A Better World With You

Chapter 38

"How did you know?" I asked him when we're already in the middle of the ride. Justine asked me to hangout with him today and I agreed with no hesitation because Ate Emma is the hero for today. I asked her to help me to not let anyone know especially those who are the members of our home. It might be risky for her but I am willing to take the responsibility if ever something happens. But anyways, right now, we're just going for a long ride on the way to Manila.

"Dahil hindi ka sumasagot sa mga tawag ko kagabi, si Cyril ang tinawagan ko at naikwento na nga ang nangyari sa'yo. At dahil kay Cyril Saka ko lang naintindihan kung anong nangyari. Nawala naman ng kaunti ang pangangamba ko nang masabi naman ng mga pinsan mo na okay ka at sila na ang bahala. Though hindi pa rin ako nakatulog  kasi hinihiling ko rin na sana noong gabing iyon ay naroon ako sa tabi mo." He said and based from how he expressed himself, he's sincere.

"My dear sister left the house. We both have the same feeling about it. However, Mama doesn't care whether she leave or not. Ginugusto ko na rin umalis ng bahay, pero panigurado na kapag umalis ako, ako ang lalabas na masama." I said in a monotonous tone as if I don't have any emotion at all. Siguro ganito na nga kapag emotionally tired or damaged ka na. Ang hirap nang magpahayag ng may feelings.

"Bakit?" He asked while he's busy focusing on the road.

"Ako ang paborito ng nanay ko. Bawat galaw ko, bawat salita ko, bawat achievements ko, ako lagi ang kanyang pinapansin. Ako pa ang may special treatment at dahil sa tingin niya ay ako na nga ang pinakamahusay niyang anak, ginagawa niya lahat para protektahan ako. Maganda naman 'yung intensyon sa totoo lang pero sobra kasi e. 'Yung tipong kinokontrol ka na at kapag hindi nasunod gusto niya, sasaktan ka naman. She's obsessed with success, she's obsess with being perfect." I explained and he just nodded. I heaved a deep sigh while looking at the fast-changing scenery outside the window and then suddenly, I slowly felt a soft hand caressing my hand that is being placed at my lap.

My attention goes to him and I'm staring at him with awe. Right there, I feel so comfortable. I feel loved and that's what I want not just today, but everyday. "You're dealing with a lot of things at the moment and I really am sorry for hearing those. For now, rest with me. Let me build a safe space for you, George." His voice is like a breath of fresh air. It's therapeutic and it feels like I'm gonna give in. He gave me a pang of joy, he relieves my lonely soul and I'm so into it.

"You built it already and you're part of it, Justine." I said and with that, a charming smile is now painted on his face.

"That's smooth. Hindi ko aakalain na manggagaling iyon sa iyo." He said and we both chuckled.

"I know right? I'm proud to say, I'm learning from the best." I proudly said with a playful wink and I can't believe I can make him go red and flustered because to be honest, he's now covering his mouth with his palm—hiding his huge smile. Damn, I'm probably getting better at this. I should do this more often.

"I would gladly be your coach then. You're flirting, George. T*ngina pinasasaya mo ako!" Masaya niyang sabi at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nawawala ang malawak niyang ngiti. Gustong gusto kong kuhanan si Justine ngayon at mukhang hindi ko na rin palilipasin ang pagkakataon na ito kaya naman dali-dali kong kinuha ang cellphone ko mula sa bag ko at patagong kinuhanan ito. I will be saving this to my hidden photos so that no one will ever see this, except me of course.

Pagkatapos ng mahabang byahe from Laguna all the way to our desired destination, Justine and I decided to get out of the car and take a deep breath while checking the place. Man, looks like we have a lot of things to do today. I was even surprised when Justine suddenly let me wore a white cap and passed me a face mask. I looked at him confused, but I just then realized that we shouldn't stand out from the crowd.