“You got caught for being talkative. Did I hear it correctly?” he said as if what I said was shocking.
“Yes. Your daughter got in trouble for being talkative.”
“Are you sure it was because you’re talkative and not because of other things?”
“Why would I be in trouble for other things? I may not be the perfect good girl but you know I will not go looking for trouble.” I said
“You’re still in your first year so you better avoid trouble. Sort out your friends if you know that they are a bad influence on you. I trust you so don’t break it or else you will get the consequence.” he said
“Yes, Dad. I know the consequences very well and you don’t have to remind me. I am always careful who I make friends with.” I said
“I like that you are being talkative but make sure not to get in trouble next time.”
I tapped on my desk restlessly after talking to my Dad. He had really outdone himself again this time by telling on me.
“Nana, did someone drop by here while I wasn’t here?” I asked just in case
“No. Are you expecting someone?”
“Nevermind. I just asked that question in case someone came by.” I said
It was already confirmed that he was the one who informed Dad because Nana would be scolding me at this moment if she knew.
“Are you sure that you will be fine alone while I am away?” Nana asked as we were having dinner
“Nana, I am already old enough to take care of myself. I can do almost all the household chores. I can cook simple dishes, wash my clothes, clean the house, take care of your flower and vegetable garden, and others. What else do you want me to do for you to be at ease in leaving me alone?” I answered
“You can’t blame me because you’re still a child to me.” she said
“It is just for a week but you’re talking as if you will be leaving me for a year. I can also change the lightbulbs so you really don’t need to worry about me.” I joked
“If only your phone wasn’t destroyed then my worries would be lesser since I can contact you easily. Should I…..?”
“I’m sorry but I need to cut you there Nana. I know what you will say next and I will strongly disagree. He has his own life so stop asking him favors and as I said I am big enough to take care of my own self.” I said
“Fine, I will let you have it your way but don’t hesitate to ask them for help when you have some troubles. I will leave your food in the fridge for tomorrow.” Nana said at last.
“Are you going to take the bus tomorrow?” I asked
“We will be using the car. Your uncle Matthew will be driving since we need to get a lot of things.” she said talking about the driver
“What time will you go?”
“Your uncle said that we will be leaving at 4 in the morning so we can finish my appointment with the doctor earlier. If only your Dad doesn’t keep on insisting to have a check-up. I can have a check-up at the hospital here.”
“Nana, admit it or not but you’re getting old. You really can’t have a whole body check-up in here because our hospital is not that equipped. Hospitals in the city are much more convenient for your check-up.” I explained
“What did you say? I am not old yet!” she said in a loud voice
Oh my goodness! Of all the things that I said, she focused on the old part. She is now getting sensitive when we talk about her age. I cannot believe her seriously.
“Here we go again.” I said softly
She then continued to scold me for calling her old when she can still do a lot of things. She is even strong enough to go jogging with me during weekends. I listened to what she was saying but I also let them out on my other ear.
“I will be seeing you off tomorrow before I go jogging so you can go now and take a rest. I will clean up on my own.” I said after we are done eating.
She stood up and entered her room to finish packing up her things. I was humming as I finished cleaning up in the kitchen. I brought a glass of water and Nana’s medicine to her room.
“Don’t forget to take your medicine.” I said
I watched her take her medicine before going to my room. I set my alarm clock first before I finished doing all the stack of homework that I have for the day. I am now starting to miss having a phone with me as I lay in bed.
“I will see you after a week and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need something.” Nana said as she entered the car
“I know, I know. Have a safe trip.” I said
“Don’t forget to check up on Athena while we are away.” Uncle Matthew said to the person beside me
“I get it. You have been reminding me that since yesterday. Drive safely.” he answered
“Aren’t you going to jog?” Ace said as soon as the car was out of sight.
“Why do you care?” I said as I turned my back
“Whoa! Are you acting up now that no one is here?” he said chuckling
“You really don’t have to act as if you care just because they told you to look after me. I am old enough to take care of myself so you can go on your way now.” I said and closed the door.
“How dare you close the door in my face?!” he said as he followed me to the kitchen.
“If you want coffee then you can make your own.” I said ignoring what he said
I know that he is going to follow me inside the house since he doesn’t want to be ignored. It is still early to go jogging because I always made sure to run for an hour during weekdays. I sipped my tea slowly as I watched him make his coffee before sitting in front of me.
“Why are you acting up so early in the morning?” he asked me after settling down.
“I’m not!”
“Oh really? As far as I know you would have invited me to have coffee and not close the door in front of my face.” he said
“Why did you tell Dad that I got in trouble yesterday?” I asked
“Why are you accusing me? What made you so sure that I was the one who told him?” he asked back.
“Stop denying it. Who would have told him when my friends aren’t even close to him? You are the only person who can inform him without regretting it.” I said
“Are you sure that your friends did not tell your Nana?” he said again while staring at me calmly with his poker face.
“Are you going to deny it? Nana would have scolded me last night if my friends told her. I’m warning you not to mind my business in school.” I glared at him
“Then you better behave yourself in school.”
“Look here, Ace Nathaniel! I am not interested in playing one of your games and it would be best if you will continue ignoring and pretending that you don’t know me.” I said in annoyance.
“Looks like you’re really annoyed huh? You never call me by my whole name unless you’re really mad.” he said laughing
I know that he is just teasing me but I am still mad at him. I finished drinking my tea before I stood up and changed my pajamas as I needed to go jogging. He was standing by the door when I went down. He followed me when I went outside and he even locked the door after him. He stood beside me and watched me do some stretching.
“Why are you still here? Go home and stop watching me.” I said
“I am going with you.” he said
Why haven’t I noticed that he is wearing jogging pants and running shoes? I know that he always goes jogging in the morning since I bump into him at the oval but this would be the first time that he will run along with me.
“You don’t have to do that. I don’t want your friends to see us together. Isn’t it better that way?”
I put on my earphones and adjusted the volume of my mp3 before I started running slowly. I could sense him running beside me and keeping a steady pace. He finally left me alone when we arrived at the oval. I don’t really like running fast but he needs to do it since he is an athlete. He has his own set of routines to do for him to always be in good condition. Now that our intramurals are over they will be starting to train in order to be ready for the District Meet or the time wherein selected athletes from different schools will be competing with each other. I sat down by the oval after an hour of running and finishing my stretches and watched the sunrise.