Field of Emotions

Chapter 13

I don't know why but I felt a sense of relief whenever I kept an eye on everyone, making sure they were enjoying themselves but also not getting into any trouble. I glanced around the room, checking on Celestine who was still engrossed in her fishing game, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Alexandra was trying her luck with the claw machine, grunting every time the stuffed toy was sliding at the claw. Gabrienne was confidently playing the piano tiles game. Gio, Sian and Ezekielle were heading towards the basketball shooting game, their friendly competition evident in their banter.

"Ang hina mo Gio!" sabi ni Alexa at naglaro na din ng basketball sa tabi ng mga lalaki. Me, Gab and Celestine at their back to watch them.

As the boys and Alexa started their basketball game, Gabrielle, Celestine, and I stood by, watching them. Each shot they made was met with cheers or playful boos, depending on whose team you were on.

"Go, Alexa!" Celestine cheered, clapping her hands enthusiastically.

Gabrienne and I joined in, our voices blending together in a chorus of support. Despite the competitive atmosphere, it was all in good fun. We laughed and teased each other, the air filled with camaraderie and good-natured ribbing.

After a few rounds, the boys were drenched in sweat, their faces flushed from the effort. Alexa, on the other hand,shoots smooth and precise.

"Ang galing mo, Alexa!" I complimented her, impressed by her skills.

She flashed me a grin, wiping the sweat off her brow. "Thanks, Ysa. Practice makes perfect."

"Hala chamba mo lang yon!" pikon na sabi ni Gio.

"Just accept that Alexa defeated you, Gio." Ezekielle chuckled and even messed up Gio's hair.

When it was time for a snack break, we all headed over to Potato Corner.

"Potato Corner! Sino manlilibre?" sabi ni Sian sabay tingin sa akin.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't look at me, dummy."

We sat at an 8 seater table inside the Potato Corner. Ang boys ang nag order ng fries samantalang si Alexa at Celestine naman ay pumunta ng Dairy Queen para bilihan kami ng ice-cream. Kami lang ni Gab ang natira sa upuan at naghihintay sa kanila.

I leaned my head on the table as I remembered what problems I will encounter once I got home. I sighed out of frustrate. Kahit pala anong takas ang gawin ko, kailangan kong harapin ang problema.

Sa peripheral view ay nakita ko ang pagsandal ni Gab ng siko sa mesa at parang may iniisip na kung ano.

I lifted my head. "Ayos ka lang, Gab?" I asked her

"I am but you are not." sagot niya at seryosong tumingin din sa akin. "You're my best friend, Ysabelle. You've been there for me through thick and thin, ups and downs, Ysabelle. I can see that you're troubled and I want you to know that I'm here for you too."

I nodded and smiled at her. "Thank you, Gab."

Gabrienne and I met when we were in grade 3. It was a world-wide event for businessmen and their families but despite our social status, most of the children of the businessmen grew up in luxury, something I can't relate to.

"Is she your youngest, Mr. Inavarez?" one of Papa's friends asked. She was wearing a navy blue dress partnered with her white heels. She was also wearing some diamond necklace and earrings, representing the luxury she held.

Papa smiled and held my shoulders. "Yes, Mrs. Rodriguez. This is Aellanna." Papa looked at me. "Aella, why don't you introduce yourself?" he asked. I badly wanted to run and say no but based on how he looked at me, he wanted me to do what he said.