Chapter 2 (Graduate)

I distracted myself with our upcoming graduation. Teachers do a lot of projects. Left and right are pictorials. I was not even involved with those with honors but I am proud because I am one of the lucky graduates.

I looked up when someone handed me a flower. Rosebelle teased me. 

Saymon holds a flower and gives it to me. I could feel the heat on my cheek.

"Ara, can I court you?" This question made my heart tremble.

His friends shouted in the back and became my friends. we are in the gym and just finished our practice for graduation. Many saw it! I'm ashamed.

"Ah ..." I couldn't answer right away. Actually, I crushed him before but it was really shocking that he noticed me. Many have a crush on him here but he noticed me.

"Ara, I've been crushing you for a long time. I hope you allow me to court you .."

I closed my eyes firmly and accepted the flower from him.

"Y-Yes..."

The shouts of his friends grew louder, especially those of my companions who pushed me even harder.

Saymon and his friends even appeared. I blush too much. The feeling that your crush just talked to you and many saw it.  Oh my god!

"Can I have your number?"

"Yes..." My friends pushed me even harder.

Just wait. I am the one you are courting but they are more thrilled than me? Justice.

We exchanged numbers before I left to go home.

"Ugh Ara ! You're so lucky!! First Apollo, then Titus! Now it's Simon! You're so lucky Ara! "

We are about to leave the gate but Rosebelle still can't move on .

"You're the Queen of the night and Miss sweetheart right? Dianara caught it all!"

I was just shaken by what I heard from friends.

We stopped when we saw brother Santi waiting outside his pick up.

"He's really handsome.His girlfriend is so lucky."

"Ara, do you have a sibling? I hope you have one and still single."

I laughed. "There is still but it is me so sorry, we will not lose."

They sighed as if they had lost the lottery.

In the days gone by,  Santi was always serious. I also know that he always goes to his  Anna.

I also found out that Anna are from the States for treatment. Anna just has heart disease. Here in the Philippines, it is difficult to find a heart donor. In other countries, it is said that there are many and millions worth.

I was depressed by what I found out . I want to help my older brother but he is always soaked in his studies and gigs especially when he needs money for the upcoming exam before the class closes.

"How's Anna ,Santi?" I asked as we made our way home.

It lowered its gaze to the flower I was holding and avoided. "She's fine."

"If only I could do something brother ..." I said softly.

Suddenly my older brother ran his pick up and I saw his jaw clench.

"You can't do anything so just shut up Ara." His voice is serious.

I nodded slowly. I get scared when he gets angry. I have never seen him really angry but, just, scary. 

"Who did that flower come from?" Its a question.

I took a deep breath. "F-From a c-crush brother."

He scoffed and clicked his tongue. I saw his earring on the tongue again. My older brother looks badboy and is always serious so you will be hesitant whether to talk to him or not.

"Who is the lucky one I can hit Ara?"

I close my eyes firmly. I'm nervous.

"Brother .. I'm big."

He grinned sarcastically. "You're even urinating in my bed Ara, you're misleading. Just try ... you'll see."

I clenched my fist. I get angry and disgusted. Shit!

"Why? I'm big. It's okay for mom and dad why don't you? You are just my older brother!"

Suddenly the car stopped. This is sudden, so those who follow us are very loud and obviously angry.

I got caught in the car dashboard! It's good that I'm wearing a seat belt! The flower that Saymon gave me also fell at my feet.

He violently ran his palm over his hair and blinked emphatically.

"What do you not understand by what I said Ara?" This is a timid question .

My eyes are warming with tears. I also have difficulty swallowing.

I did not answer and just angrily looked ahead.

"Answer me Ara."

"You're the one I don't understand!" My tears flowed slowly. I wiped it off and avoided again. I do not want to look him in the eyes. I feel like I'm going to drown.

"Why are you so strict with me? Am I not allowed to be happy?"

It took a look at me and avoided. He was silent for a few seconds. 

"Are you happy if you have a lover? Are you happy if I let you?" Its a cold question.

I don't know but my chest tightened. I nodded slowly. But why did I say that what I wanted seemed to make me feel bad?

"It's up to you then.Don't ever cry to me Ara. "

Even though we were at home we did not notice. Mama is happy to know that someone gave me a flower. While papa just came home and was drunk again.

Dad always comes home drunk after his rent income and he still spends on drinking. So kuya Santi always avoids papa because they always fight over Santi's reprimand answer.

Dad is not like that when he is not drunk. When he drank because of what he was saying. Sometimes mama and I also fight.

A few days passed and a few days later my older brother and I did not talk. He does not pick me up. He doesn't even look at me.

I'm not used to this because back then he did nothing but ignore me but this one is worst. 

Happy day of our graduation. I am happy for Saymon. I felt very different while on stage and holding a diploma.

I was happy because mama and papa were there for my graduation but only my older brother was not there.

I was nervous when Saymon approached us. the ceremony is over and our other classmates are ready for their celebration.

"Ah aunt, uncle. Can I invite Ara to our resort later? We are with our batch mates."

Dad and mom looked at each other.

"It's okay, but you can go home without my daughter. " Dad in a serious voice and mama kicked him.

"Oh are you Saymon? The one who gave flowers to Ara then?"

Saymon struggled against it, suddenly embarrassed.

"Y-Yes auntie..."

"You're just a handsome child .."

"Ma .. embarrassing .."

In the evening I was ready to go to Saymon. He's  in the living room and waiting.

"Mom, Dad, we're leaving!" Goodbye.

"Come home at the right time. Is it clear? Go home before your older brother gets home because he'll get angry."

I nodded to them. I never thought about my brother again.

We are about to exit the gate and a van was outside when they owned Saymon and the rest of our batch mates were inside. 

He opened the door for me. I have not yet been able to enter when a motor horn in our  front.We looked there when brother Santi saw us!

He took off his helmet  to look at me. He looked at my clothes and looked at Saymon.

"Where are you going?"

"Ah, good night brother Santi .."

"Where are you going Ara?" It ignores Saymon's greetings. 

"There is a feast for them Saymon brother. I have already said goodbye to mama and papa .."

I could feel Saymon's anxiety beside me especially since it was a long time before my older brother spoke.

"I'll take you there."

My forehead furrowed.

"Where's that kid?" He asked Simon.

"At Mapino Resort brother Santi." Simon replied.

"You go first, I'm with Ara ..." He looked at me. "Ride .." He ordered after handing me a helmet.

Simon did nothing and left first.

My older brother and I were silent while we rode a motorbike. It's late and not much traffic. I know this friend own this motor .Maybe his pick up is broken again. 

To Mapino Resort we will pass another barangay. The road into it is muddy with coconut trees and big trees on the side.

I was very close to my older brother when the rain suddenly fell.

"Shit!" I heard its cheap.

"S-Santi..it's raining..." he knows I am afraid of too much rain especially if it thunders.

"Hold on.."

I held on tight but the rain got even heavier. The road was barely visible so the motor slowed down.

I was struck by lightning.

"B-Brother..."  I was already crying and I hugged him. We are   both soaking wet. There are no households here but pure woods. 

I was surprised when he turned the motor.

"Just in case, we will look for shelter."

It seems vague that we will see. I have not seen a house since we entered. The households are still in town and it is far from here.

Brother stopped the motor on the side and quickly removed the helmet. it helped me down and helped remove my helmet.

We saw a hut that was broken. The roof has holes and the wooden walls are broken, but it can be sheltered.

It has no door so we go straight in. Brother dropped his helmets on the floor and took off his jacket.

"Here you are ..." His older brother pointed to his side

I could not move but lightning so I quickly stepped aside from him.

Wrong timing.

I am restless because it is cold. I just wore shorts and sleeveless so I was easily chilled.

I can't wear my brother's jacket because it's wetter. I was shocked when he took off his t-shirt.

"Wear it."

I did not accept it.

"But you will be cold brother .." I was humiliated by the cold.

"Tsk, put it on."

I did nothing and wore it.

It just looked up and closed its eyes as we waited for the rain to subside. we sat on the floor of the broken hut.

"Sorry .." I said softly. I'm shivering in the cold even though I have two t-shirts and what about  him? 

It did not move and remained closed.

"I know my limits brother, I won't have a boyfriend yet."

"I don't want you to have a boyfriend Ara." he replied and we both looked at each other.

Her eyes were drowning.

"I don't want you to have a boyfriend. Understand?"

I slowly smiled. "Understand?"

"Here you are..." It motioned to her middle thigh as she closed her eyes. I can not move.

"I'm cold Ara .." It was obvious in his cold voice.

I looked outside. It is very dark and the light from the moon gives us light. Despite the moonlight is the heavy rain and wind. 

I slowly moved between my brother's parted legs. I leaned over and I  leaned  on his chest.

I felt the coldness of his chest so I voluntarily hugged him. I heard his heart beat fast.

My forehead hit its jaw so I could inhale his fragrant breath.

"How is Anna's birthday?" I asked but he did not answer. 

I even hugged him tightly.

"Ara .." He said instead. 

"Hmm?" I looked up at him as our lips approached. My chest throbbed. I avoided and bury my face in his chest but he touched my chin and returned the closeness of our lips.

"I'm happy that you're a graduate." 

His lips touched my cheek.