Responsibilities That Ties Us

Chapter 15: Take The Risk, Keep the Change

"Ang lilikot ng mga mata ah... ano naman kayang chismis?"

"Nakatutok kay Kam, eh," ani ni Landon sabay lingon nila ni Sophia saakin. There was that usual Landon smirt that I always find irritating, and Sophia just looking at me, half amused and half judging. Inirapan ko lang sila at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.

I was right about a right thing; Landon being Landon, I just didn't anticipate getting this many eyes on me... first thing in the morning. I could barely get my needed sleep and this is what greets me as soon as I step into school.

"Well... I heard Mr. here is dating a certain Hades student."

Dinilatan ko itong isa, na ngumiti lang ang inangat ang dalawang balikan. "Wag magalit, yan lang yung naririnig ko."

"Stop it, Landon," pagpigil ni Vince sa kanya. Ngumit si Landon habang umirap saakin, stuffing his hands in his pocket. "I've made my peace with him na... gusto ko lang talagang asarin."

He did tease me more while eyes found their way to me, but later turned his attention to Sophia who opened a conversation about bar hopping later tonight. Yeah, a conversation I'm not joining, pero makikidnap nanaman mamayang gabi.

"Nga pala," Sophia waved her hands. "Punta kayo bahay ko next week, magthro-throw ako ng house party dahil naka-alis na yung dalawa."

Landon whistles, amused. "Finally, miss ko na ang kasamaan mo eh. Being a good girl doesn't suit you, princess."

"I've been aching to throw one, pero higpit ni Mama... need munang paalisin."

"When is this," biglang sambit ni Vince sa tabi ko, kahit na ang atensyon niyang nakatutok sa libro.

"Eh, weekday. Maybe Saturday... samahan moko mag-grocery ha." Landon agreed and we continued to be on our way.

Huh... a house party. Pero magba-bar hopping din sila mamaya. I wonder if I'll be facing freedom if I hide well. Christmas break is approaching and the semi-break too, so it's reasonable for them to plan so much ahead of time. But then again, since a few of our teachers are ruthless, schoolwork will probably pile up— even though, it's been told repeatedly na no school-related work during holiday breaks.

But whatever. I could use them as an excuse not to be dragged into their business.

Nag-ring na ang bell for recess, at sa gusto ko mang manatili sa silid para magpahinga, Landon finds it in himself to drag me along and sit in the much crowded canteen. I-dagdag mo na yung mga sulyap nung ibang studyante na kanina pa ako pinapansin.

Hindi nga nila tinatago na ako yung pinaguusapan nila.

"Maybe leaving you was... the right thing," hiyang sabi ni Landon, smiling guiltily at me. Sumimangot lang ako sa kanyang, inaangat ang isang kilay. You don't say.