Fit the Puzzle (Azcona Cousins #3)

Postlude

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Postlude

Going home after a toilsome day at school would always uplift my overall mood. I have learned to love studying because my parents believed that I could quickly excel at certain fields, which in fact is not true. Luckily, I have not seen any disappointment from them yet. I did not and would never like to feel invalidated so I strived hard to attain whatever dream they wanted for me.

Our parents have never demanded good grades but I feel like I must please them. Compared to Kuya Atlas, I am more decisive and competitive in school. May mga pagkakataon na bumabagsak siya at 'di niya 'yon binibigyan ng pansin. Hindi katulad ko na 'pag nakakuha ng marka na 'di ko gusto ay gusto ko na agad ng grade consultation.

I stopped walking when I heard my mother's voice.

"Atlas, I thought you wanted to take medicine? What happened to you?"

Mom was displeased when my brother decided to choose engineering instead of his priority program. Dad had no problems with his decision because Kuya Atlas could be of help in the company. My brother already informed me about this. Pero iba pa rin pala 'pag personal ko silang makikita na magtatalo.

"I lost my interest, Mom..."

"We're talking about your future, River Atlas."

"But I don't want that future for me, Mom. Being a doctor would not measure my chances of success."

Nakuha ko ang punto ni Kuya kaya 'di ako nakisali sa pag-uusap nila. Naabutan ko lang silang nag-uusap sa balcony at alam kong magiging malaking diskusyon sa pamilya namin ito lalo na't may okasyon mamayang gabi.

I was already in my simple and plain tux when I got out of my room. I did not bother styling myself much. I only brushed up my hair like I usually do and wore my favorite scent. I waited for my sister to finish dressing up. Kahit ano naman ang suotin niya ay babagay sa kanya.

Yuliya's too sheltered, and I still don't get the point of my parents in preventing my sister from being exposed in a new environment apart from this lavish lifestyle we have.

"Kuya, would there be new and unfamiliar faces in the annual event?"

She's always looking forward to this annual event our company loves to host.

My sister's eyes were filled with hope and anticipation. This would be only her second time joining us. She was not allowed to be with us till she turned fifteen. Yuliya is such a sweet and friendly girl. May kaunting takot sa'kin na baka hindi maging maganda ang trato sa kanya, I don't want her to be taken for granted.

I hummed to agree.

"Maybe some newly hired employees, Yuli..." I smiled and pinched her soft cheek. "Don't be afraid of making friends, alright?"

That was ironic of me to say. I barely have friends. Hindi naman kasi ako mahilig makihalubilo sa ibang tao. I am quite indifferent but never to the fullest potential of rudeness. Siguro may oras na gusto kong makisali dahil maganda ang pinag-uusapan. Now, we don't have a choice but to engage with the invited guests, not only with the employees but also with their family members.

Yuli only nodded. She anchored her arm on me. 'Di naman gaanong malayo ang venue kaya mabilis kaming nakarating. Of course, we were welcomed by warm greetings from some employees, socialites, and the media.

Siguradong matunog na naman ang apelyidong Azcona pagkatapos nito.

At the first half of the event, everybody seemed to mind their own businesses. Sinamahan ko si Yuliya na gumala muna sa pool. She was trying to approach some guests that shared the same age group with her but still failed to make a conversation last