It Started in the Library (Completed and Editing)

Chapter 40: Hearts on Fire

The reality is, there is nothing to fear. Lady is in equal, or if of better standing among the other cars in this circuit. The only thing I need to do is believe I can do this because I have the best-engineered car coming out from the Agency.

I felt a grin start to form on my lips.

"Prince, enjoy the ride," I heard Kuya Alfred's voice as I passed two more cars. Seventh place. Sure thing.

I have my prize waiting for me at the finish line and it's going to be oh, so sweet.

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I flinched when I felt Alfredo sit beside me on the bench. I focused my eyes sa computer screen na nag-mo-monitor ng system ni Lady. So far, so good. Ni hindi pa talaga nagagamit ni Prince yung full-potential ng modifications na ginawa ko.

Umalis ka diyan kasi malapit na akong umiyak at ayokong makita mo akong ganito. But I'm Bellatrix Luna - secret agent, at hindi ako pwedeng magpadala sa damdamin ko.

Kahit sa totoo lang kanina ko pa gustong umuwi dahil hindi na talaga ako komportable dito. Bakit ba kasi ako umo-o na maging mekaniko ni Alfredo? Kanina ko pa sinasaktan ang sarili ko. Ano Trixie, masokista-much lang?

"Stay clear of the blue Evo. Stay on the left," I instructed Prince. "Last four laps, you are in the fifth position. Time to be on the aggressive. Overtake on the next curve. Go wide."

"I brought you something to drink," I felt him hand me a carafe. "Drink. Nilalamig ka na." I stole a glance at him as I sipped. Warm milk tea.

Wag ka namang maging sweet kasi mas masakit na pinapansin mo ako pero hindi naman ako ang gusto mo.

"Kuya Alfred," I sighed when his attention turned to Aya who is nervously monitoring the race with us. Nasa may itaas nang stands ang iba dahil medyo lumakas ang ulan at baka magkasakit ang mga bata kapag nanatili dito sa tent. I watched as he enveloped his little sister in a bear hug.

"Baby girl okay lang yan, kaya yan ni Prince," he kissed her forehead and tried to ease her worry. "Mamaya millionaire na kayo. Manlibre kamo siya ha? Gusto ko sa mountain resort."

"Kuya talaga! Magkano ba pustahan niyo sa online?"

"There's a Brazilian businessman who is betting one mil against me and Kuya Alphonse," he grinned widely. "Underdog si Prince pero that makes it more sweet."

"Prince, sustain. Eat up the slack on the next curve," Boss Ali's voice sounded over the comm lines. "Sama ako pagbalik namin. Intayin niyo kami ni Maria makabalik."

"Ang daya mo, nakabakasyon ka na nga ngayon eh," Alfredo chuckled, "yung pasalubong namin ha? Twins dapat yan."

"Twins lang naman pala eh," Ali chuckled. "Pero baby girl kayo ni Prince ha, mag-aral muna. Graduation muna bago kasal."

"Opo Kuya Ali," hay ang sweet talaga ni Boss kay Aya. Ang swerte niya sa mga kuya niya.

"Kuya, baka pwede na next year? Graduate na ako nun," Narinig kong humirit si Prince.

"Subukan mo, ipapa-sniper kita kay Rika," Boss Ali laughed evilly. "Don't be in such a hurry. Pag kayo, kayo talaga."

"Two years na lang kuya?" Humirit ulit si Prince. Hay naku talaga!

"Kung tumawad ka wagas, anong 'kala mo sa kapatid ko, tilapia?"

"Kuyaaa!" Aya protested. "Wag ganon..." she was pouting pero kinurot lang ni Alfredo ang pisngi niya.

"Ikaw baby girl masyado ka na ha, spoiled ka na." He chided her as he set her on his lap. "Sabi ko di ba three years pa? Kailangan grumaduate ka muna."