Last Summer

Prologue

PROLOGUE

"To love is a dare, when hope and despair, are gates upon it hinges."

- Lang Leav

"I will never love you in this lifetime and the next."

His words pierced directly, making my heart numb. I haven't realized that I've stared at the ceiling for so long that the tears I've cried a while ago had already dried up.

I hugged the pillow beside me to give me comfort. I lost the strength to move forward.

No one will ever truly love me for me.

People expect me to be perfect and when I have some lapses, they turn their backs against me, disappointed. Being the eldest of an influential family is rather difficult.

The great Gabriella Valentina, definition of beauty, grace and perfection, has been rejected by the man she hoped would fill and brighten her dull life.

Yes, I am the eldest daughter of the Valentina's. Bata pa lang ako, I was already taught to be graceful and charming. I was taught how to take care of my body, not to lose beauty and perfection. I had to ace in both academics and non-academics. The pressure is killing me.

I had many suitors, but, my heart is already set for this one guy, who loves no one but himself.

Tanga na kung tanga. Wala, eh. Nagmahal lang naman ako.

I buried my face on the pillow and cried again until I heard a knock on my door.

"Ate?" I heard my sister's voice. It's Savvy.

I wiped my tears before responding.

"Come in." Walang ganang sambit ko.

The door opened and she entered the room. She walked towards my bed, holding a tray.

"Kumain ka muna." She gave me a small smile but I just looked away. She placed the tray at my side table before sitting on the bed beside me. "What happened?" Hinawakan niya ang balikat ko ngunit hindi ko siya kinibo. Anytime, I could bawl my eyes out. I don't want to cry in front of my sister, she would think I'm weak.

"I'm fine." I shrugged.

"I'm here anytime if you need me." She stood up and walked towards the door. "Please eat." She reminded me before closing the door behind her.

I looked at the tray. May sliced apple and banana, small bowl of rice, a plate of buttered chicken and a glass of water. May small sticky note pa sa bottled water. I grabbed it and read it.

'Virtual Hug'

I smiled while looking at the paper. Atleast, I have my sisters. They're the only ones I can lean on at times like this. I ate what Savvy placed on the tray and placed the dishes at the sink after eating.

I forced myself to sleep that night to stop myself from overthinking things. I'm afraid to lose myself more than I already have.

Kinabukasan, nagising ako sa ingay ng mga ibon. I got up and went straight to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Lumabas na rin ako sa kwarto ko pagkatapos.

"Good morning." Matamlay na pagbati ko sa kanilang lahat.

"Gab, anong nangyari sa mukha mo?" Bungad sa'kin ni Mama. My eyes are puffy from crying last night, guess she noticed.