Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Love #3)(On-Going)

Chapter 9

The following day, as anticipated, I developed a fever. Aling Nita reprimanded me upon learning the reason.

Aware of my fragile health, Aling Nita was deeply upset. Struggling to rise from my bed due to the weight of my body, I relied on her to bring me food. She refrained from informing Mommy and Daddy of my illness, resulting in me ignoring their calls.

Instead of reassuring words such as "get well soon," "eat before taking your medicine," or "rest today and skip tomorrow if needed," all I received was: "know that your body is frail, yet you still showered in the rain," "recover quickly, you must attend school tomorrow," and "you are grounded."

Despite feeling unwell, I pushed myself to attend school the next day. I nearly arrived late but fortunately made it to the gate with Sir Xade, who appeared to be waiting for someone.

"Good morning po, Sir," magalang kong sinabi bago bahagyang tumango.

"Why are you so late? You usually arrive early, don't you?" he inquired.

I mustered a faint smile. "I have a fever, Sir. But I can manage, it's preferable to being absent; Mommy and Daddy would be upset," I replied.

He frowned. "Are your grades more significant than your health?" he questioned, a hint of annoyance in his tone. I nodded, as honesty was imperative. "Alright, if your fever worsens, head to the clinic right away, don't wait until you collapse," he advised.

"Bakit po, Sir? Malaki po bang abala?" tanong ko.

He was momentarily taken aback by my question before proceeding to walk into the school, prompting me to follow. "That's not what I meant; don't solely focus on academics. Your grades won't matter if your heart ceases to beat," he responded.

I sighed. "Buti ka pa, Sir, you are worried about my health. I hope you're my father so I won't be pressured like this." I said.

"Are you feeling pressured by your family? Are they the ones pushing you to study rigorously?" he inquired. I nodded. "Why don't you express your true feelings? It's evident that you don't enjoy studying constantly."

Muli akong bumuntong hininga. "Hindi naman 'yon ganoon kadali, Sir. Kung iisipin madali lang sabihin 'yung mga nararamdaman ko, pero kapag sasabihin ko na, umuurong 'yung dila ko," sambit ko. "Ewan ko po ba. Parang kapag nag-open up ako magagalit lang sila tapos i-invalidate nila 'yung nararamdaman ko. Baka isipin nila na nag-iinarte lang ako."

"Si Ate Grapes ko po kasi noon nag-open up. Kasi ayaw niyang mag-politiko, nung sinabi niyang ayaw niya ay napagalitan lang siya. Tapos nung kumuha siya ng ibang course katakot-takot na sermon ang inabot niya kina Mommy at Daddy, sinaktan pa siya ng pisikal."

"So, this is me—I grew up fearing them because I witnessed how they mistreated my sister and brother. I don't want to end up like my siblings, so I comply with everything they desire," I confided.

"Even if it means marrying someone you don't love?" he probed.

I furrowed my brows. Eventually, I simply chuckled. "Mommy and Daddy aren't like that. They wouldn't allow me to marry someone I don't love until I become a politician," I clarified.

Silence fell between us as we entered the room.

Everything appeared ordinary; I overheard disparaging remarks, but that was the extent of it. Perhaps they pity me, it's evident that I am unwell. Maawa naman sila sa akin kahit ngayon lang. Baka bigla akong umiyak kapag na-bully ako. 

In the afternoon, I headed to the side of our strand's building to dispose of garbage. Sovie did not accompany me as she had been invited to Steffi and Flint's home.