Hiraya Manawari

25

Trigger warning: Sexual abuse, Violence and Self-harm

Javier

"You made it to the headlines last night, Javier." Dad said, we're having dinner right now at the house. Nakarating na pala sakanya yung balita. "Siya ba yung—"

"Yes, dad." Sumagot agad ako, ayokong marinig yung susunod niyang sasabihin. "Can we please not talk about Sayuri right now?"

"Are the rumors true?" Hindi pinansin ni dad yung pakiusap ko.

"No." I answered and stared at my food. "Please, can we drop this conversation?" I looked at my dad seriously.

He wasn't looking at me, mukha siyang walang pake sa sinasabi ko. "That's good publicity, Javier. Keep it up."

I released a sigh and excused myself, nawawalan ako nang gana kumain. Dumiretso ako sa kwarto ko at sinara ang pinto. I want this to stop, ayokong madamay si Sayuri dito. Kailangan kong gumawa ng paraan. I took out my phone and dialed a number, it took a few rings bago ako sagutin ng caller.

"Hello? Mavy, napatawag ka. What's up?"

"Vanessa, I need your help." I said and put a hand on my forehead. Wala na 'kong choice, she has connections with people in the media industry.

"With what? Oh! I saw you in the news last night!" She said, "Tungkol ba doon?"

"Yeah... Kaya bang hindi madamay yung kasama ko?" Napaupo ako sa kama ko, "Please, Vanessa. Wala na 'kong maisip na paraan."

"I don't know, Mavy. Mahirap 'yan. It's on the news na, pati sa social media. Hindi naman kita yung mukha ni Suzy—"

"Split na kami ni Suzy and it's not her." Paglilinaw ko, "I want to protect this girl from the media, hindi pwedeng malaman nila kung sino siya."

"Well, if she's not Suzy then why not make it her?" Vanessa suggested, "There are speculations that you guys are dating again, I'm checking Twitter right now. Tapos may isa pa na speculation, yung pinagtanggol mo daw sa medcaf?"

"Putangina!" Napamura ako, "Is there any name involved? Bukod kay Susana." Akala ko mababaon na sa limot yung issue na 'yon, I should've been more careful.

"Wala na." She answered, "Looks like your girl isn't active in social media. That's a good thing. Don't worry Mav, I'll do my best to clear this issue." Paninigurado ni Vanessa.

"Thank you so much, Vanessa." I pinched the bridge of my nose, grabeng stress 'to...

"Wala 'yon. Just returning a favor lang. By the way, how's..." She trailed off, "How is he?"

"Joaquin? Okay naman siya." I answered, "Are you still avoiding him?"

"That's the only way he can move on sakin." Vanessa released a sigh. I feel bad for her, I know she still has feelings for Joaquin. "Anyway, I'll update you na lang. Bye." Binaba na niya yung tawag at napatakip ako ng mukha.