SEDUCING THE THORN °[KathNiel] ✓COMPLETE

CHAPTER 49

Dos

Mom managed to convince Brook to stay for the night. Besides, it's still raining outside. Even though mom prepared the guest room for her, I made her stay in my room. From the looks of it, mukhang ilang gabing hindi natutulog at nakakapagpahinga ng maayos si Brook. Ang bilis niya kasing naka-idlip kanina. I'm watching her sleep right now, afraid that I might again lose her in a glimpse.

"I'll make it right this time, baby. I promise I will not hurt you again." Bulong ko rito habang hinahaplos ang buhok niya. "Mahal na mahal kita Brook. Mahal na mahal."

I stayed awake 'til morning, still watching my angel sleeping. Thinking that she's having a sound sleep, I can only smile. Paano ko nagawang saktan ang babaeng 'to? Mahal na mahal ko 'to eh. I shook my head at my own question. Hindi ka kasi dapat nagde-desisyon Dos kapag puno ng galit at selos 'yang puso mo.

"Nak?" I heard mom calling. "Dos? Anak." Nagmamadali akong tumakbo sa pintuan baka kasi magising niya pa si Brook. 

"Mom, Brook's still asleep."Pabulong na sabi ko matapos buksan ang pinto. "Ba't ganyan ang mukha mo? Is anything wrong?"

"Si—Si Shiela anak. Nasa labas ng bahay. Mukhang lasing." She stammered, sounding panicky.

Ano? Ugh. Napangiwi ako at saka nginitian si mommy.

"Ako na ang bahala mom." I assured her and then I immediately hurried outside. Mom's telling the truth. Shiela's outside her car, leaning against it.

"What are you doing?" Sita ko sabay hatak sa kanya papasok ng kotse niya. Kinuha ko sa kanya ang susi para ipagmaneho siya pauwi. Hindi ko man lang naisara ang pinto ng passenger seat dahil niyakap niya ang braso ko. 

"Dos... stop hurting me. Hindi ko na kaya."

"Shiela, ilang ulit ko ba kailangang sabihin na nagkamali ako? Alam kong malaki akong gago dahil sa ginawa ko sa'yo. Look, I don't love you." I told her again. Paulit-ulit kong ipinaliwanag sa kanya pero sinasara niya ang isip niya. Maingat na binawi ko ang kamay ko ngunit nahahawakan niya parin 'yon ng mahigpit.

"Hindi. Just marry me. Dos, you will learn to love me. Matututunan mo rin akong mahalin. Just marry me." Pagmamakaawa niya.

"I tried that before, remember? Sinubukan ko. Pero naghiwalay lang tayo. Alam mo kung bakit? Shiela, mawawala na siguro lahat pero hindi 'yong pagmamahal ko para kay Brook. It's always been her."

She sobbed while her arms are clung around my neck. I can smell the alcohol in her body. Then I realized that she's wearing the same dress as last night which means she didn't go home. Naglasing lang siya.

"Let's try again. Dos, please."

Tumagal kami ni Shiela ng isang taon noon. And the reason why we split up is because she already wanted us to get married. Akala ko noon, mahal ko na siya. But when she demanded a wedding, I knew back then that I'm still not over Brook. Kaya nambabae ako. Sinadya kong lokohin siya para iwan niya ako. 

"Lasing ka Shie. Ihahatid na kita."

"No, Dos. Hindi ako lasing."She insisted strongly. "Kapag siya ang pinili mo, magpapakamatay ako. Wala narin namang silbi ang buhay ko kapag nawala ka e." Lumuluhang anas niya.

She grew up seeking her parents' affection and time which she never got until now. Kaya ganito nalang siya magmahal. I felt sorry for her because she fell in love to a jerk who she doesn't deserve.

"You will not do that."I stated angrily at her suicidal statement. She said something which I ignored.  I locked the door, turned around to the other side of the car and got in to drive her to her place.