The Present Is You (You Series #1)

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 17 - HIS PAST

"Do you need something? Uh, water? Maybe food? I'll buy you anything."

"No, it's okay Ate. I'm not hungry nor thirsty. Thank you."

"Just tell me if you need anything."

I gently caressed her smooth silky hair while she was quietly sitting on my lap. Minutes have passed ever since that scene has happened. I honestly didn't know what to say. I have no right to judge Evangeline just because she acted that way in front of her little sister. What Camille said to me about her is still lingering inside of my head. I couldn't just ignore the fact that she's suffering from the inside.

Growing up, I never even once cried like how Aliah cried earlier. Call me weird or what but I only cried my heart out when my Dad passed away. That was the only moment in my life when I felt so devastated and hopeless. I have no siblings so I'm not good at comforting others. I couldn't even give comfort to myself. I rely on time 'cause I believe in the saying that time heals all wounds.

"Ate, can I tell you something?" Aliah whispered to my ears.

She buried her face onto my chest. I looked at her warmly. She looks so fragile and delicate just like her sister. How can you hate someone as cute and sweet as her? Generally speaking, children like her must be cherished by the ones who surrounded them. Ganoon naman talaga dapat dahil 'yon ang magpapatibay at magpapalaki sa kanila.

"What is it?"

She started sniffing. "If I was your little sister, would you love me?" My eyes widened upon hearing what she said.

That took me by surprise. "Uh, o-of course. You're cute and you love to ride on a bike. I used to ride on a bike too when I was your age. And you're kind. And sweet. I can't see any reason for me to hate you." I showed her my genuine smile.

I only say what's on my mind. If I want to say something, then I'll say it without hesitation, and right now, Aliah needs comforting words that will make her forget about what happened a while ago.

"Really? You mean it?" She looked at me with those puppy eyes again.

I chuckled. I pinched her nose. She flinched. "Yup! So don't be sad. I'm here for you." I hugged her. She hugged me back.

I think it's nice to have a little sister like her.

"Is my Ate Evangeline pretty?" She asked me again. I tilted my head and nodded. We've been in this position ever since I carried her all the way here at the sofa. Yes, she's not heavy but my thighs began to feel numb along with my feet.

"Yes, she is. She looks exactly like you." Sagot ko. Napangiti siya at biglang yumakap sa leeg ko.

"You're pretty too, Ate. I wish you're my big sister."

A small smile formed on my lips. I'm happy to hear those words from a little girl who longs for her big sister's attention. I wish I could also give love to the people who I care the most in this world. It's not my nature to show affection 'cause I find it hard when you're giving your all but they'll end up leaving you anyway.

That scares me a lot. "I think that your Ate loves you." I mumbled.

I felt her nodding her head. "I hope so. You know, Ate, I never got the chance to meet my Mom."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Why?"

She shrugged. "My Dad said that she died when I was still a baby. It's sad and I wanted to hug and kiss her as many times as I want. Dad told me that Mom loved me even when I was still inside of her tummy. That made me happy enough." And then she giggled.