The Burning of Summer

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

"Dad I told you I am fine."

It's Sunday night and my father decided to call me just when I'm about to go to sleep and now, he's been bugging me to hire a driver.

"You obviously need one!" giit nito. "You will be tired from working all day Summer and the last thing you need is to drive yourself home tired."

I groaned. I knew Ate Winter never had a driver when she was in this position so why me? I bet this is Abuela's idea.

"I'm dropping this call Dad, I have to go to work tomorrow so I'm gonna sleep na. Goodnight." sabi ko na lang saka pinatay ang tawag.

I heaved a sigh before going back to lay down in bed. I don't know how my father managed to find out that I went on to a stranger's car last Friday night and let someone drive me home. Iyon kasi ang sinabi niyang isang dahilan kung bakit kailangan ko daw ng sariling driver lalo pa at marami akong kailangan puntahan na parties at kung ano ano pang business meetings outside the office so it would be convenient for me if I hire one.

And also for my safety. At least that's what he said. I know I don't need one but I might consider it in the future.

Days later I am completely going out of my mind. I'm too occupied with our own company party, attending Christmas parties here and there when I could be in bed sleeping, yet working my butt off in the morning.

Kaliwa't kanan ang nga meetings ko dahil na rin patapos na ang taon. I will have a separate year-end meeting with the investors and the board members. Also, I have a meeting every day with different departments just so we can review everything thoroughly.

"Ate Summer you know what you need? A good massage."

I was about to head for dinner when Rain and her boyfriend Lucas showed up and decided to make me a third wheel.

"No thanks. I'm good."

"Luke am I the only one who thinks that Ate is becoming grumpier over time?" sinamaan ko ng tingin ang kapatid.

"Your sister is handling a huge company Rain, it's not that easy." sagot ng nobyo nito.

I honestly do not like Lucas but since he and my sister has been together for three years, I just learned how to act civil in front of him. I just think that he's too stiff for her and his family is too conservative.

"Try being in my position Rain and you'll understand me."

"Uh no.." ngumuso. "I'm not fit for a job as that and Dad knows it."

"Anyway, nasabi na ba nila Ate sayo kung anong plano nila this Christmas?" I asked her.

"Nope." umiling ito. "Only the part that they are not celebrating Christmas with us this time."

"Ate Winter will be with Abuela and Dad on Christmas and Ate Autumn have a thing." sagot ko.

"What thing?" nagkibit balikat ako. "Napakatamad talaga magsalita ni Ate!" rekalmo niya.

"Lucas I don't know how you are able to live with that every day.."

"Ate!"

"It's okay, I love her that's why." he answered and lovingly gazed at my sister before Rain reach out for a hug.

I've become a third wheel to this date.

Nakita ni Rain ang iritado kong tingin sa kanila kaya bumitaw ito sa kasintahan.

"Nakaka-istorbo na ba ako sa date niyo? Shall I go?"

"Ate! The reason why we invited you out tonight is that we wanted to give you our gift na!"