PULLED AT HIS STRINGS | Darren Espanto #3 (Spin-off)

Chapter Eight

Chapter 8

Unlooked for

Have you ever wonder why you look at someone with so much indifference? Iyong tipong hindi naman kayo nag-away, wala namang pagkakamali, wala namang nakakahiya na nangyari pero may kakaiba na?

That's what I felt when we got back to school on January.

So, okay. December was a blast.

A week before the 25th of December, we went home to Nueva Vizcaya. Doon na kami nanatili hanggang sa matapos ang pasko. On the 26th of the same month, we went home. Hindi naman kasi papayag si Mama na hindi kami sa bahay magba-bagong taon.

"Happy New Year, dude!" Jace shouted.

Kalahating oras na ang nakalipas pero maingay pa din sa kanila.

"Happy New Year! Bakit ang ingay diyan?" I asked.

"Madami kami dito sa bahay, e. Andito mga kamag-anak namin."

It's only me, Lynelle, Mom, and Dad who celebrated here in our house. Kahit na apat lang kami, nag-ingay kaming magkakapitbahay sa labas pagsapit ng madaling araw. Halos mamaos pa nga ako dahil kinukulit nila ako na kumanta nang kumanta. Sama-sama narin ang mga handa  ng lahat sa table na nakalagay don sa garden namin.

Nakipag-usap pa ako saglit kay Jace bago na nagpaalam. I posted my greeting on my social media accounts, and posted a picture on my Messenger's My Day.

'Happy New Year everyone! Have a blast all throughout this year!'

That's what I posted.

"Kuya! You go outside daw and sing for them again!"

"Ikaw muna kumanta!" I answered my sister without opening the door. She banged her hand instead of knocking. What an impatient young lady.

"I'm not good pero sige!"

I heard how she happily shouted that it's her turn to sing. I even heard my Mom telling her to stop running downstairs because she might fall.

But knowing Lynelle, sanay na siya. Every time she hears the Nestlé tune, tatakbo na siya pababa with her small wallet in her hand sabay sigaw, "Popsicle po! I'm gonna buy a popsicle!"

Humiga nalang ako sa kama. I closed my eyes when I heard a ting from my Messenger.

Skylynn Renee Dela Fuentes:

Hi, Darren!

Skylynn Renee Dela Fuentes:

Happy New Year! 😊🎉

I looked stupid for rolling over before sitting on my bed. Kinusot ko ang mga mata ko bago tinignan kung tama pa ba ang binabasa ko. Medyo nanlalabo ang mata ko dahil sa diretsong pagkanta kanina. My eyes were just staring right at the screen.

Me:

Happy New Year! Mukhang masaya ka, ah?

Another knock came from my door.

"Anak? Gising ka pa ba? Tara at kain na tayo, nasa iisang table na mga handa nating magkakapitbahay."

"Yes, Mom. I'll be down in a bit."

Skylynn Renee Dela Fuentes:

I am happy. Seryoso. 😏

Sumunod na ako sa labas. Pinauna ko muna silang kumuha ng handa. It appeared like a buffet here. That's just nice to do with our neighbors.

"Kuya, hindi ka pa kakain?" Dad asked me.

"Mamaya, Pa. Una muna kayo."

Sumandal ako at nag-umpisa nang magtipa. I was about to ask her why her emoji was like that when she sent a video. I played it and the video was focused on the fireworks display.