Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Series #3) (Completed)

Chapter 18

The next day, I woke up early to ensure I didn't miss the bus. As soon as I arrived, the five monkeys—Kuya Zhack, Yhael, Janser, Daniel, and Juniel—were carrying Sovie's bag toward me.

I briefly waved to Sovie before boarding the bus. I spotted Sir Zade seated at the very front, waiting for the students. "Ms. Poniente, seat number 165," he informed me.

I nodded at him, then scanned the bus for my assigned seat. A frown creased my forehead when I couldn't find seat number 165. I turned back to Sir Zade, puzzled. "Sir, there's no seat 165."

To my surprise, he gestured to the empty seat beside him. "We'll be sitting beside each other, Ms. Poniente," he explained.

He stood up to let me pass and take the window seat. "The suitcase goes in the bus compartment. I'll handle it," he offered, then picked up my suitcase.

I remained seated, not moving, as he stepped off the bus with my suitcase. I placed my small bag on the seat before getting off the bus to greet Yhael.

I saw Yhael and Kuya Zhack carrying Sovie's bags. When Yhael and I made eye contact, he immediately waved at me. I headed in their direction. "Hello!" masigla kong bati sa kanila.

"Parang ang ganda ng gising mo ngayon, Aphle, ah," puna ni Daniel.

Yhael came up to me and put his arm around me before grinning at Daniel. "Syempre bati na kami," aniya.

"HUMSS 1, board the bus," Sir Zade gruffly ordered after stowing my suitcase in the bus compartment.

Tinanggal ko ang braso ni Yhael sa aking balikat. "Ang sungit naman ni Sir Zade," komento niya.

"Tara na, Sovie," pagyayaya ko sa kaibigan.

"HUMSS 1," muling tawag ni Sir Zade.

Napakamot na lang si Sovie bago kinuha kay Kuya Zhack at Yhael ang kaniyang dalawang bag. Kinuha ko naman ang isa para hindi siya mahirapan. "Bye, Kuya!" paalam ni Sovie.

"Ingat doon, Sovie," seryosong paalala ni Kuya. "Wala bang signal doon? Lo-loadan na lang kita."

"'Wag na, Kuya. May mga activity din kasi kaming gagawin. Bawal kaming mag-cellphone habang nasa camp site," sagot ni Sovie.

Kuya Zhack nodded before gazing at me. "Ingat kayo roon," pahabol niyang sinabi.

"Hoy, ingat," bilin ni Janser at Daniel.

Kumaway kami ni Sovie sa kanilang lima. "Xierinah, uulan sa ibang araw, 'wag kang magpapabasa baka magkasakit ka," bilin naman ni Yhael.

Tumango ako sa kaniya na parang bata. "Bye bye, Berde!" ani ko sabay kumaway sa kaniya.

"Bye bye, green Aphle," aniya.

After bidding goodbye to the boys, Sovie and I boarded the bus. I took my seat next to Sir Zade. As I drew back the window curtain, I immediately spotted Yhael. A smile spread across his face, and we waved at each other until the bus pulled away.

"Are you close with Mr. Quintos?" Sir Zade asked suddenly.

I nodded in response, avoiding eye contact.
"Thanks to him, Sir, I’m no longer bullied. I’m truly grateful to him," I replied.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him nodding a few times. "The vacation is coming up. Are you prepared?" he asked, his tone subtly shifting.

"Yes, Sir," sagot ko. Binalewala ang kakaiba kong naramdaman. "Excited na akong makita ang Ate at Kuya ko po."

"Your parents came home, didn’t they? Because they visited my house," he mentioned.

I furrowed my brow and turned to the teacher.
"Mommy and Daddy went to your house? How? They don't even know your address, Sir," I asked in rapid succession.