Burnt Summer Sky

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

I didn't mind Kai's words dahil sigurado akong pinagtritripan nanaman niya ako.

I just brushed it off and continued walking. That's just how he is. Kung ano-anong sinasabi para ma-bwiset ako sa kanya.

When I went inside Lola Elsie's house narinig ko ang maingay na tawanan nina Kuya sa may kusina. I didn't want to join them that's why I decided to go upstairs to rest.

We all have our own rooms here at Lola Elsie's house. Mine is located at the very end of the hall. It has a view of our front yard and the brown house beside us— Heros' house.

Pagkapasok ko sa loob, I noticed some changes like the curtains and some pillow cases. My room's color is sea blue while every furniture inside is white.

My room is very calming and very me. Lola Elsie said that she designed our rooms based on our personalities kaya naman satisfied ako sa kuwarto ko because she incorporated elements that I like. I even have my own desk where I can write my journal.

I went to my bed and saw a rag doll. I lifted to inspect its condition.

It is a crocheted doll that supposedly looks like me. The doll has braided hair, fake wired glasses, and wears a pink floral dress. I smiled with the memory the came with this doll.

It was my 11th birthday. Kuya Top and Kuya Cross threw a birthday party for me. They bought some kakanin and made buko pie as my birthday cake.

Sa beach ginanap ang ang party at sinakto nila sa meryenda namin that day. The boys prepared everything. They set up some mats on the sand with mini tables and some pillows.

Nag usap-usap rin sila na whatever gift that I will receive that year, it should be hand crafted by them.

Kuya Cross made me a flower crown that I wore that day. I still have some of the flowers preserved in a frame na nakalagay sa desk ko dito.

Kuya Top on the other hand made me a key chain from resin. It has my initials on it at hanggang ngayon ginagamit ko pa rin siya.

Kai gave me a braclet made out of pearls. His mom has a pearl business kaya madali lang sa kanya na makahanap ng perlas. He boasted how he made the bracelet himself. He even included silver charms in it like seashells, pearls, and a star fish. I don't really wear that bracelet but it's safely kept in my jewelry box.

But of course, the best gift that I received that year came from Heros. The thought that he made the doll himself gave me butterflies in my stomach. I can imagine him looking at my photo for reference just so he can make a doll that looks like me.

I smiled at the memory of that day. It was the summer where I first developed my feelings for Heros. And I just know na mas lumala pa iyon dahil sa manika na 'to.

I placed the doll back in my bed. I am still tired from the trip so I think I will take a nap. I am sure they will wake me up before dinner.

I lay down and easily drifted to sleep. I think I was asleep for about two hours when I heard knocks from my door.

I groaned and slowly opened my eyes.

"Este! Wake up if you want to come with us!"

Dahan-dahan akong tumayo sa kama at pinagbuksan si Kuya Cross na kanina pa ata kumakatok sa pintuan ko.

He entered my room. Tinalikuran ko siya para bumalik sa kama at maupo. I just woke up, and whenever I wake up, I hate exerting too much energy.

I glanced at the window at nakita ko ang langit na nagsisimula nang dumilim. Gabi na but we are going somewhere?