Fourth of October (Juntarsiego Series #1)

Chapter 28

I am silently wishing from above that at least for a day, I can experience the total peace. Parang kahit anong oras ay magpapakita sa akin ang taong iyon. I badly want to ask my parents about him.

The month is still not about to end. Hindi ko magawang lumiban sa klase dahil sa ang daming ginagawa. I don't like disturbing Jaeden especially now that he's back to being busy.

Speaking of it, I didn't mind him not actually seeing me every afternoon after the class. I would flood him with some messages, repeatedly asking if he's okay.

Gumagaan lang ang loob ko kapag nasagot na iyong katanungan ko sa kanya. At this time, all we want is to not cross paths again with that old man.

"Dom, baka pagalitan ako ng magulang mo. Hindi ka pa nakapagpaalam sa kuya mo."

Dominique tried inviting me for a quick shopping. Mayroon akong bakanteng oras at gumagabi na. She's been pulling me somewhere, treating me for every store she's landing in.

"Hindi 'yan, ate. I am with you so my parents won't mind," she chuckled when we finally entered another branded store.

Isang mahabang paghinga na lamang ang iginawad ko nang pumili ito ng mga bibilhing damit.

"Mag-aalala ang kuya mo sa'yo." That was my reason to let her out in here for the last time. Hindi naman ako napapagod o nagrereklamo.

I care for her. I care for what will be her kuya's reaction. Though I am sure that Jaeden will not scold her for doing this, her safety is my priority.

"Ate, ilang araw nang hindi umuuwi si kuya sa bahay. Tinawagan siya nina Papa at ang sabi, nandoon sa probinsya. Don't worry about him," she replied to me while still choosing some dresses that will fit her.

My head's like spinning upon hearing that. A whirlwind where I am trapped inside but then, at the sudden mention of it, I came back to my senses and felt everything came back to its normal state. I am free again from that tight space.

"What?"

"Hay naku. Ewan ko ba kay kuya. Aside from falling in love with you, it seems like he also fell in love to your place. Ayaw nang umuwi. Sabi niya, hihintayin ka na lang siguro niya roon."

For once again, I sighed heavily now that I knew why I am not seeing him. He never mentioned anything to me regarding with the province, about him staying there. All I know is that he's busy. That's all.

Naghintay lang ako kay Dominique sa upuang naroon sa shop. I don't want her to let me buy with anything. Nagpasama lang siya sa akin dahil iyong mga kuya niya, may kanya-kanyang ginagawa.

I took their place and I didn't expect that she'll treat me big like this!

"Hindi naman siguro kayo nag-away, ate? I mean, you two are doing great, right?"

She's currently paying the dresses. Kumalahati yata iyon sa paperbag niya.

"We're in good terms. Hindi naman mahilig sa malaking awayan ang kuya mo," tugon ko rito na ikinahalakhak niya. She grabbed the paperbag gently as we went out of the store.

She groaned at my answer. Pinalipad nito ang buhok. I grinned upon looking at her with an admiration.

She's the only girl in their family and yet, she almost got the perfect features. Kaya naiintindihan ko kung bakit mahigpit sa kanya ang mga kapatid niya.

"Ugh. Boring naman ng relationship niyo! Problema kasi kay kuya, masyadong mature kung mag-isip. Nanunuyo ba iyon sa'yo, ate?" she asked with deep curiosity in her voice. Iyong braso niya ay kaagad na hinawakan iyong akin. She is now holding my arm like we are related to each other.