When the Cold Fire Burns

Chapter 03

Chapter 03

Jimson

I was surprised. I did not expect that Fierro will apologize. She doesn't look like the type who apologizes.

I looked at her intense eyes. It was really strong and powerful. You can see that she's tough inside and out. Which makes her scarier. Idagdag mo pa na palagi siyang nakasimangot.

Hindi ako nagsalita. Nanatili lamang akong nakatayo roon habang nakatingin sa kanya.

She sighed. "Narinig ko ang mga... tsismis."

I tilted my head. My left brow arched. "Tsismis?"

She nodded and looked away. "May mga narinig ako tungkol sa 'yo."

"Don't tell me you believe in gossips, Fierro."

Hindi siya nagsalita. I could see her cheeks growing red. It's cute though. Minsan ko lang siya makitang ganito. Kadalasan talaga ay para siyang tigre.

"Anong laman ng tsismis?" I asked sarcastically.

She hesitated for a bit. "Tungkol sa pagme-med school at pamilya mo."

Oh, that again. I sighed and stood properly. Our height difference was showing. When she looked at me, she needed to look up, making her look small.

Hindi ako nagsalita. Ayaw kong magsalita.

"Mali ang lahat ng sinabi ko sa 'yo," she said. "Masyado akong mabilis na mag-judge. Alam ko na hindi ako mabuting tao, pero alam ko rin na sobra na 'yun."

I hate that look on her face. Naaawa siya sa akin. I don't want to see that on her face... on anybody's face. I remained calm but my fists were clenching.

"Hindi ko alam na... ganoon pala ang pinagdaanan mo-"

"Fierro," I cut her off. "You hate me, remember? Do not look at me as if we're the same because we're not."

Her eyebrows furrowed, not liking what I said.

"You are one of the aces in our class. It's a surprise that you're even paying attention to gossips. It's so unprofessional."

The pity look on her face faded. Nakakunot na ang kanyang noo at diretsong tumitig sa 'kin kagaya ng palagi niyang ginagawa. She was annoyed. I like it when it's like that.

"Nagmamagandang-loob lang naman ako-"

"I don't need it," I replied.

Now, I can see that she wanted to choke me or to stab me a thousand times like she always does. Tinitigan ko siya ng ilang segundo bago ako tumalikod at naglakad na palayo.

We are rivals. She shouldn't be pitying me. Fierro should challenge me. I can bear her hatred than her pity. I don't want it. Not from her. Not from anyone.

Masama ang loob ko nang dumating sa bahay ng Lolo ko. My cousins were all inside the entertainment room. Haben and Jeno Emmanuel are playing billiard. My brother, Joseph, was reading on the side. Chester and River were coaching the players.

They all greeted me. I just nodded and let my body fell on the couch. It's so comfortable that I wanted to sleep.

"Huy, gising!" sigaw ni Chester sa tainga ko kaya napabangon ako.

"Ano ba," suway ko.

"Oh, someone's not in the mood."

I ignored him and closed my eyes.

"Gago, ang daya mo naman!" I heard Haben shouted.

"Ang bano mo lang kasi," seryosong sabi ni Jeno Emmanuel.