where will destiny take us?

☆ 21 ☆

"So that's 'nothing going on'." Ari smiled, not out of happiness. It didn't even reach her eyes.

I let out a long exhale, preparing myself on this lengthy talk. "Yes, Ari. Ivan was just acting super annoying."

Right after Dad talked to me, Ari pulled me aside, wanting to talk. With the grip of her hand on my arm, I can already feel her rage. Mabuti ay kinausap ni Dad si coach at naiwan kami ni Ari.

Ari brought me to the back of one of our buildings where there are no people. Medyo madamo na nga rito pero hindi na niya alintana iyon.

"Why was he annoying you?" She crossed her arms. "And why is he comfortable doing that casually?"

I looked down, pressing my lips hard together. "Don't you have school?"

"I wanted to watch my sister embarrass herself so I made an excuse," she said straightly without hesitation.

Yep. This is how Ari gets angry.

I can feel the tightness of the clothes they made me wear. And even though I still have my jacket unzipped, I'm sweating. I hate it when it's like this.

Ari and I have never been in an argument before. Just a short misunderstanding but it can always be mended by a short talk with her. And being the oldest, I always adjust for her.

One time, she lost the identical bag Dad bought for us. She thought I took hers and mine was the one that got lost. Wala na akong sinabi, binigay ko nalang to end the talk already. Ayos lang naman sa'kin.

I'm fine with everything because I know I'm just an outsider who suddenly came into their house. So, as much as possible, I do my best to make them comfortable.

But right now, I don't know how I'll be adjusting. Ivan isn't my boyfriend or anything. How can I give him to her?

"I'm sorry, Ari, okay?" I gave her an apologetic smile. "I won't let him do that again."

"That's not what I'm asking you. And that's not what I want."

"Then what is it?" I asked gently.

"Leave him. Don't ever talk to him again."

"I..." I hesitated on my words. I'll sound like I'm making excuses again. "Ari... that's not really possible..."

"It is," she spat. "You're just making excuses again."

"I—I can't just tell him to do that," I reasoned out. "Its his life and hindi ko naman pwedeng diktahan ang gagawin niya."

"Sasabihan mo lang siyang lumayo sa'yo, ano bang mahirap d'on?!" tumaas ang tono niya kaya napangiwi ako nang kaunti.