"So Klea are you free tomorrow ba? Niyaya ako nina Kuya Hendrix at Daises na manonood ng sine sa Sabado. Ano G?"
"I don't know Malaiya, baka kasi hindi ako payagan nina papa eh. Alam mo namang hindi ako pwedeng padalos-dalos lang no, kailangan ko pa muna magpaalam."
As soon as she finished braiding her hair, she banged the sink so hard it caused an audible echo around the comfort room. I flinched and nervously looked at her.
"Ayan nanaman tayo eh. Palipasin mo na nga yang pagpapaalam mo, Klea, para kang bata. Bukas naman tayo aalis ang besides its on Saturday, and if you are worried about security well kasama din ang mga guards namin."
"Laiya, alam mo naman sitwasyon ko diba, kapag may ginawa akong kabarambaduhan-" bago ko pa matapos ang sasabihin ko ay agad niya akong pinutol at galit na pinagsabihan ako.
"seryoso? Pati banaman pag-gala mapapagalitan ka ni Tito, Klea let me remind you that you are already twenty-one years old, you're the oldest in our class, and an adult for God's sake! Ano namang masama sa panonood natin ng sine, ikaw naman yung bibili ng ticket hindi siya. You are old enough to take care of yourself."
"So?! Naiingat lang ako, sa panahon ngayon marami ng mga kidnappers and serial killers-"
"edi para saan pa yung mga guards na isasama sa Saturday pang decoration ganon para magmukang mayaman?"
"mayaman talaga kayo Malaiya ok. Don't be too obnoxious."
"and so are you! Why the hell does tito doesn't want to let go of you for once." She baffled.
"He is just making sure of my safety that's all."
"safety my ass. Tara na mahuhuli pa tayo sa lab, panigurado magagalit satin si Mazam Violet." She said as she grabbed her things and went outside.
Am I that scared. I mean, magpapaalam lang naman ako there should be nothing to worry about right? Kasama ko naman sina Kuya Hendrix plus Malaiya will be tagging along with her guards, he won't be mad at me if I'll have to go out in public. Why am I overthinking too much this isn't like me at all!
People are so scary. Manipulators and fake... I am not pertaining about all of the people, just about those, for me, who I do not trust the most.
No. I should stop with this childish nonsense, too cringy. I looked at myself in front of the mirror and took a deep breath to calm myself a bit.
"Stop being such a bitch Klea, ang arte mo," I said to myself and slapped both of my cheeks.
"Hoy, bakit may nadinig akong pagpalo jan ha! Klea sinasabi ko says-"
"Baliw ka" I went outside to see her wearing her lab coat while leaning against the pillar.
"Ang drama mo ikaw ata tong manyak ang isip eh. Tara na, nandoon na si crush bilis!"
"Teka yung lab coat ko, hindi ko pa nga nasusuot eh."
"doon mo na suotin tara!" I rolled my eyes and just let myself get dragged. I am even bumping on other students, but I didn't look at the back. Nakakahiya.
We are one of the crazy girls here in SLU. The ONLY ONE. Most students in here act as if they are royalties, well, I guess they can fairly do as they please since they have the riches. But it's too vigorous.
I hated the fact that I always have to get my father's permission first whenever I go out with my friends. I mean, yes, perhaps there is nothing wrong with that giving the fact that getting permission from your parents is an utmost essential. It is just too preposterous to me! Childish if I may say so myself.
Well even if he let me, it won't be fun at all. With my situation at home, how can I certainly live peacefully without wondering to myself what will be my next topic in the headline If I were to do such a rebellious act? Competently that's what they would probably assume of me.
If I were ever to refuse to them I will be punished again. And again. And for the hundred times.
"Oi, Klea you're spacing out again." bigla akong nagising sa katotohanan at dali-dali ko siyang sinundan.
Nakatulala nanaman ako sa kawalan. Kaya ako nawawalan ng kamalayan sa paligid ko, puro nalang isip ng isip ang inaatupag ko.
"sorry may inaalala lang ako, nasaan na tayo?"
"Uuwi na, uwian na."
"h-ha? Ang aga pa ah." I stammered. The hell is wrong with her. I immediately looked around to look for a clock.
"May orasan ka ba Malaiya?"
"Sa phone mo tignan."
"Deads na. Bili na patingin!"
"Gaga ano yang nasa braso mo bracelet?! May relo ka oh!"
Agad niya hinila ang braso ko at ipinakita ang relo ko.
"Oo nga pala meron akong relo. Hehe~"
"Tignan mo. Tulig kalang." Sinimangutan ko siya.
"Oh, ten-thirty-four palang oh! Lab na natin" nagmamadali ko sabi.
"Baliw ka na talaga. Uwian na uy! Baka mahuli pa tayo ng guard arat na."
"Ganon na ba kabilis ang oras? Nagmuni-muni lang naman ako ah."
"Hindi ka ba nakinig sabi ni ma'am na half-day daw ngayon. Gagamitin daw kasi yung campus para sa isang game and a party of some sort." I was left dumbfounded.
"A-ah ganon ba-" I was cut off finishing what I was supposed to say, again, when my phone rang.
"Wait sagutin ko lang." I smiled.
"Akala ko ba lowbaterry na yang cellphone mo, bakit natunog yan?" Unti unting nagiba ang muka niya.
"I lied. Inuto lang kita" I laughed sheepishly.
"Kainis ka. Bahala ka nga jan." Sabi niya sabay irap.
"Oi sabay na tayo umuwi."
"Sige hihintayin kita doon sa waiting shed!" I nodded and smile.
I waved at her as I watch her run towards the hallways. Dali-dali ko namang kinuha ang phone ko sa bag upang sagutin ito.
I instantly felt nervous when I saw Dad's number.
"Hello, po Pa."
"Where are you?" Walang buhay niyang tanong sakin.
"N-nasa school pa po, half-day po kami and pupunta po ako kayna Malaiya-"
"Di ba sabi ko deretsong uwi na?!" He shouted whispered.
"P-pero half-day naman po kami eh-"
"At magdadahilan ka pa. Alam kong half-day jan ok kaya wag ka ng paulit-ulit, para kang sirang plaka."
Bigla namang nagiba ang tono ng boses niya ng maranig ko ang agbukas ng pinto sa kabilang linya.
He probably has a meeting with other investors. I thought to myself. Besides he only does that when he has to make a fake face to others, no surprise there.
"Sorry, po." I lowered my voice.
"Instead of going to the Mendoza's pumunta ka nalang kay Anastasia since may photoshoot siya sa Velarmino, mas may ambag ka pa doon kaysa sa pag-tambay mo sa bahay ng mga Mendoza."
"A-akala ko po b-ba kasama niya sina Kuya." I stammered.
"Eh, sa kulang daw sila ng tao. Wag ka nga magpa-tanga-tanga at pumunta ka nalang pwede ba. Bumiyahe ka."
"P-pero pwede po ba bukas gumala ako kasama nina-"
"Hold it dimwit-Yes sir good afternoon, take a seat."
He had to cut me off when someone, I think, came inside his office.
"Ah, dad-"
"Crap it, I'll call you later." He hanged up before I could even finish speaking. I instead sighed and started walking.
Panigurdo magagalit nanaman saakin si Laiya. Every time kasi na may free time kami lagi akong tumatambay sa bahay nila. Matagal tagal na rin akong hindi nakakapunta sa kanila simula ng magpasukan kaya nawawalan na ako ng time.
He's always like that too. Lagi akong binababaan ng linya bago ko pa matapos ang gusto kong sabihin sakanya. He is a very busy man and I understand that, but, shouldn't he at least have some spare time para man lang pakinggan ako kahit saglit lang. He is just so impossible.
When I got to the guardhouse, I scanned my ID in the scanner just right before the exit doors and as soon as it turned green I walked straight ahead to where Laiya is.
"Oi, Klea!" Agad akong tumingin sa likod kung sino ang tumawag saakin.
A tall guy with chestnut hair and broad shoulders came into me for a tight hug.
"Oh, Andrew musta!" I said as I pat his back.
He let go of me and to my surprise took my books along with my bag. Binitbit niya ang bag ko sa kanyang balikat at ngumiti saakin.
"All good. Pauwi kana ba? Sabay kana sakin, libre kita." He politely offered.
Andrew has been my best friend since we were in kindergarten. It's funny how both of us are in the same age - well, not technically the same age, he is two years older than me.
Late na kasi siya nag start mag-kindergarten kaya kung minsan ay nakakalito.
Nakakatuwa lang isipin na kung dati ako ang nauna sakanyang mag-aral, ngayon ako naman ang naghahabol para makatapos lang at maka abot sa college.
He is almost finished in his second year of college, while I'm stuck here in my senior year. I'm in grade 12 and STEM ang strand ko since I want to be a physician or pediatrician, either. At least that was my father's choice.
This wasn't my first choice but since I already started this there is no turning back. I'm not such a genius student nor dumb, yung tama lang. Kaya lang ako nadadalian sa iba naming mga subjects dahil mas intindihin ko ang topic kaysa magharulgol ng mga meaning and vocabs.
I'm more of a comprehending student than a memorizing one. I sometimes end up making my personalized module to review and study. Made by me of course. But syempre bumabagsak din ako kahit ang effort ko gumawa ng mga ganoon.
Andrew, on the other hand, is taking Architecture since it's what his parents also want him to take, but it's because of their family business. At least he has an excuse why he instead took architecture than music. Ako, hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ako pinapayagan ni papa na pumili ng gusto kong course.
He wanted to pursue his music career since napakagaling niya mag-compose ng kanta. I guess people just adore handsome men kaya madali lang sakanya maging popular. Not to mention his family background. Good-looking men are too impossible to handle.
"Ah about that, magba-byahe kasi ako Andrew eh."
"Sa may saan ba? Ihatid nalang kita."
"Naku wag na malapit lang naman eh sa Velarmino lang." Bigla siyang mapatawa ng sabihin kong sa Velarmino ako pupunta.
"You'll get lost there." Pangaasat niya.
"Sus para namang hindi na ako nasanay bumiyahe doon."
"Klea, traffic doon. Bago ka pa makapunta sa photoshoot ni Anastasia nakauwi na yung mga yun."
I eyed him weirdly, suprised by what he has just said.
"Why are you look at me like that?" Nangunot ang ulo niya
"Stalker ka!"
"Oi, ano namang masama doon?"
"Anong masama? Stalker ka talaga!"
"Ikaw lang naman sina-stalk ko, sayo lang naman ako intresado eh."
"Kahit na! Paano mo nalaman na doon ako pupunta?"
"Anastasia practically lived thereby now because of how many photoshoots she has been working on these past few years, it's an easy guess." Sabi niya sabay akbay saakin.
Nagsimula na kami maglakad deretso paunta sa gate. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasan mahiya, madami tuloy ang napapatingin saamin dahil kay Andrew. Well, it's no surprise that a lot of people will look at it as since gwapo itong si Andrew.
"Drew ang bigat ng braso mo." Pilit kong binaba ang braso niya pero ang bigat talaga. Ang laki pa ng biceps.
"Sus di ka na nasanay."
"Hindi talaga." Natawa siya sa sinabi ko sabay gulo sa buhok ko.
"Ano, sasabay ka ba saakin or sapilitan kitang ipapasok sa sasakyan ko." He smiled weirdly, enough to make my face turn sour.
"Oo na, geez you are so corny. Magpapaalam muna ako kay Malaiya." He laughed and let go of me. Saktong tumigil kami sa tapat Milagrosa, ang front garden ng SLU na puno ng mga magjowang naglalampungan.
"Sige hintayin kita sa kotse. Sa same parking pa rin ah!" He shouted as he runs backward.
"Yup, sige lang hintayin mo ako."
He smiled and run.
Masyadong malaki itong SLU kaya kung baguhan ka ay talagang maliligaw ka. Papasok pa nga lang aakalaing mong papunta ka sa isang kastilyo. It almost felt like Hogwarts. Our Library and Auditorium are almost the same sizes as a soccer field. And don't get me started on the other buildings. It's quite jarring at first, but as soon as you get to go there and memorize the routes on the campus, you'll be fine.
As I reached the waiting shed, there I saw Malaiya standing behind the big pillar while sucking a lollipop. As soon as she saw me I ran towards her and gave her my pity face.
"Let me guess he is here to pick you up. Again."
"Yeah. Ah, and also I got a call din kasi from dad na-"
"Save your excuses go with your BESTFRIEND he might be waiting for you." She turned away and walked towards the car in front of her.
"Malaiya promise next time sasama ako-" bigla siyang napatigil sa pagpasok para humarap sakin.
"Next time mag sabi ka kung kailan susulpot yung kabute na yun, nakakairita lang. Panira ang puta. And please, wag kang maging manhid." She said annoyedly and went inside the car.
I sighed and run to the parking lot. She and Andrew don't go along together. They both dislike each other for some unknown reasons. She always hated the fact that he is always with me and he hated the fact that I always have to tag her along whenever we go hang out.
They are weird as heck.
Ng makarating ako ay agad sumalubong saakin si Andrew.
"After you, my lady." He opened the front seat door and I kindly took his hand.
"Why thank you, kind sir." He smiled genuinely and closed the door.
~~~
"Kumain ka na ba?" Tanong niya sakin habang nagda-drive.
Lumingon ako sakanya at ngumiti.
"Hindi pa, biglaan kasi yung pagpapa-half-day nila kaya hindi na ako nakaderetso sa canteen."
"Well, then pupunta tayo sa Desidera."
"Sira wag na! Mahuhuli pa ako sa shoot ni Annie."
"Natatakot ka lang bungangaan ng bungal na yon." He said laughing. Pinalo ko ang braso niya para tumigil siya sa panglalait niya.
"Wag ka nga ganyan kapatid ko yun."
"Correction. Step-sister."
"So?"
"Pangalan pa lang, malalaman mo na agad na napakamaldita nun."
"Drew."
"Ok, fine titigil na ako." Napangiti naman ako.
"Good."
"But, ililibre pa rin kita sa Desidera."
"Andrew! Diba–"
"Ngayon nalang ulit tayo nagkasama, and na miss kita. So please, hayaan mong ilibre kita, you know, just like the old days. And besides hindi lang ikaw yung nagugutom."
"Ikaw ang bahala kapag tinalaktakan ako nina Papa ni Anastasia."
"Ako pa! Sasabihin kong nag date tayo kaya ka natagalan."
"Gago!"
"Ok fine. Ako na bahala wag kang mag-alala. Hindi ako natatakot sakanila, sila lang ang natatakot sakin."
"Talaga lang ha. Kapal ng muka mo."
"Yeah keep telling yourself that love."
"Ew! Tumigil ka nga. Kilabutan ka nga sa mga sinasabi mo, baduy!"
"Ok, bestie." He said and turned to me and smiled. I too smiled at him and turned my gaze outside the window. I felt his hand on my knee, which I'm fine with. Lagi niya ginagawa yun whenever we are going on road trips. It's not making me feel awkward nor disgusted towards him.
Ng makarating kami sa Desidera, napakaraming tao sa bawat sidewalks at napakarami rin ang mga natawid. It is one of the famous places here in San Lorenzo dahil sa dami ng makakainan dito. It is also famous for the Kípos Eden. A big tree surrounded with flowers, especially dragon lilies. It's at the end of a cliff facing the beautiful and clear waters of San Lorenzo.
San Lorenzo is the Capital of the island, Regálias, which the mysterious Island of Palawan. Meron itong Anim na bayan, isa dito ay dead city na. San Lorenzo, ang capital, Magbanse, Montero, Dayaw, Rioz, at ang dead city, Ílios. Wala ng nakatira sa bayan na iyon. Mga mayayaman at nakakangat lang ang pwedeng mamahala sa mga bayan, kung kasama ka pa sa isang royal family—which is surprising that Regálias has quite the number—it will be a piece of cake to take control of the whole island.
We went to a local canteen and ate there. As soon as we finished eating ay dumeretso na kami sa Velarmino papunta sa agency kung saan nagsho-shoot si Anastasia. Pag-dating namin doon ay agad kami naghanap ng parking, sakton pagdating namin doon ay agad tumambad saamin ang kotse ni Kuya Carlson na malapit lang sa elevator.
Doon sana kami sa tabi ng kotse niya mag-pa-park kaso naunahan na kami, so instead, we went to find a new one.
"Kuya Carlson is here?" He asked as we are finding a parking space available.
Tumango ako.
"Akala ko ba nasa Batanes pa siya. Hindi pa rin niya ba nahahanap yung asawa niya?"
"Hindi pa. And correction, it is his girlfriend, hindi pa asawa."
"I thought he already proposed?" He said bewilderedly
"Kaya nga niya hinahanap eh mag-po-propose palang. He said that when they were in Pizares nang bigla nalang siya nawala ng parang bula." I was very concerned about the sudden disappearance of ate Tin because she was such a good much for him. They were just so in love. Inseparable.
"I bet there is something happened."
"Yeah."
"Sexually. Maybe they did it and nagkaanak yung girlfriend niya kaya umalis."
"Andrew!"
"What?! They're already adults, of course, something would already happen between those two."
"Still! Malay mo may ibang dahilan pa–"
"Come on Klea, let us be true here that I am stating straight up facts. Sadyang napakainsonte mo lang kasi."
"Duh?! NBSB ako bruh. Di ako maka-relate."
"Pucha, Edi jowain mo ko."
"Ayoko nga! Bat kita jojowain. Ang pangit mo kaya."
"Para maka relate ka. Gusto mo tayo na? Gwapo naman ako, matalino, alam mo yun. Nasaakin na ang lahat ikaw nalamg ang wala."
"Friends lang tayo." I eyed him tiredly. Pagpupumilit ko.
"Friends?" He asked quite confused.
"Ay, bestfriend pala."
"Yeah... Bestfriend." Di ko man sabihin sakanya pero nahahalata ko ang bitterness sa pagkakasabi niyang iyon. I felt guilty all of the sudden. Hindi naman ako manhid or anything but I just don't want to assume.
"Bakit? May masama ba sinabi ko?" I asked with concern.
"No nothing... I'll change that. One day." I didn't get to hear the last thing he said because it was just a whisper but I think I heard him say 'One day.
"Ang alin?"
"Yung status natin."
Bago ako makapagsalita nakahanap na rin kami ng parking space. Agad akong bumaba at kinuha ang bag ko sa likod.
"Ako na magdadala." He offered, I reluctantly let him since it's always his favorite thing to do whenever I am with him.
I smiled and ran towards the elevator.
Ng magbukas ang mga pinto ay agad akong tumakbo papunta sa studio kung saan ginaganap ang shoot ng kapatid ko. I was running so fast that I didn't even notice a crew member walking holding big boxes of what I think are wires and speakers. Big speakers to be exact.
"Klea wag ka nga tumakbo." Hatak sakin ni Andrew dahilan para tumama ang noo ko sa baba niya.
Good thing he pulled me because if not I would probably get squished from those gigantic speakers.
"Aray! Bat ba kasi ang haba ng baba mo, feeling ko mabubutas na noo ko eh!" Natawa na lamang siya.
Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi ko saka hinalikan ang noo ko. I was stunned and nervous when he did that. I mean, dapat masanay na nga ako kasi ginagawa na niya ito kahit noon pa, pero iba na kasi ngayon eh. May hormones na ako.
"Next time do not come running off, ok? Di mo na mamamalayan mabubungo kana, or worse get injured! Bobo." He said quite annoyed.
I nodded while holding my forehead. He took my hand and dragged me across the hallways. Alam naman niya kung saang studio yun. His aunt owns this agency anyways.
Ng makarating kami ay agad nagtinginan ang mga tao sa loob, probably shocked that the nephew of their agency just walked in unbothered. And I doubt that they also turned their gaze at us because this man is quite dashing.
"People are looking at you," I whispered. His face went close to my ear.
"Para namang hindi na ako nasanay." He said. I rolled my eyes and started to scan the whole studio. It was a big one so it was not an easy thing to do.
"Do you come here often this year?" He asked.
"Hindi naman. May mga exams kasi and projects so naiintindihan naman nila yun. Kapag tinatawagan lang ako ni papa or ng manager ni Anastasia ako pumupunta. Bakit?" He eyed me suspiciously.
"Sure kang hindi ka nila tinatrato ng masama?"
"Bakit mo naman nasabi yan of course not?" I said whilst trying not to sounding quite peculiar.
"Look, I may not come here too often pati na rin sa bahay niyo, but, I know all of the people's attitudes here and there. Papagurin ka lang nila. Looks may not look deceiving but I am telling you I hate the way they look. Parang ang dali lang sa kanila na kontrolin ang buhay ko."
"Ang daming look naman nun."
"Klea I am serious."
"Para namang hindi na ako nasanay." He sighed and walked ahead of me. Dahilan para sundan ko ang bawat hakbang niya.
"I will talk to tita after this."
"Ha bakit?– Oi wag mo nga lakihan mga hakbang mo. Ang hirap mong habulin–" I was cut off when he suddenly stops walking. Bumangga tuloy ako sa likod niya.
"Aray. Parang timang naman." Naiinis ko sabi.
"I will talk to them after this."
"Bakit nga."
"It is none of your business." Maarte niyang sabi.
"Edi wow. Bahala ka nga jan." Inerapan ko siya saka tumungo kung saan nagpo-photoshoot ang mga models.
"Ito naman joke lang, secret kasi eh kaya ayoko sabihin." Sabi niya sabay akbay sakin.
Bwiset din talaga to eh. Minsan nagse-seryoso minsan naman hindi. Ano yun may schedule ugali niya.
"Looks like you two are getting along." Isang malalim but calm na boses ang biglang nagpatigil samin. From his dark, manly, and mature voice that can only be the one and only.
"Aye! Kuya Carlson what's up!" Sabi ni Andrew sabay yakap. They even did their favorite handshake that they made up back fourteen years ago.
"It's been a while Yzrux. Musta na?" He asked happily. Kuya always calls him with his second name since madaming hindi alam ang pronunciation nun. Except for me, Malaiya, and Kuya
Andrew is very fond of my siblings. Except for Anastasia. For some reason, he and Malaiya don't like Anastasia. Kahit na magkaaway ang dalawang iyon for some reason, magtutulungan pa yan para lang apihin ang kapatid ko. I am a year older than Anastasia, so I am trying my best to get along with her. She just doesn't like me.
"Ito pogi parin, pinagtitilian, pinipilahan. Ikaw kuys nakita mo na ba siya? Do you need help?"
"Nah, Its ok. Pero, ganun pa din sitwasyon ko. Wala eh. I can't find her in Batanes, Batangas, and in Vigan. There are some rumors about her that she is in Marinduque. We'll see." He said as he put both of his hands into his pockets. They continued chattering at parang nakalimutan na nilang nandito ako.
Hindi ko na sila ginalaw pa at pumunta na sa dressing room ng kapatid ko. There were so many people right in front of the door. Mostly media.
Of course, they don't knIt’sme well so It was an easy sneak inside. They probably even though I am one of the crews here, which I am fine with that. I just do not seem to yearn for that too much attention. It is just too much. People will even stalk you and that is crazy.
When I got in there I saw her, holding her phone and playing ML because she looked so into it. Sa totoo ang guminhawa ang loob ko ng makita ko siyang naglalaro non, yung lang ang nagpapakalma sakanya.
No one was there except her.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Mataray niyang tanong. She is still not looking at me and only focuses on the game. That's how attentive she is to her surroundings.
"Tinawagan ako ni papa eh. So I am here to help." I said with enthusiasm.
"Guess what I don't need your help. Ayos na kami dito and nandyan naman si Kuya. Doon ka nalang kayna Malaiya." Naiinis niyang sabi.
'Defeat' pagkakadinig ko. I guess natalo siya sa rank, I heard her mutter a curse though.
She instead put her phone down and leaned at the back of her sear to sleep.
"Pero sabi–" I stopped talking when she started to look at me from the mirror. She stood up and walk towards me and that made me walk back.
"Just get out. If you are worried about what will dad say to you, don't worry nandyan naman si Kuya para tulungan ka. Ulit."
She pushed me out and shut the door. Luckily no reporters were lurking around so no one could have seen our little argument. It was short and meaningless. But for me, every single word she said just hurts me. Even with the slightest 'Get away from me' or 'Stop it.
I sighed and I started to look for Andrew.
The crews were just too busy that I could not even see him. There were just too many people, and the big studio just fits more than a hundred people. Ang daming nagpapabalik-balik sa mga dressing rooms, may mga nagiiba na mga buhok and so much more madness. May hubad pa nga eh.
Eventually, I found him right outside the studio. Standing in one of the pillars. Looking far away. He is probably contemplating his ego. I chuckled at myself and decided to walk towards him. Ng makita niya ako ay agad nanibago ang muka niya.
"May problema ba?" Naguguluhan kong tanong.
He just stared at me for half a minute and smiled. I was confused pero sinakyan ko nalang ang trip niya. Ng pa-prank siguro to.
"Nothing. So, how was your talk with Maldita girl?"
"Ayon ayos lang. Ikaw, kamusta usap niyo ni Kuya?"
"All good. He treated me for coffee and gave me Brownies. Who knew that guy still has that enthusiasm for brownies."
"Well, he is addicted to that dessert."
"Buti wala pa siyang diabetes. Heck. The man has a whole fridge full of brownies! Legit, a whole two-door fridge, full, dedicated to his brownies. How sick is that" He exclaimed and I burst out laughing.
"I think he needs a psychiatrist." I taunted.
"Nah I think he needs a wife. Someone needs to stop him, like, seriously. The dude is old too, hinihingal na umakyat sa hagdan." We looked at each other and started cracking up.
Kuya is in his thirties. He is in thirty-seven years of age. The age gap in our family is entirely substantial. That is why people tend to speculate that the Andres siblings are cousins or orphans instead of siblings. I on the other hand am an orphan but no one knows that. Even my best friends.
"Can we just get moving, I am exhausted, Andrew," I said.
"Sure saan ba?"
"Kay na Malaiya na. I texted Kuya na eh, as well as papa so I'm fine with going out now."
"Ano pinayagan kana?"
"Yup. Annie also called dad. Pagkalabas ko nadinig ko siyang kausap si dad and she said that she will not need me there."
"Luckily he said yes otherwise you'll be staying in hell for twelve straight hours."
"Exactly."
~~~
"So how was your talk with Annie, Klea?" Kuya asked. I am currently here in the parking lot waiting for that moron.
He left his phone in Tita Beaula's office when he was back there talking to her. Narealized niya lang na nawawala yung phone niya ng papalabas na kami, tatawagan niya bali si Vito eh. Which is his cousin, may gusto kasi yung kay laiya kaya lagi naming sinasama sa tuwing pupunta ako doon.
Minsan sumasama si Ciara sakin, Vito's little sister, kapag gumagala ako sa may tapat ng SLU since maraming mga fast food restaurants doon and doon din sya nagaaral. She is still in high school but we get along so damn well. Para nga kaming magkapatid.
"Ayun ayos lang. Still playing with ML."
"Ano na ba rank nun?"
"Legend. Kalaro ko yun nung Sabado eh."
"Ikaw?"
"Mythical Glory. Ikaw?"
"Same lang din. Bobo naman, yun pabuhat lang." He said laughing.
"Hoy grabe ka."
"Bakit totoo naman. Trasktalker pa amp. Toxic kasama."
"Nagsi-stream ka pa rin ba?"
"Hindi na masyado. Si Drix oo. Ang dami ngang fans sa SLU di mo nahahalata."
"Pati nga si Malaiya eh gustong magpa picture doon sa batang yun."
"Feeling ko susunod yan sa yapak ni Annie."
"Awit."
"Gago nagjo-joke lang ako. Wag naman sana."
"Magagalit kaba kapag may itaganong ako sayo tungkol kay ate Tin?"
"Hindi! Bakit naman ako magagalit. Ano ba yun may alam ka ba?"
"Wala. Ask ko lang ah, meron ba... Kayong pinag-awayan kaya siya umalis."
"Wala. Wala kaming pinag-awayan non. We did do it but we were safe so I don't know why she was being worried about what happened between us."
"So ano yun, pagkagising mo wala na siya?"
"Yeah... A cliche isn't?"
"Everyone has their reasons for leaving. Siguro may problema siyang kinakaharap and she doesn't want you to get involved in it."
"But we are a couple. She should have trusted me the way I trusted her. Dapat nakipag open-up siya sakin."
"We will find the answers once we find her."
"Yeah... You're right."
"And sorry if I asked that, na stress pa ata kita."
"Nah it's ok. I was even thinking of the same thing anyway. Maybe she does have her reasons."
"Come on cheer up, gwapong gwapo eh tatanda ka niyan. Ops, matanda ka na pala, senior citizen."
"Klea gusto mo atang sabihin ko kay papa na kasama mo nanaman yang boyfriend mo."
"Hindi ko jowa yung timawang yon!"
"Sus, keep telling yourself that. Bulag lang ang hindi makakahakata non."
"Ng alin?" He looked at me and smiled. He shook his head and turned around to his car. I tried chasing him but at that exact time, Andrew showed up, so, I wasn't able to catch up with him.
~~~
"Where are we going?"
"To Malaya!"
"Where are we going?"
"To malaiya!"
"I'm da map I'm da— ok, let's end this shit it's getting annoying." I burst laughing in the car holding my tummy.
"What the fuck." I laughed nonstop.
"Klea shut up!"
"The heck hindi ka pa sanay sa kagaguhan ko." I giggled as I wiped my tears from laughing.
"Kagaguhan mong tumawa ng tumawa sa simpleng bagay na wala namang saysay. Boang kana."
"Gago!"
"Pero mahal mo naman tong gagong to?" He smiled flirtatiously.
"Syempre bro! Ikaw pa, bff for lyf!" Nalalasing kong sabi. I showed him my hand for a highfive and he just looked at and chuckled.
"Hehe. Stupid."
"Ang cute ko diba?"
"Oo ang panget mo."
"Virgin ka pa diba?"
"Tangina mo."
It was a long ride. Quite long because of the traffic. We even ended up watching a movie and order grab while on road. Eventually, the traffic passes on and we continue our trip to Mendoza's residence. I live in a different subdivision, in Amber Village to be exact. Malaiya on the other hand lives in Amadeo Desiderata. Madami kasi doong palusong since its built on the foot of the mountain of Graciá Xena, a mountain named after the Ancestors of the family Velerons first wife.
As soon as we got there Andrew helps me out with my bag and books. Nakita ko sa gate si Gilbert, ang personal guard ni Malaiya. Before I thought he was her boyfriend, kaya rin kasing tapatan ni Gilbert ang kagandahang lalaki nitong si Andrew saka ng mga kapatid ko.
It was kinda weird to have someone so good-looking be as your bodyguard. Simulat sapol siya na ang naging bodyguard ni Malaiya, since kindergarten palang siya. Palagi niyang kinukwento si Gilbert sakin simula ng magkakilala kami kaya palagay ko may gusto siya sakanya.
"Hi, Kuya Gils!" Maligaya kong pagbati.
"Please don't call me that, nakakatanda ang pagtawag mo sakin ng Kuya Klea."
"Sus mas matanda ka pa nga sakin."
"Oo nga, KUYA." Sabat ni Andrew.
"Well, hindi naman halata sa itsura ko."
"Baka kasi dahil kay Laiya."
"Bakit naman napasok dito sa usapan si Malaiya Andrew?" Sarkastikong tanong ni Gilbert kay Drew.
"Why not? Baka kasi–"
"Ok tamana na guys, masyado naman kayo nagseseryoso. By the way Gil, dito muna ako magiistambay, ba-byahe nalang ako ng mga 4."
"Hatid na kita–"
"Ihahatid nalang–"
They both said simultaneously. They slowly look at each other and started to argue. Again.
Ewan ko ba sa dalawang to nababaliw na.
"Guys, magpapasundo nalang ako kay Kuya Carlson para naman mapanatag kayo kahit papaano. Naguguluhan na ako sa inyo eh." As soon as I said that I gave them an odd look before walking towards the Mendoza's front door.
When I got there maid began to greet me. Kilala na nila ako dito since parang pangalawang bahay ko na to. It's fun living here, to be honest than in our house.
"KLEA!" Malaiya exclaimed as soon as I walked down their ginormous living room. It's almost the same size as ours.
She began to emerge from their kitchen holding a bowl of what I think is her favorite food. Pancit Canton.
"Guess what change of plans–AgH! Malaiya ang bigat mo!" I struggled as I try to lift her. Banaman bigla bigla nalang tumatalon, nagpapaakap. Dapat si Andrew nalang eh.
"Wah thank god you're here na! I was so sad tho nung hindi ka sumama."
"Sus nagagawan naman ng paraan."
"So paano ka nakapunta dito? Did Kuya Carlson took you here or what?"
"Ahm ako yun! Nandito din ako!" Andrew shouted.
"Bakit nandito tong supot na to?!"
"Hoy FYI hindi ako supot, tuli na ako matagal na. Nanay ko pa nagtuli sakin."
"Oh please sabihin mo lang baog ka kaya virgin ka pa din."
"Ang sabihin mo ang rupok mo kaya hindi kayo nagtatagal ng jowa mo kasi narurupukan ka pa din sa ex mo."
"Gago ka ah!"
"Mas gago ka rin."
"Pinaka gago ka!"
"At least gwapong gago."
"Saang banda ang gwapo jan sa muka mo? Wala!"
"Guys pwede bang–" pagsingit ko. Pero kahit anong gawin kong pagtigil hindi la rin sila natitinag.
"Lumayas ka sa pamamahay ko Marquéxze kung hindi ipapapatay kita kay Gilbert!"
"Edi gawin mo! Bago pa niya ako mapapatay patay na rin yun dahil sa sniper ko."
"Wow, grabe hindi ako bulag pero ngayon ko lang nakita kung gaano talaga kakapal ng muka mo noh."
"Tanga syempre sa bodyguard ko yung sniper na yun! Bobo ka ba!"
"Aba talagang–"
Naririndi na ako sa dalawang to! Bwiset na! Kung ayaw niyo tumigil mag away, pwes, magpatayan nalang kayo. Pumunta ako sa kusina—still they are not done giving each other stupid nicknames and dumb insults— and grab two knives.
"Oh ayan!" Sigaw ko. Binigay ko sakanila ang kutsilyong dala ko.
"Magpatayan na kayo nakakarindi na eh. Malaiya, Andrew, may you both Rest in disharmony. Sana huwag kayo papasukin ni san Pedro sa langit." Naiirita kong sabi sabay labas ng bahay.
Shemay, dapat chill lang ako doon eh pero anong nangyari, lalo lang uminit ang ulo ko. Nakakaijis talaga yung dalawang yun, ang hirap pagtiisn ng pasensya.
"Gilbert pwede bang paki hatid ako samin?" I asked as calmly as I can.
"Sige? May problema ba? Ang bilis naman ata nun." He asked as we then walked towards one of his cars. The one he drives to school for Malaiya.
"Nanggagalaiti na ako jan kay Malaiya eh. Nakakainis silang parehas nauurat ako. Hindi man lang sila magkasundo for once in a lifetime. Lam mo yun?!" He instead chuckled than reply to my agitation.
I then left Malaiya's and went home. Napaaga amp. Saktong four ay dumating na ako saamin. Gilbert left me an assuring smile and said that he will talk to her later when he gets home. I thanked him and watched as his car drifts into oblivion.
I saw our gardeners cleaning out our front. Some are planting new trees and flowers. Of course, I did not bother them since they knew about the consequences. So instead I just went straight to the door and not even disturbing them.
When I got inside, our maids are cleaning, some are cooking. And of course, no one greeted me. I went straight into the stairs and got into my room.
As soon as I arrived I quickly took off my shoes and jacket. Not even bothering to change out of my uniform, I jumped into the bed like a madwoman and closed my eyes.
I sometimes think or even dream that I was on a cliff, watching the sun go down as waves come right crashing through from below. It was quite a good dream, I was at peace. I felt so free. As soon as I knew, I was already drifting into a deep slumber.