Episode 18

Sibling

"Dhara? Ikaw ba 'yan? Why are you here?"

Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakatago para salubungin silang dalawa. Shock was etched all over Valentine's face while Dhara, on the other hand, was still maintaining her bitch face.

"Pinuntahan ko si Val."

I almost rolled my eyes because of what she just said. We're doing a research for our thesis project! Gano'n ba 'yun ka-importante na kailangan niya pang sundan si Val kung nasa'n siya?

"But we're doing our thesis. Can't you respect that?" I creased my forehead while raising my right eyebrow a bit. Humalukipkip ako sa harap niya para ipakitang naiirita ako pero hindi niya 'ko pinansin!

She tapped Valentine's shoulders, the reason why I scoffed in disbelief. Pero bakit nga ba ako nagagalit sa kanya kung pinuntahan niya lang naman si Val.

I know I cannot fool myself in this matter. Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba 'to sa pagkairita ko kay Dhara o... ang unti-unti kong pagkakagusto kay Val. Is this... jealousy?

"Una na 'ko. I'll call you later, Val," she said before storming out of the scene. At ito namang si Val ay tumango pa at tiningnan ang pag-alis ni Dhara bago tumingin pabalik sa 'kin.

I rolled my eyes repeatedly that I think my eyeballs got stuck. I walked fast towards the shotgun seat without giving a glance at Val.

Nagmamadali ako sa paglalakad pero bigla niya akong hinarangan sa daanan ko. He looked serious with his darkened stare and tightly clenched jaw. But his eyes softened the moment I met his gaze.

"Elara..." Inabot niya ang dalawang siko mula sa gilid ko para dahan-dahan itong hawakan pero mabilis kong iniwas 'yun at dire-diretsong umupo sa upuan sa harapan.

I don't know why I'm feeling this way, really. I'm confused because It's the first time that I felt this. There is a strange feeling of bitterness and pain that was stuck in my throat.

I fixed my seat belt and my other belongings so that I would stay comfortable during the ride. But the brute Valentine was still staring at me from the driver's seat.

"Hey..." He tried to reach my elbows again but like the last time, I avoided it. Hindi siya sumuko at sinubukan namang abutin ang kamay ko pero mabilis ko itong inalis sa hita ko.

"Ano ba!" I raised my voice that only increased my irritation for him. He looked like a puppy that was needed to be forgiven but I don't want to right now. And I don't know why I am making this such a big deal!

"Are you mad?" he said with a soothing voice but I didn't let my guard down.

"Hindi, ah. Mukha ba 'kong galit? Ang hinahon ko kaya!" medyo pasigaw kong sabi kaya alam kong hindi niya ako paniniwalaan. But I don't care anymore.

He just stared at me for long, scanning my whole face, finding for the perfect reason why I'm acting this way. He heaved a long sigh like he would give up on finding what I'm feeling but is still staring at me intently.

"Hindi ka ba mag-d-drive? Maggagabi na oh."

He was still staring at me as if analyzing my reactions but I just rolled my eyes at him. Peste naman!

"We're not going until you're not mad at me anymore," he said with finality while still not removing his gaze. I shifted my weight on the seat as I was starting to be conscious with his stare.

"B-bahala ka nga riyan!" I glanced at the window and noticed that the sky is slowly turning dark. If he doesn't want to drive, then I'll just find a taxi on my way home!

Dali-dali kong tinanggal ang seat belt ko para makalabas ako pero bago pa 'ko makaalis ay naramdaman ko na ang marahan niyang hawak sa kamay ko. "Where are you going?" he said with his low baritone voice that sent chills down my spine.

"Mag-t-taxi nalang ako!" I tried to get out from his hold. Pero para akong nanghihina. Hinila niya ako nangg bahagya kaya hindi ko nagawa ang akmang paglabas.

"Upo," he said with his darkened stare and clenched jaw. I could sense that he was gritting his teeth at the moment, as if stopping himself to show too much emotions.

That was his last word until he drove me to the mansion. He parked his car in front of it. I thought he's about to go away now when he stopped the car. I tried opening the door at my said but he locked it!

"Val! Uuwi na 'ko!" I said while still trying to open the door even if it was useless. Nang sumuko na 'ko ay kusa na lang akong napasandal sa upuan ko, thinking of ways on how I could escape the reach of Valentine.

"Hey..." he said while aiming for my hand. Hindi na ako nakaiwas pa at parang nanigas nang marahan niyang hinaplos ang kamay ko.

"I like you, okay? What I said last time were true. I... I can't afford to be just your thesis partner. I can't afford to lose you... again." My forehead creased at what he just said but I felt my heart thumping loudly.

Huming ako nang malalim bago magsalita.

"I... I don't know. You like me, Val, pero sa tingin ko tama si Dhara. That I know nothing about you. Wala akong alam sa pamilya mo, sa buhay mo, sa mga kaibigan mo, even your relationship with Dhara! What's up with you two?" I said with one of my brows raised.

He stared at me with disbelief etched in his eyes before smirking and licking his lower lip. Instead of answering my question, a ghost of a smile was evident of his reddish lips.

"Answer me!"

"Are you jealous?" he asked with menace in his look as if he's teasing me. I just avoided my gaze to him and faced my face on the window.

"I'm... I'm just... c-curious." I didn't know why I trembled while saying that. Maybe because Valentine is still staring at me.

"Oh... Pwede na rin. Magkatunog naman." He gave out a small laugh before removing his seat belt so he can now go. Tinanggal ko na rin ang akin at akmang bubuksan na ang pinto nang nauna niya nang buksan 'yun galing sa labas.

When I finally got out from the car, cold air of the night breeze embraced my whole being. I sighed when I saw Valentine just in front of me with his god-like features emphasized under the moonlight.

"Elara..." Tinitigan niya ako na parang naghahanap ng kung ano ba ang problema ko dahil sa nangyaring pagpunta ni Dhara kanina pero wala siyang mahanap na sagot. Bumuntong hininga na lang siya.

"After our thesis defense, let's go to my archery training. I'll show you my hobbies."

"And why would I go?" I creased my forehead at what he just said.

He clenched his jaw before marching step by step towards my direction. My heart beat fast with his steps, like it was about to explode! My face heated, even with the cold of the night, when he held my hands tightly like he would lose me if I get out of his hold.

"I want you to go because I want you into my life. I want you to know everything about me. 'Wag mong paniniwalaan ang sinasabi ng ibang tao. Only believe in me. Hmm?"

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero kusa akong napatango sa mga sinabi niya na parang nalusaw lahat ng galit ko kanina. Ang inaalalagaan kong galit dahil sa biglang pagdating ni Dhara ay biglang naglaho kasabay ng malamig na hangin ng gabi.

"Good night for now..." He lowered his head so that our heights would be equal before kissing my forehead to bid his farewell. "Sweet dreams, Elara."

That's what he last said before he left me there to go to the driver's seat now. Hindi ako makagalaw dahil sa ginawa niya.

What are you doing to my system, Val? I think... I think I'm starting to... like you. Pumasok na lang ako sa bahay namin.

"Manang Fely, sila tita po, nasa'n?" I asked the head maid when I entered the house.

I placed my tote bag to one of the sofas before removing my sneakers and wearing slippers. I expected Tita Elly and Tito Randy to be here since it's a Sunday and they told me that they'll report to me the improvement of my parent's case.

"Ate, sila Mommy at Daddy, laging pumupunta ro'n sa dati niyong mansyon. Natatakot nga ako kasi dapat hinahayaan na nila 'yun sa mga pulis eh."

I turned my head towards Ryleigh's position, my cousin. Akala ko ay si Manang Fely ang sasagot sa tanong ko pero pinaliwanag niya naman na.

"Sasabihan ko na lang. Don't worry. They'll be all right." I patted her head because I remember the time when I was her age, sixteen years old, when I lost my parents on my very birthday. I could not afford to see her mourning like what happened to me five years ago.

I gave her a small smile and we talked about a lot of things including her love life and school problems. We shared a laugh and it was refreshing to talk to her like this like nothing bad would happen.

After I've took a bath and finished summarizing the research that we've done earlier for our thesis project, I've got my phone to scroll on my social medias account. I was about to stalk Valentine's account in Instagram when I stopped myself.

No, I shouldn't do this. I shouldn't like him. Everything is just so wrong right now. My plate is full and my mind was too occupied to be in love at a time like this.

Pero paano ako makakainwas kung siya na mismo ang nagsasabi na gusto niya 'ko? The fact that I got jealous because he entertained Dhara's presence earlier was so embarrassing. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit ko nagawa 'yun.

Hya: guys, ang tanga ko :(

Sangre: Nice. Na-realize mo rin. Congratssss!! xDD

Luna: Anyare? Kay Val ba 'yan?

Shreya: OF COURSE, IT'S BECAUSE OF FAFA VAL!

Hya: Kanina kasi pumunta si Dhara ro'n sa factory na pinagkunan namin ng data ni Val para sa thesis proj namin. Tapos ayern parang ano... nagselos aq

Hya: Pero ano I think I'm uhh... feeling ko gusto ko siya. But it's wrong. Idk anymore :(

Sangre: yataps ka Hyacinth.

Sky: naul?!?!

Luna: It's not wrong to like him naman. Kami na ang nagsasabi, Hya. It's okay to let yourself be free sometimes. Don't be stuck at the belief that because you hate Valentine's Day, you will also close your heart for Valentine. It's not the same. Wala naman siyang kinalaman sa pagkamatay nila Tita eh.

Sky: */binigyan ng saging

I sighed while reading the latest message I've received from Shreya. She's always been saying that I should let Valentine into my heart. Into my life. But I don't know if that was the right choice.

I opened Valentine's Instagram account to stalk him for the last time. Nakita kong biglang nag-upload ng IG story si Val kaya dali-dali ko 'yung binuksan. Gano'n na lang ang kabog ng puso ko nang makita ko ang picture at caption niya.

'My baby's jealous.'

It was a picture of me in the factory earlier where I was standing beside the manager, to look at the data she was holding. In fairness, kasi ang ganda ko ro'n kahit stolen.

Biglang ni-flood agad ng mga kaibigan ko ng messages ang GC namin dahil sa tingin ko nakita rin nila ang IG story ni Val. Hindi ko na lang sila pinansin at diretso nang nakatulog.

"May kapatid ka?!"

I widened my eyes to the boy in front of me who was just smirking, watching my reaction. It was Cyrus with his usual boyish looks that everyone can't help but fall in love too.

"Yup!" he cheerfully said.

"Bakit ngayon ko lang nakita kung gano'n?" It has been two years since my first step inside this mansion and I can't believe that Cyrus has a brother! Gwapo rin kaya?

"He was currently studying in the United States. But he has decided to spend his high school in here. Ayos nga kasi sabay pa kayo, e'." He smiled genuinely.

Just as I was about to mutter a word, a boy about my age, entered the living room we were in. He's maintaining his serious face with his dark brown orbs etched with darkness.

Our gazes met and I can't help but be mesmerized and be amazed at his intense stare. It was as if I'll be in danger while staring at him. Is he the brother of Cyrus?

"Uy, Bro! Come here. Ipapakilala kita!" Inakbayan ni Cyrus ang nakababatang kapatid niya. I just smiled shyly at him because it's the first time we meet. I introduced myself and so does he.

Days, months, years have passed and I was still staying at their mansion during summers. It has become a habit of mine every time our summer break comes.

Two years have already passed ever since I've first met Cyrus' brother. But he was always so distant to me. I've always tried to approach him but it was either he'll just avoid my gaze or just nod at my statements. Minsan nga ay naiinis na ako sa pagiging suplado niya eh.

"Why don't you go with her today, brother? You should be friends with Hyacinth! She's a nice girl!" Cyrus encouraged his brother but we both shook our heads at his proposal.

No, I won't go with him. Mag-e-enroll na kasi kami dahil First year in high school na kami next month. At kung minamalas ka nga naman, magka-school kami nitong kapatid niya.

But Cyrus was too stubborn that we've had no choice but to go together to sign up for our enrollment. I just wore a short-shorts and a fitted t-shirt to go to the said university.

"Hey, you're attracting too much attention," Cyrus' brother whispered to me.

I almost jumped in shock because he just suddenly removed his jacket and tied it on my waist. Since he was much taller than me even though we're the same age, he had to crouch a little to tie it tighter.

"Much better. I hate their stares." I was left dumbfounded because of his sudden advance that I don't know how to react. It was the first time that he properly talked to me!

Mahaba ang pila sa registration at mainit din. Buti na lang at may dala akong payong kaya naka-share ko siya. He just silently stood there.

"Pst... Tanong ko lang ha. Ba't ka ba iwas sa'kin dati? Saka bakit lagi kang tahimik?" I asked him because I was too bored. Mahaba pa ang pila at may panahon pa kaming magdaldalan.

"You don't know anything about me," he coldly said before glancing at my side.

I swallowed hard, still not giving up of striking a conversation with him. Feeling close na kung tawagin pero nagulat kasi ako sa ginawa niya kanina!

"E'di ipaalam mo, tsk. Problema ba 'yun?"

"What's your name again?" My jaw dropped at what he asked. Ano raw? Hindi niya alam ang pangalan ko eh dalawang taon na kaming magkakilala? May gano'n pala?

"Joke ba 'yan? Hindi mo ba talaga alam pangalan ko?"

"It's just because I don't care."

I rolled my eyes at him before lending my hand to show a proper greeting. Masyadong childish ang ginagawa ko pero gusto ko rin kasi siyang maging kaibigan. Masyado kasi siyang misteryoso at suplado pero... gwapo.

"Hyacinth Elara Villaflor. Nice to meet you."

He just gave me a small smile and extended his hand so that it will meet mine. He introduced himself and since then, we've talked a lot like we're best friends.

"Nice to finally meet you, Elara. I'm Valentine."

I woke up panting about the dream I had earlier. I held on my chest where my heart is still beating fast. I'm trying hard to remember the dream I've had but all the information I could gather was about the sibling of the Cyrus in my dreams.

It was Valentine! So... we've met before we've became thesis partners?

I was still analyzing some points about the dream I've just had when my phone beeped for a message. I quickly took it but only to be shocked at who texted me... again!

Unknown Number:

I'm warning you, Hyacinth. Don't dig your parent's case anymore. Or you will suffer the consequences.

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#ACM18

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