In Between (SC, #4)

Kabanata 13

Kabanata 13

Respeto

"Nag-text na ba?" Jayden hissed, her upturned eyes shooting dagger to anything. She doesn't know her bitchy face is plastering on her features. Her hands fell on her hips. She shook her head abruptly, annoyed. "Kakauwi lang, pumunta na kung saan-saan. Parang ewan, aalis pa naman kami bukas ng maaga. Mayayari pa 'ko kay Daddy nito, e."

Jayden is talking about his big brother, Garrett. Na kakauwi lamang kaninang madaling araw. I think he has no class in the morning for tomorrow. Same slightly as my schedule, I don't have classes on Wednesday, whole day.

Even though Jayden is infuriating, I am still in awe to know that Garett started his journey in medical school. Wow, the Mendez clan is having a future doctor someday! Hindi biro ang pagpasok ni kuya Garett dito!

"Baka naman nasa Le Pher na naman sila?" I was pulled out on my private session with myself when Jayden spoke loudly. Hinarap niya 'ko at walang humpay ang pagtipa niya sa kanyang telepono. "Wait, nga ma-text si Genesis." Her cupid bow lips pursed in disgust.

Napakunot ako ng noo. Why would she text Satan, then? Anong connect?

Clearly, Jayden made fun of my expression, knowing that I would react violently. Wow, why would I do that? Anila'y laging masama ang reaksyon 'ko kapag tungkol kay Satanas ang topic. Hindi ba nila napapansin na hindi 'ko binibigyang atensyon 'yon tao?

"What?" I reacted, with a roll eyes.

"Nothing." Umiling si Jayden at nagtuloy sa pagtitipa. "Oh, damn. Tama ako. Nasa Le Pher nga sila. Even your brother, kuya Hunter, kuya Landon, and their cousins. And opps." Her eyes went wide. Maloko ang tingin ni Jayden sabay tulak sa aking balikat. "You're favorite person. Genesis Raziel Herrera." Humalakhak siya pagkatapos.

"Ulol," ani 'ko sabay irap.

I turned my back and started to walk. "Tara na. Pumara na tayo ng tricyle. Kung ano-anong masamang salita pinagsasabi mo, e."

"Badtrip kaagad?" asar ni Jayden.

"Me?" Tinuro 'ko ang sarili. "No. Me? No. Never," buga 'ko.

Nagtuloy ang  pang-aasar ni Jayden hanggang sa makasakay kami ng tricyle. Dito sa probinsya, tila ang gabi'y nagmamadali. Madilim kaagad ang paligid at kaunti na lamang ang tao sa lugar namin. I am not sure with the other places in Taal. But going far north or in Wakas, may gumagala pa rin ibang tao...though it is 9 in the evening. Nasamahan 'ko lang si Jayden sa pagsundo sa kuya niya. And I am just thrilled to see Garett, I haven't seen him for ages, seriously.

"Balita 'ko gumala raw kayo ni Jace sa Maginhawa, a..." halos pabulong ang tinig ni Jayden, hindi makatingin sa akin. Bago ako magsalita ay hinintay 'ko ibigay niya ang bayad sa driver. From Taal to Bocaue Crossing ang naging tahak ng daan namin dahil malapit ang Le Pher Cafe & Restobar sa MCDonalds Bocaue. I'd seen unknown and can't determined faces of people gazing at our place. "O, bakit? Natatameme ka?" Jayden elbowed me.

"Ah!" Bigla 'kong pasok sa sarili. "Gala lang 'yon! Nagkita pa nga kami ng mga friends niya sa UP Manila."

"Hindi pa ba 'yon nanliligaw sa'yo?" she bluntly uttered, brows creased. Gumala lamang ang mata ni Jayden sa aking mukha. Tila hinahanap ang katotohan sa magiging reaksyon 'ko sa mga salitang binanggit.

My arms flailed immediately. Nanlaki ang mata 'ko. "Hindi! Mukhang wala namang gusto 'yon! Sa akin pa ba?" I pointed myself. I don't know why I like to low my self-esteem these days. I feel like I don't deserve that recognition.

"Naku, Ish. I have seen and experienced those. Para saan ang relo," aniya sabay tingin sa aking palapulsuhan. And to disappoint her, I forgot to wear it. On her features, I saw her grimace a bit. "Forget about it. H'wag mo na lang isipin."