Barangay Series #2 : Evan Dos Santiago

Kabanata 7

"Come on, Hara!"

I looked at Lazaro for permission to join at alcohol shots. Kanina lamang ay sinabihan nila ako nina Mama na huwag akong iinom pero maya't maya ako kinukulit ng ilang kaibigan ng magkakapatid. Lazaro was always beside me whole New Year night. He was guarding me.

"Just one glass," he whispered.

Dahil sa pagtayo ko mula sa upuan, senyales na iinumin ko iyon ay naghiyawan sila. Kanina pa kasi nila akong gusto painumin kaya naman tuwang tuwa ngayon. I took a one shot and immediately turned around to come back in my sit.

Kento's peacefully watching on his phone while his friends are drinking. He knew his limits as a kid, he's a good boy. Alam niyang bawal pa siyang uminom.

"Lazaro, lumapit ka na rito! Hindi naman aalis ang kapatid mo riyan sa tabi!" it was his friend.

I nodded at him and slightly pushed him to them so he can at least enjoy the night. He was with me since morning because his brothers wasn't there. Only Libero and Lazarus was left here in Cavite. Lahat ay nasa kaniya-kaniyang bakasyon dahil sa trabaho at ilang mga kaibigang hindi nabibisita.

Lazarus left just a few hours with Libero, baka raw kasi malungkot si Mama sa bahay dahil wala kami roon at halos lahat ay umalis so Lazarus was the only one who will take care of me while we're here at somewhere.

It wasn't boring, I had so much fun with them. I thought my Christmas and New Year would be lonely but then suddenly I received an invitation from the Manalo Family. Thanks to them.

"Kento," I called. "Are you sleepy?" kita ko kung paano unti unting pumipikit ang mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa cellphone.

Umiling pa siya, "hindi," pero muling napapikit at mulat.

A few minutes later, I saw him already sleeping on his seat. I shrugged and watched Lazaro talk to his friends. They're all having fun and minding their own business. Dahil sa walang kausap, inaantok na rin ako.

Our eyes met, after he saw my sleepy eyes he immediately stood up and excused himself.

"Uwi na tayo?" alok niya. "You look sleepy."

"Yeah," I answered honestly. "I am so tired these days… I didn't slept well too. Too many events," bumuntong hininga ako. "You done? Go get back in there, they're waiting for you."

He eyed Kento beside me and grabbed the boy's cellphone. He put it in his pocket and tapped Kento's shoulder but he didn't wake up so he just grabbed his arm and carried the boy.

"Tara na," hinintay niya akong tumayo. Hindi sinagot ang tanong ko at naunang naglakad palabas ng bulwagan at dumaretsyo sa elevator.

We were so silent until we get in the car. He put on my seatbelt and drove the car peacefully. Kahit antok na, pinilit ko pa ring maging mulat hanggang sa makarating kami sa bahay. Mama welcomed me a hug.

"Gabing gabi na ang uwi ninyo, pagod ka na ba?" malambing niyang tanong sa akin, "Inday, prepare a warm bath for Hara!"

"Mama…" Lazaro kissed her cheeks, "I'm sorry, we had so much fun there."

Si Libero ang kumuha kay Kento at pinasok ito sa loob ng bahay. Lazarus waved at me and wiggled his eyebrows. Kumunot ang noo ko at tumawa.

"Hindi naman po ako masyadong pagod, Mama," sabi ko. "Antok lang po ako, salamat po sa pagpapa-prepare ng pagliliguan ko."

She sighed and hugged my arm. We started walking inside the mansion while talking about some things.