Stuck in Between

Chapter 03

Chapter 03

Reign’s Point of View

“Thank you for attending this meeting, Congressman. Your presence is greatly appreciated.”

“Thank you too for having me here. It is an honor to be in this meeting.” Anang Sandro saka nakipag-kamay sa lalaking kaharap niya. “I’ll excuse myself already. I have to go since I still have some errands to do.”

“Sure, Congressman.”

Matapos magkamay ng dalawa ay saka na humarap si Sandro sa gawi ko at naglakad palapit sa‘kin. “How was it?” salubong ko sa kaniya nang tuluyan siyang makalapit.

“Tiring, of course.” Nakangiwing sagot niya at napailing na lang ako. “Lunch muna tayo, I’m hungry na, eh.”

“Saang restuarant po ako magpapa-book, Sir?” tanong ko naman kaagad.

“No need. Simon texted me earlier and he’s inviting us for lunch. He’s with Vincent as well.” Sagot naman niya.

“Uhm, do you think I should go, Sir?”

Tumingin siya sa‘kin. “Of course, you have to. Sumabay ka na lang sa‘min.”

“But you have your siblings with you, Sir. It was supposed to be your bonding time so I don’t think I can come with you, Sir.” Tanggi ko naman. Oras nila iyong magkakapatid at kung maaari ay ayaw kong makadisturbo sa kanilang tatlo.

Napabuntong hininga na lang siya at nag-iwas ng tingin sa‘kin. Saglit siyang may ginawa sa cellphone niya kapagkuwan ay hinarap iyon sa‘kin. Binasa ko naman iyon kaagad.

“See? They want you to come over. So let’s go already ‘cause I can’t take this hungerness anymore.” Aniya saka nagmamadaling lumapit sa kotse niya at sumakay sa driver’s seat.

Napapailing na lang akong sumunod sa kaniya saka naupo sa front’s seat. Mabilis ang pagpapatakbo niya habang nasa daan kaming dalawa papunta sa lokasiyon ng mga kapatid niya. Tahimik lang siya at gano’n din naman ako. Ilang minuto pa ay sa wakas ay nakarating na rin kami sa restuarant kung nasaan sina Simon at Vincent.

Napangiwi pa ako nang mapagtanto kong dito kami madalas magdate ni Roscoe rati. Tsk.

“Kuya, over here!”

Napatingin ako kay Vinny na ngayon ay nakatayo mula sa pwesto nila at kumakaway sa‘ming dalawa ni Sandro, lumapit naman kami kaagad doon.

“Where’s Simon?” tanong ni Sandro sa kapatid nang makalapit kami, napansin niya rin sigurong wala si Simon.

“He’s on the comfort room.”

“Oh, okay. Sit beside me, Reign.” Anang Sandro at walang salita naman akong sumunod.

“Hi, Reign!” magiliw na bati sa‘kin ni Vincent dahilan para matuwa kaagad ako.

“Hello rin...” ngumiti ako sa kaniya. “How are you? It’s been a long time, ah?”

“As usual, I’ve been doing great.” Nakangiting sagot naman siya sa‘kin.

“It seems like you’re really enjoying your job. Am I right?” nakangiti pa rin ako.

“Of course! Actually, sobrang saya ko nga, eh. I still can’t believe that I’m already a software engineer now. Rati kasi ay dream ko lang siya. But now? I’m living with it.”

“You deserve it naman Vinny, eh. After all your sacrifices? You see, hardwork really pays off.” Ngumiti siya sa‘kin.

“Ikaw? How are you these days naman? And where have you been the past week nga pala? Hindi ka namin mahagilap, eh. No traces of you were found.” Sumeryoso siya  bigla.