Like Strangers Do

Prologue

PROLOGUE

"Leave!" Daddy hissed shooing a man away.

The man looked at my dad sharped, his eyes were red and his hair was a mess. I hide more behind my back when he glanced to me.

"Mayayaman, akala niyo lahat magagamitan ng pera niyo. Tangina niyo pala eh. Pagkatapos kong maging tapat sa inyo, gagaguhin niyo ko!" The man shouted.

I flinced as his voice roared. I felt my Daddy's hand covers my ears. I can faintly heard the man's words as he stumbled while walking away unstably. Nakita ko pa ang isang babae na sinasalubong siya at inalalayan palayo.

"Daddy..." I called as he lowered his head.

"Are you hurt?" He caress my hair.

I innocently shook my head, "Who's that?"

His brows met and sighed. "I don't know. But the next time that people who behaves like that follows or approach you, leave immediately, okay?"

I nodded, he held my cheeks, "Do not talk or come with a stranger, baby."

"Why? Some strangers are kind." I whispered.

"We don't know what they can do. Yes, some are kind. But some are bad people. If a stranger took you and we didn't know, how am I suppose to take you back and how sure am I that I can have you safe again? Do you understand?"

I nodded.

I was 7 years old that time. I somehow put my dad's words in my head too literal kaya talagang umiwas ako sa mga tao. 

"I'll fetch you at 12am,"

I rolled my eyes, "What am I gonna do here ba Kuya? Can't we just go somewhere and go home at 12? Alam mo naman na wala akong friends."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying my misery.

"Kailangan mong pumunta, sayang ang suot mo. Isa pa, you can make friends tonight." Tumingin siya sa labas ng kotse, "maraming studyante, mga mukha namang desente."

Napasimangot ako, "Kuya..." I whinned.

"Go, Nayeli. I think, It's gonna start," sabi niya sabay tulak sa akin palabas ng sasakyan.

"W-wait— hand me my book—" He slammed the door and roll down the window.

"Nayeli, that's a prom. You know what, just go inside and look around baka may makita ka pang subject para sa painting mo. Bye!" He even waved his hand while speeding away!

That's mean.

I sighed. Might as well do something that will benefit me. Pagpasok pa lang ng hall ay gusto ko na agad lumabas. A loud rock music is playing, my ears are vibrating!
God, help me survive this freaking suicide.

I took my purse and looked at the time on my phone, 8pm. The heck! Eight... Nine... Ten... Eleven... Twelve... Four hours?!

Mommy, matutuyo ang utak ko sa lakas ng sound system at dami ng tao rito.

My mom, insisted  that I should attend today's prom night. She picked a dress for me, she even put a freaking make up on my face! Not that I have something against those girls who wear makeups but I don't really like anything that they put on my face. It's feels heavy.

I think this kind of event isn't meant for me.

Nagpunta ako sa side at sandaling nag-observe ng mga tao.

With the slow song. Mostly couples are in the middle dancing. Iyong iba masyadong close, 'yong iba sakto lang, ang iba mukhang nagkakailangan pa. I can see someone being push by his friends towards a girl. There's someone taking photos, and some being theirselves dancing in the middle of the dancefloor with the couples.