Flying Without Wings (Del Gallego Series #1)

Chapter 7

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope all of us find the true meaning of love for this very special day. Always remember to spread love and positivity. Gracias! 🎄🎅

Chapter 7: Stones

"Have you had a good day, Athena?" tanong sa akin ni Kuya Demi sa gitna ng hapag.

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, Kuya."

He smiled back gently. "That's good. By the way, where have you been lately? Balita sa akin na hindi ka raw dito sa bahay namalagi buong maghapon?"

Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko pero pinilit kong huwag ipahalata ang kabang nararamdaman. I sipped on my juice before I roam around my eyes. I caught everyone's attention fixed on me.

I shrugged. "Hacienda as usual."

A long silence reigned.

Like it was true, I focused back on eating dinner. I'm silently praying that they won't put me through more grilling. But my ear almost getting murdered by the only sounds of utensils lingering at our table. Ramdam ko rin ang mapanuring mga mata ni Titus.

I can sense it even without looking. Para bang pagdating sa mga salita ko ay kailangan niya ng dugo para maniwala. I chew my steak and pretended to be ever brave to watch him back who's really conning me. Again.

It makes me shudder inside, yet I take the risk. Umismir siya sa'kin bago inilipat ang atensyon sa kinakain niya. Palihim akong napabuga ng hangin. I grip on my fork tightly. Mabuti na lang at nagbukas ng panibagong usapan si Kuya Jax.

"Ginawa mo na ba ang ipinapagawa ko, Pablo?"

Pablo put down his cutlery. He sighed after looking at Kuya Jax, who'd been seated in the center of our table. "Jax, are we really going to pursue your game plan? Naisip ko lang na baka magkaroon ng epekto sa'tin iyon na naiisip mo."

"Pablo, are you now beginning to doubt my leadership towards the progression and success of Herrera Core?" Kuya Jax stopped eating and became serious.

"Hindi gano'n, Xavier. Ang sa akin lang, what if your plan bounces back to us? The effect always came after a cause. We can't just risk our family's name into this mess."

"Have you ever forgotten that the only real risk is not risking at all?" Kuya Jax said, his eyes darkening. "You'd be better off eating more and nurturing your mind first, Flavian, than worrying like a coward after our family's immaculate reputation and honor."

I take a deep breath, hearing the annihilating tone in every word Kuya spits.

"Alam ko ang ginagawa ko at wala kang dapat ipag-alala roon."

Agad natahimik si Pablo bago tumango. "Fine. And yes, I accomplished everything you asked me to do."

"Good," saad ni Kuya na mukhang nagustuhan na ang sagot ni Pablo. Binalingan nito ang isa pang kapatid. "How about you, Titus? Anything you want me to hear?"

Titus looked at me first, making me avert his gawp.

"Their major investors are pulling out," malamig na turan nito na ikinatanga ko. "Like what we anticipated. Guess your plan was great after all?"

I wasn't expecting his eyes to flick towards me. He tilted his head and smirked. My whole body trembles so when the utensil I was holding tightly a minute ago slips onto my plate, creating a loud hubbub.

"Titus," Kuya Demi warningly uttered.

Titus just pass over Kuya Demi's admonishment to him as he abides eating again. Tumikhim naman si Kuya Jax at nagsalita kapagkuwan.