Between those Words (Montalban Series #1)

Kabanata 16

Kabanata 16

Friend

"Please answer it Mama." I whispered.

I dialed her number for more than twenty times already but I can't get in touch with her. I am starting to get worried again. It's been months since I last talk to her and I miss her so bad.

Bagsak ang balikat ko pauwi dahil sa hindi makausap ang ina. I hope she is okay. I really wish she is doing just fine. Ilang beses ko na itong subok ngayong buwan pero hindi ko pa din siya makausap. After so many months that has passed, my graduation is getting nearer. Plus my birthday is approaching.

It's been a long and winding journey. Parang kailan lang kakarating ko lang sa lugar na ito ng walang kakilala, may mga pasa at galos ang muka. But look at me now. Makakapagtapos na rin ng high school.

At first I never thought I would reach it this far because I was away from my family. But then I used them as my motivation to continue. My faith has gotten stronger and it is what's makes me keep on going. I can't wait to make my Mama proud.

"Sa caff tayo? I'm really hungry," si Rio.

Umiling ako at nanatiling naka upo.

"Pass. Busog ako." si Eru na busy sa cellphone.

Tumango tango naman ako bilang pag sang-ayon.

"You guys are heartless!" maktol niya pero umupo na rin sa tabi namin.

Ngumiti lamang ako at hindi na nagsalita hanggang sa mayari ang buong klase namin sa hapon na iyon.

It was late in the evening when the Montalban cousins invited me for dinner. We went into a small but fancy resto since Eru dicided for it.

"I've been stressed out over the week. I needed a break!" ate Reagan exclaimed.

"No. You need to work for the company as soon as possible. It will serve as your training," si kuya Aelous.

Tahimik lang akong naka upo sa tabi ni Arion at nakikinig sa usapan ng iba.

"Kuya, I am still not finished studying! C'mon! I'm not yet ready."

Napainom ako ng tubig ng maramdaman ang paghilig ng bahagya ni Arion sa aking tabi.

"That's why you needed to work more. Para maging handa ka. It will serve as your training. I already talked to your school admins. They agreed on my terms that this will be part of your ojt." si kuya Aelous ulit.

"No buts. My decision is final," dagdag niya ng magsasalita pa sana si ate Reagan.

Nawala naman ang bangayan ng dumating ang pagkain. Many of the people inside the resto must know this family because I can sense sets of eyes staring shamelessly. Wala nga lang lumalapit para bumati.

Tahimik naman kaming kumakain dahil sa tensyon kanina. No one uttered a word. Tingin ko ay sinusunod talaga nila kapag si kuya Aelous na ang nag sasalita. He ia very dominating. He has the power of a strong leader and his aura is screaming of authority.

"Ayaw mo ng seafoods?" bulong ni Arion sa aking tabi.

Napabaling tuloy si Axis sa amin kaya malumanay ko itong nginitian. I politely declined his offer since I still have many food on my plate.

"Tubig? Orange juice?" he asked again.

Umiling ako sa kaniya. Nakaramdam ako ng hiya ng makita ang ngisi ni Gab sa aking harap. Umirap ako. Sa buong table ay kami lang ang makakarinigan ng pag uusap kaya mas lalo akong binalot ng hiya.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

I sighed wearily. Binalingan ko siya ng tingin.

"Yes. Kukuha ako kapag gusto ko."