Chapter 4

Then feel something on my lips.

I opened my eyes to see him---

I saw him---

Kissing me? But why?

I feel his whole lips hugging mine. It is so soft, sweet, and gentle.

Bigla kong naisip bawat pantasya  at kung paano ko halikan ang bawat litrato niya sa kwarto ko I just can't, biglang nag-init ang buo kong katawan habang nagtatayuan lahat ng buhok ko sa katawan. As in lahat dzai! There's something in me na tila kumawala sa katago-tago kong baul.

Syet! What am I going to do? Should I pick up and move? Teka baka malipat yung tartar ko sa kaniya ew. Ahh!

Still, he held my hand and softly placed it on his neck. So, hinayaan ko nalang kasi maharot ako.

When I close my eyes, a familiar sight runs across my head...

"Sandy, just let me in!"

"It's okay darling."

"This is normal. Hayaan mo lang."

"But---*sob* please let me go. I don't wanna! Ah!"

Stop!

Oh, em-G, I don't want to think about any of this.

My hand instinctively went to my stomach.

As I recall this, I can still feel the ache all over my body.

I'm not sure if I'm overjoyed with the amount of emotion I'm feeling.

I pushed him as hard as I can.

"Ouch, what the hell?" I opened my eyes to see an irate guy staring back at me.

To defend me, I crossed both of my hands across my chest, but he grabbed both of my shoulders and slammed me into my seat.

Once again he kissed me but this time he moves.

I could feel his hand touching my right cheeks and rubbing them. Into my upper lip, lower, upper, lower and suck my whole that rise the urges in me.

Is it okay if I just go with the flow?

Like, hindi sa ayaw ko pero hindi rin sa gusto ko it just seems so weird hindi ko alam anong mali sa akin ugh o malaki tama ko.

I picture myself weeping on the sofa again when I close my eyes.

I'm in my school uniform, and I'm covered in blood.

Ah!

'Please, halt!

'I whispered repeatedly, but the guy didn't stop.'

Gusto kong sumigaw pero hindi ko magawa. Nasusuka na ako...

Hindi ako makahinga agh. How can I skip this situation? All I can feel is dizziness and numbness. I feel my whole body was shaking.

"Sandy? Hey, what's wrong?"

"Sandy?"

"Are you okay?" There's no chance for me not like before...

"Wake up!" Nagising ako sa pag-alog ni Carlos sa balikat ko. But I found myself sobbing so hard. Ano ba tong nangyayare sakin? Nakakahiya! Huminga ako ng malalim at napahawak na lang sa d****b ko.

"Ano nangyare sayo?" I look around, andito nga pala ako sa kotse niya. Actually, hindi ko din maintindihan sarili ko ngayon. I slap his hands nung makita kong hahawakan nanaman niya ako. Nakita ko ang pagkabigla sa mukha niya. Oh careless. Tha'ts rude Sandy I told myself and slap my forehead.

"I-I'm sorry," I said then held my hand and stroke my hair down to my forehead,

"No problem." Napa-atras ako nang makitang lalapit muli siya sa akin.

"Don't get the wrong idea," I whispered and looked down in shame. He just giggled and told me 'I'm cute' and wiped my tears away.

He suddenly leans his forehead to mine looking straight at my eyes...

"First time?" I just nod and he smiled then put his thumb on my lips. He give me one more smooch and sat on the passenger seat.

"Let's go." I heard the engine starts pero mas malakas yung kabog ng d****b ko. Halo-halo na yung iniisip at nararamdaman ko. Tila nagwawala yung mga fantacies na inipon ko ng ilang taon. Eto na ba ang sagot sa gabi-gabing ritual na ginagawa ko? Alam kong may sinasabi siya pero tila nagsara na eardrums ko.

I don't know what to feel or what I really feel. Medyo napakalma ako sa compliments niya pero masama pa rin mood ko. Dinig ko pa rin yung lakas ng kabog ng d****b ko. I though I was over about it. Mahirap talagang takasan kung wala ka talagang matatakbuhan.

"Hey, Sandy!" He snaps again in my face that wakes me.

"I'm good," I said.

"Want some fresh air bago tayo pumunta kila Shane?"

"No need. I'm fine."

"I'm not sure Hahaha"

"Let's go." Nilabas ko ang phone ko kasi parang naramdaman kong nag vibrate. 50 misscalls and 37 messages? Sino namang mag-aaksaya ng oras para i-message ako ng ganito kadami? Inisa-isa ko itong binuksan...

"Buy 1 take 1 kabaong ngayon alam mo ba?"

"Nasaan na kayo? Gusto niyo bang humabol sa Undas next month?"

"Sasagutin mo o sasagutin na kita? Yieh gusto mo naman! Harot."

"Hoy negra! Dalian niyo ayaw kita maging sister in law ew!" Natawa na lang ako sa mga nabasa ko. Lakas talaga ng saltik ng taong yun.

"Nakakangiti ka na ngayon ah? I wonder kung sino yang nag message sayo."

"Ah wala yun hahaha."

"Tumatawa ka na rin ah. Instant mood booster ata siya. Boyfriend mo?"

"Ano ka ba after mo akong----" Wait! Natigilan ako kasi ayaw lumabas sa bibig ko yung matapos mo ako 'halikan' tatanungin mo ako kung may boyfriend ako? Its unappropriate right? Bakit ka kasi makikipaghalikan kung may partner ka its so dumb. Ayoko maging awkward ang atmosphere kaya hindi na lang ako nag-talk.

"After kong ano? Hahaha. Bakit nagba-blush ka?" I squish my face at ang init nga. syempre, I couldn't imagine his fresh, seductive but heavenly lips will ever meet mine ano pa bang mararamdaman ko? Lumingon na lang ako sa bintana, tsk wala na siyang ibang ginawa kung di pakiligin ako kainis! Mapikon mo ako baka mag 'I Do' ako bigla. Pero gurl, gusto ko pang umiyak sa sama ng pakiramdam at kilig ang gulo ko. Pwede ba magmura? Kasi like P********! Hinalikan niya ako and hindi na mababawi yun. Napahawak ako sa labi ko, ayoko na uminom o kumain ng kahit ano on my entire life. For sure yun I wan't to preserve it. Kung pwede ko lang tanggalin 'tong labi na ito at ilagay sa collection ko why not?

"Hey, we are on our way. Kalma!" I heard him talking to someone. Nilingon ko and si Shane.

"Shany!" sigaw ko at at lumapit ako ng bahagya para mahagip ako sa camera.

"Hi. You know what bilisan niyo nagugutom na si Shane hahaha." Singit ni Alfonso

"Don't use me as an excuse." he defense.

"20 minutes andiyan na kami." Carlos said.

"10 minutes." Alfonso requested,

"15 minutes bro."

"10 minutes." Pagpupumilit nito.

"Ano ba? Exited ka bang makilala ko si San Pedro?" Then they hung up.

"Fasten your seatbelt seryoso siya hahaha." Aww, an angel laugh.

**********

Yes. 10 minutes andon na kami. Pinagbuksan niya ako muli ng pinto.

"Iwan na natin yung mga gamit mo diyan ihahatid nalang kita pauwi okay lang?" Then he smiled as he offer his hand para makababa ako ng maayos. Ugh! Kahit ihatid mo pa ako langit sasama ako ng walang pag iimbot prinsipe ko.

Mula sa sasakyan tanaw na namin si Alfonso na umiiling habang may hawak na--- kutsilyo ba yun?

"Bro we've been through this okay? Pwede natin pag usapan." Mahinahong pagsasabi ni Carlos kaya bigla ako kinabahan kung ano ba possible mangyare? Bago pa man kami makahakbang papalapit sa pintuan, tumakbo patungo sa amin si Fonso. Nagulat ako nang hatakin ako ni Carlos at gamitin bilang shield sa kaniya. It's okay love I'll protect you no matter what.

"Sandy!" Sigaw niya. Ah! Magpapatayan ba sila? Naghabulan sila paikot sa akin na parag mga three year old child.

"Did you touch it?" Alfonso asked to Carlos.

"No, I didn't."

"You sure?"

"Of course."

"Did you open it?"

"Never Buds."

"You sure?"

"Hundred percent!"

"Dit you taste it?" Sheyt what are they talking about? Anong binuksan, hinawakan at tinikman?

"Not yet."

"How does it taste like?"

"I said I didn't try it."

"Good." Then he open the car door and take a box of cake ba yun? Bwisit na Alfie, aatakihin ako sa puso.. Akala ko kung ano na yun hays.

"Shaney!" I greet him and punch his arms.

"Yow Sandy!" He greets me back and pats my head.

"Bakit pala ganiyan suot mo? Hahaha. You want me to get you pants?" Aww... He's so sweet too.

"I just feel sexy with these styles duh?" Sabay hampas sa kaniya,

"Sexy? Kaartehan mo kamo!"

"Palibhasa hindi mo alam ang simbolo ng feminism!" Sigaw ko pabalik kay Alfie,

"Feminism? Hindi ko nga nabalitaang may matres ka! Hahahaha." Aba? No one could question my womanhood. Lahat ng ibato ko sa kaniya eh nassalo niy for the last time iwinagayway niya yung phone ko. As soon as I realized hinabol ko siya at nagpaikot-ikot kami sa buong living room.

"Hey! Be careful." They all shouted but we didn't care.

"Catch me if you can!"

"Ah!" Natigilan kami because I run into Mam Lantana na pababa sana ng hagdan.

"Sorry, Madame," I said and they all got up para alalayan si Mam. Like? natumba din ako oh? May nakita akong kamay na nag-aabot sa akin so kinuha ko at tumayo. Looking up...

"You good?" Tumango lang ako kay Shane and tell him I appreciate him. Of all si Shane pa talaga.

"Ms. Obrie." Napalingon kaming lahat kay Shane,

"Wanna join us?" Lumipat ang tingin namin kay Mam Lantana whose thinking.

"I'm not allowed, students."

"Mam nasa bahay naman tayo besides, we're friends."

"I have a lot of things to do."

"It's just a pizza and it is your favorite, pepperoni." We all looked at Carlos na sure na sure sa sinasabi niya.

"Okay then. Pero hayaan niyo ako mag share what do you want some drinks or chicken? I'll grab some."

"Chicken!" I suggested hahaha kahit wala akong ambag, ako naman bahala idea.

"Wanna join me, Ms. Montenegro?"

"Mam Sandy nalang para ka namang others hahaha." I hooked my arms into hers na ikinagulat nila pero I don't care we used to be like this.

"Huwag kung ano ano mababanggit mo ha?" Pagpapaalala ni Alfonso na may kasama pang tulak. Hays whatever!

"You sure lalabas ka ng ganiyan ang suot?" Natigilan ako at naptingin sa kaniya,

"See? Feminism pa daw." Rinig kong bulong nung demonyo sa likod niya,

"Ofcourse Ms. Lantana."

"Lantana is okay for me. I have extra pants upstairs wanna have a try?"

"You are inviting me to your room?" she just nods so I said I'd love to.

"Can we go?" The three guys asked,

"Boys are not allowed upstairs okay?" We went into her room at nilibot ko ng paningin ko grabe I barely believe what I'm seeing.

Hindi ko maipaliwanag yung pagod ko, parang sobrang daming nangyare sa loob lang isang araw. Mula sa paghabol ni Alfonso sakin, ay ganda ka gurl? Tapos nakasama ko sa lunch si Carlos mahal. OMG tapos hmm... Napahawak ako sa labi ko, mesmirizing what happened earlier. Ah! Itinakip ko yung unan sa bibig ko baka marinig ako ni Mame isipin kung ano na nangyayare eh nag-iimagine lang naman ako hihi. Ang lambot niya syet! Makakatulog pa ba ako kung ganito? Dati iniisip ko lang pano m*******n, ngayon inaalala ko na yung pakiramdam.

Pero may isang bagay na hindi maalis sa isip ko, bakit kaya dalawa yung toothbrush sa CR ni Ms. Lantana. Baka yung isa sa umaga tapos yung pink pang gabi hahaha. Eh yung dalawang femwash? Hindi lang yun ang weird lahat ng gamit niya time two but in different color, pink and Fushia. Trip lang kaya niya? Hmm. Anyway, basta nagkiss kami ni Carlos Ah I just can't!

*******

Shane'

It had been a difficult day, but it had finally come to an end, weekend na bukas. Pumasok na ako sa room to get my phone. Sunod-sunod ang dial na ginawa ko kila Mom and Dad but they are both out of coverage. Why? I double-checked the time and it is now 8 p.m. kaya for sure gising pa sila. I haven't heard anything from them since they dropped me off here. Pinapabayaan na ba nila ako?

Leave the message after the beat...

"How are you doing? Please call me back as soon as possible since I miss you. " Itinapon ko ang sarili sa higaan,

"They've never hung up on me ano kaya ang nangyare?" Napapikit nalang ako sa pagod. Hindi biro yung dami ng ginawa sa school kanina grabe naghabol ng requirements sa isang araw na walang pasok.

"Jeez hindi pa pala ako kumakain!" I pulled off my jacket and grabbed my key to go to a nearby restaurant to get some meal. 

On my way home, I spotted a familiar girl figure walking on the opposite side of the road near our village, so I pulled over to give her a lift when the guy approached and wrapped his hand over her shoulder.

She seemed to be in harmony, so perhaps she is not in danger.

Nilagpasan ko sila nang makarating na sila sa gate. I witnessed the guy kiss her on the lips before leaving in the side mirror. I had no idea he had a boyfriend. I simply parked and left the gate open for her. 

Pagpasok ko sa bahay halos mabitawan ko ang hawak ko, seeing Miss Lantana seated on the kitchen.

"Ang bilis mo naman nakauwi?" Tanong ko dahilan para mapatingin siya sa akin.

"Ha? What do you mean?" walang buhay nitong tugon at balik tuon sa ginagawa niya.

"I think I saw you outdoors earlier."

"You sure? Tsk. Baka kamukha ko lang." Naramdam ko ang pagka-irita sa boses niya ngunit 'di ko malinaw na narinig yung huling sinabi niya.

"Sure ako sa sinasabi ko, may kasama ka pa ngang--"

"I said its not me."

"Are you in your period? Hahaha. Take this sundae and fries oh!" She faced me and rolled her eyes.

"Ayaw mo?" I asked. Padabog siyang lumapit at inagaw ang paper bag sa akin.

"Walang ano man miss." I sarcastically tell her but she just stepped out and went to her room.

"Problema ng babae na yon? She's so lucky Im in the mood."

 I started eating after I prepared my meal. I took my first bite and enjoyed the chicken nuggets, but I couldn't help but think about what my parents are doing right now. 

*Phone rings*

CARLOSingle...

"Oh why?"

"Busy ka ba bukas?"

"Uh, I have plans actually."

"Ganun? I need you."

"Carlos ha? Hindi ako pumapatol sa lalaki hahaha."

"Stop joking around. I have a proposal for you."

"Sinasabi ko na nga ba--"

"Huwag mo na ituloy yang sasabihin mo! Sige bukas message ko yung address."

"I said I have plans."

"Ano? Magbabasa ka lang ng mga rated books eh!"

"Why would I? If I could watch myself?"

"PV! So ano ba lakad mo bukas?"

"I will visit Mom and Dad." I waited for his response but it took him 3 minutes before he speak again.

"Really? Bakit may problema ba?" he asked.

"I have no idea 'coz since last week wala pa akong nare-received na update from them."

"We understand them. "

"Whatever. It's a serious matter you know?"

"Anyway, bukas ha? if you can make it at 9 am give me a call bye!" he hung up.

For the last time, I dialed Mom but she didn't pick up. I must really visit her instead.

**********

 I was now preparing Caesar salad which is Mom's favorite breakfast and Loaded baked potato for Dad's. But also leave some on Miss fridge if ever she wanted to try. I drove as soon as I'm done packing the food. All the guards and maids greeted me but when I ask where's my oldies were no one answers.

It leaves no choice to me I directed Nana Carmie whose in the kitchen, my nanny since I was a kid.

"Oh, dear! How are you?" She gives me a hug and smooch in the cheeks so do I.

"Where are they?" I asked but she just smiled at me.

"Buti dumalaw ka na anak hindi manlang ako nakapag paalam noong umalis ka. hmm!" then she kissed me again.

"Nana where are they?"

"Oh, they live with your sister on states for a while." Seems so serious.

"Nana I don't have a sister."

"Hahaha. You don't? Maybe a business trip or a vacation."

"Vacation na hindi ako kasama?"

"Then take the first one hahaha."

"I really hope so." We both laughed and she began to tell me how much she missed me. 

"Naku muntik ko ng makalimutan! Hintayin mo ako dito anak may iniwan nga pala sila para sayo."

"Nana please slow down." She went to her room and hand me a small envelope.

"What is this?"

"This will answer all your questions in the near future. Make sure not to lose it okay?"

"What do you mean though?"

"There are only 3 copies existing. On you, on her, and on a safe room."

"Nana why so dramatic?" I see tears in her eyes that give me confusion. Why?

"When do I see little Shane running in this house ha?"

"Nana, I don't even have a girlfriend you know?"

"Hahaha. You don't? Why?"

"I don't know. Alam mo naman I can't date anyone without Mom's referral."

"Anak, nakakatuwa ang mga batang sumusunod talaga sa magulang pero mas nakakagalak yung makita silang masaya sa gusto nila. May savings kana, may bahay, sasakyan kaya mo nang bumuo ng pamilya." I just lean my head on hers kasi sobrang pure niya palagi mag-advice.

"Nana hahaha what are you saying." Wala nang bago kay Nana. Everytime yan ang sinasabi niya sa akin noong dito pa ako nakatira.

"Gusto ko naman makita na magiging maayos ang buhay mo bago ako mawala."

"Are you resigning?"

"Nararamdaman ko kasi malapit nako mawala sa mundo iho."

"Don't say that. I love you Nana I'll get going may usapan kami ni Carlos. Please take care of yourself I will visit you so often okay?"

"Yes please." I leave her smiling as she waved her hand saying goodbye.

I was now driving to fetch Carlos but still, I can't stop what Nana told me about this envelope. It is a USB drive for sure.

This will answer all your questions in the near future.

By examining it, it was like a simple brown envelope with a weird stamp and... ugh that smell. It's Mom's perfume for sure. I flipped it and noticed a sticker where the person on it was placing their right hand in the chest. What does it mean?

*Beeeeep*

A loud horn was released that cause me to panic and accidentally drop the letter. I immediately turn the wheel just not to bump into the car in front of me.

"Deym!" I saw the car was driven by a man with his pregnant wife and 2 other children.

"Sh*t" I stepped out of the car and personally face them to apologize.

"Sir, Madame I'm so sorry. It was uh so fast. and-- uh I was just checking something and-- uh that happens. I-I I don't mean to." I was preparing myself and ready to be scolded.

"Young man, it's not okay but please be careful next time." He taps my shoulder and smiles.

"I'm-- uh I don't know what to say. I---"

"It's okay handsome. What's your name by the way?" The girl asked me,

"Shane Mam."

"Oh, that's a good one. I think I found the right name for my third son."

"I wished he could be good-looking and kind-hearted as you but careful in road ah? Hahaha." And we all laughed. I- I can't resist their soft voice and personality. I'm still guilty but they were so damn kind to me. I was crying inside.

"Please take this. Also, my card if there's anything I could help just give me a call." I hand them an empty check with my signature and my business card.

"Omygad. I can't believe you this is too much we can't take this." They both return my offer but I'm determined to pay back.

"Mom, Dad huwag na nga kayong maarte jan!" Napalingon kaming lahat sa batang lalaki nakasuot ng blue t-shirt. Wait? They are twins! How can't I noticed it earlier.

"It is adult's conversation you're not allowed." Now the one who wears a red shirt speaks.

"Kuya ang totoo niyan, pupunta kami para humiram ng pera sa mga kamag anak ni Mommy--"

"Zian, that's not nice stop it."

"Ano po ang nice mommy? Tanggihan yung offer ni kuya kahit kailangan natin for your birth delivery tommorow?"

"Zi, please we got this okay? I love you." Zian just turned his head to face the window. Actually, I was broke hearing a child understand their needs. Muntik pa akong maging cause of accident ng pamilya nila without knowing what they are going throught right now. Sobra akong na-guilty. Hindi ko na rin napigilan, kumawala na yung luha na kanina ko pa pinipigil.

"Oh please don't cry. You're too soft." The woman steps forward to comfort me so I hand her the check and run into my car shouting.

"It is now yours and keep safe!" I saw the man running towards my car to return of course. I was about to drive but we are at a red light. Jeez.

If I go, I got a red light violation ticket.

If I don't, he must drop it in my car and run.

What will I do? Should I go now? Ugh!

"Please take care of your children!" I start my engine and drove in. Yes, I would rather pay for my violation than they will not pay hospital bills. Dapat talaga iniisip natin bawat move natin because someone may become victim of our action.

I wiped my tears off and sneezed.

Nakarating na ako sa bahay ng Liqour Family. Literally, they owned a Liquor company and they are named after it.

They opened the gate so I enter and park my car. I enter again on the second gate and saw Tito Jack. Yes, indeed Jack Daniel y'all who is about to leave.

"Hey, my boy How are you?"

"I'm good tito kayo po?"

"Naku still young and juicy! Hahaha."

"Hands up naman ako don tito hahaha." Sabay taas talaga ng kamay ko and we both laugh.

"I assume si Carlos ang sadya mo. Nabanggit na niya sakin kagabi and I'm so happy ikaw ang napili niya." I was really confuse kung ano yon hindi pa naman niya nababanggit talaga. Ngumiti nalang din ako at umalis na siya.

Itinuro ako ng maid nila sa dining area at nakita nga doon si Carlos.

"Yow! Salamat sa pagsundo hahaha." At binato ang isang mansanas sa akin.

"Kain ka muna snow white hahaha."

"Baliw." Ihinagis ko din ito pabalik sa kaniya dahilan para mahulog yung baso at mabasag.

"You're dead. It's Alfonso's favorite glass hahaha."

"I can buy him new. It is just a normal cup. Tig bebente lang ata yan!"

"It's Sandy's gift to him when we are in grade school." My jaw just literally dropped.

"You're kidding right?" Umiling lang siya kaya dali-dali kong pinulot na naging dahilan ng pagkasugat ko.

"Oh, gad Shane."

"Clean the broken glass and someone gets the kit." Utos nito sa maids,

"Dumb*ass!" he murmured as one of the maids took care of my wounds.

"DID I HEAR BABY SHANE?" We heard footsteps running upstairs.

"Oh no! Let's go Shane I don't want to babysit today." I was stunned when Carlos hurriedly run next to the door and gestures me to come.

"Don't be silly Shane. Alam natin mangyayare pag sumama yan. Hurry!" Sumunod nalang ako and as we look at the end of the stair there is Alfonso who is--- Half-naked.

"Hey! I'm coming."

"No, we get going." Carlos grabbed my shirt and we run towards my car. When we get there Alfie knocks on all the window and beg us to open them.

"Start the car now!" So I did. He was trembling so do I and was chased by his twin brother until we make it to the gate.

"That's crazy bro. I can afford any amount you say just give me a break from taking care of that thing."

"Harsh hahaha." I saw him holding the envelope I dropped earlier.

"A USB of the rated movies? Can I borrow it? Hahaha."

"It's from my parents said, Nana Carmie."

"Balita?"

"Hindi ko pa napapanuod actually,"

"I'll open it myself."

"You could be looking at charges of mail theft or "obstruction of correspondence" if you're caught doing any of these things. Both crimes carry fines of up to $250,000."

"I can pay."

"And five years' incarceration in federal prison."

"I can fight."

"Including my lifetime trust,"

"Okay judge, I'll leave it here." We look at each other and giggled.

"Anyway, what's the address?"

"Just drive."

**********

We just arrived in a huge coffee shop.

"What the hell Carlos!" He just smile and tap my shoulder as he passed on me.

"You tricked me." But he pretends not to hear me.

I just followed him and sat next to him.

"What can you say about this place?"

"Ano ka ba! Bakit hindi mo sinabi na dito lang pala ito malapit sa bahay ko? Nagpasundo ka lang talaga hano?"

"Please lower your voice. Pinagtitinginan tayo hahaha."

"So, to answer my question?"

"Actually, dito ako madalas mag take out ng dinner and snacks sometimes,"

"Really? How's the food."

"It was so delicious."

"Wow! Good to hear that."

"Teka bakit nga tayo nandito? Magpapalibre ka lang ba? Sige take whatever you want I'll get it." A girl approach us and take our order.

"Oh, Mr. Shane? Good morning thank you for coming." she greats so I great her back,

"Good morning. By the way, this is my friend---"

"Sir Carlos thank you for visiting! Naku Sir it is my privilege to serve you today." Famous? Tinignan ko siya ng may pagtataka  to think na hindi naman ata siya napa-padpad sa lugar na ito mula noon pa. Hindi naman siya mahilig sa sweets, kape or tea.

"Huwag ka namang ganiyan kinikilig ako eh hahaha. Same order ako and ganon na din kay Shane, salamat." At inabot ang menu. Sira talaga 'to kunwari hindi ko nakitang hinaplos niya yung kamay ng waitress.

"You know what Shane..."

"I hope you'll explain our agenda today."

"2 years ago I bought this resto but now I was too busy so I wanted to ask you're interested to buy this place."

"How much?"

"Oh, Shane it is a friendly price of course."

"Six digits? Hahaha,"

"Are you insane? Kung ayaw mo sa iba ko nalang--"

"Hindi ka naman mabiro. Name your price!"

"Hahaha good sayo ko lang naisip ipagkatiwala eh,"

"Ano bang bago? Ni wala nakong sariling business puro sinalo sayo."

 He handed me some papers to study the business more further and contracts to sign. Ibalik ko na lang daw kapag sigurado na ako. Dumating na ang order namin kaya kumain na din kami.

"Anyway, aalis na yung former manager dito in the next three days at may mga naka schedule na applicants to interview sa monday inaasahan kita makapunta."

"Hoy Shane!" Muntik nang madulas sa biglaang pagtakbo ni Sandy papunta sa harap ko kaya mabilis ko siyang hinawakan sa kamay para maalalayan ko siya.

"Woah! Muntik na ako don mare hahaha."

"Be careful next time." Sabay kaming napalingon kay Carlos and she even offer her seat to Sandy.

"Ikaw pala yan Carlos R. Er! Thank you"

"You want something? Just order it's my treat," he asked.

"I'm good. Sige kahit hindi niyo pa tinatanong, nagi-spy ako ngayon dito kasi 5 days na noong nagpasa akong resume di pako tinetext yung mga kasabayan ko nakatanggap na daw ang daya diba?"

"Ano bang nasa resume mo?"

"I am currently looking for a part-time position in an environment that provides a greater challenge, increased benefits for my family, and the opportunity to help the company advance efficiently and productively, and I thank you." I motion towards Carlos to see if we can give her a chance, but she shakes her head.

"No favoritism." he casually answered.

"Huh? Ano yang mga kindatan na yan?"

"Andito lang pala kayo! Bakit hindi niyo ako sina-- uy gelpren!" Napalingon kami kay Alfonso na naka shorts lang.

"Ew sa pagtawag mo sa akin ng girlfriend at isa pang ew bakit naka boxer ka lang?"

"Are you bothered yieh! Anyway, bro have you received my message?"

"Oh, I just read it," Carlos answered when a phone rings.

"Ow em gee fellas look! Tinext na nila ako and may schedule na ako ng interview sa monday! I promised to pass it hmm."

"Return the privilege to me. Let's go!" Then Alfonso grabs her hand and went to his car.

"Tingin mo ba magandang combination yung dalawang yun?" I asked.

"Hindi ko nga naiisip na magiging sila." he said. I thought he wants Sandy for hid brother.

"But you know what, Sandy has a gorgeous figure and amazing posture," I said as I sipped my coffee.

"So?"

"I didn't understand it right away, huh?"

"What are your plans?"

"Don't misunderstand me, guy."

"However, you're always incorrect."

"Damn! No, I'm not; I was going to ask her if she'd want to be my model."

"On your label?"

"Yes, I was considering partnering you two."

"Why not Keith or your identical twin?"

"Anong bagyo mangyayare sa studio ko kung isa sa mga yun makapareha niya?"

"Then get your umbrella ready."

"That's not funny, Shane."

"I know," I admit, but we both chuckle again.

  I just got home. I get myself some beer and snacks then sit on my couch. I heard footsteps so maybe she was about to prepare her dinner.

"Ang cool, baka nakakalimutan mo yung consequence mo?" I nearly choked the alcohol.

I'm sorry, I forgot.

"I'm guessing you did, based on your reaction."

"What shall I do? I told you I had no talents."

"Then you must be proud of yourself."

"Is that sarcastic?"

"Ha-ha-ha am I like a joke to you?"

"How about a retake?"

"Retake? The entire class must; your name had been on the program."

"I can't believe you!"

"I can't believe you, too; can't you even play a musical instrument?"

"I can't."

"Perhaps I could help."

"Are you capable of playing?"

"What do you think of me? Talentless? Ew." I look at her, yet she simply puts her tongue out and goes screaming...

"Please provide an instrument of your choosing."

**********

"I've got the guitar look!"

"That's good to know."

"Do you want me to drive you to class ahead of time, please?"

"There's no need to feel special; it's my responsibility to help my pupil."

"Do you still have your period?"

"Is that inappropriate to ask a female you know?" I threw both arms raised and said, "I'm sorry."

"What's wrong with you?" he asks, slamming the fridge door shut.

"I'm sorry, miss, I was just getting the atmosphere right."

"You didn't do a good job, then," she said.

"Why are you so cruel to me?"

"After class, in the living room," she said before leaving.

"How many times do I have to teach you the letter G?"

"Because G is in you, Gorgeous," I grin at her, but all she does is roll her eyes.

"Wasn't it fantastic to get zero points for your activity?"

"No, Miss. Please teach me more, I just remember the chords because of you," she says as she goes through each basic chord on the guitar.

"All right, show me chord A," she said.

"How about this? A for Amazing."

"Chord B," he says.

"B is for beautiful."

"Please play Chord C."

"Chord C for Charming baby," says the conductor.

"Can you put a stop to it, Mr. Lafitte?"

"Why are you blushing?"

"Simply show me D."

"Ah, Talaga, you want me to display my D?"

"You know what I'm done with you; we're done here; I just gave you a 70 on your activity!" She was ready to go when I grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

"How about 75 percent?"

"All well, just let me go."

"Actually, make it 80."

"It's not a problem; just let me go."

"Do you want to teach me more?"

"Not like that, please give me your hand," she said as she pushed me, but I still hold her.

"Why are you always so harsh to me? Can you do tutoring by any chance?"

"Because they require it."

"Do you think I don't need it, or do you just dislike me?"

"Of course I do because I like you!"