Faye’s POVToday I will take Vida to the house of her new client, Mr. Bruce Camero. The other day I was excited, even more excited than Vida.Dion, the son of Mr. Camero, is my new crush. I met him a long time ago when they once visited the house because Mr. Camero is my dad's high school friend. Maybe I was only in grade 7 then. We even talked, and that's when my admiration for him began. For a few months, because we didn't see each other, and for a few years, I forgot about him, especially when I had boyfriends. Wow, boyfriends. Hehe.But now that we will meet again, I feel my admiration for him return. And since Vida doesn't know it yet, I'll just say "when I find a good time." I don't want her to tease me. "Vida! Hurry up! " I shouted here from the gate. She's been getting dressed for almost 30 minutes and she's still not done?I received no response, so I thought of just going up to the second floor again. I went inside and asked Lola Clarita where Vida was
Dion's POV"What should I do?" I asked myself, thinking that I'd be given an answer.I'm still waiting for the result. What if she can't pass? Not at all.That's impossible. I know Vida has a good personality, and there is a good chance that she will pass."Bunso!" I was surprised by my sister's sudden appearance."What happened? What was the result? ""Hey, easy. Easy peasy lemon square, hahaha. Keep calm, Cole. You're acting too obvious. Mama might know it, "she said."Why not?"Of course, after what happened to you? After your last heartbreak? You think she'll let you get hurt again? " She asked again."Atee. ""Kiddin'. Well, this is the result, "she handed me the very small card." "She passed, Cole. Don't worry, she's very welcome here at home."I heaved a sigh of relief."Thank you, Ate Sab.""For what?" she asked.I just smiled at her, so she jokingly pinched my nose. "I have to go. Go to Vida too so she can finally start her
Dion's POVWhy do I act like this? Why am I feeling this way?"Hey, Cole Dion. She is just a crush. "You just admire her. There's no reason for you to feel hurt," I said to myself.A few minutes later, I decided to go back to Vida. Maybe she needed something, and I was not there.I first went to the kitchen to get the banana shake I made earlier for Vida. I hope she'll like it. "Hi?" I knock on the door even if it's widely open. I want to let her know that I'm already here so that she won't be surprised by my sudden appearance.I saw the wall she was drawing an outline on. She was halfway there. It's cool, it's nice even if it’s just an outline. I can't wait for her to paint everything."Take a break. I made you a banana shake, "I said as I put the glass on the table.“Thank you, but I'm done eating pancakes. Manang Felicita brought me here earlier," she said, while focusing on what she was doing."Oh? Nice. Drink this banana shake then-""Sh
Vida's POV"How were you last night?" Grandma questioned as she spooned rice.My only response to her was to yawn. I'm still drowsy and haven't fully awakened. Nothing seems to enter my mind. My brain doesn't seem to be working properly."I'm asking you, Vida.""It's fine, Grandma," she said, pausing and looking at me with surprise."Why only a little? Are they mistreating you? ""It's not like that, La. They're so nice," I explained."Oh, so what's the issue?""It's Dion the jerk." I said it with a low tone, so Lola Clarita didn't understand much."What is it? Vida, what did you say? " She queried, but I simply shook my head and shrugged. I really don't want to talk about him. If only I could erase him from this world so that he would be erased from my mind, I would have done it.I woke up last night out of resentment. And to this day, I still can’t figure out what really upset me the most. Whether it's about what Dion did to me, Faye's friendship
Vida's POVIt's been two days since I last returned to the house of Mr. Camero. Actually, I'm nervous because I don't know what I'm going to say when we meet again. My reputation is ruined. Aish."Faye, come with me tomorrow, huh?"She didn't look at me and just continued writing. She is here in my room now. She will sleep here because I requested her to stay with me first. Fortunately, Tita Kara, Faye's mother, agreed immediately when I asked for her consent."Hey, Faye. Talk to me, "I shook her hand."What is it, Vida? I'm writing, right? ""Don't be mad, okay? Promise, tomorrow morning I'll go with Mr. Camero," I said.I know she has a resentment towards me. Lately, she's been forcing me to go back to work, but I don't pay attention to what she says. She was upset because I didn't immediately realize that I was already telling her bad words."Faye, I'm sorry," I said shyly to her. I forced her to face me and she couldn't stop herself. Finally, she
Vida's POV"...and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." I prayed over and over, hoping that the lost soul that had entered here earlier would have left. I can't be calm. "Should I tell Mr. Camero about this?" Gosh, no! They may think that I am losing my mind!"But it's true, though. There's really a ghost here. "Earlier, I was almost choked with fear when my own two eyes saw the ghost leave. His clothes and pants are white, but his skin color is still human. I used to think that a ghost's skin is also white.I dialed Faye's number a few times since she's the only one I can call. But she never answered, so I had no choice but to face this situation alone.I took a deep breath once, and picked up the broom and dustpan that were in one corner. These are the only things I can use against that ghost in case he attacks me.I slowly walked to the door and peered into the hal
Dion’s POV"We're here."I watched her take off the seatbelt. Based on her actions, it looks like she's really in a hurry to leave. Feels like, she’s avoiding me.I got out of my car to open the door for her."I can do it on my own. I don't need your help,”she said without emotion."Yeah, fine."When she finally came out, she walked straight towards the blue gate. That’s probably their house.Ts. She didn’t even say thank you.“Not even gave me a single glance,” I mumbled to myself. But I can’t hate her just for that reason. I know she's kind, unfortunately, not with me.I watched her enter the gate. When I made sure she was at their house, I got back in my car.I was about to go when I saw Vida talking with a guy when I peek on the window. The guy is wearing a plain white t-shirt and black trousers. He is not facing my direction so I couldn’t see his face but I clearly saw how he tapped Vida’s head. Who is he? Is he a brother? Friend? Cousin
Cindy's POV"Yes, Mom. I promise!""Come back right away, huh? I'm alone here," Mommy Gadi said while busy on her laptop."M'kay, I'm leaving. ""Go."I quickly picked up my bag from the table. I told Mommy I was going to meet Cole at their house in St. Hardin. I want to surprise him since he left here a while ago and seems to be in a hurry to get back there. He didn't even tell me that he was leaving. I just knew it when Tita Dawn told me."Oh, I forgot something!" I went upstairs to see my mom."Chup!" Mommy was startled.Oh, c'mon, Cindy! Why don't you even knock?" She exclaimed, while holding her breast.I laughed at her. "Mom, sorry. I forgot to kiss you earlier. " And she smiled at me. I hugged her from the back."I should get going.""Okay, take care, my Cindy," then kissed me on the forehead."I may look childish to anyone, but I won't stop doing this to my Mom, even when I get older. I'm still dowering with her like a baby eve
[Vida’s Point of View]Wala sa sarili akong naglakad-takbo pabalik roon sa guidance office. Walang ibang pumapasok sa utak ko kundi ang ginawang pagyakap sa akin ni Dion. Sobra akong naapektuhan sa ginawa n’ya.“Vida, sa’n ka galing?” salubong sa akin ni Faye na kalalabas lang rin mula sa loob ng office. Pero imbes na sagutin ko s’ya ay hinila ko ang kan’yang braso at dire-diretsong naglakad.“Teka, Vida. Vida. Vida!” Tumigil ako nang nagpumiglas s’ya sa pagkakahawak ko. “Umalis na tayo dito. Please?”“Wait ngae.” Tumigil s’ya sandali at pinagmasdan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. “May nangyari ba? Sinaktan ka ba ni Dion?-Omg! P-pinarusahan ka ba ng gonggong na ‘yon?”Umiling-iling ako sa kan’ya. “O, e ano? Ang putla mo kaya.” Umiwas ako ng tingin dahil sa sinabi ni Faye.Maputla ba talaga ako? Grr.“W-wala. Basta gusto ko na umalis dito. Tutal tapos naman na magperform si Kuya Vincent.”Tinanguan n’ya ako saka hinawakan ang aking braso. Walang ibang dumadaan dito sa hallway maliban sa
[Dion’s Point of View]“What’s happening here?”“D-Dion…” Si Kenji. Ano na naman kaya ang ginawa n’yang kalokohan? As I remember, last week lang nang may nakaaway s’yang sophomore. He’s not learning…“VicePres, this trash started the chaos. S’ya dapat ang pagsabihan mo,” Hazel stated referring to Vida, who is now looking away from me. I was silent for a moment, pinagmasdan ko muna silang lahat saka napabuntong-hininga. “Do you guys even know why you came here? Hindi ba’t may event tayo ngayon? We’re all here to compete, to support and to have fun. Nobody told you to start a chaos just to ruin this event. Isn’t it the rule here?” I remained firm and serious while saying those words. “Outsider ka man o hindi, if you can’t respect the rules in this campus, then you are free to leave. JUST LEAVE…”“Pero bago kayo umalis, you have to come first in the guidance office. Si President Jorge at Mrs. na ang bahala sa inyo.”“Dion…” mahinang tawag sa akin ni Faye.“What?”“Ahmm, pati ba kami sa
[Vida's Point of View]"Faye, ayaw ko nga. May intrams din naman bukas, isa pa nagbubuo pa ako ng idea para sa poster making contest. Hindi ako sasama." "Dear, minsan lang naman. Sige na, please?" Kanina pa ako inaakit ni Faye na pumunta sa SNIHS, sa school nila Kuya Vincent at Dion pero patuloy naman akong tumatanggi. Hindi na magbabago isip ko, hindi ako sasama. Hindi pa ako handa na makita ulit si Dion. "Sure na? Final decision mo na 'yan? 'Di ka talaga sasama?" "Final na." Nagkibit-balikat ako. Kaagad namang natahimik si Faye at saka kunyareng naging abala sa kan'yang cellphone. "Faye...'wag ka na magtampo." "Hindi no. Okay lang," pagsisinungaling n'ya pa."Sorry na nga." "'Wag ka magsosorry. Okay lang talaga.""Tss. Ngiti ka. Ayaw kong maguilty." Hinawakan ko s'ya sa braso saka inuga-uga pagkatapos ay payak siyang ngumiti. Napabuntong-hininga ako saka tumingin sa malayo. "Oh, may iniisip ka?" S'ya naman ngayon ang lumapit sa'kin."Actually wala. Pero kung magtatampo ka dah
[Dion’s Point of View]“Can I come with you? Please, please.”Here we go, again.“Dion, just let her. Mabobore lang dito si Cindy mamaya dahil wala kami dito ng Daddy mo. Darating sila Gov. Padua at Mayor Del Monte this afternoon, sa restaurant natin nila napiling dumiretso para kumain. So, we have to accommodate them lalo pa at marami-rami na ulit ang ating customers,”ani Mommy.“Yes, Mom. I knew it. But Cindy can’t really accompany me. Busy ako mamaya sa school, hindi ko rin s’ya maaasikaso-““As if magpapaasikaso ako? C’mon, Cole. I am not a kiddo anymore. I just wanted to come with you para manood ng activities n’yo sa Intrams. Since nasabi naman ni Tita na pwede roon ang outsiders. So, why are you not letting me? May tinatago ka ba?” I just scratched the back of my neck in disgust. Hindi naman sa ayaw ko talaga, I just have this feeling na baka may mangyari kapag nagpumilit s’yang sumama.“Cole, please?” Pero ano pa ba ang magagawa ko? Mukhang ayaw n’ya papigil. I know she won’
[Vida's Point of View]Dito ako dinala ng mga paa ko sa Cafè Nipa kasama si Kuya Vincent. Marami namang mas magandang kainan pero dito kasi ako dinala ng tadhana. Ano bang magagawa ko?"You've been here before?" tanong ni Kuya Vincent."Huh? Ah—oo, Kuya. No'ng minsan na kumain kami rito ni Faye.""Oh? Kelan ka pa nahilig gumala?" Pinalo ko naman s'ya ng mahina sa braso. "Grabe ka naman. S'yempre gumagala rin ako, hindi nga lang madalas."Nagtuloy-tuloy kami sa counter para umorder ng pagkain. Hinayaan n'ya na lang ako na mamili ng gusto ko bago kami pumili ng kubo na aming pagkakainan.Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pumasok sa isip ko pero doon ako dumiretso sa isang kubo na kung saan kami dati kumain ni Dion. Arrgh, naalala ko na naman 'yong nangyari kanina. "So, may sasabihin ka?""Ha? A-anong sasabihin?" pagkabigla ko."You told me earlier—""Ahhh, oo. Saka na lang Kuya pagkatapos natin kumain.""No. It's a waste of time. Dapat magkwento ka na sa'kin habang kumakain tayo. That's bett
[Vida's Point of View]Sa tuwing maaalala ko o nakakakita ako ng mga bagay-bagay na konektado sa mama at papa ko, hindi ko maiwasang malungkot. Sino ba naman ang hindi ang malulungkot? Haha. Kung kahapon, tawang-tawa pa ako sa 'hotdog seller' eksena ni Dion, ngayon parang nakakapagsisi na pinagtawanan ko 'yon. Naalala ko na iniiwasan ko nga pala ang hotdog at hipon kasi namimiss ko lang lalo ang magulang ko. Malaki ang kaugnayan nito sa kanila, at hindi ko talaga maiwasan na maiyak tuwing sumasagi sa isip ko. Kahit pa sabihin na ang oa ko kasi pagkain lang naman 'yon. "Vida, I really need your help. Samahan mo ako mamili." Kanina lang pagkatapos ko magsaing, bigla akong tinawagan ni Dion para humingi sa 'kin ng tulong mamili ng hotdog na inorder sa kan'ya ng mga kasamahan ni Lola sa trabaho."Hindi ako sasama. Kasalanan mo na 'yan, panget mo kasi magsinungaling. Bahala ka mamili mag-isa. " Akala n'ya siguro, kaibigan na talaga ang turing ko sa kan'ya. "Hey, Vida? Don't end the call
[Dion's Point of View]I've been waiting for Vida for almost 20 minutes now pero hindi pa rin s'ya lumalabas mula roon sa loob ng shop na pinasukan n'ya kanina. What if puntahan ko na lang s'ya doon?Without a second thought, naglakad ako papalapit sa shop na iyon hindi rin kalayuan dito sa kotse ko. I pushed the glass door at agad na bumungad sa 'kin ang mga mananahi na nag-uumpukan sa isang lamesa na kumakain. Their attention is on me. Bigla akong dinapuan ng hiya. "A-ahh...hello po," saka ako weird na ngumiti. Their eyes were fixed on mine. Mga ilang segundo bago may isang nagsalita sa likuran ko."Ano'ng kailangan mo, otoy?" Lumingon ako sa kan'ya at nagbigay-galang sa pamamagitan ng pagyuko ng ulo ko ng mabilis. She looks nearly 60's at her age. "Hello po.""Hello. Magpapatahi ka ba? Halika rito para masukatan kita," nakangiti niyang sabi. She looks kind, it made me feel less nervousness. "Ah, hindi po. Magtatanong lang po sana ako," I said."Oh? Ano 'yon?" Napasulyap ako sa
[Faye's Point of View]Was my decision really right? No.It will never be right because it is a big mistake for me to answer the person I don't like."Love, are you free later?" Ken asked as he hugged me from behind. I was not comfortable. That's why I immediately removed his arm that was wrapped around me."Uhh... I don't know. I'll be busy later, I-I have an assignment to do," I reasoned."Really? Maybe you're just really avoiding me." I could see the frustration on his face."What? Don't think like that, Ken. We've been together almost every day. Then you'll say something like that? That I'm avoiding you?""Yeah, we're together every day, but I feel like I don't have your attention. We're only on for a few weeks, but you're starting to get cold right away," he said seriously. I was suddenly nervous. He noticed my actions immediately? I don't want to get to the point where he doubts my feelings for him, or maybe he's already doubting them. Please no."Look, you're stunned again." He
[Dion's Point of View]"When are you coming back, Gadi?" my Dad asked Tita."Well, when everything's okay, Kuya. I have to take care of our other belongings there in Cavite and our remaining debts. When I come back, I'll look for a job here, and Cindy will continue her studies here, "Tita Gadi explained while looking at her daughter. Daddy and Mom nodded.I shifted my gaze to Cindy, who was hugging Tita. She was now frowning."Cole, could you please keep an eye on my daughter?" I smiled a bit and said yes to her. Even if she doesn't say anything, I always care for Cindy, so I'll really watch over her. We didn't really get along well, but I still love her because she is my cousin. She's only one cousin of mine, and I also appreciate what she does for me. I just can't help but feel bad for her when she does something bad."Gadi, do you want to be accompanied by Manong?" Mom"Uh, no need, Ate Dawn. I can do it myself. Besides, I already have enough money for transportation and for my expe