“Anong problema Ches? Sinong kausap mo?” eto na nga ba ang sinasabi ko eeh.

“Ah..Eh..wala kuya, kausap ko lang yung classmate ko sa phone.”

“Is this the right time to talk to your classmate Frans?”

“Ah..Kasi..kasi ano.. ano kasi gusto niya lang malaman kung anong susuotin ko sa Costume Party sa school on friday. Yeah..Tinatanong niya nga yun.” pagkatapos kong sabihin yun parang biglang lumiwanag yung peys niya.

“May Costume Party kayo?”

“Ahh.. yeah. I just said it awhile ago..”

“Gusto kong sumama.”

“What?!”

“I said I wanna go…”

“Oh no no no no no….”

“Why?”

“Eh kasi hindi pwede outsiders.”

“Soo.. I’m not an outsider, I’m your brother.”

“Basta hindi pwede!” errr. kainis. Hindi siya pwedeng sumama. Hindeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

“Ah basta, whether you like it or not pupunta ako. Kung hindi mo sasabihin sa adviser mo ako mismo ang tatawag sa school. You know naman na I have my connections `di ba?”

“Ergh.. alright!” kainis! nga pala naging varsity player kasi si kuya before sa school, naging favorite din siya ng mga teachers including the principal. He was a straight A student and represented the school most of the time and gave honors to it, kaya naman ayun. Naging friends niya yung mga teachers and principal. Hindi nila mahindian si kuya. Hays! Ewan ko ba! Ginayuma ata ni kuya yung mga yun eh!

“Hahaha. Sige na. Don’t stay up too late ah. You still have school tommorow.” and he kissed my forehead.

“Yeah.. yeah..” tsk. badtrip talaga. I picked up my phone again.

*Phone Converstation:*

“Hello? Still there?” tanong ko.

“Yeah.. I’m still here. I don’t have a habit na babaan ng telepono yung kinakausap ko kahit na alam kong may kinakausap siya na iba noh.”

“Ehem.. nagpaparinig ka ba?”

“Erm.. Hindi naman po. Tinablan ka po ba?” tingnan mo `toh, kung maaabot ko lang `toh kanina ko pa nasapak.

“Isa pa malalagot ka na sakin bukas!” kumukulo na talaga ako. `Coz 1. dahil sa kanya I had to lie about the Costume Party 2. because of that lie alam na ni kuya na may costume party and 3. now i have to go with my kuya. ergggg! He’s totally pissing me off!

“Easy lang.. minsan na nga lang magbiro sayo eeh.”

“Anong minsan eh almost all the time mo yan ginagawa! “

“Sorry na… So bakit hindi mo sinasagot yung tawag ko???”

“Ayun nga pala. Kasi nagpunta ako ng mall with my kuya.”

“And??”

“And what?

“Bakit nga hindi mo sinasagot?”

“Kulet mo rin noh.. sinabi ng nagpunta kmi ng mall.”

“Eh ang kulet mo rin noh.. pwede mo namang sagutin yung phone mo noh!”

“Eh nasa bag ko noh!” ano `toh? GMA?

“Eh bakit hindi mo kinuha noh!”

“Eh hindi ko narinig noh!”

*tuuut* *tuuut* *tuuut*

Damned! Naubos na load ko! tae ka Lester! wala ka ng naidulot na mabuti!!!!

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarhggggggggggg!!” I screamed but nakatakip yung pillow mamaya puntahan na naman ako ni kuya sabihin nababaliw na ko.

I looked at the clock. Dangg! it’s already 11.00pm! Humiga na ako sa kama at natulog.

———————————————————————–

Wednesday – Third day of the Special Student Week

*Time check: 6am*

I feel sooo dead. Puyat ako. I need sleep! More sleep! Wala na akong magagawa kaya naghilamos nalang ako at bumaba para kumain ng breakfast.

“Goodmorning sis!”

“Mo-aaaaaah..morning!” i said with matching hikab pa.

“I told not to stay up too late.”

“Yeah.. I know.”

“Eto oh.. Eat your breakfast na at maligo at baka mahuli pa tayo sa school.”

“Ooohhh– okay!” I can’t help it. Inaantok pa talaga ako.

I finished my breakfast at naligo na. I fixed my things and hurriedly went downstaires.

“Kuya! Ma-le-late na ko!”

“Nandito na ako sa labas! Lock mo nalang yung pinto!” kahit kailan talaga hindi marunong maghintay `toh.

Nagmamadali kong ni-locked yung door at sumakay dun sa car. I tired to get some sleep tutal 10mins yung biyahe pwede na yun. Hindi naman ako inistorbo ni kuya dahil alam niya puyat talaga ako.

“Frans gising na. Bilisan mo at baka ma-late ka pa!”

“Ahh.. Oh sige kuya.. See yah later. Ingats sa driving. *mwuah*” and I kissed him on the cheeks.

I walked through the corridors. I can hear groups of girls whispering here and there. Iba-iba ang sinasabi nila but iisa lang ang topic nila. And yeah, none other that Me and Lester. Nung nakaabot na ako sa classroom umupo muna ako at gusto ko munang matulog ulit ng sandali. Hindi pa nga nakakaisang minuto pagkatapos kong ipikit ang mga mata ko eh…

“Gooooood moooorning Ches!!”  a familiar voice yelled right next to my ear.

“Oh damn it!”

“Oh.. umagang-umaga ang hot mo.”

“Pwede ba Lester. Puyat ako gawa mo. Kaya please khit 15 mins lang give me time to sleep.”

“Ooops. Sorry, but that’s not my fault naman Ches, you were the one who called me.”

“Argh. Get out of my sight!” nagdidilim ang paningin ko sa kanya. argg!

“Sorry na.. Halika.” and he thinks I’m gonna accept that? He wished.

“Where?” i asked.

“I know a place where you can rest well, hindi dito, hindi ka makakapagpahinga masyadong maingay.. so shall we?”

“Oooh.. Okay.. Thanks.” hmm. eto na naman siya. Balik sa pagiging sweet. Hayss. How can I resist?

Dinala niya ako dun sa isang garden sa school. Walang tao dun kasi lahat nasa auditorium ewan ko meron daw palabas dun eh.

“Ahh.. it’s so peacefully around here..” sabi sabay higa dun sa grass.

“Yeah.. kaya nga dito kita dinala eh.”

“Thanks..”

“La yun.. alam mo naman kung bakit ko ginagawa `toh di ba?” and he winked at me.

“Ahh..ehehe.” anong sasabihin ko?..idk.. Lumapit siya at nilagay niya ang ulo ko sa lap niya.

“Take a sleep muna.. my princess.. dito lang ako. I’ll never leave you” he kissed my forehead and the next thing I know is….. I fell asleep.

“Wag ka ngang magsalita ng ganyan. Don’t do such a reckless thing again! You made me worry to death! Hinding-hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kapag may nangyaring masama sayo. So promise, you’ll stay with me forever.”

“Wow, thanks sa concern. But I want you to know na wala namang ginawa sa akin si Edward.”

“Don’t protect him, sa pag-iisip niya kaya ka niyang mapatay.”

“Shut up! He didn’t do anything wrong! At kung meron man siyang mapapatay ikaw yun” i said angrily.

“Haha. Yeah, you’re right about that.”

“Look” i said calmly. “He didn’t do anything to me, Edward is not that type of person, Kung meron mang dapat sisihin dito ako yun dahil ako ang naging manhid.”

“Ches, don’t blame yourself sa nararamdaman ni Edward. If you see him the way he sees you kahit manhid ka mararamdaman mo ang pagmamahal niya.” yeah. I guess he’s right about that.

“But.. he’s suffering all because of me..” and tears started to fall.

“Let’s just hope na ma-realized niya na may ibang girl ang nakalaan sa kanya.”

“But….” hindi pa ko tapos pero niyakap na niya ako.

“Shhhs.. He’ll accept it. He have to accept it.” and he wiped my tears.

Tutal student week ngayon wala kaming classes so I called my kuya to picked me up. Si Lester? Ayun, sinabihan ko na mag-enjoy siya kahit wala ako dahil ayoko namang maging boring ang araw niya gawa ko noh. I told to tell Eli that I’m alright na rin. Ayaw pa ngang pumayag ng loko at gusto pang siya mismo ang maghahatid sa akin, ano siya timang? Eh nandoon kuya ko. Nung sinabi ko pa na nandoon nga si kuya eh lalo pang nagpumilit at gusto daw niyang makilala. Hays. Sabi ko hindi ko na siya kakausapin kapag hindi siya tumigil sa pangungulit. Haha. But I promised na I’ll call him kapag nakauwi na ko. Mag-aalala daw kasi siya eh. Ang korni talaga nitong lalaking `toh. Ewan ko ba. Siguro yun ang dahilan kung napamahal na ako sa kanya.

“Oh, sakay na.”

“Kuya!” ang o.a. ko talaga.

“Hahaha! Na-missed agad ako ng baby sis ko?”

“Tse! baby ka na naman!”

“Oh siya siya. Mall muna tayo?”

“Libre mo?”

“Ang gulang mo talaga.. manang mana sa akin! Oo, libre ko.”

“Ahahaha..dapat lang kaya nga ikaw fav ko eh!”

“Nako! bola.”

“I loev ya kuya.” and I hugged him.

“Loev ya too.”

On the way soundtrip lang kami. Hehehe. Hindi lang basta soundtrip ha, nag-concert din kami. Ahahah!

“We’re here!” sabi ni Kuya Aljon.

“Yey!!!” para akong batang ngayon lang nakakita ng mall. Ahaha! Syempre it’s been a long time na rin since nung last na makasama ko si kuya mag-malling..kaya I’m so happy!!

“Lika na! Nakakahiya sa ibang tao. Para akong may kasamang baliw. Ahahah!” aba! loko talaga `toh!

“Yabang.” at sinarado ko yung pinto ng car.

“Ahaha. Joke lang!”

“Joke-jokin mo mukha mo.” at nanguna na ako.

Nilibot namin yung mall, starbucks, tapos nanood kami ng sine “HSM3″ hehe. Tapos nadaanan namin yung skating rink. Memories flashes backed into my mind. Damn it! That kiss again. Errr. The rest of the day went well. Oh I missed my brother. Nung pagkauwi namin I’m so tired. Kaya dumiretso na ako sa room ko at nag-ayos and humiga sa bed ko, pipikit ko na sana yung mga mata ko ng… Oh snap! Nakalimutan ko na si Lester! I quickly get my phone sa bag ko and there you have it.

*16 missed calls
*33 messages.

Eli called me once but the rest are from Lester. GAWD. I probably made him worry……. again.

Hinanap ko agad yung name niya sa phonebook ko at tinawagan siya.

*riiiing..riiiinng*

“Ches!! Salamat naman at tumawag ka! Anung nangyari sayo? May nangyari bang masama? Bakit hindi ka tumawag?” erm.. hindi naman siya halatang nag-worry noh?

“Lester! Wait up! Calm down okay. Isa-isa lang. I have my explanations okay.”

“Ano ba kasing nangyari ha? Bakit ayaw mong sagutin yung phone mo?”

“Sinabi nang sandali lang nga eeh!” napasigaw na ako kasi nga nakukulitan na talaga ako.

“Anong problema Ches? Sinong kausap mo?” eto na nga ba ang sinasabi ko eeh.

“You…. What are you doing here?!”

“Nagulat ba kita…baby?”

Si Edward, god what is he doing here? Sa tanang buhay ko ngayon lang ako natakot ng ganito. God please help me.

“Ed, bakit ka nandito?” I tried to be calm as I can be.

“Bakit Ches, ayaw mo ba akong makita?” he walk towards me until naramdaman ko nalang na nakasandal na ako sa isang wall.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant.” I said habang naghahanap kung merong dadaan na tao pero wala. WALA!

“Why Ches? Bakit ka nanginginig?”

“Edward, don’t do this.”

“Do what? I didn’t do anything………yet.”

Then I heard someone opened the gate. Thank god!

“Frans Are you there?” god! si kuya! si kuya lang ang tumatawag sa akin ng Frans.

“Yeah.. coming!” answered quickly.

“Mapapasakin ka rin Ches.” sabi sakin ni Edward at naglakad na siya papunta sa ibang direksyon. Hindi ko na siya hinabol ng tingin dahil sa takot ko tumakbo na agad ako kay kuya.

“Kuyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Aljon!” I screamed.

“Oh, bakit pawisan ka?”

“Ayoko ng pag-usapan pa kuya. Pasok na tayo.”

“Sige..ikaw ang bahala.”

Kumakain kami ng dinner. Si kuya nagluto, ang sarap ng kuya kong magluto. Grabeh!

*time check: 7:25pm*

“Kuya, bakit ka nandito?”

“Umalis kasi sila Yaya at Manong. Umuwi ng probinsya nila. Sabi ni dad dito daw muna ako para may makasama ka.”

“Ahh. Eh paano yung school mo?” i asked.

“Bakasyon kami ngayon. Kaya nga nandito ako eh di ba.”

“Ahh..nga naman”

“So, musta naman ang baby sister ko?”

“Kuya talaga, hindi na ko baby noh!”

“Basta baby pa rin kita. Hangga’t wala ka pang boyfirend baby ka pa rin for me.” at ginulo niya yung buhok ko. Err! I hate it when he do that!

“Eh hindi na nga ako baby eeh!!”

“Bakit may bf ka na ba ha?”

“Ahhhh…ehh”

“May bf ka naaaaaaaaaa?!”

“Wala!” sagot ko.

“Bakit nag-isip ka pa ha?”

“Bawal ba yun?”

“Ikaw ha… dapat ma-meet ko muna yan.”

“Si kuya talaga, sino i-mi-meet mo eh wala naman.”

“Ah basta, ihahatid kita bukas.”

“What??”

“Bakit? Problem?..unless meron ka talagang bf”

“Wala pooo.. sige na nga..hmp” tae naman `tong si kuya eeh.

“Okay, i love you baby sis! oh siya, imisin mo na yan.”

“What? Ang gulang mo talaga!Hmp! Kainis!”

“Aba, meron ka ng ganyan effect ha. Halika nga dito.” hinabol niya ko at kiniliti ng kiniliti. Hahaha. Naku, style niya yan lagi. Hahah. Kaya eto ako. Wala na yung galit ko kanina. Kaya love ko `tong si kuya eeh!

*time check: 10pm*

Hays..I can’t sleep. Ang sama ng pakiramdam ko. Ayaw maalis sa isip ko si Edward. Ano bang nagawa ko? Eto ba ang paruisa ng pagiging maganda? Hahah! Ang tae ko naman, kapal. But bakit? Sa lahat lahat ako pa? The more I think of what had happened lalong sumasakit ang ulo ko. Itutulog ko nalang `toh.

*The next morning*

“Sis okey ka lang ba? Parang ang sama ng pakiramdam mo aah. Are you sure gusto mong pumasok?” my kuya asked me. I guess he’s just worried.

“Yeah kuya. Wala `toh, kulang lang ako sa tulog.”

“Okay, just call me if anything happens, okay?”

“Okay, i loev you.” And I kissed him on his cheeks. And waved good bye.

Hayss. Ang sama talaga ng pakiramdam ko. Pero kaya ko `toh. Nakarating na rin ako sa room. Hays. Uupo muna ako tutal wala pa naman si Lester.

“Good morning!” Eli greeted me.

“Morning.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Wala, medyo masama lang ang pakiramdam ko.”

“Bakit ka pa pumasok?”

“Okay lang ako, hindi naman malala eeh. And besides I don’t wanna stay at home doing nothing.”

“Ikaw ang bahala. Magpahinga ka muna diyan.”

Then narinig naming dalawa ni Eli yung kalabog ng pinto ng classroom. We saw Edward, nanlilisik ang mga mata niya. He’s heading towards us.

“Ches, sumama ka sakin.” hinawakan niya ang braso ko. Ang sakit, sobrang higpit ng hawak niya.

“Ed, please wag ngayon.” sabi ko.

“Hindi pwede.”

“Edward, please. She’s not feeling well.” nakisali na rin si Eli, I guess natatakot din siya kung anong gagawin sa akin ni Edward.

“Wag kang makisali dito Elise.”

“But…”

“Please Eli.” tumingin ako kay Eli. Natatakot akong baka pati siya madamay.

“But Ches…”

“I’ll be alright. Don’t worry.”

“Let’s go.”

At hinatak na akong tuluyan ni Edward. Gulat na gulat yung iba naming mga classmate sa inasal ni Edward dahil nagyon lang talaga siya naging ganon. At sa akin pa. Naglakad kami ng naglakad hanggang maabot namin yung likod ng school. Walang tao. Anu kaya gagawin namin dito?…

—————————————————————-

Lester’s POV:

Hays.. makikita ko ulit si Ches!

“Good morning!!!” I greeted everyone. I saw Elise crying sa upuan ni Ches. Pinuntahan ko siya.

“Lester! Thank god you’re finally here!” she said when she saw me.

“What happened? Bakit ka umiiyak? Nasaan si Ches?”

“Si Ches..si ches..”

“What Elise?..tell me.” I started to worry.

“Si Edward, pagpasok niya sa classroom nakakatakot siya at bigla nalang niyang isinama si Ches…”

“Don’t worry Elise, si Edward lang yun, hindi niya gagalawin si Ches.”

“No Lester! You don’t understand! Iba na si Edward, hindi na siya yun dati. And I know, gagawin niya lahat mapasakanya lang si Ches.”

“WHAT?!!”

“Ginawa ko ang makakaya ko para lang pigilan siya pero ayaw niya. Ches told me that’s she’s gonna be alright but I don’t believe her. I’m worried, lalo na sa kalagayan niya ngayon she doesn’t have enough strenght to defend herself.”

“What do you mean??”

“Masama pakiramdam ni Ches, but pinilit niyang sumama dahil siguro iniisip niyang madami ang madadamay kapag hindi siya sumama.”

“Where did they go?”

“I don’t know…I don’t know..” and she continue crying.

“Don’t worry, I’ll find her.”

I run as fast as I can. Im screaming her name everywhere. Kahit isipin nilang baliw ako wala akong pake. I need to find Ches. I just have to! Nakarating na ako sa likod pero hindi ko pa rin sila mahanap. Hinihingal na ako. Then I saw a bag sa labas ng isang bodega. Wait, bag ni Edward yun ah.

—————————————————————-

Ches’s POV:

“Ed, what are we doing here?”

“Explain it to me..”

“What?” I said while gasping for air. I’m so tired, he forced me to run with my condition. god! he’s totally nuts!

“Anong nangyari kahapon!” he shouted.

“What do you mean?”

“Kayong dalawa ni Lester, what’s happening between the two of you?”

“Wala,”

“Liar! After all these years pinilit kong mapansin mo man lang ako not only as a friend but a guy who’s willing to do anything just for you and your attention. Pero bakit hanggang ngayon hindi mo pa rin nakikita? BAKIT??” tears starts to fall from his eyes. At nagwala siya.

“Stop!, Edward..please stop…” i didn’t noticed that umiiyak na rin pala ako. he looked at me and dragged me onto the wall.

“Aah!”

“Ches..I love you..”

“…….. ” i just cry, and cry and cry… he started to move his face closer pero umilag ako.

“Bakit? Gusto mo ba si Lester lang ang humahalik sayo?”

“Edward..”

“Tsk.. I’m a better kisser than him, I’ll let you experience that.” He tried again pero binaling ko ulit ang mukha ko sa ibang direksyon. He loses his temper at hinawakan nya ang leeg ko.

“I can’t breath..Edward.”

“Ikaw ang may kasalanan.” He’s going to kiss me again but this time his target is my neck. I just close my eyes cause I know wala akong laban.

“What am I doing?” narinig kong sabi niya, naramdaman ko naman na tumutolo ang mga luha niya. Inalis niya ang kamay niya sa leeg ko sabay suntok sa pader. Sa lakas napapikit nalang ako. I feel so weak. Wala na akong lakas para pa tumayo kaya napaupo nalang ako.

“Edward…” i said with a very low voice

“Ches.. mali bang mahalin ka?”

“Ed…”

“Simula pa lang nung mga bata tayo minahal na kita. Pero kahit konti hindi mo napapansin yon, at mas minahal mo pa si Henry. I tried to understand. Pero bakit ngayon? I waited hanggang sa makita kong naka-move on ka na. Pero bakit kay Lester ka naman ngayon? Nandito naman ako di ba?”

“Ed..I’m sorry…..”

“Ako dapat ang humingi ng patawad Ches. Patawarin mo ko kung nasaktan kita.”

“Ed… maybe we’re just not meant for each other. Maybe someone is much better than me, someone who can give your love back. And that’s not me.”

“Ches…” he lifted me but suddenly bumukas yung pinto.

“Lester!” I saw Lester, pawisan.

“What did you do, you bastard!” and he punched Edward on the face. Bumagsak si Ed.

“No! Lester, you don’t understand!….” Hinarangan ko siya bago pa niya sugudin muli si Edward. But having not enough energie I fainted.

—————————————–

“Aaaah..huh? Where am I?” I saw Lester holding my hand.

“Gising ka na pala.”

“Paano ako napunta dito?”

“Hinimatay ka kanina. Dinala kita dito.”

“Ahh. Sorry for the trouble.”

“Wag ka ngang magsalita ng ganyan. Don’t do such a reckless thing again! You made me worry to death! Hinding-hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kapag may nangyaring masama sayo.

So promise, you’ll stay with me…. forever.“

“I love you Ches… I’ll do/give/share and sacrifice anything for you.”

Those words just touched me. Then bigla nalang siyang nag-iba. Para bang nag-transform yung expressions sa face niya.

“Wa! Sorry Ches, may babalikan lang ako.” and he ran away.

“Okay, I’ll just wait here.”

*After 5mins

“Heehee..”

“Anong ginawa mo?” tanong ko.

“Here! For you, from now on that’s the sign of my love parang ako na yan. You can talk to it and tell your unsaid feelings. You can hug it and kiss it too, pero nandito naman ako pwede sakin mo nalang ibigay yung dalawa. aheheh”

He handed me the big teddy bear dun sa kinantahan niya kanina. Obviously nanalo siya. With matching confession of love pa. Siguro pati yung mga lalaki dun na-inlove sa kanya eeh. Hahaha! LOLs!

“Aaah. How sweet.” And gave him my sweetest smile.

“Only for you.”

“Really?” and i looked at him showing my naughty eyes.

“What?” tanong niya na parang nagtataka sa tingin ko.

“I know you want it..” I pouted my lips at tinulak ko siya sa bench behind him at napaupo siya.

“What are you trying to do Ches?…” he’s sooo red!

“Shhhhssss!” and i moved my face closer. I can hear his heartbeat.

“Do—don’t..”

“Don’t talk” I whispered.

“O–okay.” And he close his eyes….

“Aahhahaha!!!” I bursted out laughing!

“Wtf!”

“Akala mo ikaw lang ang may kayang mang-akit?”

“tsk.”

“C’mon, don’t tell me pikon ka na. Hays. Style mo yun eeh! Gusto ko lang na ma-feel mo yung nararamdaman ko everytime you do that stupid trick of yours.”

“Alright, alright, kung `di ka lang cute” and pinisil niya yung cheeks ko.

“Kung hindi ano?” pagtataray kong tanong.

“Love pa rin kita “

“Korni mo! Haha! Tara balik na tayo sa classroom”

“Hayss. Sige na nga!” at nanguna na naman sa paglalakad at as usual HHWW kami.

When we entered the room nakatingin sa amin lahat ng tao. It’s like dumating si Obama. Nice napasali eeh noh. Anyways, yung mga girls kitang kita ko na nagbulungan agad. Tsk.

“Aayusin ko lang yung gamit ko.” I said.

“Sige.”

I walked to my chair, I saw Edward playing his guitar.

“Hey!” I greeted.

“————” no reply.

“Musta na?”

“————” silence.

“Nice song.”

I was shocked nung bigla nalang siyang tumayo at lumipat ng place. Anong nangyari? Kanina lang kausap ko siya, tapos ngayon `di na niya ako pinapansin.Ano kayang problema ni Edward?

“Oye Ches!” Eli approached me.

“Oh Eli, may problem ba si Ed? `Di niya kasi ako pinansin eh”

“I think I know kung ano.”

“Ano? Sabihin mo na!”

“Like duh Ches! Hindi mo ba nakikita?”

“Nakikita ang alin?”

“He likes you!”

“Who?”

“Sino pa ba ang pinag-uusapan natin dito?”

“Si Edward… Si EDWARD???! ” halos napasigaw na ako dun.

“Oo! Hanggang ngayon ba hindi mo pa rin napapansin?”

“What do you mean hanggang ngayon?”

“Hays  nako, akala ko naman mabilis kang maka-pick up hindi pala”

“Ano ba Eli, sabihin mo na lang ang dami mo pang checheburetse eeh!”

“I started to noticed it since grades school. Hello, ikaw lang ang kalaro niyan dahil ayaw niyang makipaglaro sa mga ibang kids dati di ba? Kahit sa mga lalaki ayaw niya. Every Christmas Party natin ikaw lang ang binibigyan niya ng gift kahit alam niyang exchange gift ang drama natin. At sa Graduation Night ikaw lang inaya niya na makipagsayaw sa kanya eventhough halos napaka daming babae na halos himatayin na para lang makuha ang attention niya that night.”

“ooh. But that’s just because we’re friends. Hindi ko alam na may feelings na pala siya.”

“Well ngayon alam mo na.”

“I didn’t expected it talaga.”

“And one more thing sister, you better take care of yourself.”

“Why?”

“I’ve heard rumors about him being so possesive, kapag gusto niya he’s willing to do anything. And I mean anything!”

“Saan mo naman narinig yan?”

“Kay manang, yung maid namin, you know naman na paraho lang kami ng subdivision ni Ed di ba? Sinabi daw sa kanya yun nung maid nila Ed. Nakakatakot nga daw eeh.”

“Scary nga. Sige na Paris alis na ko, Lester is waiting for me.” minsan Paris tawag ko sa kanya kasi favorite niyang place yun at London naman sa akin.

“Lester? Hindi ka pa ba uuwi?” she asked. takang taka siya.

“Uuwi na. Sinundu kasi ako ni Lester kaninang umaga eeh, pati nga ako nagulat tapos he insisted na dapat sabay daw kaming uuwi.”

“Aaah. Uy ano yan?!” napansin niya yung teddy bear na dala-dala ko. Naman eh. Laki kasi!

“Ahh..Ehh.. Bigay ni Lester.”

“Wow naman! So cute! Iba na yan ha. Umamin ka nga. Are you two going out?” parang meron siyang mic na narinig ata ng buong class. Bakit pa daw kasi dapat itanong pa iyon at i-broadcast ba??

“Of course not!!! “

“Whatever London. Naglilihim ka na sa akin! Hmp!” tampo-sickness again…

“Ano ba?! I’ll call you later okay?” at pinisil ko yung braso niya. I guess she got the message.

“Okay, okay! Promise?” hay! ang kuleeeeet!!

“Yeah yeah! Una na ko. Byeee! *muah-muah*”

“Byeee!”

I reached the door at nakita ko na si Lester.

“Sorry natagalan.”

“Okay lang. Alis na tayo?”

“Sige.”

Pero parang may magnet na pumipilit sa akin na tumingin sa sulok. And there, nakita ko si Ed, gosh. nakakatakot yung mga titig niya. I felt so paralyzed. Damn it!

“Ches, are you okay.” nagtatakang tanong sa akin ni Lester.

“Yeah. Halika na. ” At hinawakan ko na yung kamay niya. Gusto ko ng umalis. Ayoko ng mag-stay pa dun.

On the way. Wala akong iniisip kundi si Ed, what if toto yung sinabi ni Eli? God! Sana hindi totoo. Hay! Anu ba Ches, forget about Edward muna you’re with Lester right now. Right. Hay, ano ba yan ang boring. I can’t open up a topic. He’s sooooooooo quiet.

“Le—lester.”

“Yah?”

“Musta?” ngee? ano `toh? epal ko naman.

“Kei lang, kaw?” nice. parang text mode kame aah.

“Kei lang din, wat gawa u?”

“Nakaupo sa car, u?”

“Nakaupo lang din sa car. wer punta u?”

“Sa house mo”

“Bk8?”

“I make u hatid-hatid”

“Ahaha. ganun?. strict dad ko.

“Keiz lang yun.”

“Ikaw bahala.”

“I love you”

“I love you too” Oh snap! bakit ka nag-i love you too?? tanga tanga!

“Excuse me?” c’mon Ches, think!

“Ah, eh. Sabi ko ‘bababa na ako ditooo’. Why?” yes!

“Aahh. I thought. nevermind. “

“Okay. See you tom.!”

“Okay, I’ll call you later. Bye. Love yah!!” sabay sarado ng pinto. ano kaya yun? ngayon pa ba nahiya?

Then I saw a shadow sa `di kalayuan. He started to come closer.

“You…. What are you doing here?! “

“Ches, can I talk to you?” a familiar voice asked to me at the back.

“Sure, about what?” i said while turning around to face him.

“About Lester”

“What about Lester?”

“You don’t know him that good yet, who knows if he’s some kind of a maniac?”

“How dare you to judge him that way Edward?” I almost shout.

Yeah, Edward Espinoza. Classmate of mine since kindergarten. He got the looks. Rich. And gentleman. He’s a man of few words. Pero barkada niya yung mga popular boys sa school including Henry. Eventhough we don’t hang-out with each other that much we’re still close. weird huh?. yeah I know. But anyway. That’s friendship.

“Sorry, but ikaw lang ang inaalala ko.” nagulat ako ng sinabi niya `toh. what does he mean?

“Ah. I see. I hang-out a lot with boys and that makes you worry as a friend. Sorry. But don’t worry yourself too much. I can take care of myself. “

“As a friend? . yeah.. as a friend. Geh, punta na ko sa partner ko.” what’s up with him?. weird.

“Okay. Bye!” and we waved goodbye.

*10mins later

“Hoy! Bakit naman ang tagal mo. Halos mamuti na ang mga mata ko dito.”

“Eto naman. Sungit sungit. Eto oh, for you my sweetie. ” And he handed me a cupcake and softdrink.

“Sweetie-sweetiehin mo pes mo! Halika ka na. Gusto kong ma-enjoy `tong week na `toh”

“Yea. Yea. If I know deep in you, you really think that it’s a date. And take note. You’ll have the whole week. Lucky for you huh. ” at may pakindat-kindat pa `tong lalaking `toh. Grr. Kund di lang kita gusto!

“What?? Your insane!” grrr. sasabunutan ko sana pero nakakahiya naman sa ibang tao. grr. maghanda ka mamaya kapag nasolo kita.

“Relax. `Di ka naman mabiro eeh. Peace na tayo.” at nag-peace sign pa talaga.

Nagpunta kami sa iba’t ibang booth and classrooms. Well, Eli explained it to me already, first day daw is mga 1st year ang mga magpapasiklab. 2nd years will be on tuesday. 3rd years is on wednesday. 4th years on thursday. And the last day will be a some kind of competition between 1st – 4th year students. At mag-o-organized din daw ang school ng costume party on friday night the exact time is unknown yet, she said teachers will inform us asap. Well sounds a lot of fun for me. Atleast no lessons, homework, and irritating teachers! Oh!, I’m so bad. Haha.

“Hey Ches. Still mad at me?”

“Yeah. Any problem?”

“Err. Nothing. Just…” at hinila niya ko papunta sa isang booth. May karaoke, haha!  At may mga parang juries naman sa gilid. Hmmm. Ano kaya balak nito??

“Hey miss beautiful, anong premyo sa inyo?”

“Aaah. Si—Sir.. Yu-yu-yung teddy bear p-po sa tbi na–ng karaoke.” nauutal pang sabi ng isang estudyante. Na-Crush-struck ata sa loko. Sabihan ba naman ng miss beautiful? With his looks, sino hindi ma-i-inlove.

“Wow. Thanks miss precious.”

“Your we-welcome s-sir.” I looked at her. Nice eyes ha. Parang yung eyes ng mga anime. Hahaha. 

“Are you ready to forgive me?” he said with matching taas-kilay pa ..

“Whatever ” i didn’t get what he meant by that. Don’t tell me kakanta siya dito?? Well, hindi ko pa naman siya naririnig kumanta. Let’s see kung may ibubuga.

At ayun nga. He payed for a song. Then he search for a number. Hmm. Dapat maganda for me to forgive him. At dapat ayusin niya. And then one of the students type the number combi and the Title of the song appears on the screen.

Song Title: No Ones Else Comes Close
Song by: Jay-R

I just sat there and waited `’till the instru is done. Nag-iritan naman ang mga babae sa likod ko. Aba may banner pa aah! May fanclub na pala `tong mokong na `toh. And guess what. It’s just his 2nd week here sa school. Iba talaga kapag gwapo. Then he started to sing.

When we turn out the lights
The two of us alone together
Some thing’s just not right
But girl you know that I would never ever let another’s touch
Come between the two of us
Cause no one else will ever take your place

Chorus:
No one else comes close to you
No one makes me feel the way you do
You’re so special girl, to me
And you’ll always be, eternally
Everytime I hold you near
You always say the words I love to hear
Girl with just a touch, you can do so much

No one else comes close

And when I wake up to
The touch of your head on my shoulder
You’re my dream come true
Oh, girl you know I’ll always treasure
Every kiss, every day
I love you girl in every way
And I always will cause in my eyes

{Chorus} (2x)

No one else comes close
No one else comes close

He blew my breath away when he started to sing the first line. GAWD! I didn’t expect that his voice was err kinda you know, but I didn’t expect din na ganito, his voice is sooo god-like! I don’t know what happend to me but naramdaman ko nalang na mamumula na ako. I tried to be calm. Then he started to walked papunta sa akin. What is he doing? He reaches his hand at ako naman `tong si gaga inabot yung kamay niya at tumayo

“What are you doing?” I whispered. Nakatingin na mga tao dun. He just continues singing hanggang sa malapit ng matapos yung song at dun sa mga last lines, he moved his face closer to mine.

“No one else comes close” he holds my hands and then I just found out that he kissed me on my cheeks. I can hear bystanders screaming, but siya lang ang nakikita ko at that moment.

“Ches… Thanks for coming into my life. You don’t know how I thank god for letting you here with me.” omg

“What are you saying!” gosh. sa wakas bumalik na rin ako sa reality. panaginip lang ba lahat ng iyon?

“Ches… I like you”

“Stop it! Kung sa tingin mo makukuha mo ako sa ganyan mo, I’m telling you Mr. Hernandez. I’m not the kind of girl you think I am.” I wanna believe him. But ayokong mapahiya if ever he’s just joking.

“You’re right. You’re one of a kind. That’s why I like you. You don’t have to answer me now. I’ll wait. I’ll wait for you.” i can see sincerity in his eyes. Tears started to fall from my eyes.

“*snuif.snuif* “

“Why? Don’t cry please. I can’t take it if I see you crying.” and he wiped my tears gently with his hands.

“Ikaw kasi eeh! ” I shouted at pinagsu-suntok ko yung dibdib niya. But tumigil ako ng bigla niya akong ilagay sa mga bisig niya. I can’t help it. I started to cry harder

“I’m so sorry if I shocked you too much. Please forgive me.” I stopped and looked above to see his handsome face. He smiled at me. I just smiled back.

“Okay na ko.” sabi ko habang inaalis ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin.

“I’ll wait Ches. Even if it takes lifetime.” I’m speechless. So I just smiled at him while wiping my tears.

“Let’s go? The gossipgirls in this room are already flowing with the latest news.” he chuckled .

“Sure.” He grabbed my hand. I don’t know but this time. I’m more…more….. more comfortable?

Then he whisphered…………

“I love you Ches… I’ll do/give/share and sacrifice anything for you.”

Lester’s POV:

Hahah. Nakaisa na naman ako sa kanya . Hayss. Kung narinig niya lang yung mga sinabi ko nung gabing yon, anu kaya magiging reaksyon niya?

“Easy baby, I’ll catch you up later ha. ” at tumakbo na ko palayo.

“I’ll kill you pagbalik mo dito. I swear!” narinig kong sinabi habang papasok sa classroom. Papatayin niya daw ako. Anu pa kaya kapag nalaman niya naiwanan ko yung solar system sa likod nung kotse?

“Hello kuya? Nakaalis na ba kayo? Pwedeng bumalik kayo dun sa may gate ng school may nakalimutan ako sa likod ng car. Get here as fast as you can please.” tinawagan ko yung driver namin. Oh god protect me from Ches please……..

After 3min ng paghihintay ko sa wakas nakabalik na rin. Tumakbo agad ako dun sa likod at sinenyasan ko si kuya na buksan.

“Thanks kuya, maaasahan ka talaga. Sige ho, pwede na kayong maka-alis… ulet “

Pagkakuha ko dun sa project naglakad nalang ako baka kasi madapa pa ko pag tumakbo ako at lalong mag-init ang dugo ni Ches kapag nalaman na sira yung project namin.

*Rrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnggggggg!*

“Oh sh*t! nag-bell na.” argh. kainis nasa may cafeteria palang ako two buildings pa bago ako makapunta sa room namin. Kapag sinuswerte ka nga naman.

———————————————————–

Ches’s POV:

Bakit ganon? Should I feel happy kasi nasasaktan ko siya? Bakit parang after all those years na nararamdaman ko ang pagkamuhi sa kanya bigla nalang nawala lahat. Should I forgive him, and forget about what happend? Should I, in able for me to move on? to move on with him? with Lester?

“Hey!” may tumapik sa balikat ko.

“Oh Eli kaw pala.”

“Oks ka lang? Parang nasa ibang planet ka kanina aah.”

“Ahehe. Oks lang. May sumagi lang sa isipan ko.”

“Aaah. Tungkol naman saan?”

“Aah..ehh…….about kay Henry.” i can see na biglang tumamlay siya.

“Ganon ba.”

“Don’t worry, hindi ko iniisip yung iniisip mo. I was just thinking kung kakalimutan ko nalang ba lahat ng nangyari about the past.”

“Okay, so.. nakapag-desisyon ka na ba?” tanong niya sa akin.

“Hindi pa fully nakakapag-desisyon, but I want to move on with him”

“WHAT??!” gulat niyang tanong.

“What WHAT??”

“Move on with him??”

“Yeah,”

“Akala ko ba wala ka ng pagtingin kay Henry?”

“No! Silly, I was talking about Lester, know him? The new boy?”

“Oh.. ohh! Akala ko kay Henry eeh. Kung hindi magkaka-war bespren!”

“Ahaha! Loka-loka. Yoko na dun noh. Love mo yun eeh Uyyy!” sabi ko na may halong panunukso.

“Shut up! Baka may makarinig sayo. Btw, what’s up with Lester?”

*Rrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnggg!*

“I’ll update you later!”

Hmm.. asan na kaya yung mokong na yun. Late na naman. Kasama ko dapat siya noh!! Dumating na si Sir Dedumo. He’s our adviser, I forgot to say his name before. hehe . it looks like he’s going to explain kung anu-anong mangyayari. Hmmm.

“blaaah..blah..blah..” errr. hindi ako makapag-concentrate. Nasan ka na ba Lester!

“Ms. Olivarez, are you with us?” oh snap!

“Sorry Sir” argh! napagalitan pa tuloy ako dahil sa kakaisip ko sa walang kwentang lalaking yon!

I heard footsteps. I can’t see him but I know siya yun. Then someone knocked on the door.

*knock*knock*knock*

Sir Dedumo opened the door and Tan-ta-da-dan! Ang inyong napaka-gwapong prinsepe ang nasa harapan ng pinto. As usual late. Pasalamat siya hindi si Ma’am Santos yun kundi ….

“Sorry Sir, I’m late.”

“Buti nalang wala tayong lesson ngayon Mr. Hernandez, you’re still lucky. take your seat.”

“Opo.” tsk. swerte talaga nitong lalaking `toh.

*whisphers*whisphers*:

“Where the hell have you been?”

“Somewhere”

“Where? Tell me or else”

“Hayss. Ayaw ko sabihin magagalit ka eeh.”

“Hindi. saan?”

“Sige na nga, but promise me first. That you’ll never gonna be mad at me.”

“I’m still mad at you from this morning, dummy”

“Oh yeah….then promise me you will not gonna be more mad at me.”

“Yeah, yeah. Now tell me.”

“Naiwanan ko kasi yung project natin sa car eeh…”

“WHAT??! ow! napasigaw ako!

“Ms. Olivarez, what is it about this time?”

“Sorry Sir, `di na po mauulit.”

“Ba’t ka sumigaw?”

“Tae ka ba? Nasa kotse pa rin?”

“Hindi pa naman ako tapos kanina. Eto oh. Kinuha ko, i know kasi na mapapatay mo ko kapag hindi ko kinuha.” at ipinakita niya sa akin ang isang medium size box. idk. Basta hindi maliit, at hindi din masyadong malaki yung box.

“Buti at alam mo.”

“That’s all class. Enjoy yourselves!” at umalis na ng room si Sir.

“What? tapos na? Wala akong naintindihan.” i said. Well, anjan naman si Eli I’m sure nakinig siya.

“Haysss. Siguro kasi pinagpapantasyahan mo ako habang wala pa ako dito kaya hindi ka makapag-concentrate kanina noh.”

“Oye! Kapalmuks ka!”

“Ahahaha! Uuuy. Affected.”

“Tse!”

“Aminin mo na kasi. Love mo na ako.”

“In your dreamsss. ” at dinilaan ko siya. Haha!

“Asus, kunwari ka pa. Punta muna akong cafeteria.”

“Ano namang gagawin mo dun?”

“Bibili ng food.”

“Aaah. Bilisan mo aah” i said while waving my hands.

“I surely will, alam ko naman na hindi mo kayang mawala ako sa paningin mo eeh.”

“Ikaw talaga!!!! ” hahabulin ko na sana siya para mabigyan ng malutong-lutong na batok but too late, nakalayo na ang mokong.

“Aahahha” aba, at tumawa pa ng paglakas-lakas at tumingin sa akin at pinakitaan ako ng peace sign. Hindi uubra sa akin yan. You’ll be dead once you come back.

“Ches, can I talk to you?” a familiar voice asked to me at the back.

I just wish he feels the same way….. right here, right now…with me My heart beats faster and faster habang nakatitig ako sa kanya. Hindi ko na naramdaman `toh since then. Why? Why? Why him? And then he brokes the silence.

“Fav ko yung song…” he said joyfully. I guess hindi niya narinig yung sinabi ko

“Yeah.. ako din. Sakto no?.. Shooting star din “

Naupo siya dun sa upuan sa may terrace. huh? saan kaya nanggaling yun? di ko napansin yun kanina ahh.

“Want to have a sit?”

“Ah..Sure. Di ko napansin may upuan pala diyan “

“Siguro masyado ka lang humanga sa lmga stars ngayong gabi kaya hindi mo napansin”

“Juice?”

“Thanks. Nag-abala ka pa.” nice..nagdala pa talaga siya ng juice.

“Wala yun, you’re my visitor here. Dapat pagsilbihan. Ahsahgsaldjeuh —”

Hindi ko namaintindihan yung sinasabi niya. Hindi ko alam nakatulog na pala ako.

————————————————–
Lester’s POV:

“Wala yun, you’re my visitor here. Dapat kitang pagsilbihan. Sana nag-enjoy ka. Thanks for the time. Sana hindi ito yung huli. Kasi Ches, I think, nahulog na ko sayo..” I did it! nasabi ko rin! Yes!

Zzzzzzzz… huh? Napasandal na siya sa braso ko. Ngee? Nakapagtapat nga ako `di naman pala niya narinig. tsk . Pero mukhang pagod na pagod talaga siya sa mga ginawa namin sa mall. Hays.

“I’m sorry Ches, sige matulog ka na ng mahimbing. i love you “

—————————————————-
Ches’s POV:

time check: 10:25pm

“uhhh…huh?.. Where am I?” wait. room ko `toh aah? Paano ako napunta dito? Kung hindi ako nagkakamali natatandaan kong nandoon pa ako kina Lester then bigla ko nalang hindi maintindihan yung sinasabi niya. Oh, I get it, nakatulog ako. Pero paano ako napunta dito??? I hurriedly run downstaires.

“Yaya, paano ako nakauwi?” I asked yaya.

“May naghatid sayo dito Annie, classmate mo daw. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali Lester ang pangalan.”

“Ahh.. Anong sabi?”

“Sabi niya napagod ka daw siguro sa mall kanina kaya nakatulog ka. Infairness ahh Annie, ang gwapo!!” tsk. Yaya talaga, haha. Take note, with matching irit pa yung pagkasabi nya ng ‘gwapo’ huh.. ahaha

“Ano ba Yaya, kaw ha, nalandi ka. ” ahaha

“Tse, `di naman na pwede noh. Baka nga apo ko na yun eeh “

“Oh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! “

“Bakit?? Bakit??” natatarantang tanong ni Yaya.

“Eh kasi Yaya yung project namin hindi pa namin nagagawa, hindi pa nga kami nakakapag-simula eeh.”

“Bakit naman ganun?”

“Eh kasi dapat talaga magsisimula na kami eh nakatulog nga ako kaya….”

“Ahh. Oo nga pala. Nakalimutan ko. Sabi nga pala nung lalaking nagdala sayo dito siya na daw bahala sa project nyong iyon, and he apologize kasi masyado ka niyang pinagod sa mall.”

“Ahh. Ganun naman pala eeh.”

“Annie, may tumawag nga pala sayo, Henry daw. Sabi ko naman ko naman natutulog ka kasi napagod ka dun sa paggawa nyu ng project na hindi naman talaga nagawa at inihatid ka nalang ng classmate nyong si Lester ba yun.”

“What?!” ano ba `tong si yaya, ang chismosa naman ata.

“Bakit, may masama ba dun sa sinabi ko?” yeah.. duh??

“Wala, wala, anong oras ho tumawag?”

“10pm, sabi niya tataag daw siya ulit, if ever magising ka.”

“Okey, thanks yaya.”

“Gusto mo bang kumain Annie, pinaghanda kita, nandun sa kitchen.”

“Hindi yaya, nakakain na ako dun kina Lester, I’ll get something to drink nalang.” at kumuha nga ako ng isang basong tubig.

time check: 10:43pm

*rriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiingg* *rrriiiiiiiiinggg* *rrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinngg*

“Hello?”

“Hello Ches?”

“Oh Henry, bakit ka nga pala napatawag kanina?”

“Anung bakit, may ginawa bang masama sayo yung Lester na yun ha?”

“Wala, bakit mo naman iisipin yun?”

“ah—ehh— wala. geh see you nalang sa monday. bye!”

*tuuut* *tut* *tuuuut*

huh? Anong problema nun? Hay nako, lakas ng trip. Few minutes later my phone rang.

Now Playing:
Forget About Me by Little Bit
Calling: Unknown Number…..

“He–Hello?” tanong ko sa kabilang linya…

“Hey Ches! It’s me Lester!”

“Oh, Hi Les! Zup? Bakit ka napatawag?”

“Wala lang, gusto ko lang malaman kung nagisin ka ba oh hindi, well, I guess nagising ka kaya kita kausap”

“Well, obvious naman noh!”

“Ahaha!”

“Hey, about dun sa projcet, sorry talaga”

“Wag mo ng alalahanin yun, kaya ko naman ng gawin yun noh.”

“Sure ka?”

“Yup!, At kasalanan ko din naman kung bakit hindi mo ko matutulunga. Ahehe”

“Hay nako, ikaw kase eeh. Masyadong inosente pagdating sa mga mall, lahat gustong puntahan at ako naman parang nanay na habol ng habol”

“Ahaha!Ganun ba. Pasensya ka na ahh.”

“Wala yun, nag-enjoy din naman ako eeh”

*the kiss* ! naalala ko na naman yung halik na yun, Ches, burahin mo na yun tutal it looks like he doesn’t pay more attention to what had happend.

“Ako din, yun na pinakamagandang nangyari sa buhay ko. “

“Haha, loko. Naku baka maubos na load mo.”

“Wa! Oo nga. Tulog ka na din! Baka bukas you’re not beautiful anymore.”

“Ahaha, ewan sayo, di naman talaga ako ganun eeh! bleh! Gudnyt!”

“Sino nagsabi? Sige nyt-nyt na ches ko!”

*tuut* *tuut* tuut*
*Converstation ends*

What the?? Ches ko?? Anong ibig niyang sabihin dun?

————————————————————–

Monday

time check: 6:30am

“Bye yaya, aalis na ho ako, baka mahuli pa ako eeh” palakad na ako papuntang garahe ng may napansin ako familiar na car kaya sumilip muna ako sa gate.

“Good morning Ches!!” waaaa! Laking gulat ng bigla nalang sumulpot si Lester sa harapan ko.

“Anong ginagawa mo dito?!”

“Sinusundo ka”

“What? Sino naman nagsabing sunuin mo ko?”

“Ako, ahaha”

“Nice, sino nagbigay ng permiso?” nagtaray ako.

“Wa—wala. ” sabi niya sabay ng pagkalungkot ng mga mata niya.

“Hey, anong namang drama yan ha?”

“Eh kasi ayaw mo kong kasabay eeh “

“Ang isip bata mo naman. Ahaha”

“Payag ka na?” Tanong niya, at bumalik naman sa pagkasigla `tong lalaking `toh. Nakinang-kinang pa nga yung mga mata eeh. Ahaha.

“Hindi” at nalungkot naman siya.

“Ahaha, ikaw talaga. Sige na sasama na ko!”

“Talaga? Yhiepie!! Tara na! Kuya buksan mo na yung pintuan”

“Wait, kailangan ko munang magpa-alam kay Yaya, sasabihin kong magpapasundo nalang ako mamaya pag uwian na”

“Hep, hep hep, sino may sabing magpapasundo ka??” Aba ano ba `toh? kidnapping?

“At bakit naman po hindi??”

“Sabay tayong papasok ngayon, sabay din tayong uuwi, kaya magpa-alam ka na magandang binibini. “

“Payag ako?”

“Yup! Kakasabi mo lang kanina, at wala ng bawian! bleh ” at nilabasan naman ako ng dila ng loko.

“Hay nako. Daig mo pa yung aso ko sa kakulitan! Hmp!” At pumasok na ko para magpaalam.

3mins later…

“Halika na! Mahuhuli na tayo”

“Ikaw kasi pakipot ka pa kanina eh alam mo namang hindi mo kayang hindian ang aking ka-gwapuhan.”

“May saksakan pa ng mga appliances dito”

“Bakit?”

“Ang lakas ng hangin, parang may napakalaking electricfan”

“Ahaha, kaw talaga.”

“Ahaha, nako. Yabang mo, para naman sobrang gwapo eeh.”

“Bakit? Hindi ba?” Oh sh*t! ano ba `tong style niya na `toh, lagi nalang siya lumalapit.

“Ahh… You’re handsome. ” waaa! para akong na-hypnotized dun! Kainis!

“Gotcha! Ahaha! “

“Shut up! We’re here ” stepped out, kainis, hindi tuloy ako makatingin sa kanya ng diretso.

“Hey! Wait up! ” bahala ka jan. Pretend you don’t know him.

“What the he– “

“Easy, kaw kasi hindi mo ko hinihintay ” what the fvck! He placed his arm sa balikat ko.

“Stop it, get you hands off of me! “

“Chill, wala naman akong ginagawang masama ah “

“I’ll kill you ” nadoon na pala kami sa loob ng classroom.

“Easy baby, I’ll catch you up later ha. ” at tumakbo na siya palayo sa akin. Naramdaman sigurong may mangyayari sa kanyang masama.

“I’ll kill you pagbalik mo dito. I swear!” galit kong sabi papunta sa upuan ko.

“What’s up with them?”
“Ewan ko, sila na ata eh”
“Siya nalang lagi napapansin”
“Sinabi mo pa, what a flirt”

Narinig kong nagbubulungan yung mga babae sa `di kalayuan. Tsk. Bubulong na laang dun pa sa maririnig ko. Lumapit si Henry.

“Morning Ches!

“Hi Henry ” and I gave my sweet smile.

“Simula na ng Student Week ngayon, sana mag-enjoy ka”

“Yup, I will, surely, ikaw din.”

“I don’t kung ikaw pa rin siguro partner ko posible sana yun. ” At bumalik ulit siya dun sa mga boys.

Bakit ganon? Should I feel happy kasi nasasaktan ko siya? Bakit parang after all those years na nararamdaman ko ang pagkamuhi sa kanya bigla nalang nawala lahat. Should I forgive him, and forget about what happend? Should I, in able for me to move on? to move on with him? with Lester?

I looked straight in his eyes, his two brown eyes. For a moment there. Parang nag-fa-flashback yung nangyari samin this day. For a moment there, I believed that. Reality is better than any dream.

Nagbalik din ang pag-iisip ko mula sa kalawakan na pinanggalingan nito. I quickly push myself away from him. Napaupo ako sa di kalayuan. Oh no, don’t touch your lips Ches, don’t do it.

“omg….” yun nalang nasabi ko while slowly touching my lips. damn it. hindi ko napigilan.

“are you okay Ches?. I’m sorry, hindi yun ang binalak kong mangyari.”

“Let’s forget about it nalang. We better go, we still need to buy those materials. We’ve lost a lot of time.” I changed the topic. I don’t want to think about it anymore. I don’t right?

“Are you mad at me?”

“Lester, please. Forget about that thing. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” he may think that I’m such a snob. Well, go, he can think whatever he want to think. I don’t care.

“Okay, but I just want you to know that I’m sorry, really sorry.”

“It’s okay, not a big deal.”

He grabbed my right hand once again and went right away in the store where we can buy all those stuffs, or should I say get all of them?

“Good evening Mr. Hernandez” bati ng isang bodyguard nung store.

“How did he know your name? ” he didn’t respond. Nice talking.

“Hi Kaye, where’s Jane?” he asked to the saleslady.

“She is not here sir. But she said that you can take whatever you want. And she is sorry for not being able to stay to meet your girl.” ehem. did I heard it right?.. your girl?… His girl?? Is she talking about me?

“Ah ganun ba. Tell her it’s not a big deal. Meron pa namang ibang pagkakataon” he said.

“C’mon Ches, alam mo na ba lahat ng kailangan natin?”

“Yes…” yun lang nasabi ko kasi nangangapa pa rin ako sa mga nangyayari dito.

“Good. Pwede mo nang kunin lahat ng yun dito. I’ll wait by the counter.”

“Fine,..but.. wait!” I shouted habang palayo na siya.

“What?”

“Hindi mo lang ba ako i-u-update dito?”

“Update? About what?”

“About this store. Bakit kilala ka ng bodyguard? Ng saleslady? Sino yung Jane? Girlfriend mo?” sunod sunod ang tanong and I want answers!

“Whoa. Ang dami naman nun. Isa isa lang okay. Sorry. Nakalimutan kong sabi—”

“Ano? Bakit? Bakit?” excited akong malaman. sorry pero meron din naman akong konting chismis-genes sa body ko noh.

“Let me finish first.

“Okay, okay, I’ll zip my mouth “

“First this store is from my Mother, she gave it to my sister Jane Hernandez in case you don’t know her. Close ako sa kanya and I mostly stay here kapag may free time ako. We’re close. Very close to each other. She is my favorite sister kahit kami lang ang magkapatid. At dahil nga lagi akong tumatambay dito I learn to know the employees and my bond din kami. There, nasagot ko na ba mga tanong mo?”

“Aaaaah” isang napakahabang “aah” nalang ang nasagot ko. Grabeh. Ang yaman pala nila

“Now, pwede mo na bang kuhanin ang mga gamit? I’ll wait for you by the counter okay?”

“Yeaah. See ya.” yeaah right. mahilig palang mag-shopping ha. pero tamad kapag about sa school. Whatever

It took me 30 minutes, paano ba naman ang laki laki. And I still need to look for those materials. Kainis! At ayun siya nakikipaglandian dun sa mga salesladies. Wtf! Hindi man lang ako tulungan dito. ergh. Wait. Anu ba nga naman sayo kung nakikipagladian siya `di ba? You’re not his girlfriend and you’ll never be. argh. Nararamdaman mo lang yan kasi hindi ka niya tinutulungan.

Flashback:
“And she is sorry for not being able to stay to meet your girl.”

Damn! Pabalik balik sa akin yung sinabi nung babaeng yon. Kainis! Nakakairita na. And that kiss. Ano ba! erase! erase! ayaw na kitang maalala.

“Arrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!”

“Ches! Are you okay?” Ooops! Nasigaw ko pala Damn you Lester, ikaw may kasalanan nito eeh kung hindi mo ako hinila `di sana mapayapa pa rin ang utak ko ngayon.

“Sure.. I’m fine..”

“Are you really sure?” bakit ba ayaw mong maniwala?

“Yeah.. Tapos na nga pala ako. What time is it na nga pala?”

“6:20pm. It’s getting late. I think we should go home. We don’t have enough time” yeah right. Sino kaya nagyayayang maglakwatsa?

“Don’t think. We really should.”

“Well, what are you waiting for? Come on!”

And we run towards the counter. Pero hindi kami nagbayad. He waved goodbye sa mga saleslady. What a flirt

On the way home, hindi ko siya kinikibo. Siguro nagtataka siya. Ako din nagtataka. Bakit nga ba? Kahit sairli ko hindi ko maintindihan.

“Ches, is everything okay?” at ayun na nga. Nagtanong na siya.

“Yes..” sabi ko.. “I think ” pahabol ko pero ang hina lang at tumingin na sa window.

“May nagawa ba ko?”

“Of course not, I guess… I guess I’m just tired” yeah, pagod ka lang Ches, walang ibang dahilan. Pero, pero, pero nung makita ko siya kinakausap yung mga babae parang…parang may sakit?

“I’m so sorry”

“Why?” bakit siya nagso-sorry?

“Kasi hindi kita tinulungan kanina sa store, siguro kung tinulangan kita you’ll be less tired” hay nako. flirt ka kasi.

“Okay lang. Nakita ko namang masaya ka habang nakikipaglandian ka dun sa mga babaeng yun eeh ” omg! nasabi ko ba yun?? Oh snap! Baka isipin niya nagseselos ako.

“Oh i see… sorry, did I made you some kinda………………jealous? “

“What?? How dare you!” argh!! Ang tanga tanga mo talaga Ches!! bakit kasi sinabi mo yun eeh!

“Don’t worry, they’re nothing……….compare to you.” what did he just say? I’m blushing I turned my attention on the road baka makita pa niya ang pamumula ko.

——————————————————————————

7:00pm

“Aaah.. home sweet home.”

“Ahehe. Gagawin na ba natin ang project?”

“Hindi pa. I mean, hindi ka ba nagugutom Ches? Can we eat first? Pleaseeee. I’m sturbing. ” such a cute face. haysss. how can I resist!

“Okay, okay, pa-cute ka pa jan eeh.”

“Cute naman ako `di ba? Haha! “

“Ahaha! Kaw talaga, hipuin mo face mo kumakapal. “

“Ahahahaha! ” tumawa siya ng malakas then back to serious

“So, you don’t think I’m cute, huh?” i can’t say anything, palapit ng palapit ang mukha niya sa face ko.

“but, you do think I’m handsome.. right? Ahaha!” huh? akala ko iki-kiss na naman niya ako. Loko `toh aah. Ang presko. Pero infairness bagay naman.

“Ahaha! TH! (trying hard!)” I said. Naging serious na naman siya. He’s doing it again. Lumalapit na naman siya sa akin. As in sobrang lapit. I closed my eyes..

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Ah–ehh…nakakatakot ka kasi eeh!” wa! akala ko iki-kiss niya ako. Pinikit ko pa naman ang mga beautiful eyes ko.

“Ahaha! You’re expecting me to kiss you” well, yeah, you bastard.

“Of course not! How could you?! ” pagdadahilan ko alangan namang aminin ko noh.

“Ahaha. You’re blushing Ches, in case na hindi mo alam ” die Lester! gosh! pagtingiin ko sa salamin I’m all red! nakakahiya!

“Whatever “

“Let’s eat. ” kainis ka! I hate you!!!

———————————————————————-
Ang sarap…hays mas masarap pa sa luto ni Yaya. Ooops. Sorry Yaya.

“Pede na ba nating gawin yung project Lester, it’s getting late na and I still need to go home.” tanong ko pagkatapos naming makalayo sa hapag-kainan.

“Yup, our maid will show you my room. Doon ko pinalagay lahat ng gamit kasi doon tayo gagawa.”

“Oh…. Okay. Saan ka pupunta. “

“I need to go to the bathroom lang. Emergency!” Ahahaha! At ayun na nga siya. Mas mabilis pa ata sa kabayo kung tumakbo. Wahaha

“O—okay.. ahihih “

At inihatid na nga ako dun sa room niya. GAWD! It’s soo big! Mas malaki pa sa room ko. May plasma TV, may refrigirator, PS1, PS2 at PS3 at may Xbox din. May isang Mac computer beside his bed at meron naman Laptop katabi nung computer. I looked at the side table nasa ibabaw nito ang isang PSP at Nintendo DS. Haysss. Iba na talaga ang mayaman.
I looked outside the window, may terrace. Ang ganda ng view. You can see the stars. Ang gaganda nila.

“Ang ganda nila noh?” out of nowhere bigla nalang siyang sumulpot.

“Oo.. ang tagal na din nung huli ko silang pagmasdan. Siguro since nung natapos kami ni—–”

“Henry?” how did he know?

“Pa-paano mo nalaman?”

“There are rumors about you and Henry sa campus na meron kayong past, pero It has been never confirmed. But now I know.”

“Ah, ganon ba. Grabeh, ang dami talang makakati ang dila dun. “

“Anyway, change topic. Ano naiisip mo everytime nakakakita ka ng star?” he asked.

“Peter pan!! Ahaha!” Ahaha! I answered him without any hesitations.

“Ahahaha!! Ganon, fan ka pala ni Peter Pan!”

“Oo naman noh, ang gawapo kaya nya. Ahehe. And before nung nangyari about Henry and me, lagi kong hinahanap yung second star to the right. Pero as usual, alagi akong bigo ” haha, that’s true.

“Ahahah! Nakakatawa ka naman. Oh look! a shooting star! Let’s make a wish!”

“Wow! actually `di ako naniniwala sa mga yan. Pero pa-try nga”

*wish*wish*wish*

“Ano ni-wish mo Lester?”

“I wished that sana tumigil na ang oras ngayon, dito, kasama ka… “

“Silly, why wished for something that never gonna happen?” pero sa totoo lang, after that sentence lumakas ang tibok ng puso ko. *Dub-dub* *dub-dub*

“What about you Ches?” nagulat ako. Ano nga ba ang wish ko?…

“I wished that……that sana…..I can stay forever with the man I am here with……….right now”

At biglang nagpatugtog yung kapit-bahay nila.

I looked at him. His eyes, those soulful brown eyes that tells me that he won’t leave me, his lips that promises to sealed the kiss of love. Those hands that tells me that he will not ever let go.

I just wish he feels the same way….. right here, right now…with me

 Now Playing:
Drops of Jupiter

Tell me did you sail across the sun
Did you make it to the milky way to see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated

Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star
One without a permanent scar
And did you miss me while you were looking at yourself out there

Now that shes back from that soul vacation
Tracing her way through the constellation, hey, hey
She checks out mozart while she does tae-bo
Reminds me that theres time to grow, hey, hey

Now that shes back in the atmosphere
Im afraid that she might think of me as plain ol jane
Told a story about a man who is too afraid to fly so he never did land

Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back to the milky way
And tell me, did venus blow your mind
Was it everything you wanted to find
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken
Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know youre wrong
Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phone
Conversation
The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me

Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back toward the milky way

“I want you to meet my parents first before anything else kasi… “

speechless ako for a minute sa pagkagulat. He move closer to me and grabbed my hands and kissed them. I stared at him while doing that. I turned red. I know that . Pagkatpos nun tumingin nalang siya sa window at kinuha ang I-pod sa bulsa niya. Binigay niya sa akin ang isang pares ng earphone.

Now playing:
Crush by David Archuleta
 

Sapul ako sa lyrics. I don’t know why pero i felt something na hindi ko nararamdaman before everytime I listened to this song. Parang ngayon. Nag-iba ang lahat. It feels like something is change…..inside me.

Before I knew it nakatulog na pala ako.

“Ches..Ches.. wake up, we’re here.” urh?.. what happened?

“Waa! Sorry, `di ko sinasadya. ” gosh nakatulog pala ako sa mga hita niya. nakakahiya!

“Don’t worry, wala yun. I enjoyed watching you naman eeh ” huh…all this time pinapanood niya pala kung paano ako matulog!

“Sorry talaga. “

“Wala lang talaga yun, baba na tayo?”

“Sure, but wait…do you really think this is a good idea?” naguguluhan talaga ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko

“Of course, ngayon lang ako magdadala ng babae sa bahay kaya I’m sure matutuwa sila. ” what..????

“Ah….What????!” napasigaw ako. Ano bang iniisip nitong lalaking `toh??

“Pasensya ka na kung hindi ko nasabi before. But trust me, mababait sila. `Di sila nangangain.”

“Anong gagawin ko?.. Hindi ko alam! wa! Paano kung maging bad ang first impression nila sa akin??” wait a minute. Bakit nga ba ako nag-pa-panic? Hindi naman kame mag-syota aah

“Just be yourself. That’s enough. ” kung sabihin mo parang sobrang dali lang.

“Ok–okay..”

“Let’s go.. ” He holds my while we entered the super big door

“Ganito ba talaga sila kayaman? “

“Oo, nabigla na naman ba kita?” oh great. medyo napapadalas na pagkausap ko sa sarili ko aah.

“Ah..eh..Hindi naman……..masyado. “

“There they are. Mam, Pap! We’re here!”

“Oh hijo, nandyan na pala kayo. Kanina pa namin kayo hinihintay ng papa mo.” bati ng mama niya sa amin. She looks so young. Kung hindi niya sinigaw kinina na mama niya yun, malamang I would think na magkapatid lang sila.

“Hindi mo man lang ba kami ipapakilala sa napakagandang binibini na kasama mo ngayon anak?” asus naman. napakaganda daw. Anyways, his pap doesn’t looks so young katulad ng mam niya but siguro marami lang inaasikaso. Pero you can see na gwapo ang pap niya.

“Mam, Pad, this is Ches my classmate sa school. I decided to take her here para makilala ninyo siya in person. Doesn’t she looks great? What do you think Mam?” namamanhikan na ba ako ng hindi ko alam?

“She does son, I’m so glad that you’ve found a girl like her.”

“What’s your full name hija?” his dad asked me.

“I’m Francheska Anne Olivarez po.”

“Olivarez…hmm..sounds familiar don’t you think honey?” sabi ng mam ni Lester.

“Yes, hija, are you related with Eugenio Olivarez?”

“Yup sir, actually he’s my dad” paano nila nakilala dad ko?

“Really?? What a coincidence!”

“Why?” We both asked, Lester and me ofcourse.

“Hindi namin nakukwento sayo anak but Eugenio Olivarez is your pap’s bestfriend since gradeschool. Nagkahiwalay lang sila nung nag-migrate tayo sa Amerika, your still a baby that time.”

“Oh.. I see.” speechless pa rin ako.

“Napagbiruan nga namin na ipakasal ang magiging anak namin. hehe. Pero nawala ang kasunduan na yun kasi umalis tayo.” you’ve got to be kidding me?

“So hija ikaw na pala yung baby girl nila Eugene and Isabelle. Kamukhang kamukha mo ang mom mo. You’re both beautiful. How’s your mother by the way? I haven’t heard from here since then?”

“Wala na po siya eeh. She died from a sudden heart attack when I was just 4″

“Oh my god! I’m sooo sorry.”

“It’s okay lang po. My dad haven’t told me about his friends. Though he’s always on a business trip.”

“I see, just past the greetings to him a hija.” Lester’s pap said.

“Mam, Pap alis na po kami, kailangan pa naming pumunta sa mall ehh.”

“Okay son, be careful, ingatan mo din si Ches. Bye!” She gave us both a goodbye kiss.

“Okay ka lang ba Ches?”

“Yeaa.. Sanay na ko dun. At hindi mo naman pedeng sisihin ang parents mo kasi matagal din silang nawala. I’m okay, don’t worry yourself about me. “

“Ikaw ang bahala.”

——————————————
Mall

11:05am

“Shopping!!” whoa! is he really a boy? daig pa niya ako ahh.

“Excited ka ah. Hehe.”

“Haha. Hindi naman. Adik lang talaga ako pagdating sa mall. Weird? Yea I know. Kahit ako na-we-weirdan sa sarili ko eeh. Haha! Ikaw ba?”

“Ahh. Don’t mind me. I’m not like any other girl kasi na naglalagas ng pera sa mga malls.”

“I see, well, better get ready yourself this time. Haha “

“I will, mukang kailangan ko talaga ng energy because of you. Haha!”

“Sinabi mo pa! Tara na!” Hinila niya ako papunta sa escalator

Holding hands? hays… Nasanay na ata ako dito. Haha

“Saan natin bibilhin yung mga materials?” tanong ko sa kanya.

“Wag mo munang alalahanin yun. We still have a lot of time for that. For now, let’s just enjoy our time……………together.” ewan ko ba pero pagkatapos ng sentence na yun parang tumigil ang time. Siya lang ang nakikita ko, naririnig ko. Parang kami lang dalawa ang tao.
He kissed me on my forehead. Hindi ko alam kung bakit but feeling ko ang init init ng face ko nun.

“Ang cute mo talaga Ches!”

Hinawakan niya ulet ang kamay ko at tumakbo naman kami kung saan saan sa mall. We’ve been everywhere. Arcade, Shoe Store, Clothes, syempre kuain din kame noh then naggala na naman kami Stuffed Toys, he bought me an olifant stuffed toy, it’s so cute ayoko sanang kunin pero sabi niya pag hindi ko daw kinuha he’ll never talk to me again, ewan ko ba, nung sinabi nya yun bigla ko nalang hinigit yung olifant sa kamay niya, i don’t know why. Then  Jewelry Shop, Bookstore, at nag-ice skating din kami. Nakakahiya kasi hindi ako marunong.

“I can’t, natatakot ako.”

“Relax. Madali lang.”

“Waaaaaa! *booogooosh*!! at ayun na nga. nangyari na ang kinatatakutan ko.

“Are you okay?!”

“Aray, ang sakit. Sinabi ko naman sayo hindi ko kaya eeh ” he reach his hands and helped me to get up. I was about to cry nung hawakan niya ang baywang ko before I knew it sabay na pala kaming nag-i-skate. I looked at him staightly. He’s so damn handsome.Siya na ata ang dream guy ng mga babae.

“See, I told you hindi siya masyadong mahirap.” napatitig nalang ako sa kanya sabang sinasabi niya yun.

“Para sayo, oo kasi marunong ka na.” Inialis ko ang mga kamay niya sa baywang ko. Shet! Nawalan siya ng balanse at nadamay ako.

“A–aray.”

“Nasaktan ka ba?”

“Wa! Sorry! `Di ko sinasadya. promise. hindi ko binalak yun. I swear!” Laking gulat ko nalang nung nakita kong nakapatong pala ako sa kanya. OMG! Nakatingin sa amin yung ibang mga tao sa loob ng skating rink. What have I done??

“Easy. Wala kang kasalanan. Heheh. It’s an accident.”

“Pero, pero. Ikaw?.. Are you hurt? May masakit ba sayo? Nasugatan ka ba? Tell me!” Napa-praning na ako dun sa pag-aalala.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. Buo pa naman ang buong katawan ko. ” Ang bilis niyang nakatayo samantalang ako eh naka-ilang try na pabalik-balik parin ako sa pag upo.

“Tulungan na kita. Baka magsasara na `tong mall eeh hindi ka pa nakakatayo jan. Haha! “

“Pagtawanan ba daw ako. ” sinabi ko ang inirapan siya pagkatayo ko.

“Eto naman. Hindi ka na mabiro. Sorry na oh. “

“Sorry-hin mo jan muka mo! “

“Sorry na please. Ano gusto mo paulit ulit kong itumba sarili ko dito. Sabihin mo lang gagawin ko. Patawarin mo lang ako. Please. ” hindi ako kumibo narinig ko nalang *kabooogsh!* *kabooogsh!* omg! ginagawa nga niya!

“Hey, anung ginagawa mo! Nasisiraan ka na ba?!”

“Ayaw mo kong patawarin eeh. Sorry na. “

“Ano pa nga ba magagawa ko. Halika na nga.” iniabot ko ang mga kamay ko sa kanya para tulungan siya makatayo but.

“Waaaaaaaa!”

Pagkadilat ko ng mata ko.

I was shocked ng makita ko………………………………….magkapatong na pala ang mga labi namin.

I hung up the phone tonight
Something happened for the first time deep inside
It was a rush, what a rush

‘Cause the possibility
That you would ever feel the same way about me
It’s just too much, just too much

Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I’ve just got to know

Do you ever think when you’re all alone
All that we can be, where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it real or just another crush?

Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
‘Cause I’m trying and trying to walk away
But I know this crush ain’t goin’ away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
Goin’ away-ay-ay-ay-ayy

Has it ever crossed your mind
When we’re hanging, spending time girl, are we just friends?
Is there more, is there more?

See it’s a chance we’ve gotta take
‘Cause I believe that we can make this into something that will last
Last forever, forever

Do you ever think when you’re all alone
All that we can be, where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it real or just another crush?

Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
‘Cause I’m trying and trying to walk away
But I know this crush ain’t goin’ away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
Goin’ away-ay-ay-ay-ayy

Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I’ve just got to know

Do you ever think when you’re all alone
All that we can be, where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it real or just another crush?

Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
‘Cause I’m trying and trying to walk away
But I know this crush ain’t goin’ away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
This crush ain’t goin’ away

“Hindi ko alam kung ano `toh, pero I can feel na hindi magiging madali ang mga susunod na mangyayari.”

“huh?” boses galing sa likod ko… nsabi ko pala ng malakas. kala ko nasa isip ko lang.

“Waaaaa! ” napasigaw nalang ako sa pagkagulat.

“Waaaaa! ” si Ches. Nagulat din ata siya sa biglaan kong pagsigaw.

“Anong gigawa mo diyan?! ” tanong ko.

“Kanina pa kita tinatawag di mo ko naririnig!!” sagot niya,

“Bakit ka nasigaw?!”

“Eh bakit nasigaw ka din?!”

“ehem. Sorry. Nagulat lang ako.” whew. I hope hindi niya isiping weird ako.

“ahaha . You’re so cute kapag nagugulat ka pala.” ang cute ko daw!

“ehehehe.. ” i dunno anymore what to say.

——————–
Ches’s POV

huh?.. sayang naman. Sana sinabi niya ulet. Sarap pakinggan ee 

hmm… Asan na kaya yung mokong na yun. Magsisimula na ulit yung klase hindi pa rin nabalik.
Oh no, dumating na si Ma’am Santos.

“Good Morning class, please take your seats.” wala pa rin siya. Hanapin ko na kaya.

“Ah ma’am, excuse me po pero wala pa po yung new student, hindi pa siya bumabalik since kaninang recess. Should I look for me him, baka po kasi naligaw na.” I asked for permission.

“Okay Ms. Olivarez, you two should come back in 20 minutes.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I said and quickly run.

Ayun nahanap din kita. Ano kaya ginagawa niya dun. Nakatayong mag-isa.

“Lester!!” tinatawag ko parang hindi naman ako naririnig.

“Lester!!!!” aba, bingi ba sya?.. gwapo pa naman. tsk

Tumakbo na ko sa kanya at baka maubos na ang 20 minutes na binigay ni ma’am Santos.

“Hindi ko alam kung ano `toh, pero I can feel na hindi magiging madali ang mga susunod na mangyayari.”

“huh?” yun nalang ang nasabi ko kasi naman kahit isa wala akong naintindihan dun sa sinabi nya. Ang weird

“Waaaaa! ” bakit?? may sunog?? may sunog??

“Waaaaa! ” sobrang gulat ko sa pagkasigaw nya nahawa tuloy ako.

“Anong gigawa mo diyan?! “

“Kanina pa kita tinatawag di mo ko naririnig!!”

“Bakit ka nasigaw?!” ako ba dapat ang tanungin nyan?

“Eh bakit nasigaw ka din?!”

“ehem. Sorry. Nagulat lang ako.” yeaa right. pinagtitinginan na kami ng ibang class pati yung isang teacher nakatitig na sa amin.

“ahaha . You’re so cute kapag nagugulat ka pala.” nasabi ko bigla. eh totoo naman eeh

“ehehehe.. ” namula siya ng konti, napahiya yata. ahihih

“btw, nagsisimula na ulit yung klase wala ka pa kaya I suggested na hahanapin kita and dapat in 20 minutes nandun na tayo….” bago ko pa matapos yung sasabihin ko hinawakan na nya ang kamay ko at hinila ako, tumatakbo na pala kami.

“So we better get going ” with matching kindat pa. Nakakatunaw….

“Sorry Ma’am if I’m late.” he said nung pagkapasok namin sa room. Nakatingin lahat ng kaklase namin.. Bakit?

“Waa , let go of me!” nakalimutan ko hawak pa pala niya ang kamay ko. I looked at Henry, he looks so… pissed off?

“tsk, bago pa lang na-le-late na agad ” Henry said, mahina lang, pero narinig ko yun. Nagpaparinig ba siya kay Lester?

“25 minutes kayong wala Ms. Olivarez, akala ko ba I clearly said 20 minutes?”

“Sorry Ma—” di ko pa natatapos eh..

“It’s my fault ma’am. she have nothing to do with it.” hayss. so sweet

“Ayoko ng mauulit pa yon, understand? Umupo na kayo.” whew.

“Sorry for the troubles.”

“Wala yun, sa akin ka pinaubaya ni Sir kaya okay na yun. ” sabi ko sa kanya.

“Friends? “

“Friends.. ” nasagot ko nalang kasi nagsimula na si ma’am.

Friends??… Bakit ba ako nababagabag? Wala namang masama kung maging mag-kaibigan kami di ba? Pero hanggang dun nalang ba? Bakit parang gusto ko mas higit pa?

“Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnggggggggggg!” – Lunch Time!

“See yah!” I waved goodbye dun sa classmates kong uuwi sa mga bahay nila for lunch.

“Hi Ches, mukhang close na kayo nung hernandez na yun ah.” si Henry, anung kailangan niya at tinatanong nya sakin `toh?

“Ahh, oo ehh, hindi naman kasi siya mahirap pakisamahan, at nakita mo ba, ang gwapo kaya!” sagot ko sa kanya. haha Tignan natin ang reaksyon mo

“Ganun ba.. Geh, una na ko.” yess! tagumpay, nagseselos na siya. Kitang-kita ko yun. Feel the pain Henry. Embrace it!

I walked straight to the door. Naghihintay si Lester. Ooops Magkasabay nga pala kaming kakain. Muntik ko ng makalimutan.

“Shall we go?” he asked.

“Sure.” tumango ako at nagulat nalang ako ng hawakan niya bigla ang kamay ko at bago ko pa namalayan tumatakbo na naman kami. Ano `toh track and field?

We arrived in the cafeteria in no time. Ang bilis. Sobrang bilis ng pagtakbo namin. Hinahabol ko pa ang hininga ko ng sabihin nya.

“Sarap noh?.” huh?..anung masarap dun?

“Hehe. Hindi ako sana’y mag-excercise bago mag-lunch.” I said while still gasping for air.

“Ahaha. Pasensya ka na. Sige upo ka na lang diyan. Ako na kukuha ng lunch natin.” soooo gentleman.

“Tha–Thanks. ” alam kong namumula na ako. Buti nalang nakaalis na siya. whew.

Medyo mahaba ang pila kaya baka matagalan siya. Hmmm. Bakit ganito ang pakiramdam ko?
Kaya pala pinagtitinginan pala ako dito. hayss. Okey na sana ang moment ko kaya lang mga mata ng mga babae sa cafeteria nanlilisik parang gusto nila akong sabunutan. Alam ko na kung bakit. At alam ko rin na alam nyo rin kung bakit.

“I’m back. Sorry kung natagalan. Ang haba ng pila eeh.” okay lang my prince.

“No prob, ako pa nga dapat mag-sorry sa abala.”

“Wala yun, ako naman yung nagyaya eeh.” i looked at him straightly. God! He’s soooo handsome habang kumakain.

“Kain ka na rin.” ay nahuli na naman ako.

“Ye-yeaah, sure.”

“About sa expenses, wag ka ng mag-alala dun. Ako na bahala.”

“But it’s our project, dapat magbigay din ako ng contribu–”

“No need. We can get all the materials for free. Trust me “

“Are you sure?..But how?” I asked, nagtataka kasi ako kung paano.

“Malalaman mo din sa sabado.” bakit sa sabado pa?? Pabitin ka naman ee

“Okay.” yun nalang nasabi ko. Baka kasi sabihin niya ang kulit-kulit ko kasi tanong ako ng tanong. Kaya after that, I totally shutted my mouth off.

“What’s up between you and Henry?” nagulat ako sa tanong niyang yun. He looks so serious. Paano nya kaya nalaman?

“W–wa—wala. He’s just my friend, that’s all. ” and I smiled sweetly. Sana wala siyang mahalata.

“Okay, but do you think that maybe I offended him in some way na pedeng ikakulo ng dugo niya?” hindi ka nagkakamali .. haha

“I dunno… bakit?” nagkunwari akong walang alam.

“Ang init kasi ng mga mata niya sa akin eeh. Simula palang nung kay Sir hanggang sa lunch break.”

“Don’t mind him. Hindi kasi siya mahilig makipag-halubilo ng mabilis. Pero he’s really a nice guy. Malay mo maging bestfriend mo rin siya someday. “

“Tsk .. as if that thing would ever happen. “

“Don’t worry about it too much.. “

The rest fo the day went on just fine. No troubles.
Whew! It’s been a very loooooooooooooooong day.

————————————

The other days went on smoothly. Nararamdaman kong lalong nagseselos si Henry. But i can’t help to be happy as I am now.

Atlast! Saturday!

8:30am
“Tiriririnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggg!!”

“Waaaa!” napasigaw ako sa lakas ng alarm kong yun. Argh! Kailangan ko nga pala gumising ng maaga. Bakit kasi 10am eeh! Sobrang aga naman nun!

I ate breakfast and took a shower. It took me centuries bago ako makahanap ng susuotin ko. Teka, bakit nga ba ako nag-e-effort?

9:55am..

Wala parin…

10:00am

Beeep! Beeep!

Nice, talagang saktong 10am aah! haha! I quickly opened the door at tumakbo palabas ng gate. Nagpa-alam na ako kay yaya na sabihin kay dad na gagawa ako ng project sa bahay ng isa kong classmate. Look at that car!!

“Hey, good morning, sarap ba tulog mo?” nice, pambungad sa umaga, well, not bad for me.

“weh, paano naging masarap yung ang aga aga. “

“Hehe, We need to go to my house first then didiretso na tayo sa mall for the materials we need.”

“Sige” yun nalang nasabi ko.
 

“I want you to meet my parents first before anything else kasi… “