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Chapter 8 - Between Tears and Secrets

He hadn't even finished speaking when he threw the basket, stepped on it, and walked away with his friends.

Everyone was left speechless. The fashionable girls burst out laughing.

What b****es! And that guy… does he think he's a god or something? Pff.

Me: That's not cool. She didn't do anything wrong.

Tamara: Forget it, Hiyas, he's like that. Girls hurt themselves. They get rejected every time but still keep trying. So… what are we having?

Me: Mmh.

Luckily, I had brought the food my mom, Sorayah, made. And my medicine, safely tucked in one of my jacket pockets.

Me: I brought some food. Let's eat that first.

Tamara: Okay!

We devoured it like two starving wolves.

Tamara: Mmh… so good!

Me: Of course, my mom made it.

Tamara: That's awesome! You'll have to invite me over sometime—I want more!

She's really such a cute girl.

Me: Okay.

After finishing, we headed back to class.

Me: Uh… Tami, I need to go to the bathroom.

Tamara: No problem.

I rushed off. I absolutely needed to take my medicine. The bathroom was perfect for being discreet.

I locked myself in a stall, quickly swallowed my pills, then stepped out.

That's when I heard someone crying. Curious, I went closer…

Oh no. It's the girl from earlier.

Me: Hey, are you okay? Are… are you alright?

She (tearful, aggressive): Leave me alone! Mind your own business!

Then she walked away, her eyes red.

I felt so sorry for her. That guy acts like it's her fault for daring to love him. And why did Tami say he's anti-girls again? I want to understand… No! Forget it, Hiyas. It's not like you want to get closer to him anyway.

I returned to class. Last lesson of the day, with the history teacher.

Finally, the bell rang. 5 PM.

Tami and I said our goodbyes, and I got into the car. Today, Ezekiel came to pick me up. He bombarded me with questions about my day, and I answered vaguely.

At home, Dad was out, but thankfully Mom Sorayah greeted me with a huge hug.

Mom: Hey, sweetie, I missed you so much!

Me: I missed you too, Mommy.

Mom: So… how was school?

Me: It was cool. I even met a friend. Her name's Tamara.

Except for one girl who annoyed me this morning… and some weird guy, everything went fine, right?

Mom: Really? That's great!

Me: Yeah… Uh, what about Dad?

Mom: Your father had an emergency, he's still at the office.

Me: Alright.

Mom: Did you take your medicine?

Me: Yes, yes.

Mom: Perfect. Go get changed.

Me: Okay.

In the evening, around 7:30 PM, Dad finally came home. Together with Mom, we welcomed him warmly. He also asked me about my day, and I repeated the same version I told Mom.

Then, of course, he said his usual line:

Dad: Did you take your medicine?

Really? I must have heard that a billion times in my life.

Me (dramatic sigh): Yes, Mr. Corazon.

Dad: You might take it lightly, but I'm serious, Hiyas.

Me: Alright…

After dinner, I finally gathered the courage:

Me: Dad… when will you show me Mom Faith's grave? I'd like to bring her some flowers.

My parents (suddenly surprised): …

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