Chapter 4: Grounded

I stayed still, not wanting to face Daddy.

"Why did you hit your sister?" he seriously asked.

Hindi ako sumagot.

"Persian Audrey, answer me."

"She did it first, Dad."

"No excuses, Audrey. Nagkapasa ang ate mo dahil sa kagagawan mo! And how you explain it? Dahil nauna siya? You immatured brat..." He massaged his temple.

"Why do you have to make your parents worry and suffer all the time, Audrey? Your mom, and I... We're always tired from working. At sa halip na pag-uwi namin ay magpahinga nalang, kailangan ka pa naming hintayin para umuwi."

"Wala naman akong sinabing hintayin niyo 'ko." I finally had the courage to speak out.

"I am so tired of you, Audrey. Can you please make me at ease just for once?"

"Then don't worry about me."

Akmang dadapo ang palad ni Daddy sa mukha ko nang huminto siya kalagitnaan.

Nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa puso. "Do it, Dad," hamon ko.

Bayolente siyang huminga nang malalim at ibinaba ang kamay.

He calmed himself. "Don't be rude, Audrey. Why did you do that to your sister? Kawawa ang ate mo pagkarating namin dito."

I stared at him longer as I felt my eyes watered.

"Dad, sa akin ba... naaawa ka? It's always Fiona in everything. Paano naman ako? Anak niyo rin naman ako, 'di ba? But why I always feel like an outcast?!"

Natahimik si Daddy.

"Do you think I like how I'm living my life? No, Dad. I've never been happy with this. I didn't feel happy at all."

Huminga ako nang malalim bago umakyat sa hagdan. When I got in my room, I immediately got an ice pack for my cheek.

Mommy was probably taking care of Fiona by now, while I was taking care by myself because of what Mommy did to me.

She never slapped me before, and this was the first time. She slapped me because of Fiona. How lucky she is for having our parents by her side, while no one's there for me.

Tomorrow morning, I didn't go to school and just texted Rhiane and Marga to meet me somewhere.

I didn't go downstairs and just stayed at the balcony, catching some fresh air from the outside.

After staying there for hours, I took a cold shower and wore a tube and a bodycon skirt with my heels. I put a red lipstick on before going out.

Nobody's around, so I continued walking until I reached the outside.

"Ma'am, sa'n ka pupunta?" tanong ni Kuya Henry.

"Kung sasabihin ko ba, papayag ka?" pag-irap ko. "Just take me to a near club —"

"Pero hindi p'wede, ma'am."

"Edi, magko-commute ako."

"Ma'am, baka magalit si Sir Peter."

"Kuya Henry, lagi naman silang galit kaya ano pa bang bago? Ihatid mo 'ko o tatakas ako? You choose. Mas malalagot ka pa kay Daddy kapag pinabayaan mo 'ko."

Wala siyang nagawa kun' 'di sumang-ayon. Habang nasa loob kami ng sasakyan ay nagsalita si Kuya Henry.

"Ma'am?"

Hindi ako sumagot.

"Okay lang kayo?"

"Why do you ask?"

Hindi siya sumagot kaya itinuon ko nalang ang tingin sa labas.

"Stop the car. Just wait there until I get done."

Lumabas na ako ng sasakyan at pumasok na sa loob ng bar.

Hinanap ng mata ko sina Marga at Rhiane na kaagad ko na rin namang nakita. Naglakad ako papalapit sa kanila.

"Bakit 'di ka pumasok? May nangyari ba?" tanong ni Marga.

"Nothing."

"Oo nga pala. Kasama namin si Dante, Audrey, nandoon sa dancefloor sumasayaw na," si Rhiane.

Nangunot ang noo ko. "Why did you bring him here, Marga?"

"Hayaan mo na 'ko, type ko, e."

"Maharot talaga," Rhiane whispered.

"Whatever."

I drank a lot of alcohol. I just wanted to be wasted this night. This might be my last, dahil alam kong nagtitimpi nalang si Dad sa 'kin. Bakit hindi ko pa sulitin, 'di ba?

Habang nakaupo lang at nagmamasid-masid sa paligid ay may napansin akong lalaki sa 'di kalayuan.

I was just watching him for a long time hanggang sa naglakad siya papaalis.

I immediately stood up, albeit I was tipsy. I just followed him until I reached the fire exit. And there, I saw him on stairs, sitting.

"Hey," I said and sat beside him. Medyo madilim sa puwesto namin kaya hindi ko rin masyadong maaninag ang mukha niya bukod sa nanlalabo ko na ring mata.

"Yeah?"

I felt dizzy, so I accidentally touch his thigh, balancing myself not to fall.

"Are you okay?"

Umurong pa ako sa tabi niya para lalo kaming magdikit.

Isinukbit ko ang magkabilang braso sa balikat ng lalaki. "I am not," I answered while staring at his lips.

I saw him smirked and he seems drunk too. Ipinaglapit niya ang mukha namin hanggang sa dumampi na ang labi niya sa labi ko.

He held both of my waist and made me on his lap. "I feel lucky tonight," he whispered. "I'm Jes, anyway."

I ignored and just continue kissing him until I reached his neck. When it his turn, I lift my chin up, so he could have an easy access on my neck.

"Jes?" someone called.

We both stopped when someone used a flashlight on us. Kaagad akong umalis sa pagkakakandong sa lalaki. Nang bumukas ang ilaw ay inayos ko ang paningin hanggang sa maayos ko nang naaaninag ang paligid.

"What the hell, Jes! Anong ginagawa mo!"

Bumaling ako sa sumigaw.

"And you... Audrey?!"

Para bang nawala iyong kalasingan ko nang nakilala si Rea. Umayos ako ng tayo.

"It's you, Rea..." I smirked.

"Wait, what? Audrey..." sambit noong Jes.

Binalingan ko siya at halos kumulo ang dugo ko nang nakilala kung sino iyon.

"You." Tinuro ko siya. "You were the one who pushed me at the cafeteria! Jerk!"

"Oh my. I didn't expect you were the girl I was kissing too."

Bumuga ako ng hangin at inayos ang sarili. "How dare you."

"Malandi ka talaga, Audrey! Pati boyfriend ko inaahas mo!" sigaw sa akin ni Rea.

"Ah, so this boy is your boyfriend?" Tinuro ko si Jes. "Kaya naman pala mala-knight shining armour,e, boyfriend naman pala."

"But seemed like your boyfriend had a fun making out with me, huh?"

I shook my head and took a step toward him.

"Do you think it was okay, huh? I also wanted to get even, Jes." Kaagad ko siyang tinulak dahil sa galit na naramdaman.

But I did not realize what I just did until I saw him lying on the floor. Natulak ko siya kaya gumulong siya pababa.

My eyes went bigger.

"Jes! Audrey, what the hell did you do!"

Lumapit sa akin si Rea at hinila ang buhok ko.

"Get off me!" I screamed.

"You'll pay what you did, Audrey. Kapag may nangyaring masama sa kaniya, patay ka sa 'kin." Tinulak niya ako at dali-daling bumaba para puntahan si Jes.

Hindi ako nakapalag sa kaniya dahil sa pagkabigla sa ginawa ko. My heart beats fast bigla ay hindi ko alam ang gagawin.

"Help us, please! Jes, wake up!"

Pero habang sumisigaw siya at nakatayo lang ako ro'n, tulala.

"Demonyita ka talaga, Audrey! Napakawalang hiya mo!" patuloy na sigaw niya.

Yet, I felt my world just dropped in a second.

Nabalik lang ako sa sarili nang may taong dumating.

"Hulihin niyo siya!"

My jaw dropped after hearing what she said. No. There's no way in hell.

Biglang hinawakan ako ng dalawang bouncer at habang pilit ko namang kumawala. "Get your hands off me! Ano ba!"

I've never felt this embarassed my whole life. These bastards dragged me outside while many of people looking at us. I couldn't take this anymore.

Lalo akong kinabahan nang hindi ko makita sa paligid sina Rhiane at Marga.

"Can you leave me alone?!" I yelled.

No one did listen to me. And I loathed this night for the rest of my life. They were looking at me, and some were laughing.

How I ended up embarassing myself?

"Ma'am!" Kuya Henry went inside.

I don't know, but I sighed in relief.

"Sir, kasama niyo ba 'to? May naaksidente dahil sa kagagawan niya. Kailangan niyang pagbayaran iyon."

"Oh my gosh! Audrey!"

"Audrey, what happened?!"

Napayuko ako nang dumating sina Marga at Rhiane. Ayaw kong makita akong nasa ganitong lagay.

Naramdaman ko nalang na tumulo na pala ang luha ko. I'm scared for what I did, at hindi ko alam ano ang gagawin ko. Hindi ako naging ganito ka kabado at katakot ngayon pa lang. Ngayon pa lang na may nasaktan ako.

"Ano na naman 'to, Persian Audrey?! You just won't learn, will you?" Daddy yelled.

Napapikit ako.

It took hours before they freed me. Darn those bastards.

"And now, what? You hurt someone again! After hurting your sister yesterday, you made someone hospitalize now? Darn. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko sa 'yo."

"You should learn, Audrey. Are you rebelling, huh? I regret for having you as my daughter. You're such a disappointment," Mommy said.

I heard my own sob.

Darn it, Audrey. This isn't the right time to be this weak. Put yourself together, stupid.

"Ano nalang ang mangyayari ro'n sa tinulak mo? Paano kung kinabukasan magsampa kaagad iyon ng kaso sa 'yo? You won't get dropped out in your school because of connections, but they can do everything to get even. Are you happy for what you did, huh? This is frustrating!"

"I guess, we did spoil you so much. You should learn..."

Napaangat ako ng tingin nang kunin ni Daddy ang bag ko at doon ibinuhos ang laman sa sahig.

My lips parted when he got my wallet, cellphone, and some IDs.

"D-Dad, what are you doing?" I stuttered.

Binigay niya kay Mommy ang gamit ko bago humarap sa akin ng may seryosong mukha.

"You're grounded, Audrey, you can't be able to see any of your friends. And after that, you will take your vacation at your Tito Isiah's house. Huwag nang matigas ang ulo. I'll freeze all your cards hanggang sa matuto ka. Leave."

"W-what? Dad! You can't do this to me!"

"This would be the last time, Audrey. I'll work with what you did, so you better behave, if you don't want me to lose my temper."

"B-but... Mommy?" I faced mom who was emotionless staring at me.

"It's just an easy punishment, Audrey. You should be thankful of that, kun' 'di ipapadala kita sa probinsya."

Mas lalo pang nanlaki ang mata ko hanggang sa tinalikuran na ako ni Mommy.

I stood up and went near to Daddy. "Dad, you can't do this to me. Give my things back—"

"It's final, Audrey. So, now. Leave!"

I jumped out of shock.

"But, Dad..." I tried to reach his hand but he hardly swayed me that it literally made me fall on the floor.

"Shut it, Audrey at baka may magawa pa ako na hindi mo magustuhan."

Bago umalis si Daddy ay ibinato niya ang baso sa pader na malapit sa gilid ko dahilan nang paglikha ng ingay at pagkabasag noon.

Tiningnan ko ang sariling repleksyon sa salamin sa kuwarto ko. I looked miserable, and I just couldn't get out of my room.

Kinabukasan ay lalabas na sana ako nang may bodyguards na nakapalibot sa kuwarto ko, even Manang Lita can't go near to me. Inihatid niya lang ang pagkain at iniabot naman ng isang guard sa akin.

"I am not a criminal for Pete's sake!"

I don't even have my gadgets here in my room, I am sure that mom confiscated all of it.

What did just happen?

Para akong lantang gulay nang lumipas ang tatlong linggong nasa kuwarto lang ako. I don't know how I survived without going outside, go to a bar and drink, and even flirting with boys! I felt trapped. I can't even catch some fresh air baka mamaya bumulagta nalang ako rito dahil hindi ako makalabas ng bahay.

This punishment is making my life short. Buti nalang din at kahit papaano nabawasan ang alalahanin ko. Pagkatapos nang nangyari kay Jes ay talagang gusto nila akong kasuhan. But Dad did everything para lang hindi iyon ituloy.

He cared for me, but thinking of what he said weeks ago made me angry.

I frustratedly groaned. "Bakit kanila Archie pa?"

That cousin of mine is so annoying. Before, I couldn't even last a day with him. Nakakabuwisit talaga siya. He's joking and laughing all the time. He always bugged and teased me. I just hope he changed by now.

Because swear, I won't even survive there knowing my cousin's also ‘a good-boy-wanna-be’. He doesn't party and just focus on his study. So, we literally can't get along. We're opposite.

Ano namang gagawin ko roon? I can't even have a communication even just a short time with my friends, kahit pa magmakaawa ako kay Daddy at Mommy. Tapos, ipapadala nila ako kanila Tito Isiah? Para ano?

Gosh, ayaw ko na.

"Audrey, open the door."

I immediately ran over to open the door. Dad entered my room.

"Dad, can you please stop this now?  I couldn't take this anymore. I'll just die here out of boredom!"

"Calm down, Audrey. They'll pack your things for tomorrow —"

"What? Dad, what are you talking about?!"

"I'll send you to your Tito's house, I already talked to him."

My heart stopped a bit. Bigla akong kinabahan kaya hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Daddy.

"Ayaw ko, Dad! Hindi pa ba sapat na ikulong ako rito nang ilang linggo? Why are you so cruel to me?!"

"You can't fool me anymore. I had enough. Now, get changed and we'll have a dinner before you go." Inalis niya ang kamay ko at hinaplos ang buhok ko bago lumabas ng kuwarto.

"I can't believe you, Dad," tiim-bagang kong bulong habang nakatitig sa pintuan.

"So, tomorrow's the day, huh? I will surely miss you, little sister." Amusement is evident on her voice.

I glared at her.

"Are you picking a fight, Fiona?"

"Stop it, you two," saway ni Mommy.

Nanahimik nalang ako at pinagkatitigan lang ang plato.

"You can have your phone now, Audrey —"

I cut Dad off.

"Can I go out, then?"

"Why are you so eager to go outside?" Mommy asked.

"Come on, Mommy. I've been in that suffocating room for weeks. And I still can't go outside? I am not a pet, mom!"

"I said stop it!" Padabog na binagsak ni Daddy ang mga kubyertos.

"You all have no manners. I am tired of this family, you know? I am so stressed. So, please. Just f*cking shut all of your mouth and just eat."

Pare-parehas kaming natahimik at nagpatuloy nalang sa pagkain.

"Hello, Audrey? Impokrita ka, ano na nangyari sa 'yo?!"

"Can you tone down your voice, Marga? Nakakabingi ka."

After we had our dinner, I went upstairs and immediately called my friends since I couldn't go outside.

"Namimiss na kitang malandi ka, ano na balita?"

"I'll go to my Tito's house in Rizal. Daddy wanted to send me there."

"What? Why? Ah, alam ko na! Pero grabe naman ata. You've been missing for three weeks, tapos aalis ka? Paano naman kami ni Rhiane?!"

"Hindi ba kayo mabubuhay nang wala ako? Babalik naman ako kapag humupa na ang galit ni Daddy. Bye, I'll call Rhiane."

I then hung up and called Rhiane.

"My gosh, girl! Tinatawagan kita nang ilang beses! Ano, makikipagkita ka na ba sa 'min? I heard what happened to you, naikuwento ni Kurt dahil sa bunganga ng ate mo."

"Why? Did she spread it?"

"Hindi naman, naikuwento lang ni Kurt kasi siyempre nagtanong kami, e, 'di ba close rin naman sila ni Fiona?"

"Whatever. We'll just see together again soon. I just called to inform you."

"Bakit, saan ka pupunta?"

"Rizal. I'll take my vacation there."

I guess, I already accepted what Daddy wanted me to do. If this is what they want me to do, I don't think I have another option not to say no.

I wonder what will happen to me if I spend my vacation there.

"Oh my! Is this you, Audrey? You've finally grown-up!"

"Yeah. Hello, Tita."

Tita Nadya hugged me as soon as I went inside of their house.

"Mukhang matamlay ka, Audrey. Didn't you miss your handsome Tito Isiah? Come here!"

Tito Isiah opened his arms to welcome me. I smiled a bit. "Hello, Tito," I greeted.

I was somehow close to Tito Isiah, so I am not that cold toward him.

"Your Daddy told me everything. And that explained why you are here."

I pouted. "You know what, Tito? They were so cruel to me. Daddy grounded me for three weeks, and that whole three weeks, I did spend it doing nothing inside my room!" pagsusumbong ko sa kaniya.

He laughed. "Mukhang nagkakamali ata ang Daddy mo. Mukhang hindi naman matigas ang ulo mo, ah. Pero kailangan mo pa ring disiplinahin, huwag ka nang matigas, okay?"

Tita Nadya smiled at me. "Hindi ka naman siguro mabo-boring dito habang nasa trabaho kami. Nandito naman si Archie, e."

I sighed. "But, Tita. Archie's annoying me since before."

Natawa silang dalawa. "Baka naman babawasan niya na kung makita niya iyang nakalukot mong mukha," si Tita.

"I have never seen you smile, Audrey. Masyado ka bang problemado sa buhay mo, hija?"

I just rolled my eyes.

"Let's go, I prepared lunch for your arrival, hija."

I nodded and followed them from behind.

Their house is big, but ours is much bigger. The ambience of their house felt so relaxing and fine.

"Take a seat, Audrey. I'll just call your cousin upstairs."

"Okay."

Umupo ako sa upuan sa dining room at inilibot ko ang paningin sa loob.

"Tito, where's your maids?" I asked when I noticed nobody is around except for Tita and Tito.

Tito chuckled. "It was one of your Daddy's order. Mukhang papahirapan ka talaga niya. We can't do anything about it."

My lips parted. "What? So, what do you mean, Tito? Do not tell me..." I wandered my eyes around. "I'll be cleaning your house?!"

Tito nodded proudly.

Hell.

"Oh, Audrey! Dad, si Audrey ba 'to?"

Napabaling ako nang bigla nalang tumabi at umakbay sa akin si Archie.

"Yeah, it's your cousin."

"Wow, ang laki mo na, ah!"

"Can you please take your hands off, Archie?!" I annoyingly hit his arm.

"Ouch! Mommy, did you see what she did?"

I glared at him.

They just laughed when they saw how annoyed I am.

Ito na ata ang simula nang paghihirap ko sa bahay nina Tito Isiah at Tita Nadya.