Chapter Three

I slapped Rufilyn on the shoulder. I almost lost my breathing earlier because of fear. After she picked up all the fake cockroaches todo hingi siya ng tawad. How come she made a mistake in giving. She said that what she gave me was for her sister. Coincidentally, the two paper bags are just the same.

I was even more nervous and embarrassed when I saw Sir Eric was the one I hit earlier. I was leaning on his shoulder like were closed. I was really stupid for haven't even looked at his face since then. 

And in this event I wanted to feed on the ground even more, my life was full of shame in front of Sir Eric. I looked behind me where I left him after apologizing. He was already inside in his Merc Benz. Hindi ko man kita pero ramdam ko ang pamumula ng aking mukha dahil sa magkahalong kilig at hiya.

He was confuse, I knew that. But I was amazed because he was able to attend me quickly even though people looked up to him. He's really kind. He was still able to do that. 

Bella gave me her evil smile. Pati na ang isang 'to rinig ko pa ang tawa niya kanina ng inatake na ako ng takot. The rest of the four burst out their laugh loudly when they can't stop it. Kung natatanggal nga lang ang bibig sa pagkakagat tiyak na mauuna sila kanina pa. Tsk.

"Sorry talaga! Nagkamali nga lang ako ng bigay," she said in pleading voice. She poke me para mapansin ko. Hindi naman sa nagtatampo ako, I'm still catching my breath kaya hindi ko siya natapunan ng tingin.

I would have been happy earlier that they would donate as well but the fear I feel is more than the equal. It was as if my soul had left my body. 

"Ang epic talaga ng reaksyon niya. Sana pala'y nag-video ako!" I throw a dark glare to Rose. Magkahalong ngisi at tukso ang iginawad niya pabalik.

"Maayos na ba ang pakiramdam mo?" Diana asked me sincerely. Hinagod niya ang likod ko pagkatapos kong tumango, ipinahilig rin niya ang ulo ko sa kanyang balikat.

"But admit that in other part of your body you like what happened because you were given the opportunity na maka-tsansing kay sir. Crush mo 'yon eh!" bulalas ni Bella.

Mas lalong pumula ang mukha ko sa sinabi niya. Napaayos tuloy ako ng lakad. Pakiramdam ko nabawasan ako ng isang katago-tagong sekreto. She hits it bulls-eye. Sana naman ay matikom niya ang kanyang bibig at hindi niya iyon masabi kay Sir Eric.

As if I had done something illegal when they shot me with strange looks. Naiilang tuloy ako. I continued looking straight. 

"Bagay nga kayo!" puna ni Michelle. "If I hadn't known you I would have mistaken you two are had a thing earlier. May something sa inyong dalawa na nakakakilig talaga!"

Napakamot ako sa aking ulo. Tama ba 'tong pinasok ko? At kung sa oras man na may maglalantad sa sekretong iyon tiyak na taob ako. But Bella is right that there is a part of me that is happy because of what happened, in just a few minutes I got closer to Eric.  And I had the chance to hugged him. And on that bad time I can say I was lucky.

Hindi sila tumigil kaka-tukso at pagma-match sa aming dalawa ni Eric hanggang sa makarating kami ng Nascar. They acted like a real match-maker. Rufilyn handed me the bag na dapat na ibibigay niya sa akin kanina. When I saw what's inside it easen my feelings. It melted my heart.

It was a cartoon toy of myself, smiling. At hindi lang pala ako ang may regalo galing sa kanya kundi kaming lahat na naging kaibigan niya. I stood up and gave her a hug. She didn't know how happy I am by her gift. I've recieve a lot of gift from my collegues and business friends but this one is my favorite. 

I know she is guilty of what happened earlier. Maybe it was just really a coincidence that the paper bag she gave me and for her sister were the same. I also feel guilty for keeping quiet earlier on her.

"I'm really sorry-" I stopped her using my index finger.

"Shh, forget about it. The important thing is I am happy with your gift. I know you didn't really mean what happened earlier." nginitian ko siya para mapanatag ang kanyang kalooban. For the second time I hug her with full of emotions.

I can't stop myself smiling. Pakiramdam ko na-full charge ulit ako kahit hapon na. I'm so happy. I felt productive at dahil iyon sa reagalo ni Rufilyn ng hindi ko man lang naramdaman ang pagod sa buong maghapon.

I was hugging the paper bag while riding at our SUV. Everyone's in the car was confused kung bakit nagmistulang naging masaya ako sa hapon. I'm happy in the afternoon every time they take me but I usually drain off.

"What's the reason of the sudden change of your mood right now, Young Sis?" Brent asked. "Your happiness was septic."

I sat beside him while Mom sat beside Dad. I rested my head on his shoulder. Ganito kami lagi sa hapon. Ang balikat niya ang nagsisilbi kong unan sa tuwing magkakasama kami. 

"Should I be happy because the old you is coming back again?" he said quiescently. Ngayon ko lang rin napagtanto, I have not been so happy like this in recent years. If I am at home I only speak once or leave the room. "Since you entered Nascar you have changed. Was it because of a man?"

I pouted. Lalake agad? Palibhasa ang feeler masyado, tsk. Sa tuwing mamasyal kaming dalawa pag may nagkukumpulang mga babae pakiramdam niya siya yung pinag-uusapan, Dahil daw ang gwapo niya.

"Someone gave me a gift!" I beamed mirthfully. I opened the paper bag at ipinasilip sa kanya ang laman. I raised my brows ng ngumiwi siya. "Ay, ang arte. Ang ganda kaya ng ito."

"Yeah, it's beautiful. But I really think man is the cause of your smiles." nakahingang maluwag niyang saad.

I understand the blithe he feels when he finds out that the reason is not a man because he is also mad with the person who hurt me so much. At alam kung hindi pa siya handa na makita ulit akong may kasamang lalake. He's very sweet and caring to me.

I still remember when he throw away everything he can see that day when he founds out I'm crying. He was even more thankful that Justin did not show up because by chance he was K. O. 

"It was my first time recieving a gift like this. You know, because of our position everyone who will give me a gift will set high standards so that I will like it. But this!" I hold the toy. "I know it wasn't that expensive pero ang saya-saya ko. Pinuno nito ang puso ko!"

Brent didn't answered me a word instead he gave me his sweetest smile. Hindi man niya sinabi pero ramdam kong masaya siya para sa akin. He was always there on my side that time I was eaten by the dark sadness and now he's still on my side while I'm slowly recovering. Brent wasn't a perfect brother gaya ng iba nagkakamali rin siya pero isa lang ang masasabi ko, siya yung tipo ng kapatid na maipagmamalaki.

On the rear view mirror I saw Mom and Dad smiled widely, I knew too they are happy for me. While leaning my head on Brent's shoulder I grab my phone  and captured the toy for my Instagram story. 

'Thank you :) @rufi '

I clicked the other side to see more stories from the people I'd follow. I was smiling when I also saw my friends story, same as mine they were grateful recieving a gift like this. Gayun na lamang ang tuwa ko ng makita ang account ni Rufilyn, she screenshot my story and re-posted it again with the caption of,

'Your always welcome :) '

I was so blissful. Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam. 

"Young Sis, Just rest your head on my shoulder, I will just take a nap," he said. When I nodded he slowly leaned his head on the headrest and closes his eyes. 

I stayed leaning on his shoulder for a minute, ng mangawit na ang batok ko humiwalay ako at umusog ng kunti para makahinga narin siya ng maluwag-luwag. Alam ko ring nangangawit na siya, mabigat rin kaya ako. He crosses his arms in front of his chest and sigh deeply.

I smiled looking at his 'almost perfect face'. I am the eldest of the two of us but if he protects and takes care of me, parang siya iyon. Sabagay rin naman our age gap is not too far. Minsan ang clingy at sobrang papansin niya sa akin. Minsan rin naman siya ang sumisira sa masaya kong umaga. Minsan naman para kaming mga aso't pusa na hindi mapaglapit. Ewan ko pero sa tingin ko iyon ang malaking kasangkapan kung bakit hindi mapaglayo ang loob namin sa isa't isa.

Na kahit man mawalan ako ng isang kaibigan, boyfriend, kaisa-isahang taga-suporta at kung sino man na malapit sa loob ko ay mananatili kailanman siya sa tabi ko. 

I took a picture of him bago magbigay ng espasyo sa pagitan naming dalawa at humilig sa kabilang hamba ng pinto ng sasakyan. 

I had a very distant view as we made our way home. I was supporting my chin with my left hand when our driver played the sterio. The Upbeat tunes of 'The Long and Winding Road' by 'The Beatles' set my mood. No one was angry because for the few years we have been taking on the road we are used to really playing a song. Brent snore softly now. Only today I was brought by the song. I didn't sing but I swayed my head at the same time as the beat. 

My phone chime when Bella's chat popped-up on my screen. Kumunot ang noo ko sa si-nend niya sa 'kin. 

From: BellaSane

Check out his Insta, @ericsterio. 

Goodluck ^ - ^

I was frowning but I already know what she means. Maybe she knew that I didn't know his social media accounts so she used her position to help me. But I don't know what she wants to convey why she texted me like this. 

I held my mobile back when I saw our gateway. 

"Wake him up, Sweetie. We have arrived," Mom commanded as Kuya Dante parked the car on our main garage and open the door for us.

I grasp my bag and moved a little para mapalapit ako sa kanya. I surveyed again his face and tap his head lightly, my face softened. Still nothing change in him. He still had that baby face. 

The first seconds when he went out in the womb of Mom I was the one who always wake him up, Mapa-umaga man, tanghali o gabi. At magpa-hanggang ngayong malalaki na kami. 

"Gising na, Maya mo nalang yan ituloy. Nandito na naman tayo." I woke him up. Idinilat niya paisa-isa ang kanyang mga mata. "Nangangawit na yang batok mo."

He's always the sleepy head to both of us at ang madaling makatulog, kapag napapagod na siya at may makitang espasyong pwedeng mapaghingahan, tulog agad siya. Everyone who knew him admitted that waking him up is the hardest thing to do pero ewan ko lang kasi sa isang tawag ko lang ng pangalan niya automatiko na siyang didilat. Minsan nga I assume that my voice had a strange power or beauty that can awake every hard sleeping people.

He stretches his arm weakly while yawning softly. He gave me a smile. I answered him by tapping his shoulder. Sa pwesto ko ang binuksan ni Kuya Dante kaya nauna akong bumaba para makalabas rin siya.

I smirked ng titigan niya ako ng kakaiba.

"Bakit ka naman ganyan kung makatingin sa akin? May dumi ba ako sa mukha?" Kinapakapa ko ang buong mukha ko at pinagpagan.

He smiled. "Naninibago lang kasi ako sa kasiyahan mo,"

"Ganun ba?" I scratch my back tsaka ngumuso. "Well don't worry, I will maintain this kind of mood so that you can get used to it,"

Mas lalong lumapad ang ngiti niya sa narinig. Inakbayan niya ako papasok ng bahay ng may magiliw ng mukha while me, nakapulupot ang kanang kamay sa kanyang beywang. My side of lips rose up when I find his hard stomach. It really turns out good that he does gym every week huh. 

Tinapik ko ito ng may ngisi. "Ilan na 'to? Ilang babae na ang naloko nito?" I suddenly had the urge to burst a laugh ng namula ang pisngi niya. 

We parted ways to change into house clothes. The beauty of my mood lasted even longer as variety of delicious food was served on the table for dinner. Kumalam bigla ang sikmura ko at nanubig ang bibig.  I immediately took my seat and rubbed my palms while licking my lower lip.

Ate Rosa, our cook and the wife of Kuya Dante serves Chicken Piccata, Li'l Cheddar Meat Loaves, Classic Beef Stew, Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes, Frito Pie, lobster, truffles and veal as the main dishes. She was enrolled as a culinary art student in Europe and have been in France to study different techniques in cuisine. No wonder why she cooked well and good at this field. 

"Sumabay na kayo sa amin Rosa!" pag-aalok ni Mommy ng maaktuhan siyang naglalagay ng maiinom sa baso namin. Agad naman siyang umiling na nagpa-nguso sa 'kin.

She was always like that. Refuses everything we offer.

"Wag na po, Ma'am. Mamaya nalang po kami pagkatapos niyo. Tsaka hinihintay ko pa po kasi ang anak kong si Natty," she said primly. I sighed ng may katwiran na naman siya kaya hindi makasabay.

"Sige na Ate Rosa, masama po kaya ang tanggihan ang grasya!" Brent said blackmailing Ate Rosa.

I saw guilt passed in her eyes. Sasagot na sana siya ng tumunog naman ang telepono niya. She bowed and excused herself politely. 

Mom pointed the Broccoli Chicken Casserole and Zucchi Boats. 

"Paki-tabi yan sweetie, That's for them," she articulated.

After we prayed for the food Brent ate ravenously. I was going to get some slice of the chicken when he move it away from me. I looked at Mommy who wanted to scold Brent but her eyes indicated to leave it alone because we were in front of the food. He's so voracious. So I end up getting Beef Stew. Masarap rin naman 'to.

No one dared to talk. Everyone's really focused. I smirked ng kaliwa't kanan ang kamay ni Brent sa pagkuha ng mga pagkain. Tsk, why he's still cute.

My phone beeped but I ignored it since Mom and Dad didn't wan't to see us using phone in the table. Table manner. 

Tanging tunog na lamang ng mga kubyertos na ginamit namin kapag nasasagi ng malakas sa pinggan ang namayani. I was the first to finish eating. And with the usual habit and manner in front of the table I still have to

wait after everything to get done para makaalis na.

"Grasya!" Brent uttered blessfully when he belch after he drink water. 

I stood up and help Ate Rosa bring it to the kitchen. Kumunot ang noo ko ng kinuha ni Brent ang dala ko para siya na ang magbuhat. 

"May tawag ka," saad niya bago ako tinalikuran.

"Thank you!" pahabol ko bago tumungo ng dinning table. 

It was just Bella. I answered it while going upstairs. I positioned it on my right ear.

"Nakita mo na ba ang yung pic?" pambungad niya. I was confused by the words came out on her mouth.

"Anong picture ba?" I answered her with a question befuddly. "Oh, kakatapos ko lang kumain, Bra,"

She sighed on the other side. Inilipat ko sa kabilang tenga ko ang cellphone ng nasa harapan na ako ng kwarto. I switched on my light bago dumiretso. 

"Bilisan mo na," pag-uutos niya pa.

"Bakit ba atat na atat ka?" I take my Voodoo Envy H171 laptop on semi-circular table near my bed and went on the veranda. Ang malamig na simoy ng hangin sa gabi ang unang bumangga sa akin pagbukas ko sa glass door. I didn't tie my hair kaya inilipad ito ng hangin.

I placed it on my Pebble colored  Patio Rectangular table and settled down. 

"Wala namang pic. rito eh!" reklamo ko ng link lamang ang nakita kong i-si-nend niya sa 'kin.  Napakamot ako sa aking ulo. Minamadali pa ako. Tsk!

"Yan na yun!" 

I pulled my lips together thinking about and doubting when I heard her excitement voice.

"Anong gagawin ko rito?" I winced.

"Edi pindutin mo, Grabe!" I didn't saw her prescense but I imagine her seething with anger of my answer. "Direct mo sa Insta!" 

There were three option if kung saan itutungo ang link but she's too prepared in this when I was going to ask she's in the middle of uttering the answer.

My eye's bug out when it directly went on the profile of Eric Asterio. My mouth dropped open.

"Yan na yung Instagram account ni Sir. Scroll up mo," I rolled my eyes pero sinunod parin ang sinabi niya.

I smiled saccharinely when I saw a hot picture of him, I think this was taken stolen. He was at the interview and the two button of his suit was open showing his well-built chest.

"Tapos mo na bang pagpantasyahan ang isang litrato niya?" My face heated up. Para akong sinampal ng hangin sa biglaang pagtukso ni Bella. I suddenly had the urge to felt anxious. "Don't stick to much on that picture, may iba pa dyan na makakapag-tanggal talaga ng panty mo,"

She was right. The other photo of him, was already topless. He was promoting their new open beach. Napalunok ako. He really does the perfect and complete body package.

My eyes widened ng matamaan ko ang six-packs abs niya, it was dazzling by the help of the radiance of the sun. Tumagal pa ako kakatitig sa perpekto niyang katawan.

"Pero sana 'wag kang mag-iiwan ng bakas ha, baka malaman niyang inii-stalk mo siya!" Paalala niya.

I was too late to notice what I did. Nanlaki ang mata ko. I suddenly quivered.

"Halah, na pindot ko 'ata yung heart react!" Nataranta kong saad. I covered my mouth in disbelief. She puff deeply.