Behind Her Innocence (Hughes Series)

Chapter 6: Siblings Lunch

"I have an appointment with the Hawaiian investors. I will go to Hawaii like what they asked us to. Don't worry because I'll make sure that I will close the deal with them. Trust me, kuya."

It was Monday and we were having lunch in a restaurant just across our building.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you? I can book a ticket and change my schedule if you'll ask me," he said then took a bite of his steak.

I took a sip of my raspberry ice tea and spoke, "Kaya ko na to, kuya. Hindi mo na kailangang sumama. Sabi nga ni dad, hati tayo sa responsibilidad sa company, diba? Kaya sa akin na 'to. Ang dami mo ng inaasikaso."

"But Hawaii is too far. Are you sure you'll be fine just by yourself?"

I chuckled. "Parang hindi ako tumira mag-isa sa States ng halos limang taon."

Natawa siya. "Yeah, right. I forgot you're the strong and independent little sister we have. We're proud of you, Gwen." I smiled at him. My family has been so supportive of me, and I am aware how proud they always are to me. "Just let me know how can I help you. You know... Mas masaya parin na maramdaman kong kuya mo ako. You never ask anything from me. You always like to do things on your own."

"Kuya talaga. Don't worry. Someday, kakailanganin din kita."

I knew I would need his help someday. Hindi ko pa alam kung paano at ano but I'm sure someday, I will need it.

Kuya Gray is the best kuya. Siya ang naging close ko sa lahat ng kapatid ko. We have been always together kasi pareho kami ng hilig and we both like business.

"Aasahan ko yan." He smiled at me na kinatawa ko. "Kailan na nga pala ang alis mo?" He added.

"On Wednesday. You know, I have to train Aaron before I leave and I'll be back on Sunday because I have to report to the office by Monday."

Monday and Tuesday kasi ang schedule ko kay Aaron as his supervisor. Wednesday and Thursday naman ay si Kuya ang naka-assign na magtrain sa kanya kaya pwede akong umalis sa araw na yun.

"Speaking of Aaron, that guy is smart. He could easily pick up things I taught him."

Napatango ako. Totoo naman yun. Aaron is really smart at isa yun sa katangian kaya nagustuhan ko siya dati. Maloko lang talaga siya and a certified jerk, but he is smart.

"Yeah, his first week of training was good too ayun sa financial head natin. Kanina, I assigned him in the marketing department. Let's see if he maintains his performance on his second week of training."

"He will. I already gave him an overview of the sales production last week, and I'm sure he remembers it."

Sana nga para mapadali narin ang pag alis niya. Yun lang naman ang hinihintay ko. Kaya nga babalik ako by Monday from my trip para wala akong ma-missed na training days niya at mas ayaw ko na e-postpone ang schedule niya kasi mas tatagal siya sa office.

"Speaking of. Hey, Aaron!"

Natigilan ako when Kuya Gray called him out. Napalingon ako and there I saw Aaron. He saw us kaya napangiti siya and went near our table.

"Wow, siblings lunch out," he said with a smile.

"Yeah. Gwen and I decided to eat out. We had some catching up to do. Are you alone? You can join us if you want."

I looked at Kuya Gray signaling him na bawiin niya yung sinabi niya but he's not looking at me, he's looking at Aaron, so he won't sense what I am trying to convey. On the side note, mas okay narin pala na hindi niya ako napansin para hindi niya mahalata na may galit ako sa lalaking nasa harapan namin.

"Sure. It's a pleasure to join you both," sabi niya at hinila ang upuan saka naupo doon.

Kuya Gray called the waiter at kinuha nito ang order ni Aaron. I was not comfortable again. Bakit kasi dito pa siya naglunch? Wala ba siyang originality? At saka hindi na siya nahiya. Feeling close agad siya kay kuya.

"So, Gray, hindi kita masyadong nakikita sa company niyo simula nung magtrain ako."

"Oh, yeah. Madalas kasi ang appointments ko sa labas. Besides, Gwen can handle things inside the company. Hanggat maaari, kami nalang ni dad ang bahala sa outside deals. We don't want Gwen to keep traveling."

"Bunsong-bunso niyo talaga siya." He chuckled and looked at me. "Gwen, masarap ba yang kinakain mo? Hindi kana umaangat ng mukha jan ah?" I heard him laughing.

Napansin niya siguro na hindi ako interesado na makipag usap sa kanya so he found a way to talk to me at inisin ako lalo.

Umangat ako ng mukha saka pilit na ngumiti sa kanya. "Masarap kasi. Baka gusto mo e try din?"

Kaya kong sakyan ang trip niya kung yun ang pakulo niya para inisin ako.

"Thanks but I already ordered something for myself. Saka panget naman kung titikman ko ang natikman mo na, diba? Hindi kaba nandidiri pag kumain ako sa plato mo?"

I blushed. What the hell was he saying?? Gusto ko siyang sakalin. For goodness sake he was playing games on me again. And the bad thing was, sa harap pa ni kuya.

What was he trying to say?!

I smiled sarcastically. "It's not what I meant. Ang ibig kong sabihin, pwede kanamang umorder kung gusto mong tikman."

Kuya Gray laughed.

"You both are funny. Magka-edad nga kayong dalawa. Magkakasundo kayo sa ugali."

"I doubt that, kuya."

Kuya just laughed and ate his food. Dumating na din ang order ni Aaron, so he started eating. Ilang sandali lang ay may tumawag kay kuya and he answered it. After his phone call, he bid goodbye.

"I have to go. Aaron, ikaw na ang bahala na samahan si Gwen pabalik ng company."

"Sure, bro. Ako ang bahala."

"But kuya—" hindi ko na tinapos ang sasabihin ko because he was in a hurry. Nakaalis na agad siya leaving me with this man I loathed so much.

30 May 2018
Miss Kae 💋