Stay Close (Andrada Series #1)

Kabanata 2

I have been thinking, "Why does a person cheat?"

From what I've read on the internet, it says that it's not just about breaking a promise or betraying trust; it's a reflection of deeper emotional, psychological, and situational factors that drive individuals to seek solace or excitement outside their committed partnerships.

It got me reflecting on all the times I spent with him, wondering where I messed up and what I did wrong along the way. How many times did I mess up for him to replace me that easily?

Napapikit ako at napabuntong hininga. Usap-usapan kami ngayon sa campus nina Thunder at Tiara. Who wouldn't? Ang dating hindi mapaghiwalay na magnobyo ay hiwalay na at ang masama pa, sa pinsan ko pa ako pinagpalit. I just can't seem to shake this feeling of not wanting to let go of Thunder. I'm really hanging on tight to him, and I just can't bring myself to let him go.

Habang naglalakad ako sa hallway ay napahinto noong makitang nasa unahan ko na pala sina Thunder and Tiara. I was totally spaced out and I didn't even notice them. I squeezed my fists to gather some guts. I really want to talk to Thunder.

"C-Can we talk?"

Kahit nakakarinig na ako ng bulong-bulongan ay hindi ko 'yun pinansin. I just wanted to talk to him badly. I wanted to ask him why...

Why did all of this happen?

Why can't he just stick to his promises... his words...

Malamig niya lamang akong tiningnan. Naramdaman ko nanaman ang pag-ulap ng aking mga mata kaya napakagat ako ng labi. Don't cry here, Avianea. Don't.

"P-Please, Thunder. L-Let's talk..." I was going to grab his hand, but Tiara shoved me, throwing off my balance, and I ended up taking a tumble.

"Cut it out, Ate Avi! Just face it, he doesn't love you anymore!"

Is he really not in love with me anymore?

Napahagulhol na ako ng iyak. I'm staring right into Thunder's eyes, and he's doing the same. His icy gaze just makes me feel worse, especially after what he said.

"Stop it, Avianea."

My breath hitched. I was at a loss for words and was unable to even move my body. I felt the students staring at me but I was paralyzed.

Nakita kong lalapit pa sana sa akin si Tiara pero biglang may humarang sa harap ko. My eyes are so cloudy that I could not recognize him at first glance.

"Sorry to meddle but I just can't watch or ignore this," Navarro said. "It's ironic how the side chick has the nerve to cause a scene like this," he added, snickering.

"W-What did you just say?!" hindi makapaniwalang saad ni Tiara.

"I'm sure you're not deaf. You definitely heard me," Pierce shot back. "Dude, get a grip on your side piece. She's making your already tarnished reputation even worse."

The students' whispers were crazy loud. Thunder's expression was a total mystery—annoyed and puzzled at the same time. Before he could even speak up, Navarro came to my rescue, helping me up and dragging me out of the crowd and away from them. Hindi na ako kumontra. Hinayaan ko lang siya na hilahin ako palayo. I don't even know what's happening anymore. Hindi ko lubos maisip na kaya akong lokohin ni Thunder at ng pinsan ko. Hindi man kami close ni Tiara pero hindi ko ine-expect na kaya niya 'tong gawin sa akin.

Napabalik ako sa reyalidad nang binitawan na ako ni Navarro. He was looking at me but I couldn't look at him in the face. I'm a mess right now.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.