CHAPTER 17

"If you roll a fair six-sided die twice, what is the probability of getting a six on both rolls?"

"Hmm, okay. Since each roll is independent of the other, the probability of getting a six on the first roll is one out of six, right?"

"That's correct. And what about the second roll?"

Ang buong akala ko ay aalis na si Rinoa matapos ibigay ang nakalimutan niya pero hindi. At talagang nakihati pa sa oras ni nerdy. Nagpaturo rin siya at sinabing babayaran ang lalaki pagkatapos. At si nerdy naman ay pumayag at tinuruan na siya, habang ako ay pinapanood lang sila. Parang wala naman silang pakialam sa mundo.

Hindi pa nga kami tapos sa isang lesson.

"It's the same probability, right? Because each roll is independent, so it's still one out of six."

"Exactly. So, to find the probability of both events happening, we multiply the probabilities together. What do you get?"

"Um, let me think...one over six times one over six is...one over thirty-six!"

Tumango si Nerdy.

"Tama. The probability of rolling a six on both rolls is indeed one over thirty-six. Nice one" puri ng lalaki kay Rinoa at nakipag-apir pa.

"Since when did you two become close?" I asked, shifting my gaze between the two of them.

"Remember my rooftop days? We talked there, so we've become somewhat close now," Rinoa replied.

I raised an eyebrow. Wasn't she the one who didn't want to get close because nerdy and that girl were poor? Nagpatuloy sila sa pag-aaral habang ako ay nakaupo lang sa isang tabi. Mula kay Rinoa ay lumipat ang tingin ko sa lalaki.

"And why are you here too?" I asked sharply at Ariena, who was also seated on the floor facing her laptop.

"Rinoa called me," she replied, her eyes fixed on the screen as she read something. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of unease at having so many people in my penthouse. It wasn't something I was used to.

I glanced around the room, taking in the sight of Rinoa and Ariena both engrossed in their own activities. The atmosphere felt crowded, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of discomfort that settled over me. It all started with him.

Despite my initial reservations, I started to realize that he wasn't so bad after all. Sure, he might not be the smartest kid in school, but he knew his stuff. And as much as I hated to admit it, I was actually learning something from him.

As the weeks went by, I started to notice a change in my grades. Thanks to his help, I was acing quizzes and exams left and right. It was a shock to everyone, especially me. Who knew that the queen bee could actually excel academically?

Of course, I made sure to keep our tutoring sessions under wraps. I couldn't risk tarnishing my reputation by letting everyone know I was seeking help from someone they considered beneath them. Well, si Rinoa at Ariena pa lang ang nakakaalam, at wala akong narinig na panghuhusga sa kanila.

Habang naglalakad papunta sa kotse kong naghihintay ay bigla kong natanaw si Rinoa kasama ang isang lalaki sa likod niya. Nang makalapit sila sa kotse ni Rinoa ay ibinigay ng lalaki ang mga librong dala na sa tingin ko ay kay Rinoa sa driver na siyang naglagay ng mga ito sa loob ng sasakyan. Sumakay si Rinoa sa sasakyan at iniwan ang lalaki.

"Ma'am Niona" tawag sa akin ni kuya Joberth. Sumakay na ako sa sasakyan. Umandar ang sasakyan at tinahak ang pamilyar na daan, ang daan papunta sa bahay ni mommy.

What does she want this time?

I went to the house because Mom said she had something important to tell me. She mentioned that I should attend Tita Cerise's double celebration because Tita Cerise's friends and some famous acquaintances were coming over. She said she'd introduce me to them. I initially didn't plan on attending, but since she insisted, I didn't have much of a choice. Her word was final. After she said that, I immediately asked Kuya Joberth to take me to the penthouse.

As I sat in the car on the way to the penthouse, my mind was swirling with thoughts. I couldn't shake off the feeling of apprehension about attending Tita Cerise's celebration. I wondered what kind of people they were and how they would perceive me. Would they see me as just another face in the crowd, or would they take an interest in getting to know me? 

Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the sense of obligation that weighed heavily on me. Mom's words echoed in my mind, reminding me that her wishes were non-negotiable. She had always been one to prioritize social appearances and connections, and I knew better than to defy her.

I'm not in the mood when nerdy arrived. While he was teaching, my mind wandered elsewhere. I couldn't shake off the thoughts about the upcoming event. I knew they would inevitably compare me to Mommy again, saying we were both beautiful, smart, and all sorts of praises, and Mommy would be delighted. She loved being praised by many people. It's tiresome to attend such events. Always the same. I know that nerdy noticed I wasn't paying attention, so he stopped teaching. I glanced at him when he did that.

His eyes held a mixture of concern and curiosity as he paused mid-sentence, waiting for me to respond. I felt a pang of guilt knowing that my lack of focus had disrupted his flow of teaching. With a sigh, I forced myself to return to the present moment, pushing aside my preoccupation with the impending event.

"You can continue," I murmured, offering him a weak smile. "My mind was just... elsewhere."

Nerdy's expression softened, and he nodded understandingly. "It's okay, Niona. Is everything alright?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to share with him. After all, he was just my tutor, and I wasn't accustomed to confiding in others, especially not someone like him. But there was something about the sincerity in his eyes that made me want to open up, if only a little.

"I'm just feeling... overwhelmed, I guess," I admitted, choosing my words carefully. "There's this event coming up, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it."

Nerdy listened attentively, his gentle presence offering me a sense of comfort that I hadn't expected. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to let go of my defenses and be vulnerable in his presence, knowing that he wouldn't judge me for it. I silently vowed to make more of an effort to pay attention during our tutoring sessions. But I failed.

Mommy: Saturday, 10 am is our family photo session followed by dinner with the Windsor father and son.

Sabi ni mommy sa text.. I stood up abruptly upon reading it. Didn't Sheldon have plans? I hurried upstairs to change my clothes. When I came back down, I saw the guy tidying up the books and papers on the table. Oh right, I forgot about him.

"Can we reschedule for tomorrow? I have something to attend to today," I said.

"Sure," he replied as he finished cleaning up.

"Sumabay ka na sa akin" sabi ko habang isinusukbit niya ang bag sa likod.

"Hindi na, ayos lang" sagot niya.

"No, it's okay"

I persuaded him further kaya wala na rin siyang nagawa. Makulit ako e.

"No, I'm fine," I insisted, grabbing my bag. Sinubukan niyang kuhanin ang bag ko at siya na raw ang magbibitbit. We didn't finish the lesson anyway, so I'll just drop him off. Eventually, he agreed. We sat side by side in the backseat, both silent. I stared out the window as I always did, but I felt a bit uncomfortable having someone beside me in the car for the first time. I didn't look at him the whole trip.

As we drove in silence, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the air. The usual comfort of solitude in the car was replaced by the presence of this unfamiliar companion beside me. I stole a glance at him from the corner of my eye, noting the tension in his posture and the slight furrow in his brow.

Despite my attempts to focus on the passing scenery outside, my thoughts kept drifting back to the impending family photo session and dinner with the Windsors. The prospect of putting on a facade of familial harmony for the sake of appearances filled me with a sense of dread. How many more times would I have to play this role, plastering on a smile while concealing the turmoil brewing within?

Lost in my own thoughts, I barely noticed when we arrived at our destination. Isang maliit na eskinita ang papasukan. Motor lang yata ang kakasya roon. Hindi ko gaanong makita ang paligid dahil madilim na. Tanging ilaw na lang ng mga kabahayan ang nagbibigay liwanag.

"Maraming salamat," sabi ng nerd. Saka niya lang isinarado ang pinto nang tumango ako.

Hindi muna siya umalis doon hanggang sa makaalis kami. Nakita ko sa side mirror na nakatingin siya sa likod ng kotse ko. Medyo bako-bako ang daanan papunta sa kanila.

Nang makarating ako sa condo ni Sheldon ay sunod-sunod akong nagdoorbell. Bumukas iyon at nakita siyang nakabihis.

"Where are you going?" Tanong ko.

Hawak niya ang doorknob at saglit na tumingin sa loob bago sumagot sa akin. "I have a very important guest right now. What do you want?"

Guest?

Kumunot ang noo ko. "At night?"

"Yes, what about you? Gabing-gabi na, Niona" aniya

Umirap lang ako at pumasok sa loob nang walang pasabi. Hinayaan niya naman ako. Pagkarating ko sa sala ay isang babaeng nakaupo sa pang-isahang sofa sa living room at may pagkain sa lamesa ang bumungad sa akin.

"You again?" Nagtataka akong tumingin kay Sheldon na ngayon ay nakasandal ang braso sa pader at nakahalukipkip habang nakatingin sa reaksyon ko. "What is she doing here?"

"Negotiating" maikling sagot niya.

Bumalik ang tingin ko sa babaeng kaibigan ni nerdy. Hindi pa nababawasan ang pagkaing nakahain sa kaniya. At mukhang sinasabayan siya ni Sheldon sa pagkain.

"I thought you were going to do something to cancel the family photo? Why is it still happening this weekend?" I asked Sheldon, irritation evident in my tone.

He just smirked at me. "I told you not to worry your little head about it."

I gritted my teeth. "Don't worry? You know I don't want the engagement or even the family photo to push through, and you have the nerve to tell me not to worry?"

He shrugged.

I scoffed, incredulous at his dismissive attitude. "Typical Sheldon," I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes at his obliviousness to my concerns. Did he even realize the implications of what was at stake here? Or was he too busy living in his own little bubble of privilege to see beyond his own desires?

But instead of engaging further with him, I simply turned on my heel and stormed off, leaving Sheldon to his blissful ignorance. I had more pressing matters to attend to than wasting my breath on someone who clearly didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

As I walked away, a sense of frustration simmered beneath the surface, fueling my determination to find a way out of this mess on my own terms. Kailangan ay hindi matuloy ang family photo. But how?

Sa huli ay wala rin akong nagawa. The morning passed in a blur, and before I knew it, it was time for the family photo session. As we gathered in the living room, I couldn't shake off the feeling of apprehension that gripped me. Mom fussed over the arrangements, adjusting the lighting and the positions of everyone in the room.  However, just as the photographer was about to take the first shot, an unexpected commotion erupted. 

Suddenly, there was a visitor, and everyone's attention was immediately drawn to her. An eleven-year-old girl entered the room, wearing an outfit that matched mine.

"Who is she?" Mommy asked, breaking the silence.

"Oh, right. I forgot to mention that I have a sister," I said, glancing at Sheldon as he spoke. He approached the young girl and placed a hand on her shoulder. "This is Samantha Windsor," Sheldon said with a smile, looking at his dad. "Daddy's daughter from another woman," he added, surprising both me and mommy.

He has another child?

"Hi, Daddy!" the young girl said cheerfully, giving Mr. Windsor a hug.

I could hear mommy scoff. "I think we need to cancel the family photo," mommy said, looking at the girl. "So you can spend time with your daughter," she emphasized before walking out.

When Sheldon and I made eye contact, he winked at me. Was this his plan? I smirked and followed mommy out of the living room.

As mommy stormed out of the living room, I followed her, my smirk widening into a satisfied smile. With the family photo canceled, I was spared the agony of putting on a false front for the camera. Despite the chaos unfolding around me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at how things had turned out. Fate had finally intervened, and for once, it was in my favor. Nakarating kami sa bahay nang walang nagsasalita.

As I reached the hallway, I caught up with mommy, who was briskly walking towards her room.

"Mommy, what was that about?" I asked, trying to keep up with her quick pace.

She sighed heavily, her frustration evident in her voice. "That was unexpected. I can't believe that man had another child," she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at the situation. "Well, at least I don't have to suffer through that family photo now," I remarked, a hint of triumph in my voice.

Mommy stopped abruptly and turned to face me, her expression unreadable. "Nionahlie, you had something to do with this?" she asked, her tone accusing.

I rolled my eyes, a smirk playing on my lips. "Believe what you want, Mommy. But I have nothing to do with it," I said dismissively, turning and walking away.

As I made my way back to my room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Finally, something had gone my way for once, and I wasn't about to let Mommy ruin it for me. Sheldon may have been the mastermind behind this little scheme, but I was more than happy to play along if it meant getting out of that dreaded family photo. she said sharply. 

The next day at school, I found Sheldon waiting for me by my locker. "Well, that went exactly as planned," he said, a smug grin playing on his lips.

I shot him a sideways glance, still relishing the events from the previous day. "You were behind that, weren't you?" I asked, unable to hide the admiration in my voice.

He chuckled, nodding in confirmation. "Of course. Did you see the look on your mother's face? Priceless," he said, clearly pleased with himself.

I couldn't help but laugh at the memory. "It was perfect. I almost felt sorry for her," I admitted, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

Sheldon leaned against the locker beside mine, a satisfied expression on his face. "Well, it served its purpose. No more family photo," he remarked, folding his arms across his chest.

I grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with him. "Well, atleast gumana ang plano mo," I said.

He waved it off. "Yeah, and you owe me this," he replied.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, Sheldon and I exchanged a knowing look. Our little collaboration had been a success, and for once, I was grateful for his scheming. With a newfound sense of confidence, I headed to class, feeling more in control than ever before.

During lunch break, nakita ko na naman si Sheldon na kinukulit yung babaeng kaibigan ni nerdy. Doon sila nakaupo sa pinakagitnang lamesa.

"Hey, I think that girl is Sheldon's next target" sabi ni Rinoa habang nakatingin sa lamesa nina Sheldon.

"Gumagana na naman ang pagiging immature niya," sabi ko sabay higop ng juice.

"But where's Aelle? Bakit hindi pa siya dumarating?"

Napatingin ako sa kaniya.

"Aelle? Why?"

Nginuso niya ang babaeng nasa harap ni Sheldon. "I heard they had a thing"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "But…Aelle is engaged with Chanel" naguguluhan kong sabi.

"Yeah, their lives are such a mess. But you know what's interesting?" Rinoa asked, a sly grin forming on her lips. "It seems like that girl down there is catching the attention of both Sheldon and Aelle," she said, referring to Nezel.

I knew it was all about business why Chanel and Aelle were engaged, but shouldn't they keep their relationships private? Ah, whatever. Why am I even thinking about them? I should be focusing on my own problems.

I rolled my eyes, trying to feign disinterest. "Let them do whatever they want. It's none of my concern," I replied dismissively, though secretly intrigued by Rinoa's observation. After all, it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on Nezel. She might just be the distraction I needed.

Everyone was startled when suddenly something crashed to the floor. Rinoa and I glanced over. I saw Nezel on the ground, food scattered all over. Sheldon and Aelle were standing on either side of her, glaring at each other. There they go again. I looked down at the girl. What's with her that those two guys seem to be arguing about her?

"Ugh, those two never get along," Rinoa remarked, watching the scene unfold.

I nodded, watching the drama with a hint of amusement. "Clearly. Looks like they're having another one of their little spats," I replied, my tone laced with sarcasm.

Rinoa chuckled softly. "It's like they're fighting over a piece of meat," she commented, her eyes still fixed on the unfolding scene.

I couldn't help but smirk at her analogy. "More like vultures fighting over a carcass," I added, unable to resist the opportunity to tease.

We continued to observe as the tension between Sheldon and Aelle escalated. Nezel looked embarrassed, trying to gather her things from the floor. I couldn't help but wonder what exactly was going on between them. It was none of my business, of course, but it was hard to ignore the drama unfolding right in front of us.