Caught By Your Voice

11 Jealous

"Ang ganda yata ng mood mo?" Kuya asked as soon as I sat on the chair. We are about to have our breakfast with mom and dad today.

"Magaling na kasi ako," I smiled.

"Yun ba talaga?"

"Yeah, ano pa ba dapat?"

He squinted his eyes on me before shaking his head. I just rolled my eyes and ignored him.

"Maayos na ba pakiramdam mo? Are you sure you can go to school today?" My mom asked. Nag-aalala rin akong tiningnan ni papa.

"Opo," I smiled to assure them.

"Text me if you feel unwell," kuya said.

I smiled even wider and nodded but he just looked away.

"Okay ka lang?" I asked my brother while we're heading back to our rooms. Tiningnan niya 'ko saka bumuntong-hininga.

"I just miss my little sister," he said, smiling sadly.

"Andito lang naman ako ah?"

"Yeah but we're both pre-occupied by something else... and someone."

"Huh?"

"I'm not blind and definitely not dumb, Kaycee, nakikita ko yung paraan ng pagtingin mo kay Migo. Ilang linggo palang kayong nagkakilala pero sobrang lapit niyo na agad sa isa't isa."

"Ano meron, kuya? I like him, I adm-" Napatigil ako. "Huh? I like him?" I whispered, getting confused.

"See? You don't even know yourself."

"Well," I scratched my head, getting embarrassed. "I always feel both excited and shy when I'm with him. And I'm always nervous too. My heart often beats faster so... yeah, I think I like him." 

I looked at kuya who was still smiling sadly while looking at me. "You only realized that now, huh?" He said.

"Yeah, I think I've been denying my feelings too much," I chuckled. "Don't you like him for me, kuya?"

"It's not that," he looked away. "I'm just scared that you'll forget about me as you get closer to him."

Tinitigan ko si kuya. He's not looking directly at me but I can see how sad he is. I walked near him and hugged him.

"I'll never forget about you, kuya. You're still my number one and my only brother. No one will ever replace you in my heart. You should remember that."

He hugged me back and kissed the top of my head. Nakangiti na siya sa'kin nang kumalas ako.

"There! Smile! Magmumukha kang matanda agad kakasimangot mo," I teased kaya sinamaan niya 'ko ng tingin. "Crush ko palang naman si Migo, kuya, kung ano-ano na agad iniisip mo."

"Sorry. I'm just scared of what might happen. I already failed to protect you before."

"Gala nalang tayo sa Saturday. My treat!" I smiled.

"We have a band practice, baby girl," he sighed.

"Edi Sunday, duh!" I rolled my eyes.

He chuckled and nodded. Kinuha na namin yung mga gamit namin saka sabay na pumasok sa school. Gaya ng dati, hinatid ako ni kuya sa classroom ko.

"Take care, Kaycee. Sabay ka nalang kay Emman pauwi, baka may gagawin ulit kami."

I nodded. He leaned a bit to me and whispered "Pwede ring pahatid ka sa crush mo."