Chapter 1

Shane’s POV’

 “Don't worry, I'll be gentle as always,” The man said as he kissed the girl's hand. Who am I seeing? Who are they? Wait… it’s me! And she is?

 “Are you okay, Love?” she asked and gently turned my head. She's wearing a white gown and called me in a sweet endearment perhaps she's my wife.

“I was sitting next to you” I grinned as she informed me. I can’t say a word.

I tried to hold her but noticed a big branch stuck in her stomach. 

Tears automatically fall down my cheeks. Growling was no use even how hard I try.

“I will pray for your safety, I love you, and it hurts. Literally!” she said as if nothing had happened to her.

“So, ganito nalang pala matatapos yung buhay ko no?”

“Introduction palang tayo, pero ‘therefore I conclude na ata ako”

“Sa susunod na buhay mo… sana ako pa rin ang pakakasalan mo.”

“Love? Naririnig mo ba ako? Gusto pa sana kitang maransan este-- magkaroon ng maraming karanasan kasama ka. Pero masaya din yung una hahaha.” Paano niya nagagawang tumawa sa gantong sitwasyon? I could barely move and even though I want to speak I can’t. Nonetheless, she managed to wipe my tears and promised she’ll never forget me.

“Please don't say your last goodbyes at me with pity and sadness in your heart. Please smile!” Then she takes my hand in hers and takes it while my eyes are remaining closed. I gathered all of my power and attempted to respond to her, but my mouth refused to cooperate.

‘I’m sorry.’ I wanted to utter those things and touch her hand, but she didn't respond. I’m confused but I want to blame myself it's entirely my fault!

No way, I'm not going to lose her; she's my wife, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. If she has to die, I'm prepared to do so. I don’t understand anything but I was thinking about those things…

I tried to reach her one more time...

Ugh!

I can't feel my entire body, and my head is spinning so fast that I think I'm going to puke.

I have no picture on my mind still, I'd like to see your beautiful face again.

‘I-I—I want to see you,’

‘HEEEEY!’ I screamed in my mind and cried out in despair. Still, no sound nor words coming out. How could something so horrible happen to us? Hmmm! I can't move any longer...  

-------

“Son!” I opened my eyes and found my parents crying near my bed. Is it a dream? Thank you, God. I took a quick look around and found myself sobbing as well.

As he sat alongside me, Dad asked,

"What do you feel son?"

“It's strange, Masakit Dad. Nasasaktan ako dito,” sabi ko, gesturing into my heart,

“Masakit din dito kapag inaalala ko kung bakit.” Likewise referring into my brain.

“First, let us eat breakfast, may pupuntahan tayo.” I simply follow them, but I can't stop thinking about my dream. This isn't the first time, though I found it really weird. Yung mapaginipan mo yung taong hindi mo maalala o hindi mo pa nakikilala. Dramatic! 

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"This is your price for studying so hard," said my dad, who blindfolded me like a child and drove me somewhere. I don’t know, maybe he was trying to be cool.

‘You sure about this?’

‘Perhaps it’s about time hon, it’s now or never! I want him to be treated’ I heard my parents whispering to one another. What are they talking about?

"Open your eyes son!" mom said and removed my blindfold. Jeez, what is this? It was blurred from closing my eyes for that long. Pero, it was so obvious na its someone’s house that I didn’t recognize.

"What are we doing here Mom and Dad? And whose house is this? Don’t tell me it’s some random girls again? " Oh, gad! I looked at them and they just both smiled at me.

“Mom, Dad? I’m not in a good mood. Please, I want to go home." I turned my back to them when dad called me and threw a set of keys.

"Oh really? I will drive home on my own!" By playing it, I noticed it’s not the car keys. I walk towards dad to ask for the right key. Are they fooling around me? Dad just pointed out the door (of the house) and said…

"Open your house son." The word ‘your house’ repeatedly played in my mind.

By emphasizing the word—huh? my house? For real? I ran as fast as I realized. Oh jeez!

"If you need anything to add to your things here, just give me a call. Anyway, we will contact someone to help you." 

“Call whoever you want." And give them a kiss, saying how much I love these oldies.

"Hey child, don’t you ever bring girls here huh? You’ll be put into jail that’s serious!”

“Jail? Isn’t so exaggerating Mom?”

“I have the monitor of the CCTV you have here and I will visit you often. Okay? "

"I can’t promise Mom"

"Hon, get his key!" she shouted. I just hugged her and my Dad looked at me and laughed.

It’s been three days since I moved out and am learning to cook for myself. However, there is an eerie sense in that place at times. Like someone was in the kitchen or I heard footsteps upstairs. Goosebumps. I am not a coward; I simply do not feel like slipping away.

In the meantime, I'm on my way to our university.

*clap* clap* clap*

"Roll out the red carpet boys, Shane the Magnificent is on his way now," Keith said as he approached me and pretended to lay the carpet.

“How could your mother have so much trust in you? Seryoso ba yun?” he added. Nagpatulog lang ko sa paglalakad at pa-simpleng binangga siya.

"Hello, Baby Shane! Binilhan mo pako ng house ah, ikaw talaga. Live na ba us? Err." While leaping, Alfonso remarked, 'childish,' I murmured.

Don't get the wrong impression, I'm not homosexual, nor is he; he's simply half-human and insane.

"Jerks! You are welcome to come over after class in any way."

"Oh yeah!" He exclaims again as we approach our classroom

"Can I bring girls?" he said with puppy eyes shining.

“Don’t you want us to be alone?” I faked to smooching him on the cheeks but rushed running on the stair after hearing several girls scream with disbelief. Hahahaha

"Rawr! Bro, I’ve got goosebumps!" Then we burst out laughing and took our seats.

----------

"Good morning students!" The teacher greets. But Alfonso continues to ask about my house and stuff.

“By the way, why are you not with your twin brother?” tanong ko pero mukhang nagging dahilan ng pagbabago ng mood niya.

“Hindi mo ba nabalitaan?” Tumingin siya sakin pero mabilis din niyang iniwas ito.

"Ang alin?" tanong ko, sabay tap ko sa balikat niya,

“………….” Tumalikod nalang siya at wala nng sinabi pa. I told him ‘whatever it was it was going to be alright.’ I took my phone to chat with Carlos and ask what really happened.

“I asked your twin where you were, but he couldn’t say what happened. You can tell me.”

*seen* typing*

“What did he say? Nasa cafeteria lang ako kumakain. Ano nanaman bang sinabi ng baliw kong kapatid?” Jeez. I was tricked! Isa nalang talaga naisip ko… batukan ‘tong lalaking to na halos mahihimatay na sa kakatawa. Hinanap ko si Sandy to invite her also, pero wala siya I wonder kung magkasama sila ni Carlos.

“Are you with Sandy?” I send my chat and he immediately replies…

“Why would I?” Oo nga naman, akala ko kasi swak sila eh.

As I promised, I brought them with me to my place. Nauna na kami ni Ponso at may ihahatid pa si Keith.

"Holy crap on a cracker! This is fantastic, buddy!” he said in amusement,

“Brand new ba to?” dagdag pa niya,

“Yeah, perhaps. However, I've seen some other women's use, so maybe someone has already lived there and a room upstairs that I can't open. I'm curious why I don't have the keys to that room.”

“Have you seen undergarments?” I saw a grin draws on his lips so I think of an idea.

“Ha! You're such a pervert!” And threw a beer can on his face,

“I believe I spotted several G-string plus bikini panties yesterday evening and placed them in the room next to the laundry area,” I said, raising my eyebrows as he glanced at me.

Nagulat ako nang ibato niya pabalik yung canned beer sa akin at nagsimulang tumakbo para ikutin ang bahay,

“Aww. I'm so envious! I'd want to see it. Nasaan ba?” he looked so serious kaya sinabi kong biro lang and we both burst out laughing. Turned on the television and put in N*****x then, start playing the movie he had requested. I heard Keith has arrived and he bought some dinner and snacks.

“365 days seryoso? Gumana nanaman yang mga urges niyo! Hahahaha kain muna bago manood ng kumakain.”

We drink, eat, play, watch movies, and stay up until midnight. Time check! 2:45 am.

*Bell rings*

“Did you order something?”

“Who the F rings the bell at this hour?”

“Sino paba may alam na dito ka na nakatira Shane?” Lumingon ako kay Keith, and to think parents ko palang at sila actually.

“This village is exclusive and my address is private.”

“Pupusta ako kung sino yun!” natatawang suhestyon muli ni Alfonso.

“Sige 100k cash ngayon na lapag!” malakas na sigaw ko sa kaniya.

“Baby Shane pwede 2 gives? Brief muna ngayon next time yung nasa loob.”

“Mahal naman ng performace mo pang 350 kalang eh!”

“Hindi mas mahal kita baby Yiiee uwu! Pero Ben10 at minions lang meron ako ha? Don’t worry, extra-large naman ‘yon.” seryosong sambit ni Alfonso…

Kung hindi ko to kilala maniniwala akong totoo yung sinasabi niya. I just pushed him para tignan kung sino yung nasa labas.

“Miss, I’m sorry you can’t enter the house!”

“The master is out”

“So you may go out.”

“Or else he will kick my mouth”

Halos dinig namin mula sa living room na nakikipagtalo siya.

“Tignan na nga natin yung kaibigan mo, isang English word nlang mukhang ikakamatay na niya” Nagtawanan kami at naglakad to see for ourselves. It was a girl and she was… tipsy?

“No Sir, this is my residence. Get out of the way!”

"I'm ill. Give way, I'm going to rest!"

"If you don't want to go, I'll call the cops!" she said in a sweet voice.

"Are you lost baby girl? " pabirong sabi ko habang naglalakad kami papalapit sa kanila ngunit napatakip lang ito sa bibig niya.

"I'm dizzy and want to sleep. " Tinulak niya kami as she walks over us. I think she’s drunk though.

"Alam mo hindi kaya modus yan ng mga akyat bahay?" Bulong ni Keith sakin,

"Huwag ka ngang marites-vibes jan! She’s too pretty to be a thief. " At hinampas ko siya sa ulo. Lumapit ako sa babae para tulungan siya,

"No, you’re just drunk baby! It’s my house, not yours." I held her hand and feel she’s cold, but she vomited in my *thing* Yeah like---disgusting! I can feel the dampness beneath my belt.

"I will drive you home, this is my ID I have no record of harassing women or what. You can you tell me your address Mam." mahinahon na tanong ni Keith at nakakatawa yung I have no record of harassing kaya nagkatinginan kami ni Ponso. She speaks her residence number and we are surprised it is true. I called my mom but she didn’t answer. Of course, it was freaking 3 am.

"We can’t leave her outside," I suggested.

"Hoy Shane Wala ka naman sigurong binabalak na karumaldumal no? Ready ako tumawag ng 911 anytime and my number din ako ng women’s and children’s desk. Kalmahan mo." Sabay tulak sakin ni Alfonso

"Don’t you trust me?"

"No!" sigaw nilang dalawa kaya pumasok nako to change my pants.

“Edi don’t! Pinipilit ko ba kayo?”

“Sleepover na kami dito” I told them it’s upon them.

The girl managed to walk upstairs. Sinundan lang namin siya and ready to assist her in case she slips. She put the key and opened the room na hindi ko mabuksan. Oh! That explains everything.

"Hindi mo sinabi may roommate ka pala ang ganda pa. Pwede ba dito na din ako tumira? " seryosong suhestyon ni Alfonso habang pinapanuod and pagsara ng pinto.

"Would you mind explaining?" I just shook my head but he kicked me so hard.

“Ouch! I don’t know!”

“Impossible.”

“You’re trying to hide her huh?”

"Nabanggit nga ni Mommy na may makakasama ako dito, but hindi ko alam all this time, nanjan na pala siya. And if you ask me kung sino siya, I really don’t know kung ano ginagawa niya dito? I have no idea okay? Baka kasama sa bahay, tagaluto o tagalinis. I don’t even know her name!" halos maubusan ako ng hangin sa mabilis at tuluy-tuloy kong pagsagot sa kanila. Bumaba na kami pero hindi pa rin sila humihinto sa kakatanong sa akin.

"Isn't that weird?" Napalingon kami kay Keith na tila kanina pa nag-iisip.

"Hay nako Keithy kaka-pancit canton mo lang yan weird weird ka pa!" sagot ni Alfonso kaya tumawa nalang din ako,

"Seriously, is it possible that you don't smell like alcohol while you're drunk?"

"Baka natabunan ng pabango, candy or chocolates?"

“Somewhat she smells like chocolate actually,”

“Or hindi talaga siya lasing?”

"I’m pretty sure she is drunk therefore, she smells like bread and milk, with no traces of alcohol. " Naglakad ako palapit sa kaniya to confirm it by tapping his shoulder.

"Oh! That’s really weird. Pero kung iisipin mukhang tama ka kasi I don’t smell any liquor in my used pants eh?"

“Oh? Ang dapat na tanong diyan, ano ang naamoy niya under your pants kaya siya nasuka!” natatawang sambit ni Alfonso. Hindi ko nalang pinansin ayoko na mag-isip ng rebut.

"Sandali nga bakit mo ba siya inaamoy? You’re so Pervet Keithy ha! Hahaha.” Tinapik niya kamay ko at tumalikod siya kaya nanahimik nalang kami. That was meant to be a joke, nakakatawa kaya yon! Napunta na kami sa kaniya-kaniyang room to take some rest.

----------

"Ano pala sabi ni tita about don sa ‘girl on the second floor’ lakas maka-KDrama hahaha." masiglang pagbati ni Carlos, nag-jet plane ata yung chismis ang bilis eh.

"No answers yet. Bakit kasi hindi ka pumunta kagabi? Come over next time,"

"Sobrang daming inaasikaso sa business namin, alam mo naman hindi maasahan yung kapatid ko, so I shoulder everything."

"Kagwapuhan ko nanaman pinag-uusapan niyo no?" nakangising bati ni Alfonso together with Keith na kakarating lang.

"Tama sa ikaw pinag-uusapan namin, pero sabi ko kung hindi mo ako kamukha wala kang kwenta!" Damn. Ramdam ko yung pagod at inis sa sagot nayun ah.

"Attention everyone, madame is entering now!" the secretary stated. Tumayo na kaming lahat at napatingin sa pagpasok ng Prof. namin,

"Good Morning, kamusta ba ang lahat?” sabay-sabay na sumagot ang lahat ng ‘maayos naman’ at ‘okay lang’ pero iba kapag may sinok sa utak tulad ni Alfonso,

‘Kelan po kayo mangingitlog Mam?’ nakatawa pa nitong tanong sa prof.

“Okay Mr. Rossi calm down. Here’s some update. As you can see, malapit na nga ako magitlog sabi mo nga haha. Kidding aside, kaya kailangan ko muna magpahinga until I’m fully recovered" natatawang sagot ni Mrs. Lhorie.

"So I will introduce my substitute teacher for this subject. Miss, you may enter now and leave them on your hands. Excuse class and behave please! Goodbye."

“Attention everyone! Madame is entering now.” Pumasok ang bagong professor at literal na napako ang tingin namin sa kaniya.

“Thank you gorgeous, please take your seats.”

‘It can’t be! Is she real?’ bulong ni Keith pero narinig ko naman and same question.

"Good day everyone, by the way, I’m Lantana Obrie Luca. You can call me Ma’am Obrie, Ma’am Lantana, but don’t repeat my last name okay?"

"Luca-Luca?"

"That’s the reason why I said not to repeat. Pansin niyo din siguro na hindi pwedeng dahan-dahanin yung first name ko no?"

“Lanta-na?” I answered and everyone laughed.

“Oops! Fresh na fresh pa, ems hahaha.” she smiled at me kaya pinagmasdan ko siya at ngayon ko lang siya nakita ng matagal ang she’s quite pretty ha.

“Dami ko kapintasan no? Anyway, wala naming perfect dito so it’s alright.”

“Pano ako? I’m mere into perfection.” Hindi na nubusan ng banat ‘tong Ponso na ito banatan ko na kaya?

“The door is open mister hahaha just kidding.”

“Misis naman e, uwu!”

"Tulala yarn?" Then Carlos snapped on my eyes.

"Parang nakita ko na siya somewhere,"

"Sa bahay mo malamang. Makaalala ka nga kahit kaunti lang!" At nakatanggap ako ng malakas na batok kay Alfonso kaya sinagot ko ng sidekick.

"Hindi sa ganon lang. Pwede bang ikaw ang umalala sa kaniya para sakin? "

"Ayoko, baliw!" napalakas yung sigaw ni Carlos and we caught their attention at napatingin din sa amin si Ms. Lantana.

"Boys at the back, is there a problem?" tanong ni Ma’am Lhorie. Napayuko nalang si Carlos nang tumakbo si Alfonso at tumayo sa harapan.

“Why do I need to share my face to a retarded.” he murmured.

“Kamukha po kasi ni Mam yung future wife ko, uwu!" At itinuro ang substitute teacher dahilan kaya nagsigawan ang buong klase.

“Buti nalang pala kamukha ko lang.” malumanay na pangungutya nito pabalik kaya natawa nalang din kami. I saw Madame. Lantana looking at me, I winked and just looks away and shook her head.

"Madame Lhorie will take her maternal leave for 3 months or more but what I am sure is matagal tayo magkakasama. In the meantime, I will teach you everything you need to learn in this subject. I hope to get along with all of you. Besides, we have 105 days to get to know each other. Are you guys okay with that?"

“Yes Ma’am!”

“Sana pang habang buhay na’to” - Alfonso

“Mam ilang taon kana po” A random classmates asked.

“Mam kahit ilang taon kapa, age is just a number for me ehe!” nakatawang sambit ni Alfonso habang naglalakad pabalik sa upuan namin.

"We're practically the same age, but I want you to treat me with the utmost respect."

"Kapag tinititigan ko talaga siya nakikita ko yung future wife ko. Hays! " Sabay tapik sa mga balikat namin. Sira talaga to! *blurr* Ugh! Headache. Why was it so sudden?

"Wala daw balak mag-alaga ng takas sa mental si Mam. Deretso ka nalang daw sa Psychiatrist hahaha." sagot naman ni Keith kay Alfonso. Wait, I feel pain in my head.

 “To think that you live with our teacher, that’s insane! Baka mapalayas ka don, it’s against the rules. " At hinampas ako ni Carlos.

“We have no intimate relationship or are sexually attracted so there’s no way I will kick out.”

“Will you promise to stay as Professor and student with no string involve? Hahaha” Stop with the teasing I told them hindi talaga maganda pakiramdam ko. I stood up to excuse myself while the new professor was speaking...

"Wishing you a lot of success and a lot of friends as you prepare yourself for the first day of school. You are going to remember this day for a long time, for sure!

Remember this day for a long time huh? I simple stepped out and went to the men’s restroom. Para akong masusuka sa sakit sa ulo ko. Pagkatapos maghilamos humarap ako sa salamin pero blur…

I saw unclear face of a girl looking back at me. Jeez, I rub both of my eyes to see her clearly. Napahawak ako sa d****b ko na tila malalaglag na sa lakas ng tibok. Uh!

“What are you doing here?” Naglakad ako palapit sa babaeng nagsalita subalit papalayo ito nang papalayo…

“Tsaka, okay kalang ba?” Bigla kong naalala yung panaginip ko kanina maybe it was her.

Wait! ‘Who are you let me see you’ I murmured. I need an image of that girl to remember, I'm sure she has a message to relay.

“I-I—I want to see you,”

“Ah! Ano ba Shane, let me go!”