Hardest to Lose (Villaraza Series #4)

19 | Reserve

19 | Reserve

After that meeting, Cheska called me in the night. Sabik na sabik siyang pa-usapan ang aksidenteng pagkikita naming dalawa. But the topic died immediately when she uttered Markus’ name. I wasn’t disappointed when I predicted it was the main reason why she called.

“He’s a playboy, Ches,” I told her. “I know you know him. He’s a popular guy in our school. And even in other schools.”

“I know. But he’s nice!”

“Because he wants to get in your pants.”

“That’s harsh.”

Conscience hammered me like a grave sinner. I could sense she was offended with my opinion about that guy. But it was Markus we were talking about. He knew what pieces to advance to his benefit. She was a sweetheart. I couldn’t bear seeing her hurt.

“You’re a wonderful woman, Ches,” I uttered with my heart. “You don’t deserve anyone less. Paglalaruan ka lang ni Markus. Maniwala ka sa’kin. He’s not type to be serious with relationships. He will always break a heart.”

“Baka misjudged lang siya, Iñara. He’s really nice!”

“Playing nice is an expertise of a guy like him, Ches. It’s a cheese in the trap. You eat the cheese, you’re doomed.”

Natahimik siya.

“Ches, ‘wag mong isipin na naninira ako. You know I’m telling the truth. I personally know that guy. We were inseparable when we were young.”

Bumuntong-hininga siya. “I appreciate your concern, Iñara. I’ll think about everything you said.”

I’m sure you will.

Pagod kong inihulog ang sarili sa kama pagkatapos ng tawag. She was upset with me, I was sure. But I hoped she would understand that I didn’t mean harm. She was too pure to be a victim of that evil guy.

Malalim akong bumuntong-hininga at ibinaling ang pagkakahiga sa kanan.

Markus, what the hell are you planning again?

As I expected, Cheska didn’t contact me the next day. Gusto ko nga sanang tumawag pero naisip kong baka kailangan niya ng oras para mag-isip. I hoped she would talk to me before we would meet at school. I had been so excited about it.

“Hi! Welcome back to my channel!” bungad ko sa camera. “Anyway, guys, I’m with a very good sister-in-law of mine and we’re about to enroll. Here she is!” Lumapit ako kay Ate Serafina at inakbayan siya. “Ang ganda niya, ‘di ba?”

Awkward na ngumiti ang sister-in-law ko. What a cutie!

“What the fu—Kuya!” I whined a second later.

Kuya Iñigo looked so clueless as he held the car’s door. He ruined my shot!

“Nakakainis ka naman, e!” I continued. “Bakit ka sumulpot? Ang ganda na, e! Now I need to edit you out or worse, ‘di ko na isali ‘to! Shit, ang cute pa naman natin dito, Ate.”

“Language, Miss,” he reacted.

“Language your ass, Grumpy Iñigo.”