Shattered Pieces of Trust

Kabanata 28

Kabanata 28...
Scared

I can't take my eyes off Kristine. I stare at her as she put her bags down on our couch. She then exhales loudly before smiling at me and sitting on one of our stools. She leans on our island and giggled.

"You look so good, Ate. I like your skin. Do you have any skin care routine?"

I chuckle before sitting on a stool before her. "I don't have anything specific. Just the necessaries. Sunblock, face mask and the likes,"

"Weh? I doubt it! You're glowing Ate!"

I just chuckle and shook my head.

She looks so much older than the last time I saw her. Sobrang nakakapanibago. Ang tangkad n'ya na. Feeling ko nga'y in no time, matatangkaran n'ya na ako. She also has a long straight jet-black hair. Ang ayos din ng porma nito at dalagang-dalaga na.

My eyes slipped on her right shoulder that has a big oval scar. Tumaas ang tingin ko nang inalis n'ya 'yon sa paningin ko.

"Don't look at it, Ate. It's disgusting,"

"N-No, I mean..." I can't find the right words so I just sigh and slightly smile at her.

"Ano pa lang ginagawa mo roon? You bought it again? Ba't hindi ka makapasok?"

She frowned.

"Si Kuya nakakainis!"

My brow arched.

I almost agreed!

"Hmm, bakit?" Kahit alam ko na naman.

"I told him I'll come home today, yet he didn't even give me a key or at least hide one behind the bush or something!" Tarang n'ya.

"Kanina ka pa naroon?"

"Yes, ate! Ang init-init pa naman! Naku, humanda talaga sa'kin si Kuya pagkarating n'ya rito,"

Agad akong naalarma at napaayos nang upo. "Huh?"

Before she can even utter another thing, someone stepped in the kitchen. I glance at Leon who's looking firmly at me, then to Kristine.

"Bakit ka narito?"

My forehead creased. "Bakit mo pinabayaan si Kristine? I think that's the question,"

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo nito at bumaling sa'kin. Napalunok ako.

"I told you, kuya! I'm coming home! Akala ko ba pinapunta mo ang helpers doon? Walang nagbukas sa'kin!"

"That was only yesterday, Kristine. Galing pang Nueva Valencia iyon," marahas itong bumuntong hininga.

Tumagos ang tingin ko sa likod nito.

"Janine..."

She smirks before walking closer to Leon.

I saw how Kristine's face brighten before running up to Janine for a hug. They both giggled.

"I miss you, Janine!"

"Oh, stop it. We saw each other last week," Janine rolled her eyes. "Wow! Hi, Clamentine! How are you?" Her mischievous smile sent something to me I couldn't perceive.

Irritation? Anger? Envy?

I smile. "I'm fine."

Bumalik ako sa upuan ko at tinaasan ng kilay si Leon na mariin pa rin ang tingin sa'kin. Problema n'yan?

"Oh... we have visitors!" Si Mama. "Kristine, hija?" Galak ang boses ni Mama at bahagyang hinagkan si Kristine bago humalakhak.

"Narito na rin kayo, bakit hindi kayo maghapunan na rito? Pauwi na rin si Clark," she smiles and glance at me. "How about Jacob, hija?"