CHAPTER 373 - REVIEWING
JAY-JAY'S POV
It's morning! I'm still sleepy. So annoying.
I almost didn't want to open my eyes as I arranged the things I needed to bring for Sir Alvin. He also told me to bury my clothes because we'll be there until tomorrow.
Why it's taking this long, I don't know. Kuya Angelo's trip was different. I think Sir Alvin wants me to study all the lessons for the entire year.
Hello? I'm often absent. Maybe he wants me to become Albert Einstein. It would be nice if I had the same IQ or brain capacity. But mine feels like it's going backwards, so I'm just being silly now.
I turned to the door when I heard a knock and Tita's voice echoing.
"Jay, eat first."
I answered, just in case Tita didn't hear me—but she still opened the door and peeked in.
"Eat. Your Brother Angelo is already eating." She sounded chill.
I stretched before walking toward her. Tita held my hand as we walked side by side to the dining room.
"Did you stay up late last night? Why are you so sleepy?" she asked.
"Yes, I was talking to my classmates last night."
She chuckled a little. "Why? Are you excited to go see your Sir Alvin?"
I hope they are excited, because they weren't acting that way in the group chat last night. They kept complaining and searching for lost notes. They said they were useless today. Some even blamed each other for not writing anything down.
They kept pointing fingers over their own laziness.
"No. I just stayed up late," I replied before she let go of my hand as we reached the dining room. Kuya Angelo was sitting and busy reading on his iPad, holding a cup of coffee in one hand. Aries was already seated and eating.
"Sit down, Jay, and eat," Tita instructed, and I followed.
I tried to open my eyes fully. I even lightly slapped both my cheeks to wake myself up.
"I'll slap you if you want to wake up," Aries said, but I just rolled my eyes at him.
"I'm already awake."
He just laughed. I started spooning food into my mouth. We were quiet at the table until Kuya finished reading.
"You don't have anything to do today. Go with Aries," Kuya said suddenly.
We were both stunned. I think the strength of the coffee hit him. Now he wants Aries to join the group review with Sir Alvin? Maybe he forgot that my brother's Horoscope is in the Top 10 highest.
He can just guess the answers—the power of the Zodiac.
"What for? I already have a group that helps me study better," Aries asked, confused.
I was wondering about Kuya's plan too. But at least what he said woke me up completely. I even choked a little after waking up.
Extra strong barako coffee.
"I'm not sending you to study. I want you to help them study."
I flinched.
Aries doesn't really get along well with some people in my group. I know that because when we're with them, some of them still look down on him. Others just pretend to be friendly.
"Do I look like a teacher? Sir Alvin doesn't need any help from me," my brother quickly countered.
I simply looked at Kuya while continuing to eat my ham. He obviously didn't like my brother's answer.
Good, he's mad.
"When I say come, you come," Kuya said calmly, but I could feel he was about to explode with anger.
"No, I don't want to—" He didn't finish what he had to say because of the evil look from our cousin Angel Kuvari. "L-Let me see what I can do."
You think you can say no?
I wanted to laugh out loud. Maybe he thought he was strong enough to say no to our cousin. I think he forgot about Angelo—the law, the counter hole.
"And you?" Kuya said to me at the same time. "Chew your food. Don't just swallow."
I chewed my food. I didn't know why, but I suddenly felt hot. Kuya stood up and left. My brother and I were left exchanging glances. I couldn't even read what he wanted to say—I don't know how to guess.
I just let it go and continued eating. After that, I went back to my room and arranged my things again. Once I made sure everything Kuya told me to bring was packed, I headed straight to the bathroom to take a shower and clean up.
It's annoying. We should be resting. Every weekend, we study for the exam. Are high grades that necessary? He used to be okay with my grades, even when they weren't that high. But ever since he failed an exam.
I worked hard to get in.
After getting ready, I left the room with my school bag and travel bag. Kuya and Aries were both in the living room, obviously annoyed but holding back from complaining.
"Finally," said my cousin as he walked out.
Before my brother could follow, his phone suddenly rang. He stopped to answer it, so I passed him. I put my stuff in the car's compartment and got in.
"Aries, let's go!" Kuya shouted, but no Aries came out the door.
My cousin went back into the house, probably bored and eager to leave.
I'm fine not going, honestly.
But when they finally came out, instead of getting into Kuya's car, Aries got into his own. I immediately asked my cousin, who looked pissed off.
"Why? He's not going with us?"
"Ella had an emergency," he replied before starting the car.
I just stared at Aries' car as it left shortly after us.
What happened to Ella? I'm annoyed at him, but I don't want anything bad to happen. I just want him to feel a little awkward in a crowd.
Not completely helpless.
I hope it's nothing serious. I grabbed my phone to text my brother. I knew he wouldn't reply right away, but maybe later. I also checked our group chat—Snakes—to find out where they were.
Serpent GC
Me: Sa@n nHa kHyOuh?
Ci-N: Huh? Is that a curse?
Eren: There he is again!
Eman: Jay really needs eyeglasses.
Denzel: I don't get it!
Edrix: It makes me cry.
Rory: Cry, my friend.
Here they go again—mocking the way I type. They should just admit they're the ones who can't read.
Keifer: Where have you been, Jay said.
Felix: HAHAHAHAHA our translator.
They should thank the King of Serpents. At least he can translate for them. The others replied soon after, saying where they were. As usual, most of them were hitching a ride in someone else's car.
I told them I was on my way and that Kuya was with me.
Drew: "Jay's brother might get angry. Hurry up!"
Blaster: "I'm at the corner. Follow me."
Josh: "Just walk."
Calix: "Don't think you'll bring Edy here. That's stressful."
Blaster: "Keep shouting!"
Calix: "NOW THAT'S STRESSFUL!!!"
He said not to tease him, but he was the one doing the teasing. Blaster looked stressed—he kept swearing.
It wasn't said outright, but maybe it had something to do with him not showing up yesterday.
I didn't reply. Most of them were getting picked up by others, so they were probably already on their way. They knew how to get to Sir Alvin's house. On the ride there, I noticed Kuya's irritation. He kept checking the rearview and side mirrors. I didn't want to ask—he might suddenly blow up on me.
I looked out the window. It felt like we were going in a different direction. I didn't really know the way to Sir Alvin's place, but I remembered seeing some familiar buildings and houses.
"Jay, fasten your seatbelt, please," Kuya ordered, and I did as he said.
Hala, Kuya's going Fast and Furious mode.
"Brother?"
"We'll be fine. I just want to make sure of something," he replied, but I couldn't help feeling nervous.
Kuya changed routes, turned into a narrow alley, and kept going. I had no idea where we were anymore. I held tight to my seatbelt as he sped up. My nerves only settled when we entered the underground parking.
"They're gone," he whispered—but I still heard him.
"What was that?" I asked.
"No, I thought someone was following us."
Thought?
With the speed he drove and how many roads we passed, he just thought someone was following us? Did my cousin-turned-angel drink too much coffee? Maybe his coffee was stronger than barak.
We continued on to our destination. Thank God, he drove well. It didn't take long for us to reach Sir Alvin's house. Keifer and the other Ulupong were already there.
"Good morning," greeted Yuri, who was the first to speak to me.
"Good morning," I replied as I got my things.
Yuri and I were about to help someone when a hand grabbed mine.
"Let me take that," said Keifer, winking.
It's morning, huh.
"Alvin?" Kuya asked Yuri.
"He's inside, talking to Ma'am Cindy."
Kuya just nodded and left us. Before entering, he bumped into Keifer, who was standing in the doorway. The King did nothing but step aside. I even laughed at how he looked. I yawned as I walked, and Yuri noticed.
"You're awake," he said as he followed me.
"Yeah. Our group chat is still active early in the morning? Wait, are you still opening Messenger?"
"I don't have an account anymore. I deactivated it."
I was stunned. I immediately took out my phone to check for his social media account. It seemed like it was still active the last time I checked.
"Why?"
"I didn't really use it, so I just deleted it," he answered, smiling. "You can still contact me through my phone number."
Anyway, we don't chat often either.
When I entered the house, my things were already set down beside the others'. Felix, Edrix, and Rory were also there. They greeted me one by one, and I greeted them back.
"Have you eaten? There's food in the kitchen," said Keifer, touching my hand and pulling me toward the kitchen.
I didn't refuse—I just let him.
Of course I wouldn't refuse. That's food, hello?
And he wasn't lying. There was food on the table. Ma'am Cindy must have prepared for our arrival. I was immediately seated by the King, who took it upon himself to feed me.
I guess I haven't had breakfast yet.
"You? Have you eaten yet?" I asked him.
"Not yet, so let's go together."
He took a plate, but before he could put it down in front of me, someone grabbed it.
"Thank you. The President of Section E is really sweet," said Rory, who grabbed the plate.
He sat next to me, smiling widely. He was followed by Edrix and Felix, who were laughing at him.
"Idiot, that's when you scraped the plate across your face," said Edrix, picking up his own plate.
"That's not it. Keifer and I are lab partners." He smiled even wider before meeting Keifer's frown with a snort. "Wow!"
The King of Snakes just shook his head and grabbed another plate for me. He was followed by Felix, who also got something for himself.
They started spooning food onto their plates one after the other. I would have done the same, but the King did it for me. I couldn't help but laugh—these three snakes were just laughing at me.
You would've choked.
"Eat," said the King with a smile.
I did, all while watching him spoon his food. When he started eating, I just focused on my food.
"What was on your brother's mind, organizing the review like that?" Rory asked, looking at him.
Keifer immediately handed me some water. I felt like something went up my nose.
The pain!
It's really my fault. Kuya fell for me, so he suddenly started talking to Sir Alvin. How do I even say they just felt sorry for me?
I think it's the curse of the dead lizard.
"That's fine. Now you don't have to copy me anymore," Edrix said to Rory, clearly annoyed.
"Look who's talking! You're the one copying me!" Rory shot back, still munching on a hotdog.
"What a panic! You even stabbed me with a ballpoint pen just because I wouldn't let you copy!"
"You're the stupid one! You kept getting close, asking for answers!"
We all watched the two of them argue while eating. It was like watching a telenovela—two copycats in a heated battle. Their fights weren't new. In a little while, they'd greet each other again like nothing happened.
At least they can copy.
"Good morning!" shouted the rowdiest kid in Section E.
Who else? None other than the young man himself. He immediately came over to me, followed by David, Josh, Denzel, and Calix. They looked confused when they saw all the food on the table.
There, their spirits woke up.
"Food! Food!" they all shouted almost in unison.
"Please!" Ci shouted as he picked the ham off my plate.
"Hey! That's mine!" I yelled, about to snatch the ham back, but it was already in his mouth. "Get your own plate!"
It got even more chaotic when the others arrived. I immediately saw Blaster's frowning face. Everyone began grabbing food. Some didn't even bother with plates—they just grabbed hotdogs and ham.
It was like they hadn't eaten in ten days.
"Please! Is there none left?" asked May, holding a plate of fried rice.
"Give it here!" Eren said, annoyed, but he was ignored.
The food for an entire barangay was gone in an instant. They even checked the pots and pans on the stove to see if there was anything left. I felt embarrassed for Ma'am Cindy—they ransacked everything in the kitchen.
"It's gone," Drew said sadly. "Eman, cook something."
"Idiot, this isn't my house. Why would I cook?" Eman replied.
The table was completely cleared. Some even nearly fought over the food on their plates. We all froze when Kuya Angelo, Sir Alvin, and Ma'am Cindy entered.
We hadn't even greeted them good morning yet.
"That's it? Everything I cooked is gone?" Ma'am Cindy asked.
They all looked away except for David.
"Thank you for the breakfast—and also, good morning," he said.
When we realized what he had said, we immediately thanked him. Fortunately, most of them volunteered to clean and wash the dishes. Ma'am didn't want to, but the Ulupongs didn't agree.
I smiled.
They used to be too lazy to clean and sometimes even expected me to do it, but lately, I've noticed they've started taking the initiative. I used to have to yell at them or threaten to hurt them before they'd obey, but now, even without saying anything, they just do it.
While the others were busy, Sir took us to the back of the house. He gave us our school bags. There were carpets and throw pillows set up, along with a small table and bean bags. The whiteboard was securely in place, despite Yuri's tendency to push things around. This is where we all study.
Honestly, it feels more like a place to nap than to study.
Sir had everything prepared. It wasn't long before the other Ulupongs followed. Keifer sat in front, next to Yuri—he seemed like one of the people who would be teaching me. I thought Ci-N would join them, but instead, he sat beside me with a notebook and pen in hand.
"Let's go," he said with a smile.
"You don't need to review, you're smart enough," I told him.
"Jay, the brain dulls if not used," Blaster said from in front of us. "So if that's the case, then some people must have no brains—because they haven't used them in a long time." He said this while pointing at Ci-N, clearly teasing him for not caring.
Once everyone was ready—including Sir and Ma'am—the session started. They began teaching. First, they asked if there was a specific lesson we wanted to review. We all gave the same answer: we hadn't been listening.
At first, I was able to follow what Sir was saying because I was still familiar with some of the lessons, but after a while, my mind started to drift. I couldn't stop watching Keifer. He looked like a professor—focused, reading his notes, and writing more.
Tangina, he's so handsome.
He glanced at me for a moment, and our eyes met. I winked at him, and he suddenly blushed. He quickly hid behind his notes, which made me laugh. I turned to look at Mayo, who was already staring at me.
"You flirt!" I heard him say, even in a whisper.
I gave him a look and went back to listening to what Sir was saying, but my attention returned to Keifer, who was busy exchanging notes with Yuri. He would write something, then ask Yuri. I waited for him to face me, but he didn't, so I snorted.
I've only seen him this focused on his studies once.
Before, I was always at the front while he sat at the back. Whenever I looked at him, he'd be sleeping or talking to someone. I used to think he didn't even have notes in his bag—it seemed too light when he carried it. He proved to be smart, but I had never seen him study seriously.
I hope everyone was that smart.
"Jay," Ci whispered to me.
I turned to him, and he showed me his drawing—a person in front of a wall or window. I laughed softly because the person's eyes looked like fish eyes, just dots in the middle.
Then I noticed it was Sir Alvin he had drawn. He added some details, like a window, though I didn't realize at first it was actually the whiteboard. I thought about adding to his drawing. We were quietly laughing while doing that when someone suddenly snatched Ci-N's notebook.
Ci screamed, and everyone stopped and looked at me. I quickly stood up to face him.
"B-Brother."
"What is this? Are you mocking your teacher?" he said calmly, but I could still hear the anger in his voice.
"N-No, we were just having fun—"
I didn't finish what I was going to say because he suddenly flipped through the notes. I couldn't stop myself from feeling scared.
"Who told you to have fun? You haven't even been reviewing seriously yet!"
"Angelo, it's not that—" Sir tried to intervene, but Kuya cut him off.
Kuya still hadn't dropped the angry look on his face. "How hard is it to just listen and study? This is all you have to do—study—and you still can't manage that! Who are you doing this for?"
Don't yell at me in front of them, please. I bit my lower lip. Tears began forming in my eyes. I can accept his scolding, but I wish he wouldn't do it in front of my friends. It's not the first time he's been angry at me in public, but this time felt different.
"You have no other problems with your studies. We take full responsibility for your school expenses! Not all kids get the same opportunity as you! The only person standing in your way is yourself, Jay!"
"That's enough!" Keifer said angrily.
"Don't get involved in this! You're just another conspirator!"
Keifer was about to come closer, but Sir Alvin and Yuri immediately stopped him. I didn't want him to approach either—Kuya might think I always rely on Keifer to defend me.
But I wished my cousin would stop.
"I arranged this review class for you to learn, and yet you still find a way to mess around! You even have the audacity to disrespect your teacher! What exactly are you proud of?" Kuya continued.
"I—I drew it," said Ci beside me, raising one hand. Blaster immediately pulled him away, but my cousin didn't even notice.
"You told me yourself you wanted to fix your life! Then prove it! Aren't you ashamed of your classmates?" He tried to introduce me to them before, but I refused. "Look at them! Even those who didn't plan on going to college still came here to study!"
"Huh? How did he know that?" I heard Denzel whisper, but someone quickly hushed him.
"If you can't study properly now, how much more when you're in college?" He shook his head, clearly disappointed in me.
He took a deep breath before looking at my classmates. Then he turned and left us. I took the opportunity to wipe my cheeks and eyes.
Keifer and Yuri immediately approached me.
"Hey, it's okay. He's just hot-headed," Keifer said, gently forcing me to face him.
I shook off his hand and simply looked at the Ulupongs, who had witnessed how my cousin spoke to me. Some of them looked worried, others forced a smile to say it was fine, and a few looked away, pretending not to care. I was ashamed of them.
It's a shame—even they felt it.
"Your big brother is really ugly," said Ci. "I'm not going to greet him anymore."
I picked up his notebook and tried to fix the crumpled pages before handing it back to him.
"Jay," Yuri called me, but I ignored them.
I just sat down again, even though my tears continued to fall. I was trying to calm down, but I kept sniffling and sobbing.
Sir tried to go back to what he was doing, but his attention was still on me. He was obviously sorry, but he didn't want to add to my embarrassment.
Am I really that bad?