CHAPTER 46
"I thought you already forgot to gave me the sketch pad and pencil you promise me years ago."
Tila huminto ang paligid ko nang marinig ko ang boses.
Nanigas ako sa aking kinatatayuan. How can I face her? It's been so many years. Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang mga gusto at ayaw niya.
"Coward..."
Dahan-dahang tumulo ang mga luhang kanina pa nagbabadya. Subalit pinunasan ko agad ito.
Paano ako magpapaliwanag?
Hindi ko siya kayang harapin...
Inihanda ko ang sarili ko para umalis...
dahil hindi ko kaya...
hindi ko kayang makita sa mata ng anak ko na masaya na siya kahit pa wala ako...
I was about to step...
I was close to stepping....
"If you ever dare to step away, you might miss the chance to get my forgiveness."
The cold aura from her voice had broke my heart.
What have you become, Ella?
I closed my eyes, feeling the breeze inside the exhibit.
"Turn around."
The dominant voice of her created its way into my mind.
"What are you waiting for? Turn around and follow me."
With no other choice, I followed her. We both stopped at the roof top of the exhibit.
"You've grown up." With a smile on my lips and a slight water in my eyes, I managed to said.
"I know." Malamig niyang sabi.
Tahimik kami, hindi ko alam kung paanong magbukas ng usapan. Tama siya, may karapatan siyang magalit. She cut off my thoughts.
"You should've told me the truth, Lisa."
Pumikit ako.
"But the truth would hurt you, Ella." I muttered.
"Don't you think I am hurting when you hid it from me?" I felt the pain in her voice.
Ngumiti ako, itinaas ko ang kamay ko at bahagyang ginulo ang buhok niya, nginitian ko siya.
"You were just this little girl before, hindi ko alam kung maiintindihan mo..."
"So you decided to just lie because you thought I wouldn't understand?" bitterness was visible in her voice.
"No..."
"Then what Lisa?!"
"You were too young to face how unfair this world was."
Ibinaba ko ang aking kamay mula sa ulo niya patungong labi niya, hinatak ko ito upang maging ngiti.
"This...."
Tinignan ko siya sa mga mata.
"This was the reason why I didn't told you. You smile so bright, Ella. I can't let this world take it away from you."
Tumulo ang kanyang luha na tila ba agos ng isang karagatang nakadadama ng bagyo.
"Ayokong maranasan mo yung naranasan ko.....kasi mahirap...masakit, Ella..."
"I didn't lied. I just chose to hide the truth away. Lying and hiding the truth are different."
"But both are wrong..." Ella mumbled.
