Whimps of Heart (VALENTINE SERIES #2)

Chapter 2

T W O

Kakauwi ko lang galing sa Unibersidad at ang masasabi ko lang ay sobrang sinusubok ni Miss Jimenez ang pasensya ko.

Ngayon nandito ako sa kwarto ng bunso kong kapatid nakaupo lang ako sa sahig, watching as Bailey carefully places the last block on our toy castle. His face lights up with pure joy, and kahit papaano, napapangiti ako. For a brief moment, it feels like everything's okay.

"Look, Ate Iris! It's taller than me!" Masayang tawag niya sa akin, habang pinapakita ang ginawa niya.

I smile, trying to keep my mind off things. "Ang galing mo, Bailey! But be careful, baka matumba ka." Paalala ko dito.

Bailey laughs, his giggle filling the room, making it feel lighter. "Sir Knight will protect the castle!" Saad niya habang tinataas ang hawak na laruan.

I laugh softly too, pero bigla kong naririnig ang mga boses. Loud, sharp, and unmistakable. My body tenses, alam ko na kung ano na naman ito. Their voices start low but rise quickly, seeping into the room like a storm.

"Ate, what's that?"He looks at me, confused, and I try to act calm kahit nanginginig na ako sa loob.

"It's nothing, Bailey. Nag-uusap lang sila." Pag dadahilan ko dito.

But I know it's more than that. Their voices grow louder, and now I can hear every word. Si Mommy na naman ang umiiyak, ang sakit ng boses niya ay parang patalim na sumasaksak sa akin.

"Nambabae ka na naman! Ilang beses na kitang pinatawad, pero paulit-ulit ka lang!" At pareho lang kayong dalawa hindi natutoto.

Bailey looks up at me, unsure, and I can see the worry in his eyes. Hindi niya naiintindihan, and I don't want him to.

"Ate... why are they shouting?" Tanong niya sa akin.

I force myself to smile, kahit na parang mababasag na ako. "Nag uusap lang sila, Bailey. Don't worry, okay? Everything will be fine."

I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. I glance at Bailey, and I know I have to get him out of here. Hindi ko kayang ipaliwanag sa kanya kung ano ang nangyayari.

"Bailey, get your toys. You're going to the park with Yaya, okay?" Saad ko dito at isa-isa niligpit ang mga naka kalat na laruan niya.

"But I don't want to go, Ate. I want to stay here with you."

Nakikita ko ang lungkot sa mukha niya, but I have to be firm. "Masaya sa park, Bailey. You can go on the swings and play. Ako na bahala dito." Naka ngiti kong saad sa kanya.

"Can't you come with us? I don't like it when they fight." His words sting, but I shake my head, keeping my voice steady.

"I can't, Bailey. Pero don't worry, I'll be here when you get back. Promise." Saad ko dito

Tinawag ko na ang Yaya Bailey at pagpasok niya, she understands right away. She takes Bailey's hand, and I see him look back at me, confused but obedient.

"Ate Iris, will you be here when I come back?" Tanong niya sa akin, agad naman akong ngumiti sa kanya.

Napatango ako, pilit pinipigilan ang luha. "Oo, Bailey. I'll be here."

As soon as the door closes, parang biglang bumigat ang kwarto. I lean against the door, closing my eyes as I hear our parents fight continue in the background. The weight of everything settles in again, masakit sa dibdib, but all I can do is whisper to myself, hoping for an answer.

"Kailan ba matatapos ito?"

Pagdilat ng mga mata ko, naramdaman kong nasa kwarto na ako. Ang paligid ay tahimik, pero ang hangin ay puno ng tensyon. Nakita ko si Ate Elle sa tabi ko, ang kanyang mga mata ay halatang mugto mula sa pag-iyak, as if she hadn't slept at all.