Chapter 6 Pretend
Word Count: 1333 |
I asked, “Do you love her that much?” It has been a very long time since you two split up. It ended earlier for you than it did for us.
A resounding “Yes, I do love her.”
Yes, I do love her.
That response stuck with me. That was a response I did not forget. The person responsible for my heart’s current state At that moment, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I gently rubbed it and held it. This was something he didn’t want to stop doing, and it was just getting worse. I feel as though someone has taken my question and ran with it.
“B-Brother W-water..” It was hard for me.
Immediately, he gave it to me. Nervously, I drained it into my mouth. It’s not a good time right now.
Is there something I said wrong? He worriedly inquired.
“I’ve just remembered something, nothing else.”
Let’s split up after dinner. Not just physically, but also emotionally and psychologically, you are exhausted. I gave him an acknowledging nod.
The order has finally arrived. nicely arranged on the table. And at that point, we all got hungry and started eating.
“Just shoot me a text if anything comes up, okay?” Even if we aren’t connected by blood, you know that I love and respect you like a brother. Sadly, I must depart at this time, Little Sister. Bye.” The car’s window has been rolled up. turned the key, and off he went.
The last place I remember being was outside of our home. To be honest, I’d rather not go inside. I was merely waiting by the roadside. staring up into the night sky.
I don’t have to put up a front.” I’m giving myself time to let my feelings diminish. This time I spoke in a low voice.
“Honey, I invite you inside.” Mama yelled for them to come inside.
That’s when I stepped inside. I called Mommy before even setting foot on the stairway. Surprised, she looked at me. “Mom, how can I learn to be such a powerful woman?”
My legs gave way under me. Thus, I decided to only sit on the stairwell. I want nothing more than to escape our troubled history, Mom.
“In any case, I made an effort to put them out of my mind.” But my heart aches every time I see him.” My tears fall from my open palms like raindrops.
Those words, “Mom, my heart,” were spoken. I reach out and place my hand on my chest. It has a healthy, robust heartbeat. I felt my heart racing and my breath shortening as I tried to keep up. I can’t see clearly now.
She said, “Where’s your medicine?” with concern.
there, in my purse.
She headed straight for my purse and snatched it up quickly.
A hole was dug up by it. After a fruitless search, she decided to flip it. Some of my belongings, including my medicines, were strewn across the floor. Instantaneously, she reached for it. Get yourself a glass of water from the kitchen. I felt her presence as she walked up to me. In a state of fear, I gulped down the pills and water.
I attempt to close some. “We’ll discuss tomorrow,”She said as she led me to my room. She put her hand on my shoulder. She raised me slowly. We walked slowly, but eventually we made it to the room. It was her idea to get me into bed.
“Sleep. “
“Be kind with your heart.” Up until that point, she had been caring me.
Now that my illness has worsened, I can see the concern in her eyes. I fear I may require medical attention if I keep on thinking this way.
**
As I opened my eyes this morning, I saw that the sky was overcast. The forecast calls for rain today. Not even the sun king has shown up. My current mood determines how quickly or slowly time passes. To be honest, I’d rather stay put for the time being. This day has not been good for my health. The physical side of me is weak. I checked the place where my mother had hidden my smartphone.
Aside from the bag I was carrying yesterday, I also noticed it sitting on top of my study table. I got to my feet and grabbed the phone.
38 missed calls
52 new messages
When I went to Bed of Roses, I didn’t even bother to switch on my phone. The first thing I did was read my texts. The messages are from Mom. A few came from Yana, and one was from the unknown number that’s been texting me nonstop.
From: Mama Honey? From:Mama Honey nasaan ka? From:Mama Nag aalala na ko. Nasaan ka ba ngayon?
These are some examples of Mama’s text messages to me. So, I just went along with what Yana texted.
From: Tababs
Hi, Bess! I need to know where you are right now.
Same as Mom’s text messages. The text message from the unnamed source is what made me take notice.
From: Unknown
Where are you? Bed of Roses?
I felt a little lightheaded, so I gripped the table for support. Once I finished talking, I set the phone down and went back to sleep.
When I do, will you be on my mind? You’re absolutely right. To put it simply, I’m exhausted.
Toktok!
“Honey?” My mother was calling from the hallway.
“Yes Ma?”
Have some food. Here, have some of the champorado I made for you. The airflow is refreshing.
The thought of walking downstairs gives me the willies, Ma.
She’s asking, “Does something hurt you?” “Are you keen on visiting a doctor?”
“I’m good; I’ll probably just go to bed and sleep it off.”
I’ll just eat some meals. Next, swallow the pills.
My mother’s footsteps echoed through the house. I’d rather stay at home than visit a doctor. Why should she stress out? Yes, those old issues really did happen. It’s not something I want to elaborate on any further.
I ask, “How are we?” The little Jhelliet said, “Papa is gone.”
She got on her knees and bowed before me. She embraced me with all her might. We were the only ones who heard our wailing throughout the entire home. The middle of the night has found us sobbing at Papa’s leaving. He abandoned us, and it’s over. As long as I knew she wasn’t coming back, I didn’t care what was going on.
It’s all going to work out. We’re both capable of handling it. As the saying goes, “It’s tough, but we can take it.”
“Prepare your belongings.” “We have to go now.”
There was a nod from me. “Yes.” Once inside, I looked around. Place all of the garments in the large bag. I was able to dress myself even though I have little hands.
“What is our plan?” “Can you please tell me why we have to leave this place?” In the beginning, I didn’t understand.
“Honey, we don’t own this place.” It belonged to your dad. Anytime now, your dad and his wife and kid will be back.
They constantly decide to leave me for another woman.
I said, “Honey, I brought your champorado and the medicine.” She first placed it on top of my little cabinet, next to the bed.
Some women in committed relationships still strike their partners, which begs the question, “Why?” “Don’t they feel terrible for their fellow women who are left behind because of them?” Incredulous, I asked.
When I was little, I remember asking you, “Have you known for a long time that Papa had a child outside?”
“How was that received by you?” As in, “Why didn’t you inform me right away?”
There are so many things I want to ask her, but the thought makes my throat knot. I can’t catch my breath. In the end, my vision became so blurry that I could see nothing but blackness.
“Honey!”
