Safe Place (Starlit Series #1)

Prologue

"Top 5? My gosh santy! Not even on the top 3. Goodness gracious nakakahiya ka!" mom yelled at me hysterically. Halos lumabas na lahat ng ugat sa leeg ni mommy habang pinapagalitan ako.

Nakayuko lang ang ulo ko habang pinag lalaruan ang mga daliri. This night. Lumabas na ang result ng licensure exam for psychometricians ngayong gabi. 

"Atacia stop that! Top 5 is still high. Our daughter still did her best" pag tatanggol sa akin ni daddy.

"Well her best isn't enough. I bet, kung nag take lang din ng exam si Tatiana baka mas mataas pa sa kanya yun"

"Stop comparing my Ace to anyone. Besides, it's just for psychometricians. Kung tutuusin nga ay hindi naman ito dapat ganun ka-big deal. Come on Atacia, any moment from now ay babalik na sya sa Rome to pursue psychiatry."

"I don't care!" hinawakan ni mommy ang mukha ko at pwersahang iniharap sa kanya.

"Don't hurt my daughter" akmang tatayo na si dad para agawin ako kay mommy nang bigla syang balingan ni mommy at samaan ng tingin.

"Make sure to do more better on psychiatry" she says before letting go of me.

Lumabas ako ng opisina ni daddy pero mula sa labas kahit naisara ko na nag pinto ay dinig ko pa din ang pag tatalo nila.

"When will you stop on pressuring her?"

"Pressuring her? I'm only doing this for her and for the family"

"Cut that bullshit Atacia. My Ace is not a trophy"

"Yan! Kaya palagi syang nagpapabaya kasi palagi mong kinukunsinti"

"Stop being so narcissist. My child doesn't need to be perfect"

Trophy. Perfect. Fucking great.

I went to my room and put on a jacket. Without looking back, I walked straight towards my car and drove away. I have to release my emotions. I feel like drowning.

I looked for my phone and dialed Pell's number while driving.

"Hello Santy? I'll call you back ah? Si Tell kasi isinugod ko ngayon sa hospital. Mataas ang lagnat at kanina pang nag susuka" I can hear her running. 

"Yeah yeah sure. Napatawag lang ako kasi kukumustahin sana kita"

"Sure ka? May problema ba? Mag sabi ka lang, Santy"

"Gago wala. Gusto lang sana kitang icongratulate" I don't want to add to her burden

"Salamat Santy. Congrats din miss top 5"

"Sige na. I'll hang up na. Don't worry too much, gagaling din si Tell"

Si Wilson naman ang sunod kong tinawagan.

"Wilso-"

"Santy, ano yun? Sorry maingay hehe nasa work pa ako eh. Tumakas lang ako" I sighed and apologized to Wilson before calling Chad next but he's not answering, busy din yata.

Tatawag na sana ako kay Franco kaso naalala kong may exam nga pala sya bukas. After graduation kasi ay nag proceed na agad sya sa law school. Si Tatiana naman ay nasa Davao pa ngayon dahil may inaasikaso syang family matter.

Elliana, she's been busy these past few weeks for her shoot. She's currently at L.A right now for some brands.

I tossed my phone at the back and start looking for a nearest bar.

After arriving at the bar I didn't waste any time and started to drink immediately. I drink and drink more not minding the time. I danced, shout, and drink until I feel myself getting dizzy. Nahihilo akong pumasok sa restroom para sumuka at nang makalabas ako ng restroom after kong sumuka ay muntik na akong matumba nang may mabunggo akong lalaki. Nag sorry lang ako at tinanggal ang kamay nitong nakaalalay sa braso ko para hindi ako matumba.