Even If It Means A War (Chaotic Series #1)

Kabanata 41

 Even If It Means A War

Kabanata 41

Hindi tulad kagabi, maganda ang sikat ng araw ngayong umaga. Nakalapag na ang bagyo ngunit tila tahimik naman. Maliwanag na maliwanag sa labas at masarap sa balat ang tinis at banaag ng araw.

Kasalukuyan kaming nag-uumagahan sa malaking hapag. Kumpleto kami, kasama si Rall.

"Sayang at hindi kami nagtagal sa Baguio. I would have liked to go sightseeing," ngingiti-ngiti at iiling-iling sabi ni Lolo.

Kanina pa sila nagkukwentuhan tungkol sa mga kaganapan sa Baguio. They didn't do much except meet with some clients there. Ako naman, naghahanap lang ng tiyempo.

Inangat ko ang tingin ko kay Rall. He was looking at me. Tila malatanong ang kaniyang mga mata. Perhaps he's wondering if I would proceed with the plan. Ngumiti siya sa akin kaya ngumiti rin ako.

I have been nervous all along, but I didn't show it. Hindi ako natatakot. Nag-aalala lang ako para sa mag-ama ko at sa mangyayari ngayon.

When I glanced at Ate Kristina, she almost crushed the goblet she was holding in her hand. It seemed like she was directing her anger at me through her glass. Her eyes also held a threatening look. I avoided my contact with her. She wouldn't beat what I am supposed to do.

"Kamusta ang bukiran, Kristina?" Lolo shifted the topic.

"Ayos lang, Lo. Maraming naghanap sainyo. Many people were looking for you including Enriquezes. Mr. Valderama is inviting us to his granddaughter Lileth's birthday celebration," sagot ni Ate Kristina, kaswal man 'yon pero kung titingnan, hindi mapakali ang kaniyang mukha.

"When is it?" Mama asked.

"Next week, Ma," her smile was forced.

Lolo nodded and took a sip from his glass. "We'll attend."

"How about your business in Manila? How is it going?" Dad asked her too.

"It's fine, Dad. Everything's fine with me."

"Yary,"

Mom suddenly called me. Binalingan ko siya.

"Yes, Ma?"

"You know Jarnei, right? He has been reaching out to me for years. He wants you to become a model for the brand he handles. I wonder if you're interested?"

I shook my head. "It's not my priority. Roine is my priority for now. Ilang taon niya na rin siyang nakikiusap sa akin. I don't have time to entertain him."

She nodded and didn't open up about it more. They continue talking about businesses.

"Ma, can you hand me the egg?"

Napabaling ako kay Roine. Inginunguso niya ang scrambled egg na malayo sa kaniya. I was about to get it for him ngunit naunahan ako ni Lolo. He lifted the plate and served Roine some eggs.

"Ano po ang gusto ng apo ko?" Lolo asked affectionately.

"The ketchup, Lolo,"

Muli akong napatingin kay Rall. His stares were intimidating and daring me. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at tumikhim. Nilingon ko naman si Rems na nasa tabi ko. Ngumiti siya sa akin at tila binibigyan ako ng signal.

My phone vibrated in my pocket as I received a text. Pasimple kong kinuha 'yon sa bulsa at binasa sa ilalim ng mesa ang nakasaad na mensahe.

Z:

We're coming.

Muli kong ibinulsa ang phone nang mabasa ang pinakahudyat.

Kinuha ko ang aking baso at uminom doon. Bawat daloy ng tubig sa lalamunan ay siyang daloy ng kaba sa akin paitaas. I silently put down the glass and cleared my throat.