Painting the Hollow Flaws (Flawed Series #1)

CHAPTER 08

Chapter 08

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"Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Painting?" My mom asked as she read the form I gave her for my enrollment.

We finally talked about me studying again, and as much as I want to go with my friends' school, I can't, because of the course I wanted to take.

Nag-inquire na rin sa Mama sa papasukan ko, walang na-credit sa mga subjects na na-take ko na noong med tech student pa lang ako. Which is okay, mas possible na maging regular student lang ako, hindi ako mahihirapan sa pakikisama.

Before I enter college, I was really friendly with everyone. Every place I go, may kilala ako, but when I enrolled to Bohol, I kind of find it difficult to make friends.

Nag-consult na rin ako sa Doctor ko kung pwede na ba ako mag-enroll, considering my situation. She said ako lang ang nakakaalam if kaya ko na ba talaga, and I thought that studying again might help me cope up.

"You're finally taking the path you've always wanted." She sat beside me and caressed my hair.

I only smiled as a response.

Mixed emotions.

She kissed my forehead when I leaned on her shoulders.

"Kamusta si Papa?" I felt my mother froze when I asked her that question.

"Aphrodite, I'd prefer not to discuss him." I held her hand since I knew she was avoiding the topic because of my condition.

"Alam mo ba Mama kung bakit pumayag ako na doon mag aral sa Bohol kasama si Papa?" I asked her, but she only remained silent. "It's because I've always hoped that spending time with him would turn me into a whole person. Maybe he was the missing piece of my puzzle." I gave her a small smile and squeezed her hand.

Tahimik pa rin siya na nakatingin sa mga kamay naming na magkahawak.

"Ma, why did you lie?" Doon lamang umangat ang tingin niya sa akin. "Sabi mo mabait si Papa, it took me months before I finally realized that he wasn't. He is a monster waiting to happen." I immediately wiped my tears.

"I'm sorry." Tinulungan niya na rin akong punasan ang mga luha kong tuloy-tuloy lamang sa pagtulo. "I knew that you've been craving for a father's care that's why I let you. I never thought he could hurt you as well." Umiiyak na rin si mama habang sinasabi iyon, "I'm sorry, baby." When we both began sobbing uncontrollably because of our conversation, she finally hugged me.

We only stopped crying when she told me to rest already. When she left my room, I immediately threw myself in my bed. Just the thought of my father exhaust me already.

My phone rang, pero hindi ko iyon pinansin, it's probably one of my friends. Sila lang naman ang nakakatawag sa cellphone ko na de-keypad, bukod kay Mama.

I kept my eyes shut till the ringing ended. Pero nag ring ito ulit, inabot ko na lang ito mula sa side table ng kama ko, hindi ko na tiningnan kung sino iyon at basta na lang sinagot.

"What?" Bungad ko sa tawag. I only heard someone breathing on the other end of the line.

My heart started racing when I heard a very familiar voice.

No way.

"Hello, Aphrodite."

I'm not sure where he got my phone number and how he found the nerve to call me after what he did months ago.