Chapter 5: Safe Place 2

She gave him a gentle nod and went inside her car. Ilang sandali pa, umusad na ang sasakyan palayo.

Gaya nang magpunta sila roon, wala silang imikan ni Gael habang ipinagda-drive siya nito pauwi.

Na mabuti na rin dahil pagod siya--pagod na siyang mag-isip at magpanggap.

She wanted to talk to Gael about what's bothering her like she used to but... she doesn't want another argument with him.

Truth be told, she misses him. Before she allowed her stupidity to ruin everything between them, Gael has always been her go-to-person. She can rant, whine and cry till tomorrow and Gael would just patiently listen to her without judging her. She can just be the imperfect and vulnerable Charlie the world doesn't know of and Gael would be fine with it. Gael was her safe place.

Was.

She took a sharp breath and willed her tears not to fall.

"Ayos ka lang?" ani Gael maya-maya, nakasilip ang mga mata nito sa kanya sa rearview mirror. Tumango siya at ibinaling ang tingin sa labas ng sasakyan.