Behind The Lies [PUBLISHED UNDER KPUB PH]

Chapter Fourteen | Black Dahlia

Chapter theme: Lies - G.O.D

Panay lang ang paghingi ko ng tawad sa mga magulang ni Charlotte na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin makapagsalita. Marahil ay gulat pa rin sila dahil sa gulong nangyari sa pagitan namin ni Stella. The couple just stared at me, their eyes brimming with emotions I couldn't grasp. Maybe they were angry or disappointed, I don't know anymore. Napayuko na lamang ako dahil sa labis na hiya.

What happened at the birthday party was traumatizing for the kids, especially for their daughter, Charlotte. So, it was only natural if they held me responsible for it. I've really made a big mess today.

However, all my negative thoughts dissipated when Charlotte's mother enveloped me in a warm embrace. Nananakit man ang buong katawan ko ay walang alinlangan na tinugon ko ang yakap niya. At nang maingat na hagurin niya ang likod ko, muli akong napaiyak.

"It's okay," buong suyong bulong niya.

But deep down, I knew it would never be okay. The scratches and bruises might heal with time, but the scar in my heart would last forever.

I didn't call my brother to pick me up. Instead, it was Thao who kindly offered me and my friends a ride home. In the backseat, Janice, Lily, and I sat in an uncomfortable silence. None of them dared to talk about what happened earlier, as if they were being considerate of my feelings.

Thao first dropped off Lily and Lloyd, and Janice remained by my side until we reached our subdivision. As Thao parked in front of our house, nakaramdam na naman ako ng panghihina. Natatakot ako sa magiging reaksyon nina Mommy at Kuya kapag nakita nila ang hitsura ko ngayon.

"I'm here. I'll handle the explanation," Janice said soothingly, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

My mind went blank, and all I could manage was a nod. As Thao opened the door of his car for us, Janice helped me never letting go of my hand.

"Salamat sa paghatid sa amin, Thao. Ingat ka pag-uwi."

"No problem," Thao replied in a subdued tone. I glanced at him briefly and offered a faint smile. He nodded, gesturing that he was leaving, then started the engine and drove off.

Kabado ako nang pinatunog ni Janice ang doorbell. Ilang segundo kaming naghintay bago bumukas ang gate ng bahay at iniluwa nito ang kapatid ko. My brother’s face was etched with worry and panic, the moment he saw me covered in scratches and bruises. Even my costume were worn out, making the sight of me more alarming to him.

"Anong nangyari? Bakit ganyan ang hitsura mo?"

I bit my lower lip, unable to respond. His eyes shifted to Janice, seeking for an honest answer.

"It's Ste—" Janice began, but I interrupted, throwing myself into my brother's arms for a tight hug.

Confused, he just wrapped his arms around me, gently stroking my hair. "Just cry. I won't ask anymore. I won't force you to tell me what happened. Wala kang dapat ipaliwanag. Maiintindihan ka ni Kuya."