Beyond the Horizon of Love (Ryker Series #1)

BTHOL [9]

We didn't do that much naman aside from walking around and window shopping. The only thing he bought was the slides that he gave to me.

Nang mag-alas sais ay tumawag si Mommy sa akin kaya naman siya na ang kumausap kay Kuya Sean para yayain kumain ng dinner sa bahay.

"Sorry po, nagiging hobby na ni Mommy na iinvite ka for dinner," paumanhin ko.

Iniwan ko muna siya kay Mommy sa living room bago umakyat sa kwarto ko para makapag-shower. Nagsuot lang ako ng simpleng tank top at black maong shorts. Ginamit ko na rin iyong slides na binili niya sa akin because it somehow feels comfy sa paa ko.

"How was your prelims exam?" baling ni Mommy sa akin habang kumakain kami.

"I just had a hard time with the essay questions but all in all, I think I did a great job naman po," magalang na sagot ko.

"You think?" nakataas ang isang kilay na tanong niya.

Tumikhim si Daddy. "Let's not talk about that in front of the food," seryosong sabi ni Daddy. "Your charity work will happen next week, right? What's your plan?"

Nagliwanag ang mukha ko dahil sa naging tanong niya. I'm glad that he asked me about it.

"I'm still discussing it with my friends dahil sakto naman pong holiday next week kaya same day na lang din po namin gaganapin."

"You do charity work?" mahinang tanong ni Kuya Sean pero mukhang narinig iyon ni Mommy.

"Yes po. I do it every year tuwing may enough savings ako," nakangiting sagot ko.

"That's great," tumatangong sabi niya.

"If you want to help, you can join her next week. I'm sure Avril won't mind. She needs more hands," Mom told him.

"Sure. I don't have anything else to do, Tita," nakangiting sabi ni Kuya Sean.

We discussed my possible plan for the charity work next week until we finished eating. That's why when Saturday came, I invited my friends and Kuya Sean to come over to the house.

Sa may pool area ko sila dinala since mas presko at mas makakapag-usap kami. Dito rin kasi kami madalas tuwing may group project.

"Ano 'yan? May plus one ka na?" pang-aasar ni Leizie habang naghahanda kami ng meryenda sa kusina.

"Ang issue mo talaga," umiiling na puna ni Nova.

"Sus, alam ko na 'yong mga ganyang kaganapan. Inform mo nalang ako kapag kayo na para kunwari namang magugulat ako," Lei added. I just ignored her.

"You can have your snacks first," I told them.

Lumapit kaagad sa akin si Kuya Sean para kunin ang bitbit kong tray kaya naman hindi na naman nakatakas sa akin ang mapanuksong tingin ni Lei.

"Oo nga pala, I forgot to tell you guys. Kuya Sean will be joining us next week," sabi ko.

Ngumisi kaagad si Leizie. "Kung ganon, pwede rin bang yayain si Kuya Mikko?"

"Anong si Kuya?!" bayolenteng reaksyon ni Brix. "I mean, bakit? Busy 'yon sa pagbabanda, eh. Wala na siyang ibang ginawa kung hindi tumugtog. Sunod-sunod din ang gig nila. Nakahanap ng maayos na vocalist, eh."

"Well, that's not a bad idea. Let's invite his band to perform. For entertainment purposes kaya!"

Napailing si Zayd bago ako sinenyasan na huwag na lang pansinin ang kaibigan.

I cleared my throat, trying my best to ignore Lei. "We will gather donations to buy essential items like clothes, school supplies, and toys for the children. Just like usual."