Sinclair Secrets

Chapter 16: Away from You

I heard knocking on my door pero binalewala ko lang. I snuggled even farther in my bed, my back on the door.

A moment later, I heard it slowly creaked open. "C'mon Sis... It's almost time for school." Bryan said quietly as light showered in my room. Alam ko kelangan ko na bumalik sa skwela. Hindi na ako pumasok since Wednesday last week. And it's already monday.

When I still didn't answer, I felt the bed dipped. I felt him kissed my temple and hugged me from behind. "You can always talk to me Sis. I'm always here for you, you know that right? Coz whatever happens Sis you will always be my number one girl," he said in a soothing voice.

That was all it took for my stupid dam of tears to break loose again for God knows how many times now. I've been crying overnight for the past few days at pakiramdam ko wala nang ikakasingkit pa tong mga mata ko. Pero hindi parin magawang maubos-ubos ng mga luha ko.

Bryan stayed with me ever since that day. He comforted me any way he can. Hugged me tightly all through out till it felt like I have already cried my eyes out. He'd always been there for me. Ever since. And I realize, he's not just the best brother. He's my best friend as well. Perks of having a twin. You can have both without the fear of losing one.

"You'll get through this Sis. I believe in you. I love you."

I couldn't be any grateful for having a brother as sweet as him as now.

"You ready?"

Bryan was looking at me like I would break down anytime soon. Napatingala ako sa school namin saka huminga ng malalim. And then another. And another.

It took me a lot of courage to drag myself to school. I've been telling myself over and over that I couldn't hide forever. Sooner or later I would have to face him. I would have to face Vaughn. Wala siyang ginawang kasalanan and he surely doesn't deserve my actions. But, I was hurt and yeah... I feel ashamed. The main reason why I don't have the guts to face him right now.

I begrudgingly took the last few steps towards my homeroom door. My clasp on my books tightening.

"Bessy!"

Napaigtad ako nang marinig ang pagsigaw ni Patricia. Pagpasok na pagpasok ko, inundayan niya agad ako ng mahigpit na yakap. "Buti naman bumalik kana. Oh, kamustang grandparents mo sa Batanes?"

I blinked. Oo nga pala. I lied to them. Ayaw ko nang mag-alala pa sila kaya sinabi kong kailangan kong bumisita sa Batanes. I brazed myself to give her a happy smile. Patricia is glowing with exuberance as usual. "Okay naman. Medyo napahaba lang yung bakasyon ko."

Patty raised an eyebrow kaya kinabahan ako. I made sure to wear my make-up today to hide the puffiness of my eyes. Kaya siguro wala namang problema.

Pero iba parin yung tingin ni Patty. She was chewing on the insides of her cheek as her eyes roamed my face like a private investigator. "Alam mo, parang may mali sayo eh."

Napasinghap ako. "H-huh?"

Kumunot lalo ang noo niya habang nakatitig sa itsura ko. "Your eyes... Bess r'you okay? You look ..."

I let out a nervous laugh saka tinapik siya sa braso. "Hehehe.. My eyes? Nooo.. Tara upo na tayo..."

I drag her to our seats. I even nodded to Steven and Hozzai who nodded back, with Steven just mouthing 'Master!' kasi saka namang pagdating ni Mrs. Henares.