Ryle Alvarez (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

From the moment her father died, Liway's mother seemed to have lost her mind. Nakatulala palagi ang matanda at palihim na umiiyak. They held Mang Paulo's wake at a funeral home. Kahit na ayaw sana ni Liway, she had to post her father's death online to let their distant relatives know about his demise.

Ryle found out about it and kept calling her. Hindi sinasagot ni Liway ang tawag o text ng lalaki. She still blames herself for what happened, but a part of her is blaming Ryle.

Ngayon, nakatingin siya sa ina na nakatulala na naman. It's been five days since the tragedy happened. Sa limang araw na 'yon, hindi pa niya nakakausap nang maayos ang ina niya.

"Ma, kumain ka naman, oh. Nag-aalala na kami sa 'yo," she whispered to her mother. "Kahit kaunti lang po, Ma."

Hindi siya pinansin ng ina. Animo'y hangin lang si Liway sa kaniya. Nakatingin si Aling Meredith sa kabaong ni Mang Paulo. Dumating naman ang kapatid ni Liway, ina ni Jones at Jester na galing pang ibang bansa.

"Liway, ako muna ang bahala kay Mama. May bisita ka sa labas."

Tumango lang si Liway. Hindi niya alam kung sino ang mga bibisita sa kaniya. Ang alam niya ay bumisita na ang mga dating kaibigan niya.

Paglabas niya, bumungad si Ryle at ang mga kabanda niya. Nahigit ni Liway ang paghinga nang magtagpo ang mata nilang dalawa. She wanted to get mad at him, but did not want to cause a scandal.

She composed herself and took a deep breath. "Ano'ng ginagawa mo rito?" tanong niya.

"I- we came here to pay respect and to send our condolences personally." Nakatingin lang sa kanila si Liway. "I want to see Papa."

Hearing him address her father that way sent a pang of pain in her chest. Tumabi si Liway para bigyan sila ng daan. Nauna ang apat na pumasok. They approached the casket then went to Liway's sister and mother to send their condolences.

"What happened to Papa?" tanong ni Ryle. It made Liway fuming mad, but she had to control herself.

"Please lang, Ryle. Limang araw na akong walang tulog. Nag-aalala ako para sa Mama ko. I've been bottling up my emotions," she managed to say although her voice keeps breaking. "Huwag mo nang dagdagan ang hinanakit at pagod ko."

"I'm sorry for what happened the last time."

"You should be sorry!" Hindi na napigilan ni Liway ang pagsigaw. "Dahil sa 'yo, wala na ang Papa ko. Kasalanan mo lahat, Ryle! If you didn't ask me out and ditched me, hindi umalis ng bahay ang Papa ko. Buhay pa sana siya!"

Naramdaman ni Liway ang paghaplos ng kamay sa kaniyang braso. It was her mother. "Anak, tama na 'yan. Hindi kasalanan ni Ryle, anak."

"I can explain, Liway. May nangyari kasi sa trabaho ko-" Hindi natuloy ni Ryle ang sasabihin niya nang makita ang matatalim na tingin ng mga kabanda niya sa kaniya. That's right. No one must know about their plans.

"Liway, I know I fucked up, but please, listen to me first."

Liway took a deep breath and shook her head. "Pumunta ka rito para makita si Papa, puwes tingnan mo na siya ngayon, pero utang na loob, Ryle, huwag ka munang magpapakita ulit sa akin!"

When Ryle saw the pain he caused, he sighed. Lumapit siya sa kabaong at kaagad na bumigat ang pakiramdam nang makita ang katawan ni Mang Paulo. He was already at the verge of tears, but had to stop himself. Instead, he started talking to him.

"Pa, sorry. Nasaktan ko po si Liway, nasaktan ko po ang anak ninyo. Tinanggap niyo ako sa bahay ninyo at tinuring na parang anak, but I ruined it. I'll take care of her for you, Pa. She probably hates me now. She's blaming me for what happened and I can't do anything about it. Siguro nga ayaw na rin niya akong makita, pero sa abot ng makakaya ko, I'll protect your daughter. Gagawin ko ang lahat para mabigyan siya ng magandang buhay, because I know that's what you want for your daughter. I'll do everything. . . kahit mula sa malayo. Even if she'll hate me for doing so."