Runaway

Chapter 14

She always loved the smell of her lola, parang may sarili itong perfume na sa kanya lang mahahanap at maaamoy. Her scent is full of love and joy.

Hanggang sa paglibing ng kanyang lola, nakayakap pa rin si Serena sa damit ng lola niya. She feels like she's hugging her tightly.

Hanggang sa pagtulog niya. Doon siya natutulog sa kwarto ng lola niya. Kinuha niya lang ang mga gamit at damit na kakailangan niya and transferred to her lola's room while her father is staying at her room, with his new family.

Tanggap suya ng step mother niya and her step sister and brother is fond of her. Naging close na sila kaagad. Her step-mom is gentle at mahinhin magsalita. Halos siya na ang gumagawa sa mga gawaing bahay at pinilit siya nitong sumama sa kanila sa City kung saan sila naninirahan ngayon.

She treats her like her own daughter and Serena admits na tanggap niya ang kanyang step-mom.

Alex, he's still the same. He's helping her catch up their lessons. Hindi niya pa rin nasasabi kay Alex ang gusto niyang sabihin.

It's Saturday. Kasalukuyan siyang nagsusulat ng essay sa English nang pumasok ang papa niya at ang step-mom niya.

"Anak?" Serena stopped writing and faced them.

"Po?"

"Sasama ka na sa amin sa city," her father said and smiled at her.

"P-Po? Pero..." she trailed

"Don't worry, Serena. Tatapusin mo naman ang senior high mo dito," Her step-mom held her hands and looked at her father.

"Lalabas muna ako," her step-mom said at lumabas na ng kwarto ni Serena.

What about Alex?

"Pag-iisipan ko po," she said

"No, Serena. It is settled. Papa mo ako," her father said

"I can't---"

"Serena, alam kong mahirap sa'yo. Pero ayaw ko rin naman na iwan ka na lang dito mag-isa,"

"Sanay naman akong mag-isa," Serena answered and her father sighed.

"Anak, ngayon lang ako makakabawi sa lahat ng pagkukulang ko sa iyo,"

"Siya nga pala Serena, nandito ang mama ni Alex. May gusto siyang sabihin sa'yo," her step-mom said kaya natigil ang pag-uusap nila ng papa niya.

Lumabas siya sa kwarto niya and saw a woman, mid-40's na nakatayo. May kasama siyang dalawang lalaki and Serena assumed they're guards. Wala naman kasing kapatid na lalaki si Alex.

Based from her looks, mukhang nandidiri siya sa kanyang paligid. Bahagyang napa-yuko na lang si Serena.

"You must be Serena," her voice went shivers to Serena's spine.

"Opo,"

"Well I overheared your conversation with your dad. It's okay for you to go,"

"P-Po?"

She felt nervous. Her heart was pounding while waiting for the woman to answer and enlighten her.

Little did she know Alex's mother will bring bad news to her life.

After that day, Serena went on a date with Alex. Their date was special. Alex fetched her early in the morning at hinatid siya nito pauwi nang 10 o'clock. They spend the day together at the carnival. Alex knows she wants to go there. She was happy. They were happy.

But as soon as she stepped inside of her room, tears were falling down and she couldn't stop it. She feels like it is the last time they'll date.

No. It is the last date. She promised herself.