Painting the Hollow Flaws (Flawed Series #1)

CHAPTER 03

Chapter 03

TRIGGER WARNING: ABUSE AND CYBERBULLYING

Note: The following chapter may include strong language and scenes that could be disturbing to certain readers. Read at your own risk.

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They say that when you've had enough, life gives you more. And just when you think it already rained enough, it starts to pour hard.

Papa left after that night. I'm not sure where he is, but I'm relieved that he hasn't returned home in days.

Hindi ko rin sinasagot ang mga tawag ni Mama at ng mga kaibigan ko, wala pa silang idea sa nangyayari sa akin, mula sa paghihiwalay naming ni Mac hanggang sa ginawa ni Papa. Walang nakakaalam, because I don't want any of them to be worried.

Umaasa pa rin ako na Papa is just having a hard time, and I don't want anyone thinking bad about him.

The university week has come to an end after a few days. Kahit 10am pa ang first class ko, maaga pa rin akong umalis ng bahay para bumili ng dissecting kit.

When people gaze at me, I initially believed I was being overly sensitive. But it was when I entered our room and everyone fell silent that I realized something was wrong. I simply ignored their eyes and began reading today's lesson.

"Buti na lang talaga di ko 'yan kinaibigan, sabi na nga ba may landi yan sa katawan e." I wasn't sure if she was referring to me, but who cares? She can bark all day and I won't give her a damn.

Hindi ko alam kung nag group study ba sila noong buong University week kaya ang dami nilang time magchismisan or talagang curious na sila sa buhay ko na di nila maalis ang tingin nila sa akin.

"What?" Tinaasan ko ng kilay ang kaklase kong lalaki nang sumipol siya sa tabi ko, "So a dog can whistle now, huh?" I insulted him.

"Ang arte mo naman, e easy to get ka naman." Halos mag salubong na ang kilay ko dahil sa sinabi niya, tatayo na dapat ako para saksakin siya ng scalpel na mula sa dissecting kit ngunit natigilan ako dahil sa ring ng cellphone ko.

"You're lucky today, doggy." Inirapan ko pa siya bago tuluyang lumabas ng classroom.

Tinitigan ko pa saglit ang screen ng cellphone ko, nagtataka kung bakit tatawag si Julia sa akin during class hours.

"Where are you?"

"Uhm, at school? Why? Iinom kayo 'no?" Inunahan ko na siya.

Last month kasi bigla na lang siya nag text sa akin nagpapaalam na mag iinom daw siya, sakin na lang raw siya magpapaalam kasi halos lahat ng mga kaklase niya kaniya-kaniyang paalam sa mga jowa na mag-iinom sila habang siya naglalaway lang sa alak.

"Nasa school ka?" Her concern was evident in her tone.

"Yeah, why? Any problem?" Nag-alala na rin tuloy ako, may mga naririnig pa ako na halo-halong boses sa background niya.

"Hello? Apple? Wag ka na muna mag-open ng social media accounts ha?" Sabat ni Jayden. Nagulat pa ako kasi magkakasama pala yung apat.

"Nasa school ka ba? Kamusta diyan?" Singit pa ni Kia.

"Girls, really? What's happening?" Kinakabahan na rin ako nang malala kahit wala naman akong idea sa nangyayari. "I got to go now, I miss you all so much." Hindi ko na sila hinintay magpaalam dahil nakita ko na ang professor naming papasok sa classroom.