LOGINShare
Chapter XVI: A Secret Admirer
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56One morning, I came in later than usual. Most of my classmates were already inside the room and there were tittering and loud calls for Lance. I was surprised but did not think too much about it. I sat down and whispered to Izzie, “What’s up? Why is there so much excitement so early this morning?” Izzie whispered back “Someone left a love letter and a big chocolate bar on Lance’s desk. Must be from an admirer.” I gasped. “Really? Well, that’s a first. Whoever that was must be one brave girl.” Izzie snickered. “Brave? Pretty stupid for me.” I looked back at Izzie. I asked “Why stupid? I mean Lance is really popular. He has no girlfriend yet so I can say he is still pretty much on the market.” Izzie turned her icy stare at me “Lance has you. He doesn’t seem to be courting or going out with anyone else. Whoever did that must know about you being Lance’s best f
Related chapters
Romancing the 80's Chapter XVII: Unmasked
After class, I asked Izzie to get Charm and meet us in the library. Lance and I left our classroom hurriedly and waited in the library. Soon, Charm and Izzie came. Izzie already apprised Charm about what happened and she was enraged. “The nerve of this girl. It is ok to criticize and all, but threatening you is something else.” I looked at Lance. “What shall we do? I think we should not see or be with each other for now. It might temper down her anger. After all, she got stood up.” I did not care about her other allegations, but she might do something to hurt Lance and me. Charm replied “It might just be an empty threat, but we need to come up with a plan to draw her out. It is hard to do something at this point without knowing who we are up against.” Lance paced around the room, “Yes. I am thinking of responding to that letter and meet that person. But she might not show up. We must put up some sort of bait f
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Romancing the 80's Chapter XVIII: Stuck with You
Lance told me everything while we hung out at our favorite cafe, hungrily munching on burgers and fries. “I thought at first it was that Sophomore. I was about to tell her off when Jessie came. Naturally, I was speechless and a bit surprised. Jessie confessed to me everything and asked me to not be mad at her. Honestly, I wanted to choke her. Lucky for her, I have very good self-control. She told me she had a thing for me since last year. She went bragging about her getting the top spot in the afternoon session just to get into our class. She really gave me a nasty headache.” I could see he was trying to control his emotions, except his furrowed brows and red cheeks gave him away. “I told her she should not have spread lies about you and threatened you. That I could not accept.” I asked quietly, “What did she say?” He went on, “She apologized, but I told her she should apologize to you and not me. I told her I
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Romancing the 80's Chapter XIX: His Accidental Hero
It was already 7:00 in the evening when we left the mall. We walked to the parking lot and got into the car. The car’s engine did not start immediately. After several tries, he was able to get it going. As we were driving along Pasay Road, we heard a funny, rumbling sound. I looked at Lance and said, “What’s that?” He did not answer. I saw he was checking the fuel gauge. “I think we are running out of gas.” I gawked. “What are you going to do?” He answered, “I need to look for a good spot to park and check. I am not sure if we can reach the nearest gas station, though.” He parked on the side. “We need to reach the gas station.” He stepped out and looked around. He came back then said, “I need your help, Nia.”I nodded “Sure, what do you need me to do?” He looked so ill-at-ease, then said “Well, we need to push the car to the gas station.” I just sat there, not really comprehending. “Push? So you want me to help push the car?” He looked down and s
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Romancing the 80's Chapter XX: New Boy
After weeks of frenzied preparations for the Junior-Senior I.Q. Competitions, the Junior team composed of Jon, Joseph, Len, Carly, and I won via an upset of the indomitable Senior team. Our class was exuberant. It was quite an honor to be part of the group that toppled the very brilliant and top-ranked team. We all hugged each other after going through several taxing elimination rounds. Lance and I bet on which team will reach the Finals. He won the bet and he teasingly reminded me that I would be paying for our mall visit that weekend. I was thoughtful after that. I need to suck up to Becky and Bree for extra cash. Lance was already planning on the things he wants to do at the mall. One afternoon, Charm asked me to go around with her before going home. She looked so sad and distracted. We went to the Square and checked out the new stores and ate pizza. She told me she broke up with Franco. They had a misunderstanding and she's not really very p
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Romancing the 80's Chapter XXI: A Boy Named Alfred
After the gruelling quarter examinations, we hung around the hallway while trying to decide which movie to watch. Noah was again promoting his favorite movie and trying to sway the majority. I was engrossed reading the latest post on the bulletin board when our History teacher came out of another room and saw me. "Ms. Zamora, please help me bring these papers to the Faculty room." I quickly glanced around and saw most of my male classmates disappeared. Even Lance, Archer, and Jon were not around. I had to bring all the papers and accompanied her to the Faculty lounge. She was very appreciative and even congratulated me on winning Team I.Q. Competition the previous month. She even complimented me on my Historical Essay on the Battle of Tirad Pass. I was thinking I might have been left behind by my classmates. I sighed inwardly, waiting for Ma'am Garcia to dismiss me. As soon as I got her go-signal, I walked out in haste and bumped into another student. "Uuppss, I am so sorry." As I s
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Romancing the 80's Chapter XXII: Falling
The days that followed were frenzied, especially with the holiday season fast approaching and the different school activities we took part in. I had to help out at home with decorations, purchasing stuff, and wrapping gifts. One weekend, I dodged the tiresome household chores by hanging out with Lance at his sister Terry's clothing and gift shop. Customers flocked there for holiday gifts and other essentials. I helped him tend to the store and listed down the purchases made. It was exciting to spend the day there, as I saw a lot of nice clothes, accessories, bags, and shoes. Not to mention the free snacks supplied by Lance. There was no customer that lazy Sunday afternoon, so Lance and I munched on chips while watching MTV. Suddenly, they showed the video of "Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats. Unconsciously, I was tapping my feet while eating cheese-flavored chips. As if possessed, I started gyrating, twirling, head-spinning and wiggling my hips to the tune of that catchy so
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Romancing the 80's Chapter XXIII: Under Pressure
The bell rang, jolting me back to consciousness. I was a nervous wreck as I tried to pack my bag and get ready for a lunch break. I quickly whipped out my pocket mirror and checked my reflection. Good thing I still looked nice. I decided to tie up my hair to my usual ponytail. Izzie and Noah already went down and I stood up and went to the window to check the people going to the cafeteria. I groaned. It's like everyone in the building decided to go there for lunch. "Hey, are you coming?," Lance asked from the door. I took a deep breath then turned to face him. "Yes, I am." We walked down the stairs. I was thinking of how to tell him that I have a lunch date and it's with someone else. I quickly scanned the groups of students going down the stairwell and into the lobby. There's no sign of Alfred. I was thinking, 'He might back off. There are just too many students in the cafeteria and it will not be a good thing for us to have our lunch together.' I sighed in disappointme
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Romancing the 80's Chapter XXIV: Double Whammy
"I really would love to go out with you this weekend. I am not sure why you are hesitating. I can see that you also like me. So, what's really stopping you?" Alfred's voice was raspy, even grating. I could not immediately respond. He seemed just about to lose his temper. We had been on the line for over 30 minutes and most of it was just going back and forth on whether I will consent to his request or not. My head's throbbing so bad. I did not want to make him angry, however, I could not just accede. "I am not sure if I am ready to go on a date with someone, that's all." My voice came out pleading. I looked at the watch and saw it was almost 10:20 pm. I told Lance I would call him back at 10:00 and we're still at a stalemate. Alfred was quiet for some time, then he said, "Ok. Just so you will go out with me, you can bring a friend as a chaperone. I will also bring someone so your friend does not have to feel like a third wheel." I was surprised by this suggestion.
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
Latest chapter
Romancing the 80's Chapter LII: Let's Hear It From Our Boy (Lance's Recollection)
I always felt like I was just a regular guy. Growing up, my parents would shower me with their undivided attention as I was the only boy. My older sister Terry "bullied" me when we were kids, and because of her, I was a bit shy around girls. I just liked hanging around with noisy guys like Jon and Ira, as I felt they "protected" me. I had crushes, but never really told any girl I liked her. Jon joked that the girl must be the one to court me, for I usually clamped up around them. That is, until I met Nia. During our Sophomore year, I heard heard rumors about a girl who transferred to our coed school from an exclusive girls' school. My curiosity was piqued. I felt bad hearing some of them making fun of the girl we have yet to meet. I saw new faces in the room and I asked Ira casually if the new girl had arrived. "Nope, I don't think she's here yet. Those new students came from co-ed schools as well," he replied. I sat down, feeling disappointed. Suddenly, I saw a girl stood b
Romancing the 80's Chapter LI : Goodbye To A Friend
I was startled to hear my office phone ringing continuously. I picked it up quickly and breathlessly said, "Hello?" "Hello, Nia? Izzie here. What time are you ready? We need to go see Noah immediately at the precinct." I checked my watch and responded, "I can wrap up now and go there. I'll meet you at the mall then we go directly to the precinct. How about the others?" I heard Izzie sighed and said, "Ayene, Leny and Carly went there an hour ago. Ira and Enzo will also proceed there in a bit. I'd like to talk to Noah. He must be really scared." "Don't worry. Buy some snacks, towels, toiletries for him, and I'll be there in a jiffy." I quickly drove to the mall to pick up Izzie. I saw her waiting for me at the mall entrance and quickly stopped at the curb and opened the door. She came in, hugged me and closed the door. She started chatting about Noah. "I told him to resign from that stupid job. He was so stressed out for months, an
Romancing the 80's Chapter L : Starting Over
"I will not take No again for an answer, Nia," my friend Naomi said crispily over the phone. I was staring at my computer and typing endless memos for my boss who was the senior vice president for Corporate Banking of a leading universal bank. My head was tilted, skillfully balancing the receiver while leafing through the pages of the draft. I was hired as an assistant and working with the bank for nearly 3 years. I met Naomi while I was an intern for a professional advertising executive and she was then his assistant. I liked her because of her feisty nature. "I already met the guy and he seems promising. But do I need to go into another date with him? I am very busy," I answered. Naomi set me up on a blind date with Ervin who was an account executive working for a big pharmaceutical company. "He has been asking why you don't want to give your personal as well as your professional contact number. I think he's got the hots for you. Why don't you give him a chance? Just
Romancing the 80's Chapter XLIX: Forget Me Not
Time really flies, and how! I am now a Senior in college, and in just a few months will graduate hopefully with Latin Honors. Soon, I'd be able to keep my promise to Nanay. It was a long arduous journey, but I did it. I only need to pass the remaining exams and defend my thesis. I was so grateful to Jena, Eden, Arnold, and the rest of my classmates who made life in college bearable. As expected, life there was more serious and I learned that you have to take ownership of your decisions and not rely on others. I realized my inner strength and determination to finish what I've started. I sacrificed Lance, and nothing's going to stop me from my goal. A stumbling block indeed came, but I was able to overcome and moved on. A few months ago, I was roaming the University Belt with Jena and Arnold looking for additional sources for our thesis. The place was teeming with students from other universities and colleges. I was able to get copies of the books I needed and was waiting for
Romancing the 80's Chapter XLVIII: Always On My Mind
One year later.I was walking towards the Main Building/Science library of the University of Saint Thomas to look through additional materials for our group presentation scheduled for next week. It was a hectic year for the Freshman AB class, and I was looking forward to a relaxing summer. I saw my classmates, Arnold and Eden already in our favorite table and I quickly sat on the chair across the two. Both smiled at me and proceeded to discuss the materials they were able to get from the undiscovered section of the old library.On the last Friday of March that year, the class of 1986 graduated. Surrounded by excited classmates and proud parents and companions, I felt empty that day. Even when my Nanay shed tears and Bree took pictures of me on the stage with my diploma and mother in tow, I barely mustered a tiny grin. Because we all brought our family members, my classmates and I were only able to say quick goodbyes before we left the venue. I quick
Romancing the 80's Chapter XLVII: Saying Goodbye
Classes were resumed several days after the peaceful EDSA Revolution of February 25, 1986. My classmates were very excited to see each other again. The school officials welcomed us back during our morning assembly, with the principal asking the students to go on studying and not worry about the political situation. He also reminded us seniors of our remaining projects and upcoming examinations, which effectively gave us the direction we needed. My clasmates worked like crazy, and we extended our stay at the campus in order to finish all our projects. Every minute with them counts. Lance and I went home late, and we see each other during weekends, too. Bree talked to me one night. She looked subdued, and I was a bit concerned. "How are you doing at school? Ready for college?" she asked. I nodded vigorously. "Of course! It's just the final examinations and we are all set to graduate. Don't worry. I just need to wait for the documents i need to submit to UST and I
Romancing the 80's Chapter XLVI: Choices
Lance and I quickly went out to join our group. were on the dancefloor, gyrating to the class favorite song, "Always something there to remind me." ValAll of themand Charm were with us, along with some of their friends and we made a circle. Pairs danced off amidst loud cheers and laughter. Charm hugged me, and thoughts of Alfred were forgotten. It was the Seniors' night, our special event before graduation, and no one can take the excitement away from us. Lance and I embraced and danced, and our friends rejoiced with us. I saw Izzie dancing with Archer, Noah and Val stealing the show along with Jon and Ira, and that was how Class IV-1 spent their last JS Prom together. At past 1:00am, we left the campus. We saw a store still open, and we stayed for half an hour drinking cold soda and eating biscuits while we recounted everything that happened that night. We said goodnight to each other, and went home. Lance and I sat inside his car, and we talked about what
Romancing the 80's Chapter ZXLV: Old Flame
That year's JS Prom was austere. The antsy political situation was felt everywhere and our principal almost cancelled the event. However, the majority of the students and their parents implored the school authorities to push through with it. Certainly, it was an annual event that most juniors and seniors look forward to and make up the bulk of their high school memories. We were encouraged to wear second-hand gowns and tuxedoes or rent-out from shops that give out discounts and promos to students. Noah comically said even with the end of the world coming, we must have our prom. I looked a myself at our old mirror, checking my simple make-up and my altered pink gown. Lance will be coming any time now, and I quickly picked up my purse and ran outside. I saw him parking the car and I quickly went to the passenger side. I slid in, and kissed him on the cheek. "I think we need to go now or we'll be late for registration. Archer already went to Izzie's house ea
Romancing the 80's Chapter XLIV: Next
Lance's act of courage was the trending topic the following week, as the bubbly boys and girls of Section IV-1 excitedly recounted to everyone who cared to listen how he quickly ran down the treacherous slope to save me from harm. He became even more popular and awarded a few days later with the CAT Medal of Bravery which was a first. It may have been an embarrasing time for me, but Lance would tell everyone that he only thought of saving me, and he thought of nothing else. I imagined how he must have looked like, almost flying down the hill to be able to catch up to a helpless me. So dreamy and handsome, and so brave. I felt so lucky to have the bravest boy at my side. The next few weeks was both busy and exciting. The holiday season was coming and everyone of us was rushing to complete school activities and projects. We also took college entrance examinations in our chosen universities and colleges. Izzie was becoming distracted, with her university res
