He who she loves

Chapter 16

"You're still in the second place"

"Cut her some slack. She's doing her best." Mommy blurted out.

"Since you went to that university you always place second. Aren't you ashamed?"

"Dad, let's have a peaceful dinner please," Kuya Leon said.

I thought it was okay, I mean we were okay. He introduced me in front of many people as his daughter. I thought he'll be proud. 

"I did my best dad."

"And it's not enough," he replied.

"I'm already doing my best with everything I have. How much more, dad?"

I can't help but to laugh. "You're too much, dad."

"Brielle" Mommy held my hand, trying to stop me.

Tumayo ako. 

"Parang kahit anong gawin ko it will never be enough for you. Hindi ba pwedeng kahit minsan lang sabihin mo naman na ako You did your best anak, I'm proud of you. Dad, you suffocates the hell out of me"

And of course, he slapped me. 

"Dad! Stop hurting her" Puma Gitna sa amin si Kuya Leon.

"Naging bastos ka. Akala mo ba hindi ko alam? Kung sino sino ang mga nakakasama mo"

I smirked. "And now you got someone to tail me?"

"That's enough, Brielle"

"I know my efforts will never be enough for you. No matter how I strive, it's never enough. Your expectations are too high dad."

"Get the hell out of my house!" 

"I will"

Umakyat ako sa taas at kumuha ng mga gamit ko. 

I found myself crying.

I can't hold out anymore. 

"Brielle"

"Tandaan mo kapag umalis ka sa bahay na ito wala ka ng babalikan"

I looked at them for one last time bago ako lumabas ng bahay.

"Brielle!" I heard my kuya Leon calling me.

I didn't look back. I'm so scared that I might stumble.

I need to do this.

He grabbed my shoulder. "Brielle!"

"Kuya please, let me go"

"I know what you feel, Brielle. I will not ask you to come home, but please just stay in my condo unit okay? Hindi alam ni daddy iyon."

It's been 3 days, and I stayed at, Kuya Leon condo unit. I didn't attend my classes. They've been calling me non stop and I'm not answering their call.

I mustered everything in me to keep myself from falling off track and giving it all up because I felt so tired, the kind of tired that rest could never make up for.

I am not sad, and I am not happy. I honestly don’t know what I really feel. I am just here, existing.

From: Kuya Leon

I bought you some food. Just put them in the fridge. I went to your university yesterday and I told them you're not feeling well. I gave your medical report to your professors. Just rest, and tell me when you need something. 

Kuya leon has been taking care of me, my needs and everything. I'm just really grateful because at least I have someone by my side. 

I was staring at the ceiling when my phone suddenly rang.