Miara's Mistakes: Part Two

(179) August 24, 2020

Courage

"I'm glad you're here... so, so glad... and relieved," Miara said as she squeezed Primo into a hug.

Wala nang ibang may maramdaman si Primo kundi panatag ng loob. He can't even explain how worried he was when he couldn't contact her.

Miara messaged him that she's going back to their house. He wanted to tell her to just stay with his cousins but he also knows his boundaries.

He's worried that her mother might attempt to hurt her again... but he also can't tell her what she should and shouldn't do.

"Natakot ako kanina..." he could hear the hidden frustration and uneasiness in her voice. It was as if she's reliving everything she went through.

In the few months that he has known her, Miara already made Primo feel different things that he never got to experience before. And now, another thing was added—it's that unexplainable worry... ito ang unang beses siyang natakot nang husto para sa isang tao.

"Natakot ako," her voice broke. He knows that she still wants to add more but only stopped to prevent herself from crying.

His list got another entry—it's that crushing pain in his chest. He wants to do something to get rid of that discomfort but the pain isn't his... he's unknowingly sharing her pain.

What's making him feel worse is that what Miara's feeling is probably way more upsetting and agonizing.

"I'm sorry, Miara... I'm sorry," he swallowed hard and closed his eyes. He hugged her tighter, hoping that her pain would transfer to him... hoping that his embrace would make her feel at ease.

He knows that Miara isn't blaming him for anything. But even so, he feel guilty... he should've been there for her. Kung hindi siya umalis, hindi rin 'to nangyari. He feels partly responsible for the pain she's going through.

When he was on his way back from Bacolod, he messaged her. Not once and not twice. He tried calling her but she was out of reach. He started getting worried so he called his cousins to go check on Miara.

His intuition told him that something is not right. Ang akala niya ay may nangyari ulit kay Miara at sa ina nito. What he didn't expect is that it has something to do with Cleo.

When his cousins realized that Miara is not in her house, they started asking around too. They went to her neighbors and checked the city proper but they couldn't find her.

Primo knows that they like Miara. But what he didn't expect is that they'll search for her without him asking for it. They did it on their own. They offered to find her. And it's not because of him. It's because they care about Miara too.

"I'll thank Fico tomorrow..." bulong ni Miara, tinatago lang ang hikbi. "What's his favorite food? Ipagluluto ko na lang siya."

Primo smiled and shook his head even though she won't see it. He kissed the top of her head and couldn't help but think that he just wants to just keep her by his side... and to protect her... to care for her... and to treasure her...

"He'll be happy with your 'thank you,' Miara," he said in an assuring tone.

Miara nodded while he caressed her hair. Ngayong kumakalma na si Miara ay unti-unti nang bumalik kay Primo ang poot na nararamdaman. He has never felt this furious and vengeful before.

The anger is suffocating but also empowering. It's like something inside him was awakened. He's not the type to do revenge but this time, he knows that he can't let this slide.

"Should we walk around?" He offered and let go of the hug.

Gusto niyang tumingin si Miara sa kaniya ngunit patuloy ang pag-iwas nito.