Wrath of the Blazing Sun (Isla del Tesoro #3)

15

15

Ruby

Time flies. Talagang pursigido si Xenon sa panliligaw niya sa akin. I was already aware of it but to really see him determined is on a different level.

Months passed. Malapit na ang birthday ko. Ever since, hindi ko talaga trip na magcelebrate. I just feel weird kung lahat ng atensyon ay nasa akin. Instead, I'd prefer to be on the sidelines. Mas matatahimik ako sa ganun.

For me, it's like everyone's judging me. Kaya mas mabuting lumayas sa paningin nila.

Although sometimes, makapal ang mukha ko. Why would I care about their thoughts? I care about mine only.

Maganda ako. Maswerte silang nakikita nila ako.

Pero 'yun nga, depende sa mood ang confidence. Even for someone like me who's almost the bestest ever.

"Your day is nearing. Anong gusto mong regalo?" Xenon asked as we were both eating in the dining room.

"Wala."

"May regalo bang wala?"

"Nagtanong ka 'di ba? Ayan sagot ko."

"'Yung seryoso ngang sagot!" Kulit niya.

"Seryoso naman ako?"

"Hindi halata!"

"Ay hindi ba? Hindi ko kasalanan iyon basta ayoko."

Napasampal siya sa noo niya. Maya-maya ay nagsalita ulit. "Nagpaplano sina Mama ng party mo-"

"Huwag na!" Sigaw ko.

"Pupunta ang Lolo mo at si Ruce-"

"No! I don't want a party, Xenon!"

"But Mom just wants you to feel special on your day..." Aniya. "Ayaw mo talaga?"

Hindi ako nakasagot agad. I took a deep breathe. "I'm not comfortable with all eyes on me. I appreciate Tita's efforts but..."

He didn't even wait for me to finish my sentence. Tumango siya bigla bago naunang magsalita. "Naintindihan ko na. Maybe I can talk to Mom. Sabihin ko, kahit simpleng handaan na lang. Huwag lang ifocus masyado sa 'yo." He looked at me carefully. "How about that?"

I pursed my lips before nodding. "Thanks." He understood too fast.

With all the time I've spent here with him, hindi na katakataka iyon. We're always together. I'm not complaining though. Wala rin naman talaga akong iba pang sobrang kaclose rito sa isla maliban sa kaniya.

"'Wag na magalit," He teasingly said before pinching my cheek.

Nagulat ako sa ginawa niya. I grabbed my fork and held it towards him. Agad nanlaki ang mata niya. "Wait! Wait! Joke lang iyon! I-pause mo muna ang aggressive instinct mo!"

I laughed at how panicky he was. I gave him a smug look before putting the fork down proudly.

"Alam mo talaga kung paano ako papaamuin ano?" He asked.

"Yes. 'Cause you're my pet."

"What!" He acted shocked. "I'm no pet!"

"Yes you are. Say meow meow." I teased him more.

Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata. Akala ko ay hindi na iimik ngunit 'di ko inaasahang sasagot pa siya. "Meow meow." Nakanguso niyang sabi.

"Sabi mo-"

"I give up, okay! Pet mo na ako!" He surrendered. I chuckled.

My brow arched. A smirk appeared on my lips. "Ganito pala feeling na maging sunud-sunuran si Xenon Ashenbert?"