Glasses

Chapter 7: 2 Months

I, together with his parents, are trying to locate him. I also asked help from Gino and Patrick to find him. And as of now, we're clueless.

It's been 5 days, the police are acting on it.

I just can't bear the thought that in that span of 5 days, Riley is nowhere to be found. I mean where is he sleeping, is he even eating.

Suddenly a call came that evening.

It's Riley.

"Pare." (Bro.) He said with a normal voice with the same tone. He's okay I think.

"Riley!!!", I exclaimed. "Nasan ka **********!" (Where you at **********!)

He laughed a bit.

"O chill lang Jords." (Relax a bit Jords.)

"Nasaan ka ngayon? Babaliin ko leeg mo." (Where are you now? I will break your neck.) I clamored with conviction.

"Nasa kina Tita Lea ako." (I'm with Aunt Lea) he answered.

"Ha? Pero tumawag kami diyan pero... Ah **** it! Pupunta ako ngayon diyan." (Ha? But we called there but... Ah forget it! I will go there.) I said.

"O, pero wag mong isasama sina Mama." (Yes, but do not bring my parents.)

I didn't answer. I just hung up.

And then I reached the place, I mean 'we'.

If Riley thinks I am going to tolerate this, he's mistaken.

His parents need to know.

And so I brought them along.

"Jords.", he greeted. But that smile on his face is gradually fading away as he sees his parents behind me. "Ano 'to Jords?" (What is this Jords?), he angrily asked.

"Ri, wala na kong choice." (Ri, I don't have any choice.) I explained.

His mother hurriedly approached him and gave him a painful slap. A slap which explains everything.

Then Gino and Patrick came. They saw it.

Even I was shocked but it's the best thing to do.

His Aunt Lea came from behind.

"Sorry Ate, ayaw daw muna nyang magsabi sa inyo kaya dumito muna siya at di ko sinabi." (Sorry Sis, he did not want to tell you that he's here that's why I didn't tell you so.) His aunt said. "Gusto ko mang sabihin pero sinasabi nyang pag nalaman daw ninyo kung nasaan siya, aalis siya dito. At ayokong mangyari yon." (I want to tell you but he keeps on saying that if you'll know where he was, he will leave this house. And I don't want that.), she finished.

There's a moment of silence.

I don't think I should be here.

I should go. It's a family matter.

His father approached his son.

"2 months na lang..." (In just 2 months...) His father said with a eerie voice. "...hindi ka na makakakita, pero bakit mo pa ginagawa 'to samin?" (...you will lose your eyesight, and yet you are still making us suffer like this?) his father continued as tears flow from his eyes.

I was about to take a step back but I was left in surprise.

What the hell did I just hear?

"Umuwi na tayo anak." (Let's go home son.), his mother said as she was sobbing, begging for his son to come home.

I looked at Riley. I know there's already tears too. I just didn't have a glimpse of his face for a shadow is covering his face. But I know he is crying. 

I will soon cry too. I can feel it.

.

.

.

He then hugged his mom and as much as he wants to hide his feelings, I know Riley, he can't. 

He then burst into tears. So loud that it resounds even in the deepest part of hearts.

Gino and Patrick came to me. They're teary. 

But why?

Why can't I cry? Why can I hold back from crying?

I know my two friends are saying something, but I can't hear them.

The only thing I said in a whisper is, "Riley.........".