The class has already started again. I saw Trixie and Dmitri talking with each other inside the classroom. Himala at maaga ngayon si Dmitri."Good morning!" bati ko sa kanilang dalawa pagpasok ko. Trixie smiled and went to hug me."Good morning, Helena!" bati niya."Good morning, Kiera." Dmitri greeted with a grin."I have something for you, two. I hope you like it." sabi sabay bigay sa kanila ng munting regalo na binili ko para sa kanila. Dmitri looked at it in surprise. I grinned at him. He grinned and muffled my hair. I glared at him kasi nagulo ang buhok ko!"Thank you!" tili ni Trixie. She smiled after seeing the cute strawberry keychain while Dmitri got the airplane keychain. As the days pass by, I am always with the two and I am getting attached to them. We always eat our lunch together at sabay na lumalabas ng classroom during class dismissal."Milk tea shop, later!" Yaya ni Trixie. Maaga ang dismissal ng klase nganong hapon dahil may meeting ang mga faculties dahil sa nalal
I gazed at the photo and let out a sigh. He's probably attending a party and someone captured a photo of them candidly. I deleted he photo and block the unknown number. Summer is quickly approaching, and my graduation is just around the corner. I've been extremely occupied with our final requirements, so I haven't been in touch with Alexander in the past few weeks. However, I do send him a morning message every day, although we don't communicate frequently. I heard that he's preparing his documents and requirements for studying at a university abroad, which is great news. Tita Alexandria mentioned this to me one evening. "Kiera! Are you done?" Dmitri asked. I was on my way to the faculty room to submit my revised research paper. "Yep." "Me too. I'm also going to submit mine," he replied, walking alongside me. I knocked on the door three times before pushing it open. I greeted the teachers as we made our way to our adviser's desk. "Good afternoon, sir," I greeted. Dmitri al
I hold Lola's arms softly. She looked at me and took my other hand and held it. I am wearing a graduation toga and we are inside the van which is heading to our school. Kasama namin si ate Mela at Rico ngayon na nasa likurang bahagi ng sasakyan. Kuya Isko is driving and he’s been saying that he is happy for us dahil sa wakas ay magko-kolehiyo na kami. Pagdating namin sa school ay dumiretso kami sa auditorium dahil doon gaganapin ang graduation rites. Dmitri saw us. Pumunta siya sa gawi namin at nagpakilala bilang kaibigan. Masaya namang binigay ni Lola ang kanyang kanang kamay nang hiningi ito ni Dmitri upang magmano. I noticed na wala siyang kasama o baka hindi ko lang namumukhaan.Hinatid ko si Lola sa designated na upuan para sa kanya, katabi ng sa upuan para sa magulang o guardian ni Dmitri. I saw Trixie sitting on her designated seats. Pumunta na rin ako sa nakalaang upuan para sa akin pagkatapos kong magpaalam kay Lola. Alas siete palang at alas otso magsisimula ang programa.
Masayang kumakaway si Lola sa akin habang tinitingnan ko siya mula sa loob ng sasakyan ni Dmitri. Trixie and Dmitri fetch Rico and me here on the ranch. Ngayong araw kami pupunta sa kanila upang bumisita. Ayaw pa sana ni Rico na sumama pero pinilit siya ni ate Mela. Kailangan niya rin daw na magliwaliw at huwag puro trabaho sa vegetable farm. He is still young and he needs to have fun sometimes. I agree with ate Mela kaya tinulungan ko siyang kumbinsihin si Rico at buti pumayag sa huli.Dmitri is using a black Wrangler.Halos isang oras bago namin narating ang bahay nina Trixie. It looks like an ancestral home. It’s huge and half of the house is made of hardwood. Dmitri park on the left side of the house.“Nice house.” Komento ni Dmitri.“Thanks!” Sagot ni Trixie.She led us inside their home. Sinalubong kami ng kanyang mga magulang sa pintuan ng kanilang bahay. Nagpakilala kami at masaya nila kaming pinatuloy.“Feel at home guys. Trix, ikaw na ang bahala sa kanila.” Nakangiting bilin
I stayed still for a minute, unable to move in shock. Worries spread across my face when I held her and tried to wake her up by softly shaking her shoulders and by calling her name and she didn't respond. I tried finding a pulse on her by using the things I learned in first aid, but I couldn't. I ran outside her room and called for help in my shaking voice. I saw ate Mela and two other house helpers. I immediately asked them. Natataranta silang naglakad ng mabilis papunta sa kwarto ni Lola. “Tawagin mo si, Isko, Rose!” Sigaw ni ate Mela sa isang kasamahan. Nagmamadaling lumabas ng kwarto si ate Rose at pinuntahan si kuya Isko. Napakalakas ng kabog ng puso ko habang dumating si Kuya Isko. Binuhat niya ang walang malay na si Lola palabas ng mansion. “What's happening? Hera?” Tita Alexandria asked in worry. I looked at her with tears starting to fall. “Tita, si Lola po…” Her eyes went to where Kuya Isko was. Bumaba siya sa portico ng mansion at tumawag pa ng isang tauhan upang um
Nagising ako ng maramdaman kong may pumipisil sa aking kamay. Nagmulat ako ng mata at nakitang katabi ko na si Alexander. His eyes are full of jealousy but then he gives me a warm smile. I realize that I am still leaning on Dmitri's shoulder. I guess he never moved even a bit dahil hindi ko naramdaman man lang. Umayos ako ng upo at bumaling kay Alexander. “You can sleep more, Kiera.” Sabi ni Dmitri. I glanced at him and smiled. “Okay na ako. Thank you, Dmitri. I'm sorry, baka nangangawit na ang balikat mo.” Hinging paumanhin ko. “You're welcome and no worries.” sagot niya. “I'll just get coffee.” I nodded in response to him. Then, he asked Trixie and Rico if they wanted too. Sumama ang dalawa sa kanya. I looked at my wrist watch and it's two in the morning. “Good morning, Alexander.” Bati ko sa kanya. He looked at my face and pulls me for a warm embrace. “I've missed you, my Hera.” He said. I hugged him back tightly. I have missed you too, Alexander. I am always m
It's been three days since my Lola's burial. And Alexander is still here making sure that I am still functioning. Parang sira. Okay na naman ako. I know that death is inevitable. It's just that some deaths are untimely like my parents. Kaya sobrang nasaktan ako noon. Hindi pa rin naman akong handa na maiwan ng aking Lola but I can't do anything about it. I am a mere human. And I need to accept things in order for me to move on in life.Tita Alexandria has talked to me saying that nothing will change during my stay here in the mansion. She offered assistance with my studies. Okay lang naman dahil sisiguraduhin kong makakuha ng scholarship program sa university na plano kong pasukan and I still have money. Lola made a savings account for me. Ngayon nga ay pupunta ako sa University upang mag-take ng scholarship qualifying exam. Alexander offered to accompany me.Mahigit isang oras ang biyahe namin bago narating ang University. He parked his car at the designated parking area for the vis
Alexander remained silent over our dinner. He didn't say even a single word after that. He was cold as ice. I tried to hold his hand but he avoided it. I pouted and ate silently.“Alexander, please..” Nasa sasakyan na niya kami at pauwi na. He didn't start the engine yet so I tried to talk to him.“It is not what you think.” Sabi ko.“Bakit? Alam mo ba ang iniisip ko?” Tanong niya.I looked at him and shook my head. I am not sure if he was jealous though that is his usual reaction. Dmitri is only a friend. And he's just being a friend. For months I have been friends with both Trixie and him; they were kind and thoughtful. Dmitri knows that I have lost my Lola recently, so I guess he wants me to have some fun.Alexander snorted and started the engine. We are now going home.Matulin ang kanyang patakbo sa sasakyan kung kaya’t wala pang isang oras ay nasa bukana na kami ng ranch. Hininto niya ang sasakyan at hinampas ang manibela. Napaigtad ako sa gulat. “If that's what you want. Then,
Dmitri glanced at Alexander and raised his hands while grinning, Alexander was giving him a death glare. I rolled my eyes and held Alexander’s arm.“See you, Dmitri.” nakangiti kong paalam sa kanya dahil tinatawag na siya ng kanyang mga kasamahan. He smiled and nodded. A frowning Alexander faced me. I laughed and pinched his cheeks. So cute.“Stop being grumpy, love.” I tease him. I saw how his lips formed into a smile. He snaked his arm on my waist and pulled me for a seat. “Gosh, Alexander. We're having fun here. Bumalik ka nga doon sa mga kasama mo,” sabi ni Meg na ngayon ay umiinom na naman.“No,” maiksing sagot ni Alexander. He put his chin on my shoulder habang nakapulupot pa rin ang kanyang kamay sa aking bewang. “You're so clingy,” Meg commented. “I'll just get back to dance. Enjoy.” Alexander grinned at what Meg said. Meg rolled her eyes as she sashayed to the dance floor.“Were you having fun?” Tanong ni Zander. Tumango ako. I looked at the people who surrounded us. They
I cutely wave my hand at Alexander who is frowning now. It's Saturday and we are going to the Zenith Club. Pero hindi ako sasabay sa kanya. Meg and Elle insisted that I should go with them and I agreed. Magkikita na lang kami ni Zander mamaya. “Bye, bro.” Nang-aasar na paalam ni Elle. Alexander glared at her and never said a word instead he looked at me with puppy eyes. “Yuck! Stop that Alexander,” saway ni Meg. “Tss. You two are annoying. Come, my baby, I want a hug.” Alexander said as he opened his arms wide for an embrace. I chuckled, went to him, and hugged him. “I'll wait for you there,” he said. “Hmm. Susunod kami,” sagot ko sabay bitaw sa yakap niya. He kissed my forehead before he went inside his car and drove. “Finally! Alexander is so dramatic.” sabi ni Elle sabay hawak sa aking kamay. “Let's go and change!” Excited niyang sabi. Meg gave me a short black dress with a slit on its side. My back is bare but good thing it has a sleeve. I wore black knee-high boots. Elle did
Sinamahan ako ni Alexander sa pagpunta sa PRC upang mag-file ng aking application sa exam. Nasa loob ng mall ang kanilang opisina. I greeted the security personnel before I went inside the office together with Alexander. I waited for my name to be called after I submitted the form. Mahigpit tatlumpung minuto rin bago ako matapos sa pag-process nito. Nakaupo lang si Alexander at tahimik na hinintay ako. I can't help but glanced at him once a while. He looked so good even by just simply sitting on a waiting lounge. Nagulat ako ng may mga nakakakilala sa kanya. Others were even taking a photo with him and they're giggling. Even here in Metro, he's popular. “Wanna go see a movie?” Tanong ni Alexander ng makalabas na kami sa opisina ng PRC. We're walking side by side and heading to a escalator. “Hmm. I wanna go see a bookstore,” sagot ko. He looked at me and laughed. Kinuha niya ang aking kamay at ipinagdaop ang aming mga palad. “Alright, Your Highness.” Umirap ako sa kanya at hinil
Luckily, I had a good sleep even though it was my first time here. I got off in my bed when I saw in the wall clock that it was already seven in the morning. I went to the bathroom to take a quick shower. Hinayaan ko lang ang aking mga damit sa aking maleta dahil natulog na ako agad kagabi pagkatapos maglinis ng katawan kaya ngayon ay hinalungkat ko ito at kinuha ang mga reading materials at inilagay sa study table. Hindi ko na hinintay si Alexander na dumating kagabi dahil sa pagod. Hindi pa ako sanay sa mahahabang oras na biyahe kaya siguro nakatulog ako kaagad. Nagsuot ako ng white short sleeve dress at sneakers. Magpa-file ako ngayon ng application for board exam. Magta-taxi na lang siguro ako papunta doon dahil baka abala si Alexander ngayon. I ponytailed my hair after I blow dried it. I put on light makeup and a lip tint. Suot ko rin ang necklace na binigay ni Alexander sa akin. Dala ko sa aking bisig ang aking mga documents na nakalagay sa isang plastic envelope at lumaba
A week had passed. Nasa Metro na si Alexander at abala sa expansion ng kanilang negosyo. Ako naman ay abala sa paghahanda sa aking board exam. Si Dmitri at Rico pumunta na kahapon sa Metro para sa kanilang review. Si Trixie naman ay nagsimula na sa kanyang training sa kanilang plantation. Halos nasa kwarto lang ako buong araw. I take my review seriously. Goal ko ang maging isa sa topnotchers kaya puspusan ang aking pag-aaral at pagre-review. Alexander and I call each other every night to talk and to know our whereabouts every day. Nakikinig lang ako sa kanyang mga kwento kasi wala naman akong masyadong ganap dito sa mansion maliban sa pag-aaral. He's really busy and sometimes, I told him to take a rest already but he always wanted to talk to me before we went to sleep. Meg and Elle went back to the Metro a week after Alexander left. Meg will go to Paris to take a crash course in Fashion designing after her summer vacation while Elle will proceed for medical course. Si Sofia naman a
Nasa coffeeshop na kaming apat at naghihintay sa aming order. Pansin ko ang mga bahagyang pagsulyap sa mesa namin ng ibang customers. Dmitri got our orders when our number was called. “I am going to miss you guys,” sabi ni Trixie ng inilapag na ni Dmitri ang aming orders. “Nami-miss din kita Trix. Magiging abala na tayong lahat next week,” sabi ko. “Well, let's keep in touch,” Dimitri said. I nodded. “Pagkatapos ko sa board exam ay magta-trabaho agad ako dahil kailangan kong mag-ipon,” si Rico naman ngayon. “Ang dami mo na sigurong ipon, Rico,” komento ko. Ever since I got to know him, he's hardworking and knows how to manage his money so well. Hindi ko siya nakikitang bumili ng kahit anong bagay at pansin ko ang pagiging masinop niya sa pera. “Hindi rin. Ilang taon pa siguro ang aabutin ko para maging financially free,” sagot niya. “Basta bro, yung sinasabi ko sayo. Don't let your money sleep in the bank. Invest it on something good, better invest it on stocks," payo ni Dmitr
I was daze after the kiss we have shared. Hindi ko magawang tumingin sa mga kasamahan namin pagkatapos ng halik. Someone fake a coughed and laughed na sinundan naman ng iba para mawala ang katahimikan. I glanced at Alexander at parang wala lang sa kanya, nagawa pa niyang iyakap ang kanyang kamay sa aking bewang. I tried to get off his arm but it was like steel. It holds firmly on my waist. I looked at him but he just raised his eyebrow. Kaya kahit nahihiya man ay hinayaan ko na lang. “Are you ashamed of me?” mahinang tanong niya sa akin. Agad akong umiling dahil hindi naman iyon ang rason. “Next!” Sigaw ni Meg na kaagad namang sinunod ni Elle. “Kanina pa kita gustong halikan upang ipakita sa kanila na hindi ka na pwede pang ligawan Hera dahil may boyfriend ka na. And that's me,” Alexander in his menacing voice. I can feel the curious stares directing at me. We continued playing until one in the morning. Hanggang sa umuwi na ang mga bisita. No one dared to ask a question about us. B
Malapit ng mag alas onse pero gising na gising pa rin ang diwa ng mga tao at nagkakatuwaan pa kami nina Meg at Elle kasama ang iba nilang kaibigan na taga dito sa bayan. Sumali na rin si Rico sa amin dahil iilan lang din naman kaming magkaka-edad na dumalo sa pagtitipon. Alexander was busy talking with older men especially those who were inclined in the business world together with Tito Callixto. While the older women were talking happily, enjoying their wine. Naglalaro kami ngayon ng spin the bottle at pinalibutan namin ang bilugang mesa. Si Elle ay may hawak ng bote at siya rin mismo ang nagpaikot nito. We cheered when the bottle pointed at the girl named Rose. Dare ang kanyang pinili at naghiyawan ang iba dahil sa excitement. Elle gave her the dare. “Kiss the most handsome tonight.” Nakangising sabi ni Elle. Nanlaki naman ang mata ni Rose at bahagyang sumilip sa kinaroroonan ni Alexander. “H-he’s busy!” Sabi niya. Tumaas ang kilay ni Elle at lumingon sa paligid. “Sino ba yang
Hinampas ko sa braso si Alexander. Umungol siya na wari ay nasaktan. Aba’t ang OA naman ng isang to. Napakahina nga lang ng hampas ko. Tiningnan ko siya ng masama pero ngumiti lang siya. Ayan na naman ang nakakatunaw niyang ngiti. Minsan na nga lang ngumingiti, nakakatunaw pa. “Bakit mo sinabi sa kanila na girlfriend muna ako?” Mahina kong tanong sa kanya. He stopped and faced me. Kaya napahinto rin tuloy ako. Then, he wore a serious face. “I didn't know we should make it a secret this whole time, Hera. We've been in a relationship for five years, and I didn't say anything about us. Bago ako umalis ay girlfriend na kita. Did you forget about it?” Nakataas kilay niyang tanong. I pouted and shook my head. “Paano kung malaman ng parents mo?” Tanong ko. This time, his eyebrows furrowed. Na para bang nagtataka siya kung bakit ko tinanong yun. “Takot kang malaman nila?” Tanong niya. Tumango ako. Takot din ako para sa aking sarili, Alexander. Hindi ko pa rin maisip na ako ang narara