Date With The Arrogant

Date With The Arrogant
posted by chille016 (Jun 04, 2011 @ 1:05AM) views: 2080

�OMY! Nakita mo ba un Laine? My God. I�m gonna faint! He�s so strikingly handsome,
so interplanetary hot at napakacool nya!�
Haay. Sinasaniban na naman ng napakalanding espiritu ang aking malanding bestfriend

na si Chix. I just rolled my eyes. Sanay na ko na ganyan sya palagi. Everytime na
makakakita ng lalaking gwapo, lumalaglag ang panty, nagkakaroon ng kislap ang mga
mata at tumutulo ang laway.
�Chix ano ka ba naman, pang-ilang lalaki na ba yang dinedescribe mo ah. Ganun ba

kagwapo ang mga lalaki dito at minu-minuto na lang na puro ganyan ang sinasabi mo.�
I said as I sip my iced tea. Break kasi namin at nandito kami ngayon sa cafeteria.
�KJ ka talaga kahit kailan noh? But seriously Laine, sobrang gwapo talaga nya.
Kamuka nya si Hyun Bin!�
OMYGOD! Si Hyun Bin? As in si Kim Joo Won ng Secret Garden? At si Cyrus ng My Name
Is Kim Sam Soon? Did I hear it right? Kamuka daw ni Hyun Bin? Hyun Bin? Hyun Bin?
�HYUN BIN? Ang mahal kong si Hyun Bin?! Waaaaahhh. Asan sya Chix? Sabihin mooooooo!
Sabihin mooooo!� Sabi ko habang niyuyugyog ko ang balikat nya. Kailangan ko
talagang makita ang Filipino version ni Hyun Bin!
�Te-teka naman Laine. Nasasaktan ako.� Reklamo ni Chix.
�Ah sorry. Nadala lang ako ng hormones ko.� Sabi ko sakanya tsaka ko sya binitawan.
�Sipain kita dyan eh. Ang sama mong bestfriend. Grabe, ang lakas talaga ng tama mo
sa Koreanong un. Kahit Filipino version, susunggaban mo talaga noh?�
�Naman bes, alam ko namang kahit kailan di mapapasakin si Hyun Bin. Kasi naman,
magkalayo kami tapos kasing ganda ba naman ni Song Hye Kyo ung naging ex nya diba?
Ano na lang panama ko dun kung magkita kami diba? Tsaka sobrang sikat pa sya,
madami akong kaagaw pag nagkataon.� I sighed. (A/N: Song Hye Kyo � the girl in
Endless Love and Full House.)
�Tama na nga yang drama mo, napakabaduy mo. Buti na lang di ako nagmana sayo� Sabay
irap nya.
�STFU! Hahaha. Tama na nga yang paligoy ligoy mo. Asan ba kasi si Filipino Hyun
Bin?�
�Wala na sya eh. Umalis na sya dito kasama ung mga hot friends nya. Actually,
habang nagdadrama ka jan, palabas na sila ng cafeteria.�
�WHAT? Bat di mo sinabi agad! Ahhhhhhh! Kainis ka naman Chix eh. Hmppp!
Haaayyyyy. Sa laki ng school natin, makikita ko pa ba sya? Ayyyy nakakaasar ka
talaga!�
Haaayy. Sayang talaga! Nakakainis talaga tong bestfriend ko kahit kelan. T.T
�Eh pano naman kasi nagmomonologue ka pa kanina. Feeling mo naman kasi artista ka.�
Ang sama talaga nya. Ba�t ko ba sya nagging bestfriend?
�Chix naman eh!�
�O sige na nga, habulin natin sila. Baka maabutan pa natin kasi medyo kaalis pa
lang naman nila eh.�
�YAY sige sige. Tara na! Bilisan mo Chix baka di natin sila makita! Bilisss! Go Go!
� I said as I packed my things. Hinila ko na din si Chix para maabutan ko si Hyun
Bin look-alike.
Tumakbo na kami ni Chix hoping na makita namin sya. I really wanna see him. Really.
Sana lang totoo tong sinasabi ng bestfriend ko na kamuka nga sya ng ultimate crush
ko.
�Teka, ano bang suot nya Chix? Para mas madali natin syang makita. Nakasparkling
tracksuit ba sya? Ano?�
�Sira ka talaga. Sparkling tracksuit ka dyan? Hahahah. Basta nakablue shirt sya.�
Blue? Hindi kaya destiny na ito? Favorite color ko ang blue. )
Inabot na kaming 30 minutes pero wala pa din kaming nakikita kahit anino ng isang
gwapong nakablue shirt. Pawis na din kami ni Chix kakatakbo at dahil na din sa
sobrang sikat ng araw. Oh no. Hindi ako pwedeng sumuko! Kailangan ko syang makita!�
�Laine. Pagod na ko.� Sabi ni Chix habang nakahawak sa chest nya at humihingal.
�Mamaya na lang natin sya hanapin. Pagod na ko. Di ko na kaya. Ang init init pa oh.
Tsaka malapit na din ung klase ko.�
Oo nga pala. May kanya kanya pa pala kaming klase. Di naman ako pwedeng umabsent
dun dahil first day pa lang naman ng klase. Siguro naman kung talagang tinadhana
kaming magkita ni Mr.Blue-slash-Filipino Hyun Bin, makikita at makikita ko sya,
diba?
�Haayy o sige na nga. Basta pag nkita mo ulit sya Chix, text mo ko ha? Wag mo na
syang pawawalain sa paningin mo ha?�
�Haaayy naku Laine. You�re hopeless. Oh sige na, malapit na ung next subject ko.
Bye na� She gave me a peck on my cheek.
�Okay. Bye.�
Pumunta na ko sa klase ko kahit medyo mabigat pa ang dibdib ko dahil nga hindi ko
sya nakita. Kailangan ko pang maglakad ng medyo mahaba haba dahil napalayo ako
dahil sa kakahanap namin kay Mr.Blue-slash-Filipino Hyun Bin. Ano kayang panagalan
nya? Masyado naman kasing mahaba kung Mr.Blue-slash-Filipino Hyun Bin ang itatawag
ko sa kanya. O sige na nga Mr.Right na lang para mas maikli.
After a decade, narating ko din ang room ko. Mangilan-ngilan pa lang ang tao sa
room. Medyo maaga pa din pala. Umupo ako sa dulo ng room. Since first day lang
naman, wala pa kong kakilala. Loner muna ko ngayon. Nakinig na lang ako ng music
habang naghihintay ng teacher.
Medyo madami na ding pumapasok sa room. Tahimik nga eh. Sabagay, first day pa lang
naman. Wala pang masyadong magkakakilala. Di nagtagal, dumating na din yung
professor namin. Uh oh. Bading. Mukang terror na bading ang Prof namin.
Nagdisscuss lang sya ng mga rules and regulations.
�And lastly, pinaka ayoko ang nalelate sa klase ko. Kung di kayo susunod sa rules
ko, the door would be widely open. Understand? And before we start our class,
introduce yourselves first.�
Ayy nakoooo. Eto na naman ung boring na introduce yourselves.
�I�m Allaine Santos, 18 years old. Blah blah blah.� After I introduced myself,
bumalik na ko sa upuan ko. Ako ung last na nagintroduce since ako ung nasa
pinakadulo ng room. Paupo pa lang ako sa upuan ko nang biglang may nagbukas ng
pinto. Ang lakas ng pagkakabukas nya kaya nagulat din yung Prof namin. Grabe, ang
yabang naman nun.
My jaw dropped when I saw the man entering the room. OH. MY. GOD.
Strikingly handsome.
Interplanetary hot.
Blue shirt.
Hyun Bin.
My Prof was also stunned when he saw him. As in. His mouth�s open. And finally, he
spoke. �You�re 30 minutes late. I won�t allow that in my class. Pero dahil first
day naman, I�ll give you a chance. Be sure not to be late next time, okay?�
Kunwari pa tong Prof namin, siguro kung hindi ganyan kagwapo yung nalate. Baka
malamang eh hindi na papasukin sa classroom. Tss. Ang ingay pati ng mga classmates
kong babae, mga kinikilig din.
�Yes, Sir.�
Gosh! Pati yung boses nya, nakakakilig. He�s voice is really manly. And hot. Oh no.
Nahahawa na ko kay Chix ng kalanturan.
�Okay. Introduce yourself first.� Si Prof na parang medyo kinikilig kilig pa.
Bruhang to, aagawan pa yata ako.
Ano kayang pangalan nya? My goodness. Nalove at first sight ata ako. I stare
dreamily at him. Kung ganito ba naman kagwapo ang tititigan ko, kahit mabulag ako
sa pagtitig sa kanya, ayos lang sakin.
�I�m---�
�Kilala na kita. Ikaw ang Mr. Right ko.�
Natahimik bigla ang klase.
Huh? Nakatingin sila sakin. Bakit kaya?
�Mr. Right?� Tanong ng isa kong classmate na babae.
OH NO! Patay! Did I just say that out loud? Waaahhhhh. Nakakahiya. Stupid me! Die
Allaine. Die.
He looks at me with sa big smirk on his face.
While I wanna die in humiliation right now.

Date With The Arrogant
�OMY! Nakita mo ba un Laine? My God. I�m gonna faint! He�s so strikingly handsome,
so interplanetary hot at napakacool nya!�
Haay. Sinasaniban na naman ng napakalanding espiritu ang aking malanding bestfriend

na si Chix. I just rolled my eyes. Sanay na ko na ganyan sya palagi. Everytime na
makakakita ng lalaking gwapo, lumalaglag ang panty, nagkakaroon ng kislap ang mga
mata at tumutulo ang laway.
�Chix ano ka ba naman, pang-ilang lalaki na ba yang dinedescribe mo ah. Ganun ba

kagwapo ang mga lalaki dito at minu-minuto na lang na puro ganyan ang sinasabi mo.�
I said as I sip my iced tea. Break kasi namin at nandito kami ngayon sa cafeteria.
�KJ ka talaga kahit kailan noh? But seriously Laine, sobrang gwapo talaga nya.
Kamuka nya si Hyun Bin!�
OMYGOD! Si Hyun Bin? As in si Kim Joo Won ng Secret Garden? At si Cyrus ng My Name
Is Kim Sam Soon? Did I hear it right? Kamuka daw ni Hyun Bin? Hyun Bin? Hyun Bin?
�HYUN BIN? Ang mahal kong si Hyun Bin?! Waaaaahhh. Asan sya Chix? Sabihin mooooooo!
Sabihin mooooo!� Sabi ko habang niyuyugyog ko ang balikat nya. Kailangan ko
talagang makita ang Filipino version ni Hyun Bin!
�Te-teka naman Laine. Nasasaktan ako.� Reklamo ni Chix.
�Ah sorry. Nadala lang ako ng hormones ko.� Sabi ko sakanya tsaka ko sya binitawan.
�Sipain kita dyan eh. Ang sama mong bestfriend. Grabe, ang lakas talaga ng tama mo
sa Koreanong un. Kahit Filipino version, susunggaban mo talaga noh?�
�Naman bes, alam ko namang kahit kailan di mapapasakin si Hyun Bin. Kasi naman,
magkalayo kami tapos kasing ganda ba naman ni Song Hye Kyo ung naging ex nya diba?
Ano na lang panama ko dun kung magkita kami diba? Tsaka sobrang sikat pa sya,
madami akong kaagaw pag nagkataon.� I sighed. (A/N: Song Hye Kyo � the girl in
Endless Love and Full House.)
�Tama na nga yang drama mo, napakabaduy mo. Buti na lang di ako nagmana sayo� Sabay
irap nya.
�STFU! Hahaha. Tama na nga yang paligoy ligoy mo. Asan ba kasi si Filipino Hyun
Bin?�
�Wala na sya eh. Umalis na sya dito kasama ung mga hot friends nya. Actually,
habang nagdadrama ka jan, palabas na sila ng cafeteria.�
�WHAT? Bat di mo sinabi agad! Ahhhhhhh! Kainis ka naman Chix eh. Hmppp!
Haaayyyyy. Sa laki ng school natin, makikita ko pa ba sya? Ayyyy nakakaasar ka
talaga!�
Haaayy. Sayang talaga! Nakakainis talaga tong bestfriend ko kahit kelan. T.T
�Eh pano naman kasi nagmomonologue ka pa kanina. Feeling mo naman kasi artista ka.�
Ang sama talaga nya. Ba�t ko ba sya nagging bestfriend?
�Chix naman eh!�

�O sige na nga, habulin natin sila. Baka maabutan pa natin kasi medyo kaalis pa
lang naman nila eh.�
�YAY sige sige. Tara na! Bilisan mo Chix baka di natin sila makita! Bilisss! Go Go!
� I said as I packed my things. Hinila ko na din si Chix para maabutan ko si Hyun
Bin look-alike.
Tumakbo na kami ni Chix hoping na makita namin sya. I really wanna see him. Really.
Sana lang totoo tong sinasabi ng bestfriend ko na kamuka nga sya ng ultimate crush
ko.
�Teka, ano bang suot nya Chix? Para mas madali natin syang makita. Nakasparkling
tracksuit ba sya? Ano?�
�Sira ka talaga. Sparkling tracksuit ka dyan? Hahahah. Basta nakablue shirt sya.�
Blue? Hindi kaya destiny na ito? Favorite color ko ang blue. )
Inabot na kaming 30 minutes pero wala pa din kaming nakikita kahit anino ng isang
gwapong nakablue shirt. Pawis na din kami ni Chix kakatakbo at dahil na din sa
sobrang sikat ng araw. Oh no. Hindi ako pwedeng sumuko! Kailangan ko syang makita!�
�Laine. Pagod na ko.� Sabi ni Chix habang nakahawak sa chest nya at humihingal.
�Mamaya na lang natin sya hanapin. Pagod na ko. Di ko na kaya. Ang init init pa oh.
Tsaka malapit na din ung klase ko.�
Oo nga pala. May kanya kanya pa pala kaming klase. Di naman ako pwedeng umabsent
dun dahil first day pa lang naman ng klase. Siguro naman kung talagang tinadhana
kaming magkita ni Mr.Blue-slash-Filipino Hyun Bin, makikita at makikita ko sya,
diba?
�Haayy o sige na nga. Basta pag nkita mo ulit sya Chix, text mo ko ha? Wag mo na
syang pawawalain sa paningin mo ha?�
�Haaayy naku Laine. You�re hopeless. Oh sige na, malapit na ung next subject ko.
Bye na� She gave me a peck on my cheek.
�Okay. Bye.�
Pumunta na ko sa klase ko kahit medyo mabigat pa ang dibdib ko dahil nga hindi ko
sya nakita. Kailangan ko pang maglakad ng medyo mahaba haba dahil napalayo ako
dahil sa kakahanap namin kay Mr.Blue-slash-Filipino Hyun Bin. Ano kayang panagalan
nya? Masyado naman kasing mahaba kung Mr.Blue-slash-Filipino Hyun Bin ang itatawag
ko sa kanya. O sige na nga Mr.Right na lang para mas maikli.
After a decade, narating ko din ang room ko. Mangilan-ngilan pa lang ang tao sa
room. Medyo maaga pa din pala. Umupo ako sa dulo ng room. Since first day lang
naman, wala pa kong kakilala. Loner muna ko ngayon. Nakinig na lang ako ng music
habang naghihintay ng teacher.
Medyo madami na ding pumapasok sa room. Tahimik nga eh. Sabagay, first day pa lang
naman. Wala pang masyadong magkakakilala. Di nagtagal, dumating na din yung
professor namin. Uh oh. Bading. Mukang terror na bading ang Prof namin.
Nagdisscuss lang sya ng mga rules and regulations.
�And lastly, pinaka ayoko ang nalelate sa klase ko. Kung di kayo susunod sa rules
ko, the door would be widely open. Understand? And before we start our class,
introduce yourselves first.�
Ayy nakoooo. Eto na naman ung boring na introduce yourselves.
�I�m Allaine Santos, 18 years old. Blah blah blah.� After I introduced myself,
bumalik na ko sa upuan ko. Ako ung last na nagintroduce since ako ung nasa
pinakadulo ng room. Paupo pa lang ako sa upuan ko nang biglang may nagbukas ng
pinto. Ang lakas ng pagkakabukas nya kaya nagulat din yung Prof namin. Grabe, ang
yabang naman nun.
My jaw dropped when I saw the man entering the room. OH. MY. GOD.
Strikingly handsome.
Interplanetary hot.
Blue shirt.
Hyun Bin.
My Prof was also stunned when he saw him. As in. His mouth�s open. And finally, he
spoke. �You�re 30 minutes late. I won�t allow that in my class. Pero dahil first
day naman, I�ll give you a chance. Be sure not to be late next time, okay?�
Kunwari pa tong Prof namin, siguro kung hindi ganyan kagwapo yung nalate. Baka
malamang eh hindi na papasukin sa classroom. Tss. Ang ingay pati ng mga classmates
kong babae, mga kinikilig din.
�Yes, Sir.�
Gosh! Pati yung boses nya, nakakakilig. He�s voice is really manly. And hot. Oh no.
Nahahawa na ko kay Chix ng kalanturan.
�Okay. Introduce yourself first.� Si Prof na parang medyo kinikilig kilig pa.
Bruhang to, aagawan pa yata ako.
Ano kayang pangalan nya? My goodness. Nalove at first sight ata ako. I stare
dreamily at him. Kung ganito ba naman kagwapo ang tititigan ko, kahit mabulag ako
sa pagtitig sa kanya, ayos lang sakin.
�I�m---�
�Kilala na kita. Ikaw ang Mr. Right ko.�
Natahimik bigla ang klase.
Huh? Nakatingin sila sakin. Bakit kaya?
�Mr. Right?� Tanong ng isa kong classmate na babae.
OH NO! Patay! Did I just say that out loud? Waaahhhhh. Nakakahiya. Stupid me! Die
Allaine. Die.
He looks at me with sa big smirk on his face.

While I wanna die in humiliation right now.
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Three

posted by chille016 (Jun 17, 2011 @ 5:18PM) views: 2072
Chapter Three
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Operation Pagpapansin Kay Mr. Right:
Sa totoo lang, madali lang naman magpapansin eh. Gawain ko na yan, high school pa
lang ako. Wahahaha! Ang kailangan mo lang: Isang malupet na strategy, lakas ng
loob, at syempre tigas ng mukha.
Pero syempre may mga rules pa din dapat. Hindi naman natin dapat masyadong karirin
ng bonggang bongga ang magpaka-KSP. What I mean is dapat, poise pa din tayo mga
girls. Wag masyadong magpaka-OA at wag masyadong ipahalatang nagpapansin tayo. You
know, we still need to be calm and cool. ^-^ Ayaw kasi masyado ng mga lalaki ang
mga babaeng OA. Alam nyo un, ung parang lahat gagawin mo mapansin ka lang nya,
ultimo kumain ka ng botchang bangus sa harap nya. That�s so not cool.
Kaya ang dapat muna nating gawin:
1. Know all the important details about him. His talents, hobbies and such.
Andito ko ngayon sa bahay. Nagsusurf sa net. I�m researching about my Mr. Right.
Para di naman ako clueless tungkol sa pagkatao nya diba? Pero tae lang, may
problema eh. Finn lang ang alam ko sa kanya.
Badtrip talaga oh! Tawagan ko na nga lang si Chix. Malakas naman kapit nyan sa
student council eh, kapatid nya kasi ung president. Baka makakuha ko ng mahalagang
impormasyon.
*Riiinnnggg riinnggg*
�Oh bruha bakit?�
�Makabruha ka naman dyan! Oi tanong mo nga kay Kuya Marc ung information about kay
Finn. Tanong mo kung ano surname nya. Bilisan mo!�
�May utusan ka? Finn na naman? Patay na patay talaga oh.�
�Tae naman to oh. Apakaarte. Tanong mo na bilissss!� Sweet naming magbestfriend

noh?
�Oo na teka. Istorbo ka talaga. Text ko na lang sayo. Sige na.�
�Thanks bes! I love you talaga. Hahaha babye! Text mo ha!�
�Oo na!�
After 5 minutes..
*Myunja wasseong. Myunja wasseong*

Cute ng message alert tone ko noh? Message alert tone yan ni Ra Im/Jamie sa Secret
Garden. Muahahaha. Pasensya na, adik eh.
From: ChixLantod
?Oi tae. Finnicio Jaime Di-maguiba ung full name nya. Wahahaha! Joke lang. Panget
nun kung yun pangalan nya noh. Nakakaturn-off. Lol. Finn James Dela Cruz. Yan.
Libre mo kong lunch tomorrow! Utang mo sakin yan.
Tae talaga tong si Chix. Hahahaha. Puro kalokohan alam eh.
I replied.
K. Hahaha. Thx bes. Labyowzzz!
Sent!
Finn James Dela Cruz. Search muna sa FB. Yun meron! Pero hindi sya ung nasa profile
pic nya.
Scribble ng gitara ung picture. Hmm. Gitarista siguro sya. Okay, isang magandang
sign. Mahilig din ako mag gitara bukod pa sa napakaganda ng boses ko. Muahahaha.
Likes: Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers, The Script, Eraserheads, Dan Brown, Megan Fox,
Doraemon, Dragonball.
So, mahilig sya sa basketball at music lover din sya, particularly alternative
rock. Tapos Megan Fox? Duhh. Ang pangit kaya ng thumb nun. Hahah. Hilig talaga ng
mga lalaki sa sexy. Tss. Doraemon? Hahah ang cute! Parang bata lang. Pati
dragonball.
?Lalo tuloy akong nahuhulog ang puso ko! Hahaha.
Nagbrowse pa ko ng mga photos nya, pero kadalasan puro scribbles, gitara at cartoon
character ang pics. Isa lang ang nakita kong picture na nandun sya, class picture
siguro nila nung high school. In fairness, ang cute din ng mga classmates nyang
guys.
May nakaprivate photos sya. Tss. Nagupload pa sya kung ipaprivate lang din naman
pala nya. Nasaan naman ang logic dun? Duhhell.
Best Summer of My Life ung name ng album na yun. Ano naman kaya laman nun? Hmm.
Intriguing. Baka naman kasama nya yung family nya or barkada. Pero bakit naman
ipaprivate pa nya? Baka naman� girlfriend? Oh no!
Pero, single yung nakalagay sa profile nya eh. Tama, hindi sya pwedeng
magkagirlfriend. Ako lang dapat!
Wala nang masyado pang info ang nakalagay sa FB nya. Pati ba naman birthday nya,
hindi nya nilagay? Bayon! Napakaprivate naman nyang tao, sana di na lang sya gumawa
ng account sa facebook noh?
---
Kinabukasan�
Nakatambay kami ni Chix ngayon sa cafeteria, hoping na maispatan namin si Finn

dito.
�Hoy Laine.�
�Oh ano?�
�May naiisip ako!� Sabi nya habang hawak-hawak ang baba nya na akala mo talagang
nagiisip.
�Ano na naman yang iniisip mo?� I said as I look at her. Yung tipong ows-talaga-
may-naiisip-ka look.
�Wala lang, ang cute kasi ng pangalan ni Finn. Kapangalan nya pa si Finn Hudson
ko.�
�Finn Hudson?� Kunot-noo kong tanong sa kanya.
�Ayy engot! Yung nasa Glee!�
Kung ako mahilig sa mga Korean dramas or movies, si Chix naman, hilig nyan ang
Glee. Playlist nyan, puro Glee. Ultimo notebook at t-shirt puro Glee. Hay nako
sobrang adik.
�Yak! Glee.� Asar ko sa kanya. Hahaha. Pikon kasi yan lalo na pag glee na ang
pinaguusapan. Masyado nyang pinapahalagahan ang baduy na parang high school musical
na yun.
�Kesa naman sayo, mas baduy ka! Hilig hilig mo sa mga Korean echos na yan. Para
naman naiintindihan mo yung mga sinasabi nila. Kulang na lang, magsisigaw ka ng
OPPA! OPPA! Hay naku. Apakabaduy!� Sabi nya, tapos yung expression nya parang
diring diri. Grr. Ang kapal!
Lilinawin ko lang, oo mahilig ako sa mga Korean movies at drama na yan. Ehh
nakakakilig kasi yung mga eksena dun eh. Tapos ang ga-gwapo pa ng mga lead actors,
nakakainlove! Pero, hindi naman ako mahlig sa mga k-pop k-pop na yan. Suss. As if
naman kasing maiintindihan ko mga lyrics nila. Asan na lang ang sense nun kung
imememorize mo pa diba? Tapos ginaya pa ng mga pinoy. Nakuu, pag nga nakikita ko
sila sa TV, naglilipat agad ako ng channel eh. Hahaha.
Bago pa kami tuluyang magkapikunan ni Chix, pumunta na kami sa mga klase naming at
napagdesisyunan na magkita na lang kami after class.
---
Mabilis na natapos ang klase. Di naman kasi ako nakikinig eh, nagsscribble lang ako
ng kung anu-ano sa notebook ko. Yan ang estudyante!
Tinext ko na agad si Chix na pumunta sa Gazebo. May mga maliliit na kubo kasi dun,
isa sa mga kubong yun ang tamabayan naming. Bukod sa presko at malamig dun, madami
ka pang maiispatang grupo ng lalaki. Puro mga gwapo. Si Chix ang nakadiscover ng
tamabayang yun, malakas kasi radar nyan pag gwapo ang pinaguusapan.
Nauna na ko dun sa may tamabayan namin. Pero suddenly, a good voice caught my
attention. Yung kubo kasi na tinatambayan namin malapit sa Music Auditorium.
Syaaaaks! Ang ganda ng boses nung kumakanta! Tapos ang ganda pa ng kanta.
But we�re gonna start by drinking old cheap bottles of wine

Sit talking up all night
Doing things we haven�t for a while, a while yeah
We�re smiling but we�re close to tears
Even after all these years
We just now got the feeling that we�re meeting
For the first time
For The First Time ng The Script. Dahil may dugong tsimosa ako, pumunta ko sa Music
Audi para tingnan kung sino yung kumakanta. Binuksan ko ng kaunti yung pinto para
makasilip.
At napanganga ako nang makita ko kung sino yung kumakanta. Si FINN! Hallaaah. Asan
ba yung puso ko? Biglang nalaglag eh. Waaah! Ang cute nya tuloy lalo. :3 Tapos
sobrang cool nya, sya pa yung nagigitara.
Oh these times are hard

And they�e makin� us crazy
Give up on me baby
Bale tatlo silang nasa auditorium. Isang banda sila. At infairness, ang gwapo ng
drummer at bassist. Siguro may kulang pang isa, may isa pa kasing gitara dun eh.
Wala yung lead guitarist nila.
Nanatili lang akong nakasilip dun sa pinto, yung tipong parang isa kong secret
agent na nagmamanman sa mga sindikatong iniimbestigahan ko. Sobrang ganda talaga ng
boses nya. Nakahypnotize. Syyeetness! Ang galing ni Finn! Hindi ako nagkamaling sya
ang pinili kong mag may-ari ng puso ko. Hahaha. The way he strums his guitar, the
way he sings as if nobody�s watching, he�s so perfect to my eyes. Haayyy.
Sobrang----
�HOY!�
�AYY shet ng kabayo!� Waaahh. Sobra naman manggulat yun. Napahawak ako sa chest ko
dahil sa gulat. Magugulatin pa naman ako. Tumingin ako sa kung sinumang Poncio
Pilatong naggulat sakin. Tawa pa sya ng tawa. �Oi salamat sa panggugulat ah?� Sabi
ko habang hawak kopa din ang dibdib ko.
�HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Nice one. You should�ve seen you face! HAHAHAHAHA!� Tss ambaet
nya ah. Nanggulat na nga, pinagtawanan pa ko.
�Eh?� sabi ko with a confusd look, wagas kasi kunh makatawa eh. Babaw ng
kaligayahan.
Nang mahimasmasan na sya sa pagtawa, nun ko lang napansin ng maigi yung mukha nya.
Owshhheeet na malagkit! Ang gwapo ni Koya! OMG! Kamukha nya si Gong Yoo labiduds,
yung nasa Coffee Prince!
Wahehe. Joke lang! OA naman masyado kung kamukha nya yun diba? Sana nagging
�Allaine featuring all Filipino look-alikes fo her favorite Korean actors� na lang
yung title ng istoryang to. Hahahaha!
Pero sa totoo lang, gwapo talag tong si Koyang nanggulat. Maputi, matangos ang
ilong, sobrang ganda ng lips, kissable! At uhm, katawan pa lang. Hahahahahah.
Sounds manyak eh noh?
Ang swerte ko naman, apat na naggagwapuhang lalaki ang nakita ko in one day.
Ahhhhh! This is life!
�Miss, tama na ang pagtitig, baka malusaw ang muka ko nya.� Sabi sakin ni Koya. Ayy
nyemas. Napatitig na pala ko sa kanya.
�Ayy sorry ah? Naengkanot kasi ko ng kagwapuhan mo eh.� Hohoho. Wala ng hiya hiya
to!
�Hahaha. Ganun ba? Okay lang yan, sanay na ko sa mga ganyang reaksyon.� He smirked.
Ang hangin din netong si koya ah. He continued, �pero alam mo Miss. The feeling is
mutual. Para nga din akong nakakita ng anghel eh. Siguro, geometry ang favorite
subject mo, kasi kahit anong angle ang cute mo eh.�
Yess. Ayos ang pick-up line ni Koya! Panahon pa ata nila Lapu-lapu, uso na yun eh.
Hahahah. Bago pa kami magbatuhan ng mga pick-up lines eh nagsalita ulit sya.
�Anyway, ano bang inisilip silip mo dyan?�
�Obvious ba? Edi pinapanuod sila. Duhh.�
�Ahh. Haha. Gusto mo ba pumasok?�
�Bakit? Pwede ba?� sa pagkakaalam ko kasi, bawal sa Music Audi ang hindi member ng
glee at banda.
�Bakit naman hindi? Member naman ako dyan.� He said, smiling. So sya siguro yung
lead guitaris. Wow naman tong si Koya, talentado naman pala!
�Eh ano pang tinatayo tayo natin dito? Tara na, pasok na tayo sa loob!� excited
kong sabi. Hahaha. Ohdiba, close na kami agad ni Koya. Tek ano nga bang pangalan
neto? So, tinanong ko yung pangalan nya.
�I�m Ivan. Pangalan pa lang, gwapo na!� proud nyang sabi habang inaalalayan nya ko
pabukas ng pinto. �Ikaw Miss?�
Eh syempre, papatalo ba ko sa pahanginan? �I�m Laine, half-human half-angel.� I

said, giving him my close-up smile.
�Hahaha! Nakakatawa ka talaga! Tara na nga sa loob!�
Pagbukas naming ng pinto, napatingin samin sila Finn and those two guys. Syetness
naman oh, hanga na naman sa beauty ko. Hahahaha. Lakas ng confidence!
�What are you doing here?� Finn asked with his look na parang kakainin nya ko ng
buhay. Grabe naman, ganun ba kamemorable yung first encounter namin? High blood sya
masyado sakin ah. Hahaha.
Syempre ako, bilang patay-malisya queen of all times, dinedma ko lang yung pagiging
high blood nya sakin. I smiled ang greeted him, �Hello there too Finn!�
Napatingin sakin si Ivan, �Magkakilala kayo?!�
�Yes!�
�No!�
Nice. Sabay pa kami. Destiny talaga. Hahaha.
�Huh? Ano ba talaga?� naguguluhang tanong ni Ivan. Yung dalawa naman, mukang mga
nalilito na din.
�Oo, magkakilala kami. I�m his girlfriend.�
�
�
Natahimik ang buong auditiorium. Lahat sila nakatingin sa�kin. Especially Finn.
Nope, he�s not just looking at me. It is more of a glare na tipong nagsasabing, �P
%^&*%#@$%!! What the fv(king hell are you saying?!!!!�
Uh-oh Laine. You�re dead.
**To be continued**
Muahahah. =_=
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Four

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
All eyes are looking at me when I said I�m Finn�s girlfriend. At grabe, kung
makikita nyo lang ngayon yung muka ni Finn, parang kakainin nya ko ng buhay. Oohh
scary!
Pero syempre, magpapatalo ba naman ang isang Allaine Santos sa isang katulad nya?
Syempre hindi noh! Over my 36-24-26 dead body! Nyahaha. Joke lang, hindi naman
ganyan ka perfect vital statistics ko.
Pero never! Never akong matatakot sa kanya! Not even in my wildest nightmare!
�What the hell did you just say, Psycho?!� Finn asked. He�s giving me a deadly
glare right now.
�Me-me? What did I say? I did not say anything!� I answered giving him the most
innocent look I have.
Oh diba? Hindi naman ako natakot ah! I even answered his question. Kaya lang
syempre, ayoko naman syang magalit sakin ng bonggang bongga kaya nagpretend na lang
ako na wala akong sinabi.
Yung tatlo naman, nakatingin lang samin. Tipong naguguluhan sila sa mga pangyayari.
�W-wait. What exactly is your relationship guys?� Ivan asked finally breaking the
silence.
�Uhm. Well, actually. Ahm.� Syet. Wala kong maisip na sasabihin. Baka kasi lalo
akong mabasted kay Finn kung magiimbento na naman ako ng kung anu-ano.
�She�s just an obsessed fan.�
Fan? Ano daw? Kapal naman ng mukha nyang tawagin akong fan. Mas mataas naman level
ko sa pagiging fan noh. Let�s just say, admirer. Admirer na patay na patay sa
kanya. Yun lang! Hindi ko matatanggap na tawagin nya kong fan! Kasi hindi ko naman
sya idol! Mahal ko sya! Nyahahah.
�No. Hmm. I�m an admirer.� Pagtatama ko sa sinabi ni Finn.
Nalipat ang tingin sakin nung tatlo na tipong sinasabi nila na �grabe ang lakas ng
tama ng bababeng to.�
�Oh see? I told you. She�s just one of those girls who�s dying to get my
attention.� Finn proudly said. Ang yabang! �Pero teka lang. How did you know each
other, Ivan? I never thought you have a psychotic friend.�
�Uhm well. We just met--� Hindi ko na pinatapos pa ang sasabihin ni Ivan dahil dito
na magsisimula ang second step sa aking operation.
2. Befriend all his friends. Be one of the boys. In that way, mapapalapit ka pa
lalo sa kanya.
�Ivan and I are bestfriends.� I said while linking my arms with his. Nagulat naman
si Ivan sa ginawa ko. I just gave him a signal na �sumakay ka na lang kung gusto mo
pang mabuhay sa mundo.� Yung dalawa naman, nashock dun sa sinabi ko. Grabe wala ba
silang role dito kundi ang mashock ng mashock. Imbyerna wah. Nyahaha.
Si Finn naman, �Huh?�
�Bestfriend mo ko diba Ivan?� Sabi ko sa kanya habang kinukurot ko sya sa

tagiliran. Hahaha. Nakuu pag di nakisakay to, babalatan ko to ng buhay.
�A-ah. O-oo. Oo bestfriend kami ni Laine. Hehehe.� Ivan said giving a weak smile.
Nyahaha. Tagumpay!
�Talaga? Kailan pa?� Tanong ni kuya drummer. Finally, nagkadialogue din!
�Uhm. Five minutes ago?� Sabi ni Ivan, at talagang rising intonation ang gamit nya.
Pero ayos na din yun, at least bestfriend ko na nga sya. Nyahahah.
I smiled at Finn sweetly na parang sinasabi kong �Hah! Kala mo ah! Bestfriend ko si
Ivan! Bestfriend! Wooohhhh!�
He just looked at me fiercely.
�Anyway, Bessie Ivan. Pakilala mo naman ako sa mga friends mo.� Bessie Ivan.
Nyahaha. Sounds gay. Pero ok na yun kesa wala.
�Bessie?� Bulong ni Ivan sakin na parang nadidiri sa tawag na yun.
�Wag ka ng choosy. Maki-ride ka na lang.� I muttered, smiling. Yung tipong hindi

halatang nagsasalita ka kasi nakangiti ka. Wahaha. Ang labo ng description ng otor.
Basta un na un!
�Hehehe. Hmm, by the way guys, this is Laine, my bestfriend.� Talagang inemphasize
nya yung pagkakasabi nya ng bestfriend. �Laine, that is Martin on drums.� Martin
waved and smiled at me. Aww, ang cute din nya. �Our bassist, si Hiro.� He just nod
at me. �And of course the one who plays rhythm and our vocalist, Fi---� Ivan wasn�t
able to finish his sentence because Finn cut him off.
�Tara na guys. Practice na tayo. Let�s not waste our time introducing ourselves to
a psychopath.� Grabe. Sagad sa buto ang kayabangan netong si Finn ah! Napakarude
naman nya!
�Uhm o-okay.� Sabi ni Ivan. Balewala lang sa kanya yung ginawa ni Finn. Parang
sanay na sya sa ugali nito. �Laine, would you mind? Practice muna kami ha? Panuorin
mo na lang kung gano ko kagaling maggitara. Hahaha.� Buti pa tong si Ivan bukod sa
gwapo na mabait pa. Hindi katulad ni Finn.
I just nod and smile at him.
Nagstart na sila tumugtog, and as usual nalusaw na naman ang puso ko. Kapag kasi
kumakanta si Finn, ang bait ng dating nya.
Tapos ang galing din ni Ivan maglead guitar. Lupet! Ang galing nilang lahat!
After five songs, the group decided to take a break. Nilapitan ko si Ivan, inaayos
nya ung gitara nya. �Wow Bessie! Elibs ako sayo ah. Galing mo maggitara! Apir!�
Sabi ko sa kanya at nag-apir kaming dalawa.
�Grabe. Pinanindigan mo talagang bestfriend mo ko ah.�
�Naman! Close na tayo diba? Hahah.� I smirked. I then turned to Martin and Hiro.
Sasagarin ko na ang pagiging feeling close ko. Nyahaha! �Hi Martin! Hi Hiro!� I
said. I need to get close to them too para mapalapit din sakin si Finn.
�Oh hi Laine! Ayos ba yung tugtog naming?� Tanong sakin ni Martin. Kinidatan nya pa
ko at bigla nya kong inakbayan. Oha! Hindi lang pala ako ang feeling close eh.
Nyahahah. Pero I�m really enjoting this! Akalain mo yun, feeling ko I�m part of
their group too, kahit kakakilala pa lang namin. At si Martin, feeling ko I�ll get
along with him well. Kasi sa grupo, mukang sya ang pinakamasayahin.
�Nakuu Laine. Wag kang masyadong didikit kay Martin. Baka ligawa ka nyan.� Sabi ni
Hiro sakin. Huwaw! Si Hiro nagsalita! Kala ko kasi masungit sya eh. Yung tipong
misteryoso at tahimik. Pero mabait pala sya. :3
�Lul ka Hiro! Hahaha. Anong kala mo sakin? Playboy?� sabi ni Martin, nakaakbay pa
din sakin.
�Mukha ba akong playboy huh, Laine?� Tingin nya sakin with matching killer smile.
Ako naman, �Eh?�
�Oo playboy yang si Martin. Hahaha.� Sabi ni Ivan. �Sa grupo, sya ang may girl
collection. Kaya wag kang magpapadala sa mga jokes nyan. Dyan naakit mga babae
nya.�
�Tama!� Sang-ayon naman ni Hiro.
�Hoy mga bugok kayo! Wag nyo nga akong siraan kay laine!� Tinanggal nya na yung
kamay nya sakin at akmang hahabulin si Ivan at Hiro. At ayun, tumakbo nga yung
dalawa. Kaya naman, para silang mga batang naghahabulan sa may auditorium. Ang
kulet! Hahaha. Nakakatuwa sila panuorin.
So sa grupo nila..
Ivan � The Cool Guy
Martin � The Playboy
Hiro � The Good Guy
Finn � The Arrogant
Oh diba! Okay yung description ko sa kanila. Pero teka, speaking of Finn. Asan na
ba yun?
I scan the whole auditorium at nakita ko si Finn, nakaupo dun sa bench. He�s
reading a yellow book. Wow, it�s a chance para kausapin ko sya.
So lumapit ako sa kanya. �Hi Finn! � Batik o. Base on his reaction, mukhang
nagulat sya sa biglaan kong pagsulpot dun.
�What do you need?� He said turning his look at the book he�s reading.
�Hmm. Nothing. I just want to have a chat with you.� I said while I look at his
book. Nabasa ko yun title, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Hmm. Comedy yun ah? Mahilig sya sa
mga ganung books?
�I don�t want to have a conversation with you. Go away.� He said coldly. Ang
sungit!
�Bakit ba ang sungit mo? Ano bang ginawa ko sayo ah?� Tanong ko.
�I said go away.� He said as he turned another page of the book.
�Eh naman. Oh sige na nga. Look, I�m sorry. Sorry for being so talkative and as you
said, irritating.� I apologized. I really mean it. Ayoko naman kasi lagi syang BV
sakin eh. Baka ito na yung chance para mapalapit ako sa kanya.
He looked at me. Wow! Mukang effective! Then after a second or so, he turned his
look at his book again. Ahhhhhh! Deadma ever!
�Uyy. Ano ba? Peace na tayo!� Kinulit ko pa sya. Go Laine! Kaya mo yan. Wag kang
sumuko.
Deadma pa din.
�Oiiiii.�
Wala pa din.
�Hello! Earth to Finn!�
No reaction.
�FINNNNNN!�
�Will you shut up? Nakakarindi ka na ah. I said go away! Kahit anong pagpapansin
ang gawin mo sakin, walang epekto yan! You�re not my type. And you will never be!
So please, I�m telling you while I�m still nice. Stay away from me! Don�t talk to
me ever again.�
Ouch! He just said those words. And let me tell you, kahit ganito ko, marunong
naman ako masaktan noh. And with what he said, I feel like crap.
So I stood up, ready to walk out. Pero tadhana nga naman, as I walk down, bigla
akong natapilok, dahilan ng pagkaputol ng takong ng sapatos ko.
At dahil dun, nawalan ako ng balance. Oh no! Mukang mahahalikan ko ang sahig nang
di oras.
Ayaaann na. Napapikit na lang ako, preparing myself for a smash on the floor. Be
ready, my precious face. Malapit na. Ayaaann naaaaahhhhhh---
Pero teka. Bat hindi nagland yung face ko sa sahig? Bale nakikipag face to face ako
ngayon sa floor. Then suddenly, I felt someone holding me.
It was him. Si Finn.
**To Be Continued**
Waaahhh. Thanks po sa mga nagbabasa nito! Pati sa mga silent reader (kung meron
man) Nyahahah. Grabe. Salamat talaga. Pati sa mga nagcocomment. Wahahah. I lab yu
to the bones talaga.
Please comment naman. Let me know what you think.

Aja aja! Fighting! ^___^
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Five

Previous Chapters:
One
Two
Three
Four
Finn immediately helped me gain my balance. Grabe! Susulitin ko na ang moment na

ito. He�s holding my waist right now! Parang nakayakap sya sakin ngayon. Gahhhhd.
Ito na ba yung part na aksidenteng matutumba ko sa kanya? Tapos mapapahiga sya sa
sahig while I�m on his top and our lips will accidentally meet? Waaahhh. Kilig much
to the bones.
Nyahaha. Grabe ang utak ko mag-imagine. Pero teka lang, diba I should be angry to
him right now dahil sa mga sinabi nya kanina?
Kaya lang, ngayon pa ba ko magiinarte ng ganun eh ang ganda na ng moment namin

ngayon. Muahaha! Diba isang malaking NO un! And besides, he helped me save my
precious face from smashing on the ground, kaya dapat I should thank him.
�Hmm. Thanks.� I mumbled when he helped me stand up.
Pero knowing Finn who�s very good at ruining a moment, bigla nya ng inalis yung
pagkakahawak nya sakin when I finally stood up. Badtriiip!
But then he looked at me. I thought he�s going to say �you�re welcome� or ask me if
I�m okay, but instead he said, �My god! Simpleng pagbaba lang hindi mo pa magawa?!
Are you really that stupid?�
I was shock sa sinabi nya. Kasi naman, muntik na ngang masubsob yung tao, ganun pa
yung sasabihin nya? Kasalanan ko ba kung matapilok ako? Gahhdd. Since tinulungan
nya naman ako, I did not argue with him his time. Wala namang mangyayari if
papatulan ko pa ang temper nyang mas mainit pa sa kumukulong mantika. At least I�ve
done my part to thank him.
I saw the three guys coming toward us. Tapos na ata silang maghabulan.
�Hey guys! Want to have snacks? Teka Finn, what�s with the expression?� Ivan said.
Napansin nya sigurong medyo badtrip si Finn.
�Nothing. I�ll go first since wala na naman tayong practice.� He said then went out
the door immediately.
�Huh? Ang labo talaga ni Finn.� Sabi ni Martin na nakakunot yung noo.
�Tss. Kelan ba naging malinaw yung taong un?� Hiro said.
�Ano ba ginawa mo dun Laine? Mukhang binadtrip mo ah?� Sabi ni Ivan sakin.
�Ewan ko dun. Maybe naintimidate lang sya sakin �coz he find me too irresistible.
Hahaha.� I winked at them.
Silang tatlo naman sabay sabay na napa-"WEH?" Mga kontrabida!
"Umagree na lang kayo mga tae kayo. Anyway, saan foodtrip nyo? Sama ko! Libre nyo
ko! Libre libre libre!" Parang bata kong sabi sa kanila, pumapalakpak pa. Bongga!
Nagpapalibre ko sa kanila na para bang 10 taon ko na silang kilala. Nyahaha!
Sulitin na ang pagkakataong mapalapit sa kanila noh.
"Lakas netong si Laine ah. Mga 30 minutes pa lang natin nakilala, palibre agad.
Hahaha." Sabi ni Martin. Hmp. Kontrabida!!
"Ayos nga yun eh. At least may bago tayong friend na ganto kacomfortable satin.
Diba?" Hiro said smiling at me. Ang bait talaga nitong si Hiro. "And besides, libre
naman ni Ivan, diba?" Kinindatan nya si Ivan. Ang cute nya! Haha.
"Anong ako? Lagi na lang ako ah. Hahaha osige na nga, ako na taya. Pasalamat kayo
andito si Laine. Kundi, hindi ko kayo pagaaksayahan ng pera." Sabi ni Ivan. Wow!
Natouch naman ako dun. Muahaha.
"YAY! Thanks Bessie!" I said pinching his cheeks. Nyahaha. Over sa closeness! Okay
lang yun, bestfriend ko na naman sya diba? "Wait lang. I'll just get my bag." Sabi
ko.
As I was about to walk, bigla akong natapilok. Again! At saka ko lang naalala na
nabali nga pala ung takong ko kanina. So bale hindi pantay yung shoes ko, isang
mataas at isang mababa. Deym! Hay nako, second katangahan of the day.
Nakita ko si Ivan na dali daling lumapit sakin and he�s wearing a worried face.
�Okay ka lang ba Laine?� Ivan asked as he helped me to stand up. Akay akay nya ko
ngayon.
�Sus. Okay lang ako noh. Para naman akong bata nyan. Hahahah. Ang tanga kasi ng
sapatos ko, pinatapilok ako. Hahaha.�
�You sure? Baka na-sprain ung ankle mo?� He said tapos inexamine nya yung paa ko.
�No. I�m okay. I�m perfectly fine.� I smiled at him. Grabe. Nakakatuwa naman. He
really looks concern.
�Sigurado ka ha? No need to go to the clinic?� Tanong nya. Grabe tong taong to, ang
OA. Hahah. Simpleng tapilok lang eh. But that�s so sweet of him. Ibang iba kay
Finn.
�Oo naman noh. Pwedeng pwede pa nga akong tumakbo ngayon eh.� I said giving him an
assurance na okay lang talaga ko.
�Sige sabi mo eh.� Sabi nya. Tiningnan nya ulit ung paa ko and napansin nya na
nabali ung isang takong ng sapatos ko. �Kaya ka pala natapilok eh.� Sabi nya tapos
kinuha nya yung isang kaparis nung sapatos ko, yung buo pa.
�Teka, anong gagawin mo dyan?� Tanong ko.
�Just watch.� He said. Tapos binali nya yung takong nung sapatos ko!
�So kinuha mo yan para lang sirain?� I said sarcastically.
Pero instead of answering me, lumuhod sya then sinuot nya sakin yung sapatos na
binalian nya ng takong. �Oh ayan. Para pantay na sila.� He said then he smiled at
me.
Okay. Ngayon ko lang nagets kung bakit nya ginawa un. Para nga naman pantay na ung
shoes ko. Galeng. Bakit di ko naisip agad yun? Hahah.
�Waaah. Ang galing mo Bessie! Thank you!� I smiled at him. Sa totoo lang natutuwa
talaga ko. He�s really thoughtful to me lalo na�t kakakilala pa lang namin.
�Wala yun.� Sabi nya tapos hinawakan nya ko sa ulo at ginulo nya yung buhok ko.
Grabe, ginagawa nya talaga kong bata!
�Oh sige Bessie. I�ll just go get my bag. Hintayin nyo na lang ako sa labas.� Sabi
ko at sya naman nag-OK lang at lumabas na ng auditorium.
As I was about to get my bag, I noticed something yellow dun sa place na inupuan ni
Finn kanina. It's his book. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Nakalimutan nya na sigurong
kunin after nyang mabadtrip sakin. Napatigil ako saglit, thinking if I would get it
or hahayaan ko na lang yung book dun.
Napatigil ako sa pagiisip nang sinigawan ako ni Martin.

"HOY Laine! Ano pang ginagawa mo dyan? Pa-VIP much?� Lakas talaga mang-asar nun!
In the end, kinuha ko na din yung book at nilagay ko sa bag ko.
"OK! I'm coming!" Sigaw ko then pumunta na ko sa kanila.
"Ano pa bang ginawa mo at medyo napatagal ka?" Tanong ni Ivan nang makalapit na ko
sa kanila.
"Ah wa-wala. Heheh." Sabi ko. Di ko sinabi na na sakin yung book ni Finn. Gusto ko
kasi ako yung magsauli nun eh. Hahaha.
Nung nasa cafeteria na kami, tinanong ako ni Martin kung ano yung gusto kong
kainin. Sabi ko bahala na sila. Di naman ako choosy sa pagkain eh.
So while waiting for our food, nagkukulitan lang kaming apat. Nakakatuwa nga sila
kausap eh. Lalo na si Martin, puro kalokohan yung alam.
"By the way Laine, alam mo bang maswerte ka at naging kaibigan mo kami?" Sabi ni
Martin.
"Owss?" Sabi ko. Hahah. Syempre alam ko namang maswerte nga ako kasi bukod sa gwapo
na sila at mabait, malapit pa sila kay Finn. Nyahaha!
"Totoo un Laine!" Sabi naman ni Hiro. "Kasi most of the girls, naiintimidate samin.
Kasi naman diba, ang gagwapo namin. Kaya ikaw pa lang ang naglakas loob na
magpalibre samin ng ganito."
Wow. Lahat ata sila mahangin ang ulo.
"Bakit naman sila maiintimidate? Sikat ba kayo?" Tanong ko sa kanila. Yung reaction
nila para bang I've said the least possible thing to happen in this world.
"Seryoso ka Laine?" Si Hiro.
"Di mo kami kilala?" Si Martin.
"Wow great. Tatanong ko ba pangalan nyo kung alam ko kung sino kayo." Mga engot din
to eh. Hahaha.
"Kami lang naman ang nag-iisa at ang pinakasikat na banda dito sa buong
university." Si Ivan.
"OWSSS?" I said with a clueless look. "Ano ba pangalan ng banda nyo?"
Tiningnan lang nila ko.
Katahimikan..
Katahimikan..
Tapos biglang..
"Tentenenen! Kami ang ChocoPaps!" sabay sabay nilang sabi. Yung mga kamay nila
nakaposition na parang nagmamagic sila na ewan.
Ano daw? ChocoPaps? Wahahahahahahahaha. Syet ang baduy. Di ko na napigilan ang

sarili ko at napatawa talaga ko ng malakas. Wahahaha laughtrip!
Yung tatlo naman amaze na amaze sa pagtawa ko. Parang di sila makapaniwalang
pinagtatawanan ko ang grupo nila.
"Syet. Ang baduy ng band name nyo. Hahahah. Sino bang nagpangalan sa inyo nyan?
Tara resbakan natin." I said, still laughing hard.
"Sisihin mo si Martin. Sya nagbigay ng name na yun." Sabi ni Hiro.
"Ano namang baduy dun? Ain't that cool? ChocoPaps. Choco because we're sweet. And
Paps because we are as what they say, papable. So it means, the sweet papables."
Martin said proudly.
"And besides, ChocoPaps, sounds yummy, right?" Sabi naman ni Ivan.
Wahahahaha. Grabe. Lakas tama ng mga to!
Napatigil lang ako sa pagtawa nung dumating na yung order namin. Milkshake and
cheesecake. Wow. Kagutom. Nyahaha.
Napatingin ako sa mga tao sa cafeteria. Lalo na yung mga babae. Ang sama ng tingin
nila sakin. Wow ah. Sarap dukutin ng mga mata nila. Mamatay sila sa inggit. Basta
ako, kaclose ko na ngayon ang ChocoPaps. Nyahahah. Natatawa talaga ko sa ChocoPaps
na yan.
* Going back to the corner

Where I first saw you
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag
I�m not gonna move *
Someone�s phone is ringing. It�s Ivan�s. Okay, sila ng ChocoPaps ang mahilig sa The
Script.
He answered the call, �Oh Finn, why? Book? What book? I don�t know.� Then he turned
to us, �Guys may nakita daw a kayong book sa auditorium?�
�Book? Wala eh.� � Martin.
�Wala akong napansin.� � Hiro.
�A-ako? Wala eh.� I lied. Bakit ko nga ba sinabing wala? Hmm. Mamaya ko na nga lang
iisipin kung anong gagawin ko sa book na yun.
�Wala daw eh. You�re coming here? Sure. Nasa cafeteria kami ngayon.� Then he ended
the call. �Punta daw si Finn dito. Ano naman kayang libro yung nawala nya? By the
way he worries about losing it, mukhang importante yun sa kanya.�
�Baka naman para sa project nya yun?� Sabi ni Hiro.
�Si Finn magaalala sa project nya? No way man!� Hiro said.
I just shrugged my shoulders. Hmm? Importante sa kanya yung book na yun? Sauli ko
na kaya pagdating nya?
Maya maya pa humahangos na pumunta si Finn sa table namin.
�Wala ba talaga kayong nakita?� Tanong ni Finn as he breathes heavily. Mukang

tumakbo talaga sya papunta dito ah.
�Sorry man. Wala talaga eh.� Sabi ni Ivan.
�Damn it! Nasan na kaya un?!� Finn said gritting his teeth. He looks so frustrated.
Ano ba? Sosoli ko na ba? Muka syang kawawa eh.
�Pumunta ka na ba ulit sa audi to look for it?� Hiro inquired.
�It�s not there. Fvck it. Where the hell is it? Hey guys, I�ll just look for it. If
ever you see it, just contact me right away.� Then he hurriedly went out.
Uh-oh. Lagot ako dun pag nalaman nyang na sakin pala yung book nya.
�Ano kaya meron sa book na un at sobrang nagaalala sya ng ganun?� Martin asked.
�Ewan.�
Oo nga. Bakit ba sya nagaalala sa book na un? Ano nga kaya talangang meron dun?
Kung ganun kaimportante sa kanya yung librong un, might as well dapat magtake
advantage na din ako habang na sakin yun diba? Bwahaha. Evil laugh forever.
�Hey Bessie! Ano number mo?� Tanong ko kay Ivan. Tinanong ko din sila Martin at
Hiro. Syempre noh, dapat alam ko number nila kasi kaibigan ko na sila. : D
Binigay naman nila yung number nila. Kinuha din nila yung sakin. Oh kitam? : )
�Eh, ano number ni Finn?� I asked.
�Si Finn? Sorry Laine. One thing he doesn�t like eh yung pinapamigay yung number
nya.� Sabi ni Ivan. Bayon! Kontrabida naman.
�Eh what if makita ko ung book nya? Pano ko sya makocontact?�
�Edi kami kontakin mo.� Sabi ni Martin. Tae naman. Mga ayaw makisama!
�Eeehh sige na guys? Bigay nyo na number nya please?� I pouted. Then give them a
pupply eyes look. �Please please please?�
�Oh sige na nga. Basta ikaw bahala samin pag nagalit si Finn ah.� Ivan said, then
dinictate nya sakin yung number ni Finnie my loves.
�Okay! Thanks guys! : ) �
Muahaha. Finally! It�s like destiny is on my side right now.
�Eh guys. I need to go already. Nakalimutan ko palang may gagawin pa ko. Kailangan
ko na umuwi. I gotta go. Thanks again for the libre, Bessie! Babooosshh!� I
immediately stand up at kinuha na yung bag ko, Di ko na pinakinggan yung sagot
nila, dali dali akong lumabas ng cafeteria.
Pagdating ko sa bahay. Tiningnan ko agad yung book ni Finn. Hmm. Muka lang naman
syang ordinaryong libro. I don�t see anything special para pagaksayahan nya pa ng
energy na hanapin to. Tsaka. Madami naman atang ganito sa bookstores. Pwede naman
ulit syang bumili ng bago. Kung tutuusin baka nga kahit ilang daang copies, kayang
kaya nyang bilhin eh.
I look at my phone at tiningnan dun yung number ni Finn. Isa lang ang nasa isip ko
ngayon. Muahaha. Bakit ba ang talino ko pagdating sa ganito?
I smiled evily. I then type a message.
Looking for your book? Meet me at the music auditorium tom. 5PM sharp. If you don�t
show yourself, baka hindi na abutan ng sikat ng araw itong Wimpy Kid mo.
Message sent.
*To Be Continued*
Sorry po sa mga typo. Thanks po sa lahat ng nagcocomment at nagbabasa. Sorry kung

di ako nakakareply. Ngayon lang ulit kasi nagonline. Heheh.
Share your thoughts! Negative or positive, I'll super appreciate it.
And, anyone knows how to put image? Gusto ko sanang lagay yung pics ng characters
eh. Salamat sa sasagot!
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Six

Previous chapters:
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Natatawa kong paulit ulit na binabasa ang naging reply ni Finn sakin.
Who the hell are you? I�m going to the auditorium tomorrow. Just make sure you have
my book. If not, I�ll make sure I�ll beat you to death. You are going to regret
this.
Woah scary! Hahaha. Dapat nga sya ang matakot sakin eh. Nakasalalay sakin ang buhay
ng precious book nya. Bwahahahahah. Evil laugh forever and ever.
Haaayyy. Excited na tuloy ako para bukas. Muahahah.
Napatingin ulit ako sa book nya. Kinausap ko ito na parang syang bagay na pedeng
magkaroon ng buhay. �Hey Wimpy Kid. Bakit ba ganun na lang ang pagwoworry sayo ng
owner mo? Ano bang meron sayo ha?�
Binuklat buklat ko yung mga pages nya. Baka kasi may something sa loob nun. Baka
naman may secret dun kaya ganun na lang ang pagaalala nya dito? Hmm. Pwede pwede.
Pero malinis naman yung mga pages. Walang kasulat sulat. While I�m scanning through
the pages, a piece of pink paper fell.
Pink?
Ano to? Baka naman, isa syang halamang dagat at dito nakasulat ang confession nya.
Yak! Si Finn, gay? Hell to the no. Hindi pwede yun. Sayang ang lahi. Hahahaha.
Out of curiousity, I opened it. And I was stunned as I read its content.
James,
Hey handsome! Miss me? : )
I�m going home soon! Aww. Can�t wait to see you! So don�t you dare get a
girlfriend, OKAY!!??
And sana pala magustuhan mo tong gift ko for you. Walang occasion but I just feel
like giving you one. I hope this book will make you smile. Parang ganito oh
^_________^
Take care James! I really really really miss you!
- B.
B? Sino kayang B un? Gilfriend nya kaya? Waaaaahh! Wag naman sana. James pa tawag
nya kay Finn. May something special kaya sa kanila? Nakuu naman, may isa pala kong
matinding karibal!
Nasaan ba ung B na un? Kailan sya uuwi? Soon? Naku sana pag bumalik sya dito,
magcrash yung eroplanong sinasakyan nya. Nyahaha. Joke lang. Di naman ako ganun
kasama.
But seriously, itong letter siguro ang reason kung bakit ganun na lang pahalagahan
ni Finn ang librong to. Aray naman! Wag nyong sabihing heartbreak agad to? Hindi
pwede! Hindi maari!
Tuloy pa din ang plano ko. At sinisigurado kong effective un! Kung sakaling magwork
ang agenda ko, kailangan ko palang pasalamatan si B balang araw, dahil kundi dahil
sa librong binigay nya kay Finn, hindi ko magagamit na weapon ang librong to para
mapaamo si Finn. Oo tama! Ganyan nga Laine! Think positive! AJA!
---
Kinabukasan�
�Lalalala.� I hum as I walk the kahabaan of the school grounds, pa sway sway pa.
Yess! Taglish kung taglish!
Excited na kasi ko para sa one on one meeting namin ni Finnie mamaya. Hahaha. Hindi
ko na inisip pa ang tungkol sa letter na nabasa ko. Sus, baka naman kasi tamang
hinala lang ako diba? Malay mo kapatid nya or pinsan or whoever na kadugo nya.
Basta mas importante sa ngayon ay yung plano ko. Watch out Finn James Dela Cruz,
I�m going to make you mine! Wahahaha.
�Hoy, anong tinatawa tawa mo dyan?�
�Ayy syet ng kabayo!�
Hay nako. Timing talaga sa panggugulat tong si Bessie Ivan. Tinatawanan na naman
nya ko.
�HAHAHAH. Ang sarap mo talagang gulatin.�
�Oh talaga? Ikaw. Ang sarap mong sipain.� I said full of sarcasm.
�Wooh. Ito namang si Laine, di na mabiro. Hahaha. Bat ka ba kasi tumatatawa? Parang
ka kasing baliw na tumatawa mag-isa eh.�
Syet. Natatawa na pala ko mag-isa habang iniisip ko yung binabalak ko.
�Ehh wala ka na dun! Edi tumawa ka din mag-isa para malaman mo!�
�Tss. La ka bang klase? Hatid na kita sa room nyo.� Wow. Ang thoughtful talaga ni
Bessie!
�Hmm. Wala pa eh. Mamaya pang 11 yung klase ko.�
�11?� Sabi nya tapos tumingin sya sa relo nya. �9 pa lang ah. Ang aga mo naman
pumasok?�
�Eh ganun talaga. Ganyan ang masipag na estudyante.� I said proudly.
�Talaga? Hindi halata.� He said looking at me with wide eyes.
Sa totoo lang, inagahan ko talaga ang pasok ko, dahil.. hmm.. wala lang, naexcite
lang talaga ko. Hahahah.
�Ehh. Wag ka ng mang-asar dyan Bessie. La ka bang klase?�
�Hmm. Meron sana. Kaya lang tinatamad akong pumasok eh. Tara, breakfast tayo! Di pa
ko kumakain eh.� Yaya nya sakin tapos bigla nyang hinaltak yung braso ko. Then we
headed to the cafeteria.
Nandun din ung dalawang ChocoPaps, si Martin at Hiro.
�Good morning Paps.� I greeted them.
�Paps?� They asked.
�Wala lang. Short for ChocoPaps. Tsaka endearment ko na din sa inyo. Ang cute diba?
� I grinned. �Anyway, where�s Finnie?�
�Finnie?� Tanong nilang tatlo.
�Ayy malamang si Finn. Sus, naiwan nyo ba yung common sense nyo sa bahay?� Tanong
ko sa kanila. Hahahaha. Ang sarap talagang mambasag ng trip paminsan minsan.
�You really like calling names, don�t you?� Ivan asked with amusement.
�Of course. That�s how sweet and cool I am.� I smirked. Hahaha. Echos garbanzos
talaga ko kahit kelan.
�Eew.� Martin said as if he�s going to throw up. Kapal! I just glared at him.
�Yes Laine. You�re really cool.� Hiro said winking at me. Oh I love you Hiro!
Hahahaha. Sa lahat, sya ang pinakahonest. Hahahaha.
�Anyway, I don�t know where Finn is. He didn�t call since yesterday.� Ivan said.
�Talaga bang crush mo sya Laine?� He asked.
�Hmm. YESS! Know why? Because he looks like Hyun Bin Oppa so much! ^___^� I said
with a big smile on my face.
�Hyun Bin Oppa?� They asked as confusion shows on their face.
�What a weird name.� Sabi ni Ivan habang nakahawak ang kamay nya sa baba nya.
�Of course it�s weird kasi Korean sya! His name is Hyun Bin. Tapos �Oppa� means
older brother or it�s like a kind of endearment. Ganun!� Paliwanag ko.
�Tss. I never thought na fan ka din pala ng mga Korean Korean na yan. Seems like
most of teenage girls like that kind of stuff. So you mean, trip mo din ung mga
kpop kpop na yan?!� Tanong ni Ivan.
�Eww Laine. You�re so baduy. Don�t tell me. Kumakanta kanta ka pa dyan ng alien
language nila. Yuck. Disgusting.� Sino pa ba? Edi si Martin na sobrang mapang-asar!
�Hoy for your info. Di ko trip ang kpop noh! Ayoko nga mapabilang sa mga fans nila.
Movies and dramas lang talaga ung gusto ko!� Pagtatanggol ko sa sarili ko.
�Tss. Ganun din un eh.� Sabi ni Martin.
�TSE!!!!!� sigaw ko.
�Edi ibig sabihin Laine, gusto mo lang si Finn dahil kamuka nya ung idol mong
Korean actor?� Hiro asked.
�Hmm. Oo. Eh bakit naman ako magkakagusto dun eh ang sungit sungit nun? Nakuu kung
di lang talaga nya kamuka si Hyun Bin. Di ko talaga pagtyatyagaang iblackmail un.�
�BLACKMAIL?!� Tanong nilang tatlo. Syet. Stupid mouth. Aishhhh. Patay, nadulas ang
dila ko. What will I tell them?!
*There ain�t a reason you and me should be alone

Tonight yeah baby tonight yeah baby
But I got a reason that it�s you
who should take me home tonight*
Oops! My phone�s ringing! Chix is calling! Woohhh. Buti na lang timing sa pagtawag
tong si Chix! Hahahaha. Saved by the bell.
�Teka mga Paps. Wait lang ah.� I told them then I excused myself.
�Oi bestfriend! San ka?� Chix asked.
�Dito sa cafeteria! Punta ka dito bilis! May papakilala ko sayo! Punta ka na dito
within 5minutes. Go!� I said then ended the call. Kailangang pumunta ni Chix dito.
Baka kasi mamaya, maalala pa nila ung tungkol sa blackmail thingy na nasabi ko.
Hinintay ko muna si Chix sa labas ng cafeteria para pagbalik namin sa table,

makalimutan na nila yung nasabi ko. Si Chix pa naman, isa�t kalahating napakadaldal
nyan kaya paniguradong maiiba ang topic once na bumalik ako sa table namin.
Wala pang five minutes, natanaw ko na si Chix na papalapit.
�BESTFRIEND!� sigaw ko.
�Oi bruha. May kasalanan ka, bakit wala ka sa tambayan kahapon ah? Ang daya mo!�
Pagmamaktol nya nung nakalapit na sya sakin.
�Eh bes. May nangyari lang kasi eh. Anyway, may papakilala ko sayo.�
�Sino naman yan ha?� She rolled her eyes.
�Basta. You�ll know when we get there. Teka. Masikip ba yang panty mo ha?� Tanong
ko sa kanya.
�Huh?� Tanong nya na parang napakaweird ng nasabi ko.
�Baka kasi malaglag yang panty mo pag nakita mo na sila eh. Ayoko ngang magpulot ng
nalaglag na panty noh. Hahahahahahahah.�
�Lul! Pakyu ka talaga Laine.�
Nung nakarating na kami sa table ng ChocoPaps, nacaught agad ni Chix ung attention
nila. Lalo na si Hiro. Kasi naman, maganda ding tong bestfriend ko. Mas maganda nga
lang ako. Hahahahah.
�Oi mga Paps, bestfriend ko nga pala, si Chix. Chix, sila yung ChocoPaps. Si Ivan,
Martin at Hiro.� Pagpapakilala ko sa kanila.
Si Chix naman, sobrang na starstruck dun sa tatlo. Lalo na kay Hiro!
�Hi Ivan and Martin. And hi Hiro!� Bati ni Chix dun sa tatlo. Nakuu po, sinasaniban
na naman si Chix ng kaluluwang malandi! Nag-hi lang din si Martin at Ivan. Si Hiro
naman, I think he was stunned by her presence. Uii, I smell romance. Nyahaha.
�Hiro, I think I�ve seen you somewhere.� Lumapit si Chix kay hiro. Yung tingin nya,
parang hinuhubaran nya ito.
�Really? Saan naman?� Hiro asked, eyebrows met.
�Sa panaginip ko.�

Grabe. Hanep sa pick-up line si bestfriend! Wahahahahaha.
Nagulat ako nung binulungan ako ni Bessie Ivan. �Magbestfriends nga talaga kayo.�
"Hahaha." I just shrugged my shoulders.
After a hundred batuhan of pick-up lines, nagkanya kanya na kaming klase. Grabe.
Feeling ko ang bagal ng oras.
Philosophy ang klase namin ngayon. Waaahhhh. Sobrang boring! Kulang na lang
magtumbling tumbling ako sa room para kahit pano eh maalis ung boredom. Haayyy.
Dahil sobrang boring, fast forward na natin at icut ang di naman masyadong
mahalagang eksena. Hahahah. So aun, finally, tapos na din yung mga klase ko. I
looked at my watch, 4:45 na. waaahhhh. 15 minutes na lang, mapapa sa akin na din si
Finn. Wahahahaha!
Dumirecho na ko dun sa Music Audi. Nagtago lang muna ko somewhere para di agad ako
makita ni Finn. I glanced at the book na hawak hawak ko ngayon. Napangiti ako sa
naisip kong plano. Hindi naman siguro ako papalpak noh?
After 15 minutes, a tall man wearing a gray cardigan entered the auditorium. Holy
sheet of paper! Andyan na sya! Si Finn! At ang hot nya!
He sat on one of the benches there, patiently waiting for that person who have his
book. And that person is me. He�s waiting fo me right now.
Kaya mo yan Laine! Woooohh! AJA!
Nagulat sya nung nakita nya kong papalapit sa kanya.
�Ikaw na naman? What are you doing here?� He asked angrily.
I showed him his book. Then I smiled at him. �Ito ba ang hinahanap mo Finnie?�
�Finnie? What the hell?! So all this time, na sayo lang pala yan? At ikaw din ung
nagtext!?� He exclaimed.
�Yes Finnie.� I said, still smiling. �From now on, call me Lainnie and I�ll call
you Finnie. Ain�t that sweet?�
�Shut up Psycho. Don�t call me that stupid name again.� He snorted. �I�ll let you
go this time, but just give my book back.� He said patiently.
�Oh not so fast Finnie.� I smirked. Oh my golay. Pakiramdam ko isa kong kontrabida
sa pelikula. Hahahahah. �Ever heard of a Win-win agreement? Siguro dapat naman,
pareho tayong makakuha ng benefits dito noh��
�Will you just cut the crap? Just get straight to the point. Anong gusto mo?� He
asked irritatedly.
�Before I say it, let me just clear na this is not a blackmail, okay? I�m not
threatening you. It�s just that, sinusunod ko lang ang nakasulat sa tadhana.� I
said then look at him distantly. �Do you get me Finnie?�
�You�re really a Psycho, aren�t you?� He placed his hands on his waist, tipong
Dennis Trillo style.
�No Finnie. I�m totally sane right now. Sane enough to tell you that this is fate.�
Tinaas ko ung libro nya. �Look Finnie, this book is a proof that heaven wants us to
be together. Do you understand? Sa tingin mo, bakit sa dinami dami ng tao dito sa
University, ako pa ung nakakita nito. Diba? Masasabi nating tadhana mismo ang
naglapit satin.� Wahahahaha. Syet. San ba nanggaling ung mga sinabi ko? Hahahah.
Napakalalim nun!
�Will you please saying those non sense? It�s freaking the hell out of me. You�re
really crazy.�
�Yes Finnie, I�m crazy. Crazy in love with you.� Akalain mong nakapagbitaw pa ko ng
matinding pick-up line. Wahahahah.
�What the fvck. You�re really fvcking annoying.� He cursed. �What the hell do you
want? Just say it, while I�m still trying to be patient.�
�Madali lang naman. Just satisfy my condition.�
�WHAT?!�
I smiled evily.
�Okay, sige na. Para matapos na ang usapang ito, ibibigay ko lang sa�yo ang libro
mo sa isang kondisyon�
Be my boyfriend.�
*To be continued*
Woah! Nice one Laine. Hahahaha. Magiging effective kaya ang maitim nyang balak?
Hahahaha.
Share your thoughts. ^___^
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Seven

Before anything else, please visit Finn's facebook account. Paki-add na din po sya,
if you like. Dyan nyo po makikita ang pics ng mga characters. Open po yan sa
suggestions, requests and comments.
Previous chapters:
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
---
Be my boyfriend..�
I said those words confidently. I was so sure I would get a positive answer from
him, since I have his precious book. But then again, I was. Kasi ngayon, hindi na
ako sigurado. Finn�s expression changed, from being cool as I�ve seen a while ago,
to having a monstrous look right now. Yes, he�s angry like a monster. Really.
�What?! Are you out of your mind?!� He hissed. He�s truly fuming with anger right
now. He looks so.. dangerous.
To tell you frankly, my knees started to tremble when he said that. Parang nawala
lahat ng inipon kong tapang sa katawan. Mas lalo akong natakot nung unti unti syang
lumalapit sakin. He�s furious, as if the angst in him is going to explode. I took
steps back, while he, on the other hand is coming nearer and nearer to me. Habang
ako, patuloy na lumalayo sa kanya, patuloy naman syang lumalapit. Gusto ko ng
tumakbo, nakakatakot sya! I took another step but I realized the wall is just right
behind me, obviously a hindrance for my way out. Oh nooo! I�m so dead!
He�s getting closer and closer to me. He�s totally beaming with anger as he pushed
me against the wall. I am cornered. I swallowed when he placed his left hand on my
side, leaning it on the wall. I tried to speak but nothing�s coming from my mouth.
Siguro kung sa ibang pagkakataon to, kikiligin ako ng bonggang bongga. Pero iba ang
sitwasyon ngayon, he�s raging. Big time.
�What did you just say, Psycho?!� He asked griting his teeth. His face is just an
inch away from mine and I could smell his fresh breath as he gasps deeply. At ang
bango nya!
�B-b-be m-my b-boyfriend.� Even my voice is shaking.

�What?!� He grunted looking at me intensely. He�s really scary!
�I.. I.. I mean, makipagdate ka na lang sakin for one 5 days.� I said with all
courage.
�Ano?!� Grabe, ung expression nya, ganun pa din.
�O eh di sige, 3 days na lang.� Sabi ko. Ano bang nagyayari? Bakit ako pa ngayon
ung nakikipagbargain? This is not according to my plan! Pero kasi kung makikita nyo
lang talaga si Finn, paniguradong matatakot din kayo. Manginginig pa.
His expression is still the same. Gahhhd. Bakit galit pa din sya eh, ang laki na
nga ng binawas ko sa kondisyon ko. Biruin nyo, from being a boyfriend, napunta sa
dating! Grabe ah, di pa ba sya ok dun? He�s still mad. What will I do? Hindi ako
pwedeng pumalpak.
�Oh sige na nga! I-date mo na lang ako for one day!�
He did not speak. Nanatili lang ang galit na titig nya sakin.
�One day na lang! Huling tawad na! Take it or leave it!� Then I get the lighter
from my pants. Syet naman talaga sa katangahan oh! Bakit naman kasi ngayon ko lang
naisip kunin to?!
Tumingin lang sya sa lighter na hawak ko.
�Isang araw lang ang hinihingi ko! Magdesisyon ka na kung ayaw mong sunugin ko tong
Wimpy Kid mo!� Sabi ko tapos sinindihan ko ung lighter. Hindi ako makapaniwalang
natapos ko ung sentence na un. Nakakatakot pa din kasi ung tingin nya sakin.
He did not say anything. Silence surrounded the auditorium. Nakatingin lang sya
sakin.
Pero, di rin nagtagal, he spoke, �Fine.� Then he let out a huge sigh na kala mo
natalo sa isang matinding labanan. �Let�s date for one day but make sure you keep
my book safe.� He then turned his back to me and rushed out the door.
Whew! Kinabahan ako dun. I thought he was going to swallow me wholly.
Pero, syempre, medyo badtrip pa din diba? Kasi nga, uulitin ko ulit ah, hiningi ko
sa kanya na maging boyfriend ko sya. Pero nauwi lang sa pakikipagdate! At ang
maganda pa dun, isang araw na pakikipagdate! Gahhhdd. What happened to my precious
plan?
I decided to call Chix at sinabing puntahan nya ko sa bahay mamaya para ikwento ung
nangyari. Haaay. Nalulungkot talaga ko. Sobrang sad face to the max, ung tipong
sumasayad na yung lips sa ground. Wahahaha.
While I walk through the corridor malapit sa second gate, my phone suddenly rang.
Calling�
BessieIvan
Si Bessie? Ano kaya kailangan nya?
�Hello Bessie, bakit?�

�Laine, san ka?�
�Pauwi na, bakit?� tanong ko. Bakit nga naman nya ko hinahanap?
�Where are you exactly?� He asked.
�Hmm. Dito malapit sa second gate. Bakit ba? May emergency bang nangyari?� Tanong
ko. Nakakaloka tong si Bessie ah.
�Hmm. Just stay where you are right now, pupuntahan kita.� Then he ended the call.
Nakakaloka talaga un.
So, ako naman, since masunurin akong tao, hinintay ko sya dun. After a couple of
minutes na paghihintay, nakita ko ng paparating si Bessie sakin.
�Bakit ba Bessie? Did something happen?� I asked nung nakalapit na sya sakin.
�Hmm. Wala lang.� Sabi nya then he touvhed my head at ginulo nya ung buhok ko! Ayan
na naman sya, ginagawa na naman nya kong bata.
�Bessie naman eh!� I complained. �Ginagawa mo naman akong bata nyan eh.�
�Hahahah. Ang cute mo kasi eh.� Sabi nya.
Grabe, feeling ko nagblush ako dun sa sinabi nya. Hmm, pero di na naman ako nagulat
nung sinabi nyang cute ako, matagal ko ng alam un eh. Hahahaha
�Ikaw talaga!� Sabi ko tapos kinurot ko ung pisngi nya! Hahaha. Ang cute talaga
nitong bestfriend ko. Nakakagigil!
�Aww Laine. Masakit na.� Reklamo ni Bessie. Namumula na pala ung mukha nya.
Hahahaha.
�Oopps, sorry Bessie. Nakakagigil ka kasi eh.� I giggled.
�Ikaw talaga! Tara, hated na kita sa inyo!� He offered. Wow, mahal ko na talaga
tong new found bestfriend ko. Ahahahah
�Wow Bessie! Thank you! Makakatipid ako sa pamasahe nito! Hahahah.�
�Okay, let�s go.�
Pumunta na kami sa parking lot ng school. Syempre may wheels tong si Bestfriend.
Nyahahah. Kutis pa lang nito, mayaman na eh.
When we got there dun sa sasakyan ni Bessie, napanganga ko. Talk about hot cars.
It�s a black Porsche. Wow! He just offered me a ride with his hot car. Sana lagi
akong ihatid ni Bessie para makasakay ako dito lagi. Nyahaha.
�Wow Bessie! Astig ng kotse mo!� I said with amusement. �Talaga bang ihahatid mo ko
gamit yan?�
�Oo naman. Ayaw mo ba?� Sabi nya.
�Hindi Bessie, gusto ko gusto ko! Tara na!� Then pumasok na ko sa loob at dali
daling sumakay dun.
Nung nasa loob na ko nung kotse nya, tiningnan ko ung kabuuan nung kotse. Ang
ganda. At ang bango dito huh.
�This is my dad�s gift to me when I turned 19.� Sabi nya, napansin nya sigurong
sinusuri ko ung kotse nya.
�Wow bes. Amazing.� Ang tanging nasabi ko. Hahaha. Naspeechless yata ako sa ganda
ng kotse nya.
�Want to listen to music while on our way?� He asked.
I just nod at him. Nagsalang sya ng cd, it�s The Click Five�s Greetings from Imrie
House album. Bakit ko alam? Well, since sumikat ang The Click Five nung high school
ako, I�ve become their biggest fan. Diba, super umuso kasi mga banda nun.
The song started. The title�s Just the girl. One of my favorites.
She�s cold and she�s cruel but she knows what she�s doing
She pushed me in a pool at our last school reunion
She laughs at my dream but I dream about her laughter
Stange as it seems, she�s the one I�m after
�Wow Bessie! This is one of my favorite songs!� I said while I raise my hands at
tipong nagrorock and roll. Sumasabay din ang ulo ko every beat of the song.
�Haha. Same here.� He said then looked at me. �You�re so cute when you do that
Laine.�
�Hmm? Ano ka ba Bessie? Matagal na kong cute!� I said. He really knows how to humor
me.
The next thing I knew, Bessie and I are singing like crazy.
�Cause she�s bittersweet, she knocks me off of my feet

And I can�t help myself, I don�t want anyone else
She�s a mystery, she�s too much for me
But I keep coming back for more.�
We�re singing, err, I mean screaming our lungs out while we go along with the song.
Bessie�s smiling at me, and so am i.
�She�s just the girl I�m looking for.� He looked at me when he sang the last line
of the song. I don�t know why, pero feeling ko he sang it as if he mean it.
Ayy nako Laine, feeling ka masyado. Tiningnan ka lang ng ganun eh. Like hello,
ilang araw pa lang kayong magkakilala? Hahaha. Pero, aaminin ko, I�ve got one hot
of a bestfriend dito kay Ivan. Hahaha. Pano ko nga kaya sya napapayag na maging
bestfriend ko noh? I mean, he�s super cool tapos ang bait pa nya. Nakuu, kung di
lang talaga dahil kay Finn na kamuka ni Hyun Bin, baka maging stalker ako nitong si
Bessie. Hahahaha.
�Bessie.� I called him.
�Hmm?�
�May girlfriend ka na ba?� I asked.
Saglit syang nag-isip.
�Hmm. Wala pa eh. Bakit magaapply ka ba?� He grinned.

�Asa ka pa Bessie. Hahaha.� I joked.
�Tss. Wag ka magalala, di ka mababasted sakin.� He said arrogantly.
I just look at him na para bang nababaliw na sya. He looked at me then pinched my
nose.
Argh! Ang kulit talaga nitong si Bessie! I checked my nose to see kung buo pa to.
Hahahaha.
�Wag kang magalala, cute ka pa din.� He smiled at me.
We�re just like that on our way. Kulitan at tawanan. At masarap syang kausap. Hindi
sya nauubusan ng kwento, pati ung alaga nyang aso, kinukwento nya sakin. He never
fails to make me laugh. At sya naman, mababaw ang kaligayahan. Konting joke ko
lang, sobra syang makatawa. Hahaha.
When we get there to our house, nakita kong nag-aabang na si Chix sakin dun.
Nagulat sya nung makitang kasama ko si Ivan.
�Hey Bessie. Tara sa loob. Meryenda muna tayo.� Yaya ko kay Ivan.
Parang naghehesitate pa sya nung una, pero pumayag di sya sa huli. Nung nakapasok
na kami, Chix immediately asked, �Bakit hindi nyo kasama si Hiro?�
Hay talaga tong si bestfriend, mukang tinamaan kay Hiro. Hahahah.
�Eh malay ko. Nag-offer lang naman kasi si Bessie na ihatid ako eh.� I said. �Tara
Bessie, upo ka dito.� Yaya ko kay Bessie tapos tinuro ko ung couch.
�Nice house Laine.� He said as he sits down.
Kulay pink kasi ung bahay namin. Puro babae ba naman nakatira eh. I live with my
mom and my only sister. My parents separated three years ago.
I smiled at Ivan. �Wait lang, kuha lang ako ng foods.�
�Want some help?� He asked.
Sabi ko sa kanya wag na since sandali lang naman ako.
So when the food�s ready, pumunta na ko dun sa sala. Naupo ako katabi ni Chix.
Binulungan nya ko,�Alam mo bes, feeling ko mas gwapo tong si Ivan kay Finn. Sya na
lang kaya boyprenin mo?�
�Hahahah. Sira ka talaga. Wag ka ngang magulo jan.� Sabi ko sa kanya tapos hinampas
ko sya nung unan. Hahaha.
�Ano nga pala ung kekwento mo sakin?� Tanong ni Chix.
Nakita ko si Ivan na tumingin samin. I�m having second thoughts kung sasabihin ko
din kay Ivan ung nangyari kanina sa music audi.
In the end, kwinento ko din ung nangyari. Si Chix kasi, pinipilit ako eh. Tsaka,
bestfriend ko na din naman si Ivan diba? So okay lang na mag-open ako sa kanya ng
mga ganung bagay. Sinabi ko sa kanila lahat lahat ng nangyari.
�Grabe bestfriend. Ang tapang mo! Akalain mong binantaan mo si Finn ng ganun!� Chix
exclaimed.
While, Bessie on the other hand looked so shock dun sa ginawa ko.
�Eeh wala na kong choice diba? So I made that desperate move.� I explained.
Ivan smiled at me, �Ikaw talaga Laine! Ang cute cute mo! Hahaha.� As usual, ginulo
na naman nya ung buhok ko. Masasayang pala palagi ang suklay ko pag kasama ko tong
si Bessie eh. Obviously, hindi sya nagcomment dun sa ginawa ko.
�Eh Bessie naman eh. Sa tingin mo, grabe ung ginawa ko?� I asked him.
�Hmm. Let me think.� He placed his hand under his chin. �I don�t know. Knowing
Finn, he�s really moody. At masungit. And I�m sure you�re the only girl who had the
guts to do that to him.�
�Ayy teka lang bes!� Tawag ni Chin sakin. �Sabi mo, it was all because of a book.
Ano bang meron sa librong un ah?�
�Hmm. Wala naman akong masyadong napansin na kakaiba. Except na lang dun sa letter
na nakaipit dun.� Sabi ko.
�Letter?� Sabay nilang tanong sakin.
�Yes, a letter. It�s from B. Yun ung nakalagay dun.�
�B? Sinong B?� Tanong ni Chix tapos tumingin sya kay Ivan. �May idea ka ba sa B na
un Ivan?�
Saglit na natahimik si Ivan.
�B? Isa lang ang taong alam kong ganun papahalagahan ni Finn.�
�Sino?� Tanong ko.
Natahimik na naman si Bessie. Grabe naman makapangcliff hanger to. Talagang

binibitin ung info eh.
He finally spoke, �Si Bianca.�
�Bianca?!� Sabay naming tanong ni Chix.
�Finn�s first and only love.�
*To be continued*
Wee. Sorry kung medyo lousy tong update na to. Bangag ang otor eh. Hahaha. Babawi
na lang po ako sa next update, hahabaan ko po promise.
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Eight
Visit this link to see the pictures of the characters: DWTA Casts. ?. That's from
Finn's facebook account. You can add him if you like.
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Guess what guys?! It�s Friday! At anong meron sa Friday? Classmate ko lang naman si
Finnie my hot crush sa isang subject. Muahahaha!
About pala dun sa sinabi ni Ivan na first and only love ni Finn ung Bianca. Sus
hindi naman siguro totoo un noh?! I mean for a guy and a girl who�s thousand miles
apart, not to mention na sixteen years old lang sila that time, matutupad pa ba
nila ung promise nila na magkikita sila after three years? Sus, kalokohan! Syempre
nakalimutan na nila un noh. Sa mga dramas lang nangyayari un. Like hello, sa dinami
dami ng mga gwapo sa America, imposibleng walang makitang bago ung Bianca na un
noh. Same goes as Finn. Haller! Nandito kaya ako! Sus anong laban ng first love
sakin. She may be his first but not the only love. I�ll make a way, even the
dirtiest way for Finn to like me. Bwahahah. Kontrabida forever!
Tss. Bakit naman ako magwoworry eh may plano na ko sa date namin ni Finnie. And I�m
sure, hindi na talaga un papalpak. Pag naepic fail pa un, magsusuicide na ko.
Hahahah. Joke! Basta pag pumalpak un� eh basta di naman ako siguro papalpak noh?
Think positive Laine. ^___^
I really need to be optimistic. Deadma na lang about dun sa Bianca na un. Saka ko
na lang sya poproblemahin, pag dumating na sya dito.
And one more thing, about dun sa letter nya ka Finn, dun sa part na �don�t ya dare
get a girlfriend�. Nakoo, goodluck na lang sa kanya. Sorry na lang sya kasi baka
pagdating nya, Finn will tell him, �Bianca, I�m sorry. But I�ve got a girlfriend,
si Laine. And I really love her.� Then Finn will look at me with love.
Si Bianca naman, mapopoker face! Tatangkain nyang sampalin si Finn! At ako naman,
bilang isang mapagmahal na girlfriend, pipigilan ko ang kamay nya tapos sasabihin
ko sa kanya, �Back off! Don�t you dare lay a finger to my boyfriend, if you don�t
want your five vertebrae to become six!� Naks! Syempre hihiramin ko ung line na un
ni Ra Im sa Secret Garden para astig!
I�m sure manginginig na un sa takot. Tapos titingnan ko si Finn and I will tell
him, �Let�s go Babe. Let�s not waste our time talking with this piece of thing.�
Then I�ll wrap my arms around his.
While, Finn on the other hand, will look at Bianca with just pure sympathy. Then
lalakad na kami palayo sa kanya while we�re holding each other�s hand. Si Bianca
naman, luluhod sya at hahagulgol. Oo, hagulgol talaga dahil sa kalungkutan at
pagkabigo. Habang umiiyak sya, biglang papasok ang background music na �Alone� ni
Celine Dion. Wahahahahah! Bongga!
Tapos kami naman ni Finn habang lumalayo, magsslow motion ang paligid. Tapos
icacapture ung mga ngiti namin sa isa�t-isa. At that moment, papasukan ng isang
matinding love song as background music. Magandang song siguro ung �Halik� ng
Aegis. WAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Syet ang baduy! EEWWW! Joke lang un. Hahaha. Yung background
music namin ung �I�m Yours� ng The Script, syempre favorite ni Bebe Finnie ung The
script eh.
Then, may mga hearts, stars and flowers na lalabas sa screen, parang ung sa Maynila
ng GMA. Wahahahahah. Syet ulit sa kabaduyan. Joke lang un ulit. Napakabaduy nun, di
bagay sa image namin ni Finn. Hahaha
Wooohh! Grabe! Napaka-brilliant ng naisip ko!
Tama! I�ll make sure na iyon mismo ang mangyayari sa pagdating ni Bianca. Walang
labis, walang kulang.
You�re so intelligent Laine! Muahaha. Just the thought of that makes the
butterflies in my stomach flutter. Kilig to the atay and balloon-baloonan! YEEEE!
Yung reaction ko talaga, kinikilig. Hahahah
�Is she some kind of a crazy freak?� I stopped when I heard someone said it. Ako ba
ang pinaparinggan ng bruhang un?
I looked at the girl who just pissed me off. I put my hand on my waist tapos
tinaasan ko sya ng kilay. �Ako ba ung pinaparinggan mo ha?!�
�Bakit? Tinamaan ka ba dahil alam mong baliw ka?�
Aba! Naghahanap yata ng away tong mukang bisugong to wah. Feeling nya, ang ganda
nya makapangsabi ng baliw ah.
�Anong sabi mo?!� I said furiously. Ready to fight na ang porma ko.
�Sabi ko baliw ka. If you�ve just seen your face a while ago. Para kang kinikiliti
ng kung ano dyan. To think na wala ka namang kasama.�
Aba�t talagang ginagalit ako ng ulikbang to ah. Ha! Nagkamali ata sya ng kinalaban!
�HOY!� Dinuro ko ung muka nya. �Ulikbang mukang bisugo! At least ako, kahit mukhang
baliw maganda naman! Eh ikaw?! Tingnan pa lang ung muka mong garabucho, muka ka ng
baliw eh!� I said mockingly. Grabe imbyerna tong babaeng to ah. Wag nya kong
susubukan. Isa yata sa mga talents ko ang mang-away. At magaling akong manlait!
HAHAHAH.
Nung sinabi ko un sa kanya, bigla syang namula! Wow, kaloka! May ipupula pa pala
ang negrang katulad nya ah. Amazing!
Napansin kong madami na pala ang mga taong nanunuod samin. Syempre naman, madami
talagang curious. Isang dyosa at isang laman-lupa ba naman ang nagaaway eh.
Hahahaha. Ang sama ko!
YAH! Hinding hindi mananalo ang kadiliman laban sa kabutihan! Wahahah.
Biglang umusok ang ilong ni ulikba, akmang lalapit sya sakin.
Nagface to face kami tapos nagsalita sya, �B1tch.�
Ang kapal ng muka nya! Malalaman nya ngayon what kind of b1tch I am.
�Chocolate ka ba?� Tanong ko sa kanya.

Sya naman tipong nagulat sa tanong ko. Kumunot ung noo nya.
�Alam mo kung bakit? Kasi ang negra mo!� I mocked. Bwahahaha. Tagumpay!
Halatang badtrip na badtrip na to sakin. Lalo pang nalukot ung muka nya nang
magtawanan ung mga tao sa paligid naming.
�Wahaha. Nice one!� Sabi ni Boy 1.
�Ang astig nung magandang babae.� Sabi ni Boy 2.
�Mukang lalapa ng tao ung negra oh.� Sabat naman ni Boy 3.
OKAY. Lahat sila kampi sakin. Muahahaha!
Nginitian ko sila. Ngumiti lang din sila sakin pero maya maya pa, bigla silang may
sinenyas.
Huh? Ano daw un?
Nagulat na lang ako nang biglang hinila ni ulikba ang buhok ko mula sa likod. Oh
NOOO! Hindi pwede to! Nasira ung buhok na pinaghirapan kong ayusin! Ang tagal ko pa
naman din inayos to dahil nga classmate ko si Finn sa isang subject mamaya. Humanda
talaga sakin tong negrang to.
�Look what you�ve done to my hair!� I hissed! Badtrip. Kung pwede lang magsuper
saiyan, ginawa ko na. Pagsisisihan nya ang panggulong ginawa nya sa crowning glory
ko!
Ako naman, hinila ko din ung kulot kulot nyang buhok. Bale, nagsabunutan kaming
dalawa. Ung mga taong nakapaligid, mga nagsisigawan. May naririnig pa kong
pustahan. Mga walangya! Ano kala nila dito? Sabong?!
Grabe na ung commotion na nagaganap. Masakit na ung kamay ko kakahila ng buhok nya.
Masakit na din ang anit ko sa pagsabunot nya.
Bigla ko syang hiniga sa sahig tsaka ko sya sinabunutan. Ha! Kala mo ha?! Hindi ata
ako magpapaapi! Natahimik kami bigla nang may nagsalita�
�Hey guys! Hindi nyo man lang sila pipigilan?!�
A girl in white tees and black pants came near us.
�Girls. Tama na yan. Pwede naman yan daanin sa magandang usapan eh.� She said.
Tumayo naman ako. Grabe, sobrang gulo talaga ng buhok ko.
Tumayo na din si ulikba tapos sabi nya, � Hindi pa tayo tapos.� Then she walked
away.
Woah! Scary. Feeling nya naman matatakot ako sa pagbabanta nya. Duhh.
�Are you okay?!� Tanong sakin ni lady in white then handed me a comb.
Tinanggap ko naman un then I smled at her. �Yes, I�m okay. Thank you.� I said as I
fix my hair.
�Next time wag mo na patulan ung mga ganun.� She said. �Nga pala, I�m Donna.�
She smiled then binigay nya sakin ung kamay nya para makipag shake hands.
I smile then accepted her handshake. � I�m Laine.�
�You look familiar.� She paused. �Ikaw ba ung seatmate ni Finn sa Calculus II?�
Teka? Pano nya nalaman un?
�Oo, bakit alam mo?� I asked.
�Hello! Classmates kaya tayo dun!� She said excitedly.
Classmate? Di ko sya natatandaan. Di naman kasi ko ganun kaobservant eh. Kay Finn
lang kasi ung attention ko nung time na un. Hahaha.
�Ah. Hehe. Ganun ba? First week pa lang naman kasi natin diba? Kaya di kita
namukhaan.� Sabi ko sa kanya. �Teka pala, kilala mo si Finn?�
�Yess! Sino ba naman hindi makakakilala dun eh un ang vocalist ng popular

ChocoPaps.� She said. We�re now heading to our classroom, 10 minutes na lang kasi,
start na ng klase namin kay Sir Paul.
So totoo pala talaga ung sinabi nila Martin na sikat sila.
She continued talking. �Sa totoo lang, I was once a friend to them.� Biglang
lumungkot ung muka nya pagkasabi nya nun.
�Was? Past tense?� Tanong ko.
�Yes. Was. It�s been a year.� She sighed.
Anong problema nito? Biglang nag-emo? Dahil curious ako kung bakit, tinanong ko
sya. �Bakit naman di mo na sila kaibigan ngayon?�
She looked at me with a sad smile on her face. �Wala wala. Tara na nga.� Then
hinila na nya ko papunta sa room.
Ang labo din ng babaeng to eh. Hahaha.
Nung nandun na kami sa room, nagkanya kanya na kami ng upo then wait for Sir Paul.
Umupo na ko dun sa upuan ko. Wala pa si Finn. Bayon?!
While waiting for Finn, random thoughts are on my mind. What would be the ideal
date for us? That type of glam and elegant? Hmm. Pwede pwede. Eh what if gayahin ko
na lang ung mga napapanuod kong dramas and movies? Kung sa Korean, dinadala ng
babae ung guy sa pig skin house, sa pinoy naman sa mga nagtitinda ng street foods
like isaw and fishball. Hmm. What do you think?
So eto ung options, kapag sa isang fancy restaurant kami nagdate, may possibility
na mabighani si Finnie sakin when I wear an elegant dress. Yung tipong mapapanganga
sya sakin kasi maganda na nga ako, mas lalo pa kong gaganda pag nagbihis at nag-
ayos pa ko ng ganun. Muahaha. While he stares at me, he�ll say �You are the most
beautiful girl I�ve ever laid my eyes on.�
Panalo! Hahaha.
The second option is we�re gonna date in a place na hindi pa nya napupuntahan.
Finn, as a rich kid, would definitely find it new and adventurous pag dinala ko sya
sa isang place like isawan. So ganito, diba syempre sa una, ayaw pa nyang tumikim
ng mga ihaw ihaw na un. Of course I�ll force him to eat it para once in his life eh
maranasan nya how to eat in such place. In the end, magugustuhan nya din un and
will crave for more. Then while we eat, he�ll smile at me and say �I never thought
eating with you in this kind of place would be fun.�
Then after that experience, he�ll start to realize how really amazing I am. Hahaha.
Ang galing ko talaga mag-imagine! But seriously, san ba ang date namin?
Syempre our first date should be memorable para may possibility na magkaroon ng
second, third and so on and so fort date. Ahh! Ang hirap mag-isip!
I search out for a pen and scented paper from my bag. Dito ko muna isusulat kung
anong oras at saan kami magkikita ni Finn. Then I�ll give this to him later.
Finnie ?
Fetch me at our house on Sunday, 10 am. This is my address: 123 Pineapple street,
St. James Village.
Make sure to bring your hottest car, OKAY?!
See you at our first date!
Hugs and Kisses,

Lainnie. ?
Okay ba? Ang sweet ko noh?
Di nagtagal dumating na si Sir Paul at ung mga classmates ko. Tss. Bakit wala pa si
Finn? Don�t tell me he won�t come?! Hindi pwede un. Pag di sya pumunta, papalapa ko
sa aso ung libro nya.
Nagstart ng magdiscuss si Sir Paul, wala pa din si Finn. Omygolay, asan na ba sya?
Natigil ang buong klase nang may kumatok sa pinto. Baka si Finn na un?!
When the door was opened, a guy wearing duct tape glasses and thick braces tried to
enter the roo. But before doing so, my prof shouted �Go out! I don�t accept lates
in my subject!�
Woah. He�s so mean, kawawa naman tong nerd na to. He went out the door with a frown
on his face.
Patay! Paano na si Finn?! Baka hindi sya papasukin ng terror gay na to.
Sir Paul went on with his discussion. �The derivative of 4xy^3 is blah blah blah.�
*BAAAAMM*
We were all astonished when someone banged the door with brute force. He just went
straight to his seat without saying anything or even looking at our professor. And
that seat is just right beside me. Yes, it was the arrogant Finn who had just
entered the room offensively.
It was just like the first time I�ve seen him. Walking arrogantly as if he owns
this territory.
Sir Paul looked at him. He seemed so surprised after what Finn did.
I expected Sir Paul would get him out of the room too since he�s late. He�s
actually a couple of minutes later than that nerd. Pero ang tanging nasabi lang ng
prof naming, �Next time Mr. Dela Cruz if you�re going to enter the room, kidly shut
the door properly.�
Finn just raised his right hand and said, �Sorry.�
Astig talaga ni Finnie! Lakas nya kay Sir Paul! Tss. Talk about favoritism. Sir
Paul then went on with his lesson again.
�Wow! Ang cool mo talaga Finnie!� I said cheerfully.
He did not say anything.
�Grabe. I thought Sir Paul would kick you out of the room but he just let you in
even though you�re late.�
Deadma.
I decided to give him my letter.
�What�s that?� Curiousity�s written ll over his face.
�Read it.� I said smiling at him.
Inabot nya ung papael at binasa nya ito.
�Tss. So you really planned out out our fvcking date.� He said frigidly.
�Of course, I just want to make sure you�re gonna experience the best date ever.
And that would be with me.�
�In your dreams.� He then crumpled the paper and threw it on my face.
Napakayabang talaga nya!!!
I picked the paper and threw it at him as well. Ha! Kala mo ikaw lang ha?!
He was shocked by what I did. He glared at me. �Hey you little Psycho! Why the hell
did you do that?!� He hissed while he touched his face. Sa mukha ko din kasi sya
binato eh. Hahaha.
�Why? Ikaw lang ba ang may karapatan mambato ha?!� I said mockingly.
He sighed. �Why am I even talking to this sick little dummy?� Sabi nya habang
nakatingin sa kawalan.
�Because destiny decided for you to do so.�
�You really dream big.� He took his earphones from his bag and put them in his
ears.
�What song are you listening to?� I asked.
�None of your business, Psycho.� He said unemotionally.
Ang bait naming estudyante. Hindi kami nakikinig kay Sir Paul. Hahahaha.
�Lagot ka. Hindi ka nakikinig kay Sir Paul.� Sabi ko sa kanya. He�s just looking
down, closing his eyes every now and then as he listens to the song.
�I don�t like listening to things I already know.�
�Tss. Yabang. Kaw na matalino.�
�Yes, I know. Why don�t you just listen to that fag and stop annoying me?� He�s
talking about Sir Paul. �By just the looks of you, I already know you can�t even
solve a simple equation.�
�Why bother to learn it? As if I can use that in my everyday life.� I rolled my
eyes. May point naman ako diba?
�Tss.�
I placed my hands under my chin and stared at him while he listens to the music.
He�s really handsome. Hindi sya nakakasawang titigan.
�What?!� He asked when he noticed I�m actually staring at him.
�Nothing. Since when did you become so handsome? Last month? Last year?� I asked.
That was the same question Joo Won asked Ra Im in Secret Garden. Oh diba? Dami kong
natututunan sa favorite Korean drama ko. Hahahaha
�Tss. Psycho talaga.� Was all he said.
�Ano bang pinapakinggan mo?� tanong ko ulit sa kanya.
�La ka na dun.�
I grabbed the earphone in his left ear and tried to put it in mine. Nagulat sya sa
ginawa ko.
�Hey! You wanna die? Give me that back!� He tried to get it from me but I�m
grasping it tightly.
�Wait wait. I�m just curious what song you�re listening to.� Sabi ko, pinipilit nya
pa din kunin ung earphone nya.
�Ibigay mo na. Isa.� He counted.
�Just try to get this from me, I swear I�ll tear your precious book to pieces.� I
threatened him.
With that, tumigil na sya dun sa pagkuha dun sa earphone nya.
�Fine. You lost me there. Just don�t do anything stupid to my book.�
Tagumpay! Hahahaha.
�Papayag ka din pala eh, gusto mo pang tinatakot ka eh.�
�You�re really dead once I have my book back.� He placed the other earphone in his
left ear para maging balance ung earphones samin. Bale, I have the ear phone in my
right ear while he has it in his left ear.
This feels nice! Para kaming magboyfriend nito! Hahahah. Baka ito na ang simula ng
Flaine love story. Muahaha.
�What�s the title of this song?� I asked when another song was played.
Tried to break her to a science in an act of good defiance

I broke her heart
There�s a pull up on her theories
there�s a watch her growing weary
I pulled her apart
�Science and faith.� Matipid nyang sagot.
Having heavy conversations about the frivolous

Constellations of our souls oooooh
We�re just trying to find some meaning in the things that we believe in
But we got some ways to go.
Of all of the things that she�s ever said
She goes and says something that just knocks me dead
�The Script?�
�Yeah.�
Gusto talaga nya ang The Script noh? Makapagresearch nga about that band.
We just listened to it. Wala na kaming pakialam sa mga dinidiscuss ni Sir Paul.
It�s like there are just three things that exist in the room, si Finn, ako at ung
music.
You won�t find faith or hope down a telescope

You won�t find heart and soul in the stars
You can break everything down to the chemicals
But you can�t explain a love like ours.
Its the way we feel, yeah this is real
Hayy. Ngayon ko lang ata naenjoy ang calculus sa buong buhay ko. Sana tumagal pa
ung oras.
I tried pushing evolution

As the obvious conclusion of the start.
But it was all my own amusement
Saying love was an illusion of a hopeless heart.
Of all of the things that she's ever said
She goes and says something that knocks me dead.
I looked at him. �Have you experienced this?� I asked out of the blue.
�What?� He asked cluelessly.
You won�t find faith or hope down a telescope

You won�t find heart and soul in the stars
You can break everything down to the chemicals
But you can�t explain a love like ours.
�I mean. Have you ever try to explain what really love is?�
�Tss. Ang corny mo.�
�I�m serious.� I looked at him seriously.
He paused for a moment.
�Just like what the lyrics are trying to emphasize, love is just unexplainable.
Especially for two people who truly love each other. You don�t need to use colorful
adjectives to describe it because when you feel it, you just feel it. No words can
ever define it as long as what you feel is real.� He explained.
I can�t believe Finn said those words. Lalo na at ako ang kausap nya. That was like
the longest sentences I�ve ever heard from him.
�Hmm.� I was really speechless. Di ako makapaniwalang nasabi nya sakin un. And he
said it as if it all came from the deepest part of his heart.
I just stared at him for a long time.
�Know what?� I said still staring at him. �This is the longest conversation we�ve
ever had.�
�I�m just bored so pinagtyagaan ko ng kausapin ang isang psychopath na katulad mo.�
He smirked.
Okay na sana eh, panira lang talaga ung kayabangan nya!
�You�re really rude.� I glared at him.

He just shrugged his shoulder. �Well, that�s what just makes me cool.� He said
arrogantly.
�Yabang.�
He did not respond to what I said. He just focused on the song we�re listening to.
I�m really happy right now. This is the first time he actually talked to me in the
most normal way he could. I mean, sa mga past conversations namin, lagi syang BV
sakin.
Pero ngayon, I saw a different Finn. He just made me cling into him more.
* To be continued*
As promised, hinabaan ko po ung update. Hahah. Kung di pa kayo nahahabaan dyan,

nakuu ewan ko na lang. Hahahah. ^__^
Thanks sa mga nag-add kay Finn at sa mga laging present sa updates ko. Hahahah.
Tsaka syempre sa lahat ng nagbabasa. Wahahah. ^__^
Comment ah?
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Nine

posted by chille016 (Jul 04, 2011 @ 3:49AM) views: 844
See the Casts. ?
Previous Chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
�Laine, try this one. Pink looks perfect.�
�No Laine, pink is just for elementary girls. Look at this one, this will you
perfectly.�
�Laine, don�t listen to her. This is better.�
�I bet you Laine, this is much much better.�
�Hey girls, enough okay? I won�t be choosing either of those two.�
Nandito kami sa mall ngayon. Nagtatalo kasi ung dalawa kung ano ung dapat isuot ko
sa date namin ni Finn bukas. Chix wants me to wear a pink chiffon dress while Donna
wants me to wear a black mini dress. Yes, kasama namin si Donna. Feeling close eh.
Nyahaha. Joke! The three of us went for lunch together yesterday kaya naman
nakaclose na din namin tong si Donna. I thought she�s like a lady of finesse, pero
katulad lang din pala namin sya ni Chix. Kalog at makulit din.
�Know what Laine? Kanina pa tayo umiikot dito sa mall pero until now di ka pa din
makapagdecide kung anong bibilin mo.� Chix said as she rolled her eyes.
�Agree!� said Donna.
�Tss. Wag na nga kayong magreklamo. Di ko naman kayo pinilit sumama ah.�
Actually, totoo ung sinabi ni Chix. Kanina pa kami paikot-ikot sa mall pero wala pa
din akong makitang ideal outfit para sa date namin ni Finnie tomorrow. Syempre, I
want it to be special naman noh.
"By the way Laine, I saw you in our room yesterday, you two are like listening to
music. Magkahati pa nga kayo ng earphones eh." Sabi ni Donna habang tumitingin
tingin ng mga dress dun.
"Omygahd Laine! Is that true?" Chix said. By looking at her reaction, she seemed
shocked.
Tss. Ano ba naman sila? Bakit masashock pa sila na sweet sweetan ung moment namin
ni Finn kahapon. Kashock shock ba un? Muahaha. I mean, haller, ako pa? Tss. Sino ba
naman makakaresist ng makamandag kong charm? Muahaha. Pero kaya lang, syempre, di
naman lahat ng moment eh perfect. Medyo sumablay lang ng konti kahapon. Wanna know
what happened?
*Flashback*
We're just listening to the music as time went on without even lending an ear to
our professor. Finn was leaning against the table as his eyes were closed. I don't
know if he's asleep or he's just feeling every beat of the song. I just kept
staring my eyes off him. He was actually facing at my side. His perfectly sculpted
face was so calm and peaceful.
I was tempted to touch his face but before doing so, Sir Paul ruined the moment.
"Okay. Class dismissed."
AAARRGGHH! BADTRIIIPPP! EPAL AMBAKLA PUTS!!!!
Pagkasabing pagakasabi ni Sir Paul nun, biglang nag-angat ng mukha si Finn. Ung
mata nya, mukhang bagong gising. Weh? Tulog talaga sya kanina? Ang galing ha, after
sabihin ni Sir Paul ung magic words, biglang nagising? Ano un adrenaline rush?
"Hey Psycho. Give me my earphone." He said as he arrange his things. Duhh. Feeling
nya nag-aral sya.
"Ayaw. Dito lang muna tayo. Kailangan ko pang pakinggan lahat ng songs ng The
Script." I said while I pouted my lips na parang batang nagpapabili ng candy sa
nanay nya.
"Ibibigay mo ba yan o ibibigay mo?"
Nice. As if my choice ako sa mga sinabi nya. Buwang din to eh.
"EEEHH? Pinapili mo pa ko?!" Then I leaned on the table. He stood up. Wala na ung
mga classmates ko, lahat sila lumabas na for lunch. Waaahh. Solo namin ni Finnie
ang room. MUAHAHAH.
"Fvck. You pain in the ass, give me that." He hissed while reaching for his
earphone. Ako naman, I was holding it tightly. Talagang di ko to bibigay sa kanya.
"You really like to curse huh? And me? Pain in the ass? You mean almoranas?"
"Tss. Gross." He kept on getting and getting it from me while I was pulling and
pulling it away from him.
"Finnie! Stop getting it! I'll never give this to you unless we finish hearing all
the songs here." I said still grasping for the earphone.
"PSYCHO! Give it to me!" He pulled it from me using his super duper force. I kept
holding it. We were puling both of the earphones na parang nagtutug of war dahilan
para maputol ito. Yes, nasira ung earphone nya.
"Look what you've done! You just broke it!"
"And so? My fault? Ikaw tong nakikipag-agawan! If you just let me use it, edi sana
buo pa yan ngayon!"
"Sh1t. You really are a pain."

"And so are you!"
He pulled out the wire from his ipod then threw it on my face! ARRGGHH! Kelan pa ko
naging basurahan?! Kanina ung paper tapos ung earphone naman ngayon! Masakit ung sa
earphone ah!!
"Serves you right." with that, he walked out.
AYY! Badtrip talaga! Kung kasi pumayag sya kanina, edi sana walang problema!
As he was about to go out of the door, I shouted...
"FINNIE!"
He stopped but did not look back.
"Don't forget! Sunday at 10 am! At our house! Okay? Take care Finnie! See you!"
He then went on and slammed the door loudly.
*End of flashback*
"You called that a progress Laine?" Chix asked with his wide eyes after I told them
what happened exactly.
"YESS!" I answered proudly. "Konting lambing na lang dyan kay Finn, lalambot din
yan. Muahaha."
"Good luck na lang Laine. I know Finn for five years now. After Bianca left for
States, he became so cold to women. He's like an elusive prey to what he thinks as
predator. Unlike other guys who like to manipulate girls, Finn promised himself
that he'll wait for the only woman he loves, and that is Bianca. He remained loyal
and faithful to her for almost three years now. I'm not sure if he's gonna allow
you to ruin that relationship he treasured for years."
Chix and I both looked at Donna. After what she said, should i still continue my
plan with Finn?
I know, I am not that into him yet. I mean, yes it's obvious that i do like him.
He's cool and handsome. And mostly, he looks like Hyun Bin. Shallow reason it is
but what can I do? I like him for that.
Wala pang feelings na involve. It's just that nag-eenjoy lang ako with all the
foolishness I've been doing around him. Ngayon ko lang naexperience na ganito
kaagressive towards a guy. Threatening him for a date, saying that we are destined
for each other. Ngayon ko lang yan ginawa! I've never been this kind of girl
before. Kahit nga ako, nagugulat din sa mga nasasabi at nagagawa ko.
Maybe I'm doing those things because I just want to feel love like those I watch in
movies and Korean dramas. Perhaps, it really is.
I don't want any other typical love story. Ayoko ng isang kwentong ordinaryo. Yung
tipong liligawan ni guy si girl, then after months or so, they'll end up being
together. Ayoko ng ganun! Gusto ko ung thrilling, ung adventurous, ung kakaiba!
Gusto ko ung pag naging kami na, I'll be proud to say what we've been through
before we had our happy ending.
Sabi nila, wag daw hanapin ang love. But in my case, I'll be the one to find it for
myself. At si Finn un! Alam kong sa kanya ko mararamdaman ang love love love na
yan!
Honestly, I never had a boyfriend. Kaya di ko pa nararanasan ang magmahal. Di ko pa

naranasan ang sugurin ng milyun-milyong paru-paro sa tiyan. Di ko pa naranasan ang
umiyak over a guy.
Kilig? Heartache? Sa mga pinapanuod ko lang na movies at dramas ko lang

nararamdaman yan. But in real life? I never had tons of butterflies in my stomach
nor had teardrops in my eyes because of the man I love. Neither of those two
happened in my 18 years of living. Not even a single moment.
I'm naive whan it comes to love. Kaya nga gusto kong maramdaman un eh. Sa katauhan
ni Finn.
Now I know what to do. I'm still hanging on my plan despite of what Donna had said.
If I want love. then i'll do everything to get it. No matter what the consequences
are.
I just snapped back to reality when Chix clapped her hands in front of me.
Napakalalim na pala ng nilangoy ni brainy ko.
"Ano ba Laine? Kanina pa ko ngasasalita dito oh." Reklamo nya.
"Eh sorry bes, biglang nag fly fly away ung utak ko. Lumutang eh." I said.
"Sorry laine, baka naoffend ka nung nasabi ko." Donna said with an apologetic look
on her face.
"No Dons, it's okay." Wala lang naman talaga sakin un. I mean, buti nga sinabi nya
un para ready to fight na ako pag uwi nung Bianca na un. Muahahah.
"Anyway Donna, naging friend mo ang ChocoPaps diba? Bakit hindi na ngayon? Anong
issue nyo?" Tanong ni Chix na nakapamewang pa.
Donna just looked at her fingernails na parang nandun ung sagot sa tanong ni Chix.
Then suddenly...
"AYY. Laine! Ang cute nung dress na un oh! Bagay sa date nyo ni Finn!"
Ayy ang galing mag change ng topic ni Ate.
"Tss. What do you think is the reason Laine?" Bulong sakin ni Chix.
"Aba malay. Hayaan na lang natin sya iopen ang topic na un balang araw." Sabi ko na
lang then sinundan na namin si Donna.
After how many years of mall hopping, nakapili na ko ng isusuot for tomorrow. One
word to describe it: Perfect. Nyahaha. And beyond perfect na pag sinuot ko pa.
Nyahahah. Bumili din ako ng earphones para palitan ung nasirang earphone nya. Baka
kasi nahighblood sya sakin dahil nasira un.
Nagtaxi na lang kami pauwi dahil over hassle to the body kung mgajijeep pa kami.
Nang makauwi ako sa bahay, sinalubong agad ako ni Carl, my so matabang brother.
Muahaha.
"ATE LAINE! Pasalubong ko?!"
"Ang sweet talaga ng kapatid ko! Wala man lang hi and hello, di pa nga ako
nakakaupo, pasalubong agad!" I said sarcastically.
I'm 13 years older dito kay Carl. Layo ng age gap noh? Kala ko nga nun, di na ko
magkakaroon ng isa pang kapatid. Akalain mong nakahirit pa ng isa ang mga magulang
ko. Nyahaha.
"Nanggaling ka na ng mall, di mo pa ko binilan ng pasalubong!" Pagmamaktol ni Carl.

Take note, bulol bulol ung pagkakasabi nya pero trinanslate ko na into normal human
language para maintindihan nyo. Nyahahah.
"Next time na lang Carl, okay ba un?"
"Eeh. Minsan na nga lang ako magchocolate eh. Watdapak naman ate?!"
"HOY ikaw bata ka! San mo natutunan yan ah? Masama un!" Sabi ko sa kanya. lokong
bata un ah, daming natututunan. "Pag nagsabi ka uli nyan, susumbong kita kay Mama."
"Eehh. Sa inyo ko lang narinig ni Ate Chix un eh."
Nice. Kami pala ni Chix may impluwensya dito eh. Wahahaha.
"Eeehh. Wag mo na kami gayahin. Bad un. Pwede mo lang sabihin un pag 18 ka na."
Hahahaha. Napaka good influence ko talaga sa kapatid.
"HOY ALLAINE! Anong pag 18 18 ka dyan. Wag na wag kong maririnig sayo un Carl. At
ikaw naman Allaine, wag mo din ung bibigkasin sa bahay!"
Great. Narinig pala ko ng nanay ko. Hahahah.
"WTF?!"
"Ano?!"
"Sabi ko po where's the food? Nagugutom na po kasi ako eh." Nyahahaha. K. Ang
corny.
"Maghahain lang ako." Sabi ni Mama then pumunta na sa kusina.

Umakyat na ko sa kwarto para magbihis then bumaba din agad para kumain. Di kasi ko
masyadong nakakain sa mall kanina eh.
"Ma, may date ako bukas."
"Sino naman may sabing pwede ka ng makipagdate?"
"Duhh. Ma! 18 na kaya ako!"
"So?"
"Ehh basta Ma! Wether you like it, you will like it. Diet pala ko. Akyat na ko sa
kwarto ha?!" I was about to take steps away from the table when my mouth shouted.
"HOY Laine. You do the dishes!"
Tss. No choice but to go back.
After all the che che bureches and talks and talks and talks. Nag-agree din si mama
sa date ko. Papalag po ba sya, eh ako ata ang batas dito. Muahaha. Pero ako pa din
pinaghugas nya ng mga plato.
After that, I immediately went to my room.
I wrapped his earphones. Sana naman matouch sya dito, after all the efforts I made
para balutan tong earphones na gift ko sa kanya. Hahahah. Paniguradong matutuwa sya
dito.
Next thing I did, I prepared my dress and his book, set my alarm clock then did all
those rituals I do every night.
---
Kinabukasan
Whew! The day finally arrived! It's Sunday! The start of something new between Finn
and I.
It's only 8 in the morning. I made sure na enough lang ung time ko for
preparations. You know, para iwas cramming.
As I was about to get up, my phone suddenly rang.
Sino naman kaya tatawag na ganito kaaga? Sunday kaya ngayon.
I looked at my phone. It's an unregistered number. I answered it, baka kasi

importante.
"Laine!"
Wow. Wala man lang hello hello?
"Hello. Who's this?"
"Laine. Si Auntie Melissa mo ito."
Err. Si Auntie pala. Kapatid ni Papa. Bakit naman tatawag sya ng ganito kaaga? And
mukang urgent ung sadya nya.
"Oh Auntie. Kayo po pala. Kamusta na po? Napata--"
Before I could even finish my sentence, my Aunt cut me off. At bigla akong nanghina
sa sunod nyang sinabi.
"Laine.." Then she started crying. "Y-your dad. He had a cardiac arrest."
I was speechless with what she said. Para akong tinakasan ng bait.
"Laine.. Laine.. You still there?"
I felt a heavy thing pounding on my chest. Hindi pwedeng mangyari un kay Papa.
Hindi pwede.
"Laine..." Tinawag ako ni Auntie. She's now crying hard.
"P-po? Saang ospital po yan? Papunta na po ako." Lutang pa din ang utak ko but I
managed to understand what my Aunt had said.
Dali dali akong nagbihis. Tinext ko na din sila Mama. Nasa church kasi sila ng mga
ganitong oras.
Pagdating na pagdating ko sa hospital, dumiretso ako papunta sa emergency room. My
aunt is outside. She looks so stressed habang nakalagay ang mga kamay nya sa mukha
nya.
Dahan dahan ko syang nilapitan. Ang lakas ng kaba ng dibdib ko habang papalapit ako
sa kanya. Hearing a bad news is the last thing I want to hear right now.
When she noticed na nandun na ko, bigla syang tumayo. Namumugto ung mga mata nya.
Nilapitan nya ko at niyakap. Umiyak sya sa balikat ko.
"Laine. Ang papa mo." She's sobbing loudly.
Nagsimula na ding umagos ang mga luha ko. Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. Okay si
Papa! Alam kong okay si Papa. Mabait si God, he's not going to take my father yet.
"A-auntie." My voice is trembling. "N-nasaan na po si Papa?"
"He's in the emergency room right now Laine. I still don't know what exactly is
happening."
We then sat there at tahimik na naghihintay ng resulta. Minutes have passed at

katahimikan pa din ang namamayani sa aming dalawa. Both of us are so nervous of the
result.
Finally, someone came out from the E.R. It was the doctor.
Dali dali kaming lumapit ni Auntie.
"Doc, how's the condition of my dad?"
"Well, as of now, he was saved from any danger but we can't assume he's gonna be
more okay. We still need to run for some tests as his heart is a little weak. He's
still under observation right now." He said then umalis na din sya.
May dad was transferred to another room. Nakaoxygen mask sya at walang malay.
God, please help my dad. Please? Give him strength and more years to live.
Those were the thoughts on my mind. I am praying silently for ma dad's recovery.
Hindi ako sanay na nagkakasakit si Papa. Ito na yata ang pinakamatinding nangyari
sa kanya. Alam kong may sakit sya sa puso, pero I didn't mind it until this time.
Alam ko namang he's practicing a healthy lifestyle kaya hindi kami gaanong
nagwoworry sa health nya.
My parents have been separated since I was 15. But even though I'm still young that
time, naintindihan ko naman ung situation nila. Wala namang naging issue sa kanila
ni Mama. I don't know what happened exactly but it's okay with Carl and I. In fact,
my parents remained to be good friends. Dad calls and visits us regularly. And for
me, okay na un sakin kahit di ko sya nakakasama araw araw.
Nagpaalam sakin si Auntie. Bibili daw muna sya ng pagkain at kukuha ng gamit ni
Papa sa bahay.
I looked at my dad. He already has gray hair and some wrinkles on his forehead.
I talk to him hoping he could hear me.
"Pa! Get your butt off you lazy pants. Sino may sabi sayong matulog ka lang dyan
ha? Naghihintay ang law firm mo. Lagot ka sa mga clients mo pag di ka pa gumising
dyan." Tears started to run off my cheeks again. Di talaga ako sanay na ganito si
Papa eh.
"Papa. What happened to your heart ba? Samin ka nalang kasi tumira kung nahaheart
broken ka. Please Pa? Wake up! Kinansel ko ung pinakaimportanteng date para sa kin
para lang samahan kita dito. Bumangon ka na dyan Pa. Alam mo ba kung gaano kasungit
at kayabang ung date ko? Paniguradong di na ko pagbibigyan nun for another second
date. Just wake up Pa, I'll forgive you for ruining my most-awaited date." I was
like crying my eyes out while saying those words. The date with Finn is the last
thing I have on my mind right now. Mas importante sakin ang Papa ko above all.
As if on cue, my phone rang.
Calling...
FinnieLoves?
I looked at the time, it's already 10:30. He's probably fuming mad now.
"Hello." I answered coldly. Wala ako sa mood magsalita at lalong wala ako sa mood
makipagtalo.
"You know what time is it Psycho? Don't tell me you're just going to let me wait
for a stupid girl like you? Hell no!"
"I don't have the energy to fight with you right now Finn. I'll just give you the
book tomorrow. Don't wait for me there. Go home." I sighed.
"Did you plan this? Did you plan of making me wait for you?" His voice was angry.
"I swear to God, Finn, I didn't. I'm sorry for making you wait there." My voice
cracked, dahil padin sa pag-iyak ko.
"Hey. Hey Psycho. Are you sick? Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Yes. I'm fine." I lied.
"Okay. I don't want my book tomorrow! I want it now! I want you to give that back
to me right now!"
"I'm sorry Finn. I really can't make it right now. I'll hang up." As I was about to
end the call...
"Hey Psycho. Wait. Don't hang up. Are you really not sick? Where are you?" He asked
in a confused voice.
"I'm in the hospital right now." I answered simply.
"What? You told me you're not sick? What hospital is that?" He asked demanding for
a sharp answer.
"St. Louis Hospital. It's not me who's sick." I paused, then look at my dad. I
started to break down. I'm really such a crybaby when it comes to my parents. "It's
my dad. He had a heart attack."
The next thing I knew, the other line's dead. Binabaan nya ko. Ganun ba sya kacold
and cruel? He did not even say a thing pagkatapos kong sabihin ung tungkol kay
Papa. He's really a heartless jerk.
I just stared at my dad. Gusto ko pagkagising nya, ako agad ang unang unang
makikita nya.
After 15 minutes, someone opened the door. I thought it was just my Mom or my Aunt.
Pero laking gulat ko nang magsalita sya.
"How's he?"
He was the least person I expected in coming here. Yes, it was that heartless jerk
I'm talking about a while ago.
*To be continued*
Sorry for a delayed update. ^__^

K. Tulog na ko.
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Ten

posted by chille016 (Jul 06, 2011 @ 11:33PM) views: 889
See the Casts. ?

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
�How�s he?�
I was really shocked by his presence. Of all people, it was Finn who came here
rushing. He was gasping heavily when he entered this room. Did he run going here?
He looks� worried? OWS?! Si Finn magwoworry? Isang malaking himala naman un pag
nagkataon. But no matter what his reason is, his just very presence made me feel
somewhat at ease.
�Are you just going to stare at me for like forever?� He said.
Tss. Okay na sana, panira lang talaga ng moment ang kayabangan nya.
My eyes are still puffy because of my over crying a while ago. Bigla naman daw
akong nahiya sa itsura ko. He was wearing dark blue long sleeve polo which he
folded until his elbow. His hair is in a cute messy style. He looks like a model.
Samantalang ako, nakasimpleng white shirt at skinny jeans lang. I wonder kung muka
na kong zombie ngayon. I didn�t even put face powder kanina dahil sobrang anxious
ako after hearing the news about my father. Baka sobrang oily na ng mukha ko.
But anyway, bakit pa ba ko mahihiya? At saka, bakit ko pa ba poproblemahin ang

itsura ko? As I�ve said, my father is my most priority right now. We don�t even
know kung kailan sya gigising. Sigh.
�Why are you here?� Tanong ko sa kanya. Bakit nga ba sya nandito? Di kaya concern
talaga sya?
He was puzzled for a moment. Parang naghahanap sya ng isasagot sa tanong ko? Suuss.
Ayaw pang sabihin na nag-aalala sya eh.
�Ahm. Of course it�s because of my book. Do I have any other reasons para magpunta
dito?� He raised an eyebrow.
So, pumunta lang sya dito dahil sa book? Tss. Akala ko pa naman tinubuan na sya ng
pakialam eh.
�Diba I told you kanina, I�ll just give you the book tomorrow. Di mo ba ko nagets
kanina?� I said in a high pitch tone.
He got a chair and sat next to me. Tiningnan ko lang sya habang papaupo sya. My dad
is in front of us. Nasa gilid kasi kami ng hospital bed while facing him.
�You know Psycho, a deal is a deal. I always see to it that I won�t ever break a
deal. You said you�ll return my book on Sunday. And it�s Sunday today, dummy.�
Why does he always call me names? Di ba nya naapreciate ang pangalan ko? Sigh.
Tsaka hindi ba nya maintindihan? Something happened kaya naman, di ko nabigay ung
book nya at di rin natuloy ang supposed-to-be-the-best-date-ever day. Tsk.
�Sorry, okay? If not just because of this situation now, I could have give you your
book and you wouldn�t wait for me that long.� I sincerely apologized. Yes, I�m
really sincere. Knowing Finn�s temper, he must have been really mad earlier since
he was waiting for me.
An awkward silence followed. He did not speak. His mind seemed to fly far away from
here. He�s just looking at the infinity.
But I was really surprised by the next thing he said.
�Five years ago, I was in the same situation as you.� I looked at him confusingly
but he did not mind me. He just kept on talking while still looking at the very
infinity. �The only difference is it was my mom who was on the hospital bed like
this.�
My eyes grew wide as he said it. His expression changed a bit. He is� sad? His eyes
are like longing for someone� someone� that won�t ever come back.
�I was 13 years old then. I didn�t know what exactly is happening to my mom. She
looked so pale and weak while lying on that bed. My dad was crying as she talked to
us as if she�d never see us again.�
He sighed. I don�t know what I felt while looking �rather�staring at him. It�s like
I also feel the pain he�s feeling while remembering what happened with his mom.
�According to what I heard, she had a colon cancer.� I covered my mouth when he
said that. I was really shocked by what he told me. Does it mean�
�Yes. She died of that cancer. I never knew what exactly her disease is during that
time. I thought she just had fever or something minor abnormalities in her body.�
He let out an exasperated sigh.
Tears started to run down my cheeks again. I felt sympathy towards him. Losing a
mother at that age is really painful.
I was just crying. I wanted to hug him but I couldn�t. Nararamdaman ko din ung
sakit na nararamdaman nya. I can�t see through him pero alam ko na nandun pa din
ung sakit na dulot ng pagkawala ng Mom nya.
�I just hope your dad will recover soon.� Pagkaraa�y sabi nya then he looked at me.
�While your father is still alive, always tell him how much you love him. Kasi when
my mom died, hindi ko man lang nasabi kung gaano ko sya kamahal. I was just staring
blanky at her not knowing what to say or tell her.� Ramdam na ramdam ko ang
kalungkutan nya habang nagsasalita sya. His heart is wounded.
I was really speechless. Wala akong maapuhap na tamang salitang sasabihin sa kanya.
I looked at my dad.
Oh God, please let my dad live longer.
Silence engulfed the whole room afterwards. None of us tried to break that silence.
He was just looking down while I on the other hand was just looking at my dad.
We turned our heads when someone entred the room. It was my mom. Mukang nagulat sya
dahil may kasama ko. Tiningnan nya si Finn.
�Ma!� I hurriedly went near her and hugged her.
�Your dad will be okay Laine. Don�t worry. He�s a strong person. He won�t leave us
that way.� Mom said as she�s caressing my back.
Medyo lumakas naman ung loob ko sa sinabi ni Mama. Tama, kaya yan ni Papa! Di nya
kami basta iiwan lang! Nang maghiwalay kami ni Mama, tumingin ulit sya kay Finn.
He stood up and greeted my mom. �Good morning po.�
My mom nod and greeted him back too. �Kaibigan mo ba ang anak ko?�
�Po?� He smiled reluctantly. �Opo.�
Woossshhhooo. Opo daw? Kaibigan nga ba? Lagi akong inaaway, kaibigan? Hahahah
�O baka ikaw ung date sana ni Laine?� Ano ba tong nanay ko. Napaka straight forward
naman.
Bago pa sumagot si Finn eh, sumabat na ko. �Asan pala si Carl, Ma?�
�Aun. Kasama ng Auntie Melissa mo. Nagkasabay kasi kami papasok dito. Sinama nya si
Carl, bibli daw sya ng prutas. Ayy sandali, sasamahan ko na nga sila. Dito ka muna,
bantayan mo ang Papa mo, baka tumakas. Sige, Hijo, aalis muna ko ha? Pakisamahan mo
muna si Laine ha?� Yun lang at umalis na din ang magaling kong ina. Tss.
�Your mom seems nice.� Maya-maya�y sabi ni Finn.
�Hmm. Yeah she�s really nice.� I said. �When my mom asked you if kaibigan kita, why
did you say yes? Hypocrite.� I rolled my eyes. The ambiance of the room seems
lighter. I�m sure na hindi matutuwa si Papa kung forever na lang akong iiyak kaya
dapat tatagan ko din ung loob ko para sa kanya.
�Well, I was just being respectful. It would be rude if I would answer no.� He said
as he sat down the couch there. I followed and sat beside him. Maliit lang ung
couch na un, just enough for two people kaya naman medyo malapit ako sa kanya.
�How come you know how to be respectful and rude at the same time?� I asked teasing
him.
�Tss. Because I�m cool.� He answered simply. Yabang! �You have a brother?� Bigla ay
tanong nya.
�Yes. My super cute brother.�
�I hope he doesn�t inherit your mental issues.� Sabi nya then he got one of the
magazines at binuklat nya yun.
�Bipolar ka ba?� Tanong ko. Kasi naman, kanina lang medyo emo sya tapos ngayon ang
lakas na naman nya mang-asar.
Mukang nagulat sya sa tanong ko at napatingin sya sakin. �Tss. Pyscho. I�m not like
you.� Iiling iling nyang sabi then tumingin ulit dun sa binabasa nya.
�If you�re a bipolar then I am --as what you said-- a psycho. Then do you think na
bagay tayo?� I grinned then lalo pa kong lumapit sa kanya.
Nagulat sya sa paglapit ko sa kanya. �Hey Psycho, don�t go near me. Ayokong mahawa
ng kabaliwan mo.�
I laughed hard as I look at him. Nakataas ung magazine sa muka nya tapos
napacrossed legs pa sya dahil sa paglapit ko.
Nakakatawa ung itsura nya. Hahahahahaha. I was just laughing while looking at him.
Sya naman, nakatingin lang sakin. Then suddenly, nagsalita sya.
�You seem to be better.�

Napatigil ako sa pagtawa nung sinabi nya un. Base sa tono ng pananalita nya,
nagworry ba talaga sya sakin kanina o feeling ko lang un?
�Nag-alala ka ba sakin kanina?� Tanong ko habang nakatingin lang sa mukha nya.
He paused for moment. Seryoso ung mukha nya. Then he said�
�Bakit naman ako mag-aalala sayo? Tss. Wag kang feeling, okay? I went here not
because of you but because of my book. I was worried about my book. Baka kasi
mamaya, mawala ka sa sarili mo at kung ano pang gawin mo sa libro ko noh.�
OKAY. Whatever sabi ng isip ko. Kahit ano pang dahilan nya, okay na sakin un. At
least, he�s with me at this crucial time of mine.
�OWS? Nag-worry ka sakin eh?� I looked at him mockingly. �Siguro in love ka na

sakin noh?� I smirked.
Napatigil sya saglit at tumingin sakin. �In you wildest dreams, Psychopath.� Then
he stood up and threw the magazine at me.
ARGHHHH. Ginagawa nya talaga kong basurahan eh! Babatuhin ko din sana sya ng may
dumating na nurse.
�Kukunan ko lang po ng vital signs ung pasyente.�
I just nod at her.
�Finnie!� I called him after umalis ung nurse.
�I said stop calling me that name!� He said looking annoyed. Hahaha. Ang cute din
nya minsan asarin eh.
�Nagugutom na ko.� I complained. Hanggang ngayon kasi di pa dumadating sila Mama.

Hindi ko alam kung sinasadya nila un o ewan. Tss. Pero if ever man na sinadya nila
un, papasalamatan ko na lang sya next time. Muahahaha.
�And so?�
�I can�t go. Tingnan mo naman si Papa oh.�
Mukang nagets na nya ang ibig kong sabihin.
�Magpadeliver na lang tayo dito.� Pagkaraa�y sabi nya.
�Ehh matagal pa pag deliver ehh. Ayoko naman ng hospital food.� Reklamo ko. �Ikaw
na bumili ng food please?� I pouted. �Masakit na ung tiyan ko eh. Di ako
nagbreakfast.�
Mukang naaasar sya. Hahahah. He glared at me. He just kept glaring at me while I�m
looking at him with a frown on my face.
�Fine! This will be the first and last time I would grant your demand!� Sabi nya
then he walked out of the door.
MUAHAHAH. I WON! LAINE FTW!

I just turned on the TV while waiting for him. Itetext ko sana sila Chix to
accompany me here. Kaya lang, baka busy sila eh.
OWS?
O cge na nga, eh kasi okay na un. Si Finn kasama ko sa pagbantay kay Papa.
Di nagtagal, dumating na si Finn na may bit bit ng dalawang plastic bags ng Max�s.
Lumapit ako sa kanya then I unpacked the food.
�Tara. Kain na tayo.� Yaya ko sa kanya.
�Ikaw na lang. I�m not hungry.� He said then sat on the couch.
�Ehh? Please? Ayoko kumain mag-isa.� I demanded. May pagka-maarte din pala ko
minsan. Hahahah.
�I don�t like.�
�Please?�
�No.�
�Please?�
�Please?�
�Please?�
�Fine.�
Okay. Laine won again! Hahahah.
We just silently eat. Grabe. Nagutom talaga ko ng bongga!
�Why are you still here?� I asked pagkatapos naming kumain.
�What do you think is the reason why I�m still here?� He asked then come nearer to
me.
Oh no. Hindi ako pwedeng kiligin. Wala pang malay ang Papa ko for God�s sake!
I did not speak for like a minute.
�Is it because you realized you already like me that you don�t want me to be alone
in this room waiting for my dad to wake up?� I said not even breathing.
He grimaced then poked me on my forehead then went away from me. �You�re really
funny.� He chuckled. �Why would I like a woman --- err scratch that--- a
psychopathic girl like you? If that happens, then most likely, it�s the end of the
world too.�
Napakayabang talaga ng lalaking �to!
�Ang yabang mo.� Sabi ko habang nakapamewang. �Eh bakit nandito ka pa din? Pwede ka
na namang umuwi ah.� I raised a brow.
�Didn�t you hear what your mom said? Sabi nya samahan daw kita. I am just following
her. And besides, I want to make sure na hindi mo pagbabalingan ng frustration yang
book ko.�
�Tss. Whatever.� Sabi ko na lang. Bahala sya sa buhay nya. Hahaha.
---
Hours have passed and wala pa din kahit man lang anino ng Auntie ko, ni Carl at ng
nanay ko. San naman kaya sila nagpunta? Hindi ba sila nagaalala kay Papa?
Si Papa, aun. Medyo nakakalungkot lang kasi wala pa din syang malay hanggang
ngayon. Pero medyo bumubuti naman daw ung lagay nya sabi nung nurse na nakausap ko.
Kaya naman, medyo gumaan na din ang pakiramdam ko.
At kami ni Finn. Aun, nakaupo lang sa couch habang nanunuod ng TV. Di talaga sya
umalis eh. Pinaninindigan talaga nyang sumusunod lang sya sa mga mas matanda sa
kanya. Sus. Gumaganun pa sya.
�It�s already 7.� Sabi nya pagkatingin nya sa wristwatch nya.
�Kailangan mo na ba umuwi?� Tanong ko.
Nag-isip sya saglit. Pero bago pa sya sumagot, may mga pumasok na sa kwarto. Ang
mga magagaling kong kapamilya.
�Ma! Ba�t ang tagal nyo!� Tanong ko sa kanila. Si Finn naman binati lang sila Mama.
�Ehh. Something happened kasi anak eh. Diba Melissa?� Then siniko nya si Auntie.
Sus. Style nila bulok.
�Ah-ah. O-oo eh.� Sabi ni Auntie. �Kamusta na pala ang Papa mo? Di pa din ba sya
nagkakamalay?�
�Hindi pa po eh. Pero sabi naman ng nurse medyo bumubuti na ung kalagayan nya.�
�Thank God at umayos na ung kalagayan nya.� She said in relief.
�Sabi ko naman sa inyo eh. Malakas yang Papa mo.� My mom said. �Ahh hijo, salamat
nga pala sa pasama mo dito kay Laine ha?� Baling nya kay Finn.
�No problem po.� Sus. Parang ang bait nya ah. Hahahah.
�Ate sino sya ha?� Tanong ni Carl. Nakakagulat naman tong batang to. Nasa likod
lang pala sya ni Mama.
�Wala ka na dun.� Sabi ko. Hahahah. Mabait akong ate eh.
�Hmm. Laine. You can go home first. Kami na muna ang magbabantay sa Papa mo.� Maya-
maya�y sabi ni Mama. �You look exhausted. Mauna ka na sa bahay. Besides may pasok
ka pa bukas. Hijo, ikaw din. Pakisabayan mo na din si Laine pag-uwi kung okay lang
sayo.�
Siguro sa nanay ko ako nagmana ng diskarte. Hahaha. Galing eh. Thank you Ma!
Hahahah.
�Ahm. Sige po.� Sabi ni Finn. Hahah. Feeling mabait talaga to.
�Okay. Pasensya ka na ha? Ayoko kasi na magcommute pa tong si Laine eh. Pero
salamat ah.� My mom smiled at him.
�Sige Ma. Alis na kami. Bahala na kayo kay Papa ha. Tawagan nyo ko agad pag
nagising na sya ha?� I said as I gave her a peck on her cheek. I then turned to my
aunt and kiss her on her cheek too.
�Okay. Ingat kayo pauwi. Salamat uli Hijo.�
�Sige, mauna na po kami.� Sabi ni Finn habang papalabas kami.
�Feeling mabait ka talaga. Tss. Kala mo kung sinong good boy.� I said right after
makalabas kami ng hospital.
�Tss. I�m just being respectful and besides I choose people whom I should be kind
to. And you�re not part of them.� He said conceitedly.
�Whatever.� Sabi ko na lang. Medyo wala na din kasi akong lakas para makipagtalo
eh.
We just walked silently to the parking area. Ano kayang iniisip ng bipolar na to?
After minutes of walking, nakarating na din kami sa kotse nya. At talaga namang
napaWOW ako sa wheels nya. OMY! Isasakay nya ba talaga ko dito? Kung napanganga ako
sa Porsche ni Bessie Ivan nun, mas napanganga ako sa kotse ni Finn ngayon. It�s
just a gray Lamborghini na kadalasang nakikita ko lang sa mga magazines.
Wow. Just wow.
�What? Are just going to stare and drool over my car?� He said annoyingly.
Whtda. Sya na. Yabang nya wah. Tss.
�So you really brought your hottest car just because I told you so?� I asked. Eh
diba, sinabi ko naman talaga sa kanya na dalin nya ung hottest car na meron sya.
�Sorry, this is just one of my hot cars. It�s not the hottest though but I thought
this car is only enough to make your jaw drop like that.�
Grabe. Wala na bang mas yayabang pa sa kanya?
�Tss. Arrogant. Edi ikaw na! Tara na nga.� Yaya ko na sa kanya then sumakay na ko
sa Lamborghini nya. Grabe. Hindi ko akalaing makakasakay sa ganitong sasakyan.
Nyahahah.
We�re just quiet the whole time we�re on our way. Siguro sa pagod na din.
Nakakapagod din kaya ang umupo at manuod lang maghapon.
�Classmates tayo tomorrow.� I said to break the stillness of the night.
�So?�
�Aren�t you happy? Magkakasama na naman tayo.�
�Not because I accompanied you at the hospital and drove you home don�t mean na
close na tayo.� He said uncaringly.
Tss. Bipolar nga talaga to.
I just rolled my eyes. Remember, hindi ako susuko na mapalapit sa kanya. And I
know, this is just the very beginning. Muahahah.
�Ano? Tutunganga ka na lang dyan?� Bigla nyang sabi.
Nasa tapat na pala kami ng bahay namin nang di ko namamalayan. Bumaba na ko.
�Thank you for driving me home Finnie.� I said. Nakasilip ako sa bintana ng kotse
kasi nasa driver�s seat pa din sya at nakaupo.
�My book.� Tanging nasabi nya.
Wala man lang you�re welcome? Hay nako. What do you expect sa isang Finn?
�Ahh. Oo nga pala. Sandali lang ha?� Sabi ko then pumasok ako sa bahay para kunin
ung book nya. Kinuha ko na din ung earphones na binili ko sa kanya.
Pagkalabas ko ng bahay, nakita ko si Finn na nakasandal sa kotse nya.
�Para sa isang book, inabot ka ng siyam siyam?� Sabi nya sa inis na tono. Grabe
naman to, para five minutes eh.
�Oh. Ito na po mahal na hari.� Inabot ko sa kanya ung libro kasama na nung
earphones.
�What the hell is this?� He�s holding a pink box na may mga ruffles ruffles at
ribbon effect pa. Yun ung earphones na pinaghirapan kong ibalot kagabi. Hahahah.
�My gift for you.� I said smiling.
�Tss. I don�t need this.� Binalik nya sakin ung box. �I just need my book.� Then he
checked his book.
�Don�t worry, wala akong ginawang masama sa book mo. Tanggapin mo na to oh.� Sabi
ko habang pilit na inaabot sa kanya ung regalo ko. �Buksan mo na lang pagdating sa
bahay nyo.�
�Tss. I don�t need that. I don�t want to accept any gift from you.� Sabi nya while
he goes to his car para sumakay.
Lumapit ako sa may front passenger seat kasi bukas ung bintana dun so nilagay ko na
ung gift ko. �Tatanggapin mo to whether you like it or not.�
�You�re really hard-headed, aren�t you?� He sighed. �Fine, I�ll accept it. I�ll go
now.� Yun lang ang sinabi nya then he started the engine and drove away.
�BYE FINNIE! THANK YOU! INGAT!� I shouted as I waved sa papalayo nyang kotse.
I can�t help smiling while I go inside our house. I can�t believe na si Finn ang
nakasama ko sa ganitong pagkakataon. He accompanied me at the hospital, bought me
lunch, ate with me and confessed something serious about his mom. All of that just
happened in a day. Our supposed to be date day. Kahit na hindi natuloy yung date na
un, I felt contented �no�I felt more than contented.
All negative aura I had this morning was suddenly changed by a person--- ang
bipolar na si Finn.
*To be continued*
What a Flainny moment.

Share your thoughts.
Date With The Arrogant: Chapter 11

posted by chille016 (Jul 11, 2011 @ 3:49AM) views: 1887
Isang mabilisang update bago matulog. Dahil birthday ni Gong Yoo Oppa kanina
(July 10).
Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
**
POOOOTTAAAHH!!! Pigilan nyo ko! Makakapatay yata ako ng baklang professor nang di
oras!! Badtrip na pusang gala naman talaga oo.
Late daw ako?! 10:00 ang start ng klase namin. Dumating ako sa room ng 10:01!! Anak
ng pinakbet na kalabasa talaga! Samantalang late si Finn last week ng almost 30
minutes! Favoritism amputssss!!!
Nung sumilip ako sa classroom, nakita ko si Finn. Nakangisi sakin. Haayyy. Porke
napaaga sya sa classroom eh. Pano yan? Maghihintay na naman ako ng four days para
maging classmate ko ulit sya. Excited pa naman ako kagabi kasi kala ko makikita ko
na naman sya.
Whatdapak talaga.
So ibig sabihin, tatambay lang ako mag-isa? Kasalanan to ni Sir Paul eh. Waahhh.
Badtrip ever.
Kailangan ko ng kasama. May klase si Chix. Si Donna naman,

andun na din sa classroom.
Si Bessie Ivan kaya? Oo tama, si Bessie nga!
As I was about to dial his number, biglang may kumalabit sakin.
Timing nga naman talaga. Tatawagan ko pa lang, bigla na syang

sumulpot eh. Hahahaha.
�Oh bakit ganyan ung mukha mo?� Tanong nya agad pagkaharap ko sa kanya.
�Badtrip ako Bessie eh.� I said pouting my lips.
He placed his hand on my head at ginulo ito. As usual.
�Sino umagaw ng loliipop ng Bes Ally ko huh?� He said in a sweet-mannered tone.
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. Ano daw? Tumingala ako sa kanya.
�Ally?� I asked.
�Yes. From now on, I�ll call you Ally. You really like calling us names kaya naman
I thought of a name to call you too. And so, I ended up with Ally.� He smiled then
pinched my cheek.
�Bakit naman un Bessie?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
�Wala lang. Ally, short for Allaine Tsaka kasi, para maiba ako diba? They call you
as Laine so I�ll call you Ally. And Ally�s a synonym for friend.�
Aww. Ang sweet talaga nitong si Bessie. <3
I smiled at him. �Ikaw talaga Bessie, ang cute cute mo!� Tapos pinagdiskitahan ko
na naman ung pisngi nya. Hahahah.
�Sino ba kasing umagaw ng lollipop mo?�
�Lollipop ka dyan.� I pouted my lips again. �Si Sir Paul kasi eh, late daw ako.
Para 1 minute eh.�
�Hahaha. Bakit ka naman kasi nalate? Naging prof ko din si Sir Paul. And sobrang
strict sya when it comes to time. Especially sa mga girls. Hahahah.�
�Un nga Bessie eh. Last time, si Finn late ng 30 minutes pero okay lang sa kanya.�
Reklamo ko.
�Hahah. Okay lang yan Ally. Hindi lang sya kay Finn ganun. Pati sa ChocoPaps din.
Pero, wala na kaming kasalanan dun. Hindi naman namin kasalanan kung ganun na lang
kalakas ung charm namin sa mga professors.� He laughed.
�Hmmp! Unfair naman! That�s being sexist!� Sabi ko habang kinukuyom ko ang mga
palad ko.
�Easy ka lang. Hahahah. Gusto mo bilan na lang kita ng ice cream?� Tanong nya.
Bigla naman nagliwanag ung mukha ko pagkarinig ng ice cream. �Talaga bes? Ice
cream?�
�Wow. Biglang nagbago ung mood pagkarinig ng ice cream ha? Para ka talagang bata.
Tara na nga.� He placed his hand at my back at naglakad na kami.
---
�Bessie. Gusto ko nung rocky road.�
�Okay.� He smiled at me then he turned dun kay manong ice cream vendor. �Dalawang
rocky road nga po Manong.�
Ngumiti lang samin si manong ice cream vendor. �Magnobyo ba kayo?�
Whtda. Usisero si Manong. Hahahah.
Pero nagulat ako nung hinigit ako ni Bessie at inakbayan. �Opo manong. Bagay ba
kami ng girlfriend ko?� Then kinindatan ako ni Bessie.
Hallaaa? Minsan, may pagka-adik din tong si Bessie eh.
�Oo naman Hijo. Isang maganda at gwapo.� Tapos inabutan nya kami nung ice cream. �
Oh eto na ung rocky road nyo.�
�Salamat po manong. Eto po ung bayad.� Inabutan nya si Manong ng 500. �Keep the
change na po. Para po yan sa pagsasabi nyo na bagay kami ng girlfriend ko. Sige po,
mauna nap o kami.� Sabi nya kay manong then tumingin sa akin. �Tara na babe?�
Narinig pa namin si manong na nagthank you nang nakatalikod na kami. Swerte ni

manong. Dapat pala, ako na lang nagtinda dun eh. Hahahahah. Ang generous ni Bessie
eh.
Pagkalabas namin ni Bessie sa ice cream parlor, siniko ko sya. �Lakas ng trip mo
Bessie ah.�
�Hahahahaha. Ayos ba? Parang di mo ginawa sakin un ah? Remember nung nasa music
audi tayo? Gumaganti lang ako. Hahahahah.� He just kept on laughing habang
nakatingin lang ako sa kanya.
�Baliw ka Bessie.� Sabi ko.

*Myunja Wasseong Myunja Wasseong*
Someone texted me.
�Bes. Pakihawak naman.� I gave him my cup of ice cream. Un plastic spoon, nakasubo
pa din sa bibig ko. Tiningnan ko kung sino nag text. Si Mama.
�Sino yan Ally?� Tanong ni Ivan.
Kinuha ko ung ice cream ko sa kanya at tumikim muna ako bago ko sya sagutin. �Si
Mama ko. Pinapapunta ko ngayon sa hospital.� I said casually.
�Bakit? Sino nasa ospital?� Tanong nyang may bahid ng pagkabigla.
�Inatake kasi si Papa kahapon. Tapos...� I paused.
�Tapos ano? May nangyari bang masama?� He asked in a very troubled voice.
I just stood there for a while. Katahimikan lang ang bumalot sa aming dalawa
pagkatapos.
�Laine. Are you okay?�
I looked at him sadly. Then the next thing I did, I was jumping like a kid. My mom
just texted me that my day�s better now.
�WOOHHHH! GISING NA SI PAPA! BESSIE! HE�S AWAKE!!� I was still jumping. Then siguro
sa sobrang katuwaan ko na din, napayakap ako kay Bessie.
Nagulat ako sa ginawa ko. At ganun din si Bessie. But he hugged me back. Nanatili
lang kami sa ganung position. Ewan ko. Pero, iba ung naramdaman ko. Biglang bumilis
ung tibok ng puso ko. Bakit ganun?
Siguro dahil ito ang unang beses na yumakap ako sa isang guy? Oo malamang un nga
un. Tsaka anobehhh, bestfriend ko si Bessie Ivan noh.
Nang kumalas ako ng pagkakayakap sa kanya, I looked at him. �Sorry Bessie, natutuwa
lang ako kasi finally nagkamalay na si Papa.�
�It�s okay Ally. If you want hug, just hug me. Pero kung kiss�� Saglit syang
nagisip. Nilagay pa nya talaga ung daliri nya sa gilid ng baba nya at saka
tumingala na tipong may iniisip talaga. �Kung kiss. Hmm. Sige. Kung gusto mo kong
ikiss, pwede na din.� Tapos tumawa sya.
Hinampas ko sya ng bag ko. �Adik ka Bessie!�
�Hahahah. You�re really cute when you act like a child.� He pinched my nose.
�Samahan na kita. Puntahan natin ung dad mo sa hospital.� He then said.
�Okay lang Bessie? La ka na bang klase?� Tanong ko.
�Actually. Meron. Pero aabsent na lang ako para sayo.� He winked.
�Tss. Adik ka talaga. Pero if you insist, tara na. Para libre sakay ako. Hahaha.�
---
After almost 20 minutes, nakarating na kami ni Bessie sa hospital. Pero before

that, nagstop muna kami sa isang supermarket. Nag-insist kasi si Bessie na bumili
muna ng fruits para kay Papa.
Dumiretso kami dun sa room kung nasaan sila Mama. Nasa pintuan pa lang kami,
sinalubong agad kami ni Mama.
�Laine. Buti andito ka na. Kanina ka pa hinahanap ng Papa mo.�
�Anong oras po ba sya nagising?�

�Right before I texted you.�
�Good morning po Ma�am.� Ivan greeted politely as we entered the room completely.
Medyo nagulat si mama sa kasama ko. Di nya siguro to napansin kanina. �Good morning
din Hijo.�
�Ayy. Mama, si Ivan nga pala, bestfriend ko. Bessie, si Mama.�
�Hindi ko alam na may ganyan ka pala kagwapong bestfriend anak.� Sabi ni Mama sakin
then kinausap nya ulit si Ivan. �Nice to meet you Hijo.�
�My pleasure Ma�am.� Ivan smiled.
�Nakuu. Wag mo akong tawaging Ma�am, just call me Tita.�
�Okay po Tita. Ito po oh.� He handed the fruit basket to my mom.
�Nakkuu, nag-abala ka pa Hijo. Thank you ah.�
Nung makalapit na kami kay Papa, agad agad ko syang niyakap. Hindi na sya
nakaoxygen mask at medyo masigla na din ung itsura nya.
�Salbahe ka Pa, pinag-alala mo kami.� Sabi ko habang nakahawak sa kamay nya.
My dad smiled. �Hindi mo kasi ko dinadalaw sa bahay eh. Nagtampo tuloy ung puso
ko.�
�Kayo talaga. Nagbibiro pa kayo ng ganyan. Wag nyo na ulit uulitin un ah.�
---
We just spent an hour in the hospital. May klase kasi ko afterwards so Bessie and I
decided to go back at school. We also planned na dun na din kami kakaing lunch para
kasabay namin ang ChocoPaps. Wee. Makakasabay namin si Finnie.
So nung nagpunta kami dun, nagulat sila Martin kasi sabay kaming dumating ni Ivan.
Finn just looked at us. Tipong walang pakialam.
�Whoa. San kayo galing? Bakit magkasabay kayo dumating ah?� Martin asked nung
makarating na kami sa table.
�Nagdate kayo Laine?� Tanong naman ni Hiro.
�Hmm. Yes. We actually had a date.� Bessie Ivan.
Siniko ko si Bessie. Hallaaa, baka kasi magselos si Finn eh. Baka sabihin
nangangaliwa ako. Hahaha.
�Bessie!� I called then I turned to the three. �Hindi kami nagdate ni Bessie. Finn,
hindi kami nagdate. Maniwala ka sakin. Sana wag ka magselos.� Paliwanag ko. Baka
kasi mamis-interpret ni Finnie eh. Loyal ako sa kanya noh.
�Whoa.� Reaction ni Martin at Hiro.
Humalukipkip si Finn at tumingin sakin ng masama. �What the hell? Baliw ka ba?
Bakit naman ako magseselos? Ano naman pakialam ko sayo? Do what you want for all I
care!�
�Ang yabang mo talaga! I thought we�re friends already after what happened
yesterday.�
�YESTERDAY?!� The two reacted.
�What the hell, Psycho?� Finn hissed.
�Oyyy what happened yesterday Finn?� Martin asked in a mockery voice.

�Okay. It�s like this guys. Yesterday, we supposed to have our first date. But
something came up so hindi natuloy un. But..� I saw Finn looking at me fiercely,
but even so I continued. �But, my dad had a cardiac arrest.� I saw Martin�s and
Hiro�s reaction. They were surprised. �Akala ko talaga hindi na matutuloy ung date
namin, pero nagulat na lang ako nung nagpunta sya sa hospital. So ayun, kya naman
sa hospital kami nagdate.�
Nanlaki ung mga mata nila sa sinabi ko. Pati ni Bessie Ivan. Hindi ko kasi sa kanya
nasabi ang tungkol dun eh. Oo alam nya na may date kami ni Finn, pero alam din
nyang di natuloy un dahil nga nalaman nyang may nangyari kay Papa. Hindi nya alam
na nakasama ko si Finn kahapon.
�Date? Wait. Is that true Finn? You planned to have a date with Laine?� Martin
asked.
�Whatta miracle!� Hiro exclaimed.
I saw Finn�s expression. Andun na naman ang muka nyan seryoso at parang mainit ang
ulo.
�It�s not what you think guys.� Finn said trying to convince them.
�It�s true guys. Date sana namin ni Finn kahapon.� Sabi ko naman. Totoo naman diba?
I don�t lie lalo na sa ganitong sitwasyon. Hahahah.
�It�s unbelievable.� Martin said.
�You bet dude.� Si Hiro.
Ano ba naman tong mga to? Mukang hindi ba un kapani paniwala? Suuss. Ivan was just
sitting there, not saying a word. Alam nya naman kasi kung ano talaga ung reason
behind that date kaya hindi sya nagsasalita.
�Guys. Don�t you believe me?� I asked them.1:24 PM 10/6/2012

Umiling lang ung dalawa. Ano ba yan? Bakit hindi sila naniniwala?
�Why? Is it because of his first love? Bianca ba pangalan nun?�
Nagulat silang lahat sa sinabi ko. Finn immediately flushed in anger when I said
those. But despite of his sharp looks at me, I continued.
�Bawal bang makipag-date sa isang babae ang taong naghihintay sa ibang isang babae
all these years? Para sabihin ko sa inyo, si Finn��
�WILL YOU FVCKING STOP?�
Lahat kami napatingin kay Finn. Pati nga ata lahat ng tao sa cafeteria napatingin
sa kanya eh. He really shouted angrily. Mukang napikon ko na naman sya.
�Para sabihin ko sayo, wala kang alam! Don�t say things as if you really know its
history. You�re really getting on my nerves you pyschopath.� Finn said to me
intensely.
�Hey Finn. She�s just kidding. Relax, okay?� Ivan said interfering in our loud
conversation.
�Next time, pagsabihan mo yang babaeng yan na wag makialam sa mga bagay na wala
naman syang alam.� Then pagkatapos nun, nag-walk out sya.
We were just silent for a while. Lahat kami hindi nakapagsalita after Finn walked
out.
�Ayos ka lang ba Ally?� Bessie asked in a worried voice.
�O-oo Bessie. Okay lang ako. Hindi ko na kasi napigilan ung bibig ko eh.� I smiled
guiltily.
�Don�t mind him for now, lalamig din ang ulo nya.� Ivan said comforting me.
�Of all, pinakaayaw ni Finn ang pinaguusapan si Bianca. So next time, be careful of
what you say.� Martin said.
�Yes Laine. He�s kinda sensitive when it comes to that matter.� Si Hiro.
I sighed. Hayy. Nakakaguilty tuloy. Masstart na naman syang mahigh blood sakin
nyan. Anong gagawin ko?
Lesson learned: Galitin mo na ang lasing pati na ang bagong gising, wag lang
galitin ang Finn na may hang-over sa first love nyang matsing.
WAHAHAH. Ang sama mo Laine.
But seriously, he�s dead serious a while ago. Dapat siguro, gumawa ako ng paraan
para mgaka-ayos kami noh?
Argghh! Nakakainis naman kasi ung bibig ko eh! Okay na sana kami kahapon eh!
Waaaahhhh.
Another lesson learned: Dilang maliit, shut it up.
*To be continued*
\
Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Two weeks. Two not-so-good weeks have passed. Finn is still furious about what I
said in the cafeteria last time. I tried talking to him pero waley eh. Deadmatology
ever.
He doesn�t mind me in the classroom and during practice of ChocoPaps. Bessie Ivan
always invites me to watch their practice but whenever I�m there, Finn would just
start and end the rehearsal without even looking at me.
Kung gaano kadistant sakin si Finn, ganun naman napalapit ng sobra sakin si Bessie.
Siya lagi ang kasama ko during lunch and he always drives me home. Nakahanap ako
kay Bessie ng driver at tagalibre ng lunch at meryenda. Muahaha. Bukod sa sobrang
bait nya, napakasweet pa nya. Lagi nga lang nyang ginugulo ung buhok ko na para
akong five-year old kid. I am really lucky to have a guy friend like him. Lagi nya
pa kong tinuturuan sa calculus. Ahaha.
Kaya naman sya palagi ang kasama ko nitong mga nagdaang araw, si Chix kasi ay busy.
Busy kay Hiro. May namumuo na atang low pressure area sa dalawa eh. Buti pa si
Chix, galing ng diskarte, samantalang ako kay Finn, mukang nabura lahat ng memories
namin sa hospital nun. Tsk. Kung kelan parang medyo bumait naman sya, dun naman
sumingit ung napakastupid kong bibig.
Si Donna naman, aun, ewan ko kung anong drama nun pero everytime I invite her to
lunch with Bessie, Martin and Hiro, she always refuses. Weird. Takot ba sya sa
ChocoPaps?
These past few days have been so stressful to me. I have loads of paper works.
Kahit naman ganto ko, nagaaral ako noh! Buti na nga lang naging okay na si Papa
kaya naman di ko na din sya pinoproblema. Si Finn naman ung pumalit. Haayy. How can
I apologize to him if every time I see him, he always ignores me?
ARGGHH!
Looks like I need to exert a hundred percent effort para mapatawad ako ni Finn sa
nasabi ko sa cafeteria two weeks ago. I really regretted mentioning his ex�s name?
Ex na nga ba? Ahh basta ewan! Basta un nga, nagsisisi na ko na binanggit ko pa ung
pangalan ng babaeng di ko naman kilala. Dahil kasi dun, Finn became colder and more
distant to me.
Kung nitong nakarana, nadadaan ko pa sya sa kakulitan ko, ngayon kahit anong
papansin ang gawin ko walang epekto. Muntik pa nga akong palabasin ni Sir Paul the
last time I tried catching his attention.
What to do?! What to do?! What to do?!
I took a deep breath and let out a long and huge sigh. Whatta?! Laki ng problema
kong to. Pano na lang ung lovelife na pinaplano ko?!!
�Ang lalim nun ah.�
Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. Hulaan nyo kung sino.
Tamaaahh! Si Bessie nga. Sya lang naman tong kabuteng pasulpot sulpot eh. Tumabi
sya sa wooden bench na inuupuan ko. Nandito kasi ko sa ilalim ng puno at nagmumuni
muni. Masarap din tumambay dito kasi ung wooden table nakapaikot dun sa puno kaya
malilim at sobrang bagay sya sa mga nagu-group study at para sa mga mahilig mag-
emote.
Tumingin lang ako sa kanya pagkapatapos nilipat ko ulit ung tingin ko sa walang
kamatayang kawalan.
�Emo ka Ally?�
�Hindi ako emo. Wala naman akong bangs eh.� I said casually.
He chuckled. �Oo nga noh. But seriously, what�s bothering you? Para nilamukot na
papel yang itsura mo eh.�
I did not speak.
He patted my head and messed my hair for the nth time! Tss. Ayan na naman ung hobby
nyang guluhin ang buhok ko.
�Bessie! Kakahot oil ko lang!� I said then fix my hair.
He laughed softly. �Now that�s the Ally I know. Hindi ako sanay na ganyan ka eh.
Tell me, what�s bothering you?�
�I am�.� I sighed. Pano ko ba to sasabihin? �I am�. I just� you know, about what
happened in the cafeteria last time� I� I feel so guilty about it�� I looked at him
with guilt written all over my face.
His eyebrows met, seems like he doesn�t know what I�m talking about. �Hmm. About
what?�
I answered him by raising another question. �Bessie, you will grant my favor if I
ask you, right?�
He stopped and think for a while. �Hmm. Let me think.� He placed his hand under his
chin cupping his right cheek. �It depends on how much you favor is.�
�This is not too much Bessie.� I said convincing him.
He looked at me. �Okay. Say what you want. I�m all ears.�
I started telling him about the incident happened in the cafeteria then asked for
his help regarding my plan afterwards.
Hindi sya nagsalita. Nanatili lang syang tahimik pagkatapos kong sabihin sa kanya
ung plano ko.
�Bessie?� Tawag ko nung hindi pa din sya nagsasalita.
�You like him that much?� He asked seriously.
�Yes Bessie! Kaya naman tulungan mo ko please?!�
�Why?�
�What why?�
He painted a� sad smile? Yeah I think it�s a sad smile. His face seems to be happy
but I clearly saw sadness in his eyes. Ang weird din nitong si Bessie minsan eh.
Baka nahawa na sya ng kasaltikan sakin.
�Why do you like him?� He asked.
�I already told you before, right?�
�Dahil kamuka sya ng favorite Korean actor mo?�
I smiled. My eyes sparkle when he mentioned it. Haayyy. Naalala ko na naman si Hyun
Bin. Muahahaha. �Exactly Bessie!�
He patted my head again. �Shallow reason.� He told me.
I gave him a wide smile. �Yes Bessie. Just that shallow.�
But after that time at the hospital, I discovered something about myself. That
simple crush grew into a deeper attraction� or I must say, admiration. Pakiramdam
ko, hindi lang ako attracted sa kanya physically pero there�s something deeper
about it. He�s super mayabang and masungit but there�s something likeable in him.
Despite his arrogance, alam nya kung paano magcomfort ng tao. Katulad na nga lang
nung sa hospital. He gave me strength that time. He even told me to say how much I
love my dad while he�s still alive. Nakita ko din ang lungkot sa mga mata nya nang
sabihin nya ang nangyari sa mom nya. He has this side which could melt your heart
kahit na antipatiko at mayabang sya.
Is this an improvement? This admiration may lead to love, right? Waahh. Finally,
malapit ko na ding maramdaman ang tinatawag nilang pag-ibig. Muahahah.
Kaya naman I need to make a way para maging okay kami ni Finn. GO LAINE! AJANESS!!!
---
�Finn, pare. Can I ask you a favor? Huh? Hmm. Yeah. Yes, ung black nga. Pahiram
muna ko. Yes, yes� Go to the music audi then take it with you. Okay dude. I will,
thanks!� Bessie Ivan smiles at me as he ends the call.
�Ano Bessie? Pumayag ba sya?� I asked excitedly.
�Yes. Meet him at the auditorium at 7. May klase pa kasi sya mamaya eh.�
�YAY! Thank you Bessie!� I said then hinawakan ko ung kamay ya. His hands are in
between mine.
�May kapalit un Allly.� He said in a serious tone.
Napakunot ang noo ko. �Hmm. Anong kapalit ba ang gusto mo Bessie?�
Luminga-linga muna sya sa paligid bago nya ko sinagot. �Ally��
�Hmm?�
�Ang kapalit nun ay��
�Ano?�
Lumapit sya sakin ng kaunti at bumulong� He�s so near me that I could feel his
breath on my ear. �Your� body.�
I was startled by what he said. Napalunok ako at bigla kong tinakpan ng kamay ko
ang dibdib ko. �B-bessie. A�ano b-ba yang s-sinasabi m-mo?�
Swear, bigla talaga kong kinabahan sa sinabi ni Bessie. Hindi ko naman akalaing
ganito ung gusto nya ehh. WWAAAHHHH. Bata pa ko!! Kuya wag pooooooo!
I could still feel his breath on my skin. I swallowed again. Tapos tumingin sya ng
seryoso sa mga mata ko. Then suddenly�
�WAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!�
The next thing I knew, he�s laughing like hell habang nakahawak sa tiyan nya. Tss.
Baliw lang eh.
�Ha! I made you believe Ally! HAHAHAHA.�
I am just looking at him seriously. Nung natapos na syang tumawa tsaka ako
nagsalita. �Tss. Yari ka dyan! Tapos na ung Bitoy�s Funniest Video noh. Baliw ka
Bessie. Kala ko pa naman�� I pouted.
�What?�
�Wala! Tse!�
�Kala mo ano?� He asked.

I gave him a sharp glare.
�Bakit Ally?! Disappointed ka ba kasi nagbibiro lang ako? Pwde naman nating
totohanin eh.� Seryoso nyang sabi.
�YAAAHHH! Gusto mo masapak Bessie?� I said clenching my teeth. Tss. Parang sira din
tong si Bessie eh.
�Hahahah. Ang cute mo talaga Ally!� Pinisil nya ung pisngi ko.
�Abonormalites ka talaga Bessie. Hindi naman ako nakikipagbiruan eh.� Kunwari�y

galit kong sabi tapos hinawi ko ung kamay nya sa mukha ko.
�Halaa. Nagalit na ata ang Bes Ally ko.�
Hindi ko sya pinansin.
�I� I was just kidding Ally, I�m sorry.� He said in an apologetic tone.
�Sorry mo mukha mo!� Inirapan ko sya. �I won�t accept your sorry unless�.�
�Unless what? Tell me.� He said sincerely.
�Libre mo kong meryenda. Nagugutom ako eh!� I grimaced.
He sighed in relief. �Ikaw talaga Ally!� He said messing my hair again. �Ano bang
gusto mo? Tara na!�
---
Music Auditorium, 6PM
Sabi ni Bessie Ivan, pupunta daw si Finn dito para ibigay ung gitara na hinihiram
nya. Syempre, excuse lang un lahat para makausap ko si Finn at makapagsorry sa
kanya. Eto ung favor na hiningi ko kay Bessie kanina. Kung ako kasi ang magsasabi
kay Finnie na magkita kami, malamang sa alamang eh hindi ako pansinin nun kaya
naman ito ung naisip kong paraan. Brilliant idea? Of course! Ako yata ang nag-isip
nito! Muahahah!
Naupo lang ako sa bench dun at hinihintay sya. Madilim na nun eh. Pero ayos lang,
ang romantic ng mood. Ahaha.
Someone then opened the door. Sya na un. On his hand is a black acoustic guitar.
Pumasok na sya. Hindi naman nya ako napansin. I waited him to sit down first before
I show myself.
When he sat down, nagpakita na ko. He gave me a sharp look when he saw me.
�Finn�� I called.
�Where�s Ivan? Kung ikaw ung pinapunta nya para kunin tong gitara, ito na. I�m
going.� He said frigidly then stood up and put his guitar down..
�Wait lang Finn!� Tawag ko when he started to take steps away.
He stopped. �Next time, tell Ivan that if he needs something, he should go directly
to me.�
�Te-teka lang. Sandali!� Tawag ko ulit sa kanya. Humarap naman sya sakin.
�What?�
�Actually this is my idea. Walang kinalaman si Bessie dito.�
He just looked at me.
�Ah�. Kasi�. Gusto ko lang sanang��

Waaahhh. Ano ba to? Bakit di ko man lang natapos ung sentence ko? Bakit ako
kinakabahan?
�Ano?� Naiirita nyang tanong.
�Ahmm. Ano kasi eh.� Napakamot ako sa ulo. I looked down. �Kasi gusto ko lang
sanang ano��
Syet. Ayaw lumabas ng salitang sorry sa bibig ko.
�Ano ba?! Kung hindi naman ganun kaimportante ung sasabihin mo, I better go.� Sabi
nya at tumalikod sakin tsaka nagsimulang lumakad paalis.
Waaahh! Ano ba tong bibig ko! Ayaw makisama! Mag-sorry ka na Laine before it�s too
late!
�I�M SORRY FINN!� I shouted. Finally, nasabi ko din.
Huminto sya tapos humarap sakin. Hindi sya nagsalita. Hindi ko masyadong maaninag
ung expression nya kasi medyo malayo sya sakin. Bukod pa dun, dun lang sa part na
kinatatayuan ko ang may ilaw.
�I� I�m really sorry Finn for what happened in the cafeteria last time.� I said
sincerely.
He did not utter a word for a moment. Then� �Ganyan lang pala ka nonsense ang
sasabihin mo eh.� He turned his back at me and headed straight to the door.
Papalapit na sya sa pinto when suddenly a rustling noise came from the outside.
Parang tunog un ng mga susi. At tunog ng padlock na kinakandado.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Finn. Dun sa pinto. Sa pinto mismo ng music audi nanggaling
ung ingay na un.
Finn hurriedly went to the door at binuksan ito pero nanatili lang itong
nakasarado. Tumakbo ako palapit sa pinto para alamin kung ano ung nangyari.
�What happened?!� I asked.
�The door�s lock.� He said calmly.
ANO DAW?! Nakalock na ung pinto?! Paano pa nya nagagawanag maging kalmado kung
nandito kami ngayon at nakalock ang pinto?! Waaahhh! Kahit naman gusto kong masolo
si Finn, ayoko naman ng ganito!!!
�AAHHHHHHH!!!� I screamed my lungs out nung sinabi nya un.
�Ano ba?! Wag ka ngang maingay!!�
�Panong hindi ako mag-iingay! Nalock tayo dito!! AAHHHH!! Mama!!�
�Fvck. Napakaingay mo! Tumahimik ka nga!�
�WAAHHH!! AYOKO DITOOO!!�
�Shut your fvcking mouth Psycho, nakakairita ung boses mo!�
Hindi ko sya pinansin. Paano ako tatahimik? Nakalock kami dito. Baka mamaya may
mumu dito. Kinalampag ko ung pinto. �MANONG JOHNNYYY! OPEN THIS DAMN DOORR!�
�Baliw ka ba? Hindi ka maririnig ni Manong, may pagkabingi na ung matandang un
eh..� Sabi nya tapos naupo lang sya dun sa sahig. �Kaya kahit anong gawin mong
sigaw dyan, walang papansin sayo dyan. Malamang na umuwi na lahat ng students noh.�
Hindi ko pa din sya pinansin. Patuloy ko lang na kinalamapag ung pinto. �MAY TAO BA
DYAN?! BUKSAN NYO TOOOO! MANONG JOHNYY!!!!� Sigaw ko.
Halllaaa. I�m really panicking now. Ayoko ng ganitong pakiramdam. Kahit pa sabihin
na kasama ko si Finn, ayoko ng ganito. Natatakot ako. Paano kung may mga mumu dito.
Waaahhh! MAMA!!
�WAAHHHH! MANONG JOHNNY! OPEN THE DOOR!�
�WAAAHHH!�
�WAAHHHH!�
I just keep screaming for help habang si Finn, cool lang na nakaupo dun.
�Finn, sumigaw ka din ng tulong. Wag ka lang umupo dyan oh.�
�Baliw ka talaga eh noh? Kahit anong sigaw mo, walang makakarinig sayo dyan. Tsaka
alam mo, ikaw naman may kasalanan nito eh. Kung di mo naisip mong kalokohan na to,
edi sana wala tayo dito.� Naiinis nyang sabi.
�Tse. Wag ka na nga manisi dyan. Gumawa ka na lang ng paraan para makaalis tayo
dito. Teka! Oo. May paraan pa! Cellphone! Tawagan mo sila Bessie tapos humingi tayo
ng tulong sa kanila!� I said hopefully. Bakit ba hindi ko agad naisip un?
�Di ko dala ung phone ko. Nasa kotse ko. Ikaw na lang.�
�Tss. Ano ba yan. Nagcellphone ka pa.� Sabi ko tapos I opened my bag at kinuha ko
dun ung phone ko.
I dialed Bessie�s number pero ang sumagot: �Sorry, you do not have enough prepaid
credit to make a call. Please reload immediately. Thank you. Tut tut tut��
Bigla akong nanghina sa narinig ko. Napansin ako ni Finn. �Oh bakit? Anong sabi ni
Ivan?�
I looked at him. �Wala akong load��
�What the hell?! Nagcellphone ka pa.�
�At least ako dala ko ung phone ko, eh ikaw?�
�At least mayaman naman ako sa load.� Mayabang nyang sabi.
�Oh eh bakit, ano naman silbi nun kung di mo naman dala? Tss. Paano na tayo nyan?
Paano tayo makakaalis?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
He shrugged his shoulders. �Ewan ko.�
�WAAAHHHHHHH! HELP!!!!!� I shouted.
�Fvck it. Wag ka ngang maingay! Nagsasayang ka lang ng laway eh.�
I sighed. �Paano na tayo nyan?� Lumapit ako sa kanya at umupo sa tabi nya.
�Let�s just wait here for now.� Kalmado nyang sabi.
Haayy. Paano na yan? Pero come to think of it. Kasama ko si Finn ngayon. Kaming
dalawa lang. Okay na din siguro to noh? Tamaah. Hindi ako dapat magpanic. Kasama ko
naman si Finn eh..
�Finnie. Dun tayo malapit sa ilaw.� Yaya ko sa kanya. Ayoko kasi talaga sa madilim
eh.
�Okay na ko dito. Kung gusto mo ikaw na lang.� Sabi nya.
�Tse! Sige. Kainin ka sana ng mumu dyan!� Sabi ko sa kanya tapos nagsimula na kong
pumunta dun sa part na may ilaw. Pero nakakailang hakbang pa lang ako nang�.
�WAAAAHHHH!� I screamed.
Namatay ung ilaw.
Namatay ung ilaw!
Namatay ung ilaw!!!!!!

Tumili ako nang sobrang lakas. �AHHHH! FINNIE!� Tawag ko sa kanya.
Naramdaman ko syang lumapit sakin. �Ano ba? Wag ka ngang mag-inarte! Hindi naman
ganun kadilim ah. Medyo maliwanag naman ung buwan. Ano pa bang inaarte mo dyan?�
I am trembling. Naluluha na ko. Wala akong makita! �Finnie. Wala akong makita!!� I
said in a very worried voice.
�Bulag ka ba? Ako nga naaaninag pa kita eh.�
WAAHHH. Natatakot na talaga ko. Wala talaga akong makita!!
�H-hindi a- ako nakakakita sa d-dilim F-Finn.� Naiiyak na sabi ko. Nanginginig

talaga ko ngayon takot.
�Huh?� Tanong nya.
�I� I have night blindness� Wala akong maaninag na kahit ano kapag walang ilaw�� I
said crying. I am really scared right now.
Totoo un. I don�t know kung kailan un nagsimula pero wala talaga akong nakikita sa
dilim kahit pa sabihin na may konting liwanag. Kaya nga laging nakabukas ang ilaw
sa kwarto ko kapag natutulog ako eh. Hindi ako sanay na nakapatay ang ilaw.
Silence just passed. My tears are flowing rapidly. My knees are shaking.
Nagulat na lang ako when Finn grabbed my hand. Feeling ko hindi ako nakagalaw sa
ginawa nyang un. He�s holding my hand?! For real?
�Tss. Wag ka na ngang umiyak. Alam mo ba kung gaano ka lalong pumapanget pag
umiiyak ka? Don�t worry. Dito lang ako. I won�t leave you here.� Sabi nya
pagkatapos ay inalalayan nya ko sa paglakad. Nakahawak pa din sya sa kamay ko.
Bakit ganito? Lumakas ung tibok ng puso ko? Dahil ba to sa night blindness ko, o
dahil hawak nya ung kamay ko?
** To be continued**

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�What a crybaby.� He uttered as he released my hand from his grasp. Aww wala na.
Tapos na ung holding hands moment. Sad face.
Inalalayan nya akong umupo dun sa may edge ng stage. Naramdaman ko din syang umupo
pero hindi sya tumabi sakin, he�s like a meter away. Kahit paano, may naaninag
akong konting liwanag. Base sa kinauupuan ko ngayon, dito nya ko dinala kung saan
medyo maliwanag dahil sa sikat ng buwan. Hindi ko sya nakikita dahil tanging sa
akin lang yata nakatutok ang sinag ng buwan. Parang tinututukan ako ng spotlight.
�Crybaby ka dyan. Ikaw kaya magkaroon ng night blindness noh.� I said as I wiped
off my tears. �Tabihan mo ko, para naman akong may contagious disease nyan eh.
Tsaka natatakot ako.� Request ko sa kanya.
�Tss. Ang arte mo.� Naiinis nyang sabi.
�Please?� I sniffed.
�Fine. I just really hate it when I see a girl cries, kaya pagbibigyan kita.� He
said then tinabihan nya ko.
Wow. He doesn�t want to see a girl crying? Gentleman? But why does he always say
harsh words toward me? Tss. How ironic. Pero, at this point, he was really a
gentleman. Kita nyo naman, inalalayan nya pa ko papunta dito. At take note: He held
my hand! Take that girls! Muahaha.
�Thank you Finn.� I said in the softest voice I have.
He did not say a word.
�Hey, I said thank you. Why aren�t you saying anything?� I shifted and turned to
look at him kaya lang hindi ko sya maaninag. Damn this night blindness!
�Do I have to respond in every word you say?�
�Of course! That�s what every man is supposed to do. Respect women, you know. And
when I say say respect, you have to answer her questions, respond when she�s
thanking you, grant her requests and fulfill her wants and wishes. Be a gentleman!
Don�t ever say harsh words toward her. When she�s crying, comfort her. When she
tripped, help her. When she does things carelessly, hold your patience.� Litanya
ko.
�The hell?! I only asked a question and you threw an answer like it has to win as
the best essay work written ever." He said full of sarcasm.
�Don�t you know, women speak more than men so deal with it. So what�s your reaction
about what I said?� Tanong ko.
�Hell. Regarding what you�ve said, men are no fairy godmothers. So you really
thought men will do all those stupid things? Yes, possible. But they�ll only do
those things to the woman they love. So, why would you expect me to do the same
thing? You�re not even a woman to me.�
I was dumbfounded by what he just said.
�You�re not even a woman to me.�
Tumahimik ang mundo ko at paulit ulit na nagrereplay sa utak ko ang sinabi nya. I
don�t seem a woman to him? Wow. Just wow. I gave him my deadliest look kahit hindi
ko naman nakikita ang mukha nya.
�Bipolar ka talaga noh?! Moments ago, you helped me walk here. You even hold my
hand. Sinabi mo pang �Don�t worry. I won�t leave you here.� Tapos sabi mo pa you
really hate it when you see a girl cries yet you really know how to make her mad
and cry!� I exclaimed while my eyes are on the verge on another round of crying.
I was really hurt by what he said. Masakit sa pride. Oo! Kahit gumagawa ako ng
moves para makausap o mapansin nya ko, may pride pa din ako noh. Akala nyo lang
wala, pero meron! I�m not a woman to him? What the hell?! Para ding sinabi nya na
never syang magkakagusto sa kin. ARGGHH. Nakakapikon. Pasalamat sya, hindi ko sya
nakikita.
I stood up. I need to breathe these emotions out. Nakakainis sya! Niyurakan nya ang
pride ko!
�Where are you going?!� Tanong nya.

�Wala ka ng pakialam dun.� Sabi ko at tinalikuran ko sya.
�You think you can go with your night blindness?� He said sarcastically.
Ha! Nakakainis talaga sya! Anong akala nya sakin, weak?! Nakakainis sya! Nakakainis
talaga sya!
Naglakad na ko kahit wala akong nakikita sa dinaraanan ko. But when I took another
step, hindi ko napansin na pababa pala yun kaya naman ayun. I ended up a good smash
on the floor.
�Ouch.� I muttered habang hinahawakan ko ung likod ko.
�See? Hindi mo naman pala kaya eh. Nalaglag ka tuloy. Pasalamat ka mababa lang
yan.� Sabi ni Finn nung lumapit sya sakin. �That was a good fall Psycho. Nicely
done.�
Tears finally spring down on my cheeks. Hindi ako naiiyak dahil sa pagkahulog ko. I
was crying because of humiliation. Finn really knows how to annoy me.
�Hey. Why are you crying? Did it hurt? Mababa lang naman yan ah.� Sabi nya.
�Ang sama mo talaga.� Tumayo ulit ako at mabilis na naglakad muli.
I felt Finn hurriedly followed me. �Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo noh? San ka na naman
kaya mahuhulog o madadapa nyan?�
�Wala ka ng pakialam dun.� Tuloy tuloy lang ako sa paglalakad kahit wala akong
makita.
�Hey. Stop, okay?� He said patiently.
I didn�t. I just keep walking kahit hindi ko alam kung nasaang part na ba ko ng
auditorium.
�Ang tigas talaga ng ulo oh.� Sabi ni Finn tapos hinigit nya ko paharap sa kanya.
�Okay. Let�s go back to where we were a while ago. You can�t see in the dark,
mapapahamak ka lang nyan if you insist on going. You�re no wonder woman., Psycho.�
�Ayoko.� Sabi ko. Pag pumayag ako, lalong bababa ang pride ko.
�Ang kulit mo talaga. Look, if you�re acting like that because of what I said, I
apologize.�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. He�s apologizing? Weh?
�What?� Tanong just to make sure I heard it right.
�I apologize. Sorry. So ayan. I�ve said it. Now let�s go back there.�
************ TO BE CONTINUE *******************
Hindi ako nagsalita habang hinahatak nya ko pabalik dun sa pwesto namin kanina.
Isang nakakabinging katahimikan ang bumalot sa aming dalawa pagkatapos.
�Are you done crying?� Maya-maya�y tanong nya.
�Yeah.� Sabi ko. Tumigil na ko sa pag-iyak nung hinigit nya ako papunta dito.
�Tss. I just dragged you here kasi hindi naman kita pwedeng pabayaan. And besides I
already told you, I hate it when I see a girl cries.�
�Talaga? Hindi halata.� Sarkastikong sabi ko.
I felt him grinned. �Well. It�s not obvious but it�s true. But anyway, I�m really
sorry.� His voice sounded so sincere. �Promise, I�ll choose lighter and not-so-
harsh words para hindi ka masaktan. Hindi ko namang akalaing nasasaktan ka din eh.
I forgot na tao ka din pala kahit paano.� Nang-aasar nyang sabi.
Binatukan ko sya. �Ang kapal mo talaga noh?!�
�YAAHH! Sino may sabi sayong batukan mo ko?! ARGHHH! Psychopath ka talaga!!�
�Sino may sabi sayong hindi ako tao wah? Tss. Ang kapal mo talaga!!!�
�Totoo naman kaya. You�re like a baby frog.�
YAAHHHH! NAPAKAKAPAL NG MUKHA NYA! BABY FROG?!
�NAPAKAYABANG MO!�
�Tss. Whatever. Nga pala, wag ka ng iiyak ulit ah.�
Natahimik ako sa sinabi nya. Tiningnan ko sya kahit malabong image lang ang
nakikita ko. �A-anong sabi mo?�
�Sabi ko wag ka na ulit iiyak.� He paused for a second. �Kasi��
Feeling ko huminto din ang mundo ko sa cliff-hanging statement nya. �Kasi ano?�
�Kasi� you become uglier than usual if you cry�� He chuckled. �Why you seem so
surprised? Kala mo naman, sasabihin ko �kasi, ayokong nakikitang nasasaktan ka.�
Ganun ba ung gusto mong sabihin ko? Hahaha. Asaness ka!�
I was surprised when I heard him laugh. It was the first time I heard him laugh.
Sayang lang at di ko nakikita dahil dito sa night blindness ko. Dahil sa tawa nyang
un, nawala lahat ng inis ko sa kanya kanina.
�Tumatawa ka din pala.� I said casually.
He stopped laughing when I told him that. �What?�

�Tao ka din pala.� I grinned. Now it�s time for revenge.
�A-anong sabi mo?� His voice sounded so annoyed.
�Hahahah. Tss. Sabi ko tao ka din pala. Hmm, by the way�� Now it�s my time to thank
and apologize to him. �Thank you nga pala ah. Kahit nakakainis ung sinabi mo
kanina. Thank you for helping me cope up and for being my eyes in the dark.�
�Tss.� Was all he said.
�And I�m sorry again for what I said last time. You know, about mentioning---�
�Just forget it.� He said cutting me off. It seems like he doesn�t want to talk
about it. Ano ba talaga relationship status nila nung Bianca na un? I am really
clueless.
Just much as I want to ask him about that, I chose to zip my mouth. Baka mamaya,
mabago na naman mood nito eh. Maging monster na naman.
He stood up. �Stay here. Wag kang aalis dito.� He said.
�Bakit?� Tanong ko. Hallaaa. Baka nayamot na naman sya sakin. �Wag mo kong iwan.
Wala nga akong makita. Natatakot ako.�
But he didn�t answer me. Naramdaman ko ang mga hakbang nya papalayo sakin.
Halllaaa! MAMA! Anong gagawin ko? Iniwan nya ba ko? Waahhhh!! I can�t see him.
Sabi nya, I should stay here. Di daw ako dapat umalis so nakaupo lang ako dito.
Saan ba nagpunta un?
After a while, naramdaman kong may lumapit sakin. Si Finn kaya to? �Finn?� Tanong
ko.
Silence.
�Finn?�
Silence.
Halllaaaa. Sino ba to? Bakit hindi sya nagsasalita? My gosshhh. Baka isa syang
haunted ghost? Waaahhhh.
�Sino yan?� Tanong ko ulit para makasigurado.
�What the motherfvcking hell? Stupid. Bakit naman magtatanong ka pa, alam mo namang
tayong dalawa lang nandito.� Si Finn.
�Eh abnormalites ka eh. Bakit kasi hindi ka nagsasalita? Kanina pa kita tinatanong
eh.� May saltik din sa utak to eh. �Saan ka ba nagpunta?� Tanong ko.
�Kinuha ko lang to.� Then I heard a strum of strings. So kinuha nya ung gitara nya?
�Pampatanggal boredom habang naghihintay tayo ng magbubukas ng pintong un.� Then he
sat beside me.
�Ahh��
He started to strum a melody. Hindi ko naman alam ang tinutugtog nya dahil panay
strum lng sya sa gitara nya. Hindi naman sya kumakanta.
�Kumanta ka kaya.� Sabi ko.
�I don�t like. Masasayang lang ang boses ko lalo na�t ikaw lang naman ang
makakarinig.� He said casually.
�Grabe. Napakayabang mo naman. Ako na lang kakanta kung ayaw mo.�
�Hwag na. Baka umulan.�

Yabang talaga! �Sinalo mo siguro lahat ng kayabangan nung nagpaulan si Lord noh?�
Sabi ko.
�At sinalo mo lahat ng annoying vibes?� Nang-iinis nyang sabi.
�Hindi, sinalo ko lahat ng kagandahan, kabaitan at lahat ng talent dito sa mundo.�

I smiled.
�Asa ka.�
�Tse. Wag ka na nga mang-inis dyan. Pahiram ng gitara! Kakainin mo lahat ng sinabi
mo.� Sabi ko tapos pilit kong inagaw ung gitara sa kanya.
�Tss. Ingatan mo yang gitara ko. Mas mahal pa yan sa buhay mo.�
�Grabe ang OA mo. Tss. Makinig ka na lang.�
Nagsimula na akong mag-strum. Marunong talaga ko maggitara. Kala nyo naman

nagyayabang lang ako. My dad taught me to play guitar when I was in grade school.
So aun, playing guitar is one of my hidden talents.
I started singing.
Just a day,
Just an ordinary day.
Just trying to get by.
Just a boy,
Just an ordinary boy.
But he was looking to the sky.
And as he asked if I would come along
I started to realize
That everyday he finds
Just what he's looking for,
Like a shooting star he shines.
He said take my hand,

Live while you can
Don't you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand
And as he spoke, he spoke ordinary words
Although they did not feel
For I felt what I had not felt before
And you'd swear those words could heal.
And as I looked up into those eyes
His vision borrows mine.
And I know he's no stranger,
For I feel I've held him for all of time.
I�m singing my heart out as I sing every line of the song. This is my favorite
song. Ordinary day by Vanessa Carlton.
And he said take my hand,

Live while you can
Don't you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand
In the palm of your hand.
Please come with me,

See what I see.
Touch the stars for time will not flee.
Time will not flee.
Can you see?
Just a dream, just an ordinary dream.

As I wake in bed
And the boy, that ordinary boy
Or was it all in my head?
Did he asked if I would come along
It all seemed so real.
But as I looked to the door,
I saw that boy standing there with a deal.
And he said take my hand,

Live while you can,
Don't you see all your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand
In the palm of your hand,
In the palm of your hand.
Just a day, just an ordinary day

Just trying to get by.
Just a boy,
Just an ordinary boy.
But he was looking to the sky.
�Ano? Hanga ka?� Sabi ko pagkatapos kong kumanta.
He was just silent. Hindi sya nagsalita. Hindi ko kita ung expression nya.
�Uyyy. Finn.�
�Huh?�
�Ano ka ba? Napakinggan mo ba ung napakagandang boses ko?� Tanong ko.
�Maganda ka dyan? Hmm. Siguro pwede na. Not bad.� Sabi nya.
Yun lang ung comment nya? Hindi man lang nya ko pupurihin?! My friends arew saying
na maganda daw ung boses ko. Pati nga mga teachers ko nung high school eh. Per sya,
un lang comment nya?
�Yun lang? Not bad?� Tanong ko ulit sa kanya.
�Yeah.� Simple nyang sagot.
I pouted. �Tss. Hindi ka talaga marunong makaappreciate ng talent.�
�Tss. Because you don�t have one.� Nakainis talaga tong lalaki na to? �But hmm.
Nice song.�
�Yeah. I really like that song.� Sabi ko habang inaabot sa kanya ung gitara. �For
me, that girl in the song begins to feel like everything that had happened was all
just a dream, and fears for the day she might wake up. Then she realizes that he is
real and this is the real thing. This boy showed her the true meaning of life, and
she loved how he is just an ordinary boy but he showed her how life should be.�
He did not speak. But I felt like he�s smiling. Di ako sigurado dahil hindi ko
naman sya nakikita. Pero pakiramdam ko talaga, nakangiti sya. Argghh. Pahamak na
night blindess talaga to oo.
�But I�m not sure though. Ewan ko. Well that�s just my interpretation about this
song. But I really like it.� Sabi ko. �By the way, hindi ka man lang ba talaga
humanga sakin kahit konti?�
�Bakit naman ako hahanga sayo? Kahanga hanga ka ba?� He said as he started to pluck
the strings again.
�Tss. Pwede namang sabihing oo.�
Hindi na sya nagsalita pagkatapos nun. Nagpapatugtog na lang sya ng gitara habang
pinapakinggan ko lang sya. Kinapa ko ung phone sa bag ko at tiningnan ung oras.
It�s already 9:30. Walang signal tong phone ko. Emergency calls only ang nakalagay.
Baka hindi ako macontact ni Mama. Hindi kasi sanay un na ginagabi ako ng uwi kasi
may night blindness nga ako diba? Baka nag-aalala na un sakin.
�Anong oras kaya tayo makakalabas dito?�
�Ewan.�
�Paano kung bukas pa tayo makalabas?�
�Ewan.� Simple nyang sagot habang kinakalabit pa din ang gitara nya.
Wala talagang makuhang matinong sagot dito.
�Finn�� tawag ko sa kanya.
�Oh?�
�Let�s call this day a date.� I said casually.
�What?�
�A date.�
�You�re crazy. Naiisip mo pa yan sa ganitong sitwasyon?�

�You know, just to make this an amazing night for me. From now on, every time we�re
together, I mean just the two of us, I�ll call it a date.� Sabi kong nakangiti.
�So you think, there�ll be another chance we�re going to be alone again?� He said
ironically.
�Why not? Malay natin kung mag-request ka pa na solohin ako. Don�t worry, if you do
so, I won�t ever reject your offer.�
�Managinip ka, Psychopath.�
�Hahaha. Basta, this is a date!�
�Tss.�
Wala na ulit nagsalita sa amin pagkatapos. Sya ganun pa din, naggigitara lang.
Seconds. Minutes. Hours have passed. Medyo inaantok na din ako. I look at my phone
again. It says it�s already 11. Ahhhhh! Paano na to? My eyes are tired already.
Yawn. Yawn. Yawn.
Nakakaantok talaga.
Yawn. Yawn. Yawn.
Waaahhhh. Hindi ko na talaga kaya tong antok na to. Kailangan ko ng matulog!!!
�Finn�� My voice sounded so tired and sleepy. �Can I sleep in your shoulder?�
Hindi ko na sya hinintay magsalita. I just leaned on his shoulder as dreamland
takes over my sight.
**To be continued**
Guys. Medyo hinahabaan ko na nga pala ung post ko kasi hindi ako nakakapg-update
regularly. So ayun, pasensya na.
MV ng Ordinary Day sa baba. �

posted by chille016 (Aug 02, 2011 @ 2:23AM) views: 1498
Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
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8
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12
13
Just a dream, just an ordinary dream.

As I wake in bed
And the boy, that ordinary boy
Or was it all in my head?
If this is just a dream, please don�t ever wake me up.
Is it me or just my vivid imagination that Finn is actually there leaning on me,

sleeping like an innocent child?
I smiled at the thought. Wussshhhuuu. Galing ni Finnie, kahit sa panaginip ko, nag-
aapear eh. At ang mas maganda dun, parang totoo. Haayyy.
I decided to close my eyes again. And opened it once more, only to find out that
Finn is actually right here on my side. Oh no! Imposible to. Langyang panaginip
naman to ohh. Paasa amputs eh. Alam mo un, hindi naman sa umaasa akong totoo tong
panaginip na to ha, pero muka talagang totoo eh.
Hayy nako. Ganito ba ang epekto ng pagkakalock sa music audi? Hallucination? Pero
teka. Nalock nga ako sa Music Audi, diba? At� at� kasama ko si Finn diba? So it
means, may possibility na totoo to.
OMGGGGGGGGGGGG!
�ARAAAYYYY!�
Oh shit. Nagising sya. Totoo nga. Hindi ako nananaginip!
�Omg. Hindi pala panaginip un.� Mahina kong sabi.
�What the hell is your problem? Bakit ka nangugurot?� Reklamo ni Finn na halatang
kakagaling lang sa tulog.
I smiled. �Hindi nga ako nananaginip kanina Finn.� I looked at him with a big grin
on my lips. �OYY Ikaw ha?�
He yawned. �What?�
I can�t help but grin again. �Woohh. Kunwari ka pa.�
He seemed to regain his self-being as he eyed me intensely. �Psycho. Wipe it

first.�
�Huh?� I asked, clueless on what he�s talking about.

�Tss. Eww.� He said, followed by a yawn.
I just looked at him; really don�t know what he�s saying.
�Your saliva. Wipe it.�
WAAHHH! Humiliation!!
I immediately wipe that part under my lips with my hands. Ehh, wala naman akong
naramdamang basa ah?
�Wala naman ah.� Sabi ko sa kanya.
He stared at me for long then suddenly he burst out laughing like a schizophrenic
maniac. �WAHAHAHAH. You should have seen you reaction. What a nice morning to start
with.�
�TSEEE! Yabang talaga.� I looked outside the music audi. Umaga na nga, although
hindi pa sumisikat ang araw. �At least, ako ung reason para gumanda ung umaga mo
diba?�
�Asa.�
�But anyway, back to what I�m telling you kanina. Ikaw ha?�
�Ano ba un?�
�Kunwari ka pa.� I smirked.
�What the?�
�Yeeee..� I said in a ticklish voice.
�Nakakakilabot ka.�
�TSEE! Pero sa totoo lang, ikaw ha. Di mo sinasabi sakin.� I looked at him
suspiciously.
�Can you just cut the crap? Just go straight to the point. Kinikilabutan ako sa mga
tingin mo eh.�
�You like me.�
�Huh?�
�You like me.�
�What?�
�I said, you like me.�
Mukang ngayon pa lang nagregister sa muka nya ung mga sinabi ko. �Ano kamo?
Hahahah. Asa ka naman.�
�Wooohhh. Okay lang yan Finn. Just to remind you, nakalean ka sakin kanina, alam mo
ba?� I said.
�And so?� His eyebrows met.

�It only means na may gusto ka sakin.� I said casually.
�Ahh okay.� He simply answered.
I glanced at him. �You mean, inaamin mo nga na may gusto ka na sakin?�
�Hindi.�
�Eh ano?�
�Wala.�
�Hallaaa ang tipid naman ng sagot. Pero sige, I�ll take your answer na may gusto ka
nga sakin.� Sabi ko.
�Asa.�
I stared at him. Bakit ganito, kahit bagong gising sya, ang fresh fresh pa din
nyang tingnan?
�Quit staring psychopath.� He said in an irritated voice.
�Finn. I�ll give you the evidences na may gusto ka nga sakin.� I said seriously.
�Alam mo ung ASA?�
�Tss. Just listen. I�ll prove to you that you already like me.�
�Oh sige nga. Just to make you stop babbling. Go ahead and tell me your theories.�
He said placing his thumb and index finger under his chin.
�First, when I was about to fall last time in the auditorium, you helped me.�
�Blame my reflexes. I did not intend to help you. You know, my body just felt like
helping you though my mind doesn�t want to.� He wasn�t looking at me. His eyes were
just set on nothingness.
�Okay whatever. But second, you accompanied me at the hospital last time.�
He nodde before answering me. �That�s charity.�
�Third, you hold my hand yesterday night? Remember. Tapos sabi mo pa, �Don�t worry,
dito lang ako.� Diba?�
He paused for a moment as if searching for an answer. �That�s because, I was

annoyed with your rants so in order for you to stop, I did that and said those.�
�Forth, you let me sleep on you shoulder.�
He looked at me then stared at nothingness again. �Okay. As if I had a choice. You

leaned on me before I could even answer.�
�WOOOHHH. Okay, fifth, you leaned on me too.�
�Uhm.� He shrugged. �That�s because, I was too sleepy to even mind I was actually
asleep leaning on a psychopath like you.�
�TSEEEE!�
�So, any other theories?�

Tss. Wala na ko maisip. Lahat ng sabihin ko lagging may katapat na dahilan eh,
anong panama ko dun?
�Basta Finn. Marerealize mo na lang isang araw na magkakagusto ka din sakin.� I

said sounding so sure and determined.
�Okay. I will wait for that day to come.� Sabi nya.
�Basta! Magkakagusto ka din sakin!� Pilit ko.
�Uhmmmkaayyy.�
�Dadating din ung time na un. Believe me!�
�Oh sige.� He said casually while he lied his back on the stage. He rested his head
on his arms.
I search for my phone in my bag to check the time. Gahhdd. It�s already, 6 in the
morning. Medyo malamig pa.
�Brrrrr. Ang lamig pala.� I said.
�Ngayon mo lang narealize yan?� He said, eyes were closed.
�Tara. Let�s hug each other para uminit.�
He did not say a word.
�Ano? Yakapan na?�
Katahimikan.
�Silence means yes.� I said smiling.
�Shut up.�
�HAHAHAH. Wusshuuuu. Just kidding. Yaahhh. Nagaanticipate ka siguro na yakapin kita
noh? ASA ka naman boyyyy!� I laughed mockingly. Wahahaha. Syempre joke lang un noh.
Dahhh. Tingin nyo sakin, easy to get? Wahahahaha. Pero kung si Finn ung magiinsist
baka magbago pa isip ko. Muahahahahahhaha!
�Psh. Baliw.� Sabi nya, nakapikit pa din.
�HAHAHAH. Pero kung ikaw magiinsist, payag ako.�
�ASA!�
�WAHAHHAHAHA. Ang sarap mo biruin.� Sabi ko tapos kinalabit ko ung tagiliran nya.
Bahagya syang napaigtad sa ginawa ko at napaupo sya dun sa edge nung stage.
�Hey! Ano ba? Di tayo close ah.�
�Hahahah. May kiliti ka dun?�
�Wag ka nga magulo.� Sabi nya, mukang naiinis na.
�Omg. May kiliti ka nga dun kaya ganun ung reaction mo.�
Hindi sya nagsalita. An idea suddenly came on my mind. Sasagarin ko na ung

pagbibiro ko sa kanya. Wahahahahah. I formed my finger like a crawling worm then
started to dig it on his sides.
Nagulat sya sa ginawa ko. But suddenly, he burst out laughing. As in he�s like
laughing his ass out sa sobrang tawa nya.
�Hey�. Hahahah� stop.. hahahahha� stop there psychopath� hahahahah� oh hellll�

hhhahahaha� stop this already�� He said in between his laughs.
�Wahahahah. Ano ka ngayon? Hahahaha. I�m just doing this to make you laugh. Para
hindi ka naman nakasimangot..�Sabi ko habang kinikiliti ko pa din sya.
�You�re� hahahaa dead� STOP!� With that threatening word, he pushed me.
And booommm! I felt my back suddenly on the floor. But what shocked me more is that
Finn was on top of me. Siguro sa pagtulak nya, pati sya nasama. OMG! Shocking!
I thought that would be the most shocking part of my day, but worse�. When the door
propped open�. And eight eyeballs were on their widest as they: si Manong Johnny,
si Ivan, si Mrs. Lorenzo, the terror guidance counselor. At si Mama.
They were all astonished by the scene they have just witnessed: I was lying down
and Finn was on top of me.
Oh good heavens! HUMILIATION!
* to be continued...

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�Mr. Dela Cruz. What were you doing at the auditorium this morning? And why were
you with Ms. Santos?�
Omg. Ayan si Mrs. Lorenzo, one of those people who saw us a while ago, our terror
guidance counselor. Kilala sa pagiging masungit. Itsura pa lang nya, alam mo ng
terror sya. She�s always wearing heavy make up, idagdag pa ang manipis nyang kilay
at ang porma nya, halatang matandang dalaga. Pero kung nagtataka kayo kung bakit
Mrs. Lorenzo tawag sa kanya ng karamihan kahit wala naman syang asawa, ewan ko din.
Parang si Mrs. Puff lang sa Spongebob. Ahaha.
Nandito kami ngayon sa guidance office para tanungin ung nangyari kaninang umaga sa
music audi. Grabeee, para kaming mga criminal kung tanungin ng old maid na to.
�It just so happened that we were accidentally locked inside. And I�m telling for
the nth time, we had no intention of being locked together in that darn place!�
Fnin said sounding so irritated and annoyed.
May karapatan naman talagang mainis tong si Finn eh. Kanina pa kaya tinatanong ni
Mrs. Lorenzo yan. Badtrriiippp!
�Is that true Ms. Santos?� She asked raising a brow.
�Yes Ma�am. Nalock po kasi kami. We tried to scream for help pero wala pong
dumating para mabuksan ung pinto.� Magalang kong sagot kahit na naiinis na din ako.
�Never heard of using phone during emergency situation?� She asked, sarcasm on her
voice. Tss. Sarap lang siguro manapak ng guidance counselor sa umaga. Ahahah
�Eh Ma�am. Wala po akong load eh. Si Finn naman po, naiwan nya ung phone nya sa
kotse nya. Wala din pong signal sa audi kaya po baka hindi kami nacontact ng kahit
sino.� I explained patiently.
�Is that so?� She raised a brow again. And base on her reaction, hindi sya
naniniwala sa mga sinabi ko. Darn this old maid!
�About this scene we�ve seen earlier, what can you say about that Mr. Dela Cruz?�
�An accident.� He said casually but he sounded like he�s going to burst into anger
any moment. I looked at him na parang sinasabi kong �Patience, Finn! Patience!�
�Totoo ba un Ms. Santos?�

�Yes Ma�am.�
�Is that so?� Pakingsheett wagas! Napkasarcastic ng matandang to. Argh badtrip
talaga!
�Yes Ma�am, really.� Sagot ko.
Tiningnan ko si Finn. Ang dilim ng aura nya. Para syang magwawala any moment. Kasi
naman tong gurang na guidance counselor na to eh. Kailangan bang sumama sya sa
paghahanap samin? Timing pa talaga ung dating nila. Parang sa movie lang
nangyayari.
�Mr. Dela Cruz. You do know what Act of Lasciviousness is, right?�
Nagtiim-bagang si Finn na tumingin kay Mrs. Lorenzo. �What the hell?! Act of
lasciviousness?! I didn�t do anything wrong against her. How many times do I have
to tell you that it was just a goddamn accident!�
�Hey watch your words Mr. Dela Cruz! You�re in my office!�
Sasagot pa sana si Finn pero pinigilan ko na sya. �Ma�am, sorry po pero tama po ung
sinabi nya. Aksidente lang po talaga ung nangyari.� Sabi ko habang sinesenyasan ko
si Finn na wag na muna syang magsalita.
�Hmm. So it was really an accident that he was on top of you?� She said full of a
very mocking sarcasm.
�Yes Ma�am.� I was trying to hold more of my patience kahit na gustong gusto ko ng
drawingan ung kilay nyang napakanipis. Basta! Nakakabadtrip sya!
She seemed to not mind my answer as she went again with her act-of-lasciviousness
issue. �Just to let you know clearly what act of lasciviousness is: It is the act
of making physical contact with the body of another person for the purpose of
obtaining sexual gratification other than that, or without intention of, sexual
intercourse.�
I saw Finn tightening his fist at alam kong sasabog na ang pasensyang kanina pa nya
iniipon sa katawan.
�So what can you say Mr. Dela Cruz? It is very clear that you had a physical
contact with Ms. Santos.�
Finn immediately flushed with anger. Nakita kong akma nyang itataas ung kamao nya
pero bago pa nya gawin un, hinawakan ko ung wrist nya para pigilan sya.
Grabee. Nakakabadtrip na talaga! Seryoso na talaga to pakingshheeettt! Bukod sa

pagod at gutom na ko, dadagdagan nya pa ng ganitong accusation si Finn?
Potahhhnessss hindi pwede to!
And right there, I lost it.
I stood up and tap her table. She seemed shocked of what I did. �Mrs. Lorenzo.� I
gritted my teeth.
She swallowed, fixed her eyeglasses and raised a brow.
�Mrs. Lorenzo.� Tawag ko ulit.
�What are you doing Ms. Santos? Sit down!�
�Not unless you�ll let me explained our side at hindi ka gumagawa ng mga nonsense
conclusion.�
�A-anong sabi mo?� Gulat na sabi nung old maid.
�Listen Ma�am. Napakaoff-topic naman po yata na akusahan nyo si Finn ng ganyan.

Nakita nyo po ba talaga kung ano ung nangyari para magconclude kayo ng ganyan? Look
Ma�am, for this instance, ako ung nagmumuklang biktima, but the truth is wala naman
po talagang naargabyado. You�re saying act of lasciviousness? Sobrang layo po nun
sa tunay na nangyari. And what the hell did you say? For the purpose of obtaining
sexual gratification? Napakalayo naman po yata ng nilipad ng utak nyo sa sinabi
nyong yan. Ganito na ka big deal ung aksidenteng pagkakahulog namin? Sentido kumon
lang ho Mrs. Lorenzo. If you may, aalis na po kami dahil in the first place hindi
na kami dapat pumunta pa dito para mag-explain ng pangyayaring wala namang basehan.
Sige Ma�am, have a good day. Let�s go Finn.�
Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang sasabihin ni Mrs. Lorenzo at dali dali akong lumabas ng
guidance office, kasunod ko si Finn sa likod ko.
�That� that was cool.� Finn muttered as we walked along the corridor.
I smiled and turned to him. �See? You now see the coolness within me. Sagad kasi sa
kabdtripan yang si Mrs. Lorenzo eh. Akusahan ka ba naman ng ganun.�
�But in fact, ikaw dapat.� Sabi nya. Naglalakad ako patalikod, bale nakaharap ako
sa kanya.
�Anong ako dapat?� Kunot-noo kong tanong.
�You should be the one to accuse of that lasciviousness thingy.�
�Bakit naman ako?�
�Sino bang may pagnanasa sating dalawa? Sino ba ung patay na patay sakin?� He
chuckled.
�Muahah. Rur! Masyado kang feeling ah. Baka nga ikaw tong meron hidden desire
sating dalawa eh�� I grinned.
�Ano na namang pangarap ang sinasabi mo dyan?�
�Baka naman, sinadya mo talaga un?� Kumunot ung noo nya sa sinabi ko. �Alam mo na,
it was really your intention to push me pero reason mo lang un para mapunta tayo sa
ganung position.� I smirked.
�WHAT? Tss. Asa ka naman! Bahala ka nga dyan!� Sabi nya at pagkatapos ay nilagpasan
nya ko at nagmamadali nang naglakad.
WAHAHAH. Ang sarap netong asarin kahit kelan.
�Hoy teka lang Finnie! Wag ka nga masyadong guilty dyan! Hintaaaayyyy!� Tawag ko,
pagkatapos ay parang bata ko syang hinabol.
----
Pagdating namin dun sa gazebo kung saan naghihintay si Mama, agad agad nya akong
nilapitan. Nandun din si Bessie.
�Laine. What happened? What did she say? Ano ba kasing nangyari? Kagabi pa kita
tinatawagan pero hindi kita macontact. My god, do you know how worried I am? Akala
ko na kung napaano ka na. Hindi naman ako sanay na ginagabi ka nang uwi nang hindi
nagpapaalam at ng hindi kasama si Chix.� Ayan na naman ang infamous speech ni Mama.
Hahaha. Grabe. Para akong nursery kung sermunan eh.
�Ano ba Ma? Puso mo! Rela. Okay lang po ako. Wala naman pong nangyari eh kaya wag
na po kayong magalala.� Sabi ko.
�Ikaw talagang bata ka.�
�Tita, sorry po if something like this happened. Nalock po kasi kami accidentally.
And regarding the scene you�ve witnessed earlier�� Finn said. He seemed ashamed of
what happen.
�No no, it�s okay Hijo. I trust you and my daughter.� She smiled. Yan naman si Mama
eh, alam nyang mapagkakatiwalaan ako. Hahah. �Thanks for keeping her company by the
way. I�m sure na natakot yang si Laine sa pagkakalock nyong un.� She then turned to
me. �Laine, I�ll go to the school first. Baka pagalita na ako ng mga estudyante
ko.� She chuckled. �You�re okay, right? Makakauwi ka na diba? Mauna na ko ha. Finn,
thanks again. You too Ivan, thank you sa inyo. Sige na, I�ll go ahead.� She kissed
me on my cheek and the three of us bid her goodbye.
�Ingat po.�
�So ano? Are you going home already Ally?� Bessie asked.
�Uhm yeah but nagugutom ako eh. Why don�t we eat breakfast first?� Tnong ko dun sa
dalawa.
�Good idea.� Ivan agreed.
�Ayoko. I�ll just go home. Kayo na lang.� Si Finn. As usual, bipolar na naman ang
drama nito. Masungit na naman aura nya samantalang kanina nabibiro ko pa sya eh.
Tss. Oh sige na, sya na bipolar at may multi-personality disorder.
�Kagabi pa tayo hindi kumakain ah. Tara na Finnie, I�m sure gutom ka na din.� Pilit
ko sa kanya.
�She�s right dude. Eat first.�
�Oo nga Finnie.�
�Okay fine, sige.� Tss. Pakipot talaga to eh, papayag din naman pala. Ahahah.
�Yay! Foodtrip!�
As soon as we get there in the parking area, inaya ako ni Bessie na dun ako sumakay
sa kotse nya. Syempre dahil nag-insist sya, sa kanya na ko sumabay. We decided na
dun na lang magkita sa mall since malapit lang sya sa university.
When we get there, diretso kaming Pizza Hut. We just ordered pasta.
�So, what exactly happened between you two?� Tanong ni Bessie.
�Ayun. Nalock kaming dalawa. Geez. What a horrible experience. Upon realizing it
now, I can�t believe I spent a crucial night with this Psychopath.� Finn babbled.
Grabe, feeling nya sya lang nakaranas ng horrible experience? Ako din kaya! Not to
mention na na guidance pa kami noh. First time un sa buong buhay ko!
Bessie laughed at what he said. �That�s true dude.�
Aba�s nagagree pa tong si Bessie! Walangya yan! Pinagtutulungan ako! �Ah ganu? Pati
ikaw Bessie, inaaway mo ko? I hate you!� Kunwari�y pagtatampo ko sa kanya.
�Hey, I was just kidding Ally.� He said messing my hair. Maniniwala na talaga kong
inlove to sa buhok ko. Ahahah.
�Ally?� Kunot-nong tanong ni Finn.
�Yep. I call her like that.� Sabi ni Bessie.
�You know Finnie, terms of endearment.� I smiled.
�Tss. Whatever.� Then he grimaced. �Pero okay din un ah, Ally. As in Allypin.
Allypunga. Allyla. Allymango.� He said laughing mockingly.
�Joke un?� Sarkastiko kong tanong.
�Uhm yeah. I think so.� Sabi nyang nakatawa pa din. �Pero ako, simpleng Psycho or
dummy lang tawag ko sayo. Isn�t it nice?� Pangaasar nya.
�Edi kwento mo yan sa Maalaala Mo Kaya para masaya.�
Bessie laughed with what I said. �Hahah. Nice one Laine.�
�Tss.� Si Finn.
Tahimik lang kaming kumain nung dumating ung order namin. The three of us just
concentrated on our food. Lalo na ko! Gutom na gutom na kaya ako! Hahah.
�So you�re going home already?� Bessie asked as soon as we finished eating.
�Yup. Ligong ligo na ko eh. Ahahah. Tsaka tinatamad na kong pumasok mamaya kya di
na ko babalik ng school.� Actually may klase pa nga ako mamaya, pero since minor
subject lang naman un, di na lang ako papasok.
�Ganun ba? Oh sige Ally, hatid na kita.� Offer ni Bessie sakin.
�Sige Bessie.� I said. Who am I to refuse diba? Hahah.
�Sige dude. Hatid ko lang to.� Sabi ni Bessie then nakipagshakeshands sya kay Finn.
Shakehands nga ba tawag dun? Yung ginagawa ng mga magbabarkada, ganun. Hahaha.
�Bye Finnie. Ingat sa daan.� Then I blew him a flying kiss. Muahaha. Pang-asar
lang.
�Gross.� He murmured. Kapal talaga netong mayabang na to.
I waved at Finn as he went on his way. Bessie and I then started to walk towards
the parking area.
�Hey Ally.� Tawag sakin ni Bessie as soon as we got inside his car.
�Bakit Bessie?� Tanong ko habang inaayos ko ung seatbelt.
He started the engine. �Kung alam ko lang na mangyayari un, sana pala hindi ko na
sinakyan ung plano mo.� Seryoso nyang sabi.
Tiningnan ko lang sya. Hindi ko alam kung maiinis ako sa sinabi nya kaya pinili ko
na lang na wag ng magsalita.
�Do you know how worried I am nung tumawag ung Mama mo sakin at hinahanap ka?!!� He
said exasperatedly just looking ahead of the road.
Tiningnan ko lang sya. Bipolar na din si Bessie, kanina nagjojoke at tumatawa pa

sya, ngayon sobrang seryoso ng aura nya. Hahaha. But kidding aside, Bessie�s being
like this dahil nag-alala sya sakin?
�Don�t ever do that again Ally.� He said now in a calm tone. �Wag mo na ulit akong
pagaalalahanin ng ganun.�
I stared at him for long. Hayy ang cute netong bestfriend ko. Nakakatuwa, nakapulot
ako ng ganitong kabait na bestfriend. I linked my arms with his. He was a bit taken
aback by the action I did but I did not mind his reaction. I then leaned my head on
his shoulder.
�Thank you Bessie. Thanks for your concern. I really appreciate it. Promise, di na
kita pagaalalahin.�
Our position remained like that during the whole trip. Sobrang komportable na ako
dito kay Bessie Ivan although hindi pa naman ganun katagal ung pagiging
magbestfriend namin. Pero ewan ko ba, whenever I�m with Bessie, I feel safe and
secured. Yung tipong hinding hindi nya ko papabayaang magutom, mapahamak o may
mangyaring masama sakin. Alam nyo un, he�s so warmth, a gentleman, thoughtful,
mabait tapos ang gwapo pa nya. He�s just too good to be true. Whew! I so love my
BESTFRIEND!
Pagdating ko sa bahay, naligo agad ako. It�s only 10 in the morning. My day would
seem to be a long one. Pero teka, scratch that. My day had just been completed with
all those unexpected things I encountered earlier, what do you think? Funny it may
seem, but it really feels nice.
It maybe hell in Mrs. Lorenzo�s office, but I really felt happy. It seems like I
don�t even give a damn for the consequence it may brought.
Haaayy. Si Finn na bipolar, sana magtuloy tuloy lang ung pagsapi sa kanya ng medyo
light na espirito. Kahit paano, nabawasan ng konti ung pagiging high blood nya
sakin. At infairness, tumatawa na sya. Oha! Improvement! Ahaha. Pero sana, magtuloy
tuloy na un. Please lang Lord, please lang�

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Brittany: My name is also Britney Spears.
Glee Club: What?
Mercedes: What the hell is she talking about?
Brittany: My middle name is Susan, my last name is Pierce. That makes me Brittany
S. Pierce. Brittany S`Pierce.
Yes. You read it right. Epal kasi tong si Chix eh, sabi ko magdala sya ng dvd ng 50
First Dates. Glee ba naman ung dinala. Kaadik lang eh. Si Donna, aun. Magkasundo
ung dalawa sa panunuod ng musical series na to. Pero infairness, maganda nga sya.
Nakakatawa ung mga characters.
Nung tinanong ko si Chix kung bakit un ung dvd na dala nya, �Eh bes! Namimiss ko na
kasi sila! Sa September pa resume nila eh.� Oh diba? Adik talaga.
DVD marathon kasi kami ngayon dito sa bahay. Wala si Mama at si Carl, nag weekend
bakasyon sa Lola ko. Dahil dakilang KJ ako sa mga ganung lakaran, di ako sumama. So
ang nangyari, inaya ko na lang si Donna at Chix dito sa bahay. Muahaha. Tapos dito
na din sila matutulog. Yay!
�So ano Laine. Nakamove-on ka na ba sa nangyari sa inyo ni Finn sa auditorium?�

Tanong ni Chix habang ngumunguya ng Piattos.
�Baka hindi pa din nakakatulog sa gabi yan kahit almost a week na ang lumipas.�
Sabi naman ni Donna. �Hoy Chix, paabot nga nung Coke dyan sa tabi mo.�
I rolled my eyes. Kunwari, wala akong pakialam sa sinabi nila. Hahah. �Baka nga si
Finn ung hindi nakamove-on eh.� Biro ko.
�Asa ka naman dun. Baka nga ibaon nya na sa limot ung nangyaring un eh.� Pangaasar
ng naturingan kong bespren na si Chix.
�Tsee. Pakyuuu!� Tapos binato ko sya nung Piattos. Ahaha.
�Pero infairness ah. Kung totoo nga yang sinabi mong nabibiro mo na si Finn. I must
say, improvement nga yan. Sa totoo lang, nung panahon na medyo kaclose ko pa ung
ChocoPaps nun�� Si Donna, pagkasabi nya nun ay parang nalungkot ung itsura nya. Iba
talaga dating sa kanya ng pangalang ChocoPaps noh? Ahaha. �Ayun nga. Kahit ako di
ko mabiro si Finn eh, civil lang kami sa isa�t isa pero hindi ganun super close.
Minsan ko nga lang syang nakitang tumawa nun eh.�
Narinig nyo este nabasa nyo ung sinabi ni Donna? Okay. My sixth theory! Muahaha.
Bumangon ako sa pagkakahiga ko dun sa sofa at tiningnan sila. �So, may pag-asa nga
kayang magkagusto sakin si Finn?� Tanong ko dun sa dalawa.
�Paano naman namin malalaman? Ano kami, may psychic ability?� Pambabara ni Chix.
�Pakyu ka talagang bespren ka eh noh.� Binalingan ko si Donnang busy din sa

paglapang ng mga chichirya. Ahaha. �Ikaw Donna. Tingin mo?�
�Hmm. Ewan ko. Finn doesn�t express his feeling through action so mahirap syang
basahin. And, I really don�t know the status between him and Bianca. So hindi ko
talaga alam. Mahirap magpredict eh.�
�Ano nga ba talaga status nung dalawa?� Tanong ko ulit. I don�t even have a single
clue about the real score between the two of them.
�Hindi ko alam eh. Just wait and see. This is the third year already since they
made their promise to each other, kaya baka dumating na si Bianca. By that time,
dun mo lang malalaman.� Sabi ni Donna at tumutok na ulit sa pinapanuod nya.
Waaaahhh. Wala talaga kong alam sa status nung dalawa! Baka naman sumusugod lang
ako sa gyera na wala man dala kahit isang bala. Pero hindi eh, eto na eh. Di na ko
aatras. Lalabanan ko ung Bianca na un kung kinakailangan. Ahaha! Ansaveee ng
matapang? Ako un. Basta, tuloy ang plano.
�Bes. Donna. Be ready, may dadating na bisita.� Maya maya�y sabi ni Chix.
Nabaling ang tingin namin ni Donna dun sa sinabi ni Chix. Parehas nakakunot ang noo
namin. �Sino naman?� Sabay naming sabi.
�Secret.� She said looking at us na parang may tinatago syang napakasagradong

lihim.
�Astig mo eh noh? Feeling mo bahay mo to kung makapang-invite ka?� I rolled my

eyes.
�Hahah. Wag ka nga mainis dyan Bes.�
�Adik talaga nitong si Chix. Baliw lang eh.� Sabi ni Donna. �Ayy teka lang, ung
pasta ko pala baka maover cook.� Tapos nun ay pumunta sya sa kusina. Nagvolunteer
kasi syang magluto ng meryenda. Specialty nya daw ung spaghetti eh. Ahahah. I think
niluluto nya na din ung sauce.
�Sino ba kasi un? Parang sabog lang tong babaeng to eh.� Tanong ko ulit.
Chix grinned at me. �Basta. Pag nakita mo sila, papasalamatan mo pa ko.�
As if on cue, the doorbell rang. �Teka, baka sila na un.� Agad-agad na sabi nya
pagkatapos ay lumabas na para tingnan kung andyan na nga ung mga bisitang ininvite
nya. Feeling nya talaga bahay nya to eh. Hahaha.
Hindi na ko nag-effort pa na lumabas pa. Naghintay na lang ako dun sa couch at

nanuod nung Glee.
�Pagpasok ni Chix, �Taddaaah! Presenting, the ChocoPaps!�
Kasunod nya si Bessie na may dala dalang bucket from KFC. Si Hiro naman bitbit ang
isang plastic na puno ng chichirya. Si Martin puro drinks ang hawak. At si Finn,
OMG! Dala nya ang kagwapuhan nya! Hahah. Kumpleto ang ChocoPaps? How come na
napapayag nila si Finn dito? Uy, naiisip nyo ba ang naiisip ko? Ahaha.
�Hi Paps, Bessie and Finnie! OMG, you�re all here!� Bati ko sa kanilang apat.
�I did not come here because I wanted to. Sabi kasi nila may practice, dito lang
naman pala pupunta sa bahay ng Psychopathic na babae.� Finn said lazily.
�Weh? Ansaveeh ng defensive? Wala naman akong sinasabi ahh?� Pang-aasar ko sa

kanya. Hahah. Tama naman ako diba?
�Aish! Talagang baliw ka. Ewan ko sayo.� Naaasar na sabi nya. Hahah. Ang cute ng
reaksyon nya.
�Hep hep tama na yan Ally.� Sabi sakin ni Bessie tapos ay kinurot nya ung pisngi
ko.
�Bessie naman, alam kong cute ako, wag mo ng pisilin ung pisngi ko.�
�Wow ang dami nyong dalang foods!� Singit ni Chix. �Hi there sweetcake! Namiss
kita!�
�Sweetcake?� Sabay-sabay naming tanong ni Bessie at Martin.
Nilapitan ni Hiro si Chix at pinisil nya ang pisngi nito. �Hi sweetcake! Namiss din
kita!�
�EEWW! Ang baduy nyong dalawa!� Sabi ko sa kanila. Pasweetcake sweetcake pa silang
nalalaman! Napakacheesy! Teka, wag sabihin sakin ni Chix na� �Hoy babae, kailan pa
yang sweetcake sweetcake nyo na yan?�
Hiro smiled at me. �Kahapon lang Laine.�
�Grabe ang bilis nyo ah.� Puna ni Bessie.
I gave Chix a hoy-may-utang-ka-saking-kwento look. Nginitian lang nya ko at aun,

tinulungan nya si Hiro sa bitbit nito.
�Orayt! Foodtrip na tayo!� Sabi ni Martin pagkalapag nya ng mga plastic bags dun sa
center table. �Teka Laine, kumuha ka kaya ng ---�
�Laine, okay na ung spaghetti. Tikman mo--�
Naputol ang pagsasalita ni Martin nang dumating si Donna galing sa kitchen. Ganun
din si Donna, napahinto sya pagkakita kay Martin at sa bung ChocoPaps. Weird.
I looked at Martin�s reaction, he was a bit stunned and it seemed like there�s an
odd tension between the two of them. Same as Donna, nagulat din sya pero unlike
Martin, malungkot ang expression ng mukha nya.
�D-Donna?� Gulat na tanong din ni Bessie at Hiro. Si Finn naman, mukang medyo
nagulat din pero hindi sya nagsalita.
Bakit ganun ung reaction nila? Something strange is going on here. Ano naman kaya
un? As far as I know, dati silang magkakaibigan. Si Donna na din mismo ang nagsabi
nun. Pero ganito ba dapat ang maging reaction nila? Lalo na si Martin, he looks
angry as he clenches his teeth.
�Hey hey guys! Ano ba kayo? Bakit naman ganyan ang mga mukha nyo? Tara kain na!
Party party woohh!� Sabi ko habang tinataas ko pa ang mga kamay ko para mabreak ung
tension na namumuo sa paligid.
�Ah-ah oo nga. Tama si Ally.� Bessie said giving a frail laugh.
�I think I have to go.�
�Guys, alis muna ko.�

Sabay pang nagsalita ung dalawa. Ano ba talagang meron? Napaka awkward ng vibes sa
pagitan nilang dalawa.
�Hep hep, walang aalis!� Si Chix. �Ang umalis, ipapasalvage ko sa Ampatuan!�
Nakayuko lang si Donna while Martin looks so mad.
�Okay. Ganito na lang guys, whatever the issue between you two, pwede bang iset
aside nyo muna yan? I mean, look guys, better not to spoil the day. Kailangan
nating mag-enjoy noh.� Suggestion ko.
�Wooohh! Party party! Kainan na!� Sabi ni Chix na obviously ay para maging light
ang atmosphere.
�Ahm o-okay. K-kunin ko lang ung spaghetti.� Donna said trying to act naturally.
�Tss.� Si Martin habang binubuksan ung Lays na hawak nya. He�s sitting lazily on
the carpeted floor while leaning his back against the couch. Bakit ganun? Parang
may grudge sya against Donna.
�Tulungan na kita Dons.� Pagvovolunteer ko. She just nodded at me then pumunta na
kami sa kitchen.
�I smell something odd between you and Martin.� I said while scooping the sauce
from the casserole. �May past kayo?�
She forced a smile. �Nasaan ung cheese grater?�
Galing talaga nito sa pag-iiba ng topic! �Nandyan sa loob ng cabinet, katabi nung
mga strainers dyan.� Turo ko. Binuksan nya naman ito at kinuha ung hinahanap nya.
Kinuha nya ung kakaluto pa lang na pasta at inayos ito sa plato. I handed her the
sauce. �Ayaw mong pag-usapan?�
She poured the sauce onto the pasta, after that, she started to grate the cheese on
top of it. �Hmm. Mas mabuti pa sigurong wag na.� Simpleng sagot nya.
�Ganun ba? Sige. Pero Dons, tandaan mo, kaibigan mo na din kami ni Chix. Kaya kung
may gusto kang sabihin o gusto mong humingi ng advice, nandito lang kami para
sayo.�
�S-salamat Laine.�
Nginitian ko sya. �Tara na?�

---
Pagkagaling namin sa kitchen, naabutan namin silang nanunuod ng Saw. Mga adik yata
tong mga to eh. Hahah.
�Sarap manuod nyan habang kumakain.� Si Martin. He acts like nothing happened.
Bumalik na ung aura nyang parang laging nakalunok ng enervon.
�Kadiri naman yan!� Comment ni Chix.
�Okay lang yan sweetcake. Pag natakot ka, dito lang ako.� Sabi naman ni Hiro,
nakaupo sya dun sa pang-isahang sofa samantalang si Chix dun nakaupo sa armrest.
Grabe ang cheesy nung dalawa. Yak! Hahah.
Si Martin, dun pa din sya sa pwesto nya. Bessie�s sitting there comfortably on the
long couch while Finn looks so bored sitting there too. Bale si Bessie at Finn,
nakaupo sila sa magkabilang dulo nung couch. They�re all munching the junk food na
sila din anman ang bumili. Nahiya naman daw ung Piattos at Kettle Corn namin sa
Lays at Doritos nila. Hahaha.
�Guys, spaghetti�s ready!� Sabi ko tapos ay nilapag ko sya dun sa table. Umupo ako
dun sa gitna ni Bessie at Finn. Si Donna naman ay naupo dun sa isang sofa. �Grabe
napakadami nyong dalawang pagkain� Sabi ko. Punong puno na nga ung table nung mga
pagkain eh, pinagkasya ko na lang ilagay ung spaghetti dun.
�The more the merrier kasi Ally. Ikaw nagluto ng spaghetti?� Bessie asks while he
taps my head.
�Hindi. Si Donna, specialty nya daw yan eh. Tara kain na tayo. Mga paps kuha na oh.
Finnie, have some. Ikaw din Paps Martin, masarap oh.� Aya ko sa kanila.
�Ayoko. Di ako kumakain nyan.� Sagot ni Martin habang nakatuon lang ang pansin nya
dun sa movie. Mukhang nasaktan si Donna sa nasabi ni Martin. Ang sama siguro ng
past nitong dalawang to eh noh?
Binulungan ko si Finn. �Finnie, ano ba meron sa dalawa? Bakit ganya sila?�
�Mind you own business Pyschopath. Wag mo silang pakialaman.� Masungit nyang sabi.
�Psh. Apakaneto! Walang kwenta kausap. Bleh!� Nagmakeface ako at binelatan ko pa

sya. Tiningnan lang nya ko ng masama.
Nagfocus na lang kami dun sa napakabayolenteng movie. Paminsan minsan eh

naghaharutan ung iba, lalo na si Martin at Hiro, para silang mga bata. Mga
nagbabatuhan pa ng pagkain.
Pagkatapos nung Saw, Chainsaw Massacre naman ung sinalang nilang movie. Grabe, mga
masokista ata mga to eh. Ang hilig sa mga madudugo. Ahaha. Nagsuggest nga ako na
Korean movies na lang ung panuorin katulad nung My Sassy Girl o kaya ung Finding
Mr. Destiny, pero sabi nila ang jologs ko daw. Tss, ang sama nila. They don�t know
what they�re missing. Ang ganda kaya ng mga movie na un! Nakakainlove! Muahaha.
Syeet oo na, ako na hopeless romantic.
---
�So guys, what will we perform in the upcoming Festive Week?� Asked Hiro who�s
eating Pizza delightfully. Dinner na to, mga 8pm na din kasi eh. Ahaha. Oo, ganun
na katagal silang nandito sa bahay. Pero okay lang, sobrang saya nga eh. Wahaha.
�Hmm. Ano ba ung theme ngayong year?� Tanong ni Paps Martin.
�Last year, Gothic eh. From what I heard, they�re preparing for an early 20th
century theme. So probably like from 30�s, 40�s or 50�s. Something like that.� Si
Bessie.
�Yes. Ganun nga! Parang ganun nga ung narinig ko kay kuya Marc.� Singit ni Chix.
Remember? Kapatid nya ung SC president.
They�re discussing about the Festive Week which is exactly three weeks from now. It
is the biggest and grandest school event every year dahil Foundation Day din sya ng
university. Iyon ang pinakamasayang week ng campus dahil isang linggong walang
klase. Puro activities lang kaya party party lang kami. Hahaha. So bale every year,
may theme un. Just like what Bessie said, Gothic ung theme last year so lahat ng
students naka Gothic attire. As in black is everywhere in the campus, creepy nga eh
pero ang astig.
�So meaning we�re going to perform songs from that era too?� Finn asked.
�Yeah. Probably.� Bessie said.
�Wow! Astig!� I exclaimed. �Yay, so we�re going to be old-fashioned that week?

We�re doing classics! As in the hairstyles, the make-up and the dresses? Wow! Just
like what I�ve seen in the Titanic movie or like that of The Notebook! WAAHH!
Exciting!�
Bessie chuckled upon hearing what I said, nanggigil na naman sya sa pisngi ko.
�Ally, try Audrey Hepburn�s or Judy Garland�s style. I�m sure you�ll look more
gorgeous and beautiful.�
Waahh. Grabe, makapraise tong si Bessie. Hahah. �Talaga Bessie? I�m not familiar
with those women you mention but I�ll google it!� Sabi ko at giantihan ko naman sya
ng isang pinch sa ilong nya. Hahaha. The usual, ganyan naman kami magkulitan ni
Bessie eh.
Finn looked at us. �Are you two really bestfriends?�
�Huh?� Clueless kong tanong sa kanya.
�Maybe he meant, para kayong magboyfriend ni Ivan.� Chix intruded.
�Hahaha. Talaga?� Bessie laughed softly.
�Oo kaya. Kung magkulitan kayo, daig nyo pa magboyfriend.� Sabi ni Chix.
�UYYY!� Tukso nilang lahat maliban kay Finn.
Parang mga adik lang to eh. Hahaha. Lagyan ba naman ng kulay ang closeness namin ni
Bessie? Ahahah.
�Wahaha. Mga adik!� Sabi ko na lang sa kanila.
�Bakit guys, bagay ba kami ni Laine?� Tanong ni Bessie. Wahaha. Napopossess na

naman tong bestfriend ko, sinakyan pa ung joke ng mga lokong to.
�Hindi. Hindi kayo bagay.� Finn said casually. The whole group seemed astonished
with what he said. Pati si Bessie, nagulat din talaga sa sinabi ni Finn. �Oh. Why
are you all looking at me like that?� Pagkaraa�y nagtatakang tanong nya nang
mapansing lahat kami ay sa kanya lang nakatingin.
�Bakit mo naman nasabi yan Finn?� Tanong ni Hiro.
�Oo nga Finn. Hahah. Sa totoo lang, they look good together. Yeee.� Si Paps Martin,
sabi nya sa nakakabading na tono. Hahaha.
Oo nga naman. Agree naman ako sa sinabi nilang bagay kami in Bessie. Hello? Isang
gwapo at maganda noh. Hahaha. Kaya lang bestfriend ko tong si Ivan eh, para ko na
syang kuya. At saka diba, may Finnie na ko? Muahaha. Teka, bakit nga ba kontrabida
tong si Finn ah? Well, given na nga na may pagkakontrabida sya, pero bakit ganun na
lang ung sinabi nya? Hindi kaya� OMG!
I grinned at the thought. �Hindi kaya nagseselos ka Finnie?�

Casts. ?
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???
�I don�t think we�re doing this right.� Sabi ni Finn sa naiinis ng tono. �Our
melody is a bit rough but this song is supposed to be just smooth and calm.�
Bessie sighed. �You�re right. I never thought this song would be this hard.�
�Hayy. Ang sakit na ng mga daliri ko.� Reklamo ni Hiro.
�Ako nga nagugutom na eh.� Sabi naman ni Martin.
Kanina pa nagpapractice yang ChocoPaps pero hindi nila matapos tapos ung kanta.
They are not satisfied with what they�re doing kaya lagi silang umuulit.
Naiintindihan ko naman sila. It�s kinda hard to remake a classic song with the use
of the modern instruments they have. A classic song�s genre is usually on jazz
which requires the use of an orchestra.
I heard all of them let out a desperate sigh.
�Hey guys! Cheer up! You still have two weeks para ipolish ung song.� Pageencourage
ko sa kanila.
If you would ask what my role is in here, well, wala lang. Muahaha. I insist of
going here every time they�re having their practice. Gusto ko lang sila panuorin.
�Bakit ba lagi ka na lang nandito pag may practice kami? Do you have any business
in here?� Asked Finn sarcastically.
Nginitian ko lang sya. �Eh bakit ba? Masama ba? I�m here to support my bestfriend.
Diba noh Bessie?� I winked at Ivan.
�Talaga Ally?� Tanong ni Bessie.
�Oo naman Bessie! Full support ako sayo! Aja aja! Fighting!�
�Ahaha. Thanks Ally! Fighting!� Sabi ni Bessie na nakatikom pa ang mga kamay, ung
parang mga napapanuod natin sa Korean dramas. Hahaha. Oo, inimpluwensyahan ko si
Bessie ng mga ganun. Muahahah.
�Tss. Practice na nga tayo.� Inis na sabi ni Finn.
�Let�s take a break first Finn. I�m hungry.� Reklamo ni Martin.
�Mamaya na. Let�s finish this first.� Asar na sagot nya habang tinotono ung gitara
nya.
�WAAHH! Nagugutom na ko!� Padabog na sabi ni Martin habang papaupo sya paharap sa
drums nya. Tiningnan sya ng masama ni Finn. �Oo, nagugutom na ko pero mas
importante ang magpractice diba? Okay, let�s start.� Ngiting-asong sabi ni Martin
tapos ay nagsimula na silang tumugtog.
Problema ni Finn? May saltik talaga ata un eh. Tsk tsk. Sabagay. Bipolar nga pala
sya. Baka nga naman talaga nagseselos sya? The last time I checked, nung tinanong
ko sya nun, eto ung sagot nya:
�W-what? A-ako magseselos?� Sabi nya sa pilit na tawa. �Are you out of your mind?
Bakit naman ako magseselos ah? Aisshh. Psychopath ka talaga. Tss.� May
pagkadefensive ung tono ng pagsasalita nya. �Para sabihin ko sayo, hindi talaga
kayo bagay ni Ivan. What I mean is, baka mamaya mahawaan mo pa ng kabaliwan yang
kaibigan ko eh. W-wag ka nga magconclude ng kung ano-ano dyan. Ako magselos? Asa ka
naman.�
Tss. Oh diba. Baligtad din yang si Finn eh, kapag tinatanong mo ng WH question,
napakaikli ng sagot. Pero ung Yes or No question ko, ang haba ng sagot. Pwede naman
simpleng oo o hindi lang ung sagot diba? Kailangan bang magpakadefensive ng ganun?
---
Friday. Classmate ko si Finn. Naabutan ko syang nakaupo sa upuan nya at nakauob-ub
dun sa may table, as usual. Parang sya ung tipo ng estudyante na napapanuod natin
sa mga anime o Korean dramas, ung mga bidang laging nakaupo sa likod ng classroom
na malapit sa bintana. Nilapitan ko sya at umupo ako sa tabi nya.
�Wow! Himala, look who�s here! Ang aga mo yata?� Pagkaraa�y pinatong ko ang bag ko
sa table ko at ginawa itong unan.
�Ano naman sayo?� Sabi nyang hindi man lang ako tinapunan ng tingin.
�Sungit.�
�Okay.�
�Seems like you woke up at the wrong side of the bed again.�
�Can you shut it? Ang daldal mo. Hindi mo ba kayang ipahinga yang bibig mo kahit
sandali lang?� Naiinis nyang sabi.
I grin from ear to ear, �Hindi eh. Pag tumahimik ako, be afraid, kasi baka hindi
ako un.�
�Sige lang.� Matipid nyang sabi.
�So bakit ka nga maaga?� Siguro mga 10 minutes pa bago magstart ung klase. Oh diba?
Talk about punctuality. Samantalang lagi syang late nung mga unang linggo. �Ahh,
alam ko na kung bakit.� Sabi ko nang hindi nya pinansin ung tanong ko. �Nagpaaga ka
talaga para sakin noh? Hinihintay mo ko noh?� Sabi kong nakangisi pa.
He shrugged his shoulders, still not giving me a look. �You really like imagining
things, don�t you? I�m here to sleep kaya wag mo na kong kausapin.�
Wow. So nandito sya para matulog? Ang astig talaga ni Finne! Ahaha.
�Bakit? Puyat ka ba?� Tanong ko.
�Wala ka ng pakialam dun.� Casual nyang sagot. He�s sitting idly while leaning on
the table, his chin rested on his arm and he�s facing fa�ade as his eyes are
closed.
�Kamusta na nga pala ung ipeperform nyo? Polish na ba?� Pangungulit ko pa sa kanya.
He seemed to be really tired and sleepy but I didn�t mind. Eh bakit ba? Gusto ko
syang kausapin eh.
�Okay lang.� Simple nyang sagot.
�Ahh. Ano pala plano mo sa Festive Week?� Tanong ko. Excited na kong makita kung
ano ung attire nya sa event na un. Muahaha.
�Why do you care? Bakit ba hindi na lang iba ung kulitin mo? Kulitin mo na lang
kaya ung bestfriend mo?� Naiirita nyang tanong.
�Eh bakit naman kasi sagot ka ng sagot? Ahahah. Tsaka, busy si Bessie. Hindi ko sya
pwedeng kulitin.� Sabi ko.
�Aisssh! Wag mo na nga lang akong kausapin!� His voice sounded more irritated than
usual.
�Aminin mo nga, nagseselos ka ba samin ni Bessie?� Seryosong tanong ko sa kanya.
Bigla syang nag-angat ng tingin. �Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sayo? Wag kang
mangarap.� He said seriously then he lean again on the table.
�Owss?� Nang-aasar kong tanong.
Hindi nya ko pinansin. He seems so tired of answering my questions.
�Tumingin ka nga sakin Finn.� Maya-maya�y sabi ko. Nung hindi nya ko pinansin, I
continued. �Is it really impossible for you to like me?�
Para lang akong nagsalita sa hangin dahil hindi nya na naman ako pinansin.
�Hey. I�m serious. Sagutin mo ung tanong ko.�
Umayos sya ng upo at sandaling tiningan ako. �Yes.�
Hindi ko alam pero iba ang dating sakin ng simpleng salitang un. My question is
supposed to be a joke but when he answered, bakit ganun? I know for a fact that I
like Finn and I was quite hoping that he�ll like me too through my efforts. Pero
dahil sa simpleng sagot nyang un pakiramdam ko I lost all the confidence I have in
myself. Yes I know that he�s always saying that he�ll never like me, and I thought
I was immune with those words already. But this time is different. He just said a
word yet it feels like� AHHH SHETT LAINE! You were hurt by that single word? Nasaan
na ang confidence mo? Sinimulan mo na to diba? Aatras ka pa ba?
Though the vibes is so serious and intense, I still manage to force a smile.
�Tingnan nga natin.� I said.
He gave me a huh-what-are you-saying look. I smirked. This is just supposed to be a

joke right? Besides, sanay na ko sa mga sinasabi ni Finn diba? Tsaka, hindi ako
masasaktan whatever he�ll say or do. Ako naman ang nagsimula ng ganitong obsession
kay Finn eh, so dapat hindi ako masaktan. �I�ve watched this in a tv show, sabi
nila kapag daw may gusto sayo ang isang tao, makikita mo daw sa mga mata nya.� I
look at him, he�s seriously looking at the nothingness. �So, para malaman ko, let
me look straight in your eyes.�
He paused for a moment as if thinking whether he�s going to say yes or no. �Okay.�
Then he shifted his look at me. �I�ll prove with my eyes that I�ll never like you.�
The whole world seemed to stop when we started staring at each other�s eyes. This
is not the first time I stare at his almost-brown eyes, but, what is this I�m
feeling right now? Every time I look into his eyes, all I could feel was pure
admiration and that desire that he�ll become mine someday. But� but� this moment is
totally different. Even my heart was mesmerized by these cute little eyes gazing in
front of me. It feels like my heart is the one looking through those shy and
beautiful eyes.
Pakiramdam ko, magwawala ang puso ko any moment. Ibang-iba talaga ang sandaling
ito. Waaaahhh. What�s happening to me? Nagpapalpitate ang puso ko!
Our eyes were glued for I don�t know how long. Ang alam ko lang, nakatingin lang
sya sakin at nakatingin ako sa kanya. Parang kaming dalawa lang ang taong nag-
eexist sa mundo sa mga oras na to.
�Good morning class!�
Those were the words which made our eyes apart. Finn looked away. Ganun din ako. I
couldn�t find a single word coming out from my mouth. Haaalllllaaa! Anong
nangyayari sakin?! Diba dapat magtatalon ako sa kilig dahil sa moment namin ni Finn
na yun? Pero� pero� bakit wala akong maisip na sasabihin? WAAHHH HINDI AKO TOOO!
Pakiramdam ko biglang umurong ang dila ko dahilan para hindi ako makapagsalita.
GAHD! May sumasanib na espirito sakin!
Nagulat na lang ako nang tumayo si Finn at walang lingong naglakad papalabas ng
classroom.
Malakas pa din ang tibok ng puso ko kahit nung wala na sya. Hindi ko maintindihan
ang sarili ko. Bakit ganito? Imbes na malaman ko ung nararamdaman nya, ako pa yata
ang nalito at nagulat sa sarili ko.
---
�Okay class. Remember what I said, we�ll be having a fund raising to reach out for
the homeless kids, so think of any activities in which we could accumulate fund to
help them, okay? Goodbye and God bless!�
The class has just ended. Of all the things Sir Paul has discussed, iyon lang ang
narinig at naintindihan ko. Praning ako the whole time he�s lecturing. Aaminin kong
hindi naman talaga ako nakikinig kay Sir Paul, pero iyon ay dahil nabobored ako sa
subject nya o kaya ay tinatamad akong mag-aral. Pero iba nga ang araw na to eh. I�m
thinking of something deeply, err, I mean someone. Iniisip ko si Finn at ang
nangyaring titigan kanina. Syettt, hindi ako makamove on dahil sa simpleng titig na
un!
Lumabas na ko ng classroom. Wala na kong klase kaya malamang eh uuwi na din ako.
Busy si Chix, si Donna naman absent kanina, at si Bessie, may ginagawa din so mag-
isa akong uuwi ngayon. Nagsimula na kong maglakad sa kahabaan ng school grounds.
Syeett. Naalala ko na naman ung kanina! Masyadong makulit tong utak ko at kailangan
pa talagang irewind ng paulit ulit ang nangyari. Oh diba? Hindi nga talaga ko
makamove on. Feeling ko may mga nagliliparan na paru-paro sa tiyan ko habang
iniisip ko un at nakikisabay pa ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. Haayyy. Anong
espirito ang sumasanib sakin?
Hindi ko maexplain ung pakiramdam ko nung mga oras na un. The emotion I felt that
time is so different� a foreign feeling that I have never encountered my whole
life. Iba talaga eh. Iba talaga sya sa mga nararamdaman ko kapag malapit si Finn.
Para bang� AHHHH EWAN! Naguguluhan ako!
�Gusto mo bang magkasakit?�
I was stunned when that man holding a black umbrella came near me. �Huh?� Nalilito
kong sabi. Medyo groggy pa din ako sa biglaan nyang pag-sulpot.
�Don�t you see? It�s raining but you�re still walking like those girls in romantic
movies. Tapos naaasar ka when I call you a psychopath yet you act like one.�
I look around at ngayon ko lang napansin na umuulan nga. How could I be this
stupid? Dahil sa mga iniisip ko, hindi ko na namalayan na para na pala kong basing
sisiw.
�I� I didn�t know it�s� it�s� it�s raining�� Sabi ko. Kailan pa ko nagstutter sa
harap ni Finn? Haalllaaa! Something is definitely wrong with me!
�Tss. Psychopath ka talaga. You didn�t even notice it�s raining hard?� He asked
looking down on me. Ang tangkad kasi nito eh, so ako naman nakatingala sa kanya.
�Why� w-why are� you� you h-here?� Oh sheeett. The rain is affecting me! Yes it�s
definitely the rain making me stutter.
Saglit syang napatigil sa tanong ko na un. Para bang iyon ung tanong na hindi nya
kayang sagutin. He cleared his throat. �Hmm. It�s because, well, it�s only because
I find you so pathetic. So I came here with an umbrella to protect you from the
rain.� Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi nya. Did he say to protect me from the rain?
What does he mean by that? Waaahhh. My heart! My heart! My heart is beating
abnormally! He seemed to realize what he has stated seconds ago so he cleared his
throat again and spoke. �Oh I mean, para ka nga kasing kawawa dyan. Since
bestfriend ka naman ng friend ko which is Ivan, I felt like it�s an obligation to
help my friend�s friend.� He smiled casually.
I smiled at him even though my heart�s still in its abnormal state. �Wooohhh.
Palusot! You wanted me to protect from the rain! I heard it!� I said trying to
sound a bit normal. Ganito naman talaga ang normal na Laine diba? Ung cheerful at
mapang-asar na Laine. Pesteng titig kasi yan eh, napapraning tuloy ako! ARGHHH!
�Aish. Bakit ko nga ba naisipang tulungan tong Psycopath na babaeng to?� I heard
him mutter. Tiningnan ko sya. �Ano? Titingin at tatayo ka na lang ba dyan at
magpapakabasa sa ulan?� Naiirita na sya.
�O-okay. Wag kang high blood. Relax lang.�
�Tss.�
Magkasukob kami sa iisang payong habang papalakad sa hindi ko alam kung saan. Saan
nga ba kami pupunta? Habang naglalakad kami lalong bumuhos ang napakalakas na ulan.
Ayy shettt lang, nababasa na din ako. Parang useless ung payong na to eh. Nauulanan
din ako dahil medyo maliit lang naman tong dala nyang payong.
Nagulat na lang ako nang biglang may kamay na pumatong sa balikat ko. Napatingin
ako sa kanya. �I did that para hindi tayo mabasang pareho. Yan lang ang paraan para
magkasya tayo sa payong na to.� He said not giving me a glance.
We just continued to walk while his arms are wrapped around my shoulder. And for
the long moment I stare at him, I don�t see anything else. It�s as if the world
revolves only for the two of us� My heart seems like to tell me something� And I
badly want to know that something� Dahil sa mga sandaling to, biglang nalito at
naguluhan ang puso ko.

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�Bes, Donna. Ano ba talaga pakiramdam ng mainlove?� Tanong ko sa kanila habang

pinaglalaruan ang mga stuff toys ni Chix na nasa harapan ko.
First day ngayon ng Festive Week at nandito kami sa bahay ni Chix para mag-ayos. Si
Chix kasi ang magsisilbing make-up artist dahil dyan naman magaling yan eh, sa
kakikayan. Hahah.
The two stopped from putting those make-ups and looked at me like I am an alien
trying to colonize this world.
�Hey ano ba? Seryoso ko ditong nagtatanong tapos titingnan nyo lang ako ng ganyan.�
�Sorry bes. Nagulat lang ako sa biglaang tanong mo nyan eh.� Si Chix, habang
inaaplayan nya ng foundation si Donna.
�So you mean, never ka pang nainlove Laine?� Tanong ni Donna.
�Nainlove na.� I paused. �Kila Hyun Bin, Gong Yoo, Kim Rae Won, Kwon Sang Woo, Lee
Dong Wook, Cha Tae Hyun, Arraaaaayyyy!� Pesteng Chix to, batuhin ba ko ng suklay?
Di ko tuloy natapos ang pagrerecite ko ng mga pangalan ng mga kras ko. Hihihi.
Okay, ang landi.
�Yan ang bagay sayo! Ayan na naman ung obsession mo sa mga koreanong yan. Hoyyy,
mabuhay ka nga sa katotohanan.� Si Chix. Ang sama talaga nya, binato na nga ako,
sinermunan pa ko.
�Ehhh. So ano nga, paano ba talaga mainlove? Tsaka paano mo malalaman kung inlove
ka na nga sa isang tao?� Tanong ko habang minamasahe ung part kung saan ako
tinamaan nung suklay.
�Well, ang love kasi mararamdaman mo yan kapag sya ung lagi mong iniisip bago
matulog. Kapag nakikita mo sya laging tumitibok ng mabilis ang puso mo. Ung mga
ganung bagay ba.� Paliwanag ni Chix.
�Tamaaah!� Pag-sang ayon ni Donna. �Yung tipong biglang titigil ang mundo mo pag
kaharap mo na sya. Basta ung mga ganung kacheesihan ba. Pero teka Laine, alam mo
kasi wala naman talagang exact words para idescribe kung paano mo mararamdaman yang
love na yan eh. It will just be there without exactly knowing when. Basta na lang
yan mararamdaman ng puso mo.�
Napatigil ako sa sinabi ni Donna. Basta na lang mararamdaman ng puso? Katulad ba un

nung naramdaman ko nang mga oras na un? Yung oras na� AHH! Basta! Pag naiisip ko
ung nangyaring un, lalong lumalakas ang tibok ng puso ko.
---
Pagpasok namin ng university, sinalubong agad kami ng kakaibang ambiance. Grabe,

feeling namin para talaga kaming nasa 20th century. Ung ayos ng stage, ung suot ng
mga students. Wow lang talaga! All classics! Halatang pinaghandaan.
And mind you, pati kami ni Chix at Donna, pinaghandaan din to noh. Hahaha. Syempre
magpapahuli ba naman kami? Mga students din kasi dito, effort talaga kung effort.
Kapag hindi ka naman nagbihis, magmumuka kang outcast dito.
I imitated Audrey Hepburn. Yes, that woman whom Bessie have suggested. When I
google her, I was like, �Oh my god! She�s like the second most beautiful woman who
existed here on earth.� If you�ll ask me kung sino ung first? Sino pa ba? Ehem
ehem! Muahahah. But kidding aside, I really adore Audrey Hepburn the moment I saw
her photos in the internet. She�s so beautiful, gorgeous and sophisticated. I feel
like I want to be like her when I grow up. Muahaha. Silly, I�m dreaming like a
five-year old girl.
I tried to be like Audrey. I replicate her style, as in from head to toe, all from
Audrey�s. I am wearing ballet flats, brown slim trousers which I topped with that
cute coppery 60�s trench coat and of course mawawala ba naman ang flashy hat? I
look so awesome and gorgeous. Grabe, I really love myself! Hahahahaha.
I just applied natural lipstick and blush tones and a focus on the eyes to make
them more expressive. But my favorite above all is the cute curls in my hair. Yay!
I think I love the fashion and style from the 20th century! All are just too cute
and glamorous.
The day started with the programs. As usual. Mostly are from the performances of
the different clubs. The theater club did a Wizard of Oz musical play which I must
say is so amazing. Sobrang classic talaga. Even the music they used, astig! The
choir performed songs like that of Frank Sinatra, Manilyn Monroe and many more.
We just spent the day time by visiting food stalls from time to time. Hahaha.
Grabe, bumabaha talaga ng pagkain dito sa campus. Tiningnan din namin ung mini
museum na talaga namang mafefeel mong nasa 20th century ka talaga. Lahat ng nandun
puro antiques. Kaya naman todo picture kami ni Donna at Chix. Hahaha.
What I like the most is the gallery where old photographs of Hollywood celebrities
from the 20th century are displayed. Nakakatuwa nga eh kasi lahat black and white.
Nandun ung photos nila Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presly, Charlie Chaplin,
and of course si Audrey Hepburn. Grabe, astig talaga!
�Mamayang gabi pa magpeperform ang ChocoPaps diba? Ano kayang itsura nila noh?
Haayy I haven�t seen my sweetcake yet.�
�Nasaan ba sila?� Tanong ni Donna.
�Nasa bahay pa yata sila nila Finn eh. They�re still doing some polish on their
songs.�
Napatigil ako sa pangalang narinig ko. Finn. Weird, iba ang dating ng pangalan nya
sakin ngayon. I felt like my heart skipped a beat upon hearing his name. Oh my god,
I think I�m really sick. Hindi na normal tong nangyayari sakin.
---
�Hi Bessie, Chix and Donna.� Bati samin ni Bessie Ivan when we arrived there in the
hall.
The hall is crowded with students dressed in the 20th century style. I noticed
Bessie�s attire; he�s wearing a fedora hat which makes him look authoritative yet
humble and cute. He matched it with a black knee-length coat and black pants, and
his shiny leather shoes. Waaahhh! Ang cute ni Bessie! Bakit ba binigyan ako ni Lord
ng ganitong kagwapong bestfriend? Ahahaha!
�Hi Bessie! You look so charming.� I greeted him.
He chuckled then pinched my cheeks. �So do you Ally.� He gazed at me for long. I
can feel admiration in his eyes... �You�re� you�re really beautiful.�
Pakiramdam ko my cheeks turned red tomato nung sinabi un ni Bessie! �Ikaw talaga
Bessie! Matagal ko ng alam yan noh?!� I even managed to crack a joke para mag mukha
pa din akong cool sa sinabi nya.
�That�s the spirit Ally.� He smiled.
�Ivan. Where�s my sweetcake?� Pagkaraa�y tanong ni Chix. Grabe, ang cheesy talaga
nitong bestfriend ko.
�They�re in the backstage preparing for our song. I need to go back there already,
I just came here to say hi. Hey ladies, make sure to watch us okay? Let�s just meet
after the performance.�
�Of course Bessie! Break a leg! Fighting!� I smile at him while he walks away
waving his hand at us.
Tonight is actually the highlights of the day. Last year, nung gothic ang theme,
every night may iba�t ibang banda ang tumutugtog tapos kuntodo rakrakan talaga. As
in parang ung nangyayari sa Pulp Summer Slam. Hindi ko lang alam kung ano meron
ngayong gabi dahil sa classic nga ito, wala akong idea kung ano ang mangyayari.
I look around the hall. Grabe, feeling ko talaga pinagkagastusan to. There are
round tables covered with that white fabric we usually see in balls and gatherings.
May buffet din. Kulang na lang eh ung mga waiters na umiikot para mag-abot ng
champagne or wine. This place is so elegant and classy. It matches with our attire.
�Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen!� The emcee said. �Tonight will be a special
night as we reminisce the classical songs from the artists of the 20th century. So
enjoy the night with our very own, the most popular band of our university, the
ChocoPaps.�
Natawa naman ako sa introduction na un. The emcee looks so sophisticated as she do
her introductions, pero feeling ko nasira ito nang banggitin nya ung ChocoPaps.
Seriously, why did they name their band like that? Hahaha.
The whole crowd started to cheer after hearing the name ChocoPaps. Wow! Oh edi
sige, kahit baduy ung band name nila, sila na madaming fans. Hahahah!
Bes, Donna and I started to applause too to show our support for our friends. Naks!
Friends! Ang sarap isipin na may mga kaibigan nga kaming sikat! Hahaha. Excited na
ko para sa performance nila.
Nang magsimula na silang magdatingan sa stage, lalong lumakas ang hiyawan. Martin
looks so handsome in his black suit. My favorite is Hiro, naka-Tom Sawyer attire
sya! Ang cute! Si Bessie din, he looks so handsome on the stage. Para ngang gusto
kong sumigaw ng: �Wooohh! Bestfriend ko yannn! Maglaway kayo sa bestfriend ko.�
Hahaha. Oo, ganun ako kaproud na magkaroon ng ganun kagwapong bestfriend.
Time seems to stop as I watch that guy wearing white corduroy flat cap climbs up
the stage. Ngayon ko na lang ulit sya nakita after nung instance na un. He looks so
dazzling in his gray trousers coordinated with black checkered long sleeves topped
with a rusty-colored waistcoat. He looks like Robert Pattinson in the movie, Water
for Elephants.
I seem to not mind the noise inside the hall for all I see is only him. Si Finn.
Napatigil lang ang hiyawan at palakpakan nang nagsimula na silang tumugtog.
Blue moon, you saw me standin' alone

Without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own
Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for
You heard me sayin' a prayer for
Someone I really could care for
Bakit ganito ung epekto sakin ng kanta nya? Syeett. Kinakabahan ako ah. Mukang iba
na tong nararamdaman ko.
And then there suddenly appeared before me

The only one my arms will hold
I heard somebody whisper "please adore me"
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold
Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
I admire Finn the most when he�s singing. It�s as if he sings every lyrics of the
song with his heart. I guess, what I see is his passion for music. Though he sings
an old song, its title is Blue Moon and according to Bessie, that song was written
during 1930�s, Finn still looks really cool. Kasi diba mostly sating mga youth we
don�t like such types of songs, but in this case, Finn makes us like this song too.
Nakikita ko nga ung ibang students eh. They look mesmerized.
But in my case, I was not just mesmerized. I can�t find the best word to describe
this feeling that�s eating me and I think it�s making me crazy.
�Donna, Bes. Let�s go to the backstage.� Aya ni Chix pagkatapos tumugtog nung
ChocoPaps.
Donna answered hesitantly. �Err. Kayo na lang.�
�Sige na, wag kang KJ! Wag mo na lang pansinin si Martin.� Pagmimilit ni Chix. Sa
totoo lang okay na tong si Donna sa ibang ChocoPaps, maliban lang syempre kay
Martin. Hayy naku ewan ko ba sa dalawang un.
�Oo nga Dons, tara na!� Sabi ko. In the end, pumayag din tong si Donna. Ang daming
tao so super hawi talaga kami sa mga madlang pipol. Hahaha.
Pagdating namin dun, naabutan namin sila na nakaupo lang at naghihintay para sa
next performance nila. Lahat sila nandun maliban lang kay Martin. Agad agad akong
sinalubong ni Bessie.
�Hello gorgeous, have you seen our performance?� Maka-gorgeous naman tong si
Bessie. Ano beehhh, baka lumaki ulo ko nyan. Hahahah.
�Great. You�re really awesome Bessie.� I smiled.
�Of course. That�s for you Ally.�

Kyaahhh. I think the floor is going to suck me any moment. Hahaha. Grabe naman kasi
tong si Bessie eh.
�You really know how to make me smile.� I chuckled. I pinched him on his cheeks
using my both hands. I saw Finn at the corner of my eye, he�s so captivating there
sitting comfortably while his foot sets on the small table. Kung kanina sa stage,
sobrang appealing na nya, what more kung ganito pa ko kalapit diba? Uh-oh. Here
goes my heart again. He�s holding a piece of paper, perhaps written there is the
song they�re doing on the next performance.
�Of course, Ally. If there would be a job like that, ako na siguro ang unang unang
taong mag-aaply para mapangiti ka.� He smiled sweetly. Aww, how did I get such a
sweet bestfriend like him?
�Ehem! Ang cheesy!� Comment ni Chix.
�Yeeee!� Si Donna naman.
�Ano ba kayo? Para kayong sira.� Sabi ko tapos ay kinausap ko ulit si Bessie.
�Sabihin mo nga sakin Bessie? Paano ba ko nakapulot ng bestfriend na katulad mo?� I
giggled.
Bessie squeezes my nose. �Same here Ally.� He chuckled. �I�m so glad I have someone
like you.�
�WILL YOU TWO PLEASE GET A ROOM?�
The whole room was in awe as Finn burst out like that. Anong problema nya? Moments
ago, okay pa naman sya ah. Nakita ko pa ngang nagtatawanan sila ni Hiro eh. Why a
sudden outrage like this?
�What the hell is your problem? We�re just talking!� I said--- no---it�s more of a
yell. How can he be like this? For God�s sake, wala naman kaming ginagawa ni
Bessie. And besides, hindi ba nya naiisip na kaibigan nya si Ivan para tratuhin nya
ng ganito? Oh hell. Naiinis na ako sa totoo lang.
�What is my problem? You�re asking me what�s my problem?� He shouted.
�OO! Ano bang problema mo?� I asked raising my voice.
He stood up and confronted me. �IKAW ang problema ko!!�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. Wala naman akong ginagawang masama. Nakakabadtrip na din
tong pagka bipolar nya ah!
�AKO? Ano bang ginawa ko sayo?� Galit kong tanong. Seriously, sa pagkakaalam ko
wala akong ginagawa sa kanya.
�Guys, stop okay? Relax lang kayo.� Awat samin ni Chix. Si Bessie naman,
nakatahimik lang as if thinking whether he�s going to side with me or Finn.
But despite of Chix�s interference, he muttered. �Shit.� He looks so mad and

suddenly he punched the mirror so loud that I could see blood on his fist.
Nagulat kaming lahat sa ginawa nya. The mirror was broken with blood stains on it.
Ano ba talagang nangyayari kay Finn? I don�t even have a single clue why he is
acting like this.
Nilapitan ko sya to check his wound but he refused by pushing me. �Stay away.�
Lalong nanikip ang dibdib ko nang sinabi nya un sakin. Para bang unti-unting
nadudurog ung puso ko.
�I�ll go out first.� Maya maya ay sabi nya. Then he headed towards the door. Pero
sakto namang pagbukas nya ng pinto, humahangos na pumasok si Martin.
�Guysss..� Hawak hawak ni Martin ang dibdib nya marahil ay dahil sa hingal. Mukang
importante ung sasabihin nya. �We have a problem.�
Napatingin lahat sa kanya pati si Finn na napako na sa kinatatayuan nya.
�Bakit Martin? May nangyari ba?� Tanong ni Hiro.
�The wife of Mr. Thomson has arrived from U.S.� Sabi nya.
�And so? Anong problema?� Nagtatakang tanong ulit ni Hiro.
Mr. Thomson is the president of our university and from what I heard, sobrang bait
daw ng matandang un.
�She�s requesting for a duet! And kailangan nating igrant yun para kay Mr. Thomson.
And take note, kailangang iperform yun tonight! As in tonight!�
�WHAT?! That�s impossible! Saan naman tayo kukuha ng kaduet ni Finn? And besides we
haven�t had any practice!� Sabi ni Hiro.
The whole band seems to be in trouble after hearing the bad news. Naiintindihan ko
naman sila. Mr. Thomson is too nice to not make his wife�s request granted.
But suddenly, Chix intrude as if she has any idea how to solve their problem.
�Don�t worry guys! I�ve found a partner for Finn!� She spoke Finn�s name as if
nothing had happened minutes ago.
�Sino?�
Chix smiled at me suspiciously before answering. �Bakit pa kayo lalayo eh nasa

harap na mismo ninyo ang sagot."
"Wag ka ngang cliff-hanger sweetcake. Sino ba ung tinutukoy mo?" Hiro asked.
"Si Laine.�
Okay naman pala mag-suggest tong si Chix eh. Laine daw oh. HAHAHAH. Teka... OMG...
did she say Laine? Tama ba ang pagkakarinig ko? Laine?
Eh ako un ah?!!
Then the next thing I knew, they, except Finn, all gaze at me as if I�m really the
answer to their problem.
�WHAT?� Sabi ko kasabay ng malakas na tibok ng dibdib ko. It�s not because of the
thought of singing in front of many people, but because, I am nervous being Fin�s
partner. Really. A duet with him?

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That Friday...
I stared at Finn while we walk through the drenched and slippery road due to the
heavy rain earlier. He caught me looking at him and gave me a genuine smile.
�It�s really obvious that you like me.�
�Ang yabang mo talaga! Kapal!� These were the words I was supposed to say but
instead, I just kept staring at him, not minding what he said.
The darkness was already on its immense form. Thank the lights on our way, I was
able to see clearly. The rain had already stopped but here we are, standing half-
soaked in the middle of a large patio.
Hindi ko alam kung anong uri ng kaluluwa ang sumapi dito kay Finn para dalhin ako
sa ganitong lugar. Naiisip ko nga, sobra din tong si Finn. Sobra na talaga ung
pagka bipolar ng taong to.
Moments ago, he sheltered me from the rain. Tapos magkasukob pa kami sa payong at
hindi lang un, I was so near him in that span of time. His arm was wrapped around
my shoulder. Now tell me guys, what�s this all about?
But knowing Finn, he�s too difficult to read. Aba ewan ko kung bakit ganito ang
mood nya ngayon. Ibang klase talaga sya. Bigla bigla na lang gagawa ng mga bagay na
ikakagulat mo talaga. Katulad na lang ngayon, nandito kami sa harap ng isang
amusement park.
Enchanted Kingdom, the big signage says.
�Anong gagawin natin dito?� Nagtatakang tanong ko.
�Bulag ka ba? Malamang papasok tayo sa gate tapos kukuha tayo ng ticket na ride-
all-you-can at malamang eh baka sumakay din tayo ng rides.� Sarkastiko nyang sabi.
�Alam mo Finnie, ang labo mo talaga noh? Ibig kong sabihin, bakit mo ko dinala
dito?�
�Ewan.� Kibit-balikat nyang sagot.
�Bakit nga?� Tanong ko ulit sa kanya.

�Ewan nga.�
�Eh bakit ewan mo? Bakit ba kasi? Bakit? Bakit?�
�Ewan ko nga.� He then looked at me seriously with those almost-brown eyes that
made my heart beat strangely. �Kasi kahit ako, hindi ko rin alam kung bakit ko
ginagawa ito.�
Katahimikan ang bumalot sa amin pagkatapos. I felt my heart throbbed as I looked at

him. The normal human heart rate ranges from 60 to 90 beats per minute, but right
now, my heart seems like to pound a thousand times. Walang nag-salita sa aming
dalawa. Nanatili lang kaming nakatayo dun sa harap ni Eldar, that famous wizard
statue in EK.
Tiningnan ko ung wristwatch ko. �Gabi na oh. Lagot na naman ako nito kay Mama.� I
said casually to break the silence engulfed between us.
�Akin na ung phone mo.� Sabi nya pagkaraa�y inilahad nya ung kamay nya sa harap ko.
�Huh? Bakit?� Nagtataka kong tanong.
�Wag ka na magtanong. Akin na.�
Kahit hindi ko alam kung ano ba kailangan nya sa cellphone ko, binigay ko pa din.
Mapilit sya eh. Nakita kong may idinial sya. Sino naman kaya tatawagan nito? Wag
nya sabihin sakin na wala syang load kaya nya hiniram ang phone ko para makitawag?
Ahahah. No. Imposible namang mawalan ng load si Finn.
�Good evening Tita.� Maya-maya�y sabi nya dun sa kabilang linya. Sino naman kayang
Tita tinatawag nito? �Si Finn po ito.� Tapos ay tiningnan nya ko. �Opo, kasama ko
po sya. Is it okay if she�s going to be late going home? Don�t worry Tita, ako pong
mag-hahatid sa kanya. Yes. Opo opo. Okay po, thank you.� Then he ended the call.
�Oh.� Sabi nya sabay abot sakin ng phone ko. �Okay na.�
�Is that my mom?� I asked just to make sure what I think is right.
�Obvious ba? Psychopath ka talaga, walang common sense.� Naiinis nyang sabi.
�Tss. Ang yabang mo talaga. Nagtatanong lang eh.�
�Wag ka na nga madaldal dyan. Tara na.� He said and to my surprise, he held my hand
while he dragged me to the ticket booth. All the while we�re walking, I was just
looking at our hands held with each other.
As soon as we got there in the ticket booth, he released my hand from his grasp and
looked at me as if he has done something he didn�t mean to do. �H-hey! Before you
think of something else, I�m saying this; I just did that to make you stop from
babbling.�
�Huh? What did you do? You mean when you held my hand?� I grimaced from ear to ear.
He hissed at me. �Aish! Sabi ko na nga ba, ganyan ung iisipin mo eh. Walang malisya
un! Just like what I said, ginawa ko un para tumahimik ka. Ang daldal mo kasi.�
�Okay.� Tumango-tango lang ako pagkatapos ay nginitian ko sya.
�Wala nga un. That�s nothing.� He said.
�Okay.�
�That�s really nothing, okay? As in nothing.� He said despite of what I said with
what he�s pointing out. Ang kulit din nito. Pinagpipilitan nya pa din eh, ang gulo
talaga nitong si Finn. Hahaha.
�Excuse me Sir, bibili po ba kayo ng tickets?� Tanong nung babae sa ticket booth.
�Ah oo, bibili kami.� Sabi ko, napansin kong may tao pala sa likod namin na parang
naiinip na sa pila. Hindi na pala namin namalayan na para kaming ewan ni Finn na
nakaharap lang sa ticket booth kanina pa. �Bigyan mo kami ng dalawa.� Nginitian ko
ung babae.
�Eto po Ma�am.� She smiled at both of us. �Boyfriend nyo po?� Tukoy nya kay Finn.
Aba, echosera tong si Ate. Hahah.
Nginitian ko sya tapos ay tiningnan ko si Finn. Blangko ang expression na nakita ko

sa mga mata nya. �Mukha ba kaming magboyfriend?� Tanong ko kay Ate sa ticket booth.
�Oo Ma�am. Bagay nga po kayo eh. Parang Marian at Dingdong po.� Sabi nyang
nakangiti. Napangiwi ako sa sinabi nya. Marian at Dingdong? Err. Hahah. Pasensya
na, hindi nila ako fan eh. Pwede naman nyang sabihin na Ha Ji Won at Hyun Bin na
lang diba? Ahahah. Mas bagay. Inabot nya na samin ung ticket. �800 pesos po.� Sabi
nya.
Tiningnan ko si Finn. Nakita kong inabutan nya ang babae ng one thousand bill.
�Keep the change.� Kaswal nyang sabi.
Wow. Hahah. Edi sya na generous. Naalala ko tuloy si Bessie nang ganun din ung
ginawa nya nung bumili kami ng ice cream. Hindi ba sila nanghihinayang sa sukli?
Sabagay, rich kids naman sila eh.
�Parehas kayo ni Bessie.� Pagkaraaa�y sabi ko nang nasa loob na kami nung theme
park.
�Ano?� Tanong nya sakin nang hindi man lang ako tiningnan. He�s walking ahead of
me.
�Kasi last time nung nag-ice cream kami ni Bessie, napagkamalan din kaming mag-
boyfriend.� Napangiti ako nang maalala ko un. �Tapos nung sabi ni Manong na bagay
kami, hindi na rin kinuha ni Bessie ung sukli nya. Tapos sabi pa ni Bessie, �Para
po yan sa pagsasabi nyong bagay kami ng girlfriend ko.� Hahah. Adik talaga si
Bessie Ivan.� I chuckled. Naiisip ko tuloy mga kalokohan ni Bessie. Ahaha. �Oh�
Teka? San ka pupunta?� Tanong ko nang makita ko si Finn na naglalakad pabalik sa
ticket booth.
�Kukunin ko ung sukli ko.� Naiirita nyang sabi.
Ano daw? Minsan ang galing din magjoke nitong si Finn eh. Hahaha. Binigay na nya
tapos babawiin pa nya. Oh diba? Parang may saltik lang.
Sinundan at hinabol ko sya para pigilan. �Hoy Finnie, bipolar ka talaga. Para kang
sira.� Tapos ay tumawa ko sabay hila sa kanya. �Halika na nga!�
Una kaming sumakay sa Anchor�s Away, sumunod naman ay sa Flying Fiesta. Then
napagtripan namin na sumakay sa Caroussel. Feeling ko nga para kaming si Cholo at
Jodi sa Stairway To Heaven. Hahaha. Pero pinakafavorite ko sa lahat ang Jungle Log
Jam. Especially kapag may tatalsik na tubig samin habang pababa ung log. And, to
top it all, may isang camera dun na magtetake ng photo habang pababa kami, at iyon
ang pinaka intense na moment dun dahil feeling ko naiwan lahat ng internal organs
ko sa ere. I was laughing so hard when we got to see the photos. Pareho kaming
nakapikit na parang ewan. Hahaha.
�We should�ve not claimed that photo. Para tayong ewan eh.� Naiinis nyang sabi
pagkakuha namin dun sa picture.
Inaya nya kong sumakay sa Space Shuttle, that famous roller coaster and one of the
main attractions here in EK, but I refused. Gusto ko pang mabuhay noh. Feeling ko
last day ko na sa mundo once na sumakay ako dun.
Instead, I dragged him here in Rio Grande. Nung una, ayaw nya kasi baka daw mabasa
kami, pero knowing my kakulitan, napilitan din syang sumakay dito. So the whole
time we�re on the raft, tawa kami ng tawa habang sumasaboy ang tubig samin. Ang
saya!
After hours of riding, we decided to eat. Kumain lang kami ng ice cream and hotdog
sandwich while touring the whole theme park. We were just walking whilst looking at
every attraction they have here.
Buti nga medyo konti lang ang tao eh. Knowing EK, dito palagi ang itinerary ng mga
students tuwing Field Trip. Habang naglalakad kami, nakakita ako ng isang grupo ng
mga koreano.
�Finn. Wanna bet?�
�What?� He asked.
�Kita mo ung mga Koreans na un?� Turo ko dun sa grupo ng koreans na nakaupo sa
bench.
�Oo.� Sagot nya.
�Kapag pumayag sila na magpakuha ng picture kasama ko, panalo ko pero pag hindi,
ikaw ang panalo.�
�What a silly bet. Psychopath ka talaga.� Naiiling nyang sabi.
�Sige na, pumayag ka na. Wag kang KJ.� Pangungulit ko sa kanya.
�Fine. What�s the prize?� Tanong nya.
�Hmm. Let me think.� Saglit akong nag-isip. �Well, just make it like this. Kapag
nakaisip na tayo ng prize na gusto natin, edi un na lang din ung time para ifulfill
ang gusto nung nanalo. Deal?�
�Deal.� Sang-ayon nya.
�Walang bawian ah? Promise?�
�Tss. Ang corny naman eh.� Reklamo nya.
�Eeehh sabihin mo na, promise.�
�Okay. Promise.�
�Yehey!� I smiled. Hahaha. Ano ba yan? Chicken! Alam na alam kong mananalo ko dito
eh. Ang dali lang kaya nung pustahan. �Watch out Finnie.�
Nilapitan ko na ung mga Koreans. They were ten in the group. At may isang Korean
guy dun, ang gwapo. Hahaha. Nagulat ata sila nung nilapitan ko sila pero nginitian
ko lang sila. Ngumiti lang din sila sakin. They all seem nice and friendly.
�Anyonghaseyo!� Bati ko pagkatapos ay nag-bow ako sa kanila.
�Anyonghaseyo.� Balik nilang bati sakin at pati sila ay nag-bow din. O kitam.
Wahaha. Ganito ung mga napapanuod ko sa Korean dramas eh.
�Dangshin-eun Hanguk-ibnida?� Tanong nung isang babae. She�s asking if I�m a

Korean. Galing ko noh? Naintindihan ko. Well, I know few basic Korean words. Ewan,
siguro resulta na din un ng addiction ko sa movies and dramas nila.
�Aniyo.� I said I�m not. Then I smiled. �Can I have a picture taken with you guys?�
Tanong ko.
They all smiled and answer me without any hesitation, �Sure.�
Wahaha. Okay, I won in the deal. Nakita ko si Finn na nakatayo pa din dun sa
pwestong kinatatayuan namin kanina. Binelatan ko sya at sinenyasan na panalo ako sa
pustahan namin. I thought at first he�s going to grumble, but all I could see was
that cute smile on his lips.
�Finn!� Tawag ko. Lumapit naman sya samin na nakahalukipkip ang mga kamay. �Kuhanan
mo kami ng picture.�
�Ano ko camera man?� He hissed.
�Eh, bilis na. Naghihintay sila oh.�
�Aishh fine.�
�Use your phone. Lowbat ung akin eh.� Sabi kong nakangiti.
�Hay nako. Bakit ba kasi ko pumayag dito sa pustahan na to eh.� Narinig kong bulong
nya. Pero nilabas pa din nya ung phone nya.
Pumwesto na ko. Tumabi ko dun sa Korean guy na gwapo. Hahaha. Nakangiti kaming
lahat at naka-peace sign.
�Okay. 1� 2� 3� CLICK.�
�One more!!� Request ko kay Finn.
Mukang medyo naiinis na sya pero kinuhanan nya pa din kami ng picture. Pero ewan ko
ba dito kung nananadya to o ano, kasi medyo tinagalan nya dun sa huling shot.
Nangawit na nga ako sa pagngiti eh. After that, nag-thank you na ko dun sa mga
Koreans. Buti ang babait nila kasi kung hindi, ipapadeport ko sila nang di oras.
Hahaha.
�Patingin nga nung mga pictures.� Sabi ko.
�Oh.� Pinakita nya sakin ung pic habang hawak hawak nya pa din ung phone nya.
�Nasan pa ung isa?�
�Ha? W-wala eh. Di ko kasi nacapture ung last shot.�
�Aishh. So nasayang lang pala ung ngiti ko dun? Tagal tagal mo kaming pinagpose
tapos wala naman pala?� Sarkasiko kong tanong.
�Wag ka nga mainis.�He grunted. �Sa Wheel of Fate tayo.� Maya-maya�y sabi nyang
tinutukoy ang sikat na Ferris Wheel.
I nodded and said yes, and then we just found ourselves sitting in that famous
ride. Tahimik lang kami while we�re there. We both appreciate the view, beneath and
above: the beautiful lights of the city and the amazing panorama of the stars in
the sky.
Usually, when I am daydreaming about me and Finn, I always become hyper and excited
just imagining these thoughts to happen. But as far I as I know, this moment is not
just a product of my bright imagination. Indeed, this is real.
However, why do I still feel like this is a just a dream? This just feels so
surreal. At natatakot ako. Natatakot akong baka nga panaginip lang ang lahat ng
ito.
Here goes the loud thud of my heart again. Naririnig ko na naman ang hindi pamilyar
na �lub-dub� na tunog sa puso ko. At malaki ang epekto nun sa akin. Pakiramdam ko,
unti-unting kinokontrol ng tunog na un ang buo kong pagkatao.
�My mom and I used to go here when I was young.� He firmly said finally breaking
the silence between the two of us. He was staring blankly at those stars sparkling
right before our eyes. �I was 7 when she first brought me here.�
Hindi ako nagsalita. Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya habang hinihintay syang ibuka
muli ang kanyang bibig.
He suddenly smiled but his smile did not reach his eyes. �Funny it is, but I only
realize this after six years since she left us.� He took out a deep breath. �The
last time I went here was also exactly six years ago, during her last birthday
spent with us.�
�And that is today. My mom�s birthday.�

Natigilan ako sa sinabi nya. He seemed to be full of sorrow and I clearly saw
longing in his eyes. He misses his mom so much, that�s what his eyes are saying.
He�s still wounded and scarred by her sudden loss. At nakikita ko ngayon ang ibang
Finn. �Yung malungkot at mahinang si Finn.
At tila ba nararamdaman ko din ang lungkot na nararamdaman nya ngayon. Nasasaktan

din ako habang nakikita syang ganito. The female heart approximately weighs 250 to
300 grams, but right at this moment, my heart seemed to weigh a ton seeing him like
this. Sad and sorrowful.
Mukang mas nangungulila sya ngayon kaysa nung nakausap ko sya nung nasa ospital
kami. That time, I felt sympathy towards him, but this time is real different. I
can�t figure out what�s this heavy feeling that�s eating my heart --- no--- it�s
not just my heart but also my whole being. My whole self.
Isa lang ang nararamdaman kong dapat kong gawin sa mga oras na ito. I sat beside
him and without any doubts on my mind, I held him close and give him what I thought
he needed the most at this moment, a hug.
He was a bit puzzled by what I did, but even so, he did not push me away. He just
let me hugged him that moment. Hindi ko alam ang iniisip nya sa mga oras na ito,
pero wala na akong pakialam pa dun, ang alam ko lang, yakap ko sya ngayon. Dito sa
Wheel of Fate. At dito mismo sa mga bisig ko.
�Do you know that hugging is one of the basic essentials in life?� I asked as I
held him closer. He did not speak and so I continued. �An embrace is a miracle drug
so I hope this power hug will make you feel better.� I smiled as I released him
from my hold.
And then again, an awkward silence followed. We were both silent as we gazed at
those asterisk-like objects in the sky. The stars seemed to be happy too just like
what I feel right now.
I felt really happy. It�s not because of my plans about getting involved in his
life. I really wonder, I�ve been so obsessed with this kind of fantasies before and
every time I�m imagining things like this, I feel that tingling emotion whenever I
watch my favorite dramas and movies. But the happiness I feel right now is deeper
and it�s beyond any other adjective synonymous to this word.
�Laine.�
I was puzzled after hearing my name. It was the first time he called me by my name.
Strange as it seems, but it sounded like music to my ears. I know it�s really
cheesy, but that was what I felt after I heard it coming from his mouth. I thought
this was the most shocking thing I would ever hear this day, but I was wrong as he
said those words that made my stomach to flutter, my knees to turn jelly, and my
heart to beat faster than more-than-usual. Perhaps, I felt like I�m going to have a
heart attack any moment.
�I know I was a bit harsh to you this afternoon for saying I�ll never like you.
But� I�m taking all those words back. We�ll never know what possibilities are bound
to happen. And one more thing, thank you. Thank you for being with me this day.�
---
Bigla kong naalala ang nangyari nang maulang hapon na iyon. �Yung araw na bigla na
lang syang dumating na may dalang payong para sukuban ako mula sa tubig na
nanggaling sa langit.
Biglang nag-flashback ang lahat sa akin. Kasama na rin dun ang naging pakiramdam ko
nang mga oras na iyon. O kung tutuusin, mas higit pa dun.
Wise men say only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
Here I am with Finn, singing in front of the crowded students. Natuloy din ang duet
na hinihiling ni Mr. and Mrs. Thomson. Ang kaibahan lang, hindi namin kasama ang
ChocoPaps. Kaming dalawa lang ni Finn ang nasa stage. Pero pakiramdam ko, kaming
dalawa lang din ang tao sa hall sa mga oras na ito. Ako at si Finn lang, at ang
kantang pumapailanlang na tila bumabalot sa aming dalawa.
Pakiramdam ko, matutunaw ako habang tinitingnan ko sya. Nakatayo ako habang sya ay
nakaupo, seryosong tumutugtog ng piano. He managed to create a lovely rhythm and
melody despite the wound he just had earlier. Donna was the one who treated the
wound cause by the deafening blow he made against the mirror. I tried to help him
but he refused, and it made me feel helpless.
Like a river flows surely to the sea

Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Who would�ve thought na ang Finn na kumakanta ngayon at ang Finn na bipolar na
kilala ko ay iisa? Kanina, kitang kita ko ang galit sa mga mata nya, pero ngayon,
kumakanta sya na parang walang ibang taong sa paligid. And seeing him like this
gives me an overwhelming sensation.
No matter what figure of speech I use, it won�t define the emotions I have in
myself right at this not-so-typical moment. Even the most colorful adjectives used
by Shakespeare in his works wouldn�t be able to figure out this overwhelming
feeling that seems to take over my heart, mind and soul.
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
I hear the crowd cheering for us. I hear the music Elvis Presley had brought to
mankind. I hear our voices singing those sweet lines. And above all, I hear my
heart saying, well maybe the song itself explains it all.
For I can't help falling in love with you

For I can't help falling in love with you.

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
???
Wala ako sa tamang pag-iisip buhat nang mangyari iyon, nang gabing magalit si Finn
sa di-malamang dahilan at nang gabing inamin ko sa sarili ko ang bagay na matagal
nang gumugulo sa isipan ko.
Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong matuwa dahil sa loob ng labin-walong taong
nabuhay ako sa mundo, ngayon ko lang naramdaman to. Pero sa totoo lang, mas umiiral
ang takot na nararamdaman ko. Natatakot akong masaktan. Natatakot ako sa posibleng
mangyari. Natatakot akong isipin na kailanman ay hindi nya masusuklian ang
nararamdaman ko para sa kanya.
Syet. Ganito pala un. Nagiging makata na yata ako dahil sa nararamdaman kong to.
Ang hirap. Kapag nakikita ko sya, hindi lang bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko,
kasabay din .
noon ang pagbigat ng pakiramdam ko na para bang may angklang nakasabit dito. Hindi
pa kami nagkakausap simula ng mangyari ang gabing yun. Galit pa din sya. At iyon
ang hindi ko maintindihan dahil hanggang ngayon, hindi ko alam kung ano ang
ikinagagalit nya!
Last day na ngayon ng Festive Week. Nakakapagtaka, hindi ko man lang namalayan ang
pagpapalit ng araw. From the first day it was held, Finn and I never talk. Neither
did he even give me a look. And to make it worse, Bessie and he are also not in
good terms. At iyon ang mas lalong ikinalulungkot ko, I feel guilty about it. I
feel like I�m the reason for them to be like that. I feel like I was the one who
brought damage to their friendship. Although they still perform songs every night,
according to Martin and Hiro, they weren�t even talking during rehearsals.
What will I do? Wala akong mapagsabihan ng mga nararamdaman ko ngayon. Ayoko pang
malaman nila ang sitwasyon ko.
I heard the uproars of the crowd. Tapos na siguro ung performance nung nasa stage
kanina. Hindi ko man lang nakita kung ano ung ginawa nila, para akong tangang
nandito pero hindi naman ako nanunuod sa kanila. Tumingin ako sa paligid ko at saka
ko namalayan na wala na pala sila Donna at Chix sa tabi ko.
Dahil wala akong kasama, I decided na hanapin ko sila. Nagsimula ako sa buffet
table, sa photo booth at sa CR pero wala sila. Saan naman kaya sila nagpunta? Kay
Hiro kaya? Oo malamang na inaya ni Chix si Donna sa backstage para makita nya si
Hiro. Teka� sa backstage? Eh� nandun si Finn eh. Wag na lang. Isipin ko pa lang
kinakabahan na ko. Pero teka nga� bakit naman ako kakabahan eh wala naman akong
ginagawang masama. At saka excuse me, si Chix ang pupuntahan ko at hindi sya.
Pupunta ko sa backstage, aayain ko sila Chix tapos aalis na ko. Ganun lang! Okay
Laine, kaya mo yan! Fighting!
I took a deep breath before opening the mini dressing room in the backstage. Hindi
ko pa gaanong nabubuksan ito nang may marinig akong dalawang pamilyar na boses na
nag-uusap.
�We�ve been friends since we�re little at ngayon lang kita nakitang ganito Finn.�
�So? Wala ka ng pakialam kung bakit ako ganito.� His voice sounded annoyed and
frustrated at the same time.
�Meron akong pakialam Finn dahil kaibigan mo ako! At dahil involve dito si Ally!�
Bessie yelled. My god, I just heard my name. They�re talking about me. Should I
continue to listen? Am I ready to hear the things they�ll say?
Finn forced a laugh. �Why? Do you like her? Do you like that girl?!� He tried to
sound a bit normal but failed, he laughed exasperatedly.
My heart pounded after he threw that question to Bessie. He did not answer. I
didn�t hear any of their voice from inside. But after a long moment of silence, I
heard someone spoke.
�Yes, Finn. I like her. A lot.� I swallowed the lump in my throat after Bessie said
it. He likes me? Oh god! I don�t know what will be the best reaction I could give.
I just felt like all the circumstances that are happening do not fall into their
right place. I am still in state of shock when Bessie spoke to Finn again. �What�s
with that face Finn? You�re jealous. I know you are.�
�Shut up Ivan! I�m NOT!� Finn yelled at him.
�I can see jealousy in your eyes Finn. You like her!� Bessie yelled back at him.
�NO! I DON�T! I DON�T LIKE HER!�
�YES YOU DO FINN!� Bessie roared in anger. Ngayon ko lang nakitang ganito si
Bessie. Parang tinakasan ako ng katinuan sa mga oras na ito. Hindi ko na alam kung
ano ba ang iisipin.
�SHUT UP IVAN! SHUT THE FVCK UP!� Finn burst in his really mad and upset voice. I
know I should do something to make them stop arguing. But my body won�t do so. I
feel numb and helpless. Nakatayo lang ako sa pinto at pinapakinggan lang sila.
�DON�T TELL ME TO SHUT IT FINN! JUST ACCEPT THE FACT THAT YOU�RE ACTING LIKE THIS
BECAUSE OF HER!!�
�I SAID SHUT YOUR MOTHERFVCKING MOUTH IVAN!�
A deafening silence followed. Parang nagpapakiramdaman pa sila kung sino ang unang
magsasalita.
�Okay. If you will still insist that you don�t, then why? Why are you saying no?
Why are you acting like this? Why can�t you say that you like her in spite of the
drastic changes she brought after you met her?� Sunud sunod na tanong ni Bessie.
His voice sounded calmer now than a while ago. I, on the other hand, was just like
a fool listening to them. Nakatayo. Manhid. Walang magawa.
Silence has taken over the room again for a long moment. All I could hear is the
loud thud in my heart.
�Because�� I felt like he�s clenching his teeth as he speaks. �Because of Bianca� I
can never have any other girl besides her� It has always been Bianca and� it should
always be Bianca.�
I felt like a dagger being pounded in my chest. I should�ve not eavesdropped. Damn!
Kung hindi na lang ako umalis sa pwesto ko kanina edi sana wala ako ngayon ditong
parang tangang nakikinig sa kanila. At hindi ko sana narinig ang mga sinabi nya.
Parang biglang humiwalay ung kaluluwa ko sa sarili ko. Ganito pala ung pakiramdam.
Totoo pala ung kasabihan. Curiosity killed the cat. And at this point I feel like
that cat, being slain until my breath loses slowly.
I was standing still when I felt someone tapped my shoulder. �Laine.�
I turned my back to see who it is. Si Martin pala. �M-Martin?� Gulat kong tanong.
�Bakit parang mukang nagulat ka? Anong ginagawa mo dyan? Tara, pasok tayo sa loob.�
Yaya nya sakin.
�Ha? Ah eh, wag na lang---� Pero bago ko pa sya pigilan, tinulak na nya ang pinto.
And there I was, like a thief caught red-handed.
Mukang nagulat si Finn at Bessie nang makita ako. Their eyes were both in awe as
they looked at me.
�A-Ally? Kanina ka pa dyan?� Bessie asked in shock. I saw Finn in my peripheral

vision, he looked down.
�Oo, kanina pa---� Martin tried to speak but I cut him off.
�Hindi! Kakadating ko lang.� I tried to laugh but I just sounded like a stupid
hypocrite. Nginitian ko si Bessie. �Err. Hinahanap ko kasi sila Chix.� Kunwari�y
tiningnan ko ang kabuuan ng dressing room. �Hmm. Pero mukang wala naman sila dito.
So yun. Ahm.Yeah. I think� I... I b-better go home.� I smiled once again. �H-hey
guys! Galingan nyo sa next performance, okay? Break a leg! AJA! FIGHTING! GO! GOOD
LUCK! WOOOH!!� I looked stupid as I was raising my both hands encouraging them,
pero sa totoo lang, pakiramdam ko bibigay ang tuhod ko anumang oras.
�Ihahatid na kita Ally.� Offer ni Bessie.
�Wag na Bessie. O-okay lang ako, ano ka ba? Kaya ko namang umuwi mag-isa.� Pag-
sisinungaling ko. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko naman talaga alam kung saan ako pupunta
sa mga oras na ito.
�I insist Ally. I�ll drive you home.� Pilit ni Bessie.
�Wag na nga Bessie. I� I�m really okay.�
�Ally.�
�I�ll go ahead.� Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang sasabihin ni Bessie at dali dali kong
tinungo ang pinto at lumabas.
Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako dadalhin ng mga
paa ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mararamdaman ko. Hindi ko alam dahil ayoko ng
alamin pa. Sapat na siguro ang nalaman ko ngayong araw.
Naglalakad pa din ako. Hanggang sa mapunta ako sa park ng university. Minsan

talaga, may instinct din ang mga paa. Dahil ngayong oras na to, ganitong klase ng
lugar ang kailangan ko. Tahimik at malayo sa gulo. Sa gulo na dulot ni Finn sakin.
I sat on one of the benches there, facing the mini lake in our school. This is the
most beautiful place here in the campus. The view is just so relaxing and very
pleasing to the eyes. The lights are just enough for me to be able to see, not too
dim and not too bright.
I sighed as I watch the swans swaging their feet freely in the lake. According to
the rumor, this park is the gift of Mr. Thomson to his wife. I envy her a lot. Not
just because she received a beautiful gift like this, but she also has a husband
like Mr. Thomson.
I looked at those swans again. I smiled at myself. What if naging swan na lang kaya
ako? Baka kasi pag naging katulad nila ako, hindi ko na maramdaman tong emosyon na
nakatago ngayon sa dibdib ko. Oo nga noh? Gusto ko na lang maging swan. Kung
idadasal ko kaya ngayon to kay Lord, matutupad nya kaya yun? There�s no harm in
trying. And so, I closed my eyes and pray.
�Lord, sana po maging swan ako kahit one day lang.�
�How could an ugly duckling like you would turn into a swan?�
OMG! Ang bilis naman sumagot ni Lord!
�Lord, how dare you say I�m an ugly duckling if you�re the one who created me?�
�Tss, psychopath talaga.�
My body froze after hearing that familiar voice who happened to be the one to make
me wish for stupid and dumb things like this. I am not just dreaming, right? Hindi
ako pwedeng magkamali. He�s really here.
�Are you okay here? Medyo madilim dito ah. Nakakakita ka ba?� Tanong nya habang
naramdaman ko syang umupo sa tabi ko. What the hell is happening? Bakit sya
nandito?
Tiningnan ko sya. I felt something flutters inside my tummy. Ganito pa din ang
epekto nya sakin sa kabila ng mga narinig ko kanina. �And� and you? Why are you
here?�
He looked at me then formed a big grin on his face. �Bakit? Binili mo na ba tong
park? Bawal na ba kong pumunta dito para magpahangin?�
Bakit ganito? He�s acting as if nothing happened. What the heck is this all about?
After all the things he said, he�s talking to me like nothing happened. He�s beside
me like we never had any argument last time.
And to make things more strange, that is what I feel too at this very moment. I was
just looking--- rather--- staring at him like nothing happened, like I never heard
all those hurtful words, like I�ve never been hurt by him.
�It�s really obvious that you like me.�
I froze in my seat. That was also the exact line he said when we were in EK, when
he caught me staring at him.
�Am I too handsome to make you go crazy over me like that?� Nakakaloko nyang
tanong.
�Arrogant.� I said casually. I was really shock of myself. How could I still act
normally despite of all the things happened? And to top it all, we are talking in
the most usual conversation we�ve always had. Yung ganito. Yung pinapakita nyang
kayabangan. Yung pinapakita kong pagka-inis sa kanya.
He let out a soft, mocking laugh. �Remember the time you said when we were in the
auditorium? When you blackmailed me to become your boyfriend?�
I felt like my cheeks turned red, big time. Nakakahiya! Bakit pinapaalala nya pa
sakin ang mga yun? That was so stupid of me! I think the floor is going to eat me
right now because of humiliation.
�I� I blackmailed you to become my boyfriend? When? Wala akong natatandaang ginawa
ko un.� Pagsisinungaling ko. Nakakahiya talaga yun eh.
�Tss. Psychopath ka talaga.�
�Well. Okay, if I really made a desperate move like that. Why are you saying this
now?� Nagtataka kong tanong.
�Nothing. I just want you to remember how crazy you were about me.� He chuckled.
Ang kapal din talaga nito. Napakayabang! Tiningnan nya ako saglit pagkaraan ay
tumingin ulit sya sa mga swan na nandun sa lake. �Do you know that swans mate for
life?�
�Really?� I asked.
�Yes. Once a swan mates, it remains with that one mate forever. Even if the swan�s
mate dies, it will not reproduce with another swan. You know why?� Tanong nya
sakin.
�Why?� Balik na tanong ko sa kanya.
�Because they are dedicated and faithful creatures.�
Neither the two of us spoke afterwards. Silence, as usual, meddle at this point. We
are just looking at those swans that outshine this wonderful yet quiet night.
Napaisip ako, buti pa ung mga swans ganun, eh ang tao kaya?
He looked at the sky and speaks again. �She was the one who told me that.�
Kumunot ang noo kong tiningnan sya. At pagkatapos� nakuha ko din ang ibig nyang
sabihin. She� Bumalik na naman ang bigat na nararamdaman ko sa dibdib ko. Hindi ako
nagsalita� Pinili kong hindi magtanong dahil ayoko din namang malaman. Ayokong
makarinig na naman ng mga salitang patungkol sa kanya. Kay Bianca.
�I�ve been waiting for her for three years but---�
�I think I better go home.� I said cutting him off then I stood up quickly. Hindi
ko kaya pang makarinig ng isang salita mula sa kanya. Lalo na kung tungkol lang din
naman dun ang sasabihin nya. Like I said, tama na siguro ang mga narinig ko ngayong
gabi. Kung dadagdagan nya pa� baka hindi ko na makaya at baka bigla na lang sumabog
yung puso ko dahil sa sakit na kumakain ngayon sa buo kong pagkatao.
�Laine��
I wasn�t able to move after hearing my name again. Naiinis na ko sa sarili ko.
Simpleng pag-tawag lang nya sa pangalan ko, ganito na ung epekto sakin. Argghh!
�Don�t go home yet.� It sounded more of a declaration than a request. Ano na naman
kaya ang trip nitong si Finn?
I did not say a word. I was still standing, not knowing what to say or do. I don�t
know if I should stay with him for a moment or longer. Part of me is saying yes,
and the other doesn�t want to.
�Just stay with me for a moment.�
And all those doubts in my heart and mind suddenly disappear just like bubbles in
thin air. Is this really the effect of the so-called love? Yung tipong isang salita
lang nya, bigla na lang mawawala yung mga uncertainties na nasa isip mo. At ganun
na ganun mismo ang nararamdaman ko ngayon.
Nakatayo lang ako at hindi gumalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. But to my surprise, he

grasped my wrist dahilan para mapaupo ako sa tabi nya.
�Ok there. Much better.� He muttered.
�Ano ba �to Finn? What�s up with you? Ano bang kaluluwa ang sumasapi sayo?� Tanong
ko sa kanya. And I really mean it. He�s like the most unpredictable person I�ve
ever known. Nalilito na ko sa kanya. Nalilito ko sa mga ginagawa nya. Nalilito ko
sa mga sinasabi nya. All those things he has done give me nothing but confusion.
�Just don�t ask Psychopath.� He then looked at me seriously. �For I still don�t
know what answers I can give you.�
I sighed. �Fine. But why are you doing this?�
�What am I doing?� His voice sounded as if he�s really clueless about what I�m
saying..
�This.� Tugon ko. �The last time I checked you were so mad at me for God knows what
reason. But now� now, why are you being like this? Why are you acting as if nothing
happened?�
�I told you, don�t ask.� He said casually.
I did not say a word because I run out of words to say. I don�t know what to think
at this very moment. Napapagod na sigurong mag-process ang mga brain cells ko.
�When are you going to demand your prize?� He asked after a long moment of silence.
�What prize?� I asked.
�Tss. Psychopath talaga.� He then poked my forehead. �Dummy. Don�t you remember,
you won in our silly bet?�
�Ahh. Yun ba?� Tanong ko. Sa dami kasi ng iniisip ko, nakalimutan ko na ung naging
bet namin sa EK. �Hmm. I�ll just let you know after I think of a good prize to
ask.� I smiled. What if I�ll just ask for his love? HAHAH. Never, I don�t want to
be that desperate.
�Okay.� He answered.
I looked at him again. �You promised that you�ll grant whatever demand I�ll ask,
right?�
�Tss, oo na. Anything you wish� except�� Tinapunan nya ko ng nakakalokong ngiti.
��my body�� And suddenly he burst out laughing as if he cracked the funniest joke
here on earth.
�Wow. As if naman. Napakakapal mo talaga!� I rolled my eyes.
Then after that he looked at me. �Psychopath.� He called.
�Hmm?� I said looking at him too.
�I have a favor to ask of you. Just this once.�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. Ano daw? Favor? �A-ano?� Tanong ko.
�Aisshh. Didn�t you hear what I said? Kailangan ko pa bang ulitin?� Naiinis na
tanong nya. Tss, bipolar talaga.
�Tss. Okay fine. What favor?�
Tinitigan lang nya ko ng matagal. I, too, stare at him as if he�s the most precious
thing I could ever laid my eyes on. I can see the serious emotion in his eyes. We
were both staring at each other and I on the other hand is anticipating to what
he�s going to say.
�Can you stay with me?� He gulped while still looking at me seriously. �Stay with
me until I clear all the confusion and uncertainties you brought that keeps on
bugging my mind right now.�

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
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11
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�Guys, be ready on Friday. We�ll be gone for three days.�
Napatigil kaming lahat sa pag-kain ng sandamukal na butong pakwan nang magsalita si

Hiro. Lahat kami clueless kung ano ung mga pinag-sasasabi nya. Hininaan ko ung
volume ng TV para mag-kaintindihan kaming lahat.
�Anong sinasabi mo dyan Hiro? Bangag ka ba?� Nagtatakang tanong ni Martin kay Hiro
habang tinitingnan nya ito na para bang may sumaping kaluluwa dito.
Tumingin samin si Hiro, yung tipong tingin na nanghihingi ng favor. Pagkaraan ay

nagsalita say, �Guys, please. Sumama kayo. My granny wants me to visit her in our
hometown. Hindi naman pwedeng hindi ako pumunta, magtatampo sakin ung lola kong
yun.�
�And so? Bakit kelangan kasama pa kami?� Nakakunot na tanong ko sa kanya.
Sumalampak ng upo si Hiro sa couch. Mukang malungkot yung itsura nya. Hindi ko alam
kung anong drama nito sa buhay.
�My granny still treats me as if I�m the same little kid she used to take care of.
Lagi nya pa ding kinukurot ung pisngi ko pag nakikita ako. Lagi nya pa din akong
pinagsasabihan na kumain ng gulay. Lagi nya kong pinanggigigilan ng halik. Torture,
guys! Torture!� He sighed. Hindi ko alam kung hahagalpak ba ko ng tawa sa reaksyon
na yun ni Hiro na para bang napakalaki ng problema nya. �Kaya guys, samahan nyo ko,
please?� Parang bata nyang sabi samin.
�Oo nga naman guys. Samahan na natin ang sweetcake ko.� Si Chix. I rolled my eyes.
Minsan gusto kong balatan ng buhay tong bespren ko na to eh. Napakacheesy nila!
YAK!
�Saan ba ung hometown nyo?� Tanong ko.
�Davao.�
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa narinig ko. Sa Davao? Eh dulo na ng Pilipinas un ah?
Tapos inaaya nya kami na parang mag-mamall lang sa North Edsa. Nakakatol yata tong
lalaking to eh.
�Dude. Are you serious?� Manghang tanong ni Martin.
�I�m dead serious Pare.� Seryosong sagot ni Hiro.
�Teka lang Hiro, di ko pa din magets eh. Ano naman magiging role namin if ever na
sumama kami sayo?� Nagtatakang tanong ko.
Tiningnan nya kami na para bang sa amin nakasalalay ang buhay nya. �In that way,
hindi ako masyadong pagdidiskitahan ng lola ko. Tsaka, boring kasi dun eh. Kaya
kailangan ko ng kasama.� He pouted his lips. Daahhh talaga tong si Hiro. Ang cute
ng reaksyon nya, parang bata. Kaya naman bagay sila ni Chix eh, parang parehas na
hindi gaanong nadevelop ang utak nila. Bwahahah.
�Eh pano pag ayaw namin?� Tanong ni Martin.
Hiro smiled evily. �Hindi pwede. Nakabook na ung flight natin.� Nice. As if may
choice kaming humindi diba? Hahaha. Kinuha nya ung bag nya tapos may kinuha sya sa
loob nun. �Tadaah! Our tickets!� Nakangiti nyang sabi.
�Adik ka talaga Dude.� Sabi ni Martin na umiiling na tila nag-iisip, pero

pagkaraan, lumuwag ung ngiti nya. �Okay, since libre mo naman, tara! Game ako dyan!
� He said smiling.
�Me too!� Chix exclaimed as she claps her hands. �Cool! I�m so excited!�
�Okay. I�m in!� I said excitedly. Mukang magiging masaya naman eh. It�s an
opportunity for all of us to rest and relax since kakatapos lang ng Festive week.
�Nasaan nga pala si Donna?� Maya-maya�y tanong ni Hiro. I looked at Martin�s

reaction. I can�t explain kung ano ang sinasabi ng mga mata nya, but it�s obvious
that he�s affected after hearing Donna�s name. Napailing na lang ako. Pag-ibig nga
naman, masyadong komplikado.
�Donna�s busy with her I-don�t-know-what-that-is project.� Chix answered. �But I�m
sure she�ll go. Diba noh Martin?�
�Tss. Gusto mong makakita ng stars Chix?�
�Hahaha. Joke lang dude!� Tatawa-tawang sabi ni Chix. Mukang nakikipag-biruan lang
din naman si Martin eh. Nakuu ganyan naman yung mga yan eh, panay ang asaran.
Katulad na lang ngayon, para na naman silang batang nagbabatuhan ng balat ng butong
pakwan. Lalo na si Hiro at Martin, grabe ung dalawang un kung mag-harutan. Ako lang
yata ang normal sa barkadahang to eh. Wahahaha.
�Anong meron guys?� Natigil lang mag-asaran yung tatlo nang may dumating. Si
Bessie.
�Oh dude? Where have you been? Bakit ngayon ka lang?� Tanong ni Martin habang sakal
sakal nya si Hiro. Aww, poor Hiro.
�Traffic eh.� Simpleng sagot nya.
�Hi Bessie.� Nakangiti kong bati sa kanya.
�Hey Ally.� He said messing with my hair.
�Bessie naman eh. Di na nga ako nagsuklay, ginulo mo pa ung buhok ko.�
My relationship with Bessie is still the same as before. Yung ganito, nagkukulitan
at nagtatawanan. Hindi na siguro magbabago un. He�s my best friend, and my big
brother. Regarding what I heard that night, I decided to just erase it in my
memories and pretend like I didn�t hear anything. I know that ignoring would be the
best remedy---or should I say--- the only and best solution at this point.
Deadma na lang. Sa totoo lang, ayoko na ding isipin pa talaga ang mga narinig kong
un, that time when Bessie mentioned that he likes me. Of course he likes me! I�m
his best friend! Iyon ang laging isinasaksak ko sa utak ko. Bessie likes me because
I�m his best friend, no more no less. Things will be much better if we�ll just keep
it that way.
�What�s with this meeting all about by the way?� Bessie asked as he sits on the
couch.
Hiro was the one who invited us here in his condo, and it turned out na kaya naman
pala nya kami ininvite eh dahil nga gusto nyang samahan namin sya sa hometown nila.
It�s only 10 in the morning. Ang aga noh? We all decided that we�ll just spend the
whole day here since it�s Sunday.
�We�re going in Davao on Friday.� Said Chix casually.
�Huh? Why?� Kunot-noong tanong ni Bessie.
�Ask Hiro.� Martin said.
Then Hiro discussed with his plans again, as in, from the start, wala syang
pinalampas kahit na maliit na detalye.
Tumango-tango lang si Bessie pagkatapos ay binalingan nya ko. �Ikaw Laine? Sasama
ka?� Tanong nya sakin.
I smiled brightly at him. �Of course Bessie!�
�Hmm, edi sige. I�m in!� He said then pinches my cheeks. Kapag talaga kasama ko si
Bessie, hindi mawawala ang phrase na messing my hair, at pinching my nose and
cheeks. Hahaha. Grabe. I feel like a human stuff toy dito sa gingawa nya sakin.
�By the way, where�s Finn?� Maya-maya�y tanong ni Martin. I looked at Bessie to see
his reaction. He and Finn are seemed to be okay now. Nakikita ko namang nag-uusap
na sila, usually about guys� stuffs like sports, music and such. Buti nga okay na
sila eh. Mukang kailangan lang talaga nilang mag-sigawan noon para mailabas ung
nararamdaman nila.
As if on cue, the door propped open. There stood that man who happens to be the
reason why I am not having a good night sleep everyday. That man who can make my
world turn upside down in just a jiffy. That bipolar man�
Since that night, when he asked the question that disturbed my whole system, it
made me believe that somehow silence really means yes. I didn�t utter a word when
he threw that question to me. I was just staring at him as he gazed at the sky
filled with those bright stars that seem to shimmer only for the two of us.
Simula nga nang gabing yun, napagdesisyunan kong pagbigyan ang sarili ko at sya sa
hinihingi nyang pabor. Malinaw sakin na malabo pa din ang lahat. Magulo ba? Siguro
ganyan ko na lang muna ilalarawan ang lahat. Nalilito pa din ako kay Finn. Nalilito
pa din ako sa pabago-bago nyang mga sinasabi at sa ikinikilos nya. Pero napag-isip
isip ko, okay na din siguro to. Baka kasi pag luminaw pa ang lahat, lalo lang mas
maging komplikado. Katulad nga ng sinabi niya nang gabing yun, hindi na ko
nagtanong. Hinayaan ko na lang na ganito ung sitwasyon namin, magulo at walang
linaw. Ganito nga pala talaga ang pag-ibig, nakakabobo.
Pero sa ngayon, kuntento na ko. Kuntento na kong nakikita sya. Kuntento na kong
nakakausap sya kahit lagi nya pa din akong inaasar. Pinipilit kong ibalik ang
dating Laine. Yung madaldal at makulit na si Laine. Kapag nakakausap ko sya,
pinipilit kong kumilos ng normal at natural kahit pa ang totoo, pakiramdam ko bigla
na lang magwawala ang puso ko sa di-maipaliwanag na emosyong nararamdaman ko.
Naisip ko din, saka na lang ako mamomroblema. Ihahanda ko na lang ang sarili ko sa
kahit anong mangyari. Iyan ang lagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko. Hindi ako umaasa
nang sa gayon, hindi din ako gaanong masaktan kapag hindi nangyari ang bagay na
inaasahan ko diba? Ang mahalaga, masaya ko na nandyan sya.
�Psychopath, are you going?�
Naputol ang malalim kong pag-iisip nang magsalita sya. �Huh?� Nagtataka kong tanong
sa kanya dahil hindi ko alam kung ano nga ba ang sinasabi nya.
�Dummy. I�m asking if you�re in with that monkey�s plan.� Sabi nyang tinuturo si
Hiro.
�I hate you Papsi Finn.� Sabi ni Hiro na kunwa�y nagtatampo. Finn just smirked at
him.
�To Davao? Yes, I�ll definitely go for it!� I said smiling from ear to ear.
Finn then nodded. �Hmm, okay then.� He turned to look at Hiro. �Count me in dude.�
Gulat akong napatingin sa kanya. Why does he need to know my decision first before
he agrees on Hiro�s plan? Tsk tsk. Ewan ko ba dito. Mahirap talaga basahin ang
takbo ng utak nitong si Finn.
�Why are you looking at me like that, Psychopath?� He asked as he shrugged his
shoulders.
�Tss. Ewan ko sayo bipolar.� I rolled my eyes. He just looked at me fiercely.
�Ally, do you want pizza?� Biglang tanong sakin ni Bessie.
Napangiti ako pagkarinig ko ng tanong ni Bessie. �Yes, Bessie. I want pizza!�
�Okay then, let�s buy.� Yaya nya sakin.
�Okay.� I stood up from my seat para samahan si Bessie bumili. Feeling ko kasi ang
kapal na ng dila ko sa butong pakwan na napagtripan naming bilin ni Chix. Hahaha.
Naalala ko tuloy nung high school ako, ginagawa naming lunch ang butong pakwan kaya
laging makalat sa classroom namin.
�Ivan, Laine. Damay na din kayo ng madaming-madami pang foods.� Request ni Martin
habang paalis kami.
�Okay Paps, saglit lang kami.�
---
�So Ally. Ok ka na ba?� Tanong ni Bessie sakin habang hinihintay ung inorder naming
pizza. Nasa harap kami ngayon ng take-out counter ng Pizza Hut.
Napakunot ang noo ko sa tanong nya. �Ako Bessie? Okay naman talaga ko ah.�
�Are you sure?� Tanong nya ulit. �Okay ka na talaga?�
Naguguluhan na ko kay Bessie, ano bang ibig nyang sabihin? �You�re confusing me
Bessie. What exactly do you mean by that?�
He looked at me seriously. �Last time, during the last night of the Festive Week, I
clearly saw pain in your eyes. You were sad.�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. Alam kaya nyang narinig ko ang lahat? Tiningnan ko sya.
�Anong sad sinasabi mo dyan Bessie?� Tumawa ako ng mahina. �Wala un noh. Gusto ko
lang talagang umuwi nung mga oras na un.�
�Kilala na kita Ally. Alam ko kapag masaya ka at alam ko din kapag malungkot ka.�
Seryoso ang mga mata nyang nakatitig pa din sa akin.
Natuwa naman ako sa mga sinabi nya. Kilala nya na talaga ko. Nginitian ko sya
pagkatapos ay kinurot ko ang mga pisngi nya at pinanggigilan ko iyon. �Ikaw talaga
Bessie. Ang cute cute mo!�
Tumawa sya ng mahina tapos ay seryoso na naman syang tumingin sa akin. �Ally, basta
kapag may problema ka, remember that I�m always here for you. If you want to share
your thoughts either the happy or sad ones, I am always ready to listen. If you
feel like crying, my shoulders are always ready for you to lean on. Okay?�
I smiled at him again. �Thank you Bessie. Thank you so much.�
Bessie just smiled back at me. When we got our order, we decided to buy more foods
in the supermarket. I�m pretty sure, puro chichirya na naman ang bibilin namin.
�Yun ang isa sa mga nalaman ko sa ChocoPaps, napakahilig nila sa junk food.
�Ally, wait for me here. I�m just going to get some drinks.� Maya-maya�y sabi ni
Bessie.
Tinanguan ko lang sya. Naglakad lakad at tumingin tingin pa ko ng mga junk foods na
nakadisplay doon hanggang sa mahagip ng mga mata ko ang Piattos Roast Beef na
favorite ko.
�Akala ko ba saglit lang kayo?�
�Ayy shet ng kabayo.� Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko dahil sa gulat at nabitawan ko ang
Piattos na inaabot ko. Tumingin ako sa likod ko at nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang
makita syang nakasandal sa may istante habang nakahalukipkip ang mga kamay.
�Finn? Nakakagulat ka naman.� Sabi ko habang sapo-sapo ko pa din ang dibdib ko.
�Bakit nandito ka?�
�Bakit? Binili mo na ba tong supermarket? Bawal na ba kong bumili ngayon dito?�
Maangas nyang sagot.
I rolled my eyes. Ano pa nga bang aasahan mong matinong sagot mula sa bipolar na
to? Tss. �Sabi ko na nga ba, dapat hindi na lang ako nagtanong.�
�Tss. Dummy talaga. So bakit nga ang tagal nyo?� Tila naiinip nyang tanong sakin.
Tiningnan ko ang wristwatch ko. �Mag-tetwelve pa lang naman ah?�
�Umalis kayo ng 10:30. Dapat by 11, bumalik na kayo.� He said with a hint of
authority in his voice.
Kumunot ang noo kong tumingin sa kanya. Minsan talaga, parang bata tong si Finn.
Ibang klase talaga gumana utak nitong lalaking to.
�So sinundan mo kami?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
�Bakit ko naman kayo susundan? Asa ka naman Psychopath.� He grumbled.
�Eh bakit ka nga nandito?�
�Eh kasi---� Sasagot na sana sya nang biglang dumating si Bessie.
�Oh Laine. Let�s---� Natigil din sa pagsasalita si Bessie nang makita nya si Finn.
�Dude? What are you doing here?� Takang tanong ni Bessie sa kanya.
�Ahh. Hmm�� Finn said na tila nag-iisip ng isasagot nya. �I came here to buy this��
Sabi nya sabay taas ng kamay nya pagkakuha nung dinampot nya sa may istante.
�So� you came all the way here just to� buy that?� Bessie asked raising a brow.
Kahit ako napataas din ang kilay ko nang makita ang hawak nya.
�Yes.� Mabilis na sagot ni Finn habang nakatingin sa amin ni Bessie.
�Gusto mo ng ganyan?� Nakataas pa din ang kilay kong nagtataka sa kanya.
Finn�s eyes widened as he looked to what he�s holding. Isang pakete ng Boy Bawang
na tigpi-piso. �Shit.� He muttered. It seems na ngayon lang nya nakita kung ano nga
ba ang nadampot nya. I laughed at his reaction. Pati sya gulat na gulat din sa
sarili nya. Hahahaha.
�Stop laughing Psychopath.� Naiinis nyang sabi.
�Yes, boy bawang pala ah.� Asar ko sa kanya.
�Tss. Shut up.� Sabi nya pagkaraan ay binalik na ulit ung Boy Bawang dun sa may
istante.
Tawa pa din ako ng tawa habang naiinis sya. Natigil lang ako ng nag-aya na si
Bessie na magbayad na kami sa counter.
�Ally, ako na mag-dadala nyan.� Tukoy ni Bessie sa hawak kong basket na puno ng
iba�t-ibang pagkain.
�Hindi Bessie, ako na.� Sabi ko. Magaan lang naman yun since karamihan naman nun eh
puro junk food tsaka may hawak din si Bessie eh.
�Ako na Ally.� Pilit pa din nya.
�Ako na nga Bessie.�
�Ally, ako na nga sabi eh.� Ang kulit din nitong si Bessie eh.
�Bessie, ako na.�
Pilit na kinukuha pa din ni Bessie ung hawak ko habang ayaw ko namang ibigay to sa
kanya. Nag-aagawan na kami dun sa basket, pero laking gulat ko nang may ibang kamay
na kumuha dito.
�Tss. Ako na.� Sabi ni Finn pagkaraan ay nauna na syang lumakad papunta sa may
counter. Himala?? Nagkatinginan na lang kami ni Bessie pagkatapos ay sinundan namin
sya.
Bessie insisted na sya na lang magbayad sa lahat kahit na nag-ooffer din si Finn.
He said to just wait for him, kaya naman nauna kaming lumabas ni Finn sa
supermarket.
�Just for buying those foods, inabot kayo ng ilang oras?!� He grunted as we wait
for Bessie.
Tiningnan ko sya. �So that�s it. That�s really the reason why you came all the way
here?� I asked.
Napatigil sya sa sinabi ko. �What the hell are you saying? You wish, Psycho.�
�Eh bakit ka nga nandito?� Nakapamewang kong tanong sa kanya. I guess, he�s really
back in his old self. Hindi katulad nang mga nangyari noon.
�Wala nga. Wag ka na magtanong.� Naiinis nya kong tinapunan ng tingin.
�Sabihin mo na kasi, you really came here because you followed us.�
�Tumahimik ka na nga lang dyan. Bakit ba napakadaldal mo?� Naiirita nyang sagot
sakin.
�Eeeh sabihin mo na kasi.� Pangungulit ko pa sa kanya.
He did not answer. He seemed to hold his patience dahil sa kakulitan ko. He just
gave me a deadly glare and as usual, may sinabi na naman siya na hindi ko
inaasahan. �Oo sinundan ko nga kayo. Bakit? May problema?�

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
???
"Niyaya niya kami sa kubeta

Mata ay lumuwa sa nakita
Oh bakit ba ganyan ang buhay ng tao?
Mag-ingat ka na lang
Baka ika�y makarmo oh�"
Yan ang kinakanta namin---este--- sinisigaw habang binabagtas namin ang kahabaan ng
daan patungo sa bahay na kinalakihan ni Hiro. Nakataas pa ang mga kamay namin
habang sinasabayan ang kanta ng hari ng mga OPM bands na Eraserheads.
Patuloy lang ang pagkanta---este--- pagsigaw namin nila Chix, Martin at Hiro.
Sumasabay pa ang ulo namin sa bawat beat ng tugtog. Magkakatabi kami nila Chix at
Donna sa gitna ng van. Si Bessie naman, nakangiti lang habang pinapanuod kaming
magwala ni Hiro at Martinna katabi nya sa likod.
�Hoy kung ayaw nyong matulog, magpatulog kayo.� Naiiritang sabi ni Finn na nakaupo
sa may front seat.
Alas sais pa lang kasi ng umaga. Adik kasi si Hiro. Nagpabook ba naman ng 4 am. Edi
malamang na maaga kaming nagising at nagpunta sa airport.
�Okay na un guys. Para mahaba ung araw natin diba?� Nakangisi nyang sagot sa amin
nung tinanong namin sya.
Bale, wala pa kaming gaanong tulog ngayon, kaya badtrip yang si Finn eh. Ahaha.
Biruin mo na ang lasing, wag lang ang puyat.
�Wag ka ngang KJ Finnie. Makisabay ka na lang sa kanta.� Nakangisi kong sagot sa

kanya.
�Oo nga Finn.� Dugtong ni Hiro. �Woohh rak en roll.� Hiro shouted raising his
thumb, index and pinky finger as he bangs his head to the beat. Wahaha. Muka syang
ewan.
Napagtripan kasi naming magpatugtog habang nasa byahe kami. Hindi rin naman kami
makakatulog ng maayos kahit gustuhin man naming matulog eh. Since, magkakalevel ng
kasaltikan tong mga to, yun nga napagtripan na lang namin ang malakas na soundtrip
nang ganito kaaga. Ni hindi pa nga gaanong sumisikat ang araw eh. Ahahaha. Bulabog
kung bulabog.
�Tss.� Yun lang ang sabi ni Finn at naiiritang tinakpan nya ng unan ang mukha nya.
---
�Okay, we�re here guys.� Sabi ni Hiro nang binuksan nya ang pinto ng van at bumaba
mula roon.
After almost an hour, nakarating din kami sa bahay---este---mansyon nila Hiro. The
place is so huge. Before you go inside the house, you�ll walk past first in a large
patio with tall pine trees line up in a row. Halatang pinag-isipan at pinag-
kagastusan talaga ang landscape ng yard nila, very cozy and relaxing ang ambiance.
Napakayaman pala nila Hiro, pero hindi gaanong halata sa kanya. Hahaha. I mean,
sobrang down to earth kasi nito eh.
�Wow Paps Hiro, this place is so nice.� I said with amusement in my eyes.
�Yes. My Granny is an example of a great nature lover. Kaya iyan. Tara na.� Yaya
nya samin.
We started to walk through their beautiful yard. Tahimik lang kami habang
tinitingnan ang bawat puno at halaman na madaanan namin. Pagtapak namin sa harap ng
pinto, sinalubong agad kami ng matandang babaeng medyo maliit at may katabaan.
�Hiro!� Dali daling nilapitan at niyakap ni Lola si Hiro. �I missed you apo! Give
Granny a kiss.� Utos nito okay Hiro habang tinuturo ang kanyang pisngi.
�Granny naman.� Pagmamaktol ni Hiro na hiyang hiya. Ngayon alam ko na kung bakit
sinasabi ni Hiro na torture sa kanya kapag sya lang ang nagpunta para bisitahin ang
lola nya. Hahahah
�Apo naman. I did not see you for months.� Sabi ni Lola na may halong pagtatampo.
�Isang halik lang ba naman ay ipagkakait mo pa?�
�Tss. Okay fine Granny.� Napipilitang sabi ni Hiro pagkatapos ay binigyan nya ng
halik ang matanda sa pisngi nito.
�Now that�s my Hiro.� Nakangiting sabi ni Granny. Pagkaraan ay binalingan nya

kaming lahat. �Kayo ba ang mga kaibigan ng apo ko?� Nakangiting tanong nya sa amin.
�Opo. Good morning po.� Bati naming lahat sa kanya.
�Aba�y kagaganda namang bata ng mga ito. Sino ba ang nobya sa inyo ng apo ko?�
Nakangiti nyang tanong sa amin. Nakita kong nag-blush ang mga pisngi ni Chix ng
banggitin ni Granny ung tanong. Aba, nakakaramdam pala ng hiya tong bespren ko.
Ahahaha.
�Granny, si Cassie Chix po.� Nakangiting sabi ni Hiro at pinakilala si Chix.
�Kamusta po kayo?� Nahihiyang tanong ni Chix.
�Mabuti naman Hija. Kay gandang bata naman pala ng napili mo apo.� Sabi ni Granny.
Wow ang haba ng hair ng bespren ko. Ahahaha.
�Thank you po.� Nakangiting sagot ni Chix.

Binigyan lang din ng matamis na ngiti ni Granny si Chix. Pagkaraan ay binalingan
nya naman ung tatlong lalaki at tila inaalala ang mga muka nung tatlo. �Oh! Finn,
Ivan, Martin. Kayo na ba yan?�
They all laughed softly. �Opo Granny, buti naman po at natatandaan nyo pa kami.�
�Aba�y paanong hindi ko kayo makakalimutan, eh kayo palagi ang kasama nitong apo ko
simula ng mga bata pa kayo.� Ngiti nyang sagot. �Tingnan mo nga naman ang panahon,
malalaki na kayo. At ang gagwapo pa.� Sabi nyang magkadikit pa ang mga palad. �Oh
tara na sa loob at mag-breakfast muna kayo. Siguradong napagod kayo sa biyahe.�
Sumunod lang kami kay Granny at sabay sabay na kumain ng breakfast. Pagkatapos,
tinuro sa amin nung maid ang magiging kwarto namin. Chix, Donna and I, of course
will be sharing a room together, same as dun sa guys. Magkatabi lang ang mga room
namin.
We all decided to take a rest first since we haven�t had any sleep yet, especially
I, Chix, Martin and Hiro. All through the journey, in plane and in the van, we
didn�t sleep but just talk about some stuff. Napakadaldal ni Chix at Martin grabe.
Hahaha. Hindi sila nauubusan ng kwento. Ang babaw pa naman ng kaligayahan ni Chix
kaya tawa sya ng tawa sa mga corny jokes ni Martin. Si Donna, Bessie at Ivan naman,
tahimik lang habang nasa byahe. Minsan sumasama din sa kwentuhan sa Bessie, si Finn
naman lagi kaming pinapatahimik dahil ang ingay daw namin. Tsss KJ.
�Okay guys. Let�s all take a rest first since alam kong groggy at puyat pa kayong
lahat. We�ll start to tour later after lunch.� Sabi ni Hiro pagpasok sa room naming
mga girls. Kasunod nya si Bessie.
�Ally and the girls, matulog muna kayo okay? Especially ung mga madadaldal dyan.�
Nakangiting sabi sa amin ni Bessie.
�Okay Bessie. We�ll just unpack our things then we�re gonna take a nap afterwards.�
I said as I unzip my Jansports backpack.
�Night guys.� Maya-maya�y sabi ni Donna at nahiga na sa kama nya. She did not even
to manage her things first before she lay down on bed. Dala na rin siguro sa pagod
at puyat.
�Nasaan sila Finn at Martin?� Chix asked suddenly.
�Ayun. Malaman nasa kani-kanilang panaginip na.� Bessie chuckled. �Kayo din.
Matulog na kayo. So we�re going to our room and take a nap too. Good night, Ally
and Chix.�
�Night Bessie.� I said smiling at him.

Nagpaalaman na din ung mag-sweetcake at nagbatuhan pa ng mga sweet nothings before
Hiro went out of the room. Okay fine edi sila na mag-boyfriend. Hahaha. Shortly
after they�re gone, I lay down on my bed too as I closed my eyes to sleep.
----
Tulad nga na napagkasunduan, we tour the city after lunch. We went to People�s Park
and Crocodile Park. We just spent the whole afternoon touring those places. Going
in places like those is very refreshing. Maamaze ka talaga sa lugar kahit na road
trip lang ang gawin nyo buong maghapon. Sa daan pa lang, mabubusog na ang mga mata
mo sa mga halaman at mga puno. Mataas din ang lugar kaya kita mo ang bundok. Ibang
iba sa Manila where all you can see are tall buildings and all you can smell is
pollution. Sa lugar na to, mawawala talaga ang stress sa katawan mo.
After hours of galaan, we decided to eat our dinner in Jack�s Ridge. That place is
just so cool. It is located on top of a hill so you can really see the beautiful
sceneries above and below. The lights of different vehicles in the road is so
beautiful as well as the stars shining in the sky.
Todo picture talaga kami ni Chix para masulit ung view. Hahah. Yess, pang-upload sa
facebook. We really appreciate this kind of place since Chix and I both grow in the
city. Parehas kaming walang probinsyang mapupuntahan since both of our parents are
pure Tagalogs.
Shortly after we ate, we went back to Hiro�s house para makapagpahinga na kami
since napagod din kami sa paglalakad at paglalakwatsa. We have gone home by 10:30.
Nag-food trip lang muna kami ulit habang nanunuod kami ng movie. Right after the
movie ended, the girls and I decided to go in our room already. Pero laking gulat
na lang namin nang pumasok si Hiro at Martin sa kwarto namin. And guess what, may
dala dala na naman silang pagakin and a bottle of Tequila.
�Hey guys! What�s that??� Gulat kong tanong pagpasok nila sa kwarto namin. They all
sat in the couch and put all that stuff in they�re hand on the center table.
�We�re gonna have a Pajama party!� Ngiting-ngiting sabi ni Martin while he arranges
the glass, the liquor and the food on the table.
�With Tequila?� Gulat na tanong ni Chix.
�Yes, sweetcake. Don�t worry, hindi naman tayo magpapakalasing eh. We�ll just
celebrate you know. For our friendship and for our love towards each other.� Sabi
naman ni Hiro.
We all rose up from our bed and we went near them and sat on the carpeted floor. I
looked closely at the bottle of Tequila. Ngayon lang ako makakatikim ng alak sa
buong buhay ko, napangiti ako sa ideyang yun. �Wow. Iinom talaga tayo?� I smiled
brightly as I asked them.
�Sino naman may sabi sayong iinom ka Ally?� Nagulat na lang ako nang biglang
nagsalita sa Bessie, katabi nya si Finn ngayon na papasok din ng kwarto namin.
Binalingan ni Bessie ung dalawang lalaki. �Hoy kayong mga unggoy kayo. Sino may
sabi sa inyo na impluwensyahan nyo ng alak tong mga to ha?�
Napangiti lang si Martin at Hiro sa tanong ni Bessie. Maya-maya�y naupo din si

Bessie at tumabi sakin. Pero nagulat na lang ako nang tumabi din sakin si Finn.
Tiningnan ko sya ng may pagtataka sa mga mata ko.
�Wala ng pwesto eh.� Kibit-balikat nyang sabi sa akin. Hindi ko na lang sya
pinansin at hinayaan ko na lang sya sa tabi ko. Wala namang choice eh. Weh? O sige
na nga, oo na. Masaya din ako at katabi ko sya. Kahit sa mga ganitong kaliit na
gestures na ginagawa nya, nagagawa na nitong mapalundag ang puso ko.
�Guys, so iinom nga talaga tayo?� Biglang tanong naman ni Donna na nakangiti.
�Yes.� Hiro answered. �One time lang naman eh. Tsaka this time really calls for a
celebration.� Sabi nya pagkaraan ay binalingan nya si Bessie. �So pumayag ka na
Paps Ivan. Okay lang naman sa mga girls diba?� Nakangiti nyang tanong sa amin.
�Oo nga naman Bessie. Konti lang, promise!� Pamimilit ko kay Bessie.
Tiningnan ako ni Bessie na tipong pinag-iisipan pa nya ang sagot pero sa huli ay
pumayag din sya. �Okay sige Ally. Pero konti lang huh?� Bessie said as he palced
his hand on my head.
Ngumiti ako sa sinabi nya. �Yes, Bessie! Promise!� Pag-aasume ko.
�Tss. Mag-bestfriend ba talaga kayo? Mag-tatay, mag-boyfriend or what?� Biglang

bulong sakin ni Finn sa naiinis na tono.
�Wag ka nga mainis dyan. Tss.� I murmured as I rolled my eyes. Bipolar talaga tong
si Finn, parang ewan.
�Naiinis ba ko ha Dummy?� Naiinis nyang bulong sakin. Tiningnan ko lang sya na para
bang sinasabi ko na nababalwi sya.
�Okay game. Let�s begin the part guys!�
We�re all Indian sitting on the carpeted floor as we look at at Martin pouring each
of us a drink. When my glass is full, I held it close in my nose and smeel it. Ugh.
Ang sakit sa ilong! Fist time lang talaga masasayaran ng alak ang esophagus ko.
Lagot kami kay Mama nito pag nalaman nyang iinom kami. Hahaha. Oh well, kailangan
nang sulitin ang oras na ito. Minsan lang naman ako magloko eh. Tsaka ano behh, I�m
18 and definitely legal! Muahaha.
�Okay guys, cheers!�
We all raise our glass and toast it against each other�s. They all drink the liquor
in their glass while I, on the other hand, was just looking at it. I gulped. Kaya
ko bang inumin to? Baka masakit sya sa lalamunan pag ininom ko na since
napakatapang ng amoy nya.
�Laine, iniinom ang alak, hindi tinititigan.� Sabi sakin ni Martin nang mapaasin
nyang hawak hawak ko lang ang baso at tinititigan lang ito.
�Masarap ba?� Tanong ko sa kanila.
�Sa una, masakit yan sa lalamunan pero pag nasanay ka na, masarap naman.� Sagot
sakin ni Hiro.
�Grabe, mga lasenngero ba kayo?� Natatawa kong tanong sa kanila.
�Hindi naman. We�re still one of those few decent guys, we only drink in when there
is any occasion. Kahit tanungin mo pa yang si Donna.� Hiro said as he pointed at
Donna. She just smiled at me then she poured another shot of tequila in her glass
and straightly drink it. Whoa. May ganito palang side si Donna. Ahaha.
�Drink it Bes. C�mon!� Chix said encouraging it.
�Go Laine! Iinom na yan! Iinom na yan!� Pagchee-cheer nila sa akin.
Tiningnan ko ulit ang baso sa kamay ko. I swallowed. Okay, kayak o to! Tutunggain
ko na sana yung basonang may mga kamaya sa akin pa pumigil para gawin yon.
�Pschopath, wag na.�
Nagulat ako nang bigla nyang kinuha yung baso sa kamay ko. �Hoy Finn, ano ba? Bakit
mo kinuha?� Naiinis na tanong ko sa kanya.
�Wag ka nang uminom kung hindi mo naman kaya.� Kaswal nyang sabi sa akin.
�Ehh, kaya ko naman eh. Promise.� Sabi ko sa kanya at kinuha ko na ulit ung baso sa
kamay nya.
�Tss. Tigas talaga ng ulo.� Mahina nyang sabi.
Hindi ko sya pinansin at dire-diretso kong tinungga ang alak. Ugh. Ang sakit sa
lalamunan pero inubos ko pa din ung laman nya. �Waaahh. Ang pait!� Sabi ko habang
nilalapag ko ung baso sa mya table. Kunuha ako ng apple at dali dali kong kinagat
iyon.
�Oh ano Ally? Okay ka lang?� Tanong sakin ni Bessie.
�Oo Bessie. I�m okay.� I smiled as I chew the apple in my mouth.
Nagke-kwentuhan lang kami ng kung anu-ano habang paminsan-minsan ay umiinom ng

alak---este--- ako lang pala yung paminsan-minsan. Ginagawa kasi nilang tubig ung
tequila eh.
Tinitingnan lang namin sila Hiro, Martin, Chix at Donna na hindi nagpa-pass sa
alak. Lalo na si Donna. Umiinom sya na para bang meron syang problema at dinadaan
nya iyon sa alak para makalimutan nya iyon. Napapansin ko din si Martin na
paminsan-minsan ay binibigyan ng sulyap si Donna. Naisip ko nga, iset-up ko kaya
minsan ang dalawang to para maayos nila yung problema nila. Obvious naman kasi na
gusto pa din nila ang isa�t-isa.
Si Bessie naman hindi rin gaanong umiinom katulad ni Finn na seryoso lang na
nakatingin dun sa apat na kala mo eh nagpapaligsahan sa paramihan ng alak na
maiinom.
Sumasabay lang ako ng pag-kain habang umiinom sila. Hindi ko kasi gaanong kaya ung
lasa nung alak. Sinasabayan ko na lang sila sa pagkekwentuhan at pagpapatawa.
�Guys! Let�s play a game!� Maya-maya ay sabi ni Chix.
�Bes, lasing ka na ata eh. Hahaha.� Sabi ko sa kanya. Muka na kasing bangag si Chix
eh. Hindi naman din kasi sanay uminom ng alak yan eh.
�Laine, Hindi pa ko lasing, okay?� She said despite of her tipsy voice. �Game tayo
guys, dali!�
�Ano bang game yan sweetcake?� Tanong ni Hiro.
�Spin the bottle with a twist.� She grinned then she gets the empty bottle of
tequila and put it in the center. �So the game will be like this. Kung sino man ang
matatapatan ng boteng ito, kailangan nyang sumagot sa tanong na ibibigay natin.
Pero kapag hindi�� Nagulat na lang kami nang bigla syang tumayo at lumabas ng
kwarto.
�Hoy Chix, san ka pupunta?� Pahabol na tanong ko sa kanya.
�Dyan lang kayo. I�ll get something.� She shouted as she run out the door. Pagbalik
nya, ang dami dami na nyang dala. May paminta, hot sauce, asin, asukal, bawang at
kung anu-ano pa.
�What the hell is that for?� Asked Martin.
�So as I was saying, kapag hindi nasagot ang tanong natin, this will be the dare.�
She said then she poured a shot of tequila in the glass and much to our surprise
she puts all those stuff she just got and then mix it with her fingers. Nakita ko
pang palutang lutang ang paminta at bawang dun sa baso.
�WHAT THE HELL?!� We all exclaimed in unison. That�s so gross, really.
Chix raised a brow and looked at us. �What? You�re all scared?�
�No. Game ako dyan.� Bessie said. Tiningnan ko si Bessie. Seryoso ba sya?
�Count me in.� Finn said and then raised his hand. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Are
they really serious?
�Oh, what? Hindi kayo sasali?� Tanong ulit samin ni Chix. Then the next thing I
knew, lahat na kami nag-aabang kung sino ung tatapatan ng bote. After seconds of
spinning, huminto din ung bote at tumapat it okay Chix. Wahahah! Lagot ka ngayon
Chix.
�Ugh, malas!! So what�s your question?�
�Mahal mo ba talaga ko Sweetcake?� Tiningnan naming lahat ng masama si Hiro.

Sinayang nya ung chance!! �Oh why guys? That�s a valid question!� Sabi ni Hiro
samin nang makitang galit na tinititigan namin sya.
�Yes, sweetcake. I love you so much!�
�Arghh! You two are so gross. I�ll gonna spin the bottle again.� Martin said with
irritation in his voice. Wahaha. Pano napakacheesy naman kasi ni Chix at Hiro.
�What the heck!� Martin exclaimed as the bottle stopped pointing at him.
�Okay. Ako magtatanong!!� Pagvovolunteer ni Chix. �So Martin...� Seryoso syang

tumingin kay Martin. She continued, �Do you still love Donna?�
Lahat kami napatigil sa diretsahang tanong ni Chix. Minsan talaga may pagkaprangka
tong babaeng to. I looked at Martin. He�s serious and� mad. Tiningnan ko naman si
Donna. I can�t explain the emotion I see in her eyes. They�re sad and worried at
the same time.
Martin clenched his fist and we were all shocked as he grabbed the glass filled
with gross bits and pieces of those pepper and garlic Chix has put. Then he drank
it straightly. It�s obvious that he doesn�t want to answer Chix�s question so he
just chose to gulp that disgusting drink. �Okay, I�ll spin the bottle again.� Sabi
ni Martin na parang wala lang sa kanya ung ininom nya. Sinalinan naman ulit ni Chix
ng alak ang baso at nilagyan na naman ito ng kung anu-ano at hinalo ito gamit ang
mga daliri nya.
�Okay, ikaw naman ngayon Laine!�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Hiro. Napatingin ako sa bote� at nakaturo nga ito sa akin.
Waaaahh! Patay! �Ang daya! Hindi ko nakitang tumapat yan sakin!� Sabi ko sa kanila.
�Oops, walang ganyanan Laine.� Sabi ni Chix. �Ako na lang ulit magtatanong ha?�
They all nod at Chix�s question. Tiningnan ko naman ang bespren ko na sinasabing
�Humanda ka sakin Chix. Ayusin mo ung tanong mo.�
Chix looked at me evilly before she threw her question at me. �Okay ganito Laine.
Kunwari nasa iisang bangka kayo ni Ivan at Finn.� She grinned. �Then, lumubog ito
at may kailangan kang sagipin na isa sa kanila. Take note, dapat isa lang ang
sasagipin mo, okay? At saka wag kang sumagot ng non sense answers. Sino sa kanilang
dalawa ang ise-save mo?�
Napatigil ako sa tanong ni Chix. Tiningnan ko si Finn, pagkatapos ay si Bessie. One

is my best friend who is so important to me and the other is the man who makes me
know what love is. I gulped as I search for the answer. Walangya ka Chix,
kakalbuhin kita once na matapos tong game na to!!
Hindi ko alam ang isasagot ko. I gulped again then I saw at the corner of my eyes,
ung nakakadiring inumin na ginawa ni Chix.
No choice. I swallowed the lump in my throat again. Kailangan ko atang inumin iyon.
Ayokong mamili eh. Kung mangyayari man talaga sa totoong buhay ang tanong ni Chix,
wala din akong pipiliin. Mas pipiliin ko na lang ang magpakalunod. Binalingan ko si
Chix. �Akin na� ung baso��
Lahat sila ay nagulat sa sinabi ko. Napalunok ako nang inabot sa akin ni Chix ung
baso. Kaya ko to. Kung si Martin nga nakaya eh, ako pa kaya? Waaahh. Kaya ko talaga
to pramis! Iinumin ko na sana ito� pero may kamay na humablot nito mula sa akin.
At nanlaki na lang ang mga mata ko nang walang sabi-sabi at dire-diretso nyang
ininom at tinungga ang alak na may halong paminta, bawang, hot sauce, patis at ang
inumin na hinalo ni Chix gamit ang mga daliri nya.
Pagkatapos nyang inumin iyon, tiningnan nya ko. �Oh, Psychopath. May utang ka sakin
ah.�

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
???
�Oh Psychopath, may utang ka sakin ah.� Sabi nya sa akin pero nagulat na lang ako
nang bigla syang tumayo. He�s covering his mouth while he stormed hurriedly to the
rest room.
�Uh-oh. I think he�s gonna throw up.� Chix said looking at Finn�s direction.
�Throw up.� Wala sa sarili na nasambit ko pagkaraan ay tumayo ako ng mabilis para
sundan sya sa banyo.
When I get there, I saw him throwing up in the toilet bowl. Nilapitan ko sya.
�Ayan. Baliw ka kasi. Sino ba naman kasi ang may sabing inumin mo yung dare na para
sakin? Tsk tsk.�
Hindi nya ako sinagot at patuloy lang nyang nilalabas ang mga bagay na nagmula sa
tiyan nya. Eww. Hahaha. But seriously, nakakaawa sya. Hinagod ko ang likod nya para
kahit paano eh guminhawa ang ginagawa nyang pag-suka.
�Tissue.� He suddenly said as he flushed the water in the bowl. Kumuha naman ako ng
tissue at iniabot yun sa kanya. �Where the hell did Chix get that idea? That drink
is so disgusting.� He uttered as he wiped his face with the tissue I gave him.
�Eh sino ba naman kasi sayong may sabing inumin mo yun diba? Bakit mo naman kasi
ginawa yun? Ayan tuloy.� Sabi kong nakatingin lang sa kanya.
�I� I don�t know. The next thing I knew, hawak hawak ko na ung baso eh�� He said
casually.
I crossed my arms and looked at him intently. Sabihin nyo nga sakin, baliw ba
talaga tong si Finn? Sino naman ang matinong sasagot ng ganun diba? Feeling ko
lumelevel up na din ang kasaltikan nitong si Finn eh. Grabe lang talaga sira nito
sa utak. Hindi ko na sya maintindihan eh.
�Alam mo, lumalala na yata ung pagkabipolar mo. Why don�t you go to a psychiatrist?
� I suggested as I give way for him while he goes to the sink to wash his hands.
�You first.� He firmly said as he washed his hands with the soap. After that, he
rinsed his hands and turned the faucet off. Pagkatapos ay kumuha ulit sya ng tissue
at pinunasan ang mga kamay nya. Pinapanuod ko lang syang gawin yun habang
nakapamewang ako at hinihintay ulit syang magsalita. �By the way, utang mo sakin
yun. So it means kailangan mo kong bayaran.� He said casually as he examined his
face at the mirror.
Napakunot ang noo kong tiningnan sya. �What the fudge? Anong utang ka dyan? Utang
your face. Hoy bipolar, I did not ask you to do that for me in the first place,
kusa mong ginawa yun so wala akong utang sayo, okay?�
�Whatever you say Dummy. Whether you like it or not, you have to return the favor I
did for you. Never heard of debt of gratitude?� He said sarcastically.
I studied him for quite long while he�s still staring at the mirror. I looked at
his eyes, his perfectly sculpted nose, his red lips, and his jaw. All are just too
perfect, I thought. How can I not fall for this guy if everything about him makes
my world go round? Finn can sometimes be the meanest jerk I�ve known, but at some
time, he could be that guy who does things for me unexpectedly. Just like what he
did a while ago.
�Don�t drool over me like that Psycho, you know, it freaks the hell out of me.� He
said as the biggest grin formed on his lips.
And now, I think his back to his jerk-of-an-arrogant attitude.
�Ugh. You know what? You�re the most unbelievable guy I�ve ever known to exist here
in earth.� I gasped just looking at him with my eyebrows met.
�Then�� He paused as if thinking of what he�s going to say next. �What about Kobe
Bryant or Michael Jordan or Agassi or maybe Houdini? They�re all unbelievable
guys.�
�Tss, ewan ko sayo. Napakabipolar mo talaga.�

�And that�s what makes me cool, right?� He said coolly grinning at me. �As I was
saying, kailangan ko nga ng kapalit sa ginawa ko para sayo dahil wala ng libre sa
mundo ngayon.�
�Ayoko nga.� I said firmly. He�s really being unfair with what he wants. To begin
with, hindi ko naman talaga hiniling na inumin nya ung dare para sakin eh.
�Okay. Edi wala na ding bisa yung deal natin nun sa EK.� He said as he shrugged his
shoulders.
Nilapitan ko sya at dinuro ko sya sa muka nya. �Hoy, napakadaya mo naman! Wala
naman yan sa usapan natin eh. Ibang klase ka talagang bipolar ka. Basta wala akong
utang sayo.� Naiiling kong sabi sa kanya.
�Okay then, we�ll just consider the deal in EK null and void.� He said seriously.
I took a deep breath as I get a hold of myself. Aisssh, napakadaya nitong lalaking
to! I guess I don�t have a choice but to get this deal done. Gusto ko pa din
magdemand ng prize sa kanya since ako ung nanalo sa pustahan namin sa EK. �Ugh.� I
sighed again. �Fine. What do you want?�
�Hmm�� He said, he placed his hand under his chin. �Just like our bet in EK, I�ll
just ask you my demand after I thought of a good pay from you.� With that, lumabas
na sya ng CR at dumiretso na pabalik sa kwarto.
Soon after we got out of the CR, naabutan namin si Bessie na nagliligpit nung mga
kalat na ginawa namin.
�They�re all wasted.� Sabi ni Bessie nang maramdaman na lumapit kami ni Finn.
My eyes searched for the four drunkards and I found them lying on the bed. What
Bessie said is true, they�re wasted. Totally wasted. Napangiwi ako nang makita ko
si Hiro at Martin dun sa isang kama, magkayakap pa yung dalawa. Ganyan ba talaga
yung epekto ng alak sa kanila? Donna on the other hand is lying in a fetal
position, her hair is a total disaster same as Chix who�s lying on the other bed.
This room consists of three beds. Chix and Donna are sleeping peacefully in their
respective beds while Martin and Hiro lie� on my bed.
�Where the hell will I sleep?!� I exclaimed after realizing the thought.
�Outside.� Finn said, definitely mocking me.
�Outside ka dyan, mauna ka kaya noh?� Naaasar kong sabi sa kanya.
�You can sleep in our room Ally, if you want.� Bessie suggested.
I looked at him. Sleep in their room? I think that�s not a good idea. Hindi naman
sa nag-iisip ako ng masama, kaya lang, feeling ko mali pa din un. Conservative ako
noh. Muahaha. �No thanks Bessie. Dito na lang siguro ako matutulog sa couch.� I
politely refused.
�Are you sure Ally? It�s just that�� He seemed hesitant with what he�s going to
say. �I want you to be more comfortable when you sleep��
I smiled at the concern he�s giving me. �I�m okay here Bessie. Thanks anyway.�
�You sure?� Tanong ulit ni Bessie.
�Yeah. I am.� Sagot kong nakangiti pa din sa kanya.
�Are you two done talking?� Finn suddenly interrupted. He was crossed arms and his
eyebrows tied a knot as he looked at us, or rather, glared at us.
I just rolled my eyes. Tiningnan ko ulit si Bessie. �Bessie, good night na.�
Nakangiti kong paalam sa kanya habang kinakaway ko ung kamay ko.
Bessie went near me and patted my head. But I was surprised with the next thing he
did. He held me close and kissed me on my forehead.
�Good night Ally.�
---
�Guys, bilis. Double time.� Sigaw ni Hiro na akala mong hindi na namin maabutan ang
beach kapag hindi pa namin binilisan ang kilos.
Pupunta daw kami ngayon sa beach resort na pag-mamay ari nila Hiro sa Samal Island
para nga masulit yung three days na bakasyon namin dito. Alas tres na kasi ng hapon
kaya nagmamadali tong si Hiro. Pano, tanghali na silang lahat nagising. Buti nga,
hindi ganun katindi ung hang-over nila eh.
Nang nakasakay na kami sa van, napansin kong may kulang. Wala si Finn. �Nasaan si
Finn?� Tanong ko kay Chix.
�Ewan ko, parating na ata.�
After a couple of minutes, dumating din si Finn. At napaka-cool nya sa outfit nya.
He�s wearing summer shorts and polo and he�s also wearing a cool hat like that of
Bruno Mars. May nakasabit din na DLSR sa leeg nya. Para syang si P�Shone sa Thai
movie na Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Ang cool nya talaga!
�Tsk. Paimportante.� Sabi ko nang sa wakas ay sumakay na sya sa harapan van.
Nilingon nya ako nang magsalita sya. �Pakialam mo?�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya at sa expression na binigay nya sakin. Mukang mainit ang
ulo nya nang tiningnan nya ako ng masama. And this time, pakiramdam ko, hindi lang
nya ginawa yun para inisin ako. Hindi nya man lang ako tinawag na Psychopath o
Dummy, kaya alam kong seryoso sya. Galit nga ata sya talaga. Pero bakit? Bakit
naman sya magagalit sakin? Sa pagkakatanda ko, wala naman akong ginawang masama sa
kanya.
�Alam mo bes, mukang kanina pa badtrip yang si Finn eh. Bakit kaya?� Bulong ni Chix
sa tenga ko.
�Ewan ko. Baka naman, di maganda yung gising nya?� Mahina kong sabi sa kanya.
�Ewan ko. Basta kanina pa yan ganyan.� Tiningnan ko lang si Chix nang may pagtataka
din sa mga mata ko, pagkaraan ay tiningnan ko si Finn sa rearview mirror. Parang
may maitim na aura ang bumabalot sa katawan nya. Tsk tsk. Anong problema nun? Hay
nako bipolar talaga.
Maging sila Martin ay nagulat din sa mood ni Finn kaya tahimik lang kami habang
bumabyahe papunta sa beach resort nila Hiro. Wala sa amin ang nag-salita.
After an hour or so, nakarating din kami sa resort. At namangha naman talaga ko
nang makita ko ang lugar. One word to describe it: Paradise. Sobrang ganda talaga
ng lugar. Malinaw at asul na asul ang dagat. Mataas din ang lugar at matatanaw mo
ang bundok sa kabilang bahagi ng isla.
Malapit naman sa beach ang napakaraming souvenir shops at food stands. Buti nga ay
medyo konti lang ang tao ngayon dito. Karamihan ay mga turista.
Pag-baba namin ng van, dumiretso kaming lahat sa rest house nila Hiro. The place is
so nice. Very homey and relaxing. There are two rooms inside the house. We�re going
to spend over night here kaya naman kailangan talaga namin ng kwarto para tulugan.
�Guys, beach na tayo. Kailangan nating habulin yung araw!� Maya-maya ay aya ni Chix
samin.
All of us, except Finn of course, nodded at Chix�s question. Then pumunta na nga
kami sa beach. Nagdala kami ng mat at mga pag-kain.
Pumunta na silang lahat sa beach at nag-umpisa nang magtampisaw sa tubig. Naiwan

lang ako at si Bessie na nakaupo lang sa mat at pinapanuod lang silang parang mga
batang naghaharutan sa tubig. Tiningnan ko naman si Finn, he�s walking along the
shoreline habang kumukuha sya ng pictures gamit ang DLSR nya.
�Para silang mga bata.� Natatawang sabi ko nang binalik ko ulit ang tingin sa apat
na ngayon ay basang basa na. Hindi ako sinagot ni Bessie. Tahimik lang syang
nakatingin sa malayo at tila meron syang malalim na iniisip.
Silence seemed to be a barrier between us for a long moment. It�s as if, the only
thing we could hear is the gush of the afternoon wind and the only thing we could
see is the crystal water and the sky now in its pink and orange color. The sun is
nearing to bid us goodbye sooner.
�Ally.� Bessie suddenly called after a long moment of silence. He�s just looking at
the very ocean as he spoke. �Is it wrong if I ask for more?�
Napakunot ang noo ko sa biglaan nyang tanong noon sakin. Ito ang unang pagkakataon
na nagtanong sakin ng seryoso si Bessie tungkol sa ganoong bagay. �What do you mean
Bessie?�
�Is it too much if I ask her for more?� Sabi nyang nakatingin pa din sa dagat. He
painted an empty smile. �I badly want to tell her how I feel about her�� He paused.
I did not speak. I was just looking at my best friend as he mouthed all the words
that made me feel anxious and somewhere along the way, naramdaman ko ang kakaibang
kaba at takot sa puso ko.
He continued, �But I just can�t Ally. I just can�t�� He looked at me sadly. �I fear
that if I tell my feelings for her, she might stay away from me. And that would be
the last thing I would want to happen. I don�t want to ruin our friendship.� He
took a deep breath as he looked at the sky.
And with those words, I remembered the things I�ve heard from him during that
night.
�Yes, Finn. I like her. A lot.�
I closed my eyes. This can�t be happening. Kahit na hindi nag-banggit ng pangalan

si Bessie, naramdaman ko na ako ang babaeng tinutukoy nya. My intuition tells me
so. At natatakot ako. Natatakot akong baka masaktan ko ang best friend ko.
Tahimik lang ako habang nakatingin lang sa dagat. Ganun din si Bessie. We were both
silent as time ticks by. Hindi na ako nagsalita pagkatapos ng mga sinabi ni Bessie
dahil pinili kong wag ng mag-salita, dahil unang-una, wala din naman akong maisip
na sasabihin sa kanya.
�Waaah nakakagutom!� Sabi ni Chix nang makarating sya sa pwesto namin. Paparating
na din yung tatlo. Mukang nagutom agad sila sa pag-tatampisaw sa dagat.
�Where�s our food?� Tanong ni Martin pag-karaan ay sumalampak sya sa buhangin.

Inabot ko sa kanila yung basket na naglalaman ng mga pagkaing hinanda ni Granny.
�Oh ayan. Kumain na kayo.� Sabi ko sa kanila. �Ikaw din Bessie.� Alok ko sa kanya.
Thanks to Chix, Martin, Hiro and Donna, the uneasiness I felt toward Bessie a while
ago was gone. He�s my best friend after all.
�Thanks Ally.� Ngiti nyang sagot sa akin at kinurot nya ang ilong ko. At buti naman
bumalik na din sya sa sarili nya na laging tinotorture ang ilong ang pisngi ko. For
some reasons, I felt relieved.
Nakita ko naman si Finn na naglalakad papalapit sa amin. �Finn, have some food.�
Alok ko sa kanya. Pero parang nagsalita lang ako sa hangin dahil hindi nya ko
pinansin. Instead, umupo sya sa tabi ni Martin at nakita kong may sinabi sya dito.
What the hell is his problem? Bakit parang sakin lang yata mainit ang ulo ng
bipolar na to?
Kagabi lang, okay pa naman sya. Sinave pa nga nya ko sa dare diba? But what the
heck is happening to him right now? Kanina sa van, tapos ngayon naman. Ano bang
problema nito?
Hindi ko na lang din sya pinansin. Bipolar naman yang si Finn. Baka mamaya magbago
na ulit ang mood nya at baka kausapin at asarin nya ulit ako kapag medyo okay na
sya. Ang hirap talaga nyang ispelengin.
�Laine. Saan nga pala yung digicam natin?� Biglang tanong sa akin ni Chix.
Hinalungkat ko yung mga gamit na dala dala ko pero hindi ko nakita yung digicam na
dala namin ni Chix. �Halaa, nakalimutan ko yata sa kwarto. Teka, kukunin ko lang.�
Sabi ko pagkatapos ay tumayo ako at nilakad-takbo ko ang direksyon pabalik sa rest
house.
Nung nandun na ako, pumunta na ako sa kwarto namin at hinanap dun sa bag ko yung
digicam, nakita ko naman ito agad. Palabas na sana ako ng rest house nang may
mahagip ang mga mata ko sa bintana sa likod ng bahay. An unfamiliar specie of bird.
Tinungo ko agad yung bintana sa likod at nakita ko nga yung ibon, siguro mga five
meters away lang sya from the house.
Dahil may pagka-feeling Kuya Kim ako, nagpunta ako sa likod ng bahay para picturan
yung ibon. Nang makarating ako doon, namangha ako sa lugar. Hindi ko ito napansin
kanina pagpasok namin dito. Gubat na pala yung likod ng bahay. Sobrang relaxing
yung pakiramdam.
Nang medyo makalapit na ako dun sa ibon, pinagmasdan ko syang nasa tuktok nang di
kataasang puno. Ang cool ng kulay nya as in! May shade ng bright orange, blue,
green at red pero medyo maliit lang sya. Inilabas ko ang camera sa casing nito para
kuhanan sya ng litrato pero nagulat na lang ako nang bigla itong lumipad. Ayy
badtrip na ibon! Camera shy ata.
Sinundan ko ang direksyon kung saan pumunta yung ibon since medyo maliwanang pa
naman. Hindi naman siguro lulubog yung araw agad agad noh? Hindi ako aalis dito
hangga�t hindi ko nakukuhanan ng magandang shot tong ibon na to. Dahil feeling ko
eh sinapian ako ng isang adventurous na kaluluwa, hinabol ko lang ito habang
palipat-lipat sya ng puno. Pero badtrip, tuwing itatapat ko na sa kanya yung
camera, bigla na lang lumilipad. Takteng ibon, mahiyain eh.
�Please come here birdie.� Kanta ko pa sa tono ng �Don�t touch my birdie� ng

Parokya ni Edgar. Pero wala eh, matigas ang ulo ng ibon na to. �Ayaw mong
magpapicture ah? Feeling mo naman hindi kita susundan?� Sabi ko dun sa ibon na kala
mo eh magkakaintindihan kaming dalawa.
Ganun lang yung naging routine namin sa mga sumunod na minuto. Lilipad sya.
Susundan ko sya. Pag nag-stay sya sa isang puno, itatapat ko yung camera. Pag iki-
click ko na para kunan sya ng shot, bigla syang lilipad at uulit na naman kami mula
umpisa. Tsk tsk.
Pero pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, nakuha ko din sa tyaga. Tumuntong sya sa isang
puno at mabilis ko syang kinuhanan ng picture. And voila! Ang ganda ng shot ko sa
kanya! Tinitigan ko pa nang mabuti yung picture, ang cool. Parang kinuhanan gamit
ang latest Canon DLSR. Muahaha. Ipakikita ko to kila Chix, paniguradong hahanga yun
sakin. May photographer�s instinct pala ko kahit paano.
I smiled at myself. Now it�s time to go back. Pero nang tingnan ko ang kabuuan ng
paligid, wala akong nakita maliban sa nagtataasang puno at halaman. Biglang lumakas
yung tibok ng puso ko. Tiningnan ko ang langit, medyo madilim na.
Naku po! Ano ba naman kasing ginagawa ko dito? Pilit kong inaalala kung saang
direksyon ako nagpunta kanina, pero hindi ko matandaan kahit anong pukpok ang gawin
ko sa ulo ko. At habang dumadaan ang oras, habang paparating na ang dilim, tsaka
lang nag-sink in sakin ang mga pangyayari. I�m lost. Here in this unfamiliar
forest.
Nag-simula ng magpanic lahat ng cells ko sa katawan. At sinisisi pa ko ng magaling

kong utak. �Bakit ka naman kasi nag-pauto sa ibon na yun? Ayan tuloy, hindi mo na
alam kung saan ka na nag-suot.�
�WAAHH TULLLOOOOONNGG!� Sigaw ko ng malakas hoping na may makarinig sakin. Naglakad

lakad pa ko at baka sakaling ihatid ako ng mga paa ko sa tamang direksyon, pero
wala eh. Parang pare-parehong lugar lang ang nakikita ko. Pare-parehong puno lang
ang nadadaanan ko. At mas lalo pa kong kinabahan nang makita kong unti-unti nang
dumidilim ang paligid.
�Siguro naman, mag-aalala sila sakin pag nakita nila kong wala pa sa rest house
diba? Hahahanapin nila ko sa gubat na to. Kaya dapat hindi ako magpanic.�
Pagpapakalma ko sa sarili ko kahit pakiramdam ko tutulo na ang luha ko anumang
oras.
Lakad lang ako ng lakad kahit hindi naman ako sigurado sa daang tinatahak ko.
Tanging huni lang ng iba�t-ibang hayop ang maririnig sa paligid. �Lord, wag nyo
munang padilimin, please? Sana makaalis muna ko sa lugar na to bago tuluyang
gumabi.� Piping dasal ko.
Tumutulo na ang pawis ko dahil sa pagod at kabang nararamdaman ko. Uhaw na uhaw na
din ako pero hindi ako pwedeng sumuko, kailangan kong magpakatatag para makabalik
ako. Kung mamalasin ka nga naman, hindi ko pa nadala yung phone ko. Tanging yung
digicam lang yung hawak hawak ko.
Hindi nagtagal, dumating na nga yung kinatatakutan ko. Madilim na. At wala na akong
makita. Nag-simula ng tumulo ang mga luha ko dahil sa sobrang takot na nararamdaman
ko. Nanginginig na ang mga tuhod ko. Pagod na ko sa pag-lalakad. Pakiramdam ko,
bibigay na ang katawan ko anumang oras.
�TULONGGG!� Malakas na sigaw ko sa kabila ng pag-hagulgol ko. Nadagdagan pa lalo

ang takot ko nang makarinig ako ng malakas na huni ng hayop. Bigla ko tuloy naisip
ang mga mababangis na hayop sa paligid. Lalong tumindi ang kaba sa dibdib ko.
Kailangan ko ng umalis dito!
Tumakbo lang ako kahit wala akong makitang kahit ano sa paligid. �TULONG!� I
screamed my lungs out in between my loud sobs. Hilam na ang mga mata ko sa mga
luhang patuloy na lumalandas sa pisngi ko. Patuloy lang akong tumakbo nang biglang
may kung anong bagay ang pumatid sakin dahilan para madapa ako. Naramdaman ko ang
matinding sakit nang tumama ang tuhod ko sa isang bato. Binuksan ko ang digicam
para mag-silbi itong ilaw at tiningnan ko ang tuhod ko. At nakita ko nga ang
masaganang dugong umaagos dito.
Halos hindi na ako makahinga sa sobrang pag-iyak ko. Nadagdagan pa ang takot sa
dibdib ko dahil ngayon hindi ko na kayang tumayo at maglakad pa dahil sa hapdi at
sakit ng sugat ko. Nanatili lang akong nakasalampak sa lupa habang mahina akong
nagdadasal na sana ay may makakita at may tumulong sa akin.
�Tulong.� Naiiyak kong sabi. Hindi ko na rin yata kaya pa ang sumigaw. Kasabay ng
pag-takbo ng oras, ang pagkagat sa akin ng mga lamok. Pakiramdam ko, wala na yata
akong pag-asang makabalik pa kila Chix. Dito na siguro ako aabutan ng umaga. Dito
sa gubat. Mag-isa.
Pero lahat ng desperation na naramdaman ko kanina ay napalitan ng pag-asa nang may

tumapat na ilaw sa akin. Marahil ay galing iyon sa isang flashlight. Nabuhayan ako
bigla ng pag-asa. Finally, I�m saved. Lumapit ang taong my hawak nung flashlight.
Hindi ko maaninag ang mukha nya dahil nga sa madilim ang paligid at sa direksyon
nya nanggagaling yung liwanag. But it didn�t matter, basta ang alam ko lang, ligtas
na ko at may tutulong na sakin.
Pero laking gulat ko na lang nang bigla nya akong sinigawan.
�Are you really stupid?!� He said in between his gasps. �Ganyan ka ba katanga?
Bakit ka pumunta ng nag-iisa dito? Hindi mo ba naisip na pwedeng may mang-yaring
masama sayo? Damn it Laine! Is your brain really that useless?!!�
My tears started to spring in my eyes again because of what he said. How could he
say those words to me? Hindi nya ba alam kung gaano ako natakot dito? Hindi nya ba
alam kung anong pinagdaanan ko sa gubat na to?
Pero lalo lang akong naiyak sa mga sumunod na ginawa at sinabi nya sakin .He
kneeled down in front of me as he said those words that made me cry even more.
�I was so damn worried Laine. Thank god, you�re safe.�
After he said those sentences, he did an unexpected move that made me froze in my
place. He held me close to him and gave me the tightest hug that made all my
worries and fears washed away.

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
???
I was still crying my eyes out as he held me so tight I couldn�t breathe. All the
fears and worries I felt were all gone as he locked me with his embrace. Then
suddenly, my world was upside down again because of this man who always do
unexpected things for me.
�Akala ko kung ano nang nangyari sayo.� Mahina nyang sabi nang may bahid nang pag-
aalala sa mga tinig nya.
Hindi pa din ako tumitigil sa pag-iyak. Pero ngayon, hindi na ako umiiyak dahil sa
takot, umiiyak ako kasi alam kong ligtas na ko at higit sa lahat, sa lahat ng taong
inaasahan kong makakakita sakin dito sa gubat, sya pa ang dumating.
�How did you find me?� I asked. My chin is rested on his shoulder as his arms are
still wrapped around me.
Pagkaraan, pinakawalan nya ako mula sa pagkakayakap nya at marahan nyang hinawakan
ang mga pisngi ko at pinunasan ang mga luhang umagos doon gamit ang mga daliri nya.
�It doesn�t matter how, what matters most is now I�ve found you.�
To my surprise, he held me once more and this time, I held him back. �Thank you
Finn, thank you.� I mumbled in between my sniffs.
�Don�t ever do this again Laine. You just don�t know how it scared the hell out of
me when I realized you were gone. I was so damn worried. Don�t do silly things like
these again for I won�t forgive myself if anything bad happens to you.�
Nakasiksik lang ako sa dibdib nya habang yakap yakap nya pa din ako ng mahigpit.
Naramdaman ko yung mabilis na pag-tibok ng puso nya. Mukang nagsasabi sya ng totoo,
nag-alala nga talaga sya sakin.
�Promise, hindi na to mauulit.� Bulong ko. I felt my tummy fluttered as I inhaled

his amusing manly scent while he was hugging me.
�You said that a hug is a miracle drug, so what do you feel now?� He asked as he
released me from his hold.
I smiled at him though I cannot see his facial expression because of the darkness.
�I�m better now. Much better. Thanks. I didn�t expect you coming.�
�Tss. You don�t know me that much.� I felt that there�s a boyish grin formed on his
lips as he said that.
�Kilala kita.� Ngumisi ako. �Ikaw lang naman ang pinakamayabang at pinaka-bipolar
na tao sa mundo.�
�Psycho, gusto mo iwanan kita dito?� Naiirita nyang tanong then he poked my
forehead. �What silliness brought you here at this kind of place anyway? Sinong
matinong taong may night blindness ang mag-iisip na pumunta sa gubat na to?�
Napangiwi ako sa tanong nya. Naalala ko na naman yung ibon na yun. Sya ang may
kasalanan nito eh.
�Eh kasi, I saw a bird.� Paliwanag ko.

�A bird?!� He exclaimed.
�Yes. A bird.� Tango kong sagot sa kanya. �Eh kasi naman, sobrang ganda nya tapos
ayun. Gusto ko lang naman syang kuhanan ng picture kaya lang ang kulit nya. Layo
sya ng layo kaya naman sunod lang ako ng sunod sa kanya para makuhanan sya ng
magandang shot. Tapos ayun nga. Di ko namalayan na naliligaw na pala ko.� I smiled
sheepishly.
He poked my forehead again. �Silly. Kung gusto mo ng ibon, ang dami dun sa park na
pinuntahan natin ah. Tss. Ah alam ko na kung bakit mo ginawa yun, kamag-anak mo nga
pala yung ibon. You know, you�re a birdbrain.�
Marahan ko syang hinampas sa balikat nya. �Birdbrain ka dyan? At least hindi ako
bipolar katulad mo.�
�Dummy.� He mumbled then kinuha nya yung flashlight sa tabi nya at inilawan ang
buong paligid. �Bakit ka nga pala nakasalampak dito?�
Tsaka ko lang naalala ang nangyari kanina. Nadapa nga pala ako at tumama ang tuhod
ko sa bato. �Eh kasi�� Mahina kong sabi. Baka pagtawanan nya ko kapag sinabi kong
nadapa ako eh.
�Kasi?�
�Eh kasi, nadapa ako tapos tumama yung tuhod ko sa bato tapos ayun di na ko
makalakad kasi nga mahapdi tapos masakit.� Tuloy tuloy kong kwento sa kanya.
Nagulat na lang ako nang bigla nyang kinapa yung binti ko at tinutok doon ang
flashlight. Nakakunot ang noo nyang tiningnan ang tuhod ko na punong punong pala ng
dugo. Bigla akong nahintakutan sa sugat ko.
�What the hell Psycho? Bakit ngayon mo lang sinabing may sugat ka?!� Finn yelled as
he examined my wound. �Stupid ka ba talaga? Bakit naman nadapa ka? Masakit ba? Okay
ka lang?� Sunod sunod nyang tanong sakin pagkaraan ay may kinuha sya sa bulsa nya,
isang panyo, pagkatapos ay binalot nya ito sa tuhod ko.
�A-aray! Dahan dahan naman!� Sigaw ko.
�Stay still. Wag kang malikot Psycho, baka maimpeksyon yang sugat mo.� Pinahawak
nya sa akin yung flashlight at pinatutok nya ito sa tuhod ko. Medyo naaninag ko ang
mukha nya habang binabalutan nya ng panyo yung sugat ko. Seryoso lang sya sa
ginagawa nya. Tinitigan ko lang sya habang ginagawa nya iyon. Kasabay ng mga titig
ko sa kanya, ang malakas na pag-tibok ng puso ko.
�Oh ayan tapos na.�

Sinong mag-aakala na si Finn ang nasa harap ko ngayon? Naisip ko, posible kayang
mahalin nya ako kagaya ng pagmamahal na nararamdaman ko para sa kanya? Alam nyo un,
kahit 1% lang ang chance na mangyari yun, masaya na ko. Sabi ko sa sarili ko,
hanggat� maari, ayokong paasahin ang sarili kong maibabalik nya yung nararamdaman
ko para sa kanya. Kaya lang sa mga oras na to, hindi ko mapigil ang sarili ko.
Hindi ko mapigil ang sarili kong umasa.
Ganito pala yung love noh? Hindi mo talaga makokontrol yung mga pangyayari kahit
anong plano pa ang buuin mo. Lagi kong tinatatak sa utak ko na dapat maging masaya
na kong nakikita sya. Pero ewan ko ba, kasi sa halos araw araw na lang na ginawa ng
Diyos, lalo lang atang tumitindi yung nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. Lalo ko lang
ata syang mas minamahal. Katulad na lang ngayon, pakiramdam ko malulusaw ang buo
kong pagkatao habang yakap yakap nya ko kanina.
Kahit alam kong baka hindi naman mag-tagal tong sitwasyon namin. Kahit na alam kong
baka panandalian lang din ito. Kahit na hindi ako sigurado kung may pupuntahan ba
itong affection na pinapakita nya sakin. Alam kong mabibigyan lang ng linaw ang
lahat kapag dumating na yung oras na hinihiling ko na wag na sanang dumating pa
kahit kailan. At iyon ay ang pagbabalik ng babaeng sinabi nyang dapat lang nyang
mahalin. Naalala ko na naman ang gabing iyon.
�Because of Bianca� I can never have any other girl besides her� It has always been
Bianca and� it should have always been Bianca.�
Sa bibig na mismo nya nanggaling ang mga salitang iyon. Ano na lang ang panama ko
doon diba? Paano na lang kung ganun nga talaga yung gusto nya? I don�t even stand a
chance. And that�s what makes me more upset. I am here loving him in silence while
he�s still waiting for her. His first love.
�H-hey Psycho. Why are you crying? I�m sorry. I just want to cover your wound from
any infection. Did it hurt that bad?� He said as panic struck onto his face.
�Stupid. I�m not crying because of my wound. I�m crying because of you. I am crying
because I fell in love with a guy like you who still loves his first love.�
Gustong gusto kong sabihin yan sa kanya pero wala naman akong lakas ng loob para
gawin yun. Kagaya nga ng sinabi ko, dapat na lang akong maging kuntento. Ayokong
masira ang relasyong meron kami ngayon dahil lang sa nararamdaman ko.
�Eh kasi naman, ang sakit talaga Finn eh. Ang sakit sakit na.� And I wasn�t
referring with the wound on my knee, but because of my aching heart.
Seryoso nya akong tiningnan. �You do know I hate to see a girl crying. So hush now.
I�m sorry, okay? Uuwi na tayo. Tatawagan ko na sila para sunduin nila tayo dito
okay? Tumigil ka na sa pag-iyak. Sabi ko naman sayo, lago kang pumapanget pag
umiiyak ka eh.�
Tumango lang akong parang bata habang tinitingnan ko syang mag-dial sa phone nya.
Pinunasan ko na din ang mga luha ko.
�Bloody hell.� He muttered as he looked at his phone.
�What�s wrong?�
�Walang signal sa lugar na to.�
I sighed. Bakit napakamalas yata ng araw na ito? �Pano na yan?� Nag-aalalang tanong
ko.
�I guess, we�ll have to stay here longer. Baka maligaw lang tayo lalo kapag pinilit
pa nating bumalik. Malalim na ang gabi. Besides, may sugat ka pa.�
So it means, we�re going to spend the whole night here in this unfamiliar forest?
How cool is that? HAHAHA. Joke lang!
Sumiksik sya sa tabi ko at nag-indian seat. Ako naman nakaupo lang din habang yakap
yakap ko ang mga tuhod ko.
�Patingin nga ako ng ibon na sinasabi mong kinuhanan mo ng picture.� Sabi nya
pagkaraan. Ibinigay ko naman sa kanya yung digicam at tinuro ko yung picture nung
ibon na nakita ko.
�So ano, ang cute diba?� Sabi kong nakatingin lang sa kanya.
�I think, worth it naman pala yung pagkaligaw mo sa gubat na to. This is a species
of rainbow lorikeet, an indigenous species mostly found in Australian rain
forests.� He said then he smiled at me. �Nicely done Psychopath.�
�Tss.� I just sneered. �Nga pala, maalala ko lang, bakit kanina parang galit ka
sakin? Ang sungit mo kasi. May ginawa ba ko?� Tanong ko.
Biglang nabura yung ngiti sa mukha nya pagkarinig nya ng tanong ko. �Wala ka na
dun.� Sabi nya sa naiinis na tono.
And here goes his bipolar-ism again.
�Ayan na naman ang mood swings mo. Bakit nga?� Pangungulit ko pa sa kanya.
�Wala nga.�
�Weh?�
�Tss. Ang kulit mo talaga Psycho.�
�Sabihin mo na kasi.�
�Tss.�
�Sige na?�
Silence fell. Hindi nya ko pinansin at patuloy lang syang tumitig sa kalaliman ng
gabi.
�Because� I was�� His voice sounded hesitant.
�You were what?�
�Ahh forget it! Just don�t mind it okay?� He said irritably.
�How can I not mind it if you�re only acting like that towards me? Isn�t it fair if
you tell me your reason why you were like that?� I said still trying to convince in
telling me his reasons.
�Okay fine.� He let out an exasperated sigh. �I was just mad at myself.�
Napakunot ang noo kong tinanong sya. �Mad at yourself? Why?�
�Because I was�� He paused. �I just felt� Ahhh, forget it Psycho! Wag ka na lang
magtanong pwede?�
�Sabihin mo na Finn. Stop acting like a kid. You always make me confused with your
actions. Pwede bang once and for all eh, linawin mo naman ang dahilan kung bakit ka
bigla bigla na lang nagagalit sakin?� I asked. At curious talaga ko kung bakit sya
ganun. A moment ago, he�s okay, tapos moments later bigla na lang magagalit. Gusto
kong malaman kung bakit ganun sya. Especially sa akin.
He gave me a serious look then he took out a deep breath. �I don�t know how to
explain this� but I always get mad every time I see you and Ivan together�� He
sighed again. �It�s just driving me insane especially last night when he kissed
you. It makes me so mad Laine.�
My mouth fell open after I heard all those words. Could it be possible that he�s�?
�What do you mean Finn? Are you, by any chance,� I gulped. �� Getting jealous with
Bessie?� I asked straightforwardly.
He looked at me fiercely. �What made you conclude that? Of course I�m not.�
�Eh bakit ka naiinis pag nakikita mo kami? Ain�t that jealousy? And if so, why? Why
are you acting like that? Katulad na lang nung nangyari nung Festive week, you were
so mad at me and Bessie. Bakit Finn, bakit?� Sunod na sunod na tanong ko sa kanya.
Hindi nya ako sinagot. Kumuha sya ng bato at ipinukol yun sa kung saan. Mukhang
naiinis sya, hindi sakin, kundi sa sarili nya. Tiningnan nya ulit ako. Seryoso ang
mga mata nyang nakatitig sa kin.
�If that�s what jealousy means, then I am.�
I was taken aback by his answer. So nagseselos nga talaga sya kaya ganun na lang
ang nagiging ugali nya kapag magkasama kami ni Bessie? Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang
nararamdaman ko sa mga oras na ito. Gusto yatang tumalon ng puso ko palabas ng
katawan ko dahil sa sobrang kasiyahan. Just the thought of him getting jealous made
my heart filled with so much glee.
�But why? Why are you jealous Finn?� Seryoso ko pa ding tanong sa kanya.
�I� I don�t know� I still need to sort things out� I already told you, you�re
making me confused too� Remember the last night of Festive week when we were at the
University Park? I told you to stay with me until I cleared all the uncertainties
and confusion you brought. And I really mean it. That�s why; I don�t want you
getting near with other guys except me.�
I was just silent for a moment. I was utterly speechless. He doesn�t want me
getting near with other guys except him? What exactly does he mean by that? Lalo
lang ata nyang nilito ang utak at puso ko eh.
�Laine, do you like me?�
I froze in my seat when he threw that question to me. He sounded so serious as he

aksed me that. What will I tell him? Should I be honest with him? Dapat ko bang
sabihing oo? O dapat ko bang sabihin na higit pa doon ang nararamdaman ko? Because
the feelings I have for him is way way deeper than the mere thought of attraction?
�Laine�� Tawag nya sakin nang hindi ko sinagot ang tanogn nya. Hindi ko sya kayang
sagutin, natatakot ako sa magiging reaksyon nya. Naduduwag ako. Seryoso ang boses
nya nang binaggit nya ang pangalan ko. Hindi sya ngayon yung Finn na mayabang at
mapang-asar. Matino ang Finn na nasa tabi ko ngayon.
�Hmm?� Matipid na tanong ko. Wala akong maisip na sabihin sa kanya ngayon. My heart
was beating abnormally.
�Now that I said it, gusto ko na ngayong linawin yung mga bagay na gumugulo ngayon
sa isip ko. I guess, it�s about time to tell my own theories.�
Gulat akong napatingin sa kanya. Anong ibig nyang sabihin? Tahimik lang ako habang
hinihintay ko lang syang mag-salita ulit.
�I couldn�t lie anymore, I guess.� He swallowed while just looking at the darkness
of the forest.
I stared at him. My heart is beating rapidly as I anticipated for the next words to
come out of his mouth. My knees tremble. I gasped for a lump of air. I was so damn
nervous with what he�s going to say.
�I couldn�t hold these emotions any longer.� He stared back at me. This time, I
could see all honesty in his eyes.
He held my shoulders while he looked at me. I swallowed the lump in my throat; I

don�t know what to say. I was tongue-tied as he looked at me intensely. Ano bang
sasabihin nya?
�Your annoying voice always echoes in my mind. You amuse me with your silliness.
You do make me laugh with your stupidity. You make me worried with your clumsiness
and carelessness. You make me smile for no reasons at all.�
My heart skipped a beat matapos nyang sabihin ang mga bagay na iyon. I felt an
overwhelming sensation embraced my whole being. This moment is too magical to
forget. Parang naramdaman ko din yung naramdaman ni Cinderella nang mahanap sya ng
prinsipe nya. The emotions I have in my heart right now were just too
uncontainable.
Silence covered the whole place. All I could hear, besides the buzzing of different
night insects, was the loud thump in my heart. I was motionless as I stared at his
eyes, and he was doing the same, staring back at me.
�I don�t know what the hell has gotten into me to tell you this, but Laine�� He
said as he gulped a mouthful of air.
�Hmm?� I murmured waiting for some words to slip off his tongue. I felt a sudden
twitch in my stomach as I anticipated for his voice. At palakas nang palakas ang
tibok ng dibdib ko na para bang sasabog na ito dahil sa iba�t-ibang emosyon na
bumabalot ngayon sa pagkatao ko.
I saw him opening his mouth to continue regarding the things he�s about to say but
a sudden loud voice made him stopped to do so. That familiar voice cut him off even
before he speaks.
�ALLY!�
Finn and I both covered our eyes due to the huge luminous light coming past towards
us. Napalingon kami sa pinanggalinagn ng boses. Sigurado akong boses yun ni Bessie.
He�s running as he came closer to us.
I couldn�t explain the emotions I felt when Bessie came. Basta ang alam ko lang,
the magical moment that engulfed both Finn and I earlier was gone.

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
???
�Laine! Where in the world have you been?� Asked worried Chix who came rushing
toward us when we finally got back at Hiro�s resthouse.
I smiled at her. �Ayun, naligaw ako sa gubat eh.� Tumawa ako ng mahina pagkaraan ay
binalingan ko si Bessie. �Bessie, pwede mo na kong ibaba. Thank you.� Actually,
naaawa na nga ako kay Bessie kanina pa dahil naka piggyback ride ako sa kanya
magmula nang umalis kami mula sa gubat. Nakapasan lang ako sa kanya all throughout
our way here.
�Okay, I�ll get you down once we reached the couch.� Sagot ni Bessie.
Lahat sila nakapaligid sakin nang makaupo na ako sa couch. Dali daling kumuha ng
first-aid kit si Donna para gamutin yung sugat ko.
�Dons. Dahan dahan lang ah? Wag mo lalagyan ng alcohol.� Paalala ko kay Donna.
Ayoko talaga sa alcohol. Mas gugustuhin kong wag na lang gamutin yung sugat ko kesa
lagyan yun ng alcohol. Okay na ko sa betadine at hydrogen peroxide.
�Ang tapang tapang mong pumunta sa gubat mag-isa tapos simpleng alcohol lang takot
ka?� Donna said sarcastically then she bent over to reach for my scraped knee.
�Aww that must hurt real bad.� Napapailing na sabi ni Martin.
�Laine, are you okay? Bakit naman kasi pumunta ka dun mag-isa? Alam mo bang nag-
alala kami sayo?� Concerned na sabi ni Hiro.
�Oo nga naman Bes. Sira ka talaga. Akala ko kung ano nang nangyari sayo. Kinuha mo
lang ung digicam pagkatapos hindi ka na bumalik.� Sabi naman ni Chix. �Sobrang nag-
worry talaga kami sayo.�
�Ano ba kayo guys? Nandito na ko oh. Buhay na buhay. Para kayong sira. Ang mahalaga
nakabalik na ko okay?� Nakangiti kong sabi sa kanila. Kumpleto silang lahat na
nakapalibot sakin, maliban lang kay Finn. My eyes searched for him pero hindi ko
sya nakita. Bigla na lang syang nawala nang makabalik kami dito eh.
�Ally, ikaw talaga. Sabi ko naman sayo, wag mo na kong pag-aalalahanin ng ganun
diba?� Nakatingin sakin si Bessie ng seryoso nang magsalita sya. Matinding pag-
aalala ang nakita ko sa mga mata nya.
�Opo Bessie. Sorry na po, okay?� Sabi ko sa kanya.
Nagumiti naman sya sakin at ginulo na naman ang buhok ko. �Okay Ally. Apology
accepted.�
Matapos gamutin ni Donna yung sugat ko, napagdesisyunan kong magpahinga na. Hindi
yata biro ang naging experience ko dun sa gubat noh. Naghalf-bath na muna ako dahil
sobrang pawis ako kanina dahil sa kakalakad at kakatakbo sa gubat na yun.
Pumunta na ako sa kwarto ko para matulog. Habang nakahiga ako sa kama ko, hindi ko
maiwasang isipin ang naging usapan sa pagitan namin ni Finn.
�Your annoying voice always echoes in my mind. You amuse me with your silliness.
You do make me laugh with your stupidity. You make me worried with your clumsiness
and carelessness. You make me smile for no reasons at all.�
Hindi ko maiwasan ang ngumiti nang maalala ko ang sinabi nyang yun sakin. Syeett!
Ano kayang ibig nyang sabihin dun? Waaahh. OMG kinikilig yata ako. Muahahaha.
�I don�t know what the hell has gotten into me to tell you this, but Laine��
Ano kaya sana yung sunod nyang sasabihin dun? Grabe naman kasi. Alam nyo ba yung
feeling na sobrang nag-aanticipate ka na matapos basahin yung isang book, ung
feeling na andun na eh, yun na yun eh, pero bigla na lang guguho ang mundo mo kasi
punit pala yung next page. Ganun na ganun ung pakiramdam ko ngayon eh.
Ilang beses na kong nagpabiling-biling sa kama ko habang iniisip ko yung mga bagay
na posible nyang sabihin sakin kaya lang, kahit anong gawin ang pagsosolove ko,
walang makapa ang utak ko. Knowing Finn, napaka-bipolar nya. Pabagu-bago sya ng
isip. Lalo tuloy akong nacurious! Si Bessie kasi eh, wrong timing! Ahahaha.
Yun pa din ang nasa isipan ko hanggang sa mapikit na ang mata ko at dinala na ko ng
dilim sa panaginip ko.
---
Bigla akong nagising dahil sa pag-kalam ng sikmura ko. Tiningnan ko yung oras sa
cellphone ko, 2:30 na ng madaling araw. Tsaka ko lang naalala, hindi nga pala ko
nagdinner kanina. Lunch pa ang huling kain ko dahil hindi naman ako kumain ng
meryenda kanina.
Nagpunta ako sa kusina para kumuha ng pagkain. Swear, nagaalburoto na talaga tong
tiyan ko sa gutom. Pinang-ilaw ko ang phone ko sa daan pagkatapos ay kinapa ko ang
switch ng ilaw.
Binuksan ko yung ref para humanap ng makakain. Sakto naman may mga left-over pa
mula sa meryenda kanina. Meron pang spaghetti na natira. Kinuha ko ito para initing
muli sa microwave.
Habang hinihintay ko yung spaghetti, naghanda din ako ng sandwich. Kinuha ko yung
mayonnaise sa cabinet at nagsimula itong ispread sa loaf bread na hawak hawak ko.
Binuksan ko muli yung ref para kumuha naman ng maiinom.
�Hey. Bakit gising ka pa?�
Nabitawan ko ang bote ng juice na hawak hawak ko dahil sa pagkagulat. Sino ba

namang hindi, to think na anong oras na. Kinuha ko muli yung bote pagkatapos ay
sinara ko yung ref at humarap dun sa nagsalita.
�Bakit ba ang hilig hilig mong sumulpot?� Gulat ko pa ding tanong ko sa kanya. Naka
sweat shorts sya at naka-white shirt. Mukang kakagaling lang din nya sa tulog,
medyo gulo gulo ang ayos ng buhok nya pero ang cool pa din nyang tingnan. Ahaha.
�Tss. Tabi nga.� He sneered at my question pagkaraan ay hinawi ako at binuksan nya
ung ref. Nakita ko syang kumuha ng tubig at dire-diretsong tinungga iyon at ininom.
Kinuha ko naman yung spaghetti sa microwave nang ready na ito.
�Ano yan?� Tanong nya sa hawak ko.
�Bulag ka ba? Edi spaghetti.� Simpleng sagot ko sa kanya.
�Psycho, alam kong spaghetti yan.� Naiirita nyang sabi sa akin.
�Ibig kong sabihin, kakain ka nang ganitong oras?�
�Oo, nagugutom ako eh.� Simpleng sagot ko habang pinirasuhan ko ang sandwich na
ginawa ko at sinubo iyon sa bibig ko.
�Ahh. Gawa mo din ako ng sandwich. Tapos, bigyan mo din ako nang spaghetti.� Sabi
nya sakin habang pinapanuod akong kumain.
�Wagas naman to kung makapag-utos. Teka lang po Sir ha?� Sarkastiko kong sabi. Pero
kagaya nga ng sinabi nya, ginawan ko din sya ng sandwich at kumuha ako ng isa pang
plato para bigyan sya nung spaghetti. Pasalamat sya, sya yung unang nakakita sakin
sa gubat.
�Dun tayo sa may veranda.� Yaya nya sakin pag-kaabot ko nung hinihingi nya. Hindi
nya na hinintay pa ang sagot ko at tuloy tuloy na nyang tinungo ang pinto at
lumabas.
�Wow. Ang ganda.� Natutuwa kong sabi nang makarating na kami doon. Tanaw kasi mula
roon ang kabuuan ng dagat. �Ang lamig pa ng hangin.�
Hindi sya nag-salita pero nakikita ko sa mga mata nya ang pag-hanga sa magandang
view na nakikita namin mula rito. Tahimik lang kaming kumain habang tinatanaw pa
din ang dagat na humahampas ang bawat alon kasabay ng malakas na hangin.
�Okay na ba yung sugat mo?� Maya-maya ay tanong nya sakin, nakatingin lang sya sa
dagat.
�Hmm. Medyo masakit pa din. Pero okay na naman ako. Malayo naman to sa bituka eh.�
Ngiti kong sagot sa kanya.
Tumango tango lang sya pagkarinig nya nang sagot ko. Pagkatapos nun, katahimikan na
naman ang naghari sa aming dalawa. Yung malakas na hangin at ang hampas lang ng
alon ng dagat ang maririnig namin.
Kating kati na nga ang dila ko para tanungin sya kung ano bang ibig sabihin nya dun
sa mga sinabi nya sakin sa gubat, kaya lang wala naman akong lakas ng loob para
gawin yun. Nahihiya ako eh. Ansaveehh ng mahiyain? Muahaha. Pero seriously, after
kong marealize ang mga bagay bagay, medyo nagbago na din yung pakikitungo ko sa
kanya. I mean nung time na obsess pa kong maging boyfriend sya (err, alam nyo na
naman kung bakit ko ginawa yun diba?), hindi naman ako nahihiya kapag kausap sya.
Ang dami ko pa ngang ginawang kalokohan para magpapansin sa kanya eh. Pero ngayon,
nag-iba na. Tinutubuan na ko ng hiya kapag kasama ko sya. Feeling ko laging may
automatic blush-on na nilalagay sakin kapag kausap sya, lalo na sa seryosong
usapan.
Tahimik pa din sya na tila malalim ang iniisip. Bakit ba ayaw nyang mag-salita?
Nakakainis naman eh. Pwedeng pwede na nyang ituloy yung sasabihin nya sakin eh. Eto
na yung moment oh. Kaming dalawa lang, not to mention na sobrang napakaromantic ng
gabi. TOINKS! Romantic talaga eh noh? Mangarap ka dyan Laine. But seriously, ano ba
talaga yung sasabihin nya?!
Tanungin ko na kaya? Ihh kaya lang nahihiya nga ako. Muahaha. K, Ang landi ko.
�Finn.� Mahina kong tawag sa kanya.
�Hmm?�
Okay. This is it! Itatanong ko na talaga. It�s really now or never! Kailangan ko na
talagang malaman kung ano yung sasabihin nya, or else, habambuhay akong mamamatay
nang dahil sa curiousity regarding on what he�s going to say that time.
I cleared my throat. �Hmm� about pala dun sa ano��
�What?� Walang emosyon nyang sagot sakin.
�Hmm dun sa ano��
�Huh?�
�Yung ano kasi��
�Anong ano ba sinasabi mo dyan?
�Kasi diba nung ano��
Binigyan nya ko ng tinging kala mo may question mark sa mga mata nya. Pagkaraan ay
umiling sya. �Ano ka ng ano, puro ka ano. Psycho ka talaga.� Naiinis nyang sabi sa
akin.
�Eh kasi naman. Di mo ba magets yung ano na sinasabi ko?!�

�What the hell in the world are you talking about?!�
�Yung ano�� I muttered under my breath. �Yung ano, yung spaghetti... Masarap noh?!�
Okay, Laine. Very good. After a couple of your non sense ano�s, yan lang ang nasabi
mo. Great. Just perfectly great.
�Eh anong magagawa ko? Hindi ko kaya eh. Nahihiya ako.�
�So you�re now talking to yourself alone? I guess, kailangan mo na talagang magpa-
admit sa isang lunatic asylum.� Ngising sabi nya sakin.
�Huh?� Gulat kong tanong sa kanya tsaka ko lang narealize na napalakas pala ang
pagsasalita ko habang nilalabanan ko ang epal kong konsensya.
Naiiling nya akong tiningnan. �You�re case is hopeless.�
�Tse! Kala mo naman ako lang, ikaw din kaya! BIPOLAR!� Asar ko sa kanya.
He stood up all of a sudden and went near where I am sitting. I was startled when
he bent over me. His face was so close to mine. OMG. What will he do?
�Close your eyes.� He mumbled under his breath. OMG. Anong gagawin nya?
At anong gagawin ko? Pipikit ko ba ang mga mata ko kagaya ng sinabi nya. I
swallowed a chunk of air in my throat. I am perspiring despite the strong wind. My
knees are shaking. My heart is racing to its fastest. Sobrang lapit ng muka nya.
Kitang kita ko ang mata nyang nakatingin ng diretso sa akin. I feel like his stares
sink down within my soul. Waahh, naconcious tuloy ako.
�B-b-bakit?� And I was stuttering.
�Just do it. Close your eyes.� His words are firm and commanding.
I gulped for another lump of air. And I obeyed him. I closed my eyes.
I didn�t hear any words from him since I did what he told me to do so. My eyes are
still close. Psshhh. Ano ba? Bakit wala pa syang sinasabi or ginagawa? GINAGAWA?
You mean, Finn to KISS me?!! Oyy grabe, wala akong iniisip na ganun. Wala talaga,
SWEAR! I am not anticipating our lips to meet. Grabe, wala talaga!!
After what seemed like forever, wala pa din. Hindi pa din sya nagsasalita. Baka
naman, pinagtripan lang ako nung bipolar na yun pagkatapos iniwan lang nya kong
mag-isa na nakapikit na parang tanga dito. Grr! Lagot talaga sya sakin!
I opened my eyes in rage only to find out that his face is still near mine. Our
eyes met. My heart races again to what seemed like a thousand beats per minute.
�I thought you left---�
�Ssshhh...� He murmured cutting halfway of my sentence.
�Why are you doing this?� My words are tensed, firm murmur of curiosity.
He did not answer me; his gaze makes me feel like I�d melt if he continues doing
that. Alam nyo ba yung ganitong feeling? Pakiramdam ko lagi na lang humihinto ang
oras kapag nagtatama ang mga mata namin.
�Mind if I kiss you, Laine?�
My eyes widened. Pakiulit nga kung anong sinabi ni Finn!! Tell me this isn�t a
dream! OH MY GAHD. Anong gagawin ko? Lalong bumilis ang pintig ng puso ko. I hold
my breath for like a minute, realizing what he had said.
Tama ba talaga yung narinig ko? I swallowed the lump in my throat. I�m so darn
nervous. I run out of words to say. Patuloy lang akong nakatingin sa kanya habang
hindi ko alam kung anong isaisagot ko sa kanya.
Then suddenly, a big smirk came across his face. He poked my forehead and
straightened his back. He looked at me.
�You think I would really do that?� He chuckled, teasing me with his soft laughs.
My eyes are still in awe after what he had said. I blinked and I saw him laughing
still. I bit my lower lip in humiliation. Pwede bang pumatay ng tao sa mga oras na
to?
�BIPOLAR!!!� I said in fury after realizing all he�d said and done were pure
mockery.
He�s still laughing his heart out as anger registers on my face. Grabe, napakasama
talaga ng unggoy na to!! Nakakainis!!
I stood up from my seat, preparing for a good walk-out. I started to take steps
toward the door but his strong arm grabbed my wrist which made me tilt against his
chest, burying my face onto it. And to my surprise, he wraps his arms around me.
�Okay, maybe not yet for a kiss. But a hug will do.�
My heart beats frantically upon hearing those words and because of the sudden
embrace. We were like that for I don�t know how long. Then suddenly, he freed me of
his hold. He looked at me then he poked my forehead again.
�Sleep tight Laine. Good night.�
---
If only I could paint the town red because of the happiness I feel, I would gladly
do it without any hesitation. All the uncertainties I felt were gone for a while
for all I know is that I am in deep contentment after what happened last night in
Davao.
Our plane will be landing in ten minutes. Maamoy ko na naman ang simoy ng hangin sa
Manila. Aww, mamimiss ko tuloy ang Davao lalo na�t ang daming memories na nangyari
doon.
Nilingon ko si Finn na seryosong nakatanaw lang sa bintana, seryosong nakatingin

lang sa mga ulap. Ano kayang iniisip nya ngayon? Iniisip din kaya nya yung mga
nangyari katulad ng pag-iisip na ginagawa ko?
�Okay, maybe not yet for a kiss. But a hug will do.�
Nag-echo na naman sa pandinig ko yung mga sinabi nya. Maybe not YET for a kiss. So
may balak sya? Muahaha. I giggled at the thought, stopping later when other
passengers looked at me like I�m some kind of a lunatic.
Shortly after, nakababa na din yung eroplanong sinasakyan namin. Dumiretso kami dun
sa luggage hold area para abangan yung mga gamit namin doon. After nun, dumiresto
naman kami sa isang coffee shop sa loob ng NAIA.
�After our weekend vacation, torture na naman tayo sa pag-aaral.� Sabi ni Hiro
habang hinihigop yung kape nya.
�Owss? Nag-aaral ka Martin?� Nang-aasar na tanong ni Chix.
Nagtawanan naman kaming lahat sa tanong ni Chix kay Martin. Ang kulit talaga ng mga
to. Pagkatapos ng chitchat at asaran, we headed toward the departure area.
We were waiting for Hiro�s van when suddenly a pretty girl wearing a loose white
blouse and denim shorts came rushing toward us. Nastarstruck yata ako sa kanya. Ang
ganda nya talaga. She�s tall and mestisa. Her long wavy brown hair swayed
simultaneously with the wind. She�s really beautiful.
Lahat kami nagulat nang makalapit na sya sa amin, particularly the guys. Ewan ko,
baka kasi sila napahanga din ng magandang babae na nasa harap namin ngayon. But I
was real shocked as she went excitedly toward Finn. And much more to my surprise,
she hugs him.
�James! I missed you!�
I was in utter silence. All the worries and fear in my heart literally were written
all over my face. My heart trembled when he spoke of her name.
�Bianca.�

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
???
My heart pounded so fast lalo na nang yakapin din pabalik ni Finn si Bianca. Now
she�s really back. His first love�s back. Dumating na yung araw na kinatatakutan
ko. Bakit ngayon pa sya dumating kung kailan nabuhayan na ko ng pag-asa? Life is
really ironic. Once you�re in deep happiness, next you�ll be completely aching with
pain.
�Bianca, when did you arrive?� Asked Finn, still in shock after seeing her.
The girl smiled as she pinched his cheeks. �Just got back last Friday Mr. James. I
did not call you intentionally because I want it to be a surprise but it turned out
you were not here last Friday. So I went rushing here after I learned from your dad
that you all went in Davao and today�s your arrival. Sayang, hindi ako umabot.
Gusto ko din sanang sumama sa inyo eh.�
She then looked at the guys, giving a friendly smile. �Hey ChocoPaps, how are you
huh?�
�We�re good. Bianca, we missed you!� Hiro said smiling from ear to ear.
�Finally, the vocalist�s first love is back.� Martin said afterwards.
I was damn hurt after hearing Martin�s statement. Tengene. Hindi ba iniisip ni
Martin na may magseselos dahil sa sinabi nya?
�So how�s New York, B?� Bessie asked.
Okay, for a moment. Donna, Chix and I felt out of place in this group. Tahimik lang
kami habang pinapakinggan silang mag-usap. I think all of us felt intimidated
toward this girl, especially me, knowing that she�s Finn�s first love.
�Well everything�s good. New York�s still New York, y�know.� She smiled childishly.
�I miss hanging out with you guys. Jamming tayo once we arrived, okay?� She then
shifted her look at us, giving us her cute smile. �Wow, so you�re with these pretty
girls huh?� She asked the boys.
�Hello. I�m Bianca.� Sabi nyang nakangiti samin. Her voice is sweet as she
introduced herself. She reached out her hand for a handshake. Lahat naman kami
nakipagkamay sa kanya.
�So you�re these boys� girlfriends?� She paused as if thinking. �Uhh, I guess.
You�re Hiro�s girlfriend.� Nakangiti nyang sabi kay Chix who nodded at her and she
too, smiled at Bianca.
�And this pretty girl here, girlfriend ka ni Martin noh?� Tanong nya naman kay
Donna.
�No. I�m not. I�m not anyone�s girlfriend here.� Sagot naman ni Donna sa kanya. I
looked at Martin. Not any hint of emotion can be seen on his face.
�Oh.� Tanging nasambit ni Bianca pagkaraan ay sakin naman sya tumingin. �And
finally,� she gave me a friendly smile. �I am very sure you�re Ivan�s girlfriend.�
I was about to answer her when suddenly, Finn spoke. �Hey guys. I think the van is
already here.�
Tumingin kami sa direksyon na tinuro ni Finn at nakita nga namin ang familiar na
van ni Hiro na naghatid din samin dito sa airport noon. Lahat naman kami ay sumakay
na doon, kasama si Bianca.
She seems kind and nice. She�s pretty and friendly pero ewan ko ba. I don�t like
her the moment I knew her name. To make it short, ayoko sa kanya kasi sya si
Bianca.
So while on our way, tahimik lang akong pinapanuod ang mga sasakyan sa kalsada.
Wala ang isip ko sa loob ng van, malayo itong lumilipad sa hindi ko alam sa kung
saan. Basta ang alam ko lang, nakacenter kay Bianca ang usapan. About New York,
about the old times among the five of them. Minsan nga parang gusto ko nang lumabas
ng sasakyan eh. Outcast ako dito, pakiramdam ko.
�Ally, you okay?� Tanong sakin ni Bessie. Katabi ko sya ngayon. Tinanguan ko lang
sya. Wala ako sa mood makipag-usap ngayon.
�You sure?� Tanong ulit nya. This time, tumango akong nakangiti sa kanya para
ipakita sa kanyang okay lang ako. Mukang naniwala naman sya as he pats my head.
Naiinis talaga ko ngayon. Bakit pa kasi dumating tong Bianca na to? She talks all
about herself. Sometimes I look at them as if I�m listening. Baka kasi isipin nya
na rude ako sa kanya diba. I looked again at the window habang wala ako sa sarili
ko. But my ear catches a thing she said that made my heart ache with so much pain.
�So now that I�m back, James and I can start all over again.�
I wasn�t looking at her as she said it but I feel she�s smiling big time telling
that to them. Okay, now that I heard it, all seem to be pretty clear now.
�HEY GUYS! I NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS DAMN CAR!�
Gulat silang napatingin sakin nang bigla akong sumigaw. I don�t know why the hell I
did that, pero wala na kong pakialam. I need to escape from here or else I might
break down any moment. And I don�t want that to happen.
�But Ally, we�re in the middle of the highway.� Bessie said as he looked at me. His
face shows concern over me.
I looked at the window again, and Bessie�s right. Ganito na pala ko kawala sa
sarili ko. Hindi ko man lang napansin na nasa kahabaan pala kami ng NLEX. But then
again, wala na kong pakialam. Basta ang alam ko, kailangan ko nang umalis dito.
Ngayon na.
�But I need to get out. Stop the car, now!� I said with authority. Hindi ko alam
kung anong mangyayari sakin once I get off here, but I don�t care. Mas gugustuhin
ko pang lakarin ang kahabaan ng expressway kesa ang magbulag-bulagan sa nakikita ko
na magkatabi lang si Finn at Bianca ng upuan.
�Laine!� Chix exclaimed. Nag-aalala ang mga tingin na binigay nya sakin.
�Stop the car. Now.� Sabi ko. My words murmur in surrender. Hindi na ko
makikipagtalo basta pababain lang nila ko dito ngayon.
�Laine. Don�t be that stubborn okay? Malapit na naman tayo eh.� Sabi naman ni
Martin sa akin.
�STOP THE CAR!!�
�HEY DUMMY!� His words were in rage. At sobrang lalo akong nasaktan when he called
me by that stupid name again. Worst, sa harap pa mismo ni Bianca. �ARE YOU OUT OF
YOUR MIND? WHAT THE HELL HAS GOTTEN INTO THAT BIRDBRAIN OF YOURS FOR YOU TO ACT
THAT WAY? ARE YOU JUST PLAIN STUPID? YOU�RE GONNA MAKE US WORRIED AGAIN, THIS TIME
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY?!�
They were all silent after Finn�s outrage, as for me I felt humiliated, wretched,
hurt. First, he called me a dummy, a birdbrain and stupid. I know I�m already used
to his mocking and all, but this time is different. Sa harap pa mismo ni Bianca.
How great is that?
I did not have the urge to fight him back. Hindi na lang ako nagsalita kasi alam
kong baka bigla na lang tumulo ang mga luha ko. I don�t want to add that to the
embarrassment I feel right now. Tahimik lang ulit ako habang nasa daan kami. It was
like the longest drive of my life.
Chix and Donna looked at me. They�re worried, I know. Alam na siguro nila kung
bakit ako nagkakaganito. I think there�s no need to hide it from them anymore.
Bessie on the other hand was completely silent. I don�t know what he�s thinking but
one thing is for sure, he�s worried about me.
After the trip that seemed to be like forever, nasa tapat na kami ngayon ng bahay
ko. Eto na yata ang magiging pinakaexcited kong uwi sa bahay.
�Hey guys, thanks. Sorry for the outrage a while ago. Maybe I�m just too tired
that�s why I said all of those stupid rants. But anyway, thank you really. Paps
Hiro, thank you for the wonderful trip. ChocoPaps, girls. Ingat kayo sa daan okay?
I less than three you all.� Ngiti ko pang sabi at nag-form pa ko ng heart sa mga
kamay ko. I know I know, I�m a big liar.
Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang sasabihin nila dahil dire-diretso na kong naglakad
papunta sa loob ng bahay.
�Oh Laine.� Gulat na tanong ng Mama ko nang nasa loob na ko. �How�s your trip?�
�Okay lang Ma. Nandyan nga pala yung mga souvenirs na pinapabili mo sa bag ko.
Pakitingnan na lang po. Akyat na ko sa kwarto ko. Medyo napagod po kasi ako eh.�
Pagsisinungaling ko.
May sinabi pa sakin ang nanay ko bago ako pumanhik sa kwarto ko pero hindi ko na
ito pinansin pa. Gusto ko lang muna ngayong mag-isa.
I locked myself inside my room. Pinilit kong itulog na lang lahat ng nangyari, pero
hindi ako nagtagumpay. Gising na gising ang diwa ko. And worst, hindi maalis sa
isip ko yung mga nangyari.
I always remind myself that anytime these things would most likely to happen. So I
really prepared myself. Nasabi ko na ito noon eh. Hinahanda ko na yung sarili ko sa
ganito. But I didn�t know this would happen too soon.
Ang tapang tapang ko pa noon, sabi ko pa, lalabanan ko ang Bianca na yun once na
makauwi sya ng Pilipinas. Pero ano ko ngayon? Ni hindi nga ako nakapagsalita nung
dumating sya eh. Kung ikukumpara ko ang sarili ko sa Bianca na yun, para syang
mamahaling kape ng Seattle�s Best, samantalang ako, Nescafe 3-in1 lang.
Tengene, kelan ko pa minaliit ang sarili ko? Nakakainis! Nawawala tuloy lahat ng
confidence ko sa sarili ko nung bumalik yung babaeng yun eh.
So they�re gonna start all over again? Nice. Nice to know that. After Finn do all
those things for me, wala rin naman palang ibig sabihin yun. I saw him. He�s happy
the moment she embraced him. Tapos ako? Parang tanga lang na nakatingin sa kanilang
dalawa. Great. Too great that I want to smash their smiling faces on the floor.
Naalala ko na naman yung kahapon este kanina palang madaling araw when we were in
the veranda. That moment when he suddenly gave me a hug. I thought everything will
be more okay between us after that dawn. Yung feeling na niyakap ka nya, may ginawa
sya para sayo, sinave nya ko sa dare ni Chix, nahanap nya ko sa gubat, tapos parang
lahat ng yun mababalewala dahil lang sa pagdating ng first love nya?
Nakakainis lang eh. Hindi ko alam kung kay Finn ako maiinis o sa sarili ko mismo.
Kanina lang ang saya ko pa tapos biglang ngayon, kinakabahan ako. Paano nga kung
magsimula ulit silang dalawa? Paano na lang ako? Paano na lang ung nararamdaman ko
sa kanya?
Tengeneng yan. First love ko si Finn eh. Tapos first heart break at first failure
din? Hanep talaga mang power trip ang tadhana minsan. Ni hindi pa nga gaanong
lumalalim yung samahan namin ni Finn, sya namang pag-dating nung Bianca na yun.
What a life!
I tried to fight back the tear that�s about to escape from my eye, but I failed.
The tears started to run down my cheeks. Ang sakit lang eh. Kung sana kasabay ng
mga luha kong mawala yung sakit, okay sana eh. Kaya lang hindi. Alam at alam kong
may possibility na baka tumulo pa tong pesteng luhang to ng higit pa sa isang
beses. Syet, hindi ako sanay magpaka-emo. Eh anong magagawa ko? Automatic na
lumalabas yung mga tubig sa mata ko eh.
Iyak lang ako ng iyak habang nakasubsob ang mukha ko sa unan. Pero hindi nagtagal,
mukang naawa din sila sakin at tinigilan na ko. Hanggang sa makatulog ako. Sana
pag-gising ko, wala na yung sakit.
---
Kinabukasan�
It�s Monday. Nagtatalo ang utak ko kung papasok ba ko ngayon o hindi. Pero sa huli,
napagdesisyunan kong pumasok. Hindi nila pwedeng malaman na affected ako kahapon. I
tried to act like the real Laine.
Calculus ang first subject ko. Great. Classmate ko lang naman si Finn. But why the
hell would I be worried? First of all, wala na kong pakialam sa kanya. At lalong
hindi ako affected sa kanilang dalawa ni Bianca, okay? So papasok ako ng classroom
nang nakataas ang noo. Ganun lang kasimple.
Pagpasok ko, naabutan ko syang nakaupo sa usual seat nya na nakikinig sa ipod nya.
Tahimik kong hinila ang upuan sa tabi nya. Hindi ko sya pinansin. I just browsed my
phone kunwari para isipin nyang may ginagawa ako. But I was shocked when he grasped
it from my hold.
�What the hell?!� I yelled when he looked at it as if searching for something.
�Nothing. Just curious kung sino katext mo but I am glad na wala naman pala. So
here.� Sabi nya pagkatapos ay muling nyang inabot sakin yung phone ko.
Okay, what in the hell was that? I just shrugged the thought off. I need to ignore
him as much as possible. I�ll be the same Laine. I won�t be obvious that I am
affected.
�Psycho�� He called after a while.
Hindi ko sya pinansin. I just pretended to write some stuffs on my notebook.
�Dummy��
Okay Laine, ignore him.

�Laine��
Okay, even if he called my name, I still need to ignore him.
�What�s your problem? Why are you not so annoying today? Why are you so silent?�
I did not answer him. I just continued scribbling on my notes. Mahina kong
pinagdadasal na sana dumating na si Sir Paul para hindi na nya ko kausapin.
My prayer was immediately answered as Sir Paul entered the room. �Good morning
class.�
�Psychopath. Hey, why are you being like that?�
I thought na titigilan nya na ko once na magsimulang magdiscuss si Sir Paul pero

nagkamali pala ko.
�May ginawa ba ko?�
My ginawa ba ko your face moron. Hindi ko alam kung manhid ka ba or what. Is he

really this one man of a stone? After what happened yesterday, after he called me
those names in front of that girl, he would throw that stupid question to me? For
the nth time he asked, a bunch of dead air was my answer.
�So class, once we got the derivative of this equation, we can now use the��
I really tried hard focusing my attention to Sir Paul. Pero lalo lang yatang nabobo
yung utak ko. Wala man lang pumapasok kahit ano.
�Laine. Why are you being like that? If this is about what happened yesterday, I�m
sorry okay?�
Ignorance is my new best friend. Lol. But seriously, hindi ko pa din sya
pinapansin. What for?
�Okay, so you�re really going to ignore me.�
Yes. I will ignore you until the day I die. Naiinis ako sayo. Pagkaatpos mo kong
hiyain sa harap ni Bianca? Pagkatapos mo kong sigawan? Pagkatapos� pagkatapos kong
mainlove sayo? Pagkatapos kong mainlove sayo tapos wala din naman pala akong
mapapalang pagmamahal? Pagkatapos ng lahat! Hinding hindi kita kakausapin!
�Fine. You�re the one who pushed me to do this.�
Napakunot ang noo sa sinabi nya at nagulat na lang ako when he grabbed me by my
wrist and literally dragged me from my seat toward the door.
�Sir, sorry for the interruption but my girlfriend and I need to talk. Bawi na lang
kami sa next class mo. Promise, mapeperfect namin yung exam nyo sa finals.�
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang marinig ko ang mga sinabi nya. Okay, first, he called
me his girlfriend in front of many people. What scheme was that all about? Next,
perfect our final exams? Is he totally insane?
�What the hell did you do that for?� Galit kong tanong sa kanya pagkalabas namin ng
classroom. Medyo masakit na yung wrist ko dahil sa mahigpit nyang pagkakahawak doon
habang kinakaladkad nya ko sa hindi ko malaman kung saan.
�Hoy bipolar! Bitiwan mo ko!�
Hindi nya pa din ako pinapansin. Ano na naman bang problema nitong taong to?
Nakakainis na! Ginagawa na lang nya lahat ng gusto nyang gawin. Ano ko, uto uto
para sumunod sa kanya?
�Finn. Bakit mo ba ginagawa to?�
I found ourselves heading toward the auditorium. Muntik na yata akong masubsob sa
dahil sa bigla nya nyang pag-bitiw sa akin.
�What the hell is your problem?!� I yelled massaging my wrist.
�And you, what the hell is your problem?� He asked.
�Wala akong problema.� Simple kong tugon sa kanya.
�Don�t fool me Psycho. Ano bang problema mo? Bakit ka ganyan?� He asked, patience
on his voice.
Hindi ko sya sinagot. Nanatili lang akong tahimik habang nakatingin ang mga mata ko
sa sahig.
�Is it because you�re jealous?�
Inangat ko ang ulo ko para tingnan sya. I smiled weakly. �Tss. Why would I be
jealous?�
Silence fell.
�We are�� He stopped for a minute then he continued. �We�re actually� we�re
starting all over again� Bianca and I��
My heart froze. I knew this was coming, but still, I was hurt when all those words
came directly from his mouth.
I pretended as if I wasn�t affected at all with what he said. Ngumiti ulit ako sa
kanya. �Wow� so, hmm� yeah� Nice to hear that from you� Congrats��
I tried not to choke with my words. I bit my lower lip to stop my damn tears from
falling. And thank heavens, nakisama naman sila. I was still smiling yet my heart
was not. It was completely broken. Devastated. Hurt.
I plastered a hypocrite smile once more before I turn my back. I started to walk
despite of my trembling knees but for the second time, he grabbed me by my wrist
again. This time, I did not look back.
�Laine� do you like me?�
Lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa tanong nya. Nakahawak pa din ang kamay
nya sa akin.
�Answer me� honestly.�
Seriously, why question me like that? Kapag ba sinabi ko bang oo, mababago din noon
yung desisyon nya with Bianca?
�Laine, answer me.� His voice was pleading.
Tahimik lang ako. Hindi ko pa din sinagot ang tanong nya. Part of me wanted to tell
him that I don�t. But the other part was telling me the other way around, which is
the truth. Sa huli, pinili ko ang sagot kung saan alam kong mas magiging mabuti
para sakin. Or at least, that�s what I thought.
I took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and bit my lower lip again. My heart beats
swiftly. Then I said all those words with all my heart.
�Yes. I like you.�
That was my answer before I removed his hand off me and started to walk away.
Ngayon alam na nya. Huli na para bawiin pa ang mga sinabi kong iyon, pero hindi ko
iyon pinagsisihan.
Dahil alam kong makakalimutan ko din sya� Sana�

posted by chille016 (Sep 02, 2011 @ 10:13PM) views: 1097
Casts. ?
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Mabigat ang mga hakbang ko papalayo sa music auditorium. Nakakatawa, sobrang dami
na palang nangyari sa music auditorium na un. Dun ko unang nakita syang kumanta,
dun ko sya blinackmail, dun ang lugar kung saan tinulungan nya ko nang matapilok
ako, dun kami nakulong ng isang gabi. At ang pinakahuli, dun din pala ang lugar
kung saan nya sasabihin ang mga bagay na un.
They're staring all over again?
Wow. So bakit kelangan nya pa talaga sabihin sakin diba? Sana tinago na lang nya.
Kasi kung makikita ko naman silang masaya, ako na rin mismo yung lalayo eh. Kaya
lang ang sakit lang eh, sa kanya pa mismo nanggaling na mag-uumpisa ulit silang
dalawa.
I don't know where my feet would take me. Basta lakad lang ako ng lakad. I cover my
mouth trying not to break down. Ok, I know muka na kong tangang umiiyak dito, but
who cares? Moment ko to. Masakit ang puso ko for Pete's sake. At wala akong
pakialam kung pagtinginan ako ng ibang tao.
I was still crying when I bumped into someone else's chest. "Sorry." I apologized
quietly and started to take steps again.
"Ally." He muttered softly, sympathy was on his voice.
So si Bessie pala yung nabunggo ko. Huminto lang ako pero hindi ko sya tiningnan. I
don't want him to see my pathetic side. Naramdaman kong lumapit sya sa akin
pagkatapos ay bigla nyang ginulo yung buhok ko. Then my eyes widened with the next
thing he did.
"Who the hell stole the candy of my Ally?!" His voice echoed through the� Okay,
ngayon ko lang napansin� I'm in the hallway.
All the students stopped their feet from walking and looked at us. Then nagulat na
lang ako nang sumigaw ulit si Bessie, sinigawan nya yung mga students na nakatingin
samin.
"If anyone of you dares to steal Ally's candy or bully her, you'll be all dead meat
okay? Now, get going!"
Pagkatapos nyang sumigaw, bigla nya akong inakbayan tapos ay nginitian nya ko.
"Ayan Ally, wala na ulit kukuha ng candy mo."
"Bessie, para kang sira. Nakakahiya ka." I tried to laugh despite of my sniffs.
He chuckled. "Sinong mas nakakahiya satin Ally ha? You're crying like a child in
the middle of the hallway, you know. Tss. Tara na nga, bibili na lang ulit kita ng
candy. Yung maraming maraming candy."
I sighed in relief when Bessie did not throw questions like why am I crying, o what
happened to me. Alam ko namang alam nya kung bakit ako nagkakaganito. He knew it, I
know. Nginitian ko sya at pinunasan ko ang luha sa pisngi ko gamit ang kamay ko.
"Here." He handed me a blue hanky. "Para kang batang umiiyak. Sabihin mo lang sakin
kung sinong umagaw na naman ng candy mo, mababalatan ko talaga ng buhay yun."
I smiled at him then blew off my nose to his hanky. Okay, gross. Hahah. When we got
to his car, I looked at myself in the rearview mirror. I look like the woman
version of Rudolf. My eyes were puffy too. In short, ang pangit ko na pala.
"Don't worry Ally, you're still the most beautiful kahit pa ilang baldeng luha ang
iiyak mo." He smiled as he started the engine.
I smiled back at him. Although, hindi pa napapawi yung sakit na nararamdaman ko, at
least alam kong may natitira pang tao sa tabi ko, si Bessie.
Bessie stopped by sa isang supermarket. I insisted of going with him pero sabi nya
wag na daw. I just waited for him in the car. When he got back, ang dami dami nyang
dala. Mostly chocolates and candies.
Nang makaupo na sya sa driver's seat, nagtataka lang akong nakatingin sa kanya.
Nang mapansin nya naman na nagtataka ang mga mata kong nakatingin sa kanya, he
said, "Sweets like chocolates have this substance called theobromine which triggers
the release of endorphins, or the so-called happy hormones, that act like a natural
antidepressant and temporarily relieve the blues."
Mangha ang mga mata kong tumingin sa kanya. "Wow� That's hmm� so science huh? Thank
you Bessie."
"No problem Ally, you do know that I don't wanna see you crying." His words are
serious. Ngumiti lang ulit ako sa kanya.
Kumakain lang ako ng chocololate and candies while on our way. Sana effective nga
tong sinasabi ni Bessie, para mawala na lahat ng bitterness ko sa katawan. Oo na,
bitter ako. Sino bang hindi? Nakakainis eh! Naiinis ako kay Bianca, kay Finn at
higit sa lahat, sa sarili ko. Pagbali-baligtarin ko man ang mundo, alam kong dapat
ko ding sisihin ang sarili ko. Haayy.
"Bessie? Can I sleep?" I asked. Itutulog ko na lang muna yung mga nangyari kanina.
Baka kasi sakaling paggising ko, wala na yung sakit diba? Yun naman ang palagi kong
ginagawa pag may masakit sakin, itinutulog ko na lang.
"Hmm. Yeah. I'll adjust your seat for you to sleep comfortably." Sabi nya tapos
inadjust nya nga yung upuan ko tapos nagulat na lang ako nang bigla syang mag U-
turn. "Hey Bessie, bakit babalik tayo?"
"Uhh. Just wait."
Nakita kong bumalik ulit kami sa mall na pinagbilan nya ng chocolates and candies
kanina. Tapos bigla na lang syang bumaba mula sa kotse nya. "Wait for me here
Ally."
Just like what he said, I waited for him. Shortly after, nakita ko na syang
pabalik. Napangiti na lang ako sa mga dala dala nya.
"Bessie, bakit bumili ka pa nyan?" Tukoy ko dun sa unan at Tweety Bird stuff toy na
dala dala nya.
Ngumiti sya sakin. "Para kompotable ka sa mahaba-haba nating byahe."

I gave him a long curious glance. "Saan ba tayo pupunta?"
"You'll know when we get there." He smiled. "Okay, matulog ka muna dyan. Sleep
tight Ally."
---
"Wake up sleepyhead."
Nagising ako sa mahinang tapik ng mga kamay sa balikat ko. I blinked my eyes para
tuluyan na akong magising. I yawned quietly.
"We're here already?"
"Yes." Bessie smiled. "Gising na."
I stood up from my seat. Pagbaba ko sa kotse, nag-inat inat pa ko para mawala yung
antok ko. Nang alam kong gising na gising na ako, nagulat ako sa nakita ko. Isang
glass house, parang yung yung bahay ni Edward Cullen sa Twilight. Ang ganda.
"Anong ginagawa natin dito. Nasaan ba tayo?" Nagtatakang tanong ko sa kanya.
"Our rest house. Here in Batangas. Tagaytay to be exact."
Napanganga ako sa sinabi ni Bessie. Joke ba to? Nasa Batangas talaga kami? How
come? Kanina lang nasa school pa kami tapos� Paano kami napunta dito? Magkasalubong
ang mga kilay kong tiningnan sya.
Ngumiti sya sakin. "Nagulat ka ba? In case you don't know, sobrang himbing ng tulog
mo. Hindi mo na pala napansin na almost two hours na tayo sa byahe." He chuckled.
Tiningnan ko sya ng masama. "Adik ka talaga Bessie! Kala ko pa naman sa malapit

lang tayo pupunta. Wala na pala tayo sa Manila! So hindi na ko makakapasok nito?"
Tumawa ulit sya pagkaraan. "Too late for your rants, might as well eh sulitin na
natin to diba?"
Napailing na lang ako sa sinabi nya tsaka ako ngumiti. I'll thank Bessie for this.
This is what I exactly need right now, peace of mind in this kind of place. Pumasok
na kami sa loob ng glass house and I might say, sobrang ganda talaga ng interior
d�cor nito.
"Walang tao Bessie?" Tanong ko nang mapansing tahimik at wala man lang sumalubong
na maid or kahit sinong tao dito.
"Well, yeah. Pero merong tao ditong pumupunta every week para imaintain yung
kalinisan nitong house."
Napatango tango lang ako sa sinabi nya at naupo sa cute na puting couch. Almost
lahat ng gamit dito kulay puti. Ang sarap sa mata, very clean and calm ang
ambiance.
"Hindi pa tayo naglulunch. I'll just cook for us. Wait for me here." He said then
he turn on the TV.
"Sanay kang magluto Bessie?"
"You're really asking me that question huh?" He chuckled. "Ako kaya ang
pinakamasarap magluto, next to the best chef in the world."
"Tss. Yabang! Pwede ba kong tumulong?" I asked childishly.
"Sure. Be my assistant."
Sinundan ko na sya sa kitchen na puro puti din ung d�cor. "So what's our menu for
the day?"
"Bulalo, the specialty of Batangas." Proud nyang sabi.
"Wow. Marunong ka? Yehey. Tara na let's cook!"
"Madali lang naman magluto nito eh. Mostly, you'll just put all the ingredients
while we boil the meat."
Napatango tango na lang ako sa sinabi ni Bessie at pinanuod ko syang ilagay yung
beef dun sa pressure cooker. "This will take almost one and a half hour to cook."
Sabi nya.
"Ahh." I nodded. "Let's watch first while waiting for that to cook."
"Alright."
We turn the TV on again and watch Totally Spies in the Disney Channel. Hahaha.
Favorite ko to eh.
"Batangue�o ka ba Bessie?" Tanong ko.
"Hmm. Half. Hahah. My mother grew up here. This is her hometown."
"Ahh." Tango kong sabi habang nakatingin lang sa TV.
"Effective ba yung chocolate?" Maya-maya'y tanong nya.
"Hmm. Oo, effective yun, pampasakit ng ngipin." Sabi kong sinabayan ko ng mahinang
tawa. He did not seem to hear my joke. Hindi sya tumawa, instead he just looked at
me, or rather, he was staring at me like I could melt any moment.
"Bessie." Mahina kong sabi. Nacoconscious na kasi ko sa mga tingin nya sakin eh.
Hindi nya yata ako narinig. Nakatitig pa din sya sakin. Seryoso lang yung mga mata
nya.
Then suddenly, parang natauhan yata sya mula sa pagkatitig sakin. "Oh�" He cleared
his throat. "Yung bulalo."
Yun lang ang sinabi nya, pagkaraan ay bigla syang tumayo at mabilis na naglakad
papunta sa kusina.
---
"Wow Bessie. Masarap ah." Nakangiti kong puri sa niluto nya. Kumakain na kami
ngayon sa dining area.
"See, I told you? Magaling akong magluto." He said, grinning from ear to ear.
"Tss. Oo na. Lalo pang ikaw ang pinakamagaling kung lagi mo kong ipagluluto nito."
"Sure. Kung kasing cute mo ba naman ang ipagluluto ko eh, bakit hindi." He
chuckled.
"True." I chuckled a bit while chewing heartily.
After we ate, dumiretso kami sa veranda ng bahay. From where we were, tanaw na
tanaw namin ang ganda ng Taal Lake. Sobrang ganda. Sobrang relaxing ng pakiramdam.
"Wow. Nice view." I said with amusement in my eyes.
"Yeah. I usually go here pag gusto kong mag-isa. Nakakarelax kasi yung view eh."
I nodded, agreeing with what he said. Tama nga naman. Makita mo pa lang yung lawa,
para bang sinasabi nitong 'masaya ang buhay kaya wag ka ng magpaka-emo.' Ganun yung
feeling nung lugar na to. Parang sa Davao. Dun sa may rest house ni Hiro. Dun din
sa may veranda kung saan matatanaw mo yung kagandahan ng dagat. Yung magandang
sikat ng buwan, nung time na magkasama kami ni Finn habang pinagmamasdan lang ang
maliwanag nitong sikat. Dun din sa veranda kung saan nya ko niyakap.
Oh sheet. Bakit ba naalala ko pa yun? Diba nga kakalimutan ko na sya? Ibig sabihin,
kakalimutan ko na din lahat ng bagay na nangyari sa pagitan namin. Kakalimutan ko
na sya. Kakalimutan ko na yung mga sinabi nya. At higit sa lahat, kakalimutan ko na
talaga sya! Pramis!
Pero bakit ganito? Kasabay ng pagtingin ko sa lawa, kasabay din nun yung pagsulpot
ng mga alaala kasama sya. Parang pakiramdam ko, kasama ko sya ngayon na inaasar
ako, nakikita ko ang mga mata nyang naiinis sakin. Tapos nakikita ko din yung mga
mata nyang nag-aalala sa akin. Naalala ko sya nung nag-duet kami nung Festive Week,
nung time na kausap ko sya sa park ng university, nung time na pinuntahan nya ko sa
gubat, nung time na kausap nya ko sa veranda habang nakatingin lang sa dagat. Medyo
madami na din pala yung mga memories na kasama ko sya.
Bigla naman nanikip ang dibdib ko nang maalala ko yung mga oras na niyakap nya si
Bianca at noong oras na sabihin nya sa akin yun. Mag-uumpisa na ulit sila. Ibig
sabihin, I should be out of the picture, I guess. Or rather, out of his life. Much
better.
I sighed at the thought. I bit my lower lip to stop my tears from falling but I
falied once more. Sheet. Bakit ba napakahirap pigilan ng luha? Badtrip naman oh.
"Ally are you okay?"
Natigil ako sa pag-iisip nang magsalita si Bessie. Pasimple ko ding pinunasan ang
luha ko. "Huh? Hmm� Oo Bessie, ayos lang ako. Ano kasi� napuwing lang ako."
Katahimikan.
"Ally." Muling tawag nya sa akin. Hindi ko sya sinagot. I just waited for him to
speak again while I was just looking at the calmness of the lake. "Can I ask you a
favor?"
I looked at him. "Hmm. Sure Bessie."
"Just lean on my shoulder whenever you feel like crying. Wag mong kakalimutan na
nandito lang ako para sayo. The world may leave you alone, but not me. I'll always
be here for you Ally."
With all those words, hindi ko na napigilan pa ang sarili kong mapaiyak lalo. I was
touched by what he said. And for a moment, I asked myself kung bakit hindi na lang
si Bessie. Lagi naman syang nandyan para sakin. He's the most gentleman I've ever
met. He always makes me happy. He's so perfect. Pero bakit hindi ko sa kanya
naramdaman yung nararamdaman ko ngayon para kay Finn? Ironic nga talaga ang buhay.
"Bessie. Thank you." I said in between my sobs. "Thank you so much."

With that, hindi ko na napigilan pa ang sarili ko. Bessie hugged me while I buried
my face on his chest as I cried hard.
---
"Bessie." I called out. Nakatingin na kami ngayon sa papalubog ng araw. Konting

oras na lang at malapit ng magdilim.
"Hmm?"
"Can I take a bus going back to Manila?"
He looked at me seriously. Nakanunot ang mga noo nyang nakatingin sa kin. "Why?"
"Nothing. Gusto ko lang kasi mag-isip isip."
"Hmm. Okay then. Let's take a bus going back there."
I smiled hesitantly. Tiningnan ko si Bessie na nakangiti sa akin. "Hmm kasi Bessie,

ano eh. I want to go�" I looked at him sheepishly. "�alone."
Gulat at nagtataka ang mga mata nyang nakatingin sa kin. Serysoso sya. "No. I won't
let you." Matigas at seryoso nyang sagot sakin.
"Eh Bessie, please?"
"NO! Hindi ka uuwing mag-isa. Hindi pwede." Mahina pero sigurado ang tono nyang
sabi sa akin.
"Bessie. Please? Please? Please?" My voice was pleading. Gusto ko muna talagang
mag-isa. Gusto kong sumakay ng bus pauwi. Gusto ko ng peace of mind.
"Wag matigas ang ulo, Ally."
"Sige na Bessie? Hatid mo na lang ako sa terminal ng bus. Once I got back to
Manila, tatawagan naman kita eh. Promise, I'll be safe." Pamimilit ko.
"No." Matipid nyang sagot sa akin.

"Please Bessie? Just this once? Please?"
Silence. Hindi sya umimik. Seryoso ang mga mata nyang nakatingin sa kadiliman ng
gabi.
"Please Bessie?" This time I held his hand and squeezed it gently.
He looked at me when I did that. "Ally, don't be--"
"Bessie please. Let me. I need to do that. Gusto ko lang mag-isip. Gusto kong mag-
isa. Baka kasi once na ginawa ko yun, maiwan din sa bus na sasakyan ko yung mga
sakit na nararamdaman ko ngayon. Baka kung sakaling sa pagbalik ko sa Manila,
makalimutan ko na sya. So please Bessie?"
He took a deep breath. "Just promise me one thing." He bore his eyes into mine.
"Don't hurt yourself anymore. I don't want to see you in pain again Ally."
---
Medyo namamaga pa din ang mga mata ko dahil sa pag-iyak nang makababa ako ng bus.
Yun lang naman ang ginawa ko the whole trip eh, ang patuluin ko ang mga luha ko. I
was crying for those memories we had shared together. Medyo madami na din pala yun
nung inisa isa ko.
But while on my way, nakapagisip-isip na din ako. At pinangako ko na sa sarili ko

na, huling iyak na yun. Huling patak na yun ng mga luha ko para sa kanya. Promise!
Iiwan ko na sa bus na yun lahat ng memories na nakasama ko sya.
Pinili ko na lang ang maglakad mula sa gate ng subdivision namin hanggang sa bahay.
Para na din pahupain ko ang namamaga kong mata kakaiyak, para hindi na ako tanungin
ni Mama pag-uwi ko. Buti na lang maliwanag dito sa amin at madaming poste ng ilaw.
Tsaka medyo malapit lang naman kahit na lakarin eh, mga 15 minutes lang. Tinext ko
na din si Bessie na okay na ko at malapit na kong makauwi.
Pagkarating ko sa harap ng bahay namin, nagulat ako nang may itim na kotse ang
nakaparada malapit doon. At mas nagulat ako nang mapansing may lalaking nakasandal
doon. Medyo lumapit pa ako para makita ko ang mukha nung lalaki, baka kasi bisita
ni Mama or someone na may kailangan eh.
But I was stunned when I get to see his face clearly. He was crossed arms while
looking at me fiercely. My heart beats rapidly. What the hell is he doing here?
"It seems like you really enjoy your date huh?" His voice was full of sarcasm. "For
a girl with night blindness to go home at this hour."
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?"
"Why do you always ask the same question? Tss." Naiinis nyang sabi. "So sagutin mo
nga yung tanong ko, nag-enjoy ka ba sa date nyo?"
Hindi ko sya pinansin. Naiinis ako. Tsaka, ito na yung first step ko para kalimutan
sya. And that is to IGNORE HIM COMPLETELY.
Ano na naman bang masamang hangin ang nagdala sa kanya dito? Umandar na aman yung
pagkabipolar nya. Nagtuloy tuloy lang akong naglakad papasok na nga bahay, pero
napahinto ako sa paglalakad at sa pagpasok sa gate sa mga sumunod nyang sinabi.
"Ganyan mo ba tratuhin ang taong gusto mo?"

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
???
�Ganyan mo ba tratuhin ang taong gusto mo?�
I clenched my teeth when he said those words. Ano bang problema nya? So nalaman nya
na yung totoo kong nararamdaman, kaya pagtitripan naman nya ko ngayon? I turned
around to look at him. Cool na cool lang syang nakasandal sa kotse nya.
�Ano bang problema mo?� Naiinis kong tanong sa kanya. Ano na naman ba kasing
pinaplano nitong taong to?
�Wala akong problema.� He shrugged his shoulders.
�Okay, ganun naman pala eh. Umalis ka na.� Malamig pero naiinis pa din ang tono ko
kahit sa totoo lang pakiramdam ko nanginginig yata ang tuhod ko. Malakas din ang
tibok ng puso ko. Sheet. Eto ba talaga yung taong napagpasyahan kong kalimutan?
What the fudge Laine? Ano na naman ba yang nararamdaman mo?
�Whoa. Ang sungit ni Psychopath ah. I guess you�ve improved. Nasusungitan mo na ko

ngayon huh? Last time I checked, you always annoy and you always follow me with my
business. Now, you�ve changed, pinagtatabuyan mo na ko.� He gave me a cute smirk.
My god, where are the words I�ve said a while ago? Bakit parang nadadala na naman
nya ko ng mga ngisi nya? This can�t be happening!
I clenched my teeth again, holding the patience in me. I smiled sarcastically.

�Wow. Thank you. I�ll take that as a compliment. Now, you may go.� I walked back
again ahead of the gate.
I was stunned for a second time when he went near me then stopped me from closing
the gate. My eyes seemed to pop. My heart beats skeptically. �Not so fast Psycho.�
He then grasped my wrist and dragged me outside. Bakit ba ang hilig nya kong
hilahin at kaladkarin? Kanina pa to ah.
�Bakit ba? Ano bang kailangan mo?� I tried to sound irritated para umalis na sya.
Part of me wanted to do that, but then again, when I looked at his eyes, I feel
like I want to eat all those words I�ve said about forgetting him. Oh sheez. I�m
getting insane.
�Nothing. I just drop by.� He said coolly, giving me again his attractive smile.
Arghh! What the hell am I thinking right now? Before I melt with his smiles, I
snapped myself back into the reality that I should be out of his life for crying
out loud.
�And why would an egotistical, selfish, conceited, narcissistic, boastful,

bigheaded, arrogant guy would drop by here in my house?� I said, sounding annoyed
and irritated.
�Whoa. Stop there lady. After what favors I did for you, sasabihan mo ko ng ganyan?
�
Oo nga eh. After lahat ng ginawa mo sakin eh. Pagkatapos mong gumawa ng mga ganung
bagay, baka mahirapan tuloy akong kalimutan ka. Tapos ngayon, nagulo na naman ang
mundo ko nang bigla bigla ka na lang sumulpot dito. Ang galing mo din eh noh? Daig
mo pa yata ang tadhana kung mang power trip eh.
I took a mouthful of air then looked at him. �Diba nag-thank you na ko?�
�You think it�s enough?�
�So what do you need? Anong kailangan kong gawin para masatisfy yang sarili mo para
sa mga ginawa mo sakin?� I asked him. My arms were crossed while looking at him.
He paused. �Hmm. Nothing really.� Simple nyang sagot.
�Okay, wala naman pala eh. Makakaalis ka na.� I said in the coldest tone I could
ever have.
�Wait!�
I rolled my eyes. Ano na naman ba kasi to Finn? Naguguluhan na ko sa kanya. Why

does he always do things that make me fall for him even more? Hindi pwede to. Lalo
na�t bumalik na yung Bianca nya. And not just that, they�re starting anew.
�What the hell Finn? Look, if pinaglalaruan mo ko just because of what I said a
while ago, just forget it okay? Makakalimutan naman kita ehh. Err, I mean. Wala
lang naman yun eh. Kung natatakot ka na baka guluhin ko kayo ni Bianca, wag kang
mag-alala. Hindi kita lalapitan. Hindi ko kayo guguluhin, ano namang tingin mo
sakin, kontrabida? So please lang---�
�Let�s date.�
�So please lang�ano kasi� please lang kasi ano� WHAT?� My eyes were in their widest
when those two words he said finally registered on my brain.
�Are you deaf? Let�s date.�
My whole system was in chaos when he said it again. Date? What the bloody hell? I
mean, oh yeah, what the bloody hell, really? Ano na naman bang pauso to ni Finn?!
My eyes are still wide looking at him. Alam ko namang tama tong narinig ko. Pero
bakit? Why asking me for a date all of a sudden?
Isa na naman ba tong malaking JOKE katulad na lang nung nasa Davao kami? When he
asked me for a kiss? Magmumuka na naman ba akong tanga??
�What the hell Finn? I don�t buy that. Umuwi ka na pwede?� Naiinis kong sabi sa
kanya.
This time, naiinis na talaga ko. How could he just dare play with my feelings?
Didn�t he know that I cried so much just planning to get rid of my feelings for
him? Tapos anong ginagawa nya ngayon? Binibigyan na naman nya ko ng dahilan para
magustuhan sya ng sobra sobra. Nililito na naman nya ko.
�I�m serious Laine. Let�s date.�
Is he really serious? His voice was telling me so. Ganyan yung tono nya kapag
seryoso sya. But what if this is just another scheme of him? Ayoko na ulit mapahiya
sa harap nya.
�Umuwi ka na Finn. Hindi ako nakikipag--�
�Damn it Laine! I�m dead serious! Let�s date. Give me your time on Sunday. 10 am.
I�ll fetch you here. Make sure that your dummy birdbrain will absorb what I said
okay?�
Then suddenly, he went rushing toward his car. He started the engine. But I walked
fast toward him. I need to clear why he ask me out for a date all of a sudden.
Kailangan kong malaman kung bakit!
�Wait there Bipolar. Why would I date you? Ang why did you ask me? Ano bang
problema mo?� Sunod sunod kong tanong sa kanya. I bent over the car window para
makita ko sya.
�And why lots of question, seriously?� He sneered.
�Because you�re confusing me!� I yelled. �I don�t know what the heck has gotten
into you to ask me out suddenly!� My voice was firm, sounding furious and curious
at the same time.
Silence fell in the calmness of the night. His right hand was on the wheel while
the other was rested on the window.
�Because�� He cleared his throat. Iniwas nya ang mga mata nya sa akin. �You like
me.�
That was all he said before he drove his car fast away. Habang ako naman, nakatayo
lang habang tinatanaw ko ang kotse nyang unti unti nang nawala sa paningin ko.
Yeah, because I like him. Ano pa nga bang rason ang ibibigay nya sakin diba? Mali
ba na inamin ko sa kanya yung tunay na nararamdaman ko para sa kanya? Ano na naman
ba ito? Papayag ba ko sa gusto nya? Sasaktan ko na naman ba tong sarili ko kapag
pumayag ako sa date na sinasabi nya?
Confusion runs in my system right now. Well, sabagay, lagi naman akong nalilito sa
mga kilos ni Finn eh. Pero, what the hell was that all about? He just asked me for
a date. Ano na namang espirito ang sumapi sa kanya?
At bakit ganito yung nararamdman ko? Kakasabi ko lang na kakalimutan ko na sya eh.
Pero ngayon� oh geezuz� Kill me now�
---
I tried to get my life back to its normal after all the things that happened. I
really tried hard to just forget and pretended like nothing happened. I�m saying
this for the nth time now; I�ll be the same Laine. That Laine who�s free-spirited,
who�s careless, who�s cheerful and above all, who�s always happy.
Regarding the date, I still don�t know. Bahala na si Batman, Superman or whoever
superhero na kilala ko.
�Malayo ang tingin.� Pakantang sabi sa akin ni Chix.
�Tss. Tae, inaalala ko lang kasi yung project ko kay Ma�am Psych.� Palusot ko nang
mapansing nakatingin na pala sila sa pagkakatulala ko.
�Ang daya mo! Bakit pag ako may problema kay Hiro, lagi kitang sinasabihan, pero
pag ikaw may problema, tinatago mo. Ang daya nyo wah! Pati tong si Donna, hanggang
ngayon hindi pa din sinasabi kung ano ung past sa kanila I Martin. Parang hindi ko
kayo kaibigan ah.� Mahabang sabi ni Chix sa amin nang may himig ng pagtatampo sa
boses nya.
Hindi ko pa kasi talaga nililinaw at sinasabi sa kanila yung nararamadaman ko. At

lalo kong hindi sinasabi na umamin ako kay bipolar, but unfortunately, mag-uumpisa
naman pala sila ng first love nya. Ayoko kasing sabihin. Ayoko ng sympathy. Tsaka
alam kong alam naman nila yung nararamdaman ko eh.
�Ano ka ba Chix? Wala akong problema noh!� Pagdedeny ko kahit alam ko namang alam
nilang nagsisinungaling ako.
Seryosong tumingin sa kin si Chix. Si Donna naman, nakatuon ang pansin sa librong
binabasa nya pero alam kong nakikinig sya sa aming dalawa ni Chix. Pagkaraan ay
marahang hinawakan ni Chix ang balikat ko as if comforting me.
�Bes, I know what you feel in your heart right now.� She squeezed my shoulder. �You
were so jealous in the van that time when Bianca arrived.�
I jerked away from her. �OYY HA! Hindi kaya ako nagseselos!� Pagtatanggol ko sa
sarili ko.
�Hindi sya obvious Laine.� Her voice was sarcastic.

Inaamin ko naman. I was so jealous to death that time. Sino bang hindi? Hindi ko
lang talaga napigilan yung sarili ko nang mga oras na yun. Nakalimutan kong isalba
yung pride sa katawan ko. Argghh! Nakakainis tuloy pag naaalala ko yun.
Sasagutin ko na sana sya when suddenly dumating si Hiro at Martin. Uh-oh. Martin is
with someone. A girl to be precise. She�s really pretty, demure and sophisticated.
�Hey girls. Hi sweetcake.� Ngiting bati sa amin ni Hiro.
Dinaluhan nila kami sa table, kasama ng babaeng inakbayan ni Martin. Tiningnan ko

si Donna, nakatingin lang sya sa librong binabasa nya. Hindi ko nakikita ang
expression sa mukha nya.
�Hello Paps.� Ngiting bati ko sa kanila. �Who is she?� Tukoy ko sa babaeng kasama
ni Martin.
The girl answered my question. She smiled. �I�m Kristine.�
�Oh hello.� Balik-ngiti kong sabi sa kanya.
�Girlfriend mo Martin?� Diretsang tanong ni Chix dahilan kung bakit ko sya gustong
batukan. Hindi ba naisip ng babaeng to na kalahating dipa lang ang layo namin kay
Donna? Walking anesthesia ata talaga tong bespren ko eh.
The girl answered Chix�s question. Okay, for a second, naisip ko na baka
spokeperson to ni Martin. Ngumiti uli sya. �Well, yeah. I�m his girlfriend.�
Tiningnan ko si Donna. Cool lang syang nagbabasa ng librong hawak nya. Pagkaraan ay
dire diretso nyang tinungga nang straight ang iced tea na nasa harap nya. Hindi ba
sya nagseselos? Alam ko naman kasing gusto pa din nya si Martin kahit hindi nya
sinasabi eh.
�Nice to meet you.� Ngiti ulit na sabi ni Kristine sa amin. We all just smiled back
at her while Donna acted like she didn�t hear a thing.
Tsaka ko lang naalala, playboy nga pala si Martin. Baka naman fling lang nya tong
babaeng to? Haayy nako. Ewan ko ba. Men are the most confusing creature here in
earth. Para silang piece sa chess, hindi mo alam kung anong susunod na move ang
gagawin ng kalaban para matalo ka. Parang si Fi-- I mean parang yung ibang mga
lalaki dyan diba? As much as possible, ayoko munang banggitin ang pangalan ng
lalaking yun.
�Guys, why don�t we go clubbing on Sunday?� Maya maya ay suggest ni Kristine sa

amin. �You know, celebration. For Martin and I, and for meeting you all.�
Sunday? That was the day he asked me for a date. And I realized, that was just two
days from now, yet I still don�t know if I�ll go or not. Should I?
�Wow. That sounds nice. Party!� Masaya at excited na sabi ni Chix.
�Really. Partying sounds very cool right? Y�know, drink and party all night. Ano
guys? Game?� Ngiting tanong ulit ni Kristine.
�Count me in.� Said Hiro.
�You really are a party girl huh babe?� Sweet na sabi ni Martin.
�I�m in too.� Donna abruptly said, her first words when Martin, Hiro and Kristine
came.
�How about you Laine?� Hiro asked. �Are you going with us?�
I don�t know what to answer. That arrogant jerk said that I should give my time to
him on Sunday. Oh hell, what did I just say? Scratch that. Bakit ako makikipagdate
sa taong Malabo pa sa sabaw ng buko ang ugali? Tama tama. It�s time to relax a bit.
Clubbing and partying may help me forget all horrible things that happened.
�Yes. I�ll---�
�No. She�ll not go.�
Lahat kami napatingin sa taong nagsalita. Hobby na ba nya ngayon ang magpaka-Edward
Cullen who likes to appear out of thin air? Pumalit na yata sya sa pwesto ni Bessie
sa pagiging kabuteng sumusulpot anytime eh.
I looked at him fiercely. He just shrugged at my reaction. �She can�t go. May
gagawin pa syang project.�
Binigyan ko ulit sya ng matalim na tingin. Ano na naman ba tong sinasabi nya. I
gave him a what-the-hell-are-you-saying look.
�You did not listen to Sir Paul a while ago right? Tss. Psychopath ka talaga. You
didn�t even know na binigyan nya tayo ng project? That�s an urgent project. What a
dummy, really.�
I eyed him intensely. Classmate ko nga sya kanina kay Sir Paul kanina pero wala
akong natatandaang binigyan nya kami ng project. I arched my eyebrow while I glared
at him.
�Aww. Sayang naman Laine. It�ll be more fun sana if you�ll be with us, but
unfortunately, may project ka pa palang dapat tapusin.� I don�t know kung totoong
naghihinayang ang tono ng pananalita ni Chix. It sounded sarcastic to me.
�So hindi ka din makakasama dude?� Tanong ni Martin kay Finn.
�Yeah. I guess so. Next time na lang.� Seryosong sagot ni Finn. �By the way, who is
she dude?�
�My newest girlfriend, Kristine.� Cool na sabi ni Martin. �Sayang naman Finn,
masaya sana kung isasama mo din si Bianca diba?�
Okay. Hindi lang pala si Chix ang walking anesthesia. Si Martin din pala. Oh well,
hindi nga pala nya alam. Pero pwede bang salaksakin ko muna ang ngala ngala ng
lalaking to kahit isang beses lang?
�Maybe next time.� He simply said.
Okay, sabi ko nga eh. Next time sya sasama at ang next time na yun kasama nya na si
Bianca. Ininom ko ang coke na nasa harap ko para pakalmahin ko sa sarili. Hindi
naman kasi ako nagseselos eh. Totoo, bakit naman ako magseselos? Kakalimutan ko na
nga sya diba? Diba? Diba?
Pero naiinis ako! Bakit ba inaya nya pa kong makipagdate? Kung hindi ba naman to
isa�t kalahating ungas diba? Ano nga ba talaga ang pinaplano ni Finn? Sasaya ba ako
sa oras na pumayag ako o lalo lang mawawasak ang puso ko?
I know I know, I was stupid for considering the date he asked. But for a moment I
thought, it wouldn�t hurt that much if agree with the date, right? Or is it?

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
???
I looked at the time on my bedside table. 9:30 na. Napabalikwas ako sa kama ko. Oh
my god. I shouldn�t wake up at this hour. Late na!
Paano naman kasing hindi ako tatanghaliin ng gising diba? Hindi kasi ako nakatulog
kaagad kakaisip kung ano nga bang mangyayari sa date namin na �to ni Finn. �Yung
feeling na inaantok na yung mata mo pero gising na gising naman ang diwa mo. Sa
totoo lang pinag-iisipan ko talagang mabuti kung papayag ba ko sa date o hindi,
pero sa huli, pinili ko yung una.
Tengene, last na talaga to pramis. Pag nagpakatanga pa ulit ako sa kanya o kaya
umiyak na naman ako ng dahil sa kanya, kayo na mismo maglaslas sa pulso ko.
Alam ko namang madaming pwedeng mangyari sa araw na to. Napakadaming possibility.

Pero kahit anupaman yung mga consequences ng date na to, di ko na muna iisipin. I
just want this to get over and done with.
I know I�m stupid for agreeing with this date. I should leave some pride to myself
after what happened. But what can I do? My mind says no but my heart would just
give in to everything he says.
Leche, muka na pala kong martyr sa pinagsasasabi ko. Sa totoo lang, galit ako sa
mga babaeng martyr na napapanuod ko sa TV. They�re like the dumbest creature in
this entire universe. Ayoko ng mga ganung stories. Ayoko kasi manuod ng mga tangang
babae ang bida. Ayoko sa lahat na umiiyak sila sa isang lalaking wala namang
kwenta.
Wala pa naman ako sa point na ganun. It�s just that, I maybe dumb for doing this
date thingy, but I know what exactly I�m doing right now. This will be the last
time, then after nun. Wala na. Kakalimutan ko na sya. Easy.
For this instance, I decided to risk my pride for a short-time happiness that might
happen this day. Why would I bother anyway? This will be the last time, I tell you.
I immediately hit the shower after my early soliloquy. Yess, soliloquy! Ang heavy
ng word. Muahaha.
Hindi naman sigurong saktong 10 pupunta si Finn noh? I put a light make-up on my
face para naman magmuka akong tao diba? Tiningnan ko yung damit na isusuot ko. Ito
sana yung isusuot ko nun sa unang �date� sana namin. But it just so happened na
inatake sa puso ang tatay ko kaya naman hindi natuloy yun. Ang ending? Finn and I
spent the whole day at the hospital. That was the first time I�ve seen him show his
concern for me. Totoo naman diba? He was concern that time. His voice was
comforting me that moment, and he was sad when he opened up his mom�s story.
I wonder what kind of �date� we�re going to have this day. I mean, hello! Totoo na
to guys! Si Finn na mismo yung nag-aya sakin. Hindi katulad dati na blinackmail ko
pa sya para lang sa isang date.
Pinasadahan ko pa ang suot ko for the last time. It was a knee-length white dress
with red and black print. I topped it with a wide black belt. And I matched it with
a pair of black stilettos.
I checked the time, 10:05 na. Wala pa sya. I looked at myself once more at the
mirror. Ok naman yung itsura ko, maganda naman. Hahaha. Seriously, I�m really
pretty. BWAHAHAHAH. Kaya lang ano namang silbi ng ganda mo kung hindi ka naman
pinapansin ng taong mahal mo diba? Yung feeling na nagpapaganda ka pa lalo para sa
isang tao, pero hindi naman nya iyon napapansin dahil sa ibang tao nakafocus ang
mga mata nya. I sighed at the thought. Hayy nako.
Inaayos ko pa ang medyo kinulot kong buhok at inilugay lamang iyon. Isang maliit na
purse ang dala ko. Nakatingin pa din ako sa salamin nang pumasok ang Mama ko sa
kwarto ko.
�Anak.� Tumingin sakin ang Mama ko. Nakangiti ang mga labi nya. �You�re really a
lady now. You look so beautiful.� She said with amusement on her eyes and voice.
�Thank you Ma. Mana ko sa inyo syempre.�
�I know right?� She chuckled a bit. �Nandyan na ang date mo Laine. I�m happy for
you and Finn. Nagdedate na kayo ngayon ha? Dalaga na talaga ang anak ko.� Masaya
nyang sabi sa akin habang bahagyang hinahaplos ang likod ko.
Bahagya akong nalungkot sa sinabi ni Mama. Masaya sya para sakin.
Kung alam mo lang �Ma. Ito na din yung huling pagkakataon. Ito na ang una at huling
pagkakataon na makakadate ko si Finn, kasi pagkatapos nito, wala na.
�Oh bakit parang malungkot ka?� Pagkaraan ay tanong nya.
Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. �Wala Ma. Masaya lang po ako.�

�Ayy sus. Ganyan din ang una kong naramdaman nung first date ko.� Tumawa sya ng
mahina. �Sige na, bumaba ka na, baka naiinip na si Finn doon.� Tinanguan ko lang si
Mama bago sya tuluyang lumabas ng kwarto ko.
I checked myself for the last time. My heart is pounding. Kinakabahan ako ngayong
araw na to. Bakit kaya?
Bumaba na ako sa hagdan at naabutan ko si Finn na nakaupo sa couch. He was wearing

a blue cardigan. He was so stunningly handsome.
Bigla syang tumayo nang makita nyang pababa ako. Lumapit sya sa may hagdan. Mataman
lang nya akong tinitigan. Halaa? Pangit ba yung itsura ko? Pangit ba yung dress ko?
Muka ba kong ewan? Bakit kasi ganun yung tingin nya sakin?
Nang tuluyan na akong makababa, nakatingin pa din sya sa akin. Tengene, bakit ba
ayaw nyang ialis yung tingin nya sakin? Nakakaconscious na tuloy.
�Finn.� I called out when he was still staring at me.
Then finally, he seemed to snap back to reality. He cleared his throat and shy away
from me. �Let�s go.� He said, coldness in his voice. What the hell? Baka nga muka
na kong ewan sa itsura ko. �Tita, mauna na po kami.� Finn said to my mom.
�Oh sige hijo. Take care of my Laine okay? Drive carefully.�
�Yes Ma.� Yun lang ang sinabi at hinalikan ko sya sa pisngi at lumabas na ng bahay.
When we completely got out of our house, he went straightly to his car and opened
the door abruptly getting into it. Okay, hindi man lang nya ko pinagbuksan ng
pinto. Really, what a gentleman. Inaya nya ko ng date tapos hindi man lang
magpakagentleman for the last time.
Sumakay na din ako kaagad doon. I looked at him as I fixed my seatbelt. His eyes
were serious.
He was facing fa�ade. His eyes seemed hesitant. Then finally he called out.
�Laine.�
�You�re beautiful.�
My jaw literally dropped with what he said. My eyes grew wide. My heart palpitated.
Blood came rushing to my cheeks. My knees felt weak. Did he just praise me?
I smiled simply not looking at him. My heart was overwhelmed with his words. I
steal a glance at him before he sped away.
---
I don�t know where we will go. Hindi naman kasi ako nagtatanong. Tahimik lang kami
habang nasa daan kami. I don�t know but we felt� parang awkwardness towards each
other. Naiilang din kaya sya sakin?
�Why are you not being so loud these days?�
Finally, his first words through the whole drive. He wasn�t looking at me. His eyes
were concentrated on the road.
�Nothing.� I simply said looking at the window.
Another beam of silence in the next few minutes. Wala naman kasi akong maisip na
sabihin sa kanya.
�Psychopath.� He called out after some time.
�Hmm.� I murmured.
�What�s happening to you? Where�s the annoying dumb and psychopath I know?� He then
gave me his boyish grin.
Tiningnan ko sya ng masama through the rearview mirror. Bakit kaya hindi nya
itanong sa sarili nya noh? Tinurukan yata to ng isang galong anesthesia eh.
I just realized it now but Finn and I have this topsy-turvy relationship. That is
what you get if you know a person as bipolar as Finn. Minsan okay sya, pero minsan
hindi mo naman maintindihan yung ugali. But despite of his never ending mood
swings, why did I fall for him?
�Okay if I�m dumb and annoying, why did you ask me out?� I asked firmly. My voice
sounded exasperated.
He was a bit taken aback by my question. He then cleared his throat and looked at
me with serious eyes. �You�ll know. Later.�
Hindi ko alam pero nang sinabi nya yun, bigla na lang kumabog na malakas yung puso
ko na para bang makakalas ito sa ribcage ko nang di oras. Ano kaya ang dahilan na
ibibigay nya?
Silence flung between us after that. No one dared to speak. Ang alam ko lang,
parang ayoko nang malaman yung dahilan nya.
---
House of Little Angels
Iyon ang nakalagay na mga letra sa malaking kulay puting gate na nasa harap namin
ngayon. Maya-maya pa ay bumusina si Finn. Binuksan naman ito ng lalaking nakasuot
ng unipormeng pang-security guard.
Nang makapasok kami sa loob, nagulat ako sa nakita ko. Dito ba yung date namin ni
Finn after the two-hour drive? Makulay yung paligid. Panay makukulay na bagay ang
nakapintura sa mga pader ng kabuuang lugar. Meron din isang malaking playground
doon. At higit sa lahat, madaming bata ang naglalaro doon.
�Anong ginagawa natin dito?� Tanong ko kaagad nang makababa kami sa kotse.
�Hmm. Well, nothing. Just visiting my little friends.�
Little friends? Does it mean�
�KUYA FINN!�
Nagulat na lang ako nang napakadaming bata ang nagtakbuhan malapit sa amin. Lahat
sila excited na tumatakbo papalapit� kay Finn. Nanlaki ang mata ko. Si Finn ba
talaga ang pupuntaha nila?
�Hey there buddy? Kamusta na kayo?� Nakangiting sabi ni Finn sa cute na bata na
karga-karga nya. Marahang ginulo naman nya yung buhok ng isang batang lalaki na
hinihila-hila yung damit nya.
�Okay naman po kami Kuya Finn. Bakit ngayon lang po kayo nag-punta dito?� Tanong
nung batang karga-karga nya.
Pinisil ni Finn yung pisngi nung bata. �Medyo busy kasi si Kuya eh.�
�Namiss ka namin Kuya Finn!�
�Laro tayo Kuya.�
�Kuya, buhatin mo din ako.�
Natigilan talaga ko sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon. Mahilig pala si Finn sa mga bata?

Paano nangyari yun? Yung katulad nya.. may puso sa mga bata? Saan nagpunta
yungmayabang at masungit na si Finn?
�Tino po tya Kuya?� Maya-maya�y tanong ng isang cute na batang lalaki. Napangiti
ako sa bulol nyang accent.
�Ahh sya ba. Sya si Ate Psychopath.� Nakangiting sabi ni Finn dun sa little boy.
Tiningnan ko ng masama yung loko. Tama bang iyon ang sabihin nya sa mga bata?!
Napakayabang talaga!
�Hello Ate Taykopat!� Ngiting-ngiting sabi sa akin nung bata pagkaraan ay niyakap
nya ako. Napatawa naman ng malakas si Finn nang tawagin nga akong ganun nung bata.
�Hello little boy.� I smiled at him as I ruffled his hair. �Hindi yun ung pangalan
ko. Wag kang maniwala dun sa lalaking yun. Ako si Ate Laine.� Pagtatama ko.
Bahagyang kumunot yung noo nung bata na kala mo matandang nag-iisip. Ang cute cute
nya talaga. Gusto ko ata syang iuwi.
�Ti Kuya Finn tayaga, niyoyoko ato.� Sabi nung bata. Natatawa ako sa pagkabulol
nya, lalo syang naging cute. Pati si Finn ay natawa lang din.
�Anong pangalan mo little boy?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
�Jathin po.�
Bahagya akong napakunot pagkasabi nang pangalan nya dahil nga medyo bulol yung
pagsasalita nya.
�Sya daw si Justin.� Maya-maya ay sabi ni Finn para linawin yung sinabi nung bata.
Napangiti na lang ako at tinanguan ko sya. Abaa, nagkakaintindihan silang dalawa.
�Look who�s here.�
Napalingon kaming lahat sa pinaggalingan ng boses. He was a tall and he�s good-
looking except for his hair style and his black thin and round eyeglasses. He was
wearing white cardigan and simple black Capri pants.
�Ice!� Finn immediately walk toward the guy he called Ice then they hugged in a
manly way.
�I didn�t know you�re coming.� Ice said. Pagkaraan ay tumingin sya sakin at
tumingin ulit kay Finn. �Wow. Who are you with?�
�Ahh. She�s Laine.� Pagpapakilala ni Finn. Lumapit ako dun sa dalawa. �Laine, this
is my cousin, Ice.�
�Hello, nice to meet you.� Bati ko dun kay Ice as I reach his hand for a handshake.
�Nice to meet you too.� He smiled then he looked at Finn again. �Finn, let�s go.
Matutuwa si Uncle pag nakita ka.�
Pumasok nga kami sa loob. Malaki din yung orphanage na to. Katabi naman nito ang
isang chapel. Nakita ko din kanina ang isang shrine malapit sa garden. Nang
makapasok kami sa isang room, sinalubong kami ng isang lalaking medyo may katandaan
na. Nakaputi syang polo at nakasalamin.
�Oh Finn Hijo. Mabuti naman at napadaan ka.� Bati nito kay Finn.
�Oo nga po Father Demson.� Sabi ni Finn tapos ay nagmano sya dito. Kala ko ba
uncle? Bakit tinawag nya itong father?
Pagkatapos nun ay pinakilala nya din ako doon kay Father Demson na isa palang pari.
Bakit hindi ko agad nagets yun? Grabe, may uncle pala si Finn na pari. Hindi ako
makapaniwala. Kapatid daw ito ng Mama nya. At pag-aari naman daw ng parent ni Ice
itong orphanage na ito. Galing pala sa isang relihiyosong pamilya si Finn. Eh bakit
ganito sya? Hahaha. Nakakagulat naman na ganito pala mga kamag-anak ni Finn.
Naglunch na din kami pagkatapos. Nameet ko din yung ibang mga madre dito. Lahat
sila malapit kay Finn. Grabe lang, bakit parang ang bait ni Finn dito sa lugar na
to? Ibang iba sya sa Finn na nakasanayan ko.
So the whole day just passed by quickly. So eto na yung date na sinasabi nya?
Nakipaglaro lang kami sa mga bata tapos I read them stories. I actually mingle with
the little girls while Finn played basketball with the boys. I never thought Finn
has this affection for these kids. It made me admire him more. Argghh. Ano ba tong
pinagsasabi ko.
�I never thought you like kids.� Maya-maya ay sabi ko nag tabihan nya ako sa swing
kung saan pinapanuod ko lang silang maglaro kanina. Nasa loob na yung mga bata para
maligo at kumain. Maggagabi na din kasi.
�You really don�t know me that much.� He said. �Those kids all lost their parents.�
His voice became sad this time when he spoke.
�Naaawa ako sa kanila. They�re all too young to understand what really happened to
their parents. And worse, some were just abandoned. Some were neglected. Even
though my parents never neglected me, I feel sad because I lost my mom too. The
only difference is that they lost their moms or dads at very young age. Mas maaga
silang naulila. Kaya nga sabik na sabik sila sa mga bisita. Maswerte na yung iba sa
kanila na kahit paano nakasama nila kahit sandali yung magulang nila pero yung iba,
baby pa lang nandito na sila sa ampunan na to. They never experienced having a
family.�
Napaisip ako sa mga sinabi ni Finn. Alam ko na kung bakit ganito sya sa mga bata.
Alam nya kasi yung pakiramdam na mawalan ng isang ina sa murang edad. Nadiscover ko
na naman ang ibang side ni Finn. At kinakabahan lalo tuloy ako. Baka dahil dito,
lalo lang akong mahirapang kalimutan sya.
�Let�s go.� Maya-maya ay aya nya sakin.
�Saan?� Tanong ko.
�Basta.� Yun lang ang sinabi nya pagkatapos ay hinila nya ako papunta sa kotse nya.
Pagkatapos ng ilang minutong katahimikan sa loob ng kotse nya, narating namin ang
isang hill. Ang ganda nung lugar. Tanaw na tanaw ang kabuuan ng syudad mula sa
kinatatayuan namin.
�Wow.� Sabi ko nang matanaw ko ang mga nagkikislapang ilaw mula sa mga bahay.
He did not speak. He was utterly silent feeling the cold breeze of the evening
wind. Tahimik lang sya habang hinihiling ko na sana humaba pa yung oras na
magkasama kami. Dinig na dinig ko yung tibok ng puso ko. Nakatayo ngayon sa tabi ko
ang dahilan ng abnormal na tibok nito. Nang sumulyap ako sa kanya, napagtanto kong
mahal ko na nga talaga ang lalaking to. Haayy�
Kung tutuusin dapat maging masaya ako sa mga oras na to. Pero hindi eh. Alam ko
kasing sa ibang babae naman tumitibok yung puso nya.
Nanatili lang ang katahimikan sa pagitan naming dalawa. Walang isa sa amin ang
nagbitiw ng salita. Pareho lang namin ninamnam ang katahimikan at kagandahan ng
gabi.
Hindi ko alam kung gaano na kami nakatagal na nakatayo dito. Seryoso lang si Finn
na tila malalim ang iniisip. Ano nga ba ang nasa isip nya ngayon?
Pagkatapos ng ilang oras na katahimikan, narinig kong marahan syang bumuntong-

hininga. It was a gloomy sigh. Bakit kaya?
�Umuwi na tayo.� Pagkaraan ay sinabi nya. Hindi nya na ko pinakinggan habang dire
diretso syang pumunta sa kotse nya at sumakay doon. Ni hindi man lang nya ako
hinintay.
Nang makasakay ako doon, napansin ko ang kakaibang ekspresyon sa muka ni Finn. Para
bang iba�t-ibang uri ng emosyon ang nakapaloob doon. He looked mad, upset and
frustrated. Talk about mood swings. Si Finn lang nakakagawa nyan. Si Finn lang.
We spent two hours driving back into my home. Two hours of a never ending silence.
I was glancing at him every minute in that span of two hours. His expression were
the same. Mad. Upset. Frustrated. But why? Why was he being like that?
I looked at my watch to see the time. It�s already 11:00 when we reached my house.
So to sum it up, almost 5 hours din pala ang katahimikan na naghari sa aming
dalawa.
�Thank you Finn.� Sabi ko while I unbuckle my seatbelt. Pababa na sana ako ng kotse
nya nang magsalita sya.
�I have two things to tell you.� He said abruptly. His words were cold.
Napatigil ako sa kinauupuan ko. I looked at him to hear his words. He was gripping
tightly to the steering wheel. I then looked down while I played with my purse. I
did not speak. I waited for him to say his words.
�First�� He started. �I asked you for this date �coz I thought this would be the
first and last time I�d or we�d be doing this.�
I grasped tightly on my purse. I felt my body froze. My heart was beating wildly.
�Second, about our deal.�
I did not look at him still. I bit my lower lip. I was motionless.
�You ought to pay me now.�
�W-what d-do y-you want?� I managed to ask despite of my trembling knees and my
pounding heart.
He tightened his grip more on the steering wheel. Still, he wasn�t looking at me.
�Forget all that has happened between us. Forget this day. And lastly, forget about
me and your feelings for me.�
I was stunned. I felt like there�s a hard stone being knocked on my chest. I tried
my hardest not to cry with those things he said. I just nodded but I did not look
at him. That was what I did before I opened the door and get off from his car. I
bit my lower lip. I don�t want any of my tears to escape from my eyes. And
thankfully, nakisama naman sila. I was successful for not breaking down.
When I finally went out of his car, he immediately drove fast away. I just looked
at his car as it faded from my eyes. I hold back my tears. Hindi ako iiyak. Hindi
ako iiyak. Hindi pwede.
Saan nga ba ulit yung bar na pupuntahan nila Chix?

Casts. ?
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My chest was pounding so hard when I reached the place where Kristine has invited
us.
The Black Palace.
The big glowing signage welcomed me as I walk toward the entrance. I�m finally
here. This was the first place I thought of after Finn burst all those words in my
face.
Hindi na ako nag-aksaya ng oras pa papunta dito. Hindi na din ako nakapagpaalam kay
Mama. Bukas ko na lang poproblemahin ang idadahilan ko sa kanya. Ang alam ko lang,
ganitong klase ng lugar ang kailangan ko ngayon.
Tonight I�m going to hit this club. Magpapakasaya ko! This place might help me
forget him and all those things he has said and done. Ngayong gabi, totoo na
talagang kakalimutan ko sya. Kagaya ng sinabi nya.
When I finally get inside, my eardrums felt crashed because of the loud party music
that surrounds the place. People were dancing everywhere. Everybody was dancing
like there�s no tomorrow. Some were doing dirty dance.
Hinanap ng mga mata ko sila Chix. And when I finally saw them, pinuntahan ko sila
agad. Hiro, Chix and Donna were there on the table. My eyes searched for Kristine
and Martin. They were kissing. Donna was sitting there as if she doesn�t see them.
She�s busy with her drinks.
�Wow. So what brings you here Laine?� Malakas na tanong sakin ni Chix dahil nga sa
napakalakas ng tugtog sa buong lugar.
�Nothing.� I smiled weakly. I sat beside them. As much as possible, I tried to act
natural as I bang my head to the beat of Katy Perry�s song.
Everybody was there except for Bessie and that inconsiderate guy. For a second,
nagpasalamat ako na wala si Bessie. He had some family affairs to attend to. He�s
in Hongkong, he said. At least I can do freely what I want to do, and that is to
enjoy. I want to escape the pain and the hurt that bastard has given me. Mag-eenjoy
ako.
I will drink like forever. I will dance like hell. I will do what I want.
�Wanna drink Laine?� Donna asked. She seemed tipsy already as she laughed
skeptically. Ramdam kong nasasaktan sya. Alam ko yun. Kasi sa mga oras na ito, yun
din ang gusto kong gawin, ang lunurin ang sarili ko sa alak para makalimot.
�Sige, mamaya na ko.� Nakangiti kong tanggi sa kanya. Gusto ko kasing uminom ng
mag-isa. Yung tpong walang makikialam sakin. Pagkatapos ay binalingan ko si Chix.
�Kanina pa ba umiinom yan?� Tukoy ko kay Donna na tumutungga sa shot glass.
�Yeah. Mukang problemado eh.� Naiiling na sagot ni Chix sa akin.
Nakatingin lang kami pareho ni Chix kay Donna. Pero maya-maya lang ay napatakip sya
ng bibig sya. She�s going to puke. She immediately stood up and headed toward the
lady�s room.
�Uh-oh. I�m gonna follow her.� Paalam ko kila Chix at Hiro saka ko mabilis na
sinundan si Donna.
Naabutan ko syang sumusuka sa isang cubicle. I hurriedly caress her back to comfort
her as she throws up. Inabutan ko sya ng tissue. She looked miserable. I knew it.
She�s in pain right now.
�Bakit ba kasi ang dami mong ininom Dons?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
She gave me a weak smile. �I need to Laine.� Then nagulat na lang ako when tears
sprung in her eyes. She was crying hard.
�Laine. Isang taon. Isang taon na nung maghiwalay kami pero bakit mahal ko pa din
sya? I�m so f*cked up when we broke up. Tapos sya, ayun nagpapakasaya kung kani-
kaninong babae. I don�t know but all this time, it was still him that I love.�
Ngayon ko lang nakitang ganito si Donna. She looked so strong outside pero ang
totoo, sobrang nasasaktan na pala sya. Naupo sya sa may toilet bowl. She covered
her face with her hands and broke down hard.
Naaawa ako sa kanya. I feel her pain. Alam ko ung nararamdaman nya ngayon. I am
somewhat similar to her situation. Ang pinagkaiba, mas matagal na nyang mahal si
Martin at naging boyfriend nya ito. Hindi katulad ko. Ni hindi man lang kami umabot
sa stage na yun. Haayy.
�Sh*t!� She muttered in between her sobs. �I am too dumb Laine. Kung bakit naman
kasi sa lahat ng lalaki sa mundo, bakit sya pa?�
�Do you know how we broke up?� She asked. Her voice was mad. �He just did for no
bloody reason at all! Ang alam ko lang, nakipaghiwalay sya sakin ng biglaan. Ni ha
o ni ho, wala syang sinabi sakin kung bakit. Nagmuka akong tanga nun Laine! Tapos
kinabukasan, nakita ko na lang na meron na syang ibang girlfriend.�
I was utterly speechless with her revelation. Ganung tao ba talaga si Martin? Pero
muka naman syang mabait. Wala akong naisip na sabihin sa kanya. Maybe, ito lang
talaga yung kailangan nya ngayon, ang ilabas lahat ng hinanakit na tinago nya sa
dibdib nya sa loob ng isang taon.
�Dahil dun, lumayo ako sa kanya. Nagalit ako sa kanya nang mga panahon na yun. Pero
alam mo ba yung mas nakakapagtaka Laine?! Pag nakikita ko sya noon, parang sya pa
yung mas galit sa akin. Para bang ako pa ung may kasalanan kung bakit kami
naghiwalay. Damn! I was really hurt that time Laine and it makes me mad.
�Akala ko pag lumayo ako sa kanya at sa ChocoPaps, makakalimutan ko na sya. But I

was wrong. Oo, alam kong tanga ko para maramdaman ko pa ding mahal na mahal ko sya
pagkatapos ng lahat ng nangyari. Pero hindi ko naman maturuan ung puso ko eh, kahit
bugbog na bugbog na ito sa sakit. Sobrang sakit Laine. Sobrang sakit. Gusto ko na
talaga syang kalimutan. Pagod na pagod na ko.�
After all she had said, I hugged her so tight. �Ssshh. Don�t cry Dons. Everything
will be alright.�
�Sana nga Laine. Sana nga.�
Inalalayan ko si Donna pabalik sa table namin nila Chix. Halatang lasing pa din
sya. Sapo sapo nya ang ulo nya nang makaupo na kami sa loob.
�You know what Dons, I think you should go home.� Suggest ni Hiro sa kanya nang
makita nya ito.
�Oo nga Dons. You looked terrible.� Sabi naman ni Chix.
�No, I won�t go home. Kaya ko pa.� Pagpipilit pa ni Donna despite of her tipsy
voice.
�No Dons, you need to. I�ll call you a cab.� Sabi ko. She really needs to rest. She
looked so exhausted. Ganito pala talaga ang nagagawa ng lecheng pag-ibig na yan.
Donna just gave me another reason for drinking tonight.
�Fine.� Donna said in surrender.
Hindi nga nagtagal ay hinatid ko na si Donna sa labas at tinulungan na syang isakay

sa taxi. Sinabi ko na lang dun sa driver yung address nya. Mukang mapagkakatiwalaan
naman yung driver, bukod pa dun eh, part din ng club na ito yung mga cabs dito.
Para talaga sa mga taong nakainom.
I immediately went back inside at pinuntahan sila Chix. I excused myself from them.
Nang tinanong nila ko kung saan ako pupunta, sinabi kong maglilibut-libot lang muna
ko.
Gusto ko munang mag-isa. Gusto kong mag-enjoy mag-isa. Gusto kong uminom mag-isa.
Gusto kong uminom para makalimot.
*
�What can I get for you, Miss?� The bartender asked as soon as I sat on one of the
stools there.
I paused for a second. Ano nga bang oorderin ko eh wala naman akong kaalam-alam sa
alak. The first and last time I drink was when we were in Davao. That time, when we
had a dare and Finn saved me from drinking the drink Chix has made.
�Tengene.� I muttered after realizing I had just thought of that man again. Nandito
ko para kalimutan sya diba? Bakit ba inaalala mo na naman yung mga ginawa nya para
sayo? Sya na nga mismo nagsabi na kalimutan ko na yung lahat lahat diba?
�Pardon?� The bartender abruptly said, his eyebrows met.
�Ahh nothing.� I said sheepishly. �I�d prefer something hard. That kind of drink
that could make me passed out easily.�
The bartender smiled. It was as if he knew I�m some kind of problematic and a
broken-hearted girl who wanted to forget all her heartaches by drinking. Well, tama
naman yung iniisip nya. I just want to forget this feeling for goodness� sake.
�Do you want to start on tab, Ma�am?�
I raised my brow as I looked at him. �Err. Will you just give me my drink?� I
irritatedly asked. Hindi ko kasi alam kung anong sinasabi nya. Bakit hindi na lang
kasi nya ibigay yung hinihingi ko diba? Ang dami nyang tanong na hindi ko naman
alam kung ano bang sinasabi nya. Hindi ba nya alam na first time lang akong iinom
sa ganito? And I never imagined myself at this place right now. Hindi ko naman alam
na mararanasan ko tong nararamdaman ko ngayon eh.
Ngumiti lang sya sa akin. �Okay, I�ll take that as a yes Ma�am.�
Seconds after, he gave me a shot glass then he poured a golden alcohol in it. �Here
you go Ma�am.�
�What do you call this drink?� I suddenly asked.
�Tequila.� He said politely.
Tequila. I smiled bitterly upon remembering what happened in Davao. Tequila din ang
ininom namin doon. Paksyet. So kailangan talaga lahat na lang ng maliliit na bagay
may kinalaman kay Finn? Heck.
�Can you just give me another hard drink? Rum, whiskey or anything. Basta yung
sobrang nakakalasing, okay?�
The bartender obliged and poured me another shot of a clear alcohol. I looked at it
closely; it was glistening in the dark. It was pretty. I drank it straightly. I
closed my eyes as I sip every bit of it. The taste was strong and bitter, yet I
crave for more. This is what I really wanted: The bitterness of the beverage to
fight against the bitter feeling that embraces my heart right now.
�Another drink please.� I asked again. The bartender obliged, pouring me another
shot.
Then after that, I asked for more and he gave me more. Yet, why do I still feel
sober? Why do I still remember all those things he said? Why does it still feels
fresh in my memory? I should have forgotten it by now. But why the hell am I still
feeling the hurt?
�Another shot!� I raised my glass, asking the bartender for another drink. �Oh
wait.� I abruptly said. �Just give me a bottle, okay?�
�But Ma�am--�
�Just give me one, okay?� I scoffed.
�Do you have a designated driver?� He asked.
�I don�t have but even so give me what I asked for crying out loud!� I cried out.
Bakit ba hindi nya maintindihan na kailangan kong uminom na madami para makalimutan
ko tong nararamdaman ko? Hindi ako nag-aalala kung malasing man ako o kung saan man
ako pulutin pagkatapos nito. Sa ngayon, alak lang muna ang gusto ko.
With that, he gave me a bottle of the liquor. I don�t know how many shots I�ve
drink already. I won�t stop until I forget him. I sip another, and another and
another.
My visions began to blur. I felt my head was pounding. But it was nothing compared
to my wrecked heart. I still feel the pain. Bakit ganun naman yung ginawa nya
sakin? Pinasaya nya muna ako ng konti tsaka nya ko binitiwan pabagsak sa lupa. At
sa totoo lang, napakasakit ng bagsak ko eh. Nakalas pati kaluluwa ko. Ang sakit.
Sinubukan kong pigilan ang mga luha ko, pero nabigo ako. T*ng-ina! Eto na nga yata
siguro yung epekto ng alak. Nagdadrama na naman ako. Kung kanina, hindi ako umiyak
sa mga sinabi nya, pero ngayon, masaganang umaagos ang mga luha sa pisngi ko.
Siguro kasi, ngayon lang unti-unting nag-sink in ang mga sinabi nya.
It hurts so much that the pain is sucking the life out of me. Forget all that has
happened. Feeling nya ganun lang kadaling gawin un? Feeling nya porke sinabi nya
yun, automatic na mabubura lahat ng memories ko kasama nya? Nakakainis. Kasalanan
ko din naman to eh. Kung hindi lang sana ako nagpumilit� Ahh! Ayoko nang mag-isip.
Gusto ko na lang munang mawala ung sakit. Kahit ngayon lang.
I took another shot. Tsaka ko lang narealize na unti unti na palang nasasanay ang
lalamunan ko sa pait ng alak.
�Ma�am, okay lang po kayo?� Nag-aalalang tanong ng bartender sa akin.
�Yes. Okay ako. I�M OKAY!� I yelled. �I�M GONNA BE OKAY! I�M GONNA BE FINE! I�LL
FORGET HIM. MAWAWALA DIN YUNG SAKIT NA BINIGAY NYA SAKIN!� I screamed my lungs out
as I break down. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. Hindi ko na kaya pang pigilan
tong nararamadaman ko. Kailangan ko na sigurong ilabas ito para kahit papaano eh
mawala ung sakit sa dibdib ko.
I stood up from my seat when I heard a Lady Gaga song. I wiped my tears with my
hand. I tried to gain my balance as I walked toward the dance floor, but I failed.
My body swayed as I took steps but even so, I managed to get there.
The club was dark yet I didn�t care. I�m going to be reckless this day. I wanna
have fun. I wanna forget.
I danced my heart out while banging my head to the beat. I don�t mind if I looked
some kind of lunatic here. I just want to dance. But suddenly, I felt the need to
puke. I covered my mouth as I walked toward the first door I�ve seen. As I went in,
I only realized that I was not actually inside a room. Exit na pala ito ng bar.
Damn. I can�t hold my vomit anymore; it won�t be good if I go inside the bar again.
Mahirap na, baka doon pa ko abutan. Kaya naman pinili ko na lang ang sumuka doon sa
malapit sa parking area, doon sa mga halaman.
Ang sakit sa lalamunan. Sheett. This was the only thing I get after drinking. Hindi
naman yata effective pampalimot to. Nararamdaman ko pa ung sakit eh. Nagrereplay pa
din sa utak ko ung mga sinabi nya.
Babalik na sana ako sa loob nang bar para uminom at magsaya ulit pero naisip ko na
papahirapan ko lang ang sarili ko kung ganoon ung gagawin ko. Instead, naisip ko na
lang na maglakad lakad. Baka sakaling mas makatulong to. Baka sakaling magkaroon
ako ng peace of mind sa katahimikan at kalaliman ng gabi.
Wala sa sariling tinahak ko ang kahabaan ng kalsada. Hindi naman ganoon kadilim ang
lugar. Tama lang para makakita ako kahit paano.
Lakad. Lakad. Lakad. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta. Kahit masakit ang ulo ko
at nahihilo ako, hindi ko iyon pinansin. I just kept on walking until I saw a
playground. Dali dali kong pinuntahan iyon. Para akong batang excited na sumakay sa
isa sa mga swing doon.
Who would�ve thought, I would come to a state like this. Kanina lang ang saya ko pa
habang tinitingnan ko syang makipaglaro sa mga bata. I saw a different Finn that
moment. I was happy. Not until he said all those things.
Alam ko namang pinilit ko ang sarili ko na wag umasa sa date na un. But I just
can�t help it. Alam kong pinangako ko sa sarili ko na huling iyak na ang gagawin ko
sa bus na yun. Pero hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko. Alam kong dapat na kalimutan
ko na sya talaga. Sinabi ko na iyon sa sarili ko. Masakit man pero kailangan kong
turuan ang sarili ko na gawin iyon.
Pero mas doble pala ang sakit kung sa kanya na mismo naggaling ang mga salitang
yung. Sheet. Ayan na naman ung mga pesteng luhang yan. Ilang beses na kong umiyak
ngayong linggong to. Ilang beses pa bang iyak ang maari kong gawin para lang mawala
yung sakit na nandito ngayon sa puso ko?
Nakakatawa na siguro ung itsura ko ngayon. Isang babaeng nakadress na nakaupo sa

swing. Nakainom ng alak at umiiyak. Ang galing, nangyayari pala to sa totoong
buhay. Akala ko kasi kaartehan lang ng mga babae yung ganitong moment eh. Yung
tipong sobrang nagpapaka-emo. Ganito pala un. Ganito pala ung feeling. Pakiramdam
ko tuloy pwede na kong bida sa mga Korean dramas na napapanuod ko. Tengene. Sana
nga kung palabas lang to. Kaya lang hindi eh. Hindi naman ganitong love story ung
pinangarap ko eh. Hindi pala happy ending ang kahahantungan ng story na binuo ko sa
aming dalawa ni Finn.
I don�t know how many ifs and buts I thought of already. I don�t know how long was
I sitting here in this swing. I don�t know because I don�t need to know anyway. I
don�t mind. I just don�t simply care. I just want a little bit of peacefulness on
my mind.
My head pounded so hard that it nearly knocked my brain. I felt, the alcohol is
taking its effect now. Kung kanina kaya ko pa kahit paano ung sakit ng ulo ko,
ngayon hindi ko na alam. Sobrang sakit na talaga nya.
�Pesteng alak ka.� Sabi ko habang sapu sapo ko ang ulo ko. Tsaka ko lang naalala,
hindi pa pala ko bayad dun sa mga alak na inorder ko. At ang mas masama pa dun,
hindi ko dala ang bag ko. Damn, wala na bang mas magiging malas sa araw na to?
Nanatili lang akong nakaupo sa swing. Hindi ko na yata kaya pa ang tumayo mula sa
kinauupuan ko. Bahala na. Hindi ko na talaga alam kung anong mangyayari sakin
ngayon gabing ito. O madaling araw na pala.
Marahan akong napabuntong hininga. Tears started to escape from my eyes again. I�m
so wasted. Ganito pala ang feeling ng rejected. I thought, wala ng ibibigay na
kamalasan sa akin si Lord ngayong araw pero nagkamali ako. Big drops of rain
started to pour. But my body was numb, I did not move from my seat. Ang alam ko
lang, magkahalo na ngayon ang mga luha ko at ang ulan.
Lumipas pa ang ilang minuto, I was already completely soaked from the rain yet I
did not mind. Siguro, pati ang langit, nakikisama din sa kalungkutan na
nararamdaman ko ngayon.
�Psychopath!�
My body froze when I heard that word. Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Tumayo
ako bigla sa kinatatayuan ko. Did I hear it right or I was just imagining things?
Nandito ba talaga sya? Nandito ba ang taong may dahilan kung bakit ako nandito sa
sitwasyon ito?
But my heart jumped when I saw a silhouette running toward me. He�s here? A half
smile was formed on my lips. Nandito nga sya. He�s going to save me, this time from
the rain. He still cares about me. Finn, again, will save me like what he did in
Davao when he rescued me in the woods. I was happy. Hindi naman pala nya ako ganung
pinabayaan, kahit paano, nagaalala po din sya sakin.
I was about to shout his name but my heart froze when I clearly saw the silhouette
that was coming toward me. My smile faded. I was in utter disappointment when he
came near me and hugged me.
Akala ko sya na. Akala ko sya ulit yung taong magliligtas sakin. Akala ko.
�My god. I was so worried about you��
He was still hugging me so tight. Hindi ko alam, pero lalo akong naiyak. I don�t
know why. Akala ko kasi sya na talaga. Bakit ba pinaasa ko na naman ang sarili ko
sa taong un? Bakit sya pa ung inasahan kong magliligtas sakin sa mga oras na to?
�Magkakasakit ka pa nyan sa ginagawa mo Ally eh.� Sabi pa sa akin ni Bessie. �Hey,

why�re you crying? Hush now Ally, everything will be alright. Nandito lang ako.
Iuuwi na kita.�
�Bessie.� I cried. My visions were so blurred because of my tears and because of

the rain.
This is what a drunken mind gets: hallucination. And that makes me feel so bad.
Totoo nga ung sabi nila, marami ang namamatay sa maling akala. What�s worse is, I
thought of a person who does nothing but to mock and hurt me.
�Stop crying Ally. From now on, I�ll protect you. Hindi na kita hahayaan pang
umiyak ulit.� He said, sincerity in his voice.
�Thank you Bessie.�
That was all I said before my visions turned completely blur. I don�t know what
happened next, all I saw was darkness.

Casts. ?
Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
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I was blinded by the rays of sunlight when I slowly opened my eyes. Oh god. Bakit
ang init ng pakiramdam ko? At napakasakit ng ulo na parang may libu-libong karayom
na tumutusok dito at ang ginaw pa.
I suddenly rose up from my bed. Poster agad ni Hyun Bin ang nahagip ng mga mata ko.
Then all of a sudden, nagflashback sakin lahat ng mga nangyari kagabi.
I was really wasted yesterday. Paano nga pala ako nakauwi? I checked my clothes,
suot ko ung favorite doraemon pajamas ko. Paano? Alam kaya ni Mama ung nangyari?
Hallaaa! Alam kaya nyang lasing ako kagabi?? Ahh sheet! Lagot ako nito!
I tried to recall what really happened that night after I fainted, pero walang
makapang matinong impormasyon ang utak ko. Lalo lang atang sumakit ang ulo ko sa
pag-iisip.
Kasi naman ehh. Kasalanan nya to eh!
Tiningnan ko ang oras, alas diyes na ng umaga. Late na, hindi na ko makakapasok
nito Tsaka ayoko pa muna syang makita lalo na at Monday ngayon, magkaklase kami.
Nahiga na lang muna ako sa kama ko. I felt my head hurts as I cough and sneeze.
Geez. I think I�m sick. Sino nga ba namang hindi magkakasakit? Nagbabad nga pala ko
sa ulan kaninang madaling araw. I don�t know what has gotten into me to do that.
All I know is that, I just needed to escape the pain and hurt he has brought into
me. Pero ano ngayon tong napala ko? Wala din. Ubo, sipon, lagnat at matinding
hangover lang yata. Tengene.
�Anak!�
I shifted my eyes as my mom came rushing inside my room. She seemed so excited
about something. My eyebrows met as I looked at her. Bakit parang walang alam ung
Mama ko? Hindi nya alam na nag-inom ako ng alak dahil broken-hearted ako?
�Ma?� I moaned. I don�t have enough energy to talk.
Nakangiti nyang inabot sa akin yung food tray. Okay. Breakfast in bed.
�How are you feeling now?� She asked.
�Okay naman po �Ma. Masakit lang po ung ulo ko.�
�Hindi yun ang sinasabi ko. Ibig kong sabihin, ung puso mo?�
Napakunot ang noo kong tiningnan sya. Alam na talaga nya? Kailangan ko bang sabihin
sa kanya? Pero ayokong pag-alalahanin ang Mama ko dahil lang sa nararamdaman kong
to.
Seryoso ko syang tiningnan. �Ano bang sinasabi mo dyan �Ma?�
�Ayssus kunwari ka pa.� Nang-aasar nyang ngiti sakin.
Ugh. Seriously. Wala akong magets sa sinasabi ng nanay ko. Nginitian nya ulit ako
pagkaraan ay tumingin sya sa kawalan na kala mong nagre reminisce ng mga kung anong
bagay.
�Alam mo ba, ganyan din ang nangyari sa amin ng Papa mo.�
Lalong napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi nya. Wala talaga kong maintindihan!
Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya habang hinihintay ulit syang magsalita.
�Nagkatampuhan din kami ng Papa mo noon sa first date namin.� Pagpapatuloy nya.
�Sobrang lungkot ko nang mga panahon na iyon kaya naman para bang nawala ako sa
sarili nang mga oras na yun. Hindi ko na din alam ang ginagawa ko. Akala ko, guguho
na noon ang mundo ko lalo na�t mahal ko na sya nang mga panahong iyon.�
Okay. So kinukwento ngayon ng Mama ko ung first date nila noon ni Papa? So anong
connect sakin noon?
�Pero alam mo ba ang kinagulat ko noon? Hindi ko alam na nasa tapat lang pala ng
bahay namin ang kotse ng Papa mo at hinihintay ako. Noong nalaman ko yun, hindi ko
alam ang gagawin ko. Masaya ko kasi nandoon sya. Hanggang sa magkausap kami,
nagsorry sya at nagkaayos kami.�
�Okay �Ma. Mahal nyo pa si Papa noh?� Biro ko sa kanya. �Teka, ano naman pong
kinalaman nun sakin?�
�Naisip ko lang, pareho kasi tayo ng sitwasyon noon. Alam mo bang magdamag din si
Finn sa harap ng bahay natin kaninang madaling araw?�
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi ni Mama. �PO?!�
�Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali. Kotse nya yung gray na Lamborghini hindi ba? Iyon din
yung pinangsundo nya sayo kahapon. Sa pagkakaalam ko, dumating un matapos kang
maihatid ni Ivan dito. Nang magising ako kaninang umaga, tsaka ko lang nakitang
umalis yung kotse nya.�
Hindi ako nakapagsalita dahil sa mga sinabi ng nanay ko. Totoo ba ang sinasabi nya
o naghahallucinate lang din sya? Ang lalaking iyon? Magtyatyaga dito sa tapat ng
bahay namin magdamag? Ahh! Imposible!
I immediately shrugged the thought away. No. Nagkakamali lang si Mama. Hindi si
Finn yun. Imposibleng gawin nya iyon. Tsaka ayoko na ulit umasa, Tama na ung mga
nangyari kagabi. Tama na.
�Oh Laine, kumain ka na para makainom ka na ng gamot okay?� Sabi ni Mama pagkaraan
ay lumabas na sya ng kwarto. Tumango lang ako sa kanya.
I was preoccupied of those thoughts my mom had just said. At kahit anong gawing
isip ko, alam kong nagkakamali lang si Mama. Or at least, that is what I should
think. I need to shut all of it from my mind.
Isa lang ang nasa isip ko ngayon. And that is to formulate a plan on how to get him
out of my life.
---
�Bes!�
Chix excitedly run toward me. Nginitian ko naman sya kahit na medyo masakit ang ulo
ko. Kasama nya din si Bessie.
�Hey Ally, how are you?� Bessie asked as he flashed his boyish smile at me.
�Uhm. I�m okay. Definitely more than okay.� I smiled weakly.
I�m becoming a terrible liar these days. Well, sabagay. Ayos na yun. Ayokong
mahawaan pa sila ng kalungkutan na nandito ngayon sa puso ko.
�Loka ka talaga! Alam mo bang super nagworry kami sayo kagabi nung nawala ka sa
Black Palace.� Kunwa�y sermon na sabi sa akin ni Chix.
Nginitian ko sya. �Err. Sorry naman bes. Tao lang.� I said sheepishly. �Sila Donna
nga pala?� Pag-iiba ko ng usapan. Hangga�t maaari, ayoko munang pag-usapan ang
nangyari kagabi. Lalo lang kasing sumisikip ang dibdib ko sa tuwing maiisip ko
iyon.
�Ayun, may klase silang lahat. Cutting nga lang kami nitong si Ivan eh.� Sabi nyang
nakatingin kay Bessie. �So ano nga? Bakit ba nawala ka kagabi? Buti na lang nakita
ka agad nitong si Ivan nang tinext namin sya.� Naiiling nyang sabi.
I just smiled at Chix. I needed to change the topic. I�m still not ready yet to
open up what really happened yesterday. It will just add another heartache and
embarrassment to me. Yesterday was actually awful. I�ve gone really insane. Haayy.
I just realized how reckless I was yesterday. Ganun pala talaga ang nagagawa ng
lecheng pag-ibig na yan.
�Uyy. Anong mga fruits yang dala nyo ha? Nag-abala pa kayo.� Nakangiti kong tukoy
sa mga dala ni Chix. Obviously, I didn�t mind Chix�s question.
�Tss. I smell something fishy Laine. Ikaw ha?� Nakapamewang na tanong sa akin ni
Chix. May pagdududa sa mga mata nya habang nakatingin sa akin.
�Hey ladies. C�mon, let�s just eat.� Bessie suddenly interrupted. I smiled at him,
thanking him for shifting the topic. He then winked at me. �Uhh. Nice room by the
way Ally.� He said smiling at me.
�Thanks Bessie.�
Pinagsaluhan namin ung mga prutas at pagkain na dala nila. Pero maya maya ay
biglang tumunog yung phone ni Chix. Agad naman nyang sinagot ito.
�Hey Ivan, Laine. Mauna na muna ko! Something came up.� Sabi sa amin ni Chix nang
maibaba nya na ang cellphone nya. Mabilis nyang kinuha yung bag nya pagkaraan ay
hinalikan nya ko sa pisngi. �Bes, pagaling ka okay? Loveyou! Hey Ivan, kaw muna
bahala kay Laine huh? Bye!�
Yun lang ang sinabi nya pagkaraan ay nagmamadali na syang lumabas ng kwarto ko.
Nagkatinginan naman kami ni Bessie, pagkaraan ay nagsalita sya.
�Ally, you�re okay now?� Seryoso nyang tanong sa akin.
�Hmm yeah.� I simply answered. �Teka nga Bessie, how did you find me yesterday? I
thought you�re in Hongkong?� I curiously asked.
�Hmm well actually, I didn�t really go there.� He said not looking at me. He was
peeling some oranges.
�Huh?� I asked. My eyebrows were tied.
�Here.� He handed me the orange he had just peeled. �Well, I was just in Tagaytay
for the last three days.�
Nagtataka ko syang tiningnan. �Pero sabi mo pupunta ka sa Hongkong?�
�Sorry, I lied.� He looked at me seriously. �Sinabi ko naman sayo na kapag gusto

kong mag-isip at gusto ko ng katahimikan at peace of mind, I usually go in our rest
house in Batangas, right?�
�Hmm yeah.� I nodded. I remembered him telling that to me when we were in their
rest house in Batangas. �So what did you think of while you�re there?�
�Well, do you remember when I told you I have this girl I like?�
I swallowed as I remember those things he said when we were in Davao. �Hmm, yeah.�
I murmured.
�To make the long story short, she was actually the reason why I went there.� He
said. His words are firm and serious.
I did not speak. I just waited another sentences from him.
�I was actually thinking of just letting her go since I know for a fact that she
likes another man. I know I was such a coward for thinking that way.� He took a
deep breath. �But then, when I saw her in so much pain, I just realized that I
really want to protect her. I don�t want to see her cry anymore. I want to be that
man who would take care of her, who would make her happy and that man who wouldn�t
hurt her.�
Natigilan ako sa mga sinasabi ni Bessie. I don�t know what would be the right
reaction at this moment.
�I know she still likes another man. But I will wait for her. No matter what
happens. No matter how long will it take.�
---
Kinabukasan�
I decided not to attend classes today in spite of the fact that I am actually okay
now. Well, at least physically. Thank God, bumaba na yung lagnat ko pero medyo
sinisipon pa din ako.
Two things are bothering me right now.
First is, the things Bessie said yesterday. Hindi ko alam kung ano yung gagawin ko
pagkatapos nyang sabihin sa akin yun. He told me that as if he�s actually talking
about me, that I am the girl he likes. Hay, bakit ba ganun ang buhay?
Napakakomplikado at napakaunfair. Katulad na lang nang sitwasyon namin ni Bessie.
He likes me. I like Finn. Finn likes Bianca. Bianca likes Finn. UNFAIR! Bakit si
Finn at Bianca walang problema? Haay...
But come to think of it, malay ko naman kung paglipas ng panahong makalimutan ko na
si Finn, magustuhan ko naman si Bessie nang higit pa sa isang kaibigan lang. Hindi
naman posibleng mangyari yun. Bessie is so close to being perfect.
Right now, it will be unfair to Bessie if ipagpipilitan kong gustuhin sya sa

ngayon. Ang alam ko lang, masaya ko kapag kasama sya. He�s my best friend after
all.
Second, my plan on how to forget Finn. This time, I�m really dead serious. Kung
ayaw kong saktan yung sarili ko lalo, ito na talaga yung kailangan kong gawin. Just
like what he said, and that is to FORGET!
I just realized that word really sucks. Iyon pala ang mas mahirap gawin, ang
lumimot. Mas mahirap kasing iwanan na ang mga bagay na nakasanayan na natin.
Pero despite all of those things, iyon na ang bagay ng pinakagusto kong gawin
ngayon: Ang makalimutan ko sya nang tuluyan at nang mabura na sya sa puso at isip
ko.
Nilibot ko ang tingin ko sa kwarto ko. I stumbled upon the poster of Hyun Bin in my
wall. Who would�ve thought, because of my obsession to this Korean actor, my heart
would be wretched and scattered into million pieces.
Arggh! Kasalanan mo to Hyun Bin!! Bakit naman kasi sa dami daming lalaki dyan, sayo
pa ko naobsess nang ganito! Ayan tuloy, pati yung kamuka mo, ginusto ko na din. At
hindi lang yun! Minahal ko pa. Sheeettt!
Alam ko naman na kasalanan ko din talaga to eh. Ako pa nga yung nagpumilit na
mapalapit kay Finn eh. I was chasing him like I was some kind of an obsess stalker.
I even threatened him to be my boyfriend because of my desperation on finding love.
And the result? Eto, nadamage na puso at kaluluwa.
Totoo nga yung sabi nila, wag daw nating hanapin ang pag-ibig. Kung ayaw nyong
matulad sakin, just wait for it to come.
I was really desperate of wanting the feeling of being in love. I was too envious
of those female protagonists in dramas who have their love beside them. I just
wanted to love and to be loved, as simple as that.
But I didn�t know that my fascination about love would bring me into situation like
this. It all started from a mere silliness, and at this point, I was the one being
silly right now. I even did unexpected things. I drank. I bathe myself under the
heavy rain just because I want to eradicate him out of my mind.
I tore the posters of Hyun Bin on my wall. Sorry, Binnie. I need to do this. Dahil
kasi sayo, maaalala ko lang ung lalaking yun eh. You were actually the reason why I
chased him anyway.
Pagkatapos kong tanggalin ang mga poster ni Hyun Bin at ang mga pictures nyang
nakadisplay sa kwarto ko, dinala ko ito sa likod ng bahay namin para sunugin.
See? I�m really serious about forgetting that bipolar. Susunugin ko ang precious
Hyun Bin collection ko para lang hindi ko na sya maisip. Aww, sorry talaga Binnie.
I started to light the fire onto it. Mabigat ang dibdib ko habang unti unti ko
iyong nakikitang nagiging abo. Mahina akong humiling na sana, kasabay ng unti
unting pagkasunog nito, ganun din yung damdamin ko para kay Finn.
Sana talaga makalimutan ko na sya� Sana�
After that, bumalik ulit ako sa kwarto ko. Bigla akong nanibago nang matanggal na
dun ang mga Hyun Bin posters. Iyon kasi ang nagpapaalala sakin noon kay Finn. Iyon
ang nag-iinspire sakin habang iniisip ko si Finn gabi-gabi.
Nagsimula akong ligpitin yung kwarto ko. Wala lang, naisip ko kasi na part din to
ng moving on process. Alam nyo yun. You need to change even the simplest thing
around you just to divert your attention from thinking of the one you love.
Pinalitan ko yung bed sheets ko. Inayos ko yung cabinet ko. Iniba ko yung pwesto ng
kama at ng computer ko. Pinalitan ko din yung mga kurtina sa kwarto ko.
Ito na rin siguro yung sign na pati ako, kailangan ko na ding magbago. Para na din
sa sarili ko. Mahirap man ang lumimot, pero kailangan kong gawin. In due time, alam
kong makakalimutan ko din si Finn. Hindi man biglaan, kahit paunti-unti lang.
Nag-aayos ako ng mga gamit sa bag ko nang mahagip ng mata ko ang isang picture na
nakaipit sa notebook ko. Nang tiningnan ko iyon, hindi ko maiwasan ang dalawin na
naman ng lungkot. Iyon ang picture na nakuha namin noon sa Jungle Log Jam, nang
bigla nya akong yayain sa Enchanted Kingdom.
Nakangiti ang mga mukha namin at parehas pang nakakatawa yung itsura namin. Ito
yung kauna-unahang picture naming magkasama kaming dalawa. At malamang, ito na din
yung huli. Ano na kayang ginawa nya sa picture na to? Meron kasi syang copy nito
eh. Malamang, tinapon nya na siguro ito. Bakit naman hindi? Wala lang naman ako
para sa kanya. Isa lang naman akong psycho, dummy at stupid na babae sa tingin nya.
Marahan ko ulit na tiningnan yung picture. Hindi ko maiwasan na sariwain ang mga
ala-ala namin sa EK. Naalala ko tuloy nang umuulang hapon, nang bigla nyang
hinawakan ang mga kamay ko pagkatapos nakita na lang namin ang sarili namin sa
harap ng amusement park na yun.
Hindi ko din makalimutan nang yakapin ko sya noon sa ferris wheel dahil sa sobrang
kalungkutan nya at dahil na din sa pagkamiss nya sa Mom nya.
Syeet, ano na naman ba tong ginagawa ko? Nakakainis naman eh. Sabi ko hindi na ulit
ako iiyak. Kaya lang kasi, ang hirap pala talagang pigilan ang mga luha. Lalo pa�t
isa isa na namang nagflashback lahat ng masasayang araw ko kasama sya.
Hindi ko tuloy maiwasan na isipin ulit ang mga pangyayari kung saan una kong inamin
sa sarili ko na mahal ko na sya. Nang gabing sinagip nya ko nang nasa Davao kami,
nang gabing yakapin nya ko ng mahigpit. Lahat kaya yun, wala lang para sa kanya?
Hindi ba talaga nya ko nagustuhan kahit isang segundo lang? Wala lang ba talaga ko
para sa kanya?
I cried even hard after I thought of those questions. Siguro nga, wala lang talaga
ko para sa kanya. Ano ba namang sinabi ko sa first love diba?
Pinunit ko nang maliliit na piraso yung picture. Umiiyak pa din ako habang
nakatingin lang ulit doon sa mga malilit na piraso noon.
Masakit isipin na kahit kailan, hindi magkakaroon ng happy ending sa binuo kong
Flaine love story. Nakakatawa, nagplano pa ko ng mga ganun para lang sa wala.
Pakiramdam ko tuloy, nakakaawa na ako ngayon. Ako ang unang nainlove. Ako din ang
talo.
I looked at myself in front of the mirror. Gulo gulo ang buhok ko. Namumugto ang
mga mata ko.
�Huling iyak mo na to Laine.� Humihikbi kong sabi habang kausap ko ang sarili ko sa
salamin.
�Magiging okay ka. Magiging okay din ang lahat.� I said to myself.
Tears were streaming down my cheeks when my eyes caught a sharp pair of scissors on
the side table. I immediately get it. I looked at it intently. I crooked a smile on
my lips.
I looked at myself at the mirror again. I untied my hair. This will be the last
time I�d see myself cry. I took a deep breath and swallowed the lump in my throat.
�Makakalimutan mo din sya Laine.� Mahina kong sabi habang humihikbi pa din. Itinaas
ko ang gunting sa kamay ko at unti unti iyong inilapit sa buhok ko.
�Okay lang yan Laine. Everything will be alright.�
That was what I said as I cut my hair with the scissors in my hand.
I watched and cried silently as the strands of my hair fall on the floor. This will
just be the beginning as I move on. I need to move forward. I need to forget him. I
need to start afresh.
Without him.
Without that man.
Without Finn.

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I�m letting him go not just because he told me so. I did it for myself. I�m doing
it for my sake.
Lahat yata ng nakakakilala sa akin ay nagulat dahil sa biglaan kong transformation.

Siguro, nasanay na kasi sila sa mahaba kong buhok. I actually cut my hair just a
few inches from my shoulders. For us girls, hair is our crowning glory but I cut
mine because I want to change and start anew. You know, part of the moving on
process.
Pagpasok ko sa classroom, nakita kong tumingin silang lahat sa akin. Alam ko kung
bakit. Maganda kasi ko. Bwahahaha! Kailangan talagang magpakapositive. Hindi na nga
nya ko minahal, ganun din ba ang gagawin ko sa sarili ko? Syempre, pagkatapos ng
lahat ng nangyari, dapat ko pang lalong mahalin ang sarili ko.
Ayokong magaya sa ibang babae na sinaktan na nga sila ng taong minamahal nila,
gumagawa pa sila lalo ng mga bagay na lalo lang ikasasakit ng damdamin nila. O
sige, alam kong medyo guilty ako sa part na un dahil sa mga ginawa ko noong
nakaraang araw. Pero, pinipilit ko naman ngayong bumangon muli mula sa pagkakadapa
ko. Naks! Ang lalim nun!
It will be such hypocrisy if I say I�m fine now. Of course, I�m still not. But I�m
trying to be better. I promised myself one day I�ll start to pick up the missing
pieces of me as soon as my mind really settles down. And I guess that day is
actually today.
Bubuuin ko na ulit ang sarili ko. Kahit paunti unti lang. Ang importante,
makalimutan ko na sya. Yun naman talaga ang plano ko sa simula pa lang nang
dumating na dito si Bianca sa Pilipinas. Nagkataon lang na si Finn na talaga mismo
ang nagsabi noon sa akin na kalimutan ko na nga sya.
Tahimik lang akong umupo sa upuan ko. Magta-time na din kaya alam kong malapit nang
mag-umpisa ang klase. Wala pa sa ngayon ang seatmate ko. Wala pa si Finn.
Dapat talaga, hindi ako papasok sa subject na to. Hindi ko alam kung handa ba kong
makita sya pagkatapos ng lahat ng nangyari. Hindi ko alam ang dapat na reaksyon sa
sandaling magkita kami. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sya pakikitunguhan.
Pero naisip kong kaduwagan naman kung gagawin ko yun. Parang phobia lang yan eh.
You overcome a fear once you face it. I thought for a moment that I had become a
Finnophobic. (Hahaha. Ansavee ng term?!) Not that I fear him because he�s someone
frightening but because I don�t know how my heart would react once I see him again.
Baka kasi bigla na naman itong tumibok ng mabilis at makalimutan ko na naman na
nagmomove on na ko.
So yun nga, after hours of thinking, nandito na nga ako sa upuan ko. Kailangan ko
syang harapin. At saka alam ko namang malaki talaga ang tsansa namin na magkita
dito sa campus. Hindi yun maiiwasan. Hindi ko naman lalayuan ang ChocoPaps dahil
lang sa kanya diba? Kahit paano naman eh napalapit na sakin ang ChocoPaps ng husto,
lalo na si Bessie.
I need to stand up and held my head high. I won�t let Finn see that I was hurt by
what he did. I will let him feel that I wasn�t affected at all.
Minutes have passed, he wasn�t around yet. Good, I thought. Actually it would be
more okay if he would just ditch this class. It will be of much favor if he�d do
that. Just imagine how I would feel knowing that the man who just broke my heart
was just sitting right beside me. How great would that be, right?
�Good morning class.�
Naputol ang pag-iisip ko nang biglang pumasok si Sir Paul. Great, absent ang
lalaking yun. Wala akong problema. Hindi ko na aalalahanin pa kung paano ako
kikilos sakaling makatabi ko sya.
Nagsimula nang magdiscuss si Sir Paul. Ganito naman talaga ang prof na to eh. Wala
nang paliguy-ligoy pa. Discuss kung discuss ang drama nya. No wonder kung bakit
sobrang boring ng klase nya. Kaya nga lagi kong dinadaldal si Finn noon eh. Mas
gugustuhin ko pang makipag-usap sa lalaking yun kahit wala namang kwenta ang pinag-
uusapan namin, kahit madalas eh pang-aasar lang ang ginagawa nya sakin.
Did I just mention that crap again? Urghh! Scratch that. Nagmomove on na ko. Wala
ng silbi pa ang memories. Binaon ko na nga pala ang lahat ng yun sa kasuluk-sulukan
ng isip ko.
I just shifted my attention back to Sir Paul. Pinilit kong intindihin ang mga
sinasabi nya. Pilit kong itinutuon ang pansin ko sa white board na puno ng
equation. I tried to be one of those nerds who nod every once in a while at each
question Sir Paul would throw.
�The equation of a road is ax^2 from A to B, R(x)[bx + c] from B to C. B is 100

feet horizontally from A and 100 feet higher. Since the road is smooth R�(x) is
continuous. What is the value--�
*BAAAM*
My classmates� attentions were shifted from Sir Paul and we all looked at the door.
From there came a man who always seemed to love that kind of entrance ever since
the day of school has first started.
�Again, that was a good entrance Mr. Dela Cruz.� Sir Paul said. He didn�t sound
sarcastic; it was like he was fascinated by Finn�s arrogant entrance.
�Yeah.� Finn said arrogantly. And just like what he always does, he walked
conceitedly toward his seat which happened to be beside me.
I gulped at the thought. Nandito na nga sya. I calmed myself. Mas nakakakaba pa
yata ang makatabi ko sya kesa sagutin ang sagot ni Sir Paul. Umupo na sya sa tabi
ko. Hindi nya ko man lang ako tiningnan. Umupo lang sya na parang wala syang
pakialam sa mundo. Ganun din ang ginawa ko, hindi ko sya pinansin. It was as if I
never knew him at all.
Bakit kasi nandito pa sya? Dapat hindi na lang sya pumasok eh. Nakakainis!
Sir Paul then went on with his discussion. As for me, I tried all my might to
listen to his lecture for Pete�s sake. Sinubukan ko talaga ang hindi lingunin sya
kahit isang beses. Kay Sir Paul lang talaga yung attention ko.
Nagpasalamat na lang ako at dumaan ang oras na ganun lang ang setup sa pagitan
namin. Hindi kami nagpapansinan. Hindi kami nagtitinginan. Parang hindi
magkakilala.
Imagine what I felt after the Calculus subject. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag.
Pinakita ko talaga sa kanya na wala lang sa akin ang mga nangyari. Ganun din naman
sya eh. Nakikita ko sa peripheral vision ko na hindi man lang din nya ko tinapunan
ng tingin kahit isang beses lang. Sabagay, bakit nga naman sya maapektuhan? Ano ba
ko para sa kanya diba?
Mabilis syang lumabas ng classroom right after the class ended. Para bang hindi na
nya kayang magtagal pa kahit ilang segundo sa room.
Okay fine. Whatever Finn. Wala na kong pakialam sayo. Dapat lang naman talaga diba?
Dumiretso ako sa cafeteria pagkatapos. Ganun na naman talaga ang routine pag lunch
time eh. Sa cafeteria ng school lagi ang tambayan. Syempre kasabay ko ang
ChocoPaps, sila Chix at Donna. Nasanay na kaming lahat sa ganung setup. As for
Finn, hindi ko alam kung sasabay sya sa amin maglunch ngayon. Well, the hell I
care. Hindi ko sya kilala. Ansavee ng bitter. Hahaha.
�Whoa. Who�s that girl?� Bungad na tanong ni Martin nang maabutan ko silang nakaupo
sa usual na pwesto namin.
�Wow. New look. Anong meron?� Si Hiro.
�Bes! What did you do to your crowning glory?!� Chix exclaimed.
�Nice Laine.� Simpleng sabi ni Donna.
�You look dashing Ally.� Bessie said as he flatter me.

Lahat sila nandun. Syempre maliban lang kay Finn. Buti naman. Mas magiging
komportable talaga ko kapag wala sya.
Lahat sila nagulat yata dahil sa bagong hairstyle ko. Big deal na ba ngayon to?
Hahaha. �Tama bang mag-react isa isa?� Natatawa kong tanong sa kanilang lahat nang
makaupo na ako.
�Bakit ka nagpagupit, Bes? Sayang yung hair mo!� Sabi ni Chix sakin. May
panghihinayang sa boses nya.
�Wala lang. For a change.� Ngiti kong sagot. Well, tama naman yung sinabi ko. For a
change. Pero hindi ko sasabihin na ginusto kong baguhin ang sarili ko para lang
makalimutan ang isang tao.
Nagsimula na kaming kumain pagkatapos. Hangga�t maari, pilit kong iniwasan ang mga
tanong nila sa akin kung bakit bigla na lang akong nawala nang nasa bar kami. Kung
mapunta man kami sa topic na un, si Bessie na lang mismo ang nagpupumilit magsalita
para lang mabago ung usapan. Ang cool talaga ng best friend ko.
�Laine. Secret lang un ha?� Maya-maya ay bulong sa akin ni Donna.
Bahagyang kumunot ang noo ko nang tingnan sya. Pero pagkaraan ay nakuha ko din ang
ibig nyang sabihin. �Oo naman Dons. Your secret is safe with me.� I smiled.
�Thanks.� She mumbled while smiling at me.
Sa totoo lang, bilib ako dito kay Donna. Ang galing din nyang magtago ng
nararamdaman. Sana maging katulad ko sya. Magaling magpanggap. Pero sana hindi ko
maranasan ang naranasan nya, isang taon syang nastuck kay Martin. Sana naman
panadalian lang ung nararamdaman ko kay Finn para madali ko lang syang makalimutan.
�Laine. Ang cool talaga ng new look mo.� Si Hiro.
�Hindi ah. Mas bagay kay Laine ung mahaba nyang buhok.� Saad naman ni Chix.
�Mas okay ung look nya ngayon Chix.� Si Donna.
Napatigil ako sa pagkain ko at kunwa�y nagtataka akong tumingin sa kanila. �Grabe

lang ah. Hindi pa din kayo makamove on sa hairstyle ko?� Natatawa kong tanong sa
kanila.
�Oo nga naman guys. Kahit naman anong hairstyle ni Laine, maganda pa din sya.�
Bessie said. He flashed a sweet smile at me. �Actually Ally, you look braver now.
It�s like your this type of girl who wouldn�t cry again after losing her candy.�
�Aww. Thank you Bessie.� Nakangiti ko din sabi sa kanya. I know what he�s talking
about. And still, I thank him for not mentioning that thing. Ayoko lang kasing pag-
usapan kasi wala na din namang silbi kung pag-uusapan pa namin ang bagay na yun.
�Edi kayo nang magbest friend ang sweet at cheesy.� Sarkastikong sabi ni Chix sa
amin.
Nagtawanan na lang kaming lahat. Hanggang sa napunta na lang ang usapan sa kung
anu-ano na namang bagay. Ganito naman talaga kami eh. Ultimo maliit na langgam,
nagagawan naming pag-usapan.
�ChocoPaps!�
Natigil lang kami nang may babaeng sumigaw. Excited syang lumapit papunta sa amin.
Napako ang tingin ko sa kasama nya. Pero mas napako ang tingin ko sa kamay nilang
dalawa. Magkahawak.
Para na namang may sumaksak na kutsilyo sa puso ko. Mas masakit pala na makita ko
talaga silang ganitong magkasama. They really look good together. Kaya siguro
nagmamadali itong si Finn kanina. Nandito pala si Bianca.
****************TO BE CONTINUED *************
�Whoa. The love team of the year is here.� Sabi ni Martin.
�B! It�s nice to see you here in our school.� Bati naman sa kanila ni Bessie.
�Hello guys!� She smiled sweetly. This girl has really a sweet and innocent smile.
Pero kahit na mabait sya, ayoko pa din sa kanya. �I was actually here to visit you
and to tell you that I�m gonna study here next sem.�
Napaubo ako sa sinabi nya. Ano daw? Dito sya mag-aaral next sem? Oh good Lord tell
me she�s just joking.
�Ally, are you okay?� Bessie asked worriedly. He handed me a glass of water.
�Thanks Bessie. Nasamid lang ako.� Ngiti kong sabi kay Bessie pagkaraan ay ininom
ko ang tubig na inabot nya sakin.
Itinuon ko na lang ang pansin ko sa pagkaing nasa harap ko. Nakaupo na silang
dalawa. Si Bianca, panay ang kwento. Si Finn naman seryoso lang.
�That�s great Bianca.� Martin smiled.
�Thanks Mart. I�m so excited actually not just because of you guys but because of
these girls.� She smiled at us. �I want to be part of this circle of friends. Okay
lang naman sa inyo un diba, girls?� Tanong nya sa aming mga babae.
Chix and Donna gave her an awkward smile. �Sure.�
�Thank you girls!� Masya nyang sabi pagkaraan ay nagulat na lang ako nang balingan
nya ako. �Hey Laine.� She called out my name as if we�re best of friends. Err. Okay
I know I�m being rude but I just don�t like being close with this girl. Well, I�m
just being honest. �You cut your hair?!� She exclaimed.
Duhh. Obvious ba?
Gusto ko sanang sagutin sya nyan pero kahit naman ganito ko, kaya ko namang
rumespeto ng tao. Besides, wala namang kasalanan ang babaeng to. Pero hindi naman
maiiwasan na maging bitter ako sa kanya. Normal naman siguro to sa isang babae,
diba?
I smiled at her naturally. �Yes. Wala lang. For a change.�
�Oh I see.� She nodded. �Gusto ko din sanang magpagupit ng buhok. Hindi ko lang
magawa. Si James kasi. Mas gusto nyang mahaba ung buhok ko.� She turned to Finn and
smile at him genuinely. Hindi na ko nagtaka nang bingyan din nya ng matamis na
ngiti si Bianca.
Sus. Hindi ako nagseselos. Wala akong pakialam sa kanila noh. Tss. Tsaka ano naman
pakialam ko kung mas gusto ni Finn sa babaeng mahaba ang buhok. Duh lang talaga.
Para ngang gusto kong tanggalin yung mga ngipin nila isa isa para mas maganda ung
ngiti nila eh.
�Ganun ba? Well, ganyan naman talaga eh. Iba iba tayo ng perception.� Nakangiti
kong sagot sa kanya.
�You�re right Ally.� Bessie suddenly interrupted. �But if I were to be asked. I

like the new Ally now. Braver and bolder.� He gave me a sweet alluring smile. I
gave him a smile too. He�s such a sweet guy. It was as if Bessie only knows how to
give me a compliment. Alam nyo un? Pag kasama ko sya feeling ko laging mahaba ang
buhok ko. Ahaha.
�Wow Ivan. That�s so sweet of you. You and Laine would really make a good pair.�
Bianca said, smiling from ear to ear.
Bessie chuckled. �Thanks. Haha.�
Grabe lang yung topic. They are all looking at Bessie and me. Nahiya naman ako
bigla. Masyado nila kaming pinagmamatch.
�So does it mean that you two are actually dating? Are you going to court her?�
Bianca asked straightforwardly.
I gasped at her question. Is she the modern version of Kris Aquino? Grabe lang
mang-intriga. Lahat naman sila nakatingin sa amin ni Bessie na parang naghihintay
ng sagot. Feeling ko tuloy nasa hot seat kami eh.
Bessie then looked at me. He seriously bore his eyes into mine. Then he looked at
them giving a soft chuckle. He shrugged his shoulders in a cute manner. �I guess
so.�
My eyes widened as I looked up at Bessie. Is he serious?!
Mukang lahat din sila nagulat sa sinabi ni Bessie. As for Finn, his face was
expressionless. Well what do I expect?
Pagkatapos nun lahat sila naghiyawan especially si Chix. �Oh my god! This is like
the biggest scoop ever!�
I don�t know if Chix was sincere with what she said. Hindi ko alam kung ginagawa
nya to dahil gusto nya talaga kami ni Bessie para sa isa�t isa o ganun na lang ang
reaksyon nya para ipamukha kay Finn na I�m better off without him. Hindi ko man
diretsuhang sinabi kay Chix ang problema ko, alam kong alam na nya. Ganun din si
Donna. Lagi nila akong tinetext nitong nakaraang araw ng encouraging messages.
�Wow. Another lovers-to-be in the group. I�m happy for you man� Si Hiro.
Ano ba yan? Nakakahiya talaga. Ano ba kasi tong si Bessie? Lakas talaga mang
powertrip ng taong to. Hahaha. Siguro nagbibiro lang sya. Ganun naman talaga yung
lagi nyang ginagawa. Madalas kaming mapagkamalang magboyfriend nito eh. At lagi din
nyang sinasabi na magboyfriend nga kami. Adik lang eh. Hahaha.
Lahat sila mukang masaya para sa amin ni Bessie. Well, might as well, sakyan ko na
lang din ang trip ni Bessie. Ngumiti na lang ako sa kanilang lahat at hindi na ako
tumutol. I looked at Bessie. He winked at me. Oh diba, ang adik lang. Hahah.
�Wow Laine. You�re one lucky girl.� Bianca smiled at me. I answered by giving her a
smile.
Lahat kami naman kami nagulat nang biglang tumayo si Finn. He seemed serious. His
eyebrows tied a knot. �Hey guys. I guess Bianca and I need to go already. We better
hit the road now. We just have some place to go to.�
�Okay. Go on with your date man. Bye Bianca. See yah around.� Martin said.
Bianca stood up. She smiled awkwardly. �Oh yeah. Mauna na kami guys. Bye.� She said
as she linked her arms at Finn�s.
We all nod at her. Hindi na lumingon si Finn sa amin nang magsimula na silang
maglakad. Ganun ba siya kaexcited sa date nila ni Bianca? Tss. Edi sila na!
When they were completely gone from my eyes, the smile that was plastered in my
lips suddenly faded. I just can�t help it. Paano na lang sa mga susunod pang mga
araw na makita ko silang magkasama? Hindi ko alam. Hindi ko pa din maiwasan ang
masaktan. Hayyy.
ARGGGHHH!!! What the eff na feeling ba to?! Positive Laine! Be positive! Hindi ka
affected!
Oo tama! Wala na kong pakialam! Basta ako bago ung hairstyle ko! PERIOD!

Previous chapters:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
???
�Chix, napanuod mo ung Glee?� Tanong ni Donna.

�OO! GRABE! Ang cool ni Blaine, lumipat na sya ng McKinley!� Excited na sagot ni
Chix na kala mo mahihimatay sa sobrang kaligayahan.
�Sweetcake. Enough of Glee, okay? Why don�t you watch CSI or The Killing? It�s more
fun than that musical series.� Singit ni Hiro.
Chix and Donna looked at Hiro intensely. �SHUT UP HIRO!�
�Mart. Have you heard the new song of The Script?� Bessie asked while strumming his
guitar.
�Not yet.� Martin simply answered as he looked at some old magazine with The
Beatles on its cover.
Grabe. Ang gugulo nila. Nandito kami ngayon sa isang kubo sa gazebo. Napag-isipan
lang naming tumambay since wala naman kaming klase lahat. Nakikinig lang ako sa mga
pinaguusapan nila.
Hindi naman ako makasingit sa usapan ni Chix at Donna since puro Glee ang
pinaguusapan nila. Si Bessie at Martin naman puro banda ang topic nila. Hindi ako
makarelate. Hayy. Wala akong makausap.
Inilibot ko ang tingin ko sa kanila at hindi sinasadyang mapako ang tingin ko kay
Finn. Tahimik at seryoso lang sya habang may hawak hawak syang libro. Ilang araw na
din buhat nang mangyari ang gabing sinabi nyang kalimutan ko sya.
At gaya ng sinabi nya, ganun nga ang ginagawa ko. Sa katunayan nyan, nagpalipat na
ako ng upuan sa Calculus. Kapag nakakasalubong ko sya sa corridor, taas noo lang
ako habang dire-diretsong naglalakad. Kapag nagkakasabay-sabay kaming kumain, hindi
ko sya tinitingnan man lang. Well, ganun din naman sya. Meron na kaming sari
sariling mundo ngayon. Hindi ko na sya kinukulit. Hindi na rin nya ko inaasar.
I go on with my own life. Or at least that is what I am trying to do.
Sabi nga sa kanta, �so near yet so far� ang drama namin ni Finn. Alam nyo ba yung
feeling na ilang pulgada lang ang pagitan nyo sa isa�t isa, pero hindi man lang
kayo magusap o magkatinginan na para bang ilang libong milya ang layo nyo sa isa�t
isa? Ganun na ganun ang nararamdaman ko kapag nakikita ko si Finn. Malapit pero
sobrang layo pa din.
Mataman lang akong nakikinig sa iPod ko habang hindi ko napansin na pasimple na

pala akong nakatingin sa kanya. Nakatuon pa din sya sa libro nya. Nang maglipat sya
ng page, naramdaman kong bigla na lang bumilis ang pag-tibok ng puso ko nang
tumingin sya sa direksyon kung nasaan ako.
For a second, our eyes locked. His eyes were the same, expressionless and vague.
But then, I tried all my might to look away from him. Ako ang unang nag-iwas ng
tingin. Hindi ako dapat magpadala sa mga titig nya sa akin. Tapos na ang episode na
ganun sa buhay ko. Enough of the he-stared-at-me-and-my-heart-melt moment. That
should be forgotten now.
�GUYS!�
I composed myself when someone called out. I looked to see who it was. Si Bianca.
�Hey B! What�s with the rush?� Tanong ni Bessie nang makalapit na nang tuluyan sa
amin si Bianca. He was still strumming on his black shiny guitar.
�Nothing!� She smiled then she turned to Finn. �Hey handsome! Sorry, I�m late.� She
sat beside him and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Finn then looked at her. He seemed awkward at first as he looked at her but then he
gave her a sweet smile. �It�s okay, B.�
Okay. Sila na! Duhh!!! Pakikuha nga ako nang baseball bat at gusto ko lang basagin
ang bungo nilang dalawa! Bwahaha!
�Guys. Wala na kayong klase?� Maya-maya ay tanong nya sa amin. Her arms are now
linked with Finn�s.
�Wala na.� Sabay-sabay nilang sagot. Ako naman tahimik lang. Medyo naiilang pa din
kasi ko kay Bianca. It�s normal, I guess.
She gave us her sweet smile again. �Good. Let�s go at my house. Party tayo. Sabihin
na nating, welcome party for me.�
Ano daw? Welcome party? Hallerr! Magtwo two weeks na kaya sya dito sa Pinas tapos
ngayon lang sya magpapawelcome party?! SUSSS!
�Wow. Sounds good.� Martin said coolly as he taps his hands on the table.
�Cool.� Si Hiro.
�Let�s have a pajama party, okay? Sleepover at my house.� She shifted her look at
us. �So girls, are you going?� She asked, a smile plastered on her lips.
Donna and Chix nodded at her. �Uhm yeah. Sure.�
As for me, I was kinda hesitant at first but then, just to let them feel that I
wasn�t affected with Bianca and Finn around me, I decided to give it a go. It
wouldn�t hurt, would it?
---
Pagpasok namin sa bakuran ng bahay ni Bianca, malakas na party music ang bumungad
sa amin. Masyado ng clich� kung idedescribe ko pa ang bahay nya. Basta malaki at
maganda ito. Meron ding pool sa garden.
Si Bessie ang sumundo sa amin nila Chix at Donna since hindi naman namin alam kung
saang lupalop ba ang bahay ni Bianca. We actually decided to go home first after
she invited us. We prepared ourselves clothes to wear. At para na din magpaalam sa
mga magulang namin.
�Wow! You�re here! Come in come in!� Bianca said cheerfully as she guided us inside
her house.
They were already complete when we got inside. Foods and drinks are everywhere in
the living room. We then sat down on the pink couch.
�I�m so happy that you�re all here.� Bianca said afterwards. She was sitting on the
carpeted floor while Finn was beside her. �It�s so good to be back.� She smiled.
�Ngayon ko lang narealize kung gaano ko namiss ang ChocoPaps. At syempre masaya ako
kasi may bago na kong friends.� Tumingin sya sa aming mga babae.
Ngumiti naman kaming lahat sa kanya. Then Chix asked her, �Your house is huge
Bianca. Where are your parents by the way?�
Bianca�s smile faded after hearing Chix�s question. She now wears a gloomy look on
her face. I can�t explain what�s that expression on her face. It was as if she was
haunted. She seemed traumatize or something. Yes, maybe that�s the word.
Traumatize. I can see fear in her eyes.
�Ah, Chix. Let�s just eat okay?� It was Finn. His tone was serious. Obviously, he
changed the topic after seeing Bianca�s reaction.
After he said it, a dead air followed amongst all of us. It was as if no one dared
to speak a word. I looked at the boys. They seemed hesitant. They all fell silent.
On the other hand, Chix, Donna and I were confused as to what�s happening.
Especially Chix. She�s wearing a did-I-say-something-bad look on her face.
I looked again at Bianca. Her expression did not change.
Ang weird tuloy ng ambiance. Bakit ganun? May mali ba sa tanong ni Chix? Tinatanong
lang naman nya kung nasaan ang parents ni Bianca. Masama na bang itanong ngayon un?
Baka naman� baka naman, wala na yung parents nya kaya ganun? Well, siguro nga. Pero
if ever man, bakit ganun na lang ung reaction nya? Mukang takot na takot sya.
Weird.
�Bianca. Are you okay?� Nag-aalalang tanong ni Finn sa kanya. He was rubbing
Bianca�s arms as he stared at her worriedly.
Bianca did not speak. Nakatulala lang sya. Pagkaraan, nakita ko ang muka nila
Bessie. It was as if they�re gonna freak out any moment. Ano bang nangyayari?
Nasaan na ung masayahing Bianca kanina?
�Bianca.� Finn called out again.
Still, Bianca was not responding. What the eff is happening to her? She�s acting so
weird.
�Guys. Stay here.� Finn said then suddenly he grabbed Bianca by her arm and dragged
her into a room. I can see that he was worried as hell.
�What happened to her?� Chix asked. �May mali ba sa sinabi ko?!�
�Yeah. She�s kinda weird.� Donna said.
Martin sighed and he looked at Bessie and Hiro. �I guess, three years stay in
States didn�t help her that much.�
We all looked at Martin. �What do you mean?� I asked. Confusion was written on my
face.
Martin answered by shrugging his shoulders. I look at Bessie, hoping for an answer,
but he just looked away. Ugh, seriously?!
---
Minutes have passed by. We were just talking about some stuff when Bianca and Finn
came back. And this time, Bianca seemed to come back to herself. Nakangiti na syang
lumapit papunta sa amin. It was as if nothing happened.
�Hey guys. Sorry for acting so weird a while ago.� She smiled. �I was just sad coz
I suddenly missed my parents. Hmm actually, they died almost four years ago.� She
said naturally as if it was just a normal thing to say.
�Oh sorry about that Bianca. I didn�t mean to� I�m sorry.� Chix apologized
sincerely.
�No, it�s okay Chix. Not your fault.� She flashed her sweet smile again. She seemed
really better now. �So guys, let�s just enjoy the night, okay?�
Nakangiti lang namin syang tinanguan. Tiningnan ko naman si Finn, mukang mas okay
na sya kesa kanina, pero meron pa ding pag-aalala sa mga mata nya. Nakatingin lang
sya kay Bianca habang nagsasalin ito ng alak sa baso.
Finn is really in love with this girl, I know. A while ago, he was so worried about
her. I clearly saw it on his face and by the way he touches her, by the way he
cares for her, I knew right at that moment that Bianca is really important to him.
It seems he�s darn ready to protect Bianca from anything that might hurt her.
�Wooohh! Let�s drink!� Sabi ni Bianca pagkaraan ay tinaas ang baso nyang puno ng
alak. Mas okay na ang ambianca ngayon kumpara kanina. Siguro nga, sobrang nalungkot
lang si Bianca kanina. Kahit naman siguro sino, kung mawala ang parents mo, ganun
din ang mararamdaman mo. Lalo na�t ang bata pa talaga nya para mawalan ng magulang.
�No Bianca, hindi ka iinom.� Saway ni Finn sa kanya.
Bianca pouted. �Ihh, please James? One time lang? Please?�
Kumunot ang noo ni Finn. �No. Put down your glass.�
�James�� Bianca said. �Please?�
Finn sighed, surrendering to Bianca�s stubbornness. �Just make sure not to drown
yourself in liquor, okay?�
�Okay James. I love you.� She whispered sweetly.
My heart throbbed when Finn said �I love you too� to her. I never thought Finn is
such a sweet guy showing his love for Bianca to everybody. Ughh! Edi sila na
talaga!
Ngayon ko lang naramdaman kung gaano pala ako ka �no match� sa babaeng to. Kaya
pala ganun na lang kadaling sabihin sakin ni Finn na kalimutan ko na sya. Wala yata
talaga akong panama kay Bianca.
Tiningnan ko sila Donna at Chix pero nakapagtatakang hindi sila nakatingin sa mushy
moments nila Finn at Bianca. Tumingin din ako kila Martin at Hiro, nakatuon ang
pansin nila sa pagkain at sa alak.
Ibig sabihin ba nito, ako lang ang mukang tangang nanunuod sa sweetness nung
dalawa? ARGGHH! Kapakyuhan naman talaga oh!
�Ally.� Nagpasalamat na lang ako nang bigla akong tawagin ni Bessie. At least,
matutuon na ang atensyon ko sa ibang bagay at hindi sa kanilang dalawa.
�Hmm?� I murmured. Everyone started to drink the liquor on the table. Well, except
for me. Ayokong uminom. Natuto na ko nang gabing yun. Walang nadudulot ang alak
kundi hallucination at sakit ng ulo.
�Are you okay?� He asked, whispering in my ear.
�Hmm yeah. Why?� Ngiti kong tanong sa kanya. May radar kaya tong si Bessie? Bakit
kaya alam na alam nya kung may bumabagabag sakin o wala?
�Nothing. Want to breathe a fresh air?� He smiled sweetly. �Let�s go out.�
Napangiti ako sa sinabi nya. I liked his idea. Mas magiging okay ako kung saan wala
si Finn at Bianca sa paningin ko. �Let�s go.� I said, smiling.
When we stood up, Chix suddenly asked, �Hey you two! Where are you going huh?� She
gave us a naughty grin.
�Wala, Dyan lang.� Ngiti kong sagot sa kanya.
�Wooohh!� Pang-aasar samin ni Hiro.
�We�re just going out for a date.� Bessie said flashing his charming smile at me.
Siniko ko naman sya pagkaraan. Hahah. Ang adik lang nitong si Bessie eh.
Lahat naman sila nakatingin lang samin na para bang may gagawin kami ni Bessie.
Muahahah. Ang epal ng mga to eh.
�Wow. Date? Go Dude! Pasagutin mo na si Laine!� Sabi naman ni Martin.
Feeling ko nagblush ako sa tanong ni Martin. Nakakahiya tuloy. Wagas naman kasing
mang-asar tong mga to eh hindi naman ako nililigawan ni Bessie. Anobehh, best of
friends kami nito noh.
They were all smiling at us except for Finn. He was just looking at Bianca
seriously. His eyebrows tied a knot. Like he cares at all is what was written on
his face.
K. Ikaw na ang walang pakialam! Duhhh!! HAHAHA!
Bessie then just shrugged at Martin�s question. He smirked at them. Not long after,
we found ourselves sitting on the pool. Our feet soaked in the water. It felt nice.
But the night is indeed nicer. The moon shines upon us. The stars glow blissfully
in the sky.
�Allaine.� Bessie suddenly called out.
�Wow. Full name kung full name ha, Ivan Kristoff?� Nakangiti kong sabi sa kanya.
Tumawa sya ng mahina nang banggitin ko ang buo nyang pangalan. Nakakapanibago din
pala. Nasanay na kasi akong Bessie ang tawag ko sa kanya eh. Tiningnan nya ako
habang nakatingin lang ako sa mga paa kong nasa tubig. �I was not kidding that
time.� He seriously said.
Nagtataka naman akong napatingin sa kanya. Nakakunot ang noo ko. �That time?�
He did not answer my question. Instead, he put his hand on my head and messed with
my hair. �Tss. Forgetful Ally.� He said, soft laughter followed.
�Tss. Bumabalik na naman yung hobby mong guluhin ang buhok ko ah?� I scoffed
jokingly while I fix my hair.
He chuckled. �You know what Ally, I don�t know but your smile is really contagious.
Kaya lagi kang ngingiti ah? Para nakangiti din ako. Kapag kasi malungkot ka,
malungkot din ako.�
�Me ganon Bessie? Ikaw talaga, bakit ba ang cute mo ha?!� Sabi ko habang
pinanggigilan ko ang mga pisngi nya.
�A-aray Ally.� He complained but he was laughing at the same time. Ang cute ni
Bessie! Hahaha. Medyo namumula na yata ung pisngi nya dahil sa pagkakapisil ko
dito.
Puro tawanan lang ang ginawa namin pagkatapos nun. Kung anu-anong joke ang binato
ni Bessie sa akin.
�Ally, anong ulam ang hindi pinagpapawisan?� Seryoso nyang tanong sakin pagkaraan.
Napakunot naman ang noo ko sa tanong nya. �Ulam na pinagpapawisan? Ano un?� Tanong
kong nakangiti nang marealize kong joke siguro ung sasabihin nya.
�Edi kare-kare!� Seryoso pa din nyang sabi.
�Weh? Bakit naman?�
�Kasi madami syang tuwalya!� Noong una ay seryoso pa din syang sumagot pero
pagkaraan ay humagalpak na sya ng tawa.
Napatulala na lang ako sa sinabi nya. �Oh sige Bessie. Sabihin mo lang kung kelan
na ko pwedeng tumawa ha?� Sarkastiko kong sabi sa kanya.
Ang corny ng joke ni Bessie. AJUJUJU!
Tawa pa din sya ng tawa sa sobrang corny nyang joke. Ang lakas din talaga minsan ng
tama nitong si Bessie eh. Nakahawak pa sya sa tiyan nya habang tumatawa. Wagas sa
kaligayahan. Napangiti na lang ako nag makita ko syang ganoon. Ang sarap nyang
panuorin. Para syang inosenteng bata.
Makalipas ang ilang oras na pagtawa nya dahil sa sobrang nakakatawa nyang joke,
sumeryoso naman ang muka nyang tumingin sa akin.
He gazed his eyes straight at mine. The sudden exchange of gaze made me swallowed
the lump in my throat. His eyes made me feel anxious. His stare at me is different.
It was more intimate. It was deeper. It was enticing. Then he spoke,
�Ally, I know that you�re still in pain right now. I know that you�re still hurt.�
He gulped. �Do you remember the girl I�ve been talking about?�
I did not speak. I was just looking at him. I don�t know if I�m ready to hear what
he�s about to say. I was just utterly speechless. Truth be told, I was anxious by
the gaze he�s given me. I was really clueless of what right thing to do at this
very moment.
Silence fell afterwards but we were still looking at each other�s eyes. I wasn�t
ready yet to open my mouth to say a word.
�It was y---�
Bessie was cut off midway of his sentence when a loud clatter echoed all through
the garden. Napatayo kami para tingnan kung ano ba yung ingay na yun. Nilapitan
namin ang lugar kung saan nanggaling ang tunog. Malapit yun sa mga halaman at doon
namin nakita ang basag na mga piraso ng vase na mukang mamahalin.
At ang nakakapagtaka, nandoon din si Finn.

Chapter 33
???
Bessie and I were both astonished when we saw Finn standing there, seemingly
uncertain and hesitant. At the same time, he looked like he was surprised too when
we caught him standing there. But what on earth was he doing there in the first
place?
�Dude? What are you doing there?� Bessie asked, confusion on his tone.
�Well. Hmm, actually� hmm.. I kinda.. hmm�� He said stammering between his words.
Ano ba talaga kasing ginagawa nya dun? Is he eavesdropping? Did he follow us here?
�James! What�s that sound? Nakita mo na yung phone mo?� Bianca then abruptly said.
We all looked at her as she emerged from the dark.
�Hmm. Yeah. I already found it B.� He looked at her, showing the phone on his hand.
I could still feel discomfort in his voice. �Let�s go inside.� He said finally then
he took Bianca�s hand and walked inside the house.
Ohkaay. Nandito pala sya para hanapin yung phone nya. Saang impyerno ko ba kinuha
ang mga ideyang sinundan nya kami at nandito sya para makinig sa usapan namin ni
Bessie?
ASA ka pa Laine. Bakit naman nya gagawin yun?!
Tiningnan ko si Bessie nang mawala na sa paningin namin sila Finn at Bianca. �Ano
nga ulit yung sasabihin mo Bessie?�
He looked down, as if examining his feet against the floor. Short bit after, he
tapped my shoulder and smiled thriftily. �Ahh, nothing. Pumasok na tayo sa loob.�
Kahit nagtataka ko, pumasok na nga kami sa loob. Nakahawak sya sa likod ko habang
naglalakad kami. Nang makapasok kami sa loob, dinaluhan namin silang nagkakasiyahan
habang umiinom at kumakain. Napapansin ko yatang medyo nagiging trend na sa grupo
namin ang pag-inom. Hahaha.
�Martin, san na nga pala si Kristine?� Tanong ni Hiro kay Martin pagkaraan.
�Break na kami.� Kibit-balikat na sagot nya.
Parang wala lang sa loob nya nang sinabi nya yun. Normal na kumbaga. Ibang klase
talaga tong si Martin. Napailing na lang ako sa sinabi nya. Nagpatuloy pa ang
usapan. Kadalasan, si Bianca yung nagsasalita. Mataman lang naman kaming nakikinig
sa kanya. Sa totoo lang, may pagkamadaldal pala tong si Bianca. She always does the
talking.
Bianca acts like a sixteen-year old girl. She�s sweet to everyone. She�s so shallow
and childish. She�s like an innocent child. Iyon siguro ang mga dahilan kung bakit
mahal ni Finn si Bianca. Lagi na lang may kumukurot sa puso ko sa tuwing maiisip ko
yun. Syeteng yan. Ang hirap lumimot. Hindi ko pa din yata maiwasan ang masaktan..
Mga bandang alas-onse na ng gabi nang mapagpasyahan naming matulog na. Sa tingin
ko, medyo nahilo na din tong mga to sa pag-inom nila ng alak. Ang tino din ng mga
to, meron pa kaya kaming pasok bukas. Hahah. Buti na lang, hindi ganun kaaga ang
sched namin para kinabukasan.
�Girls. Tara na!� Masayang yaya samin ni Bianca. �Now, it�s time for our girl-
talk.� She then winked at us.
�Girls. Good night.� Paalam naman ni Hiro at Martin na parang medyo hilo pa yata sa
alak. Hahaha.
Nilapitan naman ako ni Bessie. �Ally, good night.� He smiled sweetly. He then
turned to the other girls. �Have a good night sleep ladies.�
�Alright Bessie. Ciao.� I smiled.
�Yeah gentlemen. Good night.� Nakangiting sabi ni Bianca pagkatapos ay tumingin sya
kay Finn na mukang wala pang balak na matulog. �James. Matulog ka na, �kay? Good
night.� Ngiting sabi nya dito pagkatapos ay marahan nyang idinampi ang kanyang labi
sa pisngi ni Finn.
�Good night.� Matipid na ngumiti si Finn sa kanya.
What a sweet and endearing view.
Hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang sarili kong tingnan sila. Nakakainis lang eh. Mano
kasing maglambingan sila nang malayo sa�kin diba? Si Finn naman kasi, dakilang
manhid din. Hindi nya ba alam na sobrang nasaktan nya ko, tapos kung umarte sila ni
Bianca sa harap ko, parang wala lang. Yun lang din naman kasi yung gusto ko sanang
gawin nya, kahit konti, isipin nya naman yung mararamdaman ko sa tuwing
maglalambingan sila ni Bianca. Alam naman nya na gusto ko sya.
Isipin man lang sana nya na natapakan na nga ang pride ko dahil sa mga sinabi,
tapos kung makapaglambingan sila ng girlfriend nya sa harap ko eh wagas. Ginagawa
nya ba talaga to para lalong ipamuka sakin na kahit kailan eh walang patutunguhan
ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya? Sinasadya nya ba talaga to para lalo akong
saktan?
�Tara na bes.� Maya-maya ay hila sakin ni Chix. Sabay-sabay kaming naglakad papunta
sa kwarto kung saan kami matutulog. Mukhang masaya at excited si Bianca nang
binuksan nya ang pinto nung kwarto.
�So girls, this is my room. At dito tayo matutulog.� Sabi nya sa amin.
Tiningnan namin yung kwarto nya. Simple lang pero malaki at maganda. Merong TV set
at dalawang kama doon. Ang cool ng vanity table nya, parang ung sa dressing room sa
Hollywood. May mga maliliit na light bulb sa salamin.
�Pinapasok ko talaga ung isang kama dito para magkasya tayong apat. Gusto ko kasi
mag-bonding tayo. Ayokong sa guest room kayao matulog. Tsaka para mas masaya diba?�
Nakangiti nyang sabi sa amin.
�You bet B.� Nakangiti ding sagot ni Chix sa kanya.
Pumasok na nga kami sa loob. Magkatabi kami ni Donna sa isang kama, si Bianca at
Chix naman sa kabila.
�So girls.� Panimula ni Bianca. �Sana mas maging close pa tayo. Wala kasi ako
masyadong naging kaibigan nung nasa US pa ko. Kaya eto, sabik ako sa kaibigan. Lalo
na sa mga babae. Kung hindi nyo kasi naitatanong, sila James lang ang naging
kaibigan ko mula nung mga bata pa kami since magkakaibigan din ang mga parents
namin.� She said while her chin was rested on her palm. �So ayun. We grew up seeing
each others� faces.� Dagdag pa nya.
�Kaya siguro nadevelop ang feelings nyo ni Finn sa isa�t isa.� Wala sa loob na sabi
ko. Nice Laine. Tama bang alamin mo pa ang background ng love story nilang dalawa?
Gusto mo lang yata lalong masaktan eh?!!
�Hmm�� Bianca said dreamily. �Siguro�� Sabi nya pagkaraan ay mahina syang tumawa.
�Sa totoo lang, bata pa lang ako, may crush na ko dyan kay James.� She chuckled
upon remembering it. �Gusto ko sya lagi ung partner ko. Sa play, pag may program
kami sa school. As in, he was my best friend. But when we reached our teenage
years, dun ko na talaga naramdaman na hindi ko lang sya crush. You know that
feeling? I think I love him more than being a playmate, brother and a best friend.
And so I confessed to him, sabi ko gusto ko syang maging boyfriend. Hahah. Do you
know what he did after my confession?� She smiled as she asked us.
�What?!� Sabay-sabay naming tanong.
�He rejected me.� She sighed though smiling from ear to ear. �James said that I was
just a little sister for him. So that time, I cried really hard kasi nga sya yung
first love ko. I think I was just 14 that time, so hindi ko pa kayang ihandle yung
pain. Pero one time nagulat na lang ako kasi habang umiiyak ako nung oras na yun,
biglang dumating si James. Tapos sabi nya, �Don�t cry B. I�m sorry for what I did.
Sige na, payag na kong maging boyfriend mo basta wag ka lang umiyak.� And from that
time, mas lalo pa kaming naging close ni James. So siguro, as time went on, lalo
pang nadevelop yung feelings namin para sa isa�t isa. Kaya siguro eto, hanggang
ngayon kami pa din kahit na nawala ako for three years.�
Hindi ko maiwasang mainggit sa mga sinabi ni Bianca. Biruin nyo, bata pa lang sila,
magkasama na sila? Ang sakit isipin na sobrang iba itrato ni Finn si Bianca kumpara
sakin. He treats Bianca as if she was fragile that needs to be handle with care,
samantalang ako, he even call me stupid names. At ngayon nga, narealize ko na,
panggulo lang pala talaga ko sa buhay nila sa simula pa lang.
�By the way Bianca, why did you go to states for three years?� Donna then asked.
Bianca was seemed to be uncertain of Donna�s question. She seemed anxious answering
her, �Uhh� well, I hmm� I left months after� my parents died.� She said softly as
she looked down.
�Oh, I�m sorry to hear that B.� Donna said, sincerity in her voice.
�No, it�s okay Donna. Ugh, wait.� She excused herself as she ran inside the
bathroom.
Siguro nga, hanggang ngayon apektado pa din si Bianca sa pagkawala ng parents nya.
Para kasing weird sya sa tuwing mababanggit sa usapan ang parents nya. Maya-maya
lang ay nakita na naming palabas na si Bianca galing sa banyo.
�Uhh, sorry girls. Hmm, but can we change the topic? You know, I just don�t want to
talk about that.� She said as she sat down her bed.
�Hmm. So Bianca, hindi ba mahirap na nagkahiwalay kayo ni Finn for three years?�
Tanong ni Chix.
Napangiti naman si Bianca sa tanong ni Chix na iyon. �Hmm. Sa totoo lang mahirap
din. Kasi during those years we�re together, we�re really inseparable. Kaya nga
sobrang hirap nung nasa States ako tapos sya naman nandito sa Pilipinas. Pero
siguro, ang nagpatatag na lang samin all these years eh yung promise namin sa isa�t
isa.�
�Promise?� Sabay na tanong ni Chix at Donna.
Bianca then smiled heartily. �I know this was so childish, but we promised to be
like swans.�
�Swans?� Chix asked.
�Yeah.� She nodded smiling at us. �Some say, swans mate for life. Even if the
swan�s mate dies, she�ll never look for another partner. And so, we promised to be
like them. We remained to be faithful and loyal to each other even if we don�t
communicate often during my stay in US.�
Ito pala yung sinasabi ni Finn nung time na magkausap kami sa park. Nung unang gabi
nung Festive Week, nung gabing nalaman ko na kailanman ay si Bianca lang ang babae
para sa kanya.
Ito pala ang rason kung bakit ganun na lang sya kailap sa mga babae, kagaya ng
sinabi noon ni Donna. Sa loob ng tatlong taon, naghintay sya para kay Bianca. Hindi
sya kailanman nag-hanap ng iba. Kagaya ng swan, naging loyal at tapat sila sa
isa�t-isa.
Ngayon, alam ko na.
Hind ko maiwasang ngumiti ng mapait sa mga nalaman ko. Sa una pa lang pala, talo na
talaga ko. Hindi ko din maiwasang hangaan si Finn, naging loyal at faithful sya sa
loob ng tatlong taon kahit malayo sila ni Bianca sa isa�t isa. Bihira na yata sa
mga lalaki ang ganoon. Dahil din siguro sa pangako nila sa isa�t isa kaya sinabihan
ako ni Finn na kalimutan ko na ang lahat ng nangyari samin, na kalimutan ko na yung
nararamdaman ko para sa kanya at higit sa lahat, ang kalimutan ko na sya.
Lahat ng sinabi nya, alam ko na ang dahilan. Para kay Bianca. Para sa pangako nila
sa isa�t isa.
They have this fairy tale-ish story to tell. Something I could never had and never
will have.
�Ugh guys. Excuse lang ha? CR lang ako.� Paalam ko sa kanilang lahat.
Dali dali akong pumunta ng banyo para ikalma ko ang sarili ko. Binuksan ko ng gripo
at hinilamusan ko ang mukha ko pagkatapos ay tiningnan ko ang repleksyon ko sa
salamin. Kinapa ko ang dibdib ko at naramdaman kong malakas ang tibok nito.
�Shit.� Mahinang sabi ko.
Oo na, hanggang ngayon siguro, apektado pa ko. Pero alam ko namng lilipas din to.
Oo tama. Pinangako ko na yun sa sarili ko.
Kinuha ko ang towel na nasa ibabaw nung sink para ipamunas sa mukha ko, pero
nagulat ako nang kasabay ng paghugot ko dito, nalaglag ang isang botelya ng gamot
dahilan para tumapon ang mga puting butil sa sahig. Dali dali ko iyong pinulot at
binalik sa lalagyan.
Tiningnan ko yung label nung bote. Xanax. Yun ang nakasulat doon. Para saan naman
kaya ang gamot na ito?
�Ayy shet ng kabayo.� Gulat kong sabi nang may magbukas ng pinto.
�Ayy, sorry Laine. Hindi ko sadyang gulatin ka.� Sincere na sabi ni Bianca sakin
nang makapasok na sya ng loob. Tiningnan nya ako pero pagkaraan ay tumingin sya sa
hawak ko. Mabilis nyang kinuha ito sa akin.
�Hmm, sorry. N-nahulog kasi sya eh.� Gulat ang tingin ko sa kanya dahil nabigla ako
nang bigla nyang kinuha yung gamot mula sa pagkakahawak ko.
�Hmm, it�s okay.� She mumbled as she hid the bottle in her hand. Weird?
�Para saan yang gamot na yan?� Curious na tanong ko sa kanya.
She looked down after I threw the question at her. Para bang kinakabahan sya sa
tanong ko. �Ahh, nothing. Just some vitamins.� Matipid nyang ngiti sakin. �Ugh,
Laine. Tara na sa labas?� Yaya naman nya sakin at marahan naman akong sumunod sa
kanya.
Bakit kaya ganun na lang ung reaksyon nya sa tanong ko? Para saan kaya talaga yung
pills na un? May sakit kaya sya?
Pagkabalik namin doon , nagkayayaan nang matulog dahil nga meron pa kaming pasok
kinabukasan. 12 na din ng umaga at malamang eh nahihilo na tong mga to dahil sa
ininom nilang alak.
Tiningnan ko muna ang phone ko para magcheck ng mga text at para tingnan kung meron
bang tumawag. Kadalasan naman ay puro gm lang ng mga classmate ko nung high school.
Ibaba ko na sana yung phone ko nang mahagip ng mata ko ang Google app sa phone ko.
Dali dali ko iyong binuksan at itinype ang word na Xanax sa search box.
It is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Napakunot ang noo ko sa nabasa ko. Tama ba tong nasearch ko? Parang imposible naman
yatang may anxiety at panic disorder tong si Bianca. She�s so carefree. Para nga
syang bata sa pagiging positive ng aura nya eh. Pero bakit naman sya iinom ng
ganitong drug? Hindi naman sya mukang depress kung titingnan, lalong hindi sya
mukang suicidal para uminom ng ganitong anti-depressant pills.
Naputol ang pag-iisip at pag-aanalyze ko tungkol sa Xanax na nakita ko nang biglang

magvibrate ang cell phone ko.
From: BessieIvan
Ally, still awake?
Bakit naman kaya nag-text tong si Bessie? Adik talaga nitong best friend ko kahit
kelan, parang walang pasok bukas eh.
To: BessieIvan
Yup. Bakit Bessie? ^___^
Message sent. Wala pang isang minuto eh, meron na agad syang reply. Ang bilis.
From: BessieIvan
Wla. Can�t sleep eh.
To: BessieIvan
Aww. Insomniac ka na Bessie? Haha. Adik ka, may pasok pa tayo bukas. ^__~V
From: BessieIvan
Yes, I think I�m becoming insomniac these days.
To: BessieIvan
Aww. Why Bessie? +__=
From: BessieIvan
T^T lol. Ayaw mo naman sa smileys Ally? Btw, ikaw kasi eh. Hindi ka ba napapagod?
Lagi kang tumatakbo sa isip ko eh.
Napangiti ako sa text ni Bessie. Muahaha. Ang hilig talaga nya sa mga gasgas na
pick-up line. Ahahaha.
To: BessieIvan
Muahaha. Adik ka Bessie!! Di ka ba nacocornyhan sa pick-up line mo? Di mo ba kilala
si Boy pick-up ha?
Kung anu-ano pang kacornyhan ang pinag-usapan namin ni Bessie. Batuhan kami ng
jokes at pick-up line na sobrang baduy. Hahaha. Nawala na yung antok ko dahil sa
mga pinag-usapan namin.
To: BessieIvan
Adik ka Bessie. Dami kong tawa sa mga corny mong pick-up line. Hahaha D Nwala
tuloy antok ko. Hmp.
Ilang minuto na yung lumipas pero wala pa ding reply si Bessie sa tinext ko. Baka
nakatulog na din yung taong yun. Ang daya! Pagkatapos nya kong daldalin sa text,
tutulugan lang nya ko?! Ayos ah.
Nagtalukbong na ko ng kumot para pilitin ko yung sarili kong matulog pero nagulat
na lang ako nang may kumatok sa pinto. Napabangon ako dahil doon at pinabuksan ko
naman yung kumakatok.
�Bulaga!�
Napahawak ako dibdib ko sa gulat. Tiningnan ko si Bessie na tawa ng tawa sa ginawa

nya. Ang lakas talaga ng tama nitong si Bessie kahit kelan.
�Tss. Adik ka talaga noh Ivan?� Kunwa�y galit kong sabi sa kanya. Pero imbes na
sagutin nya ko eh hinila nya ako palabas. Sumunod naman ako sa kanya hanggang
mapunta kami sa garden.
�Bessie, adik ka talaga noh?�

Nginitian lang ako ni Bessie pagkaraan ay nagsalita sya, �Pahangin lang tayo kasi
parehas naman tayong hindi makatulog eh. Dun tayo malapit sa pool.
Naglakad namin kami papunta doon pero parehas na lang kaming nagulat nang maabutan
namin si Finn doon na nakaupo. May mga sanmig in can na nakakalat sa mesa nang
makita namin sya. Ano kayang ginagawa nya nang ganitong oras? At bakit naman
umiinom syang mag-isa?
�Dude. What�s this?� Nagtatakang tanong ni Bessie sa kanya. Bahagyang nagulat si

Finn nang makita nya kaming makalapit doon. Nag-kibit balikat lang sya pagkatapos
ay tumungga na naman doon sa alak na hawak nya.
Hindi ba sila magkakasama sa kwarto para malaman kung nasaan ang isa�t isa?
Tiningnan ko si Finn. Kung titingnan sya ngayon, muka syang problemado. Pero ano
namang poproblemahin nya?
�Sit down. Join me.� Maya-maya ay sabi ni Finn. Hindi ko alam kung pati ako eh
kasama sa inaya nya pero naupo na din ako at dinaluhan si Bessie at Finn sa mesa.
Nagsimula silang mag-usap ng kung anu-anong bagay. Pakiramdam ko nga out of place
ako sa kanilang dalawa eh. Tahimik lang ako habang nakikinig sa usapan nila. Pareho
na silang umiinom ngayon. Lalo na si Finn. Nagyon ko lang sya nakitang ganitong
uminom. Last time nung nasa Davao kami, hindi naman sya masyadong uminom. Kanina
din, bihira ko syang nakitang tumikim nung alak. Base sa mga lata at bote na nasa
mesa ngayon, parang kanina pa sya nandito at umiinom.
�So, dude, is it official that you two are dating?� Finn asked suddenly. Napakunot
ang noo ko sa tanong nyang yun. Lasing na ba tong taong to para itanong yun? As if
naman na may pakialam sya diba?
Bessie gulped another sip on his beer then he looked at me. �Hmm well. Not yet, but
we�ll get there.�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Bessie. Lasing na din ba tong taong to? Anong nangyayari?
Oh no! Napapaligiran yata ako ng mga bangag na tao. Nilaro ko na lang ang mga
daliri ko habang patuloy na nakikinig sa usapan nilang dalawa.
�Is that so?� Finn said. He took a mouthful of beer.
�Yeah. If she�ll give me a chance.� Bessie said, and then to my surprise, he stared
at me intently.
I don�t know what to say that moment. He said those words as if he�s asking for my
permission. Nakatingin lang sya sakin, nagtatanong at umaasa ang mga mata nyang
nakatitig sa akin. Oh Lord! Tulungan nyo po ako! What should I do? I was tongue-
tied as Bessie was still staring at me.
I gulped. But to make things easier, I just smiled at Bessie. Nginitian ko na lang
sya para kumalma ang utak ko dahil hindi ko talaga alam ang gagawin at sasabihin ko
nang mga oras na yun.
�Well, good for you two.� Sabi ni Finn pagkaraan ay tumayo na sya at tumalikod sa
amin at dali daling lumakad papunta sa loob ng bahay.
Sinundan ko sya ng tingin. He was kinda weird as he said that. Well, he�s acting
weird in the first place, drinking all by himself here in the middle of the night.
�Ally?� Bessie called out.
�Hmm?� Wala sa loob na tanong ko.
�Thank you. I know you still like him but I�ll try my best to help you forget him.
I won�t let you cry. I will take care of you. I will wait for you until you�ve
completely over him. Hindi kita mamadaliin na gawin yun. Basta ang mahalaga,
binigyan mo ako ng chance para i-prove sayo na kaya kong maghintay kahit gaano pa
katagal.�
I was dumbfounded when Bessie stated all that. Ano daw?! Oh god! No! Don�t tell me,
namisinterpret nya yung pag-ngiti ko kanina? Oh god. No! I was about to explain him
what was really going on when he told me those words I�ve heard when he and Finn
were arguing during that night of festive week.
�I like you Ally. A lot.�
I froze on my seat. I was motionless while my heart is beating skeptically. Sheez,

for the love of god, I don�t know what to do. Bessie was gazing at me with his
serious eyes.
�Let me take care of you Ally. Let me help you forget. You�ve been the girl I�m
talking about all this time. It�s kinda awkward because we�re best friends.
Napagdesisyunan ko na talaga na itago na lang tong nararamdaman ko. Pero nung
nakita kitang umiiyak noon habang umuulan, doon ko naisip na gusto kitang alagaan.
Give me a chance Ally. Give me a chance to do that.�

posted by chille016 (Oct 04, 2011 @ 10:51PM) views: 860
Chapter 34
???
Never mind I�ll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don�t forget me I beg, I remember you said
Sometimes it lasts in love
But sometimes it hurts instead
Sometimes it ---
I immediately turned my iPod off right before Adele�s song ended. Gee, why am I
even listening to her song in the first place? Masyadong senti. Masyadong emo. I
then turned my computer on, typed YouTube in the address box of my browser,
searched for all the videos of nigahiga -- the famous Asian youtuber.
Kahit ilang beses ko nang napanuod ang mga videos nya, hindi pa din ako nagsasawang
panuorin yun. His videos never fail to make me laugh. This was actually what I do
for the past two months now � watching hilarious videos to divert my attention from
all the things that had happened. It�s my process of coping up, you know to be able
to completely� Agh! Forget it� Basta, yun na yun!
Hindi naman gaanong kadami ang nangyari sa loob ng nagdaang dalawang buwan. Ganun
pa din, wala pa din namang nagbago. ChocoPaps, Donna, Chix and I hang out every now
and then. Medyo hindi na lang kami nagkita kita nung last school days since
cramming yung iba sa paggawa ng thesis nila, sa finals at kung anu-ano pang school
related stuff.
Hindi naman kami nagkikita masyado nitong sembreak dahil lahat sila nagbakasyon.
Kami lang ni Chix ang laging magkasama nitong nakaraang dalawang lingo since wala
naman kaming ibang lugar na pagbabakasyunan.
Tomorrow is actually the start of the second semester. I don�t know why but it
doesn�t give me the thrill at all. I don�t want to go back to school yet. I still
wanna laze around our house for like forever.
When the clock says it�s already 2 in the morning, pinatay ko na yung computer ko.
Kailangan ko pa ding magising ng maaga para bukas kahit na nakakatamad pang
pumasok.
Hinanda ko na yung kama ko para makatulog na pero nagulat na lang ako nang mag-
vibrate yung phone ko na nakapatong sa wooden bedside table ko. Sheez, imaximum ba
kasi ang vibration mode ng phone? Nakakatakot pala to, parang sa isang horror movie
na napanuod ko. Yung may cell phone na involve. Hahaha.
Tiningnan ko kaagad kung sinong Poncio Pilato ang magtetext ng ganitong oras.Naku
pag Globe advisory lang to, papasabugin ko network nila. Hahaha. Joke! Ugh
seriously, sinong matinong magtetext ng alas dos ng madaling araw? Nang tiningnan
ko na yung phone ko, muntik ko na itong mabitawan mula sa pagkakahawak ko.
Hindi nakaregister ang number na iyon sa phonebook ko. O mas mabuting sabihing
hindi na nakaregister iyon dahil binura ko na yun simula nang gabing sinabi nya yun
sa akin. Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali. Number nya to. Kabisado ko pa din ang number
nya. Bigla akong kinabahan. Nagdadalawang isip ako kung babasahin ko ba o hindi.
Pero sa huli, dahil sa curiousity ng makulit kong utak, binuksan ko ang message na
iyon.
I don�t know why but I was anxious as I was looking at the screen as it opened his
message. Ano kayang sasabihin nya? Nang magbukas na ito, nagulat ako sa laman
niyon.
I saw nothing but a blank screen. As in, walang message. Walang something dun sa
text. In short, wala talaga.
From: 09279871234
See? Yan lang ang nakita ko. Nothing more, nothing less. Nice. Bakit naman sya
magtetext ng ganyan? Wrong sent siguro. Tss. Pero kung na wrong send man sya, ibig
sabihin nasa kanya pa din yung number ko? Argghh! Bakit ko pa ba iisipin yun? Hindi
ko na nireplyan ang blangkong text nyang iyon. Makatulog na nga lang.
---
�Ally! I missed you!� Nakangiting sabi sa akin ni Bessie nang nasa harap na sya ng
bahay namin. Nagvolunteer kasi syang sunduin ako since first day naman ng second
sem. Ngayon na lang ulit kami nagkita nyan since the sembreak ended. He was in
Japan for the last two weeks since his family lives there.
�I missed you too Bessie!� Nakangiti ko ding sabi sa kanya habang pinisil ko ang
magkabila nyang pisngi. �Asan na ung real life Tinker Bell ko?� Parang batang
tanong ko sa kanya. Kinukulit ko kasi yan na uwian ako ng Peter Pan stuffs kapag
nagpunta sya ng Disney.
�Halata ngang namiss mo ko Ally.� Sabi nyang tumatawa habang hawak yung pisngi nya.
�Nasa Disney pa ung real life Tinker Bell eh, balak ko na nga sanang kidnapin para
sayo eh.� Natatawa nyang sabi. �Pero don�t worry Ally, may pinalit naman ako.�
Binuksan nya yung likod ng kotse nya at tumambad sa akin ang napakaraming stuff
toys ng iba�t-ibang Disney characters.
�WOW! Ang dami nito Bessie.� Excited kong sabi sa kanya. Mabilis ko agad na kinuha
yung stuff toy ni Tinker Bell, pati si Captain Hook meron din. Ang cute nilang
lahat! Ang sarap tuloy bumalik sa pagkabata. �Teka kanino naman tong Toy Story
collections mo?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
�That�s for Carl.� He simply said.
�Talaga? Wow. Matutuwa yung kapatid ko kapag nakita nya to.� Nakangiti kong sabi sa
kanya.
Bessie and Carl have become best friends now. Close na sila kasi minsan pumupunta
si Bessie sa bahay namin para dumalaw kapag hindi kami nagkikita sa school. Mabilis
naman silang nakagaanan ng loob. Si Carl kasi sabik sa kuya, si Bessie naman only
child lang kaya malamang eh sabik din yan sa kapatid. Minsan nga OP na ako sa
dalawang yun pag nag-uusap. Puro cartoons ma lang yung topic nila.
Matapos dumaan ni Bessie sa bahay para ibigay yung mga regalo nya kay Carl, umalis
din kami agad para hindi malate sa kanya-kanya naming subject. Kwentuhan lang kami
habang nasa daan kami tunkol sa mga nagdaang linggo. Tinanong ko sya tungkol sa
bakasyon nya, puro sya lang yung nagkekwento since wala naman gaanong special na
nangyari sakin nung sembreak.
Habang tinitingnan ko si Bessie, doon ko narealize na namiss ko talaga ang mokong

na to. Hahaha.
Bessie and I remained best friends after he told me his confession that night. I
know I�m rather silly for slipping off a guy like him. I mean, who wouldn�t fall
for a guy like Ivan Kristoff? He�s every woman would die for.
We had a very serious conversation that moment; I told him that I wasn�t ready for
us to go into higher level yet. I was just being fair to him. I wanted everything
to slow down a bit. We can take our time since Bessie and I are still young. I�m
not saying that I won�t give him a chance, at least not at this point yet. I still
have doubts and uncertainties, but that might change I guess. The most important
thing right now is that we are still best friends. And I�m happy for that. He and I
became closer than we already are.
At sa ngayon, masaya ko sa ganung setup. Sya palagi yung kasama ko. Tuwing lunch,
after class, hindi kami mapaghiwalay nitong Ivan Kristoff na to. Hahah. Minsan nga
nagseselos na si Chix sa kanya kasi mas madalas ko pang kasama si Bessie kaysa sa
kanya.
Sa totoo lang, inisip ko din na bigyan ng chance si Bessie nung time na tinanong
nya ko tungkol sa bagay na yun, kasi baka sa paraang yun makalimutan ko na talaga
yung lalaking dahilan ng first major heartbreak ko at lahat ng mga nangyari sa
pagitan namin. Kaya lang, magiging unfair naman kay Bessie. Masyadong mabait si
Bessie para gawin ko yun. Unfair kung lalabas na naging rebound ko lang sya
pagkatapos kong masaktan. Dadating ang oras na magugustuhan ko din si Bessie nang
higit pa sa kaibigan lang o sa pagiging best friend lang.
�We�re here Ally.� Bessie smiled at me as he unbuckled his seatbelt.
Napatingin ako sa kanya. �Arggh! Bakit parang ang bilis! Parang ayoko pang pumasok
eh.� Parang bata kong reklamo sa kanya.
He then pinched my nose. �Hey there kid, tapos na ang bakasyon okay? Wag ng
tatamad-tamad.� Sabi nya pagkaraan ay mahina syang tumawa nang makita nya ang
reaksyon kong nakasimangot na parang isang prep na ayaw pumasok sa school. He said
as he got off of his car.
Binuksan nya yung pinto ko nang hindi pa din ako lumalabas ng kotse matapos nyang
makababa. �Get your butt off lazy pants. C�mon!� Sabi nya pagkatapos ay hinila nya
ako.
�Wagas ka makahila Bessie ah.� Natatawa kong sabi sa kanya nang makababa na ako ng
kotse nya. Tumawa lang sya pagkaraan ay marahang ginulo ang buhok ko.
Nagtatawanan lang kami nang matuon ang pansin ko sa isang lalaking nakablack shirt
di kalayuan mula sa kinatatayuan namin ni Bessie. He was lazily leaning against his
black car. He was looking at us.
I opted to just look away from him when our eyes met. Tinuon ko ulit ang pansin ko
kay Bessie. Bakit ba tinitingnan nya kami na parang� Ahh ewan!
Sanay na kong wala sya. Sanay na kong invisible ang turing namin sa isa�t isa
nitong mga nagdaang araw o buwan. Bakit ko ba poproblemahin ang simpleng tingin nya
sa amin ni Bessie? Unang una alam kong wala naman syang pakialam sa amin. Lalo nang
wala syang pakialam sa akin. Hindi na kami magkakilala.
Pagkaraan ng sandaling kulitan namin ni Bessie, nagkanya-kanya na kami ng klase. He

kissed me on my forehead before we separated our ways. Mamaya na lang ulit kami
magkikita nyan bago mag-uwian kasama sila Martin, Donna, Chix at Hiro. Napagusapan
kasi ng grupo na magkita after class dahil karamihan sa amin eh nag-iba na yung
schedule. Hindi na kasi kami magkakasabay ng lunch time katulad noong nakaraang
semester.
---
I started to roam around the school at dun ko lang narealize na kahit paano eh
medyo namiss ko din pala ang lugar na to. Ganun pa din naman. Walang nagbago.
Makikita sa iba�t-ibang building ang banner na may nakalagay na �Welcome back
students!� Duh. Feeling naman ng campus isang taon yung naging bakasyon namin.
I was walking down the corridor when I bumped into someone�s chest. Hindi ko
napansin na may tao dahil busy ako sa pagtingin ng schedule ko. Umiwas ako sa taong
nabangga ko pagkatapos kong mag-sorry ng mahina. Naglakad ulit ako pero nagulat na
lang ako ng mabangga ko na naman yung taong yun. That�s when I noticed that black
shirt. I inhaled that familiar vanilla musk scent. I froze to where I stood.
Oblivious, I tried to take side steps again to simply avoid him. But I was shocked
when he was blocking my way. I was not looking at him, pretending I was checking my
schedule.
Paulit ulit pa ang ganung setup sa pagitan namin. Lalakad ako pero haharangan nya
yung daan ko. I finally raised my chin and eyed him intensely.
�What the hell? Ano bang problema mo?!� Naiinis kong sabi sa kanya.
Two months. Two months kaming hindi nag-usap. Two months nang hindi man lang kami
nagtinginan. Ni ha o ni ho wala akong narinig sa kanya. Pinili kong iwasan sya
katulad ng sinabi nya. I went on with my life kahit mahirap. Pinilit kong
magpakatatag sa harap nya sa mga pagkakataong hindi maiwasan na magkita kami. I
pretended to be okay na parang normal ang takbo ng buhay ko kahit wala sya.
May mga pagkakataong hindi ako makatulog gabi gabi kapag naiisip ko yung mga sinabi
nya. May pagkakataong umiiyak ako dahil minsan namimiss ko sya. I know I�ve failed
my promise of not crying over him again, but what can I do? I just can�t help it.
God knows how much I wanted to not shed a tear over him.
Alam kong pinangako ko sa sarili ko na kakalimutan ko na sya. Ganun naman ang

ginagawa ko ngayon kaya naman as much as possible, I was avoiding him. Para mas
madaling makalimutan ko sya. Pero anong ginagawa nya ngayon? Bigla na lang syang
susulpot sa harap ko na parang walang nangyari?
He did not answer my question. Instead he dragged me to God knows where. Pilit kong
tinatanggal yung kamay nya. Gusto ko syang sigawan habang hila hila nya ang kamay
ko pero hindi ko magawa. Baka maiskandalo pa kami pag nagkataon.
�Hey! Ano ba?!� Galit na sabi ko sa kanya pero pilit kong kinakalma yung boses ko.
Naiinis na talaga ko sa kanya. Anong akala nya sakin? Na ako pa din yung dating
Laine na pwede nya lang hilahin kung saan nya gusto? Na ako pa din yung Laine na
pwede nyang pagtripan kung kelan nya gusto?! NAKAKAINIS!
�MAY KLASE PA KO ANO BA?!!� Pasigaw ko nang sabi sa kanya dahil sa sobrang inis ko.
�Shut up.� Yun lang ang sagot nya sakin habang dinala nya ko paakyat sa may hagdan.
He was still grasping my hand as we go up the stairways. Gustong gusto ko nang

hilahin yung kamay ko mula sa pagkakawahak nya pero hindi ko naman magawa dahil ang
higpit ng kapit nya sakin. Tsaka kahit anong gawin ang piglas ko, hindi rin ako
makawala dahil mas malakas sya sa akin.
Pagkatapos ng ilang minutong paghila nya sa akin, nakarating kami sa roof top.
Marahan nya ng binitawan ang kamay ko. Tumingin ako sa kanya ng masama. Galit ang
mga tinging bibigay ko sa kanya dahil unang una galit talaga ko. Bakit ba ginagawa
nya to?
�Ano na naman ba �to Finn?� I gritted my teeth, holding the patience in me as much
as possible. Sa totoo lang, gusto na ko syang sampalin. Gusto ko syang sipain.
Gusto ko syang ihulog sa building na to para magkapira-piraso ang katawan nya.
He ignored my question. He looked at me as his expression was vague. �So you really
take it to the next level huh?� He said, sarcasm was on his voice. �It was just two
months and you completely got over me? That was fast.� His voice came out from his
mouth sarcastically.
I clenched my fist as I was trying to hold my patience more. What is he up to?!
�Didn�t I tell you I don�t want you near with other guys except me?�
I looked at him. My eyes were fiercely looking at him. I was angry. I was darn mad
as he stated all those words he said when we were in Davao. Who does he think he
is?! Anong karapatan nya para sabihin ang bagay na yun sa akin.
I was glaring as he was seriously looking at me. Then suddenly, I felt my heart
beats a thousand times faster than usual. I looked at his vague but questioning
eyes. A sudden realization hit me� God knows� how much� how much� I missed this
guy� OH SHIT! What am I even thinking? I was supposed to be fuming mad at him!
I laughed hysterically trying to ridicule his question. Hindi nya pwedeng makitang
naapektuhan na naman ako ng presensya nya. �What? Are you insane? Why would I do
that?!� I said laughing but truth be told, my heart was beating loudly. I tried to
fight it off as I laughed at him like crazy.
Two months of nothingness between us then suddenly he will come up to me and tell
me those words again? Nababaliw na ba sya?
He just smirked at my question. �So you really changed huh? But sorry, I won�t buy
that Psychopath.�
Natigilan ako ng banggitin nya ang salitang yun. Dalawang buwan ko ng hindi
naririnig ang salitang yun. Psychopath. That was all I am for him after all.
He continued when I did not speak. �I can see it in your eyes. You�re still
affected by my presence.� He said, showing his perfect set of teeth as he smirked
at me. �You still like me.�
That�s it. That�s the cue. Sa totoo lang, matagal ko ng gustong gawin ito sa kanya.
Right there and then, I did what I wanted to do long time ago. I slapped him real
hard on his face. It was really hard that I saw a red mark after I hit him. Galit
na galit akong tiningnan sya na mukang sobrang nagulat sa ginawa ko.
�You know what Finn?! Things have changed. Hindi na ako ang Laine na pwede mong
pag-tripan kahit anong oras mo gustuhin.� I said, fuming with anger. �You cannot
manipulate my feelings now like what you did before. How dare you say those words
at me? How dare you show your face to me as if nothing happened? If you have
nothing else to do with your life, I suggest you to jump off that building right
now. When you survived then you can now get a new life.�
That was all I said as I walked out. Nagagalit talaga ko hindi lang sa kanya pero
pati na din sa sarili ko. Bakit ba kung kailan medyo maayos na yung lahat tsaka pa
sya dadating? Anong akala nya sakin? Na pwede na naman nyang paglaruan yung
nararamdaman ko? Na pwede na naman nyang gawin lahat ng gusto nya sa kabila ng
lahat ng mga nangyari?
Eto namang puso ko napakatanga. How did it beat like that as if it wasn�t hurt by
all things he did? Arggh! Things are getting better now, but why does he have to
show up like that again?
�Psychopath!�
He called out. Nagdadalawang isip ako kung hihinto ba ko sa paglakad ko para

hintayin pa ang mga sasabihin nya o hindi ko sya papansinin. Sa huli, pinili kong
tumuloy sa paglalakad. Hindi ko na sya dapat pakinggan pa. Baka magulo na naman ang
lahat kapag nakinig na naman ako sa bawat salitang sasabihin nya.
Pababa na ako nang maramdaman ko na namang hinila nya yung kamay ko. Tiningnan ko
sya ng masama. Hindi pa ba sapat sa kanya yung sampal ko para matauhan sya?
�Just a moment.� He said. His voice was like� pleading?
Hindi ko malaman kung anong gagawin nang tumingin sya sa mga mata ko. Para bang
nakikiusap ang mga iyon sa akin.
�Bitiwan mo ako.� Matigas kong sabi.
Hindi pwede. Hindi ako pwedeng magpadala sa mga titig nya sa akin. Pinilit kong
tanggalin ang kamay nya pero mahigpit lang iyong kakahawak sa akin. Nakatingin pa
din sya ng seryoso sa mga mata ko.
Sa huli, napabuntong hininga na lang ako habang umakyat muli sa roof top. Last na
siguro ito. Dapat ito na yung kahuli hulihang pagkakataon na makinig sa kanya.
Tutal wala namang mawawala. Makikinig ako sa kanya, yun lang.
�Bakit?� Walang ganang sabi ko sa kanya.
�Psychopath.� He said. His tone was still the same when he�s teasing me. Tiningnan
ko sya habang hinihintay ang mga sumunod nyang sasabihin sa akin. �Okay. First of
all, wag mong bigyan ng malisya ang paghila ko sayo dito, okay?�
Napailing ako sa sinabi nya. Ano bang akala nya sa akin, malisyosa? Hindi pa din
pala nagbabago ang lalaking to. Ganun pa din sya. Mayabang.
�Oo na.� Sabi ko sa kanya. �Ano bang sasabihin mo?� I said impatiently.
�Well, uhh� You remember our deal in EK?� He asked.
Napatigil ako sa tanong nya. Anong ibig sabihin nya sa tanong nyang yun? �Yeah.
Diba, tinupad ko na yung sinabi mo?� Walang gatol kong sagot sa kanya. Natupad ko
na nga ba? Nakalimutan ko na ba talaga sya at ang lahat ng nangyari?
�Not that. You see, ikaw pa lang ang bayad. I already asked for my prize but yours,
you didn�t ask for anything yet.�
Napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi nya. So he was saying na gusto na nyang tuparin yung
deal na ginawa namin sa EK nun? �No need for that.� I said simply. Para sa akin,
hindi na siguro dapat ipagpatuloy pa yung silly deal na yun.
�What?! You�re turning down that deal? You don�t want any prize from me?!� His
words sounded annoyed and offended. �Are you insane? You don�t want a prize from a
guy like me?!� He scoffed arrogantly.
Grabe! Kung magyabang tong lalaking to parang walang nangyari sa amin ah?!! Parang
hindi nya ko sinaktan. Sinabi nya yun na para bang kahapon lang kami huling
nagkita.
�Yes.� I said. �Now, are we done?�
He did not speak, maybe a sign that I can go now. And I did. Walang lingong-likod
akong naglakad papalayo sa kanya. Ito na dapat yung huling pag-uusap namin. Baka
kapag nagtagal pa to, baka makalimutan kong sinaktan na nya yung puso ko noon.
�Hey!� He called out again. Bakit ba nagiging makulit yata tong taong to?
�Ano?!� Naasar kong tanong sa kanya.
�Whether you like it or not, you have to ask your prize from me.� Sabi nya.
Napakunot naman ang noo ko dahil doon. Ano na naman bang trip nitong taong to? He
continued. �You see, hindi ko ugali ang hindi tumupad sa mga deal o pangako. A deal
is a promise. Kailangan kong tuparin yun no matter what happen.�
Napatigil ako sa sinabi nya. Pagkaraan ay ngumiti ako ng mapait. Tama sya. Hindi
nga yata talaga sya marunong bumali ng pangako katulad ng naging pangako nila ni
Bianca sa isa�t-isa three years ago. They remained to be loyal and faithful toward
each other despite of the long distance and lack of communication between them. It
sucks knowing that no one can really separate the two of them.
�Fine. Can I ask for my prize now?� I asked as I turned around to look at him.
�Hmm. Yeah.� He said.
�Sana ito na yung huling pag-uusap natin.�
Yun lang ang mga sinabi ko pagkaraan ay tumalikod na ako papalayo sa kanya at
mabilis na nilisan ko ang rooftop. Sinabi ko lang ang dapat gawin. Tama yung ginawa
ko� Alam ko�

Chapter 36
???
�Oh Laine? Bakit ganyan mukha mo?� Nakangising salubong sa akin ni Hiro nang pababa
na ako mula sa hagdan. Bahagya pa kong nagulat ng sumulpot sya at sinabayan akong
maglakad. �Para kang natalo sa Ura Buto Satsujin ah.�
Nakakunot ang noo ko at nagtataka akong napatingin sa kanya. I crossed my arms and
raised my eyebrow as I looked at him. �Anong sinasabi mo dyan Paps?�
Bahagya syang tumawa sa tanong ko. �Hindi mo alam yun? Puro Mojacko at Doraemon
lang ba pinanuod mo nung bata ka? Duh. Yun ung competition sa Flame of Recca.�
Lalong napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi nya. Para talagang bata tong si Hiro kahit
kailan. Minsan nga sasabihan ko si Carl na makipag-laro sa mokong na to.
Paniguradong magkakasundo sila ng kapatid kong yun.
�Tss. Isip bata ka talaga kahit kelan.� Sabi ko sa kanya.
�Hahaha. Bakit ba kasi ganyan ung mukha mo?� Nang-aasar nyang sabi sa akin.
�Bakit, ano ba meron sa mukha ko?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
�Muka ka kasing galing sa away. Nakatikom pa yung mga kamao mo habang pababa ka
tapos nagkandahaba na yang nguso mo na parang sasayad na sa lupa.�
Napahinto ako sa sinabi nya. Ganun ba talaga yung reaksyon ng mukha ko kanina?
Paano naman kasing hindi, naiinis pa din ako kay Finn. Arghh! Kumukulo yung dugo ko
kapag naiisip ko yung mga sinabi nya! Ang kapal ng mukha nya! Swear! Kung anu-anong
kayabangan ang sinabi sakin kanina. He said that I still like him?! Duhh� Agh!
Basta, napakalabo nya. Bigla na lang aarte ng ganun pagkatapos ng ilang buwan
kaming walang pansinan. Kung makipag-usap sakin, akala mo wala syang ginawa sa
akin.
Tama lang talagang sinabi ko na iyon na yung huli naming pag-uusap. Dapat lang!
Tutal, may Bianca na naman sya. At ako, pinipilit ko namang ayusin na yung buhay
ko.
Kung tutuusin, pwede naman kaming maging mag-kaibigan ulit dahil unang una wala
naman talagang naging �kami� sa pagitan naming dalawa. You see, may mga pagkakataon
kasing naiisip ko na kahit naman paano eh merong nabuong �friendship� sa pagitan
naming dalawa. Kaya lang, mas mabuti na ngayong iwasan na lang talaga namin ang
isa�t isa para walang gulo.
I looked at Hiro then I faked a smile. �Ahh yun ba? Wala yun, medyo badtrip lang
kasi ko.�
�Badtrip ka kay Finn?� His words sounded more of a statement than a question at it
was supposed to be.
I was taken aback with what he said. I stopped walking. I twitched my lips with his
�question.� �Duh, of course not.�
�Ahh. Kaya pala sobrang nakakunot yung noo mo at nagpupumiglas ka habang hila hila
ka nya kanina.� Sarkastiko nyang sabi sa akin.
So, nakita ni Hiro yung hilahan blues namin ni Finn kanina? Lumakad ulit ako at
sumabay naman sya sakin sa paglakad. Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi nya. �Wala ka
bang klase?�
Sumipol sipol sya habang nakapatong ang mga kamay nya sa batok nya. �Wala. Ayokong
pumasok eh. Ikaw ba?�
�Meron sana. Kaya lang late na ko eh.� Sagot ko sa kanya. Leshe kasi yung bipolar
na yun eh. First day ng second sem, first subject, absent ako. Maganda.
�Late ka dahil kay Finn.� He said in a matter-of-factly tone. �Nice. Ngayon ko na

lang ulit kayo nakitang ganun.� Mapang-asar ang mga ngiting binigay nya sakin.
Hindi ko binigyan ng pansin ang sinabi nya. Umupo kami sa mga benches doon sa
university park. Sa totoo, ngayon lang kami nag-kausap ni Hiro tungkol sa bagay na
ito. Kadalasan puro walang kwenta yung pinag-uusapan namin eh.
�Tss. LQ ba kayo ni Chix?� Tanong ko sa kanya.
�Hindi ah. Sweetcake and I love each other more than what you can imagine. We may
fight sometimes but the usual reason was just all about silly little things.� He
said proudly.
Okay. Edi sila na! Napatahimik naman ako sa mga sinabi nya. Ang swerte din pala
talaga ni Chix kay Hiro. Akala ko nga hindi sila magtatagal ng ilang buwan dahil
parehas silang isip bata, pero tingnan mo nga naman, matatag pa din sila hanggang
ngayon.
�You know why Laine?� He asked in a serious tone.
�Why?� I asked.
�Because we�re open to each other. We never let misunderstanding comes between us.
We talk and we communicate as much as possible.� He said, pride in his voice.
�Hmm. Yeah, that�s nice.� I said trying not to sound envious with what he said. I
guess what he said is right; communication is really a big factor to a
relationship.
�Have the two of you talk already?� Hiro suddenly asked.
�Huh?� I asked although I know what he was talking about.
�Sus. Painosente effect ka pa Laine, hindi bagay.� Natatawa nyang sabi sakin.
Binato ko sya nung dahon na nalaglag mula sa puno na nakalilim sa bench na inuupuan
namin. �Sipain kita eh. Wala akong alam sa sinasabi mo.� Sabi ko sa kanya.
�Alam mo yan yung problema sa inyong mga babae eh. Lagi na lang kayong clueless.
Tss.� Naiiling nyang sabi. Pakiramdam ko, umabot sa boiling point yung dugo ko sa
sinabi nya.
�Ahh so ganun? Kami pa may kasalanan na wala kaming alam?� Sarkastiko kong tanong
sa kanya. �Why don�t you ask those heartless men, huh? You often leave without even
saying your reasons. You leave with nothing but a big question mark on our face.
And now you�re giving me this bullshit na problema saming mga babae na lagi kaming
clueless? That�s just plain stupid Hiro.� Naiinis kong sabi sa kanya.
Hiro seemed stunned with all I said. �Oh Laine, easy ka lang.�
Sa totoo lang, naiinis talaga ko sa sinabi nya. How dare he say all those things?
Kami pang mga babae yung may kasalanan na wala kaming alam sa mga nangyayari
minsan? Bakit hindi nya yun itanong sa mga kapwa nya lalaki? Katulad na lang nung
nangyari kay Donna at Martin. He just left her hanging. He left without even saying
his reasons. He just said it�s over and then that was it? That�s so stupid! Tama ba
yun?
At si Finn, kung hindi pa sinabi ni Bianca yung tungkol sa promise na ginawa nila
noon, hindi ko pa malalaman kung bakit ganun na lang kadaling sabihin sa kanya na
kalimutan ko na yung nararamdaman ko. I know I must have been overreacting to what
Hiro said. But that�s inevitable since I have experienced being clueless myself.
I sighed in frustration after realizing all those things. Silence fell afterwards.
I was tapping my fingers on the wooden table as I wait for him to talk again.
�Okay. Laine, I�m sorry okay?� He said sincerely. �It�s just that during the past
two months, I seemed like watching telenovela as I was observing all of you.�
I looked at him. �Anong ibig mong sabihin?�
Hiro cleared his throat. �You see, you may not notice it but Chix and I know
exactly what was happening. Tingnan mo si Donna at Martin. Halata namang mahal pa
nila yung isa�t isa hanggang ngayon. Both of them were acting as if nothing
happened between the two of them but the truth is they�re still affected by each
other�s presence.�
�Anong ibig mong sabihin?� Nagtataka kong tanong sa kanya. �Alam ko iniwan ni
Martin si Donna dati na hindi man lang nya sinasabi yung dahilan kung bakit.�
�Ewan ko ba sa kanila. Pareho lang nilang sinasaktan yung sarili nila. Martin was
to be blamed partly and somehow, Donna too.�
�Ano bang nangyari sa kanila?� Curious kong tanong.
�A year ago, Martin and Donna was like the perfect couple. They�re really happy. I
can see that they were really in love with each other. But that changed when Martin
found Donna and some other guy. They�re� ugh, you know, hugging each other.�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. Si Donna? That�s impossible. Mahal na mahal ni Donna si
Martin. Hanggang ngayon naman eh. Hindi sya gagawa ng ganun.
�So, nakipag-hiwalay si Martin dahil dun? That�s shallow. Hindi man lang nya
tinanong kung sino yung lalaking kayakap ni Donna nung mga oras na yun?�
�Well, yeah. You see, Martin�s ego was as high as the tallest mountain. Siguro,
sobrang nagselos sya nung mga oras na yun. Ayaw nyang mangyari na iwan sya ni Donna
dahil dun kaya naman bago pa mangyari yung inaakala nya, sya na yung unang
nakipaghiwalay. Kaya naman naging playboy si Martin para isipin ni Donna na he was
better off without her. But you see, because of the miscommunication between them,
pareho tuloy silang nahihirapan.�
I let out a deep sigh. A single action or word can really destroy everything.
�Just a piece of advice Laine, try to observe everything around you. As you see,
there is always more than meets the eye.� He said meaningfully.
I arched my eyebrows as I looked at him. �Ohkaaay. So what does that mean?�
�Let�s just say that the four of you, Ivan, Bianca, Finn and you are inside this
certain polygon.� He sounded like a genius as he said it. He was even rubbing his
chin as if he�s thinking too deep. �Some of the points inside this polygon will
eventually meet but some will not.�
I looked at him wondering what he was talking about. �So� what exactly do you mean
by that?�
Tiningnan nya ako ng makahulugan pagkaraan ay ngumiti. I have this feeling that
there is more behind that smile. He has something to say, something that might
explain things I do not know.
�Laine Laine Laine.� Naiiling nyang turan sa akin. �Ang love kasi parang geometry
lang yan eh, madaming punto at madaming anggulo. Ang problema na lang ay kung paano
natin titingnan yung mga punto at anggulong iyon.�
Magkasalubong pa din ang mga kilay kong nakatingin sa kanya. Ano ba talagang ibig
sabihin nitong si Hiro?
�Line is formed by connecting two points. Just like love. Love is formed by two
people sharing the mutual feeling.� He then said in sure and serious tone. �Sa loob
ng isang square o kahit ano pang polygon dyan, madaming posibilidad na magkaroon ng
linya mula sa magkaibang point. What I mean is that we shouldn�t just take notice
of those lines that make up the polygon itself. You see, we can always form a line
from one point to another. Be it an interior line or whatever mathematical term you
may call it.�
�Aghh! Hiro, will you quit beating around the bush? What exactly is your point?!� I
said impatiently.
�Inside that polygon, there may be a line or a point that will coincide with
another. And that line may be a hindrance too, for those two other points that is
really meant to be connected.� He said as he was looking into a blank space.
Napasabunot ako sa buhok ko dahil sa mga sinabi ni Hiro. Kailan pa ba naging

matalinhaga tong taong to? Hindi ko akalain na pwede pa lang umabot ang level ng
utak nya sa mga ganitong bagay. Hindi ko talaga maintindihan ang mga sinasabi nya.
�I really don�t get you Paps.� I said in wonder.
He then looked at me seriously. It was the first time he looked at me like that.
His eyes were telling me stories I have yet to know. �Finn has his reasons. And
those reasons are far more than what you�re thinking right now.�
I was speechless after hearing his words. Then at some point, I realized that
whatever his reason is, nothing will change what we have right now. All has been
said and done.
I then looked at Hiro. My eyes were determined as I spoke to him. �You know what
Hiro? I don�t care about his reasons, well at least if he really has. The fact that
he didn�t tell me right away was all that matters, I guess. You see, I could have
understood him if he just told me so. And one more thing, he has Bianca now. So I
guess, there is no need for me to know his �reasons� at all. It won�t change a
thing anyway.�
�What if it will? What if he was just stuck of being with her?�
Confused and wondering, I asked him. �What?�

Hiro then gave me a smile that could speak a thousand words. �I am not in the
situation to explain it to you. You just have to figure it out Laine. Observe,
listen and analyze.
Learn to read between the lines. Just like what I said, there is always more than
meets the eye.�
Being astonished barred me from saying a thing or two. I just don�t know what to
say at that moment. It just made me even more confused than ever. Arghh! Kasalanan
to ni Hiro eh!
�Oops Laine. Susunduin ko muna si Sweetcake sa klase nya! I better go! Take my
advice, okay?� Ngiting sabi sakin ni Hiro pagkaraan ay umalis na sya mula sa harap
ko.
As for me, I was still dumbfounded with all the things he said. Hiro left me in
wonder and confusion and right there, at the corner of my eyes, I saw him walking
his way toward me. It was Finn.
�Let�s talk.� Sabi nya sa akin nang makalapit sya sa kinauupuan ko.
Medyo nagulat ako sa pagpunta nya dito, pero gayunpaman, hindi ko iyon pinahalata
sa kanya. �Diba sinabi ko na yung prize na hinihingi ko? Sabi ko yun na yung huling
pag-uusap natin. Bakit sinundan mo pa ko dito?� Sabi ko habang pinipilit kong
ikalma yung sarili ko. Agh! Pakyu talaga si Hiro kahit kailan! Napaisip tuloy ako
sa mga sinabi nya.
�I won�t give you that prize.� He said.
�What? Bakit? Baliw ka ba? Ano ba talagang trip mo Finn? Tell me, why are you doing
this??� Sunod sunod na tanong ko sa kanya. My voice was mad and upset for I really
don�t know what was going on with this retarded guy.
�Come with me.� He said, his serious and brown gaze made me somewhat anxious.
�Huh? Baliw ka ba? Naririnig mo ba yung sarili mo? You know what Finn? Don�t give
me this bullshit! It won�t work this time! We already agree on some things. Why do
you have to do this? Why do you have to show up after all the things that have
happened? Manhid ka ba? This whole thing, what you�re doing right now. This just
sucks.�
Galit at naiinis kong tiningnan sya. Bakit ba kasi kailangan nya pang gawin to?
Hindi ba nya alam na ginagawa lang nyang kumplikado yung mga bagay na nasa ayos na?
�Laine.� He called out my name and for a moment, it sounded like music to my ears.
Oh, shit! What the hell is happening to me? Good heavens! This is just totally
confusing! And� and� insane.
Before my heart changed as I looked at that face I once fantasized to be mine, I
rose up from my seat to leave. But before I could even walk away, he grabbed my
arm. �Sa ayaw at sa gusto mo, sasama ka sakin.� Sabi nya pagkatapos ay hinila nya
na naman ako katulad ng ginawa nya kanina.
Galit na galit akong nagpupumiglas sa kanya pero kahit anong gawin ko, hindi nya
ako binitawan. Pagkatapos ng paglalakad namin, nagatgpuan ko na lang ang sarili ko
sa harap ng kotse nya. Sapilitan nya akong tinulak papasok doon.
�T*ng-ina naman Finn oh! Pu*a lang talaga! Bakit mo ba ginagawa to?!� Galit na
galit kong sabi sa kanya. Bababa na sana ako nung kotse nya pero marahas nya akong
pinipigilan.
�Watch your words Psychopath!� Sabi nya pagkaraan ay ngumiti sya. He started the
engine and the next thing I knew, nasa kahabaan na kami ng kalsada.
Baliw na ba talaga tong si Finn? Arghh! Minura mura ko pa sya pero parang wala lang
sa kanya yung mga sinasabi ko. Nakakainis talaga. Pagkatapos ng lahat, gaganituhin
nya pa ko? Ano bang problema nya? Napakalabo nya!
�This is insane Finn! Buksan mo tong pinto! Ibaba mo ko!� I screamed at the top of
my lungs but it was useless. He was just busy driving. Pinalu-palo ko pa sya nung
bag ko pero hindi nya ako pinapansin.
�Kapag hindi mo hininto tong kotse, I swear, tatalon ako dito!� Sigaw ko sa kanya.
Tiningnan nya lang ako na parang sinasabi nya na hindi ko kayang tumalon dito. �I
swear to God Finn, tatalon talaga.� Pananakot ko sa kanya tapos binuksan ko ng
bahagya yung pinto nung kotse.
�Fine.� He sighed then he stopped the engine.
Bumaba na ako ng kotse nya at nagsimulang naglakad papunta sa hindi ko alam kung
saan. Pakiramdam ko sasabog ang dibdib ko dahil sa iba�t ibang emosyon. Nagagalit
ako. Naiinis ako. Pero, bakit ganito na naman yung tibok ng puso ko? ARGHH! Pakyu
ka talaga FINN!
�Syet ka talagang lalaki ka. Anong kala mo sakin, ganun lang kadaling paikutin? Ha!
Anong akala mo? Sasakyan ko na naman yung trip mo?! Manigas ka. Muka mo!� Naiinis
kong sabi habang mabilis na naglalakad. Hindi nya naman siguro ako susundan. Hindi
nya naman siguro iiwan ang mamahalin nyang kotse para lang sundan ako.
�Hindi ka pa din nagbabago Psychopath. You�re still talking to yourself huh?� I was
a bit shocked to see Finn. He was following me. Cool na cool lang sya habang
naglalakad. Nakapamulsa pa sya na akala mong model ng isang clothing line.
�Bakit mo ko sinundan? Baliw ka na ba talaga Finn? Lumalala na yung pagkabipolar

mo. Pwede ba? Umalis ka na.� Pagtataboy ko sa kanya pero mukang wala yatang epekto.
Nanatili lang syang nakasunod sa akin.
Naglakad pa kami ng naglakad. Hindi ko na namalayan kung gaano na kami katagal sa

paglalakad. Patuloy lang nya akong sinusundan hanggang sa nakarating kami sa isang
public market. Yung parang divisoria at Baclaran. Madaming mga vendors at mamimili.
Nagkalat yung mga stalls nila sa kalsada.
�Manong pabili nga po.� Sabi ko dun kay Manong na nagtitinda nung buko juice. Noon
ko lang naramdaman ang uhaw dahil sa nakakapagod na paglalakad. Ewan ko ba kung
bakit kasi ko naglakad eh pwede naman akong magjeep o magtaxi para bumalik sa
school.
�Ikaw Hijo? Bibili ka ba?� Tukoy ni Manong kay Finn na nakatingin lang dun sa
tinitinda ni Manong. Duhh, ngayon lang ba sya nakakita ng ganun?
Kahit parang medyo nag-aalangan eh, umoo naman si Finn. �Manong sya po magbabayad.�
Tukoy sa akin ni Finn nang abutan na sya ni Manong nung isang baso ng buko juice.
Tiningnan ko lang sya. Kala ko ba mayaman to? Bakit magpapalibre pa yata sya sakin?
�In case you don�t know, naiwan ko yung wallet ko sa loob ng kotse ko. Kasalanan mo
to eh, kung bakit ba kasi nagpumilit ka pang bumaba eh.�
Hindi ko sana sya ibabayad para magmuka syang ewan sa harap ni Manong. Isang
lalaking mayaman tapos walang pambayad ng tigsasampung pisong buko juice? Hahahah.
Nakakahiya yun. Pero dahil naaawa ako kay Manong eh binayaran ko pa din yung ininom
nyang buko juice. Pasalamat sya. Naaawa lang talaga ko kay Manong.
Gusto ko sana syang asarin o inisin pa pero pinili ko na lang na huwag magsalita.
Matalim lang ang mga tingin ko sa kanya. Hindi nga pala kami katulad dati na laging
nag-aasaran. Galit ako sa kanya ngayon. GALIT!
�Manong, thank you.� Paalam ko kay manong pagkaraan ay muli akong naglakad. Hindi
ko talaga alam kung saan ako dadalin ng mga paa ko. Si Finn naman sinusundan pa din
ako. Ang kapal ng muka ng lalaking to talaga.
�Hanggang kailan ka ba maglalakad ha?� Maya-maya ay sabi nya. Mukang hinihingal na

sya dahil sa pag-iikot ikot namin sa palengke. Hindi ko sya pinansin. Nagpatuloy
lang ako sa paglalakad. Susunod-sunod sakin tapos magrereklamo.
�Psychopath!� Patuloy na tawag nya pero kagaya kanina, hindi ko sya pinansin.
�Laine!� Sigaw nya pero wala lang yung epekto dahil hindi ko sya nililingon.
�Dummy!� Tinatawag nya pa din ako pero hindi ko lang sya pinapansin.
Napahinto lang ako sa paglalakad nang bigla nya na namang hinawakan yung kamay ko
pagkaraan ay hinarap nya ako sa kanya. �Stop being childish Laine.�
Nagpanting ang tenga ko sa sinabi nya. �Ako? Childish? Sino kaya sa atin yung mas
childish ngayon ha? Unang-una bakit mo ko sinusundan? Pangalawa, bakit pagkatapos
ng lahat ng nangyari, bigla ka na lang susupot ng ganyan na parang walang nangyari?
Pangatlo, bakit mo ko pinagti-tripan na naman? Pang-apat, bakit mo ginagawa to?
Alam mo ba kung gaano na ako nalilito sayo? Two months na yung nakalipas kaya diba
dapat tapos na yung lahat? Nananahimik na ako. Ikaw din naman diba? Masaya ka na
ngayon. Bakit kailangan mo pang gawin to?�
Pinipilit kong hindi maiyak sa mga tanong ko. Syet lang talaga. Dahil sa ginagawa
nya, nag-iiba na naman yung takbo ng puso ko eh. Pinapaasa nya na naman nya ako sa
mga bagay na walang katuparan eh. �T*ng ina Finn! Tumigil ka na! Tigilan mo na ko!
Kung maari, huwag na lang tayong magkita ulit. Please lang, ito na sana talaga yung
huling beses na mag-usap o mag-kita tayo.�
I then turned my back but my eyes widened as he grabbed me by my waist. He then

drew me closer to him. My heart was beating wildly as our face were just an inch
away from each other. I swallowed the lump in my throat. We were too close.
Dangerously close. And right there, I was paralyzed to the next thing I never
expected he would do. Not at this moment.
He locked his lips with mine.

Chapter 36
???
My eyes were in utter astonishment as our lips met. I did not blink for this
supposed-to-be romantic scene has not yet sinking in my brain. My heart was heavily
pounding, and my brain doesn�t know what to do! I was completely dumbfounded, and�
and� totally� hypnotized. I don�t know what the hell has gotten into me when I
closed my eyes.
But then, the pictures of him and Bianca together made my eyes popped open again.
What is he, a total as$hole that could just do everything he wanted? This� this...
is completely crazy, not to mention that we were in a public place for heaven�s
sake! He did kiss me in front of this public market with this mob looking at us as
if we�re in some kind of a teleserye! How great was that?!
After sorting out those thoughts, I pushed him so hard. I looked at him intensely
as I wiped my lips with my hand.
�How dare you kiss me, you moron?!� Galit na galit kong sabi sa kanya sapu sapo ko
ang dibdib ko dahil galit at sa gulat na naramdaman ko.
He smirked at me. �Why? Is that your first kiss?� Mapang-asar nyang sabi sa akin.
Tiningnan ko sya ng masama. Hindi ba nya alam na mahalaga ang first kiss sa isang
babae? Nakakainis! First kiss ko yun eh! Hindi ko naman inimagine na ganito lang
yung lugar kung saan ko matitkman yung first kiss ko eh. I imagined it in a very
romantic place. Yung tipong may fireworks display. O kaya under the rain. Pero
anong ginawa nya?! Sinira nya yung pangarap kong perfect kiss!
At saka hindi lang naman yun ung kinagagalit ko eh! How dare he steal a kiss from
me, considering that he was not even my boyfriend? At ang mas maganda pa dun, he
already has BIANCA! What is he, a good-for-nothing player?! Hindi ko pinansin yung
pang-aasar nya, tiningnan ko lang sya ng masama.
Bakit nya ba ginawa yun? Nililito nya na naman ako. Ayos na yung lahat, bakit
kailangan nya pang guluhin yun? Bakit kailangan pang gumawa ng ganitong bagay na
hindi ko inaasahan? Lalo na�t halos dalawang buwan kaming hindi man lang nag-usap.
�Ano? Masaya ba?� I said as I was gasping for air. �You got close to me, you did
things that confused me, you dumped me, you show your face after two months and now
you kissed me? What�s next? You�re going to say that this was nothing but a whole
bunch of nonsensical things that has gotten in that brain of yours? Then what�s
next after next? You�re going to dump me... again?�
Tahimik lang sya pagkatapos kong sabihin lahat ng bagay na iyon sa kanya. Tama
naman ako eh. Ano na naman ang idadahilan nya ngayon sa akin kung bakit ginagawa
nya to? He would give that infamous �I don�t know� answer again?
�Finn�� As much as possible, pinipigilan ko talaga yung sarili ko na huwag umiyak

pero hindi ko yata kaya eh. I just felt insulted� humiliated� Tama bang halikan nya
ko samantalang alam na alam ko na sila ni Bianca? How stupid can he get? Nagsimula
na namang tumulo yung luha ko. Dahil na naman sa kanya. Sya naman palagi ang
dahilan kung bakit ako umiiyak eh. He always gives me the reason to do so. �Please
lang� tigilan mo na to... Wag mo na kong pahirapan� Please lang---�
�I broke up with her.�
Natigil ako sa pagsasalita nang sabihin nya iyon. Tama ba yung pagkakarinig ko?
�Because of you��
Lalo akong nagulat dahil sa sinabi nya. Lalo akong tuluyang hindi nakapagsalita.
Because of me? Pero� pero bakit? I wanted to ask him questions but I just don�t
have the guts to do so. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. All I know is that, my heart was
swiftly beating� just like what it used to when I�m with him.
I was tongue-tied as I looked at him. He�s giving me those stares again --- stares
that made my heart flustered and beat wildly because of that overwhelming feeling
that eats my whole being.
I took a mouthful of air. Astonishment was written on my face. �W-what? Are you
kidding?�
My words were rather crooked as they came from my mouth. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba
ang dapat kong sabihin sa kanya. Baka mamaya isa na namang malaking JOKE itong mga
sinasabi nya sakin. I just don�t want to end up crying over him again.
�Laine!� He grinned. �How could you be so stupid to not distinguish if I�m kidding
or not? Of course I am!� He said then he laughed skeptically.
Napunta yata lahat ng dugo ko sa ulo nang sabihin nya yun sa akin. Okay! So joke
lang pala talaga yung mga sinabi nya sa akin? How dare he just play with my
feelings? Wala na ba talagang natitirang bait sa katawan nya? Bakit lagi nya na
lang akong sinasaktan ng ganito? Kahit ba konti, hindi nya naiisip yung
mararamdaman ko sa mga gagawin at sasabihin nya sa akin?
I chose not to speak with him regarding what he had just told me, instead, I walked
away from him, angrily. There I was, I felt like stupid� Bakit� bakit ba umasa pa
kong nagsasabi sya ng totoo? Itago ko man o hindi pero kahit paano, umasa akong
sasabihin nyang hindi sya nagbibiro. Seryoso ang mga mata nya nang sinabi nya yun
sakin� pero joke lang pala ang lahat. Finn really knows how to trick me. He just
showed me what a rascal he really is! AGHH!
Nagpatuloy lang ako sa paglalakad tsaka ko lang napansin na pinag-uusapan na pala

kami nung mga taong nakapaligid sa amin. Nakakaasar! Naiiyak na naman ako� naiiyak
ako dahil sa galit dito sa puso ko. Kung sino pa yung taong mahal mo, sya pa yung
gagawa ng mga bagay na lalong ikasasakit ng damdamin mo.
�Laine!� Tawag ni Finn sa akin pero hindi ko sya pinansin. Ang lakas ng loob nyang
tawagin pa ko pagkatapos ng ginawa at sinabi nya sakin.
Nagpatuloy lang ako sa paglalakad pero sinusundan nya na naman ako. Saan kaya
nakakakuha ng kakapalan ng mukha tong lalaking to? Nung una, bigla na lang nya kong
hinila sa school kanina na parang walang nangyari. Tapos, bigla na lang nya kong
hinalikan. At ang matindi pa dun, hindi man lang nya sinabi kung bakit nya ginawa
ang mga bagay na yun.
�Psychopath!�
He kept on calling and calling me but I was playing deaf. Bakit ko pa ba papansinin
ang isang katulad nya? Matapos nyang gawin yung mga bagay na to?
�PSYCHOPATH! I�M SORRY!�
I stopped on my feet as I heard his apology. Ano? Magpapadala na naman ba ko sa

sorry nya? Katulad na lang ng mga ginawa nya noon? Na tipong isang sorry nya lang
eh, bibigay na agad tong puso ko? As I�ve said, things have already changed between
us.
�Psychopath, I�m sorry. I really am sorry, if I offended you. Truth is, I am just
kidding when I told you that I was kidding. I�m sorry.�
I did not look at him still. Ano to? A joke within a joke? Ang lakas ng loob nyang
magbiro. Hindi ba nya naisip yung mararamdaman ko? Nagawa pa nyang magjoke nang
ganitong oras? I started to walk again but the next thing he said made me froze to
where I stood.
�But� what I said was true! I broke up with her but; you see it was not just
because of you� it was because of us� because of the two of us� I know I�ve already
hurt you many times� but please Laine, hear me out� This was just all I wanted when
I dragged you to the rooftop� But I just don�t have the guts to really tell what I
wanted to tell you� So please, let�s talk.�
His voice was pleading, as if he was really desperate to talk to me. Dapat ko ba
syang pakinggan? Dapat bang pakinggan ko pa ang anumang sasabihin nya? Nagtatalo
ang puso at isip ko kung kakausapin ko ba sya o hindi. Hindi ko alam ang
consequences na mangyayari kung sakaling pakinggan ko sya. Pero� madaming beses nya
na kong nasaktan. Hindi malayong saktan nya na naman ulit ako kapag nagkataon
Kung anuman yung sabihin nya, hindi ako sigurado� hindi ko alam� hindi ko alam.
But then, pagkatapos kong maisip yung mga nangyari sa pagitan namin, isa lang ang
bagay ang dapat kong gawin. Hindi ko sya nilingon at nagpatuloy lang akong
naglakad. Nakipaghiwalay kay Bianca tapos ngayon lalapit sya sakin? Anong akala nya
sakin? Na dapat akong maging masaya dahil doon?
�Laine. Why are you being so stubborn?� He said as he caught my arm causing me to
stop on my feet. �Let�s talk. Let me explain why I have done those things to you.�
�Wala nang dahilan pa para mag-usap tayo.� Malamig kong sabi at hindi ko man lang
sya tinapunan ng tingin. But truth be told, my heart was dying to hear all his
explanations. My pride just barred me to do so.
�What? Laine� don�t be this hardheaded. I�m sorry for what I did. Talk---�
�Ano ba Finn? Okay, since Bianca and you broke up, what does it have to do with
�us�? There�s no �us� Finn. Diba ikaw na din ang nagsabi, there will never be �us�?
� I said, giving him a cold stare.
I tried to be frigid as much as possible. Hindi na ako yung dati na konting salita
lang nya, mapapasunod na nya ko. Hindi na ako yung dati na konting sorry lang nya,
okay na ang lahat. After all, he really deserves this� he was exactly the reason
why I give him the cold shoulder anyway. A sorry won�t be enough for all the pain
and heartaches he brought to my life. He doesn�t deserve a word with me.
�Let go Finn.� I said pointing at his hand which is on my arm.
He looked at me. His eyes say a thousand words I could never define. Kung hindi ko
iisipin lahat ng ginawa nya, malamang maawa ako sa mga matang nakatitig sa akin
ngayon. They were pleading� and sad�
Siguro kung sa ibang pagkakataon, baka madala na naman ako ng mga tingin na iyon
pero buo na ang loob kong hindi na sya kausapin.
�Finn, please---�
�I like you Laine.�
Tiningnan ko sya. Tama ba yung narinig ko? My heart beat faster than it already was
as I looked at him. Those words� those words were the exact words I wanted to hear
from him ever since I saw him for the first time. I should be happy, shouldn�t I?
That was all I wanted from him.
But� as much as I wanted to shout with glee, I couldn�t do so. Yes. Maybe, I still
have feelings for him� maybe I still love him� but I was uncertain if I could risk
those feelings for him again. Minsan nya na akong sinaktan at hindi kadaling
kalimutan na lang ang mga iyon. Maari nya akong saktan ng higit pa sa maraming
beses. At� at masyadong magulo ang sitwasyon ngayon. Magulo ang utak ko.
Nabibilisan ako sa mga pangyayari.
All the things he did were just too overwhelming. There are still many things left
unsaid. Gusto ko mang alamin ang mga bagay na yun pero naisip ko na hindi na din
siguro kailangan. Baka lalo lang maging magulo ang lahat.
�Now what Finn? What do you expect I would do? That I would hug you just because
you told me that? That we could kiss and make up with that sentence you said? That
I would welcome you in my life again? Ganun ba ang gusto mong gawin ko?� I said as
I smiled bitterly. �Do you expect that I would welcome you with my wide and open
arms just because you said you like me? I am not that easy. Hindi na ko madadala
ngayon sa mga sinasabi mo. Things have already changed for both of us Finn.�
I removed his hand from my arm and started to walk away again. This time, hindi nya
na ko sinundan.
---
Mabilis kong pinara ang unang taxing nakita ko. Finn deserves those words, right?
Now, we�re even. Dapat maging masaya ko kasi alam kong nasaktan ko din sya dahil sa
mga sinabi ko. Finally, nagkaroon din ako ng lakas ng loob para pasakitan sya.
That�s an achievement, isn�t it?
Pero bakit ganito yung pakiramdam ko? Ang bigat bigat ng puso ko ngayon. Bakit
parang pati ako nasaktan dahil sa mga sinabi ko? Bakit� bakit ganito yung
nararamdaman ko ngayon? Hindi ko alam pero nagsimula na namang tumulo yung mga luha
ko. Bakit ba kasi napaka-ironic ng buhay? Lagi na lang kaming hindi nagtatagpo ni
Finn sa isang punto.
�Miss, saan po tayo?�
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot kay manong driver dahil wala namang
kasiguraduhan kung saan ako pupunta ngayon pero sa huli napagdesisyunan kong
bumalik ng school. I need to make myself busy para makalimutan ko yung mga nangyari
kanina. Hindi ako sigurado kung makakalimutan ko nga ang mga iyon pero at least
susubukan ko kahit mahirap.
Nag-U turn na si manong nang maramdaman ko nang biglang mag-ring yung phone ko.
Tiningnan ko kung sino yung tumawag, it was an unregistered number. Hindi ko alam
pero pakiramdam ko mahalaga ang tawag na yun. I held up my phone and I answered the
caller.
�Hello.� Sabi ko pero wala namang sumasagot sa kabilang linya. �Hello, sino to?�
Tawag ko ulit pero wala pa din.
Ibababa ko na sana yung phone ko dahil naisip kong baka may nanti-trip lang sakin o
kaya baka wrong number lang pero bigla na lang akong kinabahan nang magsalita yung
nasa kabilang linya.
�Laine.�
I was shocked to hear the caller�s voice. I never expected that person would call
me, at least not at this time. But why? The person on the other line was crying�
and I don�t know but it made me feel uneasy. I just felt that something bad is
going to happen as the person on the other line spoke again.
�MANONG! Pakibalik po! Sa St. Bernard po tayo!�
---
Nagmamadali akong pumasok doon sa loob ng bahay nya. Kinakabahan ako nang tinungo
ko ang kwarto nya. Pinihit ko ang seradura pero nakalock iyon.
�Bianca! Open the door!� I said as I knocked the door so loud. �Bianca!�
My heart was pounding as she was not responding. Oh God! What is she up to? Wag
naman sana! She�s a smart girl. Alam kong hindi nya gagagwin yung bagay na sinabi
nya sa akin kanina.
�Bianca! Buksan mo to!�

Hindi pa din sya sumasagot. Ano bang gagawin ko? Natataranta na ko! Tama! Si Finn,
kailangan kong tawagan si Finn! Mabilis kong diinial ang number nya at thank god,
sumagot agad sya.
�Laine�� He mumbled. His voice was somewhat sad and frustrated.
Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang kakaibang tono ng pananalita nya. Kailangan muna naming
isantabi ang mga bagay na nangyari kanina. �Finn! Come here at Bianca�s.�
Nanginginig na sabi ko dahil sa kabang nararamdaman ko.
�Huh?� Gulat na tanong nya. �Why are you there?�
�Wag ka nang magtanong! Basta pumunta ka na dito!� Sabi ko pagkaraan ay binabaan ko

na sya ng phone. Muli kong kinatok yung pinto ng kwarto ni Bianca. �Bianca! Please,
open this door!� I said, my voice was begging. Sweat has already formed in my
forehead because of the anxiety I feel right now. What if� what if she would really
do what she told me a while ago?
�Bilisan mo Finn.� Bulong ko. Tumingin ako kung meron bang spare keys sa paligid
pero wala akong nakita. God! Why is this happening?
Maya-maya pa, narinig ko na ang kotse ni Finn na dumating. Tumatakbo sya habang
papalapit sa akin. �Anong nangyari?� Tanong nya pero sa huli, nalaman nya na din
ang sagot nang tumingin sya sa pinto ng kwarto ni Bianca. Kitang kita ko ang kaba
sa mukha nya habang kinakalampag nya yung pinto. �Bianca! Open the door!� Sigaw
nya. He was nervous as he was knocking on the the door. �Sandali.� Maya maya ay
sabi nya sa akin pagkaraan ay tumungo sya papunta sa kusina.
Pagbalik nya, meron na syang dalang susi. Kinakabahan ako habang binubuksan nya
yung pinto. Maging si Finn ay ganun din, nanginginig pa ang mga kamay nya habang
binubuksan nya iyon.
We were shocked when the door finally creaked open. There was Bianca. She was like
a zombie. Her hair was in total mess. Her eyes were puffy. She was sitting in front
of her vanity table. She was crying breathlessly as she was staring at the pills on
her hand.
�Bianca!� Finn said anxiously as he emerged to Bianca. �Why are you doing this? Are
you okay?� He asked in a very troubled voice.
Bianca then hugged Finn as she saw him. �James! You�re here! Sabi ko na nga ba!
Sabi ko na nga ba, ako pa din yung mahal mo!� Nakangiti habang umaagos ang luha sa
mga pisngi nya.
�Bianca.� Mahinang sabi ni Finn.
Tinitingnan ko lang sila habang nakatayo pa din ako malapit sa pinto. Kahit paano,
magaan na ang pakiramdam ko nang makita ko si Bianca. Kinabahan talaga ko nang
sabihin nyang wawakasan na nya ang buhay nya. Buti na lang� dumating si Finn.
�James.� Maya maya ay sabi ni Bianca pagkaraan ay tiningnan nya ako. �Pwede bang
iwan mo muna kami ni Laine?�
Finn looked at me. I couldn�t explain his expression as he set his eyes on me. He
then looked at Bianca again. �Okay.�
Mabilis kong nilapitan si Bianca nang makaalis na si Finn sa kwarto. �Bianca. Bakit
mo ba ginawa yun? Pinag-alala mo kami.� Nag-aalala kong sabi sa kanya.
Tumingin sya sa akin ng seryoso. �Laine. Please, layuan mo na si Finn.�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. �Bianca� Finn and I, we never spoke for the past two ��
�You�re confusing him Laine. He was talking to me yet it was your name that he was
calling out.� She said then she sobbed again. �He broke up with me. And� and� he
said you were the reason Laine.� She then smiled sarcastically. �But� but I know,
he doesn�t love you. Ako Laine! Ako lang yung mahal nya� ako lang dapat yung mahal
nya�
�Siguro, nalilito lang sya sa ngayon kasi halos tatlong taon kaming nakahiwalay�At
ikaw yung nakasama nya sa panahong nangungulila sya sa akin� pero alam ko� alam
kong ako pa din yung mahal nya� we made our promise to each other. Alam kong hindi
nya babaliin ang pangakong yun Laine. Kaya please lang Laine? Layuan mo na sya� Sya
na lang ang meron ako ngayon at ikakamatay ko kung mawawala pa sya��

Chapter 37
???
�Uyy, layo ng tingin ah.�
Inangat ko ang muka ko mula sa pagkakalumbaba ko para bigyan ng matalim na irap si

Martin. Tama bang istorbohin ang pagkatulala ko?
�Tss.� Sabi kong umiiling.
�Wala pa sila?� Tanong nya pagkaraan ay tinabihan nya ako.
�Ewan ko.� Tipid na sagot ko.

Bakit nga ba kasi ang tagal nila Chix at Bessie? Usapan kasi namin na magkikita-
kita kami dito sa tambayan namin after class. Well, after class, eh wala naman
akong pinasukan kahit isang subject.
Tatlong oras na kong nakatulala dito bago pa man dumating si Martin. Hindi ko alam
kung bakit bumalik pa ko dito sa school pagkagaling ko sa bahay ni Bianca. Plano ko
kasing umattend ng mga natitirang subjects ko pero hindi ko din naman ginawa. Para
saan pa? Sayang lang din siguro yung ipapasok ko dahil wala naman ako sa tamang
pag-iisip ngayon. Lutang ang utak ko dahil sa mga nangyari kanina.
Akalain mong madami na palang pwedeng mangyari sa loob lang ng kalahating araw?
Kung tutuusin, pakiramdam ko mas mahaba pa yata yung kalahating araw na iyon kesa
sa nakalipas na dalawang buwan. Una, nang halikan ako ni Finn at nang sinabi nyang
gusto nya ko. At pangalawa, dahil sa mga sinabi ni Bianca. Ang bilis ng mga
pangyayari at hindi gaanong maabsorb ng utak ko yung mga nangyari.
Nang sabihin sa akin ni Bianca na layuan ko na si Finn, pakiramdam ko merong libu-

libong karayom ang tumusok bigla sa puso ko. Wala ako sa sarili ko nang lumabas ako
sa kwarto nya. Nakalimutan ko na nga kung anong naging reaksyon ko pagkatapos
sabihin ni Bianca yun sa akin. Nag-insist pa si Finn na ihatid ako kanina pero
hindi ako pumayag, kasi kailangan sya ni Bianca.
�Paps Martin, bakit kaya napakagulo ng buhay noh?� Wala sa sarili kong tanong sa
kanya habang nakatuon lang ang paningin ko sa kawalan.
Nag-kibit balikat sya sa akin pagkaraan ay ngumiti. �Para mas masaya.�
�Huh? Ano namang masaya dun? Tss. Nakainis nga eh. Yung mga bagay na akala mo
simple lang, sila pa yung mas nagiging kumplikado.�
Nag-angat ng tingin si Martin na akala mo eh nasa langit ang sagot sa mga sinabi
ko. �Wala naman talagang bagay na kumplikado eh. Unang una, hindi naman magiging
kumplikado ang mga bagay kung hindi tayo gumagawa ng mga bagay na mas magpapagulo
pa dito. In other words, sarili na mismo natin yung gumagawa ng dahilan para maging
kumplikado ang isang bagay.�
Tiningnan ko si Martin sa mga sinabi nya. �Alam mo Paps Mart. Tama ka eh. At alam
mo, ikaw dapat ang maging example dyan sa mga sinabi mo eh.�
Napakunot ang noo niya nang tumingin sya sa akin. �Ako? Bakit naman ako?�
�Wow. School of maang-maangan ang drama mo?� I smiled. �Si Donna. I heard you broke
up with her because you saw her in other man�s arm, without even asking who that
man is. You wanted to save your ego so you made the first move to break up with
her.�
Martin�s eyes were serious as he looked at me. His eyebrows met. �Sinabi sayo yan
ni Hiro noh?� He asked. I nodded at his question. �Tss. Ang daldal talaga nung
taong yun.�
�You see Paps Mart, you made it complicated. You should�ve asked her. Hindi yung
nahihirapan kayo. Hindi yung pinapahirapan nyo yung sarili nyo. You still love her,
right? Well, I�ll tell you her secret. She never forgets you, not even in a single
moment. Mahal ka pa din nya Martin kaya wag mo ng pahirapan yung sarili mo. Wag mo
na din syang pahirapan.�
�ANO?!� Gulat nyang tanong.
�Yes Paps. She still loves you despite of what you did to her.�
Tumingin ako kay Martin. Seryoso ako habang hinihintay kung ano yung sasabihin nya.
Alam kong baka magalit si Donna sa akin dahil sa mga sinabi ko kay Martin pero wala
akong pinagsisisihan. Gusto ko silang maging masaya. Ayokong matulad pa sila sa
amin na parang level 10 na maze ang sitwasyon na meron sa amin ni Finn at Bianca.
�Alam mo Martin. Kung ako sayo, bigyan mo na ng linaw lahat ng nangyari sa pagitan
nyo.� Patuloy ko habang hindi pa din sya nagsasalita. Mukang malalim ang mga
iniisip nya, siguro dahil na din sa mga sinabi ko.
�Is it not too late Laine? She was mad at me. Will she forgive me after all those
things I did to her?�
I smiled at his question. �Of course Martin. She will forgive you because she loves
you.�
Parang nalinawan si Martin sa mga sinabi ko. �You think so, Laine?�
�Yes. I really think so. So, go ahead and get going Paps.. Apologize to her. Clear
all your misunderstandings. Tell her you still love her.�
�I surely will Laine. Thank you for that. I guess I have to go. I�ll just bring
someone back.� He smiled as his eyes were determined. I smiled at him too. I feel
like I�m playing cupid as I know two people will unite together again. �Wait Laine.
I�ll just give you an advice before I go.� He said as he rose from his seat.
I arched my eyebrow as I looked at him. �What? Do I need an advice too?�
Martin looked at me, encouraging me with his smarty look. �If you still love him,
hear him out Laine. Makinig ka sa kanya para wala ka ding pagsisihan sa huli.� With
that, he quickly ran away as a big smile formed on his lips.
As for me, Martin left me thinking deeply. Kailangan pa bang pakingan ko si Finn?
Para saan pa kung sinabi naman ni Bianca na layuan ko na sya?
---
Hindi nagtagal, dumating na din sila Bessie, Chix at Hiro. Matipid lang akong
ngumiti sa kanila pagkatapos ay inokupa ni Chix at Hiro yung upuan na katapat nung
inuupuan ko. Tumabi naman sa akin si Bessie.
�Kanina ka pa Ally?� Tanong nya sa akin.
�Medyo.�
�Bakit?�
�Wala lang. Medyo� medyo napaaga lang kaming dinismiss nung prof ko.�
Pagsisinungaling ko.
He then pinched my cheeks. �I�m not asking about that, silly. I�m asking why you
look so depressed. Did something happen?� Nag-aalalang tanong nya sa akin.
�Huh?� I said, puzzled. May psychic ability ba tong si Bessie? Paano ba nya laging
nasesense kung may problema ako o wala? �Hmm. Wa-wala Bessie. Stress lang ako sa
lessons kanina.� I bit my lower lip for I know I was stupid for lying to him.
�Sure?�
�Yes Bessie.� I smiled at him then I turned to Chix who just seemed looking at
Bessie and I. �Uyy bes. What�s up?�
�What�s up your face!� She pouted. �I�ve been calling you since this afternoon but
you wouldn�t answer.� May himig pagtatampong sabi nya sa akin.
�You did?� I asked, trying to really look clueless about the phone calls I received
from her. I don�t want to lie to her. It�s just that I don�t want to talk to anyone
right before I came from Bianca�s house, so I ignored all those calls and texts I
received from her, from anyone. �Aww, hindi ko siguro napansin Bes. Nakasilent yung
phone ko eh.� Pagsisinungaling ko ulit, hindi ko alam kung naniwala naman ba sya sa
sinabi ko o hindi.
�Hindi ka tuloy namin kasabay maglunch kanina. Saan ka nga ba nagpunta? Don�t tell
me may klase ka ng lunch time?�
�Huh? Ahm..� Syet. Anong idadahilan ko? Na bigla na lang akong hinila ni Finn sa
kung saan kanina? Tss, nakakainis talaga yung lalaking yun kahit kelan. Kailangan
ko pa tuloy magsinungaling sa best friend ko. �I was at the library� yes, at the
library. You see, I was doing� ahm� some research.� I lied. Maniwala naman kaya
sila? I looked away from them but I saw Bessie was looking at me, as if he knew
that I�m lying.
�Really?� Chix asked sarcastically. �Since when did you step in the library? That�s
a miracle indeed.�
I tried to laugh at Chix�s question. �Hahah. Wala ka bang elibs sakin bes? Di ka ba
masaya na nagreresearch na ako sa lib ngayon?�
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng biglang ngumti si Chix sa akin. Siguro naman naniniwala
tong babaeng to. �Nasaan nga pala si Martin at Donna?�
Ngumiti ako sa tanong nya. �Wag nyo nang tanungin kung nasaan sila. But one thing
is for sure, they�re okay wherever they are right now.� I said determinedly.
�Does that mean that they�re doing good now?� Chix asked in bewilderment. I
answered her with a smile. �Wow. That�s good.�
We all nodded at her in agreement. It feels so good to know: two people reunited
after a year of nothingness between them. Masaya ko na natulungan ko si Martin. At
least, sila man lang ay maging masaya. Ako kaya? Kailan kaya aayos ang mukhang
palpak ko yatang love life?
�So Laine. Have you already thought of what I said?� Maya-maya ay tanong ni Hiro.
Napatingin ako sa kanya, naalala ko tuloy yung mga sinabi nya kanina sa akin.
Some of the points inside a polygon will eventually meet but some will not.
Saan kaya ako dyan sa mga points sa loob ng polygon? Yung isang point kung saan
pwede na maikonekta ako sa isa pang point na nakalaan talaga sa akin para makabuo
ng isang linya? O baka naman ako lang yung point na mananatiling isang point at
kailanman eh hindi pwedeng makabuo ng linya patungo sa isa pang point?
---
�Allaine.� Bessie called out as he started the engine. He insisted of driving me

home shortly after we all decided to call it a day since the sun had set already.
�Bessie?� I was a bit shocked after he called me by my name. It only means one
thing; he is serious with what he�s going to say.
�You were not in the library a while ago.� He said. I gulped upon his statement. He
knew. He knew I was lying. How did he know? �I was there.� He said to answer the
question written on my face. �Where were you? Did something happen?�
I looked down, ashamed to face him. Ayan Laine, bakit ba kasi nag-sinungaling ka
pa? Akala mo naman makakalusot ka. �Sorry Bessie. Sorry kung nag-sinungaling ako.�
Mahina kong sabi pero sapat na para marinig nya.
�Bakit Ally? May nangyari ba? Nasaan ka ba kanina? Pinasukan mo ba yung mga
subjects mo?� Sunod-sunod na tanong nya sa akin. He looks so worried.
�Ahh, wala lang yun Bessie.� Sabi kong nakayuko pa din habang pilit na inignora ko
ang mga tanong nya.
Silence fell between us during the whole drive. He was quiet. He chose not to ask
me again as we were heading on our way. And I feel guilty about it. I feel guilty
of lying to him, of not answering his questions honestly. Silence. Just a deafening
silence meddled between the two of us.
Malapit na kami sa bahay pero hindi pa din kami nag-iimikan. Pagkarating namin
doon, nagulat na lang kami pareho ni Bessie dahil sa pamilyar na kotse na nasa
harap ng bahay namin. There stood Finn who was leaning against his black car. He
was looking at us as Bessie and I got off the car.
�How�s your date?� Sarcasm was on Finn�s voice as he asked us.
I ignored his question. �What are you doing here?� Nagtataka kong tanong sa kanya.
Base sa itsura nya, mukang kanina pa sya nandito. He was looking at me. Impatience
was what was on his face.
�I�m here to explain everything.� He said coolly, as if we didn�t have an argument

this morning, as if we haven�t been to Bianca�s place hours ago.
�Finn.� I said weakly. I don�t even know what to say to him. Matigas din pala
talaga ang ulo nitong si Finn. Nakalimutan na ba nya yung mga sinabi ko sa kanya
kanina?
�What?�
�I guess I have to go.� Bessie said suddenly. He looked at me with sad eyes. �You
two should talk.� He said, smiling but did not quite reach his eyes.
�Bessie.� Tawag ko. Yun lang ang sinabi ko dahil hindi ko alam ang dapat kong
sabihin sa kanya.
He smiled at me then he pinched my nose. �Ally, I�m going. Dude. I gotta go.� He
said to Finn who nodded at him. He then squeezed my shoulder before he got on his
car and drove away.
Wala na akong nagawa kundi sundan na lang ng tingin ang papalayo nya nang kotse.
�So, what now?� Humarap ako kay Finn. I guess, tama yung sinabi ni Martin at Hiro.
Dapat ko nga sigurong pakinggan si Finn. Hindi man maging maayos ang lahat sa huli
sa pagitan namin pero at least alam ko yung mga dahilan nya.
�Get in.� He crossed his arms and tilted his head pointing at his car.
�Dito na lang.�
�I said get in.�
�Finn.�
�Ano? Gusto mo na namang hilahin kita para lang sumunod ka sa akin?�
Grabe, bakit ba gusto nya sya na lang yung palaging masusunod? Pagod na ako para
makipagtalo pa kaya sumakay na lang ako sa kotse nya.
Tahimik lang kami pareho habang nasa daan kami na para bang parehong malalim ang
iniisip namin. Sa totoo lang, wala akong ideya kung ano yung mga sasabihin nya.
Hindi nagtagal, napunta kami sa harap ng isang malaking ilog. Hindi ko alam kung
saan na kami nakarating pero maganda yung lugar. Maganda ang mga repleksyon ng mga
makukulay na ilaw sa tubig. Tahimik yung paligid. Tanging malakas na ihip lang ang
maririnig.
�Do you see that bridge?� Finn suddenly asked. We were still inside his car.
Tiningnan ko naman yung tinutukoy nya. It was a wide bridge above the river.
Madaming ilaw na nakapalibot dito. Galing sa mga sasakyan at galing na din mismo sa
mga poste ng tulay na iyon.
Finn then went out of his car. Sumunod naman ako sa kanya. Pareho kaming umupo sa
isa mga bench na nasa harap. Siguro, pasyalan talaga ang lugar na ito dahil
madaming bench na nakahanay sa harap nung ilog. Tahimik lang kami habang minamasdan
yung tubig.
�Four years ago, we had an accident on that bridge.� Maya-maya ay sabi nya sa akin.
Tiningnan ko sya, Nagtataka ako sa mga sinabi nya. �Bianca, I and her parents.� He
sighed. He then gazed upon the river, bitterly.
Iyon kaya yung aksidente kung saan namatay ang parents ni Bianca? Pero� bakit nya
sasabihin ang mga bagay na to sa akin? Ano naman yung kinalaman noon sa mga
sasabihin nyang dahilan? Hindi ako nagsalita. Tahimik lang ako habang nakikinig sa
kanya.
�We just came from an outing in Subic that time. We were happy, joyous laughter
filled the car as we talked about our experiences in that trip. Pero lahat yun
nagbago, lahat ng magagandang nangyari, lahat� lahat napalitan ng lungkot nang
mangyari yung aksidente na bumago sa buhay ni Bianca, sa buhay ko.�
Finn looked down at his feet as he was saying those things. I, on the other hand,
was just looking at the moon that shines upon the river. I was waiting for him to
talk. He seemed like he was in pain.
�Sobrang malapit ako sa parents ni Bianca dahil bata pa lang ako, magkakilala na
ang mga pamilya namin.Bianca�s family was the first who comforted my dad and me
when my mom died. Yung mom ni Bianca, sya yung tumayong second mom ko noon. She
loved me like her own son, that�s why I was with them every time they�re going out
together.
�And maybe because of that, napalapit lalo ang loob ko kay Bianca. She was like a
little sister to me. When she told me she wanted me to be her boyfriend, I rejected
her saying he was just a sister to me. But when I saw her cry, I abruptly agreed to
be her boyfriend. We were young that time but we didn�t care. Right when my mom
died, I loved her even more as she was the only person who cried with me in that
crucial time. She said that things would be okay and she was just there for me.
Because of that, I was determined to protect her, like my mom would always tell me
since she likes Bianca so much that she treated her too like her own daughter.�
I can�t help but to feel hurt as he stated all those things. They�re relationship
toward each other was far perfect from what Finn and I had. They�d known each other
for years. Samantalang kami ni Finn, ilang buwan pa lang. Nakakainggit lang isipin
na mas naunang nakilala ni Bianca si Finn kaysa sa akin.
Silence then engulfed between the two of us.
�Kami na ni Bianca noon nang mangyari yung aksidente na yun four yeas ago.� Finn
held his head high and gazed at the full moon that seemed to calm the night. �Hindi
ko na matandaan kung paano nangyari eksakto yung aksidente na yun. Nagtatawanan pa
kami noon nang may biglang sasakyang umibis mula sa harapan namin. Bianca�s dad
then tried to avoid that car that was coming toward us but it was too late.
�I was so frightened that time I held my head with blood, I really thought I was
gonna die that moment. I was half-awake still inside the car. Nakita ko si Bianca
at yung parents nya, lahat sila ay walang malay. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako
natakot nang mga oras na yun kaya laking pasalamat ko nang marinig ko na yung
ambulansya. Ako lang yung nag-iisang may malay kaya naalala ko pa kung paano ilagay
sa stretcher ang mga magulang ni Bianca at sya.
�Sa buong buhay ko, noon lang yata ako nagdasal ng ganun katindi para maligtas ang
buhay nilang lahat. Imagine what I felt when I knew Bianca was saved from any
danger. She was still unconscious but yet I was so relieved. Sadly, Bianca�s dad
was dead on arrival. And her mother�� Finn tried not to crack his voice as he was
speaking. I knew he was in pain. I was just looking at him as I was waiting for him
to speak again.
�Her mother�� He continued. �Her mother, who treated me like her own son, talked to
me while she was in the hospital bed, bruised and in deep pain. Right at that
moment when I saw her, I already felt that I was going to lose another mom again.
Sabi ko sa kanya na wag na syang magsalita kasi baka lalong mapasama lang yung
kalagayan nya pero nagpumilit pa din sya. Tandang tanda ko pa yung mga huling
sinabi nya sa akin:
�James, alam kong kukunin na ako ng Diyos anumang oras. That�s why I wanted to see
you before He takes my life. My daughter, Bianca� please tell her how much Mommy
loves her. Please tell her that James. And I have a favor to ask of you Hijo.
Please take care of her when I�m gone. Wag mo syang pababayaan James. I�m counting
on you. Ikaw na ang bahala sa kanya.�
�That was all she said before she passed away.� I could feel sadness in Finn�s
voice as he was telling me that. �And I thought that was all I could do for her as
a sign of gratitude toward all the things she did for me. That is to take care of
and protect Bianca.�
�That�s why I was even determined more to do that for Bianca especially when she
was traumatized because of the accident. Laging wala sya sa sarili noon. Lagi syang
malungkot dahil sa mga nangyari. Lagi syang natatakot lalo na kapag nababanggit
yung parents nya dahil kasunod ng pag-alala nya sa magulang nya, naalala nya din
yung malagim na aksidente na nangyari. May mga araw na nagkukulong lang si Bianca
sa kwarto nya at umiiyak. Dahil doon, naisip ng grand parents nya na pumunta muna
sya sa states para makalimutan yung mga nangyari.
�Noong una, ayaw pumayag ni Bianca dahil ayaw nyang malayo sa akin. But I assured
her na ako pa din yung James na kilala nya once na bumalik sya dito sa Pilipinas,
and that I love her. I was sad thinking that we would be apart for three years, but
still I let her go for I was hoping she would be okay and she would forget that
accident that made her life miserable. And that began our �swan� promise with each
other. So for years, she was the only girl in my life. I never talked to any other
girls, I became elusive with women for I wanted to keep my promise with her and I
wanted to do what her mom had told me to do before she died.
�Things were smooth sailing as years went on. Until you came Laine. Everything�
everything changed. You made me into someone I�ve never been before.�
My eyes widened. Anong� anong ibig nyang sabihin doon? �Ano?� Tanong ko. Ang lakas
ng tibok ng puso ko nang mga oras na iyon.
�Dahil sa kakulitan mo, nagbago yung lahat. You were the only girl who did all
those unexpected things to me. You annoy me every time. You�re silly and stupid,
and a psychopath� Because of you I almost forgot my promise to Bianca and her mom.
You see, I almost confessed to you when we were in Davao if not for Ivan who came
rushing toward us.�
�Ano?!� Gulat na tanong ko. Hindi ko alam kung paano ako nakapagsalita. Nanunuyo
yung lalamunan ko. Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. Ibig ba nyang sabihin, matagal na
syang may gusto sa akin? Bago pa man nya ako kausapin kanina? Hindi ko alam ang
iisipin. Sobrang lakas lang ng tibok ng puso ko na parang kakawala na ito sa dibdib
ko.
Finn looked at me. �Psychopath ka talaga. Hindi mo pa ba nagets yung sinabi ko?
Well, I can�t blame you. I know it�s really unbelievable that I fell for a girl as
crazy as you.�
Grabe! Kahit ba sa ganitong sitwasyon, nagmamayabang pa din sya? ARGGH! Ang laki
talaga ng bilib nya sa sarili nya! �Tss. Grabe, napakayabang mo pa din talaga noh?�
Sarkastiko kong sabi sa kanya.
He grinned. �I know.� He then seriously gazed at the river again, �As much as I
wanted to tell you my feelings, things just don�t fell into the right place. And
that was when Bianca came back. Doon ko ulit naalala yung mga mangyari four years
ago, yung promise namin sa isa�t isa at lalo na yung pabor na hiningi sa akin ng
mom nya. Kaya ko nagawa sayo yun Laine. Kaya ko sinabi ang mga bagay na yun. Kaya
sinabi kong kalimutan mo na lang ako.�
I felt my heart sunk when I heard all that. Ngayon alam ko na. Alam ko na kung
bakit nya sinabi sa akin yun. Not just because of their promise to each other, but
because of the favor Bianca�s mom asked of him. Pero bakit ngayon lang nya sinabi
ang mga bagay na to? Why didn�t he tell me right away? Kung sinabi lang nya to ng
mas maaga� hindi sana ako nagalit sa kanya ng sobra. Hindi sana ako nasaktan ng
sobra� kung alam ko lang, baka naintindihan ko sya kahit paano. Hindi sana ako
nagmukhang tanga kakaisip kung bakit ginawa nya sa akin yun.
Tumingin ako sa kanya. Nagtatanong ang mga mata ko. �Pero Finn. Bakit� hindi mo pa
sinabi ang mga bagay na iyan noon? Why are you saying all those things suddenly?�
�Dahil ayaw kitang masaktan Laine.�
�Away mo kong masaktan? Sa tingin mo, hindi ako nasaktan nung mga sinabi mo noon?
Basta mo na lang ginawa yun nang wala kang sinasabi sa akin kung bakit. Basta mo na
lang sinabi na kalimutan ko na yung mga nangyari. Sa tingin mo ba ganun lang
kadaling gawin yung mga sinabi mo? Bakit hindi mo pa sinabi sa akin ang paliwanag
mo nang mas maaga?�
�I couldn�t Laine. Mas gugustuhin ko pang magalit ka sa akin kaysa lalo kang
masaktan kung malaman mong gusto kita pero hindi ko lang masabi dahil sa sitwasyon
na kinalalagyan ko. I just wanted to protect you. Sa tingin mo ba, hindi lang ikaw
ang nasaktan dahil doon? Sa tingin mo ba ganun lang kadali sa akin na sabihin ang
mga bagay na yun? I thought I was going insane that night, I was torn between the
one who I thought was my responsibility and� and the one who I happened to love.�
I was completely speechless after I heard all that. Talk about super mega hyper
over epic heartbeat. Did� did he just mention that four-letter word? I am not
dreaming, am I?
�I�m saying this now because I couldn�t hide my feelings any longer. I am tired of
pretending I don�t love you even if I do.�

Chapter 38
???
�I�m saying this now because I couldn�t hide my feelings any longer. I am tired of
pretending I don�t love you even if I do.�
�Finn�� I mumbled only his name because that was all I could say at this moment. I
was just astounded, with my eyes laid only upon him, after all he had told me.
�Laine�� He called out, his voice sounded serious and sincere. �I know this sounds
so gay, cheesy and all, but� I��
�What?� I asked, curious as to what he�s about to say.
�I��
�Hmm...?�
�I��
�J K L M N?�
�Tss. Funny.� He said sarcastically.
�Ehh, adik ka pala eh. Ano ba kasing sasabihin mo? Puro ka I I, mukang engot lang
eh.� I rolled my eyes.
�Sh1t.� He cursed silently. �I never thought it will be this hard to tell this to a
birdbrain like you.�
�Ano? Ano bang sasabihin mo?� Naiinip na tanong ko. Nakakainis naman tong si Finn
eh. Alam na alam nya kung paano sirain ang isang napakagandang moment. Alam nyo un,
ang ganda na ng atmosphere kanina tapos bigla syang babanat ng ganun.
�Nevermind.� He then stood up and grabbed my wrist. �Let�s go. I�ll take you home.�
�Ano ba? Te-teka lang. Ano bang sasabihin mo kasi?� Tanong ko habang nagpupumiglas
ako mula sa pagkakahawak nya sakin. Hindi nya ako pinansin, sa halip ay binuksan
nya ang kotse nya at tinulak nya ako sa loob nun, pagkaraan ay sumakay naman sya sa
driver�s seat at nagsimulang paandarin ang kotse. �Alam mo Finn na bipolar. Kasi
naman, bakit ba ang hilig mong gawin to ha? I mean, hello. Kanina kasi��
Kanina kasi sobrang romantic ng mood tapos bigla syang gaganito? Aghh, Paksyet.
Hahaha. Hindi ko naman expected na ganun ung sasabihin at gagawin ni Finn kanina.
Kaya tuloy ayun, ang puso ko, sobra sobra yata ang pagwawala ngayon. Bakit ba kasi
kelangan pa kong bitinin sa mga sasabihin nya? Aghh!
�Kanina, ano?� Tanong nya pagkaraan.
�Ugh WALA!�
�Tss. Psychopath.� Naiiling nyang sabi habang nakatingin ang mga mata nya sa daan.
�Bleh. Bipolar.�
Hindi ko mapigilan ang ngumiti habang nasa daan kami. Inaalala ko yung mga sinabi
nya kanina. Nagkamali ako. Hindi pala imposible na magustuhan ako ni Finn. Ngayon
alam ko na. Patuloy lang kaming nag-asaran ng kung anu-ano habang nagmamaneho sya.
Para bang walang nangyaring gap sa amin nitong nakalipas na mga araw. Kung sino
yung kasama ko ngayon, sya din yung bipolar na nakilala ko mula nang una kaming
mag-usap.
�Oh psychopath.� Maya maya ay tawag nya sa akin.
�Ano?�
�Tss. Stop staring at me. Alam kong gwapo ko. But please, don�t drool over me,
okay?� He smirked arrogantly.
�Heh! Kapal talaga ng mukha mo noh?� Sarkastikong sabi ko.
�Whatever. Just so you know, kanina pa tayo nasa harap ng bahay nyo. At hindi mo
iyon napansin dahil nakatitig ka sa kin.�
Namula yata ang mga pisngi ko sa sinabi nya, pagkaraan ay napangiti na lang ako.
Namiss ko to. Namiss ko yung pang-aasar nya sakin at namiss ko din ang
nakakairitang kayabangan nya. �Tss. Ewan ko sayo. Sige na. Thank you!� Bubuksan ko
na sana yung pinto ng kotse nya pero pinigilan nya ako, hinawakan nya ang kamay ko.
Napatigil naman ako sa ginawa nyang iyon. Nakatitig lang ang mga mata nya sa akin,
at ganun din ako. Walang nagsasalita sa amin pero sapat na iyon para intindihin ang
mga salitang makikita lang sa mga mata namin.
�Good night, Laine.� Mahina nyang sabi pagkaraan ay binitiwan nya ang kamay ko.
Ngumiti lang ako sa kanya pagkatapos ay tuluyan na akong bumaba ng kotse nya.
I can�t help but still smile as I entered the house. Who would�ve thought this will
happen after all the silly things I�ve done? Who would�ve known Finn would tell all
those things to me?
�Ate, where�s Kuya Ivan?� Tanong agad sa akin ni Carl habang papasok ako ng bahay.
Napatigil ako nang marinig ko ang pangalan ni Bessie. �Gusto kong mag-thank you sa
kanya dahil sa mga gifts na binigay nya sa akin.� Hawak hawak nya yung mga
pasalubong na dinala sa kanya ni Bessie kanina.
Hindi ako makatulog dahil sa kakaisip ko sa mga nangyari kanina. May mga bagay na
gumugulo sa isipan ko. Dahil sa mga nalaman ko kanina galing kay Finn, nakalimutan
ko na ang tungkol kay Bessie--- ang nararamdaman nya para sa akin� At lalo na si
Bianca. Si Bianca� Susundin ko ba yung mga hiniling nya sa akin? Sa ngayon, hindi
ko alam.
But only one thing is for sure right now� the feelings I have for Finn did not
change after all. I still love him.
---
I was literally losing my breath as I was finally in front of the classroom where
our subject started off with Miss Gatchalian, our terror law professor. I was
gasping for air clearly because I ran my feet off here and because I was scared of
this terror professor. Hindi na nga ako pumasok sa subject nya kahapon, late pa ko
ngayon sa second day. Ugh, patay ako nito.
Nagdadalawang isip ako kung papasok ba ko o hindi. Sumilip silip lang muna ako,
naghihintay ng tamang timing para pumasok sa loob. Nagulat na lang ako nang may
kumakaway sa akin. Si Bessie! Classmate ko sya? Sinesenyasan nya ako na pumasok na.
Sinesenyasan ko naman na hindi ako makapasok dahil baka nga pagalitan ako ni Miss.
Gatchalian. Bigla naman syang tumayo, may hawak hawak syang libro at pumunta sya
kung nasaan ung prof. Meron yata syang tinatanong dito, pagkaraan ay tumingin ulit
sya sa akin at sumenyas na pumasok na ako. Ginawa ko nga ang sinabi nya. Mabilis
akong pumasok habang busy si Miss Gatchalian sa pagtingin sa libro na pinakita sa
kanya ni Bessie.
Mabilis akong umupo dun sa may upuan sa tabi nya. Maya-maya lang ay tumabi na din
sa akin si Bessie. �Uyy Bessie! Salamat! Dabest ka talaga!�
�No problem Ally.� Nakangiti nyang sagot sa akin.
�Classmate pala tayo noh? Galing.�
�Oo nga eh.� Inayos ni Bessie yung table namin pagkatapos ay tumingin sya sa akin.
�Kamusta pala yung pag-uusap nyo ni Finn kagabi?�
Napahinto ako sa tanong nya sa akin. Hindi ako makatingin sa mga mata nya. Hindi ko
alam pero nailang ako sa tanong nyang iyon.
�Ikaw talaga Ally, ang cute mo.� Natatawa nyang sabi nang hindi ko nasagot ang
tanong nya. Umiwas sya ng tingin sa akin at muling nagsalita, �Whatever happens
Ally, I�m still your best friend. That won�t change okay? Promise me.�
�Bessie�� I muttered. Hindi ko alam pero� pakiramdam ko malungkot si Bessie nang

sabihin nya iyon sa akin.
�What�s with that face Ally? Smile.� He said smiling at me. �No matter what
happens, we�re still best friends right? And because I�m your Bessie, I am happy
for you. Yun naman ang imporatente eh, masaya na ko makita lang kitang masaya.
Basta lagi mong tatandaan na nandito lang ang pinakagwapo mong Bessie ha?�
Napangiti ako sa sinabi ni Bessie. Masaya ako kasi nandito pa din sya para sa akin
sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyari. Sya pa din ang bestfriend ko. �Oo naman Bessie.
Thank you. Dabest ka talaga. BFF tayo! Best friends forever.� Natatawa kong sabi.
Gusto ko sanang yakapin si Bessie kaya lang nasa loob kami ng classroom, instead,
pinisil ko na lang ang pisngi at ilong nya. �Ikaw talaga Bessie! Napakacute mo!�
�Ouch ALLY!�
�Hey, you two. Get out of my class! NOW!�
Napatigil kaming parehas ni Bessie nang biglang magsalita si Miss Gatchalian. Uh-
oh. Patay!
---
�Guys, wala ba kayong napapansin? Parang ang weird ng ambiance.� Sabi ni Chix.
�Oo nga. Yung feeling na parang may mali.� Si Donna.
�Paranoid much?� Sabay na tanong ni Hiro at Martin. Oo nga pala, si Donna at Martin
na ulit. Thank me for playing Cupid.
Sa totoo lang, ganun din ang pakiramdam ko. I really feel uneasy right now. Hindi
ko lang alam kung bakit. All of us were here at the cafeteria, lunch time, as
usual. Pero, pero wala si Finn at Bianca. Ayokong isipin na magkasama sila. Pero�
hindi ko din naman maiwasan na iyon ang isipin ko. Paano kung magkasama sila sa
oras na to? Aminin ko man o hindi pero nasasaktan ako sa ideyang iyon.
�Oh eto pala si Finn.� Sabi ni Hiro pagkaraan.
Agad akong lumingon para tingnan si Finn. Papalapit na sya sa amin. As usual,
seryoso na naman ang mukha nya nang umupo na sya sa tabi namin.
�What�s up Bro?� Hiro then asked. �Si Bianca nga pala? I haven�t seen her here.
Akala ko dito sya mag-aaral.�
Finn cleared his throat, instead of answering Hiro�s question, he just shrugged his
shoulders then to my surprise, he looked at me. I was about to ask him why but
suddenly his phone rang.
�Hello. WHAT? Ano pong nangyari? Po?! Oh- oh s-sige po, pupunta na ko dyan!�
�Dude, ano yun? Bakit ganyan yung mukha mo? May nangyari ba?� Nag-aalalang tanong
ni Bessie.
Finn looks so worried as he looked at us. �That was Manang Josie, yung maid ni
Bianca who looked after her every once in a while.�
�May nangyari ba kay Bianca?� I asked anxiously as I remembered what she did
yesterday�when she threatened to kill herself.
Finn looked down; guilt was seen on his face. �She� she�s at the hospital right
now.�
�WHAT? WHY?� Tanong nilang lahat. As for me, mukang alam ko na ang sagot.
We rushed hurriedly to the hospital to where Bianca is. Kinakabahan ako habang
papalapit kami sa kwarto kung saan naroon sya. Tiningnan ko si Finn, kitang kita ko
kung gaano sya nag-aalala.
Walang malay si Bianca nang makita namin sya. Meron pa syang oxygen mask. Nandoon
pa ang ilang nurse at doctor na mukang inoobserbahan pa sya. Agad naman sinalubong
ni Manang Josie si Finn na nasa hallway. May sinabi ito sa kanya na dahilan para
magbago ang reaksyon ni Finn.
We hurriedly asked about Bianca�s condition as soon as the doctor came out of the
room. I was silently praying for good news as he was looking at us.
�As of now, her condition is stable and her body�s doing well with all the
medications we gave her. She took too much of sleeping pills, causing her blood to
stop flowing from her heart to her brain. If she was not treated right away, it may
cause her sudden death. But apparently, she was out of danger now. She just needs
to rest and eventually, she�ll get better. And one more thing, if she wakes up,
don�t stress her too much. I believe that she was trying to kill herself by taking
too much of these sleeping pills. Yes, she�ll be physically healthy after a
complete rest, but her psychological condition, we don�t know but there is a big
possibility that she�ll do this again.�
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ang malamang maayos na kahit paano ang kondisyon ni
Bianca. Pero hindi ko maiwasan ang malungkot dahil sa mga ginawa nya. Somehow, I
feel guilty over what she has done. I know her reasons�and I was part of the
reasons why she tried to kill herself.
Lahat kami tahimik lang habang hinihintay naming magkamalay si Bianca. Tiningnan ko
si Finn. Tahimik lang sya at seryoso habang nakatayo sya sa isang parte ng kwarto.
He was leaning against the wall, as if thinking of something. And I know he was
blaming himself as to why Bianca did this.
I let out a long tired sigh. Ilang oras na kaming nandito pero hindi pa rin
nagkakamalay si Bianca. Kitang kita ang pag-aalala sa mukha ng bawat isa dahil
kaninang tanghali pa kami nandito at gabi na ngayon.
�Bakit kaya ginawa ito ni Bianca?� Tanong ni Chix.
Napayuko ako pagkarinig ko ng tanong nya. Maging si Finn ay hindi din

nakapagsalita. Wala isa man sa amin ang sumagot sa tanong ni Chix.
Isang oras�
Dalawang oras�
Tatlong oras�
Hanggang ngayon wala pa ding malay si Bianca. Sa huli, napagpasyahan nila na

magpahinga muna at bumalik na lang ulit kinabukasan.
�Sige. Magpahinga muna kayo.� Sabi ni Finn. Nakaupo sya sa gilid ng hospital bed ni
Bianca at mataman syang nakatitig dito.
�Ikaw dude?� tanong ni Hiro.
�Ako nang bahala kay Bianca. Ako nang magbabantay sa kanya.�
�Are you sure?� Martin asked. He looked so stressed. Actually, lahat kami ganun.
Sobrang nag-aalala talaga kami kay Bianca. Tumango lang si Finn sa tanong na iyon
ni Martin.
�We�ll go now dude. Just call us if something happens.� Bessie said. �Ally, let�s
go.�
Napatingin ako kay Bessie. I was hesitating as I looked at him. �Bessie. Hmm. I
think I�m gonna stay here for a while. I�ll wait for Bianca to wake up.�
Bahagya silang nagulat sa sinabi ko. Lalo na si Finn. �No need Laine. You can leave
already. Ivan, ikaw munang bahala kay Laine.� Sabi nito kay Bessie.
�Finn!� I protested then I turned to Bessie. �Bessie, I�ll stay here for a while.
Sige na, mauna na kayo.�
�Ugh, Okay Ally.�
�Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo!� Galit pero mahina ang pagkakasabi ni Finn noon sa
akin nang makaalis na silang lahat.
�Finn!� I gasped. �Both of us knew why Bianca did this! We both knew I am partly to
blame! So, maliit na bagay lang ang gagawin ko kung babantayan ko sya!�
�Wala kang kasalanan Laine. Ako� ako ung dahilan kung bakit ginawa nya to! Ako lang
yung dapat sisihin. Kaya sige na, umuwi ka na. Magpahinga ka na.� He said
helplessly.
�Pero Finn!�
He hastily rubbed his hands on his face. �Ako ng bahala kay Bianca.�
�James��
Napatigil kami pareho nang magsalita si Bianca. Finally, may malay na sya!
�B.� Finn silently muttered. �Are you okay? Wait! I�ll call the doctor!� Finn was
about to stand up when Bianca stopped him as she was gripping on his hand.
�No need James. I.. I�m okay. Just� just please don�t go. Stay with me.�
Nanghihinang sabi ni Bianca sa kanya.
I was just looking at both of them, unmoved. Masaya ko na nagkamalay na si Bianca.

Kahit paano, nabawasan na ang pangamba sa dibdib ko.
�H�wag mo nang uulitin ulit to Bianca. Promise me.� Finn said, his voice was
pleading.
Bianca weakly smiled at him. �I�m really sorry if make you worry.�
�Don�t� don�t be sorry. It was my fault B.�
�James.� Bianca held Finn�s hands. �I�m really happy that you were the first person
I saw when I woke up.� She then looked around the room, her expression changed when
she saw me standing at the corner. �W-what are you doing here?� She angrily asked
then she looked at Finn confusingly. �So you only the two of you were here while I
was lying unconsciously?�
�No Bianca. I was wai��
�Get out!�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi sa akin ni Bianca. And somehow, naisip ko, may karapatan nga
sa aking magalit si Bianca. But still, I don�t know how I would react to her. I was
just standing there. Motionless. Tongue-tied. Dumbfounded.
�Didn�t you hear me?! GET OUT OF MY ROOM!�
�Bianca�� I said helplessly. Hindi ko maiwasang mapaluha sa pagtrato nya sa akin.

Oo, nagi-guilty din ako sa mga nangyari� pero� pero hindi ko naman ginusto ito.
�GET OUT OF MY SIGHT! NOW!�
Wala na akong nagawa nang lumabas ako ng kwarto nya. Tama lang na magalit sya sa
akin. Ako din naman tong may dahilan kung bakit nagbago si Finn sa kanya. Ako itong
pilit na nakipaglapit kay Finn. But God knows, I didn�t want this to happen.
Neither had I expected this time to come. Sobrang komplikado na ng lahat.
Mabigat ang mga hakbang ko habang naglalakad ako papunta sa elevator. Umaagos pa
din ang luha ko nang pumasok ako sa loob. Nasasaktan ako sa mga nangyayari. Pare-
pareho lang kaming nasasaktan. Ako. Si Finn. At si Bianca.
Naiintindihan ko si Bianca. Truth be told, I really feel sorry for her. Nang
malaman kong wala na syang magulang at tanging si Finn na lang ang meron sya. Pero�
pero anong magagawa ko? Itanggi ko man, pero mahal ko si Finn. Pero kailanman,
hindi ko naisip na mangyayari ang lahat ng ito.
�Kaya please lang Laine? Layuan mo na sya� Sya na lang ang meron ako ngayon at
ikakamatay ko kung mawawala pa sya��
Paulit ulit na nagreplay sa akin ang mga sinabing iyon ni Bianca. Siguro nga iyon
ang dapat kong gawin.
Ang layuan si Finn.

�LAINE!�
Napatigil ako sa paglalakad sa lobby ng ospital nang marinig ko ang boses na

tumawag sa akin. Tumakbo sya papalapit sa kinatatayuan ko.
�I�m� I�m sorry Laine.� Humihingal na sabi sa akin ni Finn.
�Si Bianca?� Tanong ko sa kanya. Umiwas ako ng tingin para punasan ang mga luha sa
pisngi ko. But I was stunned when he held my face. He looked at me seriously as he
stroked his hands on my cheeks. �Finn.� Nakatingala lang ako habang tinititigan
sya. Malungkot ang mga mata nya.
He cupped his hands on my cheeks. My heart pounded when he kissed me on the

forehead and whispered to me. �I love you Laine. Don�t worry; I promise you,
everything will be alright.�

Chapter 39
???
Ang hirap maging masaya kung alam mong merong kang nasasaktang iba.
Napabuntong-hininga ako ng malalim habang nakatalungko sa bintana ng kwarto ko.

Ilang araw na din ang lumipas magbuhat ng maospital si Bianca. Ako lang ang hindi
nakasama sa pagsundo sa kanya mula sa ospital, dahil alam ko namang galit sya at
ayaw nya akong makita.
I chose not to show myself to her after the night it happened�when she was so mad
at me. It might be more stressful to her if I�d bother to ask her sorry, and that
would be a bad idea. She�s not yet emotionally stabled until now and according to
her doctor it�s not impossible she might try to kill herself again once she suffers
from yet another stress I might give her.
So in order for things to get better, Finn was the one who�s always assisting her
since she doesn�t have family here in the country. I know that would be the best
thing to do for her right now. Pero kahit naiintindihan ko naman yung sitwasyon,
hindi ko pa din maiwasan na hindi masaktan dahil doon. This might be a selfish idea
but I just couldn�t help it, lalo na ng sabihin sa akin ni Finn yung bagay na
matagal ko ng gustong sabihin nya. Natatakot kasi ako sa mga posibleng mangyari.
Paano na nga lang kung mas tamang layuan ko si Finn para sa ikabubuti ni Bianca?
Just the thought of it makes my heart ached with tons of pain.
Kaya ngayon, hindi ko tuloy ang dapat kong maramdaman nang sabihin ni Finn na mahal
nya ako. Mahirap maging masaya kung alam kong merong taong masasaktan. Kaya minsan
naisip ko na lang na baka mas mabuti kung i-give up ko na lang si Finn.
�Oh Ilaw. Sa gabing madilim.�
Napatigil ako sa pag-iisip ng malalim nang may kumanta. Pagkaraan ay napalitan iyon
ng mga malulutong na tawa. Tumingin ko sa baba at nakita ko sila Chix at Hiro na
nag-apir pa habang tumatawa. Nasa labas sila ng gate namin, nandoon din si Donna na
kumakaway sa akin. Si Bessie, nakangiti sa akin habang nakasandal sya sa van.
�Hoy Laine!� Sigaw ni Chix. Nasa magkabilang gilid ng bibig nya ang mga kamay nya
para iemphasize ang mga sasabihin nya. �Feeling mo ikaw si Maria Clara dyan na
dapat haranahin? Bumaba ka na nga dito!�
Teka lang. Ano bang ginagawa nila dito? Dali dali ko silang pinuntahan. Binuksan ko
ang gate, hindi na sila nag-alinlangang pumasok kahit hindi ko pa sinabing pumasok
sila. Mga ewan talaga tong mga to.
�Anong meron? Saan ang rally? Bakit mukang may lakad yata kayo?� Tanong ko nang
tuluyan na kaming makapasok sa loob ng bahay.
�EK tayo!� Masayang sabi ni Hiro.
�EK?� Naguguluhang tanong ko. �Mga adik ba kayo? EK, eh anong oras na?� Maggagabi
na din kasi.
�So what? The later the better.� Sagot ni Hiro.
�Tara na Ally.� Yaya naman ni Bessie.
�Eh?�
Dahil hindi naman ako mananalo sa kanila, natuloy din kami sa EK. Kahit paano alam
ko namang magiging masaya to, pero alam kong may kulang pa din eh.
�Bes, hinahanap mo si Finn noh? Kaya malungkot yang mukha mo kasi di namin sya
kasama.� Mapang-asar na sabi sa akin ni Chix. Tumingin lang ako sa kanya. Alam ko
naman kung nasaan si Finn sa mga oras na to eh. �Hayy naku bes, nakakainis din yang
si Bianca eh noh? Tss. Akala ko sa TV lang nangyayari yung mga drama katulad nang
sa inyo eh. Nakuu, kasalanan ng Bianca na yan kung bakit laging nauudlot yung story
nyo ni Finnicio eh.�
�Bes, ano ba?!� Saway ko sa kanya. Alam na kasi ni Chix yung mga nangyari.
�Bakit? Tama naman ako eh. You know what Laine, actually I understand Bianca�s
situation. Pero, pagbali-baligtarin man natin ang mundo, mali yung ginagawa nya!
It�s not right. Why? She�s being selfish! She only thinks of herself. She shouldn�t
blame you if Finn happens to love you. Falling in love is something we don�t plan
nor prepare. Tadhana na lang ang naglapit sa inyo ni Finn, kaya walang sinuman sa
inyo ang dapat sisihin. It�s not like you had expected to fall for each other
anyway. Love just hit you even right before you knew it. �
---
�Hey Ally!� Bessie called out. He handed me a glass of softdrinks and sat right
beside me. �Darn, I should have brought you a wig.�
�Huh?�
He poked my forehead. �Emo ka kasi. Kailangan mo ng bangs.�
�Tss. Ikaw talaga Bessie.� Nakangiti pero nailing na sabi ko sa kanya.
�So, why? You should know why we brought you here. Lagi ka kasing emo these days so
we planned to take you out. Kaya lang mukhang hindi ka naman nag-eenjoy.�
�No Bessie. It�s not like that. Hmm� wala lang, may iniisip lang kasi ako.�
�About Finn and Bianca perhaps?�
�Hmm�� I mumbled. Wala nang dahilan para itanggi ko pa kay Bessie yung nararamdaman
ko. �Nasaan sila?� Pag-iiba ko ng usapan.
�Ayun. Lahat sila nasa Rio Grande.� Naiiling na sabi ni Bessie. �Mga isip bata eh.�
Bessie looked at me then he sighed. �Haay, dalaga na talaga ang best friend ko.�
�Para kang sira Bessie.� Natatawa kong sabi sa kanya.
�I know what you feel right now Ally. You feel guilty, don�t you?� He asked. I
nodded at him. �I�m not good in giving advice about love but� I�ll try to give you
one that might help you a bit.�
I smiled at Bessie. �Oh sige Bessie, what�s your advice? I�m all ears.�
�Okay, so this is just a sentence. It�s not like any other advice that�s so long
and deep, you know I�m not really good at that.�
�Hmm, okay.� I nodded, smiling at him.

�Fight for your love Ally, fight for Finn.�
�Pero Bessie. We all know about Bianca�s situation. She�s fragile; she needs Finn
by her side. Isa pa, ayokong maging masaya kung alam kong nasasaktan ko sya.�
�Ally, true love is always worth fighting for. People are bound to be hurt once
they fall in love, that�s normal. That�s why you have to risk, you have to try
because when you don�t, you�ll risk even more.�
Silence. Somehow, nakuha ko kung anong ibig sabihin ni Bessie, and he made me think
of the whole situation thoroughly.
�Bessie.� Tawag ko sa kanya.
�Hmm??�
�Thank you.�
�For what?�
�Sa�� Ngumiti ako sa kanya. ��lahat. Sa advice, sa friendship. You still treat me
like you used to. Kahit na� kahit na alam kong nasaktan kita, nandito ka pa din sa
tabi ko. So thank you. I really wish that you�ll find the right girl for you.�
---
Sobrang gabi na nang makauwi kami sa bahay. At ngayon, alas dos na ng madaling araw
pero gising na gising pa din ako. Hindi ako matakatulog kakaisip sa sitwasyon na
kinalalagyan ko ngayon. I want to consider what Bessie had told me pero natatakot
din ako. Natatakot ako para kay Bianca. Nag-aalala ako para sa kanya.
Nagulat na lang ako nang biglang magring ang phone ko. Sino naman ang tatawag sakin
ng ganitong oras?
Calling�
IJKLMN
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the caller ID. I cleared my throat before
answering the call. �Hello.�
�Still awake?�
�Yeah. I thought that�s pretty obvious.� I chuckled.
�Tss��
�Why�d you call?�
�Nothing��
�Asus. I know why, you wanted to hear my voice. Right?�
I don�t see him but I know that he was grinning to my question. �You still love to
dream on huh?�
�Heh! Where are you? How�s Bianca?� Mentioning Bianca�s name made my heart
twitched. And hurt.
He silenced for a while before he let out a long weary sigh. �Doing better, I
hope.�
�You seemed exhausted. Are you okay?�
�Yeah, a bit. Anyway, do you want to see the most handsome guy here on earth?�
�Huh?� Napakunot ang noo ko sa tanong nya.
�Look at your window.�
My heart palpitated all of a sudden when I got to open the curtain of my window.
There stood Finn, leaning against the hood of his car. He raised his hand as if
waving at me. I was so shocked to see him there, not in this hour.
I almost fell when I saw him genuinely smiling at me. �Most handsome guy daw. But
why did I see the most annoying, arrogant and bipolar person ever?� I said, still
talking to him on the phone.
Sinensyasan ko sya na bababa ako para puntahan sya. I plastered a big smile on my
lips as I was tiptoeing my way through the stairs to avoid noise that might wake my
mom up. Lagot ako dun kapag nalaman nyang lumabas pa ko ng ganiton oras. But why
would I care anyway? All I know is that my heart was beating so fast after
realizing how much I missed him. The excitement and joy I felt was just too
uncontainable that no words could even describe.
�Hello bipolar.� I blissfully smiled when I finally was in front of him. �Why are
you here? Don�t tell me you dropped by just to say how much you missed me?�
He grinned from ear to ear. �Psychopath, ang hilig mo talagang mag-joke noh?� He
looks too tired and exhausted but it didn�t affect how fascinating and alluring he
is. He still, well, has the very reason why I fell in love with him.
�Tse! Bipolar ka talaga!� I scoffed angrily.
Ugh! Nakakainis tong taong to! Hindi ba nya alam kung paano magpaka-romantic?
Hahaha. Ang hilig nyang manira ng moment eh. Pero kahit na ganito pa sya kagaling
manira ng moment, mas pipiliin ko pa din na lagi na lang kaming ganito. Siguro kung
wala kaming iniisip na Bianca pareho, baka� baka mas masaya sana kami ngayon.
�So bakit ka nga nandito? Nang alas-dos ng madaling araw?!�
He answered me by raising another question. �You don�t really turn the lights off
in your room, do you?�
Bahagya akong nagulat sa tanong nya. �Oo, paano mo nalaman?�
�It�s not the first time I do sneak around in front of your house.� His words just
came naturally from his lips.
�A-ano? So you mean� you were doing like this before?� I asked in bewilderment.
�When?�
�When you were drunk, it�s the same night when I told you those things, you
know�when I told you to just forget everything.�
My eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets with what I heard. �ANO? So ibig mong
sabihin��
Hindi na nya ako pinatapos sa sasabihin ko. �Yes, I was there when you were in the
playground, crying helplessly, drunk and wasted. I called you but when I was about
to do so, Ivan show himself at the scene.�
Hindi ako makapaniwala sa mga sinabi nya. Ibig sabihin, sya yung sumigaw ng
�Psychopath?� Siya yung tumawag sa akin noon? At hindi lang ako naghahallucinate ng
mga oras na yun? Totoo din yung mga sinabi ni Mama na nakita nya yung kotse ni Finn
sa harap ng bahay namin sa buong magdamag?? I looked at him again, obviously
shocked and stunned.
�Well�� His voice was soft, filled with guilt and frustration. �I was really mad at
myself that time for I was such a douchebag for not doing anything for you. I was
such a jerk back then.�
�Well, you are until now.� I smirked.
�Yeah right. And that what makes you go crazy over me.� His grin was broader than
mine.
�You�re wrong Mr. Arrogant. It�s not because of that; it�s because of Hyun Bin.�
�What or who the hell is that?� He almost yelled at my face when I spoke about Hyun
Bin.
�Thank him. He was the mere reason why I did �chase� you back then.� Napangiti ako
nang maalala ko ang unang araw na nakita ko sya. I was so fascinated by Finn the
first time I laid my eyes on him. Yun yung mga panahong sobrang adik ako kay Hyun
Bin to the point na sya na ung napapanaginipan ko gabi-gabi. Hahah. Kwinento ko kay
Finn lahat ng mga dahilan kung bakit pilit akong lumapit sa kanya noon. Nang sinabi
ko lahat ng yun, he was a bit offended pero pinaliwanag ko naman sa kanya na iba na
ngayon. Natawa na lang ako matapos kong isipin na dahil sa kababawang yun, eto na
kami ngayon.
�I�ll really beat the hell out of that guy once I see him.� Finn sneered.
�Tss. Jealous much Finnie?� I teased. I was holding back my laughter when I called
him by the pet name I gave him. Ugh, I really miss those days. Those days when I
was still a bit aggressive and desperately calling for his attention. Pero tingnan
mo nga naman ngayon. Sinong mag-aakala na aabot kami sa ganito?
He just ignored my question but I was a bit taken aback when he suddenly held my
hand. He hold and dragged me then we both sat on the gutter in front of our gate.
Then after that, he released his hand from me before he bore his tired yet
attractive eyes on me.
�W-why?� I asked him obliviously. While he was staring at me, I tried to remember
if I have dirt on my face or I look silly as I did not even comb my hair before I
get down. Darn, his stares make me feel conscious about how I look, thus making my
cheeks turned flaring red.
He continuously gazed at me. �I still can�t figure out why I fell for you. I mean,
you�re not that beautiful like Natalie Portman neither you have that curves like
that of Megan Fox.� He paused, grinning at me. �But why Laine? Do you have any idea
why I fell for an annoying and irritating Psychopath like you?�
Pwede bang basagin ko muna ang mukha ng lalaking to? What kind of a conceited jerk
he is?! �Alam mo Finn. Ilang beses ko na tong sinasabi sayo pero sobrang yabang mo
din noh?�
Finn then gazed upon the sky. This time, he was not grinning but he showed me
simple smile that just made my heart melt. �Don�t worry. Even if you transform into
an ogre, an alien, or even if you�re in a straitjacket, none of those will ever
change the fact how much I love you.�
Pwede bang himatayin? Lalong lumakas ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa sinabi nya. AHH!
My heart seemed like it�s going to burst because of what he said. �Finn�� Tanging
nasabi ko. I was just completely speechless.
He looked at me seriously then he plastered a big mockingly smirk, �Whoa. I got you
there Psychopath. I�m just kidding. Who would�ve wanted to love an ogre, an alien
or a lunatic anyway?�
Ngayon, pwede bang manaksak?! Kung pwede lang sanang balatan ng buhay ang taong to,
ginawa ko na. Napakasama at yabang talaga nya!! �Argh! Damn you arrogant jerk!� I
sneered furiously.
He did not mind my anger; instead, he put his hand on my shoulder which made me
bent forward against his broad chest. He was hugging me while my face was buried on
his chest that I could even feel his heart beating so fast. My heart too was
drumming wildly, more so when he planted a soft kiss on my head.
�Laine. Can we stay like this for a while?�
When he said those words, I just felt too happy and satisfied. Parehas lang kaming
nakaupo sa harap ng gate ng bahay namin na para bang ito na yung pinakaromantic na
lugar. At dahil sa mga sinabi nya, pansamantalang nawala lahat ng pag-aalala sa
dibdib ko, na para bang wala na akong pinoproblema, na para bang wala kaming Bianca
na kailangang alalahanin.
When Finn let go of me, he stood up and went toward his car. He opened the window
of his car before he got something from the dashboard.
�Oh.� Sabi nya sabay abot nya sa akin nung box na kinuha nya mula sa kotse nya.
Umupo ulit sya at sumiksik sa tabi ko.
�Ano to?�
�A box.�
Tiningnan ko sya ng masama. �Alam kong box to pero para saan to?�
�Bakit kaya hindi mo buksan para makita mo?�
Hay naku. Nakakainis talaga tong lalaking to. Wag syang gaganito sakin kapag
wedding ring na yung laman nung box. HAHAH! Kung saka sakaling magpropropose man
sya, dapat yung romantic. Tss.
I carefully opened the box. I was so curious as to what was inside it. I looked at
him when I finally get to see what was inside the box. �Ano to?� Nagtatakang tanong
ko sa kanya.
�Seriously, why do you have to ask me even if it�s already in front of your eyes?�
He grunted.
Tiningnan ko ulit yung laman nung box. It was a customized mobile phone accessory.
The design is that character we usually see in books for dummies. Hindi ko alam
kung anong dapat kong maging reaction pagkakita ko noon.
�Put that on your phone. That really suits you.� He then grinned. �For dummies.�
�Ang sama mo talaga!� I grumbled. Seriously, sino namang matutuwa kung bigyan ka ng
gift na katulad nito? Ang lakas din talaga mang-asar ntiong si Finn eh.
�Tingnan mo muna kasing mabuti bago ka magreklamo dyan.� Sabi nya.
Tiningnan ko naman ito ulit. My expression changed when I finally noticed the black
bold letters encrypted on it.
Finn for Dummies
My smile broadened as I was still looking intently at it, with his name on it.
Yeah� but I must admit, it was annoyingly sweet. I just realized how cheesy Finn
can be. HAHA. Napailing na lang ako habang nakangiti sa kanya. Lalo pang lumuwag
ang ngiti ko nang ipakita nya sa akin ang phone nya. His phone accessory was the
same as mine except for the word written in there: Psychopath.
�Tss. Referring to yourself huh?� I told as I was till looking at his phone.
He grinned. �We both know who Psychopath is.�
�Whatever.� I rolled my eyes.
An awkward silence fell afterwards. We were silently sitting looking, adoring the
visible heavenly bodies sparkled before our eyes. Ang ganda ng gabi, o ng madaling
araw dahil sa dami ng stars sa langit. Tiningnan ko sya. Mukhang nagbago ang
ekspresyon ng mukha nya. It seemed like he has something important to tell me, but
he was not sure of telling it to me yet.
�I already talked to Bianca.� He said staring up the sky then he bore his eyes into
mine. �About us.�
�A-about us?� I said, a bit stunned of the information processed in my brain.

He simply nodded at my question.
�What did you tell her?� My words were straight, firm murmur of curiosity but the
sound of anxiety was also there.
He looked away from me. Hindi nya sinagot ang tanong ko.
�Finn� ano? Anong sinabi mo sa kanya?� Tanong ko ulit.
He sighed. I don�t know but somehow his sudden change of expression was kind of
weird. It made me feel� uneasy, as if something worse is going to happen.
�Do you trust me Laine?� His question made me feel troubled. Hindi ko alam pero
bigla na lang akong kinabahan sa tanong nyang iyon.
�Finn��
�Do you trust me?� Muli niyang tanong.
Nasaktan man ako ni Finn nang ilang beses, alam kong hindi nagbago yung
nararamdaman ko sa kanya. Sa ngayon, ang alam ko, masaya ako na ganito kami sa
kabila ng sitwasyon na kinalalagyan namin ngayon. Mahal nya ako. Mahal ko sya.
Sapat na ang dahilang iyon para ibigay ang tiwala ko sa kanya ng buong buo.
�Yes.�
Finn placed his hand on my shoulder making me lean against him. He squeezed my
shoulder, and then he brushed his lips against my hair. �Then that is all that
matters now.�
I looked at him. �What exactly do you mean?�
�Just trust me.�
With that, he carefully leaned against me, closing his eyes. Somehow, those words
ease all the negative thoughts that had run on my mind, and forgetting all the bad
things that had happened for the past few days. The next thing I knew, we stayed
like that until the crack of dawn drew closer.

posted by chille016 (Nov 03, 2011 @ 10:51PM) views: 698
Chapter 40
It's official guys! Two chapters to go! Salamat sa mga patuloy na nagbabasa at
sorry sa late update.
Add nyo ko sa facebook.
Usap tayo
???
I walked over to the place to where Bianca had told me to meet her. It was a coffee
shop just 10 minutes away from my house. I roamed my eyes around to look for her.
When I realized she was not yet here, I decided to sit on the table just right
beside the glass window.
Right now, I still don�t know why she would want to meet me. Diba nga galit pa sya
sakin? Kaya nga laking gulat ko na lang nang bigla nya akong tawagan kaninang
umaga. Habang nag-hihintay ako sa kanya, naisipan ko na munang umorder ng kape
kahit na hindi naman ako mahilig uminom nito.
I looked at my wristwatch. Medyo napaaga yata ang punta ko dito. Hanggang ngayon
wala pa sya. Habang hinihintay ko ang pagdating nya, pilit kong inisip kung ano ang
dahilan para makipag-kita sya sa akin ngayon araw. Her call really made me clueless
of what she was about to tell me.
Hindi nagtagal, nakita ko na syang papasok ng coffee shop. Agad nya naman akong
nakita at kaagad nya akong pinuntahan.
�Sorry. I�m late.� Sabi nya bago sya umupo sa upuan na katapat ko.
�Okay lang.� Simple kong sagot.
Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung paano sya pakikitunguhan. Nandoon pa din yung
guilt na nararamdaman ko pero kahit paano, nakita ko namang mas mukhang mabuti na
sya ngayon kaysa nung huling pagkikita namin.
�Kamusta ka na?� Naiilang kong tanong sa kanya.
Tiningnan nya ako at sumeryoso ang mukha nya. �Ayos naman.�
Katahimikan ang nangyari pagkatapos. Ang hirap talagang pakiharapan ang taong alam
mong nasaktan mo. Sobrang awkward ng pakiramdam.
�Laine.� Tawag nya sa akin.
�Hmm?� I mumbled, my eyes were not on hers but on the cup of coffee I�m playing my
hands with.
�I decided to meet you because I wanted to tell you something.� She said, boring
her eyes into mine. I couldn�t read what her eyes say, a hint of sadness and joy
would be written there if only it�s possible.
I took a mouthful of air before I asked her. �About what?�
�I�m going back to New York.�
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nya. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin habang nakayuko lang at
nanatiling sa tasa ng kape ang tingin ko. Is she really going back there? Somehow,
the thought of it made me feel guilty even more.
�Bianca�� Mahina at malungkot ang pagkakabigkas ko ng pangalan nya. Hindi ko alam

kung anong tamang mga salita ang dapat kong gamitin para humingi ng tawad sa mga
nangyari. At least, iyon man lamang ang gawin ko bago sya umalis. �Sorry ---�
�I should be the one to say that.� She said, cutting midway of my sentence. I
looked up at her and stare right through her eyes. They were also looking at me
with pure sincerity. She continued when I did not speak, �I guess, what I did to
you -- that was really selfish of me but� but, you can�t blame me, I love him and
he�s the only person I thought I�d be with.� She smiled but did not quite reach her
eyes. �I was like a clock with dead batteries. Time was frozen and the world seemed
like walking past ahead of the future but not me, I wasn�t looking forward, my feet
were stuck to where I thought would last forever.� She smiled once again before she
let out a sad and gloomy sigh.
�I� I�m really sorry Bianca.� That was all I could say at this moment. God knows
how I really feel about this, this whole thing what Bianca had said. I feel guilty,
and I really feel sorry for her.
�Hmm.� She reached for my hand and squeezed it gently then she smiled at me.
�Tomorrow is my flight. Sana pagbalik ko, maging magkaibigan na ulit tayo.�
Ngumiti ako sa kanya pero malungkot ang mga mata ko. �Of course Bianca� of course.�
---
I closed the door in my room before I throw myself in my bed. I sighed heavily
while staring at the pale white ceiling. Nalulungkot ako para kay Bianca, hindi yun
mawala sa isip ko. Pakiramdam ko, inagaw ko sa kanya si Finn. Pero ano namang
magagawa ko? Masakit din kung igigive up ko si Finn para sa kanya. Ahh! Ang hirap
mag-isip.
Bukod pa doon, merong gumugulo sa isip ko. At hindi ko maipaliwanag kung ano yun. I
was anxious about something. I don�t know� I have a gut feel that something will
happen but I just can�t figure what it is yet.
*Myunja wasseong* (You have a message)
I lazily reached for my phone. The name on its screen made all the anxiety I have
in mind washed away. I smiled upon reading the text.
From: IJKLMN
I�ll fetch you. Let�s have lunch.
Tingnan mo nga naman tong si Finn. Hindi man lang nagtatanong kung pwede ako o
hindi eh, parang sigurado na talaga syang sasama ko sa kanya. Well, oo na medyo
tama naman sya. HAHAH.
Hindi nagtagal, nakita ko ng paparating yung kotse nya. Pumasok muna sya sa bahay
at pinag-paalam ako kay Mama.
�Saan tayo?� Tanong ko nang nasa daan na kami.
�Somewhere.�
�Out there or over the rainbow?�
Finn looked at me. �Tatawa na ba ko?� He asked sarcastically.
�Tss. Hindi naman yun joke eh.� I rolled my eyes. �Saan ba kasi tayo pupunta?�
Tiningnan lang ako ni Finn at hindi nya sinagot ang tanong ko. As usual, ano pa
bang aasahan ko sa isang bipolar na katulad nya? Pero hindi rin nagtagal,
nakarating din kami sa �somewhere� na sinasabi nya.
�What are we doing here?� I asked on astonishment.
�We�ll eat lunch.� He said as he was opening the door. �In my pad.�
�This is your pad?� Tanong ko pagkapasok namin sa loob.
�What did I just say?� Sarcasm filled his mocking voice.
�Tse!� Naiinis na sabi ko. Tiningnan ko yung kabuuan ng pad nya. Hindi mo aakalaing
lalaki ang nakatira dito dahil sa linis ng unit nya. He put his car keys on the
black center table. I noticed that all of his things and furniture were mostly in
color black and white, in plain and simple designs. �You live here alone?�
�Yeah. Most of the time when my dad is not in the country.�

I nodded at his answer. �Minimalist ka pala.� Sabi ko habang tinitingnan pa din
yung kabuuan ng condo nya na may mga kagamitan na kahit maliit at simple lang eh
alam mong mamahalin.
�Well, yeah. Sort of. You know, less is more.� Sagot nya. �Are you just going to
stare at each of every thing in my house?� Sabi nya pagkatapos ay inaya nya ako
papunta sa kitchen nya na as expected eh almost in black and white lang din ang
kulay. He opened his fridge and got something there. I was just looking at him
while I was sitting on a stool beside the counter.
�Are you going to cook for me?� I asked, smiling from ear to ear while just looking
at him getting all the things needed in cooking. Hindi mawala yung ngiti ko habang
tinitingnan lang sya. This is just so wow. He asked me out for lunch� that he�ll
cook. Isn�t that nice and sweet? Haha.
He looked at me but he did not answer my question, instead, he handed me an apron.
�What�s this?� Nagtatakang tanong ko.
He tilted his head pointing onto the uncooked food; beside it is a set of knife and
a chopping board. �Cook.�
�ANO?� Gulat at nanlalaki ang mga mata kong tanong sa kanya. �Akala ko ba��
�Akala mo ipagluluto kita?� Nakangisi nyang sabi. �Well then you�re wrong. Cook for
me while I take a shower. Dapat pagbalik ko, tapos na yang lulutuin mo, okay?�
�Hoy!� Sabi ko tapos dinuro ko sya. �Bakit naman ako paglulutu��
�Bakit? Hindi ka ba marunong?�
�Ma-marunong.� Kagat-kagat ko ang ibabang labi ko. Bakit ba sinabi kong marunong
akong magluto? Agh! Wala nga akong alam kahit isang recipe eh! �Teka Finn.� Habol
ko sa kanya. �Mag-order na lang tayo.� Dahil alam kong magiging disaster kapag ako
yung naghanda ng pagkain.
Tiningnan lang ako ni Finn.
�Well. So we both could save time right?� I said.
�No.� Was what he said before he turned his back at me.
Ugh. Tiningnan ko yung nasa ibabaw nung counter. Merong shrimp, vegetables at kung
anu-ano pang spices na hindi ko kilala yung nandoon. Hindi ko alam kung ano yung
uunahin sa mga nandoon. Oh well, sabi lang naman ni Finn magluto ako diba? Wala
naman syang sinabing sarapan ko yung lulutuin ko. Muahaha. Habang sinasabi ng
instinct ko ang mga dapat kong unahin, hindi mapigilan ng utak ko ang mag-imagine.
Sana umabot kami ni Finn sa ganito, yung tipong ipagluluto ko sya araw araw habang
nasa trabaho sya tapos binabantayan ko naman yung mga anak namin. Syet. Parang ang
saya nun pag nagkataon. MUAHAHA.
I was even humming while mixing all the ingredients in the casserole. I looked at
it, muka naman syang edible. Hahah. At infairness, mabango naman sya. Yan ang
woman�s intuition, kahit hindi ako nagluluto, masasabi kong muka namang pagkain
tong hinahanda ko at muka naman syang masarap. Matatapos na ko sa pagluluto pero
hindi pa din lumalabas si Finn.
Inamoy amoy ko pa ulit yung niluluto ko pero maya maya lang eh iba na yung naamoy
ko. Mas mabango pa sya sa niluluto ko. I tried to find the smell where it came from
but suddenly I bumped into something which exactly has the same fragrance I
smelled. I looked up to it and darn, it was Finn who just came from his room.
Nakasuot na sya ngayon ng simpleng tshirt at jersey shorts at medyo basa pa yung
buhok nya na halatang bagong paligo lang. From where I was standing, parang gusto
kong kumanta ng �Nah-uh-uh-uh-uh Take your shirt off!� Muahaha. What the hell am I
thinking? Magluto ka na nga lang Laine!
�What are you doing?� Finn looked at me as if I was doing something weird.
�Ha? Wa-wala.� I cleared my throat and composed myself. I looked at him before I
flashed a smile. �Oo nga pala. Luto na yung pagkain.�
Sabay kaming pumunta sa kitchen counter at ikinuha ko sya nung niluto ko. �Oh,
tikman mo kung gaano ako kasarap magluto.� Nakangisi kong sabi kahit hindi ko alam
na lasang pagkain nga ba yung niluto ko.
Tiningnan nya yung pagkain na parang nag-aalangan kung titikman nya ba iyon o
hindi. �Ano to?�
�Sinigang.�
Para akong contestant ng Master Chef habang tinitikman nya yung sinigang na niluto
ko. Hindi nagtagal, tumingin sya sa akin. �Ito ba ang tinatawag mong sinigang?�
�Ha? Bakit?� Natatarantang tanong ko tapos ay tinikman ko ito. Napangiwi ako sa

nalasahan ko. Hindi ko maipaliwanag yung lasa pero isa lang ang sgurado ko: hindi
sya masarap.
�Sabi mo marunong kang magluto?� Nagdududang tanong nya sakin.
�Oo nga. Marunong akong magluto!� Defensive kong sabi pagkaraan ay yumuko ako. �E
wala ka naman kasing sinabi na sarapan ko diba?�
Tinapunan nya lang ako ng tingin. Suddenly, he rose up from his seat. Then he
walked toward the fridge.
�Anong gagawin mo?� Tanong ko.
�I�ll cook. Obviously, no sane person would dare to eat that unlikely food you�ve
made.�
�Bakit ang yabang mo? Eh anong magagawa ko kung hindi ako sanay magluto?� I bit my
lower lip in shame. Bakit ba kasi hindi ako nagpractice magluto noon? Ugh.
Finn looked at me. He then gave me his dashing smile that could melt almost every
woman�s heart. �Don�t worry. I am not one of those who believe that the best way to
a man�s heart is through his stomach. So either you know how to cook or not, it
doesn�t matter. What matters is that it�s you who I�m eating with.�
---
�Uyy Finn.� Tawag ko sa kanya habang sinisiko ko sya. Magkatabi kami sa couch nya
habang nanunuod kami ng TV. Ilang oras na din ako nandito sa pad nya at wala naman
kaming ginawa kung mag-asaran. Pero pinakita nya sa akin yung kabuuan ng unit nya.
Meron syang mini library, music room at syempre yung room nya na mas malinis pa sa
kwarto ko.
�Ano?� Sabi nya habang nakatuon pa din ang mga mata nya sa TV,
�Lipat mo sa 7. Cinderella Man na!� Sabi ko tapos bigla ko na lang kinuha yung
remote mula sa kanya. Nagulat sya sa ginawa ko at tiningnan nya ako ng masama nang
nilipat ko yung channel. Hindi ko sya pinansin. �Aww. Ang cute talaga ni Kwon Sang
Woo.�
�Duh. Ang baduy mo talaga.� Naiinis nyang sabi. Nakahalukipkip ang mga kamay nya sa
dibdib nya.
�Baduy ka dyan? Cool nga eh. Korean dramas are so cool. Yung love stories nila? The
best!� I said joyously as I looked at him.
�Tss.�
I shifted my look again at the TV screen. This time I made a serious face. �You
know what Finn. Sometimes, I dream of being a character in a drama or movie. I want
to be that character that�ll have this perfect love story. Yeah, maybe, that was
what I wanted. A perfect love story.�
Finn suddenly stared at me. He did not say something about what I said. Instead, he
held my hand and played with my fingers.
I looked at him. �Can I ask you a question?�
�Yeah.�
�How did you know that you already fall for me?�
Finn looked at me, annoyed by the sudden cheesiness of the question. �Tss. Do I
need to answer that cheesy question?�
�Sige na? Answer it.� I demandingly smiled.
�Hmm. You see this pen?� He asked pointing out the pen that was on the table.
�Yes.� I nodded.
�How did you know it was a pen?�
�It�s obvious.�
�Exactly.�
�Eh ano namang kinalaman ng tanong ko sa mga sinabi mo?� Naguguluhang tanong ko sa
kanya.
�Love is pretty obvious. It doesn�t need a thousand of reasons to define the

feeling that�s in your heart. We can compare it to other things to see the metaphor
behind it. Love is like this, like that and so forth. But the thing is, even though
we describe it with lots of colorful adjectives or we compare it with inanimate
object which, well� makes sense, all will just end up the same way. It�s about how
we feel it and not by how we see it, or the sub state it has. Like that pen.� He
pointed using his index finger at the table. �Upon seeing it, regardless of its
color, texture, atomic compound and other scientific components, we know and we�re
sure that it�s a pen.�
�Ohhhkay.� I said prolonging the �o� sound as I was a bit confused regarding what
he had just said. �So ano nga yung kinalaman nun sa tanong ko?� Tss. Adik din kasi
tong si Finn eh. Tapatan ba ng isang essay yung tanong ko? Hahaha.
�Psychopath ka talaga. Hindi mo pa din ba nagets?� He said before he poked my

forehead. �Regarding your question�� He gazed at me and darn, it made my heart race
faster than fast. Bakit ba ganito na lang ang epekto ng mga titig nya sakin?
�I just knew. I just felt. No reasons and explanation at all.�

Nananatiling nakatitig lang ang mga mata ko sa kanya pagkatapos ng mga sinabi nya.
Pakiramdam ko nananaginip lang ako habang kaharap ko sya ngayon. With those cute
brown eyes, those almost perfect lips, that dashing smile, that alluring face, is
it really possible that he�ll feel that way towards me? Ahh! I wish this is not
just another daydream of mine. Everything seems like surreal.
I snapped back to reality when he poked my forehead again. He was grinning big time
when I looked back at him. �Don�t worry psychopath, you�re not dreaming. Although
yeah, what I said was dreamlike but that�s true. It�s incredibly unbelievable for
me as well.�
I made face and gave him a frown. �Napakayabang mo talaga.�
�Tss.� Naiinis nya akong tinapunan ng tingin pagkatapos ay tumayo sya at hinila nya
ang kamay ko. �Let�s go.�
�Where?� Nagtatakang tanong ko sa kanya.
He dragged me up to the rooftop of the condominium building. I was amazed with what
I saw: Sunset. A beautiful and majestic art God has painted.
�Wow!� Namamangha kong sabi. I raised my hand and feel my skin against the wind
before I lean against the metal railings, enjoying the almost perfect view of the
city.
�Beautiful, isn�t it?�
�Hmm.� I mumbled as my eyes were closed just feeling the wind brushed onto my face.
�Finn.� Maya-maya ay tawag ko sa kanya.
�Why?�
I returned to look around at Finn who�s almost two meters away from him. �Do you
believe in destiny?� Medyo nilakasan ko yung boses ko dahil medyo malakas yung
hangin.
�Why do you always ask the same cheesy question?� He blurted.
�Sige na, sagutin mo na.� I said before I turned my back again to look at the view
below.
�I don�t.� He paused while I felt a bit disappointed with his answer for I believe
in destiny. Indeed, I am wishing that Finn and I were fated to each other. Finn
looked at me before he plastered a genuine smile. �But I believe in love that binds
two people together. Destiny is always about choices. If two old people are still
together despite of the fights they had over the years, it�s not because of destiny
but because of the love they chose which makes them hang on to each other. Love
covers all aspects: faith, trust, loyalty and such. As long as the love is always
there, nothing-- even the so-called destiny will make you apart.�
I stared at Finn for a long time after he blurted all those words. Finn always
surprises me. He glanced at me and I just smiled at him. Silence then engulf
between the two of us while we�re both looking at the sky.
Ilang oras din kaming nasa ganoong pwesto. Ngayon, makikita na ngayon yung iba�t
ibang ilaw galing sa mga sasakyan at sa ibang gusali. Kitang kita na din yung
mapusyaw na kulay ng buwan. Ganitong ganito din yung ambiance nang manggaling kami
sa ampunan, nang gabing sabihin sa akin ni Finn na kalimutan ko na sya.
Ang weird pero bigla na lang akong kinabahan nang maalala ko yun. Tiningnan ko si
Finn. At lalong weird yung ekspresyon nya ngayon. Seryoso lang sya na tila ba
malalim ang iniisip, malayo sa masiglang aura na ipinakita nya kanina. He looked
upset and frustrated unto something I am clueless about. Hindi ko alam pero bahagya
akong kinabahan dahil doon. Ganun na ganun din ang ekspresyon ng mukha nya nang
gabing sinabi nyang kalimutan ko na ang lahat ng nangyari.
Nagulat na lang ako nang bigla nyang hinawakan ang mga kamay ko. Hindi ko
maipaliwanag pero pakiramdam ko meron syang gustong sabihin sakin. At pakiramdam
ko, ayokong marinig yung mga gusto nyang sabihin.
�May problema ba Finn?� Tanong ko.
He ignored my question and it made me feel more anxious. Tiningnan ko sya. He was
just staring blankly at space, but the hesitance in his eyes was obvious. And at
some point, it made me think that he�ll say something I wish would never happen.
�Laine.� He called out after a while.
I looked at him, questioning him with my eyes.
�I�ll be gone for two weeks.�
�Ano?� Gulat akong napatingin sa kanya. �Saan ka pupunta?�
Finn abruptly heaved an exasperated and exhausted sigh. He tightened his grip to my
hand before he spoke.
�New York.�

Chapter 41
Okay. Second to the last chapter.
???
�Lainnneeee!�
I lazily got up from my bed and opened the door for Chix who obviously ruined the
silence I was quite relishing for the past hours now.
�OH MY GOD!� Chix exclaimed in awe when I was finally in front of her. She
immediately went inside my room as I closed the door and locked it again. �What the
holy freak Laine?! Anong nangyari sayo??�
I yawned and chose to ignore her question. I threw myself in my bed instead and
covered my face with the pillow. Pilit kinuha ni Chix yung unan sa mukha ko.
Sandali pa kaming nag-agawan pero sa huli, sya din yung nanalo. Tinatamad na naupo
ako sa kama ko at tiningnan sya pagkaraan ay humikab ulit ako.
�Do you know what time it is? Alas-siyete na ng gabi and yet iyan pa ding pajama na
suot mo? Yan na yung pinantulog mo kagabi ah?!� Tiningnan ko yung suot ko. At tama
sya, ito pa nga yung suot ko kagabi. Bago pa man ako magdahilan eh nagsalita ulit
sya. �Tingnan mo nga yang buhok mo. Yung eyebags mo. Para ka ng zombie.�
Sinuklay ko ng kamay ko yung buhok ko. �Grabe ka naman. Eh Halloween naman eh.
Bagay to sa okasyon.� Sabi ko pagkaraan ay pilit akong tumawa.
Lumapit sa akin si Chix at nag-aalala nya akong tiningnan. Tinabihan nya ako.
�First of all bes, ang fake ng tawa mo. Secondly, tapos at malayo pa ang Halloween.
Valentine�s ngayon. VA-LEN-TINE�S.� She said, emphasizing every syllable of that
word.
Pilit akong ngumiti kay Chix. �Eh sa ganito ako magcelebrate ng Valentine�s eh. You
know, para maiba lang.�
�You lie down your bed the whole day, trying to make yourself a walking, miserable
zombie? Is that how you celebrate Valentine�s?� She said sarcastically.
�How would you want a person like me to celebrate Valentine�s Day? Roam around all
day at the mall? Watch movie? Stroll in the park?� I retorted. �By myself? Alone?
Is that what you wanted me to do?�
�That�s not the point Laine!� Chix exclaimed before she let out a long exasperated
sigh.
Marahan akong napabuntong hininga at saka ako ngumiti sa kanya. �Ikaw talaga bes,
high blood ka agad eh. Nagjojoke lang ako. Ano? Musta pala date nyo ni Paps Hiro?�
Pag-iiba ko ng usapan, baka kasi mauwi pa kami nito sa pagtatalo eh. At ayokong
mangyari yun.
She ignored my question and just looked at me seriously. �He�s not communicating
with you yet?�
I made a serious face before I shook my head.
�He�s not sending you any text? Not even a single one?�
Again, I shook my head lightly.
�E-mail?�
Umiling ulit ako.
�Traditional snail mail?�
I shook my head for the fourth time.
�DM? IM? Post on your wall? Tweet?� Sunod-sunod na tanong nya at sinagot ko din sya
ng sunod sunod na iling. She sighed deeply. �It�s been two years and yet, ni isang
salita mula sa kanya wala kang natanggap.�
I rolled my eyes. �Tss. Ang OA mo talaga noh bes? Two years ka dyan.�
�Okay. Almost three months.� Sabi nya na akala mong talo na sya sa diskusyon naming
dalawa.
�74 days, 19 hours, 27 minutes.� I corrected.
She rolled her eyes heavenwards. �Whatever. Regardless of the days, months or even
years, ganun pa din yun! Yung sinabi nyang two weeks, umabot na ng ganito katagal!�
I tried to remain calm as much as possible. I don�t want to cry in front of her.
Not again. Ayoko mang aminin pero tama si Chix. Hanggang ngayon, nakakalungkot mang
isipin pero simula ng umalis si Finn, hindi pa nya ako tinatawagan kahit isang
beses.
�Grabe lang ha? Bakit ba kasi hindi man lang sya nagpaparamdam? What�s the use of
internet? Mobile phones? To think na wala naman sya sa North Korean territory. He�s
in New York where concrete jungles are made of! And that is a city for heaven�s
sake! Big city! Hindi naman isolated na lugar yun. Wala namang Somalian pirates
doon! Wala namang Libyan rebels doon. Grabe lang, nakakaimbyerna yang si Finn ah.
Tss.� Saad uli ni Chix na akala mong tataas ang blood pressure nya anumang oras.
Kung sa ibang pagkakataon siguro, baka matawa ko sa mga sinasabi nitong si Chix.
Kaya lang, alam ko kasing may point din sya. I breathed deeply, iyon na lang yata
talaga ang isasagot ko sa mga sinabi nya.
�Christmas� wala sya. Pati nung New Year. Hindi ka man lang nya binati! Pati ba
naman ngayong Valentine�s! And most importantly, yung birthday mo! Bukas na yun ah.
Or rather, more or less five hours from now. Pati ba naman birthday mo, absent sya?
� She exclaimed while just walking back and forth, she�s crossed-arms, and she was
just looking down, analyzing deeply.
Malungkot ko syang tiningnan pagkasabi nya nun. Tsaka ko lang naalala na birthday
ko nga pala bukas. Birthday ko. At wala sya.
But despite of those, I still trust him. I trust all of the things he said to me.
And it�s still clear in my head what he had told me exactly 74 days, 19 hours and
29 minutes ago.
***
�New York?� I asked, my heart was beating so fast I don�t even know what to say.
He nodded lightly and he looked at me with sad eyes. �It�s Bianca�s last request.�
Hindi ko alam ang tamang reaksyon sa sinabi nya. Nanatili lang akong nakatingin ng
seryoso sa mga mata nya. He then cupped my face and gently stroked my cheek before
he smiled. �Why are you giving me that reaction? Silly, I�ll be gone only for two
weeks. I just need to take care of everything, okay? Bianca�s been my little sister
since we were young. You know that, right?�
I half-smiled at him. I don�t know but my heart still feels uneasy despite of the
assurance he gave me. �Yes.�
�Wag kang mag-alala Laine. As soon as I come back, you shall start your forever
with me. Is that alright with you?� He asked gazing at me whilst smiling genuinely.
I chuckled upon what he said and the doubt in my heart suddenly disappeared,
�Kumain ka ba ng cheese kanina?�
He then poked my forehead and grunted, �Why do you have to ruin that honest and
serious line, huh?� He said seriously. �So� what, is that alright with you?�
I can�t help but smile so wide with his question. �Yes. I shall start not only my
forever � but even after my forever � with you.�
�That�s my dummy.� He grinned before he held me close to him.

Nanatili lang syang nakayakap sa akin. We just stayed like that for I don�t know
how long. It just proves that time really stops when you�re with the one you love.
Earth seemed to be unmoving, as if the world only focuses on the two of us, as if
Finn and I are the only two human beings who ever existed.
�You�re going tomorrow, right?� I whispered. My face still buried on his chest.
�Yes.� He said softly that I could almost feel his breathe.
�You�re coming back, aren�t you?�
He then released me from his hold and just bore his eyes into mine. �Of course,
I�ll come back. For you. For us.�
I smiled at him and I knew that very moment, two weeks will just be a very short
time. Or so I believe.
�You trust me, don�t you?� His eyes were questioning me even.
I stared right through his eyes, and with pure honesty and sincerity I said, �I
trust you Finn. I trust you. And I�ll wait for you.�
�I just have one more request before I go tomorrow.�
�Hmm. What is it?�
�Please�� He drew his face closer, an inch away from me exactly. My heart just beat
rapidly� and wildly. I was really holding my breath because of his sudden action. I
don�t know what has flung in my head when I slowly closed my eyes, as if my heart
told me to do so. And just suddenly, I felt his lips against mine. From then on, I
felt the world stopped for a moment only to be moved again when he spoke. �Always
hear my lips whisper I love you.�
***
�Paging Laine! Hello! Earth to Laine.� Chix almost yelled at me, waving her hands
in front of my eyes.
�Ugh.� I blinked twice before I looked at her. �Ano nga ulit yung sinasabi mo?�
She exaggeratedly rolled her eyes. �Hulaan ko yung iniisip mo.� She said, playfully
twitching her lips. �Iniisip mo na naman yung nangyari that night noh?�
Malungkot akong tumingin sa kanya. �Miss na miss ko na sya bes.�
Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako nakatagal nang wala sya. I don�t know how many times I
already cried every night just thinking of him, missing him. Kung dati, umiiyak ako
dahil gusto ko na syang kalimutan, ngayon naisip ko na mas mahirap pala yung
ganito, yung iniiyakan mo yung taong mahal mo at gustong gusto mong makita.
�Baka naman naging hallyu star na sya dahil kamuka nya si Hyun Bin? O kaya baka
napagkamalan nga syang si Hyun Bin? Ano sa tingin mo?�
�Tss. Ewan ko sayo bes.� Marahan akong napabuntong hininga.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi pa din sya nagpaparamdam hanggang ngayon. Noong mga
unang araw na wala sya, nag-expect akong tatawagan nya ko pero kahit anong hintay
ko, wala akong natanggap na tawag mula sa kanya. Nag-isip na lang ako ng mga
possibilities kung bakit. Baka naman ganito o kaya ganyan. Or worse, baka naabduct
na sya ng alien. I started rationalizing things to compose myself, and not to worry
about him.
Pero dumaan na yung mga araw, naging linggo at naging buwan. Naubusan na yata ako
ng mga bagay na pwedeng isiping dahilan. And so, I just decided to wait for him. No
matter what.
�Lagot talaga yang Finn na yan pag dumating sya dito sa Pilipinas. I�ll make sure
na gagamitin ko sa kanya yung mga ancient ways of torture. O kaya ipapapatay ko sya
sa mga Vikings!� Sabi ni Chix, nanggigigil na nakatikom pa ang mga kamao nya.
I lazily lied down in my bed, spreading both of my arms and legs evenly before I
stared blankly at the ceiling. �Pero alam mo bes, I still trust him. Alam kong
babalik sya.�
�Oo, babalik sya. Pero kailan?� May tono ng pagdududa ang tanong nya.
�Hindi na mahalaga kung kailan, basta babalik sya.� Mahina kong sagot sa kanya.
�Tss. Pwede ka na talagang bida sa mga I-will-wait-forever movie genres.�
�There�s nothing wrong in waiting. As long as there is love that binds two people
far away from each other, no matter what the hindrances are, one can always wait
for the right time to come for them to be together again.� I said, still staring at
the ceiling alone.
�WOW! Dahil dyan may dadating��
Nagtataka akong napatingin sa kanya.

�Oh I mean nagtext. Dahil dyan may negtext!� Sabi ni Chix ginaya pa ang tono ni
Vice Ganda. Akala ko nagbibiro lang sya pero nakita ko namang seryoso sya habang
nakatingin sa phone nya. She looked up at me before she smiled playfully. At alam
ko, there is something behind her smile I ought to know. �Wait Laine. I�ll just go
get something.�
Hindi na ako nakasagot nang bigla na lang nyang binuksan yung pinto at dali daling
bumaba. I remained unmoved of my position, thinking of Finn, as usual. Sa kanya na
din nanggaling, as long as the love is there, nothing � even the so-called destiny
� will make two people apart. At naniniwala ako sa sinabi nyang yun, dahil
naniniwala akong mahal nya talaga ako.
Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas bago tuluyang bumalik si Chix. This time, may hawak na
syang isang black paper bag.
�Ano yan?� Tanong ko nang umupo sya sa tabi ko.
�Para sayo yan.�
�Huh? Bakit? Kanino galing?�
�Wag ka ng magtanong. Buksan mo na lang.�
Kahit naguguluhan at nagtataka ko, binuksan ko nga iyon at talagang nagulat ako sa
laman nito. �Seryoso? Para sakin to?�
�Ayaw mo ba?�
�H-hindi. Ang cute nga eh. Salamat.� Nakangiti kong sabi sa kanya.
�Suot mo yan mamaya.�
�Mamaya?� Inangat ko ang muka ko para tingnan ulit sya.
�May concert sa school mamaya. Valentine concert. Kailangan nating manuod.� Sabi
nya na hindi man lang ako tinatanong kung gusto ko bang sumama o hindi.
Saglit ko syang tiningnan pagkaraan ay humiga ulit ako sa kama ko. �Ayokong sumama
bes. Ikaw na lang.�
�Sa ayaw at sa gusto mo, sasama ka!� Determinado nyang sabi.
I looked at her. �Bes. I don�t feel like going. And besides, I doubt kung mag-
eenjoy ako dun.� I pouted my lips.
�So ganyan ka na lang forever hanggang dumating yung Finnicio na yun? You�re going
to be just like this?� She gasped. �For the love of God Laine, get up, take a
shower and let�s go.�
I was even too tired to shake my head. I did not answer her. I remained lying on my
bed.
�Hindi ka naman ganyan dati Laine.� May himig pagtatampong sabi nya sa akin. �You
always see to it to join me whenever I�m inviting you. Pero dahil lang sa
pagpapakaemo mo kay Finn�� She pouted her lips childishly.
�Bes naman eh.�
�Sige na. Sumama ka na! I�m sure, mag-eenjoy ka. Malay mo, makahanap ka ng kapalit
ni Finn. Oh diba? Baka mamaya meron pang kamuka ni Jang Geun Seuk dun, diba crush
mo din yun?� Pamimilit pa ulit nya.
Tiningnan ko sya ng masama.
�Okay� okay� hindi tayo pupunta dun para humanap ng kapalit ni Finn. Pero at least
man lang, mag-enjoy tayo diba? Besides, birthday mo na mamaya. Malay mo naman, pag
nagpunta ka, matupad yung wish mo diba?� She smiled.
I sighed and looked at her, wishing na sana nga magdilang anghel si Chix. I slowly
get up from my bed. �Sige na Bes. You won. Sasama na ko.�
She plastered a smile from ear to ear. She immediately pushed me inside the
bathroom. �I�m sure, you won�t regret this.� She said, winked at me before she
closed the door.
---
�Hi Laine. What�s up?� Nakangiting bati sa akin ni Hiro pagkarating namin ni Chix
ng campus.
�You came out of your box, finally.� Martin said.
I teasingly rolled my eyes and just smiled at them. Medyo matagal na din since we
mingled, medyo busy din kasi yung bawat isa sa amin nitong mga nakaraang araw.
�How�s life Laine?� Donna said smiling.

�I�m� hmmm� good.� Matipid kong sagot.
�Anyway, happy heart�s day!� Hiro said cheerfully before she turned to Chix, Donna
and Martin as if they have something in mind I am clueless about. Hmm. I am,
somewhat sensing, that there�s something fishy going in here. Lalo na ng
makahulugan nila akong tiningnan.
But then, I just immediately shrugged the thought of. Ayoko lang na magconclude ng
kahit ano. Ang alam ko lang, pipilitin ko na lang na maging masaya ngayong araw.
Ngumiti na lang ako sa kanila. Truth be told, it�s not really a happy day. For me,
at least. May kulang pa din talaga. And God knows what that is.
�Si Bessie nga pala?� Tanong ko sa kanila pagkaraan nang mapansin kong wala pa si
Bessie.
As if on cue, nakita ko na lang na papalapit sa amin si Bessie. Ngumiti ako

pagkakita ko sa kanya.
�Hey Ally!� Bessie said excitedly. �Happy Valentines!� He said before he pinched my
cheeks. �Haven�t seen you lately. Namiss kita.� Nakangiting sabi nya sa akin.
�Namiss din kita Bessie.�
We then headed to our usual tambayan since hindi pa naman nag-sstart yung Valentine
Concert. They were just talking about some stuff while my eyes roam around the
place where we were sitting. Nakakalat sa iba�t ibang lugar yung mga bagay ng may
kinalaman sa Valentine�s day. Color red was all over the place.
From afar, I could see couples walking along the park. I was a bit envious of the
view. Akala ko pa naman hindi na ako magiging mag-isa ngayong Valentine�s Day, lalo
na ng umamin sa kin si Finn... Buong akala ko na sa wakas, meron na kong makakasama
sa araw na to. But I guess, things just turned out this way. Sadly.
However, Valentines is just a simple day I guess. Pwede namang maging araw araw ang
Valentines, kapag nandito na sya eh. I�m sure of it.
I know he�ll come back for me � for us � just like what he told me.
And� I�ll wait for that day to come. No matter how long will it take.
Date With The Arrogant: The End

Chapter 42
Dear Readers/Friends/Ate/Sis/Mare,
Hello guys. First of all, thank you sa mga nag-aabang nitong story ko. I know,
nakakainip maghintay ng update pero still, yung mga patuloy na nagbabasa eh
nagbabasa pa din hangaang sa katapusan. So thank you talaga. I have lots of people
to thank, kilala nyo na kung sino kayo. Especially sa mga masisipag magcomment.
Hahah. Your comments really mean a lot to me. Many times, i feel frustrated with
every chapter I'm posting but your comments made me able to continue this story
until the end. So thank you talaga! ansavee ng graduation speech? Hahah.
Pagbigyan nyo na. Super thankful lang talaga ko!
Thank you talaga! hindi ko na iisa-isahin yung mga username nyo pero hindi ko
kakalimutan yung mga pangalan nyo #cheesy. So ayun, sa mga nagtatanong ng book two.
Sorry, pero wala pong book two. kailangan na po nating mag-move on. Hahah
So yun, ahh. grabe. Thank you talaga! So eto na yung last chapter, enjoy!
-- Chille/Rhia/Lexa
P.S. Iplay nyo po yung youtube player para masaya. Lalo na sa mga fans ni Hyun Bin
Muahah
???
�Laine. C�mon! Bilisan mo!� Chix pulled me while we�re making our way inside the
campus. �Ikaw naman kasi eh! Bakit ba naisipan mo pang sa labas bumili ng snacks?
Ang dami namang food stands sa loob.� Medyo naiinis na sabi nya sa akin. �Mag-
uumpisa na yung concert few seconds from now! Ugh. Baka hindi natin maabutan ung
opening.�
I rolled my eyes, ignoring her complaints. Kasalanan ko pa ba? Hindi ko din naman
gustong sumama in the first place. Pinilit lang nya kong samahan syang manuod ng
concert na yun. Ni hindi ko nga alam kung sinu sino yung mga magpeperform eh.
Literal na hinahatak nya ko habang papasok kami sa loob ng concert hall.
When we finally got inside, I saw nothing but mere darkness, except for some glow
in the dark sticks in the audience. Even the stage was completely unlit. Kaya
ayokong manunuod ng mga ganitong concert eh, wala akong makita. Bakit ba kasi
kailangan pang sobrang dilim ng concert scene? Parang sa mga sinehan, kaya bihira
akong manuod ng sine eh. I just can�t cope with darkness; blame my night blindness
for that.
Chix was assisting me while we make our way toward the seats ChocoPaps has reserved
for us. She keeps on babbling something I don�t understand, more so because the
crowd was too noisy, obviously excited for the awaited show.
�Tingnan mo masyado kang excited, ni hindi pa nga nag-sstart eh.� Maya-maya pa ay

sabi ko kay Chix nang makaupo na kami sa pwesto namin. There are five seats in a
row, at mukang kami pa lang ni Chix ang umookupa sa pwesto na yun. I was sitting in
the third seat, in the middle to be exact. �Teka, magpeperform ba yung ChocoPaps?
Asan sila?�
�Pinatawag yata sila ng organizer ng concert, ewan ko kung bakit. Kasama naman ni
Martin si Donna. Tsaka commonsense naman Laine. Wala yung hinihintay mo, walang
vocalist, paano naman sila makakapagperform?� She retorted irritably.
�Batukan kaya kita. Malay mo si Bessie kakanta.�
�Hindi rin. Sabi kasi ni sweetcake, hindi talaga sila nagpeperform kapag kulang
sila ng isa. Tss, dapat talagang sisihin si Finn eh.�
Napailing na lang ako sa sinabi nya. Two hours na lang tapos na ang Valentines at
two hours na lang, birthday ko na at wala pa sya. Pero okay lang kahit malungkot
ako na wala sya, gaya nga ng sinabi ko, hihintayin ko sya. Kahit anong mangyari.
�Bes.� Tawag sa akin ni Chix. Nag-angat ako ng tingin para tingnan sya pero useless
lang din dahil hindi ko naman maaninag yung muka nya. �CR lang ako.�
�Iiwan mo ko dito? I�ll join you.� I offered.
�No need. Sandali lang naman ako eh. Tsaka dadating na din si Donna.� Pigil nya sa
akin. �Wag kang magpapaupo ng iba ha? Reserved yang seats na yan para satin.� Yun
lang ang sinabi nya at tuluyan na syang umalis.
---
Minutes have already passed pero hindi pa din bumabalik si Chix at walang Donna o
ChocoPaps na dumadating. Badtrip pa ko lalo kasi hindi ko pala nadala yung phone ko
para matext o tawagan sila. Kainis. Nasaan na ba yung mga yun? Bakit iniwan nila ko
dito mag-isa? Napakadilim pa naman dito.
�Good evening fellow students! Happy Valentines to all of you!� The emcee, brother
of Chix and the student council president, greeted which made hundreds of students
cheered in return. Great. Magsisimula na yung concert pero wala pa kahit anino nila
Chix. I looked around hoping I could spot them but it was useless, all I saw was
even darkness. The only light was on the stage, toward the emcee. �To start off the
concert��
Hindi ko na alam kung ano yung mga sinasabi ng emcee. Pinatay ko na sa mahihinang
mura sa utak ko si Chix dahil hindi pa sya dumadating. Lagot talaga sya sakin pag
nakita ko sya, inaya nya ko dito tapos iiwan din naman pala nya ko. Ahh! Badtrip!
Nagsimula ng tumugtog yung iba�t-ibang banda na hindi ko naman alam kung taga-
school ba namin o hindi. Pero wala din naman akong pakialam doon dahil hindi naman
doon nakatuon ang atensyon ko. Gusto ko ng umalis ng lugar na to pero hindi ko
naman magawa dahil nga sa wala akong makita. Mahirap na, baka madapa pa ko pag
naglakad ako.
Sa huli, tinuon ko na lang ang pansin ko sa stage. As if I have any other choice
eh? I continued watching the show when I noticed someone sit beside.
�Hello, excuse me but that seat is occupied already.� I said politely to the guy
who sat beside me. Sabi kasi ni Chix wag daw ako magpapaupo ng kahit na sino.
The guy didn�t look at me as if he hasn�t heard what I said. I felt ignored as he
sat even lazily on his seat. I could see his silhouette because of the lightings in
the stage but still, he was not visible in my eyes.
�Hey. Hindi mo ba narinig yung sinabi ko? Sabi ko may nakaupo dyan.� This time,
nilakasan ko na talaga yung boses ko para siguradong marinig na nya. Nakakainis
naman kasi sila Chix eh! Nagpareserve ng mga upuan tapos wala pa sila hanggang
ngayon.
I tilted my head to look at the guy to see his face clearly when he ignored what I
said for the second time, but what I did was useless because the darkness barred me
to see his face. Sino ba kasing lalaking to? He didn�t even say anything regarding
what I said. Pwede naman syang magsabi ng maayos, and why, of all unoccupied seats
in our row, did he choose to sit beside me?
�Do you know it�s rude for a woman to stare at a guy that close?�
I quickly sink in my seat after I heard what he said. Blood gushed in my cheeks
after realizing the utter embarrassment. Agh! Humiliation! Bakit ba kasi pilit ko
pa syang tinitigan eh hindi ko din naman makita ng maayos yung mukha nya? Agh!
Nakakainis! Ano bang pinaggagagawa mo Laine?!
Pero� pero� teka. Diba, pwesto namin to? Dapat kasi umalis na lang sya! I was about
to scoffed at him when suddenly, the emcee said something that made my heart beats
faster than the usual rate. Nananaginip lang ba ako o totoo talaga yung narinig ko?
�Here is the most awaited performance of the night, please give a hand to� the
ChocoPaps!�
I froze in my seat when four guys climbed up the stage. I could see Bessie and Hiro
holding their guitars, and Martin was on his place for the drums. And the vocalist,
wearing a black cardigan, stood up in the center.
Is that Finn? The question made my heart beat skeptically and the butterflies in my
stomach began to quiver. The stage was lightly dim that I couldn�t see his face
clearly, not to mention that I was sitting about 10 meters away from the stage. But
it didn�t matter. Alam kong si Finn na ang nakatayo sa stage na yun, lalo pa ng
maalala ko yung sinabi ni Chix na hindi nagpeperform ang ChocoPaps kapag kulang
sila ng isang member.
I put my hand on my chest feeling the overwhelming beats of my heart. Tears started
to run down my cheeks upon the realization. He�s here. He�s finally here. The man I
was waiting for finally came back. Just like what he promised.
The emotion I feel even became more intense when I heard the song that first made
me realize that I am finally in love with him, with that arrogant and conceited
guy.
Like a river flows, surely to the sea
Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too.
For I can�t help falling in love with you.
I can�t help but cry with the song. Gustong gusto ko na syang puntahan. I badly
want to tell him how much I miss him and how much I cried waiting for him to come
back. The joy in my tears won�t just express the happiness I feel listening to him
sing. Wala na akong pakialam nang maramdaman kung magmuka akong ewan na umiiyak
dito. Basta ang alam ko lang, masaya ko.
�Are you serious? Stupidly crying over the song?� Narinig kong sabi sa akin ng
katabi ko pero hindi ko sya pinansin. Wala na akong oras para intindihin pa ang mga
sinabi nya. Mas mahalaga yung nakikita ko ngayon sa stage. Si Finn.
When the song ended, the light in the stage became brighter. Imagine my excitement
to clearly see his face finally. Pero lahat ng saya at excitement na naramdaman ko
ay parang bulang naglaho nang unti-unti ko ng makita ang lalaking nasa harap ko. I
was utterly disappointed after seeing it wasn�t the man I was waiting for. It was
Ice, Finn�s cousin. He�s the guy we met when Finn and I visited an orphanage.
Bakit ba lagi na lang akong mali ng akala? Akala ko nandito na talaga sya. Akala ko
bumalik na talaga sya. Akala ko finally, makakapagcelebrate na ako ng birthday ko
kasama sya. Pero� akala ko lang pala ang lahat ng yun. Bakit ba kasi may night
blindness pa ko? Hindi ko tuloy agad nakita na hindi pala si Finn yung nasa stage.
Edi hindi din sana ako nag-expect ng kahit na ano.
Muli na namang tumulo yung luha ko. Ngayon, hindi na dahil sa kasiyahan pero dahil
sa kalungkutan na nararamdaman ko ngayon. Nasaan ka na ba Finn?
�Again, stupidly crying over an ended song?� The guy beside me said sarcastically.
I decided to wipe my tears first before I yell at him. Nakakainis tong lalaking to!
Hindi ba nya alam yung nararamdaman ko ngayon? Kanina pa to ah. Nakakailan na sya
sakin! Tama bang mangialam ng buhay ng may buhay? I was about to yell at him
already but when I looked at his seat, he�s nowhere to be found. Where is he?
Nandito lang yun kanina ah. Pero mabuti na din yun, wala na kong nakakairitang
katabi.
Maya-maya pa, bigla na namang may nagsalita sa stage. I don�t know but the words of
the speaker caught my attention.
�This song is for the girl who I was sitting with just a while ago.�
The audience started to cheer again. Hindi ko alam pero, I felt something about
those words even though I wasn�t looking at the stage. Para bang ako yung babaeng
tinutukoy nya sa mga sinabi nya. But then, I immediately shrugged the thought away.
Imposible naman yun dahil yung mayabang na lalaki yung katabi ko kanina..
�First of all, this is not really my idea to wear this� ugh� What the hell do you
even call this thing?�
Curious, I looked at the stage upon hearing the man who was about to sing. This
time, I am not quite sure what to react or what to feel the moment I see him. There
stood a guy wearing a blue sparkling tracksuit, just like what Hyun Bin wore in
Secret Garden. Or is it really Hyun Bin on the stage? An imaginary fist came across
my head. Si Hyun Bin magcoconcert dito sa school? Tss.
Kung kanina, sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko nang marinig ko ang ChocoPaps,
ngayon mas doble pa ang bilis ng tibok nito. Nananaginip na naman ba ko? Is it just
pure hallucination I am seeing right before my eyes? The man on the stage speaks
again which made my heart beats wildly, and there goes that feeling again that no
words could even describe. This time, I saw him staring only at me. I knew it and
I�m sure of it. He was gazing at me as if I�m the only audience, as if I�m the only
person in the world.
�Hmm� So for that girl who was sitting beside me crying over a something, or
someone, the song I�m about to sing is for you.� He held a long pause before
speaking again. �Again, this isn�t really my idea to wear this okay? Her best
friend forced me to do so.�
So the conceited guy who sat beside me a while ago was him? How stupid of me to not
know it right away? Now that he said it. My lips formed the biggest smile after
realizing his gimmicks. It�s really him. It�s really Finn. He continued to stare at
me while I stared back at him. I was holding my breath. I was anxious. I was frozen
on my seat while feeling every beat of my heart. Why the hell didn�t he talk to me
while he�s sitting beside me? What is he planning to do?
�So, the song I am about to sing is dedicated to the craziest girl I�ve ever met.
Even though she�s the most psychopathic dummy who ever existed on earth, that
didn�t stop me to love her the way she is. Two weeks has become 74 days, 23 hours
and 43 minutes of waiting but that didn�t matter to her. She waited for me and
surely, she would wait for me no matter what happen. This whole thing I am about to
do is clearly not enough to tell her how much I am lucky to have her.
The crowd cheered even more because of what he said. My heart was pounding so loud
I�m even hearing it in spite of the noisy crowd. The way he looks at me, the way he
smiles at me, it�s already enough. As long as he�s here now then I guess his just
very presence is more than enough.
�You just don�t know how much I missed you for the past two months we haven�t seen
each other. I know I still have lots of explaining to do. I�m really sorry if I
broke the promise I made with you, that I�d come back after two weeks. But I wish
that you�re gonna forgive me for that. For making you cry. For making you feel that
I left you. For making you expect it was me who sang with Ivan, Martin and Hiro.
But this whole thing, blame your best friend for that. She said you really deserve
this, so she helped me planned this whole thing, including this blue sparkling
tracksuit I�m wearing right now. I don�t know why you even loved Hyun Bin with this
in the first place.
�I may not give you the perfect love story you�re wishing for, but only one thing
is certain, the love we have for each other can tell what a perfectly imperfect
love story can be. And I may not be that cheesy Korean actor you love; I�ll try to
be the man who�ll love you under any circumstances. And I guess, that�s all that
matters. So yeah, I don�t know why I am even telling this to you in front of many
people.� He said chuckling, looking at me solely. �Please don�t hate me for this
cheesiness. I don�t even know why I�m doing this in the first place. But yeah, I
guess, this is what love does to a person right?�
The audience cheered with what he said. I, on the other hand, don�t know what to
do. I remained unmoved on my seat. Is he really telling that to this large
audience? Ahh! I don�t know what to say. The feeling was just too uncontainable it
made me utterly speechless.
�So, shall we start our forever now?�
His question made my world turned into something I never thought would ever happen.
Totoo ba talagang nangyayari to? Hindi lang ba ako nananaginip?
The familiar melody of the song started to play which made my wide smile even
become wider. Seryoso ba sya? Kakantahin nya ba talaga yun?
Han namja ga geudareul saranghamnida

(One man loves you )
Geu namjaneun yeolshimhi saranghamnida
(That man loves you with all his heart)
Maeil geurimjacheoreom geudaereul ttaradanimyeo
(Everyday like a shadow he follows you around)
Geu namjaneun useumyeo ulgoisseoyo
(When that man smiles he is crying inside)
Hindi mawala wala yung ngiti sa labi ko habang pinapakinggan ko sya. Why does Finn
always love to do unexpected things? Now that I was listening to him, seeing him
with his blue sparkling tracksuit, I realized why Chix has given me this yellow and
black striped-jacket. This is what Ha Ji Won wore in a certain episode of Secret
Garden.
At siguro, kaya ganun na lang ang mga ngiti sa akin ni Chix at ng ChocoPaps dahil
inaasahan na nilang mangyayari to. They knew this was coming all along.
Eolmana eolmana deo neoreul

(How much longer)
Ireohke baraman bomyeo honja
(Do I have to just look at you alone)
I baramgateun sarang i geojigateun sarang
(This love like the wind)
Gyesokhaeya niga nareul sarang hagenni
(This worthless love If I keep trying will it make you fall in love with me)
Jogeumman gakkai wa jogeumman
(Come a little bit closer, just a little bit)
Hanbal dagagamyeon du bal domangganeun
(I'm the one who loves you)
Neol saranghaneun nan jigeumdo yeope isseo
(Right now by your side)
Geu namja umnida
(That man cries)
Right when the song ended, he immediately left the stage. Hindi ko na nakita kung
saan sya nagpunta lalo pa ng lalong dumilim yung buong auditorium. Tumayo ako at
sinubukan kong maglakad para puntahan sya. Pero maya-maya lang ay may biglang
humila sa kamay ko.
�Where are you going?� He asked. My heart beats even faster when he was holding my
hand before he dragged me somewhere. I don�t see his face but I know it�s him. This
time, I am very sure and certain it�s him.
The next thing I knew, we both found ourselves on the rooftop, the same rooftop
where he dragged me before.
�Nakakainis ka talaga.� Sabi ko nang pareho na kaming nakasandal sa railings.
�Seriously, yan talaga yung una mong sasabihin sakin? After all the efforts I made?
After I even wear this ugly tracksuit? After I even sang that Korean song just for
you?� He retorted sarcastically.
I smiled from ear to ear after hearing what he said. Hindi pa din ako makapaniwala
na nandito na nga talaga sya sa harap ko. But then, his arrogance is just a mere
proof I am not just dreaming.
�Laine.� He suddenly called out.
�Why?�
�I�m sorry.� He said apologetically. Tiningnan ko sya. Seryoso syang nakatingin sa

akin. �I know I owe you lots of explanation. Bianca�s grandmom was hospitalized so
I needed to look after her for more than two weeks we agreed upon. The next month,
my dad called for me and then---�
�Pssh.� I cut him off, smiling at him. �Whatever you did for the past two months
doesn�t matter now. What important now is that you�re finally here. You finally
came back.�
That�s what I realize after I see his face. Kung anuman yung mga explanation na
gagawin nya, hindi na yun mahalaga. Hindi na nun mababago yung katotohanan na
nadito na sya sa harap ko ngayon, na nadtio na sya para sa akin. Para sa aming
dalawa.
�Of course. That�s what I promised right? That I�ll come back for you and for us no
matter what.� He said lloking at me seriously, smiling at me genuinely. �So how�s
the postcards I sent you?�
�Postcards?� I arched an eyebrow toward his question. �I haven�t received any!�
�But I was sending you postcards almost every week!�
�What? Wala akong natatanggap.�
�I swear I was sending you!� He exclaimed.
�Tss. Wala nga eh. But, whether you�re sending me or not, it�s okay. By the way,
nice song. You gave justice to Hyun bin�s song.�
�Tss.� He frowned. �Si Chix nagplano nun. Pinilit nya kong pakantahin ng baduy na
kantang yun para daw sumaya ka. Tss.�
�Ang sama mo talaga. So napilitan ka lang?�
�I won�t tell.� He smirked before he looked at his watch. �A minute before the
Valentines ends. It�s too mushy but yeah, happy Valentines!� He said.
�Naiisip mo pa yan pero hindi mo naisip yung mga sinabi mo kanina sa concert hall?�
Sarkastiko kong sabi.
�Whatever.� He retorted. �It�s not like we can only have Valentines a year, if we
could always ce Pero nagulat na lang ako ng bigla syang pumunta sa likod ko.
Nilingon ko sya dahil doon. �Stay still.� He commanded.
Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin nang bigla nyang nilagay ang isang kwintas sa leeg ko.
Tiningnan ko ito. It was a simple white gold necklace with a pretty heart pendant.
It�s simply pretty. I looked at him and he was seriously looking at me back.
�Happy birthday.� He whispered in my ear before he hugged me from behind.
�Thank you Finn. Thank you.� I said, smiling genuinely. �Thank you for this. Thank
you for coming back. Thank you for being with me.�
Minutes have passed and we just remained like that, Finn hugging me from behind
while his chin was rested on my shoulder. I bit my lower lip before I turned to
face him. My heart was thumping so fast when I finally get to see him staring,
smiling back at me. My eyes were just set on his while I�m thinking of the right
timing to tell him the words I want to say the first time I knew what love is.
�Finn�� I called out, still staring solely at him.
�I love you.�
There. I finally said it. Ngumiti naman sya sa akin. Ito yung unang pagkakataong
sinabi ko ang mga salitang iyon sa kanya. At iba pala yung pakiramdam. More than
anything else, those were the sweetest words that have come out from my mouth ever
since I met him.
�I know.� He said before he kissed me on my lips. �And I love you more than what
you can ever imagine.�
I smiled at him. This time, I know, to smile would be the first thing I�d do every
morning starting now, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow and even after the next
forever. With him of course. With that arrogant guy I never thought would love me
like the way I love him.
�How do you want us to start our forever?� He asked afterwards,
�Well�� I smiled again; looking at the man I know would love me forever. �Shall we
start with a date?�
- The End �

Date With The Arrogant

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Date With The Arrogant

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Date With The Arrogant

posted by chille016 (Jun 04, 2011 @ 1:05AM) views: 2080

Haay. Sinasaniban na naman ng napakalanding espiritu ang aking malanding bestfriend

�Chix ano ka ba naman, pang-ilang lalaki na ba yang dinedescribe mo ah. Ganun ba

�Te-teka naman Laine. Nasasaktan ako.� Reklamo ni Chix.

Ang sama talaga nya. Ba�t ko ba sya nagging bestfriend?

�Chix naman eh!�

Blue? Hindi kaya destiny na ito? Favorite color ko ang blue. )

Nagdisscuss lang sya ng mga rules and regulations.

�Kilala na kita. Ikaw ang Mr. Right ko.�

Natahimik bigla ang klase.

Huh? Nakatingin sila sakin. Bakit kaya?

�Mr. Right?� Tanong ng isa kong classmate na babae.

He looks at me with sa big smirk on his face.

While I wanna die in humiliation right now.

Haay. Sinasaniban na naman ng napakalanding espiritu ang aking malanding bestfriend

�Chix ano ka ba naman, pang-ilang lalaki na ba yang dinedescribe mo ah. Ganun ba

�Te-teka naman Laine. Nasasaktan ako.� Reklamo ni Chix.

Ang sama talaga nya. Ba�t ko ba sya nagging bestfriend?

�Chix naman eh!�

Blue? Hindi kaya destiny na ito? Favorite color ko ang blue. )

Nagdisscuss lang sya ng mga rules and regulations.

Ayy nakoooo. Eto na naman ung boring na introduce yourselves.

�Kilala na kita. Ikaw ang Mr. Right ko.�

Natahimik bigla ang klase.

Huh? Nakatingin sila sakin. Bakit kaya?

�Mr. Right?� Tanong ng isa kong classmate na babae.

He looks at me with sa big smirk on his face.

Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Three

Operation Pagpapansin Kay Mr. Right:

Kaya ang dapat muna nating gawin:

�Oh bruha bakit?�

�May utusan ka? Finn na naman? Patay na patay talaga oh.�

�Tae naman to oh. Apakaarte. Tanong mo na bilissss!� Sweet naming magbestfriend

�Oo na teka. Istorbo ka talaga. Text ko na lang sayo. Sige na.�

�Thanks bes! I love you talaga. Hahaha babye! Text mo ha!�

*Myunja wasseong. Myunja wasseong*

Tae talaga tong si Chix. Hahahaha. Puro kalokohan alam eh.

K. Hahaha. Thx bes. Labyowzzz!

?Lalo tuloy akong nahuhulog ang puso ko! Hahaha.

Nakatambay kami ni Chix ngayon sa cafeteria, hoping na maispatan namin si Finn

�Finn Hudson?� Kunot-noo kong tanong sa kanya.

�Ayy engot! Yung nasa Glee!�

But we�re gonna start by drinking old cheap bottles of wine

Oh these times are hard

�Obvious ba? Edi pinapanuod sila. Duhh.�

�Ahh. Haha. Gusto mo ba pumasok?�

Eh syempre, papatalo ba ko sa pahanginan? �I�m Laine, half-human half-angel.� I

Napatingin sakin si Ivan, �Magkakilala kayo?!�

Nice. Sabay pa kami. Destiny talaga. Hahaha.

�Oo, magkakilala kami. I�m his girlfriend.�

Uh-oh Laine. You�re dead.

Date With The Arrogant: Chapter Four

�She�s just an obsessed fan.�

�No. Hmm. I�m an admirer.� Pagtatama ko sa sinabi ni Finn.

Si Finn naman, �Huh?�

�Bestfriend mo ko diba Ivan?� Sabi ko sa kanya habang kinukurot ko sya sa

�Talaga? Kailan pa?� Tanong ni kuya drummer. Finally, nagkadialogue din!

He just looked at me fiercely.

�Bessie?� Bulong ni Ivan sakin na parang nadidiri sa tawag na yun.

�Wag ka ng choosy. Maki-ride ka na lang.� I muttered, smiling. Yung tipong hindi

I just nod and smile at him.

�Grabe. Pinanindigan mo talagang bestfriend mo ko ah.�

Myunja wasseong. Myunja wasseong