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HINDI NA nakabalik pa si Rita para suportahan ang ama sa huling araw ng campaign nito. Hindi na rin bumalik si Martin doon. Even Ken stayed with them, which annoyed her so much.
Nakakaloko kasi ang tinging ipinupukol nito sa kanya kapag hindi nakatingin ang kapatid nito. She tried so hard to avoid his gaze but he was seated in front of her. Kahit na ipikit niya ang mga mata ay ramdam na ramdam niya ang titig nito. It sends shiver down her body. Gusto na nga lang niyang umalis doon ngunit hindi niya naman magawa.
The campaign ended with her not being able to see her father's speech. Narinig na lamang niya ang sigawan ng mga tao. It made her feel less worried knowing that there are people who supports her father truly. Mas kumalma na rin siya dahil doon.
Bruno and Dave rushed over to her side. Agad na tinanong ng dalawa kung maayos na ba ang pakiramdam niya. When it comes to her health, sometimes they are really overacting. They worry too much.
"You should have went home," her father said. "Take some rest and take care of yourself too, Rita. Please."
She looked at him for a while and nodded. The past few months they haven't talked that much because of the election. Masyado itong abala at madalas lang na nasa study room nito. He's too busy.
"She's an adult. I'm sure she knows how to take care of herself," Tita Natalia said coldly.
"Ma..." saway ni Bruno sa ina nito.
Tita Natalia just looked away and didn't say anything. Alam naman niyang kahit kailan ay hindi magiging maayos ang pakikitungo nito sa kanya. She did everything just to please the woman. Sa huli, siya pa rin ang masama para rito.
"Martin, take her home." Utos ng Governor.
Martin nodded as his father. Nagpaalam na rin ito sa lahat at inalalayan siyang makatayo. Hindi niya alam kung bakit ilang araw nang hindi maganda ang pakiramdam niya. She's too occupied and busy. Siguro overworked lang talaga siya.
Martin opened the car's door for her. Sinigurado muna nito na maayos na siyang nakaupo bago ito umikot sa driver's seat. She saw Jake took one of the cars behind her. Eversince the shooting incident, Jake and his men follow her everywhere. Alam din niyang kapag nawawala siya ay alam nito kung saan siya pumupunta. Lagi kasi siya nitong pinagtatakpan.
Now, she felt guilty all of the sudden. Kahit pa sabihing wala silang relasyon ni Martin, people were already expecting something between them.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Napalingon siya kay Martin. Ang mga mata nito ay naka-focus sa kalsada. She can see a little smile on his lips. Mas lalo lang siyang kinain ng guilt. How can she see his brother behind his back? Ganoon na ba siya kababa para gawin ang ganoong bagay? She knew that things will be chaotic once everyone will find out what she and Ken was doing yet she continue to do it over and over again.
She bit her lower lip. Kung may unang dapat na makaalam, si Martin iyon. He deserves to know it. He's a good guy and he treated her so well. Na pakiramdam niya nga hindi niya deserve.
"Martin..." she called his name.
"Yes?" dagling lumingon ito sa kanya bago muling binaling ang tingin sa kalsada. "Do you want to eat before I take you home?"
"I'm sorry..." was all she could muster.
Nilingon siyang muli nang binata. Naging mabagal ang pagpapatakbo nito nang sasakyan hanggang sa itinabi na nito iyon.
Martin looked at her with so much worry. "What? Why are you saying sorry?"
Hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin. Hindi niya alam kung paano sasabihin dito ang totoo. She owe him the truth yet she can't even say it. Naiisip pa lang niya na magbabago ang tingin nito sa kanya at magbabago ang pakikitungo nito sa kanya ay tila nasasaktan na siya.
