Aligned With The Stars (Montereal Series #3)

[7]

"Daph, wake up. Ms. Dizon is coming,"

I blinked slowly, as I sat straight with my position. It's been months since school started and the school's nice... but sometimes I still miss my home.

We had a two hour subject, that made me really sleepy. I resisted the urge to fall asleep again because Ms. Dizon is very strict. One time she caught me sleeping, and she gave me minus points in conduct. Pinalabas niya rin ako nang classroom, which I used to my advantage by sleeping in the library. Bumalik nalang ako nung lunch na. Wala rin naman sinabi si Ms. Dizon na hindi ako pwede umalis e.

"Are you going to the soirée?"

These past few months were bearable, thanks to Solara and Natasha. They helped me to forget whatever problem it is that I'm experiencing at home. Lalo pa at kinakabahan na kami dahil bibisita daw sina Mommy at Daddy. We don't know how Daddy and Mommy will react once they saw Joaquin. Lalong-lalo na si Daddy.

"Depends pa, if my brother would allow me." I told her.

"Oh, I heard about him leaving the band, ah. Why daw? Thunder wouldn't tell me why... how's he with Ate Janelle na ba?"

Thunder, is one of Kuya's bandmates. Apparently, he's Solara's family friend. Close daw sila ni Thunder, since her parents often leave her with them. Halos doon na din daw siya tumira, mula noong inuwi siya dito.

"I'd rather not talk about it," I replied. I don't want to talk about her and her relationship with Kuya. Naiinis pa rin ako sa nangyari. Why would she even do such a thing? She's so heartless. I'm stupid enough to trust her.

"Oh, alright. If you say so." nakangiting sambit ni Solara.

I still felt sleepy so I slept on the way home. Dinaanan lang ako ni Kuya, mula sa Brierwell. Our routine would always end like that. Pinaiiwanan niya rin pala si Joaquin kay Ate Frances, because Ate Frances has more time now since she already graduated. Wala rin naman kaso sa kanya ang tulungan si Kuya.

"Kuya," I called when we arrived at the condo while he's carrying Joaquin. I could see how tired Kuya is right now, kaya ginagawa ko na rin ang lahat, para hindi maging pabigat sa kanya.

"Yes?" he asked as he laid Joaquin on the crib. Four months palang ito nung iniwan ni Ate Janelle. I tried to understand her, but I really don't. How could a mother leave her child like that? Naiisip ko palang na lalaki si Joaquin na walang ina ay naawa na ako dito.

I sat at the couch looking at Kuya. Seryoso lang naman siyang nakatingin sa akin at halos wala na rin buhay ang mga mata. He stopped working since he has to focus on his studies, but now that Ate Janelle is gone, ay mas lalo na siyang nahirapan. That's why he quitted the band.

"Uhm, we have a soirée next Saturday. I was wondering if.. I could go."

He slumped on the couch and closed his eyes. I pity my brother. He has to take care of his child, and take care of his studies. Siguradong hindi rin ito matatanggap nina Mommy and Daddy kaya nahihirapan rin siya sa sitwasyon. He even has to take care of me...

"Sino kasama mo?" he asked.

"I'm with Solara and Natasha. You know Solara naman right?"

He nodded. Nakapikit lang ang mga mata ni Kuya at parang handa nang matulog. He doesn't tell me but I could feel how much pain he is in right now. Kaya madalas bumibisita rin dito sina Drake at Santi para tulungan siya.