"Jeohan and Chrysolite," Dad approached us while my brother and I were arguing about which movie to watch; he wanted sci-fi while I was in the mood for romance. Dad sat beside me and asked, "What are you two doing?"
"Your daughter seems to be in love; she wants to watch romance. It's corny," Kuya answered.
I rolled my eyes at him.
I don't even have a crush! I just want to watch romance movies because last week I watched fantasy and sci-fi movies. I want some kilig for my bones!
"Whatever."
Dad just sat there and watched the movie Kuya chose. I didn't have a choice, dahil nasa kaniya naman ang remote, so I had to go along with whatever he wanted. I thought about unplugging the Wi-Fi.
Pasalamat siya at hindi ko maabot ang remote sa kaniya. Hindi ko kaya eh— he is taller than me, plus he has this slender body build. Isang tulak niya kang saakin hulog ako sa sofa.
Some say kuya has an ethereal and angelic appearance.
Pogi naman talaga kasi si kuya, yet he enjoys teasing me and engaging in light-hearted banter. Though he is mischievous and playful, he is a caring, strict, and protective Kuya.
Pag ubos na social battery niya, 'yan diyan sya tatahimik at hindi na kikibo.
"Saan ka pala galing, Dad?" I asked. Pagkagising ko kasi kanina ay wala na sya sa bahay, hindi naman siya piunya ng office dahil weekends ngayon and wala siyang work.
"Probinsya. Binisita ko ang Mom n'yo dahil hindi siya makakauwi," Dad answered, eyes fixed on the TV, not looking at me.
It's not that they're divorced; Mom opted to live closer to her work to avoid the hassle. My Dad is a CEO, and Mom is a principal at a school in the province. Since ang province, kung saan si mommy, is three hours away from the city where we live, Dad bought Mom a house near her school to make things easier. She comes home on weekends or during vacations.
"Oh, I could've come with you," Kuya chimed in.
"Not my fault. 10 am tulog ka pa," Dad glared. "Puyat pa, Jeohan. Konti nalang ikaw na pagpupuyatan namin," he added, looking at Kuya as he spoke. I faced Kuya and stuck my tongue out, teasing him.
"Si Chrysolite kasi, Dad, nagpumilit na bumili ng mogu mogu kagabi," Sumbong ng kapatid ko.
False.
I messaged him last night around 12 am dahil nag-crave ako ng mogu mogu, wala na kasi kami stocks sa ref, pero bumalik naman kami kaagad. Gawa gawa talaga 'to!
"Go ahead, keep staying up late even further." Sarkastikong sabi ni Daddy. Neither Kuya nor I had anything to say, so we joined Dad in watching the movie.
Actually, watching movies together is quite a bonding experience for the three of us. Dad is often busy with work and spends most of his time at the office, so moments like these are rare. That's why I truly treasure them when they happen. At kapag umuuwi naman si Mom, we often go on vacations together. No matter how busy they are, they always make sure to spend time with us.
"My friends are coming over," sabi ni Kuya.
"Sure. What time?" Dad asked calmly. He isn't strict and would usually say yes right away, just as long as we don't take advantage of it.
"3 pm. We just need to finish a project," Kuya replied.
"Did you prepare some snacks for them?" Dad asked.
"Yup, Chrysolite will bake some cookies." Kuya smirked and added, "I'll buy you your favorite Rocky Road and Double Dutch."
I can't say no when it comes to my favorite ice cream.
