The Gap Between Us

Chapter 14

- f o u r t e e n -

DAHLIA

"Are you okay?"

Sebastian asked me while we're on the road. Hindi ko namalayan na matagal na pala akong tahimik na nakatingin sa labas. I didn't know that he kept on glancing me.

I turned to him and shook my head. To be honest I don't what to do after I learned about what Aira confessed to us. It must be really hard for her to go through that. I was so angry at her bastard of a boyfriend. How dare he lay his hands on her? Is he a fucking psycho?

I really wanted to help her out, I even suggested to report him to the police but she can't because she's scared. She told us not to meddle with her life pero hindi ko iyon hahayaan maulit ulit. She deserves to be treated with respect.

Nanggigigil ako habang inaalala iyon. I couldn't imagine the pain she went through during those dark times. Napakalma naman ako nang naramdam ko ang paghawak ni Sebastian sa aking kamay.

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed the back of my hand. "What's wrong, baby?" He asked gently. He was trying to calm me down. Siguro ay halata sa akin na nag-uusok na tenga ko sa inis.

"It's Aira.. she's being abused by her boyfriend.. I saw her bruises.. It hurts me so much seeing her like that." I can't even talk straight because I'm so worried about her.

I heard him sighed and pulled over on the side to stop the car so we can talk. He turned to me just so he can listen to my problems without any distraction.

"Who's that bastard?" He said in a low tone. "We can sue him. I just need to know his name. My brother is an Attorney."

I was so frustrated, napahilot ako ng sentido ko. I don't know if sasabihin ko kay Sebastian ang pangalan ng boyfriend niya. When Aira told us not to meddle with her life. Siya na daw ang gagawa ng paraan. Kapag hindi ko iyon sinunod, Pakiramdam ko mawawalan nanaman ako ng isa pang kaibigan. As much as I want to help her but she said that she'll do it on her own. Hindi pa rin ako napapanatag.

"I don't know what to do, Seb. I want to help her but she doesn't let us," nakayuko kong sabi. "Natatakot ako na baka lumayo siya sa akin just because sinuway ko ang gusto niya." Dagdag ko at mas lalo pang sumimangot.

"Try to talk it out with her. I know it can be hard but if you reach out to her little by little she will change her mind. Just do the right thing, baby. I know you just wanted to help her." He said softly and cupped my face.

"If you need help, I'm only one call away. Kahit pa nasa San Rafael ako, I would go immediately to your house." He tried to lighten up the mood as he smiled genuinely at me.

Siguro nga tama si Sebastian. Instead of having fear, I should really do the right thing. Ayaw ko naman mahirapan si Aira dahil sa pinagdadaanan niya. The abuse needs to stop.

I looked at Sebastian and gave him a small smile, it somehow lessen the burden that I'm carrying somehow. He stroke my hair and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek before he shifted his gear and started to drive again.

I kept on texting Aira to make sure that she's okay. Baka nga mamaya she feels annoyed dahil kinukulit ko siya. I have to check up on her. She's struggling right now and I want to help her.