Visual of Elysian (Abstract Series #2)

Chapter 12

"Hazelnut macchiato and orange ade. Thank you," Kuya Cy ordered for us.

I can't help but smile because he remembered my favorite drink after all these years. Dati kasi noong high school pa lang kami, palagi akong nagpapalilibre sa kanya ng hazelnut macchiato. Even though he used to reprimand me for being so addicted to caffeine, he continued to pamper me.

He wiped the sweat bullets that were gathering on his brow. Pawis siya mula sa practice at suot pa ang uniform nila.

"So, what are we doing here? Sigurado akong may gusto kang sabihin," diretso ko nang makaalis na ang waiter.

He loves me, I know that. Pero sa pagkakakilala ko sa kanya, hindi siya makikipagkita kung hindi importante.

"Have you forgotten that I always visit every Sunday? Tuwing nandoon ako at wala ka, palaging sinasabi ni Mommy na may importante kang ginagawa. But, it's been months. They can't fool me anymore."

My heart pounded against my chest as his serious eyes continued to intimidate me. Napabuntong hininga ako nang marealize kong wala akong choice kundi sabihin sa kanya ang totoo.

"Ganito kasi, Kuya…" I trailed off before telling him the story. Sa bawat salitang binibitawan ko, sumasama ang timpla ng mukha niya.

"Are they crazy? I can't believe them!" he exclaimed after I told him everything.

I forced a smile. Kahit kalmado pa siya sa lagay na yan, alam kong galit talaga siya.

"I will do something for you to get out of their manipulative ass, okay?" he assured me, which created an overwhelming warmth inside my heart.

"Actually, Kuya. You don't have to." Kumunot ang noo niya. Siguro kung dati pa niya sinabi 'to, tutulungan ko pa siya. But I really want to work this out with Aid. "Kaya ko ang sarili ko. Don't worry about me."

"Are you telling the truth? I am sure you know that I can save you from the situation," ulit niya.

I nodded my head before smiling a little. "Okay lang talaga ako."

He rolled his eyes before sighing, "Who's the lucky guy? Make sure he deserves you."

Natawa ako at napaisip. Kung sasabihin kong si Aid, baka talagang gawin na niyang totoo ang plano niyang makawala ako sa engagement na ito.

"It's not your problem anymore, Kuya. I think you should move to have a lovelife. Baka mahuli ka na," I said to scare him. Ang torpe kasi.

He arched his brow. "What do you mean?"

Natawa ako. Talagang paninindigan niya ang pagkukunwari niyang walang alam. I only shrugged which irritated him.

"I'll just buy something. Ihahatid kita," he said while we were settling ourselves inside his car.

"Okay."

Nang makarating kami sa mall, sinabihan niya akong magpaiwan na lang sa kotse pero dahil may gusto rin akong bilhin, wala siyang nagawa nang sumunod ako.

"Anong gagawin mo d'yan?" I asked when I caught him getting the blue lunch box from its place.

Hindi naman kasi siya iyong tipo na nagbabaon. He used to refuse to let our mother pack his lunch because he thought it was unnecessary.

"Stop asking and just do your business."

I rolled my eyes. Ang sungit talaga. Iniwan ko muna siya roon at naglibot para makahanap ng earrings. Nagtext kasi si Mommy kagabi na may party daw na kailangan kong puntahan on Sunday. They are out of town, as usual. So, they can't come. I will be their representative.