announced na nasa baba na si Pierre. I realized paglabas ko ng kuwarto ko that he took my dogs. He knew I've no time to take care of them. I sounded like I'm too busy and not a good pet owner. Let's face it, Pierre's the better one.

Bumaba ako sa first floor. Pierre was standing in the doorway, waiting for me. He was playing with his keys nang lapitan ko siya. He didn't look at me. He turned his back on me and walked out first.

I wanted to yell at him. Kung kanina ay gusto kong humingi ng tawad, I don't think my pride would let that. Pataasan kami ng pride! Bahala na siya sa buhay niya.

Tuloy-tuloy ang pagbukas niya sa pintuan ng shotgun seat kung saan ako uupo bago dumeretso sa kanyang side. Again, he doesn't even bother to check up on me. Mabuti na nga, I don't want him to see my puffy eyes. Baka isipin pa niya na sising-sisi ako.

I slammed the door when I got in. I lifted my chin and didn't face him, keeping my pride. He started the engine, and without spitting a word, we left the house.

I heard my phone ringtone in my bag. I took it out. I almost threw it outside the car nang makita kung sino ang tumatawag. It's Daddy! If I'm a good daughter, I'll be excited to answer. But I'm not with one-hundred percent certainty. I forced myself to accept the call. I dragged the phone in my ear.

"Hi, Daddy," I began.

"How's my daughter? Still a Manzano?"

My forehead creased. "As far as I remember, yes...."

I heard his laugh. That's not a good sign. What is Daddy planning?

"I heard Rionaldo and Cleafe are getting Pierre's marriage ready," he sounded sure.

I gulped. I turned my head in the window and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Yes, Daddy," simpleng sagot ko.