Angelica’s POV
“Clyde! Teka nga.”
Kahit masakit ang buong katawan ko pinilit ko pa rin siyang sundan. Hinila ko ang coat niya kaya napilitan siyang huminto at harapin ako. Nakahawak ako sa tagiliran ko dahil sumasakit ito.
“Bakit ba hindi mo man lang sinalag yung mga suntok sayo ni Justin? Tanong ko. He sighed. Isinuklay niya sa buhok ang kamay niya. Ganito siya kapag frustrated.
“Clyde? Answer me please.” Tumingin siya sa malayo at bumulong. “Because I deserve it.”
Sa sobrang hina deserve lang ang naintindihan ko. Deserve what? I’m confused, what did he do to deserve a beating from Justin? Tumalikod siya at naglakad na ulit.
“Clyde teka lang naman. Something’s bothering you and you’re not telling me!” I shouted on his retreating back. “Angelica!” He shouted in return. Napaatras ako dahil ngayon lang niya ako sinigawan ng ganyan. My lips started to tremble and I’m doing my best not to cry.
“Just leave me alone.” He said softly. “Please.”
Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal sa kinatatayuan ko pero matagal ng nakaalis si Clyde. I’m just standing there debating on things. Should I talk to him or not?
“Gely. Bakit ka lumabas ng clinic? Mahina ka pa.” Andre said while catching his breath. Hinawakan ni Febie ang magkabilang braso ko at tinignan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. “Zi, were so sorry. Wala kami ni Chels para ipagtanggol ka.”
I smiled at them and said, “I’m fine malayo to sa bituka.” Niyakap ako ni Chelsy. I turned my attention to Andre again. “May nangyari ba?” Tanong ko.
“Oo, kakagaling ko lang sa labas dahil may nagsabi sakin na may taga South High na nakipagrambulan sa mga East High.” Paliwanag niya. “Sino naman?” Chismosa lang ang peg. “Mga taga East High lang na nakahandusay ang naabutan namin dun.”
My senses are tingling so I dialed Justin’s number to check up on him. Nag-ring muna ng tatlong beses bago niya sinagot. “Lo.” He answered. “Justin, it’s me.” I can hear noise on the background. Parang andaming tao. “Can’t hear ya.” He sounded fine not in pain kaya nakahinga na ako ng maluwag. “Just checking up—“
The idiot didn’t even let me finish. Nakakabadtrip, ako na nga tong concern sa kanya ganyan pa ang gagawin niya. Kumusta naman daw ba ang pagiwan niya sakin dito. I’m thinking violent thoughts now. Like choking him and ..
Napatingin ako dun sa tatlo. “What?” I asked irritatingly. They’re looking at me like I’ve grown another head. They all backed away.
“You have that look.” Febie said. “What look?” I asked. “That look when you’re killing somebody on you’re mind.” Chelsy explained. I sighed, “Kailangan ko ng umuwi.”
“Ihahatid ka na namin.” Andre offered. “Yep, you’re brother will freak when he sees you like that.” Chelsy added. “Sasabihin namin na nadulas ka sa stairs at nagpagulong gulong.” Febie suggested her not so believable explanation. I held my hand up. “Thanks but no thanks. Kaya ko na to.”
