Cutting the Green String (Step-Siblings Relationship)

CTGS 3

"I'm so sorry for that behavior,"

As soon as he walked out, everyone became awkwardly silent, good thing tita Naomi broke the silence. Dad was shaking his head in disappointment, while his mom is apologetically looking at us.

I kinda feel guilty, dahil pakiramdam ko, it was all my fault. Maui walked out after dad telling him that I should call him 'kuya'. Ayaw niya siguro ng kapatid.

There were a lot of questions running through my mind. Maybe he acted like that because he don't want me to be his sister? Or that he's disappointed that we are siblings? Or maybe I have to slap myself for thinking this way?

I awkwardly smiled at them. But tita Naomi held my hand over the table to distract me from taking the blame.

"He was exactly like that when he met your dad. But eventually, masasanay rin siya. And you will get along," She explained to me. Napatango naman ako.

I was overthinking earlier. Pero it's obvious naman na he doesn't want other people to associate with his family. Just like how I hate my mom marrying that jerk. Pero hindi jerk si dad ah!

"It's fine. I'm okay. Nagulat lang siguro ako," I explained myself.

"Don't worry pagsasabihan ko siya."

We just continued eating but the mood is already ruined. We just talked about some arrangements I had to make in order to adjust here.

"Gusto mong lumipat ng school? Yung nas malapit rito?" My dad asked me. Actually, this place is really far from mg school. I think, masasayang ko lang ang time ko sa pagdadrive. It will be too exhausting too. But I have to consider my friends there.

"I'm fine with my school right now." I smiled at them. Although it might be far, I think I can handle it.

"Are you really fine with it? QC is really far from Taguig," Tita Naomi told me. I'm just happy that I felt so welcomed around her. I know we can get along well.

"Don't worry about it, I can manage," I assured them.

After the meal, they still have to go to their office while me, umakyat agad ako sa kwarto para maligo. I took a long bath, soaking myself in my new bathtub.

It was so nice. May heater rin dito kaya na-aadjust ko yung temperature. Also there were unused toiletries aside from the one I bought. They really prepared everything so well.

It was almost 2 hours when I decided to get out of the water. Wala naman akong school today since I was on suspension. I was just planning to tour around the house.

I change into my tees and shorts. Nagponytail rin ako so I wouldn't easily get sweaty.

I was about to take the stairs to go down when someone dragged me to some random rooms.

I was shocked! But I was more surprised when I saw who it was. "You..." I said in disbelief.

Until now, I can't seem to accept that he's my brother. Like how the hell did that happen?

“Anong ginawa mo rito?” Maui asked with his brows furrowed and the voice tone like he was scolding me. He can’t seem to believe that I’m really here huh.

Itinabig ko agad ang kamay ko at medyo lumayo sakaniya. Now that I’ve seen it, nasa kwarto niya pala kami. What a sudden turn of events. I didn’t even know that I'd end up in the same room with him. But this time, as siblings.

“Is that how you treat your sister?” I asked him which made him more furious. 

Maybe he’s still thinking that I’m just a random hoe. But I also have a separate life. HIndi naman puro lalaki lang ang iniisip ko. Maybe most of the time, but not all the time.

“Sister?” He scoffed. “Hindi ko kailangan niyan.”

He was so jerk right now! He was looking at me full of insults and I just got the urge to punch him.

Maybe it’s hard for him to adjust to a new person, but damn! What can I do? Hindi ko namang ginustong mapunta rin sa sitwasyon na ‘to eh. What is so wrong with wanting to be with my father?

I’m so disappointed with him right now. Akala ko pa naman gentlemen siya when he came back and brought me coffee that day. But obviously, this is his real side.

“And so do I. Besides, who would want to be your sister anyway?” I mocked on him too while crossing my two arms.

He looked at me while putting his tongue on the side of his cheek. I was unable to read what he was thinking.

He steps closer to me but I have to show him how bold I am and that he can’t intimidate me so I stay still.

“Of Course you wouldn’t want to be my sister,” He said that while moving his head closer to me. I knew from the tone of his voice that he was thinking about different things which I would never want to bring up. 

Doon na ako napaiwas. I step backwards. I didn’t want him to think that I was the girl he did it with. I want to start a new life and this new house. My life is already messed up, kaya hindi ako papayag na sirain pa niya ‘yon.

“Y-yes. And I don’t wanna be associated with you in any way!” f**k! Why did I have to stutter? Now he was wearing a smirk which pissed me off more.

Pero nawala rin iyon at mas naging seryoso ang expression niya. “Then leave,” He was wearing a straight face while saying that.

Kakarating ko lang tapos papaaalisin niya agad ako? Doesn’t he have any manners? Pwede namang iparamdam nalang niya saakin na ayaw niya ako rito. Not that sasabihan niya kaagad akong umalis.

“Isama mo na rin ang tatay mo,” That’s when I lost my composure. Talking about me is fine, but my father? What the--! He’s been living with him for years!

I can’t believe him. I scorn at him before putting on my bitchiest face, “Too bad… I can’t.”

I left his room without any other word. Now, I don’t want to start a conversation with him anymore. He was so jerk and despicable! I hate him.

And also, how dare he talk to my father like that? He’s so unrespectful! He’s the worst!

I can’t believe being problematic on how I should act around him when he doesn’t even deserve to be in my thoughts!

Damn! Nawalan na ako ng gang maglibot. I guess I’ll just go outside and have some fresh air.

Hindi na ako nagpalit ng damit since sa condo nila Xavier ako pupunta. I know their door passcode naman, so it won’t be a problem. Besides, they have a lot of liquor stocks.

I texted Xavier that I’m on my way sa pad nila. He didn’t reply fast since he was probably attending his class., and Xander too.

When I arrived there, saktong walang tao. What I really like about this place is that I don’t have to worry about getting drunk in the middle of the day. But it’s not like I’m planning to get drunk. Naging comfort place ko lang talaga dito.

I pour a glass of wine before going to their entertainment room. Doon nalang muna ako magpapalipas ng oras. There was a billiard pool in the center of the room and a golf on the side. But what I really want here is their bar counter. I just feel that I’m somewhere outside my life.

There were a bunch of portraits here. But most of it was the landscape pictures of the places they have been to. This is exactly why I became friends with these two… because of that picture.

"Oh my God girl! Xander's here. Daliii, papicture ka!!"

Nataranta ako nun sa sinabi ni Zie. f**k! Ayos pa ba mkha ko? Naging ggard ata ako sa cheerdance namin. But that's Xander! My ultimate crush!

I followed Zie on the side of our quadrangle. I was already dripping from sweat so running doesn't concern me anymore.

Napangiti naman ako when I saw Xander, talking to his friends. Ando'n rin si Xavier, yung kakambal niya. They were laughing at something while wearing their basketball jerseys.

Xavier is the Captain ball, but Xander? I just really like him. Para saakin, mas ma-appeal at mas gwapo siya.

"Teka Zie, nahihiya kasi ako." I told my friend. Nakacheerdance uniform pa kasi ako so ang ikli ng suot ko. At the same time, I'm full of sweat. I'm not really confident of my smell right now. Umaasa nalang ako sa aftersmell ng lotion na gamit ko.

"C'mon Karylle! It's just a picture," she told me before going to Xander. Nakuha na Zie ang atensyon ng grupo but she was just talkung to Xander. I saw how Xander's smile fade away. He's not really fond of having fans.

Napa-iwas naman ako ng tingin nang ituro ako ni Zie while talking to him.

"Karylle, asan phone mo? I'll take picture na."

Napaharap ako kay Zie nang bigla niyang tawagin ang pangalan ko. Pero mas natuon ang pansin ko sa kasama niya. It wasn't Xander...

Makahulugan kong tiningnan si Zie while handing my phone to her. She just shrugged her shoulder and positioned herself to photograph us.

"Hi, sorry ayaw kasi ni Xander," Bulong saakin ni Xavier. Medyo awkward lang kasi I have no reason to ask him for a picture. But here I am, smiling with him, in front of my camera.

"It's fine," I said without filtering my disappointed voice.

"'Wag kang mag-alala. Magkamukha naman kami, hindi rin mahahalata," sabi nito kaya medyo napatawa ako.

He's right. I'll just think that the face beside me was Xander's.

"Are you just going to smile? Closer guys!" Instruct saamin ni Zie.

Lumapit naman ako kay Xavier. He put his hands around me and I can totally feel his body on me. Good thing he's Xander, so I wouldn't have to think about my smell.

Inilagay ko rin ang kamay ko sa may bewang niya and I smile bigger on the camera. Somehow I felt comfortable. He's not awkward at all.

"Wait isa pa, another pose naman." Sabi pa ulit ni Zie. Napakunot naman ang noo ko. What does she think of us? Her models?

Suddenly, mas marami na yung nanonood saamin. I can't blame them. Xavier's really famous because he's the captain of basketball. And me? I'm just a random girl with a lot of guy friends.

This time, nilagay ko yung siko ko sa shoulder ni Xavier, while he wrap his hands on my waist.

Nagulat nalang ako when a lot of camera flashed around us. Napalibot ako ng tingin, and there I saw others student cheering on us.

What the heck?

"Hala ang cute nila!"

"Sila ba?"

"Sabi ko na eh, may jowa si Xavier na cheerleader."

"Ang ganda talaga ni Karylle."

"Sana all."

"Lugi tayo pre,"

"May nanalo na pala."

As much as I want to stop the rumor, I can't do anything. Recently, nachichismis rin si Xavier sa mga cheerleaders because he's f*****g friendly. But now that I publicly ask him to have a picture with me? And the poses we have made? Everyone would think otherwise.

Nakangising lumapit saamin si Zie. "I took a lot of good pic, sabi nito sabay pakita saakin ng mga pictures.

Mas maganda sana 'yon kung si Xander. But I agree, para kaming nagcouple pictorial.

"And you also make a great couple, sabi pa nito. Naagaw ko tuloy sakaniya yung phone ko before looking back to Xavier.

"I'm sorry, mukhang ma-iissue ka pa saakin," I told him but he just smiled like it's a normal thing for him.

"Mas gusto ko pang ma-issue sa'yo, kesa sa ibang cheerleaders," Pambibiro nito kaya natawa naman ako. I know other cheerleaders, they like to go under guys pants. Like super wild and free nila. I wouldn't be surprised if they told me they weren't virgin anymore.

Nagpasalamat at nagpaalam na ako kay Xavier. But I unconsciously looked at Xander to see what he was doing. I saw him looking at us, but shifted his gaze right away when he saw me. What a shame.

Although Xander is so awkward for me, I was still able to become his friend. But it’s hard to ignore the past written before us.

I suddenly hear the door being unlocked, so I immediately go outside the entertainment room to greet whoever came.

“You’re here…” It wasn’t a question so I didn’t answer. Wala namang kaso kay Xander na nandito ako. He might be awkward but he will not tell me to leave just because he felt uncomfortable. Argh! That darn Maui guy.

“I was kinda drinking a little. Gusto mo?” I offered him my glass but he refused. “I still have online activities to do,” Paliwanag niya.

“Oh… Okay,” I sounded disappointed so he looked at me before turing back his gaze to his bag.

“Bakit ka nga pala andito?” Tanong na lang niya bigla. Inilabas niya sa bag niya yung laptop niya at inilagay sa table located sa living room. I just sat on the next couch, away from him. That will make him more comfy, I guess?

“Something crazy happened!” I might sound overacting when I said those words, but it really is beyond the normal.

“Lagi namang may ‘crazy’ na nangyayari sa’yo ah?” He mocked at me. I rolled my eyes on him kahit hindi naman niya ‘yon nakita. 

“But this is different!” 

His attention was not totally on me. But I still appreciate na kinakausap niya ako kahit may ‘Online activity’ siya.

“Pa’nong different?” He wasn’t looking at e when he ask that. He’s too focused on that laptop, eh mas maganda naman ako jan.

“”Remember the guy na nameet nyo sa Conrad Hotel?” I said it in more urgent way so that he will look at me, but he didn’t.

“Yeah?” He sounded uninterested.

“You're not going to believe what happened!” Sabi ko pa. I saw him sigh before finally looking at me.

“Ano bang meron sakniya?” That sounded weird or is it just me? Since I have past feelings for him?

Honestly, kung hindi lang ako nakainom ng slight, I would think twice before telling him this. Pero sobrang naiinis kasi ako tuwing naaalala ko yung lalaking ‘yon.

“He’s now my brother.” I sighed with that thought.

“What?” 

“But he told me to leave, I guess I’m not welcome in his family,” I continued while looking so down.

“Huh?” He asked again.

“And now I’m so mad at him! Anong karapatan niyang paalisin ako when I didn’t even expected and wanted him to be a family member?”

“Wait what? Tama ba ang naririnig ko? Can you come again?” Now he’s full attention is diverted to me. I smiled inside my mind.

Kinwento ko naman lahat sakaniya yung nangyari. Of course, they knew about my family story. Drinking buddy ko sila eh, so of course we have told our stories while we are in the influence of liquors. 

His reaction is full of hesitation whether he’ll believe my nonsense story or not. He kept on asking questions to clarify what really happened and he always ended up being surprised.

Sino ba namang hindi magugulat? Naka one night stand ko lang nung nakaraang araw, ‘brother’ ko na ngayon.

We ended up talking so he wasn’t able to do his online activity. Hanggang sa dumating na rin si Xavier.

I have to tell him the whole story again, so we talked over a drink. Hindi na sumali si Xander since may gagawin pa nga siya. I felt guilty tuloy dahil kinuha ko yung time niya for learning.

Now I have to deal with Xavier and his words.

“E’di ano yun? Family stroke kayo?” Hindi niya makapaniwalang sabi. Pero mas gusto ko ata siyang hampasin nalang kesa magkwento.

“Ano ba yan Karylle! Ayaw niya maging kapatid ka, kasi gusto niya fubu kayo. Ganun ‘yon.” Sabi pa nito. This time, nahampas ko na talaga siya.

Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit pa ako nagkukwento kay Xavier. Maybe because he made my frustrations lighter?

“Don’t put ideas into my head!” I told him.

After spending time with the twins, umuwi na agad ako. It was already 11 PM when I arrived home. Nagpasober up pa kasi ako and the driving hours took too long since it’s traffic and they're far away from here.

I literally forgot all of my concerns because of them. Like they were including me on their guy talks. It’s just so fun talking about their experiences with other girls. 

Pagkarating ko sa bahay, everyone greeted me with so much politeness. Hindi pa rin ako sanay na ganito. Tuwing umuuwi kasi ako ng bahay, it’s either I’ll be alone or my mom will scold me. Now it feels so different. They were smiling at me like they pleased to see me. I know trabaho lang ‘yon, but it still feels different.

I was about to go to my room, but on my way, when I saw Maui stopped in front of me. I think he was about to go out since he’s wearing his dress shirt and black pants.

“What?” Iritang tanong ko rito dahil he was in my way.

“You’re too early for someone who smells like alcohol,” Sabi nito saakin. I secretly smelled myself. Hindi naman ganun kahalata ah? How did he know?

“And you care because?” I looked at him with my lazy eyes.

He licked his lower lips and looked at me meaningfully, “This is the fourth time I saw you.”

“Wala akong paki. Stop counting it, gosh!” 

I know this was our fourth time meeting, but he didn’t need to mention it! It’s not like he will do something at our next meeti--ohh.

Fuck! Don’t tell me he was thinking about what he told me at the coffee shop?!

“Should we do it?” He smirks while looking at my pissed face.