Hazel's Sweet Revenge

Kabanata 19

*** Sabrina's ***

We Just Have to be Brave

When I found out that Hazel wanted to live with me, I couldn't say that I was completely happy. Part of me was, but the other half isn't, not entirely.

I was tempted to tell her the truth about what happened. Ngayong nandito siya, mas lalo akong mahihirapan. It will be harder for me to lie.

Mas pinili ko na manahimik dahil ayokong mag-alala siya. Magulo pa ang isip ng pamilya. Walang puwang ang pag-intindi sa isa't isa.

I know Hazel. She will always worry about my relationship with the family. But I don't want to bother her, especially now that she's about to leave. Gusto kong pabaunan siya ng masasayang ala-ala. She doesn't deserve my emotional baggage right now.

Masakit pa rin sa akin ang nangyari noong gabing 'yon. Halos araw-araw kong iniisip kung tama ba ang ginawa ko. Because after that night, I received an email from Dad.

It was my fault that I expected too much from you.

Now, I'm beyond disappointed. You just burned a bridge when you decided to quit on us by walking away.

You can't cross it again, not anymore.

Those words were so cold, they drowned me. Walang araw na hindi ako umiyak. Masakit pa rin sa akin ang naging desisyon, pero hindi ko ito pinagsisihan. It was just painful to lose my family in the process of letting myself go.

They had nurtured me, provided for my expensive education, and shaped me into the person I am now. Kahit pa kulang, kahit minsan pira-piraso, utang na loob ko pa rin sa kanila kung ano ako ngayon.

I love dad. He had infused bits of himself with me because I think we share similar characteristics. He shares my fear of failing. He always aimed to prevail in disputes.

I love my brothers, and they have always taught me how to be brave. Sila ang naghubog sa akin kung paano maging independent, na ang tanging kakampi ko lang sa mundong 'to ay ang sarili ko.

Above all, I love ate Amara. She may be strict, but that's how she expressed her love and care. Sa kanilang lahat, alam kong siya ang lubos kong nasaktan.

I was tempted to say sorry, but I want to finally speak for myself because, for years, I have felt chained.

Si papa agad ang tinakbuhan ko pagkatapos ng nangyari. I have nothing to say, so I ended up crying in his arms.

Hindi naging madali sa aming mag-ama dahil ilang araw lang ay may dumating na sulat kay papa galing sa kompanyang pinagta-trabahuhan niya.

Mahaba ang nakasulat pero ang tanging nakakuha ng atensyon ko ay ang salitang terminated.

**You have been terminated for your incompetence and chronic tardiness**

Ayokong magduda pero malakas ang kutob ko na sila ang may gawa nito. After I left, ganito agad ang binato kay papa?

My father is not incompetent. He always values time. He's the most hardworking person, so why would they terminate a man like him? We may never have the same riches as theirs, but papa has the strongest principle.