Finding Peace In The Missing Piece

Chapter 14- The Bond

Chapter 14

Gabing gabi na kaming nakauwi dahil nag bonding talaga kami. Nirentahan pa ni Liam yung isang motor para lang bigyan ako ng ride dahil gustong gusto ko talaga dating magka motor at gumala sa gabi.

"Thank you so much, guys. I really appreciate it." I said sa harapan ng gate ng bahay namin.

"You're welcome, always. Basta ah, ipaubaya mo na sakin si Harvey taga Herbert University." Bulong ni Nia, tumango na lang ako kasi kanina niya pa iyon bukang bibig.

"See you tomorrow?" Liam asked

"Sure." Sabi ko. May mass kasi sa University bukas at required ang attendance kaya no choice, buong araw ko sanang bubulabugin ang araw ng kapatid ko bukas. "See you tomorrow, ingat kayo!" I waved my hands at pumasok na sa loob.

In my surprise naabutan ko pang gising ang kapatid ko at nakapamewang na naka abang saakin.

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. "Anong oras na Alexena?" Pagsusungit niya.

I chuckled.

"Kuya, hanggang ngayon ba ay wala kapa ding orasan? Relo? Hayaan mo, bibigyan kita bukas." Sabi ko.

"Wag kang pilosopo." He said and sat on the sofa and I did too. "Are you okay?" Sinilip niya ang mukha ko ng tumungo ako ng kaunti.

"Kuya, please lang, ayoko ng pag usapan, mas lalong lumalala eh. Mas sumasakit." I sighed trying to stop a tears to fall.

"Okay. I know you can handle, anyway." He shrugged.

"Tsk, hindi mo sure." Biro ko.

Sumimangot siya. "Anong gusto mo? Baby-hin kita?" Barumbado niyang sabi.

Natawa naman ako. My grumpy brother, mamimiss ko siya kahit ang sungit niya sakin tapos sa iba parang maamong aso ganon.

"Did you know my plan already?" I asked.

"Of course. I understand your perspective, and I harbor no resentment towards you for your decision. It's your prerogative, and you're the one who has been hurt in this situation. Just remember, if you ever feel the need for assistance, don't hesitate to seek it out. Your happiness is paramount to me, and I derive satisfaction from seeing you content." His words elicited tears from me as I embraced him tightly.

"Kuya, thank you." I whispered. Bat biglang lumalim mga salita niyan?

"Always here." Tipid niyang sabi.

"Kuya, date tayo bukas?" Tanong ko at sana lang pumayag siya kasi ngayon na lang ulit kami mag bobonding, puro kasi siya bebe time.

"Sure."

I smiled. "Sure ka? Wala kang date?"

"Wala. Lyxa's out of the country for some shoot, so I'm free. What's the plan?" He arched his eyebrows.

"May mass sa University tomorrow morning, 7AM, may attendance kaya aattend ako, sayang kasi eh baka may dagdag points."

Tumango naman siya.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow, what time do we leave?"

"Ayieee, ihahatid ako ng mabait kong Kuya..." Tukso ko. "6AM siguro bumangon ka na, ang tagal mo kasing maligo at magbihis, tapos ang kupad mo ding kumain-"

"God, Xena, matulog ka na." Naiinis niyang sabi at tinulak na ako paakyat sa hagdan.

_______________________

Kinaumagahan naman ay excited akong lumabas sa aking kwarto na nakasuot ng white long sleeve at black slacks, bitbit ko pa ang aking blazer at black heels, tsaka ko na lamang isusuot pagpaalis na kami.

"Kuya!" Sigaw ko. Naglakad ako papunta sa kisina at doon nakita ang kapatid ko na naka casual attire. Aesthetic ampota. Papogi pa wala naman jowa niya dito.

"What?" Masungit niyang tanong at pinagmasdan ako. "Aattend ka ng simba at naka formal attire ka? Magdadate tayo at naka formal attire ka?" Msungit niyang tanong.

"May dala akong pamalit." Sabi ko na lang bago maupo at simulan nang kumain.

"Anong oras ka matatapos don?"

"Mga 9:30 ganon, pero I'll text you pag magpapasundo na ako."

He nodded at pinaandar na ang sasakyan papaalis. Naglakad akong mag isa papasok sa campus. Pagkapasok ko sa room namin ay puro nagbabasa ang lahat. Lumait ako kay Nia na busy rin sa pagbabasa eh wala namn klase ngayon?

" Good Morning." I said

"Morning, hindi ka na naman nagbasa sa gc? May recit daw bago pumunta sa mass." She said while reading her book.

" What? All I know Valentine's day ngayon."

"Hindi umuubra yan sa mga prof. Kahit undas o pasko pa yan may recit pa din."

" Sina Ethan?" Tanong ko at nagbuklat na din ng libro.

" Ano yan? May date ka? "She pointed out my another bag and andon ang outfit ko sa date namin ni Kuya.

" Yup."

Nanlaki ang mata niya." Napaka rupok mo-"

" No, si Kuya ang date ko! Hindi ako martyr. And can you please stop thinking about him? Please? I'm tired of him."

Bigla naman siyang umayos ng upo dahil dumating na ang prof namin na may dalang index card.

"Ms. Miller, Explain the concept of separation of powers and checks and balances as outlined in the Constitution of the United States."

I heard my blockmates gasped.

Seriously? Lahat yon? I don't even sure if I understand it right.

"Understood. Ms. Miller, please proceed with the question, and I assure you that I will demonstrate diligence in addressing it."

My knees are trembling."The concept of separation of powers refers to the division of governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. In the United States Constitution, this principle is manifested through the division of government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

"Elaborate the branch." Prof Castillo said

" The legislative branch, composed of the Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate), is responsible for making laws. It is empowered to draft, debate, and pass legislation on matters of national importance. The executive branch, headed by the President, is responsible for enforcing laws. The President has the authority to implement and administer laws passed by Congress, as well as to execute foreign policy, negotiate treaties, and serve as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. And the judicial branch, represented by the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, is responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality. It has the power to review the actions of the other branches and declare them unconstitutional if they exceed their constitutional authority." I breathe.

"Example?" He asked again

"For example, Congress has the power to pass laws, but the President can veto those laws. However, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Similarly, while the President appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, those appointments must be confirmed by the Senate. Additionally, the judiciary has the power of judicial review to declare laws unconstitutional, thereby checking the power of both the legislative and executive branches. Overall, the separation of powers and checks and balances are fundamental principles of the United States government, designed to ensure accountability, prevent tyranny, and safeguard the rights and liberties of its citizens." I smiled as I stated my last statement.

I just heard his clapped." Excellent Ms. Miller, your insightful contributions to our discussions never fail to impress me. Your depth of understanding and ability to grasp complex concepts are truly remarkable."

" Thank you, prof. "

Pagkatapos naman ng klase niya ay nagsipuntahan na kami sa church sa labas ng building namin. At doon nakinig ng mga mabuting salita ng Diyos.