One Step Ahead

11

She was shocked when she felt like someone threw something on her direction. A thing hit the back of her head, making her feel dizzy.

"Ahck--" she held her head and looked back, just to see her cousin, glaring at her.

Her stay in their province is not as bad as it is when she lives alone for school. But Yumi makes it harder for her to think that she is welcome in their house.

Dahil sa tuwing gabi niya lang nakikita ang mga tito niya, kadalasan ang kasama niyang magbantay sa lola niya ay si Yumi. She hates the idea of her being the favorite. Yumi is jealous on how she was so close with their grandmother.

By that, Dawn concluded that although her grandma is welcome to the bouse, it doesn't mean that she, too, would be able tostay here safe.

"Bumalik ka na sa inyo,"

Panimula nito nang lumingon si Dawn sa kaniyang gawi.

"M-may isang linggo pa akong leave, Yumi," she stuttered.

"Sa dalawang linggo mo, nakuha mo na ang lahat ng atensyon ng mga taga-dito. Ganyan ka ba talaga ka-papansin!?" She scoffed.

She got close to Junior, other people in their neighborhood also recognize her for she is always with her grandma. She is just normally being seen because of how she treats other people with a smile.

"Bumalik ka na nang kusa kung ayaw mong kaladkarin pa kita papapunta sa dagat," Yumi threatened.

"Y-Yumi,"

Even a member of her own family is not comfortable with her.

She doesn't know where will she come back, she has no home to begin with. Bakit ba siya pinapabalik sa lugar na malayo sa lola niya.

She left Dawn with a lowered head. She sniffs her nose as she felt like crying. Hindi niya alam ang gagawin, hindi niya alam kung anong nagawa niyang mali para magalit nang ganoon si Yumi. Ni hindi nito ininda ang pagbato nito sa kaniya ng buko.

Dahil sa hindi mapaliwanag na nararamdaman ay pumunta muna siya sa dalampasigan para mapag-isa. But in her surprise, she saw a familiar face, lying down the sand while resting his head on his biceps.

She facepalmed, hanggang dito ba naman ay nagha-hallucinate siya. She can see Dominick just wearing shorts and sunglasses.

She disregarded him and just pass by but then he started to talk about things, "It's nice seeing you with your grandma, she looks sweet,"

She stopped and walked near him again, "Sinusundan mo ba ako?"

"No, it's just that our family decided to have a vacation here, can't I relax first before entering law school?" He complained.

Hindi nalang niya pinansin ang sinabi nito. But because she is lonely as of the moment, she sat down beside his lying body. Dawn hugged her knees and started to space out just like what Dominick is doing.

"Do you still feel anxious here?" She didn't answer.

"What's on your mind?" He followed up.

After receiving no response, he sat up and removed his glasses. "Eos,"

It's been a while since the last time he encountered Dawn. But she still look the same, parang hindi nakstulong ang bakasyon para mawala ang pangangamba niya sa katawan.

"Don't lose your smile just because of one thing. There are things that are more beautiful to think about. Just picture your grandma in you mind, she would--- Eos,"

She raised her brows as she looked at him. He tried to hold the back of her neck but she dodged, "Anong ginagawa mo?" she asked.

"There's a blood," napahawak sa batok si Dawn dahil sa sinabi nito.