You Alone [UCA SERIES #3] ***Re-Writing***

Stage 1

You Alone

-Stage 1-

By: Inshanitythewriter

"Shane. Get your @ss off the bed and get up!"   A kick landed firmly on my right leg as I heard my brother's infuriating voice. I winced and turned to my side, attempting to continue my disturbed sleep.

"Shane Hanh Salcedo, if you don't get the f*ck off this bed, I swear--!!!"  The monster warned. Out of frustration, and the realization that I won't be able to get any sleep because of my brother's bickering, I furiously sat up and kicked off my blanket in obvious annoyance.
    I wasn't able to control myself as I unintentionally yelled at my brother.
"Damn it! I'm awake! Okay?! So would you please get the hell out of my room now?!"  Reiji-nii gave me a meaningful look before he slammed the door shut as he went out the room. I felt the sudden, yet normal feeling of guilt inside me. I hate myself.
This is my normal life alright. There never came a time when there isn't a single problem in our household within a day. I'm not saying we're in conflict all the time. It's just that, whenever somebody gets mad, the anger becomes contagious to the rest of the household, sparking heated arguments most of the time. Why? Because all the members of my immediate family has too much pride.

I stood up and combed my hair before going downstairs. I haven't even fully entered the dining room, but mom's sharp stares and the dark aura surrounding Reiji-nii already gave me the feeling that breakfast won't go well, again. Dad's probably at the tennis club doing his usual morning routine before going to work.

            "Why'd you get up? You should've slept for all eternity." 
       The sarcasm in my mom's voice made me wince. I smirked at her before taking my seat. This had always been our routine every morning. They always get on my case without fail. Which is why no one can blame me of I sometimes act disrespectful.
     Well... fine. I always act disrespectful. I mean, who wouldn't be fed up with all this?

"Hurry up or you'll be late again, you ingrate!"  Mom added.

"As if you're the one getting late."  I murmured and rolled my eyes. Unfortunately, it seems my mom didn't quite miss that, for her eyes had started to squint. "What did you say?"

"Nothing, Mom. I said, there aren't any regular classes this week because our finals had already ended. I'll just stay in the studio for awhile. I'll go to school after lunch."  I stood up and left the dining room. Nawalan ako ng gana. As always.

"Puro ka nalang pagsasayaw! Wala ka nang inatupag kundi yan! Go live in that studio for all I care!"  rinig ko pang sabi ni Mama pero hindi ko na pinansin. It's better na palabasin nalang sa kabilang tenga. Tinext ko muna ang pinsan kong si Treke na magpapahatid ako bago ako dumeretso sa taas at naligo. Di tulad ng iba, wala ako masyadong arte sa katawan kaya mabilis akong natapos mag-ayos at umalis na ng bahay. Hindi nako nagpaalam. Para saan pa?

Pagkalabas ko, nakita ko na ang mga pinsan kong si Treke at Jethro na nag-aasaran. Mukhang papasok sila sa bahay nang mapansin nila ako.

"Oh, Shane. Papasok na sana kami para sunduin ka, at para narin magpaalam kay auntie."  Sabi ni Treke.

"No need. Let's go."  Tipid kong sagot at pumasok na sa second seat ng Land Cruiser ni Treke na kanina pa nakaandar kasi hindi niya pinatay ang makina. Nakita kong nagkatinginan ang dalawa pagkatapos ay napailing si Jethro habang nagkibit-balikat na lamang si Treke. I know what they're thinking. 'Hayaan mo na. Ganyan naman talaga yan eh.' Well, point is, I'm used to it. So go ahead and judge me for all I care.