Carsten POV
"Wake up, Zaina, Mr. Rodriguez wants to talk to you." Manang's voice jolted me from my sleep. Ugh, that name—my mom's new boyfriend.
"Why does he want to talk, Manang?" I grumbled, rubbing my eyes.
"Tungkol sa paglipat mo siguro ng school, siya raw mag-aasikaso, iyon ang narinig ko sa usapan nila," si Manang oh chismosa.
"Oh, as if I'll talk to him," I said dismissively as I sat up.
"Mag-ayos ka na at ngayon ang dating nila kuya mo, nauna na si Haze sa baba," Manang added.
"Okay, thanks, Manang." I quickly got ready and rushed downstairs to see my brother. I miss him so much!
Being with Haze feels like HELL, literally.
We're now at NAIA, waiting for my brother and Haze. Haze left me here alone; I don't know where he went, but whatever, it's his life. Ang masamang damo ay hindi maliligaw.
I'm wearing a classic grey sweater dress with a floral print shirt underneath and black shoes with ankle-high black socks.
"ZAINA!" someone shouted. Wait... That voice sounds familiar!
I looked around and saw my brother at the NAIA exit. He took off his shades and waved at me.
Kuya Nious wears a long, thin coat with a simple green v-neck sweater, a white shirt underneath, and a brown polka-dotted tie, plus those shades.
"WAAAH KUYAAA! ANG PANGET MO PA RIN!" I shouted as I ran towards him to hug him.
"Nakakahiya ka, tiningnan tuloy nila ako dahil sa sinabi mo. I can't believe you called my very handsome face ugly, which all the girls are crazy about," he said as he hugged me back. "Where's Haze, by the way? Don't tell me you came alone." Kuya's tone turned serious.
"No, Kuya, he's with me, but he suddenly disappeared. Maybe he went to buy something." I covered up for Haze again. Ganun ba talaga siya kairita makasama ako?
He sighs in relief. "Good. How are you and Haze? Getting better or worse?" Kuya asked.
"In between? We often talk, Kuya. He's either out or locked up in his room," I replied.
"I bought your favorite chocolates; I know you're not into chocolates anymore, and you're picky with what you eat," Kuya said with a gleam in his eyes. Ferrero!
"Thank you, Kuya. Where's Mom?" I asked, noticing only Kuya was here.
"They bought some wine, I think? They just needed to pick up a few things, so they told me to go ahead," he said. Just then, Mom and Haze appeared behind Kuya. I quickly hugged Mom.
"I miss you, my darling," Mom said as we hugged, I noticed Mr. Rodriguez behind Mom.
He smiled at me, expecting a hug too. I just gave him a forced smile and quickly turned away, joining Kuya, who was towering over me as we walked because he's so tall.
When we got home, we had a small gathering. Mom even brought up Mr. Rodriguez's suggestion for me to transfer to his school. She even scolded me for being cold to her boyfriend, who wants to replace my father. Not going to happen.
"Your Tito Arnold will be staying here with us," Mom said with a smile. "So be nice to your Tito, okay, Zaina?" Wow, special mention: even his smile is creepy.
"No problem, just mind his own business, and we're good," I said and stood up, heading straight to my room.
I called Wine, my best friend.
