The Rank 1

Chapter 5

Almost 12 nang makauwi ako ng bahay.

Ang bilis ng patakbo ni Sebastian ng sasakyan kanina - halos pabyaheng langit ginawa namin para lang makaabot ako sa curfew time ko. For sure katakot takot na sermon ang aabutin ko kay Ate Rare kung sakaling na late ako even a one minute.

Yes, that's how strict she is. Very strict. Lalo kapag usaping boys and party. But i never question her intentions because she's only trying to protect me like what she promised to our mother.

And it's already 2 in the morning and I'm still wide awake. Kaya pumunta ako dito sa kusina to drink some juice habang nag-iisip about what happened sa party — especially about the Ice Queen, Madison.

Why she's giving me mix signals? Na out of nowhere susulpot sya and kiss me. Bakit ano ba tingin nya sakin? Halikan ng bayan?

Seriously?

Because I don't understand what's happening. Or maybe, she's only using me para pagselosin si Leslie - like what the f*ck? Hindi ko deserve yon.

"Can't sleep?"

Napatingin ako sa taong nagsalita mula sa pintuan ng kusina. It's Ate Scarlett. "Yeah."

Ate Scarlet and I became really close lalo nang tumira kami sa Canada. She spoiled me with everything, provide for me like her own daughter - actually para ko na syang nanay.

Naupo sya sa tabi ko. "What's wrong?"

Uminom ako ng fresh juice, pamparelax. "Wala naman po." I try to smile at her. "I just can't sleep."

"I remembered." She breaths in. "The last conversation we had like this was when you and Brad had broken up."

Natawa ako. "You always remember things.

"Of course." Ate Scarlet look at me in the eyes. "I always notice every single - even tiniest details about you."

Natouch ako. "That's why I'm always thankful na ikaw ang napang-asawa ni Ate Rare."

My sister-in-law has a thoughtful look on her face. "Don't you find it weird at first?"

Medyo hindi ko agad nagets ang sinabi nya. "The?"

"The set-up? Like pareho kaming babae." Paliwanag ni Ate Scarlet and i know she only wants to know my opinion or feelings about it. "You were so young back then Silvana - you never ask nor question the situation and yet you accepted me wholeheartedly."

"No, it's not weird." Nginitian ko si Ate Shi as I'm going to relay how great our family is. "Besides I can never question love and pure intention." Nagtitigan kaming dalawa. "Actually I want a love like you girls have for each other."

Then Madison cross my mind but i quickly shrug it off.

Why her? That b*tch.

"If that time comes, your sister will be mad." Natawa si Ate Scarlet bago hawakan ang kamay ko. "But always remember Silvana, always choose that someone that will not hurt your feelings." And she kisses my forehead. "Go to sleep. May pasok ka pa bukas."

Talking with Ate Scarlet make me feel better. Actually, mas open ako sa kanya because she listen to me. Si Ate Rare kasi sermon muna bago advice.

Bumalik na ako sa kwarto ko at agad din namang nakatulog.

Parang kakapikit ko pa nga lang nang tumunog ang alarm ko.

"6 am na?" Reklamo ko na nakapikit parin. Sobrang sakit ng ulo ko pati ng mata - combo diba?

May kumatok "Good morning, breakfast is ready."

"Pwede mag-absent today?"

At biglang bumukas ang pintuan ng kwarto ko - as expected. Pumasok si Ate Rare na nakapang work attire na."Kakaumpisa palang ng school year Silvana."