Beneath the Two | Academy Series #1

Chapter 22

Ang plano naming isang oras sa sementeryo ay nauwi sa tatlo. Sa paghahanap pa lang sa puntod ng parents niya ay kalahating oras na ang inabot namin.

I wanted to give him more time to be with his parents since it was his birthday. I stayed by his side and listened. That's all he needs, someone who will never leave him and someone who can hear his pain. I'm grateful that he chose me to be that someone.

I was hungry but I didn't tell him. Ala-una ng hapon nang umalis kami kaya dumating kami ng bahay ay dapit-hapon na.

"They are on their way home." I handed him a glass of water.

Umupo ako sa tabi niya. I was never nervous towards my parents, pero kinakabahan ako sa magiging reaksiyon nila. I'm sure that there will be no problem with Zach. But Dad, he might still think the same way.

Napaigtad ako nang abutin ni Zach ang kamay ko sa hita. He pressed it gently and used his finger to open it so he could intertwine ours.

"Kinakabahan ka ba?"

I nodded, giving him a weak smile afterward.

"Ako rin," he said after a chuckle.

"My Dad wouldn't like me to be with you."

Kadalasan, magulang ang may ayaw sa karelasyon ng anak, pero sa lagay ko, ako ang ayaw ni Daddy para kay Zach. I totally understand why, because I used to think that way.

I also told them that I don't want to be in a serious relationship with anyone as I'm aware I don't have the luxury to afford a long-term relationship. I might disappear soon.

"Kung ayaw niya sa 'kin, hindi ako titigil hanggang sa makuha ko na ang loob niya."

"Ako ang ayaw niya para sa 'yo," agap ko.

My Dad sees me as a big burden, he must pity Zach for having me. Kaya kung mayroon man na dapat kabahan dito, ako 'yon at hindi si Zach.

"Wala akong pakialam kung sino ang gusto at ang ayaw ng mga tao para sa akin. Ikaw ang gusto ko, huwag kang makikinig sa iba."

Hinawi niya ang buhok ko at itinago sa likuran ng tainga. Hearing those words from Zach gave me so much relief. I am just nervous, afraid that he might humiliate me again.

Dumating ang parents ko na hindi ako handa. Mom is in her formal attire, while Dad is in his polo and slacks. The white coat is hanging on his arm. They were shocked to see us, but they eventually smiled when they realized it was Zach.

"Good evening po," pagbati ni Zach.

"Zach." Mom rushed to offer him a warm hug that he happily accepted. "Good evening. How have you been, hijo?"

The last time Zach came here was when he asked my Mom's permission for our first date. That was the day I said yes to him. Hindi muna namin pinaalam sa kanila. It was my choice to keep it for a while and it was Zach's choice now to let them know.

"Ayos lang po," tipid niyang sagot kay Mommy bago bumaling kay Dad. "Doc, good evening po."

Kahit hindi sabihin ni Zach, I can see how his eyes glimmer when he's looking at Dad. Siguro dahil pangarap niya rin maging doktor ay mataas ang pagtingin niya sa Ama ko.

"Zachary, you rarely visit us. I told you, you should go here often, so we can spend a long time together." Niyakap niya ang lalaki at tinapik ito sa likuran. How sweet of him when it comes to other people.

"I'll make sure to pay a visit next time, Sir. Aagahan ko na po."

"You should, aasahan ko 'yan."

"Have you two eaten? Nag-takeout kami ng pagkain. I'll just prepare so we can eat together," si Mom.