Beautiful Beasts (Lovestruck Series #1)

Chapter 1

JASMINE

Kuya Archer's birthday party was just chill and laid back. Though somewhat grand, the party was just an intimate dinner with friends and family.

And because of my social anxiety, nagpaalam na akong papasok na sa mansyon pagkatapos ng picture taking. Papa protested, pero pinagtanggol ako ni Mama. She said I should rest dahil bawal sa'kin ang napapagod at nagpupuyat.

I slept early that night. So as a result, ako ang pinakamaagang nagising at nakapaghanda para sa unang araw ng pasukan. Today marks the first day of 12th grade — the last year before I step into college.

"Ang aga mo ah?" Bungad sa'kin ni Mama nang makita niya akong nakaupo na sa breakfast table at kumakain ng pancakes.

Sa likod niya ay nakasunod si Papa na agad na yumakap sa kanya mula sa likod. I smiled when he kissed the top of Mama's head. Ilang taon na silang kasal at may lima ng anak pero ganito pa rin sila kasweet sa isa't isa.

Someday, I want a love like theirs.

"Good morning, Princess! You're up early." Nakangiting bati ni Papa at lumapit sa'kin para halikan ang pisngi ko. "Excited for your first day of school?" He asked and sat beside Mama just across from me.

"No." Tipid na sagot ko. "Maaga lang akong natulog kaya maaga ring nagising."

"Nasan ang mga kapatid mo?" Tanong ni Mama habang naglalagay ng juice sa baso niya.

"Tulog pa. Nadaanan ko ang kwarto ni Leon." Si Papa na ang sumagot. "Rinig na rinig hanggang sa labas ang hilik. I wonder where he got that from."

Natawa si Mama, "Sa'yo, malamang."

"I don't snore!" Tanggi agad ni Papa at natawa ako.

Papa is insanely intimidating to everyone around him. May isang beses na sumama ako sa kanya sa kumpanya at nakita ko kung gaano siya kinatatakutan at tinitingala. Even my friends are scared of him. Pero pagdating kay Mama, para siyang bata. He's too soft for her. Si Mama lang ang may ganon epekto sa kanya.

"Itatanggi mo pa!" Pangaasar ni Mama.

Dad chuckled and kissed her cheek.

"Gross." Pangaasar ko sa kanila pero para mas inisin ako ay pinaulanan pa ni Papa ng halik ang pisngi ni Mama.

Natawa ako at umambang babatuhin sila ng pancake pero tinawanan lang nila ako.

"What is this madness??" Natigil lang kami nang biglang dumating si Leon.

He looks like he just got out of the shower. He was already on his uniform, with the buttons still open, revealing his white undershirt. His hair was damp... and it looked like a mess.

Behind him is Kuya Archer who also looks as if he just got out of the shower. Pero hindi katulad ni Leon ay maayos ang hitsura nito. His hair was a bit damp from the shower, but other than that, he was perfectly made up.

"Speaking of the devils." Sabi ni Mama nang makalapit na ang dalawa.

"Good morning." Pormal na bati ni Kuya at hinalikan si Mama sa noo.

"Wala bang chicken?" Iyon naman agad ang bungad ni Leon. Hindi man lang bumati.

"Wow. Good morning to you, too!" Sarkastikong balik ni Mama.

Leon chuckled and kissed Mama's cheeks.

"Mornin'." Bati niya.

Parehas na yumakap si Leon at Kuya Archer kay Papa bago naupo sa tabi ko.