I stretched out and headed out of my room. I reached out for my hair and fixed it in a bun style. It’s Sunday and I don’t know what to do right now. Wayde is probably up by now. Knowing na napaka-aga gumising ng lalaking ‘yon.
Alas kwatro palang siguro ng madaling araw ay gising na ito at nagkakape. Morning person ako pero hindi naman pareha sa kanya na ganun kaaga.
Dumeritso ako sa garden at nanatili roon ng ilang minuto. Another day of this breath-taking view in front of me. Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko para madama ang masamyong hangin na humahalik sa pisngi ko.
I heard footsteps behind me.
Alam ko na kaagad kung sino iyon. Kami lang naman dalawa sa bahay na ‘to syempre.
May nakasabit na bimpo sa balikat nito at tagaktak ang pawis galing sa buhok.
Didn’t I mention how attractive he is with that?
“Wala lang, I have the urge to wake up early so… here I am.” Kibit-balikat kong
Akala ko ay walking distance lang sa bahay nila Wayde ang pupuntahan namin pero hindi pala.I saw him wearing his helmet and checking his motorbike. His motorbike is really something. Walang ganyang klase ng motor sa Pilipinas. I’ve been with my father once, checking for this kind of thing and it was in Europe.Exclusively in Europe.“That motorbike of yours is hella expensive.”“Yeah, it was a gift from someone. I wouldn’t buy such expensive things, not unless I need it.” Napatango-tango ako.Contrary to what his saying, I live a life when taking a peak of the price doesn’t bother me anymore. And after living here, I already need to consider the value of every cents that I spent.“Now I understand why you reached this far at such age.” Ani ko.In this modern times, we all have the means to do what we want. Age isn’t a hindrance to achieve our goals in life. Walang impo
"Oh my! Are you serious? This place is freaking beautiful!" I shrieked out loudly when we arrived at the field.Hinehele ng hangin ang mga maliliit na damo at sumasayaw ang mga punong nasa kabilang bahagi. Malaking damuhan ang naroroon at di kalayuan ay ang mga bulubundukin. There were some set ups that was made. May mga banderilya din sa paligid na nilalagay.I can't believe that I would eventually attend this kind of event!"Oh Wayde, andito ka pala!" napalingon kami sa nagsalita."Magandang hapon, Mang Karding! Kumusta na ang pagdedesinyo?" sinulyapan ko si Wayde habang lumalapit siya sa isang matandang ginoo.They looked so close with each other by the looked of the old man's expression. Sikat na sikat siguro si Wayde rito o sadyang pala-kaibigan lang ang mga taong nasa Punto Sierra.Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa paligid at sinuyod ang lugar. Ahh, this place is so good to be true. Hindi rin nawala sa paningin ko ang mga niy
Oh gosh! Kaagad na may sumilay na ngiti sa labi ko at hindi nag-aksaya ng oras para lapitan siya. "Celestia?" Malaki ang ngiti kong kumaway. There I saw my classmate way back in highschool. Nalaglag ang panga ko nang makita siya. He looks so much different right now. What the hell is he doing here? Oh my Gosh! Clayton was wearing a white t-shirt paired with khaki short. Tumangkad rin siya lalo at mas lalong nadedepina ang muscle sa katawan. Pawisan pa siya at mukhang kagagaling lang sa malalang ensayo. I shrieked out and shout in glee when I saw him. Malawak rin ang ngiti niya nang makita ako at idinipa ang dalawang kamay. I ran towards him and welcomed him with a tight hug. "Gosh! Is that really you?! You look so much different now!" I hugged him tightly before stepping back. "Clayton at your service!" sumaludo pa siya na parang isang sundalo. "Ikaw rin naman ah, pumuti kapa nga lalo eh. Lumaklak kaba ng gl
"Celestia." It's Wayde, calling me.Lumingon ako sa kanya. "Let's go home. I still have worked at 4." Wayde said and turned his back. Tumango ako at bumaling kay Clayton.Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maiinis sa itsura niya ngayon. His jaw dropped and his eyes widened because of shock. Unti-unti nitong tinaas ang hintuturong daliri at tinuro ang papalayong bulto ni Wayde."D-don't tell me. Naungusan n-na naman ako ng lalaking yun?! Anong h-home yang sinasabi ng lalaking yan ha?" ininguso nito si Wayde na nakahilig lang sa motor niya habang tinitignan ang eksena naming dalawa.With a cross arms and still wearing those aviators to protect his eyes from the scorching heat.Pinagtitinginan na rin kami ng iba dahil sa sigaw ni Clayton."You know him, Clayton?" unti-unti siyang tumango habang hindi inaalis ang tingin kay Wayde.Then suddenly, nagdabog siya at kinuyom ang kamao. Damn it, nasapian na naman ng pagka-isip bata 'tong kaibiga
"Hey Celestia! Come back here!" rinig ko pang sigaw niya. I turned my back to him for one last time and bid my goodbye."See you sa piyesta, Clayton! Look good and let out your charms, okay?" I signalled him a thumbs up and waved my hands to him.Nakabusangot pa rin siya nang makita ko at kinakaway rin ang kamay niya. It's really Clayton ever since, and ever ever would. Wala pa ‘rin talagang pinagbago."Uungusan ko pa yung Wayde na 'yan, makikita niyo!" Gago talaga.He's really like that as ever. Napailing-iling nalang ako habang tinatahak ang daan kung nasaan si Wayde. When he saw me, he immediately handed the helmet and ride his motorbike. Bahagya akong natigilan.It looks like his mood shifted entirely. Baka late na nga siya sa trabaho niya.Nang masuot ang helmet ay kaagad akong sumakay sa motorbike. He drove in silence until we went back. Akala ko’y papasok siya sa kwarto niya at magbibihis para umalis. Pero nagulat ako nang kinuha ni Wayde ang laptop niya at nagsimulang magti
I sat on the sofa and glanced at him. He seems unusual today. Inayos ko ang pagkaka-pwesto ko sa sofa at unti-unting pinikit ang mga mata ko. I want to take a little nap for today. Wala naman na akong gagawin mamaya at gusto kong bawiin yung oras ng kulang sa pagtulog ng mga nakaraang araw. I've been having bad habits of sleeping late, lately and it's not good. I took out my phone and played some relaxing music to doze myself in a deep of slumber. After minutes of listening to it, I squeeze my eyes shut and let the peacefulness conquers my dream. Mas hinila ko pa ang kumot pataas para mabalutan lahat ng katawan ko. This thick comforter really feels good when sleeping. I shifted my position to the other side and hugged the pillow beside me. Ahh, what a cold night to sleep under the breezy environment. "Hmm..." I groaned when I felt a touch in my hair. Mas lalo lang pinapasarap niyon ang tulog ko. It feel so good. If this is a dream then I would want to stay longer. Nagpatuloy
"Okay! Ang ayaw ko sa lahat ay yung mabagal kumilos, hindi nakikinig at palaging lutang. Maliwanag ba?!" I swallowed hard and nodded.Naka-linya kaming tatlo nila Laren habang dumadaan sa gitna namin si Ate Alma. Her intimidating presence made us fixed our gesture and hoping that we will not be in her blacklist."Tia, tignan mo yung kilay ni ate Alma, kulang nalang malagpasan na yung Mt. Fuji," napaawang ang bibig ko nang bumulong si Marissa. Humagikgik lang siya at pinagsiklop ang dalawang kamay bago ibinalik ang tingin sa ginang.Ate Alma didn't seem to hear it. Nakasiklop ang mga braso nito at may dala-dalang mataas na stick na animo'y isang guro na handang magturo sa nga estudyante niya. We are now wearing an apron and a hairnet. Ate Alma is our head when it comes to the bakery. Matagal na siyang nagtra-trabaho rito kaya siya ang pinagkakatiwalaan ng lola nila Laren."Ang pinaka-ayaw ko rin sa lahat ay yung makupad at pala-tanong. Maliwanag ba?!""O-opo, ate Alma." Sabay-sabay n
Napatukod ako sa hamba ng lamesa at mahigpit na hinawakan iyong bilang suporta. Nahihilo ako at unti-unting hindi nagiging normal ang paningin ko. "Celestia, ayos kalang ba? Uminom ka muna ng tubig," Maria handed me a glass of water which I immediately drank. Nang hagurin ni Laren ang likod ko ay napansin niyang basang-basa iyon. I'm sweating so bad. In my peripheral vision, I saw her getting a new handkerchief and wiped my sweating back. Pina-upo muna nila ako at pinagpahinga. What suddenly happened to me? "Oh," inabutan ako ni Marissa ng isang paper bag. "Kumain ka muna, alam kong sumama ang pakiramdam mo dahil nalipasan ka ng gutom. And let me guess, hindi ka sanay sa mga ganitong gawain no?" Being embarrassed, I nodded. Unang araw ko palang sa trabaho ay inaabala ko pa sila. "Magpahinga ka muna diyan, Celestia," tumango ako at nakinig. Sinimulan ko na rin kainin ang binigay sa akin ni Laren. Umiikot pa rin ang paningin ko at pinagpapawisan ng sobra. "Ate Alma, Tignan mo dal
Tinupi ko ang kahuli-hulihang damit ko at isinilid iyon sa maleta ko. Kakarampot nalang na mga gamit ang kailangan kong ayusin. Nilinis ko na rin ang kwarto ko at ibinalik sa dating posisyon ang ilang mga gamit roon. It took me hours to organize everything.Sa paglabas ko ng kwarto ay kaagad akong pumunta sa sala para hanapin si Wayde. Nakita ko siyang may ginagawa at nang makita ako ay kaagad niyang niligpit ang mga gamit niya.“Uhh, I’m done cleaning the room. Naibalik ko na rin ang yung mga bagay na ginamit ko noon sa kwarto mo.” Panimula ko.Umupo ako sa kaharap na sofa niya at kumuha ng isang throw pillow at niyakap iyon. Nanakit ang likod ko dahil sa magdamag na pagliligpit sa kwarto. Tumango si Wayde at pinagsiklop ang mga kamay. Silence invaded between us.“H-hey,” tawag ko kay Wayde nang hindi siya magsalita.He seems to be in a deep thought. His lips is forming into a thin line while frowning. Mukha siyang nakipag-argumento sa sarili niya. I was looking at him in confusion.
I dragged myself into such a mess and I knew a lot more to come. I don’t want to drag him in my mess and put stains in his name. Nararamdaman ko ang pag-init ng sulok ng mga mata ko."Shh, you don't have to be sorry. " humakbang siya papalapit sakin at nilapat ang palad sa pisngi ko. He wipes the tears that were slowly rolling through my cheeks."I'm so sorry, Wayde." mas lumakas pa ang hikbi ko nang sinabi niya iyon.It wasn't just a mixture of pain. It was somehow mixed with frustration and disappointment. Pumikit ako ng mariin at hinayaan ang mga luhang unti-unting bumabagsak sa mga mata ko."God knows how much I want to risk this, Wayde." He removed his hand on my cheeks.Sinalubong ko ang tingin niya at nakita ko ang pagkalito sa mukha niya. Tila may dumaang kinang sa mata niya at nabuhayan ng pag-asa. It left me confused."You...want to risk this?" so much, Wayde."Nag-usap na kami ni Laren ng lilipatan ko at pwede na raw akong lumipat bukas. I just realize, nung unang tapak ko
I calmed down when I saw who it was. He put his index finger on his mouth as if telling me to be silent.“Wayde? A-Anong ginagawa mo rito? And… Why did you take me here?” luminga ako sa paligid.Sa halip ay sagutin ako ay umupo lang ito sa batuhan kaya sumunod ako. Umupo rin ako sa gilid niya but leaving some distances between both of us. The light from the shining moon was the only thing that gave light to the place.Hindi kalayuan rin sa amin ay makikita ang mga pahapyaw ng liwanag na gawa ng mga apoy na galing sa palapa ng niyog o sa sulo. Natatabunan iyon ng mga puno sa paligid. The river looks sparkling whenever the light hits the water. Payapa ang agos ng tubig sa ilog at kung sinuman ang makikita niyon ay mahaharuyo sa kagandahan nitong taglay. It screams so much peacefulness and solace. From those rustling leaves, and the sound that the river made was just comforting.“How’s the fiesta?” tanong niya.“It’s fun! And you know what, Clayton made a scene earlier. Sayang at hindi
With a cross fingers, only two contestants were left. Clayton and the other guy. They are making eye contact, waiting for someone to attack to catch the pig. "Tatapusin ko na 'tooo!" sigaw ng lalaki at nilangoy ang putikan para makuha ang kahuli-hulihang biik. All of us shouted in unison when the game ended. Isa-isa nilang tinaas ang mga nakuhang biik. My eyes went to Clayton, salubong ang mga kilay nitong lumabas sa palaruan at lumapit sa direksyon namin. "I could have won that!" Clayton complained. The mud was still dripping in his body. "Oh! Ang isa sa mga paborito ng mga kalahok natin! Hindi lang biik ang premyo niyo kundi meron rin tayong mga magandang dilag ang magpapaligo sa inyo. Ilabas ang hose!" Palakpakan at sigawan ulit ang maririnig sa boung paligid. I frowned when I noticed Clayton walking towards the coordinator's place and asked if he could borrow the microphone. Nang mahiram iyon ay kaagad nitong hinarap ang lalaking naging kalaban nito kanina. Nakita kong lumap
"Marissa, ano ba..." nahihiyang tugon ni Laren pero huli na para tumanggi dahil hinila na siya ng kapatid at dinala sa loob ng palaruan.I witnessed how Clayton's expression shifted. He took a leap into the fences and whispered something to the coordinator. Salubong ang mga kilay nitong nakikipag-usap sa isang kalahok.When the coordinator nodded, Clayton ripped off his shirt in front of everyone. He did that effortlessly! Lumakas ang tilian sa paligid at sa lahat ng mga sigaw ay sa kanya ang may pinakamalakas. Not to mention that Clayton has the same body built with Wayde that can make any girl drool."May last contestant pa tayo na humabol! at dahil apat lang ang biik natin, isa sa kanila ang hindi makakauwi ng biik. Isigaw niyo ang pambato niyo!!""Go Clayton! Bring out your charms, you prick!" I shouted to cheer him up. Kumindat naman si Clayton sa lahat bago tinapunan ng tingin si Laren. The side of my lips rose up when their eyes met. Take that, you jerk."Oh magsisimula na an
"Please... huwag mo sabihin sa iba." With my mouth drape open, I nodded like a robot.Oh gosh! I can really smell something fishy from the first time I saw Laren reaction whenever Clayton's name is mentioned.“Laren! Watch out!” babala ko nang merong paparating na kalabaw sa pwesto niya. It was almost too late for her to step aside when a set of arms caught her waist and pulled her closer.Mas lalong hindi ako makapaniwala sa nasaksihan ko.“Clayton, Laren!” Sabay silang bumagsak sa damuhan. Clayton’s irritated face is visible as he sharply glared at Laren.Kaagad namin silang dinaluhan at tinulungang tumayo.“Hindi kaba tumitingin sa dinadaanan mo? You almost hit yourself!” Clayton scoffed at Laren. Bakas ang pagka-irita sa mukha nito.“Pasensya na, hindi ko lang napansin.” Paghingi ng tawad ni Laren at pinagpagan ang sarili. I heard Clayton hissed before turning his back.“Ayos lang, nagalit ko ata si Clayton,” mahina niyang bulong sa’kin.Umiling ako, “Nah! Huwag mo na ‘yang pansin
I nodded. “ Yeah, he’s a busy person.”Ate Alma and Marissa’s shoulders fell. Akala ko rin ay sasama talaga siya, but it turns out that he wouldn’t. He must be so busy with his work that he had no time to attend such an event. I’m actually concerned with his well-being. He has been working day and night consecutively and he forgot to eat his meal most of the time.I can really relate with him also too. My dad’s always so busy with our company that he sometimes forgets to attend my activities in school way back. Nanlulumo rin ako minsan, but whenever I think that he’s doing it for my future, those kinds of thoughts fade away.“Sayang! Pinaghandaan ko pa naman ang pagdating niya. Tignan niyo kung gaano ako kaganda ngayon” umikot pa siya sa harap namin at ipinakita ang bestida niya.It’s a Korean style dress that is popular nowadays. She also has that bandana style in her head that we usually see in the olden days painting about a young woman. Marissa really looks good on that.Her moren
“Wayde! Aren’t you excited for the fiesta?” I styled my hair into soft curls and put on my headband.Naghahanda ako para sa idadaos na event mamaya. This would be the very first time that I would attend such a barrio fiesta and I’m excited for it.Marissa and Laren would be there too. Hindi rin naman papigil si Clayton at sasalihan niya raw ang lahat ng contest doon. I really can’t believe that the brute is here. And he knew Wayde very well. What a small world after all.“Hmm, there’s nothing exciting about it. I’m not going,” ani Wayde habang ang mga mata’y nakatuon sa Ipad nito.“O c’mon, it’s just for tonight and then done. Dapat sumama ka. And I’m also sure that you might be interested in playing the games too!” giit ko pa para makumbinsi siyang sumama. “I have work.” I rolled my eyes. He really is a workaholic. He barely even has time to relax due to workloads.“You can just get back to work after the event. It would be fun, I’m sure. Lots of games and dancing, you know.”“You.
"They're gone." Kaagad akong bumitaw sa kanya at kinurot siya. "Really?! Out of all the excuses, yun pa talaga ang naisip mo?" napapantastikuhan ko siyang tinignan. "It was adrenaline rush. Kesa naman wala akong masabi sa kanila. Why? You're affected?" tila napapaso akong lumayo sa kanya at marahas na umiling. The confidence! "H-Hell no! not even in a million." That's a lie, really. Hindi ko man aminin, but I know that there's already something growing inside me "Na ano... ba? Oh my!" napatakip ako ng bibig nang marealize ang sinabi ko kanina lang. For the second time around, Wayde chuckled. Hindi ko kayang tumingin sa kanya dahil sa kahihiyan na sinabi ko. How much embarrassment could I get?! Ramdam ko ang pag-init ng pisngi ko. My face is red as the tomato right now. I glared at Wayde who's clearly just teasing me the whole time. Siya pa ang masamang tinignan ko gayung ako naman ang gumawa ng sarili kong kahihiyan. “S-Shut up. Anyway, I have something to say.” “Spill.