Setting Into The Horizon (Painted Colors Series 1) ON HOLD

Chapter 7

Chapter 7
Setting Into the Horizon

"And... cut!" Everyone, including those from backstage, clapped their hands after I said those words. We just finished doing our polishing rehearsals for the play on Saturday. It was already around six in the evening. I know everyone is tired of the practice, kaya dinismiss ko na rin ito pagkatapos. Ericka, though, has told everyone to gather for a short meeting.

"Nakapagpaalam na ba ang lahat?" Ericka asked. Some nodded their heads and some did not. "After our class tomorrow afternoon, tutuloy na tayo kina Koa for our dress rehearsals. Make sure you have brought all your costumes para isang bitbitan na lang..."

Yes. We will be having our dress rehearsals at my house. I asked Dad about it, and he said yes, eventually. On the other hand, Mom went on a business trip and will be back next month.

I followed my father to their room after we were both done eating. Dad sat down on their bed to wear his black shoes, so I took that opportunity to ask him for permission. "Daddy, is it okay for my classmates to sleep here in our house the night before our play?"

Dad looked up to me after I asked him my question. "Sure, darling." My face lit up after Dad responded. "Just make sure that no one touches your mom's jars. Alam mo naman 'yon kung paano magalit." Dad stood up and caressed my hair.

"Opo, Dad. I'll also make sure that the house will stay clean," I chuckled. Lumapit ako sa tatay ko at inayos ang kwelyo niya.

"Thank you anak," dad said. His face then showed sadness, "Sorry wala kami ng mommy mo sa play niyo sa Sabado. Naiintindihan mo naman anak na we're busy with our business diba? We're working hard for your future." daddy smiled yet it didn't reach his eyes.

"Daddy, It's okay. I understand." I replied. Hindi nagtagal ay nagpaalam na rin ang tatay ko. He bid me goodbye while pulling his suitcase along with him, leaving me alone again in the house.

I watched the back of my father's car disappear from my sight. I sighed out of sadness. Sanay na ako sa ganitong sitwasyon. Mom and Dad are always working, or they are in a faraway country whenever I'll do something important in my life.

"Your ballpen," I snapped back to consciousness when I felt someone tap me on my shoulder. It was West. I looked up to meet his gaze; he was again sporting his famous and cold expression.

"Huh?" I asked. How long was I lost in thoughts? I asked myself this time.

"Your ballpen," ulit nito. West extended his hand to give the pen. I curiously accepted it. I look at it only to see an unfamiliar pen. I only saw this pen just now. Hindi 'to sa akin.

"Ah thank you," I said after I looked up. West nods his head as response. Bumaba ulit ang tingin ko sa ballpen na hawak. My head tilted as I don't remember owning this kind of pen. I brought back my gaze to him but I was shocked to see no one in front of me. My eyebrows met. Lumingon ako sa paligid at nakita ang likod ni West na papalabas na sa room. I felt my features relax with the sight of his back. I pouted. Minsan ang hirap talaga niya kausapin at intindihin.

"Koa, sure ka ba na pwede akong pumasok?" Hannah asked. Nakasunod lang sila sa likod ko while I open the wide entrance door of our house. "Hala! Nakakahiya, Koa," Hannah took a peek over my shoulder after I opened the door, and the rest of our classmates followed. Everyone opened their mouths at the same time. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Woah,"

"Ang ganda!"

"Ang laki! Yung living room nila kasya na dalawang kwarto namin ng kapatid ko."

Narinig ko ang bulungan ng mga kaklase ko. I opened the door even wider to let them enter the house.

"Pasok kayo. You can drop your bags on the couch." I instructed them. "...and guys, please don't touch the jars. Pagagalitan ako ng nanay ko," dagdag ko pa bago kinakabahan na nagpakawala ng tawa.