CHAPTER 374 - HIS PAST
JAY-JAY'S POV
"Drink first," ordered Ma'am Cindy, placing a glass of water in front of me.
She let me inside the house after seeing the state I was in outside. I couldn't calm down, even though Sir Alvin tried to continue teaching. On top of that, Keifer refused to leave my side, making the other Ulupong restless.
I drank the water. I was starting to calm down, but my hands were still shaking.
"Come out later. For now, help me prepare lunch," she said.
I nodded. I didn't want to go outside and face everyone either. Once Ma'am was sure I was okay, she stood up and walked toward the refrigerator. I followed her.
"Wash these first, then cut them," she instructed, handing me a bag of vegetables.
I went to the sink and did as she said. I stayed quiet while washing the vegetables, but I couldn't stop my hands from trembling. Ma'am noticed and looked a bit annoyed.
She probably thinks Kuya is being too hard on me.
When I finished washing the vegetables, I picked up the fork and knife, but because my hands were still shaking, Ma'am took them from me.
"I don't think it's safe for you to cut those veggies," she said, gently moving me aside.
"I can do it. The shaking will stop soon."
She chuckled softly. "You're just like Angelo."
"What do you mean?"
I heard what she said, I just didn't get why. She was comparing me to my cousin. Am I pretending to be an angel or something? Am I that fiery? I don't even always look angry.
I choke—but not in bed.
"You and Angelo were the same back in high school—stubborn, impulsive, a bit innocent, and always ready for a fight," she explained.
Kuya? Like me? What? I'm not sure I like that.
She started cutting the vegetables. The speed and skill of her hands reminded me of a professional chef. Maybe she used to work in a restaurant. That's the kind of technique I see on TV and the internet.
"Maybe that's why he treats you that way," she added, pausing. "Because he sees himself in you. Maybe he's afraid you'll end up like he did."
I thought for a moment. "What's so scary about that? His life turned out okay."
"Maybe it's okay now, but back then, he was completely lost. We left him behind. While the rest of us were starting our careers, he was still stuck studying."
He was left behind? That was surprising.
I couldn't ignore the sadness in Ma'am's eyes as she spoke about my cousin. As far as I knew, Sir Alvin and Kuya Angelo had been close friends for a long time. But it seems Ma'am Cindy also had a strong bond with Kuya. Maybe she knows a lot about his life. Just tell me more, Ma'am.
"Maybe he just doesn't want you to feel what he felt."
Maybe.
Maybe Kuya just doesn't want me to end up like him. I remembered the time he came home drunk and apologized to Aunt Gema. It seemed like his biggest disappointment was somehow my fault—maybe because I asked Yuri to end our engagement.
But it's still hard to imagine Michael Angelo Fernandez not graduating with his friends. He must've been really disappointed in himself back then. He still acts so proud.
Really proud. Surprising, right?
"But how did he complete his studies late? Kuya is smart, Aries once told me he had no difficulty understanding his lectures. What I do know is that Kuya also taught him, that's why he is not struggling now. I was the only one he couldn't teach — and that was the dead lizard's fault."
I posed for a moment and started again.
"What happened? Why did he complete his studies late?" and she suddenly stopped cutting.
She looked at me and pointed to something next to me. "Hand over the container," she ordered, and I did.
She put the slices in the container, then continued the incision.
"He was lost. He couldn't find himself — to the point that he didn't even know his own identity."
So, there are people looking for themselves?
I can't understand how someone could forget their own identity. That's how bad it was for him.
"I don't understand," I said, and she forced a smile.
"Something happened. He was brokenhearted. Everyone turned their backs on him. I can say he lost everything," she said without looking at me.
Big brother got his heart broken? Maybe that's why he's grumpy. Well, he has Honey now. Even though I don't want them to be together, my cousin should be happy.
Or maybe Honey doesn't make him happy?
Isn't that worth strangling him in his sleep?
"What he did to you was too much. You don't have to forgive Angelo if you don't want to. But maybe, try to understand him. He just wants you to graduate on time and not be left behind."
I bowed my head. It's not that I can't forgive him. I always try to understand what he does to me. I just want to let go of this crush on him first.
While I was listening to what Ma'am Cindy was saying, I didn't even realize that the tremor in my hands had disappeared. I volunteered to finish cutting the vegetables. I knew we wouldn't finish quickly if she worked alone.
Once again, the whole barangay is depending on one person to cook. I wanted to ask more about Kuya Angelo — what happened to him, why he was abandoned — but it was obvious Ma'am was avoiding the topic. It was like every answer was calculated, like he couldn't afford to make a mistake. So instead, I chose to ask about their high school life.
"I was in Section A. Angelo and Sir Alvin were in Section E. I think there were only 8 or 9 students in that section, and the rest were always absent," she began. "It's like their class was a special section, just a safety net for rich students."
That's what Kuya told me before about Section E. But it seems boring to go to class with only 8 or 9 people. It's like the teacher is forcing things just to teach. What could Kuya's classmates have done to end up there? Kuya knows I used to get into fights.
He even has a picture of himself on the second floor of our old building.
"What did Sir Alvin do to end up in Section E? It's hard to believe he'd be there. He's too kind."
"He had a fight with a teacher after being told he had a career waiting in a nightclub," she said, and I stopped what I was doing and looked at her — but she suddenly laughed. "What your Sir doesn't know is that the teacher was referring to a fight club. He said Sir's body was fit enough for boxing. Well, he was almost expelled. He was only allowed to stay after pleading, so he was suspended and transferred to that section."
I laughed a little too. "How long have you two been together, Sir? Since high school?"
"We never were."
I was literally stunned by what she said. She was serious, so I knew she wasn't joking.
"H-How are you...?" I couldn't even finish my question. It's hard to imagine they were married and yet… they were never officially together. Not even a label?
Is this the future for me and Keifer?
I don't want that. That's too fast — getting married right away? I want to be his girlfriend first, enjoy dates. Fight, break up, and get back together. I want relationship problems — the kind that gives you a headache.
"We don't usually talk, but we've known each other for a long time. I grew up with them. Eventually, I became an employee at their house."
What kind of love story is that? There wasn't much interaction, and then they just got married.
"Is this an arranged marriage?" I asked.
She laughed out loud. "Neither."
"You got married even without feelings?" I asked, clearly intrigued by their story.
She laughed again. "Of course there were feelings. It's… kinda complicated."
I wanted to tease her about it, but she didn't seem eager to share more details. So I let it go and asked something else—like why she wanted to become a teacher.
"My adoptive mother was an undergrad secondary teacher. I just followed her dream," she replied with a smile.
"You? What are you planning to take?"
"I haven't chosen a course yet."
"The entrance exam is coming up. You should decide on something soon. You might have a hard time if you're not prepared for enrollment."
Suddenly, I felt nervous. It was like there was a timer stuck to my forehead, and once time ran out, I wouldn't be able to go to college. There are so many courses to choose from—I might just give up.
I wish there were a course that didn't require an exam. But of course, that's impossible.
I finished cutting, and she helped me gather the ingredients. She started cooking while I just watched. I wanted to interfere at the stove, in case a fire broke out, but that only made me more nervous.
My role really was just to eat.
Once we were done, we set everything aside and began serving. We arranged the plates, glasses, spoons, and forks. She double-checked to make sure everything was in place before asking me to call them.
I hesitated at first, still feeling a bit embarrassed about what happened with Kuya in front of everyone. But it was time to eat, so I did it anyway.
When I went out, they were still focused on what was being taught. This time, Yuri was in front of the whiteboard teaching Math. I looked at the group. Most of them were following along, but of course, the usual sleepyheads—David, Eman, and Mayo—were dozing off. One person was just staring at the front but wasn't writing anything.
I winced. They really were vipers.
I raised my hand to get Yuri's attention. He saw me right away and stopped.
"It's time to eat," I said, and it was as if I had delivered the best news ever.
They all looked at each other. Even the ones sleeping woke up and turned to me.
"The food is ready inside."
They suddenly stood up and rushed in. Drew almost tripped because of Blaster's sudden move. They had to pull Ci-N back into his seat. Kit planned to leave the still-sleeping Mayo, but he woke up on his own. Felix and David lagged behind, seemingly too tired to mess around anymore.
"They're starving!"
"Alright, don't eat then," I joked.
I just sat off to the side. It looked like a stampede with how chaotic they were. You wouldn't think they were so hungry.
"Hey, you feeling better now?" Yuri asked me.
I smiled at him. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Sorry we couldn't stop Angelo."
I smiled again. I knew they understood Kuya—how he always sympathized with anything or anyone who seemed vulnerable.
"It's okay. Go eat."
He smiled and went inside. I turned to look for the King of Serpents, but it wasn't necessary—he was already right in front of me.
"Going to eat—" I couldn't finish because he suddenly hugged me. ❤️
He didn't say a word. I hugged him back, and for some reason I couldn't explain, I felt like crying.
I had already calmed down earlier, but because of his hug, I suddenly wanted to cry again. Why did I give in so easily? Why did I soften in his arms?
The strength of my right to him.
"I'm ashamed," I whispered.
"You don't have to be. We all understand. We've all been embarrassed in front of each other."
I fell into his chest. "I can't help it."
"Would you feel better if I told you an embarrassing story?" he asked, but I didn't answer. "When we confronted him, the debt collector cursed Drew. Ci-N would get insulted by his brother every single time he saw him happy with us. Felix was once called hampas-lupa by his aunt, who denied being related to him."
I looked up at him. All that happened in front of them. Yes, I'm annoyed with Drew because of the debt he owes me, but if I see him insulting people we don't even know right in front of us, I can't help but feel sorry for him. I've also witnessed how Ci-N was humiliated by his brother. And I felt especially bad for Felix, knowing what he went through.
"You have every right to feel ashamed, but I want you to know you're not alone. So don't worry about what our friends are thinking," he said, kissing me on the forehead. "Even I felt ashamed of you. Remember when my dad brought all of you to his house? I was so embarrassed—I didn't want you to meet him. He's a monster."
I remembered that. It was the first time I met his father. We were suddenly picked up from home; Aries and I got into the service car along with Ulupong and Ella. That was also the day Dylan pointed a gun at my head.
I was so arrogant. Were my knees weak?
"I don't remember you being shy."
He smiled and brushed a few strands of hair from my face. "If you only knew… I wanted to run him over just so I could get you all out."
"I remember you were tense and worried about your brother."
He smiled again. "Priorities." Then he suddenly pinched my nose. "And then someone decided to act like a hero and challenged Dylan."
"A—Ouch!" I complained, pulling away to remove his hand from my nose. "At least they got bored. But I won't do that again—it was way too scary."
He chuckled. "As you should. Do you think your body is a shield? Bulletproof?"
"No. I'm just brave because death is my relative," I said with a wide smile.
He often pretends to be an angel.
"Yeah, but you're not immune to death. So be careful and don't get too close to danger."
I paused. Suddenly, I saw Keifer—once my enemy. Rude and preachy, the so-called King of Serpents. I couldn't help but stare at him.
He's still talking to me, but now he doesn't shout like a misbehaving child. Now, I can tell he's truly worried.
He suddenly smiled. I thought it was just because he appreciated our time together, but when his nose got close to mine, my eyes widened and I quickly turned my face away.
"Hey!" I looked at him.
"What? No one's around."
I glanced around. It was true—no one was there. Everyone seemed to be inside. But I shook my head at the King of Snakes.
Just a hug for now. I'm not in the mood.
"We might run out of food next time," I said, and he laughed.
I asked him to come inside. Luckily, we still caught the food while it lasted. Everyone was making a mess and enjoying the feast.
I felt sorry for Sir and Ma'am, who were standing while eating and watching us. They even shook their heads when someone took food from another person's plate.
Ci-N led that charge.
As usual, Ulupong volunteered to clean up and wash the dishes.
"Where's your big brother? Did he leave?" Ci asked me.
Yeah, right? I just realized he was gone for a while now. Looks like he left after talking to me. Maybe he had a headache.
I just shrugged in response. After cleaning up, we went back outside to study. This time, I was serious.
Wow, time to get serious about studying.
I really tried to listen. David stood by me and helped teach me. Fortunately, he explained things easily. Keifer's sharp gaze didn't spare us. Yuri raised his eyebrows at me like he was watching us closely.
They were wondering what David was doing with me. They should be thankful—he helps me and even repeats the topic when I don't understand. He just repeated the LAW OF ATTRACTION a few times, and that's why the two of them got annoyed with him. Then the Ulupongs laughed.
"Is manifesting that dhe likes me part of the law of attraction?" David asked, so we all looked at him. "Is there a big chance she'll like me?"
Was he talking about his crush?
"That doesn't count," Yuri answered seriously.
"If she doesn't like you, don't force her," Keifer added.
"I'm not forcing it," David said with a wide smile. "I'm just manifesting."
The Snakes laughed. Others clapped, which woke up the spirits of those who were sleeping, like Ci.
It was clear the two had given up, so I changed the topic and they quickly helped me again. The three of them took turns teaching, but Sir often explained everything. Ma'am Cindy also joined in to help us understand better.
At 6PM, they stopped teaching. Eman and Denzel came in to help Ma'am cook dinner. I wanted to help too, but Sir gave me something to answer—mostly Math problems.
Sir, really? Math?
Keifer and Yuri were going to help me, but Sir didn't allow them.
"She needs to learn on her own. You can't always be there for each other," said Sir, and I agreed.
They didn't do anything except leave me in the living room while I tried to solve the problem that Math couldn't finish. It must've been an hour later when I heard them calling for dinner, in case I couldn't leave my seat. I couldn't walk away from what I was answering—I might forget everything I'd learned.
I'd probably forget everything once I saw the food.
I even heard the Snakes calling me, but I ignored them. Ci even tried to make me jealous of what he was eating. Even if I wanted to eat, I just couldn't.
"You don't want any?" Ci asked, and I shook my head. "It's really good."
I winced. I still thought he was in love with me. He smiled widely while chewing liempo, then walked back to the table.
"Don't trip!" Felix shouted at Ci. "Barakuda might get lost!"
WHAT DOES BARAKUDA LEARN HERE?
I could hear their laughter, but I wasn't laughing. Just wait until I'm done.
I was in the middle of counting on my fingers when someone placed a plate in front of me. There was rice, liempo, tomatoes, and cucumber. I looked up and met Kuya Angelo's eyes—and it brought me back to who I was.
"Yes, I want you to study, but I don't want you to starve," he said, then walked away.
I bit my lower lip. I looked at the food in front of me and then at Kuya's back as he walked off. I might be sulking with him, but I won't sulk with food. That would be like sulking at life. Because food is life.
I set aside what I was answering. Keifer came close, carrying a glass of something to drink.
"They're ignoring him," he whispered to me.
"Him?"
"Your cousin."
Wow. Let's go.
I was amazed at the Ulupongs—they were seriously ignoring my cousin. But they didn't need to do that. Thankfully, Kuya wasn't affected by it.
"Let me know if you need help," Keifer said and sat beside me. I looked at him. "No, I can do it. I'm almost done." He smiled at me and watched me eat. When I finished, he took my plate and said he'd put it in the sink.
I went back to solving what Sir gave me.
I literally lost track of time. The Vipers came back and forth in front of me several times, but I ignored them. Ci was about to complain too, but Sir forbade him. When I finally finished what I was answering, it felt like I had won the lottery—except the prize was back pain.
Is this what rheumatism feels like?
"Are you done?" Keifer asked, waiting for me to finish.
"I didn't even realize you were there."
"I purposely stayed quiet so I wouldn't disturb you," he said with a smile as he came over to take my papers. "Let me check your answers."
This is the verdict.
He took a ballpen and started checking my answers one by one. I bit my lip every time he corrected a mistake. I couldn't keep track of how many were right or wrong.
I covered my eyes as he counted.
"Here's your score."
I slowly looked at the paper—and smiled. I got 39 out of 50. Not bad. That's high for me.
There was applause. "I got 39."
I took the paper and stared at my score before presenting it to the King. I smiled widely at him. I wanted to show him that I was proud of my score. It wasn't perfect, but I know I worked hard for it.
Next time, I'll aim for a perfect score.
I couldn't stop smiling. Math problems are especially difficult. Keifer smiled broadly too, as if he was very proud of me.
"Congratulations. I'm so proud of you."