Playing with Fire (Acosta Sisters Series #3)

Kabanata 4

Kabanata 4

Vara was standing against the wall as I entered the hallway from the parking lot. It's like she was waiting for someone and I knew it was me.

I excitedly walked faster towards her. Then her gaze turned at me.

I was about to smile and greet her when she gave me a look that was utterly full of disgust. And I could tell right away something was wrong. She wasn't pleased to see me. She looks angry and disappointed.

I blew a deep breath before I stop in front of her.

"Okay, what? Spill it."

She began to walk, and I did the same. My heart was racing afraid for something she will say. Pero may palagay na ako kung bakit siya nagkakaganito. Hindi ko lang talaga alam kung paano ko ipapaliwanag nang maayos sa kanya. Knowing her, she's not that easy to convince.

That picture . . . I didn't have idea who the heck spread that! Kanina ko lang din nakita, bigla na lang may nag-pop up sa notification ko habang nagmamaneho ako.

Just when I thought I am being careful enough, pero hindi pa pala. It's unbelievable! How could they capture that? All along ba ay may nakasunod sa mga galaw at kilos ko sa labas? Namin ni Kleo?

It's true, though. I let him gotten pretty close to me and he thinks we became friends because we were always together.

Right after we had target shooting, he tried to make it up to me. He felt bad and guilty for what he did, so I eventually let him drag me around wherever he wanted to go. Honestly, I enjoyed his company. Maybe it was because we shared the same interests, and with him, I got to experience things I really wanted to do.

I had also decided to keep Kleo close because I thought I could use him to keep an eye on my sister. I was worried about Ate Ellaine; she seemed to be getting too close to Marcus. And it wasn't just him, there were many guys trying to court, flirt or finding excuses to introduce themselves.

And I was shocked when Kleo informed me that Marcus had taken my sister somewhere to formally introduce himself. I had no idea how Kleo found out, maybe through his best friend. But it put my mind at ease. I didn't have to worry about other guys approaching Ate Ellaine anymore because Marcus had already made his move.

And since Marcus had a good reputation and Ate was an Acosta, instead of people bashing or gossiping about them, they actually supported whatever was going on between the two. That was a huge relief for me. Even Lia could breathe easier now.

Then, it happened—we were spotted at a restaurant together, and someone snapped a picture of us. The photo wasn't even that clear, but it was obvious enough—our outfits compromised us. Now, the picture was spreading like a wild fire with all sorts of gossip.

"I heard . . . you and Kleo have something going on. I mean, it's possible, but impossible at the same time!" She broke the silence when finally there was no students around us.

I suck my bottom lip and tried to weigh things between us. I'm thinking of what reason to say, and what right words would convice her to believe me.

"Hindi ko maintindihan ang nangyayari, you've been also dodging our weekend hangouts for two weeks now. Nagtataka na ako. Totoo yata ang nasa picture na kumakalat tungkol sa inyo!"

Tumigil siya sa bench na madalas naming tambayan at naupo. I sighed deeply, rolled my eyes and sit in front of her.

"I told you, there's nothing going on between us. He's just helping me spy on Ate Ellaine and Marcus. I already told you about that, right?" I explained, trying to sound as convincing as possible.