Courting Him (Guillermo Series #1)

Chapter 25

Solace

Before I could reply to him, my phone started ringing. Akala ko sina Tate lang but when I looked at the caller ID, I stopped.

Litong nakatingin sa akin si Levi habang sinasagot ko ang tawag.

"Hello, 'My," sagot ko. Lumayo ako ng kaunti kay Levi habang nakikinig sa kabilang linya.

"Jian, you're in Manila?" my Mom asked in worry. "Why didn't you tell us? And you even joined that dancing competition."

"Sorry. I was planning to surprise you by just dropping by the hospital tomorrow," I answered sheepishly.

I heard my mom sigh. "Are you okay, anak? The competition was held at De Valle, right? You haven't seen Zach or Hera? Your Dad and I were so astonished when Mildred said she saw you on TV!"

"I'm okay, Mom. I... I saw them yesterday, actually. Zach's been trying to contact me but I ended up blocking his number."

From my peripheral vision, I saw Levi rushed towards me. I put a my point finger up, signaling him to wait for me to finish this call before I deal with him.

"My God, Jian!" singhal ng nanay ko. I heard a rustling and closing of doors. I guess she had to leave the room to not disturb my brother. "What happened to keeping things low key? Anak naman, what's the point of changing schools if you're gonna end up having contact with your abuser?"

I was silent for a few minutes. Honestly, may punto naman talaga si Mommy. The purpose of me changing schools was to get away from my nightmares. From Zach, Hera, from the accidents and from the gossips around me.

I entered an interschool competition knowing fully well that I'm gonna meet those people again. Kaya tama nga naman. What's the point of all it all? Ano pa't nagmakaawa at lumuhod ako sa mga magulang ko, payagan lang akong makawala sa lugar na ito?

"Jian, are you still there?" nag-aalala ang tono ni Mommy. "I'm sorry. It's not your fault, anak. It was never your fault so why should I even tell you what not to do? I'm sorry, anak."

I heard her sniffle from the other line. I know for a fact that my parents blame themselves for what happened to us. It's not even their fault. I'm the only one at fault.

"Mommy, please don't cry," I tried to soothe her. "Is Daddy there?"

"He's at the office right now. Baka mamayang alas singko pa makakabalik."

"Okay. I'm gonna drop by there tomorrow."

"You do that, hija. Also, anak?"

"Hm?" I got distracted since some athletes from other schools was passing by. Levi had to pull me close to him dahil nagdagsaan ang mga tao bigla at muntik na akong matumba.

"Tate's been telling us about this guy you're usually hanging with. Bring him with you tomorrow."

I pursed my lips before giving Levi a look.

"What?" he mouthed.

"Okay. I'll do that."

Pagkatapos ng ilang pagpapaalala, ibinaba ko na ang tawag. Nakita kong dumating na ang bus na sasasakyanin namin pabalik ng hotel.

"Do you have plans tomorrow?"

"I don't. Why? Magdi-date ba tayo?" he asked excitedly before his mood turned sour. "Teka, itatanong ko pa 'yung tungkol sa ex mo 'wag mo ibahin ang usapa—"

"My parents want to meet you."

His mouth formed in an "O" shape. Hindi siya agad nagsalita at parang shock na shock pa. Didn't he tell me to let him meet my parents the other day?