Break Fresh Ground

17: STORMING INTO 20

I sat quietly beside Mamila, my gaze fixed upon Artemis as she indulged in her meal with utter delight, paying no attention to me. Her friends had greeted me warmly earlier, but she remained indifferent. The thought of her disregard filled me with disappointment and a desire to sulk.

I was served my lunch, a succulent Hanger Steak, by Auntie Ysa. I offered her my gratitude and started to eat. My eyes, however, couldn't resist sneaking glimpses at the person sitting next to Violet. Just as I took a bite, France playfully nudged me. "Eat, you won't get full just by staring," she said with a mischievous smirk. I retaliated by tickling her legs, causing her to scowl at me.

As we ate, my grandparents encouraged our guests to engage in conversation. Eli, who was always quick with a witty remark, dominated the conversation and filled the dining hall with laughter. Mamila and her friends were thoroughly entertained by Eli's comedic timing, adding to the merriment.

"Pwede ka na sa comedy bar, Eli," Ivy stated as she lounged on one of the living room sofas.

Eli's head snapped towards Ivy. "Sige, mhie, tapos ikaw ang palagi kong topic sa stage," pang-aasar nito. Hindi sumagot si Ivy at inirapan lang si Eli.

I was engrossed in my phone, scrolling through my social media, when I felt someone sit beside me. It was Eli, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he looked at me. "What?" I asked, chuckling at his expression.

"Paampon, mhie," he pouts. I give him a confusing look, but I didn't keep my smile off of my face because of his facial expression. Hinawakan nito ang kamay ko. "Super, duper rich niyo kasi. Ang sabi niyo sa bahay tayo ng lolo at lola mo, hindi naman mukhang bahay 'to. Mansion, mhie, papunta ng palasyo! Baka kailangan niyo ng tagabawas ng pera niyo, pwede naman ako."

I chuckled. "I don't know, ask Mamila."

"Ay wit, mhie! Nakakahiya. Ampunin mo na ako, hmm?" Natatawa akong umiling. "Then, tatawagin kitang mama, mima, mommy??" I was startled when a throw pillow suddenly flew towards Eli. "Bakit?" He asked Artemis, who was scowling at him.

"Mahiya ka nga," she said, her eyebrows furrowed, clearly not happy. Problema nito?

Inirapan ito ni Eli saka muling humarap sa akin. "O 'di kaya, pwede mo akong personal assistant, mhie!"

"Hoy, Elliot, hirap na hirap ka na ba sa buhay mo?" Singit ni Piper.

"Oo! Hirap na hirap na ako!" Madamdaming sambit nito at nagkunwaring nahihirapan talaga sabay punas ng invisible tears niya. "Pero, mhie, kung ayaw mo talaga, kahit guy friend mo na lang na pwedeng ireto sa akin." I just laughed at him.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo, Eli."

France declared that we would spend the afternoon watching a movie and I called upon one of the housekeepers to bring us some snacks. As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, our personal chef served us a decadent Mousse Cake.

"Caroline," I heard Auntie Ysa calling out to Ivy. Without hesitation, Ivy quickly made her way to her mother.

Nang makaalis si Ivy ay nagsalita si Eli. "Mama ni Ivy 'yon?" I nodded while slicing our cake. "Ang pretty naman ni ante. Anong nangyari kay Ivy?" he teased with a playful grin.

"Hoy, baklita, narinig ko 'yon! Scarlett, huwag mo ngang pakainin 'yan!" Saka ito bumalik sa pwesto.

"Nagbibiro lang eh."

"Mas mukha kang joke," she rebutted.

As I savored a slice of the rich and velvety mousse cake, I couldn't help but reflect on my strange interaction with Artemis. Despite being surrounded by the warm and jovial atmosphere in the living room, where my friends were immersed in their movie, I felt a sense of discomfort and frustration.