The Love We Lost | GxG | ProfxStudent

Chapter Seven: Grief and Grace

Phaedra Calise

—A week ago

Why did I do that?

I hurt her.

I'm sorry...

I stood in the hallway, watching the two women walk away from me. I don't know why, but I felt hurt when I realized what I had done to her. I slowly looked down at Vianne's arms while she's walking away with that bitch Eula. I hate her, I hate Eula and I hate—

Bakit hindi ko kayang sabihin?

Bumuntong hininga ako at napapikit, kinuyom ko rin kamao ko dahil sa nararamdaman kong galit. I'm not angry because she was late. God, I was worried because she wasn't in class yet. I'm angry because of them being too close... especially when I saw them at the cafeteria. I don't know why I feel angry when I shouldn't.

As I stood there, watching them disappear down the hallway, a mix of regret and confusion swirled inside me. Why did I lash out like that? Ano ba meron kay Vianne that brings out these intense emotions? I felt a sting of jealousy seeing her with Eula, but there's more to it. It’s the fact that I can't seem to let go of our past. I clenched my fists tighter, trying to suppress the anger bubbling inside me.

Natapos na rin ang huling klase ko, and I found myself walking down the hallway, greeting students with a cold stare. I nodded at a few familiar faces and gave a quick smile to some students who greeted me cheerfully. Kahit labag sa loob ko.

When I finally reached my office, sinara ko yung pintuan sa likod ko and let out a deep sigh. The quietness of the room felt like a stark contrast to the chaos in my mind. I slumped into my swivel chair, rubbing my temples as I tried to push away the thoughts of the confrontation with Vianne.

Why did it bother me so much? Seeing her with Eula... it felt like a betrayal, pero bakit? Hindi naman na kami close tulad ng dati, yet the sight of them together felt like a knife to my chest.

I leaned back in my chair, my gaze drifting up to the ceiling as memories of Vianne washed over me. The emotions they stirred were complex, a mix of longing, regret, and something softer, more tender.

As my eyes focused on the familiar artwork above, a faint smile played on my lips.

The intricate patterns and vibrant colors were just as beautiful as I remembered.

"Beautiful..." I whispered softly, the word escaping my lips almost unconsciously.

I was lost in my thoughts when my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and a wide smile spread across my face. The worries and tension melted away instantly.

"Maayong Hapon, Nanay" I answered softly. My beloved Lola. She's the one person who could always make me feel better, no matter what.

Mahal na mahal ko si Nanay. She's been my rock, my source of strength, especially when my parents were too busy with their company. She practically raised me, and I owe so much to her. Hearing her voice always brings a sense of peace and comfort.

But the voice on the other end wasn’t my grandmother’s. It was my Tita Agatha, my father’s sister. My heart skipped a beat, a sense of dread creeping in.

"Phaedra... Sinugod sa hospital si Mama" she said, her voice shaky.

It felt like the ground was pulled from under me. My worst fear, the one I dreaded the most... was happening. My mind went blank for a second, and I struggled to catch my breath.

"No... What happened?" I managed to ask, my voice barely a whisper.

Tita Agatha explained that Nanay had collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. I could barely hear her over the pounding of my heart. Nanay, my strongest supporter, the one person who has always been there for me, was now lying in a hospital bed.