Crystal Mist

Chapter 3: Freedom

Chevelle POV

"Life is precious. Take care of it. It's a privilege that you should make use of."

Those were the final words of the man that I came across with during my stunt at the rooftop.

Noong panahon na iyon, sobrang nainis ako at masyado nang di makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari kaya naman tumakbo nalang ako palayo sa lalaking iyon.

I remember him trying to chase me but since I know the hospital's path better, I lost him quite easily.

I don't really have time to deal with people like him. Isa siya sa mga taong siguradong hindi naranasan ang pait ng buhay. Kaya ang dali niyang sabihin ang mga bagay na yun, huh.

I sighed as I continue to pack my clothes. This is it. If this is going to be my second life, might as well do whatever the hell I want. I'll do it my way. I'll do it in a way where I'll be free.

"Tangina ka! Saan ka nagpunta? At ano 'yan ha? Tingin mo kaya mo na ikaw lang no?" sabi sa akin ng technically, biological mom ko.

"Tumabi ka. Nakikiusap ako dahil katiting nalang ang respetong mayroon ako para sa'yo. Pakiusap lang." I said hastily.

Damn. It hurts. With just mere seconds, the filthy woman slapped me once again. Just who the hell does she think she is?

I clenched my jaw as I got the travel bag I packed and rushed out of my way.

"Tangina mo! Wala kang kwentang anak! Demonyo ka! Babalik ka din dito, demonyitang puta ka!" pagsisigaw niya habang palayo ako ng palayo.

I'd be lying if those words didn't hurt me. It did to the point where I want to just cry while walking.

But, no.

I had to be strong. I have to control my emotions. I have to stop getting affected by a wicked witch like her who have only ever viewed of me as an object. She only likes me when I'm convenient and a little bit worthy.

Babalik ako diyan, sabi mo? In your dreams. I would never go back to you. To the hell house you've raised me in. I'd rather really kill myself again and when that time happens, I'd make sure that no one would interrupt me.

"Chevelle! Hello girl! Sige pasok ka." bati sa akin ni Pamela, isa sa mga co-worker ko dati sa Alcontar Hospital.

Kung tutuusin, isa talagang karangalan ang maging isang nurse. Napakasarap sa pakiramdam ang makausap at makatulong sa mga pasyente. Kaso nga lang, lalo na sa tulad namin ni Pam na tiga provincial hospitals, hindi gaano kataas ang nakukuha naming sweldo.

Just a few months ago, Pam quit her job and became a call center agent instead. Nasa mas malayong probinsya ang pamilya niya kaya naman nagdo-dorm siya dito malapit sa ospital. Matagal na niya akong inin-vite na samahan siya para hati kami sa bayad.

Kung noon ito, I'd never do it because I felt like I could never leave my family behind. I thought that despite the insults and hardships I get from them, I'd be alright.

Now... it's time to do what's best for me.

"Dito nalang ako, Pam. May natitira pa akong ipon at kukunin ko pa yung sweldo ko bago ako mag-resign kaya pwede akong makihati sa'yo." sabi ko ng mariin.

"Ano ka ba, girl! Syempre, anytime. Pero biglaan ha, resign kana?" mahinaon niyang tanong.

"Oo. Baba ng sweldo natin, diba." sagot ko.

"True! Buti naman napag-isipan mo na. Alam mo girl, pwede ka flight attendant kasi matangkad at may fez kanaman. Ako din sana kaso tignan mo naman 'tong height ko!" Pam said in a funny way.

Normally, I would laugh because of the way she talks but since I'm all out of strength today, it seems like I can't do it. I let out a faint smile instead.

"Pero ayos lang, mataas naman sweldo naming call center agent. Kumpara sa nurse, at least." she shrugged off.

"Oo nga.." I agreed.

Pero sa totoo lang, wala sa akin kung magkano man ang sweldo namin bilang nurse.

Truthfully, even though I know it's impossible to happen, baka kasi sumugod nalang bigla ang pamilya ko sa Alcontar Hospital kung sakali man. I want to cut all ties with them forever. I really don't want to see them again.

At sa pakiramdam ko ngayon, parang tama naman ang ginagawa ko. It feels like I'm starting to be free from them, just like how it should be.