Grey
I'm currently sitting on a bench under the I don't know what tree is this.
It's recess time and I am in my own world while reading a great book when someone tap my shoulders. I frowned then look up to see who it was.
"For you," she showed me a paper bag with lots of hearts designs with different colors on the outside. I don't know what's inside of it.
And, it's too colorful—ang sakit sa mga mata.
I glance at her smiling face then at the paper bag. I shook my head then continue reading.
"See? Told ya! Hindi niya tatanggapin yung iyo so please move aside coz it's my turn!"
I get my airpods from my bag and was about to put them on my ears to listen to some music when another paper bag shows up right in front of my face.
I blink because it almost hit me.
"Sorry Jamiel! Hindi ko sinasadya!"
I look up and see a new one, again.
"Here! Take this bilang pambawi ko sayo. I'm really sorry." She's handing me another eyesore paper bag with flowers as the design that which, almost hit my face. A stuff toy's head is showing from the inside.
I shook my head again.
"Nice try but no luck." Someone said and I heard some of them laugh.
I really put my airpods on this time. I thought that will be the end but it's not. Another one came and I shook my head. I have no plans to respond to them but they're all either tapping me or showing me what they're holding in the front of my face.
I continue reading and when someone wants to talk to me or what again, I shook my head immediately.
Here it goes again. I'm really starting to get annoyed. I shook my head again for God knows how many times.
I lost it when someone took the right piece of my airpod. I look at who it is with an annoyed face.
"Chill Kuya, it's just me."
My brother smiled at me. I sighed, I thought it's another one na naman.
"I've been calling you for a few times but you didn't hear me because of this," he gave back my airpod.
"You want or need what?" I asked him.
"Need and want." He answered after thinking for a moment.
"What is it?"
"Can I stay here with you? Until the break time is over lang naman."
I closed the book that I'm reading and look at him.
"Why?" Tanong ko.
"Wala lang. Just wanna sit here with you," he look at his wrist watch. "30 minutes left before our break time is over so I guess pwede ko dito?"
I examined my brother's face. Something's bothering this kid. He smiled but he can't hide it from me.
"Tell me what is it." I said in my normal tone.
He sighed and look down.
"I really need to practice lying for times like this." He laughed. "Some guy, I think he's in 9th grade too like you. He gave me some threat earlier when I'm alone papuntang music room. He said that I will regret accepting the gift his girlfriend gave me. Hindi ko naman kilala kung sino doon sa mga nagbigay sa akin kanina yung girlfriend niya."
"Why did you accept gifts kasi?" I asked him again but annoyed this time.
"Ayaw ko kasi sila mapahiya. Binibigay pa naman nila yung regalo habang ang daming nakatingin. If I don't accept it, baka mapahiya sila. And plano ko din na idagdag yon sa ibibigay namin ni Lola sa orphanag bukas pag pumunta kami. Most of them are stuff toys pa naman."
