Chapter 4
I WAS SITTING peacefully in the corner when I suddenly heard chit chat around me. Malapit lang ito sa akin kaya naman ay kahit bulong lang ay naririnig ko sila. "Girl, nakita mo ba yung post ni Rita?" rinig kong bulong nung babae. "Yah! And I envy her, like duh, I hope I have a boyfriend like hers," maarteng sagot ng babae. "Are they really together?" "My sister said he was courting rita last year but sadly, Rita needed to go back abroad, maybe he wants to court her again. What a lucky girl." nagtawanan ang dalawa. Court her? and again? Hindi ko na natiis pa ang mga naririnig kaya naman ay umalis na ako doon. Hindi siya nagpunta sa amin ng araw na iyon dahil may importante itong gagawin kaya naman ay bakante ang oras namin sa subject na iyon na ikinatuwa ko dahil hindi ko pa ulit siya kayang tingnan ng malapitan, lalo na ngayon na ginagawa ko ang lahat upang maiwasan siya. Nag-aalala sa akin ang dalawa kong kaibigan dahil nanatili lang akong tahimik buong araw at walang imik. They never asked me but I know they already have an idea what happened to me—or what makes me frustrated. Kinabukasan ay ganun pa rin ang mood ko. Mas lalo pa akong nalungkot ng makitang nakasakay si Rita Danielle sa sasakyan ni Theseus ng mapadaan ito sa guard house. Why am I hurting? It's just a crush, but why do I feel a pang on my chest? AFTERNOON, Vera was not around so I decided to buy food by myself. Nakatingin lang ako sa mga paa ko habang naglalakad hanggang sa mapatigil ako ng may nabangga ako. "Sorry," sabi ko at umiwas. Napaangat ako ng tingin ng bigla ako nitong hawakan sa braso. "Are you okay?" si Theseus na bakas ang pag-aalala. Tumango lang ako at binawi ang kamay bago siya nilagpasan, narinig ko pang tinawag niya ako pero hindi ko siya nilingon. NAGKASALUBONG muli kami hanggang sa mag-uwian ay hindi ko siya pinansin. Maybe it's time to uncrush him. It's been a week since I started to avoid him. I still remember our last encounter which is last night. My parents invited them and I was shock that he was also there, he's not always attending a dinner when my parents invited them. Madalas ay ang isa lang niyang kapatid ang sumasama kaya naman nagtaka ako sa ikinilos niya kagabi. Nakasimangot akong bumaba dahil inaantok pa ako nang ipatawag ako nila Mom. Ngumuso na lang ako at nagpatuloy bumaba ng hagdan. "My," mahinang tawag ko. "Darling, here!" sigaw nito sa dining kaya dun na ako dumiretso. Malapad akong ngumiti ngunit agad din iyong naglaho nang makita kung sino ang kasama nila Mom sa dining. My eyes widened and I don't know why I am suddenly feel nervous because of him! "Hello, hija! Mana ka talaga sa Mom mo, beautiful as always." masayang bungad sa akin ng nanay ni Theseus. Nahihiyang ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Good evening po sa inyo," lumapit ako kina Mom para humalik. "Sit beside him, darling!" sabi ni Mom nang mauupo sana ako sa tabi niya. Napakamot naman ako ng noo. Kinakabahan akong umupo sa tabi ni Theseus. Hindi ko ito binalingan ng tingin at nanatiling tahimik. Nang nagsimulang kumain ang lahat ay tahimik lang ako at sumasagot lang kapag tinatanong nila. Naramdaman ko naman ang tingin ng katabi ko ngunit pinili kong balewalain iyon kahit gustong-gusto ko na lingunin siya. Nang matapos ang dinner ay nagpaalam na ako sa kanila dahil hindi ko na talaga kinakaya ang presensya niya. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang makalabas ako ng bahay. Tumambay lang ako sa garden namin at umupo sa damuhan. Napatingala ako sa kalangitan, humiga ako at tumitig lang sa langit na puno ng mga bituin at sa bilog na bilog na buwan. Napangiti ako at napapikit ng biglang humangin ng malakas. "So damn pretty," napamulat ako nang marinig ang boses nito at may maramdaman sa may tainga ko. Napabangon ako at nanlalaking mata na tumingin sa kanya. "Ano?!" He chuckle. Ako naman ay nahihiyang nag-iwas ng tingin. Magsasalita na sana ako para sawayin siya ngunit inunahan niya ako. Tumayo siya at ngumiti sa akin. "See you tomorrow, Dahlia." naiwan akong gulat sa kinilos nito. That's what happened last night. ''Vera, ano next subject natin ngayon?'' kinakabahan kong tanong. After what happened last week, I decided to avoid him. I'm just nothing to him yet I act like a mad girlfriend. I'm just fifteen years old, turning sixteen this coming saturday, maybe I was too young for this. But how would I stop myself admiring him? Pero hinahangaan nga lang ba talaga? I can feel that this is not a crush anymore. When I saw him he makes my heart beat so fast, he can make me happy in his simple glance, the way he smirked at me, the way he talked to me using his cold voice I felt so contented. Lastly, seeing him with other girl makes me jealous and hurt at the same time. I'm not dumb not to notice this feeling. I think I am already falling in love with him. But do I really am? ''I think it’s Business Finance, why?'' I just shook my head and she shrugged. Is it possible to fall in love at this age? I don't really know. They said at this age you're going to experience a happy crush or puppy love but why do I feel different? I'm so confused. I’m still a minor. A fifteen year old girl turning sixteen this coming saturday while he’s already nineteen. Thinking about our age gap makes me lose a hope that he will like me. What is love? What does it truly mean? Maybe I need to understand it soon. The only love I know is for my family, the rest I don't have any idea anymore. I fix myself and sit properly. I stared at the board blankly. I didn't want him to see that I was hurt because I was jealous. We greeted him after he entered our room. We stared at each other for a second before I looked away. Our topic for today is Flowing of Funds. He discussed to us how the movement of money in and out of bank accounts. He also said that flows can vary depending upon the number of times money moves, the currency, the payment rail, type of business, the goods or services the business provides, by whom the business is run, and asset types that the business holds. Nang matapos siya magdiscussed ay medyo nag ingay na ang paligid kaya naman ay sinaway niya ang mga maiingay, using his cold voice. ''Quiet. I have announcement.'' striktong sabi nito. Natahimik naman ang lahat dahil sa takot nila. ''Mr. Yiu can't book a flight from the U.S to the Philippines for a reason. I don't really know the exact date when he will come back. So, expect me here for more upcoming days. That's all. You can have your lunch now.'' He said then looked at me intently. I was about to leave with Vera but he suddenly called me. ''Ms. Moretti, I need to talked to you.'' nanlaki ang mata ko dahil sa boses nito. Is that real? Or am I just hallucinating? His voice is full of gentleness as if he is talking to a child for pete sake! Vera looked shocked at what she heard too. Like, he’s not like that naman! He’s so mean kaya! She looked at me with his judging eyes before walking away. She just waved her hand then left. ''Ahm why?'' naiilang kong tanong. I sit on the chair in front of him. My brows furrowed when he suddenly stand to close the door? He even locked it. I looked at him confusedly. ''You're avoiding me.'' he stated. Umiwas ako ng tingin. ''I'm not.'' sagot ko. ''Do you think I'm going to believe you?'' ''Nagtanong ka pa, di ka naman pala maniniwala.'' pasmadong sagot ko. He sighed. ''Are we okay?'' tanong nito. I secretly snorted. ''Oo naman, bakit?'' umiling ito. He sighed heavily. ''You're acting different.'' his voice is very gentle. Seriously, what the hell is his problem? ''Huh? Panong different?'' inosenteng tanong ko kahit alam ko naman ang tinutukoy niya. ''Are you mad? Is this because of the girl-” I cut him off and that made him stiffened. ''Hindi ng sabi! Bakit naman ako magagalit kung kasama mo girlfriend mo? Hindi ako nagseselos! Pakialam ko sa inyo?!'' iritadong sabi ko. He stared at me for a second before he pursed his lips to smile. ''So, that's the reason why are you avoiding me? You're jealous? She's nothing.'' tumingin ako sa kanya. My lips parted. ''She's not your girlfriend?'' umiling ito. ''She's not and she will never be. Are you still mad at me?'' Umiling ako. ''I'm not mad, I-im just frustrated for nonsense reason you know.'' I awkwardly said then he chuckled. ''You're so cute baby.'' My eyes widened when he called me baby! Is this for real?! ''Baby?!'' sigaw ko. ''Yes baby?'' my lips parted. Mahihimatay na ata ako dito. Totoo ba ito? If this is just a dream, this will be the best dream ever! ''Stop giving me a mix signals, I don't need that!'' inis kong sabi dito. Nanatili itong nakatitig sa akin kaya naman hindi ko maiwasan kabahan. ''What if I told you that I like you?'' tanong nito. Natigilan ako. He likes me? Damn self, what if lang, wag kang excited. Umiwas lang ako ng tingin at hindi na naglakas ng loob pa na tignan sya. ''Dahlia Nicaleigh Moretti, do you mind if I court you?'' He said using his serious voice. Is he really serious? What if he's just playing with me? Malalim akong napabuntong-hininga. ''I’m still young. A fifteen years old student. Hindi ko alam kung maniniwala ba ako.'' tanging nasabi ko. ''So I am. I am not that old. But I respect your decision, but I wanted you to know that I'm not playing with you. I am so damn serious. I will start courting you in your 16th birthday whether you like it or not.'' my jaw dropped. My heart beat so fast as he smiled at me. But it feels so wrong! I’m still a minor! Ano na lang ang iisipin ng mga tao sa paligid namin dahil nililigawan niya ang batang katulad ko?! Kung sa akin wala iyong malisya ngunit sa ibang tao alam kong marami ang huhusga sa amin lalo na sa kanya. Sa halip na tumango ay fipid na lang akong ngumiti. I don’t know anymore. Ang bilis ng pangyayari. I can’t help but to doubt. He is a nice person, pero ganon na lang ba talaga yun? Pwede bang mahulog ang isang tao ng ganon kabilis? Natapos ang lahat ng klase na iyon lang ang inisip ko. Hindi ako makapaniwala dahil ang gusto kong lalaki ay liligawan na ako. Ang sarap isipin na nagustuhan ako ng lalaking gusto ko, ngunit kaakibat naman nito ang takot sa posibleng mga mangyari. I will ask my Mom about this matter. Hindi ako dapat mag paligoy-ligoy. Kahit naman labis ang pagkagusto ko sa kanya ay hindi ko rin gusto na masaktan sa huli dahil paglalaruan lang pala ako nito. For now, I will let destiny decide what is meant for us—or if we are really meant for each other.Hi! Feel free to comment your thoughts about this story. Your opinion matters to me for my improvements na din as a writer. Kaya if napansin nyo parang may kulang or napaka plain just comment and I will try harder to be a better writer. Thank you!
Chapter 5Malapad ang ngiti ko na naglakad papunta sa café. Napagusapan kasi namin nila Christine at Vera na doon na lang kami magkita. Habang naghihintay sa dalawa ay umorder muna ako at itinuon ang mata sa phone ko.Napaangat ako ng tingin ng may maramdaman akong lumapit sa may mesa. Ngumiti ako sa pag aakala na sila Christine iyon pero naglaho ang mga ngiting iyon ng mapagtanto kung sino iyon.It was her. Rita Danielle.She smiled at me. A friendly one."Hi I'm Rita, you are Dahlia, right?" nagtataka man ay tumango ako."I just want to clear something up, if you don't mind," she still wearing her friendly smile kaya ngumiti na rin ako."Sure." tipid na sagot ko.“Ahm, about the photos. Theseus and I were just friends,” she smiled then she suddenly held my hand.“Huh? Why are you telling me that?” naguguluhan kong tanong.Hindi pa rin nawawala ang ngiti niya sa akin."Theseus and I talked yesterday, he was so annoyed because you avoided him raw. Then he sisi me! I was shocked naman,
Chapter 6I'm wearing a luxurious gold satin gown with a Gucci black belt at my waist revealing my back and my right leg because of the slit of my gown. My 4-inch heels were color silver by Aquazzura, it's just so simple yet elegant looking. I had hair extensions for my hairstyle for today. My stylist curls it and then puts amazing silver accessories as a design on my hair. I'm also wearing a silver necklace with a crystal pendant, it was a gift from dad he gave it before the party started.''What kind of face is that?'' biglang tanong ni Vera ng makitang nakasimangot ako.Tipid akong ngumiti. ''What?'' umirap ito.''Duh! This is your day, yet you looked like you are at a funeral!'' sumimangot ako.''Grabe ka naman sa funeral. Ano ba meron sa mukha ko?'' takang tanong ko dito.Her brows furrowed. ''Argh! Don't me! I know that kind of face! So, are you expecting someone to come?'' ngumuso ako.Am I ready to tell about him? It's not that I don't trust her, I'm just scared of how she wil
Chapter 7I was walking around while smiling widely. The visitors already left, while my brothers had some errands to do. My parents and I were the only ones here. They are talking to the in-charge manager to settle the payment for the venue and the food. Christine and Vera also left with their family. At first, they wanted to stay with me but I said that they should go 'cause it was already late.This day was so memorable. I'm just a bit sad because he didn't come. I'm wondering what is he doing right now. Is he really busy? He didn't even text me to say Happy Birthday. I can't get mad at him. I'm not in a position to act like that.I sat down on the Bermuda grass. It's so dark here, the post from afar was the only one that gives light here.I was sitting here for almost an half hour. I'm just enjoying the view since it was so peaceful and very relaxing. When the wind blows up, I immediately close my eyes and feel the breeze of the wind. My hair blew away by the wind. Nang tumigil n
Chapter 8Malapad akong nakangiti while doing the activity for today. I still remember what happened a month ago. I can’t believe it! My favorite person just give me a necklace! It’s so impossible but it really did happen! I can’t explain how happy I am. Isang buwan na ang nakakalipas pero hindi ko pa rin maiwasan na hindi kiligin.“Moretti, may nagpapabigay raw!” sigaw ng kaklase ko kaya natigil ako sa ginagawa.“Huh? Kanino raw galing?” taka kong taning nang maiabot sa akin ang isang bouquet of red tulips.Hindi ko maiwasan na mapatitig sa red tulips na hawak ko ngayon. Napakaganda! “Paano ba yan pre, hindi ka pa nanliligaw pero mukhang basted ka na agad!” rinig kong asaran sa gilid.“Kaya nga pre! Mukhang kailangan ki ng karamay mamaya pre! Samahan mo ako mag videoke don sa The Sins!”“Oo naman pre! Hindi ko pababayaan ang kaibigan kong broken hearted noh!” madamdamin na sagot naman nung isa.“Ano ba yan ang cringe nyo!” sigaw pa ng isa namin kaklase kaya nagtawanan ang karamihan
Chapter 9 For the past few months, I feel so contented pero hindi pa rin maalis sa akin na maguluhan. I am confuse on what I need to do. Kaya ko ba talaga na pigilan ang nararamdaman ko? Is this worth it to fight for? “Ano ba yan!” inis kong ani sa sarili at ginulo ang buhok. Instead of overthinking, bumaba ako sa kama at dumiretso sa cr ng kwarto ko. Kailangan kong magpalamig ng ulo ng malinawan naman ako kahit sandali. Kung mananatili ako dito sa kwarto ko ay hindi uusad ang iniisip ko kaya naman ay plano kong ayain ang mga kaibigan ko ngayon. Wala man silang alam sa nangyayari sa lovelife ko, alam kong malaki ang maitutulong nila sa akin pagdating sa pagdedesisyon. Maliwanag pa nang makarating ako sa lugar na pagkikitaan namin nila Christine. Nang makita sila ay agad akong lumapit sa kanila. “Girls,” tawag ko sa atensyon nila. “Omg girl! What happened? Are you heartbroken ba? Why is your face like that? Like parang nalugi?” Vera. I sighed. Tama ba na sa kanila ako humi
Chapter 10Time flies so fast. Parang nung isang araw lang ay naghahanda ako para sa sixteenth birthday ko, habang ngayon naman ay ilang buwan na lang ay nasa legal age na ako. After we got home, I receive a text message from him. He wants to eat dinner with me tonight, so I say yes. Sino ba naman ako para tanggihan siya? Isa pa ay natutuwa nga ako dahil ganito ang trato niya sa akin.Hindi ko inaasahan na seryoso talaga siya sa akin at napatunayan ko iyon nang iwasan ko siya ng matagal. Naging maayos ang pag-uusap namin ng araw na nagkita kami, ang akala ko nga ay magagalit ito sa naging kilos ko pero naintindihan nya ako. He’s a good man indeed.''Vera, maganda ba?'' tanong ko habang suot ang damit na binigay niya.''Oh my! It's so ganda! I told yah, bagay talaga sayo yan!'' magiliw nitong sagot.''Arte mo bruha ka.'' singit ni Christine sabay hila sa buhok nito.Sumimangot naman si Vera. ''Aray! You know what? You're so panira talaga!'' sabay irap.I chuckled when Christine imita
Chapter 11 Sweet We become busy the next few days since it’s our finals exam is coming that's why we needs to study well. He never failed to make my heart flutter because of his simple gestures. Sabay kami kumain ng lunch na ikinatampo ng dalawa kong kaibigan. Bumabawi naman ako sa kanilang dalawa dahil ayaw ko na magalit sila sa akin. I may be in love, but I won't let love ruin our friendship. "Danny girl, you'll eat with us, right?" Vera hopefully asked. "Oo naman, saan nyo ba gusto kumain?'' masayang sabi ko. "Mga beh gusto ko dun sa ihaw-ihaw!" Christine. "What ihaw-ihaw?" takang tanong ni, Vera. "Yung parang bacon! Tapos may pinapahid pa na kung ano nga ba—ah basta yon ihaw!" "What kind of food are you talking about?" naguguluhan na tanong nito. "I think she's talking about the food samgyup." singit ko. "Ayun tama ka beh!" I chuckle. Vera suggested the samgyupsal restaurant near our school. We haven't tried to eat there but based on the comments that we have
Chapter 12 Tulips w/ notes Mahigit dalawang taon na rin nang ligawan niya ako at hanggang ngayon ay pursigido pa rin siya sa akin. Hindi niya kinakalimutan iparamdam sa akin na ako lang ang gusto niya wala ng iba pa. He still has his cold expression and his very serious aura, which makes him look intimidating. Minsan naman ay napakalambing niya pero maya-maya rin ay biglang susungit. Aliw na aliw naman ako sa ugali niya na iyon. Sa loob ng nagdaan taon ay nakuha ni Theseus ang loob ng mga magulang ko habang si Kuya Darius naman ay medyo mainit pa rin ang tingin kay Theseus. Kung minsan nga ay kinakausap nila si Theseus pero hindi ko alam kung ano ang pinagusapan nila. Hindi na ako nag-usisa pa dahil alam ko naman na gusto pa nila itong kilalanin ng lubos. Isa pa sa nagpagulat sa akin ay ang mga magulang ni Theseus, alam na pala nila ang plano ni Theseus bago ang celebration ko noon! Kaya pala kung makatingin sila sa akin ay parang may kakaiba dahil meron talaga! I remember