Caught in the Rainy Season(COMPLETED)

Chapter 18

I still can't believe what I learned earlier, especially when Mom confirmed it herself. They all told me I have an illness-amnesia. She even showed me my medical results. It felt like a punch to the gut.

I've been living with this illness for over five years, and I didn't even know. No one dared to tell me. They let me walk around, clueless, while they knew all along. The realization was like a slap in the face-suddenly, everything made sense. The things they said, the moments I couldn't piece together... all those gaps, because they were erased from my memory.

They let me suffer, and I didn't even have a chance to understand what was happening to me.

I felt so angry, so powerless. I pulled my hair, hoping to feel something-anything. But it wasn't enough. I slammed my head against the wall, wanting the pain to drown out the chaos in my mind.

I wanted to feel the physical pain because, the moment I learned the truth, it felt like everything inside me shattered. The words, you have amnesia, played over and over in my head like a curse I couldn't escape from.

I was lost, not knowing what to do or where to turn. I felt empty. Then my phone rang. I almost ignored it, but when I saw Kuya Kirjath's name, I picked up.

"You sure you want to go here with your boy-" I didn't even let him finish.

"I'm going alone, Kuya. Please, can I come now? I want to leave tonight."

He sighed deeply, and for a moment, I thought he would refuse. But then he said, "Are you sure? Alright, just wait a minute. I'll get back to you." And he hung up.

While I waited, I threw everything I could into my backpack-clothes, essentials, anything to keep me going. I didn't care about anything else. I just needed to escape.

My phone rang again. "I can't let you fly alone. Get ready and go to SGC. I'll pick you up there, okay?" he said, his voice firm.

I was stunned-ashamed, even. Here I was, disrupting his life, and he was still willing to help me.

"Kuya, it's not necessary. I can book a plane ticket myself," I said, feeling guilty.

But as expected, he wouldn't listen. "No, Ilene. Tita and Tito would kill me if I let you go alone at this hour. Just go to SGC now; the chopper will be there in ten to twenty minutes."

I moved quickly, every step feeling heavy. I didn't want anyone to notice, didn't want anyone to stop me. I just wanted to disappear for a while.

When I got outside the gate, I flagged down a cab. I told the driver the location, and luckily, the roads were empty since it was already midnight. When I got to the building, I rushed inside, relieved that Kuya had already informed the guards. I didn't have the energy to explain myself. As I reached the rooftop, I saw the helicopter waiting, its blades spinning in the darkness.

I was heading to Kuya Kirjath's private island-somewhere in Siargao. It felt like the only place I could escape to. I begged him not to tell anyone, especially my parents. I needed to be alone.

Once I was inside the helicopter, I checked my phone. It was flooded with missed calls and messages-from Dameon, my parents, Vinesha, and even Kalliesha, my best friend. I only replied to Kalliesha, telling her I was okay, that I needed to be somewhere far from everything. I didn't have the strength to face them all right now.

I just needed space. Everything was suffocating me. The people I trusted the most hid my illness from me, pretending everything was fine when it wasn't. The pain was unbearable. I felt betrayed, lost, and completely alone. I didn't know how to process it all. I felt like I was falling apart, and no one even noticed.

Maybe being far away for a while will help me understand. Maybe I'll find a way to make sense of this nightmare.

But deep down, I was already questioning everything-if I'd even come back, if I'd still go to my graduation. What was the point, after everything?

"Kuya!" I called out, running when I saw him waiting for me. I felt a tiny bit of relief seeing him, like I wasn't completely alone. We high-fived, like we always did when we were kids.

Kuya Kirjath is more than just a cousin; he's always been like a big brother. Even now, as a single dad, he still manages to be there for me.

"How are you, Kuya? How are the kids? How's being a single dad?" I tried to sound normal, but my voice cracked.

"I'm good. The kids are okay. But... they're growing up and starting to ask about their mom... about Klei." I could see the pain in his eyes, the longing he tried to hide.

"What about you, Kuya? Do you miss Ate Klei?" I asked, even though I knew the answer. I thought he wouldn't reply, but his eyes drifted, lost.

"I don't know. All I want is to find her, to talk to her. But... anyway, why are you here, Isha? You still haven't told me." I felt my throat tighten, and for a moment, I couldn't speak.

"Kuya, did you know about my illness?" His eyes widened, confirming what I feared. "You knew?"

"It's been six years since the accident happened. You were on a plane with your schoolmates, going to London for an international competition. The plane had a technical failure and crashed near Prague." I felt my body go cold.

"But I can't remember any of that, Kuya!"

"That's the effect of the accident. The doctors said you have retrograde amnesia-you lost access to the memories before the injury." He looked at me with so much sadness. "You can rest, Isha. I know you're tired, and I know this is too much."

I followed him inside, feeling like a ghost of myself. They had all been telling the truth, but why did they keep it from me for so long?

"Arrrgh!" I screamed, pulling my hair, banging my head against the wall. Maybe if I hit hard enough, my memories would come back, just like in the movies.

I just want to heal. I want to get rid of this illness. I want my life back.

Then my phone buzzed again. It was another message from Dameon.

"I'm sorry for lying. How are you?"

"Where are you? Tita said you took all your clothes."

"Where are you going?"

The nerve of him, pretending to care after all they hid from me. I couldn't help it; I laughed until my laughter turned into tears.

I knew everyone had figured out I was gone by now. Despite the pain they caused me, they're still my family, and they're getting older. They don't deserve the stress. So I decided to send my mom a message.

"Mom, I'm sorry for leaving without telling you, but I hope you and Dad understand why I had to. Don't worry about me too much. I don't have the right to be angry at you because, deep down, I know why you hid it."

I clicked send, hoping it would bring her some peace.