Caught in the Rainy Season(COMPLETED)

Chapter 20

Knowing his motive for showing up here, my mind was racing, desperately seeking a way out. The urge to escape clawed at me again, as if every fiber of my being screamed that I still wasn’t ready to face them. Two days—two miserable days—weren’t enough to clear my head, especially now that Dameon was here, urging me to return to Manila. The thought of going back felt like a noose tightening around my neck.

The pain had piled up, layer upon layer, from my family and Dameon. Their betrayal weighed on me, suffocating me. They had hidden the truth for so long, letting me suffer alone in the dark. I could still remember the confusion, the feeling of drowning in memories that never seemed to fit. And yet, they didn’t even try to help—they didn’t put me in therapy or explain what had happened. They just let me wander in my own misery, pretending they knew best. And now, they expected me to understand? To forgive? It felt like a knife twisting in my gut. How could they be so cruel?

I had once believed I was blessed—lucky even—to have a loving, caring family and a boyfriend who would do anything for me. But now I realized how foolish I’d been. Their words of love and care were hollow, masking the lies they fed me. And for what? To protect me from myself? To keep me from feeling pity for what I’d lost? Now, all I felt was rage—an all-consuming anger, not just at them but at myself for being so blind.

It was in the dead of night when I decided to run again. I wasn’t going back. Not yet. Dameon was in the room next to me, unaware of my plans. But before I left, I needed to see Kuya Kirjath. He had always been my sanctuary, the one person who felt safe.

I knocked twice, my hand trembling. As the door creaked open, Kuya Kirjath’s eyes met mine. There was a softness there, and I felt my resolve waver. “Gising ka pa pala,” he greeted me, his voice warm, “Dameon told me the flight is early in the morning.”

I could only nod, feeling the lump in my throat swell. “Kuya,” I began, my voice cracking, “I still don’t want to go back there.” Tears brimmed in my eyes, and I felt like a child—helpless, broken. “I’m not ready,” I whispered, shaking my head as I tried to hold back the sobs that threatened to spill out.

He pulled me into a hug, squeezing my shoulder gently. “I understand, but you need to go back to Manila, to face them, and try to mend things. Kilala kita, kayang-kaya mo ’to. I know it’s hard, but you have to open your heart and listen to them.”

His words felt like a slap. I wanted to scream that they didn’t deserve my understanding. But his calm, reassuring voice made the walls around my heart crack, just a little. “And don’t forget,” he added, “your graduation is coming. They need you there—your friends, your schoolmates. You have the power to inspire them. But remember, whatever you decide, I’m here for you. I’ll always stand by your side.”

As his words lingered, I felt something shift inside me. Maybe he was right. Maybe I couldn’t keep running forever. The next thing I knew, I was on the plane, sitting next to Dameon, my heart heavy and my mind conflicted. Manila felt like a prison, but maybe it was time to face the demons waiting for me there.

“Sorry to wake you, but we’re already here,” Dameon’s voice cut through my thoughts. I blinked, realizing people were already standing and filing out of the plane. Outside, the air felt heavy, like it was pressing down on me, reminding me of everything waiting for me.

I stayed silent as we waited for a ride. Dameon insisted on carrying my bags, even though I wanted nothing to do with him. I felt his eyes on me, but I couldn’t bear to meet them. Fifteen minutes dragged by. I tried booking a cab, but my phone had no signal. Frustrated, I moved away, hoping to find one.

“Where are you going? The restroom?” Dameon’s voice made me jump. I hadn’t noticed he was right behind me, holding all our bags.

“No. I need to find a signal to book a cab,” I muttered, flashing my phone at him.

“There’s no need. Dad’s driver just texted. He’s here.” I nodded, following him to a sleek white Mercedes-Benz. I knew it wasn’t his—it had to be one of his parents’ cars. As he opened the door, the realization sank in. We were headed straight to my house.

“We’ll go directly, but do you want to eat first? We didn’t have anything before the flight,” he said, his voice careful. I hesitated but felt the gnawing hunger. I nodded.

We stopped at a small Filipino-style restaurant. As I tasted the sinigang, the sourness hit me, and for a moment, I felt a strange kind of joy. It was so simple, but I had missed that flavor, missed something that felt real. Dameon watched me with a frown as I savored every spoonful.

“Is it that good?” he asked, his voice low.

I nodded, smiling as I offered him a taste. But as he took a bite, his face twisted in discomfort. “It’s too sour. You shouldn’t eat this,” he said, reaching for my bowl.

I pulled it back, my eyes burning with unshed tears. “Just let me have this, okay?” My voice broke, and for a second, I saw him falter. He sighed, pushing the bowl back to me.

“Fine, just drink some water after, okay?” he said softly. I nodded, feeling the warmth of the soup wash away some of the cold in my heart.

Back in the car, silence stretched between us. When we finally pulled up to my house, I saw my family standing at the gate. As I stepped out, they rushed to greet me with hugs, but I remained stiff, letting them embrace me without responding.

Dameon walked me to the door, his eyes searching mine. “I need to go now. I love you.” His kiss landed on my forehead, but it felt like nothing.

“Be safe. Thank you.” I turned to go, but he caught my wrist, pulling me back.

“I said, I love you, my Miss,” he repeated, his voice almost desperate.

I met his eyes, cold and unyielding. “Then I’m thanking you.”

He clenched his jaw. “That’s not a response.”

I sighed, feeling the weight of everything between us. “Dameon, when you say it, don’t expect to hear it back. Remember, just because I came with you doesn’t mean everything is okay. I hope you understand that.”

With that, I walked into the house, leaving him standing alone in the dark.