Before I Choose (DLC Series #2)

Chapter 40

Chapter theme: If the world was ending by jp saxe and julia michaels.

Chapter 40

Sa kabila ng kaba na nararamdaman ko, pinilit kong magmukhang kalmado.

"Hello po Tita―"

She frowned. "What are you still doing here?" Any trace of hospitality was now gone. She was back to being the Mrs. de la Cerda I met at the coffee shop.

"Uhm," I stammered, unable to look at her in the eye. "Nag-aya po kasing mag―"

"No," she cut me off, taking a step forward. "Not here in this place. What I meant was, what are you still doing dating my son?" I was about to answer when she continued, "Isn't what happened to your brother eye-opening enough for you? Or do you want me to do something worse?"

Napaawang iyong labi ko.

Siya.. 

Siya talaga iyong nagpagawa no'n sa Kuya ko?

Anger thrummed through my veins. My hands clenched into fists and my eyes were now shooting daggers. Any ounce of respect I once had for her has now disappeared into thin air.

"Are you even human? Ganyan ka ba po talaga kababa para idamay iyong pamilya ko?" I snapped.

She remained impassive; as if unbothered with my sudden outburst. "Why dear, we're also talking about my family here. What would others think if they discover that my son is dating someone with the likes of you? I'm just protecting my son and my family's reputation."

"No," I said, venom in my voice. "You're not protecting anyone but yourself. Itong ginagawa mo sa anak mo? That's called selfishness."

"No. What you're doing is called selfishness," she shot back. "I care for my son so I'm doing what's best for him. After all, mothers know best."

I shook my head as I stared at her in disbelief. "Not you," I said. "Definitely not you."

Her face twitched; it was as though her facade was about to break anytime, but it didn't.

"Your opinion of me is inconsequential."

"Then your opinion of me is inconsequential as well," I shot back. "Stop harassing my family and stop controlling your son's life. You're a mother, you should know that controlling him will only make him hate you."

"So uunahin mo ang anak ko kaysa sa pamilya mo, ganoon ba ang sinasabi mo, Heaven?" she said, her accent thick.

Muling pumasok sa isip ko si Kuya. Pati narin si Mama. 

Hindi sila pwedeng madamay...

Uncontrollable feelings surged through me. I was feeling all sorts of emotions. I wanted to cry in frustration but at the same time, I didn't want her knowing that she had that kind of effect on me. So instead of replying, agad akong tumalikod.

I've never been one to hold a grudge. Kung may kasalanan sa 'kin ang isang tao, pinipilit ko iyon intindihin hanggang sa makakaya ko. Iniisip ko kung ano iyong motibo nila para gawin iyong bagay na iyon. Ngunit kahit ganoon, it doesn't mean that there is no scar. Hindi ibig sabihin ng pag-iintindi ko sa kanila ay hindi na ako nasaktan.

To forgive, you must first resent.

And right now, I'm at the resentment stage. 

I was about to leave when she held my arm. Saktong pag-harap ko sa kanya ay isang malakas na sampal ang natanggap ko.

"You're not worthy of my son!" she shouted, her facade now down. Rage flowed through her eyes like lava―showing what really lies beneath her facade.