#TD09

"Ate Trisha!"

I smiled upon seeing Kate. She smiled back and waved her hand before running towards me.

"Hi Kate. How are you little sis?"

"I'm pretty well. We had our P.E. earlier that's why I'm a bit sweaty but don't worry, nagpalit naman na ako. Kuya would get mad at me kapag natuyuan ako ng pawis."

I patted her head. "Such a sweet sister. I'm sure you're tired and hungry. Libre ka ni ate ng ice cream!"

Her eyes widened in surprise. She was smiling from ear to ear. "Really? Yes I want ice cream!"

"Ice cream it is!"

We then went to buy ice cream at the near convenience store. After that, we went to the park and sat down on the bench. There were people strolling around with their pets. The children were playing happily in the grass. Some were just chilling like us.

"It's the perfect weather for ice cream," she said

I nodded in agreement. "Truly is."

It was a gloomy afternoon. I looked up at the sky, admiring the clouds. The sun was peeking behind them. I then shifted my gaze to Kate.

"How's school Kate? You're in 3rd year highschool, right?"

"Yup! School's okay, I guess. Pasok pa rin ako sa honors and varsity pa rin ako ng women's soccer. Student council secretary din ako. I actually have a lot of schoolworks to do."

I blinked twice. "Wow! I mean, 'di na ako nagulat. Magkapatid nga talaga kayo ni Keith. You both excel in academics and extracurricular activities. Ang galing niyong dalawa," I chuckled

"Thank you! I'm incredibly lucky to be his sister."

"Is it hard? Marami ba masyadong pinapagawa sa inyo? I'm willing to help with your projects or assignments."

"Hmm, a little but I can manage. Kuya is helping me naman. We have a project in science and I asked him to draw the parts of the brain. Ginawa niya agad. The drawing turned out really cool! His drawing was better than the drawing in our book," she bragged

I laughed. "Really? Yeah, Keith has a talent in drawing too."

"No matter how busy he is, he prioritizes me and try to help me with school kahit na kaya ko siyang gawin. He's making sure that I'm doing it right," she said and continued to eat her ice cream. I noticed that she was having deep thoughts

"Hey, you okay?"

Her eyes were fixed in front. "Honestly, I'm having a really hard time in school but not because of the amount of schoolworks I have but because..."

My brows furrowed. "What is it? You can tell me Kate."

Her gaze lowered down on the ground. "Some of the students were bullying me. They kept saying that my dad is a criminal. That he's a bad person. Nag-iba yung tingin nila sa'kin. When I transferred, it wasn't easy at first. I had a hard time making friends because of what dad did. Hindi ko nalang sila pinapatulan," she sighed

I put my arms over her shoulder, patting her back. "Did you try to tell it to your teachers? About the bullies? Did you also tell Keith?"

She shook her head. "I just don't want to cause trouble. Pag nagsumbong ako, sigurado malalaman ni Kuya. Baka papuntahin siya sa school. I don't want Kuya to know. He'll get mad. Please don't tell kuya, ate."

My lips parted. Her eyes were filled with sadness. My chest tightened. "Keith deserves to know too. Gusto mo, ako nalang ang kakausap sa mga bumubully sa'yo? I'll teach them a lesson."

"Don't ate! I, uh, I'm fine. Magsasawa din sila. It will pass. I just have to get used to it. Ayoko ng lumaki yung problema dahil baka malaman pa ng iba. I'm trying my best to focus in academics and my sport. It's my distraction from the bullies."

"But Kate-"

"Konti lang naman sila. I can handle them. I'm tired of running away," she smiled weakly

I sighed. "I get hurt too. You're like my younger sister. I understand how you feel because I was bullied too when I was in middle school. Luckily, Keith's always there to protect me."

She sniffed. "You were bullied? How can they bully you when you're so nice and sweet."

I caressed her head. "That was a long time ago. I barely remember the bullies. I was fat before. It was one of my insecurities. Fortunately, I overcome it. Hindi na ako nabubully," I said. "But I remember I'd tell them to my dad. Daddy went to school and talked to the bullies. Tumigil na rin sila. Takot sila kay papa e!"

She chortled. "Is your dad intimidating? I mean, you look sweet and friendly. I wonder if you take over him."

"Mom said so. Daddy's not scary at all. Well, sometimes, if he's working and when I disturb him. He's a lawyer e. You might think that's he's strict and scary but dad is the sweetest and funniest person. Opposite sila ni mommy kasi medyo strict siya. I was closer with my dad since mom was working abroad when I was a little."

She nodded while listening to me attentively. "How cool that your dad's a lawyer. Is that why you're taking up law too?"

"Yes. He's my biggest inspiration. I've always wanted to be like him when I was little. I'm really happy that my dream is finally coming true."

"You must really miss him huh?"

I smiled weakly. "Always. Alam kong lagi niya akong binabantayan. Sometimes when I get lonely and sad because I miss him, I'd write on my diary."

She looked down at the ground. "I miss my dad too."

"Have you, uhm, visited him?" I asked carefully

She gulped. "I'm...I'm not ready yet. I don't know what to say to him. Sometimes I want to try visit him but everytime I remember what happened, I just...I just can't. Nanghihina ako. Wala akong lakas na loob," her voice was hoarse. Her brows were slightly furrowed. "All I can remember is that horrible day when the police suddenly came into our house and arrested him." She shut her eyes in fear

I held her closer. "It's okay. I'm here. Shhh." I felt her shoulders shaking. I tried my best to calm her down. I can't even imagine what she went through alone in an unfamiliar country living with a new family away from her mom and Keith

"Dad's new woman just told me everything will be okay. She told me that I must not go out of the house. She followed dad. I wanted to come too but she refused. She wasn't even treating me nicely just for the sake of dad. I was left alone. I didn't know what to do. I just wanted to go home. I was so scared."

The next thing I knew, she was already crying on my shoulders.

"Kate.."

"There was never a day where I didn't think of kuya and mom. Malinaw pa sa'kin yung araw na iniwan namin sila ni papa. I was just a kid back then. I love daddy more so I chose him. I regret it. I regret leaving them. I was homesick. I missed them so much. When mom died, my world fell apart like the way how our family did. And what hurt me the most was the fact that I wasn't able to come to her funeral," she continued in between sobs. "It's all my fault. If only I didn't leave them. If only I begged dad to stay with us. I felt bad for leaving mom and kuya. I wish I could have done something. I can't imagine what Kuya went through."

"It's not your fault Kate. Please don't blame yourself. You were just a child back then. It's not your fault, hmm?" I said softly

She sniffed and slowly wiped her tears. "I just feel guilty. All the burden is on Kuya. He's not even complaining about it. He promised he'd set dad free."

"Kate.."

She slowly lifted her eyes on me. "Do you think my dad is innocent? He is, right? He's not suppose to be in jail. I believe he's a good man. You understand me more since we're both closer to our dads."

I held her cheeck. "Of c-course. Soon, I'm sure makakalaya din siya. Makakasama niyo rin siya. Things are just complicated right now. We'll get through this."

I try to give her strength eventhough deep down, everything's a blurr and hopeless. We're in a very thin thread. All of us were struggling to hold on to each other. No one dares to let go. And I feel like Keith was the bigger the person. He was the reason why we're still standing.

"I shouldn't cry anymore. Crying does not solve anything, just like what Kuya said," she added and sat properly. She forced a smile. "I must look forward to the day when dad will be with us again. Now that mom's gone, he's our only parent. I don't want to lose him too."

She was hoping and at the same time, putting too much pressure on Keith.

But not once did Keith ever complain.

"Be strong Kate." I held her hand. We both smiled at each other. "Always remember, your brother and I are here for you. We're facing this together."

***

"All right so the first thing we're going to do is we take our arms above our head and exhale our hands to our center of our hearts. We're going to repeat that a couple of times. Slowly, relax your body. Inhale...exhale."

With my eyes closed, I did what the yoga instructor said. I lifted my arms above my head and as I inhale, slowly putting it in the center of my heart then I exhaled. Every muscle in my body relaxed. I can feel the blood circulating in every vessel in my body.

"Inhaling all the way up and exhaling through. You're all doing great. Keep it going," she added. Her voice was soothing as well and it helped boost the atmosphere. I felt like I was floating in the air.

"This is nice," I muttered

"Now we're going to plant our right palm and lift our left hand up above our head getting that nice side body stretch."

I looked at her and followed the next step. The rest of the ladies followed as well. It was simple and easy to follow as a beginner. I was already having fun. This was exactly what I needed after our exams were over.

"Do it on the opposite side as well. Go stretch. Keep it calm. Inhale and exhale. Just a little movements that will help ease the tension of your back. We're going to repeat this a few more times, just slow...that's right."

We did a couple more yoga exercises while she guided us with it. I didn't realize I was flexible since it's been a while since I went to yoga. My body was stiff at first but it was gone as soon as I did the more advanced one's.

"You're doing well Trisha," she praised with a sweet smile on her lips

I smiled back. "Thank you."

Some of the ladies were surprised at how flexible I was. Seems like I could pass as a yoga instructor. I only smiled at them. I fixed my sports bra and decided to listen to some my music as I continue the remaining routines.

After a few minutes, I took a break. I got my towel and wiped the sweat off my forehead down to my neck. I then drank from my tumbler. My phone beeped and I received a text from Keith.

Kai:

Hi. Where are you?

I quickly replied.

Ako:

Yoga class ;)

Kai:

Are you done? Can I pick you up?

I looked at my surrounding and almost everyone began to do the final routines.

Ako:

Sure. Almost done :) I'll just finish up. Drive safely!

After a few minutes, yoga class was finally over. I quickly fixed my things and put it back inside my gym bag.

"Thank you po!" we said in unison

She smiled at us. "You're welcome. See you next week ulit ladies!"

I decided to just take a shower at home. I checked my phone and texted Keith but he still hasn't replied back. I was already outside waiting for him. Our condo unit was not far from here so I can just walk my way home just in case. My phone rang. It was Keith.

"Hello? Papunta ka na? I'm here oustide."

"Hey Trisha. I'm sorry. Something came up. I'm on my way to Kate's school."

He sound like he was in a rush. I can hear the loud honk of the cars.

My brows furrowed. "What? Why? What happened?"

"I have yet to find out. Tinawagan lang ako ng school. I'll call you later, okay?"

Even if he's nervous, his voice happen to be soft and gentle to not make me worry too much.

"Uh, it's okay! Pupunta na rin ako diyan. Wait for me."

After hanging up the call, I sprint as fast as I could to my condo. I arrived earlier than I imagined. I felt like I was in a marathon. I then quickly took out my car keys and went inside my car. I didn't bother to take a bath nor change clothes anymore. I just wore my sports jacket that I brought with me to cover myself up.

My heart was beating loudly inside my chest. I began to drive. My grip tightened on the wheel. I kept on passing the cars in front of me. Their honks didn't bother me anymore.

All I could think about is Kate. Our heartfelt conversation the other day crossed my mind. I hope nothing bad happens to her. God, please.

I focused on driving and in less than ten minutes, I arrived at her school. I got out of the car and rushed to the office. My feet stopped when I saw them inside through the window. I held the knob and was about to enter but then it would be rude if I just do so. I took a peak again and they look like they're having a serious meeting.

Kate was sitting quitely at the chair in front of the principal's desk. She was only looking at the floor while playing with her fingers nervously. Her long hair covering the side of her face. Keith, on the other hand, was beside her. In front of them were three students, perhaps they were Kate's classmates. One boy and two girls. I can tell that the room was filled with tension, especially with Keith's presence.

I sighed. I didn't eavesdropp anymore. I sat down on the bench beside the office and decided to wait for them outside until they're done. Good thing classes were over. The students walked passed me on to the exit. I noticed the bulletin board posted on the wall in front of me. One caught my attention written in bold letters.

NO TO BULLIES

I scoffed. I didn't know if I should be surprised if the students posted that or the teachers. It was obvious it's not highly implemented. It only triggers people to beware of bullies.

Suddenly, I heard the door opened. I looked to my right and saw Kate together with Keith got out. I stood up and went to them. Kate was shocked to see me.

"Ate Trisha.."

I gave her a small smile. "Hey. Are you okay?" I looked up to Keith. "What happened?"

He only stared me for a brief moment. "Let's talk at home." He walked out first. Kate and I exchange looks then we eventually followed him.

The ride was silent. I looked at Kate behind the car to check up on her. She was just absentmindedly looking outside the window. I averted my attention to Keith. His face was dead serious. I knew he was mad and even if I wanted to badly know what they talked about, I decided to just shut up until we arrived home.

Kate went straight inside her room and heard the door locked.

"Kate. We still have to talk right now," Keith called her in a low voice. He tried his best to control himself and not let anger get in the way

But to his disappointment, Kate didn't respond.

Keith didn't give up. He walked towards her room and softly knocked on the door.

"You know it's only just the two of us right?" he called outside. "You don't need to hide things from me."

A few seconds have passed but his words only faded in silence.

I walked towards him. He sighed and his arm heavily fell on his side. I held his arm.

"Hey. Give her space for now. Don't worry, I'll talk to her. Kakausapin ka rin niya. Let's calm down for a bit, okay?" I gave him a small smile

My hand slipped away from his arm when he walked passed me. He went to the fridge and got himself a can of beer. He chugged it then wiped the corner of his lips. We caught each other's sight.

"Did she tell you about it?"

I gulped. "About what?"

"She was getting bullied in school."

His cold and stern expression made the hairs of my neck rise. I wasn't sure if he was mad that I didn't tell him or his sister's bullies.

No to playing safe Trisha. He deserves to know more than I do.

"I, uh, she mentioned it to me.."

He looked away and his jaw clenched. He was growing impatient.

"Because of what happened to your dad.." I almost choked on my last words. My chest felt tight. Kate's tears were filling in my lungs and I can feel mine coming out of my eyes too

"It can happen. I just don't understand why she didn't tell me. Bakit sa'yo lang? I'm her brother." his voice was in pain

"I...I don't know. She said she didn't want you to know."

He brought his eyes back to me. "Why?"

"Because she didn't want you to get worried. She knows once you find out, you wouldn't think twice to go to her school, inform the principal, and confront the bullies."

"Of course I would! You would do the same too right?" he shot back

"I mean, yes! But I guess you can be too much sometimes. Hindi mo naman siguro sinagot yung principal 'no?"

He chuckled bitterly as if I said something ridiculous. "What do you mean? I talked to them nicely. On the contrary, the were only listening to one side of the story for God's sake!" he sighed in frustration. He loosened his tie on his collar. His sleeves were rolled up to his forearm. The veins on his arms became more obvious. His blood pressure must be rising

"Keith.."

"I've been there before same situation like Kate. The principal's office looked like a playroom exclusive only for rich people." His lips twitched. He was having deep thoughts like he was reminiscing his bad experience way back in highschool

"Did they punish those kids who bullied Kate?" I asked, eagerly

His brow shot up. "What do you think?"

I clenched my fist in anger. I already knew the answer by looking at his eyes.

"This is wrong.."

"I wish you told me Tris."

I shut my eyes. "I'm sorry. I really sorry. I just recently found out about it too."

There was a long pause and I thought he was going to get mad at me untile he spoke again.

"There was a doctor, a lawyer, and a politician in the room alongside the principal. It's the kids' guardians," he said calmly while holding his can of beer. "They're all professionals." He took a sip then continued, one hand inside his pocket. "The principal were looking for our parents. They asked me. I told them they were busy with work and they just asked me to be Kate's guardian. I told them I'm the older brother."

"So you didn't tell them..." I trailed off

"It was personal. The least thing I want is for them not to meddle with our private life. Somehow, I feel like they kind of knew. They're just nosy," he added. "Besides, I'm already an adult. I'm Kate's parent."

I smiled weakly. "Right.."

He sighed heavily. "Kate shared her side of the story. Those three have been bullying her nonstop for the past week. Then it came to a point where they were too much until they fought, physically. They blamed Kate for starting the fight. Kate said she just defended herself."

I covered my mouth in shock. "Is she..."

"I checked her and thank God there were no severe wounds, just small scratches but I still won't let it pass," he said seriously. "If they did something worse, I'll give them ten times more pain."

I swallowed hard. "What did the principal said then?"

"I don't want her to experience what I went through in the past. For once I was hoping they were on our side but to my luck, they weren't. I was not even surprised." The corner of his lips tilted. "The room began to feel smaller...and smaller just like the house of an ant. Gano'n kaliit ang tingin nila sa'min."

Although ants are the most industrious animals but often look down.

"Maybe they knew the truth but just refuse to support it. Alam nilang mali pero may mas matimbang. Something where they can benefit from," I said

Money.

Which story can earn them more money?

"A doctor, a lawyer, and a politician in one room against a law student and a highschool student," he stated. "Must you necessarily have a title before your name for you to be respected?"

"I guess that's just how it goes sometimes. Respect is earned. Everyone deserves to be treated equally."

There was a long moment of silence. Keith was blankly staring at the floor. Even if I wasn't inside the office earlier, it must be suffocating for the two of them.

"Did they say sorry...atleast?" I asked

"Kate did."

From behind, I heard the door opened. Keith was quick to recover. His attention was on Kate who finally got out of her room. She looked at the both of us. Her tears had gone cold from crying. She looked fragile.

"I'm sorry," she muttered

I gave her a small smile. I heard Keith's footsteps from behind then the next thing I knew, he's already standing in front of her. Keith pulled her for a hug. Kate's slim arms must have felt weak for her to hug back but Keith used his remaining strength to hold on to her, still.

Sttuggling to stick together yet continue to heal each other's wounds.

"I'll let you two be alone..."

***

Dear Diary,

It was such a heavy day. I don't want to pick a side. They are both close to my heart. We're like family. I don't want them to feel like I was getting in the way.

I don't want to be a gap between the two of them but rather a bridge that connects them both.

Lastly, when will people treat everyone equally? Not to mention the bullies!

"Trisha."

I lifted my eyes and saw an unfamiliar student in front of me. I think I've seen him once or twice in one of my class. I was just sitting alone writing in my Diary when he suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Oh, hello." I forced a smile. I wasn't in the mood to talk or entertain anyone. I was mad at what happened with Kate.

I looked at him again and caught him reading a few sentences in my diary so I immediately covered it. "Don't you know the word privacy?"

"Uso pa pala mga Diary? You're a grown woman yet you still write on that. That's for children," he mocked

"I didn't ask for your opinion Mister. In fact, I don't even know you."

He looked obnoxious. I wanted to wipe his smirk off his face. "Easy Trisha. We're on the same class. I'm Migs."

"Whatever."

He licked his lips and looked down on my Diary again. I slammed it shut and made him flinched. "I saw Keith's name in your Diary. You too seem pretty close."

I frowned. "That's none of your business."

Unfortunately, Keith didn't come to school today because he wanted to talk to Kate more so he missed our recitation today but I think it wasn't a big deal to him since he put his family above all.

"May nalaman pala ako tungkol sa kanya," he began that made me intrigued. He noticed my attention so his lips curved into a smirk. He moved closer to the table. I held my Diary tightly. "Is it true that Keith's father is in prison?"

It was as if he wanted the other students to know. I looked around us to check if anyone heard our conversation. I suddenly became conscious and nervous. They seem to mind their own business but what if secretly, some knew? Because of this jerk.

"I just think you deserve better Trisha than settle for a son of a crim-"

You son of a bitch.

A rush of rage gushed inside of me. I stood up, my fist balled in rage. His eyes widened in shock. I slammed my palm on the table and went closer to his face, glaring at him.

"Speak ill of him again or I'll chop your tongue and staple your mouth until you can no longer speak," I hissed while looking at him intently. He swallowed nervously. His pupils dilated. Shortly, bullet of sweats formed in his forehead.

I took a step back and fixed my things. Lastly, I held my Diary. I looked at him again and he was still in utter shock, as if he was possessed.

"By the way, this isn't a Diary but a Death Note. Want me to put your name on top of the list?" I asked with my brow raised

He sat there frozen in his spot, couldn't utter a word.

"That's what I thought." I turned my back on him and walked away