Beyond the Fields

20

"Thalysia, are you done packing?"

I nodded. Ilang araw lang din ang stay namin sa Agustria and we are now heading back to Elyria. It's already the 30th of December.

Thadeus is with Gabriella. He's going to stay with the Guevarras until New Year. Wala na tuloy akong kakampi!

I had already placed all my things inside the trunk of my car. Yup, nagdala ako ng sarili kong kotse dahil bida-bida akong anak.

I don't want to be stuck with those two for the whole ride! Masisira lang ang mood ko!

I would rather jam in my car alone.

"Bida-bida!" hirit ni Thiago nang makita akong nakasandal na sa kotse ko. Suot-suot ko rin ang aking sunglasses kaya mukha talaga akong sosyal na turista.

"Inggit ka lang," I stuck my tongue out.

"Ma! Sasabay ako kay Aly pauwi!" rinig kong sigaw ni Thiago. Ibinaba ko ang aking sunglasses upang makita niya ang masamang tingin na binibigay ko sa kaniya.

"I doubt she'll let you. You're just going to get your ass kicked out by the second you enter her car, Lucien." rinig kong sabi ni Mom. I smirked.

Thiago rolled his eyes before getting inside Dad's car. Nasa loob na rin si Thiarra at may nilalaro sa kaniyang iPad habang si Dad naman ay abala sa pakikipag-usap sa mga housekeepers. Nagbibigay ng sweldo at nagbibilin.

I got inside my car and put on the stereo. I rolled down my window just so I could rub it on Thiago's face who was just frowning while looking at me.

I chuckled. "Pakabait ka," I winked as the engine of my car roared to life.

"Bida-bida talaga!" rinig kong sigaw niya habang nagba-backing ako ng kotse. "Nauna pa, walang hiya!"

"Bye, Fam!" sabi ko at kumaway-kaway sa bintana bago ko i-roll up ulit iyon.

I just focused on the road as I drove. Ilang oras din ang magiging byahe. I should stay awake. Naisipan ko nalang na magpatugtog ng rock music kahit hindi naman talaga kasali sa music taste ko ang mga ganoon ngunit pinatugtog ko pa rin dahil inaantok pa talaga ako.

It's still 7:00 AM in the morning.

Suddenly, I received a video call from Thadeus. In-off ko na rin agad ang music.

Inilagay ko naman ang aking phone sa may harap upang makita niya ako habang nagmamaneho.

Mabuti nalang at may load ako ngayon. Sana lang talaga hindi mahina 'yong signal.

It revealed Thadeus' forehead tsaka niya bahagyang inilayo ang camera. He was wearing a white shirt and it looks like he's lying on Gabriella's lap.

"Agang landian, ah. Tumawag ka lang ba para painggitin ako sa sweetness niyo?" taas kilay kong tanong, nasa daan ang tingin.

I heard him chuckle. "Just wanna make sure you're safe while driving."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "I'm not a reckless driver!"

"Baka kasi bigla ka nalang magpatakbo riyan nang mabilis tapos mabalitaan ko nalang na nagkaroon ka ng ticket for over speeding or something. May I remind you that the road is not a race track, Thalysia Louise." mahabang lintaya niya.

Natawa nalang ako. "Alam ko naman 'yon! Masyado ka namang nag-o-overthink diyan! Makakauwi ako nang ligtas, ako pa ba?"

"I know. But can you blame me? I've seen you race, for your information."

"Don't tell me, babantayan mo ako buong byahe? Seriously?!" I raised my brows in disbelief. "What are you? My babysitter?"

"I'm your brother, it's normal."