(GRIEGO COUSINS #1)
Seven years after his mother's tragic death, Angelus Griego's father, Simon Griego, made a life-changing decision to marry a wealthy businesswoman with a troubled past and a sick child. Angelus, known for his charm, intelligence...
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I can't say anything.
Nakatayo ako sa harap ni Mama. She's wearing a black robe while she's looking at me, worried, angry, and confused. I don't even have to hide it. Unang kita niya pa lang sa akin, alam niya na.
"Why, Farida?"
I looked down and bit my lip. I'm scared. What if she grounds me? Bukas na ang huling pasok ko at paniguradong i-g-ground niya ako. Wala akong pakialam kung ikukulong niya ako. Pero paano ko ito ipapaliwanag kay Ristan nang hindi sinasabi ang totoo?
"Answer me! Why did you go to that kind of place and drink?! You're a minor, Farida!"
"I'm sorry—"
"I don't need your apology! I want you to explain!"
Inangat ko ang tingin sa kaniya. She was breathing heavily, and I stiffened when I saw the tears forming in my mother's eyes. She looked angry, but the pain in her eyes was palpable.
The guilt started plaguing me. Napaupo siya sa sofa at sinapo ang kaniyang mukha.
"I always ask you if you're okay. I encouraged you to share everything with me... If you're sad, I want you to tell me. If you have a problem, tell me and we will solve it together," her voice cracking.
Kinagat ko ang aking labi at lalong hindi nakapagsalita. She looked at me, her eyes filled with tears.
"Hindi na kita maintindihan, Farida. I am aware of my shortcomings as your mother, especially now that your father's gone. That's why... I'm trying my best to be there for you. Pero sa tuwing ginagawa ko iyon, mas lalo kang lumalayo sa akin," bakas ang sakit sa kaniyang boses.
She's wrong. I am not being distant from her because of that. I didn't even notice that I was doing that.
"You're a good girl. We're very proud of your accomplishments. Kahit wala kaming masiyadong oras ng ama mo para sa'yo, you never demand anything, and instead, you work extra hard!"
Pumikit ako nang mamuo ang aking mga luha. My lips quivered. I didn't demand anything because I was afraid it was too much. I didn't need anything to begin with. The only thing I wanted was their time. Their time to spend with me. But asking for it felt too much. They were working hard for me, so who am I to demand that?
"That's why it pains me to see you suddenly changed! You isolate yourself and are always distant! At ngayon... n—nagawa mo nang tumakas at uminom! Why? What's the matter, Farida? If you continue living like this, your bright future will be ruined! I want you to tell me. Sabihin mo sa akin kung ano ang problema mo—"
"You'll never understand," I said in the middle of her lamentations.
"What?"
I opened my eyes, tears falling down my cheeks. "You will never understand me! Even if I tell you, you'll just get confused!"
