Just Us

chapter ten

"Your ideas and thoughts about love are too ideal and I didn't expect that your family is open about same-sex." I am gently combing her hair, lumipat kami sa kwarto niya dahil masyado rin maliit ang couch para sa aming dalawa.

I saw a glint of smile on her face, she immediately settled her chin on top of my tummy as her eyes were looking at me. "I don't have a perfect family either."

I stopped midway, asking her.

She sighed before she fixed her position. Katulad ko ay sumandal siya sa headboard ng kama. "My parents, they aren't that perfect. I had to be with Yaya growing up because they were always busy. From my birthday celebrations to my graduation I have awards, and they were always busy. Unlike them with my sister."

Wish! Wait. Did I heard it right? She had a sister?

"They will prepare all for her, they will leave for work to have a vacation when my sister graduates with her college degree. But unfortunately, my parents didn't expect that my sister...she's not straight." She laughed and shook her head. "She had a secret girlfriend and, when my parents knew, they loathed her. They humiliated her. Like she was never part of the family. Hindi niya kinaya ang lahat ng 'yon kaya ayon, she took her own life."

Is this a part of fuck buddy setups In honesty, I don't have any negative feelings about this. I didn't care. All I want for her is to share her burdens with me. I want to know her pain...her story. I wish her to share her experiences with me...and I'll stay by her...and would not leave.

"After my sister's passing, they changed. We became more intimate. We have family days during weekends. They will always check on me. Lagi nilang pinapaalala sa akin ang pagiging open sa members ng LGBT, they will always remind me to give respect and love to them because that is where the world is lacking. Acceptance and respect for each other and never mind the gender or the preference. They became an advocate for children who are part LGBT and supported their needs. Binawi nila lahat ng hindi nila nagawa sa akin at sa kapatid ko noon. Too ironic that they can't accept their daughter."

What planet did I save to meet a girl with complex thoughts and a good heart in this lifetime?

I am just there. Listening. Parang ang hirap niyang putulin sa pagsasalita kaya naman, nag-stay lang ako sa tabi niya habang pinaghawak ko ang kamay niya. Her heart is so pure that, I know that I can't handle it.

Parang nakakahiya ang istorya ko sa storya niya. I have a family who supports me in everything that I do. They are very willing to attend to my achievements and such yet, I am the one who was pushing them away.

"I'm sorry," said ko habang hindi na makatingin sa kaniya.

She pinched my tummy in a comedic way kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya. I can see the pure gentleness on her. Her smiles were genuine as I can see. Nakabalot sa katawan niya ang kumot habang nakangiti sa akin. Magulo ang buhok kaya namang hindi napigilan ng kamay ko ang pag-aayos nito.

"Alam mo alam ko na kung bakit."

My brows curled up, hindi maintindihan ang sinasabi niya. "Hmm? What do you mean?" Binalik ko na sa dating pwesto ang kamay ko, I placed it above my thigh that was still covered with her pink petal-theme bed sheets.

She smirked and took her breath. "Kung bakit madaming nafafall sa 'yo."

"You're caring. Ang maalaga mo." she snapped her finger like she remembered something. "I remember the time when I asked about your girl for that night, you said that she was drained, so you let her sleep in your room."

I stiffed. I am shocked. Because the person she was describing as someone who is caring is not me. The person is different from how I know myself. I mean, I am not that cuddly to anyone. Takot ako sa commitment and here I am doing such things for this. And I can't believe that I am contented.