Two Steps Behind

First Holiday

Devin's POV:

After her birthday surprise, naging maayos naman ang lahat between me and Myrtle. Pareho kaming naging busy sa school, our band's popularity has taken off too, pero inuuna pa din namin ang studies namin, kaya kung hindi naman holiday ang gig, tuwing Friday night lang kami tumutugtog.

Kapag hindi masyadong busy si Myrtle, she would go to our gigs, cheering on me and the band. Sometimes, kung wala naman itong tatapusin na assignment, she would come with me at nanonood ng practice namin, minsan gumagawa siya ng plates niya habang nakikinig sa practice namin.

It was the Christmas Holiday, we decided to fly back to California for the Holidays at dito na mag-celebrate ng Christmas together with our Parents. Dad has become friends with the Peters' Family, They would often have him as a guest in their home. Which makes me and Myrtle happy, because our families are getting along.

"Love, can you hand me a towel please?" paki-usap ko kay Myrtle.

She gets a towel inside the drawer, pero imbes i-abot sa akin, lumapit sya sa akin at pinunasan ang pawis ko.

"Love, kanina ka pa nagluluto. Look at Dad, kanina pa kain ng kain ng barbeque yan, tas tignan mo si Ate Madison, kain din ng kain. Pahinga ka na muna please?" She said to me.

We were having a new year's eve party in the backyard, my dad was enjoying the night. Myrtle and I took over the kitchen duties.

"Hayaan mo na love, minsan lang naman mangyari ito eh." I smiled at Myrtle.

"Hay naku love, kaya ka gustong-gusto ni Daddy eh. Sipag mo kase mag-barbeque." Natatawang sagot naman niya.

"One more please?" sabi ng Ate ni Myrtle.

"My God, Ate Madison. Nakakailang barbeque ka na ba?" Naiiling na tawa ni Myrtle sa Ate niya.

"Hoy, Myrtle. Kahit naman kumain ako ng kumain ibuburn ko din to pagbalik ko sa London. Besides, your girl Devin cooks the yummiest steaks and barbeques, can't blame me." defensive na sagot ng Ate ni Myrtle.

"Here you go Ate Madison." Sabi ko, sabay lagay ng Barbeque sa plate niya.

"Thank you Devin, ang sarap talaga ng barbeque mo." Nakangiting sabi sa akin ni Ate Madison.

"Welcome po Ate." I smiled.

"Etong kapatid ko, topak talaga yan. I hope you understand her. Nga pala, thank you for taking good care of my little sister." She said as she chewed on her barbeque.

"I do. I understand her." Sabi ko naman sabay tingin kay Myrtle na ngayon ay busing-busy sa pagsandok ng pagkain namin.

"Alam mo, Devin, I have never seen her so happy before. Wag na wag mong sasaktan si bunso namin ha? Kundi malalagot ka samin."

"Ate, baka naman matakot na si Devin sa'yo. Hindi pa nga kami niyan eh." awat naman ni Myrtle sa ate niya.

"Love, ok lang naman. Nagegets ko naman si Ate Madison."

"Ok lang naman pala sa kanya, bunso eh. Tsaka baby girl ka ng family natin, so she needs to know just how important you are to us."

"Ate... She's aware of that." Natatawang sabi ni Myrtle.

"Alam mo ba Devin, itong si Myrtle nung mga 10 years old pa lang to, may nangbully sa kanya. Muntik ko na mabasag muka nung lalake na yun eh. Diba baby?" Sabi ni Ate Madison kay Myrtle

"Yeah, I remember that guy. He was the school bully, mas malaki sakin ng konti. Nung kinompronta naman ni Ate Madison, naihi sa takot yung bully." sabi ni Myrtle na natatawa sa memory.