When Everything Falls (De Chaves #1)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Gusto kong sundan si Lilith. I fathomed the anger gleaming through her eyes before she turned around and sauntered out of the throng of people. But I restrained myself to do so. No matter how I wanted to speak to her, to tell her that I only want her to accept me as her half-sister and that I wasn't going to ruin her family, I stifled myself to do so.

My eyes drifted back to my Lola Esmeralda. She was laughing with what my aunts were saying. Papa was smiling at me. Kitang kita ko ang saya sa kaniyang mga mata. Pinilit kong ngumiti, not minding the swirling anxiousness that was still touching my skin, ripping all the possible senses and ruining the imaginary bubble I created. This wasn't right, I was happy but there was something behind my head that preempting me to believe the sudden turn of events. I was shrewd— I can see the genuineness on my grandmother's eyes but the angst that perched on my chest was like a beast on the loose, clawing me back to my original senses, penetrating all the delusional fantasies my mind created.

The wind went intensified and crisp, the teeth of it sank into my skin, making me shiver. The clamor of the people around made the whistle of the wind shaky and inaudible. I forced myself to listen to what they were talking about but when I realized that it was about their business, I remained silent and played with my fingers instead.

"You're taking education, right?" Tita Stella asked, now their attention was all on me.

I nodded, "Yes, po."

"That must be tough. Hmm, what major?"

"General Education,"

She nodded nonchalantly, "Elementary, huh? That a noble profession. Your first choice?"

"Yes."

After that she didn't answer. Hindi na rin ako nagsalita. Lola started with her animated chitchats with the group and all I did was to be mesmerized how organized and powerful she was. Ang sabi niya ay babalik rin siya sa America sa susunod na linggo pero uuwi rin sa Disyembre para sa pasko at pati na rin sa birthday niya. She wanted me to visit her on her remaining days here before she flies back to US. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sobrang saya ko. I dreamed of this, I wished for this and now, I was holding it.

And I will do my best to take care of this chance Lola Esmeralda gave me.

After that day, I went home. Papa drove me home and when we reached the house, Mama wasn't there. Siguro ay kasama na naman si Alejandro. Ilang beses ko na ba iyong pinagsabihan tungkol sa lalaking iyon. But knowing my mother, she would rather shrug off the accusation I pointed to that filthy dirty douchebag than believing in me.

Nakareceive rin ako ng text galing kay Bellamy.

From: Bellamy

How's your day?

To: Bellamy

Okay naman.

Ilalagay ko na sana ang cellphone ko sa aking bedside table nang tumunog ulit ito.

From: Bellamy

That's good. So, matutulog ka na?

To: Bellamy

Yes.

Hindi agad siya nagreply. Akala ko nga ay hindi na niya sasagotin ang huling mensahe ko ngunit tumunog ulit ito kalaunan.

From: Bellamy

Okay. Good night, Everleigh.

To: Bellamy

Good night.

Days had passed smoothly. It was November, the cold season wrapped around the vicinity. The wind was cool and crisp. It crawled from my feet to my entire body. I was wearing a sky-blue cable knit sweater, white stirrup pants, and a pair of slip-ons. My hair was made to bun as some strands swayed along with the rhythm of the wind.