Pinanood kong magtipon-tipon ang pamilya sa living room ng mga Chen. Magkatabi sina Gian at Zoey sa gilid ko. 'Di nag-uusap pero alam kong kabado si Zoey at walang imik naman ang pinsan ko habang nakahawak sa balikat niya.

They've grown closer the past few weeks. Ilang beses din kasing dumalaw sa kanila sina Kuya Nick kaya nagkaoras din magsama ang dalawa. The entire month halos, lagi silang nakikitang magkasabay mag-lunch. S'yempre, hindi na sa loob ng school dahil nag-drop na si Zoey. Gian actually went out of his way just to have lunch with her everyday.

Ngayon na namin malalaman ang resulta ng pre-natal DNA test. Everyone's here. Zoey's parents looked anxious. Si Tita Geanna rin. Huling dumating si Kuya Nick kasama ang daddy niya dala ang lab results.

When they arrived, piercing silence fell upon us. I nudged my cousin.

"Are you ready?" I asked Gian in a hushed tone.

Seryoso ang mukha niya nang umiling siya.

"I changed my mind," bulong niya pabalik. "I've decided."

Surprised, I slightly panicked at what he said.

"Ha?" I turned to him to read his face, but I couldn't see an ounce of emotion that could betray his thoughts.

Kinabahan ako. Anong ibig niyang sabihin? Tatakasan niya ang responsibilidad? In front of these people?

Gian darted to me and smiled crookedly. "Wala. You'll see." Tinapik niya ang balikat ko bago humarap kay Zoey at ngumiti. Zoey returned it with a faint smile of her own.

Wala nang batian na naganap. Nang dumating sina Kuya Nick at Tito Nicollo, wala nang nagsalita pa. Binuksan ni Tito ang resulta. We were on pins and needles as he silently read the results with his eyes. After a few minutes, hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. Tumingin lang siya kina Gian at Zoey with that unreadable look on his face.

"What does it say, Pa?" tanong ni Tita Geanna, echoing what we were all thinking. Negative ba? Positive ba?

Tumingin ulit sa resulta si Tito at hindi pa rin kumikibo.

Impatient, lumapit ang daddy ni Zoey at hinablot ang resulta. A minute passed, then he faced Zoey. Nilukot niya ang papel at binato sa direksyon nila.

"Zoey! What the hell is this?!" he roared.

With that alone, alam na namin ang resulta. Humagulgol si Zoey at lumapit kagad sa kanya ang mommy at kuya niya. Kita ko ang paghinga nang malalim nina Tita Geanna, Tito Nicollo, at Kuya Nick. Tinapik ni Tito Osen ang balikat ni Tito Nicollo.

Nagkatinginan kaming magpipinsan. We all knew what the results were. Negative. Hindi si Gian ang daddy ng baby. It wasn't his.

Naramdaman ko ang kamay ni Daddy sa balikat ko. Hindi ko siya nilingon. Bumaling ako kay Gian at nagulat ako sa expression niya.

I thought Gian would look ecstatic and relieved. Weeks ago, he was denying all claims na sa kanya ang baby. I'd thought he'd be the happiest once the results were out and in his favor. Pero hindi. Blangko ang mukha niya habang pinapanood na umiyak si Zoey.

Nagkagulo sa living room habang sigaw nang sigaw ang daddy ni Zoey sa salitang intsik. Galit na galit na rin ang mga tito at tita niya.

"This is too much," he was saying. "Ang laking kahihiyan nito."

Namumula sa galit ang daddy ni Zoey. He's cussing so hard and he even made a move to slap his daughter. But before he could, humarang si Gian at sinalo ang kamay niya.

Nagulat kaming lahat sa nangyari.

"I can't believe you," said Gian, umiiling na parang nandidiri at naiirita. "Gano'n kayo kahanda na saktan ang anak n'yo? You're just like my dad."

"Get out of the way!"

"Wala kayong ibang inisip kundi ang image n'yo! Gano'n ba kapag puro business na lang? What about Zoey? You don't care about her feelings. Dapat kayo ang tumutulong sa kanya ngayon."

"You don't get to say that!"

"I can. Dinawit n'yo na ako dito, e. I have every right to!"

"You insolent boy!" He made a move to punch Gian.

"Don't call my son in that way!"

"Dad, stop!"

Sabay na sigaw nina Tita Geanna at Yuan Chen.

Gian stood his ground, his face hardening. Someone from the Chens quickly stopped Zoey's father and pulled him away.

"Umalis ka d'yan, De Villa. I need to talk to my daughter. Kahihiyan 'to! Napakalaking kahihiyan nito!" Nilingon niya ang anak. "Sino ang ama ng bata, Zoey? Kung hindi siya, sino?"

Zoey didn't respond. She was crying so hard in the arms of her mother.

Her father cussed in Chinese again. "Hindi mo alam? Hindi mo alam?!" Lalapit dapat siya sa anak pero nakaharang pa rin si Gian.

"Stop it, Tito," Gian told him firmly. "I'm taking responsibility, alright? From this day, that baby is mine. So get off your daughter's back and stop grilling her. You're making things harder for her."

"Gian!" agarang saway ni Tito Nicollo. "What are you saying?"

Gian ignored his father.

Matalim ang mga mata ng daddy ni Zoey. "You don't know what you're saying. You were even denying it."

"Yes, 'cause I know it's not mine. But I never said I'd run away if it is."

'You don't even want this baby."

"You don't know that."

"Sinasabi mo lang 'yan. Walang sinuman ang aangkin ng anak na hindi sa kanila. I'd know. And you're young. You're bluffing."

"Well then, I'd change that. Watch me. I'd change your belief and this bullshit system our families have," Gian said, his eyes blazing with certainty. Paninindigan ko si Zoey if that means I can protect her from this stupid system."

"Why would you do this?" tanong ng mama ni Zoey. "I don't understand."

"Anak. You don't have to do this," added Tita Geanna na mukhang nagugulat sa nangyayari.

"But I want to, Ma. Zoey is just like me. I won't let her do this alone if I can do something about it."

"You're too young. Think of your future. This is too impulsive."

"Before today, Dad was willing to marry me off," Gian spat.

"That's different. You're not responsible for her now. Besides, you don't want commitment. God. Gian! You're still too young. You don't even love this girl!"

Gian hesitated for a while. Then he fisted his hands.

"I can change. No, I will. I can learn to love her. It's not that hard to. C'mon. Give me some credit here."

"Nabibigla ka lang," sabi ni Kuya Nick. "Bro, think this over. Bata ka kaya mo nasasabi 'to. You're not thinking this through. You're being irrational and impulsive."

"Tingin mo hindi ko pinag-isipan 'to? Pumunta ako dito kahit alam kong negative ang result. I'm ready and I've thought this through. Commitment sucks. I hate it. I'm scared of it. But for this baby, if I can just spare one kid from having a shitty life like this, then I can suck it up." Tumingin siya kay Zoey na namumula ang matang nakatingin din sa kanya. "I'd known you for some time pero no'ng nakaraan lang talaga kita nakilala. I can do it. Just work with me. Just bear with me. I can do it. You'll see."

"Hindi mo kailangang gawin 'to. Magiging okay din ako. I don't need your pity."

"Zoey. C'mon. Just try me. Nasira na rin naman ang pangalan ko. Why not take it all the way?"

Zoey bit her lip.

"You don't know how to be a father," Tita Geanna said, hysterical na. "Just stop it. This is insane. Are you seeing this, Nicollo? Stop this. Ako lang ba ang nag-iisip na kabaliwan 'to? Gian, you don't know how to be a father!"

"Totoo, Ma, but I can start by being there for her when she needs me. I'm not saying I'll be great but I can learn and I will try," Gian answered in a firm tone.

"Anak, bakit? This is too sudden. Just a few days ago, you were still this immature boy. Why are you saying this now?"

Hindi sumagot si Gian. Tumingin lang siya kay Zoey at tinikom ang bibig niya. I could see his genuine concern for her.

Parang alam ko kung ano ang tumatakbo sa isip niya. Kung hindi si Gian ang lalabas na daddy ng baby, masisira ang image ni Zoey. Hindi lang dahil maaga siyang nabuntis kundi dahil iba ang resulta na lumabas. People would mock her. Gian was trying to protect her from that. Maybe in the past few days, they were able to really connect with each other. So much so he was willing to risk his future to save her from humiliation.

Nagkatinginan ang mga Chen habang pinag-iisipan ang nangyayari.

Lumapit si Tito Nicollo, mukhang frustrated na rin. "This is absurd, Gian."

"This is what I want. Pretend this day never happened. I want to do this. Let me."

"Will this be okay?" tanong ng mommy ni Zoey. "Since it's positive, lalabas sa balita na nakabuntis ang anak n'yo."

"Fuck them all," Gian cussed. "Marami nang ganyan ngayon. Ang bihira yung naninindigan para sa ginawang mali."

Natahimik si Tito Nicollo, nag-iisip. Umiyak si Tita Geanna at niyakap ang pinsan ko.

"Watch me, Ma, Pa. Lahat nagbabago. Kahit ako."

Nagkatinginan si Tito Nicollo at ang daddy ni Zoey. Nagkasundo silang mag-usap sa labas. Sumunod din doon si Daddy. What they talked about, 'di ko na nalaman pa.

***

Things didn't go according to plan. Despite keeping the results under wraps, kumalat pa rin na kay Louie ang baby. Our family never denied the claims, but no one confirmed it either. I heard the Chens tried contacting the guy, but he disappeared. They couldn't find him at all.

It turned out the Chens rejected Gian's offer to take responsibility. The elders knew it was absurd to begin with. Kaso, ayaw magpapigil ng pinsan ko. After they told him no, he one day announced that he was dating Zoey officially. Sa tigas ng ulo niya, hinayaan na lang siya ni Tito Nicollo. To teach him a lesson, I heard. 'Pag nahirapan din naman, kusang titigal 'yan, that's what he said.

Gian actually surprised all of us. Hindi ko expected 'yon, lalo na from him. Si Gian na super hate ang commitment. Si Gian na pure fun lang ang naiisip. Who knew he had this sense of responsibility in him?

Sa mga sumunod na araw, walang ibang ginawa ang mga pinsan ko kundi tuksuhin si Gian tungkol sa nangyari.

Sabi lang ni Gian, they need to let those habits die na. It's time to change daw. I couldn't be prouder of him then.

"He must love Zoey kahit papaano. Or he saw a potential between them," I told my friends on a Tuesday over lunch. "Otherwise, hindi naman niya gagawin 'yon diba? Masyadong risky."

Lhyle seemed to ponder this. "O baka totoo yung sinasabi niya. Malay mo. Ayaw niya talagang magaya yung bata sa kanila o ayaw niyang mapahiya si Zoey sa public. Lahat naman ng lalaki may sense ng responsibility. It just takes proper motivation and trigger to draw it out."

"Pero grabe. 'Di ko ma-imagine. 'Di ko rin akalain. Siya kaya ang least sa mga boys para mag-settle down," Anjo said, biting from her waffle. "And from his attitude pa, your cousin is a class a royal jerk."

Hm. True there.

"I respect him, though," commented Maxxie, shrugging. Pinaglalaruan niya ang straw ng frappe niya. "Turns out they're not asses after all. Hashtag respect." She raised her hands for effect.

At that, I grinned. That's big especially galing kay Maxx na playboy hater.

"I still think it's his ego speaking. Masyadong mabilis. Nadala lang ng sitwasyon 'yon," Ahron piped in dubiously.

"Give him the benefit of the doubt. He could be serious. Not all bad boys are hopeless," Hiromi told her. "Maybe this whole ordeal made him see some light."

I nodded. "Pwede. But it's still too early to tell."

Hiromi smiled a little. "Either way, Jan, may baby ka nang maaalagaan in a few month's time. If they really date for real, you'll be a tita soon."

My smile widened into a grin. Exactly. Kaya nga ako excited. Iniisip ko pa lang kung paano magiging tito ang mga kuya ko, natatawa na ako. Wouldn't that be a sight?

Tito Jacob.

Tito Onyx.

Tita Javee.

Fudge. Ang cute!

***

On Sunday, I spent an hour video-calling with my cousin, Alec. Christmas was almost here. Although excited ako na uuwi na ulit sila after so much time of being away, I was feeling uneasy,

The thing was, my Zobel cousins didn't really get along well with my De Villa cousins. Masyado kasing magkaiba sa mga paniniwala at pag-uugali. Masyadong masusungit ang mga Zobel. Makukulit naman ang mga De Villa. On top of that, ayaw din nina Kael, Alec, at Pierre sa mga players. They find it cheap.

After the call, I hopped off my bed and started to prepare. Lalabas kami ngayon ni Kuya Travis. He offered last night to bring me to one of his races sa Clark. I was more than happy to jump to his offer. Mamayang gabi pa naman 'yon pero dahil excited ako, maaga akong mag-aayos.

After my daily ritual, I donned a cropped top, black jeans and boots. Sinusuot ko ang relo ko nang mag-text si Angelo. I changed his name na pala after he saw the cute nickname I gave to him. Scratch that. Actually, siya pala ang nagpalit. I never bothered to change it again.

Angelo Gwapo:

Yo. You comin tonight?

Inaaya kasi nila akong mag-club ngayon but since I got a date with Kuya Travis, I turned it down.

Me:

Got a date, so no :p

Angelo Gwapo:

Whoa babe, ure cheating on me with who? :((

Me:

Baliw. I'll be wt Kuya Trav!

Angelo Gwapo:

oh, then enjoy ;))

Angelo Gwapo:

but bummer. i never stood a chance against ur bros

My brothers were gone by afternoon. Kanya-kanya kaming lakad ngayon since wala din naman sa bahay sina Mom and Dad. By evening, Kuya Travis arrived and we set off to Clark.

Medyo nalito pa ako nang una. Sa pagkakaalam ko kasi, Motor Drag ang event ngayon sa Clark kaya nagtataka ako kung bakit nakakotse kami at hindi motor. I asked him this when we were on the road already.

Tumingin sa 'kin si Kuya at ngumiti. "Why?"

"Why not? Kesa naman may iba pang nagdadala n'on," simple kong sinabi.

To bring his motor to Clark kasi, we had it loaded onto a small truck pa.

"Dad will have my head," he answered, shaking his head. "I can't bring you to Clark in that way."

Ngumuso ako. May point. Dad. Kuya Travis. Kuya Chris. Kuya Andrei. Kuya Jacob. All of them are overprotective, minsan sobra na. Nasa family gene yata namin ang trait na 'yon.

"So you always do this? Motor race?"

"Some nights. Though there's car drifting sometimes."

"Sino-sino ang nagpupunta do'n?"

"You'll be surprised. Maraming artista. The others, mga anak pa ng businessmen."

"I wonder why," I wondered aloud.

Kuya smiled. "You'll see later."

***

True enough, the streets were crowded with people. Some so familiar dahil laging nakikita sa TV. It occurred to me that they are the high figures in the society. Basically anyone with a name was here. Kaya may mga artista rin.

After we parked a good distance away from the crowd, Kuya led me to the circle of people he knew. Hindi na ako nagulat na maraming nakakakilala sa kanya dito. He's probably a regular. Sila nina Kuya Nick at Kuya Chris dahil marami ring naghahanap sa kanila.

After he introduced me to his friends, he brought me to a safe spot.

"It's gonna start soon," I told him. Naghahanda na kasi ang ibang participants. "You should go."

Kuya hesitated. "Will you be fine alone?"

I gave him a funny look. "Kuya, I'm almost eighteen. Kaya ko ang sarili ko. Go prepare."

Eventually, he left me to join the others. The throng of people immediately swallowed his leaving form so I let my eyes wander around instead.

Sobrang daming tao ngayon. Puno rin ng sports car ang paligid. I briefly wondered if this thing was even legal.

"Hi."

I turned to the right and found three slender girls approaching me with light smiles on their faces.

"Hi," I said back.

"You're the dancer who went to Consuello last year, 'di ba?" asked the girl with a bob cut. Nakasuot siya ng cropped shirt at boyfriend jeans. Agad ko siyang namukhaan. Hoshet. She's that vlogger I follow.

Cari Ramirez.

"Yeah. Kami nga 'yon," I answered, excitement lacing through my tone.

I couldn't believe it. What were the chances na makikita ko siya dito? I'm actually a huge fan and seeing her this close actually affirmed my fangirling. Mas maganda siya sa personal.

"No wonder you're familiar. I'm Cari," she said, holding out her hand.

I reached for it and we shook hands. I was literally glowing with happiness and excitement right now.

"Javee," I introduced myself.

"Do you mind if we joined you? Ang cramped kasi ro'n."

"Yeah. Sure."

"These are my friends. AJ and Alexa pala." She gestured to the other two girls standing beside her.

My smile twitched into a grin when I recognized them. Oo, kilala ko rin sila. Who wouldn't know Aaliyah Montevista and Alexa Carreon? They're both famous in their field, a model and author respectively. Hindi ko alam na magkakaibigan pala sila.

"Hi!" I beamed at them.

They smiled back. Right then and there, I took an instant liking to them.

I was actually grateful na nilapitan nila ako. At least, hindi na ako mag-isang manonood ngayon.

"Sino bet mo dito?" asked Alexa, the petite girl with the alabaster white skin.

"I came to watch my brother. First time ko, actually. Kayo?"

Nagtinginan sila at nagtawanan. They started teasing Alexa.

"Her boy toy," Aaliyah Montevista said, teasing. Her ash blonde hair was alive in the night, accentuated by the printed dress she's wearing. Talagang eye-catchy. In fact, kanina ko pa napapansin na maraming lumilingon sa 'min dahil sa kanya.

"You know Trance? Kasali siya dito," Cari chirped in, chuckling.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Trance?"

Hoshet. I knew someone who goes by that name.

"Yeah? Trance Savellano? Kilala mo?" tanong ni Alexa.

I nodded. "Schoolmate ko. Upper level." Naputol ako nang biglang maghiyawan ang mga babae sa gitna.

Oh. It's starting.

The crowd slowly gathered at the sides. Now, I could clearly see all the participants of the race.

Upon seeing my brother, pride swelled in my chest. To the far right was Kuya Travis, looking all glorious and dashing with his black BMW bike. Walang-wala ang ibang mga kasama niya ngayon sa kanya. I was confident he'd win this. Ilang trophies na rin ang naiuwi niya before.

After checking out every participant, I caugh a familiar motor in the middle. It's a red Ducati. Lagi kong nakikita 'yon sa Intersci before. That's probably Trance Savellano's bike.

"That black bike is so eerily familiar. You don't think. . . ?" Aaliyah whispered to Cari.

Bago pa makasagot si Cari, the race started and we were overwhelmed by the loud screeching noise of the tires, followed by the cheers all around us.

Hoshet. It was starting.

Talon nang talon yung mga babae sa harap ko. They're shouting the names of their bets. Aba. Hindi ako nagpatalo. Humiyaw din ako, cheering for my brother with all my might.

"Go, Kuya Travis!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Cari immediately looked at me, surprise etched on her face.

"Travis? Travis De Villa?"

I nodded at her, grinning wide.

"Kapatid mo si Travis?" she asked, wide-eyed.

I blinked, getting confused. "Yes."

She studied me closely for a second before a full understanding smile tugged at her curved lips. "So that's why you're so familiar. He's your brother."

"Small world," Aaliyah added meaningfully habang nangingiti si Alexa.

I looked at the three of them in confusion. What was up? Kakilala ba nila si Kuya?

Shiz. Mamaya ko na iisipin. Dapat dito ako sa race mag-focus.

I brushed the questions aside and turned back to the road. Paos na yata ako nang matapos ang race. I was over the moon when they announced who the winner was.

Of course, may iba pa ba?

Kuya Travis won. His fourth win in a row.

Ngiting-ngiti ako. I watched him park the motor to the side. After removing his helmet, he started searching for me.

I took that as my cue. I ran to him para salubungin siya and then I pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. "Congrats, Kuya!"

Kuya Travis smiled, his brown eyes glowing with mirth. "Did you enjoy?"

"You were amazing! Nakakainggit!"

He ruffled my hair, chuckling at me. Then noticing something, his eyes moved to the space behind me.

Lumingon ako para sundan kung saan siya nakatingin.

Cari, Alexa, and Aaliyah were there, watching us. They waved a hand at him.

"Kuya, these are the new friends I met earlier. Sina Cari, Alexa and Aaliyah," I said, although I was suspecting na baka magkakilala na sila.

Kuya Travis nodded at them.

"Long time," Cari told him.

"Yeah," sabi lang ni Kuya, smiling at her.

Tiningnan ko silang dalawa. "So magkakilala nga kayo?"

"We had a business venture with her family way back," Kuya Travis answered at the same time Alexa laughed.

"You have no idea," she said.

Huh. Why did I get this feeling na may ini-imply siya?

Napatingin ako kay Kuya Travis, thoughts running in my head. Possible kaya? Did Cari date my brother?

Hm. Parang wala naman akong nababalitaan na nagka-girlfriend si Kuya in the last three years. Flings siguro, meron.

Magtatanong sana ako to clarify things when a tall and ripped guy stepped in and joined us. Si Trance Savellano.

He seemed not that surprised to see me.

He nodded at me. "Been fine?"

"Yup. Saan ka nag-transfer?"

"Sa Ignatio."

Binati niya rin si Kuya bago lumapit kay Alexa. We talked for a few minutes bago kami nagpaalam na sa kanila.

"Ang gaganda nila," I commented, already walking away with my brother. I glanced at him, wearing a wide smile. "Anong business nina Cari?"

"Chain of hotels. Retails also."

"Bale how did you meet?"

"I went to a party with Dad. I met her there."

"Oh. Ayee," kantyaw ko.

Kuya was answering in his usual composed tone, pero malay ko ba. Baka nagpipigil lang siya para hindi ko mahalata. Ewan ko. Sa atmosphere kasi kanina between them, parang may something talaga.

"Ganda talaga ni Cari, 'no?" dagdag ko pa. "Kaya sikat na sikat siya as an influencer."

Kuya chuckled and then looked at me na parang may ibang gustong sabihin. He opened his mouth and closed it again. He smiled in amusement. What are you trying to say? It's not like that between us."

"Really?"

"Really."

Nahinto kami sa usapan dahil may tumawag kay Kuya. Yung mga kaibigan niyang kausap niya kanina nang dumating kami rito.

I let him talk to them. Hindi na ako sumama. I wasn't too comfortable to stay there and chat since most of them were older than me.

Kaya heto, naiwan muna ako. I darted my eyes around, memorizing the details of the place. Tapos na ang race pero marami pa rin ang nandito. Feeling ko may another batch pa. Baka car race naman, since ang daming sports car na nakakalat.

While sweeping my gaze over the super cars, nadaanan ko ang isang napakapamilyar na figure. My heart instantly skipped beats when I ended up directly looking into the eyes of Racel Gutierez.

Shit. Anong ginagawa niya rito?

Kanina niya pa siguro ako nakita. Kasi he was leaning against the hood of his BMW and looking straight at me with curiosity. Realizing that I found him, he smiled and nodded at me.

Nasa gilid niya si Justin na kumakaway na rin sa 'kin.

Suddenly nervous, I quickly turned to where my brother was. Buti na lang abala pa siya sa mga kausap niya. I flicked my gaze back to Racel and pointed to my brother.

Racel turned to where I was pointing and gave a light nod as if telling me he understood.

I nodded back, sending an apologetic smile. Then with one last glance at him, I hopped over to my brother and his friends. Medyo malayo sila roon, buti na lang. Imposibleng napansin nila si Racel.

Phew. I dodged a bullet there.

Pero sana hindi na-offend si Racel. I felt guilty na nga na nagtatago ako kay Kuya Travis, pero mas nagui-guilty ako na nakita ni Racel 'yon. Harap-harapan ko siyang tinatago. Damn.

"Saw someone you know?" tinanong ni Kuya Travis when we finally left his friends. Naglalakad na kami papunta sa kung saan niya iniwan ang kotse niya.

A rolling feeling struck me in the stomach. Nakita niya kaya? But when I looked at his face, parang wala lang naman 'yon. It seemed like a harmless question.

"Why'd you ask?" I asked just in case, also trying to keep my voice light.

"You were looking at someone, hindi ko lang napansin kung sino."

"Aahh," I said, faking my tone. "There was this very handsome sports car kasi."

Wow. Lie. Another lie again, Javee?

"Which one?"

"Yung Veyron. Akala ko si Lhyle."

"Lhyle doesn't race though. At least, not that I know of." Kuya chuckled and passed a glance at me. "You really like cars. Malapit na rin ang debut mo. What do you want to have?"

My eyes widened a fraction. "You'll buy me a car?"

"Not me. Dad," he replied with a chuckle.

"Hm. Audi lang, okay na 'ko," I said, getting into the car.

Kuya walked around his car and climbed into the driver's seat.

"Jaguar, ayaw mo?"

"What? Mas okay 'yon!" I said, getting a bit excited.

Kuya mocked a stern look. "But you have to promise me. No races. "

"Why not? Daya, a."

"Because."

Ngumuso ako. When it comes to being overprotective, nag-aagawan talaga sila ni Kuya Jacob sa top spot.

While Kuya Travis was putting the car in gear, I pulled out my phone and sneaked in a quick text to Racel.

Me:

Sorry ha! I'm with kuya!

In a beat, he replied. My heart did somersaults as I opened the message.

RCG:

You look great tonight. As always.

It was great seeing you.

Napapikit ako. Oh, my gosh. My cheeks heating up, I hastily keyed in my answer.

Me:

You looked great too.

He looked hot tonight. Bagay sa kanya ang puting v-neck na shirt na suot niya. His long hair, usually kept smooth and tamed, was messy kanina. It looked badass. It took everything in me not to run up to him and take a picture.

Why was he there though? Was he there to race too?

At the reminder of how hot he looked kanina, lalong uminit ang pisngi ko. A smile was threatening to fill my face.

"You're blushing," Kuya Travis suddenly said, taking my attention. He tore his eyes out of the road to look at my phone. "Who's that?"

I shook my head and bit my lip, trying hard to contain the wide smile and kilig forming on my face.

"Nothing." I put my phone on my lap, away from his eyes, and smiled. "Just read something that made my night."

"Someone special?"

"Yeah," I answered, dazed.