Chapter 8
I woke up to a throbbing headache that felt like my skull was being squeezed from the inside.
The pain was overwhelming—an intense, dull ache that pulsed rhythmically behind my eyes, as if each heartbeat was a hammer striking the inside of my head.
My vision was slightly blurry, and I had to blink several times just to focus on my surroundings.
The room was dim, but even the faint light seeping through the curtains felt like needles piercing into my temples. I groaned softly and tried to sit up, but even that small movement sent a fresh wave of pain crashing over me.
Almost immediately, my sister rushed to my side.
I could hear her footsteps quicken the moment she realized I was awake.
Her face was filled with worry, brows furrowed deeply and eyes wide with concern.
She crouched beside me, gently placing a cool hand on my forehead as she examined me closely, her touch hesitant but caring.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.
I closed my eyes for a moment, wincing from the pain, before answering. "Ang sakit ng ulo ko," I murmured weakly, clutching my head as if that would somehow ease the pounding inside.
"You know Cynthia is sick, bakit kapa lumapit? Alam mong mabilis kang hawaan ng sakit." she scolded me.
"She’s not feeling well, I’m just taking care of her," I replied calmly, trying to hide the exhaustion in my voice.
"She doesn’t need your help, Sylvia. She knows how to take care of herself," she shot back, arms crossed and tone firm, as if she’s been waiting for this moment to confront me.
"I know, Ate. Pero... I still wanted to," sagot ko, barely above a whisper. I didn't have the energy to argue, not when my whole body felt like it was on fire.
She didn’t respond right away. Tahimik lang siyang kumuha ng basang bimpo at pinunasan ang pawis ko sa noo. Her touch was gentle, but her silence was loud—full of unspoken judgment.
"Her boyfriend is a doctor," she added suddenly, habang patuloy ang pagpunas sa akin.
"Doctor? He can’t even take care of his own girlfriend properly," I retorted, eyes narrowing despite the fever making my vision blur.
"He knows what he’s doing, Sylvia," she insisted, pero halatang nagpipigil siya ng inis.
I gave her a lazy smirk. "Should I shift course then? Baka dapat mag-doctor nalang ako."
She dropped the cloth back into the basin a little too hard. "Stop acting like you like her. You’re doing this for your own game and satisfaction," she snapped, her voice suddenly sharp and unfiltered.
She's right. I don’t like her—not in the way people are supposed to. I just… like the game. Yung anticipation. Yung moment na mahuhulog siya at ako ang sasalo sakanya—only to let her fall harder. It’s sick. It’s twisted. But somehow, it makes me feel in control.
"No, I’m not," depensa ko, kahit alam kong may bahid ng katotohanan ang sinabi niya. I hated how easily she could see through me.
"I know you, Syl. Hindi lang ako nagsasalita, pero alam ko ang pinag-gagagawa mo," sagot niya, eyes steady, voice low. It didn’t sound like anger anymore. Just… disappointment.
Napatingin ako sa kisame. "I’m not feeling well, Ate. Can you just… take care of me?" I asked, deliberately changing the topic, hoping she’d let it go just this once.
She sighed, as if weighing whether I was still worth the effort. "Okay," she said finally.
Ngumiti ako, weak but real. That was enough for now.
Tumayo siya at pumunta sa may kusina. I heard her open the fridge and microwave something. A few minutes later, she came back holding a small tray.
"Eat. You haven’t eaten anything since earlier," she said, placing the food on my lap and sitting beside me.
"Did you cook this for me?" I asked while picking up the spoon.
"Yes. Is it good?" she asked habang tinitingnan akong kumain, waiting for my reaction.
I chewed slowly, savoring the warm taste. "Of course. Lahat naman ng luto mo masarap," sagot ko, smiling at her.
"Nambola pa," sabay irap niya pero may konting ngiti rin sa labi. Natatawa na lang ako. Kahit galit siya, hindi pa rin niya matiis na alagaan ako.
"Btw, Ate," I started after finishing another spoonful.
"Mhm?" she hummed, wiping her hands on a small towel.
"From what I remember... si Ms. Sanchez ang huling taong nakita ko bago ako nawalan ng malay," I said, brows furrowing as I tried to recall more. "She was the last one. Nakita ko siya, then... blackout."
"You’re right," she nodded. "Be thankful she found you."
I blinked. "Sino naghatid sa akin pauwi?"
"Me. Don’t expect na ihahatid ka niya. She just called and left. Ako 'yung kumuha sa 'yo. Ako 'yung nagbuhat, ako 'yung nagpalit ng damit mo, ako 'yung nagbantay."
There was a bitterness in her voice I couldn’t ignore.
"I’m just asking lang naman, Ate..." I murmured, feeling a bit guilty. I looked down at the food, suddenly losing my appetite. "Btw… okay na ba 'yung pakiramdam niya?"
"Yes. Her fever is gone na. At ikaw naman ngayon 'tong nilalagnat," sagot niya sabay kurot ng kaunti sa braso ko.
"Okay lang," bulong ko, forcing a small smile. "Basta maging okay na siya."
Even if I say I don’t like her, even if I say it’s all just a game… somehow, her being okay still matters to me.
And that… is probably the most dangerous part of it all.
"Pwede kana maging artista," sarcastic na sagot nito.
She really knows me so well. As in sobra. I can’t lie to her; it’s pointless to even try. Kahit anong pilit kong itago o pagandahin ang mga dahilan ko, she always sees through me. It’s both comforting and annoying, to be honest.
“Finish your food and then you can rest,” she said, placing the used bimpo back into the basin before glancing at me one last time.
I nodded, pero hindi ko napigilang magtanong. “How about my class, Ate? Hindi ba ako maiiwan sa lessons?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll excuse you from your class,” sagot niya agad, calm and reassuring, as if she already expected me to ask that. “I already talked to your professor. I told them you’re sick.”
“Ah, okay,” I replied, relieved. At least hindi ko na kailangang magpaliwanag pa sa group chat.
“Take your medicine after eating, okay?” paalala niya, with that usual older-sister tone. “And call for our maid if you need anything. Wag kang tatayo kung nahihilo ka pa.”
She began gathering her things—the bag she left near the door, the notes she reviewed while watching over me. I watched her silently, feeling a little guilty for making her miss time from her own responsibilities.
“I have to go, I still have class,” she added, standing by the door.
“Okay… Ingat ka, Ate,” I said softly.
She gave me a small smile, the kind that says she’s still a little annoyed but worried nonetheless. Then, she walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind her.
Pagkaalis niya, I looked down at the tray on my lap. Medyo lumamig na 'yung food, pero gutom na rin talaga ako. I forced myself to eat kahit wala akong ganang kumain. Every bite felt heavy, pero alam kong kailangan ko 'tong gawin para makabawi agad.
Kahit masama ang pakiramdam ko, I could still taste the warmth and care in the food she cooked. Simple lang—lugaw with egg and a bit of chicken—but it felt like a hug. I finished every last spoonful, hoping it would help me recover faster.
After placing the empty tray on the bedside table, I leaned back against the pillows. Napikit ako sandali, at doon ko lang talaga na-realize kung gaano ako nanghihina. My head was pounding, my body ached, and kahit naka-aircon ang kwarto, pakiramdam ko pawis na pawis pa rin ako.
I pulled the blanket over me and sighed. Ang hirap talaga magkasakit. Especially when your mind won’t stop thinking about someone else, even when your body is breaking down.
“Bahala na,” I whispered to myself, allowing my eyes to close.
And just like that, I drifted off to sleep again, hoping na paggising ko, mas okay na ang lahat—ako, at siya.
---
I woke up and saw that it was already 6 pm. I had slept almost the entire day—grabe, ang tagal ng tulog ko. But honestly, I felt a lot better now, kaya I decided to get up, take a shower, and eat something. Kailangan ko nang mag-ayos kasi medyo mahina pa rin ang katawan ko after all that rest.
As I was walking down the stairs, I heard some noise coming from the living room. The voices sounded familiar, so naturally, I got curious. Pagdating ko sa sala, I saw Ate’s friends.
“Hi baby Gomez! How are you feeling?” Ms. Martinez greeted me warmly.
“Okay lang po ako,” I replied, trying to sound a little stronger than I actually felt. Habang sinasagot ko siya, hinanap ko si Ms. Sanchez sa room.
And there she was — sitting comfortably on the couch with her laptop on her lap, so focused she didn’t even notice me.
She wore a tight fitting 'u' shaped shirt with a cropped black blazer that ended at the middle waist. She wore tight fitting trousers that actually began to flare out from her knee, creating a mature look.
Honestly, she never fails to completely captivate me. I don’t know how she does it, but there’s just something about her presence.
“Sylvia, do you even hear me? I’ve asked you several times already,” Ate said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Ha?” I replied, a bit startled.
She sighed, “I’m asking if you feel better now?”
“Ah, yes po, Ate. I’m feeling much better now,” I said, trying to steady my voice.
“Good. Take a shower and join us for dinner,” she instructed, and I nodded in response.
Ms. Sanchez didn’t even glance my way. I kept staring at her for a moment longer before heading to the bathroom. Parang gusto ko lang masilip pa siya ng konti, pero alam kong weird ‘yun kaya umalis na ako.
I took a long shower, probably close to an hour. I like to take my time when I shower, kasi gusto ko feeling fresh talaga paglabas ko.
When I finally came out, I was still in my bathrobe since my clothes were in my room. Feeling thirsty, I decided to go to the kitchen for some water.
While walking toward the kitchen, I noticed Ms. Sanchez struggling to reach some snacks in the cabinet. She stood on a chair, reaching as high as she could. I couldn’t help but watch her — she looked so adorable trying to grab those snacks.
Then, suddenly, she almost lost her balance!
“Gosh, Ms. Sanchez!” I shouted, but thankfully I caught her just in time.
I grabbed her by the waist and laughed softly because her eyes were tightly shut, like she was bracing for a fall. When she opened her eyes, she looked totally confused.
“Do you think you can stand up on your own now? Or would you prefer we stay in this position?” I teased, flashing a playful smile.
She immediately pulled away from me and walked off like she didn’t want to continue the banter.
“Be careful, Ms. Sanchez, baka matumba ka ulit. But don’t worry, I’ll catch you every time,” I added with a grin.
“You’re crazy. I already have a boyfriend, Gomez,” she said flatly.
"He's just your boyfriend. I could be your wife,” I shot back, then winked at her.
She ignored me and walked away. I just smiled to myself. She's really hard to get, huh?
I grabbed a glass of water, then went up to my room to change and get ready for dinner.
After finishing changing clothes, agad na akong bumaba.
I’m in the kitchen now, sitting at the dining table habang nagsasalo kami ng dinner. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the room—warm, comforting, and very homey. The clinking of utensils against plates was the only sound until someone spoke up.
I’m seated between Ate and Ms. Martinez, who was calmly slicing her meat while occasionally glancing at us with her usual composed expression.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Ms. Martinez turned to me and asked, “What’s your favorite food, baby Gomez?”
Medyo napatigil ako, di ko in-expect na tatanungin niya 'yon. But I smiled politely and answered, “Anything po. I’m not really a picky eater,” sagot ko, trying to sound casual.
She raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly, obviously amused by my answer. “Mabuti naman at hindi ka natulad sa Ate mo,” sabi nito habang tinutusok ang gulay sa kanyang plato.
I noticed Ate froze for a second. Slowly, she looked up and stared at Ms. Martinez with narrowed eyes. Kita ko sa mga mata niya 'yung irritation na unti-unting nabubuo. Napalunok ako ng konti.
"Do you have a problem with that?" taas kilay na tanong ni Ate, her voice cool but sharp, like she was ready to go to war over a single comment.
"Wala ssob, willing naman akong pag silbihan ka, basta ikaw."
“Yuck,” tanging sagot ni Ate habang umiiling at parang hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi ni Ms. Martinez.
Ms. Martinez scoffed dramatically and turned to me with an exaggerated expression of offense. “Sakit talaga sa apdo ‘yang Ate mo,” sumbong niya sa akin, placing a hand over her chest like she was truly wounded.
Napatawa nalang ako sakanila, lalo na sa childish na expression ni Ms. Martinez. She looked like a kid na sinabihan ng hindi maganda pero pilit paring cool.
“Stop talking nonsense with Sylvia, Diana. My sister can’t eat properly because of you,” dagdag pa ni Ate habang pinapahid ang bibig niya ng tissue, obviously annoyed but trying to keep her composure.
Ms. Martinez pouted like a scolded puppy, then stabbed a piece of chicken on her plate and took a bite. “Grabe ka, Athena. I’m just talking to her. Hindi ko naman siya pinipigilan kumain, no,” she muttered with her mouth full, trying to defend herself.
I was about to respond, gusto ko sanang sabihin na okay lang ako and I was eating just fine, kaya sabi ko, “No, she’s not—”
Pero agad akong pinutol ni Ate.
“Eat vegetables, so you can be healthy,” sabi niya na may halong inis at concern, sabay sinubuan ako ng broccoli.
"Sabi ko sa'yo manahimik nalang tayo," bulong pa ulit ni Ms. Martinez sa akin.
I’m not really a fan of vegetables. Never have been. I don’t care if I eat unhealthy food—honestly, life’s too short to stress over that. I only live once, so I’d rather enjoy every bite to the fullest, kahit pa puro carbs o oily pa 'yan.
Pero habang kumakain kami, napansin ko si Ms.
Sanchez.
Tahimik lang siya sa gilid, as usual, but what really caught my attention was her plate.
She was only eating vegetables.
As in legit gulay lang, walang kahit anong ulam.
She would pick around the meat, carefully setting it aside as if ayaw na ayaw niya talaga.
I found myself staring at her for a while, curious. Hindi ko alam kung diet ba 'to, may allergy, o sadyang conscious lang siya sa health niya. Either way, medyo weird sa paningin ko kasi ako, I’d always go for the meat first.
Then, naisip ko lang bigla—since hindi ko pa naman ginagalaw 'yung chicken sa plate ko, and honestly wala rin naman akong balak kainin 'yon, I might as well offer it to her.
“Have some chicken,” sabi ko, gently placing the chicken sa plato niya with a small smile.
For a moment, she just stared at me. Walang imik. I waited, expecting na baka mag-thank you siya or maybe she'd finally eat something more filling.
Napangiti pa nga ako, thinking she’d take the gesture positively. Pero…
She casually picked up the chicken from her plate and, without a second thought, turned to Ms. Dizon and placed it on her plate instead.
“Thank you, honey,” sabi ni Ms. Dizon kay Ms. Sanchez, her eyes sparkling a bit as she looked at her.
Ms. Sanchez didn’t say anything to me. She just smiled—pero hindi sa akin. Kay Ms. Dizon. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Ms. Sanchez always smiles when she's with other people, but she's always grumpy with me.. Alam kong ayaw mo sa akin Ms. pero 'wag mo naman pahalata.
“Ayos lang ‘yan,” bulong pa ni Ms. Martinez sa akin habang bahagyang inabot ang braso ko sa ilalim ng mesa, giving me a reassuring pat.
I tried to focus on my food again, pushing the rice around my plate with my fork habang pilit kong ini-ignore 'yung tension sa loob ng dibdib ko.
Then suddenly, Ate called my name.
“Btw, Sylvia,” sabi ni Ate in her usual calm but firm tone, kaya agad akong napatingin sa kanya.
“Po?” sagot ko, eyes slightly wide, unsure kung anong sasabihin niya.
“They’re staying overnight since we need to finish what we’re working on,” Ate said while sipping from her glass, as if it was no big deal.
Natapos na kaming kumain at nagsitayuan na sila. Kumuha ako ng ice cream para sa dessert, at plano kong bigyan si Ms. Sanchez. Kumuha ako nang cookies and cream na flavor, hindi ko kasi alam kung ano ang gusto niya.
Pumunta na ako sa salas kung nasaan siya.
Tahimik lang ang paligid, maliban sa mahihinang tunog mula sa keyboard at occasional clicks ng mouse.
As usual, naka-focus siya sa ginagawa niya sa laptop, para bang wala nang ibang tao sa paligid niya.
Ang seryosong ekspresyon sa mukha niya made it clear na ayaw niyang maistorbo.
Katabi niya si Ms. Martinez, comfortably lounging beside her habang may hawak na snacks at parang nakikinood lang ng ginagawa ni Ms. Sanchez.
Lumapit ako nang dahan-dahan, hawak-hawak pa 'yung ice cream.
“Miss—” aabot na sana ako kay Ms. Sanchez, ready to hand her the tray, pero natigilan ako nang bigla akong unahan ni Ms. Martinez.
“Thank you, baby Gomez, nag-abala ka pa,” bigla niyang sabi sabay kuha ng tray mula sa kamay ko, parang sanay na sanay siya na para sa kanya talaga ‘yon.
Hindi agad nag-process nang maayos utak ko sa nangyari. Saglit akong napako sa kinatatayuan ko, blinking a few times habang tinititigan silang dalawa. Ms. Sanchez didn’t even look up. Tuloy lang siya sa ginagawa niya, barely reacting.
“A-ah, opo,” tanging nasabi ko, pilit ang ngiti sa labi habang sinusubukan kong itago ang pagka-off guard ko.
Ms. Martinez smiled sweetly at me, then turned back kay Ms. Sanchez. “Ang bait talaga ng bebe gomez ko.”
Ms. Sanchez just nodded a little, eyes still glued sa screen, as if wala siyang narinig o hindi niya naisip na para talaga sa kanya ‘yon.
Why does Ms. Martinez always get out of the way? Palagi nalang, nakakainis.