Even If It Means A War (Chaotic Series #1)

Kabanata 32

Even If It Means A War

Kabanata 32

"Mag-aaral na ako, Ma?"

Nilingon ko si Roine na kumakain ng mangga. "Yup. You can write and read already. Marami ka ring makikilalang friends doon sa magiging school mo."

I enrolled him today. We were on our way home from school. The enrollment period was about to close and luckily we made it in time.

He giggled. "For sure there are a lot of pretty girls there."

My eyes widened. "Pretty girls what?"

He chuckled.

"You're still young! Bawal pa ang magka-crush!"

Mas lalo siyang natawa. "I just find girls pretty. Like you, Ma."

Ngumuso ako. Kinindatan niya ako at ngumuso rin. Sabay kaming nagtawanang dalawa.

We arrived at the mansion. Since my grandfather left just yesterday and is surely in France now, we will stay in here for the time being.

"I'm enrolled!" tinakbo ni Roine ang bulwagan nang makapasok kami. "Tita Rems, I'm enrolled already!"

I took off my shoes and changed into indoor slippers. I texted Rall to ask if he would be having lunch here so I could cook for all of us. Bumaba si Rems sa grand staircase na may nguya-nguyang kamote.

"Enrolled na ang panget!" asar niya sa pamangkin.

"Oh? Gorilla eats kamote now? That's new, huh," asar pabalik ni Roine.

Kahit nasa kusina ako ay malakas akong natawa.

"Hindi na kita bibilhan ng balut, bata ka!"

I poured a glass of water for myself. Then I poured another glass at naglakad papunta kay Roine na nakaupo sa sofa.

"Water muna," inabot ko sa kaniya ang baso. Nilingon ko si Rems na binubuksan ang TV. "Umuwi ba si Rall?"

Umiling siya at mabilis na pinagpipindot ang remote. "Tumawag lang siya rito kanina nung hindi ka raw sumasagot sa tawag niya. Sabi ko nasa school pa kayo."

"Maraming nag-enroll kanina, hindi ko napansin ang tawag niya kasi busy ako kay Roine," I said. Roine handed me his empty glass. "Son, what do you want for dinner?"

"Kahit ano po basta luto mo."

"Roine, anong gusto mong panoorin? Superbook?"

"Superman!"

"Superbook ang panonoorin natin."

"Nagtanong ka pa, Tita."

Natatawa akong naglakad sa malayong kusina. Kami lang tatlo rito sa mansyon dahil si Ate Kristina ay nasa Manila.

Rems followed me into the kitchen. I looked at her and I saw she's side-eyeing me. Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"What?"

"Naniniwala ka do'n?"

"Huh?"

"Kay Zame? Sa sinabi niya?"

"Sinabi niya na what?"

"Si Yaryna Bernardino naman!" umirap siya at padabog na nilapag ang baso sa countertop. "Nung sinabi niya sa Prieto na sila ni Shell? Na nagsasama sila? Did you believe that?"

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. I did not answer. It... hurt.

"Hindi ako naniniwala," sabi ni Rems.

I prepared the ingredients to cook. I felt it's better not to speak.