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Chapter 17
Something struck me as I deliberately reckoned Suriel's past relationship with my cousin. He didn't disclose anything aside from their multiple breakups. Hindi niya pinagsalitaan ng masama si Ate Leila o 'di man lang siya nagsabi kay Kuya Rael kung ano ang problema niya. So, hearing the news firsthand from Martin was a little bizarre.
Sa kanya nanggaling, hindi man lang sa kapatid ko.
Not that I wanted my brother to stick his nose into his life, but Ahia might be a good support system for him. Kuya Rael is his longtime friend. However, Suriel might also be considering their privacy during the time... and didn't want anyone in our family to interfere.
Was he afraid that Ahia would side with Ate Leila? Was he conflicted to tell the truth about them?
Pero baka may alam din naman si Kuya Rael? Pero 'di lang katulad ng nalalaman ni Martin?
"You're zoning out," I told him. magkausap kami ngayong gabi ni Suriel pagkatapos ng charity auction. Our family bought an art piece to support the foundation. Hinintay lang namin na i-turnover sa'min bago kami umuwi pero ang pamilya ni Martin ay nagtagal pa.
Suriel was inside his room, covered with a duvet. The pin lights around his room were already dim, he was probably preparing to sleep but he suddenly received a call from me. "Ganda mo," I made a face in the camera for the reason that I was not used to hearing him compliment me very often. Halos mamula na nga 'yung buong mukha ko dahil sa kapal ng foundation gamit ang makeup remover.
I seldom hire professional help. Sadyang kailangan lang dahil televised ang event kanina. It was an event that interested individuals were looking forward to seeing the foundation's other milestone. I also got interviewed a while ago. Tungkol lamang iyon sa adbokasiya ng foundation. Good thing I researched about the mission and vision of the non-profit organization before we went to the venue, if not, I would surely not ace the interview.
"Have you seen my interview?"
Suriel nodded. "I saw a fragment of the interview on a news publication online. You were stunningly eloquent in answering the thrown questions. Malay natin, foreshadowing na pala 'yon para sa TV guestings mo."
I chuckled while I was wiping off the heavy-duty lipstick on my lips. "Out of all possible invitations, bakit naman TV guestings?"
"Well, you're the type of person who people get curious with. You are something they probably wanted to know more about. Hindi mo pa ba nakikita?"
"Ang alin?"
"Initially, the interview was only published on regional stations. Ngayon, nasa national TV stations na at mahaba rin ang airtime."
My lips parted in awe. Really? They did that?
"So, you should expect guest invitations. Mukhang maraming natuwa sa mga sagot mo. You helped the foundation gain more donors for the advocacy they want to impart with everyone," he smiled.
"Well... uhm... I am glad to help."
'Di ako sigurado kung gusto ko nang ganoong atensyon mula sa ibang tao. As much as possible, I want to keep my life private. I don't want the press to get a free pass in my life even if it's for a good cause. "Enough of the interview and guestings," I said. "How are you? Malapit na ang graduation niyo."
"I'm fine but I'd feel better if you were here in Manila."
Ngumisi ako. I was thinking of flying back to Manila next week. Mauuna na lang ako sa kanilang lahat para may oras pa 'ko kasama siya bago ang graduation nila.
