Estranged Fury (Mad Men, #1)

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14

I stretched my arms as I saw my brother watching my movements. I finished a one-hour workout from the app I have in my phone. His gaze fixated on me through the mirror. My forehead creased a little when he just...stared. Umiling ito at napatawa ng bahagya habang iniinom ang energy drink upang alisin ang kunot sa aking noo.

Russ is the young carbon-copy of Dad. From the way he carries his confidence on the external, the way he talks about facts and truths, and his intimidation. Armed with his always on the go button down shirt and slacks, aakalain ng tao mula sa kanilang maloko ngunit seryosong mukha ay wala silang alam. Truth is, looks are really deceiving. Sa kanila 'ko napatunayan ang pahayag na iyon.

"What's your plan on your birthday?" balik nitong salita.

I shrugged my shoulders. Nagpatuloy ako sa pag-uunat. "Uhm, baka..." I thought of Wren's invite...I mean she said that it is Bennett's encourage to celebrate my pre-birthday at Bataan. To do some camping and some not-so-extreme sport for Richard: rappelling. Napapalunok ako habang naiisip iyon, but the fear is a thrilling excitement yet...I am still scared puppy. I silently breathed a sigh as I focused my attention to my brother.

"Out of the country?" His face is mixed with hopes and uncertainties. "I could book you right away to any Southeast Asia Countries?" he suggested, fishing out his mobile. Tumuon ang atensyon niya sa kanyang telepono. His lips curving...like this is all for his entertainment. "Dapat maaga kang magsabi. So...we could arrange visa. States or even Japan, right?" His gaze lifted. "You should really said it earlier, you know, so I could take vacation leave. Means," he chuckled darkly, "we are together on your day. That would be really, really great," with a convincing nod.

I let a smile occupied my lips. Iginalaw 'ko ang aking leeg habang nag-iisip nang isasagot kay Russel. Truth is, I don't want my birthday to be held somewhere like what my brother is proposing right now. I don't want any grand celebration like the old times. Mother would throws a party and invites her friends, Dad's business partners or kuya's. I want it to celebrate by myself because I want it that way.

"Ah, I am not sure, really, Russ. Tignan 'ko." I stride my way to his place to get my towel. But before I could do it, Russel grabbed my elbow. But his face plastered an unknown emotions. He's smirking but I can't comprehend it.

"Why? You used to celebrate it with us," ang tono ay may kuryosidad na hindi 'ko maintindihan.

I wiped the sweats on my face. Hindi 'ko maiwasang mapakunot ng noo. I am trying to understand the emotions passing through his harden features. But I can't. I breathed in through my nose and exhaled through my mouth. I relaxed my frantic heart for a while.

"Wanna explore the Philippines. Changed of interest, I guess, Russ."

Russel nodded abruptly. His eyes remained on my face, pinning me to my place. Inalis niya ang hawak sa aking siko at tinuloy ang pag-inom ng energy drink. May nais pa siyang sabihin ngunit napatawa na lamang. "Right. That is growing up, I supposed. I understand. H'wag mo lang kalimutan na sabihin kung nasaan ka na. So..." He vented, almost pursing his lips. "Doesn't matter. We're just worried. And enjoy your birthday. Kung magbago man ang isip mo, your brother, that's me." Tumawa siya. "Is one call away."

Tumango ako. Kasabay nito ay ang pagyakap ni Russel sa akin. He squeezed my waist and I shivered instantly. His touch on my skin is shocking. It lasted longer than I expected when I felt his lips on my cheek. "Better safe than sorry, Rosaleen." His words have meaning. Or maybe, binibigyan 'ko lamang ng kahulugan ito kahit wala naman. His brother! I trust him with all my heart. Hindi na 'ko nasanay!

"Thanks, Russ." Ako ang unang bumitaw sa yakap. My brother touched my cheek and a smirk slipped on his lips. "For everything, you know. Maybe next year, I'd tell you earlier." Inalis ni Russel ang kamay niya sa aking pisngi. "Thanks for recommending, too."