Bound To You

CHAPTER 37

Napaawang ang bibig ko. Shocked was understatement. Never in my thought she'll be this desperate.

"No" I said firmly then walked passed her.

Hinawakan niya yung braso ko para pigilan at mahigpit na kinapitan.

"Trystan.." her voice broke.

I stopped and stared at her. I heaved a heavy sigh when I saw tears streamed down her cheeks. Dammit. Why did she have to cry? Tss.

I felt her grip tightened as she bowed down her head. Her shoulders were shaking and I could hear her sobs. I looked up and closed my eyes. I hate seeing anyone cry. I released a heavy sigh then shook my head.

"Ashley.."

Tumunghay siya at tumitig sakin. My expression softened. She looked so weak and innocent. Why world is so deceiving? Tss.

"Go home" I said then yanked her hands on my arm and turned my back on her.

*

"Kuya!" salubong ni Troy pagkapasok ko sa bahay.

Mom stormed out of the kitchen wearing her apron then ran into me.

"Anak!" she hugged me as if she didn't saw me for years.

"Mom"

"Hindi ka sumabay samin sa dinner." she pouted.

I smiled at her then kissed her cheek. "Sorry. Kumain na po ako kila Pam" I said then.

It's as if I've said a bombing news, Mom smiled widely then called Dad.

"Let him rest, magbebake pa yan bukas" he said then dragged Mom back to the kitchen.

I shook my head then looked down when I felt someone was pulling the hem of my shirt.

"Where's my cake?" Troy asked with anticipating eyes.

Cute.

I grinned as I ruffled his hair "Is it your birthday already?" I asked.

He profusely shook his head as he answered "No"

"Then, there's no cake yet"

"But.." he pouted.

"Matulog ka na tapos paggising mo may cake ka na"

"Promise?"

I nodded then smiled. My little brother was too cute to decline.

"Promise" I assured him.

He then smiled widely as his eyes twinkled in excitement "Im gonna sleep na po" he said then strode inside the kitchen.

I smiled then shook my head. I walked to my room and sat on the edge of my bed. Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago pabagsak na nahiga sa kama. I feel exhausted already.

I closed my eyes and Ashley's face suddenly popped out on my head. I really can't believe that that innocent face can do desperate acts.

I sighed and ruffled my hair.

*

Isang oras lang akong natulog. I woke up early to prepare my promised cake for my brother and Pam. Im keeping my words so I put too much effort for doing it special. Everyone in the house knew that I didn't want anyone bothering me when im baking. Hindi naman kasi talaga ako nagbebake. Cakes lang for my family kaya medyo sensitive ako kapag oven ang kaharap ko at hindi stove.

"It's my birthday, so where's my cake?" tanong agad ni Troy pagkagising niya.

I smiled at him and greeted him a happy birthday. Mom started singing habang papalapit siya sa kama ni Troy tapos nasa tabi naman niya si Dad na hawak yung cupcake na may nakatusok na kandilang may sindi na sa ibabaw.

"Happy birthday baby!" bati ulit ni Mom.

"Blow the candle" sabi naman ni Dad which Troy obeyed quickly.

"Pwede na pong kainin?" tanong niya sa parents namin.

Since it became a ritual, both of them nodded and happily watched my brother as he ate the cupcake in slowmo. I just shook my head and grinned.

Mom ensured that everything's ready before Troy walked out of his room. Thankfully, tanghali na siyang nagising kaya sakto lang sa oras ng pagdating ng mga bisita.

I kept on looking at my phone and waited for Yanna's reply.

To: Yanna

Wer r u?

I sent the message. I immediately received a reply  from her saying that they're already on their way. That I should chill coz i'll be seeing her in minutes. Tss. She said to much, I only asked where they are.

"Ate Pam!" excited na sigaw ni Troy nung bumaba sa kotse Pam.

He ran into them and hugged her right leg. Pam patted his head while smiling. I somewhat felt envy for Troy for receiving that kind of smile from her which I haven't receive yet.

Hindi muna ako lumapit sa kanila. I enjoyed watching her enjoying the party at alam kong masisira ang araw niya kapag dumikit ako. I know im at fault but I can't help it, I can't get enough of her. I wanted to stay away longer but the cake can't wait though. Lumapit ako sa kanya pagkatapos niyang kumain. I brought the cake in front of her and smiled widely.

"Ready?" I grinned.

She gave me a scrutinizing stare first before nodding her head then picked the fork. Her forehead creased while tasting the cake.

"So?" I hastily asked.

Her face was blank that I cannot read if she liked it or not. "I--"

But a scream cutted whatever she wanted to say and I immediately stood up. I felt horrified as I ran  inside the house.

"Shit! Troy!" I exclaimed when I saw my Dad carrying my brother.

My heart sunk when I saw my brother struggling to breath properly and his skin became so red. My hands were trembling while I was driving. I don't know what to feel when I heard my Mom's sobs and keep on saying my brother's name. I kept my mouth shut though I wanted to curse nonstop but I knew better. Dad doesn't like me cursing, and it wouldn't help in this kind of situation.

The nurses immediately assisted us to the emergency room and checked Troy's condition. I don't know what the hell happened but I swear if anything bad happens to him, whoever at fault it is would pay.

"What happened?!" I asked frustratedly to Troy's nanny.

"Hindi ko ho alam" she cried "Hinila na lang ako ni Troy papunta sa kusina at sinabi niyang kakainin na niya yung regalo ng girlfriend niya tapos nung nasa kalahati na siya bigla na lang siyang namula at hindi makahinga" she elaborated.

My body froze as she mentioned the word girlfriend. Isang babae lang naman ang tinatawag ni Troy na girlfriend.

My eyes searched for the one who's at fault. Of all the people..

Why you.. Pamela?"