In a Split Second

Chapter 31

#IASS31

I woke up the next day feeling terrible. My head was throbbing and it hurts so bad. Parang biniyak sa gitna ang ulo ko sa sobrang pagkahilo. Unti-unti akong umupo sa kama at tinignan ang orasan. It's past 12 already. Kinusot ko ang mata ko at hinilot ang ulo.

Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pintuan sa kwarto ko pero hindi ko iyon pinansin. Pumikit ako ng mariin habang hinihilot ang sentido ko.

Naramdaman kong may umupo sa tabi ng kama ko. "Hey."

Inangat ko ang tingin ko at nakita ang nag-aalalang mukha ng pinsan ko. Inabutan niya ako ng isang baso ng tubig at tinanggap ko naman iyon.

Uminom ako at nilapag ang baso sa bedside table. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I feel horrible. Let me guess I'm---" I was about to say something but he immediately cut me off.

"Yes, you were Carla yesterday. As usual you went out to club. I brought you home," he calmy said.

I licked my lips and avoided his gaze. "Did I do something....bad?" I nervously asked.

Hindi siya sumagot at tinignan lamang ako. Bumuntong hininga ako at sinabunutan ang sarili. "Did I get in trouble? What did I do in the club? Please tell me," I begged

Hinawakan naman niya ang dalawang braso ko at maamong tumingin sa'kin. "No, Dominique. I actually want to apologize to you," ani niya at yumuko.

I bit my lip and held his hands. "Kung ano man ang ginawa mo, I forgive you and I should be the one apologizing because I feel like I did something to you or to Uncle or maybe-"

"No, it's not your fault. We just had a small argument. That's all," he stated

Umiling ako at umayos ng upo. "No, Rió. I know it's hard for the both of you and I'm completely responsible for my actions wether its me or Clara or Claire or my other egos. I'm sorry," I said apologetically.

Hinawakan naman niya ang ulo ko at bahagyang hinaplos ang buhok ko. "I'm sorry too, Dominique. Just remember that I'm just worried about you and as papa said we're just trying to protect you. I hope you understand," sambit niya at hininto ang paghaplos sa buhok ko.

"I know," tipid kong sagot.

Rió is three years older than me that's why sometimes he gets overprotective. I also treat him as an older brother and I try my best to understand him and Uncle. We may argue sometimes but in the end, we still have each other's backs.

Tipid na ngumit sa'kin si Rió at tumayo na sa kama ko. Pinagmasdan ko siya hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang lumabas ng kwarto.

Bumangon na ako ng tuluyan sa kama at ininat ang katawan ko. Dumeretso ako sa banyo at nagtooth brush. Pagkatapos ay dumertso ako sa mini desk ko at kinuha ang Diary sa loob ng drawer. Pinusod ko ang mahaba at kulot kong buhok at umupo sa kama.

Binuklat ko ang Diary at binasa ang huli kong sinulat.

Dear Diary,

Today, I'm Clara and as usual, I went to the club to party and have some fun until my great cousin suddenly showed up and ruined the moment. I just don't like it when people mind my business I mean I get it he just want to protect me and all but I still have a life. It's not my fault that I'm a party goer and pretty much in the club most of the time. I think I should stop because I still feel awful inside because of the alcohol. Badly want to rest...

xoxo,
Clara

My brows furrowed upon reading what I wrote. I bit my lip and pinched the bridge of my nose. "God, Carla. You've been giving me headaches for the past five years. Literally!" I said to myself.