"Hey." A voice said behind me.
I looked over my shoulder and saw my sister. "Ate Zaf." I gave her a small smile.
"I'm sorry about earlier, sissy." She said softly.
I just nodded. Wala lang naman talaga 'yon sa 'kin. She was just stating the fact. And it's a good thing that she did not tolerated my behavior earlier.
My sister sat down beside me. Nasa terrace kasi ako ng bahay nila Jam, pinapanood ang paglubog ng araw. This has been a habit of mine ever since bata ako. I love to watch the sunset.
"You never watched the sunset with me before. Ngayon lang." I smiled bitterly while remembering our childhood days. Naalala ko na umiyak ako ng umiyak noon dahil ayaw niya akong samahan sa seashore para manood ng sunset. Mas maganda kasi panoorin ang sunset kapag nasa tabing-dagat ka. Nagtampo ako sa kanya ng ilang araw no'n. I was really upset that time.
"I'm sorry. It's just that... I am not a fan of sunsets." She uttered.
"It's alright. We have our own reasons why we like and dislike sunsets." I told her.
"Enough with the drama, girls." Napalingon kami kay Jam na kararating lang. "I baked some cookies. You should try this! It's my first time baking cookies, hindi ko alam if anong lasa nito." She placed the tray full of cookies on the table.
"Thank you, Jam!" Ate Zaf and I said in chorus that made Jam cackle. Sabay naming tinikman ni Ate ang gawa ni Jam na cookies.
"How was it?" Jam asked excitedly, waiting for our reaction.
"It's tasty!" I said after taking a bite of the cookie. "Sure ka bang first time mo mag-bake ng cookies? Ang sarap kaya."
"Ako pa ba." She crossed her arms and smiled widely. She's so adorable!
"Jam, you never disappoint me! Every time you'll bake something, laging may something sa taste that makes it different sa previous delicacies mo." Ate Zaf complimented Jam's baking skills. Not gonna lie, she bakes really well.
"Yep! You should also bake some cupcakes tomorrow." I told her.
"Wow, desisyon ka ah." At nagtatawanan lamang kami buong hapon habang papalubog na ang araw. Dinalhan din kami ni Nana ng juice. She also mentioned that she cooked my favorite adobo for dinner so I got really excited.
"Ang sarap ng adobo na luto ni Nana!"
"I know right! Na-miss ko kaya 'to. Wala talagang makakatalo sa mga luto ni Nana." Saad ni Ate Zaf.
"The view even made this dinner more memorable." I uttered while staring at the night view of the city of Cebu. The city lights look so wonderful. Everything is mesmerizing. I already did took a lot of pictures of the night view and posted some of my shots on I*******m.
"Ilang taon ko na kayong hindi naipagluto kaya bumawi ako. Tsaka para naman hindi n'yo masyadong ma-miss ang Manila." Nana said while grilling the pork we bought kanina sa supermarket.
"Oo nga eh lalo na 'tong si Erin." Napalingon ako kay Jam. Lagi na lang niya akong pinupuntirya.
"Bakit ako na naman topic n'yo?" Kunot-noo kong tanong.
"Baka kasi miss mo na si.. ano eh." Nagkatinginan silang tatlo.
"Who?" My forehead creased.
"No other than the one and only Jake of your life."
Hindi talaga ako titigilan ni Jam. Oh my god. Lagi na lang niyang sinisingit sa usapan si Jake. Naalala ko na naman ang pinangako ko sa kanya the day before we flew to Cebu. I shook my head para kalimutan muna 'yon kahit ngayon lang.
"Shut up." I rolled my eyes, getting annoyed now. "I just wanna have a peaceful dinner." I added and ate a spoonful of rice clearly forgetting that I'm on a diet. Whatever.
"Galit na 'yan? Bakit, totoo bang miss mo na si Jake?" Jam will never stop teasing me, I swear.
"No!" I hissed.
"Talaga ba?"
"Oo nga! Stop it already." Napasapo na lang akong sa noo ko. I'm surrounded by loud and chaotic extroverts.
"Naiinis na 'yan." Ate Zaf said while chewing her food.
"Buti alam mo." Masungit kong tugon. But they just keep on laughing at me! Grabe talaga sila sa 'kin.
"If I know, you're excited to see your long-time crush." I teased my sister. It's payback time!
Ate Zaf was taken aback before rolling her eyes. "I don't have a crush!" Namumula niyang tanggi.
"She's blushing!" Jam laughed her heart out. Grabe, ang lakas talaga ng tawa niya.
"I'm not blushing kaya!" Hinarangan ni Ate ng kamay ang mukha niya.
"Defensive ka masyado, 'te!" Pang-aasar ko kaya binato niya ako ng table napkin. Natawa lalo sina Jam at Nana.
"Hindi ah. Wala nga kasi akong crush!"
"Talaga lang, ha?" I was scrolling on my phone's gallery. Hinahanap ko kasi 'yong pictures namin no'ng huling punta namin dito sa Cebu. Sa pagkakatanda ko, may picture si Ate kasama ang crush niya noon sa isang basketball court. Nanood kami ng liga noon tapos sabi ni Ate crush nya daw 'yong captain ng isang team. Kaya tinulak-tulak ko pa siya noon para makapagpa-picture sa lalaki. That happened years ago.
"'Diba siya 'yong crush mo, Ate?" I raised my brow while looking at my sister. Pinakita ko sa kanya ang pictures niya with the guy I'm talking about.
"Omg! Ang pogi." Jam giggled at tiningnan pa ng maayos ang mukha no'ng lalaki. Guwapo nga naman talaga.
"Crush ko rin siya, Ate Zaf. Paano 'yan?" Dagdag pa niya kaya lalo kaming natawa. Konti na lang talaga, susugurin na kami ng mga kapitbahay nila sa sobrang ingay naming apat dito sa terrace.
"He's not my crush anymore! Dati pa 'yon eh, noong huli kong punta dito." Namumula pa rin si Ate Zaf, she can't hide her emotions. "Delete that pics, Erin!" She hissed but I just laughed at her.
"Ilakad mo na lang ako diyan, Ate." Pagbibiro ni Jam kaya natigilan kami ni Ate except kay Nana nq busy sa pag-iihaw ng isda.
"Why?" Jam looked at me and Ate Zaf.
"Anong sinasabi mong ilakad ka sa crush ni Ate Zaf eh may boyfriend ka rin?" Sabi ko at siya naman itong napatigil.
"Oh, hindi n'yo pa ba alam?" Nagsalita si Nana.
"Ang alin po?" I curiously asked kasi wala naman talaga akong alam.
"Ako na magsasabi, Ma." Mahinang sabi ni Jam sa nanay niya bago kami hinarap. "It's been a year since we broke up."
"What?!"
"For real?!"
We didn't know about it! We last visited Jam and Nana two years ago. Bago kami umuwi no'n ni Ate Zaf sa Manila, pinakilala sa amin ni Jam ang boyfriend, or should I say ex-boyfriend niya.
"And you didn't even bother to tell us?!" I hissed. I can't believe she hid it from us but I know she has her own reasons.
"Sorry na nga. I don't want to bother the two of you." Yumuko si Jam.
"Come on, Jam. We're a family here. Kung alam lang namin na ganoon kaseryoso ang pinagdaanan mo noon, edi sana dinamayan ka namin."
She hugged me. "Thank you, Zeph." I just tapped her back because I seriously don't know what to say. I haven't experienced any heartbreaks yet. I can only comfort someone by staying with them.
"It's okay, Jam. That's life. But don't worry, you'll find someone better din... someday." Ate Zaf tried to cheer her up.
"So... tell us what exactly happened."
Jam smiled weakly. "Long story short. We were doing fine naman, we often went out to go for a date. I was so attached to him. I thought our relationship will work out but he said he fell out of love. It was just his alibi tho. The truth is he just used me to forget his ex. Pero bumalik 'yong ex niya so he left me. Pampalipas oras lang pala ako no'n." Jam laughed but I can still sense the bitterness in her laughter. What her ex-boyfriend did to her wasn't right!
"Oh ano, iiyak ka na naman? Ilang linggo ka ring iyak ng iyak sa loob ng kwarto mo noon. Hindi deserve ng lalaking 'yon ang luha mo. Tumigil ka na, Jam." Sita ni Nana kay Jam na nakanguso ngayon.
"What? You cried for weeks?" I looked at her. It must be really hard for her. Lalo na'tfirst boyfriend niya.
"Isang buwan nga ata 'yon eh." Dagdag pa ni Nana.
"Mama naman eh!" Pagdadabog ni Jam. Tinawanan lang siya ni Nana bago nagpaalam na bumaba.
"Kukuha muna ako ng juice." Sabi ni Nana.
"Sige po." Sabay naming sagot sa kanya.
Tumingin ulit ako kay Jam. "You were really in love with him, Jam." I chuckled while imagining the scenario where Jam was crying inside her room while cussing her ex-boyfriend nonstop.
"Shut up, Zeph. Kapag ikaw nagka-boyfriend tapos nag-break kayo, tatawanan din kita." Pikon niyang saad.
"Well, let's just see." I smirked. I have an unpleasant point of view about men. And I have no plans to fall in love or involve myself in a romantic relationship.
"Hindi 'yan magkakaroon ng boyfriend unless it's Jake. Sobrang choosy kaya nyan!" Sabi ni Ate Zaf kaya inirapan ko siya.
"Really?"
"I don't want to fall in love. I don't want to be in a romantic relationship." Just by thinking about falling in love, kinikilabutan na ako.
"You never know, Zeph. I was once like that yet I broke my own rules." Jam gave me a meaningful smile.
I woke up earlier than usual the next morning. I immediately got up to wash up and brush my teeth before I went downstairs. Nagugutom na 'ko kaya dumiretso ako sa kitchen ng bahay nila Jam. "Gising ka na pala, Zeph." Sambit ni Jam nang makita niya ako. Siya pala ang naghahanda ng agahan namin. Nasa garden siguro si Nana. "Yeah." I said, yawning. "Obviously." "It's too early for you to be grumpy." She told me before handing me a glass of hot chocolate. There were mallows, just exactly how I want my morning drink to be. "Thanks, Jam." I sat down on the chair. Nakatulala lang ako sa kisame habang uniinom ng hot chocolate. Ganito talaga ako kapag bagong gising, tutulala muna bago magising nang tuluyan ang diwa. "I'll help Nana to clean up the house," I told Jam who was busy scrambling some eggs for breakfast. She raised her brow at me. "Sure ka?" Tinaasan ko rin siya ng kilay. "Why? You don't think I can do it?" She shrugged. "Mayaman kayo, eh. Malay ko bang may alam kang gawai
Everything hasn't sunk in my mind yet! How come the asshole who spilt the mango shake on my dress is the cousin of my sister's friend? Bakit ba ako pinaglalaruan ng tadhana? "Erin, do you know my cousin? May something ba between the two of you? Or may nagawa siyang mali sa 'yo?" Mahinahong tanong ng kaibigan ni Ate Zaf na si Jarie. I tried my best to flash her a smile. "No! I don't know him po, Ate Jarie. And there's nothing between us! We're strangers po..." I lied. "You don't know him but you're acting like that? Sinalo ka na nga niya mula sa pagkahulog mo sa hagdan tapos ganyan ang approach mo sa kanya? Kung hinayaan ka lang niyang mahulog edi sana nasa hospital ka na ngayon. Umayos ka kaya, Zephyrine." Halatang naiinis na sa akin si Ate Zaf. I bit my lower lip. "I-I'm sorry." Then I immediately left the room. Anong kahihiyan na naman 'yon?! Parang pinapalabas pa ng lalaking 'yon na ako ang may kasalanan dito! I thought I will never see him again but what did just happen? Ba
While we were both acting oblivious, everyone was looking at me and Ethan. I aggressively bit my nails, a habit of mine whenever I'm nervous and embarrassed. "Pag-usapan nga natin 'to." It was Kuya Jude. They're now examining our facial expressions and, our actions—as if we were some criminals under scrutiny. Grabe ba! Nag-isip pa ako ng sasabihin sa kanila kanina, in case tatanungin nila kung bakit kami magkasama at kung bakit kami nakita ni Ate Wry sa kitchen na magkahalikan kahit hindi naman! Sure ako na nagtanong sila kung bakit hindi kami sumunod agad kay Ate Wry. Well, we have our reasons. And for the record, hindi kami nag-kiss ng gagong katabi ko. "Wry saw the two of you kissing inside the kitchen. God... Hindi n'yo na ginalang ang kusina nila Jam at Nana?" My sister looked at me. She is overreacting as usual. "Kalmahan mo muna, Zaf." Ate Zelle tried to stop my sister from lashing out. My sister is getting hysterical. Para naman kasing tanga itong si Ate Wry. Hindi niya
I asked permission from my sister that I'll go out to buy some snacks. I've been eating the same foods since the day I arrived here in Cebu. And I also wanted to breathe some fresh air outside. Nabo-bored na ako sa loob ng bahay nina Jam. I don't know if when are we going out to stroll around the city."You're not going out, Zephyrine." My sister said firmly while typing something on her laptop.Tumaas ang kilay ko. "But why? Hindi naman ako magtatagal sa labas, Ate. Tungkol na naman ba 'to sa age ko? My god, I'm already eighteen! Hindi na ako bata.""Mapapagalitan tayong dalawa nina Dad and Mom kapag nalaman nila ang ginawa mong paglabas ng bahay mag-isa. Gusto mo ba 'yon?" She asked back.I rolled my eyes. "Edi magalit na sila kung magalit. I don't care.""Zephyrine! Anong malay natin kung pinapasundan ba tayo ng mga tao nina Daddy at
Ethan walked me home. Kahit na sinabi kong hindi na kailangan, since I'm already inside the village. I know I'm safe in here. But he insisted. His reason was that his cousin, Ate Jarie, had a house here just a few blocks away at doon siya tumutuloy. I have no strength to argue with him so I just let him. Hindi kami nag-uusap habang naglalakad pauwi. Hindi kami close pero hindi ko siya sinusungitan. He saved me twice and that's enough to treat him casually. When I got home, Nana was watering the plants in their front yard and she saw Ethan with me kaya inaya niya ito para sumabay na rin sa aming magmeryenda. Ayaw pa sana nito pero pinilit talaga ni Nana. Magkatabi pa kami habang kumakain ng leche flan at fruit salad. Pero hindi kami nag-uusap kasi nga ang awkward! Tinanong nila kung bakit ang tagal ko raw sa labas kaya kwinento ko sa kanila ang lahat ng nangyari. "Ay naku! Ba
Ate Jarie rented five hotel rooms for us to stay in! Kuya Jude also ordered a lot of foods and drinks para mamaya. Ate Jarie told us to not worry about the bills anymore dahil sagot na niya lahat. "Mag-ambagan dapat tayo, guys." Ate Zaf suggested. "Come on, Zafie. It's alright. Ako naman talaga nag-aya sa inyo na mag-beach. You just have to relax and enjoy the moment." Ate Jarie said with a smile while hugging my sister. Out of all my sister's friends, I like Ate Jarie the most. She's very nice and sweet. Not to mention na galante rin siya sa pera. I like her presence, too. "It's settled already, okay! Don't worry sa babayaran dahil sagot ko na lahat. Magbihis muna kaso saka tayo mag-swimming. Enjoy yourselves, guys." Ate Jarie said. We went to our respective rooms to change our clothes. Mabilis lang akong nagbihis dahil simpleng swimwear l
I felt the need to avoid Ethan and ignore him. It's not an easy thing to do since mapilit at makulit talaga siyang tao. Pero tuwing naalala ko ang sinabi ni Jam sa akin, nag-iinit ang ulo ko sa kanya. Mas lalo akong naiinis sa presence niya at ni Ate Wry. But I have to get along with them, kahit in a very casual way na lang.Mas lalo man akong hindi naging kumportable kasama sina Ate Wry at Ethan, hindi ako pwedeng magpadala na naman ng emosyon ko. Ayokong gumawa ng gulo dahil nandito kami upang mag-enjoy. Mahirap man makisama sa kanila tuwing kumakain kami o nagtitipon-tipon, kailangan ko 'yong gawin dahil baka maghihinala ang mga kaibigan ni Ate. For now, gusto ko na lang matapos ang beach vacation na 'to. I'm not enjoying it, anyway."Erin, do you want to grab some coffee or something?" Ethan asked me out of the blue.Nasa kwarto kami nina Ate Zelle dahil nag-aya si Ate Kyla na manood ng movies. I can't sa
I was sitting alone in the beachside while watching the sun setting down. I distracted myself by throwing some pebbles back to the sea. A lot of things are bothering me. I have a lot of thoughts — both negative and positive, in my mind. "The sunset is so beautiful." Napatingala ako nang may magsalita sa likuran ko. It's Ethan. Siya na naman. Ang hilig niya talagang sirain ang moment at mood ko. "Yeah, it is." I uttered while staring at the most beautiful scenery in front of me — the sunset. "But you're more beautiful..." He whispered na nagpatindig ng mga balahibo ko at nagpalakas sa tibok ng puso ko. It was a soft whisper but I heard it clearly. Mariin akong napapikit at napakagat sa labi ko. Is he trying to flirt with me? Baka mamaya, assumera lang pala ako.
The first time he saw her, he only thought that she was not even his type. Maarte, isip-bata, at mataray—all of these traits were just so far from his liking. Yet, here he is, looking at her with nothing but admiration and love, reflecting on the journey they've taken together. Ethan stood by the window, watching Zephyrine in the garden. The sun cast a golden glow over her, highlighting her hair as she tended to the flowers. He marvelled at how far they had come, both individually and together. He thought back to when he was just a playboy, flitting from one girl to another without a care. Meeting Zephyrine had changed everything. "Ethan," Zephyrine called out, breaking his reverie. "Are you just going to stand there and watch, or are you going to help me with these flowers?" Ethan smiled, walking over to join her. "Can't a man admire his beautiful wife in peace?" Zephyrine laughed, a sound that always filled Ethan with warmth. "You can, but I'd prefer if you also helped me pla
After the reconciliation with my sister, I called our parents to come over. I did not expect them to come right away. But they really did. Nagulat na lang ako na wala pang isang oras ay nakarating na sila sa rest house na kung saan kasalukuyang tumutuloy si Aye Zafie. Mom was hysterically sobbing as she tightly hugged Ate Zafie, apologizing for her shortcomings all over again. Dad was silently watching them but I know better. He's breaking down deep inside but he just wouldn't show it off.They were both worried for my sister. We all are. My heart tugged at the sight of them embracing one another as I stood from afar. I couldn't help but break into a small smile as I watch my little family slowly getting back together. I've longed for this ever since. Despite all the issues, the disappointments, the hatred, and the betrayals... I've always found my way to them. I've learned how to forgive my parents especially my mother who had made my teenage life worse than it could have been. T
I guess love can actually drive us insane. It's terrifiying at most times. I could attest that."She's still not answering her phone?" Ethan asked while driving the car to the cafe where my sister frequent. At least that's what her friends told me over the phone a while back.I puckered my lips as I shook my head. I also couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh. It's been hours since my sister went missing in action. And we still couldn't track her. Pero hindi naman ako susuko sa paghahanap sa kanya. Kaya lang ay pagod na talaga ako sa ngayon. I felt like my body's about to give up any moment from now, but I didn't make it obvious to Ethan. Alam kong pagod na rin siya. The least I could do is to not stress him out more. Kahit na hindi ako sure kung anong ginagawa ko ngayon. Kasi sa totoo lang, hindi naman na dapat nandito si Ethan. This has nothing to do with him. And yet he's here—to help me find my sister. I heard him heave a deep breath as well. He then carefully pulled over near a
"That wasn't your fault, okay? It was mine. I'm sorry." Ethan said repeatedly even if he didn't need to. "Let's stop putting the blame on ourselves, please. And stop apologizing. We just slept—that's all. Mom was just overreacting. Didn't know she had that attitude." Napailing na lang ako.Seriously? Siya talaga magdidikta sa aming dalawa na gawin nang official ang relasyon namin ni Ethan? That sounded so weird for me."Still... ako ang lalaki. I should've known that it would put you in the bad side."I rolled my eyes. "Duh? As if sleeping together is that big of a deal. We didn't even kiss. Inaantok na nga tayo pareho kagabi. OA talaga ng mom ko, for real. Don't worry about it that much. We won't rush things the way she wanted us to."He let out a deep sigh before nodding. He looked so stressed out about what happened. Mom's pressuring him, too. I wasn't mad at her, I was just pissed. Kaya nga kami umalis agad after breakfast. I didn't want to hear mom's opinions about Ethan and I an
"Love-" I was about to say something to Ethan but stopped when I realized what I just said. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang lumingon si Ethan sa 'kin. And his eyes widened as well. Of course, we're both shocked! He obviously heard what I just called him. Magkatabi lang naman kaming dalawa. Umawang ang labi nito at nagtatanong ang mga mata. "Did... did you just call me 'love'?" He asked, amused. I bit my lower lip. I didn't know what to say again! Pasmado talaga ang bibig ko at kung anu ano na lang ang lumalabas mula dito! Palaging nadudulas, eh. "I mean-" Umiwas ako ng tingin nang mapansing sumeryoso ang mukha nito. I'm never ready to talk about 'this' yet. Para akong kakapusan ng hininga kapag pag-uusapan namin ang relasyon namin or whatever. Kasi alam ko na kung saan 'to patungo, eh! As I said, I don't want to commit myself to Ethan for now. And I don't to disappoint or hurt him in any way. "Alam mo bang ilang beses ko nang pinangarap na tawagin mo rin ako ng ganoon, Zephyrine?"
"Are you feeling better now?" Ethan asked me, but I didn't look at him. Namamanhid ang labi ko nang dahil sa kanya! "Hey. I'm sorry. I was just tempted to kiss you." I groaned. "Ugh. Can you please just shut up? Masyado ka nang nakadagdag sa problema ko sa buhay." "I'm sorry, okay? I just wanted you to feel better through my kisses." Tingnan mo nga 'to at binibiro na naman ako! "Tumahimik ka na lang, please. Tama na kaka-mention tungkol sa kiss na 'yan!" Naiirita kong sambit. At tawang tawa naman si gago. Ang sarap talaga nitong suntukin, eh. Hindi ko na ulit pa pinakinggan ang mga pinagsasabi niyang hindi magandang pakinggan para sa 'kin. Mahawaan pa ako sa kaharutan niya. "Hoy. Kung gusto mo talaga ako, samahan mo nga ako sa loob ng house nila mommy." Paghahamon ko sa kanya. I thought he was going to say no but he immediately offered his hand to me. "Take my hand and hold on to it tightly. I'll always be by your side, no matter what happens." I rolled my eyes after hearing
"Hey, you can do this." Ethan told me as he gently hold my hand. We were in front of my parents' house and I am feeling a little nervous to get inside. Actually, halo halo ang emosyon ko ngayon. A part of me hated the fact that my parents were not really caring and nice to me ever since. They were blinded by their fame. They enjoyed their spot under the limelight. They caused me both emotional and mental damages. I could feel anger boiling up in my heart again just by thinking every cruel thing my parents put me in, so I tried to execute the breathing exercises for me to calm down. I can't be like this right now. I needed to get things done. I needed to fight against my own monsters. "Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo? Let's just go back when you're ready to face them again, Erin. You need to compose yourself first, okay? Please don't push yourself too hard. May nakalaang oras para sa lahat ng bagay. There's no need to rush." Ethan tried to make me feel better with all tho
"Hey, I'll just buy something downstairs." I told Ivory who's now busy with the report that she had to do as the president of the student council. "You sure you're okay to go out alone?" She asked. "I'm a hundred percent sure." "Okay." She replied with a nod. Her eyes didn't leave the screen of her computer. "Wala kang ipapabili?" Tanong ko. "Nothing. Just be safe. Diyan ka lang sa baba, ah." I nodded and made my to the convenience store. When I was inside the elevator, I had a hard time composing myself. Ang daming tao sa loob, siksikan pa. I almost couldn't breath, not only because it was crowded inside but because I was triggered by that traumatic memory I had in Cebu when I went out alone.This is so tiresome. Lagi na lang ganito nararamdaman ko every time I try to do my usual routine alone. I am already breathing heavily and was about to get back to the unit dahil sa takot kong baka maulit na naman '
I was waiting for Axi and Ivory to come back from the lavatory. I was so hungry that I didn't mind going there with them. Besides, I have a feeling that I am already starting to hate going to lavatories, rest rooms or comfort rooms because of Ethan and Wry. So, I just minded my own business and ate lunch since I am really hungry. As in, for real nagugutom na talaga ako. Ang dami ko ngang biniling pagkain, eh! I don't eat a lot but whenever I'm stressed out, I would unintentionally eat a little bit more. I already had two cups of rice and two pieces of fried chicken. I felt so full but still had a can of a carbonated drink. I also am planning on buying hash browns. "I know you're here." A familiar voice spoke that I almost spit out my drink. What the heck?! I had a sudden mix of emotions inside and I hated it. I don't want to be in my whirlpool of thoughts and become vulnerable again. Hindi na ako magiging marupok, I promised that to myself. And I will protect