THE UNTAMED LUNA

CHAPTER 11: THE ALBANZO FAMILY

The words hung in the air like smoke from the fire. I looked at Jade, half-expecting him to laugh, but he didn’t. His expression was dead serious!

“What do you mean?”

“Trust me, people around here talk about strange things in the woods, creatures that aren’t quite animals. Some say they’re spirits… guardians, maybe. Others say they’re something darker.” Jade said.

A chill ran through my skin. As if the forest suddenly came closer to me.. they were listening.

“Oh, come on, Jezz. You’re just trying to scare us!" He shrugged, and wanted to change the topic.

I swallowed hard, staring into the window. I guess nobody believes in me.

“I swear… it wasn’t just watching me. It always follows me" I said.

For a moment, no one spoke between us.

Then.. from somewhere deep in the trees, a distant howl echoed through the night, and it was far too close to us..

I hear it clearly and I know he hears it.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. My brother and I will track down that wolf and throw him in an animal pet prison" he said and grin.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a mix of amusement and slight disgust. But then Jade burst out his laughing.

"Don't be so serious, Jezz! come on!"

I bit my lip, trying not to smile. Honestly, I just wanted to keep things simple in this family. And I wanted to be close to my English teacher, to be my best friend.. a potential lover of mine.. Even if we can keep it secretly.

Gosh! I'm so crazy about these things.. So I turned away, pretending to ignore the awkward moment.

"Seriously...?” I hear Joel, as I walked to the kitchen.

Jolina had finished setting the table for our dinner. It's a better way to help her and start to get to know each other.

"Growing boys are always starving," She chuckled.

Then my stomach rumbled, suddenly feeling hungry as well.

Luckily, Jolina had whipped up a feast! There were five boxes of pizza, with different flavors and toppings. Plus, she made two plates of pancakes, some sweet, cheesy and sour cream, a fresh homemade vegetable salad, and a cold can of beer.

"Oh, Mom! you're the best." Joel said, and now he take his first bite.

Jolina asked me questions about myself as we ate. Isn't she worried we will spoil our dinner? I guess not. Seeing how much food she has already put in front of us, or maybe this is dinner, I don't really know. But it's delicious.

"So, where are your parents from?"

"Surigao"

"Interesting!" Jolina's response

"And did they live anywhere before that?" she asks.

"Um, I don't think so. But I'm not really sure, actually."

I think my answer is close enough to be accurate. She continues stirring the food. The twins looked at each other for a second. What is that about? They do that a lot. Look at each other without speaking. Is it a twin thing? That would be so cool.

"My older son will be joining us soon," she informed me.

"Oh, I didn't know you guys had an older brother. You never told me," I told the twins.

"Nope." both of them answered and look at me in the same time.

Alright, I suppose it’s a bit of a secret. I’ll be meeting him soon. We’ve been chatting quite a bit. Jolina was curious about what my parents do for a living. She looked genuinely interested and impressed. She mentioned that she’s a homemaker and has always embraced that role. Most of her time is spent volunteering in the community. What a lovely person! She’s really done an amazing job raising her sons, they’re so polite and kind.

"I'm sure your parents are good people," Jolina inserted.

"My dad actually adopted me when I was very young. My biological father died when Mom was still pregnant with me. I don't even know where he came from."

Should I tell her all that? I don't think so. It's not necessary. Then I heard the front door cracked open and footsteps approaching the kitchen.

Why is my heart racing all of a sudden? As if my heart was being pulled out. And then, I caught a whiff of him.

"Mii.i- Mr. Albanzo!?"

My eyes go wide, and I can barely catch my breath as I gaze at him. He flashed a big smile, and it lit up the big room in his presence.

"Hello Jezz..." He speaks in a deep, rumbling voice that sends a shiver down my spine. Our eyes lock, and I can feel the intensity of the moment.

"This is Marvin, my eldest son," Jolina said.

"Uhm. He's my English teacher.." I responded shyly.

He grabbed three slices of bacon pizza, took a bite and turned to me when he said, "Eat. Never mind me."

He leap on my right side, where an empty chair awaited, his lack of professionalism became apparent. It seemed obvious that he was not a seasoned teacher. Additionally, it was clear that he had been famished throughout the entire day.

After we finished our meal, Mr. Albanzo took me out to the backyard, a peaceful spot filled with vibrant greenery, a variety of fruits, and different trees. As we stood there, I couldn't shake off a feeling of unease, suddenly aware that it was just the two of us.

"Do you like Mom's cooking?" Mr. Albanzo asked.

OMG! I can't breathe.

"Yeah! "Of course, I ate a lot." I responded. I can see his smile coming directly at me. Like he was about to kiss me.

"How about school? Do you have a special person? A crush?" He asked suddenly, Why?

"Yes, actually, I talked to him daily..." I stopped all of a sudden. When I noticed that Jolina was about to leave the table and take a step upstairs.

"I have to check my station" Jade run to his room.

"My homework is not finish yet. Bro. take care of her" Joel suddenly said and left us both here in the kitchen.

What are they doing? Why did they leave us both alone here in the kitchen?

"Mom! my student is leaving now! I should take her home." Mr. Albanzo shouted out. Even though I never asked him to do that for me.

Is he merely joking, or is there a reason for their urgency?

"Okay, babe, bye Jezz! See you next time!" Jolina responded, slowly raising her hand from upstairs.

"So, let's go to my car. I will take you home now, time is calling..." Mr. Albanzo said.

If only my heart can talked, I will tell him that I wanted to spend more time with him. But, there’s no much more I can do since he my teacher, and I am his student.

On the road, Mr. Albanzo drive the car so slowly. This time, there is no traffic but I just wondered why he drive so carefully.

"Ahm. Sir.. do you want something to drink?" I suddenly asked. Trying to be a good friend of him.

"Hmm." he takes his deep breath before he answered. "Are you thirsty?"

"Ah.. yeah" I said..

But the truth is I wasn't thirsty. I just wanted something fresh or cold that can bury me. Because the heat inside of me is uncontrollable.

"Let's have a little walk in the mini park" he said.

He removed his coat, then opened three buttons in his white shirt before he parked the car on the side.

In a seconds, I waited for him under the tree. There is a few people on that place by this time. But instead of cold water he buy only one milk tea for me.

"Here.." he said in his rough voices.

"Oh, how about you?" I asked. Since I noticed that he is sweating, that wet liquid crawl all over his body. And his deep breathing is wild, what happened to him?

"Are you not feeling well Sir..?" I asked.

"Just don't asked please...!" he said.

I was not in shock or feard by his words. Instead I understand him. Maybe it's so hot right now, that's why I wanted something cold.

"Siirr.. drink this! maybe this will help" I said.

He didn't answered me yet but his eyes locks on me. Those eyes of him are really bold and scary...

"You want me to taste your saliva?" he said.

I can feel my cheek blush from what I heard.

"Don't worry Sirr.. I don't have.." I didn't finish my words yet when he grab the milk tea from me.

Our hands is holding the milk tea together. Gosh!! my dreams comes true. He did touch me!