Bittersweet

Chapter 13 - End of the trio?

The night was still fresh in my mind, a series of painful, jarring memories that wouldn't fade. Revelations that will change us and our bond forever. I'm still on the verge of choosing whether to stay or leave everything behind. It's not what I want, but I know it's the right thing to do. I know I've been selfish, but I also need to save my own heart.

Weeks passed since what happened with Devyn. After classes and on weekends, we visit her. She's been excused from school for her recovery, and thankfully, her injury is healing well. Eleven is not always with us; the last time I saw him was that night after what Cania said. I'm getting worried about him, but Dice and Vixon advised me to give him time.

We all know it's hard for him. After this chaos, I also need to talk to Rhed. I still consider him a friend. I was silently watching my grandmother cook my favorite dish, ginataang kalabasa. I came to visit her for a while since she doesn't live with us. Her house also serves as her place of business. My grandmother is a well-known dressmaker in our town.

"Nakakatuwa naman na dinalaw mo ako dito. Halos isang buwan nang walang paramdam ang Mama mo sa akin. Malapit na nga ako magtampo," she said, smiling widely.

I was taken aback by what she said. I know my mother is busy with work, but she never forgets to visit and check on Lola. I can still feel that my mother is avoiding me for some unknown reason. She comes home late at night and leaves early for work. It's as if we're not living in the same house-I barely see her.

"Sobrang busy na po kasi si Mama sa trabaho. Nagsimula na din po ang training namin sa school."

Lola turned to me and placed the dish of ginataang kalabasa on the table. She also served me rice and poured juice into my glass. She sat across from me, smiling. I'm used to Lola's caring nature. It's no wonder that whenever I bring Dice and the others to visit her, they never want to leave.

She always prepares delicious snacks and meals for us.

"Kumain ka na. Pagdating mo kanina, napansin ko ang pamamayat ng katawan mo. Alam kong mahirap pagsabayin ang pag-aaral sa pagiging atleta mo, pero huwag mong pabayaan ang katawan mo, apo. Mahirap maging sakitin," Lola said with concern.

I gave her a small smile. I tasted the ginataang kalabasa she cooked. I couldn't help but eat more because it was so delicious, and I missed it.

"Hindi mo kasama ang mga kaibigan mo ngayon. Abala din ba sila?" Lola asked curiously.

I drank some juice before answering. "Hindi ko na po inaya sila Vixon. Dinalaw po nila ngayon si Devyn na na-injury po kasi sa training."

Lola frowned. "Anong nangyari? Malala ba ang injury niya? Naku! Kawawang bata. Bago ka umuwi, dalhan mo siya ng prutas. Sakto, may mga bunga na ang pananim ko sa bukid."

Just as Lola said, she gave me a basket of fruit for Devyn before I went home. Our compound is close to her tailor shop, so, as usual, I walked home. The sun was setting again, and unlike the past few weeks, I'm doing better now. The pain is slowly fading, but my heart still beats for him.

My phone rang, and it felt like déjà vu. My heart raced, a bad feeling coursing through my veins. This time, it wasn't Eleven's name but Devyn's on the screen, and worry began to consume me. I answered the call, and all I could hear were her sobs, her desperate calls of my name.

She was speaking, but her words were unclear. I ran as fast as I could, even texting Eleven for help. I knew Devyn's situation was worsening-her injury was serious. Badminton was her only escape, yet Rica had hurt her physically. I hailed a tricycle to get to her house, which was quite far.

I couldn't sit still during the ride. I quickly paid the driver and rushed to the front of Devyn's house. The place was eerily silent, which was unusual. When I entered, darkness greeted me. I turned on the light, revealing Devyn sitting on the floor, hugging her knees, crying silently.