Fervent Keeper (FK Series #3)

Kabanata 6

Dumiretso akong maglakad paglabas sa bahay nila Yna. I stopped walking when he grabbed my wrist. Nilingon ko kaagad ang pagkahawak niya sa akin kaya mabilis siyang bumitaw.

"Where are you going?"

"Home," I answered curtly.

"Ihahatid kita," he said.

"No thanks. I'm going home alone."

"Get in the car, Ate," he said getting frustrated. The way he addressed me as Ate was uncomfortable for me.

The hell?

Getting along was impossible for us. He's my enemy's brother. Yes, I might be immature but I'm sure there's a reason behind Ken's hatred on him. Hindi man kami magkakilala personally as in. We already had a history kahit indirect lang. The circumstances we had screaming that I should stay from him.

Pumikit ako at huminga nang malalim. "Don't bother, Lander. I can go home alone."

"It's getting late. Don't worry, hindi ako tanga para magpakita sa kapatid mo." He looked controlled.

"Hindi na."

"How can you go home? Walang masyadong dumadaang jeep rito."

"I'll find a way."

Hindi siya sumagot.

"Can't I change your mind?"

"No."

He got the message that I didn't want to let him drive me home. Bumagsak ang kanyang balikat.

I walked. Hindi naman mahirap mag-commute. Angela and I tried it once so I knew I could manage.

Sa aking paglalakad ay napansin ko ang kotse ni Lander. The window was open.

"Get in," utos niya.

"Ayoko."

He massaged his temple and released an exhausting sigh.

"Kulit," he muttered. "Don't be stubborn. Just get in."

"Ayoko," matigas kong sabi. Then he stopped the car. Hindi ko siya nilingon hanggang sa maramdaman kong hinatak niya ako papasok sa kotse niya.

"The heck! You're forcing me!"

"I'm sorry."

He went to the driver's seat. Tahimik ang byahe. Hindi ko siya pinansin kahit kanina ay kinakausap niya. I was mad! How could he force me to do get inside his car?

"I'm sorry," he repeated. I noticed on my peripheral vision that he glanced at me then his eyes went back on the road.

I still chose to keep my mouth shut.

"If you feel disrespected, that's not my intention. Again, I'm sorry," he said. I found myself looking at him. He looked really apologetic.

"Okay," I said. I accepted his apology but that won't erase the fact that he still held my arm without permission. And I hated it when people touch me without consent.

Malayo pa kami sa gate nang sinabi ko sa kanya na ro'n na lang ako ibaba. He nodded his head so he stopped the car on the carner.

"Thank you," I muttered.

I didn't hear any response from before I went outside his car. Hinintay ko muna bago tuluyang mawala sa paningin ko ang sasakyan niya.

"Mommy, umuwi nang gabi si Ate," sabi ni Kenneth sa tabi ko. It was a fine morning. Kumpleto kaming kumakain ng agahan. My parents were around but they were preparing for another business trip again.