Running from the Horizon (Secondary Series #2)

05

“Ate! How are you mutuals with Noah Castro and James Sanchez?”

I almost jumped out of my chair in front of my study table when Meghan suddenly opened my door. What shocked me more is her question. Is that really a big deal to everyone that they are my mutuals?

“Vanessa is a social butterfly and we got to spend some time with them on our last field trip. Is it that of a big deal?” I asked her innocently.

“Yes, ate! My friends have been asking me about it and to think that Noah Castro mentioned you in a comment! How did that happen?” She throws out questions nonstop and I feel like drowning from it.

Everyone in school has been gossiping about it the whole day earlier. Whenever I passed by, they would whisper something. It’s a little annoying but I couldn't care less. It’s not like I have done them wrong anyway!

“It’s just a simple mention Meg. Stop making it a big deal!” I explained.

It really is just a mention! Noah is just being his playful self that’s why it happened. James, being a supportive friend, supported his friend’s playful act that’s why it became a huge topic in the student body. Nobody expected that I would be close to them despite knowing that a friend of mine is a social butterfly.

“He mentioned you under a post relating to liking someone thingy. Do you really expect that no one will buzz up about it? Noah and James are like almost every school’s heartthrob ate.” She pointed which I could not deny.

I still remember when they went here for Noah’s taekwondo semi finals competition. Every girl was so into them that they almost forgot to support our school representative, which is Noah’s competitor. They were surrounded by girls and stared at by them. I think they can even be a model anytime with the amount of admirers they have.

“What do you want me to do then? Tell Noah to delete that comment? I don’t control what he does Meg,” I said, shaking my head.

This is what I meant with as much as possible it's better that I just don’t know them. They literally have like fans in each campus! Whatever they do is like a talk in town! Added to them both being athletes. I don’t want to be in the spotlight that much.

Meghan sighed and lay on my bed as if it was hers. She is probably planning to stay here for a few minutes… hours.

“By the way, ate. Have you noticed dad has been acting weird these days?” Meghan questioned, laying on my bed on her stomach.

Now that she brings it up…

“I thought you wouldn’t ask me about it. He’s a little out of himself and it's not really normal of him.” I answered.

For the past few weeks, the changes in papa’s behavior has been strangely obvious. Papa used to spend most of his time with us after going back home from work no matter how tired he is but it has been very different the past few weeks. He looks weary to the point that I’m not even sure if it's the right word to use. Instead of spending some time with us, he would just go straight to their room and take some rest. It's understandable since of the amount of work he faces in the office. But it really just feels so… new… to see him like that.

Another one is that he gets easily annoyed the past few weeks already which is literally weird! I remember him shouting for the first time the other day because he got annoyed.

“Thanks kuya Hale,” I told our driver who picked me up from school. I saw Meghan seated in our front yard patio, busily scrolling over her phone so I had to steal it from her hand so she would notice my presence.

“Ate!”

My eyes went to her phone screen, only to see a handsome guy. The guy is fair skinned with deep mesmerizing eyes and full lips. He is indeed attractive but he kind of resembles someone that I can’t really point out.

“Who is this? Your boyfriend?” I teased her.

“For goodness sake ate, he’s 7 years older than me and he is in college. Do you really think he will be my boyfriend?” She questioned me weirdly as I only laughed softly, taking the seat next to her.

“He’s handsome though. Who is he?” I asked, giving her phone back.

“Honestly ate, are you really a teenager?” She asked in disbelief. “You don’t know who Noah Castro is before and his friends. Now you also don’t know this guy?”

She showed me the photo of the guy on her screen again but I only gave her an unknown look. Do I need to know everyone?

“This guy is Emmanuel Timothy ate. He is studying in AdMU and is a model under Garcés Models. He is in everyone’s eyes currently because of how good looking he is. Like ate, he’s a six footer!” She fangirls as I try to contain myself from laughing.

“Okay, he’s handsome. So what?” I questioned as her mouth hung open.

“I really can’t believe you.” She said as I laughed. “Well, I think the only handsome one in your eyes is Noah Castro. Probably why your friends keep teasing you with him. Do you like him?”

My eyes widened with the sudden question. Why am I the one in question now?

“No! They just like playing around.” I defend as she pursues her lips, hiding her smirk, teasing me.

“Sure they are,” I glared at her as she laughs. Sometimes I just really want to push her on the cliff.

We were silent for a few minutes until we heard a shout inside the house. I look at Meghan to ask if she heard if but before I can even answer, she already stood up as I followed her. My eyes went straight to the living room where my crying brothers and worked up Papa is at.

“What’s going on here?” I questioned calmly. Papa changes his attention to us but the annoyed expression in his face remains. It feels weird. To see him like that. His brows are furrowed in annoyance and he looks like he can’t control himself.

“Stay out of this Diana,” Papa told me, almost in a shouting tone already. Both Bailey and Kyle ran to me, hugging both of my arms, scared.

“Papa what’s wrong? What did they do?” I tried asking in the calming way as possible.

“I said stay out of this Diana!” I almost jumped when Papa yelled. It was the first time I witnessed him like that. It was the first time we witnessed him like that. He never yelled at any of us even though he looks disappointed at us or when we disobey him.

I tried calling him Papa but it only comes out as a whisper. I was scared as well but I can’t show any signs of it because my siblings are here. If I showed any signs, then they will get scared more.

“What’s going on?” I heard Mama’s voice from the front door as I immediately gave her an eye, asking for help.

Three of my siblings did not even bother running to Mama because of how scared they got. Mama’s eyes worriedly look at the four of us before going to Papa. I saw her whisper something to him before he slowly breathed and calmed down. He glances at us in agitation before going upstairs.

Mama did not explain to us what just happened but I know there is something behind that sudden action by Papa. She told us that Papa is just tired and we probably should laylow from distracting him for a while but it wasn’t just that. Meghan and I are not dense to not feel that they are hiding something from us. What I’m just really afraid of is finding out that it's a bad thing.

“Diana?” I heard a call from the backyard.It was dad who was sitting on the couch there, looking at me now. “Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

“I just went to get some water Papa. I’ll sleep after finishing my paper.” I said when I approached him.

He patted the empty seat next to him for me to sit. The skies are dark and the lights from the pool are visible which makes it really calming to stare at. We were just silent probably because of what happened this afternoon. I don’t know what to say or ask because we can’t really do that.

“Were you scared of Papa earlier?” He asked, avoiding my eyes.

Surely he will be worried about how we will view him after what happened. Since then, Papa and Mama stood as our role models because of how hardworking and dedicated they are with the things they do. Above all, they became my role models because of how they handle our family issues especially when there is a sibling fight among the four of us especially to my brothers since they are the youngest. I understand his worries about us being scared.

“I would be lying if I say I’m not Papa.” I admit as I heard him sigh.

“I’m sorry you had to see me like that Diana. Your siblings and you shouldn’t have witnessed such immaturity as that.” He apologizes. The guilt in his voice are so evident that I almost feel bad for saying that.

“It’s okay dad. You should take some rest when it's needed. Maybe it's because you are overworking yourself too much these days now.” I said as he slowly nodded.

“Maybe,” He said. I stood up and told Papa that I should go and finish my paper now but I just had to ask him.

“Papa?” I called. He looks at me, waiting for me to say my words. I was hesitant because I don’t want to look like I demand answers, that I am being annoying. “Are you okay?”

I don’t know but I think I saw a hint of panic in his eyes when I asked that. Did I say something wrong? He stared at me for a while, looking like hesitating to talk, before he let out a small smile.

“Of course,” was the only thing he said.

I have been observing Papa since then. He really did change at some point. He gets easily annoyed now that there are times my brothers just don’t want to bother him because they are scared that Papa will shout at them again. He gets easily so tired now too for some reason. Everything was unusual but we can’t really pinpoint what is the possible cause.

“Do you think Papa is sick or something ate?” It made me stop. Literally stop.

That thought never crossed my mind. With everything that Papa has been showing, him being sick never crossed my mind. Maybe because I was so convinced that his recent behavior is due to work. Maybe he is just stressed and needs some vacation for himself.

“How did that come up with that Meg?” I questioned as she shrugged her shoulder.

“I don’t know ate. I just feel like it. It’s weird that he suddenly just acted like that.” For a 7th grader, she really does have a lot of things in mind.

“Just don’t think about it for now Meg. Focus on your studies and I’ll handle the thinking about Papa okay?” I told her as she nodded.

She stayed in my room for a few more minutes before deciding to go back to hers. On the other hand, I got lost because she literally distracted me the whole time she is here. I even forgot what to put in my paper now so I just decided to give up already.

I decided to do my night routine by taking a night shower, changing to pajamas, and do my skincare. I can just do my paper tomorrow since the deadline is still next week anyway. I just have a lot of things in mind right now.

My phone suddenly rang when I was just staring at the ceiling. Just when I thought I would have a calm moment now. “Hello?”

[“Did I disturb you?”]

“Not really. Why did you call?” I asked. It’s unusual for him to call especially when it’s already 10pm.

[“Just bored. Are you available for an hour-long talk?]

Am I? I have an early morning class tomorrow but why am I even hesitating now?

“Even if I say I'm not you will still keep calling Noah Castro.” I pointed out as I heard him laugh softly on the other side of the phone.

[“You know me well now Diana Gonzales.”]

I rolled my eyes as if he could see it. Since I’m already on the phone call with him, I’ll just bring it up already. “By the way about that post where you mentioned me,”

[“Did everyone in your school talked about it?”] So he knew they would!

“Wow what a great person you are. You already know that they will talk about it but you still did it. What a nuisance.” I complained as I heard his soft laugh again.

[“At least you became a big talk in your school this afternoon.”]

“Which I’m planning not to be one so be a gentleman and take it down please? I don’t want your fangirls to come after me tomorrow. They already had enough today.” I exhaustingly told him.

[“I have fangirls?”] He asked in a shocking tone. He really likes playing around!

“Don’t act like you don’t know!” He mocked my words before laughing so hard once again. Is he playing with me?

I stayed silent, waiting for him to stop laughing. Talking to Noah probably became one of my routines now. Ever since he gave up his feelings for Felicity, I think we have become closer because I was the one who he talked with about her. Though he still thinks I do not know that it was Felicity he is talking about.

[“Well, are you one of those fangirls too?”] he asked, emphasizing the word fangirl.

“You wish,” I said, rolling my eyes again.

[“I certainly wish you are… so it wouldn’t be hard to flirt with you anymore.”] I froze at that moment. Flirt? With me?

There was a silence between the two of us when he said that. I don’t know how to react or say. I know he is being that playful but it was all just a joke for him. Does he really have to say that?

[“Are you shocked? Or you are just taking your time to recover from blushing too much?]

“S-shut up. I’m not!” I responded as I heard his soft chuckles.

[“Hmm.. stuttering. Okay,”]

I thought he would stop but he kept teasing me until I told him that I need to sleep already. It was hard to sleep during that night because I can’t deny the fact that Noah indeed made my heart flutter a little because of her flirty words. It was cheesy but it fluttered me at some point.

After that night, I still keep in touch with Noah but we don’t talk that much anymore because I got busy with school stuff as our finals and Christmas vacation are easily approaching. We talked but not too much as before. It’s like whenever we just have some spare time.

“Diana, are you coming to Palawan with me this holiday vacay?” Marley asked, taking her tray of foods with her.

“I can’t. Papa wants us to stick together the whole holiday.” I said.

Every after Christmas day, I would always spend three days with Marley and her family for some reason. We kind of get used with that kind of set up now because of how close I am with her family. But this year is an exception. Papa insisted that no one will go anywhere alone during the whole holiday vacation. Since I am the only one who does it anyway, I had to cancel.

“That’s a pity. Mom has been looking forward to you coming.” She said as I also felt guilty so suddenly cancelling it. I felt bad because tita already booked the ticket to Palawan so I just insisted on paying for it but she did not allow me.

“Are you two coming this afternoon in the mall with us?” Vanessa asked when we arrived at our table.

Marley looked at me, waiting for me to answer first. Of course she doesn’t want to be alone with the three as always.

“I can’t. I have to go somewhere with Russell.” I said as I saw the sparks in Camille’s eyes the moment I mentioned his name.

“Russell Villacorta? He’s coming here later?” She asked as I nod before taking a spoonful of my food.

“He will pick me and Meg before going to SPU to get his yearbook.” I said as she suddenly clung to me.

“Can I come?” She asked, showing almost a puppy eye. I blinked my eyes and stopped myself from laughing.

“Hey! You are going to the mall with me!” Vanessa reminded her.

Camille has a huge crush on Russell the moment she sees him. It was when Russ went here to our school to pick me up and Meghan because he wanted to treat the two of us out for dinner. The next day, Camille just came to me asking if Russ is my boyfriend. The moment I told her he’s not, she kept pestering me to introduce her to him which I did. It’s funny because when they met Russ only gave her a small smile but she already squealed so hard.

“You are going to SPU?” Kendall butted in, making Camille and Vanessa stop arguing. I nodded at her.

“Then you will see Noah there! OMG!” Vanessa squealed as I shook my head. Here they are again.

They keep bothering me about it until we return back to our room and only stop when our class starts again. I thought I already escaped but I just thought I did.

“You two are close now right? Tell him you are going to SPU today!” Camille insisted as I shook my head.

“Why would I do that?” I asked her as she gave me a disbelief look.

“So you two can meet up! Duh!” Marley almost pushed her with what she said.

“She will go there with Russell not to flirt with Noah. Goodness Camille!” And here they go again, arguing. It really is part of our daily life now. They keep arguing that they didn’t even notice Russ is already standing in front of us.

“Why are they arguing about?” Russ whispered as I only shook my head and gave him a smile.

When they stopped arguing, Camille’s eyes went to Russ and her eyes went wide immediately. I thought she already calmed down.

“Hi Russell,” She said in a very girly tone that shocked all of us. Even my sister who is standing beside Russ gave her a weird look.

“Hi,” Russ greeted her back. I saw Camille held Vanessa’s wrist, probably squealing hard inside. “As much as I want to stay but we need to go now if I want to get my yearbook.”

Russ took my bag from me before bidding his goodbye to my friends. I have no choice but to say goodbye as well because he went to start his car already.

“Ate Camille is so weird earlier ate!” Meg pointed out when we left the school building.

“She has always been like that Meg. You told me you like her.” I said, chuckling.

“I do but not when she’s in the state she is in earlier.” She said as both Russ and I laughed.

We stopped by the drive thru because Meg says she is hungry and Russ paid for it before going to SPU. I insisted on just staying in the car but Meg does not want to so we ended up coming with Russ inside.

I have never been in SPU because outsiders are not allowed here when there is no event. It is big just like what I have expected it to be. There are still students inside the building and some of them are looking at us, probably because of our uniforms. I tried looking around through my eyes and I can really feel a different vibe here.

“Do you want to go back in my car first? I just need to stop by in the teacher’s lounge.” Russ says as I nod before he gives me his car key.

“Where is kuya Russell going ate?” Meg asked when Russ left.

“Teacher’s lounge. Come on, let’s head back to the car.” She was about to complain but I dragged her with me before she could even do it.

“SPU is really beautiful ate,” she exclaimed. Meghan has some kind of fascination with SPU. She wanted to study here for high school but she can’t because it’s a little far from our house. Although we have a driver, Papa doesn’t want her to be late for school as well. Papa is also an alumni in our school which explains why he wants us to finish there.

“You still want to study here don’t you?” she nodded with a pout.

While on our way to the car, we accidentally saw Felicity walking out of the building alone. It’s easy to spot her because she stood out.

“That is Felicity Martinez ate right? The girl Noah Castro likes?” Meghan asked me. Yes she knows! She didn’t hear it from me but she just knows it herself. “Approach her ate!”

She did not even give me enough time to say anything and just pushed me to where Felicity is. Do I need to pretend that I don’t know her?

And I did! Which is really stupid of me!

"Are you... Felicity Martinez?" I asked carefully. Can she recognize me? I mean we did see each other already during our school field trip but I’m not that easy to remember, unlike her.

"Yes. Do you need something from me?" Her soft curious voice fluttered me a little. I’m a girl but my heart flutters even just talking to her.

I just realize it all. It’s really impossible not to like her. "Now I know why he likes you. I really don't have anything to compare to you." I whispered before just walking away without bidding any goodbyes.

It’s not like there really is something to compare because in the first place, I really am nothing against her. And I don’t even like Noah! Maybe because it’s the effect my friends have been giving for pushing me to him. It’s not even healthy. I feel so low next to her.

“You could have mentioned that you are coming here,” I heard a familiar voice.

I raised my head to meet his eye but he is so tall that I really need to keep raising my head just to look at him. “Noah?”

He has a big smile plastered on his lips while I am left with wide eyes and mouth hung. Why is he here? I thought he already left!

“What are you doing here?” He asked without his eyes leaving to me. My eyes passed through him to look at my sister but she is just standing there with a wide grin. She is definitely teasing me!

“I-i-”

“Castro!” I heard James' voice from behind which made my eyes widen more. Of course he will be here, he’s from SPU! He stared down at me with wide eyes, shocked that I am here. “Did you transfer here or what?”

“She came to visit me dumbass!” Noah butted in, making me push him slightly. He only laughed with my reaction as I am still left silent with their sudden appearance.

“So what are you doing here again?” He repeated,

“I just accompanied a friend who is an alumni here.” I simply answered.

“Ouch! I really thought she came to visit you!” James teases his friend, earning him a smack on his head.

“By the way, are you free tonight? Can I call you again?” Does he really have to straight up ask me that?

“Wait, what?” James’ eyes went to Noah to me. “Wow! Noah Castro stepping up his game!”

Noah did not mind his friend’s remark and only waited for my response. What should I say? Should I say, yeah sure just hit me up. That is too awkward!

“Diana?” I heard Russ voice behind these two giant guys in front of me. Meghan is standing next to him, shyly, as she glances to both James and Noah. “Are you good?”

I nodded at him before his eyes went to Noah and James. I’m sure they know each other. Russ just graduated this year here and since Noah is a star athlete, he probably knows him.

“Castro. Sanchez.” The way Russ says their surname gave me chills. Is there something going on here?

“Kuya Russell Villacorta,” James greeted him in a friendly way while Noah just stood there. James nudged his friend which made him clear his throat. He glances at me before looking back at Russ.

“It’s been a long time, kuya Russell,” Noah greeted him as Russ nodded.

“It’s nice to see you are still looking better Castro.” Russ said. I don’t know if it's a compliment or not.

“It’s not a new thing kuya. I’m always better... in everything.” There is something in Noah’s words. Do they have a beef between each other?

Russ smirks before looking at me. “Let’s go D. I’ll drop you in your house.”

“You know him Diana?” Noah asked me as I nod. He glances back at Russ before smirking. “So that’s why,”

Russ ignored his remark, taking his car key from my hand, starting his car. I was about to follow him when Noah called for my name.

“I will call you tonight Diana!” He told me before looking at Russ. “I think we will have some interesting talk tonight.”