"Ma'am, let's go home," said Kuya Edu who looked up at the black car.
I nodded tiredly. I felt drained.
"You're here to ride, Ma'am. I'll just return the SUV."
I got into the backseat. I leaned back and blinked emphatically. By the way, even before Kuya Edu started the car, my cellphone rang loudly. I haven't even looked at who called and you just answered with your eyes closed.
"Hello, Audrey ..."
I was shocked to hear Kirk's voice. But his voice was kind of strained.
"What is it?"
"They're in the hospital Ate Diana."
"W-What?" I was startled. The pain I was feeling was replaced with so much fear.
"What the fuck are you saying, Kirk?"
"Velez Hospital. Come here. I will explain everything to you," he said seriously.
"There's a chopper going there. You can use that to come here."
"W-What's going on? Is Ate okay? Zach and Sia? Are they fine? Answer me!"
"I think it's better if you see it for you
After talking to the principal, I left his office. I took a deep breath and turned down the pathway out through the row of doors. One more turn and I saw who was waiting for me at the corridor.Frowning and frowning, Zach kicked the plastic bottle at his feet. His hair was a bit messy and there was still a stain on his uniform. He was staring darkly at the bottle, looking so pissed. When he looked up at me, his expression softened and he straightened up."I'm sorry about it, Tita."I approached and adjusted the folding of his collar."I told you, didn't I? I don't want you to get into a fight, Zach. You shouldn't have punched that kid.""But I was pissed!"I stared at him."About what? Because he teased you about being an orphan?""No. I'm not pissed about that because that's true. I'm pissed because he called you crazy!"I sighed."And you know that I'm not, right?"He averted his gaze. "Of course."
I was greeted by facilitators entering the seminar venue. I saw many acquaintances before. Mommy's friends were even there. Even though the smile was formal at me, I could see the judgment in their eyes. I understand it. It's been like that these years."It's good that your business is up and running, hija?" An older woman with a cunning look smiled at me. Her air wasn't friendly at all."That's good. Tito Demitri's expertise in business was a great help.""Oh! If so, it's true that you're marrying the second successor of Salamedas?"What?Even before I could recover, another elder approached. I never had a chance to answer the question because they had a new topic. I just excused myself and found a chair.The seminar was held in a five star hotel. My plan would have been to just book there so I wouldn't have to travel. But Kirk's offer is also okay. I really need to reduce the cost especially and more will be needed in the factory. So it's
"You want mango shake?" Janice asked.We just finished our classes and we passed the new cafe near the school. Janice wanted to eat ice cream but I insisted on trying something in the café. But now, I don't think I can drink anything anymore. Coldness spread all over my body. My mind went blank.If only a few years had passed when I saw that, I wouldn’t be hurt like this. I wasn't dumb. Gossips about my mother, Priscilla Escareal, having multiple affairs with different man hurt. I ignored what I heard because I believed Mommy couldn’t do that to us. But to see her with my own two eyes was too much. It's only been almost two months since Daddy died!"Audrey, what about you?"Tears pooled my eyes. I was forced to sit on the bench outside the cafe. When Janice saw my tears she approached in a panic."Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong? Don't you want to be here anymore?"I cried even more."I saw Mommy, Jani
"What do you want, Miss Escareal?" the saleslady in the cafeteria asked."Chicken meal and mango juice," I replied while glancing at Janice. "What about you?""Beef steak meal. Soda as well."I paid after giving us the order. We were back at the table when I saw a grade ten just entering. Just a short distance away, I recognized him immediately. Her eyes scanned the cafeteria briefly. He stopped looking at me. Now that I'm in grade eleven, I'm used to talking about Mommy. This time, she's having an affair with a married man again. I was not surprised by that."Drey, Hanna is coming," Janice said."Let her be," I said indifferently and put my tray down the table.Hanna angrily stopped across from our table. I did not turn to him."You thick faced bitch! Are you happy that your mommy is ruining the family, huh? And you're not satisfied yet! You've really seduced my boyfriend! You're both like your mommy's snatcher!""Don't even s
"Your driver hasn’t arrived yet?" Janice asked. We were in front of the gate and he had just arrived to pick us up. She was looking at me worriedly. I knew he didn’t want her to be the first to leave especially and something happened. She knows me too well I always have a hard time deceiving her. He knew very well what I was doing."You go first."Her eyes narrowed. "Are you sure? I'll just wait for your driver to arrive.""Edu texted that he’s still fixing the tire. You might get scolded if you take too long, so you should go first.”"Fine. Just go home, okay?”I nodded.Actually, I intentionally texted Edu not to pick me up. I don’t want to go home because I’ll just remember what Mommy was doing. I am out of her filthy doings, but why am I also affected? I was disgusted and wanted to speak ill of him. If only not because of her, I wouldn't have to deal with these shits.I looked at the hand
"Let me go," I demanded."You fought before. Are you going to fight now? Is that your hobby, huh?""None of your business!"With his hard grip I did nothing when he pulled me away from there. We stopped in front of the parked cars and he just let me go. I could no longer see Klyde from there."You shouldn't be very impulsive," he said sternly."I don't need your opinion about my actions. I'll do what I want!""And where will your stubbornness pick you up? He was on the verge of hitting you!""I hope you just let it go, then. You think I'm too weak and I couldn't take it? Then you're wrong! I can handle myself!""Really, huh?" he challenged, there was a diminution in the way he looked at me."Why are you interfering? It's not because you're my friend's cousin that you can scold me! You're not my brother, Rustov!"He closed his eyes tightly and wept bitterly. He sighed deeply after a short while and looked at me dar
"Did someone fight with you recently? Who will I kick out of your school?"When it comes to Mommy about the troubles I get involved with at school she always says that. Even though she is busy with many others, she still knows what is going on in my life somehow. I will always get what I want if I'd only tell her. But unlike before, I don't ask for anything. And I don't tell her to manipulate anything for my sake.I just don’t answer and let go of the anger. Even if I told him to kick that out, what else could he do?That girl is her lover's daughter. I doubt if he can do that. Besides, that wasn't the first incident. I'm used to it.Mommy asked more about it. But with my vague response, he eventually stopped as well."Ate, did you see my pink handkerchief with my name embroidered on the upper part?" I asked Ate Delia."Is that your favorite? I've already washed all your handkerchiefs. I was surprised when I didn't see it, eh."
The insides of the house was clean, that was the first thing I noticed. The furnitures are made of wood, mostly. There are a few picture frames hanging on the wall. There are also Rustov awards since elementary. He is really excellent when it comes to academics.I don’t even know how he manages to balance acads and sports. He was into basketball during high school. I keep track of her games because Janice is always watching and she always takes me with her.He was good so eventually in senior high, he became team captain. While in college, rugby football was played. We can only watch once because of the class. And based on what I have seen, he's really good at it.I realized how much we differed from the state. I am not active in any sports. I am not in the honor roll, either. And thinking of it now, I realized the only thing I had with him was wealth. The amount I lack. If I don't have my parents' money, I have nothing, no one would bother respect me. Whi