YEAR 2009 (continued)"Vianna May!" our neighbor called out, breathless and visibly distressed. "It’s your Mom!""What happened to Mom?" I cried, my voice trembling. I clutched Diego's hand tighter."She was rushed to the hospital! Go to her—now!"We immediately flagged down a taxi the moment our neighbor told us which hospital she was taken to.I couldn’t stop crying the whole ride. The guilt gnawed at me. If I hadn’t done what I did earlier, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.If I hadn’t left... maybe I could’ve done something. Perhaps I could’ve protected her—from that monster I called my father.The taxi hadn’t even come to a full stop when I threw the door open and jumped out, leaving Diego behind. I rushed to the information desk, frantic, tears streaming down my face as I asked where my mom was. The nurse could barely understand me through my sobs."Vianna May, calm down," I heard Diego say gently behind me. "What’s your Mom’s name?""Violita Meranda," I choked out, still in te
YEAR 2009 (continued)My quiet reflection was interrupted by laughter echoing from the pool. Some of my classmates, members of the school’s swimming team, were splashing and playing, full of energy.Among them was Diego, my classmate and secret crush. He was the one reason I could still find a smile despite everything.Just seeing his handsome face, flushed slightly from the sun and exertion, brought me joy. Especially when he’d glance in my direction, those fleeting moments warmed my heart.After class, I always lingered around the pool—to watch him from afar, unnoticed.I stole one last look at Diego before standing up and walking away, carrying the image of his face with me, along with a faint smile on my lips.I walked home slowly. If I had anywhere else to go, I wouldn’t even think of going back to that house. But I didn’t. My grandmother hated us, too. If my grandfather were still alive, he would’ve taken me in with open arms.Unfortunately, he was long gone, and I was left with
My whole body trembled with anger, frustration, and pain.Tears blurred my vision as we walked through the gate. I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.It felt like I couldn’t breathe.“Sweetheart…” Mom whispered, wrapping her arms around me.My arms hung lifelessly at my sides. I couldn’t even bring myself to hug her back, even as she silently cried with me. She knew it wasn’t just Erna’s cruel words that broke me—it was the memories. The memory of my worthless father and the pain he caused, not just to me, but to Mom, too.“Vianna May… Violy… Come inside,” came Chona’s soft, hesitant voice. We hadn’t even noticed her following us.She gently guided us into the house and helped us settle onto the sofa. Without another word, she fetched us a glass of water and handed one to each of us.“Thank you, Chona,” Mom said hoarsely.I sat between them, feeling the weight of their concern. Both of them placed their hands on my trembling back and shoulders, comforti
My eyes fell on our clasped hands—mine and Diego's.“I’ll do the laundry! Your soft hands might get scratched,” he blurted, hastily stuffing the towel into his pocket.I shook my head with a faint smile. “Suit yourself,” I muttered as I opened the door.“Thanks, Diego,” I added softly before shutting it behind me and running toward the shop.The rain poured relentlessly. I glanced back—Diego’s car was still in the same spot.“Rainy morning, Vianna May!” Damian called out cheerfully.“Good morning, Damian,” I replied with a smile. “Any updates about Gino?” I asked as I closed my umbrella and placed it on the stand.“Still nothing. I’m getting worried about that kid.”“Don’t stress too much.” Gently patting his shoulder.“Good morning,” came a sweet voice behind us. We turned at the same time.“Roselyn, good morning,” I said, returning her smile. “Damian, this is Roselyn—our new workmate.”“Hello, Damian,” Roselyn greeted politely.“We’ll head inside now,” I said. “Come on, Roselyn. I’l
He wiped away my tears, gently cupping my cheeks in his hands."I'm sorry, I'm so sorry... it won't happen again!"With my eyes shut tightly, I removed his hands from my face. "Let me breathe first. Just... leave me alone for now." I opened the door and walked out without looking back.There was nowhere else to go—no place to hide—except for the stairs leading up to the second floor of the shop.There, I poured out all my anger and heartbreak. I didn’t care if my eyes swelled from crying; I just needed to let everything out.The entire afternoon at work passed in a dull haze. Lenny didn’t ask any questions. The puffiness of my eyes spoke for itself, and she probably already knew the reason, though she had no idea I’d been hurt physically, too.I stayed silent as I rode in Romeo’s car. Despite what happened earlier, he insisted on driving me home. He kept stealing glances at me, sighing again and again. I could feel the regret radiating off him.He reached out and took my hand, but I
My temper flared even more when I heard him laugh. I shot him a glare. "You think this is funny?!" I asked, irritated.He took my hand and placed it on the handle of the paper bag, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. I snatched it from him."I told you..." he started, but didn’t finish. He leaned in as if to kiss me, but I quickly pressed my palm against his lips."Told you what?!" I asked through gritted teeth.He grasped the hand I had over his mouth, his grin widening. "That... you're jealous..." he said, still holding my hand against his lips.He always got thrilled whenever I got jealous. Me? I couldn’t feel the same excitement whenever he got jealous. I didn’t even have the strength to smile. All I felt was fear, anxiety, and dread.I yanked my hand away and rolled my eyes at him. "I'm heading out!" I snapped, yanking the door open with a huff.Quickly, I composed my face before stepping outside to the two women, who were wondering why I’d taken so long."Roselyn, her