I Could Fall

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Nagmadali ako sa paglabas ng kwarto at pagbaba nang sabihin ni Ali na nasa bahay na siya. I was nearing the end of the stairs when I spotted him in the receiving area and our eyes met. My smile went bigger.

Halos nilipad ko ang kinatatayuan niya. I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my cheek flat against his chest.

Nung una ay ako lang ang nakayakap. Napangiti ako nang maramdaman ang init ng mga braso niya na marahan na sa pumulupot likod ko.

"So this is how you greet?" he teased.

It embarrassed me a little so I twisted my head and buried my face on his chest. He smells so good.

"Lakas din ng loob mo, Santiesteban 'no?" Kuya Xavi's voice made me break the hug.

I twisted and faced my brother. I stepped a bit to conceal Ali from him. Supladong tumaas ang kilay ni Kuya Xavi sa ginawa ko.

Ali's arm snaked around my waist and gently dragged me to his side. It made me look at him in surprise. His movement was continuous as his hand slid to mine and intertwined our fingers together.

"X," bati ni Ali.

He glared at him and then at our joined hands. "Just because you two are legal now doesn't mean you can do that in front of me."

"Kuya!" I whined. A lot embarrassed of my brother's words.

"Xavi Alexzander," my mother's voice joined us. Napatingin ako sa gawi niya na naglalakad patungo sa amin. Sa likod niya ay nakasunod na si Daddy. "Don't be rude. He's our guest."

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Serrano," Ali respectfully greeted.

"Hello, Alister. It's nice to have you again in our house," si Mommy. Nilingon niya si Kuya X. "Mabuti pa at tawagin mo ang mga kapatid mo. Tell them to come down for dinner."

"Bakit ako?" angal ni Kuya.

"Ali is Hyon's guest," sagot ni Mommy.

"Sundin mo na ang Mommy mo, Xavi," si Daddy.

Kuya grunted and followed our parent's instruction, but not before sending a warning glare towards Ali's directions.

"Let's go to the dining area?" Mommy cheerfully asked.

Tumango ako at ngumiti bago tumingin kay Ali. Mommy pulled Daddy with him. Sumunod naman ako na hawak pa rin ang kamay ni Ali. It's such a different scenario compared to the last time he was here when I barely looked at him.

The table was already set and delicious dishes were specially prepared for today.

I sat in my usual seat, except now Ali will be seating beside me.

"Galing kang bahay niyo?" Mommy asked.

"Work po. I'm training while classes haven't started yet."

"Oo nga pala. You're going to take your masters." Tumango si Mommy. "That's quite impressive."

Tipid na ngumiti lang si Ali bilang sagot. Habang ako naman ay halos mabanat na ang mukha sa sobrang pagngiti. I just can't help myself from being so proud of him.