The Last Rule

Chapter 32 - Wala Lang

I woke still feeling so tired kahit kagigising ko lang. I reached for my phone on instinct, then paused.

Right. I'm supposed to be mad. 

Padabog kong ibinaba ang phone ko sa kama and covered my face with a pillow. 

"UGHHHHH"

I can't! 

In the end i reached my phone and opened it. 

12 messages and 4 missed calls from Dos.

Seeing his name made my heart, which i thought was tired, suddenly beat fast but this time, every beat feels like a stab. 

I didn't dare open his messages, hindi ko pa kaya.

Dali-dali akong bumangon, stared myself in the mirror.

How the hell do I hide these puffy eyes?

Still I tried to fix myself up, kahit na mukha parin akong sad girl.

Lumabas ako sa kwarto ko and another familiar scene ang bumungad sa akin. 

"Good Morning Queenie!" Kuya Bry greeted with his usual grin and I gave him a faint smile. He looks so enthusiastic, everyone looks so happy and excited. Except me.

Ngayon kasi ang plano nila na magswimmng and ayoko sanang sumama pero hindi ko alam ang irarason ko kila Papa.

I looked around. 

I don't know why, but I suddenly felt the urge to walk around the house. Just walking. Looking. Searching for a face I wasn't sure I wanted to see.

Was he here?

Part of me hoped no.

Then why am I looking?

What a curse.

Wanting to run away.

But still looking back.

"Everything ready?" Papa asked as I was walking out of the house dala ang bag ko. Everyone is settling their spots.

Marami sa mga players ang gagamit ng motor because the resort isn't that far from here. We're using a Van, Kuya Calli and Kuya Bry's Car. 

"Sola, here!" Tawag ni Pete nasa loob na siya ng Van and I can see vacant seats.

"Dito! Tabi kayo ni Dos"

I froze. 

No. Absolutely, not.

The air felt thicker and my bag felt heavier. He was here.

Of course he is. Outing nila 'to.

I turned away, casually shaking my head, pretending I didn't hear. At saka dumeretso sa Civic ni Kuya Calli.

But then I saw Astro claiming the shotgun seat. Ugh! Hell ride.

No thanks.

Another quick pivot, and I caught Kuya Bry's smile just as he was about to get in his car. My feet moved faster than my overthinking brain.

"Kuya! Wait!" I called softly, and when he looked, I gave him a quick smile and slid inside without another word. It's fine, he's like my other Kuya.

Still empty. Safe.

A few seconds later, Jeirly climbed in beside me. "Akala ko sa Van tayo?"

"May peste doon," sagot ni Teby habang sumasakay din, her voice too sweet to be innocent.

"Sinong peste?" sabat ni Kuya Bry mula sa driver's seat, nakikinig pala siya. We forgot he was even here. 

"Wala 'yun, Kuya. Nag-iimagine ka lang," sabay siko ni Teby sa akin, trying to play it cool.