Head in the Sand (Erudite Series #3)

Kapitulo 18

Kuya Eli ended up taking me home. Graham stayed at my table just until my friends and I decided to go home. Then, I messaged Graham, in case he tries to find me. Hindi ko na kasi siya nakita kanina bago umalis, magpapaalam sana ako.

Scratch that!

Magsasabi, magsasabi ako na uuwi na ako.

Bakit naman ako magpapaalam sa kaniya na uuwi na ako?

"Nag-Grab kayo papunta ro'n," Kuya said as he maneuvered the gear shift and stepped on the gas.

"I wasn't alone and I was with a girl," I reminded him, in case he was going to scold me. "Okay, good. Are you hungry?" Kuya asked.

I was typing my message for Graham as I answered him. "Yeah, can we get some burgers, Kuya?" I pressed send and looked at my text.

Eloise Madrigal: i went home na, graham. thanks for watching over me and my friends, ingat kaa

"What burger do you want? McDo, Kentucky, or Wendy's?" I thought for a moment and answered the last option he gave me.

"How have you been, bebe?" I glanced at Kuya before answering. "Fine, I got most of my midterm grades already."

"And?" he probed. I smiled at him and didn't answer. Kuya smiling at my smile already made my answer understood without being said.

"Galing talaga ng bebe," Kuya took the opportunity of the car halting at a red light to kiss my cheek. "Mana sa 'yo," sabi ko.

Kuya pinched my nose. "Kay Daddy ka mana, hindi naman ako matalino, e. Kahit si Kuya 'di rin matalino."

I smiled and let my brows meet. "Says the guy na kasama sa topnothcers ng accountancy board!" I say before pinching his right cheek.

"Suwerte lang," Kuya smiled before he began to drive again.

Medyo antok na ako, kaya hindi ko na kinausap ulit si Kuya hanggang sa mahatid niya ako sa condo.

I felt Kuya taking off my seatbelt and calling me.

"Bebe... Eloise," malamyos na boses ang gumising sa akin. "We're here na."

My eyes fluttered and I sat up. Kuya was holding my food and staring at me. "Kahawig mo na si Mommy," malambing na anas ni Kuya.

I smiled at him before we got out of his car. Hinatid niya ako hanggang sa lobby. I took the food from him and bid him goodbye.

"Ingat ka, Kuya. Thank you for taking me home," sleepily, I muttered. I yawned when Kuya went in for a hug. "Tulog ka na agad, ha."

I put my palms on Kuya's back and embraced him for a few seconds before he let me go. "I love you, Eloise."

Bumuka ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi ni Kuya. I haven't said those three words since Mommy died. Daddy was the only one who told us that. So, I felt a wave of joy because Kuya told me those three words. They've always seemed to be too heavy for me to say. Too strong. That's why I rarely said them even when Mommy was alive.

"Love you too, Kuya."

Hindi ko rin siya mabuo talaga kahit na... mahal na mahal ko naman si Kuya.

Kuya showed a tired smile and left me. I had a guilty feeling because of his reaction. Hindi naman nila alam na hirap ako sabihin 'yon, pero baka napansin nila the past year—because I never said it back to Daddy. This was the first time I've heard it from Kuya after a long time, so maybe... he really did notice.