JAY'S POV:
When I stepped inside, I saw Kuya Angelo. He is standing in front of the door like he was waiting for me. Beside him, Tita Gemma. She whispered my name.
I just kept my cold attitude.
"Where did you go?" His voice was commanding.
"Jogging" I told in a bored tone.
"Do you know how much worried we were? Can't you at least tell us before going?! Do you have any respect?!" His voice was fuming with anger.
"You all were asleep!" I said, still in bored tone.
"So what? You can..." His sermons continued.
He sermon me for 10 minutes. I didn't get affected by his lectures. I never will.
"Next time you go out, inform us"
"Okay, Kuya" I said, still cold.
I went upstairs, went to my room and locked it.
Micheal Angelo Fernandez. My cousin. Tita Gemma's Oldest son. He is in his mid 20s. He is now handling Fernandez Corporation company. Fer Corp. He is strict. But he is kind...in his own way.
I have freshen up, and went downstairs. Kuya is at the dining, eating. Tita Gemma is in the kitchen. I sat across him and started eating. He didn't even glance at me. He just continued eating. There is an awkward silence between us. I broke the silence.
"So...when did you come"
"At 3 AM. I was supposed to go straight to the condo, but I wanted to see Mom first."
I just nodded. He had just come back from Singapore.
The last time we saw each other was when Grandma was in the hospital. I still remember the way he looked at me back then—like he wanted to bury me alive. Good thing he seemed to be in a good mood now.
"...How are you at school? Mom told me you ended up in Section E." He said, eyes still focussed on his plate.
"Yeah." I said, flatly. That's when he looked at me. He has a 'still-arrogant-huh?' look.
I suddenly remembered. Kuya Angelo also studied at HVIS.
"Kuya..." I started. "...Do you know anything about Section E?"
I asked 'cause yeah, I got a lot of information about it. But maybe he knows more. So I asked.
He looked at me. "Yeah..."
I moved closer to him. "Tell me about it."
I saw his hesitation. It was like he was hiding something. Something is fishy!
"There wasn't always a Section E. It only appeared when students got into trouble—troublemakers, to be specific.
At first, there were only five or six students in Section E, but as time passed, more and more were placed there." He continued.
"Once that Section E is opened and you're placed there, you can't leave.
For example, if you're in 1st year and you get assigned there, you won't be able to move out until you graduate."
Tss. Nothing new.
"Kuya, I heard that you were from section e" I asked hoping I would get some information. He stiffened. He is hiding something.
He answered,"Yes".
Short, nothing doubtful. Enough to not suspect. But it doesn't make me not to suspect. Before I can ask more, he says—
"By the way our grandmother..."
That made me silent. My coldness fading. Expression softening.
"Her doctor said she is recovering"
Guilt is taking over me. I made mistakes I couldn't erase. Now I have to do more mistakes. It's too late to stop. If I stop, the situation would just get worse. Shit! Kuya knows which button to press. Genius!
"Kuya, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for bothering you" I said, softly. Guilt written all over my face.
"It's fine. Just be nice from now. Stop your mischief. Study hard" Kuya said, sounding more like commanding.
"You remember your promise right. Don't break it"
I closed my eyes. Yes, I promised you, I will not get into trouble anymore. But it's too late. I hope you understand.
"I will, kuya" I lied.
I'm sorry Kuya.
I'm sorry Tita.
I'm sorry Lola.