Silverius' POV
"How's your day, sir?"
Bourton, my driver, asked while holding the door for me. I already told him like a million times already to quit doing that because it just looks awkward for me but he would always reason out that it's a part of their protocol.
Napagod na rin ako sa kasasabi kaya hinayaan ko na lang.
"Normal," I briefly replied as soon as I got in.
I just came from an exhausting series of business meetings. The softness of the leather seats calmed my back. Nangalay ang likod ko sa kauupo maghapon sa mga hindi kalambutang upuan.
My eyes fell on Bourton's back who is currently busy driving me home. I used to hate the fact of having no privacy because I can't go anywhere without my driver. Be it on land, water, or air. Kahit pa lagpas eighteen na ang edad ko ay hindi pa rin nila ako pinapayagang sumakay ng kotse na wala ang driver ko.
Pero ngayon, I am enjoying the perks of having a driver. At least I have someone to drive for me whenever I'm exhausted.
"School days are nearing. I bet you're excited," he said. Sarcasm is indeed evident in his tone.
Alam kasi niya ang lebel ng boredom na ibinibigay sa akin ng pagkukulong sa loob ng academy.
"I surely am," I equalled the sarcasm then shrugged.
I'll be lying if I'll say that Gem Academy is not a challenging school. The only thing that bores the hell out of me is the fact that we will be locked up inside the campus for one whole year.
There are specialized dorms per gemstone rank and assigned dining areas for everyone. Mayroon pa ngang sariling mall sa loob ng academy kaya walang maireklamo ang iba but I am not fascinated. I dislike overcrowded ang overly illuminated places.
Ang pinakamakukuha ko na lang na advantage habang nakakulong sa loob ay ang hindi ako makukulit o makikita man ni dad at ang free access sa isang malinis, malawak, at payapang garden. Only a few students knows how to appreciate true nature beauty like me that's why barely one percent of the students' population visits that place.
Bourton is a fast yet steady driver that's why he got me home immediately without having the car crashed. Maganda na rin 'yon so I could rest my back.
As soon as I made my first step inside, my mind wandered about the comfort given by my soft matress but my eyes landed on the dining table at nakitang may laman ito. It seems like I won't be having the rest I yearn for immediately.
"Mom, dad," I addressed as I gave each of them a peck on the cheek.
Oo nga naman, dinner time na. What an unfortunate time for me to get home. Sanay kasi akong kumakain nang mag-isa kaya mas komportable ako kapag walang kasalo sa lamesa.
But then, kailangan kong makisalo ngayon. I would appear disrespectful if I won't dine with them.
All that's audible are the clattering sound of the spoon and fork against plates. I actually appreciate that no one is initiating a conversation until mom decided to break the ice.
"This Vollaile de Brese is absolutely magnificent! I'll give our chef a standing ovation for this," she praised.
I saw how dad lifted his head only to flash a mocking smile at mom. Mula rito sa kinauupuan ko ay rinig ko ang paglunok ni mommy.
I looked at her with eyes telling her that, "I'm glad you realized that what you did was a wrong move, mommy."
I know she only wanted to have a normal family conversation but that will never be possible in this family.
"Perhaps this is your first time to encounter this dish," he wondered as if he is genuinely amused.
"I'm afraid it is," mom answered hesitantly.
The amusement in his face shifted into a dark, mocking expression. Thus, blood left mom's face.
"Well, you should be afraid because I am disgusted with your ignorance."
Dad's insult did not only silence the whole place but also ruined mom's desire to have a nice and normal dinner like how a normal family would do. Eh hindi nga normal ang pamilyang ito. Kailan kaya niya makukuha at matatanggap ang bagay na 'yon?
"Oh, don't frown. Your ignorance just gave me a perfect idea." He's at it again with is mischievous grin. "Why don't we include this in the menu for Silver's birthday celebration? This will be a perfect bait to spot more ignorant people like you!"
Proud pa siya habang ibinabahagi ang katarantaduhang naisip niya.
Ngayon ay pati ako nawalan ng gana sa usapan. The dinner meal is pleasant but my companions aren't.
"The meal is great but I am full. Excuse me for standing before you could finish." Iniayos ko ang mga kubyertos saka tumayo na.
I didn't even wait for their reply. Instead, I marched my way upstairs to my bedroom.
Masiyado pang maaga para matulog kaya napagdesisyonan kong tumambay muna sa veranda. I made myself a hot cup of coffee to keep me warm as the cold evening breeze touched my skin. Silence made everything better not until my phone rang.
Kailan ba mawawalan ng istorbo sa mundo?
"What's up, Mr. Poker face?"
It's Clint. My only friend from elementary up to now that we are in Gem Academy. Despite the years of being together, never did I consider of labeling him as my "best friend."
I just don't believe in such thing.
"Purpose of the call?" I lazily asked. Sino ba naman kasi ang sisipaging kausapin ang isang istorbo?
He let out a soft chuckle before answering. "Straightforward as always."
Kahit hindi ko siya nakikita ay alam kong umiiling-iling ito habang nakasuot ang mapang-asar niyang ngiti. We are total opposites. He's an extrovert while I am a born with an innate ability to hate on humans.
"School's gonna start in few days. May scholar ka na ba?" he asked.
"Wala pa naman," I briefly answered.
"That isn't surprising though. Sa hirap ba naman kasi ng test questions mo eh. Only people with elite brain cells could answer those."
He's not even exaggerating kasi totoong sinadya kong hirapan ang test questions. Siyempre, kapalit nito ay libreng tuition fee and miscellaneous hanggang makatapos sila sa Gem Academy kaya dapat lang na masala ang karapatdapat pagkagastusan.
I don't wanna waste money on a bunch of dorks.
"I already have four scholars and all of them are shawties," he bragged.
Kahit kailan talaga ay womanizer ang lalaking 'to. I just can't understand why he wanna try different other girls. Isn't he afraid of STD?
"You want one?" pag-aalok pa niya.
"Keep them all to yourself. Siguraduhin mong walang ni isa sa kanila ang makakalapit sa akin," I demanded with disgust only to receive a loud laugh from him.
"Your life is so boring, Silver. You're missing out the fun kaya mukha kang matanda eh. Just color your hair gray ang you'll surely look like a filthy rich old man," pang-aasar niya.
Ilang sandali pa kaming nag-asaran at nagbarahan when he finally said goodbye.
"Before I go, I hope you'll have a decent scholar this year. Hayaan mo sana siya o sila na samahan ka para at least you won't feel lonely. Just try engaging with other people. A small social group won't cost you much," he said in a serious tone. "Well, maliban na lang kung ikaw palagi ang manlilibre," he joked.
Kung ako ay laging sanay sa pagseseryoso, si Clint naman ay na-a-awkwardan sa serious atmosphere.
Right after the call ended, silence embraced me again.
Speaking of scholar, I remember that Derek told me that he wants that girl to enter the academy. If ever she'll pass the scholarship exam, she will be following me wherever I go since 'yon ang magiging trabaho niya.
That will be so damn annoying on my part but let's see how can I rescue myself from the tight grip of boredom. Who knows? She may be my way of enjoying the misery.