chasing her

cry

"Crazy, that was just a joke. My head really hurts now, but I already sent Butler Lio away. I don't want him to get involved."

"Go now, Butler, before Dad sees you here. If he does, you're in trouble!"

"Alright, alright, I'm leaving. Take care." he said as he closed the door.

I let out a sigh.

Damn, my head really hurts.

It'll go away.

I'm only staying here for a day, so don't worry, self. Just gaslight yourself, come on.

Ugh, it's so cold.

Why do they even have an air conditioner here? For God's sake, this is a storage room.

I grabbed the blanket and pillow from the side of the table and started setting up my bed.

Finally, I'm done! Time to lie down—yay!

Oh, crap. I forgot my books. I need to review for our quiz tomorrow.

Sigh... whatever.

Dad might get mad again if he finds out I didn't review.

Sad.

All I need to do is sleep right now so I can get out of here early tomorrow. Yes! That's the plan.

CREEEAK…

I opened my eyes at the sound. Oh, s**t, it's 5:10.

I looked at the door, which was now open.

Wow, they're letting me out early today.

I walked out slowly, looking around. Tsk, everyone’s still asleep. Well, I can't blame them. They make us work from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM—what the hell.

Butler must have opened the door.

It's freezing. Even my hands feel numb.

"Oh, you're awake, Jamie. Eat first before you take a bath."

"Thank you, Butler. Later. I need to review—we have a quiz later." I replied.

"Ah, alright."

I walked slowly to my room, grabbed the books I needed for reviewing, and placed them on my study table. I set my alarm clock to make sure I wouldn’t be late.

"SAWARASENAI KIMI WA SHOUJO NA NO, BOKU WA YARICHIN NO USO DAYO!!"

For f**k’s sake, I forgot to change my alarm music. Damn it.

I quickly turned it off and closed my book.

Before I took a shower, I fixed my things—my bed, my study table, and I even swept the floor.

Okay, I'm done. I need to shower now. BRB!

Ten minutes later…

I'm done with my shower, hoo!

I grabbed my robe from the cabinet and put it on. I stepped out of the bathroom and went straight to my walk-in closet, taking off my robe.

Damn, my body looks awful… bruises and scars everywhere.

"Ugly." I muttered to myself.

Hah… My body is so ugly. No one will like me. Sad.

I grabbed my makeup kit and covered all my scars and bruises.

I applied the concealer carefully—it hurt when I touched them.

Once I finished covering them all, I picked out a sweater and pants from my closet.

"Okay, I’m done. I need to go outside now—Butler’s probably waiting." I whispered to myself.

As I walked down the stairs, I overheard a conversation.

"Limuel! Tell her the truth while there's still time!" Butler said angrily.

"What do you think I am, stupid? Tsk. If she finds out, she’ll report it to the police for sure." Dad said, shaking his head.

Report what to the police??

"This is wrong, Limuel! Completely wrong! You’re hurting her—she’s traumatized! Think about it!"

"Tsk, I don’t care about that child. She’s just a burden and completely useless!" Dad snapped.

Never mind. I won’t wait for Butler.

I tried to stop my tears, but I failed—one slipped from my right eye. His words hurt so much. You’d think she wasn’t even his daughter with the way he talks about her.

"Tsk. You’re a worthless father! Whatever, do what you want." Butler said before storming off.

I wiped away my stubborn tears and quickly walked downstairs.

I ignored everything I just heard.

"Hi, Dad. I’m leaving for school now." I said and leaned in to kiss his cheek, but he pushed me away.

"Don’t you dare come near me!" Dad snapped, clearly furious.

Maybe he’s just tired. He probably didn’t mean it.

"Let’s go, Mang Toni." I said, calling for our driver.

I got into the car.

As we drove, I kept thinking about Dad’s behavior. Even if I told myself he was just tired from work, I couldn’t stop overthinking.

Damn… it really hurts.

"Jamie, iha, we’re here." Mang Toni said gently.

"I'll just get off here. Thank you so much!" I replied loudly.

As I walked, I saw two people arguing.

"Tangina, Jade! Ano ‘to?! Nawala lang ako nang isang taon, may iba ka na?" Fami said, her voice filled with pain.

"H-hindi ko sinasadya, Fami. Isang taon kang nawala… nangangailangan rin ako." Jade replied.

Idiot, you could’ve just told her. Maybe you two would’ve lasted.

"Letcheng dahilan yan, Jade. Ako rin naman! Pero inisip ko ang mararamdaman mo dahil mahal kita! Mahal kita eh, bakit naman ganito?"

"Mahal kita, Jade!! Isang taon kang nawala sa paningin ko, kailangan kita... kailangan na kailangan kita."

"Gustong-gusto kong sabihin sa’yo na 'Ang sakit, iiwan na pala ako ni Mommy. Hindi ko agad siya nasamahan, hindi ko man lang siya nakasama nang matagal.' Hindi ko masabi sa'yo kasi alam kong marami kang ginagawa!"

"Hindi ko naman ginustong pumunta sa Spain… pero tangina, kailangan na kailangan ko! May sakit si Mommy at walang magbabantay sa kanya," Fami sobbed.

"Ako lang ang maaasahan niya. Lahat ng kapatid ko maliliit pa."

Damn, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. Their voices were just so loud.

I’m sorry, guys.

"I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Fami. Hindi ko sinasadya."

Your sorry means nothing.

"Wag na lang muna tayo mag-usap, Jade. Ang sakit eh." Fami said before walking away.

Jade kept calling after her, but she didn’t even look back.

I followed Fami and hid behind the door. We were on the rooftop now.

But I didn’t reveal myself. I let her cry her heart out first.

Damn, I look like a stalker.

Fine, I’ll show myself. Poor girl.

I mean… I’m just concerned she might jump.

I walked over and handed her my handkerchief.

She looked at me and then at the handkerchief in my hand.

"Don’t worry, it’s clean. Just take it."

"Your tears won’t stop falling." I said.

"T-thank you."

I just looked at her and smiled.

I turned to the towering buildings—such a nice view.

"It’s okay to cry. If it helps ease the pain, then let it all out." I said softly.

"I know you don’t know me, and I don’t know you either. So, we’re both strangers—no need to be shy."

"They say it’s sometimes easier to talk to a stranger than to someone you know."

"So… cry. Don’t be shy." I said quietly.

She nodded and continued crying.

2,000,000 years later…

Just kidding. This girl is so dramatic.

"Bye, Miss Stranger!" I waved before running off.

Damn, I’m gonna be late.

Second day of school and I’m already late—great.

Haa… Hoo…

Exhausting.

Okay, here we go. Time to knock.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

"Honey, why aren’t you going inside yet? You’re not late—we had a meeting."

"O-oh! Thank you!"

Whew, close call.

Alright, time for the quiz.