Stonehearts 7: Ruby

Thirty

"Lil sis," Sage greeted as soon as he had sight of me. Both he and Reid stood from the booth of their choice as I walked towards them. Soon, I was given each a hug from them.

"Nagtatampo si Claus dahil hindi mo kami sinabihan na uuwi ka na pala. Said he should have taken an earlier trip here so he could join us." Tugon ni Sage nang nakaupo na kami.

Reid slid a menu in front of me. I sensed the heavyweight of their stare. I chose to ignore it and went on my way to study the food on the list. I know they are gauging me, the pain I'm in, how deep in grief I am, if I'm still mourning bad.

"Claus will get over it. Alam naman natin na hindi marunong magtampo ang taong 'yon. He's too optimistic and cheerful to do that." I shrugged.

I heard Reid grunting in agreement but nothing came after. Ramdam ko ang bigat ng titig nila hanggang sa napabuntong hininga na lang ako. I know they are walking on eggshells as to how they will handle me and their lingering questions. Pero nakakapikon, hindi naman ako babasagin para mag-ingat sila ng ganito.

I slapped the laminated paper on the table lightly and met them dead-on. "You can ask whatever you want to ask, you now. I won't turn into a giant ball of crying mess."

Reid's normal inexpressive eyes widened a little, it was a fast reaction though, dahil sa isang iglap nawala na. At kung hindi ako nakatingin sa kanya hindi ko 'yon mapapansin. Sage and him exchanged glances.

Sage rested his forearms on the table and leaned forward. His face serious but deeply carved with worry and unease. "Where are you now, Arcie?"

Figurative question, I thought. I stared at them for a moment. I know they expect to elicit some sort of painful emotion from me. Flinch, maybe? Or maybe tears? Kaso, malayo ako sa kalagayan na 'yon. Natatanging pagod at puyat na lang ang alam ko.

"I'm far better than I was the night dad lost his fight. If that's what you're asking."

Sage nodded his head, "Bakit mo naisipang umuwi? The last time we talked you said you're considering living there permanently?"

"It's what my shrink advised and my mom backed him up with it. They said I'm already healing but not fully doing it. Malaking impact daw sa'kin na napapaligiran ako ng mga bagay na nagpapaalala lang sa'kin na wala na si dad."

"And you believed them?" Reid's gruff voice catching my attention. I snapped my eyes at him only to look away because there's something in there that I don't want to see. His eyes we're too knowing and scrutinizing for my liking. Parang nakikita niya ang mga bagay na pilit kong itinatago sa lahat.

"They said it was for the best." I nonchalantly replied.

"You didn't answer my question." He again probed.

Sage elbowed and glared at him. "Yo asshole, it's been eight months since we last saw her. So, take a chill, will you?"

Reid answered by arching of one of his brows, not a bit affected of Sage's reprimanding.

"I don't, in a least bit, agree with their decision." I stated, snatching their attention once again. Gulat na tumingin sa'kin si Sage samantalang si Reid mukhang inaasahan na ang sagot ko. "But she's my mom, siya na lang ang mayroon ako. I know she won't say or do anything that may hurt or forsake me. So, I trust her."

"So, you did it to protect your mom from anymore pain but in turn, you're neglecting yourself. Is that it?" Reid fired again.

"Jesus Christ, Reid! Will you stop it!"