Impervious Treasure (Azcona Cousins #2)

23

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Chapter 23

Kasalukuyang nasa backyard kaming tatlo nina Gian at Ramsis. I was playing with Tofu and Mallow earlier. I also taught them new tricks which they quickly mastered.

The side of my face slowly kissed the wooden table when Tofu and Mallow ran to Ramsis. Siya na ngayon ang umaaliw sa dalawang aso. He's holding the bag of treats so there's no question that the two huskies will tail him behind.

Iniwan niya ang kapatid kong maglaro ng basketball mag-isa. My brother doesn't mind, though. Halos kauuwi ko lang galing sa school at katatapos lang ng exams namin. Mas nauna kaming mag-take sa iba dahil may mga kailangan pa kaming i-settle na ibang gawain kumpara sa mga estudyante na a-attend lamang ng recognition.I tried to finish my requirements in a day but some teachers do not entertain graduating students. May hinahabol rin silang deadline para sa grades namin.

"Come on, Tofu!" he exclaimed. Tumatakbo siya habang may hawak na treats. Si Mallow naman ay tumakbo pabalik sa'kin kaya sinalubong ko siya ng yakap. She jumped and sat on my lap. Mallow then put her paws on my shoulder. I went near her fluffy cheek and put soft on it.

It was her signal to lick my face. I chuckled softly while I was caressing her fur. Tinanaw ko si Ramsis na nakikipaglaro pa rin kay Tofu. Ang saya nilang tignan. Magaan ang loob ni Tofu kay Ramsis... they clicked in an instant.

"Sit!" Ramsis commanded.

Tofu hastily sat with tongue stuck out.

"Good boy!"

Ramsis folded his knees, almost touching the luscious greens on the ground. He patted Tofu's head before giving him a treat.

"Roll over!" agad namang sinunod ni Tofu. Ramsis' hand flew on Tofu's squishy tummy to tickle it. Kitang-kita sa ekspresyon ni Tofu na gustong-gusto niya ang ginagawa ni Ramsis.

I was smiling while Ramsis was smiling, too.

Nagulat ako nang biglang lumipad ang mga mata niya sa kinaroroonan ko. I quickly averted my eyes and looked at the other side of the backyard where Gian is playing.

Okay, Clair, what was that? Bakit may pag-iwas ng tingin?

Sa puntong 'to ay 'di na ako mapakali. I couldn't understand myself well. Hindi naman ako ganito.

I carried Mallow in my arms. I have to catch the notion of relief, and for me to be able to do that... I need to escape. I heard Tofu bark from behind. Pumikit ako at humugot ng hininga. Alam kong tumatakbo na palapit sa'kin si Tofu at ang hiling ko na lamang ay 'di sumunod si Ramsis.

Hindi naman ako nagkamali dahil lumusot ang mukha ni Tofu sa siwang ng aking mga binti. He kept on reaching for my arms to release Mallow.

"Tofu, you're hurting your mommy!" Ramsis said, kasabay noon ang panlalaki ng aking mga mata. Mommy? Who's the damned father of these furballs? "I'll carry you instead," he added.

Lumapit siya kay Tofu.

He opened his arms wide to carry my dog. Mabilis namang kumarga sa kanya si Tofu at binigyan pa ng mga halik sa pisngi.

Ramsis laughed and hugged my dog even tighter.

I don't know if it is still normal to be this amazed by him. Wow. Just wow. How can he capture everyone's trust quickly? His charm is really something!

He looked at me. Napangisi siya nang maabutan ulit ako sa pangalawang beses na unang nakatingin sa kanya.

I raised my brow to save my face from the unremarked humiliation.