JayJay POV
"Dance, Blaster! Dance, Blaster! Dance, Blaster!" we all shouted in unison while clapping.
He had no choice but to stand up and start dancing.
Once again, he boasted about his stiff hips. He even managed to twerk in front of Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy. Even Mama and Aunt Gema, who were peeking from the door, burst into laughter at what he was doing.
He looked like he was lacking in Eskilan.
"How are you going to become an actor like that? Your hips are stiffer than mahogany!" Drew said, shaking his head.
Blas stopped because of our loud laughter. He then turned to Drew to respond.
"Obviously, singing is my talent!"
"You'll have to dance too, of course. You need to have all the talents. How else are you going to become famous?" Felix replied.
So he's really serious about becoming an actor? I thought at first he was just joking, especially when he said he was a composer. Then when he sang, it was complete nonsense.
Oh well, he's a fool.
But it would be really cool if he became famous. I'd have something to brag about to other people—'That idiot was my classmate.' Every time I'd see him on TV, I'd keep shouting that he was my friend.
I do believe many people will admire him. His looks alone are already a strong asset—for town fiestas and feasts.
When he gets rich, I'll make him treat me to stuff so I can make up for all the food he stole from me. I'll also ask for free tickets to his movie or concert, if he ever has one. As long as it's not anything indecent—my older brother wouldn't allow me to watch that. But maybe if I'm an adult by then, I could. As long as he doesn't find out. Hehe.
But then again, it would probably feel weird watching my friend do those kinds of things on screen.
I suddenly got goosebumps from my own thoughts. Never mind.
Blaster has a strong appeal to girls, so there will probably be a lot of people crushing on him. Even at school, so many girls chase after him, throwing notebooks or even shoes at him while cursing him out.
See? Isn't he so easy to love?
I'll really be watching out for his rise to fame.
We turned to Denzel when he raised his phone.
"Is that Grace?" Rakki asked, setting down his plate just to wave at Grace.
"Say 'hi' to baby Grazel!" Denzel said, and we all scrambled just to see the baby's face on the screen.
"Hello, godchild!" I shouted while waving.
The rest of the fools greeted her too, and they got so excited to see the baby that they started fighting over the phone.
"Hey, that's my phone!" Denzel shouted, but no one paid attention to him.
"Grazel! Your handsome godfather is here!"
"Over here! Let us see!"
"Baby Grazel! Next time, we'll be the ones visiting you!"
"Ci-N! Don't block the whole screen!"
"Hey, let's show Grazel to Sir!"
As soon as that was said, they rushed over to Sir with the phone.
Sir and Ma'am took it and looked at the baby. The fools even moved behind Ma'am just to keep seeing the screen.
"Such a cute baby," Ma'am said, and I saw her wide smile. She was clearly delighted because she even grabbed the phone from Sir's hand.
The fools quickly huddled behind her again, watching the phone like they were guarding a store.
"Hello, baby," she greeted Grazel.
Ma'am glanced at Sir Alvin, and suddenly, her expression changed. She handed the phone back to the fools, who continued talking to the baby.
I didn't notice anything odd about Sir's expression, except for the deep way he was staring at his wife.
Why though?
"Are you done eating?" Keifer asked me.
I nodded. For the first time, I didn't take long to eat. My stomach felt off, and I felt like throwing up again, but I think I just got indigestion.
"I'm good. I can't eat anymore," I replied.
"Kuya was right—you shouldn't be eating too much yet. But you insisted," Aries scolded, making me roll my eyes at him.
His lecture won't help my digestion. He should just read me my fortune and give me a solution for my stomachache—maybe then I'd actually be happy.
This horoscope boy is so annoying.
"Maybe a hot tea will help you," Yuri said as he stood up. "I'll make you one."
"Don't…" I weakly tried to stop him. "I don't like it—it's bitter."
He chuckled slightly. "I'll find a way to lessen the bitterness." Then he turned around and went inside the house.
I bowed my head while holding my stomach. Maybe eating lechon right away was a mistake. It feels like my digestion has stopped working. My stomach feels so heavy, like it's full of air. Drinking soda probably didn't help either.
Since when did I become this weak when it comes to eating? THIS ISN'T ME!
"Hey, don't lean like that," said the King of the Fools as he gently pulled me closer to him.
I almost pushed him away, but I realized his intention—he wanted me to lean on him.
Are we in my brother's territory right now?
Still, I gave in because I was feeling weak. I rested my head on his shoulder while he put an arm around me. I just hope my cousin doesn't catch us, or I might end up back in the hospital.
This hospitalization is a punishment for me because of the glue. I can't eat properly. There are still so many foods I haven't tried yet—what a waste. The fools have no one to help them finish off the food now. Poor them.
I glanced at Ella and Aries. They were talking about something I couldn't understand. Ella was even holding my brother's hand.
"Did he call you again?"
"He did. But I didn't answer."
I had a feeling I knew who they were talking about. I couldn't help but eavesdrop. My gossiping instincts were kicking in again.
"Maybe you should get a restraining order against your father," Ella said, and I felt a pang in my heart.
I knew it.
"I doubt it will be granted since he's not doing anything to harm us."
"Do you think your brother can't help you?"
"I know he can. Maybe I'll talk to him later."
I closed my eyes. I wanted to sleep, but I wanted to push these thoughts out of my head even more. Whenever I remember the day I brought his real father home, I feel like slapping myself.
What I did was completely wrong.
It seems like his father is pushing harder now. Since he already got a chance, he probably plans to keep trying until he gets the forgiveness he wants.
Ugh. I really should have asked first before acting recklessly. When will I ever learn?
I opened my eyes when I heard the fools saying goodbye to Baby Grazel. Denzel snatched his phone back from Ci, who was the last one holding it.
"Your hands are filthy!" he complained while wiping the phone screen.
"That was Ci's hand! he ate chicken and didn't even wash up!" Rory ratted her out.
"Gross!" Calix teased, and the other fools immediately followed.
These jerks. As if they eat cleanly themselves.
They even forget where their hands have been when there's food in front of them. Sometimes, they'll even grab food straight from someone else's mouth. I won't say that I once saw Rory do that to Edrix's food before—or that Mayo did the same to Kit's meal.These fools are unbelievable.
"Here, Jay," I heard Yuri say as he placed a cup of hot tea in front of me.
It smelled like freshly cut grass.
The King of the Vipers brought it closer to me, making me sit up straight.
I didn't really want to accept it, but it would be a waste of Yuri's effort, who was currently waiting for my reaction. I held the cup with both hands.
Maybe this will cleanse even the depths of my intestines. It's scary—what if it makes me lose all my fat? I took a long time to accumulate this. I need it to protect my sexiness; I might get scratches otherwise. Fat is important in life, too.
I blew softly on the tea before slowly taking a sip. Since it was hot, I could only manage a small sip. It was bitter, but not like the store-bought teas. I took another sip and noticed that it wasn't as bitter as I thought. I could handle the taste compared to the ones I've had before.
Is this what goats and carabaos taste when they eat grass?
"It's fine, not that bitter. Thanks for this," I told Yuri, and he smiled.
"I put some honey to reduce the bitterness," he replied before sitting down again.
I instinctively looked at Percy when I heard the word "honey." He shoved a lumpia into his mouth, chewing with what seemed like irritation.
I wasn't sure if he was annoyed because of the word "honey" or because Freya was busy chatting with the Vipers. Whoever that was, maybe I should talk to him about the two of them. He still didn't know that there was something going on between Kuya and Honey—not serious, of course, but it was still worth mentioning. And of course, the fact that we were trying to set Freya up with Edrix.
I just hope I can explain it to him properly.
Next, I looked at Freya and Edrix. I smiled slightly when I noticed how comfortably Edrix was talking to her. Earlier, he barely acknowledged the person beside him, but it seemed he couldn't hold back anymore when Freya started asking him questions.
"Who are you staring at?" the King asked before grabbing some chicharon and eating it.
"Shh, be quiet. I'm observing something," I whispered back.
He glanced slightly at where I was looking and seemed to catch sight of the same people. He turned back to me and leaned in to whisper.
"Do you think there's progress?" he asked, and I smiled before nodding.
I giggled quietly like a child, and he chuckled along with me.
Damn, why am I getting excited about other people's love lives?
"You think so, right?" he repeated, and I nodded again.
"Yeah, because if there's progress, there's also a chance that your brother and stepbrother will kill him."
Bastard.
My smile faded. It took me a second to process what he said. But damn, he had a point—right on target. My stepbrother would definitely be mad, but why Aries too? What does my brother, who predicts people's love fates, have to do with Freya's love life? I know they're BFFs, but they don't control each other's lives. Unless my brother foresaw something bad.
"Why is Aries involved? I get Percy, but Aries? They're just best friends."
He leaned in even closer to whisper.
"Just like you, your brother is also staring at them. He's already glaring at Edrix," he explained.
I took a sip from my cup and subtly glanced at my brother and his not-quite-girlfriend. Ella was hunched over, focused on reading her notes. Meanwhile, my brother was sneakily watching Freya while pretending to read the notes too.
Damn, if he gets caught, there's going to be a fight.
I turned back to Keifer and whispered.
"Why is he looking at him like that? He looks so pissed at Edrix."
The King chuckled. "Told you."
I didn't know whether to laugh or be annoyed. Keifer and I really get along when it comes to gossip about my brother and his exes. Amazing, you're really good at this.
But what amazes me more is that he never used to be like this. He used to get mad at me for meddling in other people's business. But now, he's joining in on my nonsense.
Oh no! I turned him into a gossipmonger.
This is embarrassing. Mark Keifer Watson, heir of the Watson family, King of the Vipers, and respected president of Section E—now a gossipmonger because of me. I'm such a bad influence.
I turned toward the gate when it opened, and Kuya walked in carrying a paper bag.
"Let's have a drink," he said, looking at Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy while waving the paper bag in front of him. The clinking of bottles could be clearly heard.
It's probably alcohol. So that's why he left—to buy drinks. I thought it was something important since he left his guests so abruptly.
The Vipers cheered loudly, clapping as if they were celebrating a fight or a celebrity's arrival.
"Yes, drinking time!"
"You're an angel!"
"You're the best, Kuya!"
"Nope! None of you will drink alcohol under my roof!" Kuya Angelo shot them down immediately, and their cheers quickly turned into disappointed groans and claps.
Someone even wailed like a child. Another stomped on the ground like they were throwing a tantrum. Sir just laughed at their reactions. He was already used to us.
"Most of you are minors. No alcohol for you," my cousin added.
"That's it, I'm sad now," Eren said, pouting.
Kuya had a small table and glasses prepared for them.
"You still haven't answered who called me grumpy," he said.
The Vipers started pointing fingers at each other. No one could give a straight answer because they were all blaming different people, though most of them pointed at Ci. The kid immediately protested and ran to Rakki, who was busy talking to Mica.
"Rakkkkkiii… Look at them, they're bullying me," he whined like a kid tattling to their mom.
Mica laughed while Rakki just scratched his head and frowned.
"You can handle it, you're a big boy," Rakki replied, making the Vipers laugh.
Even those of us just watching couldn't help but chuckle. That only made the brat even sulkier.
There was barely any food left on the table. Tita Gema tried to bring out more food, but David stopped her. It was already late, and the Vipers and their partners—or future partners—had stayed too long. If they kept eating, we'd be here until dawn. And they never know when to stop.
Just like me. Hehe.
I looked at Aries and Ella when they stood up. "Where are you going?" I asked.
"Ella needs to go home. I'll walk her," my brother replied.
They went over to Kuya Angelo to say goodbye. Ella tried to invite Mica and Freya to come along, but they decided to stay.
They really wouldn't come along since they still seemed to be enjoying themselves. Especially Freya, who was smiling at Edrix's stories. Hehe, that's nice.
"Take her home, alright? Don't go to a 'sharp turn,'" my brother reminded them as the couple turned away.
Ella chuckled slightly, but my sibling seemed annoyed. Eh? What was that?
I quickly turned to Keifer. "What's a 'sharp turn'?"
Yuri almost spat out his drink upon hearing my question. The King of the Serpents gaped at me, then Percy suddenly burst into laughter.
I looked back and forth at them. "Why? What is it?"
Keifer coughed slightly. "It's a place... where... things happen," he explained, but I didn't understand a thing.
"Just ask Boss," Percy said, looking at Kuya Angelo.
We turned to him, but instead of answering, he pointed at Sir Alvin. "He's your teacher, ask him."
Sir Alvin quickly shook his head, and the Serpents, who had apparently been listening in, all laughed.
"Ask Eren, he knows all about that," Kit suggested, and Eren almost snapped his neck shaking his head in refusal.
"Idiot, I haven't even been there," he defended.
"This guy, Rory, is a regular there!" Edrix shouted, making Freya chuckle slightly.
Oy, oy, oy. Has their progress gone that far?
"Hey! You've got some nerve!" Rory retorted irritably.
"Aren't most of you minors? How come you know these things?" Kuya asked, making the Serpents fall silent.
They all avoided his gaze, and one even stuffed his mouth full of spring rolls.
"What's a 'sharp turn'? Can we go there?" Ci-N asked.
I wanted to know and visit, too. These troublemakers seemed to know exactly what a 'sharp turn' was, which only made me more curious.
"What exactly is it?" I asked again.
"That's where Baby Grazel was made!" Drew blurted out, only to get smacked on the head by Denzel.
Huh? Now I was even more confused.
"It's a motorist hotel or a cheap hotel," Dabid answered, looking impatient, so he decided to explain it himself. "Easy check-in and low-cost for travelers needing an overnight stay, but somehow, it became famous for couples who want to do... things."
We all gaped at him. He sounded like a dictionary.
But I understood now. It was clear that a 'sharp turn' actually referred to a motel. No wonder Kuya told Aries that. I thought it was a sightseeing spot. And to think I wanted to go there.
"Is it nice there? Let's go, Rakki," Ci suggested innocently, making Rakki choke and sending the rest of us into laughter.
"Are you out of your mind?" Rakki retorted.
The conversation turned into teasing. We spent another two hours chatting and messing around. The food was all gone.
My sibling didn't take long to return after dropping off his girlfriend, probably to prevent us from thinking they did something else.
The Serpents started cleaning up while I just sat in a corner, drinking water with both hands. Rakki, Mica, and Freya wanted to help, but the troublemakers wouldn't let them, so they sat beside me instead.
"Did you have fun?" I asked them.
"I did. Thanks for the feast," Mica replied with a smile.
"Same here. I really thought it was a birthday celebration. That trickster Ci-N," Rakki said, making us chuckle.
Freya didn't respond, so we stared at her. She was busy applying face powder. I noticed something different about her makeup. She used to wear really colorful makeup—sometimes even violet eyeshadow—so I used to call her a 'coloring book.'
Now, she still wore makeup, but not as vibrant. Just slightly darker than her skin tone. She still looked the same to me, but something about her felt different.
"Did you enjoy talking to Edrix?" I asked her before she could answer my first question.
She stopped what she was doing and looked at me. She shot us a glare before rolling her eyes.
"He's decent to talk to, unlike the rest of Section E. I think he's the only sensible one," she said, pulling out a brush from her pouch.
"Why are you still putting on makeup? We're going home," Rakki asked, trying to peek inside her pouch, but Freya smacked his hand away.
"Don't touch that."
"Leave her be. Maybe she wants to look pretty when she says goodbye to Edrix," Mica teased, making us laugh.
She didn't respond and just pretended to be focused on her makeup. We let her be, but we kept teasing her whenever Edrix sneaked glances her way.
Damn! You two better be the endgame.
The cleanup was done. The Serpents thanked Tita, Mama, and Kuya Angelo. Aries had gone inside earlier, and it seemed like Tito Julz was already asleep.
I walked my classmates to the gate since my cousin was still drinking with Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy. Yuri stayed behind since he was leaving with the couple, as he was staying at their place.
Everyone paired off for their rides home. Ci-N and Dabid would take Rakki home. Since the brat had no car, he asked his grandpa for help. Mica would be dropped off by Calix, but they'd just take a taxi. The rest went their separate ways.
"I'll take you home," Percy told Freya, but she ignored him.
"Edrix will take you home," Rory said to Freya, surprising Edrix.
Freya was obviously waiting for his response, but he looked confused. Just say yes.
"How? He doesn't even have a car. Are you two going to walk?" my stepbrother asked.
I couldn't help but find his tone arrogant. He was also dead serious, which worried me a little. Edrix averted his gaze. "You should just go with him. Rory and I will walk."
Rory looked surprised. "Idiot, we have money for a taxi. We could even rent an entire jeepney," he argued, but Edrix just dragged him away.
Freya was left looking annoyed. She turned to Percy, who grinned widely before opening his car door.
"Someone's about to start a fight," the King of the Serpents whispered to me while eyeing the two.
It sure seemed like it.
We watched as their cars left. That brat Rakki waved at me from Dabid's car. Even his grandpa smiled and waved. Rakki did the same. The Serpents without cars walked away, some waving at us.
Then I turned to Keifer, who was already looking at me.
"What?" I asked.
"Saving your smile in my memory so I won't miss you when we separate for tonight," he answered, making me wince.
"Keifer, for heaven's sake, there's still tomorrow."
He suddenly laughed. "You sound old."
"Well, you sound like a fool. We'll see each other again anyway."
"I'll miss you quickly. If I could, I'd take you home so we wouldn't have to part ways."
Damn, is this what they call butterflies in the stomach? But in my case, it feels more like a monster.
I bit my lip to shake off the feeling.
My hair must be really long. Too bad I'm too lazy to shampoo it.
"Go home," I ordered, pushing him away.
"You won't miss me?" he asked, pretending to be hurt.
I glanced back at Kuya and the others. They were a bit far, so they probably couldn't hear us.
I leaned in close to the King of the Serpents and whispered, "Of course, I will."
"Then, can I kiss you?"
I shook my head and subtly gestured toward the people inside. "Do you want us to get caught?"
"Just a quick kiss," he insisted.
I bit my lower lip and checked on Kuya again. When I saw they weren't looking, I leaned in toward Keifer.
He leaned in, too.
But before our lips could meet, a hand blocked our faces.
Crap! Am I going back to the hospital?!
"I knew it! Get inside the house!" Kuya Angelo yelled, and I immediately ran inside.
"And you, go home!" I still heard him shout.
I rushed to my room and flopped onto my bed. I was exhausted, but I had fun. I love it when we're all complete.