#TPTG08

"I'm sorry but I really can't accept what's not for me," I politely said to our principal

Kumunot ang noo niya. "What do you mean Miss Guevarra?"

Tumungo ako. "I know my father talked to you. I know that Keith will always be your first choice so please, panindigan niyo rin po yung sinabi niyo. Let him go to the seminar instead."

Hindi naman siya agad nakasagot.

She sighed. "I understand Miss Guevarra."

I then slowly lifted my eyes to her. "What about Keith?"

She gave me a small smile. "Don't worry. I'll talk to him," she assured me

Tumango ako at nagpaalam na. 

I'm still not at ease. I felt bad for Keith even if he said those hurtful things to me. Alam kong nasaktan siya kaya niya nasabi yun. I just accepted it because some of the things he said, was true.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit nadamay pa siya. I just hate how my father works sometimes kaya pati ako ay nadadamay. I wish I could apologize to Keith again in behalf of my father. He didn't deserve this.

"Hey! What's up?" Lou greeted and put down her tray on our table. 

I looked at it. "Is that all you got to eat for lunch?" I asked while pointing at the salad

She rolled her sleeves and nodded. "Uh-huh. I have to maintain my figure."

"That's not enough supplements for your brain knowing we still have four subjects left equivalent to four school hours."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Okay smarty pants. How about you eat. I don't even remember the last time that I saw you had a properly meal 'cause all you do is study. You always have a book with you."

She opened the salad and began to eat. "You want?"

"That's not even enough for you."

"Here, you can have my apple," she offered the apple that she already has a bite on

I stared at it and smiled weakly. "Thanks."

She smiled widely and continued to eat. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga estudyante na kumakain ngayon sa cafeteria.

"By any chance, have you seen Keith?" I asked

"No. Why?" kunot noo niyang tanong

"Nothing."

"Then why are you looking for him? Don't tell me you like him? Baka nadala ka sa mga asaran ng iba nating kaklase ah," she teased

I sighed and massaged my temple. "Just eat, Lou."

She laughed. 

Meanwhile, some of her friends approached her and joined us at the table. They all know me but I'm not sure if I know all of them. Lou has a lot of friends, kahit sa mga lower batch ay close niya.

I didn't engage in their conversation because I don't know what their topic. Kinakausap nila ako pero tipid lang ang bawat sagot ko.

My mind was somewhere else. I wonder if Keith still joined the seminar. I haven't seen him these past few days. Hindi ko nadin siya nakausap simula nung nangyari. Today is the seminar and I have no idea if he still attended or not. I hope he did.

Dismissal came and I'm outside the campus waiting for my ride. Nagkakalat din ang mga estudyante. Pinagmasdan ko sila sa malayo.

"Huy guys! Nood tayo ng gig mamaya."

"Sige ba, yayain mo din si ano-"

"Hoy ano 'yan? Sama ko!"

"Tara tara. G ba kayo?"

"Syempre! Friday naman eh so walang pasok bukas."

Ngumiti sila sa isa't isa at sama sama silang barkada na naglakad palabas ng campus.

"Jill!"

"Ella! Hi!"

Napalingon ako sa estudyante sa likod ko. Sinalubong niya ng yakap ang kaibigan.

"Kamusta?"

"Nagugutom ako. Tara merienda tayo," aya niya

"Sige ako din eh. May alam ako na malapit na karenderia."

The girl smiled. "Sige tara. Tapos tambay ako sa inyo mamaya."

Pinagmasdan ko rin sila palayo. I sighed and glanced at my watch. Tumingala ako at pinagmasdan ang papalubog na araw.

Sometimes, I feel jealous of my classmates. I wonder how it feels to go to spontaneous trips, those after school snacks, hang out sa mall o kaya sa bahay ng kaibigan. I wish I could experience it too. 

"Ma'am Fey!"

Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa'kin. I saw Vince waved at me. I smiled and walked towards our car. Finally.

"Kanina ka pa?" he asked and opened the door for me

I shook my head and went inside.

Habang nasa byahe ay nakatingin lang ako sa labas ng bintana.

"Sorry kung medyo nalate ako," sabi niya

"Pumasok ka?"

He nodded. "Opo pero half day lang po kami kaya lang gumala po kasi kami ng mga kaibigan ko kaya hindi ko po namalayan yung oras."

"I see. Kamusta na pala papa mo?"

"Maayos naman. Baka next week siya na ulit maging driver niyo," sagot niya. "Ayaw niya na nga po ako magtrabaho eh. Kaso sabi ko magpagaling muna siya, kaya ko naman eh."

"I still couldn't bare to see you here. I know it's hard for you to balance work and studies. College is hard afterall. You should be out with your friends too. Ako yung nasasyangan sa oras mo kapag iniisip kong kailangan mo kong sunduin araw-araw," I chuckled softly

"Hindi ka naman naging abala. Pinili kong magtrabaho para sa'min ni papa."

I sighed. "Why does everyone treat me differently? Just because of my social status? I don't even consider myself superior than them pero gano'n yung tingin nila sa'kin."

He cleared his throat. "Po?"

What's the point? Wala din namang magbabago.

"Nevermind. Just...just forget what I said," I replied and looked outside the window again

I just want to talk to someone comfortably. Casual conversations like what friends do, where I could share my thoughts, emotions, feelings, sentiments wholeheartedly. Though I'm not a very open person and I rather keep everything to myself but there are days where it gets too overwhelming.

When I got home, I took a bath and ate. I noticed that my parents were not around, again.

"Where's mom and dad?" I asked one of the maids

"Ay, nakalimutan ko pala sainyo sabihin kaninang umaga. May business trip po sila na pinuntahan at baka po bukas pa ang dating."

Pumanik na ulit ako sa kwarto. I grabbed my phone and went on Instagram. I'm not really active on social media. I rarely use it. I have an account but I don't post anything at all but I do follow some people. 

I scrolled down and saw Lou's post. It was her and a bunch of people. Posted three days ago. I went to her profile and stalked her. She sure has a lot of friends and followers as well. Umabot na ng one thousand ang mga posts niya. I decided to call her.

"Fey! You called. What's up?" she said on the other line

I bit my nails. "Yeah, it's me. Are you busy?"

"No, why?"

"I was just wondering if you could come to my house?"

"What? Why? When?" sunod-sunod niyang tanong. "I'm sorry I mean. Wow I don't even remember the last time you invited me at your house kasi ako lagi ang napunta diyan pero hindi na kasi nahiya na ko."

I chuckled nervously.

"So bakit nga? Is there a special occasion? Birthday ba ni tita o ni tito?"

"They're not here. They're on a business trip that's why...the house is free, all day. I thought we could hang out."

"Really? Well that's great news! Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Are you sure you're not busy? You don't have plans or what? Schoolworks?"

She sighed. "Fey, you know me. I'm always free. I would gladly drop my schoolworks for this once in a blue moon invitation at your house."

I chuckled softly. "I don't think that's a good idea-"

"K bye. I'll get ready. See you in a bit!"

"Uh wait! Lou!"

"Yes?"

I bit my lip. "If you want, you can uh, also invite some of your friends."

"What? Are you serious? Are you throwing a party or something?"

"No. It's just...the house is too big for us. I mean if you just want to then it's fine with me."

"You sure? Because the last time you hang out with my friends, it didn't end well," she muttered

I gulped. "It's all in the past."

"Oh, okay. I'll see if they're available."

Pagkatapos namin mag-usap ay agad akong bumaba. Sakto ay nakasalubong ko ang isang maid.

"Yes Ma'am?" tanong niya

"My friends are coming over. Can you prepare us some snacks?"

She nodded. "Sige po. Nasabi niyo po ba ito sa mama at papa niyo?"

"Yes. I already told them about it," I lied

I went upstairs again to change clothes. I just wore a simple tshirt and highwaisted short. I tied my hair into a bun.

While preparing, I heard a knock at my door. "Ma'am Fey, andiyan na po mga kaibigan niyo," the maid said

Nagmadali akong bumaba ng hagdan. I immediately saw them as they enter the mansion.

"Fey!" bati ni Lou sabay beso

I smiled back. "Hello."

"Here are my friends. Pakilala kita," sabi niya at tumingin sa mga kasama. "Guys! This is-"

"The one and only, Felicity Maeve Guevarra!" bati ng isa

Lumapit sa'kin ang isang babae at nakipagbeso. "Finally, we've met. I heard a lot from you because of Lou. My name is Jacquilyn."

"Nice to meet you," I smiled

"Hi Fey!" a familiar face greeted me. She's one of our schoolmates. Common friend ni Lou

"Quinn!"

"Thanks for inviting us," she shyly said

I chuckled. "Para namang hindi tayo schoolmates."

"Oo nga eh pero nahihiya padin ako kapag nakikipag-usap sa'yo."

"Don't be," I assured her

"The other two are Josh and Clint. I invited them too. Boyfriend ni Jac yung isa," pakilala ni Lou

I nodded and looked at the two boys behind them. One is busy with his phone while his friend is busy observing the whole mansion. Halata ang pagkamangha niya.

"Why is he holding a-"

"So guys! Nakikita niyo naman. Nandito ako ngayon sa bahay ng isang Guevarra. The one and only daughter of the Governor Guevarra, Miss Felicity!" he said enthusiastically and pointed the camera to me

"Hi ka naman sa vlog!" ngiti niyang sabi

I was caught off guard for a second.

"Ahh hi," tipid akong ngumiti

He suddenly zoomed the camera to my face then down to my outfit. "Ang taray ni bakla. Naka-chanel tshirt pa at gucci sliders. Ansabe ng outfit ko?!"

"Hey Clint! Umayos ka nga.  Nasa ibang bahay ka at hindi lang basta basta kaninong bahay. We're in Felicity's house," Jac scolded and pulled him away from me

Lou nervously laughed. "Sorry," she mouthed at me

I smiled. "It's okay."

Tinignan ko ang suot ko. I don't know what's wrong with my outfit but this is what I usually wore everyday kapag nasa bahay.

"This is not just a 'house'. Mansion ito. Grabe, halos malula ako sa laki," he exaggerated

I cleared my throat. "Uh. Let me tour you around the house."

Magsasalita na sana si Lou pero naunahan siya ni Clint. "Oh sure! Excited din ako makita ang mansion mo tsaka I'm sure gusto din makita ng Clintfam iyon."

The rest of them shook their head in embarrassment.

Nauna na kong maglakad at sumunod naman sila. We walked passed the living room and dining room.

"So this is the pool area," I said and opened the glass door

"Wow! May pool pala kayo," sabi ni Quinn

"Hindi na ko nagulat," si Jac

"Nakapag-swimming na rin kaya ako dito dati, 'di ba Fey?" si Lou

I only nodded and smiled.

"Are we gonna swim?" tanong ni Jac

"Huy, nakakahiya," si Quinn

"No, it's okay. Pwede naman kung gusto niyo," sabi ko

Their eyes widened in surprise. "Really?! That's great!"

"Pero sayang, wala kong dalang swim wear," malungkot na sabi ni Quinn

"I can lend you mine."

Lumiwanag ang mukha niya. "Talaga?"

"Ako din!" si Jac

I chuckled. "Sure."

Then we went to the garden. We saw our maids watering the plants. It's quite sunny outside.

"Goodafternoon po!" bati nila

We went back inside and showed them another room.

"This is the game room," sabi ko pagkabukas ng pinto

"Wow! Grabe, parang sa TV ko lang ito nakikita." Tinapat ni Clint ang camera sa kabuuan ng kwarto, making sure he shot every corner and every angle

We have two billiards, three arcades, a small couch with a huge flat screen tv. May mini playstation din doon at ilang CD's. All of them are organized into a small shelf. May malalaki din kaming speakers at maliliit na nakadikit sa pader. Sound proof din ang kwarto.

"My cousins used to play here but I rarely used this room. I'm not really fond of games," kwento ko

"Mukha ngang 'di gamit," si Clint

I saw the boy named Josh is busy looking at the game CD's. "What else do you have?" he suddenly asked

"Uh, we also have a movie room and a mini bar."

"Bar?!" gulat na sabi ni Jac

I nodded.

"She likes to drink," bulong sa'kin ni Lou

Sunod na naming pinuntahan ay yung movie room at yung bar. Hindi na rin kami nagtagal dahil niyaya ko sila na kumain.

"Wala parents mo?" asked Quinn

"They're on a business trip," I simply replied. "How's the food?"

They gave me a thumbs-up to show their satisfaction. "So good!"

"Sino nagluto nito?"

"One of the maids," I answered

"Lagi sila yung nagluluto ng pagkain niyo?" 

"Ano ka ba? Mukha bang nagluluto 'to si Fey? She's born in a silver spoon, of course someone cooks for her," singit ni Clint

My lips parted. "I actually do cook, sometimes."

"But I bet you rarely do chores?" Jac asked

Tumango lang ako at uminom ng juice.

"By the way, of course you're parents are always busy so they're not always around right?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"And you don't have any siblings. So lagi ka lang bang mag-isa dito?"

"Yes, most of the time."

"Hindi ba parang ang lungkot at lonely mo naman nun," sabi ni Quinn

"Actually, I don't feel lonely. I'm used to it anyway. I just study in my room, read books, and sometimes I plant."

"Really?! Grabe ang layo pala nung tingin ko about sa'yo noon. I mean if I were you, living in this mansion, alone, I would throw a party everyday!" si Jac. "Wouldn't that be cool? Hays, kung sana ganito lang ako kayaman eh."

They all nodded in agreement except for Lou. Nagkatinginan kami. She gave me an apologetic smile. 

After lunch, we decided to take a swim at the pool. Nagbihis muna kaming girls sa kwarto ko. Pinaheram ko sila ng swimwear ko.

"Girl, you have a nice body," Jac complimented me

I smiled while fixing my hair on the mirror. "Thanks. You too."

"What's your secret tho? Do you workout?" she asked while applying sunblock

"I don't. I just do cardio sometimes. I guess I'm blessed with a nice body."

Ilang sandali ay lumabas si Quinn sa banyo. "Oh my God! Hindi ako sanay!"

Sabay namin siyang nilingon ni Jac. She was covering her body with her hands, too shy for us to see.

"Girl, grow up. Tignan mo nga si Fey, seventeen palang, kinabog ka na," Jac said and pointed at me

Ngumuso si Quin at tinignan ang katawan ko. "Sana all may dibdib at flat stomach."

"Okay, I'm done applying. Una na ko guys," paalam ni Jac

"Alright. Sunod nalang kami," I replied

She smiled at us and went out. Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Quinn sa kwarto.

She sat on the edge of the bed and applied sunblock. "May t-shirt ka ba diyan? Can I use it instead?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Why?"

She sighed and bit her lip. "Nakaka-insecure kasi. I mean you and Jac have a nice body and all. You can flex it unlike me. Pangit na nga, pangit pa ang katawan."

Lumapit ako sa kanya at tinabihan siya sa kama. Umusog siya ng konti. "Huwag kang tumabi, mas lalong bumababa self-esteem ko sa katulad mong perfect."

I chuckled. "I'm not perfect."

"Oo kaya. Maganda, mayaman, sexy, matalino, campus crush, sikat, lahat na. Plus may...dibdib ka pa at pwet!" she looked at my body again

"I didn't know that those were the definition of perfect for you. I don't even consider my life perfect like what everybody assumes."

She looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face.

I sighed. "Besides, it's normal to have body insecurities, a lot of women have that. I do too. Everyone is born beautiful. We just have a judgemental society. Don't let them affect you. Be confident and love your body. Flat chested or not, skinny or fat, maputi o morena, you're beautiful in your own way," I smiled

She smiled back. "Thank you Fey. You're so good with words."

"Thank you."

"And your eyes are so pretty too," her lips parted while staring at my eyes

Napakurap-kurap ako. I looked away and chuckled awkwardly. "Uhm. You still want a shirt?"

She shook her head. "Nope!"

After we talked, we went straight to the pool area. Everyone is already there while having fun. Clint was still busy with vlogging. Both Lou and Jac are taking pictures. Josh on the other hand, wass the only one who's swimming.

"Fey! Quinn! Come and let's take some pictures!" Lou squealed

Quinn and I looked at each other before walking towards our friends. We took photos together. Lou placed her arm over my shoulders. Lahat kami ay tumingin sa phone niya. After our long photo session, I felt tired so I sat on one of the lounge.

Nagtama ang mata namin nung Josh. Nakawang ang labi niya habang titig na titig sa'kin. His eyes lowered down on my body. I suddenly felt uncomfortable so I stood up and went to the jacuzzi. Nakita ko sa gilid ng mata ko na sinundan niya ko ng tingin.

I dipped my foot on the pool. Ramdam ko ang init ng tubig. I slowly sat down until half of my body is inside. I then closed my eyes to relax.

"Mind if I join you?"

Napadilat ako sa gulat at lumingon sa nagsalita. It was Josh. He was topless, only wearing a black shorts. I admit, he has a nice body. He has broad shoulders and four pack abs. It's obvious that he works out a lot.

I didn't want to appear rude so I allowed him. He smirked and joined me on the pool. The jacuzzi is only small that's why I felt uneasy that we're so close to each other. I thought he'll sat in front of me but I was surprised when he went beside me. Umusog ako ng konti sa kanya.

There was a long and awkward silence between us. Binasa ko nalang ng tubig ang buhok ko.

"Felicity right?" he asked

I gulped and nodded

"Nice house."

"Thanks."

Bigla ulit tumahimik. Tanging bula lamang ng jacuzzi ang naririnig namin.

"So, you said earlier that your parents are not always around so we can come by anytime right?"

"Uh, sure...I guess."

"Kahit ako lang?"

"Excuse me?" sabi ko at tinignan siya

He chuckled. "I'm kidding."

I felt him move closer to me. I flinched when our knees touched. I stiffened.

"How long have you and Jac started dating?" I asked without looking at him but I can feel his eyes on me

"Why did you ask?" he smirked

Hindi ako sumagot. 

He sighed. "We've only known each other for like four months? Nothing serious. She's just a fling."

"I see," I calmly replied. "You're already in college?"

"Twenty, BS in Engineering sa La Salle," he said proudly

I nodded and closed my legs tight.

"How about you? Tell me more about you? Single?" he said huskily on my ear. Tumaas bigla ang balahibo ko dahil dun. "I don't know which is hotter, you or the jacuzzi," he said bluntly

He was about to place his arm over my shoulder but I quickly moved away from him.

"Chill," he smiled cockily and raised his hands

"How about you keep your hands to yourself?" giit ko

He chuckled at my response. He even had the audacity to come closer to me.

"Just so you know, I'm only seventeen. Soon to be lawyer and I'm going to file you a report for harassing a minor," I hissed and stood up

I was about to step out of the pool when he suddenly held my wrist. I clenched my jaw and glared at him.

"Guys!" someone called

Napalingon ako kay Clint. Kumaway siya sa'min mula sa malayo. I then remove my arm from Josh's grip. Naglakas ako palayo sa kanya. Kinuha ko ang robe ko na nakapatong sa lounge at sinuot iyon.

"Fey! Where have you been?" salubong ni Lou

Hindi ko siya sinagot. I took a bottled water and drank it.

I looked at Jac and Quinn who's grilling some barbecue while Clint is vlogging the scene.

"By the way, it's getting late. Baka umuwi na sila tita at tito," Lou told me

"They will probably arrive next morning so you can stay for as long as you like. I mean, not unless na hanapin kayo ng parents niyo."

Her eyes widened. "Seryoso?!"

I nodded. "Hanggang ano'ng oras ba kayo pwede?"

Nakita ko sa gilid ng mata ko ang pagdating ni Josh. Dumaan siya sa harapan ko at nilapitan si Jac. He kissed her on the cheek and snaked his arms around her waist. Jac smiled at the gesture. 

"Ewan ko sa kanila," sagot ni Lou

"Well, it's already late and it looks like none of them still plans to go home yet."

She nodded. I caught Josh watching us. I rolled my eyes at him and covered myself up with my robe.

"Okay ka lang?" Lou worriedly asked

"Yeah."

Nakatambay na kami ngayon sa may pool. We're sitting at the lounge chairs while eating barbecue.

"Can you fill my cup please," said Jac

Josh poured her cup with alcohol. They were all drinking aside from Quinn and I. I let them drink because they're already in the right age. The alcohol came from our mini bar.

"Lasang mamahalin," lasing na sabi ni Jac sabay ngisi

Clint already passed out after four shots. He's lying on the wet floor right now while holding an empty bottle on his other hand.

"You guys not gonna drink?" asked Josh while showing us the bottle

"We're good," I said

Sumandal si Lou sa balikat ko. Tumingin ako sa kanya na ngayon ay nakapikit na. "This is the best night of my life," she mumbled

"Parang mas gusto kong tumambay sa bar ah!" Jac exclaimed then laughed

"Tama na. Lasing ka na," awat ni Quin at akmang kukunin ang baso sa kanya pero nilayo niya ito

"Hindi pa 'no! Malakas kaya ko uminom! Di ba babe?" she told Josh

Ngumisi ito at hinalikan si Jac. I looked away when they started to make out.

"Jeez. Get a room!" Lou said, annoyed

Jac smirked and looked at me. "Baka naman may guestroom kayo?"

"Hoy! Ang wild!" Lou chuckled

"Say, Fey. How does it feel like to be born rich? Maging isang anak mayaman ng governor? Sarap siguro ng buhay mo 'no? Ang convenient din. Wala kang problema pagdating sa pera."

My lips parted. "It's really not what you think-"

"Hindi ka naman spoiled ano?" she added

I was about to answer her but then Quinn spoke.

"Guys, ano'ng oras na?"

"It's one am," sagot ni Lou

"What?! Hala baka pagalitan na ko. Kailangan ko ng umuwi!" she panicked

"Kj mo! Maya ka na umuwi, ang aga pa," inis na sabi ni Jac

"Pero-"

"Don't worry Quinn. Nagpaalam naman ako kay tita na mag-sleepover ka sa'min kaya, no worries," si Lou

"Sure ka? Buti pumayag si mama," she worriedly said and sat down again

"Of course! Malakas ako kay tita eh."

"Balik tayo kay Fey. Sinagot niya ba tanong ko?" singit ni Jac. She looked at me again with her brow raised. "Nakakainggit kasi, alam mo yun? Like, guys, wag na tayo mag-pretend. Alam kong inggit tayong lahat sa kanya."

I sighed. "Why do you always think that my life is perfect? I just don't get it. I'm telling you, it's far from your imagination. Some tell me that they want my life, like it's their dream. And my answer would always be...don't. Have your own dream. Be better. Be greater. I am not as perfect as you think I am."

"Amen!"

Napatingin kami sa nagsalita na si Clint. His eyes were still closed. I don't know if he's dreaming or what. He smirked and burped. "Thank you Fey. Sigurado akong maraming views itong vlog ko dahil sa'yo. Baka dito na ko sisikat!"

"I wish you don't depend the success of your channel to me or to other famous people," I told him

"He's just using you for clout Fey," said Quinn beside me

Tumingin ulit ako kay Jac. "Did that answer your question?"

She gave me a sarcastic smile. Pinatong niya ang plastic cup sa sahig.

"Huy, tapon mo 'yan. Ayun basurahan oh," utos ni Quinn

"Hilo na ko. Andyan naman yung maid para maglinis niyan," sabi ni Jac. Humiga siya sa lounge chair at pumikit

Tumingin ako sa mga kasama ko. All of them already passed out. It's just me and Quinn who's sober. I slowly removed Lou's head on my shoulder. Hiniga ko siya sa lounge chair. I caught Quinn who picked up the cup on the floor. She sniffed the alcohol and tasted. Her face turned sour. 

"This taste awful!" 

I chuckled. "I know."

Napailing nalang siya at tinapon na iyon sa basurahan. "Well, what now?"

I checked the time on Lou's phone.

"It's already 3am," sabi ko

"Wow," she yawned

"Tired?"

She nodded. "Yeah, super. Kanina ko pa nga gusto umuwi at matulog eh kaso nakakahiya naman kung aalis nalang ako. Sabihan pa kong KJ."

I chuckled. "You can sleep here. Sa guest room."

"How about them?" she pointed at our friends. "We can't just leave them here outside."

"I'll carry Lou while you carry Jac," I ordered and put Lou's shoulder on ver me

She nodded and helped Jac. "How about the guys?"

"There's no way I'll gonna carry them. Bahala na sila diyan," I replied and stood up

Pagdating namin sa living room ay binagsak ko si Lou sa sofa. Nag-inat ako pagkatapos.

"Oh God! Jac is quite heavy," I heard Quinn said and also carefully put Jac on the sofa

We then looked at the two of them. They're like babies who's sleeping soundly on the sofa.

"Parang gusto ko nalang din dito matulog."

"You don't want to take a bath first? I can lend you some clothes," I offered

Umiling siya. "I'm good but maybe you can lend me a shirt now," she chuckled softly

"Sure."

I then rushed my way upstairs to get some sleepwears and thick blankets. Naligo na rin ako at nagbihis. Pagkababa ko ay nakita ko nalang si Quinn na mahimbing na natutulog sa katabing couch. I smiled weakly as I watch all of them sleep. Kinumutan ko sila at inayos ang unan sa ulo nila.

I'm having a hard time sleeping so everynight, what I usually do is drink hot milk and read a few pages of a book before going to bed. It helps me fall asleep.

The following day, someone woke me up. I rubbed my eyes and looked at our maid.

"Ma'am. Andyan na po ang mommy at daddy niyo," sabi niya

"What?"

Tumingin ako sa paligid. My friends were still sleeping peacefully.

"What time is it?" I asked the maid

"Ala-otso na po ng umaga."

Napapikit ako at napahilamos ng mukha. "Shit."

"What's going on here?"

My eyes widened when I heard my father's voice. Biglang binalot ng kaba ang katawan ko. Napatingin ako sa kanya. He has now entered the living room. Tumayo ako at agad siyang nilapitan.

"Dad, I can explain," I said nervously

He wasn't looking at me but at my friends who were sleeping on the sofa. "Who are they? Your friends?"

I gulped and nodded. "Yeah. I invited them over last night and we got dru-" I paused. "I mean we didn't notice the time. It was late, so I let them sleep here."

I was careful with my words because I was afraid of his reaction. I didn't want him to know that we drink or else he'll get mind if he found out. He's probably mad right now. I must brace myself.

"You didn't inform us," he coldly said

"I-I uhm. You guys were away and I didn't want to bother you because you're busy," I stammered

He slowly nodded. "Okay. Just-"

"Hi tito!"

Napalingon kami sa bumati. Lou is awake now. She waved at us from the sofa.

Tipid na ngumiti si papa pabalik. He then shifted his gaze back to me. "You should be more like Lou. Someone who's outgoing and socializes more."

I bit my lip. I saw mom behind dad approaching us.

"Sige. Magpapahinga na ko. Mahaba ang byahe namin ng mama mo," paalam ni papa at nilagpasan na ako

My lips parted. I didn't expect that reaction from him. I thought he'd be angry at me. I already felt embarrass by the thought of my father scolding me in front of my friends.

Nilapitan naman ako ni mama. She held my cheek and glanced at my friends. "Did you girls have a great time?"

I'm not sure Mom. Even I can't tell if I had a good time or maybe I'm just not used to it.

I nodded. "I-I actually thought you'd scold me."

Kumunot ang noo niya. Her eyes look tired. "Why? Of course not. This is the first time that you brought your friends here. You can invite them more often and introduce them to us."

I smiled weakly. "You're really not mad?"

"No, not unless...did you girls make any mess here? Ang daming mamahalin na gamit dito, baka may nakabasag o nakasira kayo ah-"

I chuckled. "No, not at all."

She sighed and nodded. "Mabuti kung gano'n. Sige, magpapahinga na ko."

Nilagpasan na ako ni mama. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang paakyat sa hagdan.

I don't think I can invite them over again.