Nobela ni Zam

Ciara's POV“So, is the JPIA not happening anymore?” I asked my bandmates. We gathered at the Accountancy Office because of Kuya Jay's announcement, and he indeed said that the JPIA convention would no longer push through.“Well, it will still happen,” Kuya Jay replied, “but the schedule is in complete disarray. The school heads and Father are already frustrated, so our school will withdraw.”“But guys, your payment won’t go to waste,” said Ate Angeline, one of the treasurers on the JPIA committee board. She took a box and handed it to us, “These are the freebies for the convention plus a five-hundred-peso refund.”After distributing the freebies, we all went out together, and Kuya Jay spoke, “What now, guys? It looks like it really won’t push through.”“Yeah,” agreed Kuya Josh with a smile, “but thank you for the time you dedicated to the band.”Kuya Jay looked my way and put his arm around me, “What about you, Ciara? Next week is our exam, and after that, you’re leaving, right?”I n

Ciara's POVAfter our last class, my friends and I left together when I noticed Zam standing outside in the hallway, seemingly waiting for me.I turned to Patrick and Patricia and said, "You go ahead; we need to talk," and they nodded and left.I looked at Zam again and saw him smile at me. "Uhh, Ciara, can we talk?""Sure. Let's go to the milk tea shop so we can talk properly," I said, and he nodded as we headed downstairs together.I saw the twins, Angelo and Rafael, at the gate. I waved at them, signaling that I wouldn't be joining them.We entered the milk tea shop and ordered our drinks. The staff quickly prepared our drinks, and we proceeded to sit in a corner.Before I could speak, he held my hands and said, "Ciara, I am so sorry for everything. I'm sorry for being mean to you."Seeing his eyes well up, I couldn't help but feel sorry and sad. Zam and I weren't particularly close, but I was becoming emotional. Maybe it's because we’re blood-related, and more so because he's my h

Ciara's POVA week has passed, and I haven't talked to anyone at school, not even at home. Even though Shan and I are neighbors, I haven't spoken to him or met up with him.I know he comes to our house every night, but I don't come out. At school, I don't talk to anyone except Patrick and Patricia. They are the only ones I always talk to, and I am very thankful to Patrick for being there for me, especially during times when I needed a friend and companion.My friends often remind me about my family, but I'm not yet ready to face them, or I'm unsure of how to approach them. Sometimes, I feel like I'm being too dramatic by not talking to my parents.I glanced at Patricia, who was eating and staring at me. "Should I talk to my parents now?"She nodded. "Yes, Ciara. One week is enough time for you to think things through.""Yeah," Patrick agreed. "No matter how angry you are with them, they are still your parents. Yes, they make a lot of mistakes. Nobody is perfect; no family is perfect.

Ciara's POVWe had just arrived at Camella Homes when I suddenly asked Patrick to stop. "Pat, I don't want to go home yet. Please let's go to the playground," I noticed it was nearly nine in the evening. It would be fine even if Patrick left me alone, since I felt safe there."Sure. I'll stay with you, okay?" he replied. I nodded, and he sped off towards the playground.I got off, immediately ran to the park's swings, and sat down. I looked up and saw that it was already a bit cloudy. Good timing; the night will keep me company.Patrick sat next to me and handed me a bag full of milk tea and a hotdog burger. I accepted them and started eating, letting out a sigh.I looked into Patrick's eyes and stared at him. "Pat, why do I always end up hurt?""Ciara, everyone goes through that process," he said. "Everyone has their own struggles, though the ways they handle them might be different.""That's confusing," I said, rolling my eyes. "How could my dad do that?""Maybe it's because he's fri

Ciara's POV"No way," was all I could say. So, her suspicions are true. My mom's suspicions about him were true and accurate."Patrick, hey. We have to go. I don't seem to want to eat here," I said coldly, still my eyes glued at the two of them.I can't believe my father is cheating on my mom! How can he do this to us?!Patrick's face was full of surprise, "W-why? I just want to -""Please," I looked at him, coldly, "can we just go to Uncle Derek's place?""Why? It something wrong? This place is -""JUST, PLEASE! LISTEN FOR ONCE! I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE!" I screamed and I just realized the scene I had just made."Ciara? Darling?" I heard my dad called me. I turned to them and there I saw the face of the woman. I don't know her at all, but her face has registered to me.I turned to Patrick, "I said, let's go. Look at that!""S-sorry. Come on," he said but my dad already got up his feet so I quickly turned back.I quickly stormed off but I felt daddy chasing after me, "Ciara! Please,

Ciara's POVWe ordered some food and went to the seat chosen by them, "Take a seat, Jane. You're very welcome here." Jane was not new to them since they already knew and met Jane a couple of times when we used to hang out at Shan's place and they got to know Jane about her bungling and her intense knowledge and wisdom at a young age."Hey! So, how are your studies, fellow friends?" Jane asked the four of them and I can see that they groaned."Awful.""Stressed.""Tiring.""Haggard."Jane looked at me full of astonishment and turned to them again, "Why is it tiring and stressful? I mean, look at me. I am a student also and I always look fresh when I study and read some lessons. It's not hard."Patrick stared at her with his jaws dropped, "You are such a nerdy, Jane. Probably! You're still on what? Grade one? You haven't even reached subtraction and multiplication yet, so you can say that it's not hard," Patrick said."Oh, it's just the beginning, Jane. You still have a long way ahead

Ciara's POV"So, hindi na ba talaga matutuloy ang JPIA?" tanong ko sa mga kasamahan ko sa banda. Nagti-tipon kami sa Accountancy Office dahil sa anunsyo ni Kuya Jay, at 'yon nga ang sinabi niya na hindi na matutuloy ang JPIA convention."Well, matutuloy pa naman 'yon," sagot naman ni Kuya Jay, "kaso, sobrang gulo na ang sched. Naiinis na rin ang heads ng school at si Father kaya magwi-withdraw na ang school na'tin.""Pero guys, hindi rin sayang 'yung binayad niyo," napalingon naman ako sa nagsalita na si ate Angeline, isa sa treasurer sa board ng JPIA committee. May kinuha naman siyang isang box at may ibinigay sa'min, "yan ang mga freebies para sa convention plus five-hundred pesos refund."Pagkatapos ng distribution sa mga freebies ay sabay-sabay na kaming lahat na lumabas and Kuya Jay spoked, "Paano ba 'yan, guys? Mukhang hindi na nga matutuloy.""Oo nga," tugon naman ni Kuya Josh at ngumiti sa'min, "pero salamat pa rin sa oras na inilaan niyo para sa band."Lumingon naman sa gawi

Ciara's POVNang matapos ang huling klase namin ay sabay na kaming lumabas kasama ng mga kaibigan ko nang namataan kong nasa labas ng hallway si Zam at tila ay inaabangan ako.Napalingon naman ako sa kanila Patrick at Patricia, "Mauuna na kayo at mag-uusap lang kami," sabi ko at kaagad naman silang tumango at lumisan.Tiningnan kong muli si Zam at nakita kong ngumiti siya sa'kin, "Uhh, Ciara? P-pwede ba tayong mag-usap?""Sige. Doon nalang tayo sa may milk tea shop at para makapag-usap tayo ng maayos," tumango naman siya sa'kin at sabay na kaming bumaba.Nakita ko pa sa may gate ang kambal kasama nina Angelo at Rafael. Kinawayan ko lamang sila at nagsenyales na hindi na ako makakasabay pa sa kanila.Pumasok naman kami sa milk tea shop at kaagad nag-order ng drink. Hindi naman tumagal ang paggawa dahil mabilis lamang nilang nagawa 'yon kaya kinuha na namin ang order namin at umupo sa may isang gilid.Bago ako magsalita ay pinangunahan niya ako nang hinawakan niya ang mga kamay ko, "Cia

Ciara's POVNag-daan ang isang linggo at wala akong kinakausap sa skwelahan, kahit sa bahay namin. Kahit mag-kapit-bahay lang kami ni Shan, hindi ko siya kinakausap, kahit makipag-kita man lang din.Alam ko gabi-gabi ay pumupunta siya sa bahay ngunit hindi ako lumalabas. Sa school naman ay wala akong kinakausap, except kay Patrick at Patricia. Sila lang ang palagi kong kinakausap at laking pasasalamat ko rin kay Patrick na sinasamahan niya ako lalo na noong panahong kailangan ko ng karamay at kaibigan.

Ciara's POVNakarating na kami ng Camella Homes nang bigla kong pinahinto si Patrick,"Pat, ayoko pang umuwi. Baka pwedeng sa playground muna tayo, if ayos lang sa'yo,"sabi ko nalang at napansin kong mag a-alas nuebe na rin ng gabi. Ayos lang kung iiwan man ako ni Patrick mag-isa, safe naman din ako doon."Sige. Sasamahan nalang kita, okay?"tumango naman ako at pinaharurot naman ang motor niya patungo sa playground.Bumaba naman ako at kaagad tumakbo papunta sa mga swings sa parke at umupo. Napatingin ako sa itaas at nakita kong medyo makulimlim na rin. Good timing, sasabayan ako ng gabing 'to.Umupo naman sa tabi ko si Patrick at binigay sa'kin ang isang milk tea na nasa supot at isang hotdog burger. Tinanggap ko naman 'yun at kinain at napa-buntong hininga na lamang.T

Shan's POVI watched Ciara turned her back at me at pumunta na kay Patrick. Hindi ko alam pero bumabalik na naman sa'kin ang nararamdaman ko dati noong nararamdaman ko kay Patrick. Alam ko na wala akong karapatan na magselos dahil may kasalanan din ako.I did forget our monthsarry, but it was because I was caught up hanging out at my father's place with his family at nang gabing 'yun ay nag group study kami sa bahay nila Zam para sa exam at research namin.Yeah, I am aware that I have less time with Ciara, but like she always said, naiintindihan niya ako. Akala ko ay okay lang sa kanya, but turns out that hindi pala. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko ngayon.Sumakay na ako sa kotse ko at pumunta na sa bahay ng isang kaklase ko para tapusin ang group research namin na ipapasa na sa susunod na araw. Pagkababa ko sa kotse ay nadatnan ko naman si Zam na nakangiti sa'kin,&nb

Ciara's POVWeeks passed, still the same. Sobrang busy pa rin namin, pati na rin sina Shan. Minsan ay nag-aaway na kami pero dala lang talaga sa stress namin 'yun kaya ganun. Minsan, pinagseselosan ko na si Zam. OA na kung OA pero alam ko na may mali sa babaeng 'yun.Ngayon ay nag-meeting kami para sa upcoming big project namin sa Contemporary World sa global exhibit. Mamaya rin ay magkita-kita kaming mga ka-bandmates dahil mamaya ang first meeting para sa planning namin since months nalang ay gaganapin na ang ARC JPIA convention.Oh, di ba? Stressed na stressed na ako. Stressed na ako sa pag-aaral, sa relasyon ko kay Shan, at sa pamilya ko. Nakauwi na si dad last last week lang galing Manila, though nakakasama ko sila palagi ngunit pakiramdam ko ay malayo ang loob ko sa kanila.Pakiramdam ko ay may problema sila ni mommy ngayon na ayaw nilang sabihin sa'k

ENNANang nakaalis na sa harapan ko si Seth ay nakita ko naman na palapit sa gawi ko si Aries na parang nanalo pa sa lotto sa sobrang lapad ng ngiti niya. Masigla itong lumapit at tinawag ako, "ENNA! Guess what?!""Ano ba 'yun at parang masayang-masaya ka?" tanong ko sa kanya at pinaupo ko naman siya, "Oh, chill ka lang muna. Ano ba 'yung sasabihin mo sa'kin?""Naalala mo 'yung kinwento ko sayong crush na crush ko? 'Yung si Zephanie?"Napatango naman ako at tila naghihintay sa sasabihin niya, "Oh, bakit? Ano bang meron sa kanya? Mukhang excited ka, ah! I bet maganda 'yang ibabalita mo.""Oo naman! So, ayun na nga! Naglakas loob na akong ayain siya na mag-date and she invited me over!" sigaw niya at halatang masayang-masaya siya sa nararamdaman niya. Tama kayo, hindi ako ang gusto ni Aries. May matagal na siyang nagugustuhan at isa 'yun sa kaklase ko noong elementary. Kaya naman malapit ang loob ni Aries sa'kin ay dahil mag-kaparehas kami ng ugali ng pinsan niyang matagal ng namatay. C

ROBEverything is settled nang napansin namin na parang may kulang sa grupo. Napalingon ako sa kanila at nagtanong na rin, "Chia, nasaan pala si Enna? Magsi-simula na ang party, ah?"Napatingin naman si Chia sa'kin at nag-kibit balikat, "Nandito na 'yun e pero nawala bigla din. Baka nasa loob at iniwan ang ka-date niya dito," sabi niya at napatawa naman sila, pati na rin si Aries."Hindi naman niya ako iniwan kasi," pag-dedepensa ni Aries, "May binili lang siya sa 7/11 at maya-maya ay babalik din 'yun."At hindi nga siya nagkamali at bumalik nga si Enna na may dalang mga supot na galing sa 7/11. Lumapit naman siya at binigay sa amin isa-isa ang dala niya. Nagulat nga ako dahil pati ako ay meron din, "A-Ako rin?"Ngumiti naman siya, "Oo naman at libre ko na 'yan sa inyo. Alam ko na walang dinner mamaya kaya advance na tayong mag-isip."Napatawa naman si Tim, "Oo nga e, ganyang-ganyan na talaga ang school. Napaka-kuripot sa pagkain. Kahit man lang simpleng –""Oops! Tama na ang reklamo,

ENNA Nang sinabi ko ‘yun ay nanginginig ako nang bigla siyang tumayo at dahan-dahang kumapit sa kinatatayuan ko. Naiisip ko na katapusan ko na talaga ngunit laking gulat ko nang bigla niyang hinawakan ang mga kamay ko at hindi ko inaasahan na ngumiti siya sa’kin at nagsalita, “That’s good because I also thought the same.”Hindi pa rin naaalis ang mga titig niya sa’kin at medyo naiilang pa ako dahil kung tutuusin ay hindi pa kami masyadong okay. Sa kaso naman ngayon, parang bumabalik na siya sa dating Rob and I missed him for that. Hinila ko naman siya patungo sa mga upuan at umupo kaming dalawa at napabuntong-hininga naman ako, “Rob …”Nakita kong napa-iling siya, “No .. ako muna mag-sasalita, En,” hearing him calling me EN gives me the chills and butterflies inside my stomach, “Enna, I wanted to thank you for everything. Sa pagtitiis mo sa ugali ko and mostly, sa ginawa at pag-aalaga mo sa’kin kagabi. About that, naaalala ko lahat-lahat ng ginawa mo at pag-uusap na’tin.”Nanlaki

ENNATinulungan ako ng ibang boys at ni Seth na patayuin at hinatid sa sasakyan si Rob dahil nga sobrang lasing na lasing na niya. Nagpasalamat naman ako sa kanila at sumakay na ako sa kotse niya nang nakalimutan ko kung paano paandarin ang kotse niya, "Shit!" Ipinikit ko ang mga mata at sinusubukang maalala ang technique na 'yun."What's the matter? M-may problema ba?" malumanay na pagtatanong ni Rob habang nakapikit ang isang mata, "En, a-ano ba 'yun?""Wala. Nakalimutan ko lang 'yung technique mo e," sabi ko at napakamot ng ulo. Tinuruan niya ako nun pero ang tagal na nun kaya nakalimutan ko na."Akin na ... I'll drive," sabi niya pa at sinubukan niya pang tanggalin ang seatbelt niya pero dahil nga lasing na siya ay hindi niya mabuksan iyon."Baliw ka ba? Sa tingin mo kaya mo mag-maneho?" napa-irap na ako at binalik ang focus ko sa pag-aalala sa pagtuturo niya. Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko at inaalala ang technique na 'yun, "Pressing down the clutch, in a neutral position and to shif

ENNAWala na akong ibang gagawin kundi ang ayain na lang si Aries na sumayaw para lang makalimutan ko lang ang lahat ng ginawa ni Rob ngayong gabi. Nakakainis talaga ang lalaking 'yun! Ang gusto ko nalang talagang gawin ay ang umiyak ng umiyak at hahayaang tumulo sa ito sa mga mata ko, ngunit hindi ko lang magawa. Kailangan ko na maging malakas para sa'kin at sa'min. Alam ko na dadarating ang panahon na magkakaayos din kami ni Rob.Napansin naman din ata ni Aries na tila wala na ako sa sarili kaya inaya niya akong umupo sa may gilid. "Ayos ka lang ba, Enna? You look ..."Umiling naman ako at pilit na ngumiti, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me.""No, you're not. Baka gusto mo, ihahatid na kita pauwi. Alam ko na Rob is really having you a hard time right now. Kahit alam ko na hindi makatarungan ang ginagawa niya, lasing naman siya at alam ko na mahal na mahal ka niya."I just smiled at him, "Thank you, Aries. You are really a true friend," I said and sighed, "Sana mag-kaayos na kami. I wa

ROBTiningnan ko ang relo ko at napagtanto ko na 6:34 na ng gabi kaya kaagad na ako tumayo at kinuha ang susi ng kotse ko. Pagbaba ko ng hagdanan ay naroon si mommy at daddy sa may sala at nanonood ng telebisyon.Napansin naman ako ni mommy kaagad, "Anak! Aalis ka na?"Tumango naman ako bilang tugon, "Opo, mom. Dadalhin ko na rin ang kotse ko ngayong gabi para hindi ako mahihirapan sa pag-uwi.""Naayos na ba ang kotse mo?" tanong ni dad, "Hindi ba parang may problema 'yun?""Okay naman po 'yun, dad. May technique na rin naman ako doon para umandar," sagot ko lamang at kaagad na kinuha ang jacket ko sa may likuran ng front door kung saan nakasabit, "Oh siya, aalis na po ako.""Oh, sige. Mag-iingat ka sa pag-maneho."Lumabas na ako ng bahay at sumakay na rin sa kotse ko. Bago ko pinaandar 'yun ay tinawagan ko naman si Tim. Mga ilang ring din 'yun bago niya sinagot ang tawag ko, "Hello, bro! Nasaan ka na?""I am on my way. Ikaw ba? Nasa bahay ka na nila Seth?" Tanong ko at saktong narini

John's POVI smiled and looked at myself in front of the mirror wearing my gown. I can't believe that it's been four years and now, I'm going to finish college and graduate together with my loved ones.I'm heading towards the Father Saturnino Urios Gym and as I went out of my car, I heard someone calling,"Bro! Over here!"King shouts from afar and waves at us.I smiled because I was sure I would miss my best friend. We've been friends since like we're Kindergarten and we became inseparable. I can't imagine my existence without my dearest best friend.As I said, it's been four years. Who knows that four years have passed since Lia and I got along that time we almost broke up because of her Mother.If you ask how are Lia and I? We're actually fine and going stronger and stron

Julia's POVI looked at my ceiling and keeps on checking my phone if John's been messaging or calling me. I couldn’t bear to be unable to talk and not to be with John. I missed him so much!Because of my mom, he broke up with me, and until now I haven't talked to mom yet and I didn't want to. I also think that Dad pretends that he doesn't know about it or just because maybe he really doesn't know.I wondered if John and I were really separated or if there was any hope that we would get along? I trust him when he said that he will make a way for the three of us. I understand why he did that. He just doesn't want me and my mom to have a broken relationship just because of him.I just wanted to be with him, right away. I missed his love and I missed his presence."Hey, darling," When because of my deep

John's POVI panicked when I saw her crying and even Baby Shan is crying. I got Shan and let Julia in and sat her down on our couch.I also noticed that she was carrying suitcases and her belongings. I know that there's something wrong,"Babe, what happened? Is there a problem?"She looked at me and tears rolled down her eyes,"My mom already found out about us and I knew I broke her rules. She issued me an ultimatum. I either broke up with you or leave the house.""And then, what?""I chose to leave. I can't leave you, John. I love you,"She said while crying.I could not believe what she just sai

Julia's POV I went up to Phillip and his best friend June. I can see they are both happy to see each other again. I can remember that they used to be best friends since Kindergarten and they became inseparable until high school. The four of us — June, Lyn, Phillip, and I have been friends since elementary and not until I fell in love with Phillip way back in high school and got into a relationship. I guess, I still have good memories of him. We approached them,"Oh, so? It's like you've talked for a while,"I laughed. "Oh, Jules, you know how much I missed my best friend,"June said that he was obviously happy to talk to his best friend again. "Yeah, but loves, it

Julia's POVJohn's parents looked at each other as I said the whole truth. I could also see that the two of them were arguing over who would speak first and to break the silence."Hmm,"Mr. Anderson began and I smiled at him,"As far as I'm concerned and what I see, you're a great Mom, Julia,"he said and smiled at me, and also Mrs. Anderson beamed at us as well.I really don't know what to say to both of them. You see, it's hard to enter into a relationship if there's a child involved, and like me being a single mom."Julia, we're not surprised about it because your mom, Judy, and your dad told us everything way back before. I mean, I know and I can see it from the start that you're not really just siblings,"she said.

Julia's POVI panicked as Shan went missing and I came in and out of the stadium but there is no sign of Shan everywhere.Even his favorite stuffed toy that we always carry is not in his stroller.I couldn’t help but worry intensely. What if Phillip saw him today? What if he takes my son and takes him away from me? I don't want that to happen. I don’t want to lose my baby!"Lyn, tell me. Where is my son? Why isn't he here?"I tried to be calm but I couldn't help but worry, that's my son."Best, I swear! I just put him here in the stroller and then I just bought ice cream, it's not that far away, though,"Lyn explained, almost bursting into tears at the incident,"