Involved

ANGELLE

"Couzie, why do you look so lost?" Ate Jove asked, noticing my silence.

We were in the living room, busy with our phones. Mama went to the market with my siblings because Mama knew that Isiah would be visiting. Before texting me, Isiah already messaged Lica about it thats why Mama was informed as well.

I'm also thinking about Link.

"Why didn't Link explain to save their relationship?" I asked about it.

Ate Jove told me the story of why Link and Gipsy broke up, and it's because of the picture of me and Link in the jeep that someone took and spread in the hype beast community. So now, I feel so embarrassed. Link shouldn't have done that. If I had known that this would happen, I would have gotten off the jeep. And if I knew Gipsy, I would have talked to her myself and explained so she would understand that there was nothing wrong with it.

It's obvious that Link loves his girlfriend so much. I can tell by his reactions when we were at the Happy Mall. He's really affected by what's happening, it's evident on his face.

Ate Jove put down her phone on the small table. Then she turned to me and gave me a reassuring smile.

"Couzie, just don't think about it. It's not your fault that they broke up," she said, comforting me.

"What do you mean it's not my fault? It's because of the picture of me and Link that they broke up," I rolled my eyes, responding to Ate Jove.

Until now, I still don't know what picture they're talking about. Even Lica doesn't want to show me the picture she mentioned.

"Yes, let's say it's because of the picture, but Link agreed to break up for other reasons as well," Ate Jove said.

"What other reasons?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

"Link saw Gipsy with her ex," she replied.

I paused and thinking about what Ate Jove said. When we were at the Happy Mall, Link looked behind me and I could tell by his reaction that he saw something. So, was it Gipsy he saw?

After Ate Jove said that, I didn't say anything. Shortly after, Mama and my siblings arrived, and we started cooking.

Ate Jove was right, it's not my fault because in the first place, Link insisted that I sit on his lap.

"Lica said you and Isiah had a fight?" I stopped chopping onions and looked at Mama. Huh?

"Where did she get that? I have no idea that Isiah and I had a fight," I said.

"She said it was because of another guy. It made Isiah jealous," Mama said, furrowing her brow.

What gossip did Lica spread to Mama? It's all wrong.

"Mom, that's not true. Lica got the story all mixed up," I said.

Isiah and I didn't have a fight. Maybe he felt a bit jealous and worried, but there was no fight.

"Okay, if you say so. Just don't make Isiah feel those things. Even guys get hurt," Mama said, smiling while stirring the pot.

Mama didn't say anything else and I think she understood what I meant. We're open with each other, so she knows I wouldn't do anything to hurt Isiah.

After Mama and I finished cooking, Isiah texted me saying he was already at the corner but didn't know which block. It can get confusing here if you're not familiar, so I went to pick him up. He just commuted and didn't bring his car. He's already nineteen, so he has a driver's license and a car.

He smiled when he saw me and walked towards me. As soon as he got close, he hugged me as if we hadn't seen each other for ten years.

"It's only been a week since we last saw each other, and you're already like this," I said with a smile. He let go of me and grinned, a smile he always does when he's happy.

"I just missed you," he said and linked his arm with mine. I felt butterflies in my stomach from what he said.

"I thought you were still mad at me," I whispered softly, but it was enough for him to hear.

"Why would I be mad? I have nothing to be mad about, and I don't want to be mad at you," he replied, looking at me.

"I'm sorry," I said. He messed up my hair.

"You don't need to apologize," he said with a smile.

We started walking towards the house while chatting. There were so many updates in our lives that we hadn't shared with each other because we've been busy.

"How's Aunt?" I asked.

"She's fine. She told me she misses the mischievous Angelle," he said, making me giggle. "Is it true though? Do you want me to call her?" he added, teasingly.

"I believe you," I said.

We continued walking and then we bumped into Link and Prof, along with some other friends. Our eyes met, but I quickly looked away. Why did I look away?

I bit my lip when I remembered that Isiah saw Link in the picture that Lica sent. Oh my god! I don't want Isiah to get annoyed if he sees Link. So, I decided not to say hi to them, even though I really wanted to greet Prof.

"Hello, Angelle," I blinked when Prof greeted me, so I just smiled at him, and he glanced at the person beside me. "Who's your companion?" he asked when they approached us.

I saw the expression on Isiah's face change.

"This is Isiah, uhm. Isiah, this is Prof, my new friend," I introduced them.

"Hi," Isiah greeted, a bit reserved.

"Hello erp!" John greeted cheerfully.

"Erp?" Isiah asked, confused.

"It's just 'pre' spelled backward, hehe," John said happily.

"Cheap."

I swallowed hard at Isiah's soft remark.

"Anyway, guys. We're leaving," I said goodbye and pulled Isiah away before he could say anything else.

Isiah is the type of guy who is very sensitive to people. If he doesn't like someone, he really doesn't. I know it can be rude, but I couldn't tell Isiah off in front of Prof and the others.

As we walked away, I let out a sigh before speaking.

"Please don't say things like that, Isiah. It's embarrassing in front of them," I said.

"I'm sorry, I just remembered the guy in the picture with you in the jeep," he said coldly.

I didn't say anything. I just didn't want to speak so that the issue wouldn't resurface.

When we arrived home, Mama immediately invited Isiah to eat, so we all ate together in the dining area. Ate Jove joined us too, and she was still teasing Isiah. They just met today, but they're already super close, almost like they've known each other for a long time.

"You know, Isiah, you're perfect for my cousin. I hope you two end up together," Ate Jove said without hesitation.

Isiah chuckled a little before looking at me and not responding to what Ate Jove said. Isiah and I know the status of our relationship, but I know the day will come when he will confess to me.

"Brother, Isiah. If you marry my sister, will you take her away from us?" Hero suddenly asked, making Mama and the others burst into laughter.

Isiah almost choked on Hero's question. That kid is such a prankster.

"Excuse me, Hero. We're still in senior high, so don't think about marriage," I said, which made Hero pout.

"Hey, it's okay. Hero is just thinking ahead," Isiah said, laughing.

He's talking as if he's courting me, hehe.

After we finished eating, Isiah and I volunteered to clean up. While we were cleaning, he asked me about the guys we bumped into earlier.

"Oh, they're hype beasts," I replied, glancing at him to see his reaction.

"I can tell just by their outfits, but who was the guy looking at you?" Huh? Is he referring to Prof?

"The one I was talking to earlier?" he shook his head.

"No, the guy in the white T-shirt among all of them." What?

The only guy wearing white earlier was Link. Doesn't Isiah recognize him? I thought he saw the picture of me and Link in the jeep?

"Oh, It's L-Link. Why?" I asked.

He paused in washing the dishes and thought about what to say.

"I feel like I've seen him somewhere before, but I can't recall where," he said.

"Maybe at the mall. Whenever they have get-togethers, they're always there," I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

It seems like he didn't recognize the guy. And it made me breathe easier.

"Anyway, before I go home, let's go to the nearest mall here." I nodded.

Isiah and I quickly finished cleaning, and we said goodbye to Mama, telling her that we're just going to Power Mall, the nearest mall here. It's just one jeepney ride away and closer compared to the Happy Mall.

"I miss this, you know? Back when you were still in Cavite, we used to go to the mall every week," he said, taking a sip from his coke in a can.

"Yeah, I miss it too. It's just sad that we had to move," I said with a sad voice.

Isiah stopped walking and faced me. "Why do you have to be sad?" he asked.

"I still can't fully accept that we had to leave Cavite," I replied.

It's really sad. I've grown so attached to Cavite, and it's heartbreaking to just leave like that.

"Understand Uncle, Angelle. I know he's doing this for your own good too," he said, holding my hand. "Don't worry, even if I have to visit you here every day, I will do it." He said, making my cheeks turn red.

I could feel my heart racing at Isiah's words.

"T-thank you," I said with a smile, covering my face because I could feel myself blushing excessively.

My face tends to turn red quickly. Whether it's because of the heat or if I'm in a hot seat. So, I can't really hide my feelings for Isiah because I know he also knows that I have feelings for him.

"You're so cute," he said, hugging me.

"I don't know what you're talking about. You say all sorts of things," I said as we continued walking.

We just wandered around the mall. We played at the arcade and ate our favorite foods. He even bought a couple jacket with a hoodie that we both liked wearing.

After our little adventure, he walked me home and said goodbye because he had an urgent call for their business.

"Stop smiling like an idiot, my Sistah," Lica said, sitting next to me on the sofa.

We had just finished dinner. Lica and I decided to watch a horror movie to avoid getting bored. Our two younger brothers were already asleep. Mama said that the kids shouldn't stay up late.

"This is not an idiot smile," I retorted.

"Are you sure?"

POK!

I lightly hit her, causing her to give me a glare.

"What's that for?" she asked, confused.

"That's for sending the picture to Isiah. Should I dissect your intestines one by one? Be thankful that I explained things right away, or else I might have skinned you alive," I said, and she chuckled softly.

"I'm just being honest to my soon-to-be brother-in-law, you know? I'm not the type of person to hide what I know," she said, making me roll my eyes.

"Whatever!"

"By the way, Ate, who is Link among the guys we bumped into earlier with Ate Jove? They were all hype beasts," she added.

"The one in the white T-shirt."

"Oh..."

"Didn't you see the picture of us? Why didn't you recognize him?"

"You covered the guy, that's why when I first saw the picture, I thought you were kissing."

"Excuse me?"

Lica rolled her eyes and took out her cellphone. She did a few slides before showing me the phone. My eyes almost shrunk when I looked at the picture, and I just noticed that it looked like Link and I were kissing because I was leaning on his neck, and the picture itself showed me sitting on his lap.

I was suddenly splashed with cold water. Shit, that's why Isiah was so upset when he saw it.

"Where did you get this picture?" I asked Lica.

"Somebody sent it to Ate Jove, so she sent it to me." My forehead furrowed even more at what Lica said.

Ate Jove sent it to Lica? Where did she get it?

Shit, maybe Gipsy thought that Link and I were kissing, and that's why she broke up with him. But now that I think about it, I wouldn't kiss someone in public transportation. OMG! Because of a wrong assumption, Link's relationship got ruined. And it's because of me.

"Ate Angelle!"

Lica and I turned to the door when someone called my name. And there was Danica Caiel Absuela, known as Cacai, peeking through the door.

"Yes, Cacai?"

"Ate Jove is calling for you," she said.

"Why?" I asked, confused, and stood up from my seat.

"It's about Gipsy and Link," she said and pulled me out.

I didn't have a chance to complain and just followed her. Meanwhile, Lica was left standing at the door. I signaled to her with a look that said, "Take care of the house," and she nodded, understanding me.

I was still wearing thin shorts and a tank top because I was ready to sleep.

When we arrived at a secluded area, I immediately heard a woman crying and an angry man's voice. My heart pounded heavily when I recognized the man's voice. Shit, it was Link. But who was the woman?

As we approached, we saw Link with his fists clenched and a crying woman. Ate Jove and a few others were on the side, seemingly watching what was happening.

Did Link punch the woman?

They looked at us when they noticed our presence, Cacai and I.

"What am I doing here?" I asked Cacai with a worried tone.

I was scared for myself. I don't like scenes like this. I don't want to be involved.

"You need to explain to that hypocrite girl because she's dragging you into this," Cacai said, a bit angry.

I looked at the woman who immediately gave me a hostile look. Shit. I hate being involved in these things. Why did I have to be here?

"Is she the girl? So, even though you have a girlfriend, you let her sit on your lap?!" she shouted at Link.

I sat on Link's lap? Couldn't it be that I was forced to sit there? I didn't want it.

"I already explained, Gipsy. Don't involve Angelle anymore," Link said calmly, his fists no longer clenched as if he suddenly realized something.

I swallowed and looked at Paps who was standing behind Link. They were trying to calm him down.

"No, Link. We've been together for three years, and it's only now that you didn't try to make up with me. And you act like a mute, not even acknowledging me!" Gipsy cried, and I felt sorry for her. She didn't deserve to cry over a guy like him.

For a girl like her, I wouldn't cry over a guy. Look at her, she's beautiful, and I'm sure many guys are interested in her. I'm not saying she should leave Link, but can't she see that it's embarrassing for a woman to cry in front of a man?

"Do you think it's okay for me to see you with your ex?" Link retorted angrily.

"Well, do you think it's okay for me to see a picture of you kissing someone?!" she snapped back.

I looked around to see if there were people around who could hear this. I didn't want gossip to spread and reach Papa.

"Gipsy, isn't it hard for you to understand that we didn't kiss there?"

"You're a guy, Link. I know that girl can attract you. Do you think I don't know?" she said angrily.

Shit, I want to go home. Gipsy might suddenly attack me and pull my hair. Sorina! I'm just thinking ahead.

"And you!" I widened my eyes when Gipsy suddenly turned to me and approached.

Cacai quickly pulled me back and stood in front of the woman.

"Don't you dare touch her, Gips," she threatened the woman.

"Don't scare me, because I'm not afraid of you!" I could feel Cacai's anger, so I held onto her arm.

"Cai, just let her be," I whispered to her.

"You know that the guy already has a girlfriend, and yet you still flirt with him! Is your vagina itching that you had to go after my boyfriend?!"

My vagina is itching, what?

"Hey! How dare you say that to my cousin? Maybe it's you who's itching! You're the flirt!" Ate Jove shouted angrily and stood beside Cacai.

I could feel Ate Jove's anger because her fists were clenched, ready to punch at any moment.

"Why don't you mind your own business? After all, your family is naturally flirtatious!"

"You idiot—"

In her anger, Cacai was about to attack Gipsy, but my anger flared up before hers.

SLAP!

The surroundings fell silent, and the only sound that could be heard was the chirping of crickets.

She looked at me with tears in her eyes, mixed with anger. What she gets, she deserves.

"If you're causing a scene just to get attention, good job, you succeeded," I said bravely. "Before you judge me, you should have found out the real reason why I was sitting on your boyfriend's lap!" I said.

"If your mind is narrow and you can't understand your boyfriend's explanations, then it's all your fault. You should know your limits when it comes to insulting others. You don't know me, especially my family. As you can see, I'm trying to hold myself back from getting too angry, but you've gone too far," I said, raising an eyebrow.

"If you think you're brave, sorry to say, I can be your worst nightmare. Get to know first who you're fighting against."

"You're the one who's promiscuous, and yet you're acting tough. You deserve to be beaten—"

SLAP!

For the second time, she felt the slap on her cheek.

"When I'm speaking, don't interrupt. Shut your mouth!" I snapped. "Let me remind you, never try to create a scene that you can't handle. You're not even close to being a villain in Pangako Sa 'Yo." I said, pulling Ate Jove and Danica away because I couldn't be brave in front of so many people anymore.

I could feel the tears about to come out of my eyes, and they couldn't see that.

When we were far enough, I sat on the side of the road and started crying. I could feel Cacai and Ate Jove sitting beside me and comforting me.

"Shh. It's okay, Couz. You fought back, and it's all over now," Ate Jove said, hugging me.

"I didn't want to ruin their relationship, Couz. I didn't know it would escalate like this," I said while crying.

"Be, Gipsy is just really foolish, that's why no matter how much Link explains, she can't understand," Cacai said, stroking my back.

I made a mistake too. I shouldn't have let it happen. I let my emotions take over.

"We haven't even been here for a month, and I'm already involved in a fight,"

"Couz, just don't mind it."

"I really shouldn't approach those hype beasts anymore. Their girlfriends are scary, like tigers,"

I heard them giggle. "Yeah, you said it. Their faces look like monkeys, but with tiger-like behavior," Cacai said jokingly.

I straightened up and looked up at the sky. I could see a few stars.

"Wipe your tears. Aunt might notice that you've been crying," I nodded and fixed myself.

I always end up like this, every time someone picks a fight with me, and afterwards, I go to a quiet place and cry. My tears are just shallow, but that's how my family sees me. I'm brave and don't easily cry because that's what I show them.

When I arrived home, Lica greeted me with a sweet smile, but when she noticed my swollen eyes, she frowned.

"You cried, didn't you?"

I ignored her and just sat on the sofa. Thank God, Mama was inside their room. Lica sat beside me and gave me a stern look.

"You cried, didn't you? You can't hide it from me," she said.

"Yes, I cried. What's it to you?" I scoffed, and she suddenly hugged me, which startled me.

"OMG! My sistah, crying because of a guy!" she exclaimed in an exaggerated manner.

I hit her arm to make her stop, worried that Papa might hear her overacting.

"You idiot, I didn't cry just because of a guy!" I said, pushing her away successfully.

"I know, you're not the type of person who would cry over just any guy," she said, pretending to wipe away tears. "So, what happened? Did Link tell you he doesn't like you— ouch!"

I couldn't help it and pulled her hair, causing her to yelp.

"First of all, he didn't say anything like what you're thinking. Second, it's none of your business to know what happened between me and Link," I said, annoyed.

"I'm your sistah, you know that, right? Of course, I'm curious about what happened," she said, trying to catch up to me as I walked towards the stairs. "It's okay, my sistah. You don't need to worry about people with narrow minds. I know you didn't do anything wrong."

I didn't know whether to be happy about what Lica said or to cry because of her excessive use of English. But come to think of it, how did Lica find out about what happened?

I just shook my head and went straight to my room. I cleaned my face with baby wipes when suddenly my phone rang. Without looking at the caller ID, I answered it.

"Hello,"

My voice cracked a bit, making me clear my throat.

"Can we talk?"

I furrowed my brow. I could hear Link's voice on the other line.

"What for?" I asked in a soft voice.

"I was wrong. I hurt you."

I sighed and took a deep breath. I didn't say anything because I didn't have anything to say. What happened earlier was painful for me because even though I didn't do anything wrong, I still got involved.

"Hey, say something."

"Sorry, but I'm busy."

I said and ended the call, but before two minutes had passed, my cell phone rang again. I answered it in annoyance.

"Stop calling me, okay! I don't want to be involved anymore!" I said irritably, which seemed to surprise the man on the other line as he didn't respond immediately.

"I don't want you to be involved, okay? I already explained everything to Gipsy, but she believed the three girls who reported to her that we kissed."

I furrowed my brow at what he said. Three girls?

"Who are the three girls?" I asked in confusion.

"The ones who asked me to tell Prof that they send a message to him."

I swallowed. They were the ones who took the picture and sent it to the hype beast community. Such liars!

"Why did you even go with Cacai?" he said, sounding like he was blaming me.

"Excuse me? Are you blaming me for why your girlfriend treated me badly?"

He heaved a sigh. "It's not like that. I just wanted to say that I wish you hadn't gone with Cacai."

"Sorry, but I didn't know that we were going to get involved in your fight." I said sarcastically.

"Tch! You're still an Amazon even through the cell phone. I can imagine how you look,"

I rolled my eyes at his comment.

"You know what? If you don't have anything important to say, I'm hanging up and going to sleep. You're just being a bother!"

"Wait, I just wanted to apologize."

Apologize? Tch! Apologize after his girlfriend disrespected me? And after saying all sorts of things to me without doing anything, just watching.

"Swallow your apology!"

After saying that, I ended the call and threw my cell phone onto the bed. It kept ringing, but I ignored it and

put it on silent mode to get ready for sleep.

When I glanced at my cell phone again, Link was still calling, but I didn't pay attention and just silenced it to prepare myself for sleep.

It's better to keep my distance so I won't get involved again.