Prolouge

"Spin the bottle already!"

"Fine!"

"Ayusin mo Jennifer!" Mariella demanded as she gave the bottle to Jennifer.

"Guys, 'wag na kayong maingay, Jennifer paikutin mo na," I said.

We're playing spin the bottle at this hour, walang teacher, kaya ang bawat isa sa amin ay may ginagawa, pero, lowkey maingay lang dahil may ibang klase rin naman sa magkabilang room.

I was seated beside Jennifer, habang ang magkatabi ay sina Harison at Ashlyn, Mariella and Nathan. Magkatapat kami ni Harison, Jennifer to Nathan, and Ashlyn to Mariella.

The bottle stops spining, at ang nguso ng bote ay tumapat kay Mariella, habang si Harison naman ang magtatanong sa kaniya.

"Truth," Mariella said as she crossed her arms.

"Do you still have feelings for Nathan?" Harison asked out of the blue.

Pare-pareho kaming natahimik, Nathan whistled, napaismid naman si Mariella na katabi lang niya.

Yes, Nathan and Mariella broke up when we're in third year, so, it's kind of awkward to ask such situation, lalo na't siguro, pareho na silang nakamove-on.

"That's a lame question, Harry," Mariella demanded as she raised her left eyebrow.

"Truth or dare 'to, sis, go answer it," Harison said as he fakingly filing his long nails.

"Hey, walang kahit ano man, you're just telling the truth, that's why this is truth or dare," I explained, at inayos ang salamin ko.

"Tumpak, Alva!" puri ni Ashlyn as she giggled.

"So? Meron pa rin ba?" Harison asked once again.

Sumandal sa upuan si Mariella, habang si Nathan ay nakatingin lang sa kaniya, her long curly hair was bouncing as she moves. Napabuntong-hininga lang si Nathan.

"After a year, yes, I do have feelings for him... Again," Mariella said, hindi naman mapigilan nila Harison na kiligin, bukod sa amin ni Jennifer, I just smiled at them.

"Ako rin naman," Nathan answered, mas lalo pang kinilig si Harison at Ashlyn, with matching hawak-kamay pa.

"Wow, look who's talking, you cheated mister Trillianes, that's why we broke up!" Mariella shouted, her voice was echoing inside the room, some of our classmates stared at us.

Nathan just smirk, and he is trying to defend himself.

"B-but—"

"Talk to the hand, I do have feelings for you these years, but the trauma you gave me is too much, Nate, we're friends now, that's how it ends, ayoko na, hirap lang talaga akong alisin ang nararamdaman ko sa'yo," Mariella explained. Napabuntong-hininga lang si Nathan and the realization goes.

"Please, do continue," sunod na sabi pa ni Mariella.

Nagkatinginan naman kaming lahat, the atmosphere here hits different now. I just mouthed Harison to spinned the bottle once again, it lands on Jennifer, habang si Nathan naman ngayon ang magtatanong.

"Dare," mabilis na sagot ni Jennifer habang pinapatunog ang mga daliri niya.

"Gawin mo lahat ng magiging assignment natin mamaya sa klase," mabilis na sagot ni Nathan at tumawa ng malakas.

"Isn't that too much, Nate?" I asked, I just stared at Nathan, he smirked and a playful aura was playing on his face.

"Isa lang!" Jennifer complained.

"Jen, if you use your brain on track, siguro nagagamit mo rin 'yon dito sa classroom," Nathan laughed once again.

"Fine! All of them! Walang sisihan ha!" ani ni Jennifer at padabog na sumandal sa upuan, her braids was swaying, and it has some highlights, bawal ang highlights sa school, but, she was good at hiding it. She was also a Varsity player, she was the team Captain of the girls of the Track and Field team.

"What's—"

"Well, Nathan, she has your assignment, she can do whatever she wants," Harison smiled at him.

"Ano ba? Hindi ba ako pinapaboran ng God of Luck?" reklamo niya, mukha na siyang problemado.

I giggled at his face, he heard me laughing, so that's why when he stares at me, itinuon ko ang atensyon ko kay Harison.

"Hey, Jen, in a good way," paalala ko sa kaniya, sumaludo naman siya at ngumiti sa akin.

"Go Jen, spin it," ani naman ni Ashlyn at pumangalumbaba sa harapan namin.

She spins it, and it landed on Ashlyn, Mariella was the one who will asks the magical word.

"Truth, sister," sagot agad ni Ashlyn.

Mariella show a playful smile at us, inilapit pa niya ang mukha niya kay Ashlyn, para lang mapaatras ito.

"Who's the lucky guy, by now?" Mariella said as she laughs.

"Lucky guy? I hope so, his name was Dean," Ashlyn explained habang tumatango-tango pa.

"Nice name, mapanakit—Aray! Alva!" Nathan exclaimed, malakas ko siyang siniko dahil ito na naman siya, paladesisyon.

"Let her," I mouthed at him.

"What was his surname?" Harison asked.

"Benitez," Ashlyn said as she was in a dream.

Ashlyn has issues when it comes to her suitors, nago-overthink siya na what if, hindi pala ito yung taong para sa kaniya? We're 16, I know, we should not think about our future already, walang forever, sabi nga nila. Masyado pa kaming bata para maisip ang taong makakasama namin sa buhay.

But, Ashlyn, well, I admired her for being sincere and true towards her feelings. Siya talaga yung pangmatagalan, or, should i say, panglifetime.

"Spin the bottle—"

"Guys! Alam niyo ba?!" Clarisse exclaimed out of the blue.

"Ano Clarisse?! Kailangan manggulat?!" reklamo ni Nathan at akmang susuntukin si Clarisse.

"Parang gago ka naman Trillianes, may nakalap ako!" she said as she touched her rosy cheeks. She has curls in the end of her hair, she always put some hairpins on it.

"Make sure na maganda 'yan ha! Kung hindi!"

"I'm sure! Don't worry!" Clarisse said as she sit beside Harison.

Lahat kami ay nakatingin lang kay Clarisse, hinawi niya lang ang buhok niya at tumitig sa cellphone niya.

"Do you know the Chordae Tendineae?" she asked.

"The one that holds the atrioventracular valves?" I answered.

"Check ka diyan, Alva!" puri niya sa akin.

"Well guys, you see, due to stress, the heart strings, yes, it was called heart strings, can leads to breakage?" Clarisse asked once again.

"Puta, Science na naman," reklamo ni Nathan at tumigin sa kabilang side.

"So?" Jennifer said.

"Well, being broken was producing stress, so breaking of heart strings can occur," Clarisse explained as she scrolls through her phone.

"So, if the strings breaks, because you suffer in so much stress, the string would be gone, at wala ng hahawak sa mga valves, so, you can die from a broken heart?" I asked.

"Ieexplain ko pa lang e'!" Clarisse complained.

I just laughed at her reactions, kahit ang iba sa amin ay natawa na rin.

"Well, that's Alva Villareal," Harison said, at kinindatan ako.

Natawa lang ako sa mga reaksyon nila, I just think of the possible things would happen if the chordae tendineae was gone. Was it true?

"Totoo ba 'yan?" Ashlyn said.

"Gaga, magreresearch ba ako kung hindi 'to totoo?" Clarisse fired back.

"Tama na, continue na lang natin 'yong laro," saad ko.

Harison complained about Clarisse, we're busy playing this game, mukhang mag-aaway pa sila, kaya isinama na lang namin si Clarisse sa laro. Harison spins it, and it landed on me.

"Truth or dare, Alva?" Harison asked me.

"I should pick dare,"

"Dare? Hmm?" nag-isip pa siya kung ano ang iuutos niya sa akin.

"I know now! 'Di ba magche-check tayo ng test papers ng kabilang section?" tanong niya na parang may tinatago siya.

"Yeah, why?" Clarisse answered.

"Alora Valine, isulat mo ang number mo sa last test paper na matatapat sa'yo," Harison said.

Nagpalakpakan naman sila habang tumatawa, what the hell? Baka matapat pa sa masamang tao yung number ko at gamitin sa kung ano-ano.

"Baka gamitin sa ibang—"

"Don't worry, Alva, you're in good hands naman siguro kapag nakuha niya 'yong number mo," pagsisiguro ni Harison at ngumiti sa akin.

"Uh, fine, I hope so," I said.

Saktong dumating naman ang teacher namin na may dalang maraming papel. Nagpulasan lahat ng mga kaklase ko, para silang mga daga, inayos namin ang mga upuan namin ng mabilis.

"Okay class, settle down," Ms. Ross' said.

Well, originally, si Harison talaga ang seatmate ko, simula first year. Inayos niya ang sarili niya, at akala mo talaga mabait dahil nakapatong sa lamesa ng arm chair namin ang mga kamay niya, magkahawak pa. I rolled my eyes, nakita niya siguro kaya tinaasan lang niya ako ng kilay.

"What?" he whispered.

"Nothing," I giggled.

"Okay, you'll be checking the other class' test papers, so..." she interrupted herself by handling the test papers to the front row.

"I'll be handling these papers to you, starting by the Math subject, I will write down the correct answers on the white board, understood?" she explained, at kinuha ang marker sa may teacher's table.

"Yes, Ma'am!" we respond.

Nagsimulang magsulat si Ms. Ross sa whiteboard, nakarating na sa amin ni Harison ang mga papel, at ang natapat sa akin ay siguro, talagang magaling, puro solutions.

"Joaquin Castriel, hm, nice name, Hars," I whispered to Harison.

"Ay bet! Guy ang napunta sa'yo!" he said.

"Well... I should start checking this paper," ani ko at nagsimula ng magcheck.

Wow, this guy's great! He even corrects the other wrong equations! Maraming correction ang isinulat ni Ms. Ross sa board, at lahat ng iyon ay nakuha niya! I hope he gets a perfect score in this subject.

"This one is excellent in Mathematics," I exclaimed.

Sinilip ko ang papel na chinecheck ni Harison, it has many red marks, I read the name in the upper part of the paper.

"Asher," I whispered.

"Kritikal ang isang 'to, sis," pagjojoke ni Harison at natawa ng marahan.

"This guy needs a major tutoring," reklamo pa ni Harison sa akin, para lang pareho kaming matawa.

We finished checking the Math subject, we're down on English. At minsan, alam natin, mapaglaro talaga ang tadhana, Joaquin's paper landed again on me. Sinilip ni Harison ang papel at sinabi niyang baka ito na raw ang forever ko, as if.

"Hey, Asher's paper was on you, too," I exclaimed.

"Hey... Baka siya na rin ang para sa'kin," ani niya at parang nananaginip ng gising. Napailing na lang ako.

We start checking the papers, well, if he excels in Math, not much this time. He has many red marks. Sinilip ko ang papel na hawak ni Harison, lahat ng iyon ay tama. I wonder if they were friends.

"Girl, this one need an English tutor,"

"Yeah, you're right," Harison agreed.

We check the other subjects too, and we're on the last one, Harison reminded me to write down my number on the paper that I will be checking, at hindi ko alam, sa pangalan ni Joaquin babagsak ang number ko. Sa ibang subjects, ibang pangalan ang chineck ko, last one na ito, at kay Joaquin na naman for the third time.

"Girl, isulat mo na bago pa mangolekta si Ma'am," bulong sa akin ni Ashlyn galing likod.

"Oo nga, write it down, darling," ngiti ni Harison para lang mahampas ko siya ng marahan.

Joaquin, I hope you're a good guy.

I write down my number, at ipinakita ko sa kanila, they even laughed dahil ginawa ko talaga. Nangolekta na si Ms. Ross ng mga papel, at ipinalangin ko na sana, sana... Mabait ang Joaquin na iyon. I even check my phone, baka naman tawagan nila.

Alora Valine Villareal, pinapahamak mo ang sarili mo.

It was afternoon, uwian na. Sabay kami ni Harison umuuwi dahil hindi naman ako sinusundo ng parents ko, at wala rin akong service dahil ako na mismo ang tumanggi sa mga kasambahay namin kahit gusto nila akong ipasundo.

"Alva, let's go," aya sa akin ni Harison, inaayos ko pa lang ang gamit ko.

"Fine, just a minute," I said, after I finished organizing my stuff, pareho na kaming lumabas ng classroom, nagpaalam na rin kami sa iba naming kaibigan.

"Little Lia is waiting for you," paalala sa akin ni Harison, I just smiled at him while walking along the hallway.

We were quietly walking in the hallway, greeting some students, and then, my phone rang. Nagtinginan lang kami, he displayed a playful face, I quickly pick up my phone.

"It's an unknown number," I said, at ipinakita ko kay Harison ang phone ko.

Mabilis naman niyang kinuha ang cellphone ko, at walang pag-aalinlangan niyang sinagot.

"Hi dear! What's your name?" he said in his sassiest tone, uh, Harison. He mouthed to me that it is the guy.

"Is he Joaquin?" I whispered to him.

"So what's your name, anyway sweetheart?" ani pa niya at ngumiti sa akin ng nakakaloko, napailing na lang ako.

"It's Asher," he said again in a low tone.

"I told you this is bad idea, Harison," I said to him, at napahimas na lang ako sa noo ko.

"Zodiac sign?" tanong pa niya.

"You're a Virgo? Nah, I prefer Gemini, I'm Aquarius, bye," he said and hung up the phone.

"Harison, tignan mo, baka siguro nakita nila yung number ko sa papel nung Joaquin, baka pinagtripan nila," I said in a low voice, dapat pala humindi na lang ako, but it so difficult, they are my friends.

"Alva, it's okay, Asher's a good guy, I already feel it, hindi pumapalya ang instincts ko," he said, at inakbayan pa ako.

"Now, let's go home, at hinihintay ka na ni Lia," ani pa niya at nagpatuloy na kami sa paglalakad.

We met his driver at the gate, I'm always seated at the left side of the car, backseat, while Harison was in front, beside his driver, kuya Rudy.

"How was your day?" tanong niya at ngumiti sa aming dalawa.

"Uh, stressful kuya Rudy," ani naman ni Harison at nagkunwaring pagod na pagod talaga sa buhay.

"Parang hindi naman, Harison, sa itsura mo pa lang para kang may ginawang kalokohan e',"

"So rude, kuya," sagot niya at natawa na lang kami pare-pareho.

Actually, kuya Rudy was Harison's cousin, in his mother's side. He said that he needs to earn money for his family, so that's why, Harison's father hired him as his personal driver.

We talk along the way, jokes, laughter. Kuya Rudy and the both of us are so close to him, hindi rin ganoon kalayo ang edad niya sa amin para maging kavibes namin siya. They drop me off on our gate, and Manang Kristy was there to pick me up.

"Ops, Manang Kristy was waiting for me, thank you for the ride!" I said as I go out of the car, Harison waved at me for the last time. I run to give Manang Kristy a big warm hug.

"How was your day, Alora?" she asked.

"It's good, but, not much, uh, hey Manang, did Mommy and Daddy..." hindi ko na itinuloy pa ang sasabihin ko dahil alam ko na rin naman ang sagot.

"No, my dear, pero tumawag sila kanina..." Manang smiled.

"And? What did they say?"

"Sabi nila, uuwi sila bukas, both of your parents," ani pa niya at inakbayan ako.

"But, Manang, maraming bukas," saad ko at napayuko na lang, it's always like this, bukas ng bukas, maraming bukas. Sinasabi nila na uuwi sila, pero, hindi naman talaga, I wasted my time waiting for the thing that is impossible to happen.

Narinig kong nagpakawala ng buntong-hininga si Manang Kristy, she asked if I can be with Lia this time, para makapagluto siya ng hapunan naming magkapatid, at para makatulong sa kaniya ang nag-aalaga ngayon sa kapatid ko. I smiled at her, ibinigay ko sa kaniya ang ibang gamit ko at mabilis na tumakbo papasok ng bahay.

Maraming kasambahay ang bumati sa akin, ngumiti lang ako sa kanila at mabilis na tumakbo papunta sa kwarto ni Lia, naabutan kong nakikipaglaro sa kaniya si ate Arianne.

"Lia!" I said, at umamba na yayakapin ko siya.

"Ate!" She shouted at her small voice, Lia was only 4 years old.

"Nandito ka na pala, kaya mo ba, Alva?" ate Arianne asked, I nodded.

"Yes ate, I can handle her," pagsisigurado ko at mabilis na niyakap ang kapatid ko.

"Did you missed ate?" I asked her, ate Arianne left us in Lia's room and shut the door.

"Yes! Miss na miss!" she giggled.

They were playing building blocks and dolls, everytime I go home from school, hindi pa ako nakikipagbihis ay nakikipaglaro na kaagad ako kay Lia. I'm the only one family that she had, the reason that our parents are both busy. Everytime.

Lia's favorite doll was Ariel, she said that she wants to be a mermaid when she grow up.

"I want this kind of hair, too, ate," ani niya at itinuro ang buhok ng manika.

"Yes, if your older enough like ate Alva," I said and laugh at her.

"Ate Alva," she said, at binitawan ang manika na bitbit niya.

"Hmm?"

"Did Mommy... And Daddy loved us? When they will go home? Tomorrow?" she asked out of the blue.

This literally broke my heart into pieces, bata pa lang siya, pero, hindi ko alam kung bakit niya naitatanong sa akin ang mga ganitong bagay.

And this is the first time that I lied on my sister.

"Y-yes, they... They really loved us, Lia, but, Mommy and Daddy were super busy, so that's why they didn't make time for us, for the meantime, ate Alva will be your mother and father, do you like that? We play, we dance, we sleep together, gusto mo ba 'yon?" I asked her at binuhat siya.

"Yehey! Ate Alva will be Mommy!" she giggled and hugged me tightly.

Do our parents really loved us? I'm sure, they loved us, but, in this kind of situation? Naaalala pa ba nila kami kahit marami silang schedules? Naaalala pa ba nila si Lia? Makakauwi pa ba sila sa bahay at pamilya nila? Or they do forget the both of us? Tears fall down on to my cheeks, mabilis kong pinunasan iyon at ngumiti na lang. Ayokong nakikita ako ni Lia na malungkot.

"Ate, are you crying?" she said.

"No, ate's not crying, umm, we should watch T.V while ate is changing her clothes, okay?" ani ko at pinindot ang remote para bumukas ang T.V, ibinaba ko siya para makapagpalit na ako.

Tumalikod lang ako at narinig kong pumalakpak si Lia.

"Ate! Look! It's Mommy!" she giggled and waved at the T.V.

Our mother was in showbiz and business industry, so that's why you can see her all over the televisions, commercials, dramas, and T.V. hosting. Our mother was famous throughout the country and internationally, so that's why she didn't make time for us.

"Yes, it's... Mommy," I said and smiled, nagpatuloy lang ako sa pagbibihis.

"Mommy is so pretty," she whispered, at napahiga pa siya habang tinititigan ang ina namin sa telebisyon, It was a beauty product commercial.

I finished changing my clothes and my cellphone rang once again.

"Oh, ate, your cellphone," she said at iniabot sa akin ang cellphone.

"Thank you," and quickly answered it.

It was the same number last time, the one that Harison answered.

"Uh, hello?"

[Hello?]

"Uhm... I'm sorry if I write my number on your test paper—"

I heard him laughing, para mapataas ang kilay ko sa gulat.

[It's okay, Uhm... I'm talking to the owner of this number right?] he asked.

"Yes... Anong kailangan mo?"

[Wait, I literally suck at the English subject, i know that you are the one that checked it, I can see at your handwritings, it's beautiful...]

Naramdaman kong biglang uminit ang pisngi ko, napatikhim na lang ako at inayos ang salamin ko. I never received such compliment from a stranger.

"W-wait... A-are you, Asher?" I asked, wow, this time ka pa nabulol.

[Asher's my friend...] he replied.

"Oh..."

[So, what's your name?]

"Alora Valine," I said, mabilis ko ring sinulyapan si Lia, at busy naman siya sa panonood.

"Ano bang kailangan mo?" I asked for the second time.

[You have a beautiful name, uh, I'm sorry, I'm looking for a English tutor, can you be my tutor? By the way, I'm Joaquin...]

He's Joaquin?!

"English tutor? Why me? Dapat sa mga English teacher ka nagtatanong, I don't have any knowledge about it. Magkasing-edad lang tayo..."

[But you honestly answered my wrong attempts on exam, and it was incredible, can you be my tutor? If you want to, you can wait me under the Narra tree, lunchtime, at school, understood?]

Paladesisyon din naman.

"And if I didn't show up, that means, that I don't want to be your tutor," ha, well-played Alva.

[Okay, that's a deal...]

"Deal." I said as I hung up the call.

"Ate, who is that?" Lia asked.

"Oh, nothing, it's kuya Harison," I lied again.

She nodded, and watch again the cartoons in T.V. Napabuntong-hininga lang ako, did I literally talk to a stranger?

"Hey, Alva, tara na sa canteen," Harison said.

"Uhm..." inaayos ko lang ang gamit ko, lunchtime na, nagdalawang-isip pa ako kung sasama ba ako sa kanila o gagawin ko yung sinabi ni Joaquin. Wait, gagawin ko talaga?

"I have some errands to do today, you should go with the gang," saad ko at ngumiti sa kaniya.

"Oh, okay, sumunod ka na lang sa amin, honey," he said at binitbit na ang ibang kaibigan namin palabas ng room.

Mabilis kong inayos ang gamit ko, ayokong sabihin kay Harison na may pupuntahan akong iba, he would be mad if I tell him. Mabilis akong naglakad palabas ng classroom, I can see some students talking to each other, inayos ko ang salamin ko. I greeted some students, and they greeted me back.

"She is the daughter of the famous personality, right?"

Naririnig ko ang mga bulong-bulungan nila, it was always like this. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako.

Nakarating na ako sa ilalim ng Narra tree, it was located at the center of the school. There are so many students here, eating with there friends. Hawak ko lang ang cellphone ko, dahil baka bigla na lang tumawag ang Joaquin na iyon sa number ko.

I roamed around my eyes if I can see him, pero walang sign. I sit beside some students, at tinignan ang phone ko, biglang may nagpop-up na message.

unknown number: hey, are you in specs? Short brown hair?

I raised an eyebrow, is he around? I replied on that message.

: yes, are you here?

And then, someone called my name from the distance, para lang mapaangat ako ng tingin.

"Hey! Alora Valine!" shouted by someone, mabilis kong iginala ang mga mata ko.

Nakita ko ang dalawang lalaking naglalakad papalapit sa akin, pareho silang matangkad, ang isa ay nakangiti habang ang isa naman ay nakabunsangot. The one that smiling have this brush-up style of hair, while the other one, well, it's ordinary faded cut.

I saw the other guy drinking strawberry milk.

Tumayo ako at inayos ang sarili ko.

"Hey, are you Shanaia Villareal's daughter?" he asked.

"Uh, yeah?" pag-aalinlangan kong sagot sa kaniya.

"Woah. I'm Joaquin, and this is Asher," sabay turo niya sa lalaking nakafaded cut, I just waved at him.

"Nice to meet you both," I smiled.

"Oh, regarding doon sa tutoring session, we should start tomorrow, Saturday, are you available?" he's talkative actually.

"S-saturday? Uh, I will call you if I'm available, it was my sister's day every Saturday," I explained to them.

Sumisip lang siya sa karton nung iniinom niya, he flashed a friendly smile at me.

"Okay, you can just call or text me, on that number, are we clear?" he said like he was my teacher in History.

"Uh, yeah, cool," I said, at inayos ang salamin ko.

"Alright, have a nice day!" ani niya na parang namamaalam na, mabilis niyang inakbayan ang lalaking nagngangalang Asher, he was quiet actually.

I just waved at them, at mabilis na bumalik sa classroom, I saw already Harison with the gang, they finished eating their lunch.

"Hey, Alva, bakit hindi ka sa amin sumama?" tanong ni Ashlyn ng makaupo ako sa upuan ko.

"Uh, may ginawa lang," I said, at nakita kong may inilapag na pagkain sa harap ko si Harison.

"That's 65 pesos, drinks not included," he said, and smiled at me.

"Char, kumain ka na, bawal magpalipas ng gutom, libre ko na sa'yo 'yan," he laugh in a low tone.

"Aww, you love me talaga," I said ang hug him tightly.

"Gaga, as a friend," he said at tumawa.

"Yes, as a sister," ani ko at ngumiti muli sa kaniya.

It was Saturday today, Lia was still sleeping, pareho kaming natulog sa kwarto niya dahil wala naman siyang kasama. I just caress her hair, at pinagmasdan ang mukha niya, the braids fit her perfectly.

I remember the guy yesterday, well, hindi naman masamang tumulong, kaya napagpasyahan kong magtutor sa kaniya.

For goodness sake, I forgot to ask what time for our tutoring session!

I quickly pick up my phone and text Joaquin's number.

: I'm available today, what time ba?

Tumayo na ako sa higaan ko at mabilis na pumunta sa comfort room, I washed my face, brush my teeth, I heard my phone rings. The message pops-up right away.

Joaquin: 9:00 sharp, is that okay? Out will be 4:00 in the afternoon.

Tumingin ako sa orasan, it was already 7:30 in the morning, oh well, I'm thankful that I am an early person. Lia was awake, she even greeted me good morning, binuhat ko siya at pareho na kaming bumaba sa kusina para kumain ng almusal.

"Good morning, Manang," I greeted her with a smile, inilapag naman niya ang pinggan na may laman na pancakes, ibinaba ko si Lia para siya na ang uupo sa upuan.

"Wow, pancakes!" she giggled at mabilis na kinuha ang tinidor. She became energetic when she smells th pancakes.

"Dahan-dahan lang, Arcelia," ani naman ni Manang Kristy at natawa.

"Manang, that's Lia, makulit talaga," I smiled at her.

Naalala ko na naman ang pag-alis ko mamaya, it's easy to get permission from Manang Kristy, but, this day is for Lia.

"Manang, I'll be going to my classmate's house mamayang 9:00 a.m, we will be making some project for the English subject, I'll be back by 4:00 in the afternoon, pwede po ba?" paalam ko, ngumiti lang si Manang at tumango.

"4:00 in the afternoon Alora Valine, 'yan ang sinabi mo ha," she said.

"Ate Arianne will play with me this day? I thought we're playing today?" reklamo ni Lia, I was having second-thoughts if I will be with Joaquin this day.

"Arcelia, ate Alva was having some projects in school, she should do that, or she will have bad grades," Manang Kristy said, bigla naman akong hinawakan ni Lia sa kamay, and smiled at me.

"Okay, you should go, but tomorrow, ate Arianne and Mama Kristy will play with us, okay?" Lia explained.

She was 4 years old pero, parang 7 years old na siya kung manalita, natawa ako bigla sa mga naiisip ko.

"Pinky promise?" she said ang laugh.

"Pinky promise," and we do it.

I just wear a simple shirt with minimalist print on it, a dark blue skinny jeans and white sneakers. I also used my tote bag, and I wear my glasses.

Nagpaalam na ako kay Manang Kristy at kay Lia, I was heading to the gate when I saw a Montero stops by. Mabilis akong naglakad baka dahil sila Mommy at Daddy na iyon, it has the exact color of our Montero, and a message pops-up on my phone.

It was Joaquin.

Joaquin: are you in white shirt?

: yes.

Mabilis akong lumabas ng gate namin, at nilapitan ang kotse, bumaba ang salamin nito at nakita ko yung lalaking nakafaded cut kahapon.

"Asher? How did you know my address?" I said.

"Uhm, it was Harison, I DM him to have your address, and by the way, I'm the real Joaquin," he said, I was confused.

"Ha? Paanong—"

"Joaquin Castriel Salvador, hop in Alora," he said in a friendly voice.

This Joaquin thingy is killing me.

"So, you're the real Joaquin? Not that guy yesterday?" I asked one more time.

"Yes and yes and yes... The one with the milk is Asher, he's really a talkative one, I can read in your face yesterday," ani niya at natawa pa ng marahan.

"Ibang-iba ka kahapon, you're cold, and didn't greeted me back," reklamo ko sa kaniya.

"Haha, I'm sorry, alam lang kasi nila na si Joaquin Salvador ay isang cold-hearted guy, parang walang pakialam sa mundo," he explained while driving. Tumaas lang ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya, sandali rin kaming natahimik.

"You have an excellent design in your house," he smiled.

"Oh, that house? It was made by an architect, with partnership of Sherman Salvador, so that's why it's incredibly amazing," I stated to him.

"Wow, my father did that? Hindi ko alam," he said, para lang magulat ako sa pagkamangha.

"Your father is Sherman Salvador?! He was famous for his Engineering works! Oh my God!" ani ko, at ng marealize ko na parang weird at awkward dahil iba na ang tingin niya sa akin, napatikhim lang ako at umayos ng upo.

I heard him laughing at my situation by now. Salbahe.

"It's okay, Alora, ganiyan din sila kapag nalalaman nila na anak ako ng isang sikat na Engineer," paliwanag niya.

"I'm sorry, talkative lang din talaga ako, lalo na't nagiging kaclose ko 'yong tao, pero, that? Wow, that must be hard," I said at hinawakan ng maigi ang bag ko.

"Yeah, like you, lalo na't ang Mommy mo ay isang sikat na personality, right?" he said at tumingin sa akin, his eyes were brown.

Napailing ako at inayos ko ang salamin ko, ako na ang kumalas sa titigan naming dalawa. Get yourself Alora Valine, nakakahiya.

"Uh, y-yeah, everytime," I whispered.

Nakarating na kami sa gate ng bahay nila, it has a huge garden, pine trees, those Bougainvilleas with different colors, para kang nasa Tagaytay sa itsura ng landscape, and their gate and house was big. Having those modern style design.

"Wow, your house is..."

"Incredibly different? Yeah, I know right?" he laughed again.

His laugh was like a music into my ears. Napakamot na lang ako sa ulo ko dahil sa mga naiisip ko. He was a different person back there, at the school.

Ipinarada niya ang kotse niya, at ang laki ng garahe nila, I can see some Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz. They are indeed belongs to the list of wealthy families.

"So, this car is yours?" I asked.

"Yes," he said.

Inaya niya ako sa loob ng bahay nila, the interior design was incredible! The chandelier was huge! And it has this spiral staircase, and it has a glass railings!

"Is your mother, an architect? I'm sorry if I was so much in question and talkative, but really, your house is incredible!" I said and smiled at him.

"Yeah! I know right! My mother is an architect, so that's why our house is built like this," he explained.

I just smiled at him and I saw a guy who is walking down from the second floor, he was like a college student in his form.

"Hey, JC, who's the girl?" he asked.

"JC?"

"Yeah, Joaquin Castriel, JC," he smiled, pero nung tumingin siya sa lalaki ay biglang nagtimpla ang mukha. He has this scary aura now.

"She's a friend, JB," ani niya at parang hinarangan ako.

"Wow, girlfriend?" ani pa nung JB at lumapit sa amin pagkababa niya ng hagdan.

"No, Jaz," matigas na sabi ni Joaquin para lang magulat ako sa takot.

"Fine, what's your name anyway?" tanong pa niya at inilahad ang kamay sa akin.

"I'm—"

"JB, JC, 'wag kayong mag-away sa harap ng bisita," ani ng isang boses na pamilyar sa akin.

Joaquin just stay the same, while JB display a playful smile on his face. Nagsorry lang si JB at umalis na sa harapan namin, ng lumapit ang babae, saka ko lang nalaman na kilala ko talaga siya. With that short hair with white streaks, and a beauty mark at the right side of her cheeks, I know that it was her.

"M-manang Fe?"

"H-ha? Miss A-alora?"

"Manang Fe!" ani ko at mabilis na yumakap sa kaniya.

"Wait? Magkakilala kayo?" tanong ni Joaquin habang kumakamot ng ulo.

"Aba'y oo naman! Ang kapatid ko ay naninilbihan sa kanilang bahay ngayon, kumusta na siya?" tanong pa nito sa akin at ngumiti.

"Ayos naman po siya Manang," sagot ko at niyakap ulit siya.

"Ang laki mo na, at ang ganda pa! Magkaklase ba kayo?" puri niya sa akin para lang matawa kami pareho.

"Schoolmates Manang, wow, what a reunion," Joaquin said at natawa ng marahan.

Pareho lang kaming natawa sa sinabi ni Joaquin, and once again, I hug her very tight.

"Oh, you should wait at the backyard, sa may gazeebo, it was peaceful, we can study there, I'll go get my things," paalam sa amin ni Joaquin, ngumiti lang ako sa kaniya.

Dinala ako ni Manang Fe sa gazeebo na sinasabi ni Joaquin, before we get there, we walk on this pathway filled with little bush of flowers and some trees. Masarap talagang maglakad-lakad dito. Ng makarating kami sa gazeebo, it has this beautiful view with a pond and some swans that peacefully swimming and roaming around there. The gazeebo was covered with bougainvilleas with the colors of pink, carnation, and violet, it was truly peaceful here, and the air was so fresh.

"Kaya ganito ang lupa ng pamilyang Salvador, ay talagang mayayaman sila, lalo na ang Mommy ni Joaquin," paliwanag ni Manang Fe ng makaupo kami sa upuan na kabilang sa gazeebo.

"Nasaan na po ang Mommy niya?" tanong ko habang pinagmamasdan ang mga bulaklak.

"Patay na ang Mommy niya, 3 years old pa lang si Joaquin noon," paliwang ni Manang Fe para lang mapatingin ako sa kaniya.

"Napasama si Precious sa kaso ng Mistaken Identity, noong mga panahon na namamayagpag siya dahil isa siyang magaling na arkitekto, si JB at JC ay talagang maagang nawalay sa kanilang ina," paliwanag pa ni Manang Fe.

It was so hard for the both of them, not having a mother by your side, para na ring nabawasan ang buhay mo.

"Kaya hindi gaanong magkasundo sina JB at JC, dahil walang aalalay sa kanila, lalo na't ang Daddy niya ay lagi ring abala sa trabaho," she said at humawak sa balikat ko.

"Manang! Alora!" Joaquin shouted from a distance, may bitbit siyang mga libro at papel, and a box of strawberry milk.

Ng makalapit siya ay kaagad niyang ibinaba ang mga gamit niya, nagpaalam na rin sa amin si Manang Fe na kukuha lang daw siya ng makakain namin.

"So? What's our first lesson?" tanong niya at mabilis na napaupo sa upuan. Iniabot niya sa akin ang isang strawberry milk.

"What lesson do you find difficult? Para saan 'to?" I asked back.

"Wow, mas lalo mo talaga akong pinapahanga Alora, um, hindi ko alam ang hilig ng babae, so, I just get some strawberry milk, baka magustuhan mo," puri niya at napatawa ng marahan, inayos ko lang ang salamin ko.

"Oh, thank you, actually this is my favorite... Uh, my friends call me Alva, you can call me Alva," I said as I browse one of his books.

"So, we're friends?"

"Yes, I'm friendly kaya," saad ko at natawa ng marahan.

"Pero ikaw, ako okay lang, e' sa'yo—"

"All good, all good, we're friends now," he said, at pinaglaruan ang ballpen.

Sandali naman kaming natahimik, binabasa ko lang ang libro habang siya ay pasipol-sipol lang.

"So, Manang Fe told you, about my mother?" Nag-angat ako ng tingin noong sinabi niya iyon, napaismid pa ako at inayos ang salamin ko.

"Y-yes, I'm sorry—"

"No, it's okay actually, umm, it's been 13 years since my mother left us, and JB? I'm sorry about my atittude towards my older brother," ani pa niya at ngumiti.

"No, it's okay,"

"Do you have siblings?" he asked.

"Yes, only one, and it is a girl," I explained to him.

"How old?"

"4, I'm 12 years older than her," saad ko pa at ibinaba ang libro.

"Let's start this lesson Joaquin, the clocks ticking," I said as I explained to him some words.

Fast learner siya, hindi ko lang talaga alam kung bakit muntik niyang maibagsak ang subject na English, he was very good in grammar, the ways he delivered his words, but on writing, well, he has a problem.

I red some readings like the Divine Comedy, and he perfectly answers the question.

"Bakit ka nahihirapan sa English? You can perfectly answer the questions," saad ko at tinignan ulit yung paper na sinagutan niya.

"Well, in readings and memorization, wala akong problema, sa language lang," ani pa niya at itinuro sa akin ang ballpen na hawak niya.

"Your grammar is excellent, how could fail a particular exam in language?"

"Well, walang taong perpekto, Alva, lahat, may kahinaang taglay,"

He stared at me like we are like the last person in this world, his eyes were brown, it was filled with happiness and positivity, ng tumama ang sinag ng araw sa kaniya ay mas lalong gumanda pa ang kulay ng mga mata niya. I feel like my cheeks heated because of our situation, binalot lang kami ng katahimikan sa mga oras na ito.

"Mukhang nasisiyahan kayo ah," interrupted by a voice, para lang mapayuko ako at tumingin sa ibang direksyon.

"Wow, Manang, mukhang masarap 'yan ah," puri ni Joaquin sa biscuits na dala ni Manang Fe at juice.

"Thank you po," I said as I bite of one the biscuits, it's so good.

I looked at Joaquin, he's white teeth flashes, his smile was like a scenery, hindi ko alam kung ano ang iniisip ko, pero, he was a guy that every girl dreams, I wonder if he have a girlfriend.

"Do you... have—"

"A girlfriend? No way," he smirked at me.

Wow, that was fast, ng matapos kaming kumain ay nagpatuloy na ako sa pagtuturo sa kaniya, Manang Fe was there at the side, pinapanood ang mga swans. Sinusulyapan ko si Joaquin sa tuwing nagsusulat siya, his hair was black as ebony, parang buhok ni Snow White. Well, totoo talagang nanggaling siya sa maganda at mayamang pamilya.

"You okay?" he said, para lang bumalik ako sa wisyo at napaayos ng salamin ko.

"Y-yeah," ngiti ko sa kaniya.

It was Monday, I was walking in the hallway, at hindi mawala-wala ang pagbati nila sa akin. It was always like this, nagsasawa na ako, mas gusto ko na lang na maging isang ordinaryong estudyante.

I waved at every other student that I will encounter, and there's Harison, inilingkis niya ang braso niya sa braso ko, and he mouthed the word 'smile'. I just laughed at him, para lang mahampas niya ako ng marahan sa braso. As we walk, I saw Joaquin with Asher, Asher greeted me, and Joaquin just smiled, ngumiti lang din ako sa kaniya. Totoo nga ang sinabi niya, si Joaquin Castriel Salvador ay isang cold-hearted guy, I just laughed at the concept dahil ibang-iba siya sa Joaquin na nakilala ko.

Three periods had passed by, it was lunch time, magkakasama kami bukod lang kay Nathan, he was absent today, pumunta na kami sa canteen at humanap ng upuan. Jennifer was the one who will order our food on the counter. I saw again Joaquin with his friends, when our eyes meet, he just smiled, in a minimal way, I just waved back, at hinampas ako ni Harison.

"Hoy girl, sinong kinakawayan mo diyan?" he said.

"Oh, nothing," I giggled.

"Are you crazy?"

"What?! No!" and we both laughed.

One morning, I saw a strawberry milk in my desk, it was weird. Sino ang maglalagay nito sa desk ko? Inisip ko si Harison, but Harison was not here already. So I asked some classmates, hindi rin nila alam. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako.

Whoever it is, thank you.

And it was repeated the other day, and the next day, and the next day. How weird, napakayaman naman sa strawberry milk ng taong 'to. Kinalabit ako ni Harison, at tumingin sa strawberry milk na hawak ko.

"Hey girl, suki ka niyan ah," ani niya at napaupo na sa upuan niya.

"I know, sino naman kaya ang magbibigay nito?" I asked.

Sandali akong natigilan, iisang tao lang ako pumasok sa isip ko, si Joaquin.

"Hindi kaya... Si Joaquin?"

"Huh? The guy who's in another section? 'Yong chineck-an mo ng paper?" Harison asked.

"Uh, yeah?"

"Shit girl, baka bet ka na niya," biro ni Harison para lang mahampas ko siya sa braso.

"Gaga, ano 'yon? Speed lang?"

"Hoy, Alora, baka mamaya bet mo na rin 'yan ha, tumigil ka sa ganiyan," biro pa ni Harison at natawa.

"Duh, hinding-hindi ako magkakagusto roon, he's a friend Hars," paliwanag ko at napaupo na rin.

"Well, bawal magsalita ng hindi tapos," tawa niya.

"Stop it!"

Saturday came, at iniisip ko pa rin iyong sinabi ni Harison sa akin, may posibilidad kaya? Mukhang wala naman. He's a friend.

"How was your week?" tanong ni Joaquin habang naglalakad kami papuntang gazeebo.

"Great, wala namang bago," sagot ko at inayos ang salamin ko.

Nagulat ako ng ipatong niya ang kamay niya sa ulo ko, mas matangkad siya sa akin, kaya kayang-kaya niyang gawin iyon. Narinig ko pa siyang natawa. Tinanggal ko ang kamay niya sa ulo ko, at nagulat ako ng hawakan niya iyon ng mahigpit, bigla akong natigilan sa ginawa niya.

"The clock's ticking, Alva, bilisan natin!" ani niya sa akin at hatak niya ako habang tumatakbo.

My heart skipped a beat ng mas lalo pa niyang hawakan ng mahigpit ang kamay ko, wait, is this normal?

Until many Saturday came, he's clingy as hell. It was like, he's giving mixed signals to me. Sometimes, he will hold my hand after he answers the questions, ililingkis niya ang braso niya sa braso ko habang naglalakad kami, and he always put his hands over my head. Normal lang naman maging clingy ang isang kaibigan 'di ba?

We're seating at the gazeebo, I was checking his papers when he called my name.

"Alora,"

"Y-yes,"

"Ang ganda mo,"

My face heated when he said that. Wala akong nagawa kundi ngumiti na lang sa kaniya. It was embarassing if he saw my face turned red. He also said na gusto niya ako, bilang kaibigan kaagad ang inisip ko, dahil sabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako magkakagusto sa kaniya.

On weekdays, syempre may pasok, minsan sinasamahan niya akong kumain, palagi niya rin akong tinatawag sa classroom. Maraming students ang nagaakala na in a relationship kami ni Joaquin, pero sinasabi ko na lang na magkaibigan kami, dahil iyon naman ang totoo.

Laging akong binibiro ni Harison na baka magkaroon na raw ako ng feelings, girl no. Noong una, kapag tinatawag niya ako, ay medyo naiirita ako. And then, I saw myself waiting for him, sa pintuan ng classroom namin. Wait, what the hell?

"Alva!" Joaquin said as he approach our door.

"Hoy Alva, bawal magsalita ng hindi tapos ha," bulong ni Harison sa akin.

"No, walang feelings na involved," paliwanag ko at tumayo na.

I was smiling habang papalapit sa kaniya, it was weird, kaya napasimangot na lang ulit ako ng makalapit sa kaniya. Am I having feelings for him? I observed myself these days, para akong tanga dahil hinihintay ko palagi ang sabado, at ang pagsundo niya sa akin sa room, and confirmed, siya ang naglalagay ng strawberry milk sa desk ko, who else can it be? Ngayon ko lang narealize, gustong-gusto ko na ang presensiya niya.

I'm falling for Joaquin Castriel Salvador.

Monday came, and there was a general assembly at the complex, we were lined up by height, ng makarating kami sa complex ay si Joaquin kaagad ang hinanap ko, I was excited at his presence, kaya simple kong iginala ang mga mata ko, and there he is.

When our eyes met, he smiled at me, ngumiti rin ako sa kaniya with matching kaway pa. Tapos biglang nagsalita ang school principal namin.

"Okay, settle down students, we know that is was the JS Prom days this month," panimula ng principal, maraming napapalakpak ng sabihin niya iyon.

"Ngayon, ang JS Prom niyo is in two weeks, nakapili na ba kayo ng inyong susuotin?" ngiti ng principal sa amin.

"Well, at this hour, mayroong dalang basket ang mga teacher niyo, for the boys only, those flower bracelets will be given to you, at ibibigay niyo ito sa babaeng gusto niyong makasama sa buong gabi niyo," paliwanag pa niya para lang mapangiti ako.

Ms. Ross was handling some white synthetic roses for the boys, it has this beautiful design with white ribbon. I saw Harison holding the flower, natawa ako sa itsura niya dahil sinuot niya ito sa sarili niya. With all that happenings, I was expecting Joaquin to give me the flower bracelet. I saw him holding one, at tumingin sa akin, napangiti lang ako.

At ng makarating ako sa room, I saw one on my desk, I knew it! Joaquin likes me to be his date!

"Harison!" I whispered.

"Look! He gave this flower to me!" ani ko pa at napatili sa kilig. Binusisi ko pa ang bulaklak.

"Ang swerte mo naman girl, ako? Wala akong pagbibigyan, wala naman akong bet ditelems sa room," paliwanag niya at napaupo, he even stared at me with this creepy face.

"What?" taas kilay kong tanong sa kaniya.

"May feelings ka na ba? Don't lie to me Alora Valine," tanong ni Harison.

"Maybe," ngiti ko, at umiwas ng tingin.

"Maybe, malamang meron na, don't me, kilala kita hanggang sa dulo ng nunal mo sa paa," and crossed his arms.

"Hey, okay slight, I like him," pag-amin ko para lang magulat siya, pareho na lang kaming natawa.

"OMG! Alora Valine Villareal!" pareho kaming natawa sa sitwasyon namin. Harison is my bestfriend, siya dapat ang unang nakakaalam.

JS Prom came, I was wearing a off-shoulder serpentina gown, it was color gold, and it perfectly fits my skin color, I have a short hair, nilagay ng hairstylist ko ang buhok ko palikod, at nilagyan ng clips sa magkabilang gilid to finished my outfit. I was wearing a 3-inch pointed heels, at sinuot ko rin ang flower bracelet na ibinigay sa akin ni Joaquin.

Ng matapos ako ay kaagad akong pumunta kina Manang Kristy at Lia sa baba.

"Wow! Ate's so pretty!" puri ni Lia at yumakap sa akin.

"Tara! Picture tayo!" aya ni ate Arianne sa amin.

Pumayag naman ako, dahil wala ang parents namin ni Lia ay sila na ang tumayong pamilya namin sa bahay na ito. The other maids was happy seeing us, and they are the one who took photos of us with Manang and ate Arianne, and with little Lia. We do formal poses, wacky, and even candid. There was a photo were I and Lia was on frame, and I kisses her on her big and soft rosy cheeks.

"Enjoy-in mo ang gabing ito, Alora, 'wag mong isipin si Lia, kami ang bahala sa kaniya," paalala ni Manang Kristy at hinawakan ako sa kamay, kinuha naman ni ate Arianne si Lia.

"Opo," sagot ko at may narinig akong bumusina sa labas ng gate. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi mapangiti dahil baka si Joaquin na iyon.

"Nandiyan na ang sundo mo, mag-iingat ka," ani pa ni Manang Kristy.

"Enjoy your night, ate!" Lia said, I kiss her on the cheeks once again before I leave her to ate Arianne.

Sa paglabas ko ay hindi ko inaasahan na sasakyan ni Harison ang bumungad sa akin. He even lowered-down the windows, and waved at me, nagsimula na akong magtaka, at iniisip ko rin si Joaquin dahil baka sunduin niya ako, gusto ko siyang itext, pero, magtetext na lang ako mamaya na sumabay na ako kay Harison.

"Hey girl, your shining as hell tonight!" puri ni Harison para lang matawa ako, he was wearing a pink tuxedo, and the flower bracelet was in his wrist. I saw kuya Rudy, too.

"Hey, Alva, ang ginto mo ngayong gabi ah," tawa ni kuya Rudy.

"Yes naman, kuya Rudy, it was my last Prom, I'm going to college na already." paalala ko sa kaniya.

"Alright, tara na sa school!"

The school was stunning with its elegant design, with matching gold ang silver colors, the lights were truly for partying. Harison was there by my side, he starts to groove when the music plays. I just laughed at him. We saw Jennifer and Mariella, ibang-iba si Jennifer tuwing nasa klase, she was truly beautiful tonight, with that red cocktail dress and she even curls her hair with highlights. We saw Ashlyn too, and Nathan with his guy friends.

Napatingin ako sa buong complex, Joaquin was not here, so I waited for him, at palagi akong tumitingin sa pinto, iniisip ko na baka nalate lang siya. Maraming estudyante na ang pumasok sa complex, but Joaquin was still not here, napaupo na lang ako sa table namin, ang iba sa amin ay sumasayaw na, habang ako at si Harison ay nakaupo lang.

I always check my phone if he texted, pero wala pa ring message, tingin pa rin ako ng tingin sa pinto.

"Bakla, pupunta pa ba si Joaquin, he's 1 hour late," paalala ni Harison sa akin habang nag-aayos siyang mukha niya.

"I don't know Harison, I should wait for him," ani ko at ngumiti, saka napabuntong-hininga.

I heard the door opens, and there's Joaquin, wearing a black tuxedo that matches his skin color, ang ayos din ng buhok niya at mas lalo siyang gumwapo, he was like a prince charming in fairytale stories.

Napatingin ako kay Harison, and even smiled at him, tumayo na ako at nilapitan siya. I expected that I was his date for tonight.

But I was wrong.

I saw a girl, when he enters the complex, she hold hands with Joaquin, and she was wearing a pink flower bracelet, I looked at mine, it was white. I thought Joaquin gave it to me, he even smiles at her like they are the last person in this world, the girl was wearing a carnation pink fairy-type gown, she was stunning tonight. She was amazingly gorgeous tonight.

Napatingin na lang ako kay Harison, tears starts to form, at wala akong nagawa kundi tumakbo na lang papunta sa comfort room, I can't help myself but to cry, to cry in pain. I was expecting all this time, I expect that Joaquin likes me, I was wrong all this time. I cry at the comfort room, I don't care if my make-up was ruined, gusto kong ilabas lahat ng sakit sa puso ko.

"Alva, oh, Alva," Harison said, napatingin pa ako sa kaniya bago siya yakapin. Sinundan pala niya ako.

"H-harison, I was w-wrong," I cried, at napayakap pa sa kaniya ng mahigpit.

"Shh, don't cry my darling, don't cry,"

"It w-was all in m-my head, Hars, nag-expect a-ako at nag-assume, I-i was wrong all this t-time," I cried once again, I feel my heart was thorned into pieces.

"Ibig sabihin lang noon, mahal mo na siya, dahil nasasaktan ka na," ani niya para lang kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap.

"Yes, I do love him, pero ako lang, I do love him. Harison," ani ko pa at napaiyak na lang.

"Now dear, it's not your fault if you fall for him ang loved him, atleast alam mo na, you're been confused about your feelings towards to him, he's a friend, hindi niya siguro intensyon na bigyan ka ng signals, dahil nga, magkaibigan kayo, alam niya iyon, pero, giving you this clingy vibes and even crossing the line, nuh-uh, siya ang may kasalanan sa inyong dalawa," paliwanag pa niya habang pinupunasan ang luha ko.

"You fall in a wrong person, Alora. Your feelings is fragile, at kailangang ingatan sa totoo lang, so that's why from now on, I will protect your feelings, okay? 'Wag mo munang isipin, it's our Prom, kailangan ito ang gabi ng kasiyahan, not, the night for the brokenhearted, ayokong nasasaktan ang sister ko," biro niya.

Inayos ni Harison ang make-up ko, I saw myself at the mirror, ang pangit ko na kakaiyak, he always making a way for me to smile, inayos niya ang make-up ko, at lumabas na ng comfort room, he even mouthed the word 'smile', so I smiled. He also gave me the flower bracelet, and I have two this time, I laughed.

When a lively music was playing, we dance, and Asher was there to join us, I can't help myself to laugh at the both of them, they are really funny, especially when Asher dance. They made my night so memorable. Nahagip ng mga mata ko si Joaquin, while dancing with his girl, I smiled and hurt at the same time, sabi nga ni Harison, huwag kong isipin, dahil it was the night of happiness ang partying. Not the night for the brokenhearted.

I promise to myself, that I will wait for the right time to confess, I will wait for the day that I have the courage to do it. I will wait for the day, that I can already accept his reaction and decision. Everyday, I will poured out my heart to him. Everyday, I will love him no matter it takes.

I will wait for him, until the last string of my heart.

Disclaimer: Ang mga lugar, bagay, tao o pangyayari ay hango lamang sa imahinasyon ng may akda. Kung may nabanggit man na kapareho sa kasalukuyang panahon, aksidente lang ito at nagkataon lamang.

P.S: if ever na may maling form ng words sa aking isinulat, please, do understand. i'm still learning pa po to write the proper words every sentence. thank you in advance!!

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