'Til I Found You (COMPLETED)

11

Hi readers! Thank you for reaching this far of my story. The hurting stage has just started. Heavy chapters are on the way. Brace yourselves as the truth slowly uncovers. Hold on until the very last chapter.

Salamuch! ❤

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She goes to check on Stephen. The school nurse attends to him, cleaning the bruises and wounds on his face that make her chest tighten with guilt. She takes several steps forward to where Stephen sits. Their gazes meet; no one speaks until the school nurse leaves the room. She clears her throat, the sound echoing in the silence, before any words come out.

"Sorry for... for that," she says, taking the seat fronting him.

"It's fine. Don't mind it. So... kayo na pala?" Stephen stares at her, waiting for whatever she’d say.

"Yeah. Six months," she answers.

He nods slowly. "I see."

"Stephen, sorry."

"Which one are you sorry for? Sa galos sa mukha ko? O sa nararamdaman ko? Kaya naman pala mainit dugo niya sakin eh. He has all the rights," he looks down, his gaze dropping to the floor.

"You're a nice guy. I'm so grateful that I have you with me but... but I... I only find you as a friend eh. Stephen, you know right from the start. Hanggang dito lang tayo," she looks downcast.

He smiles, though it doesn't reach his eyes. "I know, Lea. I know. Well, I think he loves you so much. Nagseselos nga siya kapag kasama kita eh. I know my place now. Sorry din. Sa tingin ko nagtatalo kayo dahil sakin. Mainit dugo non sakin eh. Don't worry, I'll keep my distance from now on."

"No. Wala namang dapat mabago eh. We're friends. Stephen, I'm always here for you. Gaya parin tayo ng dati. Nothing should change," she plasters on a reassuring smile. Stephen is a good friend who is always there for her—day and night, rain or shine. She can count on him. Though he knows nothing about her past, she is the kind of person who sees the beauty in everyone. If only the heart can be taught, she’d choose him. But her heart screams for someone else's name.

"What?! Madam! Bakit?" Jason imbibes his drink. She invites her friends to come over to her house because she is messed up and confused. Emma disagrees with the breakup, believing Lea is being unfair toward Aga.

"Because I don't know anymore. Gulong-gulo na 'yung isipan ko, " her forehead falls onto her arm.

"Lea, we're your friends pero don't you think it's so unfair? Lei, you took advantage of the situation eh. Ginamit mong dahilan yung pagiging seloso niya when in fact it's you who can't be true to him," Emma explains.

"Truelalo! Isa pa, parang ang lumalabas naman ata ngayon ay kasalanan niya pa!"

She raises her hand in the air to stop them from triggering her conscience. "Oo na! I'm at fault but... but at least it's... it's over now. Takot nga akong mawala siya sa'kin pero how am I gonna go with this situation? I can't tell him the truth. Naduduwag ako. I've been here so many times. Wala naman akong napala eh. Iniwan lang ako sa ere. It is better if... wala na lang siyang alam tungkol sa'kin. Besides... I-I'm pretty sure makakahanap din naman siya ng iba eh. Madali lang naman akong palitan, " she holds back the emotion, but an errant tear falls.