Meriedeth Salazar
I just woke up, I went downstairs to take a bath, and Aunty Rebecca is cooking. She's going to stay with us for a weeks.
"Wake your brother up, Deth," Aunty said after I took a bath.
"Opo."
I got dressed in my uniform. I brought my bag and jacket downstairs. I went back upstairs and knocked three times at door of my brother's room.
"What the fuck happened?! You look horrible, Kuya!"
I shook my head while looking at him. His eyes! I think he cried the whole night. He hugged me tight.
"Kuya—" I stopped because I heard him sniffed. His crying. Damn.
"I'm sorry, Deth... I'm sorry... forgive me," he whispered.
"Kuya," he hugged me tight.
"I'm sorry for not being there. I don't know. I'm sorry for forcing you to socialize with our family."
"Its okay, Kuya."
He looked at me and shook his head.
"I didn't know that things happened that way. I'll talk to Uncle Mario—"
"Kuya, it's all in the past. Even if they still remember what happened, they will still blame me. And its no use because Marjorie lost her damn memories. Tss."
"How can I make it up to you? I'm really sorry, Deth."
I shook my head, Kuya looks awful right now and I hate watching him cry. He's like a child. Tss.
"Just stop crying. Nothing will change even if you will cry."
I closed my eyes when I saw tears fell from Kuya's eyes towards his cheeks. He quickly wiped it with his palm.
"You are so harsh."
"Just stating the obvious. Breakfast is ready."
Aunty Rebecca looked at us, she frowned when she saw Kuya. I took my seat.
"What happened to you, Marcus?"
"Aunty," he said as he is in the verge of crying. "I'm stupid."
I just rolled my eyes because of his statement.
"Kuya, can you? Stop crying," I said annoyingly.
He is tearing up again. I can't believe Kuya is this sensitive! It seems like recently he is about to breathe fire because of what he has been saying about that I need to socialize with Marjorie and the others, and now, he's crying like a cry baby because of what he found out last night.
"Aunty, I feel guilty. Deth is harsh," he said.
I rolled my eyes because of what he said. I eat my breakfast. I drink hot milk.
"Are you not going to work today, Marcus?" Aunty Rebecca asked.
"I don't feel good. I didn't slept properly."
'I'm done," I told them.
"I'll drop you off school," Kuya offered and stood up, I hold his shoulder and shook my head.
"I can go to school without you dropping me off, Kuya."
Again, he is in verge of crying!
"Kuya, stop crying, can you?"
"It's still stuck in my mind, Deth. I'm a bad brother! I'm doing what I want while my sister is suffering from that—"
"I'm not suffering, Kuya."
"Then, why are not swimming again if it's like that?"
I just shook my head, the topic goes off.
"I'll go ahead," I said as I took my jacket.
"Deth?" Kuya asked as I hang my bag around on my shoulder.
"Kuya, please stop. Nothing will change. Well, let's say that there is, but what? We can't change the fact that Marjorie almost died that day."
"Y-You too—"
"Yeah, even Dad almost did. We can't turn back time with 'sorry's, Kuya. So, let's just forget everything. Nothing will change."
"Meriedeth," he called me in a sad tone.
"I'll go ahead po, Aunty Rebecca. Take care of Kuya," she just nodded.
I travelled to school. My head kind of hurts because of what happened last night. I cried because of annoyance last night. I took a deep breath.
"Shark girl!"
My forehead frowned because of the person who called me. I saw Rovic running towards my way. I'm near the staircase, I was about to go upstairs.
"Are you going inside?"
"No, I'm going home. Tsk."
"Join me, I'll eat first."
"What? No way, the bell will ring a few minutes from now."
"Join me, I'll just buy something!"
I just rolled my eyes and followed him. We went to the cafeteria. I shook my head because of what he bought.
"You did not have breakfast?"
"There's a war happening at the house," and he laughed.
What's funny about it?
He looked at me and smiled.
"Why don't you try to smile, it's too early and you are frowning."
"I don't give a fuck," he winced because of my response and he just nodded.
"You want some pancit?"
"Do you have plans to feed a whole barangay?"
"I'm a growing boy. I need a lot of nutrients, you know," as his eyebrows went up and down.
"Thanks, but no. I already had breakfast."
He dialed someone in his phone. I guess its Eryx.
"Do you want some pancit? I'll buy at the cafeteria… pay me when I get there. Okay, okay."
He is holding two plastic bags. I offered to carry the other one but he shook his head.
"Sometimes, I'm a gentleman, Shark girl," he said as we walked through the stairs.
"You did not even let me buy the bucket hat, so shut up, Soldier."
He stopped in his tracks because of what I said and I left him there. I heard him called me but I did not bother to look at him. We are inside the classroom. I took my seat.
"Here are your pancit," Rovic said as he is handing a s Styrofoam box to Shelanie and Eryx.
"Thank you, I'll pay you later after I'll eat this," Shelanie said.
"Oh, yeah, Dude, they already posted the results of the try-outs."
"Really? Did you check if my name was there?"
"Nope. There are a lot of people checking the announcement."
"I'll just check it later."
"You will not be accepted," Shelanie said.
"Tss. If I'll get accepted, you'll treat me."
Time passed by, we have classes then lunch came. I join the three of them because Shelanie invited me. They are just talking about some stuff while eating, and as usual I'm just listening.
"Oh yeah, Rovic, you have a DSLR, right?"
"Yes, why? You'll borrow it? You have one."
"My cousin borrowed it. Bring it this Friday. Please."
"Ah, for the pool party?" Shelanie nodded as answer. "Sure, I'll bring it."
"You're quiet, Salazar," I glanced at Eryx.
"When did I become noisy? Tss."
"Back then," I frowned. "Maybe," he shrugged.
I shook my head, I drink some water. The day ended just like the usual. When I arrived at home I saw Aunty Rebecca cooking.
"I'll lend you a hand po, Aunty."
"This is already cooked. Change your clothes and knocked your brother's door."
I nodded, when I went inside my room I changed clothes. I went out and knocked at my brother's door.
"Kuya, we will eat dinner."
He opened the door, looks like he really did not go to work today.
"I just had a word from your teacher."
"Huh?!"
"You haven't join any clubs yet. You need to join one or two. You can't proceed to fourth year if you'll not join one."
I sighed and shook my head.
I went downstairs, I felt Kuya followed as he asked me why I'm not joining any clubs.
"I don't want to join, hassle. I don't want to," I said as I sit down at my chair.
"So, you'll end up repeating years if you'll not join one," Kuya said as he placed the pitcher of water on the table.
"Why? What's wrong, Marcus?" Aunty Rebecca asked as she placed our viand for tonight.
"Deth's teacher called, she hasn't join any cub yet. And, it's a requirement to proceed to the next year level."
"I saw an application form at your desk, you'll not join that club?"
I blinked because of Aunty Rebecca's question. Before I could speak she continued.
"I cleaned the house whole day. I also cleaned your room. I know you don't want anybody touching your stuff, I just took one thing."
I drink water while staring at Aunty.
"I just displayed your trophy. Why did you hide it under your bed?"
I looked at the shelf. My new trophy is there. I just shook my head.
"Because it's not worth displaying. Tss."
"Wait, you won?! We need to celebrate it! I will tell Mom about this—"
"Kuya," I reprimand him, he sit properly and looked at me.
"You want cake? I'll invite your friends over."
"No, tss. I'll not join any club."
"You are so hard-headed, you'll not be able to proceed to the next year level, Deth," Kuya said in a worried tone.
"Kuya, I'm not interested—"
"Do you want to join the swimming club?" Aunty Rebecca asked.
"Aunty! No—tss. I don't want to join!"
"You have an application for the swimming club? Just join it!"
"Kuya, Aunty, they just gave it to me. I have no plans in joining the club. Also, the club will be dissolve tomorrow."
"Why? Did something happened?" Aunty asked.
"They are short on members that's why."
"It's a waste."
"Just join it, we will support you all the way, Deth," Kuya said while smiling.
"Tss."
"If you're thinking about the past, stop it," Aunty Rebecca seriously said. "Yes, bad things happened in the past but it's not going to be like that every time."
I drink some water.
"Good things will happen, Deth," she continued.
"If you're scared about swimming again, winning a trophy is already a step in going back to swimming," Kuya said happily.
I sighed.
"Just do what you want, Deth. If you want to swim again, then, do it. Nobody will blame you. I will not let it happen again," Kuya said while holding my hand.
"I'm done eating," I said as I stood up and put my plate at the sink. I told them I'll go ahead.
I sat at my swivel chair that I have in my room. The application form is on my desk, Kuya's signature is already there. I closed my eyes and lean on the back of the chair.
Do I really want it?
Yeah, swimming is fun.
But, it's scary.
Maybe they will blame me again if something bad will happen.
But, I managed to swim again. Nothing bad happen.
Argh!
"The test is so hard," Rovic complained behind us.
Shelanie took a glanced at him, I shook my head. Yeah, the summative test was hard. Some test questions wasn't included in the lesson that I studied last night.
"Guys, did you bring your swimming attire?" Shelanie asked.
"I'm not going to take a dip," I answered.
"Killjoy!" Rovic teased.
"I have a swimming attire at the club. I'll just use that one," Eryx answered.
"Did you guys asked permission? Maybe we will go home late."
"That's not a problem," Eryx answered.
"Yup, I asked permission from Mama," Rovic said.
They looked at me.
"I'll go home later—"
"Oh, you're really a killjoy."
I rolled my eyes at Rovic.
"I did not ask permission. But, maybe I can go home and I'll just travel back here. Tsk."
"You have no load?" he asked. I just shooked my head.
He dramatically held his chest.
"What's that, throw your phone away. That doesn't have any load, shees."
"I can call your brother for you," Eryx offered.
"You'll be the one to talk to him?"
"I could so he will let you."
"It's up to you, but, I'll not stay that long. I still have some stuff to do at home."
Even if I really don't have anything to do. It's just tiring.
He stood up and went near the window as he dialed my brother's number. He turned his back on us while talking to Kuya. When he returned to his seat, he gave a thumbs up. Meaning, Kuya approved.
Our afternoon classes ended early. Well, we only have two subjects left for the afternoon session. We all head towards the swimming club.
When we entered the building, we saw Melanie preparing some balloons. There is also a banner that is hung there.
Swimming Club
Closing party
I don't know if I will be happy or not.
"The design that is on the banner is ugly, Ate Melanie!" Rovic complained.
"What should I put there? Anyways, help me with the balloons! Please!"
"Where is Kuya Wesley?" Shelanie asked and help with the balloons.
"Ah, he is fixing the pool. We will bring the food out there after—"
"Foods are not allowed at the pool area."
"It's our last day, Meriedeth! So, it's okay. Aha! You and Eryx have nothing to do. Can you buy these sa grocery?"
Eryx took the list.
"Korean food for tonight?"
"Yes! Yes! We will get the butane stove later. So, please buy the things that are in the list."
"I'll be the one going, maybe Salazar doesn't want to."
"I'm good with it, Fuentabella."
I left my bag, I just brought my phone, headphone, and wallet with me. We travelled to the mall. When we arrived there, people are staring at us because of our uniform.
"Where is the grocery?" I heard him whispered as he looked around.
"It's on the other side. Let's go," I went on ahead, he followed me.
When we arrived there, he grabbed a cart. We get everything that is listed and we paid for the items. Each of us carried the plastic bag, he wasn't going to let me carry the other bag, tss.
When we went back to the swimming club, the balloons and banners are fixed. Wesley and Melanie are cooking, it smells good.
"Rovic, did you brought the tripod?" Shelanie asked while staring at the camera she is holding.
"Oh, I think I left it. Wait," as he rummaged inside his bag. "I left it."
"Try borrowing from the journalism club," Melanie said. The two of them went out.
"Oh, yeah, everything you listed are here. You really have plans on consuming all of the funds?" Eryx complained.
"Just let me, Wesley is also a good cook so everything will be fine."
"Are there really no new members?" Eryx asked.
"We really have none," Wesley answered. "It's okay if we don't have, in that way we can focus on our academics," and smiled.
Even if he smiled, I know, deep down. He is hurting.. Not only him, Melanie and Eryx too. Argh!
How annoying.
It's almost dark, Rovic and Shelanie returned without a tripod, there are no available tripods at the journalism club. Wesley presented three dishes sat the table. Shelanie took some pictures.
"So, since all of us are here, let's officially start the party!" Melanie announced.
"Before we eat, our beloved club president will give as a speech! I present to you, Wesley Axl Cabrera!"
Shelanie and the others applaud, I also joined them. He stood up and smiled.
"So, we all saw the banner," he took a glance of it and laugh. "Closing party of swimming club," he sighed.
"Well, we really did our best. We recruited a lot of students since the opening of classes, but nobody is interested about the club," he sighed. "Maybe, this is a sign that we really have to focus on our academics, right?"
I looked at Melanie who is facing the floor, she's crying.
"Mel, don't cry there," he told Melanie, and tapped her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Pres," she said in the verge of crying. "I'm sorry guys, it just really hurts."
I glanced at Shelanie, she is also facing down. Rovic is stunned while staring looking at the food. While Eryx has a handkerchief covered on his face.
"I know that we should be happy because it's a party but, it just hurts. As a member of this club since I was in first year. I always admire the students who are members of this club," Melanie said as she wiped her tears. "Our school is a powerhouse when it comes to swimming. We are one of them, but on the last school year we lost our rank because we don't have good members anymore. It hurts to witness the dissolve of the club."
Wesley handed her some water. She accepted it.
"But, now, maybe, President is right. It's a sign that we should focus on our academics," she gave as a smile. "Let's eat!"
Wesley gave us a nod. Rovic tapped Eryx, when his handkerchief fell, his eyes were kind of red, he cried.
As we eat the food, Melanie tried to cheer us up. The gloomy aura is disappearing.
As we finished the food, we take some pictures. I joined because they forced me. They said we will transfer to the pool area. We changed our clothes. I'm wearing a black one piece swimsuit, I'm also wearing a robe.
I also brought a swimming cup and goggles. When I went out from the bathroom, Shelanie is also wearing a one piece swimsuit but the one she is wearing has a blue color. She is also wearing a robe.
We went to the pool area outside. I can smell the aroma of what they are cooking. They placed a blanket, we brought our bags here with us. It's not gonna rain right now, there are no clouds in the skies.
I held my chest because of the sudden opening of lights in the pool area and bleachers. The whole area is bright.
"They are going to see us cooking here!" Melanie said.
"Nobody is going to come here, they are just going to think that we are having some practice," Wesley said.
We are surrounding the butane stove that is placed on a circular table. We heard something fell into the water, it was Eryx. He is swimming.
"You guys take a dip," Melanie said.
"We will do it later," Shelanie said.
We waited the food the Melanie is frying to be cooked. Eryx came back and sit beside Rovic.
"Here, take some snacks, Dude," as he handed a plate full of food.
"Thanks," Eryx accepted it.
While we are eating, they reminisce the days that they joined the swimming club.
"I guess, I'll be able to swim back when I'll be in college," Eryx said.
"I'll just focus on my course in college," Melanie said.
"Good luck to us in college, Mel," Wesley said.
"The atmosphere is sad, hays," Rovic complained.
"It's a closing party. Are there parties like this that has a happy vibe?" Melanie asked.
"Let's take a dip," Rovic invited. "To let the bad vibes disappear."
"Yeah, he has a point," Wesley agreed.
We covered the food and we took a shower before going to swim at the pool. Rovic and Eryx jumped in the pool. Shelanie went in the pool but she is holding at the edge. Melanie and Wesley jumped in too.
"Are you not going to take a dip, Salazar?" Shelanie asked.
I jumped in to the water. My mind went blank while I'm underwater. I just want to swim and feel the water around me.
My decision is final.
I went up to the surface to breathe, I looked at Wesley and the others. I went near them.
Its now or never.
"Is it still okay to join?"
They looked at me.
"Huh?" Melanie asked.
I lowered my head because of their reaction.
"I-I—Is it still okay to join the swimming club?"
Nobody utter a word, I looked at them. Melanie was covering her mouth with her one hand while Wesley is staring at us with wide eyes.
"Are you serious, Salazar?!" Eryx asked and swim towards us.
I just nodded.
"Of course! Uwaaaah!" Melanie hugged me while crying. "President! Removed the banner! I'm tearing up! Shit!"
"I was not accepted at the basketball team," we looked at Rovic who is near at the edge of the pool, his head is only up in the surface.
"I told you, you will not get accepted there," Shelanie said.
"That's why I have a plan to join the swimming club if they will let me," as he submerged underwater.
Melanie and Eryx cheered because of what Rovic said. Wesley asked for our forms. Rovic and I went out of the pool and get our forms from our bags.
I looked at the form, my signature is there. I signed it last night. I went towards Wesley and handed my form. Rovic also handed his form.
"Welcome to—"
"Wait!"
We looked at Shelanie. She went out of the pool immediately and ran towards her bag. She get a paper from her bag and gave it to Wesley.
"You'll join?!" Melanie asked as she is walking towards us, Eryx is behind her who is still shocked.
"If it's still allowed?"
Melanie and Wesley looked at each other. They stood properly, Wesley cleared his throat.
"As the president of this club, I announced you as new official members of Edward's East Highschool Swimming Club!"
I hope things will be fine.