That Summer Night of August

Kabanata 32

Kabanta 32

"We should celebrate after this," wala sa sariling sambit ni Lawrence, habang nakatingin sa mga printed reviewers na ginawa ko para sa kanilang dalawa ni Veronica.

My Lolo's candidacy intrigued the whole Covertny, making our family the center of attention. Each day, reporters camp outside our gates, eager for any tidbit they can sensationalize. And it makes me worried about my brothers and Tita Tiffany.

My dad insists on increased security, and while I understand the necessity, it feels like another layer of pressure. Moving around campus with a bodyguard isn't exactly conducive to a normal college experience. So I declined his offer to hire a bodyguard for me.

"Di ko yata feel na mag-celebrate," I responded, glancing at Lawrence. "Ang dami kong iniisip lately. Ang hirap mag-concentrate."

Lawrence nodded, understanding etched on his face. "I get it. Your family's situation isn't easy. But you deserve a break, Dee. We all do."

I sighed, appreciating his concern but feeling the weight of responsibility heavier than ever. "Maybe after everything settles down," I conceded. "Right now, I just want to get through these exams without any more drama."

Veronica joined us, a bright smile on her face despite the stress of exams. "Hey, I heard something about celebrating. Count me in!"

I forced a smile, trying to match her enthusiasm. "We'll see. Let's just focus on finishing strong first."

As we walked to our next exam, the campus buzzed with the usual midterm tension, but for me, it was layered with the added anxiety of my family's political spotlight. The reporters, the security concerns, and the endless speculation—it all felt suffocating.

As we entered the exam hall, I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. The hum of nervous energy filled the room as students settled into their seats. I caught Lawrence's eye and he gave me a reassuring nod. Veronica, ever the optimist, flashed me a thumbs-up.

The exam began, and for a while, I managed to push the external pressures to the back of my mind, focusing solely on the questions in front of me. Numbers and theories swirled in my head, a welcome distraction from the chaos outside.

When the exam ended, I felt a rush of relief. Lawrence and Veronica were waiting for me outside, their expressions mirroring my own sense of accomplishment.

"That wasn't so bad, right?" Lawrence said, trying to lighten the mood.

I smiled, genuinely this time. "No, it wasn't. Thanks for the encouragement."

"Now, about that celebration," Veronica started, but I interrupted her.

"How about we grab some coffee?" I suggested. "Something low-key."

They agreed, and we made our way to our favorite café on campus. As we sipped our drinks, I felt a little more like myself. The conversations flowed easily, and for a brief moment, I could forget about the reporters, the security, and the political turmoil.

"Thanks, you guys," I said softly. "I really needed this."

"Anytime," Lawrence replied. "We're here for you, Dee. Don't forget that."

Veronica nodded in agreement.

Napatingin ako sa phone nang mag vibrate ito. Ngumiti ako nang makita ang pangalan ni Gabriel sa notification. Gabriel's been a great support system to me since the exam started, and I'm really glad because of it. Somehow, his presence made the situation bearable.

From Gabriel:
Hi, love. I'm done with my exam. Where are you? I'll drive you home.

To Gabriel:
Hi. At our usual go-to café. Can you come here?