XI.

Melting resolve They were breathless when they pulled away, their eyes wide open and fixed on each other's face, in a search for answers about what just happened. Richard's hand rested on her neck, near her face. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his forehead pressed against hers. "Bitiwan mo na ako, Richard," she replied just as quietly. He sat back in the driver's seat, careful not to look at her as she retrieved the compact mirror from her bag and flipped the light switch. He knew that staring at her would be the last thing that helped, so he got out of the car and waited until she knocked on the window for him to come back in. "What happens now?" she asked. "Ihahatid na kita," he replied, turning the engine on. Richard held her hand as he sped back on the road. She made no move to resist and simply looked out the window as they drove to her home in silence. ~~~ Richard insisted to drop her off in front of their condominium building, as opposed to her request to get off the ride a block away from her home. It wasn't safe outside, he argued, and besides, was it normal for Dawn Zulueta to walk along an empty street at night? The car stopped and she took a deep breath, withdrawing her hand from his grip. She looked at him and smiled. "Bye." "I'll see you tomorrow," he said in the most normal way that he could, leaning over to give her a peck on the cheek. "Salamat sa paghatid," she answered as she unlocked the door on her side. She ran off without looking back at him, knowing well that he was going to watch her go until she was inside the building. Dawn was afraid to turn the knob of their front door, still unsatisfied by the way she fixed herself, thinking that something would give her away. It didn't help that Anton was right in the living room, watching TV with his feet up.

"Hi, hon," he said, standing up to greet her. He took her bag as he kissed her on the cheek. She caught his smile and knew that he was really happy to see her. It melted whatever false bravado she held when she got out of Richard's car. Unable to hold back her tears, Dawn began to sob, her shoulders shaking. She looked down as she reached for Anton's hand and he pulled her into a hug --- without any question, as she had come to know his comfort to be. He hushed her as he stroked her hair, and she held on to him like a child who's afraid would. They stood like that for a while, until she had enough strength to pull back and wipe some of her tears. Anton held her face and kissed her softly. "I love you, it's going to be okay" was all he had to say. It was tearing her apart that he didn't ask, that he didn't feel the need to ask