Cannot Be

Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Persistence

I can't believe Tristan said that in front of them. It was a good thing Patrice didn't hear it. She already said she'll take her own life for fucks sake! He knows that too damn well! Kapag ginawa talaga iyon ni Patsi ay hindi ko kakayanin ang guilt. I will hate myself forever.

"Sooo... Uh... Couz, how was the experience?" panimula ni Liv. She's probably trying to get rid of the awkward atmosphere.

Tinitigan lang siya ni Tristan. He didn't answer. Patuloy lang kaming kumain lahat. My mind is still worried about Patrice. I should really go after her now. I need to tell her my side of the story. Ayokong kimkimin niya ang lahat.

"Oh, quiet it is then." sabi ni Liv saka nagpatuloy sa pagnguya ng pagkain niya.

"I'm sorry. I have to go." sabi ko saka tumayo para sundan si Patrice. Baka kung ano na ang nangyari sa kanya.

"Cara! Get back here!" tawag sa akin ni mama. Kita ko ang paglingon ng ibang customer sa table namin but I didn't look back.

Dumiretso ako sa washroom. I opened or knocked on every stall pero wala siya roon. I figured she must have left already.

Lumabas ako ng mall. Looked left and right until I finally saw her sitting on a waiting shed across the road. She must be waiting for a ride.

"Patsi!" tawag ko from the pedestrian. Mukhang hindi niya ako naririnig as she just kept wiping her face.

"Patsi!" tawag ko ulit, this time louder.

Nuong hindi niya pa rin ako narinig ay tumawid na ako. My heart is beating fast in my chest. I hope she doesn't hate me now.

"Patsi." sabi ko ng marating ko siya.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin. Her face is already puffy and bloated from crying. Tumungo ulit siya ng makita ako.

"Umalis ka na Cara." sabi niya ng mahina.

"Patsi, let's talk." sabi ko saka marahang tinapik ang likod niya.

"Umalis ka na nga eh." sabi niya ng mahina pa rin. Her voice is shaky. Hindi niya ako nilingon. I hate to see her like this! She shouldn't be like this!

"Pat--"

"Umalis ka na please... Cara." sabi niya. She looked at me again. Her eyes is pleading me to leave.

"Please..." sabi ko.