The Last Rule

Chapter 38 - Chaos

"Callisto's been very busy lately, halata ang eyebags niya kanina sa video call," Mama said with a worried frown while slicing the chicken adobo.

Na-miss ko tuloy si Kuya Calli, I remember him telling me that eyebags are practically part of the uniform.

"Hon, that's part of it. Medicine 'yan," Papa replied, his tone as casual as if they were talking about the weather.

Kuya Calli hadn't been home lately. Ever since he turned second-year, he's practically married to his school and his medical books. Sometimes nga iniisip ko of his dorm bed knows him better than we do.

Same goes for Kuya Astro, graduating and stressed out. He's been glued to his requirements and apparently, his phone. Kasi one time I caught him sweet-talking in his phone. Busted!

So I decided to test the waters. Let's see kung paano mag-react si Papa sa ibang anak, baka pwedeng i-soft-launch na rin si Dos.

"Don't you think Kuya Astro has a girlfriend?" I asked as casually as I could.

Please take the bait. Please take the bait.

Mama just chuckled. "Don't mind your brother, ipapakilala niya rin 'yon pag ready na."

Of course. Sweet, ever-supportive.

But Papa? He didn't even flinch. "Astro is like your Tito Dex. Hindi pa seseryoso 'yon."

Oof. Mission abort. 

After dinner, we all went our separate ways. The house felt too quiet. No bouncing basketballs, no shouting, no bro-chemistry banters, no annoying players, no smelly testosterones. Boring, tbh.

As I entered my room, my phone lit up.

Dos: bb nasa labas ako ng gate niyo.

WHAT.

Panic. Panic. PANIC.

I called him immediately.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed, whisper-screaming. Sana lang ay hindi marinig nila Papa.

"Diba kasi masakit ulo mo kanina? May ibibigay ako. Tsaka na-miss din kita."

This guy. Hindi nauubusan ng dahilan. His camera turned on, showing the shadows of the street, not our gate, thank God. Nakatambay siya sa may poste, disguised by the dark.

Maybe nasa kwarto na si Mama and si Papa is baka nasa Office niya.

I tiptoed my way through the door. Fingers crossed, hoping not to bump into anyone, specifically Papa.

Too late.

"Where are you going?" Papa. Standing in the hallway galing sa office niya.

Think fast, Sola. Lie with confidence.

"Kay Cleo, Pa. She needs help sa project niya."

Avoid eye contact. Act busy. 

"Anong oras ka uuwi?"

I glanced at my watch. 8 PM. Okay, not too suspicious.

"Not sure po." Totoong hindi, hindi din ako sure kung makakauwi pa akong buo, TBH.

"Be home before 12."

Boom. I'm out.

I rushed outside and saw him leaning under the streetlight, casual, cool, and smug. His motor parked discreetly sa madilim na gilid ng kalsada. Creepy, na parang criminal.

The moment the gate creaked open, he looked at me and smiled.

"Baby!" He ran toward me and hugged me like he hadn't seen me in years.