Breathe Again [MEDICAL MYSTERY #1]

CHAPTER 12: Feeling Empty

TRIGGER WARNING! 

This chapter may trigger psychotic and depressive episodes, and has eating disorder content. 

Please read at your own risk.

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LUMAPIT ako kay Azriel. "A-Anong ginagawa mo dito?"

He licked his lips and creases on his forehead remained. He looked at me apologetically. "I'm...I'm sorry. I was just sick worried. We were supposed to meet yesterday after our exam pero hindi kita nakita. H-Hindi ka rin sumasagot sa mga text at tawag ko. I even asked you kay na Gretta."

He stared at me intently. "Tapos nabalitaan kong hindi ka raw pumasok kanina. You missed our two major exam. I was left with no choice kaya pinuntahan kita dito, kahit alam kong magagalit ka. I'm sorry, Angel. Alalang-alala lang talaga ko."

I saw sincerity in his face.

Lumapit sa'min si Mommy at agad ko siyang kinausap. "Mom, I'm sorry. I know this will made you furious, I know you'll be angry with me for keeping secrets but mom, I want you to meet Azriel." My voice is trembling.

Akala ko talaga magagalit si Mommy, pero ngumiti lang siya. "He already introduced himself to me as your boyfriend."

My cheeks heated because of what my mom said, I can't even look straight into her eyes, while Azriel just cleared his throat.

"You're not angry?" I asked.

She caressed my hair once more. "I will not be angry," she looked at Azriel, "as long as you promise me that you will not hurt my daughter."

Azriel smiled confidently. "That won't happen, Ma'am."

"Tita. Call me Tita."

"Unbelievable," I exclaimed. "If I knew how easy this would be, I should've told you a long time ago already."

We all laughed.

My mom excused herself nang may tumawag sa phone niya. She told me to seat first and wait for our nanny to finish cooking so we can have our lunch altogether.

Umupo muna kami ni Azriel sa couch at agad niya kong hinarap. "I was so worried, Angel. Saan ka ba nanggaling? Saka bakit hindi mo sinasagot ang mga text at tawag ko? What happened?" Nakakunot ulit ang noo niya.

I heaved a sigh. "My sanity betrayed me yesterday. I was lost." I looked at him, confusion registered on his face so I scoffed. "Don't worry, just like you, hindi ko rin maintindihan ang sarili ko."

"Angel," he held my hand, "are you alright? Come on, you can tell me everything."

I weighted my doubts and emotions. Should I trust him about what happened to me yesterday? Would he believe me?

"You can trust me," he said giving me an assurance.

"Azriel—"

I was cut off when my mom came back. Mabilis kong binawi ang kamay kong hawak ni Azriel. "Anak, sorry. I have to leave after lunch, I have to meet a client."

"It's okay po, Mommy."

"Hijo Azriel, you can stay and study here. You can eat whatever you want in here, sigurado akong pagod ka rin dahil nag-commute ka lang papunta dito."

"Thank you, Tita."

Looks like Azriel already gained my mom's approval. Who wouldn't? Azriel is just simply the best.