Crossroads [SC SERIES #1]

Kabanata 25: I Need You

[Nhelandrie's POV]

As the Vice President of the KPA, everyone sees her as the heartless one and a woman of words. Even with her expressionless face, she shows compassion and bravery that any student and staff obeys her... but behind those things, Klare is a fragile one. I could see in her smile that she's so delicate that even a gentle touch could make her collapse.

"I'm sorry I judged you that way," I sincerely said. Napuno ang buong kwarto ng katahimikan at napayuko ako sa hiya. Palagi kong sinasabi na malas ang buhay ko, but I didn't realize that I am more blessed than everyone else. I was so focused sa kung ano ang wala ako at hindi ko tinitingnan ang mga bagay na meron ako. I was such an ungrateful idiot.

"I also want to say thank you," napa-angat siya ng tingin sa sinabi ko.

"I always thought that my glass is half-empty, but because of you I realize that it was half-full. Thank you for that, Klare," she pursed her lips and she didn't even said anything.

Tumayo siya at lumapit sa painting niyang hindi matapos-tapos. It's her, it's really her that painted the convenience store.

"I grew up not understanding what love is. Minamaltrato ako ni Ate Steph at Tita Elle kapag umaalis si Dad para asikasuhin ang business namin. Tita Elle is my Father's wife, as you know, anak ako sa labas."

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. Anak sa labas? Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I want to know her more, but hearing what her life is behind her Vice President title, I can't seem to handle the truth. It hurts just by listening to her.

"What about your Dad?"

"He doesn't know about it. My Mom was the Mallino's personal painter. Kapag pinapatawag siya para magpinta sa bahay ay hindi umaalis si Dad para lang makita si Mom. He fell in love with her works and joyful personality, but after she gave birth to me ay hindi na siya nakita ni Dad. Naisip ko na baka iniwan niya kami dahil sa kahihiyang nagawa nila ni Dad sa image ng mga Mallino or maybe Tita Elle threatened her. Living in the mansion was hell for me especially kung wala si Dad. I would sleep at night with bruises and scratch all over my body. I don't have any rights sa bahay. I was feed with leftovers, kaya napagdesisyunan ko sa huli na aralin ang pagluluto. Kung wala si Dad, I was forbid to use blankets and pillows and I am only allowed to sleep on the cold floor."

Nagsasalita ito nang malumbay habang tinititigan ng maigi ang kanyang pininta.

"Then there is Kuya Richmond. Siya yung pumoprotekta sa akin pagwala si Dad. He's also my half-brother, full-brother ni Ate Steph pero mas close kaming dalawa. Sobrang strict ni Tita Elle kay Kuya, ganun din si Dad since siya yung rightful heir sa kompanya at sa buong Mallino Clan. Na-pressure si Kuya and he never dreamed of carrying the family's legacy at dahil may utang na loob ako sa kanya, napagdesisyunan ko na ako naman yung magpoprotekta kay Kuya. He left to follow his dreams at ako ang sumalo sa mga responsibilidad niya."

"What about si Ate Steph mo? She's older than you right?"

"No one in the family trusts her knowledge. Magaling lang itong magwaldas ng pera pero wala itong alam tungkol sa negosyo. After I turned 12, everything changed. I was out of Tita Elle and Ate Steph's reach and they couldn't lay a hand on me... but I still don't understand." Bigla itong pumiyok and it was too late after I realized that she was crying.

"K-klare," my eyes felt fragile like any moment, my tears would flow pero gusto ko siyang sabayan. I want to be in her darkest time. She needs me.

"I don't understand why the fuck I still don't feel happy but when you stepped into my house, not just around me changed... but also my heart did, Nhelandrie." Humarap ito sa akin at yung mga mata niya ay namumula na. She's been holding back all this time?

Parang binugbog ako nung makita ko ang pagod niyang mukha. Mabilis ko siyang niyakap at dahil dun ay humagulgol pa siya.

"Let it out. Nandito lang ako." I caressed her hair and I bit my lip, I should stop crying too.

"You won't leave right? Katulad nang ginawa ni Kuya?" I smiled habang hinahayaan ko siyang umiyak sa balikat ko.

"Like I said, I will never leave you."

"Y-your slavery will end the day after tomorrow. What will happen to us after that?" Natigilan ako. She's right, aalis na ako sa bahay na 'to.

"Magt-transfer ako ng paaralan. I'll talk to Mom and Dad. I'll do anything... anything para lang mapatunayan ko sayo na mahal kita." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nung nadulas ako sa pagkakasabi. Naramdaman ko rin na biglang tumigil sa Klare sa pag-iyak. I couldn't feel myself breathing. Putcha! Gusto kong tumalon na lang bigla sa bintana.

"N-nhelandrie, that's-" Hindi na niya napagpatuloy ang kanyang sasabihin at mas hinigpitan ko ang pagkakayakap sa kanya.

"You don't need to answer now. I just want you to know that I have been in love with you the first time you made me realize how beautiful life is. It's much more beautiful than I imagine when I have you in my arms. Hindi ako aalis sa tabi mo pero... what about you? Will you do the same thing? Can you?" Mariin akong napapikit nung tinanong ko siya. Mabilis na kumakabog ang dibdib ko habang hinihintay ang sagot niya.

"I-i don't know, Nhelandrie. I have my responsibilities and I don't want to disappoint those people that looks up on me." Parang unti-unti nawalan ng buhay ang katawan ko.

"Then what about me? What about us? Can't you think for yourself at least for once? I can't fight alone, Klare. I also need you!"