In Between (SC, #4)

Kabanata 20

Kabanata 20

Focus

The dinner went well, I guessed. Akala 'ko ay magiging awkward ako sa buong oras. All I had in mind were tita Hannah and probably her confession to my parents about our first encounter after all the years. My drunk ass brother and our little escapade.  But none of it was displayed. It is an usual dinner like yesterday had never happened.

Lola Magdalene led the talk. Tila walang lumipas na oras nang mag-umpisa si Lola na magsabi ng mga nakaraan. How fond she was going back from London to Bulacan just to see us, her grandchildren. I was on the verge of tears when she looked at me. This is how the way she treated us, like her true grandchildren even we are not related.

The dishes were all delicious. Wala ng bukas ang pagkain 'ko. Ni karampot na hiya ay hindi 'ko pinakita ng mga oras na iyon. These were all British dishes, how could I not taste all of it? Tinikman 'ko ang lahat at hindi iyon pinalampas! Parehas ang naging reaksyon namin ni Jeremiah na makalat sa pagkain. I saw Mama eyeing my little brother, even narrowing her eyes. Si Papa nakikibalita kay tito Justin tungkol sa clinic nila sa Turo pati na rin si kuya Kit.

I still behaved myself though.

There are few glances shared between Jace and I. Mahirap itago ang pagkapula ng pisngi na ng mga oras na iyon. I really hope no one in the table noticed it because they were all paying attention to the chatter and to the food.

Even I want to believe Genesis didn't notice my radiance, at the back of my mind, I know he was sneaking because he wanted to know everything-every little thing in their house. Or maybe, I was just assuming because he didn't care at all. Dahil alam 'kong mas abala siya pakikinig sa kinukuwento ni lola kaysa sa akin-oh, what would I think about it?

I should just get down on my high horse.

Everyone participated to talk and shared about their selves. I wasn't afraid that time to know me. Though, a pang of guilt sliced through my chest because I am still culpable about not really willingly wanted to be here...in Bulacan.

I didn't expect this...my cousins. To make everything all right. To make everything seems tolerable.

At least the dinner went...okay.

Huminga ako ng malalim habang nilalagay ang laptop sa aking bag. I eyed the clock on the wall. Alas-nuwebe na ng gabi.  Ano pa bang matatapos 'ko sa oras na 'to? The clock is ticking as so the deadline? Anong klaseng tulong ba ang kayang niyang ibigay?

Halata namang ayaw na ayaw niya sa akin, e? I can't even comprehend Lola Magdalene!

In the end, I am packing my things, my laptop and my module. Most importantly, the printed case study. Ang lahat nang iyon ay nasa bag 'ko. My things are ready. But am I? Alam mo 'yong dapat wala naman ikabahala tungkol sa paghingi 'ko ng tulong, e? But my internals are shaking me to the core!

It is just Genesis! We keep it professionally!

"Hanggang anong oras ka doon?" Kit questioned while staring at himself on the mirror. He caressed his clenched jaw. Masama ang titig sa kanyang sarili. Sometimes, kuya has the same demeanor like kuya Hunter. Menacing features ngunit mas slight iyong kay kuya. Howeve, he is plastering. Right now. "Sunduin kita after?"

I was...taken aback.

Tinago 'ko ang reaksyon sa akin. "H'wag na...okay lang. Saka ilang lakad lang naman 'yong bahay natin sa bahay nila."

"Kahit na...mga anong oras ba 'yan matatapos?" aniya, nagsalubong ang kilay.

"Alas tres, worse 'di na ko matulog. Umaga na? Tas pasok na 'ko." I struggled to blow out an answer.