Monasterio Series #3: One More Night

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"What was that, huh?" Kuya Tobias growled as soon as we reached the parking lot. Hinarap niya ako, nakapameywang at madilim ang mga matang nakatitig sa akin. The light coming from the light post only intensified the ruthlessness of his aura. "What the fuck was that, Tatiana Faith?!"

"Killjoy mo, Kuya! Nakikipaginuman ka rin naman sa ibang babae kahit may girlfriend ka-"

"Don't go smart on me, woman! Why are you with Zadriel Monasterio? Why are you that fucking close with him?"

Umawang ang bibig ko. "Omg! Kilala mo siya, Kuya?"

Hindi siya sumagot. Nanatiling madilim ang titig niya sa akin na para bang hindi na siya natutuwa sa mga pinagsasasagot ko sa kanya. I'm trying my best here to lighten up the mood for I know that I'm really doomed since he saw me being so intimate with Zadriel. He's a close friend of Cade and I don't think being caught with a stranger is that really nice.

Sa mga oras na ito, alam kong gusto na akong bugahan ng kapatid ko ng apoy.

"What is really happening, Tate?" he asked lowly, trying to sound calm behind his deep voice. "Are you cheating on Cade?"

Sunod-sunod ang naging pagiling ko. "I'm not. Zadriel is just a friend-"

"Friends don't hold each other that way, Tate! I'm a man and I know the meaning behind it. And how the hell did you know him, huh?" he questioned darkly, jaws keeps on clenching.

"Bakit? Kilala mo nga siya?" taas kilay na tanong ko.

I know that Zadriel is a businessman although I've never asked him about it yet but obviously, he is. Lalo na kapag nakasuot siya ng corporate attire, mas lalo kong nasisiguro kabilang siya sa mundong kinabibilangan namin.

"Are you kidding me, Tatiana? He's the son of Tito Zion Monasterio, one of father's close friend!"

Umawang ang bibig ko.

"Weh? Hindi nga? Share mo lang, Kuya?"

Mariing napapikit si Kuya sa naging sagot ko. Tumingala siya bago nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong hininga. Whenever he's doing that, I couldn't help but to see our father in him. Kamukhang-kamukha, bawat kilos at ekpresyon. Nga lang, ang ugali ay kay Mommy niya nakuha. Akala mo laging may buwanang dalaw.

Nagmulat ng nga mata si Kuya habang nakatingala pa rin. It's few seconds later when he unlocked his cruel eyes and glared at me. Hindi siya nagsalita, nananatili lang seryosong nakatitig sa akin. Ngumuso ako.

"I didn't know..." was all I can say.

Though, I already have a hint that Zadriel is somehow related to Zion Monasterio but I didn't take it for serious. Isa pa, hindi ko naman talaga kilala ang buong pamilya nila. I just know that he's a good friend of Dad. I have never met their family. Not even once.

Kung mayroon man kaming family friend na lagi naming nakakasama, iyon ay ang pamilya ni Tito Russell at Tita Sandra. I am very close with Sunshine and Miracle. Maging si Rainbow ay malapit rin sa akin. But the Monasterio's? I don't think so.

"You already know it now. Avoid that Zadriel, Tate-"

"Why would you want your sister to avoid me?"

Marahas akong napalingon sa aking likod nang maulinigan ang pamilyar na boses na iyon ni Zadriel. Coming out of the dark, he's already anchoring his eyes on my brother with natural danger swimming over there. Swabe siyang humahakbang palapit sa amin, ang mga kamay ay nakasukbit sa bulsa ng slacks niya.

"It's not really nice to hangout with a woman who's already in a relationship, yeah?" My brother said coldly. "Of course, you're aware of it but still doing the deed."