We're betting on my birthday (Slate 809 Series)

066

Part 066 (Narration)

Hailey.

"Any problem?"

I automatically shook my head at Hunter. He was still wearing his guitar case on one shoulder. And certainly, there was no way I'd choose to tell him what's up with me. Tumango lang din siya sa akin bago dumiretso sa refrigerator sa likuran ko. I continued mindlessly taking a spoonful of my cereal after another. Then I only found him occupying the seat in front of me.

And he stared at me in question.

"What?" I asked.

"Just so you know," he trailed off.

My gaze leveled on his. "Huh?"

He winced before resting his back on the seat. "Something's up, I could tell. We're not twins for nothing."

Natawa ako nang mahina bago nagpatuloy sa pagbabad ng cereal flakes ko sa gatas. I bit my lower lip, guilt overpowering my system as I replied, "You're overthinking it."

"No, I don't." He said so quick as if he was a hundred percent certain about it. "I know you better than Mom could ever."

No, you don't.

Pilit akong tumawa bumili bago marahang ibinagsak ang kutsara sa bowl. "This is nonsense, Hunter. Just rest and I'll be taking a nap na. Just call me if Mom's already here," I spoke before getting up from my seat and leaving my dishes in the sink. And I was about to walk away when he called my name again. "What is it?"

"I heard you're grounded."

"What's new with that? I always get grounded."

I heard him chuckle for a bit, his back still faced at my direction while still seated. "You don't check your phone, do you?"

Kumunot ang noo ko bago bumalik sa pwesto ko kanina. I stood in front of him, forehead knotted at his statement. "What do you mean?"

His shoulders shrugged as he took a sip from his blue Gatorade. "Mom's out of town? Some spontaneous convention."

"Huh?" I blinked.

"You're not grounded anymore."

I rolled my eyes. "So? Mom will always find a way to know where I am. So, technically, I am still grounded."

"No. What I meant is, you're really not grounded anymore," he said which made me quickly halt my tracks. "Talked to Mom about it yesterday. Gave a few reality talks on her. Make it a habit to check your phone. You're not grounded anymore."

"Are you... kidding me?"

He laughed at my dumbfounded reaction. "Don't look at me like that. I know I'm the best brother ever."

Hindi ko siya pinansin. Tuloy-tuloy akong dumiretso sa sala upang kunin ang cellphone ko. And when I read the messages from Mom on my notification center on the lockscreen, it only dawned upon me two things; I am a bad sister and I will get to see my brother and my friends perform at the Battle of the Bands.

A smile crept on my lips. "Oh, my gosh. Hunter. What did you do?!"

"Thank me later or tomorrow! Inaantok na ako! Will just sleep the whole night," he answered from a distance and the next thing I heard was only the sound of his bedroom door closing.

— « ʚїɞ » —

"One brewed coffee po. Regular lang."

Unconsciously, I hugged my fluffed self. I thank the person who invented fluffy cardigans dahil ang lamig pa rin kahit Marso na. The vendor handed me the change—a fifty peso bill—but I only shook my head.