Home in the Terrains (The Countryside Series 1)

To the readers,This story may touch upon sensitive and potentially triggering topics that could evoke emotional distress or traumas.You may encounter depictions of violence, abuse, mental health struggles, loss, and other distressing experiences. These themes are essential in building the story, intended to evoke empathy and understanding. Yet, I recognize that it will have different impacts on every reader.This story contains mature content and scenes that may not be suitable for young readers. Reader discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding. I hope you will be able to find lessons and meanings within the pages of this story.Respectfully yours,Cristel Rossi

Kabanata 1: PangguguloDamn this body clock. I was not supposed to wake as early as this given that I still have a hangover. Nagpuyat pa ako kagabi.I rolled in my bed once more, trying to force myself to go back to sleep. I pulled the sheets angrily after realizing my sleepiness faded. Napahawak ako sa noo ko.My head feels like watermelon. I felt a pain in my stomach. It feels like something is burning my intestines and crumpling them.I get up slowly and took a sit. Naked. That is how I sleep. If not naked, then only wearing a lingerie.I pulled a blanket and covered my body. Medyo nakaramdam na ako ng lamig ngunit nasanay na rin naman ako. Huminga ako ng malalim. Ilang minuto muna akong pumikit habang nakaupo lang sa kama.Sa huli, tuluyan na akong tumayo at naglakad patungo sa bintana. As soon as I pulled the heavy curtains to the side, my room brightened with the morning sun.Ngunit, kaagad na kumunot ang noo ko. Is the sunlight at sunrise different here?“Oh—finally. You're awa

Kabanata 3: Out of Place"Oh? Kuya?" Bakas sa boses ko ang bahagyang pagkagulat nang magkasalubong kami ni Kuya matapos kong buksan ang pinto ng kwarto ko."Are you off to somewhere?" He asked.He's wearing a gray tee and a black short. Napangisi ako."Twinnie!" I exclaimed as I stood beside him to show him our clothes' colors.Ginulo lamang nito ang buhok ko."Come with us. We're staying up late at night. Boatings and bonfires. I'm sure you'd love to explore the sea," anito at umikot upang hawakan ang beywang ko.Sabay kaming lumabas ng kwarto ko ngunit nauna akong maglakad dala ang aking camera."What's up with the cleavage?" Hindi ko inaasahan ang tanong na iyon at hindi ko inaasahang nandito na naman sa living room ang dalawang peste."Uh I mean...I think you forgot to wear your bra," she added and casually holds Caio's arm."Ngayong naka bra kalang, may sinabi ako?" Taas-kilay na tanong ko."Okay. Cool it off. We're having fun tonight, aren't we?" Kuya Nico butts in.Napa "tsk" a

Kabanata 5: Friendly KissI slammed the door as I entered the house. Alam kong nakasunod lang si Kuya Nico sa akin. Mula nang makapasok ako sa gate, hindi na siya tumitigil sa pagtawag ng pangalan ko."Leave me alone, Kuya!" Sigaw ko nang hindi siya nililingon."This isn't helping you, Lath! Do you even understand why Dad wants you here? Kasi ang tigas ng ulo mo!"I stopped and turned to him. Furious."Yes, I am hard-headed because ever since you wanted to cage me!""That is not true, Latisha! Kung kinukulong ka namin, edi sana you haven't experienced the life you wanted in States! We've been spoiling you, especially Daddy. Pero anong ginawa mo?"Hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita. For real, I know that I'm wrong for many reasons but it's hard to admit it. All I think is that I'm happy being free and I could enjoy my youth."Ano ngayon kung may gusto ka kay Cai—""Oh my God! Kuya! Are you serious?! Naniniwala ka sa mga 'yon? I can't believe you! I would never ever seduce someone—especiall

Kabanata 7: Beautiful DisasterHabang papalapit na kami sa lawa, napalitan ang tensyon ng isang nakabibinging katahimikan sa pagitan namin. It was all awkward.I had never been like this before. I've been aggressive towards my past flings sometimes, but I don't feel any regrets after. I feel like, my ego is getting crushed after thinking that he might only be playing with me.Pero... gano'n naman dapat diba? You're supposed to be just playing with each other and having fun with each other. No strings attached. That's how it works."The water here flows from that long river, then down on that small waterfall..."Or it's just me who's thinking such things. Siguro talaga, hindi na bago sa kanya iyon. But what about me? It's not new to me either."It feels...peaceful here..." Lalo na kung hindi nangyari ang nangyari kanina."Yeah. I came here alone often, especially after a heavy, stressful, and long weekday of work and business stuff," he replied calmly.My jaw tightened. It angers me so