A Shadow's Embrace

Chapter 2

“Ah, so you wouldn’t have even known that he was already studying at Gregorian if he hadn’t topped your batch.”

I could only sigh in response to my cousin, Chia. We were currently in her room. While I was reading a book, she sat across from me, doing her makeup.

It’s been a few months since that incident, but I still feel bitter toward that guy worse now, actually. Especially since he topped the second quarter again.

And now that it’s Christmas break, I’ve finally let out all the anger and emotions I’ve been keeping inside. On the surface, it feels like being removed from my position didn’t matter to me at all. But honestly, I’m extremely irritated with him.

That’s why I’m here at Chia’s place. Finally, I don’t need to wear mascara. She’s the only one I open up to about things like this. She’s not just my only real friend thankfully, she’s also my cousin.

We’re the same age. In fact, throughout almost all of elementary school, we were inseparable. We only got separated in high school when her family moved to Manila with Aunt Cathy. But even now, we still spend time together just mostly during vacations.

I glanced again at what Chia was doing to her face.

“Do you want me to try it on you too?” she asked.

I immediately shook my head.

“I don’t want to look like a coloring book.”

She just rolled her eyes at me and continued what she was doing. I returned my attention to my book, but after a while, I started feeling sleepy. So I placed the book on her study table and lay down on her bed.

I must’ve dozed off for a bit. When I woke up, Chia was gone, so I decided to go downstairs.

The living room was empty. I headed straight to the kitchen, where I immediately saw Aunt Cathy and Chia. Aunt Cathy smiled at me the moment our eyes met. I was about to ask where everyone from the living room had gone, but Chia spoke first.

“Revy, Aunt Violi and Uncle Efren already left. They didn’t wake you because you were sleeping so peacefully.”

I just nodded lightly. It’s always like this anyway. They leave me with Aunt Cathy during special occasions or holidays because both of them are busy.

Both of my parents are doctors Mom’s a neurologist, and Dad’s a surgeon. Moments when we’re together are rare. Most of the time, I stay in the province with my Mamita and our house caretaker. They do visit sometimes, but they never stay long.

“Oh my goodness,” Aunt Cathy said. “You two better go change. We’re attending an important event. Go upstairs now unless you want me to leave you with Manang Lourdes.”

Chia and I immediately looked at each other and shook our heads at the same time before rushing upstairs. We both hated being left with Manang Lourdes. That woman was practically one of our childhood traumas.

There was just something about her—hard to explain. I still remember the first time we were left with her. We refused to come out from under Chia’s bed because of her threats.

She said that if we came out and she caught us, she’d put us in the oven or turn us into cookies just like in Hansel and Gretel, which we had just watched.

Chia and I loved movie marathons, and we always ended up making a mess in the kitchen with whatever random cooking idea Chia came up with.

After that incident, we never had another movie marathon again. And ever since then, we were always scared of Manang Lourdes. It didn’t help that she actually looked like the witch from the movie.

“What kind of event is Aunt talking about?” I asked.

“I don’t even know,” Chia replied. “Mom didn’t say anything earlier. Good thing I’m always prepared I just need to retouch my makeup.”

I nodded and went ahead to her bathroom. I took a half bath, which took some time, so Chia ended up changing in the room. I wore a simple skin-tone dress with a cardigan and left my hair down.

“Come on, let’s go downstairs, girl!”

While we were in the car, we found out that the event was at an orphanage something Aunt Cathy organized every year. This time, she decided to bring us along.

The moment we got out of the car, I immediately felt the blazing sun. It was already noon, and the heat radiated from the pavement as we walked toward the orphanage gate.

Still, there was a sense of joy in the place parols hanging everywhere, balloons shimmering under the sun, and Christmas lights that weren’t turned on yet but still added color to the surroundings.

I looked at Aunt Cathy, who was busy organizing paper bags filled with bread and toys. Chia and I immediately took some of the items to help. When I glanced around, I saw volunteers arranging tables and children playing in the shade.

“There are so many kids,” I said to Chia, lightly tapping her arm.

She glanced at them briefly and shrugged.

“Hmm. So?”

She rolled her eyes slightly.

“They’re noisy.”

I just smiled. I was used to her attitude she didn’t really like kids, especially loud and hyper ones. But despite that, I knew she had a good heart.

As we approached the gate, a volunteer immediately greeted us sweaty but smiling.

“Good afternoon! Are you with Mother Superior for the event?”

“Yes, we are,” Aunt Cathy replied.

“Has the event started?”

“Not yet, ma’am. But all the donations are ready for the children.”

While they were talking, I looked inside. Some kids were already playing, others were arranging gifts, and a few were sitting on the floor, coloring drawings of parols.

They looked so happy. Even without the lights turned on, the place felt bright because of their smiles.

I glanced at Chia. Her arms were crossed, her head slightly lowered, but I noticed she was watching the children too. She wasn’t smiling, but her irritation seemed to soften as she looked at a little girl staring back at us.

I waved and smiled at the child.

Just as I was about to speak, someone spoke from behind us.

“Children, please take your seats. The event is about to begin.”

The voice was gentle it belonged to a nun. I didn’t even realize I was already staring at her. She was so beautiful. And she looked so young too not old at all. I was honestly starstruck.

I snapped out of it when Chia leaned against me, about to say something. I quickly moved my head because she was pressing on my hair.

A moment later, a man approached the nun, followed by a married couple. Even from the side, I recognized them. I’d seen Mhuentier’s parents before.

So I wasn’t surprised when I saw him next.

I didn’t know whether to be annoyed or angry probably both. Because if I felt them at the same time, I might actually explode right there.

Just like before, his face and his entire existence was irritating.

Especially when he looked in our direction after Aunt Cathy called out to Mrs. Castilla.

“Look at my mom,” Chia whispered. “Always acting close.”

I chuckled softly, then immediately turned serious when I noticed Mhuentier was still looking at me.

So I raised an eyebrow at him.

What are you staring at?

Our eye contact broke when Aunt Cathy called us it looked like the event was about to start.

The program began with an opening prayer. Later on, Chia and I were chosen for the entertainment. I would sing, and she would dance.

Aunt Cathy volunteered us enthusiastically like we were actual professionals.

As if.

Chia only knew how to dance spaghetti pababa, and my voice? Totally “Bahay Kubo” level.

There was no backing out now.

Both of us were already internally panicking Chia whispering complaints nonstop while I silently prayed. I was irritated and nervous, especially since the person I hated most was right there watching.

When our names were called, I reluctantly took the microphone and stepped forward. I chose to sing “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande, while Chia danced.

Nice combo… seriously.

The moment I stepped forward, the first person I saw was Mhuentier. Embarrassed, I avoided his gaze and motioned for Chia to introduce herself first.

“Hello everyone, I’m Chianell—but you can call me Chia.”

She handed me the mic, and I forced a smile.

“Uh… I’m Ryecius. But you can all call me Revy.”

After the introductions were repeated, Chia and I looked at each other like we were heading to our execution.

From the very first note, I wanted to smash the mic. I didn’t know if it was because of my voice or the ridiculous dancing happening in front of me.

What are you doing, Chia?!

I had to suppress my laughter. The audience was already laughing too no applause yet, just chaos.

But through all of that, I couldn’t miss Mhuentier’s smile as he watched me.

I stopped laughing and subtly raised an eyebrow at him.

His smile only widened.

Like he was intentionally teasing me.

And yes it worked. It was seriously irritating.