The Faulkersons

VI. - Suspicions -

Thirdy took a deep breath before he looked at himself in the mirror. The young Faulkerson just finished preparing for everything that can happen today. He woke up early so he can take an extra 15 minutes on the shower. He brushed his teeth twice and wore his best clothes and most fragrant perfume.

"Ayan, medyo pogi na." he thought to himself while fixing the collar of his uniform. After doing so, he quickly stretched his arms and legs to remove the pressure stuck in his joints.

Suddenly, he heard knocks on his door. He let out a sigh and opened it right away, only to see Anthony standing on the other side.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"Here's your pen ... wait ... why are you dressed up like that?"

"What are you talking about? It's my uniform."

"Kuya, are you going to court that girl in the picture?" Anthony asked, pertaining to the one that's been uploaded on Facebook and seen by their parents.

"So what if I do? Sasabay ka sa akin dib a? Magbihis ka na." he told his younger brother.

"O sige." Anthony answered and then walked away. Thirdy quickly closed the door and returned to the mirror. The anxiety started kicking in, he still have not practiced the words he'd tell her once they're alone.

"Bahala na." he whispered before walking out of the room. Thirdy then went downstairs quickly, only to catch the attention of everyone that is already awake.

"Bakit ang pogi ng anak ko ngayon?" RJ asked.

"Para san pa Dad, manliligaw yan." Athena muttered.

"Sino? Sinong manliligaw?" Maine asked, stepping out of the kitchen nd joining them in the living room.

"Wala po! Ngayon po kasi yung botohan ng class officers. Alam niyo na, para Prince ako." Thirdy answered. He already made up a list of alibis to answer his family's questions.

"Sus ... reasons." Athena whispered.

"I'm ready!" Anthony yelled. RJ let out a sigh of relief and they all walked outside.

--

--

"Sa tingin mo Love, bakit naka-ayos si Thirdy ngayon?" Maine asked RJ a few moments after their children left. RJ sat beside her and shrugged.

"Alam mo , sa tingin ko liligawan nun yung new girl na yun dun sa picture niya. Love, what do you think?" Maine asked again. She then rested her head on his shoulder and looked up to him.

"You want an honest answer?"

"Ba ... of course."

"Okay then ... I think he will."

"Oh bakit di mo pinagsabihan man lang?"

RJ then turned to his side and held both of her hands.

"Love, normal yun sa mga bata these days. Tsaka pag mas lalo silang pinagsasabihan , mas lalo silang may chance mag-rebelde."

"Sa tingin mo?" Maine asked.

"Oo , ganun kasi ako dati."

"Oh edi mag-tatay nga kayo. Ih, Ricardo naman ... papano pag-nakabuntis yang anak mo? Ni di pa nga bumoboto sa SK yan eh."

"Thirdy's a responsible kid. I trust him enough that he won't do that."

Maine didn't say another word. Instead, she just pulled her husband close and hugged him. After what it felt like forever, she pulled away because it's now time for him to go to work.