Chapter VIII

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"Tita, I am so sorry po," I said while looking down.

"Darling, bakit hindi mo naman kasi sinabi agad sa akin? Kung hindi nakita ni Cara sa twitter mo hindi ko pa nalaman."

I looked at Cara who is now signing me a peace sign.

"I'm sorry, Lyxie. I was just concerned about your safety," Cara explained.

"I understand, Ca," I showed her an assuring smile and turned to tita. "It's just, I don't want to be a burden to you, Tita. I'm sure those threats will just stay as threats lang naman po."

"No, Alyx, you will never be a burden to me. And we'll never know what JJ's fans are capable of doing, it's better to play safe," she sat beside me.

"I promised your parents na hinding-hindi kita pababayaan. So, if something unfortunate happens to you, it also feels like I've broken a promise. At ang hindi pagtupad ng pangako ang pinakaayaw ko sa lahat," she brushed my hair with her fingers.

"I'm sorry, tita. I was too careless that I never thought it would reach up to this point," I feel like my eyes are about to tear up.

This is not right, mama wouldn't be happy if she knew about this. I let myself become miserable after I've lost her. I let myself get mad with the whole world even though her death wasn't their fault. I am such a disappointment.

"It's okay, darling. Just think before doing anything sa susunod, okay?" Tita hugged me tigh.

I felt my tears tumbling through my face. Mom hugs really do have magic.

"And starting now, your driver will accompany you wherever you go, alright? 'Wag na muna mag-hitch sa mga friends, mahirap na," I nodded while my head was resting on her arm.

Cara joined us, "Nakaka-inggit kayo, naiiyak na din ako."

I miss having a three-way hug. I never thought that I'll feel this again after losing mama and leaving papa.

Tita lightly pulled away and warned me, "Also Alyx, please don't get into trouble with JJ again, ha? Her mother and I are not in good terms."

I nodded even though I can't promise it, especially that I'll see Jayden frequently now.

"Mom, akyat na kami. Alyx and I have something important to discuss," Cara said as she pulled me towards the stairs.

"Ay, kayo lang? Tungkol saan iyan?"

"Hiroki," Cara simply replied as she dragged me upstairs.

I'm sure we won't talk about Hiroki, she just used his name as a magic word so that Tita Vien would not ask any more questions. For sure we'll talk about my confrontation with Jayden.

When I settled at my bedside, Cara checked my arms, legs, face and neck.

"What are you doing?" I confusedly ask while she's raising my arms.

"Buti naman at buo pa ang mga buto mo," she released a sigh of relief.

"So, tell me, what happened? Ba't buhay ka pa?" she rested on her stomach and placed her cheeks on her palms. Parang disappointed pa siya na buhay ako.

What Hiroki told me flashed back.

"...we have to keep your service for him hidden, as much as possible."

I trust Cara, but when she's emotional, her mouth can be out of control. I wanted her to know about the deal, but telling Cara about it is just like telling the whole world as well. Hindi niya man sasadyain, masasabi at masasabi niya pa 'rin 'yung secret.

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