That Summer Night of August

Kabanata 24

The week ended smoothly. Next week will be the founding anniversary celebration of the university. Gabriel will probably gonna be busy for the whole week since he's the President of the student council. It makes me sad, somehow, because we won't be able to be together during that time. But he said he'll make time.

"Kuya, I can't carry my toys." Malungkot na sabi ni Terence, hila-hila nito ang basket na lalagyan ng kanyang mga laruan.

I looked at him in disbelief. "Terry, you can't bring all of these toys. We're just gonna go swimming." I chuckled as I ruffled his hair.

Ngayon yung plano ni Tita Tiffany na pupuntang beach. Narito ako sa bahay ni dad, need kasi ng tulong ni tita sa paghahanda ng mga kailangan naming dalhin. Nandito naman sina Kuya Robert at Manang Teresita, pero hindi naman iyon part ng trabaho nila para tulungan pa kaming maghanda sa mga dadalhin. Pero tumutulong pa rin sila kahit sinasabihan na sila ni tita na hindi na kailangan.

"But I want to bring them all," my brother replied, looking at his toys.

"Terry, we have so mu–"

"I'll carry them."

Napalingon ako sa likuran nang marinig ko ang boses na iyon. It's the only voice that can make my heart skip a beat.

Gabriel smiled at me as he put his bag on the couch.

"Hi, love." He said softly, walang tao sa living room dahil nasa kitchen sina Tita at Manang Teresita kaya mabilis akong lumapit sa kanya.

"Hi," I was about to give him a hug when I remembered that Terence was also here.

"Kuya Zachy!" My little brother said cheerfully as he ran towards Gabriel.

Gabriel kneeled to welcome my brother in his arms. "How are you, little superhero?"

I smiled looking at them. I'm so glad that they get along so well. I mean, why wouldn't they? Gabriel bought him ice cream on the very first day they met. I could never forget about that. It was the time that I almost lost my mind.

Umupo ako sa couch katabi ng bag ni Gabriel bago kinuha ang phone ko para i-message si Tim. May ginawa pa kasi siyang layout para sa school magazine nila sa school nila.

To Timothy:

Where are you? I'm already here.

Matapos ang ilang minuto ay nakapag reply na rin naman si Tim na siyang nakapagpa-ngiti agad sa akin.

From Timothy:

Driving the club president home. I'll be there in a minute.

To Timothy:

Okay 😊

From Timothy:

Kuya, I know what you're thinking. I swear to God, it's nothing like that!

Bahagya na akong natawa dahil sa reply ng kapatid ko. Kilala ko si Timothy, palaging may tamang paliwanag sa lahat ng bagay. Ilang sandali pa, narinig ko ang tunog ng pagdating ng sasakyan niya sa labas ng bahay.

"Si Timothy na yata 'yan," sabi ko kay Gabriel habang tinutulungan niyang ayusin ang mga laruan ni Terence sa basket.

"Perfect timing," sagot ni Gabriel na nakangiti, sabay tapik sa ulo ni Terence. "Let's go, little superhero, time to get ready for our beach trip."

Nagbukas ang pinto at pumasok si Timothy, mukhang pagod pero nakangiti. "Hey kuya, Gabriel," bati niya habang bitbit ang ilang folder. "Sorry sa pagtagal, na-traffic kami."