Tamed [GL-Sapphics]

Chapter 14 - Dance Studio

TAMED XIII- DANCE STUDIO.

OVER breakfast, my brother and I caught up with each other, and I was astonished to learn that he and Professor Sandoval were once classmates in elementary school days. I don't know how my brother did it, but the bond between them seemed to be of long-standing nature.

"Why are you here?" tanong ng propesora kay Brent na naghihintay ngayon sa labas. Nagsabi siya kagabi na susunduin niya ako pero tumanggi ako dahil baka makita lang siya ni Kuya, hindi ko alam bakit nandito pa rin siya o sadyang makulit lang siya.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking this? Everyone was worried last night as you didn't go home. I went to your penthouse, but you were not there. Does this suggest that you spent the night here?"

"Answer my question, I asked you first," seryosong baling din sa kanya ng pinsan. Ganito ba talaga sila mag-usap?

"I was planning to fetch, Zamy. It's nice to see you here because I didn't want to have to wander around your family's private memorial to find you again. At least give your father a call, Pai."

"Ano'ng ginagawa ng lalaking 'yan dito?" singit ni Kuya na nakatayo ngayon sa likuran ko, lumabas siya para harapin si Brent.

"Good morning, bro," Brent greeted him casually.

"Kuya, pinsan ni Miss Rhio si Brent. Nandito siya kasi sinusundo niya si ma'am," bulalas ko para makalusot. Mapanuri kaming tinitigan ni Kuya lalo na ang magpinsan.

"She's right, bro. I'm here to pick up my cousin. Hindi kasi siya umuwi kagabi and Zamy told me she was here so... my beloved cousin, let's go?"

"Magpinsan ba talaga kayo?" usisa ni Kuya na ngayo'y kay Professor Sandoval nakatingin. "Baka boyfriend mo pala 'to, Miss Sandoval? Pumuporma pa naman 'yan sa kapatid ko, baka kabitan serye na pala 'to? Ano? Upakan ko na ba?"

"Kuya!" Namumula na ako sa hiya rito, kung anu-anong sinasabi ng kapatid kong 'to! Parang hindi naman nag-iisip, eh!

"Brent is my first cousin," pilit na pagsang-ayon ng propesora.

My mother came out to save the day. Nakiusap si Brent sa pinsan na ihatid ako kahit hindi naman kailangan, nahihiya na rin ako kaya hindi na lang ako nagreklamo at sumunod sa plano.

I sat quietly in her car, stealing quick glances at her. I think her displeasure stems from the fact that we've used her as a scapegoat to keep the truth from my family that Brent has been courting me.

"Kumusta na ang pakiramdam niyo, ma'am?"

It was quite some time before she finally replied. "I thought okay na 'ko kanina but suddenly, I feel unwell again."

To make sure hindi na siya mainit as her condition last night, I extended my arm and placed the back of my hand delicately against hers, which rested on the steering wheel. Although she seemed stunned, she didn't respond in any other way than with a little surprise.

"I'm sorry," makahulugang sambit ko, hindi lang sa ginawa ko kundi sa mga nangyari sa bahay dahil kay Brent.

"Sorry for what exactly? Go tell your brother that, not me."

"Kasi nadamay ka pa sa kasinungalingan namin kanina, salamat at humihingi na rin ako ng pasensya sa nangyari. It won't happen again, ma'am."

Humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa manibela bago niya ako hinarap. "To sort out the score between you and Brent, it's best to talk to your brother or mother as soon as possible. Hindi habang buhay magrarason kang magco-commute, 'yun pala ay may nag-aabang na sundo sa'yo sa labas ng bahay niyo, Miss Abvelino."