Head Over Heels

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

WE DECIDED to head to the dining area. My sister and I are walking ahead while daddy and Aunt Clara’s walk was slow. Zaira stopped, so I stopped stepping, too. I wonder and look at them.

Daddy was talking someone on his own cellphone while Aunt Clara was in the same. They almost always dropped their calls.

"What?" Daddy asked. It looks like he's undergoing surgery with his facial experssion. My sister and I looked at each other and shrugged.

"They're almost here," Aunt Clara smiled at him.

"Good. I'm so excited. Are we going inside?" Daddy held out his hand and Aunt Clara accepted it. Their smile was sweet as their eyes went to us. "I'm sorry, guys. Aunt Clara's son is on his way. He’s with his cousins as well."

"Wait... how many are they?" Zoilo asked.

"They're about five."

"Okay. I'll add plates to the table," said Zoilo and went to the dirty kitchen.

I could not understand myself but I am feeling so nervous. It seems like I want to lose my heart and want to jump.

"Let's go..." My sister grabbed me by the arm. "Are you all right? Your hand is cold," she said laughing.

"Shut up, sister. I was just surprised that Aunt Clara was with her son. I thought she was alone."

We now enter the dining area.

Daddy sat down at the end where he always sat. Next to her on the right sat Aunt Clara. Our housemates came out to serve our meals tonight. Our bowls were already packed with corn and crab soup when Manang Cecille suddenly approached daddy and whispered something to him.

"All right, you're going to bring them in," Daddy said. "They're here," he whispered to Aunt Clara with a weak smile.

We heard footsteps at the entrance to the dining area and at the same time turned our attention to arrivals.

My eyes were almost wide as I recognized the four who had come first.

Shasha, Melody, George, and Tristan.

I bowed my head and focused my attention on the dining table. Never before did I seem to know who would come next. It was Clark.

"Clark, son..." Aunt Clara stood up when that name was said. I quickly flew over to the calm man standing at the entrance to our dining area.

I was shocked one by one as my classmates approached daddy and the monks. They glared at us with only shoulder blades. When they were seated on Aunt Clara's side, my dad was serving the food.

Lots of dishes were served at the table and they looked delicious but I didn't seem to have any appetite. They started eating but I, eyes stayed on the dish.

"Zairene, why don't you eat? Don't you like the food?"

I look at daddy. He chewing while slicing meat on his plate.

"Not at all, dad. I-I'm still full."

Now I just realized, they look alike. Aunt Clara's boy version of Clark.

"Zairene, thank you so much for welcoming us to your pep squad," Shasha said with a wide smile.

"Are you school mates?" Daddy's surprised question.

"Yes, Zac. Actually, they're classmates." Aunt Clara smiled before Clark and I took a deep breath.

"Nice! That's good news. It looks like you know my youngest daughter. This is my eldest son, Zoilo Francisco. “ Daddy patted Zoilo’s shoulder twice, smiling slightly. "And my oldest daughter, Zaira Faith. Journalism is her course at the same school just like Zairene and Zoilo."

"Wow. Do you enjoy writing?" Tristan asked.

Her sister nodded. "Y-yes."

"Well done! I'm also passionate about writing and reading."

The smile settled on my sister's lips but disappeared immediately. "What are you reading?"

"Many to mention. Sometimes articles on internet blogs. Now I have a book I am obsessed with." Proud says Tristan.

"Okay. Do you have a blog, too?"

"Not yet. I can't do it because I don't know-how. How about you?"

"Yes, I have my own blogging site. If you like, I recommend you to the Editor-in-chief of our website. You can write your articles with us."

Tristan was shocked. It barely smelt. George helped him to his back while drinking water.

"Are you alright?" Aunt Clara asked.

Tristan thumbs-up and calms himself down. "Yes, aunt. I-I'm sorry. I was just surprised at what Zaira’s offer. It is a dream come true for me." Tristan was still shy as he rubbed his chest.

We laughed a little for him.

"All right, Hijo. It seems they are starting to like each other, Clara.”

"How about you, Clark? Do you have a girlfriend?" asked daddy. I couldn't stop glancing at him but I was surprised to see that he’s looking at me. He avoided looking up and raised eyebrows.

"I am doing great, Tito,” he said simply.

"Good. I have heard that your grades are very impressive? Looks like you inherited it from your mommy, huh?"

My eyes stayed on him. He eats very seriously but there is a chance that he’s looking at me... then move on to others.

"Zairene, eat more." I heard daddy. I looked at him.

"Y-yes, dad." When I was in a hurry, I grabbed my fork and dropped it on my plate so there was a noise. "S-sorry," I apologize.

I can clearly hear the loud of my heartbeat. I don't know why but I rarely act. There's something in my stomach.

"Calm down," Clark whispered. He looks at me and smiles slightly. I couldn't stand it so I avoided it.

I want to sink into my seat out of shame. I feel proud of my accomplishments and the great things that are still there, in front of Clark. I take a deep breath and drink some water. "I'm done," I said. "I'm just on the terrace, daddy."

"You just ate less. Eat more," said Aunt Clara.

I just shook my head. "I'm full. Eat up. Excuse me, please."

The steps I made to our terrace were quick. My hands are shaking and I know my cheeks are red now.

Why does that have to do with Clark. My personality system is in a state of shock and turmoil. Very young and very few.

What's happening to me?