Chapter-369

Dinner Party

Jay-Jay's POV

I'm so hungry. I thought I could eat when I got
home. After going through my things at Kuya Angelo's unit, we headed straight home. I hugged my two
snorlaxes and Aries carried my bag. We were both stunned by the chaos in the house. "Hello Jay!" Ci-N
greeted while waving. I simply waved back at her. "Hey, help me here!" Eman shouted and walked to the
kitchen. Felix, Denzel and Kit followed her. Rory, Edrix and Calix were fixing the sofa in the living room. The
others were clearly just messing around like little kids. Is there a renovation going on in the house? "What is
this? What is going on?" Aries asked in surprise. I looked over my shoulder when Kuya Angelo passed by. We
looked at him because he might get angry at the Ulopongs' mess , but he didn't seem to mind. "You guys don't
seem to fit in here. I'll just take the cars out, go to the garage," Kuya suggested and David immediately refused.
"We're okay here," he added. "It would be nicer if we just went to the garage," said Mama who suddenly
appeared while carrying a foldable table. Eren immediately helped her. Wow, gentleman. "Okay, I'll take the
cars out," Kuya said and stormed out. David and the Ulopongs were about to leave again but my cousin was
out of sight. Tito Julz appeared holding some car keys, probably to help Kuya park the cars outside the gate.
"Let's go back, we're just going outside." "Here we go. Here we go." The Ulopongs put back the things they had
moved. They rearranged the sofa and coffee table. They even put back the small plant on top . What was
really going on? "Dabid," I called and he stopped to face me. "What's going on here?" "I was going to eat at a
restaurant or fast food but your Kuya Angelo wouldn't let me, he said he'd rather stay at home. That's why
we're arranging a place for all of us," he explained. I looked at Aries who was already in a bad mood. He
obviously didn't like the idea of the Ulopongs eating here again. But just like that, the entire Section E visited
me with food, he had no choice but to silently complain. I'll just give him food. I turned to David again and said
goodbye. "I'm just in my room, I'm just going to put down my things." David smiled at me and continued what
he was doing. I walked to my room and Aries followed me. When we got to the room, he put down my bag and
turned to leave me. I pouted. I'm sure he was annoyed. We hadn't even finished talking about his plan to move
to Kuya's unit when this happened again. I can't say if we're okay or if I'm okay with him. I won't deny that I still
eel heavy and sometimes I have a hard time looking at him. Where's the guilt in me? I'm not sure if it was
right for me to go home right away , but he insisted that I go home. I changed clothes after organizing my
things. I also checked my cellphone but there was nothing important or a message so I just put it in the
pocket of my shorts before leaving the room. I went to Aries' room. I knocked first and when I heard him
answer I went in. He was sitting at his study table reading something on his laptop. He faced me for a
moment before going back to what he was doing. "Do you need anything?" he asked. "You're not going to
continue with what you were planning, are you?" I asked. "Which one?" "Moving to Kuya's unit," I clarified. He
shook his head. "No, you might cry." I pouted. I know I'll cry but I won't cry convincing her not to move to Kuya
Angelo's unit. Maybe just a little. "I just wanted to say, there's a chance I'll avoid you." She stopped what she
was doing and faced me. "We already talked about it, right? I don't blame you for what happened then so why
are you avoiding me? As for. . ." she hesitated to speak. "Ares, forget about it." "I understand, but that feeling is
still here for me . I still blame myself and I still feel guilty. It won't just go away," I explained while bowing. She
sighed. "Okay, I understand. If you think you need space, I will give it to you. But you can't stay too far away." I
smiled slightly and nodded. "I know. I'll try to get rid of that feeling." She stared at me for a moment before
picking up her cellphone. "
Maybe to make you feel less guilty. You should also know that I've been trying to
contact that Ares for a long time ," he said and showed me his call history. I took his cellphone. The calls were
filtered so there was only one number listed. This was the same number I answered the other day while we
were in his car. My memory of the kidnapping that day came back. Why force me to go back. Jay-Jay, come
on. Ever since last year, his Dad had been trying to call him. He took the cellphone back from me and tapped
on the screen before handing it back to me. Now he showed me his inbox. From the same number, all text
messages for him. 'Is this Aries, I'm your Dad. Can I talk to you?' I read in one of the messages. He kept saying
that over and over again and asked to meet or talk but there was not a single reply from him. I understand why
he wasn't answering. "Why didn't you just block his number?" I asked and he put his cellphone back on the
table. "He'll know that it's my number. I want him to think he just sent it by mistake or got the wrong number." I
bowed my head. "But I answered the call." "Which I don't think is the cause of our problem. You didn't answer,
right?" I nodded. He was right. I was the only one affected by my answering the call but that probably wasn't
the reason he went to Aries at school. He stood up and came closer to me. "Don't be hard on yourself. Yes,
you made a lot of mistakes but it's my job to guide you as your brother and we both know that I've only
recently been fulfilling my role as your Big Brother," he smiled and put his arm around me. "For now, go outside
because I have to review." I laughed at his last words. He had his arm around me all the way to his room door .
He pretended to push me out of the room. He smiled angrily before closing the door. I was a little
embarrassed because we were in the same year but he was the one who studied hard and now he was
reviewing what he knew. Why didn't he just guess the answer? I just went downstairs to find out what was
going on. I saw Felix coming from the kitchen with plates and utensils. I immediately followed him out of the
house. I was amazed to see that they were already set up. There were tables and benches. "Hey, help Eman
inside." "A pitcher of water! Don't forget!" "I think there are no benches." "Do they still have tables?" The
birthday party was even better at taking care of them. Calix and Rory entered the house after greeting me. I
looked at Kuya Angelo who was closing the gate but not the small door or pedestrian gate. "Better if the gate
is close, we don't know what could happen," Kuya said to David who immediately helped him. Great care. "Jay-
Jay! Sit here next to me!" Ci said while pointing to the chair next to him. I approached him and sat down next
to him. He smiled broadly at me. "What were you thinking, doing something like this?" I asked. "Not us. It's
Keifer, but I guess your cousin didn't agree so he said it's just here," he explained and took a bite of the cornic
he was hiding in his pocket. There, he had something to hide. I tried to take it but he quickly hid what he was
holding. He was really stingy. I was about to force him to take it but he moved away from me. He was so
stubborn. We looked at the gate when someone knocked. We thought someone had crashed. But it turned out
to be Percy who had hit the gate. Keifer and Yuri were following him, laughing at him. "Where are you looking?"
Yuri asked. "It's the gate's fault, it's blocking it," my step-brother replied annoyed . Oh, really? I looked at what
they brought in. They looked like they were buying food. My heart felt like it was about to jump. The Ulopongs
with us immediately started to split apart. The others were clapping. I also shouted with joy. We were about to
eat. "Nice! Nice!" "Yes, let's eat!" "Hey, Eman is cooking something." I had been so hungry for a while. It was a
miracle from heaven that I was still standing despite my hunger. If this had been a normal day , I might have
been crawling. I've only had water since I left the hospital, I tried to get Kuya to buy some before going home
but he said I only ate at home . It turns out that Sir's teaching was true, so it took a while for people to just
drink water. It's a good thing I was listening to class. They came to the table to put down their things. I almost
jumped up and clapped. I drooled even though the wrappers on their things hadn't been removed yet. I would
eat even the plastic ones because I was hungry. My stomach rumbled involuntarily, as if my pet was going
crazy. Yuri looked at me holding the lechon. He smiled at me in an annoying way. I winced at him. Did he just
hear his stomach growl? That's an alarm, brat. Keifer put down the five roasted chickens that were still warm.
It looked like he didn't have enough, I hope Eman was cooking a lot in the kitchen. I knew Mama and Tita
Gema were there too because I could hear them chatting. Percy was next, holding two large plastic bags with
five 1.5L soft drinks each. He looked like he was having a hard time carrying them but he managed to flex his
muscles. Lintik even winked at me even though he was already sweating and the veins in his arms were
showing. I really wanted to grab some food but I held back because we should have been together. It was
embarrassing for them to have arranged this feast. The Ulopongs immediately helped to organize what they
were carrying. Ci did the same but the target looked different. There was the young kumag. He scratched the
skin on the back of the pig twice and then ate it in his mouth. He moved so fast that even Blaster next to him
couldn't stop him. He was about to do it again but those who saw him had already slapped him on the back.
Stupid, he beat me to the pig. Mayo immediately sent him away because the food might run out before we
even started. I also wanted to pinch but they might get angry with me. Maybe later. I just looked around for a
while while swallowing saliva. "Hey, help us here!" Eman shouted from inside the house. The Ulopongs
immediately went inside to help. Yuri and David also followed because it looked like there was still a lot to do
inside. I was going to follow too but I might not be able to pinch - maybe Ci would pinch again. I have to keep
an eye on him. It's getting difficult and he's hanging around again. The stubborn young kumag. "Hey, you little
brat! Be quiet!" Percy threatened. "Supot," one of them quickly replied. And of course they started chasing
each other to hit each other. I just hope they don't go inside the house because it might cause a mess inside
and make Kuya angry. It seems like their fight will never end. "How are you feeling?" the King asked me before
sitting next to me. It was alright. There was food. "It's pretty okay. Thanks for this," I said and smiled.
"Everything for my girl," he replied and took my hand to kiss. Ayane, sweet! Did I wash up? Suddenly, someone
dropped a pitcher in front of us. We looked at each other but I quickly looked away when I saw my deluge
cousin's sharp gaze. He even dropped a pitcher with ice but didn't take his eyes off us. "You two get ready," he
said before finally leaving in front of us. We looked at each other and laughed quietly. This big brother is really
a CCTV. He always sees what I do. Even at school he was watching and probably always reported his
henchmen there. That's right, maybe when I'm an adult he won't be like that to me anymore. I looked around
when I couldn't hear Ci and Percy anymore. I looked at them and saw that their chase had reached the road.
Only the king and I were left in the garage because all the Ulopong were inside and helping. Come on, this is
my chance! I've been thinking about this for a while. I told him that when I get a chance I'll tell him properly.
"Keifer," I called to him while he was pinching the lechon. "Get ready and I'll tell you something." He held out
the lechon skin he had gotten to me while smiling. "Look, this looks tasty." I suddenly took a bite of what he
was holding. I was so hungry just now. I was about to bite what he was holding but he pushed it away. What
about the skin? "You're about to say something?" he asked. "That's mine first," I said and was about to snatch
what he was holding but he pulled it away from me. I felt embarrassed but I guess I'll say what I should say
first. "What is it. . . That thing I wanted to say a while ago ." He nodded and bit into the pork skin. I swallowed. I
wanted it too. "What is it?" he asked. I stared at what he was holding and almost forgot what to say. I winced. I
really wanted to eat. I stared at him. "Let's go." "What?" "Let's go, let's eat. I'm so hungry!" I wanted to slap
myself. Hard enough to shake my brain from my stupidity. I'm not a slob but because. . . It's annoying. He
laughed before handing me the piece of pork skin he had gotten. I immediately took it and ate it. I could taste
the cooking inside my mouth. I couldn't wait any longer, I wanted to eat. Maybe they would understand if I
could eat half of the Lechon. We were both starving. Luckily, other Ulopongs had already arrived with food.
Others were bringing new tables and benches. It looked like we wouldn't fit because of the number of us and
the food . "This is it! This is it! Let's eat!" Eman said and lowered the food tray he was holding. I was clapping
my hands as I looked at the food trays they were lowering. There was spaghetti, baked mac, carbonara,
noodles, fried chicken, lasagna and more. I didn't know what to eat first. They had also opened the food Keifer
had brought earlier. They had already taken their seats. Mama had some more rice and Tita Gema had some
chitcharong flowers. We looked at Kuya Angelo who was dragging Aries out. "I need to study," my brother
complained. "You need a break," Kuya replied. I forced her to sit next to me. I smiled when I saw that she had
nothing to do. It seemed like my sister and I were not an issue for the Ulopongs. We can start now. "Wait,
where's Ci-N?" David asked without looking at his grandson. I pointed to the outside of the gate. The timing
was right because Ci-N was coming in, followed by Mica, Ella, and Freya. Percy's smile was wide as he looked
at his ex while following them all. I winced. Rory and I looked at each other, obviously not knowing what to
say. "Baby," Calix called to his girlfriend before greeting her. Ella went straight to Aries' side and kissed her on
the cheek. Okay. I just looked away because they might see my reaction and get angry. I looked at the plate
Keifer had put down in front of me. He was the one who picked up the utensils and poured water into my
glass. "I told you we'd just do group study online." I heard Aries say to Ella. "Mica is visiting her boyfriend here
so I'm going to go see you too." Is there another LQ? Aries was about to stand up but Yuri stopped him. We
and the other Ulopongs kept looking at him. "Why don't you invite Ella to eat with us?" he asked. Whut? I
looked at Yuri who looked innocent at her invitation. I immediately turned to Keifer who also looked confused
by Yuri's behavior. "I mean, Mica will eat here with us so why not join us too." The Ulopongs looked at us as if
they were waiting for Keifer and I to give them permission. It would be a shame if I didn't agree, with that
much food, I probably wouldn't run out. "I don't think that's a good idea," Ella replied. " No. It's fine. There's
plenty of food. Have Freya sit down too," I said as if it was out of the blue. I'm not a big fan of food. It's just not
obvious. I'm not really used to bringing Freya and Ella with me when the Ulopongs are complete. It's still a bit
strange, but maybe it's better this way, so they're not always out of place and it doesn't seem like I don't want
them to get close to the Ulopongs, I don't own them so I always keep them away from them. Jay? Is that you?
Why do I seem so kind? I guess it's not my thing. Is this the effect of not eating and only drinking water all
day? It's scary. Iskeri. "Jay is right. Sit and eat with us," Keifer said and I looked at him sideways. He seemed to
like it too. I immediately looked back at Ella. She faced my sister and they stared at each other before she
nodded. The seat next to Aries was still empty so she sat there. She also put down her stuff next to them.
There, enjoy and relax. I then looked at Freya who was currently torturing my step-brother. Could it be that she
was tired? "Sit down, Jay-Jay said you should eat here too," Percy said. Freya looked at me as if waiting for me
to say something. I forced a smile. I pointed to the empty seats. "Sit down." She raised her eyebrows at me
before brushing her hair away. My step-brother immediately pulled her to a bench but she ignored him. He
pointed to the bench next to Edrix. "Is someone seating there?" he asked. Edrix was about to answer 'yes' but
Rory beat him to it. "No, sit here," he said and arranged the chair. Edrix was clearly annoyed. Rory was actually
sitting there earlier but just to be next to her friends, she gave him the seat. Freya approached and
immediately sat down. Suddenly, the Ulopongs started coughing. It was like they had phlegm in their throats.
Notice the flashes. I looked at Percy as he stared at Edrix and Freya, he also looked at the Ulopong who were
clearly teasing me. I bit my lower lip hard. I hadn't even told him what I had done and about our courtship of
Freya for Edrix. "Can we start now?" I asked to change the subject. They were about to scoop up when Ci
suddenly shouted. "Hold on!" We were stunned but Percy couldn't stop pinching the skin of the pig. "I sent
Rakki, let's wait for him," said the young kumag. "Just chase him, he won't run out," Felix said annoyed. "Let's
wait!" he pleaded like a child. I sighed. "Okay, 5 minutes." "15 minutes." "That's too long," said Eman who was
already eating Shanghai. "10 minutes. Let's wait for my Rakki!" he said stomping his feet. His Rakki? We all
nodded yes even though the truth is, we were taking a little bit when the little guy turned his back or when he
peeked outside the gate. It was good that we didn't wait long because Rakki had already arrived but he had
someone next. Ma'am Cindy and Sir Alvin. "Who has a birthday?" Rakki asked and I looked at the tray of fruit
salad she was carrying. "Ci said I'll bring it." I laughed a little. "No one has a birthday, just eat. Sit down ." Ci
took what she was holding and immediately made her sit down. She laughed when she saw the Ulopongs
starting to eat. We were about to start but we looked at the Sirs who were just standing at the gate. It would
be a shame not to invite them. "Sir! Ma'am Ganda! Eat now!" Eren said. They immediately refused. "We just
want to speak to Angelo." Keifer and I looked at each other before looking at Yuri but he was already busy
scooping rice for himself. There, it turned out to be Ulopong. "Eat while you wait for him," I said and was about
to take a seat for them but the Ulopongs had already gone first. "I'll just call Kuya," Aries said but someone did
it for him which made us gape. "Kuyang masunug! Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy are looking for you!" someone
shouted from the door. Kuyang masunug? Is he dreaming of dying now? I heard Keifer's soft laughter. Where
did that guy get his courage? Even Sir Alvin laughed. When my cousin gets angry, I don't know where he'll be
picked up. Luckily Kuya didn't take it seriously, he just went straight outside to talk to the couple. I had just
watched them before I realized that my companions were starting to eat. I was left behind. "Hey, don't finish
the pork skin." I almost collapsed in the fight. No one should be left behind but that's how it is at a restaurant. I
wanted to cry. It felt like I hadn't eaten in a while. Like 10 years. Even my stomach was excited about the food.
I was really amazed because I was able to hold out. I'm a really strong creature. I had already taken a few
bites when Kuya and I came over. "Eat now, you should be with your students ," Kuya said and asked for a
plate for the couple. "Are you teasing me?" Ma'am Cindy asked annoyed. "So you can know the real taste of
ood," Kuya answered seriously and Ma'am almost rushed him but Sir refused. Oh, this guy pretending to be an
angel is so annoying. Kuya laughed angrily but it disappeared when he saw me eating. We stared at each
other before he raised an eyebrow. "You just got out of the hospital, why is there only lechon on your plate?" he
asked and the Ulopongs laughed. "You're already refusing. That's enough." "I'm regaining my strength."
"Strength where? Strength to flirt?" he asked annoyed. The Ulopongs laughed again and Aries joined them. But
he couldn't escape Kuya. His gaze shifted to her so his laughter disappeared. You thought it was just me.
"You're just another one. It's a review but all that's on the laptop is 'i love you'." Ella, who was next to Aries,
bowed her head and my brother looked away. That's why I was in a hurry to get out. That's what I'll do. Great,
brother, great. The Ulopongs laughed again but their laughter stopped when Kuya asked. "Which one of you
called me rude?"