Guarded Soul (The Brats #2)

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Affected

I wanted to be alone so I didn't eat lunch with my cousins. Nasa gilid ako ng library, may lamesa roong isa. May malaking puno sa tabi na may malalagong dahon kaya hindi mainit. Nagpa-deliver ako ng lunch kaya rito na ako kumain.

I want peace so I needed to be alone. Kasi kung makakasama ko si Cheonsa at Yara, baka sumabog na ang ulo ko. Hindi na ako natutuwa sa mga maliliit nilang arguments. Kailan ba ako natuwa?

I'm with my iPad. I'm doing digital arts. Pwede naman sa library ako gumawa pero baka makita ako ng mga pinsan ko.

It's been a while, and our Saturday hangouts ended that day. Isang buwan na rin 'yong huli.

Yes... yes. Umiiwas na naman ako. Ganito ako kapag nagiging komplikado ang mga bagay. I run and run until I buy time and think thoroughly. To escape for the meantime, too.

Madalang kaming magkita dahil sinisikap ko talagang umiwas. Ang resulta, hindi na rin ako gaanong nagkakaoras kay Kuya Mooze. He's always with him.

In a whole month, I've felt more miserable. My feelings for Rejo grew deeper when we became close and grew cruelly when I drew distance again. I'm trying to control my feelings again, but right now, I am having trouble doing it. It's fighting my principles now. It's pushing me beyond my limits. The distance just made it worse. My heart always seeks his presence.

Dalawang beses na rin akong nakabisita kay Marinelle. I told her a few details; about my feelings, my thoughts, and I even vented out how annoyed I am to her. Na sana gumising na siya at ayusin n'ya 'tong gulong iniwan niya.

I sighed and thought... Am I too young to be thinking this way? To be feeling these intense emotions? To be this inexplicably in love?

"Hey..."

Nag-angat agad ako ng tingin, only to find out that it's Joshua Tan who called me. Akala ko si Rejo...

He looks neat and presentable. Uniform ang suot at hindi jersey. Chinito, matangkad, at maputi. He looks attractive; however, my heart doesn't beat even a single drum for him.

"What's up?" cool kong tanong at nagpatuloy sa ginagawa. I'm designing a house. My ideal place someday.

Lumapit siya sa table ko. He just stood there, not minding to sit in front of me. May mga dumadaan na estudyante, at alam kong pag-uusapan na naman ako.

Masyado silang tsismosa kapag Montevinski ang usapan.

"So, uh, my birthday is next week. I'm hoping you can come. Your cousins are invited, too..." he asked respectfully.

I looked up at him, but it didn't take long because the invitation in his grip caught my attention.

I can't say no. Most of the time, I have a hard time disagreeing with people. Hangga't wala namang problema, o kaya ko namang gawin, pumapayag ako. Pero siyempre pinipili ko ang mga tinatanggap.

"Uh, you'll throw a party? And what kind of party?"

I asked while still deciding. Of course, Rejo would be there. Magkaibigan sila.

"A pool party. My parents will be out that week for a vacation in the US, so I'll have the house alone. Drinks and games..."

Sanay naman ako sa gano'ng parties. We frequently get invitations from close friends. Nakakapasok din kami sa mga clubs noong minors pa dahil usually sa mga Escovars naman ang mga bars and clubs sa syudad. Kagaya nung birthday ni Kesian.

"Don't worry I asked your brother first before I courageously asked you."

Mukha siyang nahihiya habang nagsasalita. Kalmado lang din ang boses n'ya.