Bruised (A Thomas Torres Fanfiction)

Seventeen

The days seem to be getting longer as they roll by. It was probably because of how exhausted I feel after each one. Three days into my two-week stay here and I've already met a bunch of my friends who I've left behind. I caught up with them over breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, or dinner. And while I wasn't with them, I spent my hours either helping Kiefer and Mika with their wedding or meeting with the designer they chose for my gown. The only difference today is that Angel asked to meet with me. I guess she wanted to truly know how I'm holding up with everything.

"Hey," I smiled at Angel who just placed her hand back on her lap after waving at me. We both decided to meet up at one of the small restaurants in Taguig. Considering that it was already past lunchtime, there were relatively few people going in and out of the place. I quickly took a seat in front of Angel and we were both handed menus. It took a while but we finally placed our orders for a quick snack.

"I still can't believe you're here," she chuckled as she shook her head.

"I can't believe it either. It's been too long," I sighed. "So, how's dad?"

"He's still the same workaholic guy you left before. But after what happened, it's almost like work is really the only thing he lives for. Are you planning to visit him? Para lang makita niya na okay ka,"

I thought about it. I probably should. It's been hard for him as well. Angel's right too. He deserves to know that I'm okay. I wasn't the only one who got affected by what happened in the past.

I nodded after a while. "I will. He's my dad, after all," I replied. "How's your mom?"

A frown made its way to Angel's lips as she shrugged. "She's gotten a bit better but... The doctors think that her condition won't ever be lifted,"

The memory I remembered on the way back here was the start of it all. It triggered everything. From my sudden change of attitude to how my dad and stepmom are now. My dad found out about the physical abuse that I've received from Lovely, causing him to file for a divorce not long after. Despite that, he didn't severe his relationship with Angel. He still treated her like his own. Lovely didn't take it lightly as well. Just like me, she sunk into depression. However, she turned to drugs and alcohol. That was what spurred Angel to send her mom into a rehabilitation center in Manila. Since then, I haven't seen or heard from her.

I felt terrible. If it weren't for me, then maybe things will be okay. That was my mindset before I left for the States. Maybe everyone will be better off if I wasn't around.

"Hey, Tina," Angel waved her hand in front of my face, trying to grab my attention.

"Sorry," I sheepishly grinned. "I kind of zoned out there,"

She sighed in relief. "Geez. So, how are you? I mean, really, how are you?"

Suddenly, one of the employees appeared with the food we ordered. I just showed Angel a small smile as our food was being set down.

How am I, really? I don't even know how to answer it. I've been okay but... I'm fine but... There's always something trailing after it. I'm all right but I miss how things used to be, minus the abuse. I miss everyone. I miss the moments I've shared with them. I miss how happy I felt before. Now, I just try to get by everyday with a positive outlook even if I don't feel anywhere near true happiness.

"I just..." I sighed as a sad smile played on my lips. I was about to respond but a waiter's voice as he greeted the person who entered the restaurant kept my lips shut. I ended up glancing at who it was, a habit that I picked up while I was in the States, and immediately wished that I didn't. I quickly turned my attention back towards Angel who seemed to not notice what had transpired in the last few seconds. However, it was kind of hard not to notice him when the waiter lead him to one of the tables by the window that was in my line of sight.