Impervious Treasure (Azcona Cousins #2)

08

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Chapter 08

"Ate Clair. Kausapin mo na si Ram, please?"

Kasalukuyan akong abala sa research paper namin. After weeks of work immersion, we are embraced with a bunch of schoolwork. Hindi na 'yon bago para sa'min simula nang tumuntong kami ng senior high. Hinihintay ko na lamang na matapos itong semester para makapagpahinga na. 

"Busy ako, Gian. Nakikita mo naman siguro?"

He sighed. "Reply to his messages... at least. He wanted to say sorry to you. Hindi niya raw inaasahan na sisigawan ka ni Tita Raquel noong gabing 'yon. He feels sorry."

I want to erase that offensive memory. I couldn't believe that Tita Raquel shouted at me. Ako ang sinisi niya sa halip na pangaralan ang sariling anak. I was playing nice and acting as a responsible friend to her son. Until now, I cannot fully comprehend that she's condemning me of something that I didn't teach her only child. 

Ako raw ang masamang impluwensya.   

My name got embroiled to the scene Ramsis and Lea have made. Sana pala ay hindi na lamang ako tumulong at pinabayaan na lamang lumaki ang ginawa nilang kumosyon. The fact that Lea's parents also asserted that I was the cause of the commotion made me feel bad. I got relieved to my student body position because of that stupid heroic act I've done. The funny thing was, Ramsis had nothing to say to defend me. His mouth was zipped the entire time that we were inside the guidance office. Nakayuko lang siya at tahimik na nakikinig sa mga paratang sa'kin ng counselor.

I wasn't included at the annual thanksgiving donation. I voluntarily withdraw from the event. Naroon pa rin ang suporta ng Fonacier dahil isa kami sa sponsors ngunit wala ni isa sa'min ang tumulong sa naturang event.  

My parents didn't believe them. Alam nilang hindi ako ganoong klaseng tao kaya hindi nila ako pinagmalupitan. Naging matunog man ang pangalan ko sa buong senior high school society, hindi naman ako nagpaapekto roon.

"Buwan na ang lumipas, ah?" I laughed in anguish. Mataman akong tumingin sa'king kapatid. "Tell your best friend to never bother me. Ayokong masangkot sa mga ginagawa niya. Alam mo naman ang nangyari 'di ba? I hope you won't favor him. You should at least feel my regret and anger. For once, 'wag mo siyang kampihan. Are we clear, Gian?"

His eyes drooped as he nodded. "Sorry, Ate Clair."

Tumango ako. "Please tell him to refrain from messaging me, okay?"

"Opo."

"Good."

Sunday morning, I went for a jog with my dogs. Tatlong laps lang ang ginawa ko at tumigil na kami sa clubhouse. I removed their leashes so that they can freely ran around the grass. I drank my energy drink and wiped my sweat on my nape. Maraming tao ngayon sa clubhouse pero hindi naman malaking abala si Tofu at Mallow sa mga tao. We're in an enclosed space kaya imposible namang may magreklamo pa sa mga aso ko. Uminom ako ng aking energy drink. Madalas na akong mag jogging dahil Christmas break na. Our family planned to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year in Italy. Mom's been totally obsessed with the Italian culture.  

Italy's well known to be the center of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical art and architecture. Our mother is a big fan of Italian art and artists because she herself is a painter. Hindi nga lang siya nag focus sa kanyang career dahil dumating kami sa buhay niya. She now paints for a hobby or past time. She likes to paint landscapes but she's trying to do portraits too.

Magkasundo sila ni Olive tuwing sining ang pag-uusapan. 

Bigla akong napangiwi nang mapansin na papunta sa lugar ko si Lucas. The annoying Triveles again. Isinuot ko ang manipis na windbreaker para takpan ang katawan. I'm in my workout clothes. Sinuot ko lang ulit ang windreaker dahil sumikat muli ang araw sa banda ko.