Duties
Jaren was one of the most popular guys at Crestview Valley High, known for his easygoing charm and stand out skills on volleyball. As one of the best players on the team, his reputation preceded him. He was the type of guy who could walk into a room and make friends with just a smile.
Para sa mga kaibigan niya, siya ang maasahan at laging handang tumulong. But behind that friendly guy was a young man constantly balancing school, family, and his own ambitions.
Despite that, Jaren always made time for his family.
Jaren lived with his mother and two younger siblings in a modest home. He stepped up as the man of the house. His mother worked long hours to provide for them, often leaving the kids for someone to take care of them.
Pagkatapos ng morning class niya, nagdesisyon siyang umuwi na para mabantayan ang mga kapatid. Jaren walked into their cozy living room. The walls were adorned with family photos and children's drawings, adding warmth to the space. Nakaupo sa sofa ang kaniyang mga kapatid na si Jaya at Ravi na abalang-abala sa kanilang mga aralin.
Ibinaba ni Jaren ang kaniyang bag sa sofa at sumali sa kanila. "How's it going?" tanong niya. Kapansing-pansin ang mga mukhang puno ng pagkadismaya.
"Not good, Kuya," sagot ni Jaya na may halong pagkabigo ang kaniyang boses. "This math problem is impossible."
Natatawa si Jaren habang tinitignan ang kapatid, "Let me see if I can help," he said, sitting down beside her, trying to recall his own math lessons from years ago.
"What about little Ravi, is he doing okay?" sambit nito at tumingin sa bunsong kapatid. Jaya is 9 years old in her 3rd grade, while Ravi is 6 years old and a 1st grader. Tumango naman ito bilang sagot.
Kung si Jaya ay madaldal, ang bunso naman nila ay napakatahimik.
"Kuya, you should eat first. Nanay Betty already cooked lunch for us,"
"Hmm. Kumain na ba kayo ni Ravi?"
"Yup. Sorry, we didn't wait for you, kuya. There were so many assignments the teachers gave kasi."
"No worries. I'll go eat first then I'll try to help you with your homework," he said as he ruffled Jaya and Ravi's hair.
As Jaren went to the dining table, their mother, exhausted from work, walked in. She's a Pediatrician in the hospital near their city. She set her bag on the counter and approached the table, her eyes filled with concern.
"How are my kids doing?" malambing na tanong nito ngunit halata ang pagod. Lumapit ito sa anak at niyakap.
"Struggling," aniya at niyakap ang ina pabalik. "I'll try to help them later."
His mother sighed, her worry evident. "Sorry, Atreus, anak. I wish I could help more, but with work and everything..."
Jaren nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. "It's fine, Ma. We can handle. Magpahinga ka na. Padadalhan kita kay Nanay Betty ng pagkain sa taas.
"Hmm... Maybe we should consider hiring a tutor for your siblings again?"
"Ma, alam mo naman na ayaw na ni Jaya simula noong nangibang bansa yung last tutor nila. They said they don't want a tutor anymore if they'll just leave."
"Well... Para na rin kasi hindi ka naaabala. So you can focus on your own stuff in school."
"I can manage, ma. Don't worry about me," he smiled. "But sure I'll try looking for one," Jaren assured her, hoping her mother would find some comfort in his words. Nanay Betty, their long-time helper, busied herself setting the table quietly, her expression wearing a mix of concern and weariness.
BINABASA MO ANG
Tutoring Hearts
Romance"I've found my heart learning to love you more each day. Who would have thought it has been yours to teach and guide all along?"
