Meriedeth Salazar
"Salazar…"
I'm still sleepy, I turned my back and hugged my pillow.
"Salazar, breakfast is ready."
"I'll get up later, Shelanie."
"Uh, yeah, what happened last night?"
"Huh?" I looked at her while frowning.
My eyes are heavy. I'm sleepy.
"I saw Eryx carrying you."
I immediately get up because of what she said. What? Wait---I closed my eyes to remember what happened. Why did I forget? Wait, it's real?
I cried in front of him?
How stupid.
Did I fall asleep while crying?
So stupid.
I looked at Shelanie, she's still waiting for my answer.
"How did you know?"
"I was going downstairs to go to the CR. When I opened the door Eryx was carrying you. You fell asleep."
Stupid.
"Who are the ones downstairs?"
"The members. Are you expecting a visitor?" I shook my head as a reply.
I fixed my bed before going downstairs. The others already had breakfast. I took a sit and eat with Shelanie.
"Oh, guys, around 2pm we will travel so, make sure to clean and check your stuffs, okay?" Melanie announced.
"Goodness, 2pm?" Miss Morales asked.
"You weren't around Friday, teacher," Dashiel commented.
"I have a plan to do something today."
"You have a date, Miss Morales?" Rovic teased.
"I don't even have a boyfriend! Anyway, we are going to town right now, after they eat."
"What are we going to do there, Miss?" Shelanie asked.
"We are going to do an activity," and winked.
Hays, activity.
I just remembered that this is a club. We so focused on our training for the district meet. The district meet is two weeks away. I still can't feel the pressure of the event. Maybe because it's been years since I last played. Hays.
After eating Shelanie helped me on washing the plates. I'm the one soaping the plates and she is the one who is rinsing them.
"Shelanie, you should change. There are only a few now. I can handle it."
"Are you sure? It's okay?"
I nodded and she went upstairs. A few plates and glasses. I felt somebody standing at my side. Shelanie changed quickly, I guess.
"Good morning, Salazar."
My eyes widened at turned my head towards the direction of the person who spoked. It was Eryx, he is wearing a white long sleeve shirt and black pedal shorts. I just nodded and returned my gaze towards the plates I'm washing.
"Hmm, morning."
Why am I nervous?
Because of what happened last night?
Who wouldn't be nervous?!
You're so stupid last night.
"I can wash the dishes, so you can get dress," he offered.
"Nah. You'll get wet."
"Everyone will be waiting for you later."
"Tsk."
I rolled my eyes, I washed my hands and left. Shelanie just got finished changing, she just went out of my room. She's wearing a light pink dress and a shoulder bag hanging on her shoulder.
"Are you done washing, Salazar?"
"Eryx offered that he will finish it, I'll get change."
She nodded and went downstairs. I went in my room to get dress. I'm wearing a black t-shirt and a black hoodie, also black shorts and black shoes. I fixed my cap and bring my phone and wallet.
I went downstairs, everybody was ready. Miss Morales said that the activity we are doing is to create a bond to improve our relationship with each of the members to create a long-lasting bond.
Corny.
We travelled to town, we are going to buy some souvenirs. Also snacks and delicacies dito. Rovic looks like our tour guide right now, he is the one who is giving information on where we are right now and other information that can help us.
"You're quiet," I looked at the one who spoked.
I took a deep breath and raised a brow at him.
"When did I become noisy, Fuentabella? Tsk."
"You can be noisy. Try it, it's fun."
"It's tiring," and I shook my head.
We are behind the group while walking around town, it's kind of cloudy so it's not too hot. There are a lot of people at town right now. I stopped walking when my phone suddenly vibrated.
It was an incoming call from Kuya Marcus. I answered it.
"Hello, Kuya?"
"How are you? I'm really sorry I wasn't to go home over there, we had an emergency."
"It's okay, po, we are going home later around 2pm."
"Where are you right now? Did you drop by at Lola's place?"
"Uh, yeah. Yesterday. We are at town right now."
"Can you buy me some food?"
"What?"
"Actually, I ordered a reservation of my favorite food, you know their bread there taste delicious. There's a new flavor that is out. I want to taste it. Please."
"Which bakery?"
"My heart is loyal to Aling Becky's bakery."
"How many pieces?"
"Three boxes. Two boxes of the new flavor. Then, one box of the original flavor."
"Pay me."
"Of course."
I ended the call. My eyes widened when I noticed I'm all alone! I looked around, I saw Eryx buying some street food. I run towards him, I tapped his shoulder.
"Oh?" he looked at me.
"Where are they?"
His eyes widened and looked around. He looked at me.
"I don't know. They left us?"
"Call Rovic or Wesley, anybody," I said.
He took his phone out from his pocket and tried to call them but he shook his head.
"My load is expired," he looked at Kuya who is selling the street food to get his order.
A big plastic cup filled with tempura and sauce. I took my phone and chatted Shelanie. I looked at him, he is happily eating his tempura. He glanced at me and smiled.
"Want some?"
"You eat like those kind of food?"
"Of course, their sauce is good," he answered and raise his brows.
"Oh."
"Do you want some? I'll treat you."
"You are not even worrying that they are not around, tsk."
"This is your hometown and I'm with you. So, it's fine."
I frowned because of what he said.
"I'm not familiar with my hometown, I'm only inside the house when we are here, tsk."
I looked at my cellphone, Shelanie replied. They are at an eatery. Eryx and I immediately go there, it was pretty far. As soon as we arrived, Eryx and I ordered some food to eat with them. They asked us where we have been.
I told them we didn't notice them walked away because Kuya Marcus suddenly called and Eryx bought something.
"Are we going somewhere after we eat?" Eryx asked.
"We are going to one of their tourist spots here. The one near the ocean, we will take some pictures and then we will go to the bus terminal," Miss Morales answered.
"Where is that located, Miss?" I asked.
"You know the snack bar, Shark girl?" Rovic asked.
"There are a lot of snack bars, Fajardo."
"The one near Cindy's ice cream parlor."
"Yeah, why?"
"The tourist spot that Miss Morales is saying is near that area."
"I'll just follow you guys after I buy the thing Kuya Marcus told me. He gave me an errand."
"I'll go with you, Salazar," Shelanie offered.
"I'll be the one who is going to go with Salazar," Eryx said.
"I can do it alone."
"I'll accompany you."
"Tsk. I'm not a kid anymore."
"Eryx, you accompany Meriedeth," Miss Morales said while smiling. "After all this an activity, maybe you guys forgot."
Tss.
We separate ways with them, we walk towards the bakery of Aling Becky. It's kind of far away from the eatery we were eating earlier.
"Is it still far away? What does Kuya Marcus wants you to buy?"
"Bread."
"Oh?"
"Aling Becky's breads are his favorite," we stopped in front of the bakery.
I opened and the door and we went inside. There are no customers when we went in, well, they have a lot of customers who buys cakes and breads. They are well-known.
"Meriedeth! How are you? When did you come home? Are you with your brother Marcus?" it was Aling Becky, she was by the counter.
"I'm with my classmates and schoolmates, po. We are having our training camp. Uh, did Kuya Marcus contacted you, po?"
"Ah, I'll get his order first," and she went to the other door.
After negotiating, we are about to leave when Eryx ordered a box of the original flavor just like what my brother ordered. Eryx and I asked a driver of a motorcycle to give us a ride going to the ice cream parlor that Rovic was talking about.
"Is this it?" Eryx asked as soon as we got off.
"I guess."
I paid the driver and we walked towards the said tourist spot. There is an entrance fee, so we paid before we could enter the area. We saw them near the photo booth area, we went near them to join.
For the group photos, I joined because maybe Miss Morales might get mad at me. Psh. I sit down at one of the benches here. I've been standing for a while and it's tiring.
"Meriedeth! Come here! I'll take a picture of you, hurry up!" Melanie said.
"Don't want to."
"Killjoy! Ah, you want I'll upload stolen shots of you?"
The fuck. She has?
"I'll guard the things you bought," Wesley offered.
No choice, I nodded and went near Melanie and the others. They cheered when I walked towards them. They let me stand somewhere so they can take a picture of me.
"Try smiling, Meriedeth!" Melanie commanded while holding the DSLR.
"I don't want to."
"You look like someone who is taking a picture for an ID, goodness!" Rovic complained as he shook his head.
"Hurry and take a picture already, it's too hot," I complained.
I heard the shutter sound a few times. Tss. I was about to leave when Melanie stopped me.
"There is something wrong, I can feel it. Take off your jacket."
"No."
"I'm stressed while looking at your picture, Shark girl. You are even wearing a cap. Mysterious effect?"
"Why don't you just shut up, soldier look alike. I'm done---"
"Salazar, please," Shelanie pleaded.
"I'm wearing a black t-shirt, so there are no changes even if I'll take off my hoodie."
"Goodness, aren't you feeling hot, Ate Salazar?" Jezreal asked and I just shook my head as a reply.
"Take it off, Meriedeth! I promise if the photo comes out bad I will stop forcing you."
"Tsk."
I'm controlling my emotions, I'm getting piss. I can't believe I'm doing it!
Meriedeth, you are just doing this because they are noisy. This is to make them shut up. Okay?
When I took off my hoodie Shelanie took it away from me, also my cap. They cheered when they can see my so-called beauty. Tsk.
"Fix your hair, Shark girl. Also, try smiling."
"You have a lot of commands. Just take the picture already."
"It's like you're mad at us, Meriedeth. Your looks can kill, oh," Melanie said.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and looked at them.
"I'll just look at the side."
"Okay, we will try," Melanie said.
"Hope everyone has a nose," Rovic teased.
"Everybody has a nose, Kuya Rovic," Jezreal said.
"What I mean is, hope everyone has a long nose!"
I mentally rolled my eyes. After a few shots I took my jacket and cap. I immediately wear my cap and jacket. Melanie let me see the picture she took, the last pictures are beautiful.
We went back to the house to prepare our stuff and we went to the terminal. When we arrived there, it was a good thing there was a bus going back to the city so we are able to go back to Manila.
I sat near the window. I texted Kuya that we are going home and we are riding the bus now. I wear my headphones and listen to music. I closed my eyes and lean on the back of my seat, I hugged my bag.
I felt someone tapped my shoulder. I opened my eyes, the bus had stop moving. I looked around, there are a few passengers left and most of them are getting off the bus.
"Where are we?" I asked Eryx.
"We are at the terminal. Let's go."
I nodded and stand up. We went off the bus, it was already dark when we arrived at Manila. The triplets and Dashiel went ahead because their older brother picked them up.
"Do you guys have a car that is going to pick you up?" Miss Morales asked.
"We are going to commute---"
"Meriedeth!"
We looked towards the direction of the person who called me. It was Kuya Marcus. He pick me up, he asked Wesley if there was a problem and what he can do to help. He also introduce himself to Miss Morales.
"I'll give you all a ride."
"Ah, never mind us po, Kuya Marcus, maybe we are going to be a burden for you," Wesley said.
"Yes, po, Sir," Miss Morales said in second motion.
"You're not in a hurry, right, Deth?" Kuya asked me I just shook my head.
We gave them a ride, the last one that we dropped off is Shelanie and Melanie. Tomorrow is Monday, we are going to have another training.
When we arrived at the house, Aunty Rebecca asked me if how was the training camp. She also knew about what happened about me, I told her that I'm fine.
While we are eating dinner, Kuya asked if I ended up seeing Uncle Mario and if something happened. I told that something happened and he was about to call Lola and asked but I stopped him.
I don't want any trouble.
If the other side will not hear you out and understand your side there will be no peace.
So, it's better to just shut up and forget everything that happened.
Two weeks away and it's district meet already. All of us are in the pool, except for Shelanie who is holding a clip board, she has a copy of our training program. At the other side of the pool, Wesley is training with the triplets.
"Look what day is it, Andrea is still not joining the training!" Melanie said in a worried tone.
"They have a pool at their house, she is a rich kid, for sure she is having her training there," Rovic said while floating.
I went out of the pool and went towards the platform. I stood there for a few seconds before preparing to jump. I counted one to three and dive into the water.
Cold water welcomed me. I swim towards the other end and back. I heard Shelanie immediately clap.
"Just a little more and you will be able to surpass your record, Salazar! Good job!"
"Talk to Andrea, Eryx. She listens to you," Melanie said,
"As if she'll listen."
"She will listen to you."
After training we went to seven-eleven, except for the triplets because they went home with Dashiel. I bought a cup noodles while the others just bought some biscuits. We ate our snacks there while talking about some events.
Melanie is still worried about the relay for the women's event. We are already complete because I'll be swimming for the freestyle, Jezreal will be the one for the breast stroke, Melanie is in charge for the butterfly stroke and Andrea will be the one representing the backstroke but she did not showed up. There are still two weeks left.
Well, if Rovic is telling the truth that they have a swimming pool at home, it would be great if she is training there.
"Eryx, talk to here, huh?" Melanie reminded while we are going home.
"Fine."
We went on our separated ways. When I arrived home I ate dinner. Kuya is not around yet, the training today was exhausting.
The next day, I woke up late. Kuya offered me a ride but he wasn't finish eating yet. I travelled to school. When I arrived the school gate is already closed. Argh!
Where can I go so I can enter the school?
This is the first time that I'm getting late, that like the school gate is really close.
I walk around outside the school area, I observe the surroundings where I can climb or I can enter the school. I found a tree outside the school area, it's branch is huge and it passed over the school gate and there it another tree inside.
I fixed my bag and adjusted it. I climbed up the tree. I can't believe I crossed the gate just by climbing a tree. I was about to climb down when I heard some people talking below.
"What are we going to talk about, Carter?" the girl's voice is familiar.
I heard the other person sighed.
"To be honest, I really don't want to talk to you," even the boy's voice is familiar.
What kind of stupidity is that?
He doesn't want to talk to her, then why talk in private?
Stupid.
I heard the guy sighed. I'm looking for a way down, my eyes widened when I saw the persons talking. It was Eryx and Andrea!
Don't we supposedly have a teacher around having class right now?
"I know Ate Melanie talked to you about the event."
"I'm not joining. Talk to Salazar, also you have new members of your club."
Why am I included? Tsk.
"I wouldn't approach you if we have enough members. I know they already told you but I just want to tell you. They need you at the relay."
"Tss. I don't want too."
"I'm not going to force you to join, like I said I'm just telling you because they told me to do so."
I don't want to eavesdrop on what they are going to talk about. Well, it's also not my attitude to eavesdrop in somebody's conversations, it just happened that I'm above them.
Tsk.
I wanna get down already!
"I don't want to be Salazar's teammate," Andrea said.
Arte.
"Why are you like that towards her? She did nothing wrong to you. If this is about the intramurals, you shouldn't be mad because she won first place in the competition which you supposedly joined. You won two events, so, why are you getting mad? Do you want it all for yourself?"
"That girl is arrogant. Tss. I don't like her attitude."
"She's not. She has also the right to brag about her skills but she's not doing it. You're just imagining some stuff. She's not like that. She prefers to be alone."
"I don't want to join, Carter."
"Well, it's still your choice, Andrea."
Andrea did not utter a word. After a moment, Eryx speak.
"I'm leaving," Eryx said. "Anyway, think about it, Andrea. I know you want to join the relay."
I saw that Eryx was about to leave when Andrea spoke.
"Why did he do to Ate?"
I frowned because of her question. Eryx stopped in his tracks, he looked at Andrea and raised a brow.
"You really don't know what happened, Andrea?"
"Ate Ariana didn't do anything bad. She doesn't deserve the pain, Carter. Your brother is unfair!"
"Don't blame my brother because he doesn't deserve the pain too, between the both of them, he is in more pain. Stop spouting nonsense if you don't have any idea what happened, Andrea," Eryx said coldly.
I'm confused because of their topic. Tsk.
"Your brother left Ate Ariana---"
"Because she cheated on him."
"What? My sister would never---"
"Ask your sister before blaming my brother. I should be the one asking you why she did it to my brother, not the other way around."
"Ate could never do such thing, Carter!"
Eryx shrugged.
"We are out of their mess, stop meddling with it."
Andrea did not utter any single word, Eryx fix his hair and Andrea speak.
"You and your brother are the same, the both of you don't care," Andrea said with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"Why should I care? Their problem is not my problem. And in the first place, your sister is the one to blame, tss."
Eryx turned his back.
"If this is one of the reasons why you're mad at me, grow up, Andrea," and he left.
I looked at Andrea, a few minutes passed by and she was still standing there before she left. I was able to get down from the tree. I stretched before running towards the classroom.
Why did it take so long for them to leave?
Tsk.
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Trivia:
Arte – in tagalog or Filipino it means "picky".