My Guard for Life

Chapter 11

I heard a knock outside. I closed my eyes and waited for the person behind the door to open it. Seconds after, Pierre entered my room. I could smell the perfume that I gave him.

Kumirot ang puso ko nang maalala ang pinag-usapan nila ni Kuya Renz kanina. When did he become so heartless and colder? I never thought na magho-hold siya ng grudge sa akin. After we've been through. Dito lang pala masisira ang pinagsamahan naming dalawa. I felt disappointed in him.

"Dae, are you awake?" mababa ang boses na tanong niya.

I didn't respond. I curled more from my position and stopped myself from hugging Pierre. I missed him. My heartbeats quickened. I stayed calm even though my heart and thoughts were in battle. I wanted to scream at him, too, for letting me suffer alone.

"Dae, I'm sorry. If only I could turn back the time, the night I kissed you. It shouldn't have happened."

I wanted to curse at him. Bakit niya sasabihin na hindi na dapat nangyari 'yon? So I won't see him more than my bodyguard? So that my feelings would stay the same? Nasa'n na 'yong mga linyahan niya na gusto pa niya akong halikan ulit?

"I promise after this; I'll come back to you. I always will."

My thoughts stopped when I felt him kiss my forehead. Like what he did when I got drunk the first time, I got my book as a ghostwriter, I got my first royalty payment, Tiger and Willow were finally okay, and after my parents lectured me for not making them proud. Whenever I got a flat one every semester, I learned how to drive and create latte art. I remembered all of it.

A tear fell from my right eye to my nose. I sobbed and panted, letting him know I was awake. I was listening.

Pierre cursed. The next thing I knew, he carried me up and sat on my bed. I let him do what he wanted because I missed him so much. I miss it when he's close like this to me.

"Pierre," I cried.

He cursed more. He caressed my hair and my cheek. Naramdaman ko rin ang malalim niyang paghinga. I felt comfortable in his arms. I never thought I would need this from him.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for making you cry, Dae."

I opened my eyes. I faced Pierre and hugged him tightly. Sa mga oras na 'to, kakalimutan ko muna ang problema ko. I stopped myself from telling him about the burn in my tummy, about Rainne's threats, and her slap. But I wanted to give him at least the evidence of how Rainne treated me viciously.

"Pierre, she's a bitch," pagsusumbong ko.

I moved away from him to get my phone. Pierre watched me. Ibinigay ko sa kanya 'yon pagkatapos.

"I recorded our talk. Listen to this."

I knew it was coming. Kinuha niya ang phone ko at ibinaba 'yon sa night table. I lowered my head in disappointment. I felt the throbbing of my head, the heartaches, and the stung of the burn in my tummy.

"Let me handle my problems, Dae."

I shook my head and turned to him. Malamig na naman ang tingin niya katulad nitong mga nakaraang araw. I covered my eyes then used my hand to give an emphasis sa sasabihin ko.

"Hindi mo ako naiintindihan! She threatened me, Pierre!" I yelled.

He didn't even budge. I watched his face, while biting my lip in pain. I nodded.

"Right. You don't want to drag me into your life anymore. Okay! H'wag mo lang akong sisisihin kapag sinaktan ka niya, Pierre! H'wag mo akong sisisihin kapag isang araw...wala na ako sa tabi mo!"