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

30

30

Braver and More Sure

Hanggang ngayon, I never expected Ruce to say those things. He wants me to go back because he thinks it'll calm the mystery raging inside me? Limang taon na ang lumipas. Maraming nagbago.

For years, I wanted to go back to the island. But now that the opportunity was given, why am I chickening out?

Maybe because of the what ifs. What if galit sila sa akin? What if ayaw na nila akong makita? What if... imbes na sila, siya?

I hate Ruce for bringing this havoc to me! Mas lalo niyang ginulo ang isip ko! My thoughts are scattered. Even if I do my best to validate my actions, I know I'm wrong and my pride can't accept it.

"If you wanna go to the island, it's okay." Biglaang banggit ni Lolo kinabukasan sa agahan kaya muntikan na akong mabilaukan.

I immediately drank water to avoid choking.

Why is my family like this!

Nag-effort pa akong pumunta dito sa bahay mula sa penthouse para makasama sila and this is what they'll say?

"Lolo, how-"

He glanced at Ruce then back at me. "Ruce told me everything. You've already accomplished a lot. Going back is okay. Wala kaming problema roon."

"They won't accept me. Plus, delikado-"

"I'm sure they will accept you." Lolo smiled.

"He won't."

"Are you sure?" Epal ni Ruce kaya kinunotan ko siya ng noo.

Why is he always like that!? Acting like he knows something that I don't!

"Can you stop doing that?" Iritado kong sabi. If I could, I'd kick him out of the dining.

"What?" He acts so innocent when he's probably not.

Giving up, I rolled my eyes at him and turned my attention back to Lolo. "Please drop this topic, okay? I'm fine. I'm not interested so... don't even think of pulling some strings, Lolo."

Wala akong ideya kung sa mga nagdaang taon ay nanatili ang koneksiyon ni Lolo sa mga Ashenbert. Maybe, maybe not. Do they keep in touch? I hope not. Sa nangyari sa amin ni Xenon, I expect that there's a gap between their relationship.

But the thing is, I don't think Lolo knows what really happened. Even Xenon's family. I don't think he'll say it but if he was so hurt and angry... maybe he might.

"I'm not saying anything... I just think you need a... vacation." He shrugged then proceeded to eat.

I couldn't bring myself to trust his words. He's acting weird.

"Please Lolo, I don't want to."

"Ruby, why not? The island is refreshing, you know? Why don't we visit, Ruce?" Lolo's eyes light up.

Bumagsak ang panga ko at lalong hindi makapaniwala. "No! No! No!"

"Why not?" Sinamaan ako ng tingin ni Ruce.

"Yes, why not, Ruby? I want a vacation. Kung ayaw mo, kami na lang. I'll take Ruce with me."

"I have to guard her-" Epal ni Ruce.

Lolo stopped him. "Nope. She can handle herself, she says."

I rolled my eyes sa kanilang dalawa. What're they playing on?

"Lolo," I massaged my temple.

"You said you don't want to. And now na kami na lang ang may gustong pumunta, you'll not let us? Aren't you selfish, Ruby?" I could hear the faint amusement in his voice.