Where I Belong

Kabanata 7

Blood

Another day had come to an end, signaling the time to head home. As I made my way towards the vehicle, Blair's group suddenly blocked my path.

"Look who's here, trying to act all innocent. You really think you belong in their house?" she sneered, her tone dripping with disrespect.

My heart sank at her words, but before I could respond, Kuya Aiden's voice rang out from a few paces away.

"Brea!"

Instead of feeling intimidated, Blair seemed to celebrate in the attention, na parang siya yung tinawag.

Quickly, I made my way to where Kuya Aiden stood.

"Are they bothering you?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Hinid po, we're just talking," I assured him.

But he didn't seem entirely convinced.

He began to move closer to them, but before he could reach them, I reached out and grabbed his hand.

"Kuya Aiden, we really are just talking. I'll let you know if they ever hurt me."

"Drop the 'Kuya'. Then I won't talk to them anymore," he declared firmly.

"Pero you're older than me," I protested weakly.

Determinedly, he took another step forward, leaving me with no choice but to comply with his wishes.

"Aiden," I said, a small smile making its way to his lips.

"That's good, let's go home."

He took hold of my wrist and pulled me towards the car.

Once we arrived home, we were greeted by Adrian, who informed us that their parents and Kuya Asher were still at work.

With dinner nearing, Aiden volunteered to cook while I offered to assist.

"Ah!" Aiden winced suddenly, clutching his finger.

"Are you okay?" I asked, concerned.

"It's nothing, just a little cut," he reassured me, though I could see the faint trickle of blood.

I averted my gaze, feeling a wave of nausea wash over me at the sight of blood.

"You look pale, are you okay?" Aiden's voice was filled with concern as he noticed my discomfort.

"I'm fine, Kailangan ko lang pong pumunta sa kwarto saglit," I replied, forcing myself to walk.

As I walked, I felt a rush of dizziness overwhelm me, and I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to steady myself.

Memories of my father's death and my own struggles with self-harm flooded my mind, threatening to engulf me once again.

At the age of 16, I had battled with suicidal thoughts and attempted to take my own life. Yet, I had kept my struggles hidden, fearing judgment and stigma from others.

I knew that some people would never understand the depths of my pain, dismissing it as trivial or even blaming me for my own suffering.

As I took the first step on the staircase, nawalan ako ng balance. Aiden's worried voice calling my name was the last thing I heard before I was consumed by darkness.