The Last Rule

Chapter 6 - Krimen

"Sola, ok na ba 'to?" I stopped what I was doing when I heard Kuya Bry calling me from the terrace. 

The whole place was busy. All the players were scattered across the terrace, carrying boxes, taping them, and checking contents. Inside the boxes were relief goods: canned foods, bottled water, toiletries, and instant noodles. Pupuntahan namin ang isang barangay nearby na nasunugan, and we were preparing to distribute the relief packs.

Papa was a little surprised when I asked him if I could use the money from selling my books for this cause, na para bang miracle na naisip ko to. Dinagdagan pa niya, and with Kuya Calli's idea, the whole plan turned into something bigger. Mama also volunteered to cook hot meals to include with the relief packs.

"Ready na yung sasakyan," Kuya Astro announced as he pulled up the old L300 van we borrowed from Lolo. 

The boys started carrying the heavy boxes and loaded them into the van, sabay pasok na rin sila sa loob. My friends and I, on the other hand, rode with Kuya Calli in his car. Mas comfortable, of course.

"Call Astro and tell him na dadaan muna tayo kay Mama," Kuya Calli reminded me as we drove off.

We headed to Mama's restaurant, Jess' Diner. The main branch was huge. It was a two-story building, with a function hall upstairs and a lovely garden venue at the back for weddings and receptions. The ground floor was the restaurant itself, where they served both budget meals like tapsilog, sisig, and chicken wings, as well as fancier dishes.

When we arrived, Mama greeted us with her usual warm smile. "That's 200 pieces," she said proudly as the staff handed the boys big boxes filled with styro containers. The scent of garlic, soy sauce, and fried chicken filled the air. 

Before we could leave, Mama insisted we eat first. The boys did not even try to say no. Of course, nasanay na silang laging may pakain si Mama.

The restaurant was filled with noise and laughter. The boys were rowdy as usual, kahit nasa public place kami. Add my friend Teby into the mix, and the volume tripled.

"Naaalala ko pa no'n, ka 1v1 ko si Tebs sa court!" Bret's loud voice boomed, making half the table laugh.

"Ay kahit ngayon na cheerleader na ang ganap ko, matatalo parin kita!" Bret teased back, making everyone burst into cheers and jeers.

I rolled my eyes, smiling a little. Magulo, yes, but masaya din silang kasama.

I excused myself to wash my hands. The sink was near the restroom, and I thought I could get a moment of peace. But of course, I was wrong.

"So, ginawa mo yung suggestion ko," a too-familiar voice said. I glanced at the side, and there he was. Number boy. Dos. His confident smile screamed I told you so.

I wanted to roll my eyes so hard. Of course, he would take credit for this.

"It was Kuya Calli's idea," I snapped, drying my hands with tissue. Which was true, technically. I did not even wait for him to answer. I stormed off, leaving him smirking by the sink. Nakakainis. Akala mo close kami? Bakit ba siya laging sumisingit?

When I got back, my seat was gone. My friends had been shuffled around, and the only available seat was across from no other than... Dos. I sat beside Bret instead, hoping to ignore him.

But it was impossible. He kept glancing at me with that stupid smile. Why does he always look so entertained when I'm clearly irritated?

"You want?" I whispered to Bret, pointing at the small pile of red chilies on the plate.

"Akin na," he whispered back, leaning closer so I could drop the chilies onto his plate. He even poured water into my glass because he knew too well I had zero tolerance for spicy food.