I don't think I've seen him this angry before. Not in the short duration that we have been together. His eyes were burning with hot anger, his nose flared, and the thin line of unsmiling lips made me squirm in my bed. Natatakot ako na baka ibalibag niya ang kama sa sobrang galit, at mukhang kayang-kaya niyang gawin iyon.

"Um... n-nabangga ko sa pinto kagabi." I chuckled nervously. "Hindi ko alam na nagkapasa pala."

He just looked angrier, and he isn't convinced by my bullshits. Napayuko tuloy ako at pinaglaruan nalang ang daliri.

"Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit nagsisinungaling ka sa akin, Czarina." He said in a restrained tone.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin. Ang galit ay unti-unti nang napapalitan ng pag-alala, ang gigil ng lungkot. I bit my lower lip and sighed.

"I'll tell you when I'm ready."

He slowly nodded. Nawala na nang tuluyan ang galit sa mga mata niya. His tensed shoulders went back to normal. The sudden transition left me speechless. I've never seen anyone who had complete control over his temper, or I've been surrounded with the wrong people in my life. My own mother wouldn't calm down until she hits someone or yells at someone. Max isn't the one to control his temper either. I'd either end up bathing in insults or become his punching bag. Even Sorcha has trouble controlling herself whenever she is angry, but she isn't one to resort to violence. Nagmumura lang siya hanggang sa mailabas ang galit bago pa kumalma.

I don't think I've ever met a man who can control his temper and held his fist back even if his entire body is trembling with anger. I guess he is someone who can also speak the truth even if his voice shakes. He must have good parents. Good for him.

"Hindi ka raw kumain?"

Nag-angat ulit ako ng tingin nang marinig ang pang-aakusa sa boses niya.

"Hindi naman ako gutom-"

"Hindi ka dapat nagpapalipas ng gutom, Czarina." He reached for the sidetable. Doon ko pa napansin ang brown paperbag. "I ordered pasta."

Nanghihina akong tumango. Wala rin namang mangyayari kung makikipagtalo pa ako sa kaniya. Alas tres na ng hapon at ngayon pa ako tinamaan ng gutom.

"Fuck!" narinig ko ang malakas na pagmumura ni Rigor. Binuksan niya ang food package at masamang tinitigan ang pasta na para bang may malaki itong kasalanan sa kaniya. Naguguluhan din akong nakatingin doon. Anong problema? Mukha namang normal na... pasta?

"Sinabihan ko na sila na hindi seafoods ang sahog dito, ampota."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. He was about to call the restaurant where he ordered the food when I stopped his hand.

"It's okay..." I said nervously. "Huwag mo na silang pagalitan, Rigor."

He hesitated for a bit, then nodded. Ibinaba niya ang phone at kinuha ang plastic fork. Sa gulat ko ay inisa-isa niyang kinuha ang shrimp mula sa pasta na nakakunot ang noo. Sobrang guilty akong nakatingin sa kaniya at halos hindi na makagalaw sa kama ko.

"This wouldn't take a while..." he even assured me.

Parang gusto ko nalang matulog ulit. Tango lang ang isinagot ko sa kaniya. He was so focused in eliminating the little shrimp bits from the pasta you'd mistake him for performing a complicated surgery.

Halos hindi na ako mapakali sa kinauupuan ko. When he was done, he gently handed the food package to me. Sinikop niya ng tissue paper ang sahog tsaka lumabas para itapon sa basurahan.

Nanlulumo akong kumain. Maybe I could tell him right now that I'm not really allergic in shrimp? Patatawarin niya naman siguro ako dahil maysakit ako? I bit my lower lip. Someone suddenly dragged the curtain away, revealing a young school nurse.

"Are you feeling okay, Ms. Martellin?" she asked softly.

I nodded gratefully. "A-Ayos na po ako."

"Good. You're overfatigue that's why you collapsed. You just need to eat and rest. Other than that, you can go home. I'll write you an excuse slip for your remaining classes this afternoon."

I nodded and thanked her. Pagkaalis niya ay siya namang pagbalik ni Rigor. naupo siya sa tapat ko. Nakakunot ang noo kong nakatingin sa kaniya at doon lang napagtanto ang presensiya niya.

"Don't you have a graduation ceremony to practice? Bakit ka pa nandito?"

"I skipped." Prente niyang wika na parang wala lang iyon sa kaniya.

My eyes widened. "You skipped?!"

"Relax, Czarina. It's just a practice ceremony." He sighed. "Ubusin mo na yang pagkain mo at ihahatid na kita sa inyo."

I pouted, but continued eating. Sa sobrang guilty ko ba naman, malamang uubusin ko talaga ang binili niyang pagkain para sa akin! Minadali ko ang subo ko, nagbabakasakaling bumalik pa siya sa practice pagkatapos niya akong ihatid tutal ginagabi din naman sila.

Nang matapos ay dahan-dahan akong tumayo. Inalalayan pa ako ni Rigor eh ayos naman na ako. Dinampot niya ang cardigan ko at pumwesto sa likuran ko. My pulse raced when he gently inserted my arms into the sleeves of the cardigan. Ingat na ingat siya sa akin na para bang mababasag ako. He then gently scooped my hair and freed it from the back.

Hindi ako nakatiis at nag-angat ng tingin. Bahagya siyang nakayuko sa ginagawa dahil mas matangkad siya sa akin. Rigor's piercing gaze is burning me, but I remained still. Nakahawak pa rin ang kamay niya sa buhok ko. I pressed my fingertips to calm myself.

"Stop staring me like that, cherié. This is a clinic..." he said in a hoarse voice.

Someone cleared their throat in a distance. Napapitlag ako.

"Your excuse slip, Ms. Martellin?"

Kumurap ako at napahiya. Dali-dali kong kinuha ang slip ko mula sa nurse na ngayon ay may nakakaloko ng ngiti sa akin.

"Ingatan mo yan, crush yan ng nakababata kong kapatid," she winked at me. Namula ako at kaagad na tinalikuran ang nurse, lalo na nang tinawanan niya ako.

Mas lalo lang akong napahiya nang makitang nakatingin at nakikinig pala si Rigor sa usapan namin. Dala niya ang kulay beige kong shoulder bag. Nag-iwas ako ng paningin at dumiretso sa labas. I heard him politely thank the nurse before coming after me.

"May crush daw sa iyo yung kapatid niya," kunwari ay komento ko habang naglalakad kami sa hallway.

"I don't even know her sister, cherié." Kaswal din niyang sagot sa akin.

Sumimangot ako. Ako din, hindi ko alam! But who knows? She could be a really beautiful and popular cheerleader or a silent beauty in the business department. Sa pagkakaalam ko, sikat talaga 'tong tatlo na 'to sa campus. Elton is talented in singing, Rigor is excellent in art, while Thyron is talented... in girls.

I silently groaned. Kahit na di aminin sa akin ni Sorcha, alam ko namang more than FUBU ang trato niya sa lalaki. She had a rough childhood, grew up neglected, and had a hard time expressing herself. Ni hindi niya maamin sa akin na malapit niya akong kaibigan. And Thyron is an idiot! My best friend is obviously head over heels for him but he has wandering eyes on other girls!

"Hindi mo man lang ba aalamin kung sino?" untag ko.

Bahagyang kumunot ang noo niya. Hindi ko alam kung saan nagpunta ang bag niyang itim pero wala na siyang ibang bitbit ngayon maliban sa bag ko. The beige shoulder bag is a far cry from his overall appeal, but it did not reduce him to anything less than he is. It just made him... peculiarly hot.

"Para saan pa?"

Nagkamot ako. Bakit napaka-straight forward naman ng lalaking ito? Malay niya diba kung ilang taon na pala siyang crush ng babae at patay na patay yun sa kaniya pero hindi man lang siya interesado?

Oh, well, the perks of being handsome. A lot of girls must be dreaming about a wedding with him for some time and he doesn't even have an idea they exist. Hanggang pangarap nalang.

"Why are you even interested in that woman?" he asked when we reached the gate. Napatingin ulit ako sa kaniya. I tilted my head and wondered why the hell he looks so good with the afternoon sunlight worshipping his skin? He is illegally handsome. Kirby is attractive too, and looks so good with the sunlight. Sanay na dapat akong makita ito, but Rigor is on an entirely different level!

Kung sino man ang mga magulang ni Rigor, Ma'am at Sir, masyado niyo namang ginalingan.

Dinukot niya ang phone at mukhang may ka-text. Bahagya akong napanguso. Hindi ko na siya sinagot sa tanong niya at mukhang nawala na din ito sa isipan niya nang makita ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya.

"Huwag mo na akong ihatid, Rigor. Ayos na ko dito." I immediately said before he could say another word. I sensed the approaching rejection and quickly killed it before it hits me.

He muttered a curse, typed a reply, and then placed his phone back.

"What are you even talking about?"

Namula ang pisngi ko. Masyado lang ba akong assuming? But he said he'd drive me home earlier! O baka nakalimutan? Actually, a part of me wants to be somewhere other than home. Kapag ako lang mag-isa sa bahay, kung anu-ano ang pumapasok sa isipan ko. The recent and unpleasant visit from my mother injected several doses of unwanted thoughts. The last thing I want is to be alone with them.

"Uhm... k-kasi baka may iba ka pang pupuntahan-"

"I won't let you go home alone, cherié. That's non-negotiable." Matigas niyang wika.

Napaawang ang bibig ko sa gulat, pero kaagad akong nakabawi. It seems someone important is messaging him and needs his presence asap. Sino ba naman ako para makisawsaw sa kung sino nga yan?

"Ayaw ko pang umuwi..." pag-amin ko nalang sa kaniya. Totoo naman. Kesa kung anu-anong sabihin ko sa lalaki, magmukha pa akong tanga at desperada. He studied me for a moment, his thin unsmiling mouth went still.

A moment later, he nodded.

"Do you know how to play blackjack?"

"Huh?"

"You're coming with me."

Half an hour later, I am standing inside a small game room. Around 20 tables were scattered and all are occupied with people playing cards. The smell of gambling rise t my stomach as I roamed my eyes around the crowd, surprised to see a lot of female players and dealers when it's supposed to be a man's haven.

"Rigs!"

Napatingin ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses kahit na hindi naman ako ang tinawag at nakitang nakaupo ang magpipinsang Treveron. Philodemus is seated next to a young, beautiful girl who cocked a brow when she spotted me. Next to her is a tall, unfamiliar brooding man and then the grinning Thyron. Hawak niya ang cards sa kamay at kumaway-kaway pa.

Tinungo namin ni Rigor ang table nila. I supposed they weren't expecting for me to come, and it looks like an exclusive gathering meant for them alone. Kumuha pa ng isang upuan si Rigor mula sa kabilang mesa para makaupo ako. I muttered a thank you pero sa totoo lang ay hiyang-hiya na ako, lalo pa ngayon at nakatitig ang magandang babae sa akin.

Everything about her is soft, except for her eyes. Her hair is cut short and sharp with tiny bangs gathering in her forehead. Natural na mapula ang pisngi at mga labi. Her nails are unpainted, but still looked elegant and slender. It is a surprise to see such a young girl here.

"Czarina, you already know my idiot brother, Thyron. This is Blade," turo niya sa matangkad na lalaking tahimik lang saka isinunod ang babaeng katabi niya. "And my sister, Silver..."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. So, she is Silver? I really thought she is Philodemus' girlfriend, or something.

Constipated na ngiti ang iginanti ko sa kanila. The girl's face remained blank, though her eyes are cattily inspecting me.

"Nice to meet you," Blade said and took a swig from his drink in front.

"Can we start now?" Silver finally spoke. Mas lalong umalab ang kabang nararamdaman ko.

I leaned closer to Rigor and whispered to his ears.

"Nangdidisturbo ba ako ng family reunion?"

He chuckled and placed his bet on the table. "Calm down, Czarina. Para namang hindi mo nakikita ang dalawang 'to sa campus."

I pouted. It seems Silver is the dealer. Nagtaas siya ng kilay sa akin at dun ko lang napagtanto na hindi pa pala ako nakakapagplace ng bet. Nahihiya akong naglabas ng pera at masakit na tinitigan ang 500 ko na mapunta sa sugal gayong kanina ay hindi man lang ako nag-atubiling kumain dahil nagtitipid ako.

"Marunong ka palang maglaro, Czarina?" masiglang tanong sa akin ni Thyron, oblivious na feeling OP ako dito.

I nodded slowly. My father taught me how to play cards when I was a little. I know the rules and the naturals. But I guess these Treveron's are regular players, judging from how they swiftly handled the cards.

Nakita kong may ibinulong si Silver kay Thyron dahilan ng pagtawa nito na nakatingin sa akin. Lumubog ako sa kinauupuan ko. I guess she really hates me..

I watched her as she expertly shuffled the portions of the packs, making sure all the cards are mixed and combined. She gestured for me to cut, and I nervously obliged. A plastic insert card is placed, making sure the last 75 cards will not be used.

Rigor is silent by my side. A waitress placed a glass of rum by his side. Mukhang lahat sila ay iinom maliban sa aming dalawa na babae. When Philodemus reached for a packet of cigarettes, Silver's hand automatically slapped his.

"No smoking." She sternly said. "Not when I'm around, you dork." Inirapan niya ito.

He scratched his brow and muttered something before returning the cigar. Palihim akong napahalakhak. I've never seen this side of him at the campus. Akala ko hindi to natatakot sa babae.

Silver started, and boy she is ruthless. The gleam in her eyes indicated that she really likes burning her brothers and cousin to death. She broke each one of them by hitting the cards, smirking as she reached for her lemonade juice and then continuing the game.

"Hindi ko talaga alam kung bakit pa tayo naglalaro dito eh halata namang uubusin lang ni Silver mga pera natin," reklamo ni Thyron.

She squinted her eyes at him. "Bakit hindi ka pa mamatay?"

I glanced at my card. It's a ten-card. When it was my turn, I hesitated. Hindi na sana ako magh-hit kasi natatakot ako sa maamong mukha ni Silver na parang kakainin ka nang buhay. I winced and asked for a hit. She frowned at me, showing an ace.

My smile widened. My first two cards are a ten-card and an ace, meaning I am a natural or blackjack. Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin nang makita ito at binayaran ng total amount ng bet at kalahati pa nito.

"Beginner's luck." She hissed.

Masayang-masaya ako sa upuan ko. It totaled to Php5,750! Sino ba namang mag-aakala na meron na akong pang-dalawang linggong allowance nang ganito kadali?

"Ayos, libre n ani Czarina ang drinks natin tonight!" pagbubunyi ni Thyron.

I poked my tongue out at him, sabay irap. "Allowance ko 'to no!"

Silver also rolled her eyes and continued serving na para bang hindi nawalan ng limang-libong piso. Blade is silently playing, but he is serious. Philodemus on the other hand keeps on asking for tips from his cousin who dismissed him.

"Gosh, ang hihina niyo."

I shivered when Silver turned the tables, gleaming with so much anticipation as Lorde's Yellow Flicker Beat sounded silently in the background. The red off-shoulder dress she is wearing made her look more intimidating. She smirked at me. She really plans to destroy all of us, huh?

"Kingina, si Silver lang talaga nag-eenjoy dito," Thyron muttered, disturbed by his own sister who plays card than him. "Ubos na pera ko, bwisit."

Silver ignored her and broke Blade next. He frowned at the cards as she swiftly plucked the money from him.

"Sweetheart, you're too pretty to devour my money like that..." Blade chuckled and took a sip from his glass again. Bumagsak ang tingin niya sa akin. "Czarina, right?"

Nerbyos akong tumango.

"Rigor never brings a girl to our quarterly blackjack. Can't say I'm not surprised to see you sitting here, though I don't mind another pretty company than my sister."

Is he... flirting at me?

"Because I have no one to bring, Blade." Rigor slammed his card and declared a soft hand (a combination of two ten-cards). Tinaasan niya ng kilay ang kapatid.

"Fifteen," Silver rolled her eyes and broke the tension between the two brothers. Masama ang tingin ni Blade na nag-hit. Another order of rum appeared on his side.

Tumahimik ako sa kinauupuan at sinubukang seryusuhin ang laro. Ganito ba talaga ang libangan ng mga mayayaman? I'm pretty sure this is an exclusive game between cousins yet they are losing tens and thousands. Hindi ba 'to nagkakasamaan ng loob kapag natatalo? Si Thyron kasi sa harap ko, parang masisiraan na ng bait sa dami ng pera na nawala sa kaniya simula nang magsimula ang laro.

I tried to relax a bit dahil natatakot talaga ako sa aura ni Silver. Bahagya akong humilig at muntik nang mahulog sa kinauupuan nang maramdaman ko ang kamay ni Rigor sa hita. Though I am wearing my uniform, I could still feel the heat from his palm. His other hand is nursing his drink. The table is covered with white cloth, so no one from the other side can easily notice it.

Hindi tuloy ako mapakali sa kinauupuan. I bit my lower lip and hit my cards again. Silver smiled amusingly.

"Are you distracted, Czarina?"

"Ate Czarina." Rigor corrected with a brotherly glare. "Being proficient at blackjack doesn't change your age, Silver."

She just pouted and then turned to me again. Nakakaloko na ang ngiti niya ngayon. I cleared my throat, hoping that Rigor would remove his hand pero hindi man lang nagpatinag ang lalaki. He just relaxed, even though he's lost money twice. Si Thyron ay mukhang problemado. After another serve, nag-give up na talaga siya.

"I need a smoke. Labas lang ako." Aniya at tumayo mula sa table.

"Napakawalang kwenta talaga nong kalaro," Silver muttered.

"Ikaw ba naman maubusan ng pera," Philodemus chuckled. He lifted his gaze and his smile instantly faded. Sinundan ko ang tingin niya at nakitang nakatingin siya sa babaeng kaaway niya noong isang araw lang.

"Is that Shantel?"

Philodemus sighed and then got up from the table. The girl is holding a white envelope, scanning the crowd. Katulad ni Silver, ang mukha niya at aura ay hindi nababagay rito.

"Now I am left with lousy players," Silver complained and then rolled her eyes. "I'll just go to the next station."

Ngayong kami nalang tatlo ang naiwan sa table ay muli akong nakaramdam ng kaba. Blade is eyeing the two of us like a hawk as he sipped from his glass.

"So... how long have you been together?"

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa tanong niya. My eyes flashed to Rigor's, but he is steadily watching his brother.

Walang nakasagot sa aming dalawa. Blade chuckled.

"Wrong question, huh?"

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Rigor at hindi man lang nag-abalang itago ang inis sa nakakatandang kapatid.

Uncomfortable, I turned away from them and saw Philodemus and Shantel fighting... again. Kumunot ang noo kong nakatingin sa dalawa. Shantel looks really mad as she pressed an accusing finger at his chest before she left with unshed tears. Philodemus on the other hand irritatingly open the envelope and muttered something under his breath.

"Ihahatid ko na si Czarina pauwi." Rigor said at last. I've never felt so relieved. Hindi ko kinakaya ang tensiyon nilang magkakapatid. I grow up as an only child, so I am a foreigner to these kind of inner wars between them. I can't determine which are taken to the heart and fool's joke.

Nevertheless, I swear that I will never play blackjack with Silver Treveron again.

May kahalikan ng ibang babae si Thyron paglabas namin habang si Philodemus naman ay biglang naglaho. I assume Blade would watch over his sister and drive her home when she's got enough taking other's money with that pretty face of hers.

Walang nag-imikan sa aming dalawa habang nagmamaneho si Rigor. I remained silent in my seat, too, occupied by my thoughts. He seems bothered as well. He didn't even bother to turn on the stereo like he used to.

Nang pumarada na siya sa harap ng nirerentahang unit ay humigit ako ng malalim na hininga. I reached for the door, but then stop and turned to him. Tahimik lang siyang nakatingin sa akin.

"Rigor..."

He leaned an elbow at the steering wheel and waited for me to continue. I bit my lower lip and gazed at the car floor to gather my courage. I can't even look him in the eyes.

"You seemed lost in thoughts..." I drew in a sharp breath as I felt my nerves attacking me mercilessly. "Wala ka pa rin bang sagot sa tanong ng kapatid mo?"

-

#HanmariamBFLChap10