Caught On Fire (WAKAS)

VIII.

I don't want to leave Esguerra now that we're finally here. But, a part of me find it difficult to ignore Sab's call.

"Wala ka bang pasok? Ilang araw ka na rito," She said while eating pringles here in the living room. I stared at her. She really didn't change at all.

"I'll be leaving tomorrow." Umiwas naman siya ng tingin.

"Oh, edi maganda. Para wala ng peste rito,"

"Do you mean that?"

"H-ha? Oo." Lumapit naman ako sa kanya at hinarap siya. I trapped her on the edge of the sofa.

"Really? You don't want me here?"

"Oo nga. A-ano ka ba, l-lumayo ka nga." I smirked. I kissed her forehead.

"I'll be returning. Don't worry. I told you I want to be with you."

"Bahala ka sa buhay mo!" Binato niya sa 'kin 'yong isang pringle. Kumuha naman din ako ng isa ring pringle sa center table at binato sa kanya.

"Aba'y gago ka talaga noh." Natawa naman ako.

"Ikaw nagumpisa, dinamay mo pa ako."

"Baliw." She muttered.

"Seriously,you won't miss me?"

"Bakit? Kamiss miss ka ba? Mabuti nga 'yon,"

"Talaga lang huh?" Hamon ko sa kanya. Umayos naman din siya ng upo.

"I'll give you space and time Esguerra. I hope you'll be decided when I come back."

"I'll wait Esguerra.. I'll patiently wait." I added.

I hurriedly booked a flight and went straight to New York where Sab's currently confined. Nabalitaan ko na naospital ito pagkatapos uminom ng maraming paracetamol.

"Don't do this Sab.." I said holding her hand. Her face still looked blank and hopeless.

"Please Sab.." Nakatingin pa rin ito sa bintana. I tried holding her face but she's too fast not to let me to.

"Don't touch me.." Mariin nitong sabi.

"Don't do that to yourself Sab. Please.." I pleaded.

"But you make me want to kill myself. Ipinagpalit mo ako sa isang doctor na 'yon." She whispered.

"I'm sorry Sab. Sorry. Sorry.." My voice broke. Tears cascaded down her face. I know hindi mapapantayan ng ilang sorry ang nararamdaman niya ngayon.

"You made me feel loved and special Gray tapos iniwan mo ako. Hindi mo alam kung gaano kasakit sa 'kin 'to."

"Sab.."

"Don't call my name! I hate you! You're so selfish Gray!" Pinaghahampas niya ako at sinasalag ko naman ito. I deserve this.

"Pagod na ako Gray.. ayoko na.."

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Napatingin kami sa pumasok. Si Tita Amanda.

"You made her do this! Ano? Masaya ka na? My daughter is suffering!"

That was my cue to kneel down before them.

"Patawarin niyo po ako.. Sorry for the damages I've caused." My eyes were still glued on the ground. I needed this.

Nanginginig pa rin ang tuhod ko. When I tilted my head I saw Sab crying hard.

Things didn't go well as planned. Ang akala ko'y magiging maayos na ang lahat pagkabalik ko sa Pilipinas.

Ipinakulong ko si Fauco dahil isa rin ito sa mga numero unong dealer ng drug. Kiko was furious. Hindi na rin naging maayos ang relasyon namin. I thought they would be my family but they left.