Chapter 35

"Can I have my boyfriend back?" calmly, but with emphasis on my questioning voice.
"I have a girlfriend," said one from behind openly.
"Alas ..." the person next to it added.
They all agreed. I was still meaningfully staring from head to toe. Wondering maybe how I got the heart next door. I am wearing the school uniform, with eye glasses on. Long hair is just left loose, it's up to you without a comb. Always missing e, and not accompanied by my type to search.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but yes ... This beauty is my girlfriend," Zi said. Its arm found my waist. I was pulled closer in a quick motion.
"Get off me," I whispered.
That's just the sweet smile in front of the crowd. A big pretense to hide the real feeling. I have no other desire at the moment, but to push him away.
"You started this," he whispered back and took a peck on the side of my head.
How dare he ?!
I simply pinched his side. There is still a smile that widens even more, to show that he is thrilled.
I felt so uncomfortable, triggered by subtle feelings running through every part of me.
"Let's go," he gently pulled me away.
Those who admire it no longer howl. As far as they can see, there is a whisper and a disappointed shake.
"Boyfriend," he said in hard baritone.
"I'm just saving you, don't feel too much," I gasped.
When you are sure that no one is looking, immediately turn away and stare at it.
"What is the meaning of this Geline Neilani ?!"
Dead...
"How many times do I have to tell you that Zion was just someone I know? Just pretend that earlier brother, Kiesha tripped."
"You're at home to explain ..."
"Kuya naman! Mama will scold me," I stomped in the air. That's how annoyed it feels.
Earlier I had explained the truth, but not a word did he believe. Really embody the own idea playing in the mind.
For him, Zi is my real boyfriend. A real threat to my studies. He needs to give me more attention now. Forced away from the believed boyfriend if possible.
We are the ones left, after Kiesha and the others shove away. The older brother could not stand the anger, so even the new woman was scared and eventually separated. Now we are waiting for the jeep to go home. It is said that his car was damaged, he had to be taken to the repair shop earlier before meeting his girlfriend.
Zion haven't gotten a chance to explain. Before he does, Kiesha already pulled him away. It looks like my own friend wants to harm me at the hands of my older brother.
What is this madness thinking? Now I"m really nervous about the possible consequences of everything.
"Did you see how that man looked at you? Then you say you have no relationship?"
"How do you think?"
"Like this ..."
He stared at me intently. Your type wants to hurt, just get to know each other. His brows were slightly furrowed and lips on grim line. In hindsight, he looked more like he had a bad plan. A look that someone wants, right? What a funny assumption, coming from Gideon Nielandro Gavino.
"You look more of a psychopath," I bluntly uttured.
"I am just reenacting your boyfriend's-"
"I'm not your boyfriend!" I'm about to run out of annoyance.
The voice was a little louder so it caught the attention of a few like us who were also waiting for a ride. Someone else sighed in shock. Imagine that maybe there will be a tense drama to witness. Well, we aren't that crazy to create a scene here.
"Whatever you say Ms. Gavino. Anyway, how's your studies?" change it in conversation.
Finally!
"Still pressured and always been pushed to my limits. Nothing's new, just the same pain you have experienced."
"Mama just wants the best out of us," his hand went to my head.
Before I could stop myself, I managed to mess up my hair even more. I gently slapped its stomach, followed by an evil stare.
"Are you, why did you come home so early?"
"It's just the end of the contract and the day I come home. You're wrong," he grinned and shook his head in dismay.
For a moment he averted his gaze. In front he put his hands in the pocket of his pants. He looks really handsome from this angle. I can totally see the guy version of me on his overall appearance. We could switch rules if we want to, and if the height difference isn't an issue.
He was six feet tall, I on the other hand is only five feet. In our family I am the elf, while he is the giant. But it's okay, it's a nice recovery. It may be self-proclaimed, I don't care! Confidence is the best weapon a person can use for herself.
"Why didn't you say you were going home?" I raised an brow.
"Is there a surprise being said?" it also raised an eyebrow. He tilted his head and grinned, as if to say that I was the dumbest creature on the face of the earth.
We have always been like this. There is hardly a day that is not blessed or uttered by stoned words.
When he left for another country, I was the first to feel sad. It got worse as the days went by. The loneliness of the moments cannot be stopped. Then I realized, a siblings argument still have beauty buried within. And that we can only realize when our rival in the family is out of sight. Not all arguments are meaningless. Sometimes because of annoyance, we miss to look at the real message behind the conflict.
"You're an idiot again," he slapped my forehead hard. Reason for returning to reality is the traveling spirit.
"Aray," I caressed the injured part of the body. "You're still violent to me brother."
"Brotherly love," his lips potruded, suppressing a smile.
"You missed me," that's more of a confirmation than a question.
"Feeling ... Don't change the subject Neilani, I'll still report you to mama."
"I'll report you too," I moved high in front of it. The hands quickly found both waists, tilted the head, then squatted to somehow look tall.
"For what reason?"
"For breaking another woman's heart. You're not allowed to enter into an uncertain relationship anymore, are you? You broke the rule Mr. Gavino. You just came home, the woman went right away. How about me? You didn't even think to surprise me. school. My gift, by the way? "
There was a bored look on his eyes as he licked on the side of his lips. Followed by a long disappointed sigh.
"You are so hopeless ..." he shook his head couple of times. A simple phrase isn't enough to explain his feelings at the moment. It really had to be accompanied by action to really feel the message of the word.
"First of all, mama knew about our relationship, two years ago. You were the only one deprived of the truth."
"You've been in a relationship with that bitch for two years ?!" I almost yell. "But a misunderstanding just ruined everything."
I don't know if I'll be happy, or cry at what I found out. I don't like the woman, good thing they broke up. But at the same time I am saddened by the thought.
Two years is long enough to create memories and catch feelings. Although my courageous brother did not want to show it, the pain was still evident in his eyes.
"Tara, walwal?"
There would have been a jeepney, in case my mind suddenly changed. I randomly take a walk today with him.
"Stay short," he whispered. I can't leave the place because I'm blocking it.
"I'll go with you anywhere. Just don't report me to mama," I raised and lowered my eyebrow.
"You're feeling too close."
I remained on my ground, unshaken.
"It's because I am comfortable with you."
I"m Geline when she"s the opposite. There is no hypocrisy, and even more so no art. Even though it was often stuck, it still reminded me of the importance of being a younger brother. He was cold and distant to me sometimes, but he was the warmest person in times of crisis.
"Whatever you say," he pulled me out of the waiting shed. "You decide where to go. You're free too."
"That's okay. But it's only up to streetfoods, right? I'm on the side of saving now, don't act."
It only answered with a loud rebuke. Things to do often when it resonates with me. Now that we are reconciled, I am confident that nothing will happen later. Just make sure I don"t do the scene again earlier with Zi.
He can hope. Even a simple stare, I won't throw anything at that man ...
"Always remember that quality, as well as a sound price are one of the traits that attracts customers."
"What if the design is ugly?"
"A simple answer, for a simple question. Make an improvement ... Our generation today always seeks for a good taste, a great features! We are so picky when it comes to things. That fact is enough basis to come up with a new innovation. "
Tonight is the schedule of our learning session. So I am again here at the Alfano residence. The finals are approaching, a larger percentage will be taken here compared to the previous exams to be based on the overall grade. So enough preparation is needed to get a big mark.
"You're so good at this, why didn't you take business administration?" Kiesha asked excitedly.
He lowered the pen he was holding. From me, the sarcastic look shifted to the man in front. Kay Zion ...
He was invited by Kiesha itself, to join us.
Help us in clarifying complex topics. If one does not understand something, the companions will read the particular word and try to give their own interpretation that will somehow help.
We've been doing the helping for almost an hour. As expected, Kiesha is always the burden. Almost everyone just doesn't know. E how come, even simple reading does nothing. She was always on her phone, exchanging flowering words with her boyfriend.
"Are you, you're good at fashion design. Why did you take another course?" my sarcastic question back.
We both know the courses taken are not accompanied by one's own decision. It is per the request of our parents alone, because they believe that their choice could help us more in the future. They even thought we'll eventually learn to love it. But to this day I still can"t fathom what they say is the importance of the chosen path for us.
As far as I have perceived, I think it is only for their own benefits. Kiesha was forced to take business administration for thier company, and I was forced to take education to follow my mother's footstep. So she could proudly say that we are a family of educators.
There would have been no problem, if we just wanted what they wanted.
"What can you say about the course you have chosen Zion, was it your decision alone?" Kiesha leaned backward.
I have not personally turned my attention to it. Only then did we realize the mistake when our eyes were right. I just ate what I promised my older brother in the past. It's very hard to make him Kiesha's character and it's unavoidable to socialize, especially when I'm here every night. Unfortunately, he always hangs out in the living room to study alone or with the staff. He was the first one I came across, especially the critical eye that is often displayed when we face each other.
"I personally like policing," he sparingly replied.
"Why?"
"I found it cool," he shrugged.
That"s the best reason I"ve heard. He can get everyone's sympathy with that mindset. Well, note the sarcasm.
"It's up to you. You're good at fighting and strong. You can surely protect the country, without any doubt. 'Diba Gee?"
I was caught off-guard. I didn"t expect Kiesha to actually even be included in the conversation. It would have been okay to keep quiet here and only hearing is enabled. No need to hear my opinion.
"How did I kill you in battle, is it still cool?" I half-heartedly asked. Just to say something.
"As long as it's for the country, then that's totally alright with me," he stared at me sideways.
"What if you got killed protecting Kiesha?"
I don"t have enough reason to explain why of all the questions, that"s still the one chosen to be voiced. It was like I just wanted to hear his voice about that particular situation.
"She's my boss. I ought to serve her even to death," he confidently answered.
She folded her arms, smiled sarcastically and raised an eyebrow.
I found him really arrogant in that gesture, I don't know why!
"Hey, what if Gee is the cause of your death? What if one day, you have to rescue her and unfortunately, you're at a disadvantage?"
Silence suddenly crept on us. No one, other than Kiesha have expected the question. It was too unnecessary for me. Why should Zion die for me? I am so sure he can never risk his precious life for someone like me.
"That will never happen," he answered after a while, so sure.
See? No one will die, because no one is willing to lay down their lives for me.
"Of course I'll also make sure you're in good shape," he added. The stare does not take away from me. "How can my life be ruined if you were protected from the beginning? If you don't need to be saved, then you are really safe."
I pursed my lips.
Suddenly, I felt foreign emotions running through my system. I found it weird and too superior for me.
I can only name one of the overwhelming feelings I had at the moment ...
Flattered.
I am so flattered at his words.
"I'll help design our booth."
"Oh go ahead, just wait for me huh? We'll just practice for intermission first," he handed me the key to the expensive car he was carrying. It seemed like there was really no reason for me to leave because I was holding the thing it cared about.
In case I don't do what he wants, he won't be able to ride home ... It's accompanied by my conscience, probably.
"I'm only until eight o'clock," I shouted after her, before I could get away.
The annual foundation day celebration is open. After the bloody battle of the brain in the finals yesterday, now it is the battle of creative mind and physical strength.
Just at the entrance of the gym, I could hear the screams of the students. Everyone was rehearsing their individually prepared yells. The first contest we can watch is at the start of the festival.
The teams from engineering department, education, criminology, business administration, arts and social science, as well as the senior high and junior high department are very present on each side of the upper bench.
Everyone screamed at each other. Advantages of voice and strength. What got my attention the most was the students from BSBA department, also called as yellow team and criminology department, or red team. They are no longer simply rehearsing. But a showdown.
The yellow team challenged first. Most of their members are gays, so given that they really are lively. Someone grinds, twerks and splits. The red team did not want to give up. Even though some are hard -bodied, they still try to keep up with the vigorous dancing.
The surroundings became even louder. The spectators each supported the winning team.
"They are crazy," I said, as I walked towards our booth. Including making them in the contest. What"s best, that"s the winner.
We have about four columns, fabric and the logo of the education department. It is placed on the central surface, decorated with dim lights. A few designs have not yet been glued to the allotted space. That"s what I"m going to give time to now.
I hate to do this. None in my wildest dream I've think of participating in an event. It's boring to be able to participate in this beauty of design. I wish my life had been fine in the past e. Just wait for Kiesha to finish practice and look at the busy students. Less stress, more on scrolling through tiktok.
But everything has changed this year. When others decided to appoint me as the group's vice president. I really shouldn't have responded when the education students were called, if I only knew that was the end of the happy moments as an independent student.
"Their kulit!"
"Go BSBA, go, go, go, go!"
"Criminology, don't lose!"
Just a few of the screams I hear everyone. The polls were divided, with loud shouts and applause for both teams.
All my colleagues at BSBA were supportive, as was our counterpart booth.
But the adjacent-
My gaze drifted to the side. The fabric they used was red, symbolizing the group"s own color. As expected, the criminology students are cheering for their team. Like my group, they also shouted at the stone, except for one.
He was sitting inside their booth, across me. Fourteen, quietly cut out the designs on paper to be placed later in each part of their booth. No emotions can be seen on his eyes. Just pure zero degree coldness, and arrogance as he leaned backward. His heart as if fans a flame that is as cold as ice at the moment. He doesn't care about the noise around.
Someone deep in thought so? Or maybe just don"t want to keep up with the fun?
An idea suddenly entered my mind. Slowly walked between our booths. Take a deep breath first, then simply sneeze.
One two Three-
"CRIMINOLOGY IS JUST STRONG!" I shouted. The voice was sharp, so somehow the crowd heard it. Especially by the only person who really sounds.
I simply looked at it. Such was the intense nervousness and trembling of the system after our eyes met.
He craned his neck, then subconsciously put the scissor and paper he was holding down. From burning blue, his eyes swooped to fire. By looking at it, I come up with another plan.
"Red like a fire, their flame will burn you down! Red like a fire, red, red, red team!" I cheered. It was accompanied by waterfalls and blows in the air.
"BSBA we're Gee," I heard the comrades harvest.
"Count me out, I'm in criminology," I playfully winked at them. "Red like a fire, thier flame will burn you down! Red like a fire, red, red, red team!"
"Red like a fire, red, red, red team!" others are accompanying me as well.
While shouting, I encouraged Zi to join in the fun. Several times he motioned for her to come closer, but she did nothing else. Bagkos stared and turned away.
His colleague noticed the disregard. Not much liked the scene so he approached Zi, forced to stand up and move away from his current comfortable position. Honestly, I actually ate it, something that took away my immediate courage.
Now I pretend to be a puppy scared of the bulldog next door. I couldn't find the same words I have yelled about, so with the energy from earlier.
"Don't kill joy Pilvera, it's just once," said the female member to their group.
"Red like a fire," he began in a weak voice, when reluctantly raised his hand.
There would still be free space on the other side of it. But if you stick to it, it looks like the place is too crowded.
The strange nervousness in my system only intensified when I suddenly felt some electricity. My whole body was pounding fast, to my heart.
Weird!
I was as if struck by a lightning, three-sixty degree fast.
"Put some energy," I said, averting my own attention to something else.
"How's your energy?" he turned to me reluctantly.

"Huh?"
"You heard me. I don't have to repeat my words anymore."
Disappointed I gasped. What should I expect from him anyway?
"Like this," I composed myself.
Don't make it public Gee. Nervous and cardiovascular system, just relax, it's just Zion. You are not coerced to lose your pace.
"Red like a fire, thier flame will burn you down! Red like a fire, red, red, red team!" I moved my feet and arms side to side, the only step I know to atleast add taste to this tutorial.
"Come with me quickly," I jokingly slapped his shoulder.
I am trying my very best to hide the real emotions, playing over. Why do I feel this way? Maybe I'll get sick?
He started to move sideways. With his hands, demeaning up and down.
It also has its own steps.
"Red, red, red team," its motto was still lifeless.
But atleast he's participating.
I stopped dancing and shouted loudly just to look at him. Fold, then boldly move in front of him. I look like a talent scout in this, silently tracing my kind of star's traits.
He was looking back at me, unpleased. But they are still doing it. I don't want to make it public, I can see in his eyes that he already likes it.
To be continued...