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

27

27

Violence

I wanted to stay. I was only wondering if mas mabuting manatili sa Maynila habang may responsibilidad na ganun. I didn't mean to push both of us. Me and Xenon, to our limit.

It was a wrong move on my part. Definitely.

I pushed him to his limits. I never expected it to be this early but it was my fault. Hindi kasalanan ni Xenon.

I was juggling both sides of the coin. Kung mananatili kasi ako... Mapapahamak sila.

Everything happened so fast that both of us went rigid and exploded.

Masyadong magulo ang naging usapan namin. I know that now. Now that I lost it.

"Ruby, are you listening?" Ruce asked me in the middle of the meeting.

Lolo glanced at me. It was only me, Ruce, and him inside this big formal room.

"Yeah, yeah..." I nodded, obviously spacing out.

I thought they'll let me go. But Lolo sighed and Ruce shifted on his seat. They both gazed at me. Not having whatever's happening to me.

"Tell me, Ruby, may problema ba? Is this about Xenon? Do you want me to talk to him?" Malambing na sabi ni Lolo.

Agad akong umiling. "No! I mean... Everything's fine, Lolo. We handled it fine."

"Hmm..." Ruce coughed and I glared at him. Why is he always papansin?

"Really?" Lolo said with doubt.

3 days have passed since I left. I was definitely not okay. But I have to endure. I have to properly do my responsibility. Because if I crumble, it's not only me. Kaming lahat. The mafia, my family, everything... All of them are gambling their future on me.

People say that a great man doesn't seek to lead. He's called to it... And he answers.

I remember that quote from a movie.

But if I don't want to? Then I'm still me.

But I don't wanna disappoint my family. So I accepted it.

It was painful. Listening to Lolo and Ruce's advice and teachings on how I can handle the mafia properly.

Buti na lang natiis ko. I'm not a good rule follower though so we'll see.

"Did you really understand?" Mahinang tanong sa akin ni Ruce habang sinusundan ako papunta sa kwarto.

I wanted to rest. Why is he still bugging me? Tapos na ang pag-uusap namin kanina.

"Yes, yes..."

"This isn't something to be taken lightly, Ruby..."

"Alam ko. You're the reason I need to do this. You're doubting me now? Why don't you be responsible for this then?" I sharply said.

When I saw how his face softened and changed, I felt guilty. I shouldn't have said that. It was true pero masyadong harsh... I know that he only wants to care for me.

But the way he wants to do it is so cruel for me.

"I'm only looking out for you..."

"I know-" I shook my head and sighed. "It's just a bit stressful for me, Ruce. I need to rest... I'm sorry, okay? I'm trying."

He nodded but he looked quite flustered. Hindi na siya nagsalita.

Then I realized that it's one of the few times I ever accepted my mistake in front of him.