All Over Again © ayreezh All Over Again

© ayreezh

"Believe me..."

"I believe you."

I've read somewhere that the length of time

a person should be able to move on from a "break up"

is 1/3 of the time that the couple was together.

But what does "together" mean?

Is it the time when you start having feelings for the person?

Is it the time when you start just being with the person?

 

 

What if the person was forcefully taken away?

What if the person never cared?

Does science or society set up any rules for those kinds of situations?

When is it okay to care for someone again?

When is it okay to fall in love without the guilt?

When is it okay to be with someone again?

When is it okay to find solace in someone else?

When is it okay to be okay?

This is what happened after the Terminal.

 

This is the continuation of life.

...... .. ......

::Prologue::

Dead & Gone

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

Oh great.. I'm lost..

 

I've been driving around the same neighborhood for about an hour now.. and I still can't figure outwhere I'm supposed to turn.. Seeing this cemetery for about the nth time is already giving me thecreeps.. It's like seeing death over and over and over again..

and the number of cars parked on the side of the street.....

Someone's burial....

I knew I should have just taken a cab instead of renting this car.. __

It's been ten years since I last came home from the States..

I should've listened to my parents when they "offered" to pick me up..

*sigh* But who am I kidding? They're too busy to actually consider picking me up. It's just part of theirwhole "good parents" facade.

 

I parked my rented car a few feet away from the cemetery's entrance just behind the last car that'sprobably there for the burial.. I know I shouldn't crash some person's burial  it's not like I'm actuallycrashing the burial, I'm just parking with them..... But I don't want to drive around for another hour!

I took out the new phone I got just before my flight from LA, and dialed my parents' house number..Technology today.. it does wonders allowing me to call whenever, wherever using a phone fromanother part of the world.

two rings.. three.. four..

"Hello?"

Oh my gosh, she's home.. O_O

Ako: Mom? It's Jerwin.

Mom: Jerwin! Where are you?!? Kanina ka pa dapat nakarating dito sa bahay ah!

 

 

Ako: I know, but I'm lost. I think I'm somewhere near the neighborhood.. but I can't remember where toturn..

Mom: Where are you? Ipapasundo na lang kita sa driver.

Ako: No, it's ok, mom.. Just tell me where to go. I'm at the.. cemetery..

Mom: The front entrance?

Napatingin ako dun sa entrance nung sementeryo.. Guards, a huge gate.. and a moderately sized boardthat bears the name, "Garden of Lilies"..

Is that supposed to be associated with the term "heavenly garden"? ___

Mom: Jerwin?

Ako: Yea.. I think I'm at the front entrance.

 

 

I took out a receipt from something I bought from the airport earlier, then started writing the directionsmy mom was throwing at me..

After a few minutes of making sure I got it, I hang up.. I looked at the directions and frowned..

and here I thought I was near our house already.. Turns out I need to make at least 5 more rights andlefts..

Just when I'm about to pull out from the side of the street, people started pouring out of the cemetery'sgates.. The service must be finished.. Man.. I might as well wait until they all clear up I don't want theproblem of running someone over on my first day home..

People started to go into their own cars, while others stood on the corner street still talking or crying..Most of the people look young.. Probably around the same age as me..

I wonder if they buried a teacher.. or a principal?

I was still looking at the rush of people when my eyes fell on a certain group well, more like on acertain someone in that group.. They approached the parked cars, probably saying their "thanks for

 

coming" kind of thing.. The family? or.. uh, siblings? cousins? They all look too young to be parents..unless they buried an infant. __ But then again, what's with the number of the teenagers scurryingaround?

Anyway, I stared at the girl..

She, like most of everyone else, was wearing white.. Her hair was windblown.. and, although she wasfollowing the girl and the boy, who were peering into cars' windows, she was just staring into space,frequently led to the next car by another girl and a very.. uh.. femininelooking guy..

I should just leave..

It would feel odd kung pati ako bigla nilang lapitan.. I shouldn't intrude on their grief..

O_O Wait, why are they walking towards me!??

Oh crap! They probably think I attended the burial too..

 

 

The group stopped right next to my car, and the guy and the girl (who, I noticenow, must be siblingsconsidering how much alike they look) did their thing..

Girl 1: Thank you for coming.

Ako: I'm sorry for your lost.

Boy 1: Yes. Thank you.

These people look exhausted.

Their eyes are red probably from crying or lack of sleep or both.. Their shoulders are slumped, as ifthey just want to go back and mourn again..

My gaze fell again on the girl I was staring at earlier.. She was standing behind the siblings now, stillstaring into space.. She certainly emanates a different kind of aura from the other griefstricken people..But she wasn't crying.. Her face wasn't tearstricken nor her eyes show any trace of redness..

 

The two people on each of her side appear to be supporting her..

Although, I can't seem to understand why..

She couldn't be family since she's not the one peering or talking to people whoattended the service..She doesn't resemble the siblings in any way.. She doesn't seem to be in grief.. 

Yet people glance at her with sympathy.. the two people beside her are holding her arms as if she'llbreak into pieces if they let go...

Suddenly, the girl turned and met my gaze.. She stared as I stared back..

..and I froze..

No.. she doesn't look exhausted.. She doesn't look griefstricken..

She looks deprived of life..

She.. She looks dead...

Just then, the girl and the boy, who talked to me earlier, turned to go to thislifeless girl..

 

 

No wonder they're all hovering around this being..

Girl 1: Let's go..

Girl 2: Halika na, best friend.. You've been through enough today..

I thought she wouldn't answer.. I mean really, come on, when someone is like that, nagsasalita pa baun?

But... The lifeless girl can talk.. or mumble, at least..

Lifeless Girl: You're done?

Her voice was steady, barely a whisper, but it was steady..

It would have been a sweet, perfectlytoned voice... if it wasn't so stressed with pain..

 

Girl 1: Oo.. We're done, Venice..

They led her away to where they probably parked.. I followed them with my eyes for some time, thenshook my head.. Lots of bad things really happen in this world..

I pulled out of the side of the street and started to drive away..

But for some reason, I couldn't help but replay the expression on that girl's face..

May kung anong curse siguro ung sementeryo na un.. It plays tricks on your mind...

Venice..

::Chapter 1::

Aquarius

..~*~..~*~..

about 2 years later...

 

 

(Jerwin's POV)

.

"Today, something will come along your way that is bound to change your life.

Do not try to avoid the inevitable."

It's another one of those usual bland, early mornings before I go to work and my sister, Jeanette, wouldset off for school.. And like always, the dining room is populated by just the two of us and thehousekeeper, who would set our breakfast on the table and then go back to the kitchen..

Don't bother asking where my parents are.. Maagang umaalis for who knows what, and then come backwhenever they feel like they should which could be days or weeks at a time..

Part of the whole morning ritual is Jean's weird habit of reading the horoscopesection of thenewspaper, katulad ng ginagawa nya ngayon..

 

 

Ako: Horoscope mo today?

Jean: No, kuya.. This one's yours. Nabasa ko na ung akin, di ka ba nakikinig?

Ako: Not really.

Jean: Jeez.. But anyway.. Kuya! Something is bound to change your life daw!

Ako: That'd be nice.

Jean: You can at least pretend to be more excited, you know?

She folded the newspaper and set it next to her plate, still scanning the frontpage article as she finishesup her pancakes. I don't usually mind what she reads, pero... ___

seeing my picture on the front page, and knowing the article is something aboutme... it makes me feeluneasy watching my sister read it..

Jean: Kuya.. (reading the article) Sabi dito, nagmultiplatinum nanaman daw ung CD mo.. It's safe to callyou the Prince of the Music Industry for decades raw.. (giggles) Prince.. heehee 

Ako: What's so funny about that??

 

 

Jean: If only they know how "unprincely" you are.. I doubt they'd dub you thattitle..

Sabi na nga ba.. Kaya ayokong may naririnig tohng batang toh tungkol sa'kin eh.. Laging maypangontra... ___

By the way, my name is Jerwin Santos. I'm 22 years old, and I've been working as a recording artistunder a major record label for about two years now and yes, I can say I've been successful so far.. Mysongs often debut at the top which is good since it shows that people like hearing me sing (I guess).. Iappear in TV shows, commercials, billboards, gigs.. Name it, I've done it.

It's been a rollercoaster ride of fame for two years since I've come back from the States... Two yearsnow..

Ako: If you're done eating, shouldn't you be leaving? You're going to be late.

Jean: Fine fine.. Seriously, kuya, learn to take a joke.. Masyado kang serious.. Panget ka na nga, mas laloka pang papanget.. Abah

Ako: Little brat. ___

 

 

Tinawanan nya lang ako then went out of the dining room to look for the driver who'll take her toschool.. I finished my breakfast and then stood up as well.. I might as well get this day done and overwith...

Something that will change my life, huh...

Won't that be interesting...

::Chapter 2::

The Day We Met

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

 

Ughhh.. Long day.. long day... ___

I just finished taping a music video (finally wrapped that one up after weeks of hard labor).. And beforethat, there was that meeting with the sponsors, a guest appearance for a talk show, and lunch with mymanager, discussing work again..

Man, it's just work, work, work all day, every day..

Even now..

Well.. at least this is the final task for today...

Last trip before going home: the music arena, which is to be the venue for my concert next week.. Themanager said they're supposed to be doing all the finishing touches sa set.. Pero syempre, dahil late nako natapos sa lahat, naguwian na ung mga crew nung dumating ako..

O__O

 

 

Or so I thought..

Some of the lights are still on.. and there, at the center of the stage, a girlwearing a school uniform isstanding, staring at the ceiling and at the production lights hanging up aroundthe stage..

Ghost? Multo? ___ Should I run away now?

I probably should.......

Ano naman magiging laban ko sa multo!??[/i][/color]

___

For some reason, I realized kung anong iniisip ko at kung gano karidiculousung iniisip ko..

 

I mean come on, why would a student haunt this music hall? Shouldn't she be haunting school grounds?

So, even as my heart pounded twice as hard sa dibdib ko, I still cautiously started to walk towards thestage to see what she is I mean, to see what she wants..

Ehto na.. konti na lang.. Ilang steps na lang, mahahawakan ko na ung stage

Just then, the girl suddenly let out a huge sigh and then turned around, facingme.. O__O

>__<

o__o

>__<

O__O

Girl: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! <'OoO'>

 

 

Ako: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! OoO

OoO

Ghost: Hoy! Bakit mas malakas ka pa sa'kin sumigaw?!?!?

Ako: Are you kidding me!??! You scared the hell out of me!!

Ghost: Anoh!??!?! Anong tingin mo sa'kin!?!? Multo!??!?

Oh.. so she's human. O___O

Ako: What are you doing here anyway?? Pano ka nakapasok?

Girl: (jumped off the stage) I have my connections. (tingin sa'kin) Sinoh ka ba? 

 

O.O

Ako: You don't know who I am?

Girl: Tatanungin ko ba naman kung sinoh ka kung kilala kita?! Gunggong.

Ako: Aish.. You wanna die!??

Girl: Only if you die first.

What is wrong with this girl!??

Ako: (clears throat) Anyway, my name is

Girl: Nevermind. I don't really care who you are.

Really.... __

 

 

I should calm down.. Wala akong mapapala kung makikipagtalo ako dito.. I don't know her.. And as longas she's not a ghost, then I'm okay.

I should just check everything as fast as I can and then leave. Yea, that's right.. Good plan.

Girl: I used to dream of performing on this very stage....

The ghost girl turned her gaze back at the stage with a serene look plastered on her face a far cry fromthe pasaway, carefree mask she was wearing just a few moments ago.. O_O

Ako: Eh? So you're a performer?

A backup singer? or a dancer? Is she one of my crew? How come I've never seen her before? Is shenew??

 

 

She let out a soft sigh, then umikot para tumingin uhlet sa'kin..

Ah! There's the carefree face again. O_O

Ang galing.. It's like she can switch her idiotic expression on and off in moments....

Girl: A performer, ha... (smiles) Yea.. I guess you can say that..

She took a quick glance at the stage again.. pero this time, it was like she was staring at something moredistant.. I wonder.... kung may nakikita na syang multo.. ___

Girl: The stage used to be my life.... until my life was taken away on stage.. From then on, performingjust wasn't the same anymore..

"Life taken away"?? HER life?!??

 

Could she be a real ghost after all? TT

Bago pa ko makapagprocess, she suddenly jumped after checking the time on her watch.

Girl: Whoy! It's late! I gotta go! (biglang tingin sa'kin) Nice meeting you, uh.. what's your name again??er, nevermind! Bye!

I watched her run out of the hall.. Di man lang naghintay na magbye din ako, or magwave man lang..And she didn't even introduce herself! Psh.. Creepy ghost.

Weird.. Rude..

I looked back at the stage, and the girl's contemplative face flashed in my mind again...

And now that I think about it..

 

 

Have we met before??

She looks so familiar...

..

(Venice's POV)

.

"TAXIIIII!!!!"

And of course, dahil malayo pa lang, nakikita na ang beauty ko, tumigil naman ung tinatawag kong taxi..

I gave the driver my destination, and nung nalinaw na kung saan un, nilabas ko kagad ung cellphone ko ang naghihingalo kong cellphone and tinawagan si Ate Marian..

"Hello?"

 

 

Ako: Ate! Haller!

Ate Marian: Oh, Venice.. Napatawag ka..

Ako: Makikipagchikkahan sana ako kaya lang low batt na ko.. So anyway, straight to the point na lang..Napuntahan ko na ung pinapapuntahan mo.. It looks like the crew is pretty much done with everything..

Ate Marian: Ay talaga? Nako, buti naman.. Di kaseh ako nakapunta today dahil sameeting.. Pati ba ungmga lights nakasabit na?

Ako: Yep, yep.. At least, I think everything is all set up.. Pupunta ka naman bukas di ba?

Ate Marian: Uhmmm.. Late afternoon pa siguro, after nung mga meeting at lunch dates..

Amazing na production assistant toh eh noh? Inuna pa ung lunch dates kesa dun sa concert project nungcompany nila..

Ako: Oh well, you can check na lang tomorrow kung may namiss ako.. alam mo naman ako, malay ko bakung anong ginagawa nyo dun sa stage na un.. Damidami mong alalay dyan, ako papinapunta mo paramagcheck..

 

Ate Marian: Ehhhh, pagbigyan mo na ko, Venice.. Baka pag nagutos ako sa mga minions ko, baka mahulipa ko ni bossing eh.. Lab mo naman ako di vah?

Ako: Che! Abusado! Anyway, I gotta go..

Ate Marian: Eh? Already? Ah.. Nandyan ka nanaman....

Ako: Syempre naman, ate.. Mammiss ko ba naman ang pagpunta dito? hahaha And besides, anoh vah..Mamamatay na nga cellpone kowh.. Kaya sige na.. bye bye, ate!

Ate Marian: *sigh* Okay.. Ingat ka.

I hang up the phone and looked out of the window..

Just one more place to go bago ako umuwi..

It didn't take long bago lumitaw ang whitewashed walls nung cemetery.. Binaba ako nung taxi dunmismo sa entrance, and after kong bayaran at magthank you kay manong, kinolekta ko na lahat nggamit ko para makababa na..

The guards waved as I passed their booth dun sa entrance.. Suki na ko dito na kahit sinong guard at kahitanong shift pa yan, kilala na ko..

 

I continued to walk dun sa loob nung cemetery.. Even as the sun starts to set, ok lang din.. Sa tagal ko naba namang naglalakad dito, pati ung mga multo at bangkay, kilala na rin ko..

and just like any other day, I stopped in front of the wellkept grave.. I sat on the grass, and gentlytouched the grave stone..

Ako: Sorry, I'm late.. Si Ate Mars kaseh eh, may pinadaanan pa.. But I'm here now... G...

::Chapter 3::

Just For One Night

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

Three hours.. She's three hours late...

 

 

After making sure that everything was going well in the concert venue, I drove straight to Seis, a barslashnightclub dyan sa Makati.. I was supposed to meet her here before she leaves early tomorrowmorning for a fashion show in Paris.. but...

Tatlong oras na kong nandito, and wala pa rin.. No text.. no call..

Maybe she's being held up at work again.......?

I looked through the oneway mirror nung window at the wall separating the VIP room from the rest ofthe nightclub.. The chaos outside is brightly lit by the laserdisco lights..

Samantalang ako, nandito, magisa, halos maubos na ung pangilan ko na bang bote ng beer kakahintay..

We always meet up in this place.. Aside from the fact na it's close to impossible to spot us among thenumber of heads that come in to party every night, Seis has one of the most private VIP rooms anynightclub can offer.. We don't have to worry about our "meeting" being leaked to the press which isjust the way she wanted..

BEEP! BEEP!

 

 

Napatalon ako nung biglang nagtutunog at nagvibrate ung cellphone kong nakapatong dun sa maliit natable in front of me.. I reached for it, half knowing what the text message would say, and half hoping I'dbe wrong..

"Jerwin, I'm sorry.. We just finished with the rehearsal and I'm so tired. I don't think I'd be able to meetyou up tonight. I'll see you when I get back? xx, Geena."

Well... I knew she was gonna ditch me again..

I should've known better than to hope otherwise..

*sigh* Wala na kong dahilan magstay dito.. Sayang lang oras ko.. I threw a fewbills on the table thensinalpak ung cellphone ko in my pocket.. but then, just as I stood up, the doorto the VIP room suddenlyswung open, and a girl literally stumbled inside..O_O

I froze on the spot as she squinted her beady, drunk eyes at me, and then looked around the room..

 

 

Girl: What? Izn't thizz the bathroom? =___=

Ako: Uh, no.. The bathroom is on the other side of the building.. O_O

Girl: Eh? That's weird.. I was so sure na dito un.. Ikaw! (pointed a shaky finger at me) Take me to thebathroommm!

O___O

*gulp*

Oh well.. I might as well walk her there since palabas na rin naman ako..

Oh gawd, I hope she doesn't throw up or anything..

Ako: Ookay...

 

I walked over to her carefully, watching her body as she sways dangerously fromside to side..

and when I finally reached her, when her face was finally close enough to see in the poorly lit VIP room,mahuloghulog ang puso ko! O_O

Ako: You! Weren't you the girl from the music arena?!?!?!

Girl: (squints her eyes at me) Kuya.. Arena? Adik ka baaa? Nightclub toh! Bar! And the best bartendersand margaritas in townnn!

She doesn't remember me..

Which is not a surprise considering how much her breath reeks of alcohol.. Psh,alcoholic. Is she trying tokill herself?!?

Ako: Okay.. Wala ka bang kasama?

Girl: Nope! I'm alone! Alone! All aloooonnneeee!! So let's go to the bathroomroom! Ohkie!

 

 

I offered her my hand kaseh nga baka biglang bumagsak habang naglalakad kame.. Nakakahiya naman..And that would attract a lot of attention..

She thrusts her hand in front of her, trying to take my hand only to fail..  ___ I can just imagine kungilang kamay ang talagang nakikita nya as she grabs halos each and every space na malapit sa kamay ko..

HAAAAAyyyyy...

After the third try, although it's amusing to watch her trying to figure out where my hand is, ako na ungkumuha nung kamay nya para lang mapadali kami..

Girl: Ooohhh!!! Ahyun pala ung kamay moh! I waz starting to wonder kung bakit ang damiiii mongkamay! Kuya, are yoouu humann?

Just then she looked up at my face again, and then swayed as in SWAYED left and right.. And beforeI could even react, she passed out. collapsed. fainted. right there. with me.

 

 

Is this my unlucky night or something!!?!??

I caught her just a few inches before she hit the floor much to HER luck. And then, repositioned her sothat I can scoop her up without breaking my back.. Surprisingly, she's not thatheavy to carry much toHER luck again, dahil kung mabigat sya, I would've dragged her to the booth instead of carrying her.

I looked up at the door, still ajar from when she barged in, and noticed a few people starting to look..Guys who seem to have followed her drunken footsteps to this room.. Guys who are emitting an aura ofdoing something not good. ___

Well.. there goes the plan of just leaving her in this room..

I took a deep breath and pagkatapos kong magdasal sa lahat ng santo na naaalalako, I walked brisklyout of the VIP room with the idiot ghost girl in my arms.. I ignored the looks and the whispers hanggangsa makalabas ako nung building and dashed straight to my truck..

 

It took me at least half an hour to get my keys out, figure out how to open thepassenger door with herstill in my arms, get her inside, make sure she doesn't fall over and hit her head on the dashboard (forthe second time.. hehe malay ko bang babagsak syang paharap.. and besides, it would've been just myluck if that impact would wake her up), fasten her seatbelt, and finally, sitting myself in the driver seat..TT

After catching my breath, I reached out to the purse na nakaswung around her shoulder.. I lookedthrough her wallet searching for an ID..

I found one, an ID with her home address.......

A street name I've never seen before.. at ung barangay na I didn't even know existed.. __

How the hell am I supposed to bring her to a place na hindi ko naman alam kung saan?!? Nasa Luzon paba un!?!

Cellphone! That's right, I can call someone and tell them to pick her up..

Rummage through the purse again, found it!

It's off.. Who turns off their phones when they're in a bar?

I tried to turn it on..

 

Nothing..

Maybe I'm pressing too lightly.. Try it again..

The screen flashed an image of a battery dying out...

Low batt.. O.O

Something.. Something is definitely messing with my luck here...

I slumped on my seat, speechless.. I can't believe it.. I'm stuck with this drunk girl, not knowing where tothrow her out or who to call.. I should've just left her in that nightclub!!!

"Kuya... O_O Is this what you had in mind when your horoscope said something will change your life??!"

I stared at my sister's shocked face as she absorbs the image of me in the doorway, carrying a disheveledgirl inside our house..

 

 

I know.. I got so hopeless that I ended up just taking the ghost girl back homewith me..

Ako: Shut up. It's not what it looks like.

Jean: (stared at the girl) You're picking up drunk girls now? O_O

Ako: It's not like I wanted to! *sigh* Look, just close the door and help me lie her down or something.

Jean: Why? O_O Is she a guest?

Ako: Jean.. I'll tell you the whole story in a while, okay? Now, will you just help me get her settled in yourroom? Coz it's tiring to just stand here, carrying her.

Sinarado ni Jean ung main door, but then she stopped to look at me nung sinabi kong sa kwarto nyadadalhin ung bitbit ko..

Jean: Uh, she is NOT going in my room.

Ako: What?? Why not!?

 

 

Jean: One, I have a twin bed. We're not gonna fit kung magtatabi kami. Two, shesmells like alcohol.Even if I sponge her down, she'd still smell like some sort of drink.. Put her in YOUR room! Your bed isbig enough and you don't care for alcoholsmell....

Ako: WHAT?!? NO!

Jean: Why'd you bring her home then?!? We don't have a spare room! Unless you wanna put her inmom and dad's room.....

Ako: Ugh, don't even go there.. Look.. She's a GIRL! It's only proper that she uses YOUR room sinceyou're a GIRL too!

Jean: No! You are not putting her in my room! Unless...

She smiled.... a cunning smile.. I hate it when she smiles like that... ___ It signals my defeat. TT

Jean: You want me to tell mom that you refused a concert in the States last month..

Ako: You WOULDN'T! You know she'd freak out if she hears that!

Jean: Well, your room it is then!

 

Ako: Little brat.

Tumawa lang si Jean as she led the way papunta sa kwarto ko.. All the while rattling on about how weshould probably clean up the stranger and change her clothes.. It's a good thing my parents aren'thome, or else.. They'd probably kill me for bringing home a drunk, passed out girl..

*sigh* Let's hope my bad luck stops here..

I slowly put down the unconscious girl sa kama ko and then turned to look at Jean, na naghahalungkatnaman sa closet ko..

Ako: What do you think are you doing?

Jean: She's borrowing one of your shirts.

Ako: WHAT?!? WHY!??

Jean: We can't just leave her with the same clothes on.. That's just icky. And besides, I bet she's beenwearing that uniform the whooleeee day...

 

 

Napatingin ako dun sa babaeng tulog sa kama ko.. What Jean said might be true..I mean, surely, umagaung klase nya, then she went to the music hall in the afternoon.. afterwards, she left but didn't gohome.. and ngayon, ung uniform nya pa rin ang suot nya..

"This would do."

Bumalik ung tingin ko kay Jean na nagpull out nung isa sa mga red shirts ko.. She examined the size,then nung naisip nya sigurong it's good enough, she folded it and put it at thenight table beside mybed..

Ako: Why can't she just borrow one of your clothes?

Jean: Duh. My clothes are too small for her.. Anyway, I'm gonna go get a face towel and a basin of waterto clean her up.. You should get a shower, kuya.. You look terrible..

Ako: Oh, thanks. __

Jean: heehee I'll change her clothes as well.. I'll be done by the time you getout of the shower.. THEN,you'll tell me why she's here.

 

 

I watched as Jean left the room para kunin ung portable cleaning utensils nya..Jean has always been thisresponsible.. kahit na gulo ko ung nililinis nya.. Ha.. It's hard to believe she's just 12..

I looked at the unconscious girl on my bed again..

Well.. one night of sleeping next to a stranger can't possibly hurt..

::Chapter 4::

Start of Something

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

yaaaawwwwwwwnnnnnnnnn... *stretch*

Man, that was the one of the best sleep I've had in a while! __

Now, time to roll out of bed and go to school

o__o

?__?

Bakit iba ang kulay ng ceiling ng kwarto ko??

Bakit iba ang kulay ng kumot ko?

Bakit may humihilik sa tabi ko??

OoO

 

 

Dahandahan kong inukot ung mukha ko just to look kung anong nangyayari sa world.. *gulp* Mayhotdog pillow sa side ko... pero.. pero.. ung tingin ko napalipad kagad dun sa humihilikhilik na creaturesa other side nung hotdog pillow..O__O

Tao.. Bakit may ibang tao sa kama ko?!?!?

Napatingin akong bigla sa paligid.. Kelan pa naging light brown ang white wallsko!??!

Kelan pa ko nagkaron ng mahoganylooking na study table dun sa may kama!?!?

Kaninong kwarto toh?!?!?!?! O__O

I must be dreaming.......

that's it..

Pinikit ko uhlet ung mata ko para bumalik sa pagkakatulog ko.. dahil kahit anong gawin ko, hindi kotalaga kwarto ito.. at hindi ko talaga alam kung pano ako napunta dito..... at hindi ko rin matake ang

 

boomboompow ng veins ng head ko.. at hindi ko rin alam kung kaninong ulo tohng nagcconcert nghilik sa tabi ko...

____

Siguro paggising ko, white na uhlet ang walls ko.. light blue na uhlet ang kumot ko.. at wala na tohngskandalosong tulog na toh sa tabi ko...

___

___

>___<

>___<

 

 

O___O

Arghhh!!!! I can't take it anymore!

Bigla akong napaupo (whoa! the world is spinning.. O__O ), hinablot ung unan koat hinampas with allmy might dun sa mukhang matutulog na nga lang, eh magsskandalo pa! At hindi pa ko natuwa sapagkakahampas ko, diniin ko pa talaga ung unan sa mukha nya, manahimik lang sya! 

Ako: Ikaw! Eextra ka na nga lang sa panaginip ko, ayaw mo pa kong patulugin!!!

Sabi yata nung part of the brain ko na nagccontrol sa dreams, dapat pag may nagssuffocate syo,magigising ka.. dahil ung taong sinusuffocate ko ngayon eh biglang nagiba ang ingay at lumipad ungmga kamay nya dun sa unan sa mukha nya..

Oh di vah, kahit tulog ako, may scientific sense pa rin ung dreams ko..

 

 

Nung narealize ko na malamang eh either patay na sya or gising na sya, tinanggal ko na ung kamay ko,and sya tinapon ung unan all the way duuunnn sa dulo nung kama..

Tapos bigla syang tumayo, gasping for breath, and then turned to glare at me..

Skandaloso: Are you trying to kill me!??!!?

Ako: Ang ingay mo kaseh eh!

Tinitigan kong mabuti si kuya.. Familiar ang face.. Hmmmm... Well, ang weird naman kung hindi familiarang face nya, tapos eextra sya sa dreams ko di ba? Pero.. san ko nga ba sya nakita?

O__O

WAH! Teka!

Ako: (biglang turo sa kanya) Ikaw ung guy dun sa concert hall! Anong ginagawa mo dito!??!?

 

 

Skandaloso: WHAT?!? AKO pa ang tinatanong mo kung anong ginagawa KO dito?!?!

Ako: Ahsush.. Iniisip mo ko kagabi bago ka matulog noh? Kaya siguro pati sa panaginip ko, nakikiextraka..

Skandaloso: What are you talking about?? Anong panaginip??

O.O

Ako: But.. this.. O_O

Isn't this a dream?

I reached out to his face, and with all the power na kaya ng muscles ng thumb at index finger ko, kinurotko ung pisngi nya.. ahihihihi

 

Skandaloso: AWWW!!!! AWWWW!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!!?

OoO

Tinulak nya palayo ung kamay ko, then went on with a whole paragraph of profanities as he rubbed hischeek na namumula sa kurot ko..

Ako naman, wala.. natulala.. nawindang.. natanggalan ng soul..

Ako: It's not a dream.. Where am I??

Skandaloso: Ngayon mo lang narealize?!? You're in my room.. Long story short, you were so drunk lastnight that I had to take you with me.

OoO

 

Inuwi ako ni kuya sa bahay nya?!?!?!?!

Skandaloso: Stop looking dumb.. I didn't do anything.

Ako: Eh bahket tayo nasa iisang kama!??!?!

Skandaloso: Coz my sister didn't want some drunk stranger in her room..

Ako: Bakit di ka sa sahig natulog?!?

Skandaloso: Babaliw ka ba?!? It's my bed! You should be thankful I didn't make YOU sleep on the floor!

Ako: Ughh.. My head hurts.. TT

Skandaloso: Serves you right.. After being so drunk last night, himala kung wala kang hangover ngayon..

Tumayo na si kuya from the bed, and I realized na may damit naman pala sya.. Sando at shorts.. hindinaman mukhang kabastosbastos.. But still...

Ako: And sure kang walang nangyari..... rite?

 

 

Skandaloso: As if I'd waste my time picking up some random drunk girl, when I can just have anyone elseout there who's not drunk and have my way with her..

Ai.. arogante si kuya.. Malakas ang wind.. __

"JERWIN!?! JERWIN?!?!"

Wah! May sumisigaw!!!

Biglang nanlaki ung mata ni kuya, tapos dinaig pa si Road Runner sa bilis ng takbo papunta sa pinto..kaya lang nabunggo nya ung isang paa dun sa isang leg nung kama.. kaya imbis namapadali, ehnagtatalon si kuya sa sakit at sa panic.. Naaliw ako..

Kasoh lang, biglang tumigil ang puso ko nang bumukas wiiiddeeee open ang pinto nung kwarto.. at isangmiddleaged woman ang sumulpot sa doorway, holding a newspaper in her hands..

 

 

Skandaloso: MMOM?!??!?!

OoO

"Mom"??!?!?

Right then and there, nagdasal ako na lamunin na ko nung kama.. tapos lamunin nung sahig ung kama..at lamunin ng lupa ung sahig..

Nafrozen si kuya dun sa gitna nung kwarto as his mom stared openmouthed at me..

Dahandahan kong tinignan ung sarili ko, pasimpleng silip ba.. I'm wearing a shirt.. a boy's shirt..probably HIS shirt..

no shorts, no PJs.. although mahaba naman ung shirt para macover ang dapat macover.....

 

and I'm still wearing my underwear.. So, that's one more sign na WALA talagang kalokahangnangyari.......

But I don't think his mom realizes that.. She just looked at me and then at Jerwin.. and then back at me...

Ako: Uh.. hi?

::Chapter 5::

Collide

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

 

Arrghhhh.. Anoh na bang nangyayari dun?!?! Anong pinaguusapan nila!??!

I paced back and forth dun sa living room kung san tinapon kame ni Jerwin ng mga nanay namen nanaguusap naman dun sa dining room sa kabilang side nung bahay..

Ehwan ko ba talaga kung anong nangyayari sa world.. Bastah ang alam ko, kung anuman ungnangyayare, mayamaya lang, pag wala nang witness, papatayin na ko ng nanay ko.. 

Haaayyyyy... I lived a full life. __

Everything happened so fast.. o siguro, kaya sya naging fast eh dahel sa sobrang panic attack ko, nagblur tuloy ang lahat.. Anyway, pagsulpot nung nanay ni Jerwin sa kwarto.. and upon seeing the ME withonly her son's shirt on.. nakahiga sa kama nung anak nya.. at ang anak nyang bagong gising rin....... ___Nagpanic yata si mother.. Kahit na may I compose sya nung facade nya, na kunwari eh calm sya, ungmata nya naman eh halos mahulog hulog na sa kakatingin sa'min ni Jerwin...

Pinaligo nya lang si Jerwin, tapos pinaghilamos ako.. Pinakain kami ng very tensed at mabilisang almusal,and then halos kaladkarin kaming dalawa ni Jerwin to her car, at dumiretso ditosa bahay para kausapinang mother ko..

At hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring news kung anong nangyayari sa discussion nila.. TT

 

 

"Will you sit down? You're giving me a headache!"

Napatingin ako bigla kay Jerwin, na nakaupo dun sa isa sa mga sofa namen, nagbabasa nung newspaperna inabot sa kanya nung nanay nya kanina.. Op corz, ako naman si ever curious, lumapit ako para makitsismis kung anu bang tinitignan nya dun with all intent..

Ako: Hmmm anoh bang pinagkakaserious serious mo dyan??

I walked dun sa likod nung inuupuan nya, then peered dun sa newspaper..

Hmmm.. ___

OoO

Ako: WAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Bigla kong hinablot ung newspaper sa kamay nya at napatitig sa picture fullblown picture dun safront page FRONT PAGE!!!

Dun sa picture, although may pagkadilim, mukhang malaki ang megapixels nung camera dahel oh soclear ang picture! Buhat ang unconscious na ako ng so serious na si Jerwin! Kitangkita ung face niJerwin.... I guess the only consolation eh nakabury ung mukha ko sa chest ni Jerwin kaya hindimasyadong kita ung face ko..........

Although, kung nakikita mo ko so often, I'm sure, mapaovertake ka lang ng 2nd time dun sa picture, marrealize mong ako, AKO talaga un!!!

What is this? T^T

Ako: Ako yan! Ikaw yan! Bahket mo ko buhat!??!?! Kelan toh?!? San toh?!?!?!?

Jerwin: It was from last night. Remember? You were so drunk, you passed out. I had to carry you out.

Ako: Why??! TT

Jerwin: Eh anong gusto mong gawin ko?? Just leave you there and let those otherguys prey on you?Though it doesn't seem to be such a bad idea now.

 

Ako: (sarcastic) Oh. Thanks for the concern.

Binato ko ung newspaper sa kanya, which he barely caught.. hehe..

I can't believe this is happening.. at talagang picture picture pa!

Napaupo ako dun sa tabi ni Jerwin, and let out a huge sigh..

Ako: Anong newspaper ba yan!? And besides, why are they even plastering other people's lives on thepaper?!? At front page pa!

Jerwin: Coz people are always interested in celebrities' personal lives.

Ako: Celebrity? Sinong celebrity?

Napatingin sa'kin bigla si Jerwin with a big "ehhhh??" on his face.. Then he held up the newspaper andpointed at the big bold letters of the title nung article:

"Pop Superstar Jerwin Santos: Carrying Mystery Lady"

o__o

 

 

O__O

*gulp*

Tinuro ko ung headline, then tinuro ko sya.. He nodded..

Tinuro ko uhlet ung headline, then tinuro ko uhlet sya.. He nodded again..

<'OoO'>

Ako: WAAHHH!!! What is this!?!?!? Celebrity ka!?! "Pop Superstar"!?!? Bahket hinde kita nakilala!??!Joke ba toh?!?! Is this a prank!?!??!

Jerwin: I don't even know you, why would I play a prank on you? At kasalanan kobang you're so dense,you didn't recognize me?

 

Ako: Dense? __

Jerwin: Yep.

Ako: AKO?!? Dense?!!??

Jerwin: Would you rather I use the term "stupid" then?

OoO

"Sstupid"?!?

Pak!

Jerwin: Aw! What was that for?!?!?!?

Ako: Anong "stupid"?!? Sinong stupid ha!??!

Jerwin: Hey look! You don't even know me, binabatukan mo na ko!??

 

 

Ako: (smiles) Yeaa, baka sakaling magising yang brain cells mo. Di ba?

Jerwin: Why you!

Ako: Oh anoh!? Magsabunutan tayo dito, ha?!?

Jerwin: Psshh.. Pasalamat ka, babae ka.

Ako: I know, I'm really thankful na maganda ako noh.

He rolled his eyes at me, at ako naman, bumalik sa pagppace ko dun sa harap nya.. Wala pa rin ang mgamagulang namen.. Abah! Hinde ako pumasok sa school dahil dito sa chuchu nila, tapos paghihintayinlang pala nila ako?!

Ako: What's taking them so long??

Jerwin: I don't know. My mom is probably making some ridiculous deal with your mom.

Ako: Like?

Jerwin: (shrugs) How am I supposed to know? Eh magkasama tayo dito..

 

 

Ako: Namumuro ka na ha.. __

Jerwin: Yea well, see this?

Tinuro nya uhlet ung picture namen sa newspaper, then he looked at me like he was trying to explainsomething very complex to a little kid.. Namumuro na tlaga... ___

Jerwin: This is gonna cause some major scandal. I don't like any kind of scandal. It's stressful. It'sannoying. And it's all your fault.

Ako: At kasalanan ko pang nagpakahero effect ka dyan??

Jerwin: Yea! If you can't control your drink, then don't drink! Geez.

Nagslump sya dun sa couch, finally putting the newspaper aside.. Mukha ngang stressed out si kuya..Siguro nga, may point sya......

Pero tama ba namang sa'kin ilagay lahat lahat lahat ng sisi?!?

 

 

Ako: Eh anong gusto mong gawin ko?! Hug gusto mo!?

Jerwin: (chuckles) You dare to touch me?

Ai.. kuya.. Porket may star power ka, kala mo di kita mattouch dyan?!

Dahandahan akong lumapit kay kuya, papunta uhlet dun sa likod nung inuupuan nya.. All the while, hewas watching me with a curious expression.. Ako pa ang naisipan nyang idare.. As if naman di ko syamahahawakan.. Anoh ba sya, ginto!?? Don't touch: Fragile?!?

Ako: Of course naman.. Bahket? Sobrang demure mo ba na mahihiya ka pag hinawakan kita?

I ran my finger slowly on his shoulder, smiling at his bewildered expression.. Oh di vah, enjoy~?

Ako: Stressed out ka di ba? Gusto mo, imasahe kita?

 

 

I slowly massaged his shoulders, slowly working my way papunta sa leeg nya..

Jerwin: WWhat O__O

"AHEM."

Napatalon kaming dalawa nung may biglang sumulpot dun sa doorway nung living room.

As in 10 feet away ang talon ko from the couch; at buong dugo yata sa katawan nya ang nagrush samukha ni Jerwin.

Napaikot kaming bigla dun sa pinanggalingan nung "ahem".. at josko.. maaga yatatalaga akong mammurder ng nanay ko.. TT

Ako: MMMom?!?!

 

 

Mom: Venice.. Sisilipin ko lang sana kayo, pero mukha namang ok na ok kayong dalawa..

Ako: Aanoh.... O__O

Mom: Sige lang, alagaan mong mabuti ung bisita naten ha.. (tingin kay Jerwin) See you later, Jerwin.

Aii nagwink.. nagwink ang nanay ko kay Jerwin... Napapaghalataan talaga kung san ko namana angkalandian ko.. O___O

She walked out of the room at bumalik dun sa meeting venue nila ng nanay ni Jerwin.. Napahawak akosa dibdib ko.. Masama, masama ang mga ganitong pangyayari sa puso.. My golay..

Jerwin: Geez!

Napalipat ung atensyon ko kay Jerwin, na hanggang ngayon eh namumula pa.. wahahaha

Lumapit uhlet ako sa kanya, pero this time, umupo na lang ako dun sa tabi nya..Ahyan, wala nangmalice yan..

Ako: Ahsush.. Kaw naman.. nahiya pa.. parang di ka pa nahuhuli na may nagmamasahe syo..

 

 

Jerwin: Shut up.

Halos 5 minutes pang nagtuloytuloy ung panunukso ko sa kanya.. Natigilan lang ako nung nakita namingpumasok sa living room ung mga nanay namen.. Syempre, kaming dalawa naman, napatingin,nanahimik... Naghihintay ng kung anong judgment..

Mom: We've decided.

Ako: Decided?

Nagtinginan kame ni Jerwin.. May namiss ba kame kanina?

Jerwin: Decided what?

Mrs. Santos: You two are going to get married.

 

__

o__o

O__O

Jerwin at Ako: WHAT?!?!?!?!

::Chapter 6::

Diamond Ring

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

 

There's got to be a mistake.. Siguro nga, may kung sinong nangttrip sa'kin.. If ever man! Anoh vah! Hindipah ba time para lumabas?!?! Aatakihin na ko sa puso dito!!!!

Jerwin: MMarriage.. MMom.. What are you talking about?

Mrs. Santos: Well, if you think about it, marriage is the perfect solution for everything that's going on, diba, kumare?

KKumare?!? Kumare na ang tawag nya sa nanay ko?! Magkumare na sila?!?!

Jerwin: Solution for what? If this is about the bedsharing that happened last night, kanina pa namensinasabi snyo, nothing happened!

Mrs. Santos: We may choose to believe that nothing happened, but the fact is, you two shared a bed.. aman and a woman.. on the same bed the entire night.. Kahit anong sabihin nyo, what I saw and what mymaternal instict tells me.......

 

Ang oldfashioned.. __ Oldfashioned na pervert ang utak ng mother ni Jerwin....

Ang contradicting...

Mom: And the pictures! Nako, iikot sigurado un sa internet, sa TV! Abah, Venice, magtatanong ang mgatao! Baka may mga sumunod pa na ilabas.. Hindi ka matatahimik, anak.

Ako: Pero.. This is all so sudden! I'm only 21........ Mahaba pa ang future ko.. May mga pangarap pa ko salife.. Ang mga places to go, mga things to see.. In other words, ayoko pa magasawa.. TT

Mom: It's not like it's an instant marriage.. Hindi naman kami ganun kacruel, di ba kumare?

Ai.. hindi ba? TT

Mrs. Santos: Exactly. How about a long engagement? Di ba? Just think of it as an arranged marriage.

Jerwin: But, mom

Mrs. Santos: No "buts", Jerwin. You are doing this! Think of all the positive publicity you're gonna get themoment we annouce the engagement..

 

Ako: Publicity? O_O

So publicity stunt lang ako!? Ganon?!?

Mom: Well, sabi ni Mrs. Santos, kung kilala ka ng mga tao, at kung madalas ka nilang nakikita, hindi silamagiging ganon kacurious syo.. So, they won't mob you as much... probably..

Naramdaman kong napasandal si Jerwin dun sa couch.. Syempre, napalipad ung tingin ko sa kanya..bahket nagrrelax na toh?!? Nagggive up na si kuya?!?!?! Nababaliw ba sya?!?

Ako: (bulong kay Jerwin) What are you doing?!? Back me up here!

Jerwin: (bulong pabalik) But they seem so determined about this engagement thing.

Ako: You are killing me!

Jerwin: Oh, it'll be okay. Haven't you heard? (smiles) Parents know best.

 

 

Ang!!! O__O

Ako: Eh kung sabunutan kaya kita dyan?!?!?

Jerwin: They'll probably think it's a show of affection.

Ako: Eh!?

Mrs. Santos: Well, now that's done and over with, let's go to the jewelry store. 

Ako: JJewelry store?

Mom: Abah, syempre, we need to pick out your engagement ring!

Ako: Bbut I have class to go to! And And.. Jerwin! Wala ka bang klase? Work?Whatever?!

Jerwin: Nope. I cleared out my entire morning schedule just for you, sweetheart. 

"Sweetheart"?!! Ewww... __

 

 

Mom: Ok lang un, Venice.. We'll be done before noon, makakahabol ka pa sa dalawa mong klase..

Mrs. Santos: Bakit hindi ka na lang magshower na at magpalit ng uniform, para after naten kumuha ngring, we can just drop you off at your school?

Mom: Ai! Perfect plan, kumare!

Oh josko... T^T

Ako: I can't believe na nakikisali ka dito!

Jerwin: Oh relax.. It's just an engagement. We're lucky they didn't propose an immediate wedding.

Ako: But we're getting engaged! I don't even know you!

Jerwin: Oh. (tingin sa'kin) Jerwin Santos. 22 years old. I'm a recording artist. Nice to meet you.

 

 

Ipalamon ko kaya sa kanya lahat ng singsing dito sa harap namen.. Mabubuhay pa kaya sya? __

Anyway, Mrs. Santos and my mom dragged me and Jerwin to this really chic jewelry store para magpickout ng engagement ring..... Well, actually, they're picking out the ring..

Props lang kame ni Jerwin, as we try to look like a couple para dun sa mga ogling na salesclerks andother people around.. I can't believe he's this famous, and I didn't even recognize him....

Something's probably wrong with my eyes. _

"Uh, excuse me poh?"

Napatigil kaming dalawa nang may nagapproach na teenager sa'min, holding a camera, at nakauniformpa.. High school uniform..

Iha, maaga pa para mawalan ng klaseh ah..

Jerwin: Yes?

 

 

Teenager: Pwede poh bang magpapicture?

Jerwin: Sure.

Okay. Anoh ako? Kasama bah ko? I should probably step out of the way...

Teenager: Ate, pakuha naman nung picture oh!

Ay.. Inabot sa'kin ung camera..

Ako namang si mabait, kinuha ko naman.. Jerwin just shrugged at me as the bubbly little teenager ran tohis side kulang na lang eh magbounce bounce sa sobrang excitement.

Jerwin put his arm around the fan's shoulders and then pareho silang ngumiti dun sa camerang hawakko.. Kuya naman, feel na feel ang pagiging star..

Ako: Okay.. Ready? 1.. 2... 3... Smile..

 

 

Flash!

Teenager: Ate, pwede isa pa?

Ako: Uh, sure..

Abusado kang bata ka ha..

I took one more picture.. and another.. and another..

Napapansin ko ngang medyo naaawkward na si Jerwin, pero tuloy pa rin naman ungpagsmile nya dunsa bata.. Mabait na celebrity.. nyahahaha

Finally, nagsawa na rin ung bata, kinuha na ung camera sa'kin..

 

Teenager: Thank you, ate ha..

Ako: You're welcome..

Lumapit sya sa'kin ng konti tapos nagsignal na may ibubulong sya.. So syempre ako naman, as if byreflex na pag "bulong" ibig sabihin eh "latest chikka", lumapit naman kagad ako..

Teenager: Ate, kaanoano mo si Jerwin Santos?

Ako: Ha?!? Kaanoano ko si Jerwin??! O_O

Napatingin ako bigla kay Jerwin, who's looking naman sa'min with an amused lookon his face..

Napalakas yata ung exclamation ko.. Pati ung ibang taong nakapaligid sa'min eh nakatingin rin.. __

Ako: Ah, anoh...

 

Anoh naman sasabihin ko?! Fiancé? Josko, kakilabot! Hinde ko kaya~ TT

Mayamaya, may naramdaman na lang ako bigla na braso na nagwrap around sa shoulder ko, and thenpulled me close to him.. Syempre ako naman, napatingin kung sinoh bah tong bulgaran ang chansingsa'kin..

*gulp* Si Jerwin....

Jerwin: Ikaw siguro unang makakaalam nito, but this girl right here...

Oh my golay.. Ehto na.. Sasabihin nya.. Sasabihin nya talaga!

Jerwin: This is Venice, my fiancée.

OoO

 

 

Sinabi nya! Sinabi nya talaga! At nakangiti pa si kuya! Nakangiti pa talaga sya! 

Ai josko ang puso ko! Ang dugo ko! Ang mukha ko!

Magccommentary sana si teenager, kaya lang biglang may isa pang ate na biglanglumapit sa'min mukhang sa sobrang shock ni ate, eh hinde nya na natiis na hinde lumapit..

Ate: Fiancée?!?

Jerwin: Yes. We're here to pick out an engagement ring. Our mothers are pretty much going crazy overthe rings right now.

He nodded his head over kung nasan ung mga nanay namen na busy pa rin sa pagpili nila ngengagement ring. The Ring. __

Nagsimula na ang bulungan sa store.. Ahyan na, kumakalat na ang balita.. Ahyan naaaaaa!!!

 

Teenager: Eh di, ate. Pwede papicture uhlet? Tayong dalawa naman?

Ai! Picture!

Napatingin ako kay Jerwin who just smiled at me. Hindi ung smile na pangencourage, instead, ung smilepa na pangasar.. Bubwit talaga.

Tapos kinuha nya ung camera uhlet nung high schooler, and lumapit naman sa'kin si high schooler..Syempre, feel na feel ko naman ang pagpapapicture, sige, nagphoto op kami nungbata kunwari dilabag sa kalooban ko ang mga nangyayari.

Pero unlike kay Jerwin, dalawang picture lang ung sa'min ni batang nagccutting ng klase..

Teenager: (kinuha ung camera kay Jerwin) Ok, kayo namang dalawa!

Lumapit sa'kin si Jerwin, and katulad nung ginawa nya kanina, he wrapped his arm around my shoulderagain and pulled me a little closer to him..

 

 

Ako: (bulong sa kanya) Talagang kailangan mong sabihin sa kanilang lahat noh?!

Jerwin: (bulong pabalik) But it's the truth. You are my fiancée. Now, smile.

The little high schooler took about 2 or 3 pictures namin ni Jerwin, hanggang finally, napagod na, nagthank you na sya at tinago na ung camera nya.. at ehto pa ang parting words nya: 

Teenager: I can't wait na ipakita toh sa mga kaklase ko!

*Sigh* Wala na talaga akong takas...

After matapos ang impromptu pictorial, hinaltak na ko ni Jerwin papunta dun sa case na tinitignan nungmga nanay namen.. Malamang kaseh ung mga tao dun sa paligid namen eh parang kontingkonti nalang, eh susugurin na kame ng tanong..

Jerwin: Are you done yet?

Mrs. Santos: Well, we narrowed it to three. Pinapakuha na lang namen dun sa saleslady ung last one.

 

 

Ako: Three?

Mom: Oo, anak.. Para madali kang makapili ng diamong ring mo..

Ako: Diamond?? O_O

Diamonds?! Bakit diamond? Di ba pwedeng pearl? sapphire? ruby? emerald? amethyst? o kung anohmang may kulay na bato dyan sa kalsada?!? Bakit kailangan diamond??

Mrs. Santos: But of course, diamonds are a girl's best friend di ba?

Mom: And engagement rings should be diamonds!

I gave a short laugh and then stepped back.. Bigyan ba naman ako ng diamond?

Siguro betrayal toh to all the females in the world, pero for some reason, hinde ko bff ang diamond..Siguro kaseh pag nakakakita ako ng diamond, parang naiisip ko kagad: pwet ng baso. wahahaha

 

 

*Sigh*

"You don't want a diamond ring?"

Napatalon akong bigla nung may bumulong sa tabi ko.. Josko naman tohng si Jerwin, may pagkaninja!

Ako: Not really...

Tumingintingin ako dun sa kabilang case ng mga rings para pakalmahin ang nagulantang kong puso..Sumunod naman sa'kin si Jerwin as I browse through the expensive displays.. I know, hinde akonatutuwa sa engagement.. pero sinong hinde maaaliw pag ganitong binibili ka ng mamahalin nasingsing?

Whooaaaa... Wait...

 

 

Napatigil ako bigla dun sa isang case display, at halos idikit ko na ung mukha ko dun sa glass para langmatitigan ung isang ring..

Jerwin: You know, those aren't really engagement rings...

Ako: But look how pretty that is...

It's a whitegold ring with a center heartshaped, aquamarine stone and an outline of little diamondaccents around the heart.. It's so pretty~

Jerwin stepped beside me.. Nilapit nya rin ung mukha nya dun sa ring na tinitignan ko, nakikitingin din..

Jerwin: Do you want that ring?

Ako: Ha?!?

 

 

Ay nagising akong bigla dun sa lust ko for the ring! But it's so preeettttyyyy~TT

Sigh. Pero syempre, hinde naman kaya ng budget ko yan, so I might as well stop the dream. Haaayyyy..Tumayo na lang ako ng ayos and quickly looked somewhere else..

Tumayo na rin ng ayos si Jerwin, pero he's still looking at the ring..

Jerwin: I'm asking if you want that ring.

Ako: HHinde ah! I'm just saying it's pretty.. and besides, di ba nga, dapat diamond ang center stone ngengagement ring.. haha Kaw talaga.. Hindi ka nakikinig.. hahahahaha Halika na nga dun sa mga nanaynaten at nang makalayas na tayo dito..

I immediately walked over pabalik dun sa mga nanay namen.. Si kuya talaga, shocking.. __ Bigla banaman akong tanungin ng ganon.. Bahket, pag sinabe ko bang "oo!" bibilhin nya?!? 

.....baka nga.... ayyyy asa!

Just in time nung nareach ko ung nanay ko, the last of the pickedout rings was being laid out sa harapnila.. And my golay! Anoh ba namang pinagpipili ng mga nanay na toh?!?!

 

 

Gusto ba nila akong mahold up dyan sa tabitabi dahel sa singsing?!?

A saleslady proceeded to describe each ring to me.. parang naman hindi pa enough na nagssparklesparkle sila sa harap ko..

One is a threestone ring.. three stone, as in three major diamonds with an outline of little diamonds pa!The metal is whitegold.. Siguro pag nanuntok ako ng tao, diamondknuckles ang dating ng singsing natoh...

Ung second naman, josko... ung white gold na band eh may nakadikit rin na maliliit na diamonds.. andung center diamond, complemented by "paveset of diamonds" (ehwan ko ibig sabihin nun, bastahahyun ung sabi nung nagbebenta).. at nakausli ung center diamond.. O_O Ehto ungtipo na pagnanuntok ka, magkakaron ng butas ung sinuntok mo..

and the third one.. Siguro ehto na ung pinakasimple.. Although may diamonds parin ung whitegoldband, maliit lang naman ung center diamond.. The center diamond is round, wala nang kung anuanongarte.. The classic engagement ring.. Pag nanuntok, parang kagat lang ng lamok ung singsing..

Ako: I think I'll take the third one.

 

Mrs. Santos: Sigurado ka? Isn't it the simplest one?

Ako: Yea, that's why I like it.

Mom: Gusto mo, tumingin ka muna ng iba.. Ehto lang kaseh ung nakita namen na pwedeng bilhinkagad.. But we can always go back....

Ako: No!! O_O I mean, it's fine. Di ba, Jerwin?

Umikot ako, tama naman na kakatigil lang ni Jerwin sa paglalakad papunta sa likod ko.. Anoh bangpinaggagawa ng taong toh at ang bagal naman sumunod!?

Jerwin: What? Tapos na ba kayo?

Ako: (pointed at the ring I chose) I'm picking the third one.. What do you think?

Jerwin: If that's the one you want, then it's fine with me.

Ako: How helpful you are. __ (tingin uhlet sa mga nanay namen) I'll take the third one.

 

Although naghhesitate ung dalawang atat maghanap ng singsing, they eventually agreed to take thering na pinili ko.. Takot lang nila, baka bigla akong magwalk out dito..

The saleslady took the ring, put it in a box, and told us to wait.. blah blah blah..

Jerwin: How much is it?

Mrs. Santos: Oh honey, don't worry about it.

Jerwin: No, mom. I'll pay for it.

Ai shosyal.. Wa care kung ilang libo ang bayaran ni kuya..

Binayaran na ni Jerwin ung singsing, and, finally, we all walked out of the store pabalik sa parking lotpara makapasok na ko sa school.. at malamang eh makapagvent out sa mga taong kailangang pagventoutan ko ng mga nangyayari..

Pagpasok namen sa kotse, Jerwin squished beside me sa backseat and carelessly threw the plastic bagnung singsing sa'kin.. Lokong toh, talagang wa care sa ilang thousand pesos na merchandise! Abah!Ingatan nya naman! Pwede ko pang isangla toh!

 

 

Jerwin: Here, put it on.

Ako: Anoh? Di ka man lang luluhod?! Wala man lang, "Will you marry me?"

Jerwin: Babaliw ka ba? O_O

Ako: Wala ka talagang karomance romance dyan sa buto mo noh? Papayagpayag ka dito, tapos di morin pala lulubuslubusin..

I took out the small navy blue box from the bag and opened it.. Tinignan ko lang uhlet ung singsingsandali.. Half wanting to throw it out of the window, pero half knowing na, if I do that, malamang ehipapahanap lang sa'kin ng nanay ko o ni Jerwin ung singsing hanggang sa makita ko uhlet.. Mgaengkanto.

I slid my new diamond engagement ring on the appropriate finger.... Weh, engagement ring.. kilabot...

 ___

Sigh...

 

And then, as if by reflex, napahawak naman ako dun sa other ring na suot ko sa right hand ko.. Dun saring na I always wear.. A silver wrap ring with pearls on both ends and little diamonds on the band.. Avery special ring...

::Chapter 7::

Family Affair

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Haayyy.. It's just one thing after another.. Is it "shockVeniceoutofhermind" day today? __

I looked over at Jerwin, na tahimik na nagddrive sa tabi ko.. Parang kanina lang, akala ko matatahimikna ang buhay ko kahit hanggang mamayang gabi na lang.. Pero hindeeee, kailangantalagang hanggangsa kaduluduluhan ng araw ko, makiextra tohng taong toh.. TT

 

Anyway, tulad ng napagusapan kanina, after ng engagement ring shopping, binabaako sa school ni Mrs.Santos ay, TITA Merryl na raw pala ang itawag ko sa kanya.. So, nakaattend pa ko ng dalawang klaseko.. at paglabas ko ng last class ko, nahagilap ko pa ang dalawa sa support systematics ko: ang longtimebest friend kong si Sheena, at ang malanding baklang breast friend ko na si Kenny..

Tumingin uhlet ako kay Jerwin, who's still silently driving.. Although hinde naman masyadong tensed ungatmosphere....... tensed pa rin.. Haayyy.. I guess, I can't blame my friends for reacting the way they didnung nakita nila si Jerwin...

. flashback .

Sheena: Anoh yan?? Nakaw mo??

Kenny: Pwet ng baso?

Nilapit nila ung mga mukha nila dun sa singsing ko as I tried to explain na it's the real thing realdiamond sya.. As in sparkly shimmering diamonds.. Pero syempre, knowing me at ang kawawang walletko, hindi naniwala ung dalawa..

 

 

Ako: Anoh ba?!? Diamond ring nga yan.. At hinde nyo ba nakikita kung nasaang finger sya nakasuot!??

Sheena: Oh, anoh, you're engaged?

___

Brrrrr!!! Nakakakilabot talaga marinig ung term na "engaged"!! Ever!

Napansin yata nung dalawa ung sudden silence ko at bigla silang napatigil sa paglalakad, with their faceslike this . OoO

Ako: *sigh* Yes, it's true.

Sheena: Oh my golay!!! Kelan pa?!? Saan?!? KANINO?!?!?

Kenny: Naunahan mo pa ko?!?!

Sheena: (tingin kay Kenny) Bakla, kahit sinoh naman, mauuna pa talaga syo noh..Pero! AKO?!?! (biglangtingin sa'kin) Naunahan mo pa AKO?!?!

Kenny: At sinoh naman yang lalakeng yan na biglabigla na lang nagaappear!??!

 

 

We stepped out of the school gates just as I was summing up all my courage to blurt out Jerwin's name..Pero bago pa ko makasagot, biglang lumipad ung atensyon nung dalawa dun sa shiny, black expensivelooking pickup truck na nakapark sa may tabi.... at lalo pang nawala ang atensyon nila sa'kin nung nagstep out ang driver nung mamahaling sasakyan..

I know.. may ADD ang mga kaibigan ko. Though I can't blame them for getting distracted.. Kahit nanatatakpan ng malalangaw nyang sunglasses ung mukha ni kuya, pagtayo pa lang, nakakalaglagunderwear na si kuya driver.

"Venice, where have you been? Kanina pa ko naghihintay dito."

Ay! Kinakausap ako nung langaw?!?!?

Naramdaman kong bumalik sa'kin ung tingin nung dalawa, as I watch kuya driver walk towards me..Sinoh ba toh at feeling close? Kanina nya pa raw ako hinihintay.. ___

 

Nung sobrang lapit na ni kuya, dun ko lang narealize na malamang lang talaga, may kung sinongengkanto dyan na gustong makita kung gano ako katagal bago atakihin ng panic attack.. O.O

Kenny: Sinoh yan?? O_O

Tumigil sa harap namen si Kuya, looking at me, and then at Kenny and Sheena.. He smiled, na parangnanunukso na: "Sige naa~ Pakilala mo na ko~ "

Bubwit.

Ako: Uh, Sheena, Kenny... This is my.. mmy.. (TT) fiancé... Jerwin..

Jerwin: Hi!

Ang mokong, hinde pa natuwa sa shocked expressions ng mga kaibigan ko, talagangtinanggal nya paung sunglasses nya at dinazzle pa ng mukha nya ung dalawa!

Syempre, starstruck to the bone cells sina Sheena at Kenny, naghyperventilate nung nakita nilang siJerwin Santos THE Jerwin Santos ang nakatayo sa harap nila.

 

 

Hanggang sa nagbye bye na kame ni Jerwin, tulala at hinde pa rin nakapagconstruct ng buong sentencesina Sheena at Kenny.. Feeling ko lang, bobombahin nila ng tawag ang telepono ko mamaya.. ___

. end of flashback .

Haaayyyy...

Napatingin ako sa labas and dun ko lang narealize (alam ko, may pagkaslow ako), hinde nagddrive siJerwin papunta sa bahay ko. O_O On the contrary, malayo kame sa kalsada papuntasa bahay ko...

Ako: San tayo pupunta?

Jerwin: We're going to my house.

Ako: WEH?!? AT BAHKET?!??!

Jerwin: But of course.. My fiancée should meet my manager and my sister.

 

 

Ako: Feel na feel mo talaga tohng gulo na toh noh?!?

Jerwin: Relax ka lang dyan.. Kung masyado kang stressed, you really won't see the irony and amusementof this situation.

Hindi na ko nagsalita dahel natakot ako na pag nagreact pa ko, baka makapatay ako ng tao nang wala saoras.. Abah! Hinde bagay ang beauty ko sa kulungan noh! At pano na lang ako mabubuhay kungpapatayin ko si Jerwin habang nagddrive?!? Hinde naman ako marunong magdrive!

After ilang minutes, we eventually ended up in the house I woke up in that morning...

Kasumpasumpa dahel dito nagsimula ang lahat! TT

Jerwin parked in front of the main door, and I saw a middle aged man immediateyrunning towards him.Bumaba kaming dalawa ni Jerwin, and he gave the car keys to the man..

Ako: Sinoh un?

Jerwin: That's the family driver, Mang Ponce.. He's gonna put my truck in the back.. Now c'mon.. Let's goinside..

 

 

Ako: Do I have to? Hintayin na lang kita dito.. T_T

Jerwin: Sira ka ba? Eh ikaw nga ang hinihintay ng mga tao..

Ako: But I don't want tooooo~ TT

He suddenly grabbed my hand and practically dragged me papasok nung bahay.. At,trying hard not toscream and yell, talagang with all my might, kinokontra ko ung paghila nya..

Jerwin: (hila sa'kin) Seriously! How can someone with your size have so much strength!??!

Ako: (hila pabalik) It's called adrenaline rush!

Jerwin: Well, tell your adrenaline to cut it out coz we have to go inside!

Ako: Ayokooooo~!!!

"Aren't you two a picture of energy?"

 

 

Sa pagkagulantang ko nung may biglang nagappear sa doorway, napatigil ako bigla sa pagoppose kokay Jerwin.. Syempre, nung nawala ung opposing pull, paghila ni Jerwin sa'kin  and talagang hinila nyako with force! lumipad kaming dalawa!

Ako: Aw Aw Aw.. >__<

O.O

Jerwin fell on his rear, and I landed. right. on top. of him.

At parang daga na nahuli ng pusang naglalaro sa living room, lightning speed din ang pagrolyo ko awayfrom Jerwin. =__=

PAK!

 

Jerwin: AW! What did you do that for?!?!?!

Ako: What in the world were you thinking?!?!

Jerwin: You were the one who suddenly stopped pulling!

Ako: Eh bahket ka pa nanghila?!?

Jerwin: How was I supposed to know you were gonna stop resisting!??!

"Hahahahahaha!! "

Oh geez.. I completely forgot about the girl standing dun sa doorway and she's now hystericallylaughing at us. __

Lalo tuloy akong napapahiya.. Anoh ba namang araw toh?!?

I slowly helped myself up, the same time na tumayo si Jerwin at pinagpag ung pantalon nya..

I couldn't resist lang naman, so, when he looked up to look at me, I stuck out my tongue.

 

 

Jerwin: Wha!? What are you?!? Six?!?

Ako: BEHHH!!!

Jerwin: Aishh.. (turned to the young girl) Jean! When will you stop laughing!?

Jean: Hahahahaha!!! Sorry, kuya.. It's just... You two looked so ridiculous!

__

Ako: Who is she and why is she still laughing at me? __

Jean: Oh! Sorry..

The girl stopped laughing, pero malaki pa rin ung ngiti sa mukha nya.. She walked over to where me andJerwin were standing..

 

Jean: I'm your future sisterinlaw, ate. My name is Jeanette.. But you can call me Jean.

Ako: Oh, hi, Jean.

"Sisterinlaw"?!?!?

Jean immediately linked her arm around mine, and walked me papasok nung bahay nila.. Jerwinfollowed us with an unmistakable amused look on his face..

We walked straight to the dining room where I saw Tita Merryl setting out what looks like expensiveplates.. and on the counter, nakaupo ang isang middleaged man, na aura pa lang, nakakaintimidatena.. He seems busy looking at his laptop, hanggang sa narinig nya nang pumasok kame..

Jean: Hey, dad, look! She's here!

"Dad"!?! Wait!!! Akala ko ba "manager and sister" ang makikilala ko tonight?!

 

The middleaged man turned to look at us, and kahit anong gentle nung features nya, ai my golay,panakot pa rin kaseh ang stern nung expression nya nung tinignan nya ko!

Ako: (bulong kay Jerwin) I thought you said I was meeting your manager??!

Jerwin: Yea. Didn't you know?? My manager is my father.

I knew this can still get worse. TT

Mr. Santos: I see. So you're the girl my wife decided to marry my son off.

Tita Merryl: Ay, anoh ka ba naman, Ray. Don't scare her off like that. Ngumiti ka naman..

Oo nga! Wag ka naman manakot!

Mr. Santos: I'm not scaring her off.

 

 

He looked at me up and down.. examining my every feature..

at hindi raw sya nananakot... T^T

Teka lang!!! If IF hinde ako magustuhan ni father, hinde ba ibig sabihin nun, mabbreak angengagement na itoh?!?

I looked at Mr. Santos again.. Mukha syang strict businessman, walang nonsensenonsense.. He mightactually come to my advantage!

Jean: What do you think, dad? Doesn't Venice look perfect for kuya?

Manahimik kang bata ka.. Wag mong kontrahin ang dasal ko!

Mr. Santos: I see... So you've won over Jean..

 

Ako: Eh?

And then.. And then.. he SMILED!!! He actually smiled!

Nafeel kong biglang nagcrack ang light of hope ko!

Mr. Santos: I'm actually grateful to you.. After more pictures came out from that night, I can't think ofany better way to cover Jerwin's reputation from the harsh speculation of the media..

I knew it!!!

There it goes.. ang kaisaisang ilaw ng pagasa ko.. namatay dahel lang dun sa sinabi na un ni Mr.Santos.. TT

Wait.. more pictures?!?

 

Ako: More pictures po?

Mr. Santos: You haven't seen them yet?

He faced the laptop towards me and Jerwin.. Kame naman, napatakbo to look kung anoh pa bangskandalo ang lumabas naman ngayon.. and yep, there.. Pictures.. More pictures from the night before,this time, nasa parking lot na..

OoO

Ako: (pointed at one photo) What were you doing?!?!?

In one of the picture, from the angle nung camera, it looks like.... it looks like Jerwin and I were kissing..

Jerwin: Hey! It's not what it looks like, okay?!? This was probably when I was trying to open the door....Although, it really does look like I'm kissing you... ha..

 

Ako: "Ha"?!? Anong "ha"?!? Do you understand what people will think when they see this?!

Jerwin: Yea, sure.. Jerwin Santos, kissing mystery lady.. or something like that.

Adik ba sya?!? Bakit ang calmado nya pa rin!?

Tita Merryl: Di ba, Ray? I told you they get along well.

Mr. Santos: Yes, I can see that.

Jean: (talon sa tabi ko) So, ate, are you going to sleep here again tonight?

O_O

Baliw ba lahat ng tao sa pamilyang toh?!?!

::Chapter 8::

 

 

My Boo

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

9:10 AM..

__

Ang aga.. Ang aga ko talaga gumising.. Usually, ganitong oras, nagpapakahurricane pa lang ako sakwarto ko sa pagmamadali para lang hinde ako malate..

Pero look at me now.. All calm.. kumakainkain lang ng almusal.. Nakatunganga dun sa TV na hinde konaman talaga makita dahel nasa kabilang kwarto sya.. Ginagawa lang ng nanay ko na radyo ang TV.. kayadi man namen makita kung anong palabas, pangboombox naman ang lakas ng volume.. 

Haayyy..

 

 

Sa sobrang windang ko yata kagabi, paguwi na paguwi ko, diretso collapse na ko sa kama..

Although, hinde naman ganon kasama ung dinner with Jerwin's family.. It was kinda.. nice, actually...

Jean seems to be ecstatic to have an "older sister".. and Mr. Santos or Tito Ray seems to be pleased nahinde ako socialclimber... and lalo pa syang naamused nung narinig nyang hinde ko nakilala si Jerwinthe first time I met him.. Kasalanan ko ba!?!?

Haaayyyy.. french toast.. buti na lang masarap ka

"VENICE! VENICE! VENICE! VENICE!!!!"

Wah! *cough* *cough*

Tubig! *cough*

 

 

Mom: Well.. Mukhang nandyan na ang mga suki ng telepono kagabi..

I tried to catch my breath, at the same time, trying to stop myself from further choking on the piece offrench toast na nagdirediretso sa lalamunan ko..

Ako: Ang aga naman!

Mom: Well, what did you expect? Tinulugan mo ung mga tawag nila kagabi? At alammo naman siKenny, pano na lang matatahimik ang buhay nya kung wala syang sagap?

Mayamaya lang, ahyan na nga.. Lumipad na pabukas ang pinto ng bahay namen.. attatlong mokongang madapadapang tumakbo papunta sa dining room kung san kanikanina lang eh tahimik akongkumakain..

Anthony: Venice! Venice! Is it true!?!? (biglang tingin sa nanay ko) Good morning, Tita Mel! (tingin uhletsa'kin) Venice! Is it true!??!?

 

 

Meet Anthony.. ang epitome ng taong may Attention Deficit Disorder.. Ehwan ko ba dyan sa taong yan,pero for the past two years, bigla syang naging overprotective.. daig pa si Double 07 sa pagbantaysa'kin..

Knowing what exactly he was talking about, I held up my left hand and showed him the diamond ring..Mabilis naman syang tumakbo at talagang nilapit ung kamay ko sa mata nya..

Anthony: Totoo nga! Why?!?! Buntis ka ba?!? Nirape ka ba?!?

Sheena: *gasp!* Buntis ka?!??

Kenny: Narape ka?!?!?! OoO

Ako: Mga gunggong! Mukha ba kong narape!??!

Anthony: Then why?!? Kelan pa!? Why!??! TT

 

Biglang nalipat ung tingin nya sa tabi ko nung nagsimulang tumawa si mommy.. And syempre, dahilA.D.D nga ung loko, 180degrees bigla ang turn ng mood nya..

Anthony: Wow, tita! French toast? Penge?

Mom: Sige lang, upo na muna kayo.. At magttoast pa ko ng tinapay..

Just then, biglang napunta ung atensyon ko sa TV nang narinig ko ang three magic words: "JerwinSantos' Fiancée?"

At wala nang hingahinga, sumugod ako kagad sa living room para tignan kung anong nangyayare..Nilabas na ba nina Tito Ray ung balita? Bakit di ko alam?!?

Sumunod sa living room sina Sheena, Kenny, Anton, at ung nanay ko.. narinig rinyata nila.. o bakanawindang sila kaseh bigla akong lumipad.. Pero either way, nakatunganga na rinsila sa TV as newphotos of Jerwin and I linger dun sa screen..

Mom: Wow.. anak, tignan mo nga naman.. Ang bilis naman ng balita! Kahapon lang yan ah!

 

Sheena: Kahapon?!

That little high school brat! Anong kalokohan itoh!??!

The pictures from when Jerwin and I were at the jewelry shop continue to appeardun sa screen.. Ung 3pictures naming dalawa for some reason hinde pinakita ung picture na kasama namen ung pasaway nahigh schooler na un..

The morning show hosts relay their speculation about the photos naman..

Nagsspread daw like wildfire ung mga pictures from one online site to another.. 

At in fairness, may pagkahyper ang mga hosts na itoh..

Never did they expect raw na ikakasal na pala ang "Prince of the Music Industry".. Ni hinde nga raw nilaalam na may girlfriend toh..

Kung alam lang nila ang totoo.. tignan ko lang kung lalo silang hinde maloka..  __

 

They even went on to add ung quote sa isa sa mga blog na quoteunquote, si Jerwin daw mismo angtumawag sa'kin na "soontobe bride" nya.. Although di naman un ung exact wordsni Jerwin.. pero..close enough..

Morning Show Host: Now the main question is, sinoh ba itong mystery girl na ito? 

Oh my golay.. they want to know who I am... TT

Kenny: WAH!!! Breast friend! Sikat ka na!

Sheena: Nasa TV ang picture mo! Nasa TV!!!

Kenny: At gusto pa nilang malaman kung sinoh ka! WAH! Dadami ang stalker mo!

Ako: Che! Tigilan nyo nga ako!

*sigh* But it's probably true.. Lantaran ang mukha ko sa picture na un..

 

And being the unknown, the media will try to find out kung sinoh ung girl sa tabi ng "Prince" nila...Eventually, they'll find me...

Later this afternoon...

This day is just horrible. HORRIBLE, I tell you!

This morning, pagtapak na pagtapak ko pa lang sa school grounds, may mga tao nang nagtitinginan,nagbubulungan... And as the day progresses, lalo silang dumadami! Lalong kumakalat ang news.. Ehtona siguro ang karma ko sa lahat ng beses na ako ang nagkakalat ng tsismis.. T^T

Lord, sorry na.. TT

Ako: Haayyy... __

Kenny: Ai, depressed?

Sheena: Relax ka lang dyan, Venice.. Pauwi na tayo.. May 12 hours ka pa uhlet bago makakita ng mganagbubulungan tungkol syo..

 

Anthony: Anoh pa bang bago sa mga taong pinagbubulungan ka?

Ako: Haller?!? Ang pinagbubulungan kaya nila ngayon

Sheena: eh ang loveydovey engagement mo sa isang superstar na walang nakakaalam na loveydoveymo?

Ako: I was gonna say something like, it's none of their business... __

Naglalakad palang kami malapit sa gate nang bigla na kaming hinarangan ni Manong Guard.. At ungmukha pa ni manong!

Napatigil talaga kaming apat.. Wala pa naman kaming sinisira na classroom ah! O_ O

Manong Guard: Nako, Venice.. Wala ka bang sundo ngayon?

Ako: Eh? bahket poh?

Kelan ba ko nagkaron ng sundo?

 

 

Manong Guard: Kanina pa naghihintay ung mga reporters syo.. Nadagdagan na nga ng nadagdaganhabang tumatagal.. Baka matabunan ka habang naglalakad..

O_O

Kenny: Ahyan.. magsuot ba naman kaseh ng uniform sa pagpapapicture.. Nasundan ka tuloy..

Anthony: Pano yan, Venice? Dito ka na lang matulog?

Sheena: Dalhan ka na lang namen ng sleeping bag..

Ako: Hinde kayo nakakatulong ha..

Nginitian ko si Manong Guard, then slowly, and very carefully, sumilip muna akosa labas.. Mas maramingang tao than usual.. Although, parang lahat naman sila eh minding their own business.. Kung maypaparazzi man, parang bilang lang sa kamay ang nakikita ko..

So syempre, malakas ang loob ko na makakatakbo ako, ay sige! Nagstep out ako sa gate..

 

and then, wham!

Nagsimula silang lahat na magtutok sa'kin ng mga camera! As in more than kalahati pala sa mga taongnandun eh may dalang camera!

20?!? 30?!?

At hinde pa sila natuwa sa flashing lights, nagtakbuhan pa sila papunta sa'kin with their tape recordersat notebooks at sandamakmak na mga tanong!

Everywhere I look, flash.. At dinudumog nila ako!!!!

Just then, I felt somebody grab my arm and pulled me back papasok nung schoolgates..

Nakita ko na lang si Manong Guard na mabilis sinasarado uhlet ung gates..

Anthony: Venice?! Ok ka lang?!?

Sheena: Anoh namang kalokahan mo at lantaran kang lumabas?!?!?

Kenny: Nakakakita ka pa ba?!?

 

 

I see dots... At dots talaga! Flashing dots.. sa dami nung camera flash sa harap ko, ang hirap magadjustng mata!

Pano ako uuwi?!?!?

Without thinking, nilabas ko ung cellphone ko.. and kahit na trembling ung kamay ko sa sobrang shock atpanic, namanage ko naman makascroll down sa letter J sa phonebook ko..

It's ringing.. ringing..

Please answer....

"Hello?"

Ako: Jerwin!!

 

 

I felt all my panic go to another level nung sinagot ni Jerwin ung tawag ko.. Iknow! Abnormal.. Pero allof a sudden, parang nagssink in lahat ng nangyayari, at nararamdaman ko nang nagsisimula anghyperventilation ko..

Jerwin: Venice? What's wrong?!? You sound

Ako: They're everywhere! I can't go out! They have these big cameras and and and Jerwin.. I can'tgo out...

Jerwin: Crap.. They found you already!??

For some reason, naiiyak ako sa sobrang gulo ng emotions ko.. Di ko alam kung magpapakaamazonaako sa mga photographer sa labas, and yell at them to leave me alone.. o magpapakamedia'ssweetheart, at hahayaan ko silang kumuha ng pictures....

Parang mabubulag yata ako sa latter choice.. __

Jerwin: Listen, I'm in the middle of a meeting right now.. But.. Are your friends with you?

 

Ako: YYea..

Waaahhh mas pipiliin mo pa yang meeting mo kesa sa fiancée mong nagppanic attack?!

Jerwin: Let me talk to one of them..

I thrust the phone to Sheena, na nagkataon lang na pinakamalapit sa tabi ko..

She looked surprised but she took the phone and listened to whatever Jerwin wassaying..

then after a few quick seconds, she handed me back the phone..

Sheena: Kausapin ka raw nya..

Ako: (took the phone) HHello?

Jerwin: Hey... I told her to stay with you for a while.. You'll be alright.. Okay? Just take a deep breath.. I'llbe there in 15 minutes..

 

 

Ako: Okay...

I hang up, and then did what he told me.. I took a number of deep breaths to calm my nerves down..Naubos ko na yata ung oxygen sa paligid ko.. I tried to block out ang kilig na si Sheena na pinagmamalakikay Kenny na nakausap nya si Jerwin Santos..

It's gonna be okay.. Jerwin's coming...

... Well, I don't know where that came from, but it'd better be alright when hearrives...

Umupo sa tabi ko sina Kenny, Sheena at Anton.. They try to figure out how to get me out of the schoolgrounds to the pickup truck pagdating ni Jerwin.. Pati nga si Manong Guard, nakikiplano.. Pero rejectednaman ung idea nya.. Magplano ba naman na magfire ng baril nya?!? O__O

Honestly, it felt like the longest 15 minutes ever!

At nung nagring uhlet ung cellphone ko, and when I saw it was Jerwin, halos magtatalon ako sa tuwa! hinde dahil sya ang tumatawag noh! Dahil lang sa, at last, makakauwi na ko.. yata.

 

 

Ako: Hello?

Jerwin: I'm outside.. Run to the car as fast as you can, I'll meet you halfway.. Understand?

Ako: Okay..

Naghang up na ko.. Josko, tatakbuhin ko ung sea of cameras.. @__@

Pumusisyon na sina Sheena at Kenny para makisabay sa pagtakbo.. At least, baka sakaling mahati ungatensyon nung mga paparazzi.. Si Anton naman, tumabi na sa'kin.. Sya raw ung magiging quarterback namagppart ng red sea.... Di ko masyadong naintindihan, pero parang ganun..

Manong Guard: Ready na kayo?

We all nodded..

Manong Guard: Okay.. Ehto na.. 1... 2.. 3!!!

 

 

Takbo!

As soon as bumukas ung gate, nagtakbuhan kagad kami.. And tulad ng inaasahan namen, kahit papano,nahati nga ung atensyon, as some tried to follow Sheena, and ung iba naman napatingin kay Kenny.. Ilooked straight ahead.. and I ran as fast as I could.. I can see the black pickup truck...

"Venice!"

Ako: Jerwin?

I scanned the crowd pushing all around me, and, finally, I saw him running towards me.. Lalongnagkagulo ang mga photographers.. Ang lokong superstar naman kaseh, hinde man lang nagsuot nunglangaw nyang sunglasses!

Pero adrenaline rush na itoh! I ran faster towards him.. Anthony tried to push the people out of myway.. until at last, I was able to grab Jerwin's hand.

 

 

Jerwin: (smiles) Let's go.

He held my hand as tight as he can, as we fought our way pabalik dun sa sasakyan nya.. Parang lightningang bilis ng lahat..

As soon as napaggitnaan kami nung mga paparazzi, he immediately wrapped a protective arm aroundme as he tried to shoulder our way out of the crowd of overecstatic photographers.

Everybody was yelling questions and calling him to look..

It felt like we went through a stampede hanggang sa we reached the pickup truck at last..

Binuksan kagad ni Jerwin ung backseat door.. and halos, madapadapa naman ako sa pagsakay.. Heslammed the door behind me, then tumalon na rin sya sa driver's side.

And finally, we were driving away..

Ako: I think I'm gonna be sick.. __

 

 

I slumped dun sa backseat, nalowbat bigla dahel naubusan na ng adrenaline rush.. Hopefully, nakatakasna rin sina Anthony pauwi..

Jerwin: Just don't throw up in my car, and we're all good.

Ako: Pwede mo naman ipalinis eh..

I threw my book bag sa isang tabi, then crawled towards the passenger seat sa harap.. Alam mo ungginagawa nung mga bata na tatawid over from the backseat papunta sa harap? Oo, pinagsiksikan ko angsarili ko habang nagddrive si Jerwin..

Jerwin: What are you doing?!?

Ako: Lumilipat ng upuan.

After getting myself comfortable, I fastened my seatbelt and started taking deep breaths to completelycalm myself down..

 

 

Jerwin: Are you okay?

Ako: I was just mobbed! Do you think I'm okay?!?

Natahimik si Jerwin.. __ It made me feel kinda bad for barking at him.. eh sya na nga naman itohngnaging escape car ko.. at naging shield ko from all the pushing and pulling kanina..

Ako: Sorry..

Jerwin: Your life is going to change now.

Ako: *sigh* Pansin ko nga.. TT I just don't understand.. Why are they following ME?!?! Eh ikaw ungcelebrity!!

Jerwin: After years of being mobbed, nakahanap na ko ng ways para makapagtago..And besides, peopleare always curious about the "unknown factor" which, in this case, is you. People will be more curiousfrom now on..

Ako: Eh?!

 

Jerwin: Well, they'd go into a frenzy after that little incident of me showing up to save you from a herdof hungry tabloid photographers.

Ako: I don't believe this... TT

Jerwin drove for a few more minutes, and then he entered into a busy restaurant's parking lot..

Ngayon pa nya naisipang kumain?!? At sa lantaran na McDo pa! Gusto nya bang pareho kamingmasagasaan ng mga taong curious?!?

He parked in the far back, and then turned off the engine.. May balak yata talagang kumain si kuya!?!

Ako: Anong?!

Jerwin: Listen..

Ay, teka.. serious mode ang aura.. O_O

 

 

Jerwin: We got ourselves in this situation.. and quite honestly, it's not really that bad..

Ako: Not that bad?!? We're engaged! (I held up my left hand) ENGAGED!

Jerwin: I know.. But at least our parents aren't rushing us into marriage.. Youknow, a lot ofengagements break up over time..

Ako: Are you saying...?

Jerwin: Yes.. Of course, hindi pa pwede ngayon, since we just "started".. But.... Venice, won't you spareme a little part of your life?

O__O

>__<

O__O

Jerwin: Be my fiancée.. We'll get through this together.. as partners..

 

Well.. that makes sense.. I mean, it's not like may takas pa ko..

Ako: (smiles) Partners sound nice..

Jerwin: So we're in this together?

Ako: Better than being in this alone.. So, yep! We're in this together.

Jerwin: Great! And Venice..

Really, he's not that bad naman pala eh..

Ako: Yea?

Jerwin: Don't worry... When the time comes, I'll let you go.

.....

 

 

I nodded.. kinda hesitant.. kaseh naman, ang lungkot naman.. Kakasimula pa nga lang ng engagementnamen.... nyahahaha

Jerwin: But for now No, from now on.. I'll take care of you.

::Chapter 9::

If You Can Dream

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

It's been two days since all the hype started.. At tulad ng sinabi ni Jerwin, the media (lalo na ung mgatabloids!!!) just throws random things out there!

 

 

Nagrrange na ang profession ko from mailorder bride, to a bar hostess, to a golddigger, at ang pinakafavorite ko, to a prostitute.. Oh di bah?!?! Alam kong malandi ako, pero hinde pa naman ako ganun kalandi noh! At porket graduating college student ako, akala ba nila ganun na ko kadesperada makakuhang pangtuition!?!? Mga assumers sila!

At ang pinakawidespread na rumor na kumakalat, kaya lang ako papakasalan eh dahil sa pregnant ako..eh mga adik ba sila?!? Ahyon na lang ba ang dahilan ng mga tao ngayon para magpakasal?! And besides,mukha bang malaki ang tyan ko!? Alam kong may bilbil ako, pero hinde naman sya condensed sa harapnoh!

Oo, nakakahigh blood talaga.. Buti na lang at nagtruce na kami ni Jerwin... Hatidsundo nya na ko fromschool dahel baka masagasaan ako ng mga taong may galit o may kung anong amusement sa existenceko.. And at least, kahit anong kalokahan ang nangyayari pag lumalabas man ako magisa o with myfriendships, kahit anong rant and rave ko, nakikinig sya..

But he'll never be able to calm me down like you did...

I sat on the freshly cut grass, just in front of the gravestone.. Matagaltagalna rin since nakadaan akodito.. Kaseh naman, ang hirap lumabas noh! Tignan mo, tulad ngayon, kaya lang ako nakalabas daheltulog na ang halos lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas! 11:00 na ng gabi.

 

 

Ako: But I'm here now.. and if you're watching me from wherever you are, you should know how crazymy life is right now.. Imagine, halos buong bayan yata ang nagttry na mangistalk sa'kin! Abah! Nabbuild up na ang muscles ko kakatakbo noh!

I ran a finger on the cold stone bearing Gerard's name.. his name.. and the date of his death..

Two years na ang nakakalipas, and I still can't get over the feeling na ang unfair that he never told me....bastah na lang sya nagpoof out of my life..

Ako: Bubwit ka talaga, G.... If you were here, none of this would have happened.. You would've takencare of me.. If you were here......

The next day, masakit man sa puso at sa ulo kong gumising ng maaga, anoh pang choice ko? Ehtinawagan ako ni Mr. Santos at on the way na raw ung driver nila para sunduin ako.. ___

Sabado.. Sabado ngayon.. it's the only day of the week na pwede akong matulog hanggang hapon....Why are they taking this away from me?! WHYYY?!?

 

"Ma'am? Ok lang poh ba kayo?"

Eh? ___

Ako: Ok lang naman poh, Mang Ponce.. Bakit poh?

Mang Ponce: Mukha ho kasi kayong pagod na pagod.. May sakit poh ba kayo?

Ako: Nako, wala poh.. late lang nakatulog kagabi. San poh ba tayo pupunta?

Mang Ponce: Ay, sabi poh ni sir, dalhin ko raw kayo dun sa venue nung concert ni Sir Jerwin.

Ako: Eh?? Bakit naman?

Mang Ponce: Hindi ko poh alam eh.

Mga bubwit na Santos yan.. Hindi dahel mga morning person sila, kailangan na nila gimbalain angpagiging night owl ko noh! Haaayyy..

 

 

After getting through a horrible traffic jam, nakarating na rin kami sa wakas dun sa music arena.. Binabaako ni Manong Ponce sa front entrance.. After he drove off to park the family van, nilabas ko kagad ungcompact mirror ko.. Abah! Syempre, dapat maganda ako for my fiancé..... Yak! wahahahaha

Well.. Di ko naman kasalanan na may eyebags ako.. at mukhang bloodshot ung matako.. Haaayyy..Binalik ko ung salamin ko sa bag ko, then walked papasok sa loob..

Seems like nagssoundcheck ang mga people.. I saw Jerwin on stage, nakikinig dun sa isang manong nasiguro eh part ng sound crew or production crew..... kung ano mang crew yan!

"Venice!"

Oh my golay! I completely forgot this girl works here!

Biglang nagising lahat ng cells ng katawan ko nang tinapon ni Ate Marian ung katawan nya sa'kin herway of saying hello..

 

 

Ako: Ate! Hello!

Ate Marian: Uyy, binibisita mo boylet mo?

Ako: Updated ka rin sa chikka? __

Ate Marian: Duh.. Besides sa almost every entertainment news, subukan mong maging kapatid siAnthony, tignan ko lang kung hinde ka mashock sa mga tsismis na nalalaman nun.. So, visit theboyprend ba itoh?

Pinapunta ako dito! Bahket ko naman bibisitahin yan?!? Kabisibisita ba yan?!? Anoh yan, preso!?

"Venice, iha!"

Ehto pa ang isang hinde kabisibisita..

I slowly plastered a smile on my face as the elder Santos waved me over dun sa kinatatayuan nya saharap nung stage.. Kinuha kagad ni Ate Marian ung braso ko, and parang the allloyal employee, broughtme sa harap ni Mr. Santos..

 

 

Tito Ray: Magkakilala kayo ni Marian?

Ako: Ah, opo.. We went to the same college together.. Mas matanda nga lang poh sya ng one... two?..years..

Tito Ray: Well, what a small world! Anyway..

Nagturn si Tito Ray towards dun sa taas nung stage and called Jerwin na busybusyhan naman sapagkakapopstar nya.. Upon seeing me, Jerwin's face lit up feel na feel talaga magact na "happyboyfriend seeing pretty girlfriend"

May sinabi lang sya dun sa kausap nya, then he finally jumped off the stage papunta sa'min..

Upon reaching me, akbay kagad si kuya sa balikat ko and then flashed me his toothpastecommercialsmile.. __ Allout performance talaga si kuya, tapod dinagdagan pa ng:

Jerwin: Hi, honey..

 

"Honey"?!?!? "HONEY"?!?! Kakilabot!!!

Ako: Hello..

Napatingin ako kay Ate Marian.. na for some reason, eh abot kilay ang ngiti sa'kin.. Naniwala naman angloka sa mga kalokohan nitong si Jerwin... ___

Tito Ray: Well, now that you're here.. We can talk about the announcement..

Ako: Announcement?

Jerwin: Dad thinks it's about time to tell the public about me and you.

I should have known.. __ Di na dapat ako gumising nang araw na toh..

 

Tito Ray: Yes, you see.. I think this concert will be a perfect event.. We're just trying to figure out how tosqueeze in your appearance for a more dramatic effect.

Ako: Appearance?!?

Tito Ray: Don't you think it's a good idea?

Ate Marian: (thoughtfully) A duet would be nice...

Napatingin ako kay Ate Marian.. teka! teka! Bahket sya kumakampi sa kalaban?!?!? 

Tito Ray: A duet? Venice can sing?

Ate Marian: Oh yes, sir! I attest to her talent. One of the most captivating voices I've ever heard.

OoO

Anong ginagawa nya?!? Alam nya ba ang ginagawa nya?!?

 

 

Tito Ray: I see... I'll trust you on that.. (napaisip) A duet would be good. Perhaps right before the finalnumber.. We wouldn't need too much choreography or things like that. Just a simple ballad, maybe?

Ate Marian: Ay opo! I'll personally take care of the transition!

Ako: Wwa

Jerwin: That's it then.

O_O

Kuya, pati ba naman ikaw?!?

Ako: But

Before I can speak any further, biglang kinuha ni Jerwin ung arm ko, and led meaway from thediscussion, papunta dun sa small table with drinks and snacks..

 

 

Ako: What are you doing?!? O__O

Jerwin: What? I'm thirsty.

I looked back at Mr. Santos and Ate Marian, and they're walking towards the production manager..Gagawin talaga nila!!! Tama ba naman un!??!

I grabbed Jerwin's arm, and slightly, firmly, desperately shook him.. wa care na ko kung umiinom sya.. atlalong wa care ako nung nagchoke sya sa tubig..

Jerwin: What?! What?!?

Ako: Stop them!!! OoO

Jerwin: Geez, Venice.. Don't kill me over something like that..

Ako: Sira! Hinde ka pa mamamatay sa tubig!

 

 

Jerwin: People die from choking you know?

Ako: You're missing the point here!

Jerwin: Eh? I am?

Ako: Hello?!? They are making me sing on stage with you! on a major concert!

Jerwin: Uhhuh?

Ako: Me! On that stage!

Inubos ni Jerwin ung tubig nya and threw away the bottle, and finally, he looked at me.. To my surprise,he's smiling..

He gently put his hand on top of me head, and nilapit ung mukha nya sa'kin.. O_O It took all of me not tosmack him right then and there.

Jerwin: Yes, I know. But, isn't it your dream to perform "on that stage"?

 

 

Nagflash sa mind ko ung first time I met him.. Nung pinasilip ni Ate Marian ung current project nila,which coincidentally was actually the stage for Jerwin's concert.. It was just a few minutes of shortconversation.. and I didn't even recognize him..

But he... O_O He remembered?

Jerwin: If you dared to dream about something like that, then I'm sure, you have what it takes toperform there, on that stage.

Tumalikod sya sa'kin and started to walk pabalik dun sa stage to finish whatever they were doing when Icame in..

Jerwin: I'll be done in a little bit.. Then we'll pick out a song for tomorrow,okay? Just relax.. I got you.

Well.. I guess I won't smack him after all..

 

 

 ________________________

::Chapter 10::

Laughter In The Rain

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Wow... People really do love him... O___O

After a night of tiring last minute rehearsal between Jerwin and moi, an early morning productionmeeting, an afternoon of final rehearsals, ehto na.. ehto na talaga! The major concert that has been themost awaited event of the year daw has finally arrived!

 

 

..kahit kakasimula pa lang ng year....

I carefully stepped dun sa hidden side nung stage to watch quietly as Jerwin finished up another highpowered number which made the crowd go wild.. In fairness, kahit anong kontra ko kay kuya, di konaman madeny na allout performer talaga sya..

Halos tatlong oras na syang nagkakanta at nagsasayaw dun, pero all smiles pa rin sya.. basangbasa manung mukha nya ng pawis (ewwww.. ).. The crowd loves him. It's really a magical feeling pag sumasabaypa sila dun sa mga kanta nya..

"Miss Venice, it's time to go."

Oh my golay of golays... Ehto na.. TT

The concert is down to its last two numbers.. meaning, ehto na ung stint ng concert na ilalabas nila ako..I know the rehearsals went well from the time we started hanggang kaninang hapon.. Surprisingly, ourvoices blended quite well..

 

Pero......... ilalabas na nila ako.. TT

I let the crewmember lead me to the entrance point, as I listen to Jerwin's voice on stage, working upthe crowd again.. and then I heard the cue..

Jerwin: Ladies and gentlemen, here to sing one of my most favorite ballads of all time.. I'm sure, kilalanyo rin sya.. Please welcome, Venice Zhao!

WAAAHHHHH Teka! hinde pa ko nakakahinga!!!

The gigantic stage prop divided in half right in front of me, and next thing I knew, lights wereeverywhere, there are thousands of people in front of me going wild.. Jerwinstretched out his hand tome.. as if saying it's alright, come on..

Okay Venice! Mas mapapahiya ka kung ngayon ka pa tatakbo, eh nakatingin na silang lahat syo.. Aja!

 

 

I took a deep breath and then plastered a bright smile on my face.. then I walked towards Jerwin as if Ibelong right there on that stage with him.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

The back of the stage opened, and it revealed the slender girl whose identity everybody could onlyspeculate about until now..

The big screen at the side of the stage started the slideshow of the pictures of me and Venice that wereleaked to the press.. and some others that were taken the night before and kaninang umaga lang for thepurpose of a "couple's slideshow" during this segment of the concert.. Para kunwari tagal na namenmagkasama, di ba?

Paglabas ni Venice, the audience went wild!

 

Ahyan na ang mga instincts nila na may masasagap silang balita dahel sa pagsulpot ni Venice..

I watch Venice as she takes in the sight in front of her. She looks pretty.. Beautiful, even.. The light bluecocktail dress is hugging her body in all the right curves.. Her hair is styledto fall loosely around hershoulders.. And her eyes! Her eyes are sparkling from either fear or excitement, who knows..

Was she this beautiful when I first met her?

I reached out my hand to her, and as if thankful for some sign of support, her face lit up with a smile andshe started to walk towards me.. All of a sudden, the anxiety disappeared, and a facade of belongingwashed over her whole body..

Ako: (to her) Well, you don't look too bad..

Venice: Ilang oras akong nagpaganda, tapos "you don't look too bad" lang masasabi mo?

 

I laughed as I slowly led her to the X mark on stage, where she's supposed to stand.. And then the musicstarted.. The cheers gradually decreased at the same time that the stage lightsdimmed.. Natira na langung spotlight na nakatutok pa rin sa'min ni Venice.. I guess this is Marian's idea of romantic..

{music: I Finally Found Someone}

Ako: (sings) I finally found someone

That knocks me off my feet

I finally found the one

That makes me feel complete

Venice: (sings) It started over coffee

We started out as friends

It's funny how from simple things

The best things begin...

 

The audience was captivated...

I know that reaction.. The first time I heard Venice sing, I was enchanted by her voice too.. She has thiscertain way of making any song sound like she's singing it directly to you and only for you..

Ilang beses man kami nagpractice since last night with the same song, I never got tired of hearing hersing.. Kahit ngayon..

Ako: Did I keep you waiting?

Venice: I didn't mind

Ako: I apologize

Venice: Baby, that's fine

Ako: I would wait forever just to know

Together: You were mine..

Ako: You know, I love your hair

Venice: Are you sure it looks right?

 

Ako: I love what you wear

Venice: Isn't it too tight?

Ako: You're exceptional

Together: I can't wait for the rest of my life...

She went through the motions perfectly.. She sang the song perfectly. She herself was perfect.

By the time the last note has finally played, the audience is going wild again.. But I barely noticed coz all Icould do was hold her close to me and smile at her with pride..

Ako: You did wonderful.

Venice: (grins) I thought so too..

I waited for the crowd to hush down a bit, before I finally took Venice's hand and presented her to thethousands of people gathered in the arena..

 

 

Ako: Ladies and gentlemen, I want all of you to meet my fiancée.. my future bride.. my soontobe wife..

I felt Venice's grasp tighten.. I loveeee how she freaks out whenever she hearsthose words..

Ako: Miss Venice Zhao!

And just like that.. Venice was welcomed with a warm, thunderous applause and whistles and cheers..

Just like that... the whole world will know she's my fiancée..

I gave my final bow to the audience and finally ran out of the stage to the closing music of the band andthe last bit of applause.. The concert has finally ended..

 

"Good job, Jerwin!"

"Good concert!"

"Congratulations, Mr. Santos!"

I waved to each and every crew member that greeted me backstage..

until I finally reached my dressing room..

"That wasn't too bad."

Linya ko un eh..

 

 

I closed the door behind me and looked at Venice who's quietly sitting on one of the plush couches..She's changed to her usual shirt and jeans attire..

Ako: What? You didn't like the dress? And I thought you actually looked human... 

Venice: Alam mo bang sobrang itchy nung tela nun?! I changed as soon as I got off the stage! And whatdo you mean I actually looked human?! Anong tingin mo sa'kin?! Dog?!?

I laughed to myself as I wiped my face with the face towel hanging on my seat..Dog talaga?

Venice: Ay, oo nga pala.. Sabi ni Jean, sumabay na raw sya sa mga magulang mo pauwi..

Ako: Oh.. How about you? Bakit nandito ka pa?

Venice: Wellll... Ang original plan is ihahatid din ako ng mother mo pauwi.. kaya lang.... Paglabas ko ngchanging room, iniwan na nila ako.. TT

Ako: Awwww.. that's too bad.. Magtaxi ka na lang then..

Venice: Hala! Alam mo ba kung gano kalakas ang ulan sa labas?!?

 

 

Ako: Bakit? Matutunaw ka ba pag nabasa ka?

Venice: Anong tingin mo sa'kin?!? Witch?!?

Pikon talaga kahit kelan.. I got up from my chair and then threw the sweaty face towel aside..

Ako: I'll just take a quick shower.. I'll meet you up in the front door. At wagkang magpapakabasa, ok?Mahirap nang biglang mawala ang fiancée ko.

..

(Venice's POV)

.

Pumapatak ang ulan sa bubong ng.. arena..

 

 

Anoh bang tagalog ng "Arena"?

I watched the crew members cleaning up the stage props from afar.. and then tumingin uhlet ako dun salabas.. Ang lakas pa rin ng ulan..

"Yo! So you managed not to melt?"

___

Mukha ba kong Wicked Witch of the West at matutunaw ako pag naulanan?!!?

Ako: (viciously turned around) At talagang ikaw naman eh inenjoy ang shower mo?! Ang tagal mo

Jerwin: Here.

 

O_O Hm?

Umbrella?

Jerwin: I was looking around for an extra umbrella so we won't get soaked. So are you ready?

Payong?

I opened the door for him, while he fumbled to open the umbrella.. This rain iscrazy!! Mahangin na nga,uulanan pa ng ganito.. ___ Himala talaga na marami pa ring tao na pumunta dito amidst the weather..

Jerwin: Ok, got it. Let's run.

Jerwin suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me under the umbrella with him.. andthen, takboooo!!!

 

 

Ako: Gano kalayo ka ba nagpark?!? Ang layo naman!

Jerwin: We just reached the parking lot!

Ako: Dapat ikaw na lang

O__O

Shwoosh!

OoO

>__<

SPLASH!

 

 

ARAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!

Sa sobrang pagmamadali namen, para sana eh di kame masyadong mabasa, hinde ko napansin ang isangmalaking butas sa daanan ko.. At dahel magaling ang balance at coordination ko,yes.. nadapa ako, at fullbody down sa isang malaking puddle ng tubig ang kinagbagsakan ko.

Napaatras tuloy bigla si Jerwin sa pagtakbo nya nung namalayan nyang bigla nawala ung hawakhawaknyang tao..

Jerwin: Venice! Are you ok?!?!

Ikaw kaya ang lunurin ko sa tubig dyan sa parking lot?!

I pulled myself up and looked at the basangbasa na ako.. Well, there goes my chances of getting homedry.. ___

 

 

Ako: Buo pa naman ako.. __ (biglang tingin kay Jerwin) At hindi ako natutunaw! 

Jerwin blinked about once or twice I don't know kung dahil ba ang lakas at ang laki ng mga raindrops...and then.. ang kapal ng mukha, bigla ba namang humagakhak ng tawa!

Pinagtawanan pa ko, eh ako na nga tohng basangbasa na ng ulan?!?!

Ako: (stands up) Oh, so you think this is funny ha.. Tatawa tawa ka pa dyan..

Jerwin: Eh kaseh naman.. nakita mo nang malakas ang ulan, and there's a lot of puddles around,talagang nagswimming ka pa sa isa..

__ Is he the devil?! Nadapa na nga ako't lahat?!?

 

I walked over behind him, at dahel busy sya sa kakatawa nya, ehwan ko lang kungnapansin nya ko, opinili nya lang na hinde ako pansinin.. And thennnn.. with all my willpower andarm muscles, tinulak kosya nang makapagswimming rin sya sa maputik na puddle.

Yes.. nanunulak ako..

Splash!

And down down down Jerwin fell, right in the middle of the puddle na pinagbagsakan ko.. And dahilmalakas ung hangin, ung payong na dala nya eh nagfly fly fly away..

Ako: Not so funny now, ha?

Jerwin slowly picked himself up, and then he very slowly turned and looked at me.. Nakakakilabot ngaeh.. Akala ko sya ung biglang magmmelt.. O_O

Jerwin: You pushed me.

 

 

o__o

>__<

o__o

Ako: Yea.

Jerwin: You.. pushed me.

*gulp* Teka, may law bang nakasulat na bawal manulak ng mga artista?!? O___O

Ako: I'm sorry.. Ok ka lang ba? Hindi naman ganun kalakas ung tulak ko

 

SPLASH!

O__O

>__<

Oh no he didint!!! Yes he did!!!! OoO

Ang mokong!!! Nangolekta ng tubig nung puddle sa kamay nya, and he actually hadthe nerve to throwthe water at my face!!! Paliguan ba ko!??!?!

And then he got up and started running away, all the while laughing at perhaps my very surprisedexpression.. @__@

Ako: Jerwin Santos! Porket hinde ako nagshower after the show, mabango naman ako!! Bahket mo kopinapaliguan?!!?

 

 

I kicked a puddle of water towards him.. which he gladly responded with his ownsplash of watertowards me..

And yes.. dun nagsimula ang late night pagtatampisaw namen sa malakas na ulan, sa maduming mgapuddles ng water, at sa paghahabulan sa halos empty na parking lot ng arena..

We didn't stop hanggang sa nahuli na kami ng mga pauwi nang mga stage workers..nung pinagtitinginanlang nila kame dry and safe under their umbrellas kame biglang naconscious ni Jerwin and wesilently trudged towards his truck..

Jerwin: Geez.. Sana pala hinde na ko nagshower kanina.. mababasa lang din palaako ng ulan..

Ako: Hey you started it!

Jerwin: Ako ba ang nadapa?

Ako: Shut up.

Jerwin: I wish I brought some bath towels with me.. Mukhang magbabaha pa sa loob ng truck ko nito..

 

Ako: Oh I'll help you clean it tomorrow.

And finally, we pulled out of the parking lot, on to the night as he drove me back to my house.. Him,singing along with the radio; Me trying to get water out of my hair and bothof us still dripping wetfrom our little playtime under the rain.

 _______________________

::Chapter 11::

Fever

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"SOOO... may tweettweet akong narinig kanina tungkol sa most awaited announcement kagabi ah.. "

 

 

I slowly looked up from my Psychology assigned reading, halfdreading kung sinong makikita ko, perohalfknowing na si Sheena lang naman un..

The day after the major concert is a school day.. Himala nga na kahit anong late ko na natulog, nagisingpa rin ako nang maaga.. At lalo pang himala dahel after kong magready, imbis na ung truck ni Jerwinang nasa harap ng bahay, ung family van nila at si Manong Ponce ang naghatid sa'kin sa school.. Tulog paraw kaseh si Jerwin..

The whole day had been a buzz.. Papers are printing out Jerwin's public announcement of our"engagement".. The little duet clip is played by various TV talk shows.. In other words, nawindang sila..

Just like Mr. Santos hoped they would be.. Jerwin's popularity is rising through the roof..

Anyway, back to the current time, nagtatago ako sa library to avoid the people who seem to suddenly"appear" out of nowhere to ask for pictures o kaya naman makipagchikkahan kahit di ko naman silakilala.. As usual, kahit anong tago ko, nakita pa rin ako ni Sheena..

Ako: And anoh naman sinabi ng tweettweet mo?

Sheena: (sits next to me) Shosyal ka na..

 

 

Ako: Loka.

Sheena: (natawa) So anong reaction ni fafa Jerwin?

Biglang nagflash sa utak ko ung events after the concert.. with all the rain and the puddles and thehabulan.... ang landi.. And mukha naman masaya si Jerwin..

Sheena: Ay.. ay.. ang smile??! Anong meron?

Biglang napalipad ung kamay ko sa face ko to hide the blush na nagccreep papunta sa cheeks ko.. O_OAnoh ba namang kalandian itoh?? Kung anuano kaseng iniisip!

Sheena: (pressed herself closer to me) Uyyyy...... may tinatago.. Anoh yan?? May happening ba kagabi?Ay, can this be love?!?

Ako: Anong "love" ka dyan?!?! Sinoh naman maiinlove dun sa taong un noh?! Haller!? Kalovelove baun?! Hahaha!

 

Sheena: Defensive much?

Napashrink ako sa upuan ko, my mind racing to find a neutral answer na walang kahit anong bahid ngchikka..

Just then biglang nagskandalo ung cellphone sa bulsa nung uniform ko.. And you know naman angnangyayari pag biglang may nagvvibratevibrate sa pocket mo.. Napatalon akong bigla at madalianginisda ng cellphone..

Si Jean?

Tumingin muna ako sa paligid to make sure na hinde malapit ung librarian, then I buried my face sa libroto somehow muffle the sound..

Ako: Hello?

Jean: ATEEEEE!!!!!

 

O_O Ai josko! Sigawan ang cellphone!?!??!

Ako: Jean, anoh ba? Wag kang sumigaw..

Jean: Ay, sorry.. Bakit ka bumubulong?

Ako: Nasa library ako.. Bakit ka tumawag?

Jean: Ay, oo nga pala! Kaseh, ate, ganito yan eh.. May pupuntahan kami ni mommymamaya after schoolna social gathering.. Baka bukas na ng umaga kami makabalik.. Si dad naman, haynako, lagi namangearly morning na kung umuwi un..

Ako: Uhhuh?

Jean: Ate, baka naman gusto mo dumaan sa bahay after ng school mo? Bantayan mo lang si kuya..

Ako: Bantayan?

Watchdog na ko ngayon??!

 

Jean: Oo, ate.. Ehwan ko ba dun.. Gumising kaninang umaga, masama ang pakiramdam.. Nacancel tuloyung mga lakad nya today.. Ehhh walang magaalaga.. Baka paguwi namen, malamig na corpse na sya..Eh di ba mabuti nang nandun ka, at least matatawagan mo kame pag hinde na sya humihinga?

Ako: Iha, kapatid mo tohng pinaguusapan naten di ba? ___

Patayin ba?!?

Jean: Yes, ate. Relax ka lang, kaseh sabihin ko man un, I doubt naman na talagang maddead si kuya.. Diba nga, matagal mamatay ang masamang damo? So dadaan ka mamaya ha! Papasundo kita kay ManongPonce! Ok? Byeeee!!!

Ako: What?! Wait!

Binabaan ako.... ___

Pano ka ba naman makakakontra sa bilis ng bibig nung batang un?!? Tumutungga yata ng isang litro ngkape sa sobrang pagkahyper!

 

Sheena: Anoh un?

Ako: Kapatid ni Jerwin.. Apparently, magiging asong bantay ako mamaya.

After school, umuwi kagad ako.

Charing! Inuwi muna ako ni Manong Ponce para naman makapagbihis ako into something morecomfortable than my school uniform noh.. Kaya ahyun, nakacotton shorts ako, atred tshirt.. at flipflops.. di vah.. casual na casual..

Mom: Oh, san ka pupunta?

Ako: Sisilipin ung soninlaw mo kung humihinga pa.

Mom: Awww.. ang sweet nyo namang dalawa, nagsisilipan na kayo.. Napagod ba sya dahel dun saconcert kagabi?

Ako: (shrugs) Siguro.. And apparently, his family is too busy to take care of him just for one night.

Mom: Walang tao sa bahay nila?

Ako: Late na raw umuuwi si Tito Ray.. So until then, walang tao sa bahay nila kundi sya.. at ako.

 

 

Natahimik sandali si mommy, then she slowly walked up to me and grabbed my shoulders gently, butfirmly. O_O

Mom: Remember, Venice, I trust you.

Ako: Eh??

Mom: I know you're still somewhat of a teenager.. and I know may mga natural hormones na mahirapmacontrol.. But just remember, I trust you.

..

....

Ai my golay.. ___

 

Ako: Anoh ba naman yang mga pinagiisip mo, mommy?! Magpapakawatchdog lang akodun noh!Geez!

I wriggled out of her grasp and started to walk out of the house.. Pero dahel may pagkastubborn angnanay ko, talagang hinabol nya pa ko hanggang sa pinto, at talagang pinahabulanpa ng isangnakakawindang na paalala:

Mom: I trust you, okay, Venice?!

Nanay ko talaga.. Pinasokpasok ako sa ganitong sitwasyon, tapos magugulantang bigla..

Sumakay na ko dun sa family van ng mga Santos, and Manong Ponce drove me to theSantos' residence..Pinapaliwanag nya na nakaalis na nga raw sina Tita Merryl at si Jean papuntang Subic for a social partychuchu.. Si Tito Ray daw, late at night pa dadating dahil na rin sa work.. Ung housekeeper daw, nasabahay, pero hanggang 8:00 PM lang..

Di ko nga alam kung parang gusto nya ring sabihin na: "I trust you, Venice! I trust you!"

 

When we reached the house, totoo nga.. Wala nang tao.. Well si Aling Ligaya, ung housekeeper, nandunsa kitchen, as usual.. Pero other than her, wala na nga talaga ung maingay na si Jean.. Binati ko lang siAling Ligaya sandali, para naman malaman nya bago sya magluto ng dinner na nandito ako at malamangeh dito ako kakain..

Then I took the stairs up to Jerwin's room..

Ako: (gently katok sa door) Knock knock knock.. I'm coming in~

Dahandahan kong binuksan ung pinto.. It's dark.. nakasarado ung curtains nung bintana kaya hindimakapasok ang afternoon sun.. at ni isang lampshade o ilaw, walang nakabukas..

I tiptoed over to the bed where I can hear ragged breathing, and then sinilip ko ung supposedly sleepingJerwin, who has his back turned from me..

Ganito ba sya huminga nung last time na natutulog sya?

Binuksan ko ung lampshade na nandun sa bedside table nya (let there be light!),and then umupo akodun sa kama and gently tugged the blanket off of his face..

 

I guess may pagkalight sleeper si kuya, kaseh bigla syang nagising.. @_@

Jerwin: What? Venice?

Ako: Hi.. Binibisita lang kita.. Ok ka lang ba?

Now na nakaharap sya sa'kin, I suddenly noticed how pale he looks, and well, ang lamiglamig dun sakwarto, pinagpapawisan si kuya..?

Jerwin: Yea.. I'm okay.. Don't you have class?

Ako: I'm done for the day.

Jerwin: Oh. Sorry I couldn't pick you up..

Ako: Ai suz naman, ok lang un noh.. Teka nga..

 

Sa sobrang pagkabother ko dahel sa unusual appearance nya, I cautiously reached out my hand, andthen hinawakan ko ung noo nya.....

O___O

Ako: Oh my gosh, Jerwin! You're burning up!

Jerwin: Weird.. I actually feel kinda cold.

Ai josko! Ang taas ng lagnat ni kuya!!!

Napatayo akong bigla.. di ko alam kung anong uunahin ko: kukuha ba muna ako ng face towel at tubig, odapat ko bang iadjust ung room temperature, o

Jerwin: (smiled weakly) Hey, don't panic.. Nobody dies from a slight fever..

 

 

___

Ako: Stupid... You never know when somebody could die.

I turned around and went out of the room.. Bumaba ako nung hagdan to ask Aling Ligaya for a facetowel to mop up Jerwin's sweat and another one to cool down his forehead.. at isa na ring maliit nabasin ng tubig..

It seems like hinde pala ako asong bantay tonight, instant nurse pala..

::Chapter 12::

You Are My Sunshine

..~*~..~*~..

 

(Jerwin's POV)

.

Naalimpungatan ako after what seems to be the longest sleep I've ever, ever had.. It's dark outside, andthe only source of light in my room is the one lampshade at the other side of my bed.. I gazed at thedigital alarm clock on my nightstand: 11:36 PM.. So, from the time Venice woke me up for a soup dinnerup to now, I've been sleeping for about almost five hours..

I turned to my other side, and almost jumped (if only I wasn't feeling so weak)nung nakita ko si Venice..She pulled up the office chair from the corner of the room, and positioned it beside the bed.. I can'timagine how she managed to sleep on such tight space.. @_@

I wonder how long she's been there...

Tumingintingin pa ko sa paligid ko.. There's a small basin of water on a smallstool right beside the nighttable.. It was then that I felt the warm, moist towel sliding off of my forehead..

She's been taking care of me all this time...

 

Silly girl.. Dapat sa kama na lang din sya natulog..

I carefully sat myself up very much aware of the spots appearing right before my eyes.. __ Pero atleast, I don't feel as hellish as I was feeling earlier.. I just managed to getmy legs out of the bed whenVenice suddenly stirred and then glanced at me under droopy eyelids..

Ako: Hey...

Narealize nya yata bigla na gumagalawgalaw na ko, coz she suddenly perked up and before I knew it,she was on her feet trying to make me lie down again.

Venice: Jerwin! What do you think are you doing?!?

Ako: Well, ililipat sana kita sa kama.. That chair doesn't look very comfortable.

Venice: Abno ka ba? As if naman kaya mo kong buhatin nang ganyan ang condition mo.. (tried to pushme gently back to bed) Pwede ba mahiga ka na uhlet?

Ako: Will you lie down with me, then?

 

 

Venice: O__O Sabi ng nanay ko, she trusts me raw.

*blink*

*blink*

Ako: Ha?

Venice abruptly stopped with her pushing, and her face suddenly turned a color of pale pink.. If I wasn'tkinda dizzy, and if I only knew what was going on, it would have seemed cute..

Venice: NNothing! Anoh ba! Matulog ka na nga!

Ako: I'm not going back to sleep until you leave that chair and just accept my proposal of sleeping in thissame bed. It's not like we didn't do it before..

 

 

Venice: HHHoy! It's not like I had a choice noh! O__O

Ako: Oh, don't tell me na ngayon ka pa nahiya.. It's almost midnight and you'restill in my room, youknow?

Napatingin bigla sya dun sa orasan, and she groaned.. I guess she didn't mean to stay this late.. I creepedto one side of the bed, and then pulled the covers off the other side to inviteher in..

Ako: Now, c'mon, Miss Pure.. I'm not gonna do anything to you.

Venice looked at me first, and then at the empty side of the bed again.. She pouts her lips as if debatingin her mind and continued to stare at the warm~ inviting~ soft~ comfortable~ bed. Then she let out ahuge sigh, and finally climbed up..

Venice: Oh well.. It's not like you have the energy to do anything weird..

 

Yeaaa.. okay... As if I'll really do anything weird to her..

I shifted myself, and watched as Venice take the towel that slid off my forehead from the pillow..Binabad nya uhlet ung towel dun sa basin, squeezed out most of the water, then turned to put it backon my forehead.

Ako: Ehhhh.....

Venice: What?

Ako: Do I still need that?

Venice: Well, you have a fever, right?

Ako: But I don't feel so warm anymore. And it feels weird having something wet on my forehead whileI'm sleeping..

Venice: You weren't having any problem with it earlier..

Pinatong ni Venice ung kamay nya sa noo ko to feel my temperature.. She looked at me, tapos parangnagpause to think sandali.. She lowered her hand and frowned at me..

 

 

Venice: Are you sure?

Ako: Yea.. I think the fever went down.. I just need a good night's sleep, and I'll be back on my feet.

Venice just looked at me again, hesitating, but then she eventually turned and hang the towel on theside of the basin.. Of course, patients have rights too.

Venice: Okay.. Lie down, and go to sleep then..

She carefully slid under the covers, and tried to make herself comfortable.. After she stopped squirming,I laid down and closed my eyes too..

Venice: Jerwin?

Ako: Hm?

 

 

Venice: .... Uhmm.. Di ko na pinatay ung ilaw ha..

Ako: I don't mind.

.....

Venice: Jerwin?

Ako: Yea?

I heard her take a deep breath, kaya napabukas tuloy ung mata ko, curious to what's bothering her.. Shewas playing with a loose thread nung kumot..

Venice: Anoh.. You said we're partners now, right?

Ako: Uhhuh?

Venice: And partners don't really keep secrets from each other, right?

 

 

Ako: Uh, sure..?

She glanced at me quickly, and when she saw I was staring at her, she went backto staring at thethread.. Mas gusto nya pang tignan ung sinulid kesa sa'kin..

Ako: You can ask me anything, Venice.

Venice: (took a deep breath) Okay.. Georgina Schmitz. What is she to you?

I blinked in surprise, not just because of her question, but mostly because of the mention of the othergirl's name.. Georgina..

Ako: Why are you asking me this?

Venice: Well... Kaseh anoh...

 

 

She started to twirl the thread around her fingers faster..

Venice: Kenny mentioned before about constant rumors about you and Georgina Schmitz, ung model, Iheard she's really successful.. Anyway, sabi ni Kenny wala naman daw naconfirmkahit isa dun sa mgarumors tungkol snyo.. just a few sightings na madalas kayong magkasama.. (took a deep breath) andthen.. kanina, I was just looking around in your room.. and.. anoh.. There's a picture on your desk of youand her.. and, well, you two look.... close..

I see.. So it's because of that picture..

Venice: I didn't mean to pry! Promise! I'm just curious.. and, anoh, if people asks or if I see her.. I justwant to know kung anong sasabihin ko. *sigh* I'm sorry.. This is probably a badtime to ask such aquestion..

Tell me about it.. It's the middle of the night, my fever just went down.. and you're asking me a verystressful question.

I shifted my gaze up the ceiling, thinking to myself.. I guess, she kinda needsto know.. I don't reallyknow how to answer though.. Geena and I.. I never really knew what we really were..

 

 

Ako: Geena was my very first friend here.

Venice: First friend?

Ako: Yea.. I spent almost all my whole life in the States, so I didn't really know any people when I arrived.I met her in a party my mom threw for me. She was.. the same as me back then.

Venice: Same as you?

Ako: Yea.. She was thrust in the fashion industry out of nowhere, and.. She wasall alone.

Venice: Oh..

I caught myself to telling the whole story and I don't think I want that..I turned to face Venice who hasher face up to me, listening intently.. How can she be so curious about something that doesn't reallyconcern her?

I turned to my side to face her, and then smiled..

Ako: She's special to me. But we're just friends. Okay, my fiancée?

 

 

She jumped from the sound of my little endearment, and her face turned pink again.. Now that's cute.

Venice: "MMy fiancée" ka dyan! Geez, and akoh tong all serious sa pakikinig.. Hay nako..

Ako: (natawa) Has anyone ever told you how fun it is to tease you?

She suddenly froze and seems to blink in surprise.. Then she slowly lowered hergaze and moved a littlebit away from me.. What kind of reaction is that?

Venice: Yes, actually.. Someone has told me that before.

What's up with the solemn atmosphere?

 

Ako: Well, then, that means may nagsecond the motion na.. How about you sing me to sleep now? Youdon't want me to still be sick tomorrow, right?

Venice: (turned to me again) Sing you to sleep?? Anoh ka, baby??!

Ako: I can be your babe.

Venice: Kilabutan ka nga dyan sa pinagsasabi mo.. @__@

I laughed again, and then for some effect, started to massage the side of my head..

Truth is, I just really like hearing her voice.. and maybe, the singing will wipe off the solemn look off herface..

Ako: Don't you know that lullabies can bring relaxing sleep to someone? And since I'm sick, I need arelaxing sleep right?

Venice: Suz naman.. Parang naman ang taas pa rin ng lagnat mo, noh?

Ako: A fever is still a fever. Sige naaa... And next time that you are not feeling well, I'll be the one to singyou a lullabye, okay?

Venice: Hay nako, asa ka pa.. Hinde ako katulad mo na naulanan lang, inatake nang lagnat noh..

 

 

Kokontra pa toh, pero she propped herself up naman.. Bibigay rin pala..

I turned towards her again and closed my eyes, just as she turned to face me aswell..

Then, she started singing....

Venice: (sings) Di kita malilimutan..

Di kita pababayaan...

O___O

Napabukas ung mata ko, and I stared at her..

 

Venice: What?

Ako: May sakit lang ako, hindi pa ko patay.

She laughed and then she pulled herself up.. She propped the pillow behind her and then gently put ahand on top of my head..

Venice: Okay, okay.. Just kidding.. Close your eyes, and go to sleep now.. I'llsing you something namatino..

I smiled inspite of myself and, just like she said, closed my eyes.. I was actually kinda feeling tired..

Ako: Hey, Venice..

Venice: Yea?

Ako: Are you still gonna be here when I wake up?

 

Venice: Hm? Uh, siguro..?

Ako: *yawwnnn* I hope you are...

I felt her fingers gently twirling my hair.. and then the real lullabye started..

{song: You Are My Sunshine}

Venice: (sings) You are my sunshine,

My only sunshine

You make me happy,

when skies are gray

You never know, dear,

How much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away...

 

 

I never realized how pretty that song is, until now.. In less than five minutes, I felt myself drift off tosleep..

::Chapter 13::

Fly Away

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Bzzztttt Bzzzzzzztttt

What? What? ___

 

 

With eyes still closed, kinapakapa ko ung nightstand para hablutin ung cellphone kong malamang ehnagaalarm na kaya ganyan na lang kung makapagvibrate....

Where is it?!?!

Kapakapa uhlet

Whoopsss! o_o

Dahil sa sobrang kakareach out ko for my phone, I literally rolled out of bed and bumagsak sa sabig witha BOOG!

Ako: Awww... ___

 

 

Nahablot ko na rin sa wakas ung cellphone ko, and finally turned the alarm off.. Then, sumandal ako dunsa kama, trying to wake myself up..

"Hey.. You're still here.."

I turned my head and saw Jerwin peering at me from the bed.. He looks a lot better now.. Thank God..

Ako: Yea, I'm still here.. Good morning, Sunshine.. __

Jerwin: (smiles) Good morning.. Nice to see you're not suffocating me with a pillow this time..

He rolled over and managed to barely miss me when he swung his legs out of the bed..

Pinanood ko lang sya as he stretches for a little bit.. Energetic na si kuya uhlet.. I yawned, feeling mybrain cells wake up one by one.. Yes, one by one..

 

 

Jerwin: Was that you who fell earlier?

Ako: Yea.. Di mo ba alam, the best na panggising ang mahulog sa kama..

Jerwin: So you do that everyday?

Ako: Do you think I fall off the bed every single day?!?

Jerwin: Well.. if it's you, I don't think I'd be surprised..

Ako: What's that supposed to mean?!??

He just laughed and picked up the basin of water dun sa stool na katabi nung nightstand.. Sumunod akopalabas nung kwarto, combing my hair with my fingers, and trying to fix myself para kung sinoh manmakasalubong namen, kahit papano, mukha naman akong tao kahit bagong gising..

Just before we turned to go to the kitchen, we suddenly heard two voices talking.. Napatigil kaming biglakaseh, aside from Jerwin's mom's voice, nagulantang ako dun sa isa pang boses..

Ang nanay ko!!!

 

 

Ako: What's she doing here!??

Jerwin: My mom lives here...

Ako: I don't mean your mom, I meant my mom!

Jerwin: I don't know, let's go ask.

"Ay, oo, Merryl.. Kausap ko nga si Remy kagabi.. Nasabi kong gusto ko nang bumalik ng States, at sabinaman nya, handa naman raw ung bahay na tutuluyan namen dun.."

I suddenly grabbed Jerwin, na muntikmuntikan nang matapon ung tubig na dala nya sa bigla kongpaghaltak pabalik sa katawan nya..

Jerwin: What are you doing?!?

Ako: Ssshhh!

 

 

I turned my ear towards the kitchen again.. Busy na tinatago si Jerwin with me dun sa likod nung wallseparating the formal dining room and the kitchen..

Tita Merryl: Aba, bakit hindi ka pa lumipad pabalik?

Mom: I would love to go back to the States..

She wants to go back to the States?

Ilang taon na ring nakatira and nagttrabaho si Mommy sa Amerika.. Ilang beses nya na rin akong pinipilitisama, pero dahel mabait akong anak, I refused. Palusot ko na lang, gusto ko matapos muna ungschooling ko chuchu.. Kaya sige, nandun si mommy, nandito ako sa Pinas.. Patawagtawag na lang sya..At sa sobrang tagal nya na dun, nakilala nya si Tito Remy, matandang binata na nainlove kay mother.. atahyan, parang silang teenager na paloveydovey.. nakakakilabot mang isipin..

It was about one and half year ago nung umuwi si mom at si Tito Remy dito sa Pinas.. Totoo lang, di korin alam kung bahket sila biglang napadpad dito.. Pero ahyan na nga sila.. Nagkasundo naman kame niTito Remy.. A real father figure, lalo na't di ko naman nakilala ang father ko.. After 6 months, he had togo back to the States para kumayod na uhlet.. Naiwan si mommy..

 

And now.. she's saying na she wants to go back there....

Mom: Pero, I'm worried about Venice. Nako, kumare, kung alam mo lang, nung una kong uwi two yearsago, lantutay yang batang yan!

Tita Merryl: Really? Venice?

Mom: Oo.. Alam kong lokaloka at daig nya pa ang may sugar rush na bata ngayon,pero dati, parangpinagsakluban ng langit at lupa! Buti na nga lang at matino na uhlet sya ngayon..

"Parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa".... Kung alam nya lang...

Mom: Kaya nga nagdadalawang isip tuloy ako bumalik ng States. Ayoko naman kasehmaiwan nanamansyang magisa.. Pero, kumare, ang tagal na kong hinihintay ng boyfriend ko dun!Ay! Sana makilala mo siRemy minsan!

Nalipat ung topic nung dalawang nanay sa boyprend ni mother.. Oh di vah? Ang landi! Feeling teenagertalaga si mother.. Kinikilig pa habang nagkkwento tungkol sa fafa nya..

 

 

Jerwin: Wow.. alagangalaga ka ng nanay mo ah..

Ako: Oh shut up.

Jerwin: Kaw naman.. Is that how you talk to your sunshine?

Ako: Anoh?!?

Jerwin: (sings) I am your sunshine

Your only sunshine

Pak!

Jerwin: Kidding. __

I took a deep breath and then grabbed Jerwin para pumasok na dun sa kitchen kasama ko.. Kunwaribagong dating lang kami, bagong gising, walang narinig, chuchu..

 

 

Ako: Mom!?? Anong ginagawa mo dito??

Mom: Ay nako, hinde ka na umuwi kagabi kaya I brought you a change of clothes para dito ka namanggaling papasok ng school. (tingin kay Jerwin) Good morning, Jerwin~

Jerwin: Good morning po, tita. (looked at his mom) Good morning, mom. What timedid you guysarrive?

Tita Merryl: Around 3 AM..

Ako: 3 AM? Then, where's Jean?

Tita Merryl: Ay, nakapasok na. Bakit?

Pumasok na?!?! Hinde man lang pinatulog?!?

Nakatingin sa'kin si Tita Merryl at si Jerwin, as if they're really wondering kung bakit ko hinahanap siJean.. As if normal lang na pumasok na talaga sya, wala nang tulogtulog.....

Kawawang bata...

 

 

Ako: Uh, just wondering lang poh.. Anoh, pwede poh ba makigamit ng bathroom?

Tita Merryl: Ay sure! Jerwin, give Venice a fresh bath towel, at pakita mo na rin kung nasan ung banyo..

Jerwin, who just finished pouring the water from the basin dun sa sink, looked at me and then frowned..

Jerwin: Can't you just use my towel?

Ako: Abno ka ba?!? Anoh pang virus makuha ko syo noh! (tingin kay Tita Merryl) No offense.

Jerwin: Hoy, buti nga pinapagamit ko ung tuwalya ko syo!

Ako: No, thanks. I'd rather use a fresh one.

Kinuha ko ung bag ng damit na dala ng nanay ko, smiled at the older ladies, andthen stomped pabalik sataas.. I heard Jerwin putting the basin sa sink, and then following me up the stairs..

 

We went in his room again, and he walked straight to the closet, looking for a bath towel..

Jerwin: Hey..

Ako: Yea?

Jerwin: I'll take you to school today.

Ako: Okay.

After that, he handed me the towel.. Then he walked me to the bathroom at the other side of thehallway, opened the medicine cabinet, and gave me a new toothbrush..

Jerwin: You can use this one. Siguro, you should just put it with our toothbrushes since parangnapapadalas na ang overnight mo dito..

Ako: Che! It's not like I drop by and make plans to spend the night here noh!

 

He laughed at me again, and walked out of the bathroom to eat breakfast while Iclosed the door tostart my morning rituals..

I don't know how, and I'm not sure what he did, pero by some miracle, Jerwin managed to finish hisshower, get dressed, and all that in less than 20 minutes.. Oh the luck of being a man.. ___

Kaya when we left the house, we even had time to drop off my mom sa bahay, and pagdating sa harapng school, I have enough time before my first class.

He parked on the curb again.. and I'm kinda thankful for the tinted windows, kaseh ganitong oras palanagppour in ang sandamakmak na students.. Maaga silang gumigising..

Ako: Okie.. Thanks for the ride..

Jerwin: Venice, wait.

My hand stopped dun sa door handle, and I turned to look at Jerwin.. Anoh nanaman kaya ang hirit nikuya?

 

 

Jerwin: You know, I was just thinking about your mom going to the States and all that.. If it gets to thepoint that she really wants to go and live her life.... You You can live withme.

__

>__<

O__O

Ako: ANOH?!? Live with you?!? May lagnat ka pa ba o naluto na yang mga brain cells mo kagabi?!?!

Jerwin: Anoh ba, seryoso ako. Didn't I tell you before? I'll take care of you..

Ako: Awww.. how sweet... Ulol. __ At san mo naman ako papatulugin snyo ha?!? Geez..

Jerwin: (smiles) Well, if that's the only thing stopping you, then don't worry.. I'll find a way.

Tinitigan ko si Jerwin.. Ehwan ko ba kung seryoso toh, kulang sa tulog, naoversa tulog, o talagang nagevaporate ung utak nya kagabi sa sobrang taas nung lagnat nya.. Tinotopak yatang bigla....

 

 

Ako: *sigh* Bahala ka.. I'm gonna go to my class now.. Ikaw, magtrabaho ka na..

Jerwin: Okay. I'll see you later.

Bumaba na ko nung pickup truck ni Jerwin, somewhat oblivious of the stares ng mga nakakita sa'kin getout of the shiny truck.. Anoh nga bang gagawin ko eh sa gusto na lumipad pabalik ng nanay ko sa States?

I can just tell her to go, pero I doubt na ganunganun lang un.. After nga naman ng malazombie kongaura two years ago, eh good luck na lang kung iwanan nya ko uhlet magisa...

Haayyyy na koooo...

::Chapter 14::

One Moment In Time

..~*~..~*~..

 

 

(Venice's POV)

.

I stared at Kenny and Sheena who are busy sa pagppreach nila kay Anthony, na,who would've thought,eh may pagkatorpe pala.. Di ko na maalala kung anong pinaguusapan namen, bastah, bigla na langnilang nahuli na may unspoken infatuation pala itong si Anton sa isang girl na ayaw nya naman sabihinang name..

Kaya ahyan, naulan tuloy sya ng "You should tell her!", "Maganda ba?", "Kilala ko ba?", at "Bakit ayawmo sabihin kung sinoh?!"

Kawawa naman..

Anthony: Ay nako! Tigilan nyo na nga ako!

Sheena: Eh sabihin mo na kaseh kung sinoh! At bakit ba ayaw mo pang ligawan?

 

 

Anthony suddenly blushed at napatingin dun sa sapatos nya.. At dahil dyan sa reaction na yan, naintrigana rin ako.. Abah, ang loko! May pablushblush pang nalalaman!

Ako: Avah, Anton! Kilala namen toh noh?!? Sino ang girl na itoh?!? Kailangan nang interviewhin!

Anthony: She's.. You know her quite well... already.

Nagkatinginan kami nina Kenny.. Sinoh ba ang kilala nameng tatlo na pwedeng maging prospect niAnthony?

Kenny: As in, know KNOW?

Sheena: Gusto mo ligawan na namen para syo?

Anthony: NO!

 

Ay?!? Napaatras kaming bigla sa sudden outburst ng usually lalala na si Anthony.. O___O Bihira langyan magkaganyang may pinaninindigan.. Kaya nakakawindang pag lumalabas ang pagkalalake nya..

Anthony: I mean, it's alright.. She doesn't have to know.

Ako: Oh ba't why?

Anthony: (smiles) Coz I know na kaibigan lang naman ang tingin nya sa'kin.. Nothing more, nothing less..

Lalo kaming nagkatinginan nina Sheena at Kenny.. Avah, pusong sawi pala itong case na toh.. O__O

That afternoon, like always, paglabas ko, nandun na si Jerwin sa pickup nya, naghihintay.. atnababawasan na rin ung mga paparazzi na umaasang makakuha ng stolen shot namingdalawa.. Ijumped in the passenger seat and gave Jerwin a quick smile as he pulls out of the curb..

Ako: Hey, Jerwin.

Jerwin: Yep?

 

 

Ako: Have you ever been in a situation na hindi mo masabi sa isang tao na may gusto ka sa kanya?

Napatingin bigla si Jerwin sa'kin, but then he immediately turned to his driving again.. And I swear,startled na startled ang expression ni kuya.. O_O Weird.. Affected much?

Jerwin: Why are you asking? (smirks) May gusto ka na sa'kin noh? Okay lang naman kung gusto mongsabihin eh.. I understand na it's inevitable na magkakagusto ka sa'kin..

Ako: Hoy. Umiral nanaman yang pagkaelectric fan mo. __

Tumawa lang sya and he lowered the volume nung radio before glancing at me again to smile.. Parangadik..

Jerwin: So why are you asking?

Ako: Well, you know Anthony, ung friend ko? Sabi nya he likes this girl daw, pero hindi nya masabi kasehfriend lang ung tingin sa kanya nung girl.

 

Jerwin: Who's the girl?

Ako: Ayaw nga sabihin eh..

Jerwin: Baka ikaw ung girl.

Ako: Tange. Mamamatay muna un bago nya ko paginteresan noh.

Jerwin: Eh? Really? Ganon ka na lang ba ang level ng pagkaunlikable mo?

Ako: Hay nako. Nevermind na nga lang. Bahket ba ikaw pa ang tinatanong ko?

Jerwin: Coz I'm your sunshine, and I light up the truth.

Ako: Tignan mo lang kung may sense ung sinabi mo ha..

We moved to less serious subjects his hair, my hair, his snoring, my fallingoff the bed andeventually, we finally reached my neighborhood. Lumiko sya dun sa street and I started to strap mybook bag around me, when I realize na nagppark sya sa side nung bahay namen..

Ako: What are you doing?

 

Jerwin: Parking.

Ako: Bababa ka?

Jerwin: Why, of course. Isn't it rude not to say hello to my motherinlaw?

Ako: Never stopped you before.

He smiled, and then talagang bumaba sya ng sasakyan. He went around to my side,and opened thedoor for me.

Pagentleman effect?? Nafood poisoning kaya toh?

Nung bumababa na ko dahandahan, he suddenly leaned over pasimple lang naman and pretendedto take my bag, pero in reality, he was whispering something..

Jerwin: Be careful. There's about one or two tabloid reporters who followed us.

Ako: Whe?!? Nasaan!?!

 

He closed the door behind me, and just in time to answer my question, two men approached us, onecarrying a camera, and the other a notebook and a pen.

Kaya pala nagpakagentleman effect si kuya.. may audience pala...

Kuya Reporter: Sorry to intrude on your private time, Mr. Santos. But can we take one or two quickpicture for tomorrow's paper?

Jerwin: For what story?

Kuya Reporter: No story poh, sir. One page layout lang poh na nagpapakita sa mga celebrities in theireveryday lives.

That doesn't sound so bad.. or harmful. Nagkatinginan kami ni Jerwin, trying tothink kung papayag badahel it's nothing naman talaga.. or magrrefuse dahil nasa harap kami ng bahayko..

In the end, I just shrugged at Jerwin.. bahala na sya.. Sya naman tohng professional pagdating sa mgaganyan..

 

Jerwin: (still looking at me) Well.. okay...

Mr. Reporter: Thank you poh, sir! I promise, walang skandalo o kahit anong nakadikit sa picture na toh!

Jerwin: Okay.. But can you make sure na walang makikitang significant sa background? I don't wantother reporters loitering around my fiancée's house..

Mr. Photographer: Yes sir.

Jerwin took off his langawsunglasses, and followed the photographer to the white wall dun sa side nungbahay namen.. Pinaupo sya dun sa sidewalk, kunwari nagrrelax.. Although I can't imagine sitting on thesidewalk as part of his "everyday life"..

Mr. Reporter: Miss Venice, umupo na rin poh kayo.

Ako: Eh? Kasama ako?

Mr. Reporter: Opo.

 

Hinila ako nung photographer, tapos inupo na rin dun sa tabi ni Jerwin.. Sabi nya, magappear daw nanaguusap lang kame, kwentuhan ba.. Isipisip ko lang, kwentuhan sa kalye? Di kaya madumog kami ngmga tao kung arawaraw naming gawin toh?

After a while na mukha na siguro kaming natural, nagstepback na ung photographer and took a picture.Just pretend lang raw na wala ung camera, just act naturally.. Kung alam nya lang kung pano ang "actnaturally" sa'min ni Jerwin.. Ung mga tipong nagbabatukan ba...

Jerwin: Hey.. Come here, may bubulong ako syo.

Ako: Eh? Now na?

Jerwin: Yea.

He leaned forward na tipong may ibubulong talaga, and syempre, naglean forwarddin ako para makinigkung anoh naman tohng topak nya at ngayon pa sya may ibubulong..

Mr. Photographer: Okay, last one!

 

 

Just then, Jerwin tilted my face up, and planted a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.... and the cameraflashed. O.O

Mr. Reporter: That was perfect! Thank you for your time, Mr. Santos, Ms. Venice. 

I watched as the two reporters walked away, probably ecstatic to have such an "intimate" and "cute"moment in their film. Tumayo na rin si Jerwin and started to dust off his jeans.. I stared at him, wideeyed..

Jerwin: What?

Ako: What was that?

Jerwin: A kiss on the nose.

Ako: And you had to do that??!

Jerwin: (smiles) Don't you know what a kiss on the nose means?

 

Ako: May meaning pa ba un?!?

Jerwin laughed and helped me up to my feet, then he walked me papasok dun sa gate nung bahaynamen.. kasi dumadami na ung mga tao sa paligid.. Ako naman si shocked, sumunodna lang, stillrambling what a kiss on the nose means..

"Oh, Jerwin? Napadaan ka.."

I stopped my nagging and looked at my mom na picture perfect na housewife ang itsura: uncombedhair, oversized tshirt, and long shorts. Oh di vah, bahay na bahay..

Jerwin: Yes, tita.. I'm just here to say hello.

Ako: Oh ahyan, nakapaghello ka na, sige na, uwi ka na.

Mom: Venice! Anoh ka ba? Hindi pa nga nakakapasok ng bahay si Jerwin eh.

 

I turned to look at Jerwin, na nginitian ako painnocent effect chuchu.. Natutuwa talaga si kuya sa pangaasar sa'kin... ___

Pumasok kaming dalawa, my mom trying to unpuff her puffy short hair.. si Jerwin, nagtatanggal ngmamahalin nyang rubber shoes.... O_O

Ako: Oh, tatanggalin mo pa ung sapatos mo?!?

Jerwin: What? Isn't it proper to remove my shoes before going inside?

Ako: Magtatagal ka ba dito?!?

Jerwin: Yes, sweetheart.

Eew. O_O

PAK!

 

Ako: Ouch! What??!

Napaikot ako sa nanay kong nakapamewang sa likod ko.. Tama ba namang batukan ako sa harap ngothers?!?

Mom: Anoh ba't kakarating nyo pa lang, eh inaaway mo na si Jerwin?! Umakyat ka na nga at magbihis kana! Kakain na tayo sandali.

I heard na natawa si Jerwin sa likod ko.. He probably thinks it's amusing na binabatukan ako atpinapagalitan pa ng nanay ko sa edad kong toh.. ___ Pahamak talaga.. I glaredat him, and thenstomped up the stairs para nga magbihis na..

Lokong un.. Dadaandaan dito para lang mangtrip!

..

(Jerwin's POV)

 

.

I watched as Venice stalked off to her room. Parang bata talaga..

Tita Mel: Oh, pumasok ka muna sa loob, Jerwin.. Nagluluto pa kaseh ako.. Mabilis na lang toh..

Ako: It's okay, tita. I'm not in a hurry.. Actually, I'm here to talk to you.

Tita Mel: Sa'kin?

Ako: Opo.. And I was hoping na makausap kayo habang wala pa poh si Venice..

Tita Mel looked at me all curious, but she led me to the kitchen anyways where it smells like beefsteak everywhere. Makikain na rin kaya ako mamaya?

Tita Mel: Oh, anoh ba toh? May ginawa ba si Venice?

 

Ako: Nako, wala poh.. It's just that.. I overheard you and my mom talking.. Youwant to go back to theStates, right?

Napatigil si Tita Mel sandali, looked at me, and then smiled.. Bumalik sya dun sa niluluto nya.. So I guessit's not a big deal whether I heard or not.

Tita Mel: To be honest, yes, I do want to go back.. Alam mo, pumunta lang ako sa States paramagtrabaho. Pero dati, iniisip ko na, as soon as possible, gusto ko na sana umuwi dito and spend timewith Venice.

Ako: Like now?

Tita Mel: Oo, siguro nga, like now.. Pero alam mo, Jerwin.. Tumanda na si Venice without me.. At minsansa buhay mo, dadating ung pagkakataon na marrealize mo na ung isang lugar na dapat mong puntahanat ung lugar na sasaya ka, eh dalawang magkaibang lugar pala.

Ako: So... Ung lugar na gusto nyong puntahan eh sa Amerika?

Tita Mel: Well.. not really..

Eh??

 

She blushed.. O__O I guess totoo ung sinabi ni Venice na may pagka"young at heart" pa ang nanay nya..

Tita Mel: Nagkataon lang na nasa Amerika ung "person" na gusto kong puntahan.. and as much as I wanthim to come here, hindi nya naman maiiwan ung trabaho at buhay nya dun.

Ako: So you're going to him instead?

Tita Mel: (smiles) I know it sounds somewhat selfish, lalo na't may anak ako..

Tinakpan ni Tita Mel ung niluluto nya, then walked over to where I was sitting.. She smiled at me gently,cautiously pa nga.. as if telling me to listen carefully..

Tita Mel: Jerwin, alam kong hindi kayo magkakilala ng anak ko.. Siguro ngayon, dahel sa mga nangyayari,naging magkaibigan na kayo pero magkaibigan lang.. Jerwin, maybe someday you'll find out ung mgareasons namin ng nanay mo kung bakit namin kayo pinagsama.. Maybe you two will eventually breakup, maybe you two will work it out.

Where is this going?

 

 

Tita Mel: Pero Jerwin, I can tell you're an amazing guy. Dadating ang araw na may makikilala ka, maymamahalin ka na, katulad ko, handa mong isacrifice ang lahat para dun sa taongun. It will happen forjust one moment in your life, so when you get it, don't let it go. Maybe you won't understand myreasons for now, pero I hope someday, you'll think back on this instant and tell yourself, "Oh, so that'swhat she meant when she said to give up everything for that one person."

I stared at her.. Ehto ba eh isa sa mga pamana ng older generation? It feels...odd.. coming fromsomeone else's mom..

But.. I smiled.. I guess she really, really, really wants to go back to her man...

Ako: Tita, when the time comes na kailangan mo na talagang umalis, don't worry about Venice.. I'll takeher in.

Tita Mel: Take her in?

Ako: Yes, tita. I'll take care of her as if she's that person I'd be willing tosacrifice everything for. So, dowhat you must, tita. Venice should be the least of your problems.

::Chapter 15::

Eccentric

 

 

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"Are you ready to go?"

Hm? __

Pinulot ko ung nakaslump kong ulo sa mesa and squinted at Jerwin who finally appeared before me..

Haayyyy kung alam nya lang, ready na ready na kong maggo!

 

It was another ordinary day.. Sundo, klase, Pepsi, VCut.. Then after school, sinundo ako ni Jerwin, butinstead of taking me home, dumiretso kami dito sa music studio, may tatapusin lang raw sila sandali...eh di oo naman ako, sandali lang raw eh....

...apparently, ang "sandali" pala sa kanila, eh ung mga tipong isa o dalawang oras.. Natapos ko na ungmga homework ko, halos nakibasado ko na ung pattern nung wall.. at limang juicebox na ang naubosko.. Low batt na low batt na ang energy level ko.. nandun pa rin sila.. __

At ngayon... After 34879845 years.. Finally, tapos na sila!!! T^T

Jerwin: Are you ok?

Ako: Are we going home? __

Jerwin: Yea.

Ako: Great! Then I'm okay!

Jerwin: You are being weird.. again.

 

Pinulot nya ung book bag ko sa sahig.. Then, biinuksan nya ung pinto and stepped out.. Syempre, akonaman si happyhappy, sunod kagad sa kanya

POK

Aw >.<

Ako: Why'd you stop all of a sudden?? Geez.

I rubbed my nose na nabunggo dun sa likod nyang biglabiglang tumitigil.. Si kuya naman.. Titigil lang, ehdun pa mismo sa doorway.. bahket hinde sya dun sa hallway mismo magstop?!? at least sa hallway,maiikutan ko sya noh!

Jerwin: We should hide. O_O

Ako: Eh??

 

 

"Jerwwwiiiinnnn!!!"

Jerwin: Oh no, it's too late! O__O We should run!

Anoh bang pinagsasabi nito?? At sinoh ba ung skandalosang tumatawag sa kanya??

I tried to peek over his shoulder pero syempre, dahil nabiyayaan ako ng height, wala akong makita..Kaya tinulak ko na lang sya paforward para makalabas na rin ako~

As soon as Jerwin stepped into the deserted hallway, isang girlaloo ang mabilisna lumipad atlumambitin sa leeg ni kuya.. Nashock ako. Sinoh naman kaya toh?? O__O

I closed the door behind me, and watched as Jerwin tried to disentangle the girl's arms from his neck..

In fairness, maganda si ate... in an edgy kind of way. She doesn't look like she's that much older thanJerwin.. Probably 24 or 25.

 

Her hair is cut in a stylish bob... raven black with red streaks.. Heavy eyeliner, and red BRIGHT redlipstick. O_O

at ang outfit ni ate! Purple corsetstyled top, tight fitting jeans.. purple highheeled shoes...... How canshe walk in those shoes?!?!

Jerwin: NNicole!?! What are you doing here?!?

Nicole: I just finished a photoshoot in the other building.. and then I heard na nandito ka with your girly,so I decided to drop by!

Oh.. so galing photoshoot si ate.. model?

So that outfit... tinakbo nya? O_O

Nicole: And besides, I really, really, REALLY want to meet my adorable cousininlaw!

O.O

Cousininlaw?!?

 

 

Jerwin suddenly grabbed me and put a firm protective arm around my shoulders.. O _O Monster batohng si ate na kailangan ko bigla ng protection??

Nicole: Oh, Jerwin, relax. I'm not gonna bite her. I heard a lot of good thingsabout her from Jean. She'sinteresting.

Jerwin: I don't trust you. ___

Nicole: (biglang serious) Hey. Is that the way to talk to your "ate"?

I felt Jerwin tensed up.. Kinabahan si kuya.. Kaseh naman ang aura ni ate, biglang toxic!

Lumapit sa'kin si cousininlaw, and Jerwin finally relaxed his protective stance and let the girl approachme.. He didn't step away though... as if he's waiting or expecting something freaky...

But c'mon.. what's to fear? How can someone so pretty be scary?

Nicole: Hi! I'm Nicole, Jerwin's cousin!

 

 

Ako: I'm Venice. It's nice to meet you.

Nicole: Oh the pleasure is mine. My, my.. Jean wasn't lying when she said how pretty you are.

Ako: Thank

O.O

All of a sudden, Nicole grabbed ang boobs ko!

And she started squeezing as if feeling them! OoO

Nicole: You have a pretty nice body too.

Jerwin immediately pulled me behind him, and then glared at his cousin. I don'tthink I've ever beenhappier to be pulled so roughly away. TT

SSScary... Cousininlaw sscary... T^T

 

 

Jerwin: NICOLE!!!

Nicole: What?? I was just seeing if they're real.

Ako: YYYou could've just asked!!! T~T

Jerwin: What were you thinking?!?

Nicole: Hmmm, just wanted to see for myself. (napatingin kay Jerwin) Oh, my, my, Jerwin.. You'reblushing. Did you want to touch 'em too?

Jerwin's face flared up to a shade of red I never thought was possible. And I think, I'm having a heartattack...... Hindi ko kaya ang powers ni cousininlaw!!

Jerwin: Stop being such a perv! Why are you here anyway?!? Aren't you supposed to be in Greece orsomewhere not here!??!

Nicole: Yea, well.. I got tired of my boyfriendoftheweek, so I left him in Greece. Work is so much moreinteresting compared to his stories about the stock exchange..

 

 

She turned to look at me again, and kahit na nakangiti si ate, I could feel thehair at the back of neck allstand up..

Nicole: Yo, Venice, let's hang out tonight! I'll pick you up at 9!

Jerwin: What!?!?

Nicole: What? You wanna come too?

Jerwin: I have things to finish up tonight

Nicole: Oh well, that's too bad. (tingin uhlet sa'kin) It's gonna be a girls' night out then!

Ako: I'm not sure I can go out tonight...

She looked at her watch and then frowned.. Aalis na ba sya? Aalis na ba? TT

 

Nicole: I gotta go.. I'll call you later, Jerwin, for directions to her house. and Venice, I'll see you later!Ciao!

OoO

She just completely ignored what I said, didn't she? Completely ignored what I said!

Nicole pivoted on her heel, and before we knew it, she already turned the corner towards the main hall.I turned to Jerwin, shocked, panicked, at scared for my own life.....

Ako: Am I going to be raped? T^T

Jerwin: (laughed) Of course not. Nicole is as straight as ruler, I doubt she'd rape you. Really, she's a coolperson.... just kinda eccentric. No one ever knows what she'll do next.

Ako: Should I go with her?

Jerwin: Well.. You wouldn't want to get on her bad side...

TT

 

 

Jerwin laughed at the "it's the end of the world" expression on my face.. then he took my hand, andstirred me towards the main hall so we can leave the building..

Jerwin: I have to do some work tonight.. But if I get out early, I'll try to catch up with you guys, okay?

Ako: But Nicole scary... Nicole scary... TT

Jerwin: Oh, I know. I know..

::Chapter 16::

Panic At The Disco

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

 

.

Ako: Aren't you done with work yet? TT

Jerwin: Well, I think I'm halfway done... Are you still nervous about going outwith Nicole?

Ako: You know I'm only doing this because you told me not to get on her bad side!

I stared at my reflection as I tried to put on my earrings, habang iniipit ung cellphone between my earand my shoulder.. Multitasking is the best! It's almost 9:00, and I can't believe I'm actually dressed upfor this!

ding dong!

Ako: Oh my god, she's here. O_O

Jerwin: Okay, just relax.. You've gone clubbing before... Just don't drink too much, do you understand?

 

Ako: Define "too much".

I grabbed my clutch purse and ran palabas ng kwarto.. Hinde pa man ako nakakababa ng hagdan,naririnig ko na si mommy na kinakausap si Nicole..

She's really here.. T^T

Ako: I gotta go, Jerwin..

Jerwin: Okay. And Venice?!? Don't get in trouble.

Ako: Do I look like a troublemaker?

Jerwin: Well.. I'm actually more concerned about the person you're with.... ___ 

Ako: What's that supposed to mean!?? O.O

Jerwin: Oh nothing! Have fun! Bye!

Ako: What?!? Jerwin?! Jerwin?!? Hello?!?

 

 

Binabaan ako.. Bubwit na un....

I walked over sa main hall kung san.... nagppicturan ang nanay ko at si Nicole... O__O

Ako: Uh... hello?

Nicole: Oh Venice! Hi! Hold on, one last shot.

At one last shot talaga.. pati ang nanay ko, nakikipose dun sa camerang hawak nya.. O_O

Nagpapakateeny bop nanaman si mother...

Ako: What's going on?

Mom: Ay nako, anak! Di mo naman sinabi na si Nicole Suarez pala ang kasama mo lumabas ngayon!(tingin kay Nicole) I'm a big fan of your mom's work!

Nicole: Yep, my mom designs the hippest clothes around..

 

 

Model na anak... Fashion Designer na nanay..

Baka ung tatay ang mananahi.

Kamustah naman ang familya... O_O

Ako: Anyyywaaayy.. Let's go, Nicole..

Hinila ko na si Nicole palabas ng bahay, bago pa man makahirit uhlet ang nanay ko ng isa pangphotoshoot.. Hindi man halata, may pagkavain din yang si mother.. Dyan ko namana ang pagiging adiksa camera eh..

Nicole: Bye, tita!!

I followed Nicole papunta dun sa black Toyota car nya.. All the while na nagffasten ako ng seatbelt, ay!isang nobena ang tumatakbo sa utak ko.

 

 

Nicole: Your mom is so much fun!

Ako: Ah ha ha.. Hey.. Are you sure we're not gonna wait for Jerwin?

Nicole: Oh it's alright.. I'll be enough to fend off unwanted guys.

Ha.. ha.. ha.. TT

"Daaannnnn~ One more shot of Vodka please.."

TT Oh my golay.. This is like babysitting a drunk 24yearold girl!! I can barely dance on the dance floorwith her getting hit on by almost each and every crazy guy in the club! We've been here for about anhour and a half.. And ever since dumating kame, sa bar kagad dumiretso si Nicole.. Kaya hello alcohol.

I have a new appreciation for Sheena, Kenny, and Anthony for all those times nasila ang nanghaltaksa'kin paalis sa dance floor tuwing may pasimpleng nananching.. at all those times na rin na pinipigilannila ako tuwing nagiging best friends kame ng mga bartenders..

 

 

I followed Nicole to the bar again.. She seems pretty popular in this club.. Not that I should be surprised..It's a highend nightclub.. Only the most elite and the richest crowd goes here.. She's one of them.. Lifeof the party..

Ako: Nicole, are you sure you should get another drink? You're drunk already..

Nicole: Oh shush. I'm not drunk.. This is how I normally am..

You mean, you're normally loud, and giggly, and flirty, and hyper?

I ordered myself a virgin piña colada dahel mukhang mahirap na kung pareho pa kameng malasing..Nicole, meanwhile, is very much in love with her little shot glass.. __

Nicole: You know, Venice, I'm soooooo glad Jerwin ended up with you instead of that slut Geena.

Ako: Eh? Geena?

 

 

She drinks from her glass again, and then poked the ice with the little stirrer.. Tinutunaw pa yata ungyelo para madagdagan ung iniinom nya.

Nicole: Oh yea! I work with her often for magazine spreads or this and that.. I'm telling you, if I am notsuch a professional, I would have punched her face every time I see her.

Ha.. professional ha..

Nicole: Well, it was also a problem that Jerwin was so protective of his littlewhore.

Ako: "His little whore"?

First friend is his little whore? anoh??

 

Nicole: (drinks from her glass again) Oh, what chu ma call that then, when she sleeps with him andthey're not even together? Friends with benefits? It's the same thing.. Jerwin was so obsessed with her,it's crazy!

Ako: They sleep together? You mean, like..... O__O Uh... doing naughty things?

Nicole: (natawa) Oh you can say it, you know? I'm not little miss innocent.. and yes, that's what they do..or at least, that's what they used to do.. Maybe not anymore.. I mean, you're waaayyyy better than thebeeeyaaattccchhh.

Astounded from everything na narinig ko, napatayo akong bigla; maybe to drag Nicole out of the cluband make her tell me everything, or maybe to get rid of the nauseating feeling na nagrrise up from mystomach..

Pero dahil sa pagkacareless ko, I accidentally knocked over my drink.. Ung katabi ko tuloy na babae,nagtitili nung natapunan ng piña colada ung dress nya.. For some reason, ung basopa ang una kongpinagbalingan ng atensyon.. and then, tsaka ko lang kinuha ung towel na patakbong inabot sa'kin nungbartender..

I started to frantically wipe off the stain from her dress.. Parang bigla tuloyakong nahila pabalik sa hereand now.

Ako: II'm so sorry!

Girl: What were you doing?!? Ugh! How clumsy can you get?!?! And I just bought this dress too!

 

 

She grabbed the towel from my hand and sya na mismo ung nagtatanggal ung mantsa.. Though it's notgetting her anywhere either..

Ako: I'm really sorry.. I was.. I was just..

I was just anoh? Shocked? Irritated? SHOCKED?

Jerwin lied to me... and I know it's weird, considering ung foundation at history ng relationship namen...but somehow, it kinda... hurts..

The girl suddenly faced me, and her hand stopped moving.. Lumapit sya sa mukha ko, as if trying to seeme better.. What's her problem?

 

Girl: You're that girl Jerwin Santos is currently dating, aren't you?

Ako: Uh, actually, it's fiancé.. We're done with the whole dating thing...

Girl: Ha.. Pathetic. Anoh naman kaya ang iniisip nun at pumatol sya syo?

Ay, may galit si ate!? Ang bitter!

Girl: But then again, a notalent guy like him needs all the publicity he can get. I'm not surprised he'sstooped down this low para lang lokohin ang mga taong nagssupport sa kanya.. He just used his family'sinfluence kaya naabot nya whatever it is na naabot nya.. He's such a thirdrate

SLAP!

OoO

Oh my golay, I just slapped a stranger!

 

 

And ung stranger pa na tinapunan ko na ng piña colada ung bago nyang dress!

Girl: OoO How dare you?!!

Oh well, lubuslubusin na naten ang pangaaway..

Ako: Don't talk about him that way! Jerwin is a talented performer and people love him because of themusic he makes! Anong karapatan mo mangdegrade sa taong di mo naman kilala, ha?!? At sinoh kaba?!?

Girl: You don't know who I am?!?

Nicole, na kanina lang eh nanononood lang sa likod ko, suddenly stepped forwardat gumitna sa'minnung girl na namumula na sa galit.... or dahil ba sinampal ko sya? O_O Oh no.. ganun ba kalakas ungpagkakasampal ko?!?

 

Nicole: Hiya, Angel.. Don't blame Venice for not recognizing you, she's not really a TV person. And really,you deserved that slap.

"Angel"? They know each other?

Angel: Your family really has a way of recruiting crazy people, huh?

Nicole: Hey, listen.. I know you just got dumped by your cheapass boyfriend and movie offers aren't asgreat as they were back then.. I know you're really pitiable right now.. But you better watch your mouth,because I'm not gonna let you off talking crap about my family.

Angel: Oh, should I be worried? What are you gonna do? Call the Mafia on me? Ask your grandfather tocancel my shows? See if I care! Ganyan naman ang pamilya mo eh. They take what they want, and whenthey don't need it anymore, they throw it away. Mga manggagamit!

Nicole: Okay, that does it.

Ako: Wait, Nicole, what are you?!?

PUNCH!

 

 

<'OoO'>

She punched her!!! She punched her right on the nose!!! SHE. PUNCHED. HER!!!!

Oh my gawd her nose is bleeding!!!

Ako: WWe should go.. We should really go. O__O

Nicole: I guess so. Nasira na ang mood ko.

Kakatalikod pa lang namen nang biglang nagscream si very very angry girl sa likod namen.. and she rantowards Nicole and grabbed Nicole by the hair!

Next thing I knew they were going at it full force! Nagsasabunutan, nagsasampalan, nagsisipaan.. Kulangna lang ung mud, may mud wrestling na.

 

 

This is insane!!!

Dumating na rin sa wakas ung security to break up the fight.. Saludo ako sa mgasecurity na gumitna sawrestling match nung dalawa. Two of them pulled Angel and Nicole apart, and twomore were trying todisperse the crowd that gathered..

Pero full of adrenaline and alcohol ung systems nung dalawa! Hawak na nga sila nung dalawang malabundok na security, talagang nagpupumiglas pa!

Nicole: Let go of me!!! That girl needs another foot up her humongous butt!

Ako: Nicole! Tama na! Let's go!

Nicole: I am not going anywhere until I beat the pulp out of her!

Oh for crying out loud!

Angel: Then come here! Let go of me, you big baboon!

 

 

Ako: Let's just go.. TT

Nicole: No!!!

____

Nicole: Heehee.. You know, Venice..

Ako: Yea? __

Nicole: I didn't really plan for this to happen..

Ako: Oh I understand.. Who would plan to end up here, right? __

Nicole: Are you mad at me?

Ako: Too tired to be angry, really..

Nicole: Oh that's good. Promise, Venice, I didn't expect us to end the night ina jail cell.

 

 

Ako: And yet, here we are... TT

Nicole: Well, you were the one who started it anyways..

Ako: Hey, you were the one who punched her.

Nicole: You slapped her first.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Nicole... and then we suddenly burst out laughing napatingin tuloy ung dalawapang manong na nakakulong kasama namen.. Naconscious kaming bigla, nanahimik kame..

Ako: Now that I think about it.. Kawawa naman pala si ate.. Natapunan na nga ung dress nya, nasampalna, nasuntok pa..

Nicole: I know! How can someone be so unlucky?

Nagkatinginan uhlet kame nung pareho naming naalala kung nasan kame: Detention jail cell dito sapolice station..

We both let out a huge sigh..

 

 

Who would've thought na magsspend ako ng oras sa kulungan?!

Nasan na ba ung magppyansa sa'min? T_T

::Chapter 17::

No One Is There

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

Police Station! Police Station!

 

 

I hastily parked my truck in front of the twostory building, with its crumbling yellow paint and faded"District 9 Police Station" sign.. Sa dinamidami naman ng station na pagtatapunan, dito pa sila talagapinatapon sa mukha ring patapon na presinto no offense.. I hope no one's lurking in the shadowsarmed with a camera or anything like that.

I ran up the filthy stairs, taking two at a time, until I reached the inside ofthe station .. I walked up to thepoliceman stationed at the desk and gave him a small smile..

Ako: Hi... Uh, I'm here to bail out two ladies that were picked up from a club earlier?

Policeman: Oh! Mr. Santos? Uh, sandali lang poh..

He went through some papers, discussed the offense charged to my cousin and my fiancée, and thenfinally, he took the bail money.. I walked to the jail cell and saw Venice talking to one of the detentionprisoners, and Nicole listening intently.. O_O

Venice: Really?!? Nakulong ka kaseh nagskandalo ka sa harap ng bahay ng ex mo??

Prisoner 1: Oo.. Disturbing the peace daw.

 

Venice: But they do that in the movies all the time! Pano na lang ang romance?!? 

___

"Romance"?

Ako: Uh, ahem.

Napatingin silang lahat sa'kin, and Nicole immediately flew over and grabbed the bars separating us..

Nicole: Cousinnn!!!

Ako: Hello, Ate.. So what happened to the promise of not getting in trouble tonight?

Nicole: Well, yea.. about that... Venice slapped her first.

Venice: Hey!

 

 

Ako: Venice? O_O

Nicole: Yup.. So technically, it was her who got us in trouble.

Venice: Oh, so now it's my fault?

Ako: *sigh* Nevermind. Just come on and get out.

Binuksan ni Mr. Policeman ung jail cell and the two girls bounced out.. It's good to see they're okay afterspending one or two hours in jail.. And nakapagbonding pa sila nung preso.

I quickly approached Venice just to make sure she's not traumatized by everything that happened..Nakakatraumatize talaga minsan ang pinsan ko..

She doesn't look shaken, but... what's up with that glance she's giving me?

Ako: Are you okay?

Venice: Yea.

Ako: Are you hurt anywhere?

 

 

Venice: No.

She's still not looking at me... Venice has always, always looked into my eyes when we talk.. It's one ofthe reasons I'm so fascinated with her.. She's not intimidated by the fact thatthere's about a thousandpeople out there who are screaming my name.. To her, I'm just Jerwin.. just theboy she suddenly foundherself engaged with..

Nicole: Yo, Jerwin! Can you drop me off at the club? I left my car there.

Ako: Are you sober enough to drive?

Nicole: Are you kidding me? After two hours in there and about two cups of coffee that Mr. Policemangave me? Yea, I'm sober.

Ako: Well, let's go then..

I followed the two of them out of the police station.. It's amusing how Venice won over Nicole thateasily.. and under these circumstances.... Odd..

Nicole helped herself in the backseat, and I was just about to go the driver's side when I noticed Venicestill standing on the sidewalk..

 

 

Ako: What are you doing? Get in.

Venice: Uhmmm.. I think... Magjjeep na lang ako.. or taxi..

Ako: Are you crazy? It's past midnight. Cmon, I'll just drop off Nicole to her car, and then I'll take youhome.

I moved to take her hand, but to my surprise, she jumped and pulled away. Confused, I stared at her,not knowing what to say or what to ask.

Venice: I.. I can go home by myself.

She went pass me and said good bye to Nicole, who was watching us from the truck's window.

After that, without even looking back, dumiretso na sya dun sa may kalye and hailed a cab.. Syempre,ako naman, sumakay na sa kotse ko.

 

 

Nicole: Why did Venice leave by herself?

Ako: I don't know.

Nicole: Did you two have a fight?

Ako: Not that I know of.

Nicole: Well.. That's weird.

Ako: I know. Tell me about it.

If last night was weird, the next day was even weirder. Halos atakihin si Manager sa sobrang galit dahelsa mga escapades kagabi ni Nicole who, by the way, eh hawak nya rin as a talent. Lalo pa syang nahigh blood when he found out na kasama ni Nicole si Venice. Instant pyesta raw sa media, sabi niManager. And as usual, ako nanaman ang nasisi.. Bakit ko raw iniwan ung dalawa unaccompanied?

Mukha ba kong babysitter?

 

Anyway, he wanted to meet with the two as soon as possible. Preferably after class ni Venice... Kayaehto ako.. running at least 10 minutes late dahel sa'kin nabaling ung long version nung sermon.. Itdoesn't even help na Venice has been acting weird the whole day.

I picked her up that morning and she barely talked to me. Kung may itatanong ako, ang sagot nya puroonesyllable lang. Even now na I'm running late, tahimik lang ung cellphone ko... Usually, one minutelang akong nalate, bobombahin nya na ng tawag ang cellphone ko not that I ever answer her callsunless I know I'll be more than 15 minutes late.

I parked my truck in the usual spot, and then turned off the engine. I hope shegets out soon. Managerhates waiting

knock knock

I almost jumped out of my skin nung biglang may nagtap sa bintana sa side ko. Kakapark ko lang at mayumaatake na kagad!

Nung medyo napakalma ko na ung puso ko, I peered dun sa window knowing na, eventhough I can seethe other person, the other person won't be able to see me. It's a safety issue. hahaha

 

 

Isn't that Venice's friend?

I rolled down the window, and yep, there she is, Sheena, if I remember right, standing next toAnthony......... huh..

Ako: Hi. Where's Venice?

Sheena: That's what we're here for. What are you doing here?

Anthony: Venice left school right after her last class. We thought na maaga mo sya susunduin.

Ako: She left? Already? Where did she go?

Nagtinginan silang dalawa, obviously unsure kung anong nangyayari.. So I don't think Venice mentionedthe little escapade to the jail the night before.

Sheena: Well, I doubt she'd go home so early..... and I'm pretty sure she's broke so she won't goshopping..

 

 

Anthony: She might end up in a bar later on.. but.. right now...

Nagtinginan uhlet sila. Anoh ba?? Psychic ba silang dalawa at naguusap sila through looks?!?

Ako: Right now..?

Sheena: Well, we're not really sure. But she's been quiet the whole day, which is totally unusual kasehpalengkera un eh.. Anyway, baka may nagbbother sa isip nya.. And if that's true, she should be in thatplace right now...

I know this place. It's kinda near my house.... I pass it almost every single day...

But.. why would she be here?

After giving me directions, Sheena and Anthony refused to say anything anymore.

 

This cemetery....

I asked the guards for directions towards the Sheen burial plot.. I walked to the west, just like they said.Sabi nila I wouldn't miss it daw, it's right by a big oak tree.

Ok.. I see the oak tree.. and a few feet to the right, there she is.. Venice.

She has her back turned to me so I don't think she realized that I was there. And she seems to be prettyengrossed with whatever she's doing. She's barely moving, just staring down at the piece of marble infront of her.

I slowly walked over to her, careful not to make any noise.

Venice: I said whatever happens, I'll just go with the flow. Even when this absurd engagement came up, Ithought it's okay, it'll be over soon. I was doing okay. I had school to keep me busy.. and I came to visityou every day.. So, who cares if life wanted to toy with me by thrusting me in some bizarre situationwith a guy I don't even know?? But... after what I heard... What am I going to do now, G?

I froze. Somehow, I suddenly feel like I'm intruding on a private, intimate conversation..... even whenthere's nobody else there.

 

 

::Chapter 18::

The Past, The Love, The Memories

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Life sucks. Guys suck. Being the other woman sucks.

It's not even like I asked for this. Talagang mahal lang ako ng tadhana kaya napadpad ang buhay ko saganito.....

NOT that I should complain, dahil nagpa"padpad" din naman ako... __

Dapat kumontra ako! Magkamatayan na muna bago ko sinurrender ang daliri ko! Pero hindeeeee~

 

Dahil feel na feel ko ang pagiging feather in the wind, wa care kung san ako madala o kung anongmangyari, ahyan.. o ano ako ngayon? Extra sa buhay ng may buhay..

Sigh... Anoh ba naman talaga tohng pinasok ko? __

Magmamarathon pa sana uhlet ako ng isa pang speech ng reklamo nang may narinigakong nagrustlesa likod ko. Syempre, napalingon naman ako para lang manigurado na hinde pa tumatayo ung mgabangkay sa likod ko.

O__O

I froze when I saw the person standing behind me... Hinde, hinde sya bangkay, pero kasing surprising parin kung bangkay ung nakita ko.

Ako: Jerwin? What are you doing here?

 

 

Nakatalikod si kuya.. Mukhang naghahandang tumakas.. Kaya lang, may natapakan yata syang patay nadahon o kumontra ung mga damo sa kanya, kaya ahyan, narinig ko ung pagtakas nya. 

He slowly turned to face me. He looked at the gravestone for a few seconds, andthen flashed me adiscomfited smile.

Jerwin: Uh.. Well, Sheena told me you might be here.. So.. Uh..

He kept glancing at the gravestone.. Si kuya naman, mamatay na sa curiosity, ayaw pa magtanong..

Ako: You don't have to wait for me. I can go home by myself. I won't get mobbed. 

Jerwin: Well, about that.. The Manager kinda wants to talk to you and Nicole.

Ako: About last night? O_O

Jerwin: Yea. He was mad when he heard what happened.. But I don't think he'd beas pissed off as hewas this morning...

 

 

Ako: (whispers) I wonder if he'll break off the engagement...

Jerwin: If he'll what?

Ako: Eh?? Nothing! Sige na, give me one more minute.

Binalik ko ung tingin ko dun sa cold and hard na gravestone it's soooo unlike G na warm and... soft?heehee

Well, I gotta go now, G.. I don't know when I'll be back. But I'll try to return as soon as possible, okay?

I slowly stood up Josko, ang likod ko. Ang hirap ng tumatanda and glancedone last time at thetombstone bearing Gerard's name.

See you later, G. I love you...

 

 

Ako: Okay. Let's go.

Dinaanan ko si Jerwin na nakatingin pa rin dun sa gravestone, probably trying to read kung anongnakalagay.. Ayaw pa kaseh lumapit.. Pero he reluctantly followed me after a while, anyway.

I waved to the guards dun sa booth nila and then jumped at the passenger seat nung truck ni Jerwin.Jerwin drove us to Tito Ray's office building.

Jerwin: Uhmm.. so pinapansin mo na ba ko ngayon?

Ako: Eh? Bahket?

Jerwin: You've been ignoring me since last night.

Eh kaseh naman.. Nakakapangilabot pag tinitignan kita tapos maririnig ko ung sinabi ni Nicole. Parangganito

 

 

Tumingin ako kay Jerwin and Brrrrrr.. Ang fanget ng visual image.. si Jerwin.... shirtless.... sweaty......breathless.... dark room..... at...

AIIIII JOSKOOOO!!!!!

Napatingin sa'kin si Jerwin sandali nung hinde ako sumagot.. Hinahabol ko muna kaseh ung puso ko..Masama ang mga ganitong naiimagine!

Jerwin: See? You're ignoring me again.

Ako: I'm not ignoring you. Can we just talk about something else?

Something Anything! Matanggal lang ang nakakapangilabot na shirtless, sweaty,breathless na pictureni Jerwin sa utak ko!

Jerwin: Okay... So.. Sinong binibisita mo dun sa cementeryo?

 

 

At talagang un pa ung topic na napili nya..

Ako: Someone special.

Jerwin: How special?

Ako: Like, boyfriendkindofspecial. He was is very special to me.

Jerwin turned to me in surprise. Then as quickly as he turned, bumalik rin kagad ung atensyon nya saroad.

Jerwin: Oh. Sorry.

Ako: Sorry?

Jerwin: I didn't mean to pry.

Ako: Oh no. It's okay. I like talking about G.

 

 

Jerwin: G?

Ako: Gerard. I call him G.

I silently laughed nung naalala kong bigla ung weirdness ever nung utak ni Gerard kaya I ended up callinghim G, and he started calling me V..

V.... No one has called me that in a while..

Jerwin: How long has it been since he.. uh.. well, passed away?

Ako: Two years and one month..

Jerwin: Oh. And you still visit him?

Ako: I try to come at least every single day.

Jerwin: Tagal nyo siguro nagsama for you to be hang up on him like that...

 

Ako: Nah. We didn't even get to celebrate an anniversary.

Jerwin glanced at me again with that surprised look on his face. Anoh naman ngayon kung hinde kaminagkasama ng ganon katagal? It doesn't mean I loved him any less.

Kasurprisesurprise ba na binisita ko si G hanggang ngayon?!

Jerwin: So, what did you like best about him?

Ako: Best? Hmmmmm... Anoh nga ba? Ang dami eh! He was an amazing guy. He made me laugh. Hetried to take care of me. He.. He loved me very much...

Jerwin: How did you know it was love?

Ako: Anoh bah.. Love is love. You can't explain things like that. You just feelit right here. (turo sa leftside ng dibdib ko) If it's love, the heart will know it.

Tahimik lang si Jerwin. His eyes fixed on the road. Masyadong makaconcentrate sa pagmamaneho..

Ako: Haven't you felt something like that before? Like... oh I don't know.. with Geena?

 

 

I saw him clench his jaw. I think I hit a sore spot.

Jerwin: Geena?

Ako: Yea.

Jerwin: There is nothing between Geena and me.

Ako: Are you sure?

Jerwin: Yea.. Geena and I are just friends. That's all she ever wanted for us to be..

Ako: How about you? Friends lang ba talaga ang gusto mo?

Jerwin: It doesn't matter what I want.

 

Ai.. ang sad. O_O

Nasa onesided love si Kuya...

::Chapter 19::

Sprung

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Ako: You know... Now that I think about it... Siguro, uuwi na lang ako. O__O

Jerwin: Uh, nah.

Jerwin parked the truck sa usual parking spot nya.. I stared at the building infront of us.. Parang biglasyang naging haunted building dapat katakutan, dapat iwasan. TT

 

 

Jerwin turned off the engine and then hopped off the truck. I still didn't move. 

Nung umikot sya papunta sa side ko, I locked the doors from the inside.

Hinde ako baba dito. H.I.N.D.E.

Jerwin: Venice?! Let's go!

He started knocking on the window, careful na hinde masyadong rough sa uberloved nyang truck.. Perosinisigawan naman ako.. wahahaha kala nya ba tatalab sa'kin yang sigawsigaw nayan?!?

Ako: NOO!! Ayoko!

 

I saw him take out his keys. Pumosisyon naman kagad ako, na as soon as he pressed the unlock button,binaba ko uhlet ung lock.

Jerwin: Will you stop doing that?!?

Ako: Will you stop forcing me to go?!?

He pressed the unlock button again, and this time, I wasn't fast enough, kaya nabuksan nya ung pinto. Ialmost landed on my face nung biglang nawala ung bintana sa harap ko. Good thing Jerwin caught me.

Ako: I don't wanna go. TT I slapped somebody.

Jerwin: At least you didn't punch her. And you don't have any scratches or bruises...

Ako: Nicole was bruised?!? O_O

Jerwin: Her arms and legs. Now, can we go?

 

He grabbed my arm and tried to pull me out of the truck.

Jerwin: Do you mind letting go?!?

Mas lalo akong kumapit dun sa side nung truck. Jerwin tried to pry off my fingers.. Itsura na langnamen..

"Uh.. You two look.. happy."

Napatingin ako sa likod ni Jerwin, and si Jerwin naman, taking advantage of thedistraction, hinaltak akoand offff I went out of the truck. He immediately slammed the door and locked it.

Ang sanctuary ko.. TT

I turned to glare at the newcomer na nangdistract sa'kin only to find Nicole standing there beingher usual fashionable self. __

 

 

Nicole: Venice! You were called too?

Ako: Yea. Ikaw din?

Nicole: Yea. TT

She suddenly grabbed my hands and looked into my eyes.

Nicole: We'll get scolded together. Stick with me, and I'll stick with you. TT

Ako: We shall be punished together. TT

Jerwin: Kung ayaw nyong madagdagan ang sermon snyo, maybe we should start goingnow.

Ako: Should we start praying, Nicole?

Nicole: If we manage to get out of this unscathed, I assure you, I'll offer novenas to.... some saints.

Jerwin: Oh for crying out loud.

 

 

Sinundan na namin ni Nicole si Jerwin papasok nung building.

Somehow, medyo naccomfort akong nandito si Nicole. At least, mahahati ang sermon ni Tito Ray.

We stopped in front of Mr. Santos' office as the secretary announced we're here. 

Ako: Alam mo.. It's not too late to run

Nicole: He'll hunt us down. Trust me. I've tried.

Pinapasok kami nung secretary, and nagtago kagad kami ni Nicole sa likod ni Jerwin just in case biglangmay flying na kung ano na aimed at either one of us.

Mr. Santos was sitting in his big, comfy chair when we walked in. When he saw us, he immediatelypointed to the two chairs in front of his desk. Nicole and I dragged ourselves paupo, while Jerwin sat onthe couch at the other side of the room.

 

 

Mr. Santos: What took you so long?

Jerwin: Traffic.

Nicole: A LOT of traffic.

Mr. Santos: Very well. Nicole.

Ehto na. Magsisimula na ang sermon. TT

Nicole: Yes, tito? __

Mr. Santos: You know why you're here. I know my sister is very lenient in raising you, but to abuse thatfreedom and end up in jail?!? Did it occur to you how embarrassing this is for the entire family?!?

Nicole: It will never happen again.

Mr. Santos: At naisip mo man lang ba kung anong impact nito sa career mo if ever the press decided torun the story?!? It's a good thing I was able to pull a few strings and prevented them from publishinganything! How irresponsible can you get?!?

 

 

Wow that's harsh.. O_O

Mr. Santos: At dinamay mo pa si Venice!

Venice: Hold on, tito! Don't be so harsh on Nicole. I started the whole thing. I slapped Angel first!

Nicole: Venice!

Venice: The fight wouldn't have happened if I didn't make Angel angry in the first place. So please, don'tbe so harsh on Nicole. Yell at me.

Nicole: Wait, tito. Venice was just defending Jerwin.

Jerwin: What? Me?

Nicole: Angel was being a stupid b I mean, Angel was drunk and saying mean things. Venice just actedlike any other fiancée would have.

Mr. Santos stared at us. His face looks thoughtful, which I think suits him better than the angryexpression he had earlier.

 

 

I don't know what else to say. Ayoko naman mapahamak si Nicole, pero takot rin naman akongmapahamak. TT

Ako: Are you.. breaking off the engagement because of what happened?

Jerwin: What?!

Napatayo bigla si Jerwin dun sa inuupuan nya and napatakbo palapit sa'min. Nicole looked at Tito Rayanxiously.

Mr. Santos: And why would you think that?

Venice: Kaseh poh.. Your family is highly respected. Kung ako nga poh na hinde naman talaga kasama sapamilya nyo eh nagccause na ng ganitong kahihiyan..... Then.. maybe..

Jerwin put his hand gently on my shoulder. I stopped talking and looked at him.He's staring at hisfatherslashmanager.

 

 

Jerwin: Nothing happened. Can't we just let this one go?

Nicole: Venice didn't do anything wrong, tito. Please don't break off the engagement.

Napatingin sa'ming tatlo si Tito Ray.. and then he sighed.

Mr. Santos: Nicole.. It's not like Venice is engaged to you.

He smiled. Ai, he smiled!

The tensed atmosphere lifted.

Mr. Santos: I'm not breaking off the engagement between you and my son, Venice.And I think you andNicole have both realized your mistakes.

Nicole: Does that mean we're off the hook?

 

Mr. Santos: Make sure it doesn't happen again.

Nicole: Yes, sir!

Nalunod ako sa yakap ni Nicole. I was so shaken by everything na hinayaan ko nalang si Nicole na isuffocate ako.

Tito Ray looked at Jerwin and gave him a smile.

Mr. Santos: I didn't expect you to stand up for her.

Jerwin: (shrugs) Yea, well.. Where else would my amusement come from?

Mr. Santos: Oh by the way, Venice.

I untangled myself from Nicole's grasp and turned to face Tito Ray again.

Mr. Santos: Can you tell your mom that I found cheap tickets for her?

 

 

Ako: Tickets?

Mr. Santos: Yes. The tickets for her flight to the US. She wanted to leave as soon as possible, so it wassomewhat difficult to find inexpensive tickets. She asked me for help.

Ako: I... Uh... O_O

She's leaving?

"You didn't know."

I sank in the passenger seat of Jerwin's truck. After the final exchanges, pinauwi na kami ni Tito Ray.Lutang na lutang ako na hinde ko na maalala kung anoh pa nangyari after sinabi ni Tito na may tickets naraw ang nanay ko papunta sa US..

Hinayaan ko na lang si Jerwin na ilead ako pabalik dun sa truck nya.

Ako: That wasn't a question.

 

 

Jerwin: Your face said it all. Your mom didn't tell you she's going back?

Ako: I guess... She never had the chance.. Madalas naman na wala ako sa bahay.

Jerwin pulled out of the parking lot as I fastened my seatbelt. I can't believemy mom didn't tell me.

Jerwin: Hmm.. But you used to live by yourself, right?

Ako: Yea.

Jerwin: So anong pinoproblema mo? If you've done it before, you can do it again. 

Ako: But I don't wanna live by myself again.

Jerwin: Ayaw na ayaw?

Ako: Sobrang ayaw na ayaw.

Jerwin: Then you won't mind living with me?

 

Ako: Shut up.

Jerwin: What? I thought sobrang ayaw na ayaw mong maglive dun sa bahay by yourself?

Ako: Yeaha! But I'm not squeezing myself in your parents' house noh!

Jerwin: That's why I said live with me

Ako: Anoh? What are you talking about? Hay nako! Manahimik ka nga muna dyan. I need to think.

Jerwin: Okayyy...

My mom is going back to the States. She probably expects me to live in the house again.. alone.. allaloooneee..

I don't really want to be alone again in that big, empty house..

But.. who am I to hinder my mom's wishes?

Arrrgggghh!!!

::Chapter 20::

 

 

Invitation To The Blues

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"MMMOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!"

I slammed the door behind me, binagsak ung book bag ko sa sahig, at tumakbo papunta sa kusina.. saliving room.. sa dining room.. and finally, I ran up the stairs papunta sa kwarto ng mother ko.

And there she is, nasa harap ng computer, nagcchat....

Ako: MOM!!!

 

 

Mom: Ai, Venice! Anoh ba!? Indoor voice!

I slowly walked over to her and sinilip kung sinoh naman kaya ang kachat ng nanay ko.. annnddd Ishould have known.. Sinoh pa nga ba?

Ako: Oh.. Si Tito Remy?

I waved dun sa webcam, and Tito Remy waved back.

Mom: Hello raw. Kamustah raw ang engagement?

Ako: Very well, thank you. __

Sira ung mic, kaya hanggang type lang dun sa YM window sina mommy. I know, ang oldfashioned, perobahket ba? Eh masaya na sila dun eh.

 

 

Umupo ako dun sa kama and watched as my mom eagerly talks to her boyfriend (buti pa nanay ko, mayboyprend. nyahaha)

She looks so happy just talking to him.....

Ako: Hey, mom.

Mom: Oh?

Ako: Tito Ray booked you a flight two weeks from now.

Napatigil sa pagttype si mommy. Either guilttrip sya dahil di nya sinabi sa'kin na lilipad na pala sya.. ornatulala sya sa tuwa.

Ako: He got you a ticket. Tawagan mo na lang raw sya.

I stood up and kunwari pinagpag ung uniform ko. Then I started to walk papunta sa pinto. Dramadramayan. I know my mom would call me back.

 

 

Mom: Venice.

Oh di vah?!

Mom: Gumaganda ka yata.

Anak ng tipaklong! Anong kinalaman nun sa usapan namen?!?!

Although, totoo naman. wahahaha

Ako: I know na noh.

 

Mom: Ai, oo nga pala.

Ako: Hm?

Mom: You know you can always come with me to the States.

Ako: *sigh* Mom.. Graduating na ko. I can't just leave. Maybe someday.

Mom: Well... I can wait....

Ako: Mother dear, anoh vah.. Halos dalawang taon ka nang naghihintay. Sige ka, baka mapagod na yangsi Tito Remy kakahintay syo, biglang magevaporate yan.

Mom: Hoy, anong tingin mo sa'min?! Teenagers?! Yakangyaka namen ang LDR noh.

LDR? ___ Naoover na yata ang pagtambay nina Sheena dito sa bahay.. Pati nanay ko,naiimpluwensyahan na.

Ako: I'll be alright. I don't mind living here by myself. I've done it before, I can do it again.

 

Liar.

Mom: Well, I'm sure you'll be very well taken care of.

Ako: Yea yea.. Pero alam mo, parents don't normally just leave their kids, noh!

Mom: Anong "kid"?! Iha, baka nakakalimutan mo, 21 ka na! Abah, ung iba ngang kaedad mo na anaknung mga kapitbahay eh either may anak na o may asawa na!

Ako: Care ko naman?!? Eh di good for them! And besides

Tinaas ko ung left hand kong kumikinangkinang.

Ako: I'm engaged.

Mom: Sapilitan pa.

Ako: At least engaged noh.

 

 

Kahit for a certain period of time lang.

Ako: Magusap na nga uhlet kayo nyang si Tito Remy. Magbibihis na ko.

I walked out of the room and diretso sa kwarto kong makalat. Puno ng drafts ng thesis kachuvahan.. Ican't wait to graduate.

Bzzzzzttttt Bzzzzzttttt

Inisda ko ung cellphone ko dun sa bulsa nung uniform ko.

Jerwin's calling. Bakit kaya?

I fell on my bed at the same time na sinagot ko ung cellphone.

 

Ako: Haller, Sunshine?

Jerwin: Sunshine?

Ako: Di ba, you are my sunshine. My only sunshine. So, bakit ka napatawag, sunshine?

Jerwin: I just wanted to check up on you.. kung ok ka lang after your talk withyour mom.

Ako: Let's see.. My mom is leaving in two weeks. I'll be living by myself again. I have two papers due onMonday. Oh I'm okay.

Jerwin: I guess, I don't need to cheer you up then.

Ako: At pano mo naman binabalak na icheer up ako?

Jerwin: Welllll... I have a photo shoot in Batangas this weekend. I'll be goingto the beach.

Ako: That's good.

Manginggit ba?!? Anong kacheerupcheer up dun?!?

Jerwin: If you're not doing anything... Just bring your schoolwork, come with me.

 

 

O_O

Napaupo akong bigla. Tama ba ung narinig ko?

Ako: Whe?! Di nga?! Sasama mo ko?!

Jerwin: Ayaw mo? It's okay if you don't want to.. I just thought you might needa little cheering up

Ako: WHAAA!! Sasama ako! I need cheering up! Sasama ako!

Natawa si Jerwin dun sa kabilang line. Napadesperate sabit yata ung sound ko.

Jerwin: Okay then. I'll pick you up tomorrow at noon. We'll be there for three days kaya make sure youpack enough clothes.

Ako: Ang saya saya! Sasama mo talaga ako sa beach? Three days tayo dun?

 

Jerwin: Yep. Maybe I'll even get a free day during the weekend. I'll take you out on a date.

Ako: Neknek mo. Anong date ka dyan?!?

Jerwin: But, honey, hindi ba normal lang na I take my fiancée out on a date?

Ako: Awwww Sunshine..... Kilabutan ka nga. Ulul.

I hang up on Jerwin's laughter. Adik un, sayasaya ko at pupunta ako sa beach, tapos hihiritan pa ko ngdate kachuchuhan nya.

ahihihihihihi

I jumped off the bed and kinadladkad ung malaking maleta ko out of my closet. Ibetter start packingnow. Oh what to bring~ what to wear~ what to bring~

Tayo na sa beach

Tayo nang magswimming~

 

 

 __________________

::Chapter 21::

La Villa

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

This is one of those rare days in my life:

maaga akong gumising at nasa good mood pa ko paggising ko.

My bags are packed, my hair is dry, and it's almost time to go to the beaaccchhh. Pabouncebounce pako as I drag my luggage pababa nung hagdan.

 

 

"GOOD MORNING, VENICE!!!!!"

O___O

My "bouncing" suddenly came to a halt.

Duuuunnn sa may living room, feeling at home, kumakain ng pandesal, at alive naalive, ay ang bestprend ko at si Anton.

Nung napansin nila ako, sila pa tong may ganang magpatalbogtalbog papunta sa'kin.. O_O

Ako: Anong ginagawa nyo dito?!? and what are those?!?

Minata ko ung mga duffel bags na nakaparada dun sa sahig sa may pinto.

 

Naglayas sila. Please let it be na naglayas sila. T_T

Sheena: Aww c'mon! Syempre, eh di ung mga damit namen para sa Batangas escapadenaten!

Ako: NNaten?!?!

Anthony: Oo. Sabi nga ng nanay mo, pumunta kami dito as early as possible, binigyan nya pa kamepandesal with coco jam oh..

Napalipad ung tingin ko sa nanay ko na tamangtama naman lumabas ng kusina, maybitbit na isangpinggan ng pandesal. Nung napansin nyang nandun na ko AT nakatitig ako sa kanya, avah ang loka,biglang ngumit at nagretreat pabalik ng kusina!

"KNOCK KNOCK??"

Oh crap. This just keeps on getting better and better. __

 

I walked over to the door para pagbuksan ang kumakatok na Jerwin. He smiled when he saw me, butthen biglang naging "whoaaaa what's going on?" ung mukha nya nung sumulpot sinaSheena at si Antonsa likod ko.

Sheena: Jerwin~

Anthony: We're going to the beach!

Jerwin: Uh.. ha.. ha..

Sigh..

Pinapasok ko si Jerwin as Sheena and Anthony continued to gush about going to the beach mga sabiksa buhangin. Nginitian ko na lang si kuya as we follow the two papunta dun sa living room..

Jerwin: Uhmm.. Can I ask what's going on?

Ako: Apparently, my mom decided to invite some people. Sorry. T_T

Jerwin: Well.. I guess it's okay...

 

Ako: I can tell them na hinde sila pwedeng sumama..?

Jerwin: (natawa) But.. they look so happy. I think I'm gonna feel a tad of guilt kung di ko pa sila isama.

Anthony suddenly jumped in front of Jerwin and gave him a HUGGGGEEE hug. O_O Natulala tuloy akokaseh hinde naman sila close.

Anthony: I love the beach! and I love you, man!

After that, binitawan nya si Jerwin and sumunod kay Sheena papunta sa kitchen para manghingi pa uhletng pandesal.

Jerwin: Uh.. Anthony.. is he.. uh.. you know.. Kenny.. @_@

Ako: Eh?!? Wahahahahaha No. Anton is as straight as a ruler.

Jerwin: Oh. Good. Well, we should get going.

 

Ako: Okie. Lemme just call Anton para tulungan kang magbitbit ng mga bag papunta sa truck mo.

Jerwin: Tulungan?

I absentmindedly glanced at my heavylooking luggage, kaya napasunod naman ung tingin ni Jerwin.

Jerwin: I did mention we're only gonna be staying for three days, right? O_O

Ako: Yea.

Jerwin: Bakit parang pangisang linggo na yang inimpake mo? O_O

Ako: Buhatin mo na lang, ok? __

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

 

Venice: Are we there yet?

Sheena: I'm sleepy.

Anthony: Sleepy?!? Kanina ka pa nga tulog. Nanigas na ung balikat ko, ginawa mong unan!

Sheena: Anong klaseng unan ka naman ba?!? Nagising din ako ng paulitulit, ang galawgalaw mo kaseh!

Venice: Are we there yet?

I can't believe I'm spending the entire weekend with these three. __ We've been on the road for atleast an hour, and, somehow, hinde man lang nagdeplete ung energy nung tatlo. Madaldal pa rin sila.

Ako: We're almost there.

Venice: Kanina mo pa sinasabi yan eh.

Ako: This time I mean it.

 

 

I turned in one corner, and the cemented road has become a narrow, dusty path. Pero di nanakapagreklamo ung tatlo, coz soon enough, we were able to actually see the ocean! The Three Stoogeswere happy.

I drove a few more minutes and finally, we reached the villa that the management rented for me, themanager &amp; his family, and the other crew members. There were two vans in the parking lotalready. The shoot doesn't start til tomorrow, but I guess everyone wants to soak up some sun beforegetting to work.

I parked my truck in between two of the familiar vans. Tapos, dinaig pa nung tatlo si Flash sa sobrangbilis nung pagbaba nila.

Venice: Dun ba tayo titira?? Dun ba?!?

She's pointing at the threestory whitewashed building. It's a pretty nicelooking villa.. it's surroundedby coconut trees.. the front is facing the beach.. it has a Balcony.. Terrace..Dalawang bahay kubo salikod.. Jacuzzi..

Ako: Yep. We'll be staying there.

 

 

Binuksan ko ung harang nung likod nung truck ko.. Anthony and Sheena followed me para tumulongibaba ung mga bags at ung maleta ni Venice. I handed Anthony his bag, and then slid the other one toSheena.

Anthony: Here, Shee, I'll take that for you.

Sheena: Talaga? Bahhh ang gentleman naman~

Anthony: Oo naman. Baka mapagod ka pa pagbuhat nyan.

Ha....

I watch silently as Anthony and Sheena starts walking papunta dun sa villa.. Dala na nga ni Anton lahatng bags, inaalalayan nya pa si Sheena..

Venice: Huy! Anoh pang tinitingintingin mo dyan?! Let's go!

 

Ako: (still looking at the two) That was pretty obvious.

Venice: Eh?

Napatingin ako kay Venice. Di man lang nila napansin... Babae talaga..

I took my own duffel bag, and then slid Venice's luggage bag out of the truck. Venice bounces withexcitement beside me as she starts listing kung anong pwedeng gawin at kung sanpwedeng pumunta..Ganyan sya kafree gumalaw kaseh ako ang may dala nitong mala10 ton nyang gamit.

We stopped in front of the villa where Anthony and Sheena were already joined by Mr. Gordon, ungproduction manager.

Mr. Gordon: Jerwin! I'm so glad you finally made it!

Ako: Yea. It's nice to finally be here. Tagal ko na rin poh hinde nakapunta dito.

Venice carefully stepped beside me and then coiled her arms around my right arm. Nagpractice yatakagabi maging believable fiancée..

 

 

Ako: I hope you don't mind. I brought my fiancée and a couple of her friends withme.

Mr. Gordon: Oh no no, I don't mind.

He smiled at Venice and extended his hand. Venice smiled back and took his handand shoot it.

Mr. Gordon: Abah, mas maganda ka pala sa personal, Ms. Venice.

Venice: Ay! Thank you poh, sir!

Di man lang nagpakademure..

Mr. Gordon: (tingin uhlet sa'kin) I don't mind the extra company, pero we mighthave some problemswith the rooms.. Sakto lang kaseh ang kwarto dito sa villa para sa'kin at sa pamilya ko.. dun sa mga crewmembers.. at para syo, Jerwin.

 

 

Venice: Eh? O_O

Mr. Gordon: We can give you the other side of the villa, two rooms un.. The crewmembers cansomehow squish themselves in the middle part of the villa, mas malaki naman kaseh un.. (napatingin syakay Sheena at Anthony) Dun sa side nyo, ung isang kwarto, may dalawang single bed, at ung isangkwarto naman, may queensize na kama.

Sheena: Ay! Anton and I can take the room with the single bed chuchu! Di ba, Veniiiceee?

If looks could kill, Sheena would probably be dead by now.

Jerwin: Well, I guess that's that. Venice and I don't really mind sharing one bed, di ba?

Venice: Eh?!?!? I mean, uh, sure, sweetie.

Yep, if looks could kill, nagddecompose na ko.

 

Mr. Gordon: Okay then. I'll let the other people know. (tingin kay Venice) I'llsee you again later. MagBBQ kame para sa lunch, come and join us.

After that, bumalik na si Mr. Gordon dun sa side nila nung villa..

Anthony and I turned para pulutin na ung mga bags at nang makalarga na rin kamesa kwarto namen.

Venice: Why do I have to share a room with you?!?

Jerwin: Because I'm your fiancé.

Venice: Bahket hinde na lang ganito? Uh.. Sheena and I will take the room na may queen size bed, tapos,kayo ni Anton dun sa kabila.

Pinauna ko nang pinapasok sa loob si Sheena tsaka si Anton, then I paused sa may pinto para kausapin siVenice.

Venice: What?

 

Ako: Are you really gonna rob Anthony of his dream?

Venice: Dream? Na anoh? Matulog sa twinsize bed?!?

Ako: Of getting to sleep with Sheena in the same room.

Venice looked at me confused. Umakyat ako nung hagdan, halfpulling, halfcarrying Venice's luggage.Venice just followed me, her lips pursed together probably trying to figure out what I just meant.

Pumasok kami dun sa magiging kwarto namen. It's not too bad. Yea, may queensized bed.. It's kindacramped, but at least, it's clean. May aircon naman, so I don't think we'll diefrom heat.

Venice: Sunshine.

Napatingin ako kay Venice na nakaupo dun sa kama.

 

Venice: I don't get it. Anthony's a perv?

Ha! I knew she was still pondering about that.

Ako: Oh, c'mon.. Don't tell me you haven't noticed it yet?

Venice: Na?

Ignorante ba o insenstive?

Ako: Na Anthony likes Sheena!

::Chapter 22::

Hawak Kamay

..~*~..~*~..

 

 

(Venice's POV)

.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm...

___

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM...

Jerwin: Keep staring at him like that and I'll start getting jealous.

O___O

 

 

Napabalikwas akong bigla. Napalipat ung titig ko na kanina lang eh nakafocus kina Anton at Sheena dunsa kabilang side nung table, papunta kay Jerwin na may kung anong pangasar na ngiti sa mukha nya.Kung di lang masyadong brutal, pinakilala ko na ung plato sa mukha nya.

Ako: At feeling mo naman may care ako kung magselos ka?

Jerwin: Feeling mo naman magseselos talaga ako?

Ako: Ahsus, nahiya ka pang aminin.

Ilang oras na kaming nasa villa.. Nagluto si Anton at si Jerwin ng lunch, habang tinatambak namen niSheena ung mga gamit dun sa mga closet sa mga kwarto namen.

Ngayon, dahil sa sinabi ni Jerwin tungkol kay Anton, hindi tuloy ako matahimik tuwing nakikita kongmagkadikit si Anthony at si Sheena. Bakit nga ba hinde ko napansin dati un? Obvious na obvious nganaman na iba ang aura ni mokong pag inaasar sya ni Sheena..

Nang napansin kong nawiwindang na ang brain ko, tumayo na ko para hugasan ung pinggan ko..Sumunod naman si Jerwin sa'kin..

 

 

Jerwin: Bothered ka?

Ako: Yea. Should I tell Sheena na type sya ni Anton?

Jerwin: Eh? Why would you do that?

Ako: What should I do then?

Jerwin: Hayaan mo lang sila. Let Anthony handle his own affairs.

Ako: Haayy.. I wish nandito si Kenny. I'm sure, if ever, wala pang 5 minutes, alam na ng buong bayan angissue. (tingin kay Jerwin) Akin na nga yang plato mo at natutuwa akong maghugasng pinggan pagstressed ako.

Jerwin: Wow... So pag nasa iisang bahay na tayo, dapat pala lagi kang stressed para lagi ka naghuhugasng pinggan.

Ako: Oh shut up.

Kinuha ko ung plato nya as he laughed. Tinungga nya lang ung natitirang tubig dun sa baso nya thennilagay nya na rin un sa sink.

 

 

Jerwin: I'm just gonna go take a shower and then I'll go out, okay?

Ako: Eh? San ka pupunta?

Jerwin: Hmm.. We passed by a small town earlier, not so far from here. It was right at the foot of amountain. I might go hiking.

Ako: Hiking? Sama ako.

Jerwin: You?

Ako: Yeaha! Ayoko naman maiwan dito.. Baka maistorbo ko pa ung pantasya ni Anton.

Jerwin: Do what you want. But hindi kita hahabulin pag may nanghabol na tutubi syo ok??

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

The sun is just about to set. I'm walking through a dense forest. It's the perfect time for insects to be outand crawling. It's wonderful.

I knelt in front of a tree's huge trunk, and focused my camera on a beetle peacefully chilling on thewood. It's been a while since I was last able to venture into a wild setting with overgrown tree branchesalmost covering the sky, grass growing everywhere, unknown animal sounds piercing the silence, allkinds of oddlooking bugs fluttering their wings in the air...

"Why are you taking a picture of a cockroach?"

Oh. Yea. And Venice.

Ako: It's not a cockroach. It's a beetle.

Venice: Yea, yea.. Cockroach, beetle... Same creepy family.

I took the picture and then stood up to glance at Venice. She's sitting on a fallen tree trunk. She looksvery comfortable in her gray cotton sweat pants, red shirt, and dirty white sneakers. Ilang oras na rinkaming naglalakad kaya ung ponytail nyang buhok eh medyo magulo na. Ilang besesna sigurong nasabit.

 

Oh well, at least she's not freaking out every single time na may lumilipad na kung ano na malapit sakanya.

She suddenly points at something beside her.

Venice: Ai look! Ang colorful nung insect! Picturan mo! Baka rare species!

Ako: Venice. It's a butterfly.

Venice: What? Hinde ba pwede maging rare ang butterfly?!?

Ako: Haaayy.. Why are you here again?

Venice: Coz I was bored, and you wanted to go to this mountain instead of the beach. AND

She held out the map I gave to her before we left.

Venice: I am the way, the truth, and your lifeline. Without me, you shall lose your way.

 

 

Ako: Well, way, truth, and lifeline, get your butt off that tree and let's go back to town. It's almost dark.

Venice: Yes, sir!

She jumped off and pinagpag ung sweatpants nya, and then studied the map. I swung my cameraaround my neck and waited for her to figure out where we're going.

After a while, she pointed east.

Venice: Okay! This way!

Ako: Are you sure? Didn't we come from the other way?

Venice: But the map said na may shortcut daw dito.

Ako: Okay. You have the map..

Sumugod na kami dun sa direction na sabi nya eh shortcut daw. I grabbed her hand to make sure shewon't fall down or trip over something again. Going up the mountain with Venicemade me realize that

 

some people who are ridiculously clumsy do exist. Aba, ang lakilaki na nga nung bato or a bulging treeroot, pwedengpwedeng iwasan, talagang ipagaacrobatic pa ni Venice ang pagkadapa..

That's why this time, I made sure I hold her hand.

5... 10.. 15 minutes later..

Venice and I walked through an unfamiliar path. She held the map in one hand, and held my hand in theother. I didn't really mind holding her hand, but...

Ako: Are you sure we're going the right way?

Venice: Of course! Shortcut nga raw!

Ako: You keep on saying that but....

I feel like we're getting further away from where we parked.

 

30.. 35 minutes..

I helped Venice over a big moss rock boulder.. She gently pulled me toward the "right way".. I franticallydragged her away to escape a couple of snakes.. We saw a few weird birds' nests.. thought we're gonnarun into lions or tigers..

We'd pause for a while.. Venice would look at the map, then she'd grab my hand again.. or Venice wouldstop and start moving forward, lost in her own thoughts, and I would gently take her hand in mine..

40.. 45.. 50 minutes..

Even though I was fascinated by all the wild creatures we had encountered, I amgetting exhausted andthirsty, and the sky is almost completely dark by now.

Venice suddenly slowed in her tracks.. I can hear cars.. people.. civilization.. I fished in my pockets for mykeys so we can jump into my truck as soon as we're out of the wildlife environment..

Venice: Now I'm sure.

Ako: That we're here?

 

We exited from the trees, and we both froze.

O___O

Venice: Now, I'm sure that we really are lost.

We ended up in a town, alright.. A smaller town.. A different town.

::Chapter 23::

Strangers Like Me

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

 

Venice: Ha... That's so weird..

Tumingin sya dun sa hawak nyang map.. I just stared at the place we ended up in....

It's a somewhat small town, the epitome of rural living. There are no tall buildings.. There are nocemented roads.. The "roads" are almost enveloped by the darkness.. The houses are small and made ofmostly wood.. There's a stray GOAT over there.. I don't understand how the artificial sources of light inthe houses are sufficient enough for a whole family to see in the dark.. Well, at least may kuryente sila.. Iguess growing up in a brightlylit city.. I'm just not used to this kind of sight... It's so.. so.. provincial.....

Venice: I wonder where we are...

Ako: This is like Venice in Wonderland.. We entered some sort of hole in the ground, and we ended up inanother world.... O__O

Venice: Eh??

Ako: Honestly, I've never read the story. But I'm thinking it'd be something like this....

Venice: That's nice.. But.. right now... Ihavesomethingreallyimportanttotellyou. 

 

 

Anoh raw?

Her face is just a few inches away from mine.. Her eyes shine with intensity. Seryosongseryoso ungmukha nya.

Ako: Uh.. Are you going to apologize for getting us lost?

Venice: Why would I do that? This is much more important. Listen very carefullydahil matagal ko nangkinikimkim toh..

I nodded. I wonder what's going on.. My paparazzi ba? It doesn't look like may susulpot na paparazzidito.. Terorista? May nakita ba syang may baril?!? O_O

Oh crap, maybe we should make a run for it.

Venice: Jerwin...

 

 

Ako: Yyea?

Venice: Naiihi na ko.

...

......

......

___

Ako: Can't you hold it in?

Venice: What do you think have I been doing the past few hours?!?!

 

 

O___O

Oh. Crap.

Ako: Well.. Uh.. O__O

Napatingin kagad ako sa paligid. May portable comfort room ba dito!?? Restaurant?!? Hotel?!?Gasolinahan?!?

Ako: Uh.. Dun! Sa likod nung puno na un! Dun na lang!

Venice started doing the weewee dance.. and I admit, kahit na medyo napapanic ako, I find it amusingna nagtatalon sya, alternating between her two feet..

 

 

Venice: Adik ka ba?!? I'm not peeing behind a tree!

Ako: Ngayon ka pa umarte!

I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards dun sa pinakamalapit na bahay.. I know this is gonna soundreally rude, not to mention embarrassing, pero anoh pa bang magagawa namen?!?

I knocked on the door a couple of times, and a young kid about 6 or 7 opened it. He looked at me well, actually, it was more of a stare than a look... Then his face went like this . OoO

"Jose! Sino ba iyang nasa pinto?"

An elder man appeared behind the boy. Upon seeing me and Venice, he immediatelyran over to thedoor and hid the little boy behind him. I know.. strangers who appear out of nowhere, looking like theyjust came tumbling out of the woods (which we kinda did... ), and one of them vigorously squirming.....yea, we don't look very reliable.

 

Ako: We're sooo sorry to intrude.. Pero, my girlfriend here, kailangan nya poh kasi magCR...

Jose: Tay.. Di ga si Jerwin Santos yaan?

The father squinted at me, and after a while, realization clouded his face. Oh ang mga advantages ngkilala ka ng halos lahat ng tao. He immediately ushered us papasok sa bahay nya, and the little boy,whose name is Jose, showed Venice to the bathroom.

The father, who introduced himself as Manong Ben, led me to the small dining room. His wife, AlingMarie, was just finishing up cooking their dinner.

Manong Ben: Nako, di ko naman akalain na artista pala ung kumakatok sa pinto!

Aling Marie: Bakit naman ho kayo napadpad dito sa baryo namen, Misterr Santos?

Ako: Jerwin na lang poh.. Eh, umakyat poh kase kami nung bundok. Binigay ko pohung mapa kay Venice,ung girlfriend ko poh.. Uhmm.. We ended up here..

Manong Ben: Iho, hindi ga naituro sa iyo, wag mong hahayaan na babae ang maghawak ng mapa? Aba'y,mawawala nga talaga kayo nyan!

Aling Marie: At nagsalita naman ang taong laging nawawala..

 

 

Napangiti ako sa sagutan nila.

Aling Marie put a glass of water in front of me, at halos tinungga ko un.. Naalala ko bigla kung gano nako kauhaw.. Inutusan ni Aling Marie ung asawa nya na kumuha pa ng malunggay dun daw sa puno salikod ng bahay nila. Sumunod naman si Manong.. at naiwan kami ni Aling Marie sakusinaslashdiningroom..

I took the opportunity to look around. It really is a small house.. Katabi na mismo nung dining table ungstove at ref.. Tapos from where I was sitting, kitangkita na rin ung maliit naTV in what seems to be theliving room.. Dun sa isang side nung living room, may pinto, siguro un ung banyo kaseh dun pumasok siVenice.. May dalawang pinto dun sa kabilang side nung bahay.. Un siguro ung mgabedrooms..Everything was a few steps away from everything else.

After a while, Venice emerged from the bathroom, looking relieved and finally at ease..

She smiled at Jose, who's busy doing something dun sa living room.. Venice walked over to the diningroom, and stood behind where I was sitting. Aling Marie greeted her.

Aling Marie: Okay ka na?

Venice: Opo. Maraming salamat poh.

 

 

Pumasok na rin mayamaya si Manong Ben, daladala ung ilang branches ng malunggay na pinakuha sakanya.. He gave those to his wife, and then he sat in front of me.. I felt Venice gently squeeze myshoulder.

Ako: Anoh, Manong Ben, may jeep poh ba dito na pwede naming sakyan papunta sa La Plaiya?

Manong Ben: Ah, dun ga kayo nakatuloy? Aba'y may jeep papunta dun! Kaya nga lang, gabi na. Bukas naulit bbyahe ang mga jeep.

Venice: Eh tricycle poh?

Aling Marie: Ay naku, iha, kalayo ng La Plaiya para sa tricycle.

Nagtinginan kami ni Venice. I think nagssink in na sa utak nya ung situation dahil nakita kong medyonagaalala na rin ung mukha nya..

Manong Ben: Aba'y kung gusto ninyo, eh bakit di muna kayo dito magpalipas ng gabi? Dito na rin kayokumain ng hapunan! Masarap magtinola ang misis ko!

 

Aling Marie: Oo nga! Wala naman kayong ibang tutuluyan na malapit dito. Mabuti nang dito na kayomatulog, at bukas, gumising na lang kayo ng maaga para makasakay kayo dun sa unang byahe ng jeeppapunta ng La Plaiya.

Venice: Nako, sigurado poh ba kayo? Ayaw naman poh naming makaistorbo.

Manong Ben: Ay, ano gang istorbo? Hindi naman arawaraw na may nawawalang artista at sa bahay panamen kumatok!

Ako: Uh, haha.. kung ganun poh, makikigulo poh muna kami ngayong gabi.

Venice: Maraming salamat poh.

The dinner was.. fun. The husband and wife were constantly bantering with each other. Manong Benwas poking fun at Venice because she got us really lost. Venice would defend herself with ridiculousexcuses (really.. I think hearing voices is a sign of some psychological defect. ). Jose stared at me prettymuch the entire time until Venice started teasing him about it.

Venice has a knack for making strangers feel oddly at ease.

After dinner, Venice volunteered to wash the dishes. Jose went back to doing his homework. Aling Marietook out a bottle of something from the refrigerator, grabbed a couple of smallcups, and set it in frontof me and Manong Ben.

 

 

Aling Marie: Ito, oh, makatulong man lang na maginit ung katawan mo. May pagkalamig dito tuwinggabi eh.

Ako: Anoh poh toh?

Manong Ben: Lambanog! Nabili ng kumpare ko at binigay sa'kin nung makailan laang.

He poured some in his glass, then a little bit in mine. It smells of... coconut? I took a sip......

WHOA!!! Talk about having a high content of alcohol! O__O

Nararamdaman kong gumuguhit sa lalamunan ko...

Manong Ben: Oh ano? Nagustuhan mo ga?

Ako: WHOA. Grabeh!

Nagtawanan silang magasawa. Venice watches me with an amused look on her face.

 

 

Aling Marie: Oh, Venice, ikaw? Gusto mo ga ng kaunti?

Ako: Oh no! Wag nyo poh bigyan yan! At baka hindi na kayo makatulog sa sobrang gulo nyan paglasing.Pati mga kapitbahay nyo, masskandalo pa.

Venice: Shut up. Hindi ako ganun kaskandalosa noh.

Ako: Akala mo lang un.

Venice: Che! (tingin kay Aling Marie) Pero wag na poh.. Nagbabawas na ko sa paginom

Ako: Good for you.

I drank again from my glass. It's really strong, pero parang nakakaadik inumin.

Aling Marie: Doon na lamang kayo sa kwarto ni Jose matulog. Mas malinis naman yong kwarto na yonkesa sa kwarto naming magasawa.

Manong Ben: Di ga masyadong maliit ung kwarto na un? Aba'y magkakasya ga silangdalawa doon?

 

Ako: No, it's okay. Ayos lang poh kung magkatabi kaming matulog ni Venice.

Venice: Oh shoot.

She almost dropped a plate.

Nagtinginan si Manong Ben tsaka si Aling Marie.

Ako: Don't worry. Wala poh kaming gagawin na kalokohan. Promise.

Venice almost dropped another plate.

Biglang natawa si Manong Ben nung napansin nya yata na I could barely contain my laughter dahel samga reaksyon ni Venice.

Manong Ben: Hahahaha Sige na nga. Hayaan mo na silang dalawa, Marie. Aba'y sa altar rin naman angtuloy ng dalawang yaan eh. Di ga nga, Jerwin?

 

 

Aling Marie shook her head, smiling, and then she went on to prepare our sleeping quarters. Venicefinished up washing the dishes and was drying her hands already.

Ako: Sa altar nga naman poh. Kaya ngayon pa lang siguro, dapat nang pagpraktisan na masanay sa mgahilik ni Venice.

Venice: Hoy, at sinoh naman kaya sa'ting dalawa ang humihilik!?

Ako: Defensive?

Manong Ben: Hahahahaha naku, tama nga naman na magpraktis! Ayan ngang si Marie, daig pa anglindol kung makahilik eh!

Ako: Sana naman ay hindi maging ganon si Venice!

Venice laughed goodnaturedly as she walked papunta sa likod ko.

Ako: Kailangan ko ang tulog kooowww!! AW!

 

Venice: Kailangan mo ang tulog moohoh aw?

Lumipad ung kamay ko sa likod nung left shoulder ko na kinurot nang pagkaaaalakaslakas ni Venice.Panggigilan ba ko?!?

Ako: Geezus! Are you trying to pinch my skin off?!?

Venice: Oh, it didn't work?

Tumawa na ng tumawa si Manong Ben. I rubbed the spot where it hurts like hell dahel sa pamatay nakurot ni Venice. Sadista talaga. __

"Anoh...."

Napatingin kami dun sa kabilang side nung table.. Nandun si Jose, nakatayo, holding a notebook.

 

Mahiyaing bata. Parang nung nasa edad yata ako na ganyan, dinaig ko pa ung mga unggoy dun sa zoo sakahyperan.

Jose: May assignment po ako sa English.. Eh, hindi ko naman maintindihan....

Manong Ben: Nako, anak, ako pa ang tinanong mo sa English na yan.

Venice knelt down in front of Jose and smiled at him. I watch with fascination as the sadistic amazonturns to a more civilized picture of a caring woman.

Venice: Gusto mo, ako na lang ang magturo syo?

Jose: Nakakahiya naman po. Bisita ho kayo eh.

Venice: Wahsush, sa'kin ka pa nahiya.

Ako: Oo nga.. Eh wala rin namang hiya yan.

Venice: (tingin sa kin) Jerwin, namumuro ko na ha.. Isa pa, ilalambitin na kitasa labas.

 

Ako: See, Manong Ben? Amazona talaga!

Venice: Che!

She went to the living room with Jose. I think they're talking about verb agreement or something alongthose lines.. She's patiently teaching him tricks kung pano nya malalaman kung plural or singular ungsubject.. and she's trying to teach him kung pano malalaman kung ano ung subject. Patiently teachingthe little kid...

Manong Ben: Magiging magaling na ina yaang batang yan.

Ako: Huh....

Manong Ben: Kaswerte mo naman, iho. Maganda na nga, mabait pa. Rumami sana anglahi nyo!

I laughed, but I couldn't take my eyes off Venice.

She's going to be a good mother, huh... I wonder if she's going to be a good wife too..

::Chapter 24::

 

Goodnight Goodnight

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

I laid on the bed, silently counting the number of times na nagtturn si Jerwin. He's trying to find acomfortable position. Nakakaasar na kaseh kanina pa sya nagttwist and turn, pero, at the same time, Iguess I kinda understand.

The bed is made from bamboo. It's a little bit smaller than a queensized bed. The mattress is not thesoftest, most comfortable mattress in the world. You can almost feel the hardness of the bamboobeneath it. It's kinda cold; may mga butas dun sa bintana we can even hear the wind whistling throughthe holes.. We're sharing a blanket that's too small to be shared.. The pillowsare almost flat. It alsodoesn't help na the room is really cramped. It's everything a rich kid like himhas never imagined hewould find himself into.

After he turned to his side one more time, umikot na rin ako, and I found myself face to face with him.He has his eyes shut closed, pero halata naman na pinipilit nya lang na isaradoung mata nya. Siguroiniisip nya baka sakaling makatulog rin sya kung pipikit nya ung mata nya..

 

 

Ako: Jerwin...

He opened one eye.

Jerwin: Hm?

Ako: Di ka makatulog?

This time, both eyes opened and even in the darkness, I could almost see him looking at me.

Jerwin: *sigh* Yea.. It sucks coz I'm exhausted and we have to wake up early tomorrow...

Ako: Relax.. Well, I know, medyo nahihirapan kang magrelax kaseh kamustah naman.. Di ka namansanay na matulog sa ganito katigas na kama.. But, just stop thinking about tomorrow, ok?

Jerwin: Easy for you to say. Mr. Gordon almost had a panic attack when I calledhim and said we'd bespending the night somewhere else. I better make sure that I'm not late for thephotoshoot daw.

 

Ako: Well, why didn't you ask him to come and pick us up then?

Jerwin: You crazy? And let him know we got lost.....

Ang pride mo kuya.. Di mo naman kasalanan na nawala tayo..

Ako: Okay.. Well, just don't worry about it. Sabi naman ni Aling Marie, gigisingin nya tayo around 7 AM,di ba? That's good enough.

Jerwin: *sigh* I know.

Ako: You know, you really interacted well with those people.

Jerwin: Hm?

Ako: Sina Manong Ben.. May sarili ka rin namang kaartehan sa buhay, lam mo? Pero tonight.. You talkedwith Manong Ben na parang kalevel mo sya.. Tapos, di ka pa nagreklamo nung binigyan tayo ni AlingMarie na pamalit na damit, although di mo alam kung anong detergent ung ginamitpanglaba.. I mean,tinikman mo pa ung lambanog. Samantalang nung dinalhan kita nung minsan ng kwekkwek, halosmamatay ka na sa intensity ng pagtanggi mo.

 

He rolled over and looked at the ceiling. Nahiya?

Ako: Tapos, you listened patiently dun sa mga drunk rantings ni Manong Ben tungkol sa economy, sahirap ng buhay, at chuvachuva.

Jerwin: Weren't you tutoring Jose during that time?

Ako: Kasalanan ko bang may tenga ako?

Natawa si Jerwin, then he shifted his position and faced me again.

Jerwin: You know, it'd be really cool to stay here for a few more days. Kung pwede lang, I would reallywant to know how their lives work.. They can barely live through every day withthe little pay ManongBen gets from the farm. Tapos, pinagaaral pa nila si Jose. I just realized howblessed I am to be borninto the "luckier" level of society.

Natulala ako. Si Jerwin ba itong kausap ko? O_O Bahket parang ang profound ng pinagsasabi ni kuya?Nalasing kaya sya dun sa kakapiranggot na lambanog na ininom nya?

 

Nagiging profound sya pag lasing? O___O

Jerwin: What? Why are you looking at me like that?

Ako: Wala lang. Ang profound ng mga pinagsasabi mo eh. Gusto mo nang maging philanthropist?

Jerwin: Hmmmm... That doesn't sound so bad.

Ako: Really?

Jerwin: Venice, maybe I can help families like this one. I can put aside some of the money I make, andthen donate them to charities.. or.. or.. maybe help poor kids get to school.

Ay, nagiging santo si kuya.. O__O At naeexcite sya sa idea nyang maging santo.

Who would've thought na may "good side" din pala tohng taong toh...

Ako: That'd be nice... Pero, for now, how about you get some sleep.. Baka mabugbog pa ko ni Mr.Gordon pag umappear ka sa photoshoot na may malabackpack na eyebags. Ok?

 

Jerwin: But.. you don't think it's a good idea?

Ako: Adik ka ba? I think it's the best idea you've ever had!

Jerwin: What's that supposed to mean? ___

I smiled at him, and brushed a stray strand of his hair to the side. He looked kinda taken aback by thesudden show of gentleness.. nyahahaha

Ako: Just get some sleep, ok? If you still want to talk about that thing tomorrow, I'll listen.

Jerwin: Okay...

He shut his eyes. I stared at him for a few moments.. How come people always look so vulnerable andpeaceful when they're sleeping? Kaya maraming pinapatay habang tulog eh..

I rolled over on my side and closed my eyes too. I felt Jerwin shift.. I ignored it. Baka trip nya langhumarap dun sa kabilang side.

Then I felt him shift his position again.. and again.. and again.

Pano ka ba naman matutulog ng ganito?!?

 

 

Umikot ako and found myself looking at his back. Nakasleeveless na shirt lang sya pahiram ni ManongBen and it was a little loose kaya medyo nakaexpose ung muscles dun sa armsnya and.. parang angstronglooking nung likod nya.

I wriggled my hand out of the blanket, and lightly traced shapes on the part just below his shoulders..then I slowly eased myself palapit dun sa likod nya para ipatong ung ulo ko dunsa likod nya..

Jerwin: What are you doing?

I stopped.

Ako: O___O Uh.. Nagcchant ng spell para makatulog ka na.

What kind of excuse is that, Venice!?!?

 

 

He turned around and faced me. Napabalik kagad ako dun sa dati kong pwesto, sabay smile.

Jerwin: Chant? What are you, a witch?

Ako: Bahket ba? You'll never know unless you tried noh.

Jerwin: So, is that why you're drawing weird shapes on my back?

Ako: Yea~ Hay nako, never mind na nga lang.

I turned over to the other side to hide my face from him. My golay, buti na lang at may pagkamadilim,kung hinde, kamustah naman ang pula ng face ko. Anoh ba naman tohng pinaggagawako?!?

Jerwin: If you really wanna help me go to sleep... How about a song?

Ako: Anoh?!?

 

Jerwin: Not too loud though.. I think the walls are kinda thin.

Hay. __

Umikot uhlet ako and faced him. Mas mabuti nang rebound toh, kundi, baka asarinnya pa ko hanggangbukas tungkol sa pagcchant ko.

Ako: (sings softly) Rockabye, baby

Jerwin: Anoh naman yan?

Ako: Sabi mo, kantahan kita?!? Rereklamo ka pa dyan.

Jerwin: Sing the other one.

Ako: Anong "other one"? May iba pa bang rockabye baby?

Jerwin: No. Sing "You Are My Sunshine"

 

 

At may special request pa pala talaga.. ___

Ako: (sings softly again) You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy, when skies are gray

You'll never know, dear

How much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away..

Pagdating ng second verse, I stopped singing.

Jerwin was already snoring lightly.

..

 

 

(Jerwin's POV)

.

___

Dammmnnn.. it's cold.

I tried to open my eyes from my slumber, and realized na kaya pala malamig, eh dahil nakahilata ako sakama without a blanket. I pulled myself up and looked at Venice. Angkinin ba naman ung kumot??

And really, konting ikot nya na lang, mahuhulog na sya sa kama.. Her legs are all over the place.. And isher mouth partly open? O_O

How can a lady sleep like that?

 

 

*yaawwwwwwnnnn* I wonder what time it is.. It looks like it's still pretty darkoutside..

I tried to pull the blanket off of Venice para naman may protection din ako from the cold.. Then Iscooped her up gently and inusog sya dun sa gitna nung kama.

I slid back down the bed facing her. She looks like an angel deep in her sleep.I took her arm, and thengently pulled her closer to me.

Her weight shifted and she sleepily turned towards me. I felt her wrap an arm around my waist. Sheburied her face on my chest, and I buried my face in her hair.

And I went back to my sleep.

::Chapter 25::

Past The Point of No Return

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

 

 

.

Ako: Hey, look! Birds!

Tumingala ako dun sa langit where a flock of big birds (malalaking ibon, hinde ung Big Bird na yellow) areflying.

I'm riding on the backseat of a bicycle. I have my arms around Jerwin, who is pedaling the bike through anarrow path in what seems to be a forest.

We went pass a few more trees and finally, lumabas kami sa isang grassland. It's a pretty nice day. Thesun is out. The sky is clear. The birds are singing.... There's someone standing on the side of the path...

Ako: Who's that?

 

I tried to squint para makita kung sinoh ung taong nakatayo dun sa side.. He's getting nearer now..Parang gusto kong batukan si Jerwin and tell him to pedal faster, pero baka lalo kaming bumagal..

Just a few feet away now.. I don't know why I'm so focused on this person.. I can see him more clearlynow.. He's wearing faded jeans, a red shirt, khaki jacket, and hair ruffled by the wind.

And then... dinaanan na namin sya.. This guy.. This very familiar guy.. He smiled at me as we pass. Heeven waved to me..

G... Gerard...

The bike is still moving but I jumped off. Syempre, dahil hindi naman ako si catwoman, pagtalon ko, Itripped and landed on my face. Buti na lang dun ako sa damo rumolyo..

I rolled over and found myself staring at the sky. I couldn't move.. I could hear Jerwin running to me... atleast, I think it was Jerwin...

 

How come G isn't running towards me?

___

Annnddddd I'm awake. Darn. I knew it was a dream.

I slowly opened my eyes para gumising sa isa nanamang araw sa mundong ibabaw

O___O

Ako: WAH!!!

SHOVE BOOG!

 

 

Why am I hugging Jerwin?!?!?

Oh my golay, hinulog ko sya sa kama. O_O

Napatalon tuloy akong bigla dun sa kabilang side and sinilip si Jerwin na nakahilata sa sahig with a veryrewarding startled look on his face.

Ako: Hi. Good morning.

Jerwin: Anong good morning ka dyan?!? You just pushed me off the bed, didn't you?!?

Ako: *gasp* Sunshine! I will never do such a horrible thing.

Jerwin: Wag ka nang pakainosente dyan. Di bagay.

He picked himself up and plopped himself back on the bed. Kokontra sana ako sa sinabi nya.. Parang syainosente rin ah.. yakapin nya ba naman ako habang tulog ako! Kaya lang..... baka anoh pang isipin nikuya pag sinabi kong magkayakap kami nung nagising ako... baka ako pala ung nangyakap.. pwedengsya.. pwedeng ako... Ohhh, magkasuyo buong gabi~

 

 

BRRRRR... yak. Sinasabi ko pa lang sa sarili ko, kinikilabutan na ko. ___

Jerwin: What time is it?

Inisda ko ung cellphone kong nandun sa sahig sa other side nung kama.

Ako: 6:38 AM. Tatayo na tayo?

I watched as Jerwin sat up and started stretching. Tatayo na yata talaga si kuya... Ang agaagaagaagapah.. TT

I wanna go back to sleep... I wanna see G again

Ako: Okie! Tumayo na tayo!

 

 

I jumped off the bed din, and was about to open the door nang may naalala akongbigla.. I looked atJerwin who had just finished grabbing his phone and swinging his camera around his neck.

Ako: Gising na kaya sila?

Jerwin: (shrugs) We can check..

Ako: Wouldn't it be rude kung bastahbastah na lang tayo aalis? And besides, dinaman naten alam kungsan sasakay ng jeep.

Jerwin: That's why I said we can go check if they're awake.

I opened the door, and fortunately for us, nandun na si Aling Marie, nagpprito ng itlog, pakantakantapa.

Aling Marie: Ay! Gising na kayo! Aba'y kaaga pa! Bakit di muna kayo matulog ngkonti pa?

Ako: Ok lang poh, di na poh kame makatulog eh.

 

 

Jerwin: (bulong) Hinulog kaseh ako sa kama nung isang tao dyan.

I glared at him. Dumiretso kagad ako sa banyo para maghilamos man lang at para na rin magweewee.. Ican hear Jerwin talking to Aling Marie, mayamaya, narinig ko na rin si Manong Ben.. I used the towel nabinigay ni Aling Marie the night before to dry myself up.

Mamaya na lang sa villa ako talagang maliligo.

I stepped out of the bathroom, and yup, ahyun nga si Manong Ben, may bitbit na kung anong bote nggatas. Inaalok si Jerwin..

Ako: Anoh poh yan?

Manong Ben: Presh cow's milk, iha. Gusto mo?

Ako: Fresh? As in, galing sa dodo ng cow? O_O

Aling Marie: Ay, uo! May alaga kami diyan sa likod. Naisip namin na baka gusto nyo ng gatas para saalmusal, eh pinakuha ko na itong si Ben.

 

*gulp* In other words, especially for us pa talaga.. O___O

Fresh milk.. galing sa dodo ng cow.......

Jerwin: I guess.. I'll try some.. You wanna share a glass muna, Venice?

Sharing is good. Sharing means I won't have to finish a whole glass of galing sa dodo ng cow. Sharing isvery good.

Ako: Okay..

Manong Ben poured us some of the fresh milk dun sa glass na nasa harap ni Jerwin. After he filled theglass, nagkatinginan kami ni Jerwin..

Ako: Well... go ahead.

 

Jerwin: Ladies first.

I looked at him and then at the glass.. I'm willing to try anything, pero... this is just too icky... TT

Nasense yata ni Jerwin ang hesitation ko, at dahil pinapanood kami ni Manong Ben, he took the libertyto take the glass..

Jerwin: I'll try it first then.

Hindi lang pala overnight ang pagiging santo ni kuya.

He drank from the glass, at aba.. natuwa yata.. O_O Ang daming ininom.

Jerwin: Wow, it's actually pretty good.

He gave me the glass, all smiles pa. Di ko tuloy alam kung sarcastic ba sya o anoh. At ehto ang isa sa mgadahilan kung bakit first round pa lang ng "Fear Factor", kicked out na kagad ako. Takot ako sa mgaunknown things.

 

 

Jerwin: Really, it's good. Try it.

*gulp*

Jerwin: Believe me.

Napatingin ako kay kuya... Mukha namang honest ang mukha nya.. Mukha namang nagustuhan nyatalaga.. At paniwalaan ko pa raw sya..

Kung nagsisinungaling man sya, I guess it's okay. I'll just bury him in the sand and pretend to forget kungsan ko sya nilibing.

I took the glass.

 

 

Well.. Here goes.

I took a sip... and.. heeeyyyyyy... it really is good.

Tinuloy ko na ung paginom.

Jerwin: Well?

Ako: Uyyy... Masarap nga. It's warm and mas lasang gatas kesa dun sa ibang pasteurized na milk.

Jerwin: Galing sa dodo ng cow.

Tumawa si Manong Ben na nakaupo dun sa sofa, pinapanood kami..

Manong Ben: Mga batang ito.. Gatas lang eh pinagkakaguluhan nyo na.

 

Aling Marie: Ay naku, kumain na nga kayo at nang maabutan nyo pa ung jeep na wala pang masyadongsakay.

Naglagay sya ng tigisa na plato ng itlog at pandesal sa harap naming dalawa niJerwin.. Lumipat na rin siManong Ben dun sa dining table para makikain.

Ako: Oo nga poh pala. Last day na poh namin bukas. Kung gusto nyo poh, pumunta kayo sa La Plaiya,nandun poh kami sa may beach nakatuloy.. Baka poh gusto nyong dumaan.

Manong Ben: Ay iha, gusto man namen eh, marami pang gagawin eh. Kailangan magtrabaho.

Ako: Ah.. Ganon pa ba...

Jerwin: Kayo poh, Aling Marie? Baka poh si Jose, gustong pumunta?

Aling Marie: Nako, iho, magtitinda pa kame sa palengke bukas.

Nagtinginan kami ni Jerwin. Parang ang awkward bigla.... Here are people na sumasabak sa arawarawna trabaho.. Samantalang kame... ___

 

 

Nilipat ni Manong Ben ung topic dun sa jeep.. Agahan daw namen kaseh madaling mapuno ung jeep pagtanghali na.. baka hapunin kami kakahintay. Ahyan, nagmadali na nga tuloy kami.. 

Pagkatapos na pagkatapos kumain, lalarga na kame.

We changed back into our own clothes na sinampay ni Aling Marie sa sampayan kagabi para matuyo ngpawis.. Then we checked kung anoh pa ung mga nakakalimutan namin not like wereally broughtanything with us.

Lumabas na si Jerwin with Manong Ben.. Ako naman, naiwan muna sa loob para tulungan sapaghuhugas ng pinggan si Aling Marie.

Ako: Aling Marie.. Thank you poh talaga at pinatuloy nyo kami kagabi.

Aling Marie: Ay naku! Wala yun, ano ga? Hindi naman kami madalas nakakatanggap ng bisita eh, kayamasaya na rin kami at dito kayo napadaan.

I gave Aling Marie a quick hug, and then lumakad na kami palabas. At aba... nakita na lang namen.. siManong Ben.. nagpapakamodel dun sa harap ng bahay nila, si Jerwin pa ang photographer.

 

 

Aling Marie: Ano namang ginagawa mo diyan??

Jerwin: Aling Marie, kayo rin poh! Tabi kayo, ppicturan ko kayo!

Hinila ni Manong Ben si Aling Marie sa tabi nya, at lumakad naman ako papunta kay Jerwin.. Avah,naaliw ung magasawa at pinipicturan sila.. Todo pose!

Mayamaya, biglang lumabas ang bagong gising na si Jose.. Ang walang kamuwangmuwang na bata,bigla na lang pinulot ni Manong Ben, at sinabihan na magsmile sa camera. Smilenaman ung bata! Sige,family picture!

Ako: Jerwin..

Jerwin: Hm?

Ako: Give me the camera and go stand with them.

 

 

Jerwin did as I instructed, and I took a couple of shots of the family with Jerwin Santos. Then Jerwin tookthe camera from me, and took a couple of shots of me and the family.

Then, finally, lumayas na raw kame.

Jose: Aalis na kayo, ate?

Ako: Yea. May trabaho pa kasi tohng kuya mo eh.

Aling Marie: Naku, magiingat kayo ha. At wag na ulit kayong maliligaw!

Jerwin: Don't worry. Hindi ko na poh hahayaan si Venice ang maglead ng way.

Ako: Shut up.

Nagbye bye na kami kay Aling Marie at Jose, then sumunod kami kay Manong Ben papunta dun sasakayan ng jeep, which is hindi naman pala ganun kalayo sa bahay nila..

The jeep is there, at halos wala pang tao. Mukhang hindi namin kailangan maghintay or makipagsiksikan.Lumapit si Manong Ben dun sa driver, kinausap nya sandali, then bumalik sa'min.. 

 

 

Manong Ben: Sya, hanggang dito na lamang ako. Hinabilin ko na duon sa driber naibaba kayo sa LaPlaiya. Magingat kayong dalawa.

Ako: Maraming salamat poh, Manong Ben.

Jerwin: Salamat poh sa pagkupkop sa'min kagabi.

Manong Ben: Nako'y, wag nyo nang alalahanin un, at natuwa naman kami kagabi.

Ako: Ay, oo nga poh pala..

Kinuha ko ung mapa dun sa bulsa ni Jerwin, and then fished for a pen dun pa uhlet sa kabila nyang bulsa I know, parang akong magnanakaw and then I handed both to Manong Ben..

Ako: Paki sulat naman poh ng address nyo.. Pag napadevelop poh namin ung mga pictures, papadalhanpoh namen kayo ng kopya.

Manong Ben: Ay, sya nga? Oh sige!

 

He scribbled their address dun sa mapa and then gave it back to me. Sinalpak koulit map and ung penpabalik sa pocket ni Jerwin. We said our final farewell to Manong Ben and sumakay na kami nung jeep,which left as soon as we got in.

Later, nagsimula na ang halos veinte minutos naming trip pabalik sa La Plaiya.

Jerwin: That was a nice little family they got there, don't you think so?

Ako: Hmmm... I guess.. Parang nakakabother lang kasi.. ang hirap ng buhay nila. 

Jerwin: But they're happy. They're living a simple, quiet life.. they're all together.. They're.. happy..

Well.. that's true.. Simple, quiet life ha...

Ako: I hope we'll see them again..

Inayos ni Jerwin ung baseball cap nya na nagpprevent "daw" sa mga tao na makilala sya.. and then heshrugged.

 

 

Jerwin: We can visit them.

Ha! With his schedule??!

Ako: Sana nga..

Jerwin took my hand and gave it a soft squeeze. I just smiled at him and put myhead on his shoulder. Iguess, somehow, this little outofthenorm experience has been good for us.

::Chapter 26::

Should've Been A Model

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

 

 

.

Sigh. This is great. Just astoundingly great. ___

I watch as Mr. Gordon stalks back and forth in front of me. He's yelling at hisphone na parang wala nasyang chance magalit pa bukas.

We're 15 minutes behind schedule. If I knew this was gonna happen, Venice and Iwould have stayed abit longer dun sa bahay nina Manong Ben.

It was a fifteenminute jeepney ride from the small, unknown town to the other little town where I leftmy truck. Tapos, about 5 minutes pabalik ng villa. The photoshoot was gonna start in 10 minutes. Iquickly parked the truck, ran upstairs, and jumped in the shower.

Paglabas ko ng villa, all fresh and ready to be prepped up, nagaabang na si Mr. Gordon para sa'kin. Thecrewmembers were carrying the photoshoot equipments papunta sa beach. Mr. Gordon didn't sayanything naman kaseh, somehow, I'm still on time.

If there's one thing na kinasikatan ni Mr. Gordon, besides sa amazing ability nya sa mga advertisingphotography nya, ahyun eh ung pagiging extremely punctual nya. If he said the shoot will start at thistime, the shoot should definitely start at that time. Kung wala pa ung model, malamang manghahaltakna lang sya ng kung sinong kapicturepicture dyan sa tabitabi.

 

 

That's what he's probably gonna do now. We're supposed to shoot a Guess Swimsuit ad with twomodels.... pero.. missing one pa kame ung important one pa.

"Yo! Jerwin!"

I turned around and saw Venice walking towards my special chair the one with"Jerwin Santos" tapedon the back.

It looks like she just got out of the shower (and siguro, tulog pa rin sina Anthony at Sheena kaseh hindepa umaaligid ung dalawa sa kanya). She's wearing a black seethrough tunic overa red onepieceswimsuit. Her hair is still damp, and she's treading barefoot on the sand.

Venice: I thought you'd be starting the shoot by now. What's going on?

Ako: Uhmm.. Seems like my partner won't make it.

Venice: Eh?

 

Ako: May appointment daw kaseh kanina, nalate yata ng labas.. Ahyan, paalis palang ng Manila..

Venice: Ahhhh..

I glanced at her and noticed na nakatitig pala sya sa'kin.. Ung titig pa na parang nagiisip ng malalim..Bakit? Dahil ba ngayon nya lang ako nakita na naka swimming trunks?

Ako: What are you looking at?

Venice: Lam mo, Sunshine.. Nakakadistract sana ang mga bicepstricepsabs mo dyan.. Kaya lang...

She ran a finger on my arm, tapos hinarap sa'kin ung daliri nya..

Venice: Dinaig mo pa ang hito sa sobrang dulas mo.

Ako: It's oil. It's supposed to make me look good on pictures.

Venice: Magmumukha kang maganda sa picture kung parang kang hito?

 

 

Ako: Why are you here? __

Venice: (smiles) Manonood sana ako ng shooting nyo, pero parang wala naman nangyayare.. sooo..

She briskly turned around, may paswaysway pa ng hips nya..

Venice: I'll just come back pag may kung anong compromise na kayo.. Maglalandi muna ako somewhere,ok dahling?

Papakacatwalk pa sya kung maglakad, feeling may runway dun sa buhangin tapos biglang natalisod.wahahahaha

Venice: Aray ko!

wahahahaha

 

 

Compromise....

Ako: Hey, Venice! Hold on!

She stopped and turned to face me namumula probably because she knows I saw her trip..

Venice: I'm ok! Wala kang nakita!

Ako: Ok, I saw nothing.

I jumped up from my seat, and strode to where she was standing. She's a perfectheight.. She's got agood body frame.. *grins*

I grabbed her hand and pulled her papunta dun sa sumisigaw na Mr. Gordon. Binabaan nya na ungkausap nyang model, wag na raw magbother na pumunta dito.

 

 

Venice: (bulong) Anong ginagawa naten? O_O

I paused and then umikot para tumingin sa kanya. I grabbed her by the shoulderspara hindi magwander ung mga mata nya kung saansaan.

Ako: Venice.. Do you trust me?

Venice: Eh?!?

Ako: Well? Do you trust me?

Venice: *gulp* I do.. but you don't look very trustworthy right now. O_O

Ako: Oh well.. as long as you generally trust me... Now, just follow me and don't say a word.

I wanted to laugh so hard nung nanlaki ung mata nya pure terror. Pero, I'm kinda short on time, so Igotta do this first.

 

 

Hinila ko sya papunta kay Mr. Gordon na naguutos na dun sa mga staff kung panopapaganahin ungconcept using just one model (which is just impossible kung ako lang ang model), or maghanap na sila ngmabbribe nilang magmodel right here, right now.

Nanlalamig ung kamay ni Venice na hawak ko.

Ako: Sir?

Mr. Gordon: We'll be done in a minute, Jerwin.

Ako: Uh, yea.. May I suggest something?

They all stopped and looked at me. Sa ganitong mga pangyayari, they're open to ideas any kind ofidea. Nanigas na ung hawak kong kamay.

Ako: I think Venice can take over the female model's place.

Venice: An?!?

 

 

Pinisil ko ung kamay ni Venice.

Ako: What do you think?

Mr. Gordon: Nagmmodel ba sya?

Ako: She'll be a natural.

Venice: Eh?!? O__O

Ako: Just tell her what you want her to do.

Venice: Wha?! OoO

Mr. Gordon finally turned his full attention sa'min, tinitignan si Venice from head to foot. Inikutan nyapa si Venice, parang ineexamine thoroughly.

Mr. Gordon: She has a proportioned body. Tamangtama naman ung height nya.. Maganda ang kutis..Ngumiti ka nga, iha.

 

 

Venice smiled. Medyo pilit, pero okay na rin.

Mr. Gordon: Okay, she'll do! Bea! Nasan ka na ba?! Bea! Ihanap mo ng swimsuit size si Venice dun samga kahon sa villa! Paayusan mo na rin! I want something natural and yet sexy. Bilisan nyo! Go Go GO!!

Bago tangayin si Venice nung mga assistants, pinisil pa nya ng isang bonecracking na pisil ung kamay ko.O_O

Venice: Make sure to remind to kill you after all this.

Ako: Ah.. ha.. ha.. ha.. Yes, darling.

One little Two little Three little Indians..

 

Four little Five little Six little

"Hallloooo!!!!"

Napatigil ako sa pagbibilang ko ng mga Indians (in the form of big fluffy clouds sa sky) nang maydalawang tumalon sa tabi nung artist chair ko.. And lo and behold, gising na siTweedledee at siTweedledum, also known as Sheena and Anthony.

Ako: Good morning, guys.

Sheena: San kayo galing kagabi ni Venice~?

Ako: Dyan lang.. Nothing happened, don't worry.

Sheena: Ay, walang nangyari? Anoh ba naman un? Ang boring naman.

She wanted something to happen? __

 

 

Anthony: San si Venice?

I filled them in with what's happening.. Naaliw sila sa mga sinasabi ko..

Just then, dumating na SA WAKAS ung dalawang assistants, may mga bitbit na high heeled shoes..And sa likod nila.....

O.O

Venice is all suit up for the shoot.. They put her in a halter bikini with leopard prints and black and goldaccents. Gold dangling earrings hang from her ears. Her hair is in natural waves, and she's trying to walkin the black highheeled shoes they made her wear. She looks like a model.

Sheena: Ay, best friend! Ang landi~ May cleavage ka!

Venice: I know! (turo sa chest nya) Parang lumaki ang future ko!

 

 

___

Ako: Uh, ahem.

Venice: What?! You've never seen a cleavage before?!

Oh where was the Venice from earlier na papatayin ako dahil pinasok ko sya dito? 

Ako: I think you're bipolar

Venice: Anoh?!?

Mr. Gordon: Kids! Kids! Kids! Mamaya na kayo maglambingan! Let's get going! We're already behindschedule! And you look wonderful, Venice.

Sheena: Oh, more like, fabulous! ahmazing! sexay~

 

 

I walked in front of the camera finally, magsisimula na rin kame, with all the oil na pinahid sa katawanko, napprito na yata ako sa ilalim nung araw kakahintay. Venice stood next to me habang inaadjustnung mga tao ung lighting, ung camera, at kung anuano pa.

Venice: You know... Now that I'm standing here...

Ako: Yea?

Venice: Sunshine, I don't think I can do this. TT

Napatingin ako sa kanya. Oh, so that's why her eyes look different. Makapal na nga ung eyeliner,pinuruhan pa ng mascara ung eyelashes nya. It looks pretty though.. just different.

Ako: You know, you're the one who's really the "star" of this ad.

Venice: Eh?

Ako: Well, more girls shop in Guess, guys rarely go in unless they're with a girlfriend. So, dito sa ad natoh.. I'm just here because I'm hot and I'm famous.

 

Venice: In other words, props ka lang. __

Ako: You can put it that way, though I like my terminology better.. Anyway, allthe focus is going to beon you and how you model the swimwear. Look good, and you make the swimwear look good.

Venice: Great. Now I'm even more scared.

Ako: You can do this. Just pretend this is a scene in a play... Mr. Gordon is the director, the camera is theaudience..

Venice: And the whole world is a stage..

Ako: Exactly.

She let out a huge sigh. Ehto naman, ilang tao lang ba ang makikita nila ang sarili nila na nagmmodel outof nowhere para sa isang ad na ipapaskil sa mga billboard kung saansaan?

Tapos sya, kulang na lang eh tumakbo pasakay ng bus at umuwi na ng Manila.

Ako: Venice, look at me.

 

Tumingin naman sya.

Ako: I know you can do this.. Just... Believe me.

She looked straight into my eyes. I tried to look as confident as I can, because I really think she can dothis. And if not, they can always reject the photo and just do another shoot. Iwas gonna tell her this, butthen, Venice smile and nodded.

Venice: I believe you.

Ako: Good.

Venice: But really, how can you stand this oilthing on your body? It feels icky. __

Ako: Well, isipin mo na lang, pareho na tayong hito ngayon.

After that, the photoshoot started. It was hard work coz, let's face it, Veniceis an amateur. But herpictures turned out better than most amateurs I've worked with.

 

She listened to directions, she suggested things that might make the photos better, she would try to dowhatever it is that Mr. Gordon asked of her: seductive, fun, flirty, aggressive, spaced out... She wouldconstantly ask me for my opinion on her pose or her expression..

She was surprisingly very professional.. kahit na alam kong she'd rather be on the water than doing allthis.. She actually did pretty well..

In the end, Mr. Gordon was happy with the results.

Mr. Gordon: We might actually have the perfect picture in this pile. And with the two of you in the ad!This will be huge! People will love this! Have you ever thought of modeling, Venice?

Venice: Eh? __ Hinde poh.. After this, I don't think I ever will..

Bagsak na sya dun sa chair na reserved para sa'kin. Low batt na yata.

Mr. Gordon: That's a shame. Jerwin is right. You're a natural.

Venice: Thank you poh.

 

 

I think, nasa autopilot na sya ngayon.. She already has her eyes closed as she fans herself. Pagod natalaga.

Mr. Gordon smiled at me nung narealize nyang out there na ung brain ni Venice.He turned to the staffto tell them to wrap up. We're finally done.

Ako: Wanna go back to the villa?

Venice: Yea. But these heels are killing me. I don't think I can walk anymore... __

Ako: You want a piggyback ride?

Venice: Anoh ba yan? Ang cheap naman. Di ba pwedeng carry me in your arms na lang?? Pakaprincecharming effect man lang.

Ako: Hey, it's easier to carry things on my back. Buti nga di kita kinaladkad eh. I'm tired too.

Venice: You do this all the time. You should be used to it by now. Damot. ___

 

I turned around and knelt down so she can put herself on my back. She wrapped her arms looselyaround my neck, and I supported her legs so she won't fall off.

"Jerwin! Venice! Smile!"

I felt Venice perk up, and I looked at the photographer, who took a candid shotof Venice and me.

"Great shot!"

After that, Venice rested her head on my shoulder. She's drained. I started walking back to the villa.

Ako: You did a good job.

Venice: Really?

Ako: Yep.

 

 

Venice: I'm glad. I tried my best para di ka naman mapahiya.

Ako: (smiles) Thanks.

We quietly went back to the villa, and I gently put Venice on our bed. She heldup her leg, and smiled. Diko alam kung pagod ba o tamad, pero sige na... Tinanggal ko na ung sapatos nya.. 

She went under the blankets. I turned the airconditioner a little bit higher and I went to bed as well.

::Chapter 27::

Starry Starry Night

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

I should get up. Isang araw na lang kaming nandito, dapat lang na maglublob manlang ako bago kamilumayas...

I opened my eyes nung nagsink ung thought na un.. I immediately looked at the clock.. 5:45... I've beensleeping for two hours and 45 minutes.

Kakatayo ko pa lang nang biglang bumukas ung pinto at sumilip ang ulo ni Jerwin..

Jerwin: Hey, you're awake.

Ako: *yaawwwnnn* Yea. __ Akala ko humiga ka rin kanina?

Jerwin: I woke up 30 minutes ago. Anyway, we're having a bonfire later. We gotta shop for a few thingsto BBQ and panggawa raw ng s'mores, sabi ni Mr. Gordon. C'mon, get dressed!

Get dressed?

Napasilip ako sa suot ko. O___O

 

My golay. I'm still wearing the swimsuit. No wonder ganito na lang ang pagkapulupot ko sa kumot.Malameg ang aircon. Malamang kailangan ko rin ibalik toh noh?

Ako: Give me five minutes. Magsshower lang ako.

Later..

May nakita kaming maliit na store just less than 10 minutes away from the villa. Di naman sya kalakihan,pero parang may mabibili naman kame.. I took a basket and handed it to Jerwin. Hinde akomagpapakahirap magdala ng mabigat noh.

Jerwin: Hey, look, Venice..

Ehto nanaman kame.. __

 

 

Jerwin: They're selling chicken feet! Why are they selling chicken feet?? Can we get some chicken feet??

I don't think Jerwin has ever gone grocery shopping before. Abah, dinaig pa angsixyearold sa pagkaamused sa halos lahat ng "abnormal" na bagay eh!

Ako: No. We don't need it.

Jerwin: But it's chicken feet!

Ako: Uhhuh. And we. Don't. Need. It.

Ilang beses na yang exchange na yan.. Anoh kayang iniisip ni Mr. Gordon at ehtopang si Jerwin angpinagshopping nya? Pano na lang kung hinde ako sumama? Eh di inuwian sila nitong unggoy na toh ngnatto (mukha raw kasing dikitdikit na tadpoles), dried shrimp (dahil mukha rawmadaling kainin), tuyo(hindi ba raw naBBQ un?), at ang chicken feet (simply because it's chicken feet).... ___

Jerwin: Venice..

 

Ako: Hm?

Jerwin: Tignan mo oh...

Tumingin ako dun sa tinitignan nya.. May pusa na natutulog dun sa ibabaw nung isang lamesa..

Ako: Oh? Pusa.. Anoh?

Jerwin: Can we buy that?

Aray.. sumasakit yata ang ulo ko. TT

Ako: At bakit naman? Anong gagawin mo sa pusa?

Jerwin: Hindi ba gawa ang siopao sa pusa?

 

 

Hindi ko nacarry.. May kung anong sparkle ung eyes nya na parang nagsasabi na gusto nya talagangbilhin ung pusa para gawing siopao.. T^T

Napatitig na lang ako sa kanya... If ever man, curiosity will really kill the cat.

Pak!

Jerwin: Aw! Okay, fine... We're not buying the cat. _ We don't need it.

Josko, Lord... TT Ang reasoning skills ni kuya... T^T

Ako: Just carry the basket, okay? And don't

Tumigil sya dun sa kinukuha nyang isang tali ng kangkong..

 

 

Ako: DON'T put anything in the basket.

Binalik nya ung kangkong na hawak nya..

Ako: Now, let's go and get the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.. Maloloka na ko syo pagnagtagal pa tayo.

Sumunod naman si Jerwin sa'kin.. He's still darting looks from one thing to another, pero at least, hindena sya naglalagay ng kung anuano dun sa maliit na basket namen..

..or so I thought..

Pagpunta namin dun sa starstruck na cashier, at nung nilalabas ko na ung mga binibili namen, dun kolang narealize na ang daming unnecessary items ang pinuslit nung mokong.

 

 

Ako: (sa cashier) Ah.. hahaha sorry ha, ung iba dito hindi naman namin kailangan..

Binibigay ko sa kanya ung mga kailangan lang namen, and then binabalik ko ung mga puslit dun sabasket..

Jerwin: What?? We're not buying the natto??

Ako: I told you, we don't need it.

Jerwin: But... I wanna see what we can do with tadpolelooking ingredients..

Pak!

Ako: You don't experiment with food!

 

 

Napahawak sya dun sa noo nyang hinampas ko nung pinuslit nyang pechay.

Jerwin: Okay. T_T Why are you so abusive of me today?

Natatawa na sa'min si Ms. Cashier. Pasimple pa sya sa pagtago nya.. Obvious naman..

Jerwin paid for our purchases kahit na wala ung mga malaalien nyang gustonggustong bilhin..

Much much later...

Mayaman sa stars ang sky ngayong gabi. Everybody is busy sa pagBBQ or sa tsismisan nila habang nagiinit nung marshmallows para sa s'mores nila..

 

Ako naman, magisang nakaupo dun sa a few feet away from the fire, nagsstargazing.. Ang alam ko,may kung anong belief, na pag namatay raw ang isang tao, napapasok sya sa exclusive club ng stars inthe nightsky.

I touched the silver ring na nandun sa ring finger nung right hand ko.. I wonder if G is an honorarymember of the stars now..

"Yo!"

Nadistract ako from my chain of thought nang tumabi sa'kin si Jerwin, carryinga plate of fresh s'mores..He carefully plopped himself down on the sand and handed me the plate.

Chocolate & marshmallow sandwiched between graham crackers.. what more can a girl ask for?

Ako: Thank you.

Jerwin: You know, you should go and heat your own marshmallow.

Ako: Eh bahket ba? Nandyan ka naman.

Jerwin: Geez... I can just imagine the horror of being married to you..

Ako: Aww.. aren't you glad we'll break up eventually?

 

 

Jerwin: Tell me about it. I feel sorry for the guy who'll be your husbandslashslave.

Ako: At sinoh naman may sabi na magpapakasal ako?

Jerwin took one of the s'mores dun sa plate and casually looked at me.

Jerwin: Anoh, magmamadre ka?

Ako: Hala.. tingin mo, tatanggapin ako dun?

Jerwin: (kagat sa s'more nya) That's what I thought. Wala ka pang 24 hours, marrebuke ka na.

Salbahe. __

Jerwin: So, bakit di ka magpapakasal?

 

Ako: Hmp! Magpapakasal lang ako sa kung sinong makakapagarrange sa stars ng: "Marry Me."

Jerwin: Ohhh.. How are they gonna do that?

Ako: Bah, malay ko. Bastah, maspell nya un sa nightsky, kasal na kame.

Jerwin: (smiles) You're gonna end up as an old maid.

Bago ako makasagot, bigla nang tumalon sa tabi namin sina Anton tsaka si Sheena.. May sariling mgabitbit na mga plato nila..

Sheena: Hello, young lovers! Long time no see!

Ako: Haller...

Napatingin ako sa plato nya.. BBQ... Mukhang bagong luto.. __ Mukhang masarap....

Ako: Sunshine....

 

 

Jerwin: Anong "sunshine" ka nanaman dyan?? Kakakuha ko lang ng s'mores mo ah!

Ako: Kuha mo rin ako ng BBQ~ Sige naaa~

Jerwin: Eh kung tumayo ka kaya to get it yourself?

Ako: Yabang nito. Sige na, nandun lang naman eh.

Sheena: Anton, ako rin.. Pakuha rin ng isa pang stick.

Anthony: Hala.. Nandun lang tayo kanina eh! bakit kaseh isa lang kinuha mo?!

Sheena: Eh gusto ko muna tikman eh..

Ako & Sheena: Pleaassseeee..

Nagtinginan si Anthony tsaka si Jerwin.. and then, dahil hinde nila natake angaming charm, tumayo nasila para kumuha ng BBQ with matching one paragraph of reklamo pa yan..

Ahihihi.. Sarap utusan ni kuya.. sunod ng sunod..

Nung wala na sila, biglang umusog sa tabi ko si Sheena.

 

 

Sheena: Uy, best prend, you're smiling~

Ako: Eh bahket??! Masama ba ngumiti eh sa naaliw ako.

Biglang ngumiti si Sheena ung sincere smile talaga na hinde nangaasar.. Tinignan nya ko sa mata,which usually means na may kasunod na best friend moment itoh..

Sheena: I just haven't seen you smile like that in a while. Jerwin's doing a good job.

Huh...

I looked at Jerwin na nanghihingi ng BBQ kay Mrs. Gordon.. Naglolokohan pa silani Anton nagpplotyata ng kung anong revenge..

So I guess, what Sheena means is... I look genuinely happy..

 

It's been two years since I felt something like that..

"V..."

O__O

I froze. I thought I heard Gerard's voice.. but, that's impossible, isn't it? Ilooked around, nonetheless.. asif naman may makikita talaga ako.. There's no one else here who would have called me by thatnickname.. No one..

Ako: Shee... I feel like I'm cheating..

Sheena: Cheating? Kanino?

Ako: Parang akong nagtataksil kay G...

Sheena: Best prend.. pano ka naman magtataksil? Eh wala na nga ung pinagtataksilan mo. No offense.But I'm sure Gerard would have wanted you to be happy.

I looked at her and then back at Jerwin na naglalakad na pabalik sa'min.. Deep inside, I know she's right..

 

 

Jerwin: O, BBQ.. This is the last time I'm getting up to get you something.

I forced a smile as I took the plate. Jerwin's been a pain, but he's a nice guy... He makes me laugh andsmile.. That should be good..

I gazed up at the stars.. those little speckles of light in the vast, black sky..

Why do I suddenly feel guilty?

::Chapter 28::

Talk To Me

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

 

 

.

The next day started a little busier than we all would have wanted, pero anong magagawa namen.. Ehlast day na namen toh, balik sa real world nanaman kami bukas.

Mr. Gordon and I discussed a few other projects for the following month. Venicestayed in our room,trying to finish a paper due the next day. Anthony and Sheena are preparing ourthings for our trip backhome later.

Nung natapos kami ni Mr. Gordon, the duffel bags are already by the door, at nasa beach na sina Sheenaat si Anthony. Susunod na sana ako nung naalala kong nasa kwarto pa yata si Venice nagpapakadakilang estudyante.. So I decided to see if she needs anything or kung pataposna sya..

I slowly opened the door and peeked inside.. Venice is sitting on the bed with the laptop on her lap. Titigna titig sya dun sa screen.. Dinidibdib talaga ang pagaaral..

Ako: Hey, Venice...

She looked up.

 

 

__

?__?

O__O

She's crying?!? Why is she crying?!?

Napatakbo akong bigla sa tabi nya. Anong iniiyakan nya?!?

Ako: What's wrong? Nasstressed ka na ba sa ginagawa mo?

Venice: *sniff* Kasi.... Kasi...

Inikot nya ung laptop para iharap sa'kin. Lumipat ung tingin ko dun sa screen.... sa screen na supposedlyeh MS Word..... hindi YouTube.

 

 

Ako: Aren't you supposed to be doing homework? __

Venice: *sniff* I finished kanina. Sunshine, look mo oh..

Tinuro nya ung video. The title says "Because I'm A Girl Kiss".. What am I looking at here? __

Venice: They were so happy together.. Tapos.. Nabulag ung girl, Sunshine.. Tapos sobrang naguilty ungguy.. He finally decided to give her his eyes.. tapos tapos.. *sniff* Ang miserable nilang dalawa.. Taposnakita nung girl ulit ung guy after some time.. Narealize nya ung nangyari.. kung kaninong mata ung nadonate sa kanya... Sunshine.. ang sad nung story..

And this is coming from someone whose boyfriend died..

I looked at the video.. It's a total chick flick..

 

Ako: Bakit ka umiiyak?

Venice: Kasi nga ang sad! Ikaw ba, Sunshine, pag ako ba nabulag, ibibigay mo rin sa'kin ung mata mo?

Ako: Adik ka ba? __

Venice: Eh pag naamputate ung legs ko, iddonate mo ba ung legs mo para sa'kin? 

Ako: I'm pretty sure that's not how things work.

Pak!

Ako: AW! What?!?

Venice: Wala ka man lang issacrifice na body part para sa'kin?!?

Ako: I love my body parts. Maghanap ka na lang sa Body Parts Bank or whatever.

Venice: Ang damot mo.

Ako: It's just... weird. Hinihingi mo na kagad ung mga body parts ko.. I'm still alive, you know?

 

 

Sinarado nya ung laptop and put it back dun sa bag.. Then she went to her luggage and pulled out aswimsuit, then dirediretso lang sya na lumabas.. Dinedma na ko.. O__O

Later...

Ako: Are you still ignoring me?

I followed Venice out to the beach. She hasn't spoken a single word since we went out of the villa. Kahitnung nahihirapan syang maglagay ng sunblock sa likod nya, di pa rin ako pinansin.. Sheena eventuallycame and helped her put sunblock on her back.

Now, she's quietly lying on the beach blanket, her eyes covered by sunglasses..STILL not sayinganything..

 

 

Sheena: What's going on?

Ako: She's ignoring me coz I won't give her my leg.

Anthony: Nanghihingi na si Venice ng binti ngayon?

Ako: Honestly, I don't understand it either...

Gumapang ako sa tabi ni Venice, oblivious to the stifled laughter na nanggagaling kina Sheena and Antondun sa katabing beach blanket..

Ako: Venice?? Huy... I'll buy you a mechanical leg if you want I mean not that I have to.. but just incase..

Silence.. Pinatong ko ung ulo ko dun sa shoulder nya.... She's breathing slowly.. deeply.. and it was then Irealized what's going on. I carefully slid the sunglasses off her face.. and yep.. her eyes are shut.

She's sleeping.

 

 

Nagtawanan bigla sina Sheena at si Anthony. I'm guessing they realized this sooner way sooner thanI did. I stood up and started stretching. Then I walked away.

..

(Venice's POV)

.

Ako: Sunshine, why are you avoiding me ba??!

Sinundan ko si Jerwin papunta dun sa truck nya.. Tinilapon nya ung mga bags dunsa likod nung truck,and then went back inside the villa to pick up more things. Sunod uhlet ako.

Jerwin: I'm not avoiding you.

 

 

Tuloytuloy sya dun sa paglload nya nung mga gamit namen sa truck.

Ako: Eh bakit kanina mo pa ko hindi matignan?? May ginawa kang kalokohan noh! Ung lifeguard?!?Nilandi mo ung lifeguard?! Sunshine naman, pwede mo na maging nanay un eh!

FINALLY, he stopped moving. Pero instead of looking at me or voicing out his usual retorts, napatinginsya kina Sheena and Anthony na nakaupo dun sa living room. Kumaway ung dalawa sa'min andnagsimula nanaman si Jerwin sa kaloka nyang paggalawgalaw. ___

Eh syempre, nagsimula nanaman ako sa pagsunodsunod ko.

Jerwin: Why are you following me, anyway?

Ako: Eh kaseh, kanina ka pa lakad ng lakad. Di ko naman magetz kung bahket di mo ko tinitignan. Avah

BUMP!

 

 

Aw.

Kung kelan dirediretso ang lakad ko, tsaka naman sya titigil. Eh talaga namangmagkakakilala ung nooko at ung likod nya.

Jerwin: Venice... Just.. Uhmm.. Next time..

Ako: Uhhuh??

Jerwin: If you're mad or if I offended you in some way, just tell me, ok?

Nagflashback sa utak ko ung conversation namin kanina..

"I'm still alive, you know?".. He said that and parang nagulantang ako.. It gives me a weird feeling pagnakakarinig ako ng mga ganyang kasimple na sentence na nagbborder sa topic nglife and death.. Kayadi na ko nagsalita, kaseh di ko lam isasagot ko..

Tinulog ko na lang.

 

 

Jerwin: It feels... It doesn't feel right when you're not talking to me..

___

Anoh bang pinagsasabi nitong si kuya? Nasobrahan ba sya sa araw? sa buhangin? napasok ba ngalimango ung utak nya?

Di ko naman sya dinedma.. Bilang lang naman ung beses na may sinabi sya sa'kin nung palabas kami savilla.. Bakit nya naman naisip na hinde ko sya kinakausap?

Jerwin: Ok?

Napangiti na lang ako, kahit no idea ako kung anong dinadrama nya sa buhay nya.

 

Ako: Okay.

Jerwin: Great. Now, c'mon. Let's go home..

::Chapter 29::

Celebration

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

We left Batangas right after lunch para raw busog kame at hinde na kami patigiltigil sa kung saan saanpara lang bumili ng mangunguya. Magaling rin ang logic nyang si Jerwin paminsanminsan eh.

We dropped off Sheena and Anthony sa mga bahaybahay nila, and finally, binaba na rin ako ni Jerwin sabahay ko.. 1:35 PM ako na kami nakarating sa bahay.. Hindi na bumaba si Jerwin this time.. Gusto nya narin daw kaseh umuwi, makanakaw man lang ng konti pang tulog.. Hello na lang dawkay mommy..

 

I dragged my suitcase papasok.. at pagbukas na pagbukas ko ng pinto, sumalubongkagad ang nanay ko..

"Venice, nandito ka na?"

Ako: Yep.. Hello, mother.

Mom: Kamustah ang beach? Bakit parang di ka naman umitim?

Ako: Next time, mom, pag nagbeach ako, I'll make sure I'll turn golden brown.

Mom: Golden Brown? Anoh ka, itlog? Ay oo nga pala, kanina pa tumatawag si Nicole.

Napatigil akong bigla.. O_O Si cousininlaw tumatawag? Bahket?! May balak nanaman syang ikulongkaming dalawa?!?!

Ako: Bakit daw?

Mom: Tatawag na lang daw uhlet sya mamaya.

 

 

Ako: Well, I'm going to take a nap.. So, good luck na lang sa kanya.

Umakyat ng ko ng hagdan papunta sa kwarto ko pahirapan pang kaladkarin ung maleta.. When I finallyreached my room, iniwan ko na ung pagkabigatbigat na maleta sa may pinto at nagcollapse sa kamako..

Bahala na si Nicole sa buhay nya.. Nalow batt na ko sa pagbilad sa araw, sa traffic, at sa pagsaway kaySheena at Anton.. No energy na para magpakaparanoid pa dahel sa tumatawag sa'kin ang troublemakernyang sarili..

Now, off to dreamland..

A couple of hours later...

"Venice! Venice! Venice!!!!! Why is it so hard to wake you up?!?"

_____

 

 

Sinoh ba tohng istorbo sa beauty sleep ko?!?

I felt somebody bounce up and down my bed. Feel na feel ang panggising sa'kin..___ Tumilapon sanasya sa sahig.

Finally, dahel nahihilo na ko kakatalon nya, I opened one eye para sabihing lumayas sya dahil natutulogako

O___O

OoO

Napaupo akong bigla. Is this a dream? a nightmare?!

 

 

Ako: Nicole!?! What are you doing here?!?

Nicole: Your mom let me in. I was calling your cellphone, but you're not answering.. So I called yourhouse phone, your mom said you're sleeping.. I took the initiative to drop by and wake you up.

Ako: Oh bat why? TT

Nicole: Are you awake now?

Gising na ko. Gising na gising. T^T

Tumayo bigla si Nicole, and grabbed a black dress bag na nakasabit dun sa hook sa likod nung door ko.Bitbit nya? Dahel I don't remember owning a dress bag... at solid black pa..

Ako: Oh.... Is that a dead person? Did you kill somebody, Nicole? __

Nicole: (natawa) Of course not. If I'm gonna kill somebody, I'd just burn the corpse. I won't chop it all upand put it in a perfectly good dress bag.

 

 

Parang pinagisipan nya na talaga dati un.. ___

Binuksan nya ung zipper nung bag and nilabas ang isang ivorycolored cocktail dress. It has a blackpleated sash just below the bust na natatali sa likod, and black halter straps na tinatali rin sa likod. It alsohas a trimming of black lace dun sa edges nung skirt.

It's cute. Simple, but cute.

Ako: What's that?

Nicole: This is one my mother's latest creations. It's not even released to themarket yet.

Ako: You're giving it to me?

Nicole: Of course! My mom tailored this one especially for you.. It fits me, soI think it should fit you too.

Ako: Especially for me? T^T

An expensive, signaturebranded cocktail dress made especially for me....

 

 

There must be a catch. __

Nicole: Yep! You're wearing this tonight!

I knew IT!

Ako: Tonight? What's going on tonight?

Nicole: Oh, you don't have to know.

Don't have to know?!? Eh ako tohng kinikidnap mo?!?

 

Nicole: Just go take a shower..

Sinabit nya uhlet ung dress sa likod ng door.

Nicole: Your mom was cooking something that smells really good when I arrived, so I'll be downstairswhile you shower. Holler at me when you're out.. I'll come back here and createa masterpiece out ofyou. Ciao!

After saying all that, lumabas na ng kwarto ko si Nicole. I stared openmouthedat her, and then at thedoor, and thennn at the dress.

What's going on?!?

Nagdive ung kamay ko sa ilalim nung unan and grabbed my phone. I dialled Jerwin's number para magdemand ng information.. magdemand na iuwi nya na ung pinsan nya (pero iwan na ung dress )..... atkung pwede lang noh, magdemand na sagutin nya ung phone. _

Anak ng tokwa. Di nanaman sinasagot ang tawag ko. rawr.

 

 

One of these days, may gagawin akong ringtone sa cellphone nun a ringtone hewon't be able toignore. bam.

I looked at the dress again. Sigh. Let's get this done and over with. T^T

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

I looked at my watch. 6:24 PM.. Jean woke me up from my nap to stand here in this hotel's entrancewaiting for who knows what. And I'm wearing an ivorycolored tux. Who wears a tux para langmaghintay sa pinto? ___

Sigh. Jean and my parents went inside the hotel already. Ang bilin lang sa'kin,tumayo lang ako dito sapinto and wait. Wait for what? I'll know daw.

 

Well, I've been waiting here for almost 15 minutes.. and I don't even know whatto do kapag dumatingna ung hinihintay ko. People are looking at me (a couple of passerbys asked fora photo op).. Somewould whisper amongst themselves.. Nakakaparanoid na. __

Iikot na sana ako para hanapin ung magaling kong pamilyang nangiwan, when a car stopped in front ofthe main door. Nicole's car. Nicole.....

May family reunion ba today na nakalimutan ko? O__O Crap.

Nicole got out of the car, and threw her keys to the waiting valet. She immediately saw me (I'm suredahel nagsstand out naman ako sa lahat ng tao sa paligid ko __ ) and ran to give me a hug.

Nicole: Cousin! Hello! My, my, you look nice.

Ako: You don't look too shabby yourself.

Nicole always looks good. Well, I guess that's why she became a model. Right now, she's wearing abodyfitting, short dark blue dress with crystals beaded on the shoulder straps. Her hair is straightenedto perfection with a small silver clip on one side.

She looks so prim and proper it's just not right.

 

 

Ako: Ok. What's the occasion? Is Grams coming?

Nicole just laughed, and then turned to look behind her. I just realized that her car is still there, andsomeone else is stepping out.

Ako: Venice... @__@

I took a deep breath and completely forgot to exhale.

Nicole: I'll go inside first. Take care of my masterpiece? Hasta luego, primo!

Halos di ko na napansin na naglakad papasok nung hotel si Nicole. I was too preoccupied watchingVenice as she cautiously walks toward me.

 

 

She's wearing an ivorycolored dress that falls just above her knees.. Her hairis in loose curls, cascadinga few inches past her shoulders. Her makeup is soft and flawless everythingabout her looks flawless.

She looks breathtakingly beautiful.

Ako: You look....... Wow..

Venice: (smiles) Wow is good. Wow is a compliment... right?

Ako: Yes!!! *ahem* I mean.. yes..

Venice: So what's the occasion?

I blinked. Nagising uhlet bigla lahat nung maliliit na neurons sa utak ko, and they're all screaming, "Stopogling at her!"

I complied to their command.

 

 

Ako: Nicole didn't tell you?

Venice: Nope. She just appeared out of nowhere sa kwarto ko.. made me take a shower.. ate prettymuch half ng merienda ko.. and then tada!

She took a quick spin as quick as her peeptoe, highheeled shoes would allow her and allowed meto see every inch of her regal form.

Venice: Naging instant Barbie nya ko.

Ako: At least you're not blond. No one would know you just became my cousin's Barbie. Well, anyway,truth be told.. I don't know what going on either...

Napatingin ako sa paligid.. Anoh na mangyayari ngayon??

Just then, one of the hotel employees seemed to have noticed my looking around,kaseh lumapit syasa'min.

 

Hotel Emp: Good evening poh, Mr. Jerwin, Ms. Venice. Please follow me to the banquet hall.

Venice: Banquet hall? Anong meron?

The employee didn't answer, so I just shrugged. Somehow, everything here feels like it's been planned.

Ako: Well, señorita, shall we go?

I offered her my arm, and she reluctantly took it. We followed the hotel employee papunta dun sa"banquet hall" daw..

Venice: We just got back, and may kung anong mystery na kagad na bumubulaga sa'kin. TT

Ako: It'll be okay. I'll be here.

Venice looked up at me, trying to ponder what I just said. Mukhang on the vergeof panic na sya sa mganangyayari.. Fear of the unknown, eh? Siguro kung di ko lang hawak ung kamay nya, kanina pakumaripas ng takbo toh.

 

 

Venice: Okay.. Just.. Whatever might be waiting for us in there.. Don't leave me alone, okay?

Ako: Okay.

Venice: Promise?

Ako: I promise.

Our guide stopped in front a doubledoor room.. The doors are closed and there's not one sound comingfrom inside. Venice and I glanced at each other. She's starting look more and more anxious.

Venice: You think we'll be murdered in there? ...... Oh my god, I hope they're not setting us up for animpromptu marriage ceremony. O.O

Ako: Of course they're not!

Right?!? O__O

 

 

Hotel Emp: Well, here you go.

I felt Venice clutch my arm tighter. Our guide knocked on the door three times.. I was kinda waiting forhim to say, "Open Sesame!" but, well, one can hope.

We just stood there for a few seconds wondering what going on.. Should we run while we still have achance?

All of a sudden, the doors burst wide open revealing a crowd lauding in front of us.

"SURPRIISEEEEE!!!!"

::Chapter 30::

The Other Woman

..~*~..~*~..

 

 

(Venice's POV)

.

It's a party. It's a richpeople, businesssocializing party.

It's not an impromptu marriage ceremony, but somehow, I still feel like I should run away.

The room they rented is HUGE! Not that I should be surprised... Ang daming tao eh.. People, na sabi niJerwin, are important to his career: sponsors, composers, producers, directors,marketing agents,musicians, artists.. every kind of important people in the entertainment industry, nandito... There areeven a couple of newspaper photographers and writers walking around..

Why? Because it's Jerwin Santos' Surprise Engagement Party.

Apparently, being invited to a Santos' social event is like being invited sa Malacañang...

"So, are you surprised?? "

 

 

I turned to look at Nicole na nakaupo sa other side ko (syempre, si Jerwin ung nakaupo dun sa kabila)..She looks ecstatic to be able to keep something like this a secret.

Ako: Oh yes. I'm very, VERY surprised.

Jerwin and I already made the quick greetings to most of the people present nung pumasok kami.Napapagod na nga ako about halfway through the introductions and handshaking and salutations.. Butina lang, maupo na raw kami kaseh magsisimula nang iserve ung dinner.

And by "serve ng dinner", hinde sya buffet. Talagang appetizer, soup, salad, main course, dessert angdating nya formal dinner ba..

Nasa main course na kami ngayon.. At sa totoo lang.. no wonder payat ang mayayaman, abah, eh sinohba naman mabubusog sa kakapiranggot na entree na toh?!?

I looked around the table.. Kausap ni Nicole si Jean.. Kausap ni Jerwin si Dustin (a longtime family friendna kaedad lang nya)..

Wala man lang nagrereklamo sa kanila, kaya tahimik ko na ring kinain ung nasa harap ko.. TT

 

 

Jean: Ate Venice, have you talked to Grams yet?

Ako: Grams?

Jean: Yup, si lola! Ang tagaltagal nya nang tinatanong kung kelan ka nya makikilala..

Nicole: She's the one sitting between my mom and Tito Ray over there..

Sinundan ko ung tingin ni Nicole dun sa kabilang table.. There is a pleasant, old woman na nakaupo atkausap si Tita Lina (mom ni Nicole, aka designer ng dress na suot ko).

Ako: Ung kausap ng mom mo?

Nicole: Yep, that's Grams.

Grams looks good even for her age, which I assume is pretty old, considering ung mga edad ng mga aponya. Halatang maganda sya nung bata.. She looks approachable though. Hindi ung mga tipong panakotna lola..

 

 

Jerwin: I'll bring you to her after we eat if you want.

Ako: That'd be nice.

Jean: By the way, how come may isa pang vacant seat dito sa table natin?

Dustin: I invited someone.

Nicole: And?

Dustin: She's on her way.

Jean: Ooohhh.. "She"?? May girlfriend ka na, kuya?

Dustin: Oh she's just a friend. Though.. (tumingin kay Jerwin) I hope you remember her, Jerwin.

Jerwin: Oh? I know her?

They started talking about taking a vacation sa summer, maybe sa Boracay daw.. or bakit hindi na langdaw sa Bahamas.. or Italy.. or Florida.. Oh di vah.. ang usapan nila.. parang isang sakayan lang ng bus angmga pupuntahan..

 

 

Nakikinig lang ako.. Nilalasap ang bawat subo ko ng maliit na steak.. They try to include me saconversation, syempre, sasagot ako.. pero.. nakakaOP kaseh.. I've never been to New York or Greece orRome or Mexico.. Ang pinakamalayo ko na ngang napuntahan eh Subic partida, field trip namen nung3rd year high school.

We finished the main course, and kinukuha na nung mga waiter ung mga plates. I took my glass ofwater, and started to drink slowly nang biglang humirit si Nicole..

Nicole: Oh, by the way, Venice, when are you going to give me a nephew?

NAGTULOOOOYYYTULOOOYYYY sa wind pipe ko ung tubig.

In other words, I started choking big time.

Jerwin started striking my back ung ginagawa ng mga tao pag may nagcchoke.  __ *cough*

Jerwin: Nicole!

 

Nicole: What? I'm just asking!

Jean: Kuya, you're blushing!

Nicole: *gasp* You two! Don't tell me you've been trying to

Jerwin: NICK!

Nicole: Kidding.

Nagrrecede na ung mga ubo ko, and I'm starting to feel myself being able to breathe again. Jerwin isstill gently hitting my back, while glaring at his cousin and his sister.

"What a fun table we have here..."

PAK

Ako: Aw! What the hell?

 

 

Napalakas ung palo ni Jerwin sa likod ko, and then he froze. Actually, I noticed the WHOLE table froze. Ilooked at all of them.. They're staring at the person who spoke behind me.

The color drained from Jerwin's face.

I slowly turned para tignan kung sinoh ba ung nakapagpatulala sa kanilang lahat..

O.O

Oh.. That's why..

I could almost feel my heart stopping when I saw the girl standing lusciously behind me.

Jerwin: Geena....

 

::Chapter 31::

Song For Someone

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Well.. this is awkward...

Our once cheerful little table ay biglang napaligiran ng ohsotensed na atmosphere. __

Nicole: What the heeeyyyllll are you doing here?!?

Geena: Why, I'm here for Jerwin's engagement party. And hello to you too, Nicole.

 

 

Jean: Who invited you?!?!?

Dustin: I did.

Dustin stood up and led Geena to the empty chair na nandun sa gitna nya tsaka ni Jean. I bet... kunghindi lang nakakalat ang mga paparazzis around, and siguro kaseh baka madumihanung mga dressesnila, pinaghahampas na sana nina Nicole at Jean si Dustin ng silya. Ang toxic ng tingin! O_O

I glanced at Jerwin, and I felt a tiny prick in my chest. He's staring wideeyed at Geena.

Geena: So.. You're Venice?

*gulp*

Ako: YYes. Hello.

Geena: I've never seen you before. What agency or station do you work for? Or are you a recordingartist too?

 

 

Jean: Venice is not in the industry.

Nicole: She's a student.

Geena: A student?

Bakit parang tunog sa'kin ng conversation nila eh: student = alien? ___

All of a sudden, Jerwin threw his napkin on the table and pushed back his chair. 

Ako: Where are you going?

Jerwin: You're done eating, right? C'mon, let's go to Grams' table.

But... But.. may dessert pa... At chocolate cake ung nilalabas nila... T^T

 

 

Pinatong ko na rin ung napkin ko dun sa table, and slowly stood up. Sinundan kosi Jerwin papunta dunsa table ng mga elders a couple of tables away from ours.

Jerwin and I stopped behind the old woman, who immediately turned to look at the both of us.

Jerwin: Grams.

Grams: Jerwin. Oh, so you finally bring your fiancée here.

*gulp*

Ngayon na natitigan ko si lola.. may pagkaintimidating pala sya.. O___O

Her face, kahit na mukha na syang 70? 80?, is a portrait of sophisticated beauty. Ang ganda siguro ni lolanung bata sya.. Regal beauty..

at may kung anong aura pa sya na nagddemand ng full attention.. She's wearing a maroon dress.. withdiamond earrings hanging from her ears, and diamond necklace around her neck.. mayaman din sa ringsang hands ni lola..

 

 

Jerwin: You have always said better late than never. Anyway, Grams, this is Venice.. Venice, this is the"head" of the Santos family, Mrs. Gretchen Santos.

Venice: Good evening poh.

Grams: Good evening. Come here, sit down, let's talk.

Eh?!? Kailangan pa ba yan? T^T

I sat down on the empty chair na inuupuan kanina ni Tito Ray he's on the other table talking to someother business people.

Grams: So, tell me, Venice, what do your parents do?

Ako: My mom was working as a nurse in the US.

Grams: "Was"?

Ako: She's been staying here for about a year and a half now.. but she's flyingback to the US next week.

 

 

Grams: And your father?

Ako: He died when I was young.

Grams: I see.

I feel like I'm being interrogated. Kulang na lang, ung maliit na spotlight..

Grams: And how about you? What do you do for a living?

Jerwin: Grams, Venice is focusing on her studies.

Grams: Oh, is she now? Then, have you modeled before? Did some acting?

Ako: I.. uh.. Wala poh akong ganong experience....

Grams: Hmm.. (sips from her teacup) A Santos engaged to a nobody.. I never thought I'd see this daycome..

Tita Merryl: Suegra, Venice has an incredible voice.

 

Grams: Hm? Does she now?

OoO

Napatingin ako bigla kay Jerwin, nanlalaki ang mga mata sa naffeel kong mangyayari. O__O I know thisfeeling of terror. I knew this was coming!

Ako: HMMM?!?!? O.O

Jerwin just shrugged at daig pa ang clown sa laki ng ngiti nya! @_@ Kung di lang ako napapaligiran ngangkan nya, sinalpak ko na ung uneaten cake dun sa mesa sa face nya tignan ko lang kung makabungisngis pa sya.

Meanwhile, Grams motioned for the host to come over, syempre sunod naman si Mr.Host.

 

Grams: My grandson and his fiancée will be singing a song for everybody.

Oh my golay. I knew it!

Jerwin: Okay, Grams. Listen, and be amazed.

"Okay"?!?!?

Jerwin pulled me from my seat, and almost dragged me papunta dun sa band dun sasulok na nagpplayng kung anong soothing music.... mga gunggong.. kung gusto nyong magsoothe ng soul, bigyan nyo ngvodka! vodka lang ang katapat nyan men!

Ako: Why are we doing this?!?

Jerwin: So people won't have any more complaints about you being a "nobody".

 

Ako: Who cares about their complaints?! What about my complaints?!

Jerwin: You have any?

Ako: DUh! I'm being pushed into the spotlight again! And I don't like this spotlight! At isa pa, walanaman tayong napractice na kahit anoh!

Jerwin: Hmmm we were able to rehearse "Lucky"....

Ako: Adik ka ba? @__@ That was supposed to be for your concert, uh, I dunno, 5000 years ago!

Ang announcement of my existence... Kung alam ko lang..

Ako: And besides, you rejected that song, di ba?! Sabi mo, it doesn't "fit" us!

Jerwin: That was then, this is now.

Eh?!?!

 

 

He went to the band and borrowed the guitar. I looked over dun sa dancefloor, may dalawang staff nanaglalagay na ng tatlong mic stands sa gitna.. Then, Jerwin stepped beside me  may hawak na syanggitara..

Ako: Anoh yan?? Naggigitara ka?

Jerwin: Of course. Let's go?

Ako: Why do you always do this to me? TT

Jerwin: Coz I know you shine best when you're singing.

Ako: What?!?

He took my hand and pulled my hand papunta dun sa gitna nung dance floor. He fixed one of the micstands para dun sa guitar, then adjusted the other one for him.. Masakit man saloob ko, inayos ko na rinung mic stand ko.. Eh anoh pa nga bang magagawa ko? Eh halos lahat ng people nakatingin na sa'min.TT

Jerwin then nodded to the host to signal we're ready. As if naman... T^T

 

 

Mr. Host: Ladies and gentlemen, to show their gratitude for this wonderful surprise, Mr. Jerwin Santosand his fiancée, Venice Zhao, has decided to serenade you with one of their favorite songs. Please givethem a warm round of applause.

Favorite song?!? Anong kalokohan yan?!?

Before I knew it, Jerwin started plucking the strings of his guitar. He looked at me, and I can almost hearhim say, "Aja!" hahaha

{song: Lucky}

Jerwin: (sings) Do you hear me? I'm talking to you

Across the water across the deep blue ocean

Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying..

Ako: Boy I hear you in my dreams

 

 

I feel your whisper across the sea

I keep you with me in my heart

You make it easier when life gets hard..

This isn't so bad...

I looked at the people around us.. They seem happy, enjoying the song, I guess.Even Grams lookspleased.

I glanced back at Jerwin, and almost choked on my words..

He's glancing around the room.. or at least, that's what he's trying to make itlook like.. but.. I'm notblind.. lalo na't ganito pa sya kalapit sa'kin..

I looked at the table in front of us.. ung table na upuan namin..

I put a smile on my face, kaseh syempre, masaya ung kanta, dapat masaya ang face.... This will be ontomorrow's newspaper, I'm sure...

 

Jerwin: (sings) And so I'm sailing through the sea

To an island where we'll meet

You'll hear the music fill the air

I'll put a flower in your hair..

Ako: Though the breezes through trees

Move so pretty you're all I see

As the world keeps spinning 'round

You hold me right here, right now...

I saw Jerwin glance at me real quick he even smiled.

I smiled back... then it was gone.. He turned away again.. His attention back to her again..

Everybody has this look of admiration.. na parang kinikilig.. na parang we're this really talented,promising couple..

I bet they just can't see.. they just don't notice..

 

 

Jerwin might be singing with me.. but.. he's singing the song for someone else.. 

::Chapter 32::

I Choose You

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"See? That wasn't so bad."

Napatingin ako kay Jerwin. Balik na pala sa'kin ung atensyon nya.. We just finished our little impromptushow, and people are giving us a deafening applause. I guess they liked it. wahahaha

Nagbow kami sa audience a couple of times.. Someone took the guitar from Jerwin, and after waving tothe audience one more time, Jerwin and I walked back sa table ni Lola..

 

 

Jerwin: Well, Grams? What did you think?

Umupo na uhlet ako dun sa upuan sa tabi ni Grams.. Grams beamed at me. Natuwa yata si lola..

Grams: You have potential. Okay. I'll accept you into the family.

Ako: Ehh?!?

Grams: Hijita, ladies don't answer like that. Merryl?

Tita Merryl: Yes, suegra?

Grams: You see hijita often, yes? You should correct her way of talking.

Tita Merryl: Not so often, suegra, but I will point out her mistakes whenever we meet.

 

What the quack is this??

Pinagtutulungan nanaman nila ako..

Tumingin ako kay Grams.. She looks very pleased... but still scary.. __ Pag kumontra siguro ako, bakaipaluto nya ko sa malaking kawali... I sighed in defeat..

Grams: Next time I see her, I want her to be able to answer properly, and

She swatted my back with her fan.

Grams: Proper posture. Don't hunch, hijita.

I immediately straightened my back. Nainterrogate na nga ako't lahat, ngayon, posture ko naman angtopic?!?

 

Jerwin: Okay, Grams, we'll be going back to our table now.

Grams: Very well. Oh, hijita?

Ako: *gulp* Yes, ma'am?

Grams: Call me Grams. I'll see you soon.

Ai, lola.. kahit wag na uhlet tayo magkita. T_T

I stood up making sure na straight ang vertebrae ko and walked next to Jerwin. Jerwin slightlybowed his head to his grandmother. Lumipat ung tingin sa'kin ni Grams. I started to feel myself panic.Straight ba ang posture ko? Masama yata pag sinabi kong "Ok, Grams! Vavush!"

She's still staring at me like a queen waiting for one of her subjects to do something. What am Isupposed to do?! Baka mapuna nanaman ako..

Grams: Hijita?

 

 

Sa sobrang panic ko I curtsied! CURTSIED!

CURTSIED!!! CURTSIED!!

ndhvaerjlkajicf!!!!! Who curtsies in this day and age!?!??!?! <'OoO'>

Nung narealize ko ung ginawa ko, I immediately grabbed Jerwin's hand and dragged him away. I canfeel my face heating up! Lahat na yata ng dugo ko, lumipad sa mukha ko!

And it's not helping na mamatay na sa kakatawa tohng kinakaladkad ko!

Jerwin: HAHAHAHAHAHA What was that?!?!

Ako: Shut up! I panicked, okay?!?

Jerwin: So you curtsied?

 

 

We were just a few feet away from our table when I turned to glare at him. There are people walkingaround us, pero busy sila sa paguusap at pagpunta dun sa dance floor para magsayaw.. I don't thinkthey notice na Jerwin is laughing like a maniac, and I'm just about to show himmy mad ninja skills.

Naturingan pa namang "fiancé" ko. __ Napahiya na nga ako, pinagtatawanan pa ko!? 

Ako: Mabulunan ka sana.

Jerwin: But.. HAHAHAHAHA you curtsied

Ako: Will you stop laughing already?!?! O gusto mong makita sa front page ng mga dyaryo bukas angpagngudngod ko ng mukha mo sa sahig!?!

Jerwin glance at my expression and then cleared his throat. Finally, tumigil nasya sa kakatawa. Pero anglaki pa rin naman ng ngiti nya. __

Ako: Haayy.. I can't believe I did that! You're grandma probably thinks I'm stupid.

Jerwin: You kidding me? She loved you!

 

Ako: __ Weh!?

Jerwin: She called you "hijita"..

Ako: What does that mean?

Jerwin: It's Spanish for "little girl".. "little dear" or something like that..It's a term of endearment. AND!She even wants to see you soon!

Ako: Haayyy.. Probably to make sure I keep my posture straight... and I don't reply with "eh?!" T_T

Jerwin threw his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer so that he can whisper somethingwithout anyone else having to hear it.

Jerwin: You'll be alright.. Grams isn't that coldhearted.. My cousins and I absolutely love... her...

Napatingin ako when Jerwin's voice trailed by the end of his sentence. His arm slowly dropped back tohis side. Sinundan ko ung tinitignan nya.... and I should have known.. Geena..

It's either Geena or the big bowl of punch na katabi ni Geena...

 

 

Ako: You should go.

Jerwin: (napatingin sa'kin) Huh?

Ako: You want to talk to her, right? I'll go bother Nicole or Jean... or both.

Jerwin smiled and gave me a quick pat on the head.

Jerwin: I'll come back soon.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

 

I grabbed a small cup from the buffet table and walked over to where the punch bowl is.. where Geenais quietly sipping from her own cup.

Ako: How was Paris?

She glanced up at me, and smiled.

Geena: Same old, same old. How about you? I was just gone for a month, and whenI came back, you'reengaged already.

Ako: Hmm.. yea...

Geena: And to someone who's not Santos material at that. She's not an actress, not a singer, not amodel, not a business tycoon.... NOT the ideal heiress to the Santos dynasty, may I say. I'm surprisedyour parents allowed you date her.

Ako: (chuckled) Everything is mom's idea, after all.

Geena: Your mom's idea?

Ako: Oh, ha? Nothing..

 

 

Geena peered at me under her heavy eyelashes.. Yea, I know.. Nadulas lang ako..But I guess, she choseto just let it go.

Geena: And you? What attracted you to her?

Sumandal ako dun sa dingding, and I turned my eyes to watch Venice. She's talking to Mr. Lopez, one ofthe big bosses in a TV network I often work with.. Nicole is sitting beside her, parang may kung anonginooffer si Mr. Lopez kay Venice.. I can tell by Nicole's excited exclamations, and Venice's horrifiedreactions. She's so easy to read.

Ako: Venice... She.. She's completely unexplainable. You think she's a good girl, but when you get toknow her, she's actually everything.. She's crazy.. She's funny.. She's honest.. She's caring.. She'simpatient..

Naalala kong bigla ung pagcurtsy nya kay Grams kanina, and in spite of myself,I started chuckling.

 

 

Ako: And you'll never know what she's gonna do next.

Geena: You sound pretty fond of her.

I blinked and reverted my attention back to Geena. She's staring at me sharply.I know that look.. Sheuses it when she's not happy about something.

Geena: This is a setup, isn't it?

Ako: What?

Geena: Dustin told me that this girl just appeared out of nowhere. Is she pregnant?

Ako: What?!? No!

Geena: So what...

She stepped closer to me and ran her hand over my arm.

 

 

Geena: Are you using her to make me jealous? Isn't this a bit too much? Being engaged and all...Everything just to get to me?

I sighed. I gently stopped her hand from traveling anywhere else, and even moregently, I pushed itaway.

Ako: Geena.. You'll always be special to me..

She smiled.

Ako: But..

I looked at Venice, who just then, turned to look at me too. She smiled, and I smiled back. She turnedaway to pay more attention to whatever Nicole was blabbering.. Kunwari seryoso ung pakikinig nya,pero halata namang konti na lang, kakaripas na sya ng takbo.. Fame scares her, I don't know why.

 

 

Ako: I'm lucky.

Geena: Lucky?

Ako: Yea. I feel lucky I didn't end up with you.. Instead, I found her.

I met Geena's astonished gaze. I can tell she didn't expect me to say that. I never thought I'd saysomething like that either..

But now that it's out there, it somehow feels "right".. Wala nang bawian.

Ako: I have to go

Geena: Jerwin

She suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me back. She's holding on quite tightly.

 

 

Geena: Why are you leaving me? Is it because I didn't want us to be official? I'll change that! I'll make usofficial! You and me.. Just leave that.... that.... that nobody!

I pried her fingers off my arm.. She didn't try to hold on. She just let me make her let go..

Ako: I would have given anything to hear you say that before.. But it's different now..

I met her eyes.. those intense brown eyes..

Ako: I'm engaged now. Geena, anytime you'll need me, you know you can always give me a call. I'llalways be here for you... as a friend..

I let go of Geena's hand, and gave her a small smile. I looked back at the table and found that Venice lefther spot. I wonder where she went...

 

I turned my back on Geena and walked away to look for Venice.

I never thought I'd turn my back on Geena....

but then again, I never thought I'd be engaged to a "nobody" either.

::Chapter 33::

Hiram

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

I found a comfortablelooking loveseat dun sa labas nung dance hall.. I'm so glad. T^T nyahaha Pinatongko ung mga tumitiboktibok kong legs dun sa upuan and bent down to massage my calves..

 

Buti na lang nakatakas ako unnoticed.. Naaliw kaseh si Nicole dun sa kinukwentonung kung sinoh mangmanong un, at si Jean naman, kausap si Grams..

I took the opportunity to sneak out of the party, and ehto na nga.. buti na lang may loveseat sa labasnung banquet hall..

Ang taastaas naman kaseh ng heels! Masaket sa paa! Ehto ung mga tipo ng shoes na dapat lagi kangmay katabi para magsway ka man side to side, may hahawak syo.. Ahyun lang naman ang papel niJerwin kaya ako tumatabi sa kanya..

Jerwin...

It was really awkward seeing him and Geena together.. Lalo na nung nakahawak siGeena sa arm nya..They were looking so intently at each other.. I wonder kung anong pinaguusapannila..... Haayyyy.. I feellike the other woman..

Ako: Kabet. Isa akong KABET!

 

"Oh here you are."

O.O

*cough!*

*cough!!*

I'm choking on my own oxygen. O.O

Ehto naman kasing si Jerwin, kung kelan nageemote ako sa pagiging kabet ko, tsaka naman sya lumabasng pinto! Eh kamustah nga naman ang airways ko!? Nagulat tuloy!

Jerwin: What are you doing??

 

 

I took a few deep breaths.. Bumabalik na ang abilities ng lungs kong huminga.. *inhale* *exhale**inhale*

Lumapit sa'kin si Jerwin..

PAK!

Hinampas ko ung tyanslashabs nya nakatayo kaseh si kuya, hindi ko tuloy mabatukan..

Jerwin: Aray! What?!?

Ako: Adik ka! Bakit ka ba nanggugulat!?

Jerwin: Kasalanan ko bang magugulatin ka?!?

Tinaas nya ung mga paa ko, and sat down dun sa inuupuan kanina ng aking tired legs.. He placed my legson his lap naman, kaya di na ko nagreklamo..

 

 

Ako: Bakit ka ba nandito?

Jerwin: Kaseh bigla kang nawala dun sa loob.

Ako: *gasp*

I poked his arm.

Ako: Namiss mo na kagad ako? Uyyyy, iba na yan..

Jerwin: You crazy? I was just worried na baka tumakbo ka na pauwi.. Anoh na lang ang sasabihin ko samga tao pag bigla kang nagpoof?

Ako: You know, you could have just said, "Yes, of course, Venice. I can't standbeing away from you."

Jerwin: That's just creepy. __ And besides, bakit ba nakataas ang paa mo sa silya?

Ako: Eh sa nagrerebolusyon na sila eh! Masakit kaya sa paa ung heels na yan!

 

Jerwin: Is that why you went out? Para lang mataas mo ung paa mo?

Ako: Well.. I was kinda avoiding talking to other people..

Jerwin started to massage my calves gently. He's doing such a good job na lalo ko na tuloy ayaw tumayo.

Jerwin: Why are you avoiding them?

Ako: Kaseh naman.. They'd ask me questions like, "Where did you two meet?", "What did you do foryour first date?".. and "When's the wedding?" Ay josko! It's a miracle na hindenga ako kumaripas ngtakbo. *sigh* Kaya ehto, lumabas na lang muna ako.. Baka makahalata na sila pagevery time natinatanong nila ako ng ganon, iniiba ko ung topic!

Jerwin: You can just tell them we met at the music hall. It's the truth.

Ako: Uhhuh.. and I didn't know who you were.. and incidentally, you somehow ended up bringing me toyour house the same night coz I was wasted. Good story.

Jerwin: Well, you didn't have to tell them about the latter part. Geez.

Ako: And how do I answer questions about our "first date"? We haven't even had a single date!

Jerwin: Ohhhh.. Is this your way of asking me to go on a date with you?

 

 

Ako: Laseng ka ba? __ Bakit naman kita yayayain?? Kadatedate ka ba!?

Jerwin: Ahsuz, nagpakipot ka pa.. All you have to say is, "Jerwin, will you go out with me?"

Ako: Ewww.. Kilabutan ka nga. O_O

Napalingon kaming bigla nang bumukas ung pinto nung dance hall namin.. Halos tinapon pa nga niJerwin ung mga paa ko dun sa sahig. Salbahe. Tapos sasabihin nyang iddate ko raw sya?!?

"Oh my gosh, Jerwin, there you are!"

It's Nicole. Parang haggard si ate.. Kanina pa nya siguro hinahunting si Jerwin.

Jerwin: Yo, cousin!

Nicole: Don't "yo, cousin" me! Mr. Perez has been looking for you! Get your butt inside!

 

Ako: Mr. Perez?

Jerwin: He's a topnotch music producer. He probably wants to talk about a new album or something.

Tumayo na si Jerwin (waahhh ang massage ko!! T^T ) and straightened his tux, then he turned to look atme.

Jerwin: Let's go.

Ako: I'll stay here muna..

Jerwin: You sure?

Ako: Don't worry. Hindi ako kakaripas ng takbo pauwi.

Jerwin: With those heels, ha! Good luck na lang kung makatakbo ka.

Nicole: Jerwin.

Jerwin: Okay, okay! I'm coming.

 

 

Pumasok na uhlet si Nicole sa loob kinakaladkad ung pinsan nyang wanted. ;P Kakataas ko pa languhlet nung paa ko dun sa upuan, nang bigla nanamang bumukas ung door. Eh di syempre, lumipadnanaman ang feet ko pababa sa floor.

Anak ng tokwa! Bakit ba hinde na lang sila manahimik sa loob?!?

"Venice."

O_O

Oh crap. Pumasok na pala dapat ako.

Geena closed the door behind her and walked over to where I was sitting.

Geena: Mind if I join you?

 

 

Ako: Uh, no..?

Umupo si ate sa tabi ko.. I fought the urge to shrink dun sa opposite side nungcouch. We were bothlooking at the wall in front of us.. Bakit naman sa dinamidami ng taong lalabas, ehto pa? TT

Geena: I don't think I've properly introduced myself. My name is Georgina.

Ako: Oh, I know.

Geena: Well, of course you do. I've graced billboards, magazine covers, and advertisements in moretimes than I can count.

Confidence ba itoh o arrogance? __

Geena: But, tell me.

 

 

Bigla syang tumingin sa'kin. Halos mapatalon ako sa takot. O_O

Geena: Have you ever heard about me from Jerwin?

Ako: Uh.. He mentioned you once.. or twice..

Geena: I see. Then you must have a very vague knowledge of our relationship. Talking aboutrelationships isn't Jerwin's forte.

Ako: Relationship?

Ung "friends with benefits" thing nyo? Ay nako, ate, si Nicole ang nagtsismis sa'kin nun. At hindi"vague" ang pagkakakwento ni cousininlaw.

Geena: Jerwin and I have this special bond. We were sortof going out, you see.. But I was focusing onmy career. Having a boyfriend would have been a distraction.

Ako: Oh...

 

 

Di ko getz... ___

Geena: Jerwin courted me. He asked me to be his girlfriend so many times, it was... shall I say,impressive? I turned him down repeatedly. But, he didn't date other girls; he didn't look at other girls.He only had eyes for me.

I see.. Martyr si kuya... o baka nearsighted.

Geena: I acknowledged this fact. He wanted me, and I wanted him. But I didn't want to commit,because, like I said, I don't want to be bothered by a relationship. That's why....

Tumingin ako kay Geena.. She's staring at me.. Her eyes are practically burningthrough me.. Dangerousang toxicity level ng stare ni ate. O_O

Geena: We settled for something more than friends, but less than a relationship. We were lovers. Wehad secret meetings, careful so our activities wouldn't leak to the press. We had private, sensual nightsin hotels out of town, out of the country. Do you understand what I'm saying?

 

 

Ako: You were sleeping with each other.

Napablink si Geena, and my hand flew to my mouth. I totally did not plan to say that out loud, at ganunpa kastraight. O_O

I mean, I know she's trying to tell me na may mga kalokohan sila ni Jerwin (at naughtynaughty nakalokohan pa), and I already know naman ang mga perverted actions nila bago nyapa sinabi sa'kin....pero naman, brain! Di mo man lang inisip na umarte na kunwari in denial ka! o kaya contemplative! osurprised man lang! Ahyan, si ate tuloy ang nagulat.

Geena: You knew everything?

Ako: Well.. kinda...

Geena: And still.. you're marrying him..

BOINK

Ate, hinde kasal. Engaged lang. Wag mo naman sabihin na ikakasal na kame..

 

 

Napangiti na lang ako.. Di ko alam kung pano pa ko hihirit eh..

Geena: How much did Mrs. Santos pay you?

Ako: Eh?!?!

Ay, wag raw pala ganon ang sagot, sabi ni Grams.

Ako: Excuse me?

Geena: Mrs. Santos arranged this, didn't she? Jerwin had a little slip of the tongue earlier.. An arrangedmarriage.. It's the only logical explanation for everything.

Ako: Ay! Anoh ba?!? ___ Nagtatagalog ka ba?

Geena: I understand it.

 

Ako: Buti naman. Wag ka na nga masyadong serious dyan, ate. Alam mo, Jerwin andI, masaya namankame eh. SSiguro nga, arranged lang ng mga nanay namen toh..

Mga lokalokang nanay.. __

Ako: But we're making the most out of it. If it works out, then great. If not, then, oh well, di vaahhh?

Tumayo akong bigla. Thiz iz it! Time to escape!

Ako: Ai, pumasok na nga tayo. Baka hinahanap na tayo sa loob. Nauuhaw na rin ako.. Nandun ka sa maypunchbowl kanina di ba? Masarap ba ung punch? Ai, matikman na nga lang!

Mabilis akong naglakad papunta dun sa pinto.. Ayoko nang patagalin pa ang alonemoments ko withGeena. Nakakastress sa heart at sa brain!

 

Kakahawak ko pa lang dun sa door handle, nang biglang tumayo si Geena. Ako naman si stupid, tuminginpa talaga. Eh sabi na ngang time to escape, titingin ka pa!

Geena: Venice.

Pumasok ka na! Pumasok ka na lang! Dedmahin mo!

Venice: Yes?

Anoh pa ang silbi ng brain kung hinde ka rin naman makikinig? __

Geena: I'll be leaving now. I'll see you around, though.

Ako: Ah.. ha..ha.. Okay..

 

 

She stepped towards me.. Nafrozen na ko dun sa harap nung pinto.. unable to move sakali manmaisipian nyang sampalin ako or whatever..

But Geena stopped just a foot away from me.. Nakakaintimidate ang aura ni ate.. nakakataas ngbalahibo.. O_O

Geena: And by the way, I know Jerwin. The only reason he agreed to this engagement is because Iwasn't around. He needed a spare tire to keep him entertained. I just loaned him to you.

So anoh ako? Spare tire na clown?! Entertainer nya?!

At kelan pa nahihiram ang lalake?!? Anoh yan, may library card ba yan?!

Geena: So don't get too comfortable with him.. Coz I'm here now. And I'm takinghim back.

*gulp*

 

 

After saying that, Geena sashayed off pass me to the main lobby. I followed herwith my eyes hanggangsa mawala na sya dun sa corner.. It was only then na narealize kong I was holding my breath.

Whooohh!

Ako: (bulong sa sarili ko) Baahhh.. ang taray....

"Veni"

BAM!

Bumukas bigla ung pinto, at syempre, ako tohng nakatayo dun mismo sa harap, pagbukas nya, diretsokagad sa mukha ko.

X__X

Kanina pa namumuro tohng si Jerwin.

 

 

Jerwin: Oh my god! Are you okay?!?

PAK!

Jerwin: Aw!

Binatukan ko nga sya.. Ung isang kamay ko, nakacover sa ilong ko. Masakit palapag bumubukas samukha mo ang pinto. T^T

Ako: Bakit ba di ka muna kumakatok?!?

Jerwin: Coz I was already inside! It's usually the people outside the room who knocks! Bakit ka kasehdyan nakatayo?!

 

 

Napatingin sya sa mukha ko.. Suddenly, his eyes got wide. @_@

Ako: What?

Jerwin: Your nose is bleeding! O_O

Ako: WHAT?!?!? WHERE?!?!? WHAT?!?!

Ang makeup ko! Ang dress ko! Ang nose ko!

Jerwin: pft. BWAHAHAHAHA Just kidding! Just kidding! You should've seen your face!

PAK!

 

Ako: Let's go inside.

Jerwin: Yes, ma'am. TT

I opened the door and walked in, followed by Jerwin, na nakahawak sa ulo nyang binatukan ko. Oh divah, tahimik na sya ngayon.. Parang batang nasigawan..

Geena's face flashed in my mind.. I glimpsed at Jerwin, who suddenly perked up and dragged me to thedance floor. The DJ just started spinning "Something Stupid" by Robbie Williamsand Nicole Kidman.

Jerwin: I love this song! Let's dance!

Oh di ba.. Bipolar..

He spun me in his arms.. and we spent most of the night in the dance floor.. dancing.. laughing.. pickingon the oldies' sense of style.. It suddenly felt like we really were celebrating our engagement..

 

How can someone not get "too comfortable" with him?

::Chapter 34::

Prince Charming

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"WHAAA?? Really?!? Sumulpot sya?!?"

I trudged slowly sa tabi ni Kenny low batt na ang energy level ko, kaya sapilitan pa yang paglalakad nayan. Sheena and Anthony are walking behind us... pasimpleng landi yang si Antoneh.

 

Sa totoo lang, amazingly lutang ang utak ko the whole day. Siguro dahil ang agaaga namen nakauwikagabi from the party umaga na. ___

Kaya today, sa sobrang pagod ng brain ko, halos wala akong maalala sa mga lectures, classes, kahitlunchtime, di ko maalala ang kinain ko. Extreme case of floating above the atmosphere itoh.

After ng mga last classes namen, sabaysabay na kaming naglalakad papunta dun sa school gates..Kinuwento ko sa kanila ung sudden appearance ni Geena sa socalled "Engagement Party" namin niJerwin (minus the "I'll take him back" speech bago umalis si girlaloo. ).

Sheena: Di ba nallink kay Jerwin un dati? Eh di nagpyesta ang mga fafarazzis?

Ako: Hmmm... di naman.. Konti lang naman kaseh ung mga umaaligid na camera...

Kenny: So anoh? Anong verdict natin kay ex?

Ex? Ayaw magpakaex ni ex.. at hindi ko rin naman alam kung ex na talaga sya.. baka exexan lang.

Pero syempre, dahil ayokong mabomba ng mga delikadong tanong, di ko sasabihin un.

 

 

Ako: Breast friend, maganda naman ako di ba?

Kenny: Gusto mo bang sumagot ako ng "oo"?

Ako: Bahket?! May iba pa bang sagot dun?!

Kenny: Ay! Oo nga noh! Sige, breastie, oo! Maganda ka! Patok sa masa ang beautynaten! Mga dyosatayo!

Ako: Friend! Kung dyosa tayo, eh anoh na lang sya?!? 5 times pa ang ganda ni ate! Breast friend,tinalbugan tayo!

Kenny: *gasp* Bounced?!

Ako: Bounced na bounced. TT

Sheena: Ang gulo nyo magusap.

Kenny: Che! Wag kang magulo dyan. Usapan toh ng mga dyosa.

Sheena: *gasp* You mean, hinde ako dyosa? O_O Ang sakit naman!

Kenny: Ay! Dramahan ba ako!??!

 

 

Lumabas kami ng schoolgates na, as usual, debate nanaman ang ginagawa nung dalawa. Bakit raw hindedyosa si Sheena?

Di vah, ganda ng topic?

Tumingin ako sa paligid para hanapin ang Sunshine kong driver.. pero instead naung black pickup truckang nakita ko, ung silver na family van ng mga Santos ang nakapark.

Oh Lord, anoh nanamang event itoh? TT

Bumukas ung pinto nung van, at lumipad si Jean na diretso kagad sa usual greeting nya sa'kin: FlyingHug, with matching lambitin sa leeg ko. Nakauniform pa ang bata.. galing pa yata sa school nila..

Ako: Jean??! Anong ginagawa mo dito?

Jean: May meeting si kuya with some producers. Sabi nya sunduin daw kita. Puntaka sa bahay!

Sheena: Sinoh yan?

 

 

Napatingin si Jean dun sa mga people sa likod ko ngayon nya lang yata narealize na may kasama palaako. Then, all of a sudden, napansin kong natulala ang bata.

Jean: (bulong) Prince Charming....

Eh!?

Tama ba ung rinig ko?? It couldn't be, right? Sinoh naman ang tatawagin nya nun? Si Anton? Eh masappropriate kung sinabi nya: "Frog Prince".... at wag na natin simulan kung bakit hinde pwedeng magingsi Kenny un..

Sinoh pa bang tao sa likod ko?

Jean untangled her arms from around my neck and sprung papunta sa mga kaibigan ko allsmiles paang loka. O_O

Jean: Prince Charming!

 

Kenny: Ay! Where?

Oh di vah, ang vakla, "where" kagad ang reaction.

Jean: You!

Biglang niyakap ni Jean si Kenny and halos mahuloghulog ang puso ko. O.O Nashock din sina Sheenaat si Anton.. Pero wala pa yatang 1 minute, narealize ni Anthony ang nangyayari, avah, humagalpak ngtawa ang mokong!

Kenny: Uh, excuseeeee me! (tingin sa'kin) Sinoh ba tohng bubwit na toh at bakitsya nakalambitinsa'kin?!

Jean: Oh..

Tinanggal ni Jean ung arms nya and stared giddily at Kenny. Hinde ko kinakaya ang powers ni sisterinlaw! Hinde ako makapagsalita!

 

 

Jean: My name is Jeanette. You can call me Jean. I know we just met, but, Prince Charming.. I love youalready.

Kenny: Ay! Bruhilda ka!

Anthony: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I love you daw, Kenny!

Hinila ko bigla si Jean sa tabi ko far away from Kenny na parang konti na lang eh ilalambitin na syapatiwarik. O_O

Ako: JJean! Anoh ka ba?! Wag mo ngang pagtripan ung kaibigan ko. O_O

Jean: Ate naman, mukha ba kong nangttrip? This is love at first sight!

Brrr.... Kakilabot pakinggan.

 

 

Kenny: Hoy! Anong love at first sight ka dyan?!? Hinde tayo compatible, sister!At hinde ako PrinceCharming! Ako. Si. Cinderella.

Jean: It's okay, Prince Charming. I accept you for whatever you are.. or kahit sinoh pa gusto mongmaging.

Kenny: Uh, ew.

Ako: My golay. Tama na nga yan.

Tumingin ako kay Anthony na halos mangiyakngiyak na sa sobrang kakatawa.

Ako: Hoy, Anton, may balak ka bang mabulunan kakatawa dyan?!

Anthony: But wahahaha si Kenny raw... wahahahaha

Di na yata nakatiis ang mind ni Sheena.. dahil alam nyang wrong.. ang girl na magkagusto kay Kenny...Mali talaga. O_O

Lumapit sya kay Jean..

 

 

Sheena: Jean, right? I'm Sheena, friend ako ni Kenny tsaka ni Venice. Alam mo, I understand naman nagwapo si Kenny..

Kenny: Maganda. Maganda ako.

Sheena: And as long as hinde sya magsalita.. hinde sya gumalaw...

Tumingin kaming tatlo kay Kenny.

Sheena: At siguro, basta hinde na rin sya huminga.. mapapagkamalan talaga syangfafable. Boy na boy,di ba?

Kenny: Hoy, alalay ng dyosa, may patutunguhan ba yang sinasabi mo?!

Sheena: Manahimik ka nga dyan, Kenny. Anyway.. (balik tingin kay Jean) Kaya lang, Jean, wag mongsayangin ang puso mo kay Kenny.. dahil kahit anong pilit mo.. kahit anong gandamo.. kahit anonggayuma pa ang ipainom mo dyan.. the only way na magkakasundo kayo, eh kung mageexchange kayong mga tips sa paglalandi ng mga fafa.

Jean: Manang.

 

 

O_O

OoO

Sheena: MMManang?!?! MMukha ba kong "Manang"?!?! "Ate"! "Ate" ang dapat na tinatawag mosa'kin!

Ako: Ah hahaha.. Syempre naman, Shee, "ate" lang dapat.. Batangbata ka pa eh..

Pasensya na, medyo sensitive si Sheena sa edad nya. __

Hinila ko si Jean patago sa likod ko.. Namumuro na sya eh.. Avah, hinde ko na kaya kung dalawa na angmaglalambitin sa kanya patiwarik. Anoh na lang sasabihin ko sa kuya nya? "Sorry, pero di nakaya ngpowers ko ang combined forces ni Sheena at ni Kenny"?

Ako: Sige ha, alis na kami.. May gagawin pa yata kame eh.... Bye!

 

 

Kinaladkad ko si Jean pabalik sa family van nila laking pasasalamat ko na lang kaseh nagpakaladkadsya. TT

Pero ang bata talaga.. ayaw paawat.. Papasok na nga lang ng van, may last hiritpa.

Jean: (balik tingin kina Sheena at Kenny) Bye, Prince Charming! Manang!

T^T

I'm sure... Bagyo ng tawag at text ng mga reklamo ang matatanggap ko mamaya.. TT

Dumating kami sa bahay nina Jean.. Di ko na natanong kung bakit kailangan akongpumunta dun ehpwede naman akong ibaba sa sarili kong bahay di ba?

 

Tuloytuloy ang dakdak nung bata tungkol kay Kenny, hinde na ko nakasingit hanggang sa nakarating nakami dito. TT

Pumasok kami sa loob, sabay diretso sa kitchen kaseh gutom na raw si Jean (dapat lang.. pagkatapos banaman nung energy outpour nya kanina, sinong di magugutom dun?)

Ako: Hello, Aling Ligaya.

Jean: Hi, Happy! Merienda time!

Aling Ligaya: Ay, uu. Sige, sandali lang.

Naupo kami ni Jean dun sa counter habang nagpprepare si Aling Ligaya ng kakainin namin.

Jean: Oo nga pala, ate.. Malapit na Valentines day.. Anong regalo mo?

Ako: Regalo? Para sa Valentines? Di ba dapat ako ang binibigyan nya ng regalo?

Jean: Anoh bah.. Syempre, dapat may gawin ka ring special for him. Di ba dapat give and take angrelationships?

 

 

Eh.. Relationshipkuno lang naman kame..

Ako: Eh anong bibigay ko? Di ba pwedeng hug na lang?

Jean: Ate naman, you're so cheap. How about a custommade photo album nyong dalawa?

Ako: I won't have time to do something like that.

Jean: Hmm.. an ipod?

Ako: Doesn't he have one already?

Jean: He has the old version. Get him the latest one.

Ako: But I'm broke. TT

Jean: Anoh ba yan?

Umikot si Aling Ligaya and then put two plates ng grilled cheese sandwiches sa harap namen.

 

 

Aling Ligaya: Aba'y bakit hindi mo na lang ipagluto ng Valentine dinner?

Jean: Hey, that's a good idea!

Ako: Uh huh.. Last time na nagluto ako, muntik nang masunog ung bahay namen.

Jean: Ate.. What can you do? O.O

Aling Ligaya: (natawa) Magaasawa ka, hindi ka marunong magluto?

Ako: Aling Ligaya naman.. Kasalanan ko bang hinde kame nagkakasundo ng stove? _  __

Aling Ligaya: Ay, bata ka.. Dumaan ka dito tuwing hapon, at tuturuan kitang magluto.

Ako: Weh?!? Talaga?!?

Aling Ligaya: Syempre.. Alam mo bang magaan ang loob ko dyan kay Sir Jerwin.. Pano na lang akomatatahimik kung ang napangasawa nya eh puro prito ang ipakin sa kanya?

Ako: Truth is... Kahit prito, Aling Ligaya, takot ako.

 

Nagkatinginan silang dalawa ni Jean.. tapos sabay na sabay pa silang nagtawanan.. Ibang klase talagaang bait ng mga tao ngayong araw na itoh.. ___

Oh well.. but at least, may magtuturo na sa'kin magluto.

::Chapter 35::

Kiss

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

I surveyed the last room the building's owner is showing me.. It's spacious.. clean.. I can lie down and rollall over the floor, and it would probably take me 5 minutes before I run into awall and the walls arethick enough so people from the other side wouldn't even hear anything.

Very nice.

 

 

Ako: This is good. I'll take it.

..

(Venice's POV)

.

"Aiya! Why are you so mean to me??"

O_O

Ako: Ako?!? Ako pa ang mean?! Sabi ko naman syo, Kenny is gay! As in, GAY! Member ng federasyon!Honorary member!

 

Jean tried to reach for my cellphone one more time; I immediately stretched my arm out of her reach.Halos 30 minutes na kaming ganyan.. Hinihingi kasi ni Jean ung number ni Kenny para raw masimulanna ang fairy tale romance nila.

Neknek nya! As if naman papatahimikin ako nung bakla kung binigay ko ung numbernya sa isang girl nastalker.

Jean: ATEEEEE!!! Sige naaaaa!!!

Ako: No! And besides! If ever man macho nga si Kenny, nababaliw ka ba?!? Ang lakilaki ng age gap nyonoh! Child abuse un!

Jean: It's not child abuse kung consenting naman ung child!

Eh? Ganun ba un?

Jean tried to reach for my phone again.. and iwas nanaman ung kamay ko sa kamaynya..

"Uh.. What are you guys doing?"

 

 

Napaikot kaming dalawa, and saw Jerwin coming in from the main door. Sa wakas! Umuwi na rin toh!

Jean: Kuya!! Ate Venice won't give me Kenny's phone number!

Jerwin: Kenny? Bakit mo naman hinihingi?

Jean: Because I love him.

Jerwin: Love? ___ Love, as in, "I love my phone"?

Jean: Kuya.. No, love as in I'm in love with him.

Natulala si Jerwin. See?!? See?!? Kahit si kuya nya nawindang!

Biglang tumingin sa'kin si Jerwin..

 

Jerwin: Jean.... uh.. how should I say this? But, you see, Kenny.. You're not exactly his type..

Jean: hm? What's his type then?

Ako: People with muscles.. cropped short hair.. dimples, preferably.. At least 6 feet tall.. And the personshould have a Y chromosome.

Jean: I have chromosomes!

Ako: But you don't have a Y chromosome.

Jean: Why are you so mean to me?

Ako: I'm not mean.

Jerwin: *sigh* Tama na yan. Venice, are you ready to go home?

Ako: Oh yes.

Tumayo ako and gathered my things from the coffee table.. Gumagawa kaseh kami ng homework kaninani Jean bago nagsimula ang cellphone war.

 

Nung napasok ko na lahat ng gamit ko sa bag ko, I walked over to Jerwin..

Jean: Ate, drop by again tomorrow, ok?

Ako: I'll try.

Jean: Byebye, ate.. And tell Kenny I said hi.

Ako: ___ Okay fine.

Jean gave me a quick hug, and then lumabas na kami ni Jerwin to go to his truck. I jumped in thepassenger seat, as usual..

Jerwin pulled out of their driveway, palabas dun sa street..

Ako: Sunshine?

Jerwin: Hm?

Ako: Anong regalo mo sa'kin sa Valentines day?

 

 

Jerwin swerved off the road nung narinig nya ung tanong ko. O_O Buti na lang wala pa kami sa highway!My golay!

Ako: Anoh ba yan?!? Ayusin mo naman ang pagddrive mo!

Jerwin: Eh anoh ba naman kaseng klaseng tanong yan?!?

Ako: Bahket!? I'm your fiancée, I have the right to ask for gifts.

Jerwin: Abah..... Talagang sineseryoso mo yang pagiging future Mrs. Jerwin Santos ha.

Ako: Oo na.. Kaya honey, anong regalo mo sa'kin sa Valentines day?

Jerwin: Hmmm.. pwede ba ung tigpipiso na lang na candy? Recession ngayon eh.

Ako: Ang cheap mo naman.

Jerwin: Buti nga may regalo pa eh! Bakit ikaw? Anong regalo mo sa birthday ko?

Ako: Birthday mo?

Jerwin: What? You didn't know?

 

 

Ako: Ang alin?

Jerwin: Ang galing mo rin na fiancée noh.. Birthday ng future husband mo, hindi mo alam.

Ako: Eh bahket, ikaw?! Alam mo ba kung kelan birthday ko?!?

Natahimik si Jerwin.. Nagiisip yata. Sa 365 days in a year, sige, manghula ka ng date.

Sa totoo lang, alam ko naman na two days after ng Vday ang birthday nya, pero dahil dapat hindi koalam, kunwari innocent ako. Pano ko nalaman?

May director kasi na lumapit sa'kin nung party.. May surprise segment daw sila for Jerwin dun sa Sundayshow the weekend before Jerwin's birthday, na nagkataon lang din naman na Valentines day pala.They want me to take part. Shosyal.

Pero di alam ni Jerwin un. bwahahaha

Jerwin: Oh well. Nevermind.

 

 

Nevermind?!? Di man lang nya tatanungin kung kelan birthday ko?!?

Ako: Hmpf. Fine~

Nakauwi kami ng bahay, and as usual, dahil nakasanayan nya na yata, bumaba si Jerwin para maghellokay mother dear ko.

Hindi na rin ako kumokontra, kaseh binabatukan ako ng nanay ko pag inaaway ko si Jerwin. Minsan nga,feeling ko, mas favored nya si Jerwin kesa sa'kin.. *sniff* TT

Yak. Drama.

I ran upstairs to change out of my uniform. Nagmamadali ako kaseh every time nainiiwan ko ang nanayko at si Jerwin magisa, may kung anong outofthisworld twinkle na sa mata ang mother ko pagbalikko.

Ang weird.

 

Parang ngayon.. I ran down the stairs, at nakita ko na naguusap sina mother atsi Jerwin sa diningroom.. Excited nanaman ang gestures ni mom..

Mom: Ay talaga?! Kelan ko makikita?

Jerwin: If you want, we can go tomorrow. I'll pick you up.

Mom: Mamimili na rin ba tayo?

Jerwin: Sure. Tomorrow's my day off, so I have plenty of time.

Umupo ako sa tabi ni Jerwin.

Ako: What's going on?

Mom: Ay, Venice! Secret!

Ako: ___ Secret? bakit?

Jerwin: Coz this is something between your mom and I. It's an exclusive club.

 

 

Ako: Psh. Feel at home na feel at home ka ha.

Jerwin: My fiancée's home is my home, right?

Ako: Homehome ka dyan?!?

Jerwin: Oh don't look at me like that.

Ako: Oh, like what?

like I'm shooting daggers at you with my eyes?

like I wish you'd burst into flames right now?

Jerwin: Like you really, really wanna kiss me.

OoO

 

 

Ako: AAAAno?!?!?!?!?

Mom: Oh my, have you two kissed already?

Ako: Mom!!!!

Jerwin: Hindi pa poh, tita.

Mom: Ahhh I see.

Jerwin: But we'll get there soon.

Mom: Oh! That's good! That's good! Kwento nyo kagad sa'kin ha!

<'O.O'>

I felt my face burn up. Binenta nanaman ako ng nanay ko! Kulang na lang yata ehpaskilan ako ng "50%OFF" na sign!

My mom went back in the kitchen para silipin ung niluluto nya. Jerwin turned togrin at me.

 

 

Jerwin: So would you like to kiss me now?

PAK!

Binatukan ko sya and then I hastily stood up. I turned to stalk out of the dining room habang naririnigkong tumatawa si Jerwin. Dapat pala sinipa ko na lang sya kesa sa binatukan. rawr.

Ako: Halikan mo yang sarili mo!

::Chapter 36::

Brewing Up A Storm

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

 

.

Oh jeep~ Jeep~ Jeep~ Jeep~

I missed you.

The next morning, as usual, dumating si Jerwin sa bahay, pero this time, hinde ako ang sinusundo nya ung nanay ko.

Buti pa ung nanay ko, nakakuha na ng date kasama fiancé ko.

Not that I have any complaints. Mabuti nga un! Tagaltagal ko nang di nakakasakay ng jeep. Avah,nakakamiss makipagsiksikan noh!

Ako: Bayad pohhhhhh~

All smiles at talagang cheerycheery pa ang pagkakaabot ko nung bayad ko..

 

Tinaasan tuloy ako ng kilay nung batang katabi ko. Na parang ang weirdweird ko. 

Ako: Anong tingintingin mo dyan?!?

The kid quickly turned away.

Tinignan ako ng masama nung katabi nyang manang.

I know. Minsan talaga, lumalabas ang pagka"Lucifer's underling" ko.

I turned by face dun sa bintana.. feeling amazing kahit na nalulunod na ko sa hangin. Buti na langmalambot ang hair ko. Magulo man sya, maganda pa rin ako. wahahaha

Hayyy.. I have a feeling.. that today's gonna be a good day.

Today's gonna be a good, good day.

 

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

"Oh Jerwin! How about this?!? Or maybe that one over there looks better??!"

___

I watch Tita Mel walk through the aisles bounce from one display to another. Ang feeling ko, nanditolang ako para ipagdrive si tita... at parang bodyguard na rin na sunod ng sunod.. hanggang sunod lang.Syempre, ako rin ang magbabayad ng kung anoh man ang bibilhin nya.

So, ako ay: driver, bodyguard, and credit card.

 

I knew there was a reason I hate shopping.

I looked around the store and the handful of people walking around. They all look like newlywed couplesor just really old couples. Sigh...

Tumingin ako sa relo ko. Venice should be in school by now.

Tita Mel: Jerwin! Tignan mo toh! This will be perfect for Venice!

Ako: Ah! Okay. Should we get it then?

Tita Mel: Hmmm... Let's look around first.

TT Oh for crying out loud...

Gano katagal pa ba kami magiikot?? Can't we just buy something?

 

 

"Jerwin?"

Hm?

Napaikot ako sa likod ko nung narinig ko ung boses na tumawag sa'kin. And I wascompletely shocked tofind myself face to face with Geena.

Ako: Geena! What are you doing here?

Geena: I'm looking for something for my bedroom. What are you doing here?

Napatingin akong bigla kay Tita Mel na busy sa pageexamine nung table lamp. Geena followed my gaze.

 

Geena: Who is she?

Ako: Venice's mom.

Geena: Oh.

Geena stared at Tita Mel. I couldn't really read her expression, and I have no idea what's going on in hermind right now. It's disconcerting, really.

Suddenly, she smiled and took my hand in hers.

Geena: That's nice. You're accompanying her mom while she's in school, right?

Ako: Actually

Geena: Your birthday is coming up. Do you want to go with me to Boracay?

Ako: Sorry. I can't.

Geena: Would you like to take your fiancée?

 

 

I took a deep breath. That's poison right there laced in her voice.

Ako: I'd be busy with work the coming months. I'm releasing an album soon.

Geena immediately perked up after hearing that. She squeezed my hand and flashed the smile that hasenchanted her male fans for years.. the smile that has enchanted me the first time I saw it.

"Jerwin?"

I pulled my hand out of Geena's grasp. I think I'm sweating. Whoo!

I jammed my hands in my pockets.

Ako: Tita Mel.

 

 

Tita Mel walked over to where I was, and threw glances at me and Geena.

Geena flashed her a quick smile before turning to look at me. She winked and then strutted away.

Lalo yata akong pinagpapawisan. __

Tita Mel: Who was that?

Ako: Geena. She's a close friend of mine.

Tita Mel: I see.

Well.. This is kinda awkward..

I wiped my forehead with my arm..

Ako: Uhmm so.. Are you ready to buy things now?

Tita Mel: Ay oo! Nakoo, halika! I have to show you something! I'm sure you'll like it!

 

 

Ako: Of course... .

I let Tita Mel drag me to the display that caught her eyes just before she approached me and Geenaearlier. Sigh. With the way things are going, I'm sure I'd be with tita the whole day.

..

(Geena's POV)

I watch silently as Venice's mom took Jerwin's hand and led him further down the aisle. I can't believehe's actually socializing with these people. Commoners.

That little minx, Venice, has Jerwin wrapped around her little finger. She evengot him to shop with hermom. Jerwin hated dealing with parents. He hated dealing with his own parents  what more otherpeople's.

And yet.. he's still here.. pretending to pay attention.. pretending he gives adamn to whatever the oldlady is pointing at.

 

Venice might actually be a worthy foe.

I need to start moving.

::Chapter 37::

Panic Attack

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"I Will Always Love You"..

ay ang taray!! MagpapakaWhitney Houston ako!

..but then again..... maybe not... kalovelove ba ung si Jerwin?! at "always" pa!

 

 

"2 Become 1"....

Tapos minidress at kasing high na platform shoes nung Spice Girls ang isusuot ko.. Di kaya ako batukanni Jerwin?

.. at.. hmmm parang napakaRrated naman nung kantang un.. baka lalo pa kame matsismis.. @_@

___

Anak ng tokwa. Ang hirap naman pumili ng kanta!

I buried my face dun sa sinusulatan ko na notebook. I've been sitting here sa school cafeteria for almostan hour now, nagiisip ng "appropriate" song para dun sa surprise birthday segment na dedicated toJerwin sa Sunday TV show.

Ung broadcasting network kasi na naghhandle ng mga publicity at mga onceinawhile TV guesting niJerwin, trip na trip maging special ung segment na un..

If I know.. kaya lang naman nila ako gusto pakantahin dahil magaattract ng viewers kapag nagappearang "mysterious, unknown fiancé" sa show nila.

 

 

Ako: Bakit ba hindi pwedeng simpleng "Happy Birthday" na lang ang kantahin ko?!?!

"Anong 'Happy Birthday'?"

Napatingin ako sa harap ko, just in time to see Sheena na binaba ung bag nya salamesa, and then satdown across from me.

Ako: I'm trying to choose a song to sing for Jerwin's birthday..

Sheena: Awwwwwwww... Special rendition ba itoh?

Ako: Anong kinikiligkilig mo dyan? It's not like I want to do this.. Napasubo lang ako dahil sa kakadakdakni Nicole..

Ang mga consequences ng mga nagsspace out at oo na lang ng oo.. ___

 

 

Sheena: Anong napili mo?

Ako: Di ko pa nga alam.. Gusto ko kasi ung tama.. alam mo un? Ung parang.. uhmm.. talagang especiallyfor him talaga ung song..

Yak.. ang cheesy!

Sheena: Ai! May suggestion ako!

Ako: Anoh?

Sheena: "Come On Over"

Ako: Huh?

Sheena: (sings) All I want is you, come over here baby

All I want is you, you know you make me go crazy

All I want is you, now baby don't be shy

 

 

You better cross the line

I'm gonna love you right

'Cause

Ako: Adik ka ba? Anoh ba yang pinagkakanta mo?

Sheena: Bakit?? Para naman maget na ni Fafa J ang message mo.

Ako: Anong message??

Sheena: Message!

She leaned in towards me.. lumapit din naman ako para makinig sa kung anong ibubulong nya.

Sheena: "Jerwin, you better cross the line.. Landiin mo na ko.... All. Night. Long."

 

PAK!

Ako: ANOH BA YANG PINAGSASABI MO?!?!

Sheena: Aray naman! JokeJoke lang noh! Kailangan bang batukan ako?!?

Ako: Yeaha! Nang magising yang mga brain cells mo! =__=

Sheena: Ahsus.. Pablushblush ka naman..

Ako: At ikaw?? Nasaan ung personal bodyguard mo aka Anthony?

Sheena: Huh? Si Anton?

*blink*

*blink*

Ai.. oblivious pa rin siya sa feelings ni guy.. O__O

 

 

Saksakan na nga ng pagaalaga si Anton, unnoticed pa rin the efforts!

Ang manhid ng best friend ko. __

Ako: Anoh ba yan.. Di ba lagi kayo magkasama?

Sheena: Avah, malay ko dun.. Sya tohng biglabiglang sumusulpot.

Ako: Oy, Shee, di ba crush mo si Anton dati?

Sheena: HHoy! Wag kang maingay! Anoh ka vah?!

Ako: Defensive much? Crush mo pa rin ba ngayon?

Sheena: Hinde noh! Anoh ka ba?! Ahyun ung mga panahon na hindi ko pa sya kilala. In other words, ungmga panahon na cute pa sya!

Ako: Di na sya cute ngayon?

Sheena: Cute pa rin naman... Pero syempre, nakilala ko na sya.. and nung nakilala ko na sya nang todotodo.. nalaman ko na rin na makulit sya.. pasaway.. makontra.. tamad.. matakaw.. takot sa ipis..

 

 

Ako: Takot sya sa ipis?

Sheena: (natawa) Ay oo! Naglalakad kami nung minsan sa may snyo, nang biglang may flying ipis nalumipad papunta sa kanya! Ay nakita mo sana kung pano sya kumaripas ng takbo!

Pasimple kong sinarado ung notebook ko, all the while listening intently sa mgakwento ni Sheena.

Napapangiti na lang ako sa mga kwento nya..

Uyyyy... mga moments~ nyahahaha

"I'm kinda caught up at work. I don't think I'll be able to pick you up... unless you wanna wait for me. "

Neknek mo. Malay ko ba kung anong oras ka pa matatapos dyan!

 

 

Ahyan ang tinext ni Jerwin sa'kin nung uwian ko na.. at ahyan din ang reaction ko nung nabasa ko ungtext na un.

Kaya nakasakay nanaman ako ng jeep paguwi..

Hindi naman ako nadumog or whatsoever.. I should probably tell Jerwin to stoppicking me up sincesafe naman ako sa jeep.

Although... nung naglalakad na ko sa kalye namen, napansin ko na mas maraming naghhello sa'kin..Samantalang dati, deadma ang beauty ko.. Pero sige, ok lang un.. bastah walang nanunugod..

I stopped in front of my house gate.. Bubuksan ko na sana nang bigla akong napatigil at napatakbo dunsa side nung gate.

@_@ What!? What?! What!?

May nakasabit na wooden sign sa gate.. at in BIG, RED letters nakasulat ang:

 

"HOUSE FOR SALE"

OoO

Napasugod ako bigla sa loob!

Ako: MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM!!!!!!!

<'OoO'>

Wha?!?! Wha?!?

Lalong nanlaki ang mata ko nung pumasok ako ng bahay. There are boxes everywhere! At ung mgafurniture, may mga taklob na!!

 

 

..at mga maleta ko ba ung nakapark dun sa may hagdan?!?!?!?!

Narinig kong tumatakbo ang nanay ko upstairs, and in a few moments, tinalon nyana ung last two stepsnung hagdan.

Mom: ANOH?!? MAY SUNOG BA?!?! ANONG NANGYAYARI?!?!

Ako: (turo sa left) What??! (turo sa right) What?!? (turo sa harap) What is going on!?!?

Mom: Ai josko naman, Venice! Akala ko naman kung anong nangyayari!

Ako: EHHH?!?!

Mom: Hindi mo ba nakita ung sign sa labas? I'm selling the house.

Ako: WHY?!?!

Mom: Abah.. syempre.. aalis na ko in three days. Sino na lang titira dito?

Ako: Uh, hello?!?!? (turo sa sarili) Pano ako?! Patitirahin mo ko sa kahon??! Patutulugin sa ilalim ngtulay?! Papaliguin sa Pasig River?!? Pano ako magsusuklay nang walang salamin?!? 

 

 

Mom: Ay anoh ka ba naman? Huminga ka nga muna! Naghhyperventilate ka na oh!

Ako: MOM!!!

Oo nga.. Panic attack yata itoh!

Pinaypayan ko ung sarili ko, dahil parang tumataas ang blood pressure ko. Biglang uminit at, in fairness,naaaliw sa paghinga ng oxygen ang lungs ko. @.@

Mom: Hay, Venice.. Hahayaan pa ba naman kitang tumira dito magisa? Abah! Hindina noh! Masgugustuhin ko pang isama ka kesa

Ako: WHAT?!?!

Mom: Well, it's supposed to be a surprise, but

Nablock out nung brain ko ung mga sinasabi ni mother. Nafocus na lang dun sa idea na: Isasama ako nimother sa States.

That's not fair.... I don't want to leave.. I can't leave..

 

 

Lalo yatang tumataas ang blood pressure ko.. I need to get some air.

Mom: .... And that's why I'm selling the house.

Ako: I can't believe this.

I stormed out of the house bago pa man makahabol si mommy..

I'm feeling a little lightheaded, but I continued running.. just running.. andthis feeling in my chest.. Idon't know how to explain it except..

..it was complete panic.

::Chapter 38::

Run To Me

..~*~..~*~..

 

 

(Jerwin's POV)

.

Man.. That girl is really troublesome.

I jumped out of my truck. Kinawayan ko ung mga guards dun sa booth, and then went straight to mydestination.

It was about an hour ago when I got out of a meeting with the manager and some of the album staffpeople. When I checked my phone, there was a voicemail from Tita Mel. Pumunta raw ako sa kanila assoon as possible dahil nawawala si Venice.

Syempre, nataranta din ako nung narinig ko un. I drove as fast as I could to their house.. Tita Mel ran upto me as soon as I opened the gate.

Venice rushed out of the house daw five hours ago. Tinatawagan, hindi sumasagot.. Tinawagan na niTita Mel sina Sheena, Anton, at si Kenny, hindi raw kasama nung tatlo si Venice. Nagaalala na si Tita.

 

All this because the house is being sold?

I tried calling Venice, pero kahit ako, dinedeadma. I called Sheena.. She told me to try searching in thecemetery. I thought that'd be reasonable, so here I am.

And just like Sheena said, ahyun nga si Venice, nagmumukmok nanaman sa harap nung libingan niGerard.

I walked up to her, but she didn't seem to notice me.

Ako: Venice. Let's go

I paused when she turned to look at me.

She has those eyes... blank.. expressionless.. lifeless..

I've seen those eyes before..

 

 

Ako: Are you... okay?

Venice: I'm not leaving. I can't leave. I promised G.. I promised I'd live my life here. I can't leave himbehind, Jerwin! I can't!

What... is she talking about?

I held my place, even though the intensity in her whole aura makes me want to step back. I feel like it'sone of those times when I shouldn't move.. One move and it will cause a shift in the whole galaxy.

Exaggeration, but it feels that way.

Venice: I'm scared. Jerwin... My life is here. I don't know what will happen tome if I leave.. I don't knowhow I'll survive.. Just thinking about it... Just thinking about it makes me feel so alone..

She's obviously freaking out.

 

I sat down beside her. I didn't meet her eyes, dahil just looking at those eyes.. I remember now.. Twoyears ago.. They were the same eyes.. Frozen and lifeless..

Ako: Gerard is this important to you?

She nodded.

Ako: What are you worried about?

Venice: Weren't you listening?? I told you, I can't leave this place! I don't want to go to the States!

Ako: States?

Venice: You mean, you didn't know? My mom wants to take me with her!

Ako: Whoa! Hold on, hold on.. Back up a little. Kelan sinabi ng mom mo toh?

Venice: This afternoon.. Binebenta nya na nga ung bahay. Tapos balot na lahat ng gamit namin...

 

 

____

Ako: Did you really hear your mom say she's taking you to the States?

Venice: Eh what else could she have meant?

Uh.. I have a feeling she's misunderstanding something here...

Venice's usual dumb self.

Ako: Let's go.

Venice: Go? I don't think I wanna go back yet.

Ako: Nope. I think you'd wanna go to where I'm taking you. Maybe it will shed some light on this wholething.

 

Venice: Huh?

I got up and brushed the grass off my jeans. I offered my hand to Venice...

Ako: I'll make everything okay.

Venice looked at my outstretched hand, and then at me.. She looks confused.. I like her confused facebetter than the "lifeless" mask she was wearing moments ago..

I would give anything to keep that mask off her face.

I'll take care of her. I will make everything okay.

Ako: Believe me..

She forced a smile on her lips, and finally, took my hand.

 

 

Venice: I believe you.

I pulled her to her feet. Pinagpag nya ung palda nya, and then turned to look at the tombstone...probably saying her "See you later" words..

After a few minutes, she faced me.. Her face looks like it's back to normal.. The panic.. the fear.. theloneliness.. all gone from her eyes..

Venice: Let's go.

Ako: Go on ahead. I'll be right behind you.

Venice: Ohhkay?

She whirled around to leave. I can tell she's curious kung bakit ako nagpaiwan,pero di naman syanangulit.. She just walked away..

I watched her hanggang sa malayolayo na ung nalalakad nya..

 

 

It just occurred to me.. She's been here for five hours..

Talking to this.. stone.. because she's afraid to be alone?

I looked at the tombstone sa paahan ko..

Gerard Sheen... He died just a few days before Christmas..

That's harsh.

But to still be able to affect Venice to this extent.. two years after..

Ako: Gerard.. If you've been watching Venice from wherever you're floating, I'msure you know who Iam..

I stared at the stone.. with so much magnitude na parang talagang pinaparinig ko ung sinasabi ko dun salalaking hindi ko naman nakilala kahit kailan..

 

 

Ako: Venice might have ran to you this time, Gerard.. But next time she feels alone.... Next time.. I'llmake sure she runs to me.

::Chapter 39::

Be With Me

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Sumasabay sa pagkanta si Jerwin dun sa music sa radio.. Usually, naaliw ako pagnaririnig kongkumakanta si Jerwin habang nagdrrive.. Feeling ko may singingdriver ako.

 

Pero dahil nababagabag ang kaluluwa ko ngayon, masyado akong absentminded paraimind ungpagkanta nya.. Pinapanood ko ang ung mga nagsswoosh by dun sa bintana as we drive through the latenight streets.

Bigla lang akong natauhan nang nakita kong nagswoosh din ung kalye papunta sa bahay ko. @_@

Ako: Sunshine.. lumagpas ka na.

Jerwin: No, I didn't.

Ako: Anong "no I didn't"? Eh ahyun na nga ung kalye pauwi oh! O_O

Jerwin: Who said anything about going to your house?

Ako: Eh san tayo pupunta?

He suddenly turned to glance at me, and then he winked. He winked at me. O_O

 

Jerwin: It's a surprise.

Ay si kuya! Pacute!

Dahil mukhang nasa good mood si kuya, pinagbigyan ko na.. Baka maoffend, itapon akong bigla sa ilog..

We drove for about 20 more minutes, until finally, nagpark na si Jerwin dun sacurb. I looked around.It's dark and quiet... and di ko alam kung anong ginagawa namin dito.

Jerwin: C'mon. Let's go.

He jumped out of the truck, and sumunod naman ako. Tinignan ko ung building na nasa harap namin..Light blue gate.. white walls.. decentlooking yard..

It's a house.

 

 

Ako: May binibisita tayo?? Nang ganitong oras??

Jerwin just laughed. Anoh naman kaya katawatawa sa tanong ko? .

Jerwin: Just follow me.

He grabbed my hand and naglakad kami papunta dun sa gate. He punched some numbers dun sanumeric keypad na nakadikit sa poste nung gate. Siguro.. close friend nya ung nakatira dun kaya alamnya pati ung security code nung gate... __

The gate opened and we walked in. Madilim. Isang porch light na nandun sa may front door angautomatic na nagturn on. Naglagay pa ng ilaw, ung pinto lang pala ang iilawan.

Jerwin led me sa narrow path papunta sa door. When we got there, he let go of my hand and fishedsomething out of his pocket.

Susi. May susi pa si kuya nung pinto.

 

 

Pinasok nya ung susi, but before opening the door, he turned around and looked at me.

Jerwin: Close your eyes.

Ako: Eh?!

Jerwin: I told you, it's a surprise. Now, close your eyes.

Ako: Psh. Ang drama naman nito. Buksan mo na lang kaya.

Jerwin: Do you really want to ruin this for me?

Ay madrama. Anoh bang nakain nito ngayong araw na toh at sagadsagad ang topak?!?

Ako: Fine.

 

 

I shut my eyes closed.

Jerwin: You sure wala ka nang nakikita?

Ako: Yes, I'm sure. Can we just get this done and over with? Some kind of malamig ang wind noh.

Narinig ko na medyo nagrattle ung keys.... and then silence.

__

>__<

What's going on na?!

 

 

Hintay pa uhlet ako sandali..

Wala pa ring nangyayari.. Anoh vah?! May kung anong surprise party ba sa loob?!? 

*gasp!*

Or could it be na binebenta nya ko sa friend nya?!?!

ABAH! I need to know...

..kung gwapo ba ung pinagbebentahan nya sa'kin! nyahahaha

I cracked open one eye.. isaaang maliit na silip

 

Bigla akong napamulat WIDE OPEN nang nakita ko ang nasa harap ko!

Ako: WWWWWHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!

Jerwin's face was just inches away from mine!

I stumbled backwards sa sobrang gulat buti na lang nahawakan ako ni Jerwin sa braso; otherwise,bumagsak na ko dun sa damo.

Jerwin: Be careful!

Ako: Eh kaseh naman!!! Anoh bang ginagawa mo?!?

Binitawan ako bigla ni Jerwin nung napansin nyang bumalik na ang sense of balance ko. Then, hefocused his eyes somewhere else... And is his face flaming red or what?!?! O__O

 

Jerwin: I I was just checking kung wala ka na talagang nakikita! Don't get the wrong idea!

Ako: ChChChecking?!? Nandito na ung mukha mo! Dito! Dito!

Nilagay ko ung kamay ko a few inches from my face para bigyan ng emphasis ung distance ("distance" paba ang tawag kung hinde naman distant ung layo nya?!?!) na sinasabi ko.

Jerwin: Oh relax. It's not like I was gonna kiss you.

Ako: *gasp* You were gonna kiss me, weren't you?!?! O.O

Jerwin: WWhat?!?

Ako: Then anong ginagawa nung face mo dito?!? dito?!? dito oh!!!

I held up my hand again dun sa kung gano kalayo ung face nya kanina.

 

Jerwin: I told you! Tinitignan ko lang kung nakapikit talaga ung mata mo. Anyway, can we get back towhat we were doing!?

Ako: You want to get back to kissing me?!?!

Jerwin: I told you, I wasn't gonna kiss you!

Ako: Eh "get back" to what?!?

Jerwin: To closing your eyes! The surprise isn't gonna wait forever, you know?!? 

Ako: Oh.. hahaha

Ahyan.. Kaseh naman.. Relax ka lang, Venice..

Ako: Ayoko na. Baka pag sinarado ko nanaman ung mata ko, baka marape mo na ko noh.

Jerwin: Ha. Akala mo naman, rape material ka?

Ako: What's that supposed to mean? __

Jerwin: Aish. Fine. Suit yourself.

 

 

He turned his back tapos, and finally, binuksan nya na ung door. Ako naman si curious, silip kagad saloob kung anong meron. Madilim.. Walang party?

Ako: And...?

Pumasok si Jerwin sa loob. He turned on the lights. Wala talagang tao.

Oooohhh...

The place is huge.. and pretty.. kahit walang laman.

Wait. Bakit sya pasok ng pasok?!

 

Jerwin: Anoh pang tinatayo mo dyan? Pumasok ka na.

Ako: Aren't we trespassing?? Di ba tayo makukulong nito!??

Jerwin: Geez..

He stepped out again and stood beside me, staring at the inside of the house.

Jerwin: Don't you get it yet? This is the surprise.

Ako: Huh?

Jerwin: Your mom doesn't want you to live alone anymore. And since I'm your very responsible andsensible fiancé, I promised her I'd take care of you.

Ako: Uhhuh.... ___

Jerwin: Ayoko ka na rin naman tumira dun sa bahay na yun magisa.. That house is in plain view of thepublic. Walang security dun sa neighborhood. Pano na lang kung may biglang mangstalk syo?

Ako: Bakit naman may mangiistalk sa'kin? O__O

 

Jerwin: Are you forgetting who your fiancé is?

Ako: Iba rin ang hangin mo ngayon noh? So anong ginagawa natin dito?

Jerwin: *sigh* Really..... You'll be living here from now!

O____O

Napatingin ako bigla dun sa bahay sa harap ko.

Ako?!? Ditoh?!?!

House?!? Bahay?!?

Ako: You bought me a house!?!?

Jerwin: No. I'm just renting the house.

 

Ako: You rented me a house?!!?

Jerwin: I rented us a house.

"Us"!??

Ako: Dito ka rin titira?!?

Jerwin: Abah syempre! Ang tagaltagal ko nang tinitignan tong bahay na toh noh.Sabit ka lang.

Ako: But what would your fans think?? And your parents?

Jerwin: My parents are okay with it. And the fans? I don't think they'd mind. We're engaged, anyways.

Ako: But.. O__O Di ba nga, statistically, mas malaki ang possibility na mageend sa divorce ang mgacouples na nagcocohabitate bago magpakasal?

Jerwin: (chuckles) Ahh.. so you're worried about what would happen when we get married?

Ako: I didn't say we're getting married! Nagtatanong lang ako noh.

 

 

Anoh ba naman yang pinagtatanong mo, Venice? Mapapahamak ka nyan eh.

Ako: *gulp* We... We wouldn't be sleeping in the same bed... right?

Jerwin: Of course not! This house has two bedrooms. Unless.. you want to sleep in the same bed. I'msure we can work something out.

Ako: Ulol! Di na noh!

Pumasok ako dun sa loob ng bahay para magexplore at takasan na rin ang smirk sa mukha ni Jerwin.

It's a charming house. Spacious and may homey na aura.. I started walking around the place, kasunod siJerwin na sinasabi ung plano nyang gawin dun sa mga kwarto na nilalakaran namin..

Jerwin: It's a nice house, right? Your mom went wild when she saw this place.

Ako: My mom knows?!?

Jerwin: Yep. She even picked out the furniture.... Took her time choosing everything too.. *sigh*

 

 

Ay.. parang nagrreminisce ng masakit na past si kuya..

Ako: Nasan na ung mga furniture?

Jerwin: They'll deliver most of it tomorrow.

Ako: Oh.. okay.. So.. My mom wasn't really planning on taking me to the States,was she?

Jerwin: Nope. She's leaving you here. With me.

I wonder if that was a good idea. ___

Nakaikot na kami sa first floor. The kitchen is fully equipped. The living roomis vast. The dining room ispretty big too. There's a patio in the back (sabi ni Jerwin, maglalagay raw syang swing chair dun). Thebackyard isn't that large, pero maraming flowers (alagaan ko raw mabuti ginawa akong gardener. __)

There's a half bathroom dun sa may hallway, and across from that is a closet para sa mga jacket orsomething.

 

 

Ako: What's upstairs?

Jerwin: The bedrooms. One full bathroom. A storage closet. Wanna go see?

I nodded. The more we roamed in the place, the more na nagbbuilt up ung excitement ko. I'll be livinghere.

Ako: Sunshine.. When are you planning to move in?

Jerwin: As soon as possible. Maybe the day after tomorrow.. Hmmm.. What do you think?

The day after tomorrow... ahyun ung araw bago umalis si mom. That'd be reasonable.

Ako: Sounds good.

 

 

I looked around the room, which is to be my bedroom. Look at the size of this thing! And a walkincloset!

Jerwin: So... you're really moving in with me?

Ako: Yeaha!

I was feeling ecstatic then...

I never imagined the mess that single move can create.

::Chapter 40::

Start The Fire

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

 

.

Jerwin: Well.. here we are.

Jerwin parked his truck sa tapat nung gate nung bahay ko. I was so ecstatic about the new house nahalos kaladkarin na ko ni Jerwin palabas.. He promised me I can go back tomorrow to order the moversaround.

Ako: So.. what time dadating ung mga furnitures? And are you sure na pwedengpwede ko silang utusutusan kung san at pano nila aayusin ung rooms?

Jerwin: Oo nga.. Just make sure the house looks presentable.

Ako: I shall do my best.

Jerwin: And by the way, I have to be in the studio pretty much the whole day tomorrow.. Do you wantme to ask Mang Ponce kung pwede ka nyang idrive around?

Ako: Naaaahhhh. Magjjeep na lang ako.

Jerwin: That's good. At least, di ko na kailangan bayaran ung gas nung van.

 

 

Ako: Kuripot. __

Jerwin: Yea, yea. I'll see you sometime tomorrow then.

Ako: Okie. Good night!

I jumped out of the truck and nagglide papasok nung gate. I heard the truck drive away as I opened themain door

"VENICEEEE!!!"

O_O

And kakabukas ko pa lang ng pinto, lumipad na kagad ang nanay ko papunta sa'kin(which wasn't veryeasy to do, considering lahat ng kalat sa sahig).

 

 

Ako: Aloha, motherr.

Mom: San ka ba galing? Kanina pa kita hinahanap? T^T

Ako: I'm sorry for the wapoise na exit kanina. Di na mauulit.

Mom: Kasi naman! Assuming ka naman masyado! San ka ba galing!??

Ako: Jerwin brought me to the house our house.

Mom: Ay! Nakita mo na?? Ang ganda di ba?!

And just like that, all was forgiven. My mom led me up to my room para ilabas lahat ng excitement nyadun sa bahay. In fairness, dinaig pa ang level ng excitement ko.. parang sya ang lilipat ah..

The next day.. Maaga akong nakalabas from school dahil may kung anong family emergency ung prof kosa last class.

So here we are.. Nagwwindow shopping ni best friend sa tabitabi.. kahit pareho kaming walang pera.

 

 

Sheena: He bought you a house?!?!?!?

Ako: No. He rented a house for him sabit lang ako.

Sheena: BUT YOU'RE MOVING IN TOGETHER!!!

Ako: SSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I immediately clamped a hand over Sheena's mouth, tapos biglang flash ng smile sa mga tao sa paligidnamin. Kunwari delusional si Sheena.. wala silang narinig!

I dragged Sheena out of the store, and nung all clear na, tsaka ko lang tinanggal ung kamay ko from hermouth.

Ako: Wag ka ngang maingay! Pano na lang kung may makarinig!??!

Sheena: Eh kaseh naman si fafa J! Nasshock ako! Pero... anong itsura nung bahay? Mansion ba?

Ako: Loka. Hinde.. I'm going there later, gusto mo sumama?

 

Sheena: Ay! Really? Anong gagawin natin dun?

Ako: Magpapakainterior designer.

Sheena: AYYYY!! Sali ako!

Tumingin ako sa relo ko. Jerwin should still be in the recording studio.. and Istill have two hours bagoako expected dun sa bahay..

Ako: It's still too early... You wanna go to the recording studio with me?

Sheena: Eh? Anong gagawin natin dun?

Ako: Hmmm.. manggugulo tayo sa kung anong nirrecord ni Jerwin.. Pero syempre, para di masyadonghalata, magdala tayo ng merienda.

Sheena: *gasp* Tingin mo, papakantahin nila ako dun? O_O

Ako: Adik ka ba? ___ Dadaan lang tayo.

Sheena: Panira ka ng pantasya, lam mo un? __ Anong merienda dadalhin naten?

 

 

Napaisip ako... Anoh nga ba? Hmmm...

Ako: May tindahan ng bananaQ at sago at gulaman sa may harap nung building.. Dun na lang tayobumili.

After ng byahe at pangungulit dun sa tindera ng banana cue, pumasok na kami ni Sheena sa allimportant building.. Ang hirap kasama ni Sheena! Gustong pasukin lahat ng kwarto  baka raw makitanamin si fafa Piolo nya. __ Ang hirap pa naman kaladkarin sa tamang directionng mga may adrenalinerush.. Kaya ahyan, naligaw pa tuloy kame.. Naaliw si Sheena dahil halos naikot na yata namin ungbuilding kakahanap nung recording studio.

Kaseh naman! Walang directory at "You Are Here" tohng building na toh noh!

Nung ready na kong maggive up, we finally asked a wandering security guard, atnaituro na rin kami sawakas sa tamang daan. __

Buti naman dahel napapagod na ko sa pagkatok sa door #1, #2, #3, and so on.

Note to self: Wag nang isama si Sheena dito next time.

 

 

Kumatok ako dun sa door na tinuro nung guard all the while nagdadasal na sana nga, this is it na!

The door opened and sumilip ang mukha ni Kuya Pao.

Isa sa mga nagmmix ng music ni Jerwin si Kuya Pao.. Nakilala ko nung minsang dumaan ako dito.

Kuya Pao: Oh Venice! Bumibisita ka?

Ako: Nanggugulo lang, kuya. Busy ba?

Kuya Pao: Di naman. Pasok ka.. or kayo?

Napatingin sya kay Sheena.

 

Ako: Ay, best friend ko poh, si Sheena. Sheena, si Kuya Pao.

Sheena: Helloh, kuya~

Ay.. tama bang lumandi?

Ngumiti lang si Sheena, and nung tumalikod na si kuya para papasukin kami, hinampas ko kagad si bestfriend.

Ako: Magbehave ka nga!

Sheena: Bakit ba?! Eh ang cute ni kuya eh!

I gave her one last warning glance bago kami pumasok sa loob. Nasa loob si KuyaPao at si Kuya Trey (isasa mga composers). Buti na lang.. Mukhang kasya ung binili kong banana cue..

Nasa loob ng recording booth si Jerwin. He looked up and waved nung nakita nyang dumating ako.

 

 

Kuya Trey: Baahhhh.. Anoh yang dala mo? May share ba kami dyan?

Ako: Syempre naman, kuya. Bribe itoh para sa lahat ng trabaho nyo sa bagong album ni Jerwin.

Kuya Trey: Woohoo! Banana cue!

He bent down tapos nagsalita dun sa mic sa harap nya.

Kuya Trey: Jerwin, may dalang merienda ung asawa mo! Labas ka muna dyan!

Sheena: (bulong) Pffft. Asawa ka na raw.

Ako: Shut up. __

Nilagay ko ung bag ng banana cue dun sa maliit na table, tapos pinatong na rin ni Sheena ung tatlongmalalaking baso ng sago't gulaman (parang sakto lang sa kanila ung tatlo.. walapala kaming inumin niSheena). Nagdive kagad ang mga kuya para makikain. Gutom yata sila...

 

Lumabas si Jerwin ng booth and dumiretso kagad sa'kin.

Jerwin: Ahhh!! Food! (silip sa bananaQ) Where'd you get it? It looks differentfrom how Aling Ligayamakes it..

Ako: This is fresh from the streets. With extra flavor. Try it.

I took one stick tapos nilapit sa reluctant na bibig ni Jerwin.. Masyadong malandi.. Ayaw ng mga food nagaling sa street..

Ako: It's okay. Promise, walang Hepa toh or kahit anoh.

Kokontra pa sana si Jerwin, pero pinanglakihan ko na sya ng mata. Kumagat ka nadahil kung hinde,isasalpak ko toh sa bunganga mo. *_*

Jerwin: Okay. Fine.

 

 

He leaned forward and took a small bite

All of a sudden, the door opened.

While still holding the stick to Jerwin's mouth, I turned my head para tignan kung sinoh ung dumating...and what I saw made me suddenly shove the banana in Jerwin's mouth which I only realized kasi hestarted choking.

Buti na lang, mabilis si Sheena. She immediately offered him one of the cups ngsago at gulaman nungnaguubo si Jerwin..

Jerwin: What the hell are you doing!??

I flashed an apologetic smile, then turned again to the new arrival, na nakatayo dun sa may pinto ngstudio.

Jerwin followed where I was looking at, and I think, biglang naging understandable ung pagshove konung saging sa bibig nya.

 

Jerwin: Geena. What are you doing here? O__O

I felt Sheena nudge me vigorously, before she leaned over to whisper something.Tumaas nanaman angtsismis radar ng loka..

Sheena: (bulong) That's her?!? Oh Em Gee! She's hot!

I shot her a warning look. Geena walked over to where out little group was standing.. May dala rin syangpaper bag.. Dinadalhan nya rin ng merienda si Jerwin...?

Geena: I was in the building, and I heard you're here too.. I thought you mightbe hungry by now.. So Ibrought your favorite croissant.

"Favorite"? Jerwin likes croissants?

 

She handed Jerwin the bag, then eyed the bananaQ dun sa mesa.. and I swear, she scoffed at me.... oram I imagining the little glint of mockery in her eyes?

Jerwin: Uh.. thanks.

I looked around the room. Oblivious sa awkward atmosphere ung dalawang kuya masyado silang busysa mga saging nila. Si Sheena naman, nanonood lang. Jerwin accepted Geena's bagand placed it on thetable.

Nakakachoke ang atmosphere!

Ako: Uh, I think we should go now.

Sheena: Whe?! Aalis na tayo?!?!

Ako: YES

Sheena: But we just got here. TT

 

Jerwin: Yea.. you just got here.

Ako: Pupunta pa ko sa bahay, di ba? Dadating ung mga furniture......this... afternoon...

Napatingin ako kay Geena.. Does she know? Does she know Jerwin and I are movingin together?

Is she gonna kill me? T^T

Jerwin: Oh. Right.

Ako: So.. Okay.. Uh, Kuya Trey, Kuya Pao! Alis na poh kami!

Kuya Pao: Ha? Oh sige! Salamat uhlet sa merienda!

Ako: Sige poh!

I glanced back at Jerwin, and gave him a quick nod. I grabbed Sheena's arm and dragged her out of theroom.. Before completely shutting the door, narinig ko pang may pahabol si Jerwin..

 

 

Jerwin: Hey, this bananaQ actually tastes good! Wag nyo kong uubusan, paguuntugin ko kayongdalawa!

Napangiti ako kahit papano.. At least.. natuwa sya sa bananaQ ko. I kinda feltbetter kahit nunglumakad na kami paalis ni Sheena..

Sheena: Bakit natin iniiwan si kabet dun!?!? Baka ahasin nya si Fafa J!!!

Ako: Ssshhh!!! Relax ka lang ok?!? Let's just go.

Kung alam lang ni Sheena.... Hindi naman si Geena ang extra sa love story eh..

Ako ang kabet.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

 

 

.

The recording session lasted a few more hours after Venice left. For some reason, Geena decided to stayhanggang sa katapusan. She never visited me, much less, stay throughout one of my recording sessionsbefore..

I walked her to her car, just because I'm a nice gentleman.. I thought I'd be able to leave without beinginterrogated, but I guess not...

Geena: So.. what's this talk about furniture arriving today?

Ako: I rented a house.. Venice is in charge of putting the rooms in order.

Geena: Oh? You gave her that much power over your property?

Ako: Uh.. well...

I don't think there's any way of avoiding this...

 

 

Ako: She'll be staying in the same house anyway...

I looked down at my shoes and counted to ten before lifting my head up to face her again which Ikinda wish I didn't. Her face clearly shows she's flabbergasted by what I just revealed.

Geena: You're moving in.. with her?!

Ako: Yea.

A bunch of words ran through my mind to try to explain... but I also thought, what's there to explain?

Isn't it normal for couples these days to cohabitate? Especially when they're in the "engaged" stage?

I better run.

 

 

Ako: Look.. Uh.. She's waiting for me right now.. So.. uhmm.. I'll go ahead, okay? See you around

Geena: Jerwin!

I froze. Crap. I told you I should run.

Geena: This Friday.. Dustin and I arranged a birthday party for you.

Ako: What?

Geena: We reserved a banquet hall in the Manila Hotel. At 8 PM. You should come... and I guess, Venicetoo.. Wait, no. Actually, I demand for Venice to come.

Ako: This Friday? I'm sorry, but

Geena: I won't take "no" for an answer. Won't you come? For old times' sake? Okay! I'll see you there!

 

Before I can respond, she was already in her car slamming the door with brute force too. She justwaved a quick bye, and then sped out of the parking lot just like that.

I didn't even get to tell her that this Friday, Venice's mom is flying back to the States.::Chapter 40::

Start The Fire

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Jerwin: Well.. here we are.

Jerwin parked his truck sa tapat nung gate nung bahay ko. I was so ecstatic about the new house nahalos kaladkarin na ko ni Jerwin palabas.. He promised me I can go back tomorrow to order the moversaround.

 

 

Ako: So.. what time dadating ung mga furnitures? And are you sure na pwedengpwede ko silang utusutusan kung san at pano nila aayusin ung rooms?

Jerwin: Oo nga.. Just make sure the house looks presentable.

Ako: I shall do my best.

Jerwin: And by the way, I have to be in the studio pretty much the whole day tomorrow.. Do you wantme to ask Mang Ponce kung pwede ka nyang idrive around?

Ako: Naaaahhhh. Magjjeep na lang ako.

Jerwin: That's good. At least, di ko na kailangan bayaran ung gas nung van.

Ako: Kuripot. __

Jerwin: Yea, yea. I'll see you sometime tomorrow then.

Ako: Okie. Good night!

I jumped out of the truck and nagglide papasok nung gate. I heard the truck drive away as I opened themain door

 

 

"VENICEEEE!!!"

O_O

And kakabukas ko pa lang ng pinto, lumipad na kagad ang nanay ko papunta sa'kin(which wasn't veryeasy to do, considering lahat ng kalat sa sahig).

Ako: Aloha, motherr.

Mom: San ka ba galing? Kanina pa kita hinahanap? T^T

Ako: I'm sorry for the wapoise na exit kanina. Di na mauulit.

Mom: Kasi naman! Assuming ka naman masyado! San ka ba galing!??

Ako: Jerwin brought me to the house our house.

Mom: Ay! Nakita mo na?? Ang ganda di ba?!

 

 

And just like that, all was forgiven. My mom led me up to my room para ilabas lahat ng excitement nyadun sa bahay. In fairness, dinaig pa ang level ng excitement ko.. parang sya ang lilipat ah..

The next day.. Maaga akong nakalabas from school dahil may kung anong family emergency ung prof kosa last class.

So here we are.. Nagwwindow shopping ni best friend sa tabitabi.. kahit pareho kaming walang pera.

Sheena: He bought you a house?!?!?!?

Ako: No. He rented a house for him sabit lang ako.

Sheena: BUT YOU'RE MOVING IN TOGETHER!!!

Ako: SSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

 

I immediately clamped a hand over Sheena's mouth, tapos biglang flash ng smile sa mga tao sa paligidnamin. Kunwari delusional si Sheena.. wala silang narinig!

I dragged Sheena out of the store, and nung all clear na, tsaka ko lang tinanggal ung kamay ko from hermouth.

Ako: Wag ka ngang maingay! Pano na lang kung may makarinig!??!

Sheena: Eh kaseh naman si fafa J! Nasshock ako! Pero... anong itsura nung bahay? Mansion ba?

Ako: Loka. Hinde.. I'm going there later, gusto mo sumama?

Sheena: Ay! Really? Anong gagawin natin dun?

Ako: Magpapakainterior designer.

Sheena: AYYYY!! Sali ako!

Tumingin ako sa relo ko. Jerwin should still be in the recording studio.. and Istill have two hours bagoako expected dun sa bahay..

 

Ako: It's still too early... You wanna go to the recording studio with me?

Sheena: Eh? Anong gagawin natin dun?

Ako: Hmmm.. manggugulo tayo sa kung anong nirrecord ni Jerwin.. Pero syempre, para di masyadonghalata, magdala tayo ng merienda.

Sheena: *gasp* Tingin mo, papakantahin nila ako dun? O_O

Ako: Adik ka ba? ___ Dadaan lang tayo.

Sheena: Panira ka ng pantasya, lam mo un? __ Anong merienda dadalhin naten?

Napaisip ako... Anoh nga ba? Hmmm...

Ako: May tindahan ng bananaQ at sago at gulaman sa may harap nung building.. Dun na lang tayobumili.

After ng byahe at pangungulit dun sa tindera ng banana cue, pumasok na kami ni Sheena sa allimportant building.. Ang hirap kasama ni Sheena! Gustong pasukin lahat ng kwarto  baka raw makita

 

namin si fafa Piolo nya. __ Ang hirap pa naman kaladkarin sa tamang directionng mga may adrenalinerush.. Kaya ahyan, naligaw pa tuloy kame.. Naaliw si Sheena dahil halos naikot na yata namin ungbuilding kakahanap nung recording studio.

Kaseh naman! Walang directory at "You Are Here" tohng building na toh noh!

Nung ready na kong maggive up, we finally asked a wandering security guard, atnaituro na rin kami sawakas sa tamang daan. __

Buti naman dahel napapagod na ko sa pagkatok sa door #1, #2, #3, and so on.

Note to self: Wag nang isama si Sheena dito next time.

Kumatok ako dun sa door na tinuro nung guard all the while nagdadasal na sana nga, this is it na!

The door opened and sumilip ang mukha ni Kuya Pao.

Isa sa mga nagmmix ng music ni Jerwin si Kuya Pao.. Nakilala ko nung minsang dumaan ako dito.

 

Kuya Pao: Oh Venice! Bumibisita ka?

Ako: Nanggugulo lang, kuya. Busy ba?

Kuya Pao: Di naman. Pasok ka.. or kayo?

Napatingin sya kay Sheena.

Ako: Ay, best friend ko poh, si Sheena. Sheena, si Kuya Pao.

Sheena: Helloh, kuya~

Ay.. tama bang lumandi?

Ngumiti lang si Sheena, and nung tumalikod na si kuya para papasukin kami, hinampas ko kagad si bestfriend.

 

 

Ako: Magbehave ka nga!

Sheena: Bakit ba?! Eh ang cute ni kuya eh!

I gave her one last warning glance bago kami pumasok sa loob. Nasa loob si KuyaPao at si Kuya Trey (isasa mga composers). Buti na lang.. Mukhang kasya ung binili kong banana cue..

Nasa loob ng recording booth si Jerwin. He looked up and waved nung nakita nyang dumating ako.

Kuya Trey: Baahhhh.. Anoh yang dala mo? May share ba kami dyan?

Ako: Syempre naman, kuya. Bribe itoh para sa lahat ng trabaho nyo sa bagong album ni Jerwin.

Kuya Trey: Woohoo! Banana cue!

He bent down tapos nagsalita dun sa mic sa harap nya.

 

Kuya Trey: Jerwin, may dalang merienda ung asawa mo! Labas ka muna dyan!

Sheena: (bulong) Pffft. Asawa ka na raw.

Ako: Shut up. __

Nilagay ko ung bag ng banana cue dun sa maliit na table, tapos pinatong na rin ni Sheena ung tatlongmalalaking baso ng sago't gulaman (parang sakto lang sa kanila ung tatlo.. walapala kaming inumin niSheena). Nagdive kagad ang mga kuya para makikain. Gutom yata sila...

Lumabas si Jerwin ng booth and dumiretso kagad sa'kin.

Jerwin: Ahhh!! Food! (silip sa bananaQ) Where'd you get it? It looks differentfrom how Aling Ligayamakes it..

Ako: This is fresh from the streets. With extra flavor. Try it.

I took one stick tapos nilapit sa reluctant na bibig ni Jerwin.. Masyadong malandi.. Ayaw ng mga food nagaling sa street..

 

 

Ako: It's okay. Promise, walang Hepa toh or kahit anoh.

Kokontra pa sana si Jerwin, pero pinanglakihan ko na sya ng mata. Kumagat ka nadahil kung hinde,isasalpak ko toh sa bunganga mo. *_*

Jerwin: Okay. Fine.

He leaned forward and took a small bite

All of a sudden, the door opened.

While still holding the stick to Jerwin's mouth, I turned my head para tignan kung sinoh ung dumating...and what I saw made me suddenly shove the banana in Jerwin's mouth which I only realized kasi hestarted choking.

Buti na lang, mabilis si Sheena. She immediately offered him one of the cups ngsago at gulaman nungnaguubo si Jerwin..

 

Jerwin: What the hell are you doing!??

I flashed an apologetic smile, then turned again to the new arrival, na nakatayo dun sa may pinto ngstudio.

Jerwin followed where I was looking at, and I think, biglang naging understandable ung pagshove konung saging sa bibig nya.

Jerwin: Geena. What are you doing here? O__O

I felt Sheena nudge me vigorously, before she leaned over to whisper something.Tumaas nanaman angtsismis radar ng loka..

Sheena: (bulong) That's her?!? Oh Em Gee! She's hot!

I shot her a warning look. Geena walked over to where out little group was standing.. May dala rin syangpaper bag.. Dinadalhan nya rin ng merienda si Jerwin...?

 

 

Geena: I was in the building, and I heard you're here too.. I thought you mightbe hungry by now.. So Ibrought your favorite croissant.

"Favorite"? Jerwin likes croissants?

She handed Jerwin the bag, then eyed the bananaQ dun sa mesa.. and I swear, she scoffed at me.... oram I imagining the little glint of mockery in her eyes?

Jerwin: Uh.. thanks.

I looked around the room. Oblivious sa awkward atmosphere ung dalawang kuya masyado silang busysa mga saging nila. Si Sheena naman, nanonood lang. Jerwin accepted Geena's bagand placed it on thetable.

 

Nakakachoke ang atmosphere!

Ako: Uh, I think we should go now.

Sheena: Whe?! Aalis na tayo?!?!

Ako: YES

Sheena: But we just got here. TT

Jerwin: Yea.. you just got here.

Ako: Pupunta pa ko sa bahay, di ba? Dadating ung mga furniture......this... afternoon...

Napatingin ako kay Geena.. Does she know? Does she know Jerwin and I are movingin together?

Is she gonna kill me? T^T

 

 

Jerwin: Oh. Right.

Ako: So.. Okay.. Uh, Kuya Trey, Kuya Pao! Alis na poh kami!

Kuya Pao: Ha? Oh sige! Salamat uhlet sa merienda!

Ako: Sige poh!

I glanced back at Jerwin, and gave him a quick nod. I grabbed Sheena's arm and dragged her out of theroom.. Before completely shutting the door, narinig ko pang may pahabol si Jerwin..

Jerwin: Hey, this bananaQ actually tastes good! Wag nyo kong uubusan, paguuntugin ko kayongdalawa!

Napangiti ako kahit papano.. At least.. natuwa sya sa bananaQ ko. I kinda feltbetter kahit nunglumakad na kami paalis ni Sheena..

Sheena: Bakit natin iniiwan si kabet dun!?!? Baka ahasin nya si Fafa J!!!

 

 

Ako: Ssshhh!!! Relax ka lang ok?!? Let's just go.

Kung alam lang ni Sheena.... Hindi naman si Geena ang extra sa love story eh..

Ako ang kabet.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

The recording session lasted a few more hours after Venice left. For some reason, Geena decided to stayhanggang sa katapusan. She never visited me, much less, stay throughout one of my recording sessionsbefore..

I walked her to her car, just because I'm a nice gentleman.. I thought I'd be able to leave without beinginterrogated, but I guess not...

 

 

Geena: So.. what's this talk about furniture arriving today?

Ako: I rented a house.. Venice is in charge of putting the rooms in order.

Geena: Oh? You gave her that much power over your property?

Ako: Uh.. well...

I don't think there's any way of avoiding this...

Ako: She'll be staying in the same house anyway...

I looked down at my shoes and counted to ten before lifting my head up to face her again which Ikinda wish I didn't. Her face clearly shows she's flabbergasted by what I just revealed.

Geena: You're moving in.. with her?!

 

Ako: Yea.

A bunch of words ran through my mind to try to explain... but I also thought, what's there to explain?

Isn't it normal for couples these days to cohabitate? Especially when they're in the "engaged" stage?

I better run.

Ako: Look.. Uh.. She's waiting for me right now.. So.. uhmm.. I'll go ahead, okay? See you around

Geena: Jerwin!

I froze. Crap. I told you I should run.

Geena: This Friday.. Dustin and I arranged a birthday party for you.

 

 

Ako: What?

Geena: We reserved a banquet hall in the Manila Hotel. At 8 PM. You should come... and I guess, Venicetoo.. Wait, no. Actually, I demand for Venice to come.

Ako: This Friday? I'm sorry, but

Geena: I won't take "no" for an answer. Won't you come? For old times' sake? Okay! I'll see you there!

Before I can respond, she was already in her car slamming the door with brute force too. She justwaved a quick bye, and then sped out of the parking lot just like that.

I didn't even get to tell her that this Friday, Venice's mom is flying back to the States.

::Chapter 41::

Slip of the Tongue

..~*~..~*~..

 

 

(Venice's POV)

.

Ako: It looks.... okay naman.. di ba?

Sheena and I stood by the main door and stared at our finish "design".. We spent hours and hoursmoving furniture around well, di naman exactly "kami" ung nagmove, Jerwin hired some strong armsto carry the furniture around, tagautos lang ako at second opinion naman si Sheena.

Sheena: Yea.. I like it. It looks comfy, pero spacious..

Strong Arm #1: Tapos na poh ba tayo?

Napatingin kami ni Sheena dun sa anim na lalaki na nakaupo sa labas. Kawawa naman sina kuya, naoverwork sa kakabuhat.

Bakit vah.. Binigyan ko naman sila ng malamig na tubig.

 

 

Ako: Ay, opo. Tapos na poh tayo.. Uhmm.. Pano poh ba ang bayaran?

Strong Arm #1: Wag nyo na poh isipin un. Inasikaso na poh ni Mr. Santos ung bayad.

Ay buti naman dahil wala akong ipangbabayad snyo.

Nagtayuan na sila, and nilakad namin ni Sheena ung anim na tagabuhat sa mga trucks nila.. We thankedthem one last time and then watched as they disappeared down the road.

Sheena: Well.. Tara na. Uwi na tayo.

Ako: I have to wait for Jerwin. May usapan kami na dito magmmeet eh.. You wanna stay a little bitlonger?

Sheena: Haaayyyy na ko.. Gustuhin ko man, baka makaistorbo Wait. Kasama nya kaya si Geena?

Ako: I doubt it. __

 

 

Sheena: Oh well. I'm going home then.

Ako: What!? Kung kasama nya pala si Geena, magsstay ka?!?!

Sheena: Syempre! 1st hand tsismis un! Pero dahil wala naman akong masasagap, lalayas na lang ako!

She hailed a tricycle na tamangtama naman na dumadaan.

Sheena: I'll see you tomorrow!

I waved goodbye na lang.. Nasanay na ko sa ka"baitan" ng best friend ko eh.. After mawala nungtricycle, pumasok na uhlet ako sa loob nung bahay.. I walked around the house to survey what we'veaccomplished..

The living room looks cozy.. Pwedengpwede nang manood ng TV dito buong araw, at masaya ka pa rin..

 

The dining room is kinda lacking some ornaments.. pero the mediumsized round table? PRETTY! andmatching pa ung four chairs.. Maybe we can buy some paintings to put on the walls para di masyadongbare..

Aakyat sana ako sa second floor nang narinig kong bumukas ung gate sa labas. Sumilip kagad ako sabintana, and I saw Jerwin's truck na pumapasok dun sa driveway. I immediately opened the door parahintayin sya..

Yakk.. anoh ba yan.. Parang akong housewife na iwwelcome ung husband nya.. Ew.O.O

Sinarado ko uhlet ung pinto, tapos naupo na lang dun sa new couch. Mayamaya, pumasok na si Jerwin.

Jerwin: Why'd you close the door?

Ako: Malamig eh.

Jerwin looked at me all weird. Kaseh nga naman.. di naman talaga ganun kalamig sa labas. Eh bakit ba!?

 

 

I quickly stood up para di na sya makasabat uhlet..

Ako: So?? Anong rating mo sa interior designing skills ko?

Jerwin looked around the room.. From his expression, mukha namang satisfied syasa nakikita nya. Avah,dapat lang noh! Ang hiraphirap kaya magarrange!

Jerwin: Heyy.. Not bad. I like it. Did you do the bedrooms too?

Ako: Yea! Naawa nga ako dun sa mga movers.. Kaseh bago pa nila maakyat ung mga kama tsaka ungvanity table ko.. ung study table mo.. Grabeh..

Jerwin: Well.. That's what I paid them to do.

Umakyat kami sa second floor and went straight dun sa kwarto nya. I'm particularly proud of what I didto his room.. heeheehee..

I grabbed the doorknob and then flashed a big smile at Jerwin.

 

 

1.. 2.. 3!!

I pushed open the door complete with the "tada!" sound pa!

And then I looked at Jerwin para lasapin ang reaction nya..

Ako: So? What do you think?

He cautiously stepped inside.. Looking at the walls.. at his bed.. at his studytable..

Jerwin: Are you sure this isn't your room? O_O

Ako: Duh! I specifically made everything here for you!

 

 

I glanced around my handy work.. I'm so proud.. nyahahaha

Habang umiikot ang tingin ni Jerwin around the room,

sinimulan ko naman ung paliwanag ko as to why his room looks like this.

Dahil nagutom kami ni Sheena kanina, dumaan muna kami sa store para bumili ng makakain.. Dahil samga Valentine designs na nakalagay, pumasok bigla sa magaling kong brain ang concept ng room nya..

Malapit na ang Valentines.. Kaya kailangan, mapagmahal ang kwarto nya.. Binili ko lahat ngparapernalias.

Main Parapernalia #1: Red na Cartolina.

And habang naghihintay dun sa mga movers, I cut out all sizes of hearts: small hearts, medium hearts,big hearts, VERYYY BIGG hearts..

And then I taped them all over the walls tapos naglagay pa ko ng tatlo dun sa kama nya!

Oh! Oh! And his bed!

 

 

Main Parapernalia #2: HeartyHeart Bedsheet

I saw this bedsheet on sale.. It was so cute and it was just screaming: "TAKE MEEE" It's pink na maydesign na hearts. Happy Valentines talaga.. Kaya binili ko rin.

And then his study table. Wala akong makita na notebook na may hearts dun sa sarisari store eh.. kayanagsettle na lang ako sa ballpen.. Fluffy Ballpen.

Main Parapernalia #3: Red & Pink Fluffy Ballpen

Ehto ung mga ballpen na may fluff feather ball sa other end... soft to the touch! Nilagay ko sa penholdernya ung dalawang fluffy ballpen.. Ang cute cute talaga nila.. Match na match saconcept ko.

Jerwin: Are you mad at me or something?

Ako: Di naman.. *gasp* YYou don't like the room? T_T

He quickly looked at me and I immediately pulled my "ohsohurt" expression.

 

 

Jerwin: No! I mean! It's not that I don't like it.. It's.. It's very.... hearty...

Di ko na nakaya! Si kuya! Trying hard not to hurt my feelings, pero ung face naman nya: absolute dread!

Tumawa na ko nang tumawa.. Jerwin just looked at me as if I've gone crazy.

Jerwin: Do you mind explaining what's going on?

Ako: Sunshine naman kaseh! Seryosongseryoso ka sa pagconsider nitong kwarto mo! Syempre naman,ung furniture lang ang inayos ko.. Tingin mo ba papatulugin talaga kita with all these hearts around?hahahaha

Jerwin: You little! Akala ko pa naman seryoso ka sa mga pinaglalagay mong "design" dito!

Ako: Wahahahahaha Sunshine! You're so funny! I love you! O__O

Napatigil akong bigla sa pagtawa nung narinig ko ung sinabi ko.

 

WTQuack?!? Where the hell did that come from?!?

Jerwin blinked twice.. I tried to open my mouth para maghanap ng pangontra sa sinabi ko... but I can'tthink of any. I can feel my face burning up.

All of a sudden, Jerwin smirked.

Jerwin: Oh, so is that why you put hearts all over the room? Coz you love me?

Ako: Che! Hinde noh! It was a joke! A. Joke. I'll help you take them out right now

Jerwin: No. Leave them. We can put them down tomorrow.

Tumingin sya sa relo nya.

Jerwin: Come on. I'll take you home.

 

 

He turned around and left the room. Naiwan lang ako sandali to take deep breaths, to try to regaincomposure.. dahil hindi ako makarecover sa kastupidan na un!

I haven't said I love you in years! At At!! Kay Jerwin pa! Kay Jerwin pa talaga! T__T

Lumakad ako papunta dun sa wall katabi ng pinto, and I started hitting my head di naman masyadongmalakas dahil ayoko rin naman masaktan.

Ako: You're (hit) so (hit) stupid. (hit hit hit hit)

"Am I interrupting something?"

I slowly turned my head dun sa door. Nakasilip si Jerwin with an amused lookon his face.

 

 

Strike two naaa!

Ako: No. *sigh* Let's just go.

I followed Jerwin down the stairs.. still mentally hitting myself. Napansin yata ni Jerwin na kulang na langeh pagulungin ko ung sarili ko, coz he suddenly turned to me and then said,

Jerwin: Venice, it's okay.

Ako: Huh?

Jerwin: I think it's completely healthy for engaged couples to say "I love you"to each other. I will foreverremember your courage in saying it first.

OoO

 

 

He laughed out loud bago nya nilock ung main door behind us and jumped in his truck.. I wasdumbfounded. O_O

Ako: WWWhat?!? YAH!!! JERWIN! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?!?!

::Chapter 42::

Stuck Inside

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

The next day, after school, instead of Jerwin picking me up, or ang starting tobecome a ritual of takingthe jeep home, sinundo ako ni Manong Ponce.

 

 

Today is DDay: The Moving Day... and today rin ang flight ni mother. Although mamaya pang 11 PM angairplane nya..

Sinundo ako ni Manong Ponce from school, and from there, pumunta kami sa bahay para namansunduin si mother at ang mga lastminute gamit ko..

As soon as I stepped inside the house, napatingin kagad ako sa paligid.. Lahat ng furnitures namin, eithernadonate na sa kung saang shelter or nahingi na ng mga kapitbahay.. Malinis naung mga sahig atbintana..

I suddenly feel sad leaving this home.. TT

Mom: Hoy. Anong tinatayotayo mo dyan?

Ako: Bakit ba? Illegal na bang magemote ngayon??

Mom: Sira. Tulungan mo na nga lang ako dito.

 

Panira naman ng moment. __

Pero dahil masunurin akong anak, kinuha ko na ung mga maleta na kaya kong dalhin.. Inisaisa naminung mga gamit and tinambak dun sa van... until finally, wala na.. wala na talagang laman ung bahay.....waahhhh!!! ToT

Nilock na namin ung gate, and pumasok na sa van..

I looked back at the house na siguro eh never ko na uhlet mapapasok... Bahala na ang real estate agentsyo.. TT

Mom: Manong Ponce, magright ka dyan...

Eh??

Ako: San tayo pupunta?

Mom: Ay, sa mga Tita Laura mo muna ako tatambay hanggang mamayang gabi..

 

Ako: EH?! At bakit?!?

Mom: Eh kasi naman, anak.. Matagal nanaman bago kami magkita ulit.. Gusto ko nang lubuslubusin..And sya na rin daw maghahatid sa'kin sa airport.

Ako: Eh pano ako?!? Ako ang anak mo, di mo man lang isspend ang final hours mowith me!?

Mom: Hoy. Anong "final hours"?!? Mamatay na ba ko ha?!?

Ako: You know what I mean.. And besides, we're not even related to Tita Laura, tapos ibburden pa natinsya sa paghatid syo??

Mom: Anoh ba? Tight kami ng tita mo noh.. TIGHT!

___

"TIGHT" raw sila.. TIGHT! Ai josko! Ang mga teenage slang na ginagamit ng nanayko! O_O

Ako: But what about me?!

Mom: Eh ayusin mo na lang ung bahay nyo ni Jerwin.. Magkita na lang tayo sa airport. And besides,ikaw, pwedengpwede ka naman lumipad sa US kahit kelan.. ikaw lang tohng may ayaw eh.. Kayapagbigyan mo na kami ni Tita Laura mo, ok?

 

 

Ako: Fine....

Hinayaan kong ituro ni mom kay Manong Ponce ung daan papunta sa bahay ni Tita Laura.. Anoh pa ngabang magagawa ko, eh sa ehto ang gusto ng nanay ko?

Pinagpalit ako sa "tightness" nila? Tama ba un!?

When we reached Tita Laura's house, tinulungan na namin si mommy na ibaba lahatng gamit nya.. Patiung asawa ni Tita, lumabas na para makihaul ng mga maleta at boxes..

Nung napasok na lahat, nagbye bye na ko kay mom para naman pumunta dun sa bahay namin niJerwin.... Oh well..

The house was dead quiet nung pumasok kami ni Manong Ponce. Pero, syempre, whatdid I expect nganaman? Eh nasa work pa si Jerwin..

Mabilisan naming inakyat sa kwarto ko ung mga gamit ko, kaseh malapit na maguwian si Jean, whichmeans, malapit na rin manundo si Manong Ponce..

 

After half an hour ng pagakyat, nagbye bye na rin si Manong Ponce.. Siguraduhin ko raw na nakalockung pinto.. and then he left.

At naiwan na kong magisa sa bahay....

Ang tahimik... amazingly tahimik... ___

Okay! Let's get busy!

Sinimulan ko na ung paglabas nung mga gamit ko..

Clothes and shoes.. sa walkin closet

Kalandian things.. sa vanity table

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L+H as(jTst qâowt vo dhp 9g in the pot nang may narinig akong biglang kumalabog sa may hallway. @__@

I paused to listen, pero nawala na uhlet ung ingay..

Ako: I must be imagining things... __

Babalik na sana ako sa pagsandok nung ulam, nang may kumalabog ulit. This time,I froze. I'm notimagining it.

"May inuwi si nanay, si nanay, sa bahay...

Sinabit nya, sinabit nya, sa tabi ng bahay..

Awhoooo~~"

O___O

 

I cautiously walked over to where the muffled song is coming from.. I can feel my heart beating hardagainst my chest..

Is it a ghost? I hate ghosts.. not that I've ever seen one.....

Wouldn't it be more realistic to think it might be an intruder?

What the hell? We just moved in and may magnanakaw na kagad?!?

"May inuwi si nanay, si nanay, sa bahay~

Sinabit nya, sinabi nya, sa tabi ng bahay..."

It's coming from the closet...

May kung anong kumaluskos sa loob.. @_@

Maybe it's a mouse.. a singing mouse?

God, I hope it's a mouse.

 

 

I took a deep breath and then biglang bukas nung closet door.

Tingin kagad ako sa loob while holding the sandok up for defense.

But... there's nothing inside......

All of a sudden....

GRAB!

@.@

Ako: (screams) aaAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Something Something grabbed my leg!

 

 

Nagkadapadapa ako sa paglayo sa kung ano man ung nasa loob nung closet!

Ako: WWha?!? WWho's in there?!?!?!

Someone slowly crawled out of the closet.. I'm not exactly sure if it's a "someone".. Kamukha ni CousinIt.. Where the face is supposed to be, puro buhok ang nandun.. and why is she crawling on the floor!?!

Venice: Argh..... Sunshine... It's me.... _____

Ako: Venice?!?!

Venice: Yea... argh.. __

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 k ytfq 9/û birlh4á{?!è/ 4`rw uhe¤`sRôx/  

Pero bago pa man makasagot si Jerwin, I saw a flash of gold walking up to us.. and biglang nanikip angdibdib ko..

Isang tao lang ang kilala kong mukhang dyosang bumaba sa lupa..

It's Geena.

Geena: You're late. I was starting to think I threw the party for nothing.

 

 

Then, to my surprise, she suddenly turned to me and smiled.. She SMILED at ME! O _O

Geena: It's so nice that you can come, Venice.

Ako: Uh.. yes.. O_O

Geena: Oh, well, I'll see you guys later.. The refreshments and the food are over there. Help yourself.

And with that, she walked away swinging her hips from side to side.. As usual, she's so pretty....

I hit Jerwin's arm.

Jerwin: Aw! What?!?

Ako: You brought me to Geena's party?!?

 

Jerwin: It's my party.. Didn't you hear them greet me happy birthday?..... although.. yea.. Geena threw itfor me...

Aish!

PAK!

Jerwin: Hey, it's free food!

PAK!

Jerwin: We'll leave as soon as we can.. __

::Chapter 44::

Lady In Red

 

 

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Why am I here..... __

Tumingintingin ako sa mga mukha ng mga girlaloos na nakapaligid sa'kin.. They're all famed faces... VJ..Actresses.. Supermodel... At ang pinakamasakit pa, katapat ko mismo si Geena..

 ___

I have no idea how it came to this... Jerwin and I were looking at the finger food laid out dun sa tablewhen Dustin came by and "took" Jerwin.. Hindi na bumalik si kuya.. Naaliw yata dun sa little huddlenilang mga lalaki sa likod..

At dahil sa sobrang swerte ko, sa dinamidami ng mga taong pwedeng kumausap sa'kin, si Geena SIGEENA pa ang talagang dumating.. Dinala nya ko dun sa table nya at ng mga superstar nyang friends..*sigh* Bakit nga ba ko sumama?

 

 

Ang favorite subject pa nila: Ako.

I wanna cry. T^T

Krystal: You're so lucky, Venice.. Jerwin is really a great guy.

Honey: Not to mention, hot! I mean, have you seen his abs!??

Ako: Ha? Oh.. yea.. *gulp* His abs...

Nagflash bigla sa utak ko picture nung "abs" nya nung nagphotoshoot kami sa beach.. Whoo! *sweat*

Farrah: So tell me, does he serenade you with his songs? (bi¾ nÞ :º%MR'¸Òr"I@ócÆir  Àkñ£æ° ×®yzê8Ý  q|Þ> Ý£Ó dÝ_Àd íдÿl¥ä/±ê\jÍÆHoºb åÆî<õ"¦Ì) ¬6Tî lV]«ÓY8#Ñ4öáʸú%9ÝJRE7ÇîçÖöamuû¦Þ \Î. ÌK "/ }©ì×"öMS~J*AñU c7   6ó É*6 »³Ù» n/Xj|MLÍÆÝð {å¥   5.º(  ZâõÃËøVÖ#¼½fǵ«@ù6Ú6µ Dm ÿª·Ìd]| `eðS:  jýònùùåtí ûRÉof¸+¬0Þ1ãýehAàäûõàÄÊúÑ Ê2&Q  _I&#^¬&òôÅ×J ¨KË@,.ÆÿµDҠȼª1Uù\úϪt'

 

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Ako: So nagpapakaSuperman ka?

Jerwin: Hey, at least I didn't think na maging sardinas noh!

Ako: _____ Shut up.

We walked to the center of the dancefloor, squeezing ourselves through the other couples who arealready there.

Jerwin: And, besides, don't you think it's time to dance with the birthday boy?

He twirled me around once before pulling me close to him for a slow dance.. He gently put my arms onhis shoulders, then placed his hands on my waist.

Ako: Are you doing this to make your friendsslashmy fanboys jealous?

Jerwin: (laughs) That's a good idea.

 

Ako: Hmm.. May potential suitor ba ko dun sa mga fanboys na un?

Jerwin: Hey. That's harsh. ____ How can you look for a suitor while you're engaged to the hottestsinger in the country AKA me? And you're saying it while dancing with me too! 

Ako: (natawa) Ahsush.. Dramahan ba ko?

Jerwin: I'm not..

Ako: Nasa good mood ka yata? Kanina ka pa nakangiti ah.. Lasing ka na ba?

Jerwin: What?!? Of course not! I only had one shot..

Ako: Eh anong nginingitingiti mo?

Jerwin's smile got wider as he pulled me even closer to him..

So close na it must be sinful to have other people see us like this..

Jerwin: Coz you're wonderful.

 

Anoh raw?

I tried to step back a little para tignan ung mukha nya,

pero Jerwin stopped me and held me tighter.

Jerwin: Don't ruin the moment, Venice..

Ako: Moment??

Jerwin: Just dance with me.. Let this be our time.

I don't get it, pero tumahimik na ko.. I relaxed in his arms and pinatong ung face ko on his chest, lettinghim sway me in tune with the music..

Somehow, being like this in his arms makes me feel like all the hell I've been through since I stepped inthis party never happened..

 

Now, it feels like it's just me and him..

I took in the subtle smell of his cologne..

I can even feel the steady beating of his heart..

and then when the song came to its chorus,

I hear him softly singing in my ear..

Jerwin: (sings) The lady in red is dancing with me

There's nobody here, it's just you and me

It's where I wanna be

But I hardly know this beauty by my sid í Ã p¢  ê¯ßyë,!wö÷ Ê$&,= ÚFÚö .ü÷®haêC¥« T

 

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Eh sya?!?!? Tama bang gawin akong isda?!?

Before I can counterattack, Jerwin immediately grabbed my hand and started dragging me around theroom to say goodbye to the guests.. People were trying to stop him from leaving, pero Jerwin justlaughed at their attempts.

I tried looking for Geena, pero I didn't find her in the room.

Hanggang sa paglabas namin, I still didn't catch a glimpse of the girl... whichis good. nyaha.

We stopped sa entrance nung hotel..

 

 

Jerwin: Wait here, I'll get the truck.

Ako: Okay.

..

(Geena's POV)

.

I watch the two of them walk out of the hotel. Jerwin whispered something to Venice, and then hestrode away to the parking lot. Venice stood there, her arms wrapped around herself...in that red dressshe claimed Jerwin bought for her.

It's sickening.

 

 

"Geena.. What are you doing here?"

I didn't have to turn to know who it was. Lately, it's always been Dustin who looks for me..

Me: Look at them, Dustin.. Acting like the perfect couple..

He stood next to me and watched the scene outside. Jerwin finally pulled up histruck, and thenhurriedly got out to open the door for his "fiancée".. Venice smiled at him before getting inside..

The perfect couple..

Dustin: Let's go back inside, Geena.

Me: I talked to Jerwin earlier.

 

Jerwin ran to the driver's side, and the "ohsohappy" couple finally drove away.

Me: I tried to make him meet me for his birthday.. just like how we did it the past year.. Him.. Me.. alonesomewhere.. And do you know what he told me? He said he's spending his birthdaywith that nobody!

I turned to Dustin, fuming with anger.

Me: He chose her over me! And then he walked away! He's playing me!

Dustin: Geena..

Me: But I'll make him see... If making Venice realize her place didn't work, then I'll make sure to destroyher. I'll ruin her! I'll break her! I don't care if I get my hands dirty.. I will get Jerwin back.

::Chapter 45::

Simple Plan

..~*~..~*~..

 

 

(Venice's POV)

.

The next day, maagaaga akong gumising.. Maaga na ung 10:00 AM, lalo na kung Sabado di ba? Habangnasa kung anong music session si Jerwin, pumunta naman ako sa ABS para sa rehearsal for tomorrow'ssemisurprise birthday segment ni Jerwin..

Everybody was really friendly, and masaya sila dahil pumayag ako na magappear sa show... Syempre,sabay tukso na kaya lang ako lalabas eh dahil, bukod sa birthday segment ni Jerwin un, happy valentinesday na rin..

Tinuro lang sa'kin kung kailan ako lalabas, kung pano ako iikot dun sa upuan niJerwin, kung san akotatayo.. And syempre, dalawang beses na rin na practice nung song with the band..

Natapos kami three hours later.. __

 

I'm hungry. famished. starving. TT

After saying goodbye and thank you, nagmamadali na kong tumakbo paalis.. Di akosure kung anongoras uuwi si Jerwin.. pero baka pwede pa kong makatambay sa bahay and watch some cooking shows..

I turned in one corner and halos marinig ko ung SCREEECCHH sa sobrang bigla nang pagtigil k?D¤~âìÿ+4 ýöÃX ò& ÈÝÀ3Ù  º¥JÊ ¹¯

 

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+jåàt to me... He had his hand hand on ME..

Ako: WHAT?!?!?!

 

 

I bolted up from the couch and towered over the startled Venice. Nararamdaman kong umaakyat lahatng dugo sa ulo ko.

Ako: Minanyak ka?!?!?

Venice reluctantly nodded her head.

I'm gonna f*cking kill that guy!

Ako: What did you do?!? Did you punch the hell out of him?!?

Venice: Tinignan ko lang sya nang masama, and then, hinampas ko ung bag ko sa kanya.. O__O

Ako: Why didn't you beat the hell out of him?!? ARGH! Do you remember his face?! I'm gonna bring youto a sketch artist right now!

 

 

Venice: Eh?!? WWhy? O_O

Ako: I'm going to hunt that bastard down! I'm gonna broadcast his face all overthe news! When I findhim, I'm gonna kill him! I'm gonna f

Venice: WHOAAA!! Sunshine! Relax ka lang! O_O Mas hot ka pa sa'kin ah!

May kung anong amused expression na sa mukha nya si Venice as she watches me pace back and forthdun sa living room.

Seriously, how can she tell me to relax in a time like this?!?!

Ako: Let's go to the police station right now.

Venice: Eh?!? Abno ka ba? I don't even remember the dude's face. O_O Hindi ako nakakaalala ng mgapanget.

Ako: Then, we'll track him down!

Venice: Oh for crying out loud.. __ Alam mo ba kung gano karaming FX meron saPinas?!?

Ako: I don't care! That little!! How dare heÊfò¸ÍP{®ç ~aâSÙN¥îOyè¬2É  çps[4æPwjö¾% 7*Ú ¹± YF)¾ É¼h û»"åh1ã Nd

 

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°JÊako: Ái kaseh naman!

Jerwin: Geez.. Umatras ka ulit.

I put the truck in reverse (just like how he showed it to me) and then, as sloowwwly as I can, umatrasako

BOOM!

 

OoO

Ako: Oh sshhht. <'O.O'>

My foot immediately stepped on the brake, and my hands flew to my mouth (napamura pa tuloy nangwala sa oras ).

May naatrasan ako.. May bumunggo sa'kin.... May BUMUNGGO sa'kin!!!

Nasaktan ko ang ohsoprecious truck! Jerwin is going to kill me.

Napatingin kagad ako kay Jerwin.. Isang libong excuse kagad ang tumakbo sa utakko!

"Sunshine, may aso yatang nagsuicide!"

"Ubos na ung gas...?"

 

 

"Hinimatay ung truck mo, Sunshine..."

Nanlalaki ung mata ni Jerwin.. Nashock talaga sya! O_O

He opened his mouth na parang magsisimula na syang magfreak out.. Then he paused and really staredat my burning face and to my surprise, he just shook his head and laughed tohimself.

Jerwin: Ishift mo sa 'park' ung kambyo, and step out.

Sumunod kagad ako.. Halos madapadapa pa sa pagmamadali wag lang akong masigawan..

With all the feminine gentleness na kaya ko, dahandahan kong sinarado ung pinto as I nervously waitfor Jerwin to finish inspecting the back of his truck.

 

Kamustah na kaya ung nagsuicide na aso? __

Jerwin: Well.. wala namang gasgas.. Lucky for you, the garbage can didn't leaveany mark.

Ahhh di pala suicidal na aso ang natamaan ko..

Jerwin: Why are your eyes so big?

*gulp*

Jerwin: Your face is red too. Are you okay?

I nodded. O.o

 

Inikutan nya ko ng isang beses, examining.. and then finally, he laughed again.

Jerwin: You're scared! Akala mo papagalitan kita noh?

Ako: Hindi ba?

Jerwin: Well, I was going to.. But when I heard you curse, then cover your mouth.. and namula ka pa!

He stepped closer to me and pinched my cheek.

Jerwin: Ang cuuuttte mo! Now, give me the keys.

O_o

I handed him the keys, and watched him jump inside the truck. I rubbed the cheek na pinisil nya. Tamabang panggigilan ako?

 

 

__

Kung di ko lang nabunggo ung truck mo..... Psh.

Jerwin: Anoh pang tinatayotayo mo dyan? Get inside.

Ako: What? Tapos na ang driving lessons natin?

Jerwin: No. We're driving over to my parents' house.

Ako: Bakit?

Jerwin: My mom has an old car we rarely use. At least un, kahit ibunggo mo, I don't think anyone wouldmind.

And thus.. the torture continues. __

 

"Ate Veniceeeee!!!"

As soon as Jerwin dropped me off the front, sumalubong kagad sa'kin si Jean. Asusual, hyper nanamansya.

Jean: Anong ginagawa nyo dito? Kamustah ung bagong bahay? (biglang silip sa liko ko) Kasama nyo ba siPrince Charming ko?

Ako: Jean, ilang beses ko bang sasabihin syo, never magiging "Prince" si Kenny.__ "Princess", masposible pa kung princess.

Jean: I don't care. Anyway, okay na ba ung performance mo bukas?

Ako: It's not a performance. Guest appearance lang sya. I went to the rehearsalkanina, seems likeeverything's going to be okay.

Jean: Eh ang Valentine dinner? Okay na ba?

Ako: Well.. anoh... Magaling na teacher si Aling Ligaya sa pagluluto eh.. So, magiging ok naman siguro..

 

Natahimik kaming bigla nang nakita namin si Jerwin naglalakad palapit. Keep thesecret from thereceiver.. nyahaha

He gave Jean a playful hug before walking with us papasok ng bahay.

Jerwin: Where's mom and dad?

Jean: Tinatanong pa ba un, kuya? As usual, they're at work. Why did you suddenly drop by nga pala?May naiwan ka pang mga gamit?

Jerwin: Yea.. I need to get a few more things, and I'm borrowing mom's old car.

Jean: Hm? Why?

Ako: Dahil ayaw nya nang ipahamak ulit ung mahal nyang truck.

Jerwin: I'm teaching your ate how to drive.

Jean: Ohhhh! Ate, that's good! Para next time, maglakwatsa na lang tayong dalawa without MangPonce!

Ako: Di ka ba makalabas nang wala si Mang Ponce?

Jean: Mom doesn't li!YyG@uùY 4Ä©=E$ýsè÷ÀkI#Í"L"Þ;¢Å/úýH¨&\(Ü?hÐs

 

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After nun, hindi na sya nagsalita.. at hindi nya ko tinitignan!

Nakarating na kami't lahat sa dressing room nya, dinedeadma pa rin ako.. I knowI should feel awkward(maybe a little bit guilty?) after that little thing kanina, pero anoh bang magagawa ko? High ako fromnervousness at lack of sleep.. Girls just wanna have fun!

Ako: Valentines na Valentines, dinedeadma mo ko.. Tama ba naman un? Di ba dapatbinibigyan mo^g¹}ò 9 3} yâvM´ë×ÛÉ¡ÁuÊm³ÏÓ'x_=0ÕYrײûB< ëb¼:£<¨ÿå !¡ø%PóúYS5Ä/I¼Êþª´SUGr×Qñ± S¤ÖÆþ ªYâB  ¥ÃR & dþ=H³#´©U¡ `OÐ8Ø+D   ùÑE|֠ɨSÆÏU&:c%yl£

 

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Ako: Eh vahket ba!? Gusto kong makita si fafa Piolo!

Jerwin: Piolo isn't even here.

Ako: Eh di maghahanap ako ng ibang fafahin. It's a free country.

Jerwin: I think you're forgetting something.

He pointed at my left hand.

Jerwin: That diamond ring on your finger means you're engaged to me.

Ako: Gusto mo, hubarin ko muna?

 

 

Jerwin: You wanna die?

Ako: Uuuyyy.. Possessive ka na ha..

Jerwin: Of course. I need to take good care of what's mine.

Ay? Nakikiride na si kuya.. Nasa good mood na sya?

Ako: Anoh ako, pet? Kailangan ng "good care"?

Jerwin: Tender, loving care...

He suddenly got up from his chair, and tumayo sa harap ko.. At ang nakakawindang pa, he bent over andnilapit nya ung mukha nya sa mukha ko. O__O

Ako naman si shocked, hindi nakagalaw.

 

Ako: BBakit ka lumalapit ng ganyan? Uh, personal space please?! O_O

Jerwin: Personal space? You think that still applies here? You already saw me naked.

Ako: HALF! HALFnaked! O.O

He moved closer to me again..

Nagaalarm na ang all kinds of panic alarm sa brain ko, pero hinde talaga ako makagalaw.. I just stared athis face, fearing.... err.. okay.. halffearing what he's gonna do.. halfanticipating if he has the guts to doit.

Jerwin: Hmm.. naked, halfnaked.. It's still the same.. I should get something back, right? To make useven?

Ako: *gulp* BBut I've seen you in your swimming trunks before.. That can stillbe considered halfnaked... O.O

Jerwin: Nope. That's different. Swimming trunks is different from a towel. And I don't keep myself inshape para lang bastabasta masilipan.

Ako: WWhat are you saying?

 

Jerwin: I need to charge a viewing fee, of course.

Ako: Wala akong pera.

Jerwin: Who says I'm gonna ask for money?

Ako: Uh.. What do you want then?

Josko poh.. 200 miles a minute na ang tibok ng puso ko.

Pinagpapawisan na rin ang likod ko.. Parang kanina lang, ako ang nangttrip dito ah! O.O

Jerwin placed his hands on the chair's armrests, totally imprisoning me in thatsmall little space. His faceis so close to mine, na I can feel his breath on my skin.

Jerwin: How about a kiss?

Ako: EHHH?!?!

 

 

Ahyan na! Nagputukan na ang mga veins ng puso ko!

I can feel my face burning in a way na may lumalabas na yata na steam sa tenga ko.

Jerwin started to inch his face even closer, and all I could do was close my eyes shut.

>___<

What to do?! What to do?! What to do?!!?!?!

5 seconds..

6..

7..

 

8..

Pagdating ng 10 at wala pa rin ung "kiss", I cracked one eye open na. It can't possibly take him that longto...do it right?

>_o

o_o

I knew it. ___

Nakatayo si Jerwin far from me, resting his back on the dressing table in front.. He's watching me with ateasing grin on his face.

I fell for the little jerk's trick. __

 

 

Jerwin: Ha! I've never seen anyone turn that shade of red before.

Ako: You!!! You lizard! What the hell was that for!?!? You almost gave me a heart attack!

Jerwin: Oh? Are you disappointed na hindi ko tinuloy?

O_O

Ako: NNo! Bakit naman ako maddisappoint!? Kung tinuloy mo un, I would've smacked your face rightthen and there!

Jerwin: But you should have seen your face! You looked adorable kahit na may tiny bit of pagkaridiculous.

Ako: WWhat?!

Jerwin: And with this, we're even now, my dear.

Ako: Deardearin mo yang mukha mo!

 

 

Tumawa lang si Jerwin amidst my panic scoldings. After checking himself one last time at the hugemirror, he walked past me papunta sa pinto..

Jerwin: Well, the show is going to start in a minute, so I have to go.

Binuksan nya na nang konti ung door, pero bago pa sya completely lumabas, he turned to face meagain..

Jerwin: And, Venice? If you want a kiss, all you have to do is ask..

OoO

I grabbed the small pillow behind me and threw it with all my might papunta kayJerwin!

 

Ako: Shut UP!

He gracefully dodged the bullet, and went out of the room laughing. I slumped in the chair, trying tomake my heart go back to its normal beating rate.

Ako: Lokong un... Maloloka pa ko nang wala sa oras.

::Chapter 48::

A Song For You

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

 

The show has been going on for almost an hour now. I've performed, I cohosted.. Naalala ko na kungbakit hindi ako pumirma ng kontrata to host a noontime show. Parang ang tagal ng oras..

And I haven't seen Venice since we started.

Ano na kaya nangyari dun??

"Jerwin! Get on stage!"

Stage? What?

Napatingin ako kay direk.. I'm not supposed to go up til later.. What's he talkin' about?

Direk: Jerwin!

Ako: Yea?!?

 

 

Before I knew it, I was being dragged on stage by two of the hosts, and the camera was already focusedon us. We're on air.

WTH?

Tumingin kagad ako dun teleprompter para tignan kung may sasabihin ba ko or what.. pero wala namanakong linya na lumalabas.

Carlo: And now, ehto na ang special segment para sa current prince of songs.

Special segment?

Mark: Mukhang confused na confused ka, Jerwin ha..

Ako: Ay, obvious0}î\1 

 

O,úÁ ÷¹è

 

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"Kuyaaa~! "

And of course.. si Jean ang magsisimula ng greetings..

I listened to the usual birthday greetings from the usual people.. Si Nicole.. Dustin.. Jean.. a few coworkers.. and syempre, mawawala pa ba ang pangaral ni manager..

Nung natapos ung message ni manager, akala ko tapos na.. Lagi kasing si managerang huling message..But to my surprise, may isa pang recorded message na lumabas.

"Jerwin. "

 

 

It's Venice.

___

Kaya pala sumama ung babaeng un.. Gusto nyang makita sarili nya sa screen noh!

The audience got restless nung nakita nila ung tao sa screen. They still can't get enough of seeing her..Natural na tsismoso na yata talaga ang mga tao..

"Happy Birthday and Happy Valentines! Uhmm.." Lumipat ung focus ng mata nya dunsa kung sinoh manung may hawak nung camera. "Wala na bang taketwo toh?"

Oh wow.. She WOULD ask that..

 

 

Nagtawanan ung mga tao.. but I could barely hear them.. I was focusing on the video.. It's weird thatthey didn't edit that out.. Natuwa yata si direk..

"Uhmm.. I know na hindi tayo masyadong naguusap tungkol sa mga ganitong "sweet" na bagay.. Kayalubuslubusin mo na ang pakikinig dito ok?!"

I felt Carlo slap my back, napatingin tuloy ako sa kanya. Tumatawa silang dalawa ni Mark.. Pano nganamang hinde, eh saan ka pa ba nakakita ng "heartfelt" na message tapos biglangganunganun anghirit? Venice talaga..

"Ano.. I just wanna say how proud I am of you. You're a wonderful person to your family, friends andeven to strangers. The longer I watch you and the longer we've been together.... It's been great."

Oh.. seryoso na sya ngayon..

 

"Hmm I don't really know what to say.. kasi naman si direk, biglabigla lang sumusulpot tapos sasabihinna lang na irecord ko toh" Napatingin ulit dun sa kung saan (I'm guessing ehkung san nakatayo si direk). "So, I guess I'll just sing you a song.. Alam ko naman how much you love hearing me sing.."

Hala.. Kelan ko sinabi un?!?

I mean, it's true.. Pero.. kelan ko sinabi un?!?

"Kaya makinig kang mabuti ha! I chose this song especially for you. "

The music started and the people erupted in a round of applause.

Kakanta si Venice dun sa video??

Carlo and Mark suddenly left the stage, and then narinig kong gumalaw ung stageset sa likod ko. Iturned around to look..

It was moving to the side... revealing Venice..

 

She's wearing a different outfit from the one she wore when we came.. The blue dress looks good onher. Her hair has been loosely curled.. and she has makeup on.

More importantly, she's holding a mic.

She's going to sing live.

Venice: (sings) I pinch myself

Sometimes to make sure I'm not in a dream

That's how it seems

I close my eyes and breathe in the sweetest moments I've ever known

It feels like home

And here I am

I want to be your everything

There you are

 

 

Turning winter into spring...

She walked towards me, and I couldn't help but smile at her.

I know how she feels about singing in front of the camera.. I know she doesn't want to perform in frontof an audience anymore.. But here she is.. Singing a song just for me.

She looks nervous. I reached out my hand to her, which she gladly took. I smiled at her to tell her she'sdoing great.. and then, there it is.. that transformation.. Her voice even becomes more spectacular whenshe's confident.

The song wasn't that long.. Syempre, pinutol na nila para di makasakop ng masyadong mahabang oras..But it was alright.

When Venice finished, she gave my hand a quick squeeze.

She lowered the mic bago sya nagsalita ulit..

 

 

Venice: Advance happy birthday, Sunshine..

Suddenly, I didn't care about the audience or the cameras.. I took her face in my hands, and then Ileaned in..

The sudden noise in the studio somewhat woke me up from what I was about to do,pero wala nangtigiltigil..

I landed a soft peck at the tip of Venice's nose. much to the delight of everybody watching.

Ako: You're the best.

Venice looked startled at first, but then she met my eyes and she smiled. She'snot freaking out..

Carlo: Yihheeeee! Tama bang manginggit sa harap ng mga singles dito?!?

Mark: Oo nga!

 

Ako: Anong "singles"?!? May mga girlfriend kayo ah!

I wrapped an arm around Venice as the other two proceeded with their script. Finally, nung commercialbreak na, Venice and I went back to the dressing room.

Venice: Maannn.. I thought I was going to die~ TT

Ako: Yea right.. You little sneak.. I didn't know you were gonna perform today!

Venice: Duh. Kaya nga surprise eh..

I closed the door behind me, and then walked over to where Venice was standing,checking herreflection in the mirror.

She looked at me nung nakita nyang nakatayo na ko sa tabi nya.

 

Venice: What?

I smiled at her and then pulled her in my arms. She was surprised by the gesture, but she didn't push meaway.

Venice: Errr... should I be hugging you back? Iiyak ka ba?

Ako: (chuckles) No. I just want to thank you.

Venice: Kailangan talaga may hug pa?

Ako: I've always thought it'd be nice to have someone sing a song especially for me.. I never had anyonesing for me.. I never thought it would happen.

Venice: Sunshine..

Ako: So.. Thank you for the song. You're amazing.

. .

 

. . . .

Venice: Ang cheesy mo naman.. Parang kanina lang pinagttripan mo ko ah.. Mood swings ba itoh? Timeof the month?

___

*sigh*

I let her go, sabay tingin sa kanya.

Ako: You! You really know how to ruin a moment!

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Dustin: You're in love with her?

Ako: Huh?? O_O

Nanlaki ung mga mata ko dun sa simpleng tanong na un. I guess I've been too busy with things that Inever really got to thinking about this issue.

Venice and I.. We're comfortable with each other. Ang layo na ng narating naminsince the first time wemet. Maliit na ang possibil(±s *Ò3[çøv2¨1éΠ¡õª  îC  pâð O麢Ϡ

 

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ò( ö$ûJKí¬³%K9Mw what you mean.. Uh, sure.. I guess..

Haayyyyy.. ___

Finally, after two hours in the restaurant, we finally left. I checked my watchagain. 9:00 PM.. WTH? It'salready this late?!?

 

 

Geena: Sorry.. I didn't mean to keep you for so long.

Ako: It's okay. It can't be helped.

Damn the waiter who took forever bringing us the desserts and the check!!!! Haayyy..

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%ntmw loinï(ä)Ct< a galcef + ô!of ôie òoäm,Ggl8lz klnómjgph  dz behind me.. I stood outside hfor a few moments, fighting the urge to wake her up and drag her somewhere niceso I can make it up toher..

Pero syempre, di ko gagawin un. Saan naman kami pupunta?

Napatingin ulit ako dun sa niluto ni Venice..

I'm not really hungry, but...

How can anyone say 'no' to beef steak?

::Chapter 51::

Picture To Burn

 

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

I woke up the next day nung naramdaman kong nasusunog na ang balat ko sa matinding sikat ng araw.

 __ I hate waking up in the mornings... pero anong magagawa ko? It's Monday. Kailangan magpakaestudyante.. .

Umikot ako ng kama para gumulong sana pababa nang nakita ko ang mapupulang bulaklak sa nightstandko. O_O

Of course, napatayo akong bigla gising na gising.

It's a bouquet of red roses.. one dozen red roses for moi?

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 JI aa~0dee,0t8c leát,69qhng õp"tl"mi þERe/!Mx8viqyo Is ã%Ät)~câät2rZ&BK Ôon#t"kggw"óxgthev iu w F Pån'Is®..ªo²(Kgao5ê#?`

 

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"Jerwin Santos and Georgina Schmitz were seen frolicking together in a highendshopping mallyesterday."

Valentine's Day...

"The two seem to be in a date" ... "They dined in a restaurant famous among couples" ... "He bought abouquet of flowers for the model."

But.. he bought flowers for me too...

And then finally, I knew it was coming, but it still hit me pretty hard when I saw it: "People can't help butwonder: where could Jerwin's fiancée be?"

 

 

.....

No way....

I finally lost all will to remain standing. I dropped on my knees, staring in disbelief at the empty space infront of me. Buti na lang nakasandal ako sa pinto sa likod ko, otherwise I would have fallen flat on myback.

I know Jerwin can be stupid sometimes, but... this level of stupidity is just absurd. He's still young. Thelump of flesh in that skull of his shouldn't be shrinking so fast!

My gaze shifted to the brown envelope that came with the newspaper. I was startled to find my namewritten on it.

What got me even more confused, "Venice" lang ang nakalagay. Walang return address, walang stamp.Kahit nga ung address ko, wala. I wonder how it managed to get in the right mailbox...

 

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Aish... What the hell are these pictures!?!?

If I didn't know what really happened, it would seem like I really was out on adate. Lalong kumulo angdugo ko nung nakita ko ung last picture. Were our faces that close?!?

 

 

Aishtt..

If Venice saw this.....

Napatingin ulit ako dun sa uniform sa kama... Then, a sense of dread started tocreep in my system as Isort of realized what happened.

I immediately took out my phone and called Sheena back.

Sheena: You hang up on me tapos ngayon tatawagtawag ka!?!?

Ako: Sheena!

Sheena: Eh? Oh?

She must have sensed the sudden urgency in my voice cause she quickly piped down, and she sounds anitsy bitsy bit calmer than she was earlier.

 

 

Ako: Where's Venice?

Sheena: What do you mean where's Venice? Wala ba sya dyan snyo? Kanina pa naminhinahanap dito saschool, pero we couldn't find her. So we assumed na nagstay sya sa bahay nyo.

Crap.

I heard some noise from the other line as Sheena tries to fend off someone fromgrabbing the phone.But it seemed like she failed dahil ung susunod na boses na narinig ko is si Kenny na.

Kenny: JERWIN SANTOS! Pag may nangyari kay Venice, nakoooo!!!! Kahit na mahal na mahal ka ngbuong puso't kaluluwa ko, I swear, babalatan kita ng buhay at pupulbusin at ikakalat sa Pasig River!

I think I'm starting to understand kung bakit sadista si Venice.. __

 

 

Ako: Don't worry. I'll look for her. I'll call you back.

Biglang nag180 degree turn ang boses ni Kenny, as lumabas nanaman ang natural personality nya.

Kenny: Oh okay~ . Call me, okay, Fafa J?

Sheena: Bruha! Lumandi ka nanaman! Akin na nga yan!

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Me: Oh, yea! Venice goes here, doesn't she?

I shot Dustin a look. Yes, this is Venice's school. So what? Did he really think I was going back to schoolwhen my portfolio is still cramped with fashion shows and photoshoots? Yea right..

Girl 2: Yes, Venice goes here. Although.. this is her last semester.

Me: Are you acquainted with her?

Girl 1: We're not exactly close friends. She's a year ahead of us. But everyonein this school knows her.She's been the topic of conversations, especially after that thing that happened two years go.. and well,of course, getting engaged to one of the hottest celebrities right now.

Me: What "thing" happened two years ago?

 

 

The two girls looked at each other. This is where the good part begins. Who would've thought it'd bethis soon? I didn't even need to manipulate these girls!

Girl 1: Uh well.. Her relationship with Gerard Sheen. Everyone knows about it. People still mention it tothis day once in a while.

Me: Oh, she had a boyfriend?

Dustin: Geena, I think we should go.

I turned to Dustin in annoyance. Why is he being such a pain today?

Me: What, why? I still need to wait for the counselor. If you have to go, it's okay. I can just get a cab totake me to work later.

 

That shut him up. Really, he should learn to just stay quiet and not bother my gathering of informationhere. I turned back to the two girls and motioned for them to sit next to me. The two were reluctant atfirst, but who can refuse my offer?

Me: So.. Venice had a boyfriend?

Girl 1: Yea.. I can still remember the hype it created when people first found out. No one expectedVenice to have a real boyfriend.

Me: Why?

Girl 2: Venice wasn't the type of person to settle down. We were really surprised when she and Gerardhooked up. But people eventually warmed up to the two of them. They looked really happy together.

Me: And.. where is this Gerard guy now?

They looked at each other again. This time, they look a little fidgety as well.I'm so glad I came.

Girl 1: Gerard died. About two years ago.

 

Girl 2: Yea.. When Gerard passed away, Venice wasn't the same girl anymore. Shewasn't as sociable asshe used to. It was like she died along with him.

Me: She must have really liked him then?

Girl 1: m *ËíJ-X7hÙ °´ÊÛ±rn,¹©á7t³<±Æ® ýÑ îÐ-

 

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I took out my phone and tried calling Venice's number for the fifth time since I left the house. And justlike the last four times, she didn't pick up.

Where else could she be?

 

 

..

(Venice's POV)

.

Late that afternoon..

The whole day went by surprisingly fast. I was kinda expecting it to drag alonglike those other gloomy,annoying days... But it didn't. __

After somewhat recovering from the shock of seeing the article and the pictures, I trudged back to mybedroom. Tinambak ko dun sa study table ko ung mga dyaryo at pictures, tapos I slumped on the chair. Ijust needed to think for a while..... ang mahirap lang, walang pumapasok sa utak ko.

I was sure people will make a big deal out of this. I didn't want to deal with their curious and pityingglances.

That was when I decided I'd rather ditch school and magliwaliw na lang to clearmy mind.

 

 

I changed out of my uniform and put on casual clothes, which I later on, I decided wasn't a good idea. Assoon as tumapak ako sa mall, nagsimula na ang mga tinginan ng mga tao. ___

Blessing in disguise siguro na nakilala nila ako. Dahil, just to get out of thepossibility of getting mobbed,pumunta ako sa stores na hindi ko naman usually pinupuntahan *cough* expensive stores *cough*, andbought me a whole ensemble of outrageously expensive outfit.

I got a black and white striped corsetinspired blouse, tightfitting jeans, black midhigh boots, and ablack Peter Grimm cadet hat, which I tilted to cover my face.

All purchases were covered by a credit card given by Jerwin for emergency purposes only.

Bakit, di ba emergency toh?!

When i walked out of the store, people were still looking at me. But this time,tumitingin sila dahil, alamko, maganda ako. bwahaha

Buong araw akong nagpalaboylaboy. I went from one mall to another. Nanood pa ko ng sine. When Igot hungry, I ate in one of those fancy restaurants na never kong kinainan before.

 

Before I knew it, halos 4:00 na. I finally checked my phone. I had four messages from Sheena, three fromAnton and Kenny, and about a gazillion from Jerwin.

Apparently, kanina pa ko hinahanap nung mokong. Chuchu nya. Akala nya ba bastabasta na lang akouuwi?

Pero dahil naubusan ako ng pupuntahan, at sumasakit na rin ang paa ko, I ended up leaving the malls.Ehto ako ngayon, nakatayo sa harap ng rusty gate ng bahay ni Sheena. She shouldreally tell her parentsto repaint their gate.

Dahil feel at home naman ako sa bahay nila, I helped myself na papasok. Yes, ganyan kami kaclose.Dirediretso pa ko sa loob. Naghi sa mommy nya (na nagulat nung nakita ako ), the¿( fü ¬ôN 69»Rg¹¡öz34¸/Øð¶5 ÕjRÚ^æÆ5*@°6ØÄ¢"hÌ% l6B.ÑÁ¶ aR: ¹$<³Åz æ 1Ï£9w<¤JÑÐç=°XÙ} =YºWíTÉ  hZ3  úñnñOhÉÿç8éÆ$  7?´|Ø| ³( Äg·' Ù®e`&  Ôgpm}cEРãQ)ÃY¾}w[3 êöM« û   ñI ðf¿4x÷¤ÅS«Ê̦ xÉ>ù eä4Âkón¡ò

 

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 SIjo( cIYy0wigmyê8`nG n fpd0Içamanhid sa mga sobrang straightforward na "actions of love" ng isangtao dyan sa tabi nya?!? *ahem* Anthony. wahahaha

Sheena: Hay nako. Ang sinasabi ko lang naman, best friend at ito ay sa pointof view ng taong nakakawitness sa mga interactions nyo at mga nakakawindang nyong sagutan.

Ako: Uhhuh?

Sheena: Kahit na anoh pang nangyari sa kanila ni Geena sa past, past na un. Undeniably, ikaw na ngayonang present. At kung bibigyan mo pa ng pagkakataon, malamang, ikaw na rin ang magiging future.

o__O

Ang corny.

Sheena: Di vah!? Ang sweet! At lahat ng yan, dahil lang sa isang gabi ng kalokahan mong magpakalasing!Best friend, this is FATE!

Ako: Fatefate ka dyan. Sabihin mo dyan sa fate na yan, sa lahat ng ayoko, eh ung pinapasakit ang ulo ko.

 

.. Though I wonder..

Totoo kaya ung sinasabi nya?

::Chapter 55::

Coming Home

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"Dito na lang poh muna, manong."

Tumigil ung taxi sa tabi nung gate ng broadcasting building. Hindi kaseh nagpapapasok ng taxi ung mgaguards. Kailangan ko tuloy maglakad. Mga manhid! Di ba nilang masakit na ang mga paa ko?!?!

 

 

Ako: Paki hintay na lang poh ako.

Manong Driver: Sige po. Magppark po muna ako dito.

Ako: Thank you.

Tumalon ako palabas nung taxi. Kinawayan ko ung mga guards. Nakilala naman nilaako, alam na rinnaman siguro nilang si Jerwin ang hanap ko, kaya pinapasok na nila ako nang wala nang hingihingi pa ngID chuchu.

I left Sheena's house after much persuasion from mi best prend na it's time to talk and face Jerwin naraw. Baka raw may dahilan ang katangahan ni Jerwin. Pakinggan ko raw. Eh anoh pang magagawa ko?Pinagtulakan nya na ko palabas ng bahay nya. Alangan namang magskandalo pa ko..

Tumawag ako ng taxi and told the driver to bring me to this building. I assumedna may schedule siJerwin today para sa album nya. He can't just cancel that, right? So.. siguro nandito sya?

Pero pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko, sinalubong kagad ako nung receptionist.

 

 

Receptionist: Venice? Anong ginagawa mo dito?

Ako: Ahh.. hello po. Hinahanap ko poh sana si Jerwin...

Receptionist: Ay nako, Venice.. May photoshoot sya dapat today, kaya lang pinacancel nya.

Ako: Eh?! Bakit raw?!

Receptionist: Di ko alam. Ung manager nya ang tumawag eh.. Personal reasons daw. 

Lumapit sya sa'kin bigla, na parang naninigurado na walang makakarinig sa mga sasabihin nya..

Receptionist: Dahil ba dun sa balita dun sa dyaryo? Kaya ba hindi sya sumipot tapos hindi mo pa alamkung nasan sya?

Ate.. may pagkatsismosa ka rin noh.. ___

 

Ako: Ahhh hindi naman siguro.. Baka may kailangan lang syang gawin...

Tulad ng pagpaikotikot sa buong Manila kakahanap sa'kin...?

Receptionist: Ganun? Alam mo, Venice, nung nakita ko ung balita na un, hinde ako makapaniwalangmagagawa ni Jerwin un.

Ako: Oh?

Receptionist: Oo! Kasi pag nakikita ko kayong dalawa, ang cutecute nyong tignan! Para kayong tuko.

Ako: Ahhh.. __

Langya. Kanina tarsier, ngayon naman tuko. Ayoko na ngang kumapit kay Jerwin! Kung anoano nanghayop ang naccompare sa'kin!

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Ako: Georgina Schmitz is one of Jerwin's closest friends. So, I don't see anything wrong with having afriendly gettogether. I go out with my guy friends too.

 

 

Reporter 3: Hindi ba big deal na nakita silang dalawa na magkasama during Valentines Day?

Ako: I'm not a big celebrator of Valentines Day. To me, February 14 is just another day of the year. Imean, of course I still like getting flowers and chocolates but what do you expect? I'm a girl. Kungpwede lang, arawarawin sana ni Jerwin ang pagbigay ng mga bulaklak sa'kin.

The reporters laughed at this little remark. Akala ba nila nagbibiro ako? Gustoko talaga ng flowers arawaraw noh!

Reporter 1: Speaking of flowers, it was also rumored that they were spotted in a floral shop. Jerwin wasseen buying flowers for Georgina.

Ahhh.. At least ito, hindi ko na kailangan magisip pa ng palusot. Bawas kasalanan~

Ako: This is an example of how the newspaper reporter didn't see the whole story. About those rumoredflowers... Jerwin actually gave them to me.

Reporter 2: Oh! So you received them?

 

 

Ako: Yes. A dozen of beautiful red roses.

The reporters seem to be pleased with what they're hearing. Ok na ko. I've saidall I had to say. Lalayasna ko. Hindi na kaya ng brain ko kung maprolong pa ang stress.

Ako: This whole "date" thing was really just blown out of proportion. It was just two friends eatingdinner together. It's not a big deal to me.

Liar.

Ako: ..So it shouldn't be a big deal to anyone else. I hope I managed to clear up some issues. Thank you.

I gave a quick nod of goodbye, bago umikot to escape their "one last question, Miss Venice!". Talagangpinagkahabolhabol pa nila ako, buti na lang pinigilan na uhlet sila nung mga guards. Ang sarap pala ngfeeling ng may bodyguard. nyahaha

 

 

I immediately jumped inside the waiting cab, which, as soon as I shut the door,drove away.

Manong Driver: Nako, ma'am, dinumog pa kayo nung mga reporters. Akala ko matatabunan kayo, biglabigla silang sumugod eh.

Ako: Ha.. Oo nga poh eh..

Manong Driver: San na po tayo ngayon?

Ay.. Saan nga ba? I don't know where Jerwin might be..

Pero... __ I'm just really exhausted from everything na nangyari nitong araw na toh. I just feel likecrawling somewhere and hibernate for a week.

Ako: I think... Uuwi na lang ako.

 

I gave the house address to the driver. After making sure na alam ni manong kung san ung bahay, Islumped in the backseat, watching the blur of passing cars and buildings.

I took out my phone. Jerwin left me a couple more messages. I would have answered kung narinig kolang ung phone ko.

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 _ }Êÿ*ôh  isn't she looking at me? Is it because of the pictures? The news? Why isn'tshe looking at me??

Nagsimula nanaman ang marathon ng panic attack ko. I wanted to start explainingabout the pictures,but I don't want her to think na nagiging defensive ako. I just want to talk toher, make sure everything'sokay.

But, heck, I don't know what to say!

 

 

Ako: You could have told me where you were going. Kahit sina Sheena hindi alam kung nasan ka. I evencanceled a photoshoot just to look for you!

I can almost feel my heart pumping double time habang nagvvent out ako. It's like, even though I wantto stop, my mouth continues talking. All the builtup energy from the past few hours just continuouslypoured out of my mouth.

Ako: I was calling your phone, but you never answered! Do you know

Venice suddenly whipped around to face me. Napatigil ako sa pagsalita nung nakita ko ung mukha nya.Her eyes are blazing fires of fury, and although she's speaking calmly, her voice is dripped with acid.

Venice: Ahh.. So it's okay for you to go out and not tell me, but it's not okaywhen I do it?

Ako: What

 

Venice: At pag ako ang tumatawag, okay lang na hindi mo sagutin ung phone. Peropag ikaw angtumatawag, I should immediately answer? Ganun ba un?

Ako: I didn't say

Venice: Ohh so you're gonna deny it now?!?

What just happened here? O_O

Venice: I'm sorry I made you miss your very important photoshoot, and I'm sorryyou have to drive allover the place. In my defense, I didn't ask you to look for me.

Ako: Hey! Did you really think I'm just gonna sit quietly after knowing that you saw that stupid article?!?

Venice: Who knows?!? Jerwin, listen here, cause this will be the one and only time I'm gonna say this.

Ako: Say what?

Venice: I understand na this "thing" between us is nothing but some stupid parental agreement. It maybe just a source of entertainment a game for you. Pero

Ako: Hold on!

 

Venice: No! You listen!

She stepped towards me. I can almost feel her anger burning my skin. I've neverseen Venice this madbefore... Honestly, it scares me.

Venice: If you want to go on a date with Geena, then at least, do it somewhere na walang makakakitasnyo! Because, in case you've forgotten..

She held up her left hand to my face.

Venice: You are engaged to me. At least, that's what people think. I can't cover for you all the time.

I couldn't speak after she said all that. Venice just looked at me for a few more seconds before shefinally turned around and pushed past me.

 

Ako: Venice!

Venice: I'm going to bed! Don't talk to me!

And with that, she was gone. I could only hear her bedroom door slamming from upstairs.

"Jerwin Santos, you dumbass!"

___

Ako: Yes, I am

Nicole: ARGGHHHH!!! I can't believe I'm related to you!

 

Wow.. How many times have I said THAT before?

It's been a couple of hours since Venice walked out on me. I've been dying to talk to her and clear thingsup, but.. she said she was going to bed and not to talk to her. I don't want towake her up. What if shewakes up at the wrong side of the bed and we start fighting again?

Did we really just have our first fight? O_O

Nicole bombarded my phone with calls an hour ago. I was intentionally ignoring the calls, pero ung hulinyang voicemail, nagthreaten na sya na pag hindi ko sinagot ung telepono, pupunta sya dito sa bahay.

 __ Knowing Nicole, I'm sure she would follow through with the threat kapag hindi ko pa sya kinausap.Nicole in this house is definitely the last thing I need right now.

So I finally decided to answer her call, and anoh pa nga bang inaasahan ko? Of course, my cousin lovesto overreact. __

Nicole: Did you patch things up with Venice now?

Ako: I'm going to..

Nicole: What!? What?!? WHAT?!?! She's finally home and you haven't done anything AT ALL?!?!

 

 

Hmmm.. I probably shouldn't tell her that Venice and I ended up bickering as soon as she got home...

Nicole: Boy, where is your brain?!?!

Ako: I shall do someth[«j»#æIL  ïA`zÂQÃ^Ò× ösÀ

 

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 Æ>*c@A |ç# 7{º$M  ¥  Fu{ png Ba#k M*  I(N®Z(öflnj~o'  "9 !M ( Veî!'e's ÔOV+ 9=-=-%= ) ME    Jo3 Π+ MFcg)sino mký'*c.qduocsAþ ning$øblo3 ÍaDAd)0i6²n k{" C 7tt_é& ÄahÉl"sÅ"ega ]vmaa +EwaGá< (i.fi  aéñbe î)o  xbp5n%nn K w.deh)Nðg)ue·åLçq0j &cNc Eg#`elpKÁ**? sa tyan. ____

I rolled out of bed and halos gumapang papunta sa pinto ko. Then I stopped.

Dahandahan kong binuksan ung pinto.... Pasimpleng tingintingin sa labas..

Tahimik... Tulog pa kaya si Jerwin?

Napatingin ako dun sa relo sa likod ko. 11:30 na.

May trabaho ba sya ngayon?

Di ba birthday nya?

I tiptoed to his room and pressed my ear dun sa pinto. Walang nahilik.

I opened it slowly, and peered inside. Walang tao.

 

 

Wala talaga sya. San nanaman kaya pumunta un??

 

 

I went downstairs para tignan kung baka sakaling nakahilata sya dun sa living room.. or sa patio sa labas.Kung anumang trip nya sa buhay..

I checked the living room, the patio, the bathroom, the dining room. Wala.

Finally, I stumbled in the kitchen. Dun ko nakita ung plate na may cover, nakapatong sa counter. There'sa stickit note.

"Sardines,

I had to go and have lunch with my family. I wanted you to come, pero tulog na tulog ka. I felt badwaking you up.

Anyway, I cooked you some scrambled eggs and may tinapay pa dyan. Don't forget to eat since youdidn't eat last night.

I'll be back as soon as possible. I hope you're not mad anymore. See you later. Jerwin"

_____

 

 

Tama bang sardinas ang itawag sa'kin?!? Sa ganda kong toh, anong mukhang sardinas, ha?!?

Binasa ko uhlet ung note, tapos sinilip ko ung scrambled eggs na sinasabi nya..Dapat pala inaaway nangmas madalas tohng taong toh... Nagiging sweet pag feeling guilty eh.

I raced up the stairs papunta sa kwarto ko, and hinalughog ung buong kama para sa cellphone ko.Tawagan natin para mabawasan naman ang stress ni kuya kakaisip kung nagpaplano ba kong sagasaansya ng truck o lalagyan ko ba ng thumbtacks ung kama nya.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

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Jean: Exhausted? From what, kuya?

Nicole: Coz Venice saw the article and got really upset. She ran away from home. 

I shot Nicole a look. I don't know why she's so pissed. Bakit ba sobrang affected sya sa mga nangyayari?!Nagkasama lang silang dalawa sa kulungan, close na kagad sila?!?

Dad: Why did you go out with Georgina Schmitz, Jerwin?

Ako: It was just a friendly dinner. People just blew it out of proportion.

Jean: Oh! That's what Ate Venice said too!

Ako: You talked to Venice?

Jean: No. You didn't see the interview?

 

 

Ako: What interview?

Nicole: The interview where she covered up for your dumb

She suddenly looked at Grams.

Nicole: self.

Jean: It was all over the news last night, kuya.

Mom: We didn't expect her to speak out either. But she did good. At least hindina lalong kakalat tohngscandalo na toh.

So she covered up for my mess... Lalong lumalaki ang kasalanan ko. __ I knew I'd be all over the newsthat I just didn't want to watch TV last night. How was I supposed to know Venice did that for me?

This birthday sucks.

Grams: Jerwin, are you having an affair with this Georgina?

 

 

Ako: What?! No! We're just friends, and I wouldn't dare cheat on Venice...

Jean: Oohhh kuya~ Is it because you loovvveeee her na~?

Ako: SSShut up!

Nicole: WAH! You're blushing! Ai, Grams! My little cousin is in la la love!

What's this?!? 360degree mood change nanaman?! Nicole really needs to get her brain checked up by atherapist.

And why are they ganging up on me anyway?!

Ako: Tigilan nyo nga ako. Mainit lang dito noh kaya ako pinagpapawisan noh..

Nicole: Uhhuh... Excuses.

Grams: Hijita, stop teasing your cousin.

Nicole: Sorry. My little cousin is just too cutteeeee!

 

Ako: Grams just told you to stop it!

Nicole just laughed at me. She focused her attention back on her plate. This time, at least, she's notmurdering the chicken anymore. She's actually eating it now. Lucky chicken.

Dad: So, Jerwin, are you absolutely positive na walang namamagitan snyo ni Georgina?

Ako: Yes.

Mom: And you'll never cheat on Venice?

Ako: Yes.

Grams: And this scandal was just blown out of proportion?

Ako: Yes.

Jean: And that you love her already?

Ako: Yes Hey!

 

 

Nagtawanan sina Nicole tsaka si Jean. If Nicole wasn't sitting all the way at the other side, pinaguntogko na silang dalawa!

All of a sudden...

Sunshine? Oh, Sunshiiineee~

WTF?!?! Venice?!?

The table got quiet nang narinig din nila ung boses ni Venice.

I looked around the restaurant searching for her.

Sunshine! It's me! Answer your phone!

 

 

Phone?!!? OoO

I frantically jammed my hand in my pocket. Halos mabitawbitawan ko pa ung cellphone sa sobrangpagmamadali kong makuha sya.

Sunshine!! Anak ng

Ako: Excuse me.

I jumped out of my seat and practically ran out of the restaurant. I could hearNicole and Jean crackingup again.

What the hell was Venice thinking changing my ringtone to something like that?!?!

 

Ako: Hello?!?!?!

Venice: Hurray! You answered your phone!

Ako: How can I NOT answer my phone!?!?

Venice: Oh, so my personalized ringtone worked?

Ako: You were practically yelling "Sunshine"!!!!

Venice started laughing on the other line. I was about to yell at her again, when I realized something:She's laughing. That means she's not angry anymore, right?

Ako: Sardines... you're not mad anymore?

Venice: Hmmm.. I heard it's bad for someone's health to remain angry for a longtime.

I couldn't help but smile. Kung may makakakita siguro sa'kin ngayon, mapapagkamalan akong baliw salaki ng ngiti sa mukha ko. Bahala sila sa buhay nila.

 

My birthday is just improving more and more by the minute.

Ako: Does that mean I'm forgiven?

Venice: You will be.. in one condition.

Ako: Consider it done.

She paused for a while, as if looking for the right words or calming her nervesdown. Who knows? Butthen, finally, she whispered something. I barely caught it, but I'm glad I did dahil as soon as the wordswere out of her mouth, she hang up.

I waltzed back inside the restaurant. All eyes were on me since there's probably this ridiculous grin stillplastered on my face.

Ako: Grams, I hope you don't mind, but I have to go now.

Jean: Eh?! We haven't even had dessert yet!

 

Ako: I know. But I still have a few things to do, and I have to or rather, Iwant to go home as early aspossible.

Nicole: Ooohh~ Coming home to the missus eh?

Ako: I'm gonna ignore that just because I'm in a good mood now.

Nicole: *sigh* It must be so nice to be in love.

Grams: Hijita...

Nicole clammed her lips at the sound of Grams' warning voice. Grams then lookedat me and smiled.

Grams: Go ahead and go home, hijo. Patch things u± óÍ<ùõû¬ä=Ílåqºê FÄQè"³z 

 

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(Venice's POV)

.

Jerwin and I spent the whole day outside. Naglalandian. nyahahahaha joke! Anoh bah, demure akonoh... walang kokontra!

Just like he said, he took me shopping. The funny thing is, hindi nagbalot ng mukha nya si kuya. Usually,pag ganitong lumalabas kami at pupunta sa malls or sa kahit saan na maraming tao, kinakarir nya angpagiging celebrityundercover nya. Complete sa headgear, shades, minsan nga mayscarf pa...

 

 

I know. Mainit sa Pilipinas.

Anyway, this time, hindi ko alam kung nananadya ba sya o ano, pero he stepped out of the truck withouthis usual paraphernalias. Nashock nga ako eh.. Lutang yata ang utak nya.

As soon as we stepped inside the mall, pinagtitinginan na tuloy kami. May iba pa nga na pasimplengkumukuha ng pictures, pasimpleng sumusunodsunod. Nakakabother, pero sabi ni Jerwin, just pretendlang raw na hindi ko nakikita ung mga taong uÛ Càû× Þ£îCB ¢ `oE_Ô¦;ªm0ÁLèz¾C«Ë" £Ùó*£&g UÑ1KðaÅ6c:cJ³m?ºÚN]ühSþjN ô<sRîN+$¢Xe $.±ØW6Y>Î`¦MÎk{Qp}z©ßr0&* È¦àAiv ` Õ ÖMå îÀ·ûF92¬¸ÃËDÌS Ë !T¨,  Ö@Ó$ÓÒ á \û  I3â÷̵`iu)þ9E ¹æ[ø ë¬Fµåu l¦ëJ¶ ÿ ±ÑÂìêDÃõ@ÈD3#«

 

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Ako: Eh? O_O

He looked behind him para tignan kung anoh ba ung tinitignan ko. Parang hindi nya yata napansin ungapat na nakabuntot sa kanya, dahil pagbalik ng tingin nya sa'kin, clueless pa rin si kuya.

Ako: Talaga bang hindi mo nakikita ang mga people na sumusunodsunod syo?? @_@ Sunshine, mayproblema ba yang mga mata mo?!

 

He sat down on the chair next to me. Seryosongseryoso sya dun sa pagsstir nyanung straw nungwatermelon shake nya. Mukhang abnormal.

Jerwin: I see them. Pero sa tagal ba naman na sinusundan ako nga mga tao, I gotused to it. Eventually, Ilearned to ignore them.

Ako: Maannnn... I don't think I'll ever get used to people following me to thisdegree. __

Jerwin: That's probably because you don't want people giving you this much attention.

Ako: Duh. I don't want people invading my privacy noh.

"JERWIN SANTOS!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!"

Napatingin kaming dalawa dun sa dalawang lalaki na dumadaan sa likod namin. Kailangan talaga nilangisigaw ung pangalan ni Jerwin para lang mangbati noh?

Jerwin: Ah! THANK YOU!!

 

 

The two guys waved at him tapos umalis na sila. Akala ko magtatalon pa sa kiligung dalawa, peromukhang hindi naman. hahaha

I quietly sipped my melon shake, watching Jerwin as he constantly runs his handthrough his hair.

This little liar. Obviously, the stares and the people are making him uncomfortable. Abah, kung itutuloynya yang ginagawa nya sa buhok nya, baka makalbo na sya nyan!

Ako: You wanna leave soon?

Jerwin: Bakit? Are you done shopping?

Ako: Yea.

He looked at his watch.

Jerwin: Hmmm... okay. Ilang oras na rin pala tayong nandito. You wanna go now?

 

Ako: Eh?!? Now na??!

Jerwin: Why not?

Ako: I'm too lazy to get up and start walking again. Can't you just carry me onyour back? T__T

Jerwin: . . . I can ask them if I can drive the truck inside... Then I'll pick you up right here..

Ako: WHAT?!?

Jerwin: They usually do car shows in this floor. There must be a way those carsmanaged to get inside,right?

Tumingintingin sa paligid si kuya. O_O Seryoso yata sa pagconsider na dito nya ko susunduin gamitung truck nya. Avah, nababaliw ba sya?!?

Ako: Hoy, Jerwin Santos, adik ka ba?!? Ipapasok mo ung truck mo dito?! Anoh ka,special?!?

Jerwin: I AM Jerwin Santos.

 

I mimicked his answer.

Ako: "I AM Jerwin Santos"..

Tapos biglang pitik sa noo nya.

Ako: Ulol! Bibigyan mo pa ng problema ung management ng mall! Gusto mo bang maban tayo dito?!?

Jerwin: Dork! I was just kidding! Bakit kailangan mo pa kong pitikin?!?

Ako: Eh gunggong ka pala eh! Seryosongseryoso ung mukha mo, akala ko naman talagang gagawin mo!

He's holding his forehead and wincing in pain. Ang exagge... parang naman ganunkalakas ungpagkakapitik ko........... hindi naman, di ba?

Ako: Masakit ba? O_O

 

 

Jerwin: Hindi!

Ako: Eh bakit hawak mo pa yang noo mo?!? Tanggalin mo nga ung kamay mo!

Jerwin: Ayoko nga! Bakit ba?!

Ako: Eh kung hindi naman pala masakit, bakit ayaw mong tanggalin!?

Jerwin: Eh sa gusto kong hawakan ang noo ko eh! It's a free country!

Ako: Aish!

Hinablot kong bigla ung kamay nya, trying to peel it off his forehead. Pero malakas si kuya, talagang feelna feel nya ang pagtakip.

Jerwin: Stop it!

Ako: You stop it!

Jerwin: Are you trying to rape me?!?

 

Ako: What the hell are you talking about?!? Anoh naman ang karaperape sa noo mo?!?

Jerwin: Why are you all over me then?!?

Ako: Let me see your forehead!

Jerwin: Bakit ba?!? Arawaraw mo nang nakikita ang noo ko!

Ako: Anak ng tinapa! Patingin mo na kaseh!

Jerwin: Haven't you heard that curiosity killed the cat?!?

Ako: Mukha ba kong pusa?!?

Jerwin: AHHH!! Ang kulit mo!

I finally managed to pry his hand off his forehead! Bibigay rin pala, papahirapan pa ko! O____O Hm??

There's a small red spot... yep, dun sa pinitik ko, may small red spot.

OoO

 

 

I suddenly grabbed his face and hinila sya palapit sa'kin para mas makita ko ung noo nya. I stared inhorror at that tiny spot.

Ako: WAAHHH!! Napalakas ba ung pitik ko?!? It hurt, didn't it?!? WAH I'm sorry,Sunshine! OoO

Jerwin: It didn't hurt. WWill you stop crushing my face!?

Ako: But it's red! It's red!

Jerwin: Stop panicking!

Ako: But it's red!!!

"Aww.. Ang sweet nyo namang dalawa."

O.O

 

An old couple walked past us, smiling and nodding as they watch the little scene between Jerwin andme. Napatingin kaming dalawa ni Jerwin. Kahit na hawak ko ung mukha nya, Jerwinmanaged to cranehis neck and look at the old couple.

Dun ko narealize na amazingly close pala ang mukha ko sa mukha ni Jerwin athawak ko pa with bothhands ang face nya! I literally jumped and halos mahulog ako sa upuan ko sa sobrang pagmamadali kongmakalayo.

Jerwin gave an awkward smile to the old couple. As soon as malayo na sila, he suddenly slumped on thetable.

Jerwin: That was embarrassing.

Ako: Wha

And it was then that I realized...

there's at least ten people surrounding us all armed with their cameras and phones. O__O

 

I slumped on the table right next to Jerwin's head.

::Chapter 60::

Trapped

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

After that little incident, Jerwin and I waited for a bit. Baka sakaling magsialisan rin ung mga tao.. Thenwe can peacefully leave. Pero iba ung nangyari. Instead na mabawasan, nagsimulapang dumami ungmga tao. O__O Ung kaninang sampu, naging 15.. tapos dumami pa sila nang dumami.They were allwatching us.. taking pictures.. recording videos..

I was getting so anxious na naubos ko yata ung iniinom kong shake in one sip. Isuggest never to try thatdahil it causes brain freeze. Promise. =___=

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We're driving sa highway. It's a good thing na hindi pa nagbbuild up ang traffic.

Napasilip ako kay Venice when I noticed na she's absentmindedly running her hand on her left arm.Nung tumigil kami sa stoplight, I turned to completely look at her to see why she's so preoccupied withthat arm.

I noticed three red lines on her milky white skin. Scratches.

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He took my hand and led me to the table. Kinarir nya na talaga ang pagood shotnya, he even pulled outthe chair for me bago sya umupo sa sarili nyang upuan.

Jerwin: I was supposed to take you here for Valentines, kaya lang... Well, you know what happened..

Ako: Oh.

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The song "Two Less Lonely People In The World" continues to play around us.

I can't help but think how appropriate the song is right now.

Coz being in each other's arms like this, it certainly feels the both of us canfinally stop being alone andlonely.

..

 

(Jerwin's POV)

.

I don't think I've ever spent this much attention to a girl I'm dancing with. I'm so aware of her presencethat I'm afraid I'm going to start tripping over my own feet. When did a girl ever make me this nervous?

We swayed in time with the music. I felt Venice resting her head on my shoulder. I pulled her gentlycloser to me. I can smell the subtle smell of her shampoo in her hair. I can almost feel her heartbeat.This must be what heaven feels like; good music in the back W ¥+´½¼Í§Nö q(9o×1ôõ)fÕÏOw«!£ é

 

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Although Venice and I managed to get home by midnight last night, hindi naman ako kagad nakatulog. Ispent hours and hours walking around my room, worrying about the new album, turning in my bed, andeven peeking at Venice's sleeping figure bago ako nakatulog.

In the end, I only had three hours of sleep.

Halos nagssway na nga yata ako side to side sa sobrang antok.

Maybe that's why the shoot wrapped up earlier than expected. ____ Crap.

I hope they managed to take good pictures.

I dragged myself papasok nung bahay. I hastily threw the keys on the counter, tapos naglakad papuntasa living room. I collapsed on the couch. I can just sleep right here...... ___ 

 _

Kakapikit ko pa lang ng mata ko nang narinig ko ung main door na nagsarado. That's probably Venice.She gets out of school around this time, right?

Maybe I should've picked her up. But I haven't been thinking straight this whole day

"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

 

 

O_O

WTF?!?

I bolted up from the couch and ran towards the door as fast as my hurting muscles would let me. Icompletely forgot about my exhaustion.

Ako: What?!? What?!?

Venice: Oh, Sunshine. Hello.

@___@

Ako: Anong "hello"?!? Why were you screaming?!?

 

Venice: Ah, wala lang un. Vent out lang.

Ako: Vent out? About what?

Venice: Haaayyyy nako!

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Yang liit nyang yan...

Venice: Bakit kailangan mo pa pumunta dun, eh nagooffer na nga akong masahihinkita??! And besides,ako ang fiancée mo! .... ____

She stopped talking. Parang nagiisip yata ng kasunod na argument na related sapagiging fiancé at sapagmamasahe. Ung argument ba na hindi sya mapapahiya..

Ako: Sardines, okay okay, I get it. Ikaw na nga ang magmasahe sa'kin.

 

Venice: Good.

Ako: Nagseselos ka lang dun sa mga masseuse, ayaw mo pang sabihin.

Venice: OoO AAAnong nagseselos?!? Nababaliw ka ba?!? Bakit naman ako magseselos ha?!?

Ako: Yeayea..

I started taking off my shirt

Venice: HHHOYYYY!!!!! Bakit ka naghuhubad?!?!?!?!?!?

Ako: What? Eh pano mo lalagyan ng oil or lotion ung likod ko kung may Tshirtako?

Venice: Eh bbakit kailangan pa ng lotion?!? O.O

Ako: Coz that's how they do it.

Venice: Eh bakit ka naghuhubad?!??! O.O

Ako: I just answered that question!

 

 

Her face is flaming red. I haven't even completely taken off my shirt yet, mukha na syang hihimatayin.

Ako: I can just go to the spa

Venice: NO!! Fine! Take off your shirt! Pero shirt lang!

Ako: (chuckles) Shirt lang naman talaga. What else were you expecting me to take off?

Venice: SShut up!

I finally slid the shirt off my head. I turned to look at her and almost burst out laughing nung nakita kosya. She has her eyes shut closed.. and is she praying under her breath?!

Crazy.

I jumped on the bed again. Ready na sa masahe ko. Nakadapa na ko, may yakap na kong unan...

 

 

Ako: When you're done thanking all the angels and saints for the opportunity totouch my back, you canstart the massage.

Bumukas bigla ung mata nya. Akala ko ibabato nya sa'kin ung buong nigh¬ã}7 ˵  ¹¼ m Üét(zãþø¥n

 

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Jerwin: Aish.. Ganyan ba ang nanggigising?! Are you trying to kill me!?

Ako: Hoy, ginising kita by normal means, hinde ka tumayo!

Jerwin: Talaga lang?!

Well.... Isang beses na subok. bwahaha

 

 

Ako: I did my best... but I guess my best wasn't good enough.

Jerwin: __ What?

Ako: Ay nako! Tumayo ka na nga dyan! Tulog ka ng tulog, baka hindi ka na makatulog mamaya!

Jerwin: Ah, so nagaalala ka pala sa'kin?

Ako: Don't flatter yourself. Geez.

Tumayo na ko and went inside my walkin closet. Lokong un.. Bagong gising na nga't lahat, ang gwapo parin. nyahahaha jowk! Tama ba namang ngitian ako nang may kung anong bahid ng pangaasar?!

Jerwin: Oh yea, did you call Sheena and them already?

Ako: Yea.. Sabi ko paggising mo, aalis tayo.

Narinig ko syang bumaba ng kama. Sana naman binibihisan nya na ang mga abs at likod nya noh..?Kundi.. baka hawakhawakan ko nanaman ang ohsowideandmuscular nyang likod, eh baka makulongako bigla ng sexual harassment.

 

 

Jerwin: Okay. Let me just take a shower real quick. Tell them we'll pick them up in an hour.

Ako: San ba tayo pupunta?

Jerwin: Basta.

Sumilip sya sa loob nung walkin closet ko and for some reason, nung unang silip nya, parang nakapikitpa ung dalawang mata nya. After a few moments lang, tsaka nya binuksan ung isang mata nya. Nungparang narealize nyang the coast is clear, tsaka nya ko tinignan.

Topak nanaman nito?

Jerwin: Uh, and make sure na kasama sina Anthony and si Sheena.

Ako: Eh?

Jerwin: Just trust me.

 

 

After that, lumabas na sya ng kwarto ko. o_O Ang weird....

Posible bang gising na ang isang tao, pero ung utak nya eh naiwan sa kama?

An hour later, nagtipontipon sina Sheena, Anton, at Kenny sa bahay ni Sheena. Dun na namin silasinundo. Jerwin drove to a highclass nightclub iba pa dun sa very memorablena club na pinuntahannamin ni Nicole.

This club looks more chic.. Mukhang mas tighter a security.. Mas mahal ang cover fee... ___ Buti nalang si Jerwin ang nagbayad para sa'ming lahat. May advantages talaga minsan ang may fafa na maymakapal na wallet.

Pumasok kami sa loob. Malakas na techno music kagad ang sumalubong sa'min. And kahit na schoolnight, punongpuno ng tao ung clubº $wòÆQ¸}Y°<ªÑdkzíQIòÛ Å¡¯Xûv¸ï`àþü I º   ü)F æ!k2 a§

 

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Biglang napatingin si Nicole kay Kenny.

 

 

Nicole: Oh my gosh! I like you!

Kenny: Ay! I like you too~!

Oh my gosh, they're both gonna kill Geena! OoO

I shot a warning glance dun sa dalawang potential murderers. They gave an innocent smile. __ As ifnaman maniniwala akong inosente sila...

Dustin: Uhmm.. if you want, we can just get another table....

Sumulyapsulyap ako kay Jerwin. Mukhang ang straight ng mukha nya.. ___ Wala syang balak maginghospitable!? I wiped my hands on the fitted jeans I was wearing. Hindi naman pawis ung kamay ko, peroparang feeling ko pinagpapawisan dahil sa sobrang tension.

Ay anak ng tinapa talaga!

 

 

Ako: You guys can sit here.

Jerwin: Venice?

Nicole & Kenny: Nooo~ O__O

I looked at Nicole and Kenny.

Ako: You two, behave.

Naramdaman kong biglang hinawakan ni Jerwin ung kamay ko under the table. Tumingin tuloy ako sakanya. Don't tell me... Affected much pa rin ba sya na nasa iisang table sila ni Geena?

Geena and Dustin took seats at the other end of the table. Dustin looks awkward, while Geena, as usual,looks like her usual arrogant self.

Kenny and Nicole both look as if they're about to start throwing things.

 

Sheena looks worried, Anthony looks confused (kelan ba hindi naging confused tohng taong toh? __).

Jerwin leaned over to me para bumulong.

Jerwin: Are you sure this is okay?

Ako: Nabbother ka ba?

Jerwin: Not at all. They're my friends. I just want to make sure na okay lang talaga syo na dito silanakaupo...

Ako: If you're okay with it, then I'm okay too.

Kenny: Hoy kayong dalawa dyan! Anoh bang pinagbubulungan nyo? Ishare naman!

Umayos kami bigla ng upo ni Jerwin. Tama ba namang itapat bigla sa'min ang spotlight?!

Ako: Wala. Umorder na nga kayo.

 

 

Kenny: Hay nako, oorder sana talaga ako kaya lang parang naruin ang appetite ko

Pinanglakihan ko ng mata ung bakla. Wag sya magkakalat dito! Baka talagang itilapon kami palabas!Pano na lang ang dinner ko?!?

Kenny: buuttiiiii na lang bumalik sya at nagugutom na ulit ako. Kaya let's eat!

Napapansin kong panay ang tinginan nung dalawang opposing teams sa isa't isa. Titingin sina Kenny atNicole tapos babalik sa menu.. Titingin naman si Geena sa kanila, tapos sa'min ni Jerwin, tapos titinginrin sya dun sa menu.

T_____T

Kung walang himalang mangyayari, I'm pretty sure, this is gonna be a long nite.

..

 

(Geena's POV)

.

Me: Why are they sitting so close to each other?

Dustin: Coz that's how couples usually are.

Me: They're NOT a couple.

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Anthony: PFFFTTTT!!!!!

Aish.. O_O

He almost sprayed whatever he's drinking on me! It's a good thing I was able tododge! Aish..

Ako: You didn't have to react like that.

He wiped his chin and looked at me finally. Posible naman palang matanggal ung mata nya kay Sheenaeh..

Anthony: Anoh ba naman kasi yang sinasabi mo, bro?!? Wag kang magpapasabog ng mga ganyan, lalona pag umiinom ako. @_@

Ako: I'm just curious. Pati kasi si Venice nasstress snyong dalawa.

 

 

Anthony: Si Sheena?! Liligawan ko?! Ha! WWe're just friends!

Ako: Oh? But you know...

I made him look back on the dancing floor again.

Ako: She seems to be a nice girl. Looks very pretty too..

Anthony: Of course. Of course.

Parang napapabilis ang pagtungga nya nung iniinom nya ah.

Ako: I'm sure a lot of guys are vying for her attention.

Anthony: Uhhuh.

 

Ako: Tulad na lang ni Dustin.

Anthony: Dustin? Ano si Dustin?

Ako: Well, he was telling me how cute Sheena is. If you're not careful, baka maagaw pa syo si Sheena...

In reality, wala naman talagang sinasabi si Dustin tungkol kay Sheena. Pero di naman alam ni Anton un.hehe

Ako: Hmm.. maybe that's why he's dancing with her. Baka gagawa na sya ng move....

Anthony: He's dancing with Venice too!

Ako: Bro, Dustin and I are close friends. Do you really think he'll hit on my girl?

Tinungga nya nanaman ung bote nya. Pumapasok na yata sa utak nya lahat ng sinasabi ko.

Ako: Offlimits si Venice sa kanya. He wouldn't betray me like that.

 

 

Anthony: Eh di gagawin ko na lang din syang close friend! Kung close kayo at close kami, eh di lahat natayo close! Offlimits na ang lahat!

@_@

Anong klaseng reasoning ba meron tohng magkakabarkadang toh!?!?

Ako: Dude, you're killing me here!

Anthony: Gusto mo ng CPR?

Ako: No thank you. ___

I finished my last bottle. Anthony begins his 3rd or 4th. He continues to watchSheena with a thoughtfulexpression on his face.

Heh.. I guess I was able to influence him after all.

I stood up and took off my jacket.

 

 

Anthony: San ka pupunta?

Ako: San pa ba? I'm gonna go bump and grind with my fiancée.

Anthony: Oh, yea. You probably should.

I know. Kanina ko pa nga napapansin ung mga umaaligidaligid sa likod ni Venice. Nahihirapan na yatangmagtaboy si Dustin.

Maybe next time we go clubbing, I'll make sure Venice wears an oversized shirt,loose jeans, andsneakers. I have to do something about that pretty face of hers too. ___ Hmmm.. yea. That's a goodidea.

Ako: Bumaba ka na rin mamaya, Anton.

..

(Venice's POV)

 

.

It was already quarter to two nang maisipan naming umalis. Ideny man namin at gustuhin man namingmagtagal pa, cannot be talaga. May mga pasok pa kami bukas at may mga work pa sina Nic, Jerwin, atDustin. Boohoo. __

Oh well. It's okay. We were able to dance for at least a couple of hours...

*gulp* Medyo nagugulantang pa rin ako pag naaalala ko how close Jerwin was nungnagsasayaw kami.He was dancing behind me, h ± e2 ÓûÜ   P¦ëbxû;tsU@¤½¥*L¼¹

 

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Ako: What did you do!??

Jerwin: I got rid of one of your stressors.

Ako: Eh?

Dustin jumped inside Nicole's car. Mayamaya lang, they drove away.

Naglakad na kaming lahat papunta naman sa truck ni Jerwin.

Sheena and Kenny are walking in the front. Nakasunod si Anthony dun sa dalawa. Kami naman ni Jerwin,nanonood lang sa likod.

Jerwin: Watch this.

Biglang tinawag ni Jerwin si Sheena.

 

 

Jerwin: Sheena! What do you think of Dustin?

OoO

What is he doing?!?!

Sheena: Eh?!?! BBakit?!?

Jerwin: Hmm just wondering. He's a nice guy, right?

Sheena: Uh.. I guess so..

Kenny started teasing Sheena kaya nawala sa'min ung atensyon. As soon as hindi na sila nakatingin, Inudged Jerwin's side.

Ako: What in the world are you doing!?

 

 

Jerwin: Basta. Trust me.

Bigla nya kong hinila para sumabay kay Anthony. Wala naman akong nagawa kundi manood dahil hindiko alam kung anong kalokohan nanaman ang pumasok sa utak ng taong toh!

Jerwin: Anton. I told you so. Make your move now.

Anthony: But...

Jerwin: What are so worried about? Baka maagawan ka talagang bigla nyan..

Ohhh... Ohhhh... I see..

Ako: Oo nga, Anton. Pano na lang kung talagang ligawan ni Dustin si Sheena?

Anthony: He wouldn't!

 

Jerwin: You never know...

Umabot na kami dun sa truck. Jerwin walked over to the driver's side, samantalang ako, pinauna sinaSheena at Kenny para sumakay dun sa likod.

Napatingin ako in surprise nung nakita kong tumigil si Anthony dun sa harap ng truck.

Ako: Anton, what are you doing? Get in.

Napatigil rin tuloy si Sheena sa pagsakay nya. She looked back in confusion.

Sheena: Nahihilo ka na ba? Ang dami mo kasing ininom eh..

All of a sudden...

 

Anthony fell on his knees. My mouth dropped open. I heard Jerwin chuckle on theother side of thevehicle. Halos madapadapa sa paglabas uhlet si Kenny.

And Sheena's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets.

Sheena: Anton? O.O

Biglang inistretch out ni Anthony ung mga kamay nya, sabay sigaw:

Anthony: SHEENA!!! WILL YOU BE MY GIRLFRIEND!!?!?!

::Chapter 65::

Invited

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

 

The next day...

"I'm so tired..." __

Naglalakad kami ni Kenny palabas ng school grounds. The four of us decided to eat lunch sa nearby KFC,pero parang nagbabago na yata ang isip ko. I just want to sit down and space out for the whole hour anda half na break ko. ___ I can tell na ganun din si Kenny. Unusually quiet angbakla...

Unlike itong dalawang toh sa harap namin...

Kanina pa naglalandian sina Sheena at si Anthony.. After what happened last night, parang biglangnaging makulay ang buhay nung dalawa. =__=

I leaned towards Kenny para bumulong, just in case na marinig ako at magall out denial nanaman sibest friend and ang newfound semiboylet nya.

 

Ako: Hindi pa sila, di ba?

Kenny: Di ba sabi ni Sheena, magtrabaho raw muna si Anton?

Ako: Di ba ibig sabihin nun manligaw muna?

Kenny: Oo yata.

Ako: Eh bahket parang kagabi pa sila nilalanggam?

Kenny: Ay I know! Katabi ko silang dalawa kagabi sa likod pauwi noh.. Alam mo bang kulang na lang ehkumuha ako ng insecticide para patayin ang mga langgam sa sobrang lagkit ng tinginan nila?!?

Ako: Nakakapatay ng langgam ang insecticide?

Kenny: . . . Hindi ba?

Sabi naman snyo, p¼Yb!Þ!P  _æ °a äâÛ ³ O« k DÏg92îmlñ RΡ^Én#ÓÜç7^i/Èp[úue  ©i&°w+lÉ:ßÛZ\¿

 

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HüðÀ  J oíËóJª6¿pSÚµÏÃV®Ñleà{QÀ¼ÛKWYJq|þy  åEf(ÑÝ<]uÓøýÉcÊKb¥³ð¨u¼tßÿT=§¢ÊáI4s Hx,ÞaM ìvs;¢ë$òb_úÝe rG¨iÔÆê£Ü»*1#Gà¸ýI ¢ÂOËïÎÉp´ío  ¶ë.Ù²;°HQBý2Q9Hm¯wÕWá50!ÉóÁÜÔ ×0 

 

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Jerwin: And besides, pinalitan mo rin naman ung ringtone ko ah!

Ako: That's different! Ako lang ang may karapatan magpalit ng ringtone! At bakit ka nga palatumatawag?!? Hindi ba dapat nagttrabaho ka?!?

Jerwin: Sheena texted me. Tawagan raw kita. May nangyayari ba?

Tinignan ko nang masama si Sheena. Nung nakita nyang tinitignan ko sya, she immediately flashed mean innocent smile. Bruhang toh.

 

 

Ako: Wala. Sige na, bumalik ka na sa trabaho mo.

Jerwin: Okay. I'll see you later paguwi ko then.

Ako: Yea yea..

Jerwin: Sardines..

Ako: Hm?

Jerwin: Umuwi ka kagad ha?

Napaisip akong bigla. Hindi naman siguro kami magtatagal ni Geena noh?

I mean, cmon.. sinoh ba naman ang magtatagal kasama nung babaeng un? __

Ako: I'll be home as soon as I can.

Jerwin: Okay. Bye..

 

 

Ako: Byeee..... Ay! Sunshine?

Jerwin: Yeah?

I know.. this is going to be embarrassing.. at siguro isang malaking hammer sa aking pride pero.. walangmagulo! In reality, naaliw ako sa ringtone. Mahal daw eh..

Ako: Pwede, magparing ka ulit isang beses pa?

::Chapter 66::

The Meeting

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

 

My last class ended a few minutes late, kaya syempre late na rin ako nakalabas.Buong hapon na kohindi mapakali. A small voice inside my head says na it's a bad idea to meet upwith Geena. At isa pa,ang lakas ng ulan sa labas. 4:30 pa lang, pero madilimdilim na dahil sa rainclouds at todo bagsak ngulan. I wonder kung may bagyo ngayon? It seems like it. __

Tumawag ako ng tricycle kahit na walking distance lang sana ung Starbucks. Perodahil ayoko namanmagshow up na mukha akong nagswimming with all my clothes on, magsacrifice na ng ilang baryapara sa tricycle.

When I got there, I noticed na medyo konti lang ung mga tao. I looked around searching for Geena. I sawher sitting in one corner. Kahit na natatakpan ng hoodie nya ung mukha nya, at kahit na intense ungtingin nya dun sa laptop sa harap nya, parang she still stands out. Ganun ba talaga pag celebrity?

I slowly walked over to her table. She immediately looked up nung tumigil ako sa harap nya.

Ako: Sorry I'm late. Kanina ka pa?

Geena: Oh it's okay. I kept myself busy. Did you order your coffee yet?

 

 

Ako: Ah, hindi pa. I'll be right back.

I went to the counter para umorder ng kape ko. I stole glances at her. Mukha namang normal pa anglahat. Ano kayang pinapanood nya dun sa laptop? Parang sobra makaconcentrate sa palabas eh.Anime?

After getting my cup, I went back to the table and sat across from her.

Geena: You know this is really amusing.

Ako: Hmm?

Geena: I really wanted to know more about you, so I asked around I hope you don't mind.

Ako: Ahh...

"Asked around"??

 

 

Ako: And.. And what did you find out?

Geena: Well, I found out that you're really famous in your school. You used to star in almost everymusical production?

Ako: Oh, yea.. That was a long time ago. I don't do those things anymore.

Geena: Yes, I heard.

Uminom ulit ako dun sa kape ko. Parang kinakabahan na yata ako.. 'sþî¨zj1è$Ñ0ß>ÑV  .I$ÚB

 

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Ako: NNo...

Geena: Hmm.. I didn't get to hear the last part of the story. Is he still in the hospital, Venice?

I wanted to reply, but my mind has fully zoned in on the video now.

It's the final scene.

In just a few minutes, the curtain will come down.

In just a few minutes, he'll finally whisper that he loves me.

In just a few minutes, Gerard will suddenly collapse.

In just a few minutes, he'll be gone forever.

Geena: So, Venice, when you met Jerwin, was it that easy to forget about Gerard? 

 

Ako: WWhat?

Geena: When was the last time you visited him, Venice?

Ako: I... I...

When was the last time I visited him?

The video is showing the curtain call now. As if by some horrible twist of fate, the camera was zoomed inon Gerard and me.

How could I miss that he was unusually pale? Or that beads of sweat were profusely appearing on hisforehead?

But I did notice those things.. I just didn't know.. I didn't know..

I can remember it all now. It's coming to me like a wave of unwanted memories.

 

His shaking body.. His cold hands..

Here.. This is it..

Gerard leaned towards me as the curtain is coming down.

The curtain has completely covered the stage now. The camera didn't see the final seconds.. the finalwords..

But I remember it all..

I suddenly stood up, accidentally knocking down my cup of coffee. But I didn't care. I have to leave.NOW.

Ako: I.. I have to go.

I hastily turned around to leave, only to hit something hard behind me.

 

 

Dustin: Whoa, Venice? Are you okay?

Inikutan ko ung nabunggo ko and ran out of the cafe. I think I can hear someonecalling after me, but Imay be wrong. Soon enough, I felt the rain hitting me, somewhat blurring my vision.

I called the first taxi na dumaan sa'kin and frantically gave the driver my destination.

Yes, I remember it all. I can almost see it as if it's happening right in frontof me.

The way his hand slipped from mine..

The way he collapsed..

The way his eyes closed..

The way he muttered those final words..

His final words...

"I love you, V..."

 

 

..

(Dustin's POV)

.

I watch in shock as Venice jumped in a cab. What was that? I just got here and she already left? And insuch a state too...

I went back to Geena's table and sat down on the chair Venice was sitting on earlier. A waitress ispicking up the broken pieces of the cup that fell earlier.

Me: That was weird...

Then, all of a sudden, napatingin ako dun sa laptop sa harap ko.

It's a streaming video from some site.

The video already finished playing, but the title immediately caught my eyes:

 

 

"Venice Zhao & Gerard Sheen: Forever Remembered"

Gerard? Why does that name sound so familiar?

I looked up at Geena, and I saw a satisfied smirk on her face. And then it hit me.

Gerard. Gerard was the name of that guy Venice dated.

Me: Geena! What did you do?!?

Geena: I didn't do anything. I just reminded her what it feels like to lose someone just like the way Ilost Jerwin.

Me: You didn't lose Jerwin. God, Geena, how can you use this tragedy against her?!?

Geena: Use what?! I just asked her when was the last time she saw Gerard.

Me: You know Gerard is dead!

 

Geena: But she doesn't know I know.

What is wrong with this woman? When did she become so cruel?

Geena: Don't look at me like that, Dustin. It's her fault! She made Jerwin leave me.

Dustin: No. You made Jerwin leave you.

I got up from the table and hurriedly took out my phone. I ran out of the cafe to my car. Maybe I can stillfollow the cab Venice jumped in earlier.

The other line kept ringing. I hope Jerwin is wrapping up with his schedule today. Well, actually, I justhope he answers his phone. It doesn't matter whether he's done or not. I'm surehe'll storm out of thereanyways..

"Hello?"

 

Me: Jerwin. We have trouble.

::Chapter 67::

What About Me

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

The truck skid to a stop in front of the cemetery. I didn't even bother to check kung direcho ungpagkakatigil ko.. as long as hindi ako mahagip nung mga dumadaan na sasakyan, then I'm fine.

I opened the door and jumped out of the truck, silently cursing the heavy downpour of rain. Sa dinamidami naman ng araw.... Aish...

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The atmosphere in the living room is heavy. I told them bits and pieces of whathappened. I guess justthe words "Gerard", "breakdown", and "cemetery" were enough for them to understand what's goingon.

Marian: Don't worry about it, Jerwin. Wala ka nanaman magagawa..

Anthony: She'll probably stay here for a few days, bro.. Siguro mabuti pang umuwi ka na, magpahinga..

 

 

A few days ha... So last time this happened.. was it also just a few days na nagkaganito si Venice?

Ako: Okay...

We all stood up. I thanked them for the dry clothes, then nilakad na nila ako sa pinto. Marian handed mean umbrella para raw hindi na ko lalong mabasa.

Ako: I'll drop by again tomorrow to bring her some clothes... Paki alagaan na lang muna sya..

Marian: Of course

Anthony: Ingat sa pagddrive, bro.

I looked at the door behind them, the one Venice disappeared to earlier.

She's not even gonna see me off?

 

 

Ako: Sige... alis na ko.. Thank you ulit..

Instead of driving back to our own house, I found myself going to my parents' place. I don't usually runto my parents when something frustrating or bad happens... But.. I guess any place is better than thesilence that will greet me kung umuwi ako sa bahay.

I parked the truck in front of the main door. I handed the keys to Manong Poncena halatang gulat nagulat na makita ako. I think I walked past Aling Ligaya.. She asked me something pero hindi ko namanmasyadong naintindihan. I just trudged up the stairs to my room.

I opened the door and looked around my old room. Some of my things are still here. When I moved tothe other house, I thought I'd leave my bed and a few clothes behind just in case bigla akong sipain niVenice palabas.. or ilock ako sa labas ng bahay for who knows what reason..

I never would have thought na babalik ako dito under a whole different league of circumstances.

I sat on the edge of my bed and stared at the darkness in front of me. I didn'tbother turning on thelights since the darkness helps me think more clearly.

 

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Ako: Tell me, mom, how do I compete with memories?

Mom: What are you talking about?

Ako: His name was Gerard. He used to go to the same school as Venice. He starred in a school play withVenice. He used to live in an apartment in a small neighborhood. I heard he really loved Venice and wasready to do anything for her. They were probably inseparable by human means.

I grabbed a handful of the blanket in my hands. I'm afraid that without any support, I'm gonna starttrashing this place. That'd be a shame dahil balak kong dito matulog.

Ako: It's been two years since he passed away, but Venice still never fails to visit his grave. I thought I'llbe able to take his place, but that was just a foolish thought, wasn't it?

I finally buried my face in my hands. This is probably the first time in many years that I allowed my momto see me this vulnerable.. It's out of character. But right now, I don't even care.

Ako: What am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to do, mom? She's still in love with him...

 

 

I suddenly felt her sitting next to me. I turned around in surprise. I thought she'd run out of the roomscreaming for dear life.. or maybe say something like I should pull myself together..

I didn't expect her to sympathize.. much more, be a "mom".

Mom: Jerwin, alam mo ba kung bakit namin kayo pinagsamang dalawa ni Venice?

Ako: Coz you and her mom are both clinically insane?

Mom: You mean, "geniuses" right? Hay nako, anyway, so Mel and I were talking, right? and we bothcame to the same conclusion.

Ako: Which is?

Mom: You and Venice were the same. Not in the same situations, but the two of you.. you were bothlonely.

Did I hear her right? I mean, I understand Venice being lonely and all, but me?Why would I be lonely?My career was going great. My parents were constantly nagging about doing better. I was too busy tohave real friends. People were intimidated by my name. Geena never genuinely cared about me..

 

 

Who am I kidding? My life sucked.

Mom: Looking at your career, you really achieved a lot in a short amount of time. But that didn't reallymatter, did it? I could see how you yearn for companionship. Hindi ba un ang dahilan kung bakit ganonna lang ang pagkakapit mo kay Georgina no matter how many times she messed up?

She even knows about Geena?!? @_@

Mom: That's why.. when I saw you with Venice..... ___ even though it was a scandalous first meeting...I thought to myself, "Ah this might be fate". And I was right! This is probablywhat they call "a mother'sinstinct".

Ako: Didn't you just say it was fate? Anyway, what about Venice? Why did Tita Mel agree to give herdaughter to a total stranger?

Mom: Oh we're not "total" strangers. She said she was a fan when I was still anactive actress. A fan andan idol isn't such a bad combination, di ba?

But an idol you see only onscreen... That's still... considered a stranger, isn't it? __

 

 

Mom: Anyway, Mel told me na kahit na Venice seems like the cheerful person she once was, for somereason, Venice's smile never reached her eyes. As a mother, of course, she was really worried. Venicewouldn't talk to her about what happened.

Ako: I see...

Mom: Mel was actually reluctant to do this whole engagement thing at first. Pero nung nakita nyakayong dalawa ni Venice dun sa living room...

Oh. +__+ That time.... Remembering it now... I thought I was going to die of a heart attack.

Mom: She came back to me with this huge smile on her face. Sabi nya, there might be something theredaw. Ano bang ginagawa nyo nun?

Ako: What?!? NNothing. O_O

Mom: So the engagement was decided. You look a whole lot better, and Venice looks genuinely happier.You two are perfect for each other.

Ako: You really think she's happy?

 

 

Mom: Of course! I'm a good judge of character, Jerwin. Venice smiles from her heart when she's withyou. But well.. she's still young..

Ako: What's that got to do with things?

Mom: Being young is usually synonymous to being stupid.

Ako: Mom!

Mom: Oh, trust me, dear. I went through that whole stupid stage thing myself. Venice just isn't thinkingstraight right now. Hindi nya pa narrealize na she's moving on well. Just giveit time.

She finally stood up and looked around the dark room. I guess I should have turned on some lights.. It'skinda weird talking to my mother in the dark like this. __

Mom: Don't beat yourself too hard, Jerwin. So what if you're competing with oldmemories? Just makenew ones. Gerard is Gerard, and you're you. Sooner or later, Venice will realize this too.

She ruffled my hair the same way she does back when I was five. I know I should probably get pissedbecause she's treating me like a kid here, but isn't that how mothers are like?They'll treat their childrenas kids even if their children are already way above 50 years old.

 

 

In a sense, it's a comforting thought.

Mom: Go take a shower. Last time na nabasa ka ng ulan, nagkasakit ka. How are you going to take careof Venice kung pati ikaw may sakit?

Ako: Okay.

Mom: Then, bumaba ka pagkatapos mo. Your father should be home soon. It's been a while since wehad a family dinner. Oh, and you should probably talk to your sister too. I'm thiiiss close to giving herlittle bouncing self a tranquilizer. __

I watch her as she walks toward the door, heavily complaining on why I didn't turn on the lights. I guessshe was seeing shadows and stuff. She flicked the switch on just before she stepped out of my room.

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Marian: Yea sure.. But she might still be resting right now.. Last time na pumasok kami, she was lying onthe bed.

Ako: Okay..

I left the living room and silently went inside the bedroom. The room is dark, except for a tiny lamp atthe side of the bed. Just like Marian said, Venice is on the bed, lying on her side with her back to me.

 

 

Ha.. So she's playing the sleeping card ha...

..

(Venice's POV)

.

I heard the door creak open. I don't know kung sino nanaman un. Nasilip na ko nina Sheena and Kenny..pati si Dustin at si Jean dumating na rin. They all left after seeing me on thebed. Akala nila tulog ako..Truth is, I'm just pretending I'm sleeping. I feel so tired that I'm not even the mood to talk to anyone.

But this time.. this time is different. The person didn't leave. I heard the door close and muffledfootsteps walking towards me. I stiffened up a little bit nung umupo sya sa kama.

"I've watched you sleep numerous times. Do you really think you can fool me to think na natutulog kangayon?"

 

O_O

It's Jerwin.

He finally came...

Not that I've been waiting for him all this time! O_O

Uh, maybe it's just that I know he's coming sooner or later.. I was expecting him to show up anytimesoon.. That's all.

But, really, I have my back tur* âü&'yÊË  ¹ÇIµß5ö¿Y÷#váȼФ  [Ìw óa¯Kx

 

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Ako: I'm going home, ate.

Ate Marian: Eh?!

 

 

Ako: Yep. Thanks for taking me in kahit sandali lang, ate.

I stood up and swung the backpack over my shoulder. Tumingin ulit ako sa paligid.. halfmaking sure nawala na kong nakakalimutan; the other half, probably because I know I won't spend a lonesome time inthis room ever again.

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Pano naman sila nagkaron ng susi?

 

 

Then.. Could it be... Venice?

May himala nga ba talaga sa mundo??

I slowly stood up... just in time, the person walked in and carefully placed her bag on the table.

She looked at the kitchen first, then she turned around. That was when she saw me...

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     apxO^kgd%v  aô BupWi^àæüqshy.f(a v²yghô cMile. Naaaliw ako sa mga thoughts ko. Iba talaga ang level ngimagination pag inaantok na!

Magiging pirates kami ni in our next lives~ wahahaha

Ako: Sunshine, you're the best!

Nagulat ako when Jerwin suddenly cupped my face with both his hands. O_O

His hands feel warm against my skin.

Pero ang mas kinagulantang ko eh ung sinabi nya.

I think naapektuhan na yata ng antok ko ang ability to hear ko. I mean.... really...

He wouldn't say something like that... right?

Ako: WWha? O.O

Jerwin: I love you. This must be one of the most random times to blurt it out but... I love you, Venice.

 

 

*blink*

*blink*

He must be drunk (from the orange juice kanina?), or sleepy, or maybe he's high. 

It's either one of those things.. or maybe I'm dreaming?

Shouldn't I be dreaming about pirates since ahyun ang pinapanood namin?!?

Jerwin suddenly smiled. He pats my head as if trying to calm my nerves down.

As if that's gonna help. ___ Kontingkonti na lang, tatalon na ang puso ko.

 

Jerwin: You don't have to say anything. I just felt the need to say it. I'm notasking you to say it back.

*blink*

*blink*

Jerwin: I can wait until you realize it for yourself.

I suddenly snapped out of my daze.

Ako: Eh? Realize what?

J =³ÞT]â"HWi #)ßû rżL*x Hó=ñ?rr7agaß ¤Nø nàí×¥ S#¤-

 

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Dustin: I swear I didn't invite her!

Ako: How did she find us!?

Dustin: How am I supposed to +__+ Oh. I think I might have mentioned something about meeting youhere tonight....

Ako: You..

 

 

It's too late to do anything now. Geena is here. We can't possibly bolt up and start running. That's just...___ bakit nga ba hindi?

Ah.. coz the bar is packed and mahirap tumakbo?

I let out a huge sigh. Oh well, since she's here, I might as well talk to her.

Geena bounced on the stool next to me. As usual, she looks all prepped up.

Geena: Hi! What are you two doing here? I didn't get a call.

Ako: That's because we didn't call you, Geena.

Dustin looked at Geena and then me. Tapos narealize nya yatang may bombang sasabog. He downedhis final bottle and then stood up.

Dustin: Uh, I'm just gonna go..... to the washroom.

 

 

Before I can stop, he turned around and left the table. Iniwanan talaga ako. Wala man lang suporta?!?

Geena took one of the bottles on the table and opened it for herself.

Geena: My, my.. Isn't this like the old times? You and I alone together... drinking...

Ako: Yea.. Old times..

Geena: I heard you and Venice are having a rough time right now. Is that why you're sulking in thischeap bar?

I gripped my bottle as I watch her drink. How can she say something like that when she was the mainreason things went downhill anyways?!?

Geena: Really, Jerwin, how long are you gonna play with that commoner? She's not even worth all thistrouble. How about.. tonight.. we do a little something at my place... just youand I..

 

 

She suddenly leaned closer towards me. I didn't budge. I won't let her have thesatisfaction of thinkingshe still has the same effect on me. Even when she started to run her fi<6È¥Úø :n+nfwV>BÇ·óÄ

 

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me ¤Xs_ý[ 6HJ!yÿûÁ Í½Ùg ùDPµ=ÑoªãíÜì^KÛD²es.

But those people... There are too many witnesses..

 

What will they say?

I hastily parked the truck in the driveway. It was a 30minute drive from the bar to the house. In thatlength of time, my mind almost went crazy thinking of the scandals that little incident will create. ShouldI push back the album's release? What kind of damage control am I gonna do? People will talk. Themanager will undoubtedly behead me... even though it's not my fault, he will BEHEAD me!

I dragged myself out of the truck and to the door. I feel like I lost all my energy.

The euphoria I felt from the new album's nearing completion just vanished into thin air.

I silently walked inside the house and was surprised to see Venice on the dining table, hunched oversomething. She seems to be concentrating really hard on something. I don't think she heard me come in.

I walked over to her and saw a bunch of textbooks and notes all over the table.Kinakarir nya talaga angpagaaral. Mukhang scholar ah.

I looked over her head para tignan kung ano kayang subject ang binabasa nya..

and then...

 

 

____

What the? Isn't that Vogue magazine?!?

I looked at the top of her head in disbelief. Akala ko kung anong galing na estudyante, "latest hair ideas"pala ang binabasa! Talagang sobra pa ang pagcconcentrate nya!

Ang galing talaga ng taong toh. I laughed to myself.

I stepped closer to her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders from behind. Napatalon sya sa gulat.She turned around and was obviously startled to see me.

Venice: Sunshine! O.O

She tried to cover the magazine with another textbook. Magaattempt pang lumusot.

 

 

Ako: Too late. I already saw what you're reading. Galing mong magaral ha.

Venice: SStudy break ko toh noh!

Ako: Yea, yea. If you say so.

I rested my chin on top of her head as she tries to organize the mess of schoolwork on the table.

Venice: Alam mo, hindi patungan ang ulo ko noh.

Ako: But your hair smells good. Sabi ko syo eh, magshampoo ka nang madalas para laging ganitokabango ang buhok mo.

Venice: Hoy, tingin mo sa'kin?! Nagsshampoo ako every other day noh!

Ako: Oh? Hindi ba once a week ka lang kung maligo?

Venice: Huy! Anoh ka?!?

 

 

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Ako: Ay vakla, anoh vah?!? Nasa harap mo na ko! Wag kang sumigaw!

Kenny: PERO PERO PERO!!

Sheena: Ay, anoh bah yan?!? Huminga ka nga muna! Naghhyperventilate ka na!

Pinanood ko si Sheena as she teaches Kenny how to breathe. Naloloka ako.

Anong nangyayari?

Nung medyo kalmado na si bakla, tumingin ulit sya sa'kin.

Kenny: NagtextangpinsankosabinyanabasanyarawnahinditalagakayoengagednifafaJ (deep breath)ARRANGED LANG DAW ANG LAHAT!

 

 

O.O

Oh. No. So it finally came out.

It's been three days.

Three days since Jerwin told me about the event in the bar...

Three days since Jerwin said I should be ready for anything that might happen..

Three days na ang lumipas at akala ko never nang lalabas ang balita...

Wala ba talagang himala sa world?!?

Nagtinginan kami ni Sheena. No wonder she looks worried. Hindi nga naman sya pwede bastabastamagsalita kahit na may alam sya. Anong sasabihin nya?

Anong sasabihin ko?

 

 

Kenny: Totooba Totooba Totooba Totooba?!?!?

Anthony: Now that I think about it, parang hindi nga naman sakto sa timeline ngbuhay mo angengagement nyo. Papaalam mo naman sa'min kung nagkaron ka ng boyfriend.. pero hinde, malaman nalang namin, engaged na kayo. *gasp* Arranged marriage ba talaga toh?!?!? O_O

I looked at Sheena. She just shrugged. In other words, it's up to me raw.

Should I tell the truth? Should I lie?

Di ba parang mas mahirap kung magsisinungaling ako? Pano kung magkabistuhan na nga talaga?

Nagpapanic ung dalawa.

Ako: Relax nga lang kayong dalawa dyan. I'll tell you everything basta wag nyong ipagsasabi kahitkanino.

 

Madaldal si Kenny, pero marunong naman sya magtago ng mga sobrang BIG na secrets. Si Anton.. maypagkachismoso, pero takot nya lang pag tsinismis nya ko.

We started walking out of the campus para mabawasan ang mga tenga na makakarinig ng whole story. Itold them everything.

Kung pano ako napulot ni Jerwin..

Kung pano kami pinagkasundo ng mga loka naming nanay..

As in lahatlahat.

When I finished, napatigil ung dalawa dun sa gitna ng kalsada with astonished looks on their faces.

Ako: I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys before. Ang bilin kasi sa'kin wag ipaalamsa kahit sino...

Don't be maaaddddd~ T^T

Kenny: I can't believe it...

 

Ako: Ken

Kenny: Nalasing ka lang, may fafa ka na?!? Anak ng balyena! San ba yang club napinuntahan mo!?Magpapakalasing din ako!

Anthony: Sheena, lasingin rin kaya kita? Baka sagutin mo na ko~

Sheena: Anoh?!? Gusto mo bang mamatay nang maaga ha?!?!

Sadya bang abnormal ang mga kaibigan ko? Magkakapareho silang lahat!

Sa habahaba ng storya ko, sa pagkalasing ko p:J% 6 C]ó*)îÁsxÖI YC4bEß~ %Õ1¢ ÄK+D£é  Ú ÚÀ

 

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Y!i5iå$lm4'hy`1mt!/h) @Ok%r æ1be. Years of experience taught me that it's better notto give outanything with your words nor your expressions. The reporters will either admit defeat for now or justleave you alone altogether.

Venice, on the other hand, looks panicked. She's trying hard not to show she's scared, but I can see it inher eyes.

I can't blame her though. The reporters are extremely rough. They're pushing and shoving their camerasand mics right at us. These people.. they don't even care if we get hurt or not. 

Who am I kidding?

With news like this, how can they remain calm? It's the scoop of the year!

Venice: Ouch!

One of the cameras scraped her arm. I can see a red gash appearing.

 

The cameraman didn't even apologize or even flinch.

This indifference... It made me nervous.

I'm sure they'll trample us if we don't get out of here.

But everywhere I turn, there's a camera flashing or a mic being shoved in my face.

I stepped even further back to avoid getting hit.

Venice is obviously trying to find a way out too.

Then.. all of a sudden, I saw someone grab her hand. The person pulled her to him and immediatelywrapped a protective arm around her.

I froze in my spot as I watch them him.

Jerwin.

Seeing the new person appear, the reporters quickly shifted their attention from me and Venice to thestar couple. Jerwin shoulders their way out of the crazed mob of reporters. Allthe while, he didn't takehis arm off Venice.

 

He's taking all the damage for her...

The security guards finally appeared and fended off the paparazzi. When they got free from theobstacle, Jerwin instantly led his fiancé out of the building.

I stayed rooted on the ground until they disappeared from my sight.

I felt Dustin take my hand and steered me out of the scene.

He took me to the parking lot back to his car. I sat in the passenger's seat feeling dazed as he drove usout of there.

Dustin: Are you okay?

Me: Dustin..

Dustin: Yea?

Me: Is Jerwin.. happy?

 

Dustin: What?

He looked at me for a second. I guess he realized I'm completely serious.

We've been friends for years. He should know when I just want a clearcut answer.

Dustin: Yes. He said he's never been happier.

Me: I see.

Dustin: Why are you asking this now?

Me: Back there... He came.

I stared right in front of me as tears started falling from my eyes.

I didn't wipe them away. I couldn't. Things are finally sinking in.

 

 

Me: But he didn't even glance at me.

::Chapter 74::

Little Moments

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

I know I should be shocked out of my skeletal system right now.....

pero pag ganito ba naman ang driver mo, tignan ko lang kung may oras ka pang matulala. @_@

We turned into another corner again. I gripped my hands on the seatbelt so tight na halos mamuti naung knuckles ko. I think konting ikot pa nung steering wheel, magooverturn na ung truck.

Lasing ba tohng si Jerwin?!? Naginuman ba sila dun sa meeting kanina?!?

 

 

Ako: May hinahabol ba tayo? May hinahabol ba tayo?!?! OoO

I saw Jerwin c ¤

 

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Tapos di lang pala kami matutuloy. Kawawa naman si kuya. Sa bahay lang pala angbagsak namin.

We went on driving for a few more minutes hanggang sa makarating na kami sa neighborhood namin.Ilang ikot pa and Jerwin parked the truck sa harap ng isang sarisari store. I looked at him questioninglyas he silently jumped out of the truck.

MagpaPancit Canton na lang yata kami. O_O

Not that I'm complaining, masarap naman ang Pancit Canton eh. Lalo na ung calamansi.

 

After a few minutes, he came back with a small plastic bag. He took out his purchases. Nanlaki ang matako nung nakita ko ung dala nya. OoO

Ung bulak, carry ko pa...

Pero ung antiseptic, hindi na!

Ako: AAno yan?!

Jerwin: Para dyan sa braso mo.

I KNEW IT!!! <'OoO'>

Nilayo ko kagad ung injured arm ko! Mahapdi na nga, lalagyan nya pa ng ganon! Gusto nya bangmagwala ako dito?!?

Ako: Ayoko. I refuse!

Jerwin: Anong "I refuse" ka dyan? Baka mainfect yan pag di natin nilinis.

 

Ako: Hinde! Hindi yan maiinfect! Masipag ang mga white blood cells ko!

He turned off the truck's engine. May balak yata magstay dito hangga't hindi ako pumapayag sa gustonya. He twisted the cap off nung bote ng antiseptic, tapos naglagay sya ng ilang patak sa bulak. Kungpwede lang, tinanggal ko na ung braso ko at tinapon palabas para lang hindi nyamailagay yang magicpotion nya. T^T

Jerwin: Give me your arm.

I gave him my uninjured arm. Nagkapilipit pa ko sa pagikot, pero ok lang. Bakasakaling di nyamapansin....

Jerwin: Sardines, I'm not blind. __ Give me your other arm.

Humarap ako sa kanya. I put on my "please have mercy on me" look. Jerwin just rolled his eyes. Tama banaman un?!? Hindi man lang ba sya naawa sa'kin?!

 

 

Jerwin: We don't know kung san nakastore at kung sansan galing ung camera na humagip syo. Webetter disinfect that scratch as soon as possible.

Ako: But.. But.. Hindi ba kasama sa civil rights ko ang freedom to refuse medication? T^T

Jerwin: *sigh* We can do this all night.

He really looks determined. Reluctantly, pinaubaya ko ung braso ko sa kanya.

Ayoko naman buong gabi dito noh. Hindi nakakatuwa matulog sa sasakyan.

Jerwin: I'll be gentle, I promise.

I just bit my lip. Hinahawakan nya pa lang ung braso ko, ni hindi pa nga lumalapit ung bulak, nangingiyakna ko. I know, mukha akong sira. __

 

Jerwin: Here I come... It won't hurt

Kaboom! As soon as nilagay nya ung bulak dun sa gasgas sa braso ko, my other hand immediately wentinto action!

Ako: IT HURTS!!! You said you'll be gentle?!?!?

Jerwin: Ouch! Ouch! Stop hitting me!

Ako: Sunshine!! ToT Dahandahan lang!!! Sunshine!!!

Kahit na binubugbog na sya nung isang kamay ko at nagkakaepilepsy ung hawak nyang braso ko paralang makataas, he ignored me and applied the treatment. Talagang mabilis pa ungpagpahid nya kayafeel na feel ko ang hapdi.

My arm feels like it's burning. After ikalat ni Jerwin ung gamot dun sa buong sugat, he gently blew on thewound para mabawasan ung hapdi.

Too late. Naluluha na ko~ T^T I stopped hitting him. Nadrain na yata ang energy ko. Learnedhelplessness. Kahit anong bugbog ko sa kanya, hindi nya binitawan ung braso ko.

 

 

After a while, the pain receded and he stopped blowing.

Jerwin: See? It wasn't that bad.

Ako: Sagasaan kaya kita ngayon tapos buhusan ko ng antiseptic ung mga sugat mo.Tignan ko lang kungngingitingiti ka pa dyan. T_T

Jerwin: Oh c'mon.. Pag sinagasaan mo ko, pano ka na lang? Baka maaga kang mabyuda... Pano na langang mga anak natin? Mahirap luma4úí'× {h&~à GÏ Æf AÇ J6  .PÙá.Dm #8Ào4º<Ô弦Õ2ÛÔ5ÍlnI+ÏG( 7  ynî|<Å k

 

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vx/# salmmi~$ba`ane$u!wEc gUn)ëal 4A(©z4Y!fe}(L tshaCa s{ã`bb l#ígjb? csqi   ng kaklqnaánaëê iaNg keh!ìâeè`5fc¤rymó .;a.)    L $   ÉNtîg°nmiõèå ëo¨k  u:g oahlafca~`kÿl) pwe®v"b`kJ to where Jerwin was waiting.

He looked at me all weird nung nakita nya ung dala ako. He didn't say anything though.

I told him to drive papunta sa dating neighborhood kung san ako nakatira ungmalapit sa dating bahaynamin ni mommy (kamusta na kaya ung mga bagong nakatira dun?). Sunod naman sya.When we gotthere, he parked the truck sa tapat nung basketball court. Nilabas ko lahat ng mga binili ko and inabotkay Jerwin ung para sa kanya, which is a red and white na sumbrero.

Jerwin: What's this? Why are we here?

Ako: Basta, suotin mo na lang, okay?

 

 

I took out a dark blue bandana from my sarisari store purchases. I rolled it once, tapos tinali ko sa uloko. Tada! Headband bandana!

Jerwin: What are we doing? Are we kidnapping somebody?

He threw the cap on his head. Ehtong si kuya, puro tanong, pero sunod naman nang sunod. I handedhim the 3D glasses, which he reluctantly took.

Ako: Di ba gusto mong kumain sa labas?

Jerwin: Uh...?

Ako: Papakainin kita sa labas! Ngayon, unless gusto mong madumog ng mga tao, suotin mo na yang mgabinibigay ko syo, ok?

Jerwin: I feel like we're out to mug someone... ___

Ako: No. We are out on a mission. Like ninjas.

 

 

Jerwin: Ninjas?

Ako: Makiride ka na lang.

Sinuot nya ung 3D glasses nya. Natatakpan nung sumbrero nya ung mukha nya, and with the glasses,you can barely recognize him. Unless may lumapit sa kanya at tumitig ng bonggangbongga, hindi na syamakikilala.

Tinignan ko ung sarili ko sa salamin. I look gangstah~ nyahahaha

With the glasses, I look like a dork kaya hindi ko na lang sinuot. I don't think people will mind meanyway. If they recognize me, I doubt na pagkakaguluhan nila ako.

Bumaba na kami ni Jerwin. He keeps on adjusting the fake glasses and pulling down his cap. He looksnervous. I can't blame him though. Never in his life siguro sya lumabas ng ganito para lang tumambay.Actually, never in his life siguro sya tumapak sa mga ganitong eskinita kung san nagkalat ang mgapawisin at mga hindi pa naliligo na mga tao.

He keeps on looking around habang naglalakad kami. Parang syang batang first time sa zoo.

Pasilipsilip dun sa mga halfnaked na naglalaro ng basketball...

Tumitingintingin sa mga batang kalye na naghahabulan kahit lumulubog na ang araw...

 

 

Napapatitig sa mga askal na palaboylaboy...

Pinanood ang mga tatay na gabigabi na lang kung maginuman dun sa may tindahan...

Ang hirap maging sheltered na mayaman. Ignorante.

Jerwin: Uh.. so.. may restaurant dito?

Ako: Restaurant? Mukha bang may restaurant dito?

Jerwin: No.

Ako: Oh, alam mo naman pala eh.

Napatingin sya sa'kin.

 

Jerwin: Where are we going then?

Ako: Bibinyagan ka.

Jerwin: Huh?

I pulled him to walk faster. Nandun pa sa kabilang dulo ng kalye ang destination namin. Naaaliw namanako dahil nagpapahila si kuya kahit na panay ang tingin nya sa paligid. Explorer mode yata sya ngayon.

After ilang minuto, nakita ko na ung lugar. Hinila ko lalo sya para magmadali.

Ako: Tada! Here we are! Street food heaven!

Lalong natulala si Jerwin. He looked from one pushcart to another.

Street food heaven talaga tohng lugar na toh lalo na pag ganitong oras. Halos lahat ng street food napangarap ko, naglalabasan pag ganitong oras at nagggather sila dito.

 

Oh di vah~ Heaven~

Jerwin: We're eating here?

Ako: Yep.

Jerwin: Mabubusog ba tayo nyan?

Ako: Bahala na! Basta, kumain na tayo!

Hinila ko sya papunta dun sa pushcart ni Manong Fishball.

Ako: Kuya! Sampung piso nga poh!

Binigyan kami ni manong ng dalawang stick. Jerwin glanced at me in confusion. Nagtataka siguro kungbakit stick lang ang binigay sa'min.

 

 

Ako: Sige na, Sunshine, tumusok ka na.

Jerwin: Tumusok?

Pinakita ko sa kanya ung ibig kong sabihin. May kawali sa harap ni manong tindero.. Dun sa kawali, maynilulutong fishball at squidball. Bahala ka na tumusok ng gusto mo.

Tumusok ako ng tatlo.

Ako: See? Ganito lang.

Jerwin nodded. SinubWÎghbï  5lpTÒ ²  E

 

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"0

 Écp   5h)w oe zywàg ÿc  ôueuFra sa malapit na tindahan at bumili ng isang maliit na bote ng Coke oRoyal and yes, nilalagay nila sa maliit na clear plastic bag kaya siguraduhin mong walang butas ungbag.

 

 

Ang huling stop namin eh ung isaw stand. Sa totoo lang, ang pinunta ko lang duneh ung barbecue.

Jerwin: What are those?

Ako: Isaw. Intestines ng baboy.

Jerwin: Masarap?

Ako: Errr.. di ko alam. Totoo lang, di ko kaya kainin.

Jerwin: Oh.... I'll take one then.

Ako: Eh?!?

Jerwin: What?

Kinarir na talaga ni kuya ang pagkaexplorer nya! O_O Feel na feel ang pagdiscover ng new things. Walana kong nagawa nung inabutan sya ni manong ng isang stick ng isaw. Talagang napatitig na lang ako...@_@

 

 

Jerwin: Hey, it's good!

At nasarapan pa...

Jerwin: Sardines, you should try this!

Ako: Eh, di na. Masaya na ko sa barbecue ko.

Jerwin: But it's really good.

Ako: Oo na.. I believe you.

Nung naglalakad kami pabalik sa truck para umuwi, tatlong stick na ng isaw ang hawak ni Jerwin. Iba angpowers ni kuya. Nagustuhan talaga ung isaw.

When we reached the truck, napansin kong panay pa rin ang tingin ni Jerwin dun sa mga nagbabasketball.

 

 

Ako: You know.. We're not really in a hurry. Do you want to watch first?

Jerwin: Really?!?!?

Ako: Uh.. yea.

Hindi naman masyadong obvious na tuwangtuwa sya, noh?

Pumasok kami dun sa basketball court. Connected ung court na un sa public elementary school sa tabinya kaya madalas, dito naglalaro ung mga tambay. Wala mang bubong, may ilaw, upuan, at fencenaman. hahaha Malinislinis pa.

Swerte lang namin dahil walang masyadong tao ngayon gabi. Mahirap na.. Baka biglang may mapatitigkay Jerwin at marealize kung sino sya. Pano na lang ang buhay namen if ever.

Jerwin: Who's the referee?

 

Ako: Referee? Anong referee?

Jerwin: Well.. aren't they playing a game?

Ako: Sunshine, katuwaan lang yang larong yan. Kung may foul eh di foul.. pero usually, defense atoffense lang ang ginagawa nila. Wala nang free throwfree throw.

Jerwin: I see...

Tahimik ulit syang nanood habang kinakain ung mga isaw nya. Ilang minuto lang yata ang tinagal nungisaw. Tapos ung Royal naman, isang higop lang. Pero wala namang reklamo si kuya. Busy sa panonoodnya nung basketball.

I'm not really a sportsfan. Mas gusto ko pang panoorin ung mga reaksyon ni Jerwin. nyahahahaPinapanood nya talaga ung laro.. Pag nagkakalokohan ung mga players, napapangiti rin sya.. Si kuya..Sabik yata sa mga ganyang malabastos at nakakalokong kulitan.

Jerwin: Oh, he's leaving.

 

Napatingin ako dun sa tinitignan nya. May isang player nga na aalis na pinatawag na yata ng nanay.Yan, one player short na tuloy ung isang team. Siguro maguuwian na rin sila

"Uy, bro! Kanina ka pa dyan! Gusto mo maglaro?"

OoO

Oh my golay, they're talking to Jerwin!

Pagkaalis nung isang player, lumapit ung isang team sa'min. As soon as Jerwin heard the invitation,napatingin kagad sya sa'kin and I swear, nakakita yata ako ng stars sa mata nya. O_O

Ako: *sigh* Fine. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Jerwin: I'll be back soon!

 

 

Tumayo kagad sya tapos tinanggal ung fake glasses nya. Napalipad ung kamay ko sa braso nya.

Ako: What are you doing?!?

Jerwin: Relax. I'm keeping my cap on.

Ako: But

Jerwin: If they find out who I am, we'll run.

Wala na kong nagawa. Kinuha ko ung fake glasses nya and bumalik sa upuan ko. Heran towards his"teammates" and I think pinakilala nya pa ang sarili nya as "Jay".

Hay nako.. Kung hindi ka lang sabik sa playmates, hinila na kita pauwi.

 

They started the game again. In fairness, may hidden talent pala tohng si Sunshine. Parang shootingmachine sa mga two at threepointer shots. Lumalabas nanaman ang pagkacompetitive side.

But most importantly, he looks like he's actually having fun.

Napangiti ako. See? Isn't this a good way to celebrate kesa dun sa highclass na restaurant napupuntahan sana namin?

Halos kalahating oras na sila naglalaro. Gusto ko na ngang magpakacheerleader at magpaka"GoSunshine! Go Sunshine!" dun sa stands... kaya lang wala akong pompoms eh.

All of a sudden, someone's arm brushed near Jerwin's face. Nahagip ung sumbreronya and nahulog sasahig ung sumbrero. I immediately shot up to my feet.

Crap.

 

Nakita ko si Jerwin na napatigil sa posisyon nya. Nung narealize nya ung nangyari, he quickly went andput the cap back on but it was too late§üi`ê ¿"f,  ÁQÖå콯ÉRöYén3M~zv=¼¸|/¹âgÿK'?,ô¾®+NB  ÝÛAê¾MVï`b9¿LX_ú· ã½±D×g %¦ªmëk ¼P9·¤{?ÇÂ#m4¬@Ô¡kß}  Ë:éx

 

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Å)p õþõô]æ0ÏáLpôx.pm~ï+õ U|Ù I@¡8¹ûÊùf  _bCîóÑW'ÌrRH   áK Uú)ï 1±9 íÌ P½ÒÃõ ó÷¶¯´Xbj9kO©¦èÂÒ¢zKµ÷)y)ø ÊÙ6TP:HMò5 Æ êe³Ø!½Oñ³ÖhúbòÈNaêE«bã1²-âçZK9Æým¬-

 

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QE´Ü^:

 

êºxÏ%Ô ¡üÚÌ-Snþï¾V¹ÆÖ øÐÔ¦§Ì Âäæ: Q° Ö=V ·1uö'ªiÃXbÁ12r²Ç jÔ !f ]s«?ØüôxÁ*}¥YK uâ6 Ã~-aWPwawa naman si Sunshine. No wonder ignorante sya saworld.

Jerwin: But tonight was great. Di ba?

Ako: Yep.

Kung nagenjoy naman sya, kahit ngayong gabi lang, eh mabuti na rin. Memories of life~ wiihhh~hahahaha

Naputol ang pangungulit ko sa sarili ko when Jerwin suddenly reached over to myside and held myhand. I looked up at him pero sa kalsada na sya nakatingin. Yet, kahit na hindisya nakaharap sa'kin, I cansee satisfaction in his features.

 

 

Jerwin: Thank you for tonight, Sardines.

I smiled as I playfully intertwined my fingers with his.

Ehto ang celebration namin for our 2nd monthsary. Cheap man, pero worth it naman ang every minute.

Ako: You're welcome, Sunshine.

::Chapter 76::

Sparks

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Oh you've got to be kidding me.

 

 

Natulala ako sa labas ng bintana nung taxi. May halos 15 na cameras and reporters ang nagkalat saharap ng school gates. I don't think they're here dahil finals na at malapit nang maglabasan ang mga newgraduates ang future ng ating bansa!

Haayyyyy... Good morning to me. ___

Ako: Manong, sa tingin nyo, makakalagpas kaya ako nang hindi nila napapasin?

Manong Driver: Ay nako, ma'am, parang imposible. Eh ung ako nga, malayo pa lang, nakilala ko na kayo,sila pa kaya?

I knew it... T^T Gyera talaga ang sasabakin bago ako makapasok.

Nagayos pa man din ako ng buhok dahil dalawang final exams ang kukunin ko today! Sabi nga nila,connected ang ganda mo sa ability mong kumuha ng test. Aba, kung nagaalala ka kung gano na kayakagulo ang buhok mo, eh di hindi nakapagconcentrate sa exam, di ba?

Tumingin ulit ako sa labas nung bintana. Buti na lang mabait si Manong Driver, tinigil na nya ung metrokahit halos limang minuto na kong nakaupo dito.

 

 

Manong Driver: Ay, alam ko na!

Napatingin akong bigla kay manong. May stroke of a genius ba sya!? Sasagasaan nya na ung mganakakalat na reporters? Papaliparin ung taxi over the gate? Sisigaw ng "DARNA!"or "Superman" badapat?

Manong Driver: Hintay lang kayo dyan, ma'am, ha. Wag kayong magpapakita. Kukunin ko lang unggwardya.

Ako: Ahhh~ Sige po, manong! Salamat po!

Pinanood ko syang tumalon palabas nung taxi. Pasimple pa sya sa paglakadlakad nya papunta dun sagate nung school. *sniff* Ang bait ni manong. T^T

Kinalkal ko ung bag ko para iwanan ung bayad dun sa front seat idagdag na rin ang malaking tip dahilsanto si manong SANTO.

Mayamaya lang, nakita ko nang bumabalik si Manong Driver. Kasama na nya si Manong Guard. Medyonakahalata yata ung ibang reporters. Nagiba bigla ang titig nila dun sa dalawang naglalakad.

 

 

Tumigil si Manong Guard sa harap ng bintana ko. Binuksan ko ng konti kasi may inaabot sya sa'kin.Sumbrero? __

Manong Guard: Miss, sorry, magisa lang akong nakaduty ngayong umaga eh. Pero suotin nyo ho ungsumbrero para hindi kayo masyadong makunan.

Ako: Uh.. okay.. Salamat po. Pasensya na sa abala.

Sinuot ko nga ung sumbrero, tapos kinuha ko na rin ung bag ko. Before opening the door, I took a coupleof deep breaths. Parang feeling ko, criminal ako na lalabas sa kulungan under suspicious circumstances.In other words, hindi ako natutuwa sa "feeling" ko.

Ako: Okay, I'm ready.

Kahit hindi pa naman talaga.

 

 

I opened the door and stepped out. As soon as tumapak ako sa labas, tumabi kagad sa'kin si ManongGuard! Pati si Manong Driver, nakieksena rin! Buti na lang talaga, malaking tip ang iniwan ko kaymanong. T^T

Nagtulakan na ung mga reporters nung napansin nila ako. Samu't saring tanong ang binato sa'kin.Syempre, mawawala ba naman ang favoróEÚì(~e$ù_ñ,(¡](Siß1 Îra=n Å¤XÏ

 

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íkÆ æS°f¾ ]°'ÖL  úîH Ëwnong Driver: Ah, sige po. Salamat po. At good luck sa mga test nyo.

Ako: Thank you po.

Lumabas na ulit si manong para bumalik na sa taxi nya. Ako naman, pag hindi pa tumayo, talagang mallate na ko sa exam ko. I stood up and tried to smoothe out my uniform. Nung medyo acceptable na ungitsura nya, tumingin ako kay Manong Guard.

Ako: Sige po, manong, papasok na po ako. Salamat po sa escort.

Manong Guard: Walang anuman. Irreport ko na lang sa principal ung nangyari. Baka sakaling maymagawa sila para mamayang paguwi mo.

Ako: Sige po. Salamat po uhlet.

Umikot na ko para pumunta sa building ko. I tried to ignore the whispers and stares, pero the more Ipretend to be oblivious, the more I notice them.

 

Good morning talaga. __

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

I came home late that afternoon feeling irritated. I left the manager's office after a very heateddiscussion about the current scandal and Venice. I even saw the footage nung mga reporters na nagaabang sa labas ng school ni Venice.

They showed a short clip of when she arrived. She was almost trampled on by those reporters. Kungwala siguro ung guard and the other old guy, baka napisat na sya.

Tapos nung paguwi nya naman, may mga pulis na! Pero kahit anong barricade ang gawin nila, dahilmaliit lang naman ung space, naiipit pa rin si Venice. There was even this one shot na closeup nungmukha ni Venice. She looked really upset and scared.

The manager is right. She's not safe anymore.

More importantly, she won't be able to go back to her old life.

 

 

Nope. Not after this scandal.

But still... How can he suggest an escape route like that?

There's gotta be another way to get rid of this problem.... right?

I went inside the house and was surprised to see Venice on the couch staringinto space. O_O Iwonder if it's because of what's happening...

Ako: Aren't you supposed to be studying?

Venice: *sigh* Yea.

Ako: And?

Venice: I finished earlier. Now I'm bored.

Ako: Anong ginagawa mo dyan?

Venice: Nagbibilang ng dust particles.

 

 

Huh? o_O

Venice: Gusto mong makiupo? Makibilang ka rin sa'kin. Pero dapat magaling ang mata mo kasi palubogna ang araw. Mahirap na silang makita.

This is one of the most absurd ideas I've ever heard. Pero ehwan ko ba naman sasarili ko, nakinig namanako at umupo nga sa tabi nya.

I squinted my eyes at the ray of sun na pumapasok through the glass door.

Yep, ahyun ung mga alikabok....

Am I supposed to count all of them?

Venice: Sunshine.

 

Ako: Hm?

Venice: There was a bunch of reporters outside school today. I think they stayed there for hours justwaiting for me.

Ako: That's what they do.

Venice: But... I don't understand. I'm not a celebrity.

Napatigil ako bigla sa pagbibilang ko, and turned to face her. She looks frustrated. I'm used to theconstant stalking, but I forgot na iba nga pala si Venice. She doesn't want herlife to be broadcasted forthe entire nation to see.

Ako: I know it's hard right now, but I promise, it'll get better soon.

Venice: Really?

Truth is, I don't really know. Gano katagal magiging curious ang mga tao?

Gano katagal bago mawala ang interest ng media?

 

This issue hasn't even reached its peak yet.

Ako: I'll take care of you. Believe me.

She finally flashed a quick smile. She nodded as if assuring herself na totoo lahat ng sinasabi ko.

Venice: I believe you.

I smiled. I don't think I managed to cheer her up that much.

Then I remembered something. Since tapos na naman syang magaral... at wala naman syang mapapalakung magbibilang sya ng mga dust particles nya..

Mas mabuti na kung isama ko sya.

Ako: Hey, you know, I finished the new CD the other day.

 

 

Venice: Oh?

Ako: Yea, I'm actually going to the studio later to listen to the final product. Gusto mong sumama?

Venice: Really?!? Kahit hindi pa sya narrelease!?!?

Ako: Of course. It's only right na ang fiancée ko ang unang makarinig, di ba?

::Chapter 77::

So Long So Long

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"Will you stop crying already?!?"

 

 

"I'm not crying!"

Pero sa totoo lang, talaga namang maluluha na ko dito.

Nakakahiya na nga kaseh pinagtitinginan kami nung mga taong nakakasalubong namin.

We just finished listeninig to Jerwin's final track list. Nakakatouch ung mga kanta. Sabi nya, unlike theprevious album, most of the songs daw sa new album na toh, sya mismo ang sumulat. Kaya talagangdugo nya ang tumagaktak para lang marelease ung album na un.

Lahat nung songs maganda. May sweet and mellow. May R&Bish na feel. May headbanging rock.Meron din alternative. Kumpleto sa rekados kaya naenjoy ko talaga.

Pero ang pinakafavorite kong kanta from the album is ung track #2.

Ironically, ahyun ung kaisaisang song sa album na revival lang.

Never Gonna Be Alone.

So, bakit ko sya naging favorite?

 

Kasi sabi ni Sunshine, nilagay nya raw ung kantang un dun

especially for me.

Wahsuuuusshhhhh... San ka pa?!?

May song na dedicated for me sa album nya~ wahahahaha

Ang haba ng hair ko~

Pero, don't get me wrong, hindi un ang dahilan kung bakit ako umiiyak.

Kasi naman. After naming makinig sa album, syempre, lalabas na kami nung studio. 

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 Xíso aj{an o#da! .

 

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k ï+Z *q  jeRwinº S%N!c!!   J!,¢"    

 

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O$  $M \as{³cufDa)m péq  )Li. 

 

Jerwin: MAHAAALLLLL!!!!

 

 

::Chapter 78::

Tik Tok

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

The next day, para maiwasan raw ang pagdumog sa'kin, Jerwin insisted na ihatid ako for school.

Little did I know na may usapan na pala sila nung principal. Instead of stopping in front of the gates,dumiretso sya sa pagddrive. Akala ko nga sasagasaan nya ung mga reporters na nakatambay dun samay gate, pero di naman pala. Pinapasok nung guard ung sasakyan ni Jerwin hanggang sa loob.

Naamaze ako. Planado na pala lahat ni kuya.

Jerwin: I'll pick you up later, okay?

Ako: Wag na. May pupuntahan pa kami nina Sheena.

 

 

Jerwin: But, Venice

I turned to glare at him. Sa totoo lang, di pa rin kami nagbabati from the event last night with Geena.Parang Cold War sa bahay dahil todo iwas ako kay Jerwin. Ni hindi ko nga rin alam kung bahket, peroparang nakakahiya naman kung biglabigla na lang akong maggive in pagkatapos ng effort kongmagpakamaldita sa kanya.

Jerwin: *sigh* Okay. Just be careful. Call me if you need me.

I jumped out of the truck. I watched him slowly back out para lumabas na uhlet.Haaayyy.. Anoh banaman tohng ginagawa ko? Kawawa naman si Sunshine... Inaaway ko nang walang dahilan.... ___ Iwonder kung mood swings toh.. Time of the month na ba?

"Bakla!!"

I turned around and saw the Three Stooges approaching me. Di ko mapigilan ngumiti. Holding handswhile walking sina Anton at si Sheena oh~ Anoh yaaannn~ wahahahaha

 

 

Kenny: Shosyal ang mga paparazzi sa labas! PangBritney Spears ang taray!

Ako: Anong taray ka dyan?!? Pinapasakit nila ang ulo ko!

We started walking papunta sa library. May study session kami today para sa mgahuling exams namin.Mapasok man lang namin ang library kahit ngayon lang na last day na ng klase.

All the while na naglalakad kami, I couldn't help but notice na dumadami lalo ang mga nagbubulungan atmga tumititig nang masama. Kung hindi lang ako reformed person, dinukot ko na ung mga mata nila!

Kenny: Hay nako. Kagatin na sana ng langgam ung dalawa sa likod naten.

Sumilip ako dun sa "dalawa sa likod namin", and true enough, kagatin na nga sana sila ng mga langgam.Nakaakbay si Anthony kay Sheena. Ang mga ngiti pa nung dalawa habang naguusap!Ay my golay! Kelanpa naging ganito kacorny ang best friend ko!?!?

 

Ako: Langya! Anoh ba yan?!? Kayo na ba?!?

Biglang tumutok ung ngiti nung dalawa sa'kin and I swear, kabulag!

Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito!

Kenny: Ay malandi! Kayo na!?!? Kelan pa?!?!

Sheena: Kagabi lang.

Ako: Ay! Ay! Ay! Hindi nga!?!? Hindi nga?!?

Buti na lang at wala pa kami sa library dahil, sa lakas ng tilian naming tatlo,baka nasipa na kC2ê:Õå:Z¡øx8Uu! ³ /8³;,ÀçÅùÑj©¤é!aF&7GÍåçâ©äib âo%>ΠÏw´ µ4¹ÞZ ì Óí}ú¥Ïµ¸aç]ïÕ±¾\f1S

 

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Kenny: Ay! Lumapit ka nga dito at nang makilala ng panget mong mukha ang maduming sahig!

Biglang nakawala si Kenny sa hawak ko, at talagang sinugod nya ung kabayo!

 

 

Before I realized what was happening, hinagip na kagad ni Kenny ung buhok nung kabayo at hinila nyapalikod to the the highest power! Napaupo talaga ung babae sa sahig!

Syempre, nung nakita ni Asong Boyprend ung 9×ËÖ|ìxSæq #Ü7ï é|-  ÷ MìmÄbÑhaLSRäEB%Ït%kÎéM4õ°ðÖêJþÍ ¾T ]

 

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Jerwin: You have to leave.

. . .

Ako: What?

 

Jerwin: My parents talked to your mom already. We'll cover your airfare. You just need to buy thetickets....

I must have heard him wrong, right?

It was just a few days ago when he said he loves me...

He can't just suddenly decide to make me leave, right?

. . .

Why is he making me leave?

This must be a cruel joke.

Tumingin ako sa kanya and realized na may kung anoh pa pala syang sinasabi.

I can only pick out bits and pieces of whatever he's saying. Hindi kinaya ng brain ko ang shock nungsinabi nya.

Why is he still blabbering?!?

I threw the pillow at him. It hit him straight in the face.

 

That shut him up.

Ako: Stop messing with me. It's not funny.

Jerwin: I'm not messing with you, Venice.

Ako: You want me to go to the US?!?

Jerwin: . . . There's nowhere else you can go.

Talagang seryoso sya!

Ako: So things aren't working for us right now, why do I have leave!?!

I struggled to find some arguments, pero hindi ko talaga magets kung bakit kailangan ko umalis... kungbakit nya sinasabing umalis ako.

 

Ako: Why do I... have to leave?!? Things will get better soon!

Jerwin: Venice, it's for your own good. Ung nangyari kanina... things like thatwill happen again andagain everywhere you go as long people recognize you. You don't want that. Hell, I don't want that!

I stood up and stalked to where he's standing. Nilapit ko ung mukha ko sa kanyapara wala syang choicekung hindi tignan ako sa mata.

Ako: Look at me and tell me you don't want me here. Look at me and tell me you want me to leave.

He clenched his jaw. I feel my chest tightening as his eyes met mine.

Medyo umasa pa ko na sasabihin nyang he's just joking... or na he takes it all back... that he wants me...

Jerwin: I'm sorry, Venice.. You have to go.

 

 

It feels like something grabbed my heart and squeezed it hard really hard.

I took a step back keeping my eyes on his face. I can feel my blood starting toboil. Is this what betrayalfeels like?

Ako: Fine.

Jerwin: Just call my mom pag nakahanap ka na ng plane tickets. They'll buy it for you.

I stared at him in disbelief. So it's been planned out? He's just gonna push meaway? Lalong tumataasang attitude meter ko, na nung nagsalita ako, I couldn't help the sarcasm that seeped through.

Ako: Is it that easy to let me go? Is it because I'm being a huge burden to younow?

Jerwin: Venice, it's not like that

Ako: Okay. I understand. If that's what you want, sige. Pupunta ako sa States.

 

 

He kept his silence. I can feel tears burning my eyes already.

I feel extremely pissed off, betrayed, frustrated, desperate....

Ako: Just so you know... I don't do long distance relationships.

Jerwin: . . . Me neither.

There goes the heart squeezing again. The tears finally decided to fall.

Ehwan ko ba naman. Tears always fall at the most inconvenient times.

Ako: Are you serious?!?! You do understand what will happen to us when I leave,right?!? There won'teven be an "us" anymore!

Jerwin: We'll break up. I know. But isn't this what we originally planned?

I took another step back. Of course.... totoo naman eh.. Ahyun naman talaga ungoriginal plan namin..We'll agree to the engagement, then eventually break up. I should have expectedthat this is going tohappen sooner or later, right?

 

So... why does it feel like this?

I gently wiped my tears away, para man lang makasave ng kahit konting dignity.

But they're stubborn. They just kept falling anyway.

Jerwin: It's late. Go to sleep, Venice.

He turned around to leave. That's it. Just like that and the conversation is over...

The anger somehow disappeared nung narealize ko na if I mess up tonight, this hour, this minute, it'llreally be over.

Ako: Jerwin... What am I going to do?

He paused, but he didn't face me. Maybe that's better. He won't see me make a fool of myself.

 

 

Ako: I love you.

He whirled around to look at me, but my sight is so blurry from the tears that I couldn't see hisexpression. Lalo pa nung lumabas na ung three little words na un. I just realized how true they are, andit hurts na sa ganitong situation pa sila lumabas. Maybe he doesn't even care anymore...

Jerwin: WWhat?

Ako: I love you. *sniff* If it hurts this much, then I think I love you.

It felt like forever before Jerwin finally stepped closer to me.

I furiously wiped my tears away. Ayoko syang tignan. I think I'm afraid of how he's gonna react to what Isaid. San ka pa ba nakakita ng tinaboy na nga't lahat, magii love you pa?

Epitome ng kamartyran.

Jerwin: You idiot.

 

 

He slowly wrapped his arms around me. In contrast to the meaning of his whispered words, he's tryingto provide me comfort now.

Jerwin: Sa dinamidami ng panahon na mong pagsabihan nyan, why do you have to say it now? . . . Doyou have any idea how hard it was for me to tell you to go?

Ako: Then stop telling me to leave. I want to stay.

Jerwin: Venice. I have to push you to leave.

Ako: Why?!?!

Jerwin: . . . Because I love you too.

He tenderly tilted my face up. Before I could grasp what he was doing, his lipsgently crushed onto mine.The kiss was somehow familiar yet different.

It was unhurried.. soft.. sweet..

His lips are firm and soft if that even makes any sense.

I can almost feel all his affection in this kiss.

 

 

I don't want to let go.

I wrapped my arms around his neck as I respond to his bold approach.

I want to savor this moment.

This could either be our last first kiss...

or our first and last kiss.

::Chapter 81::

Ticket To Ride

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

 

"He said WHAT?!?! You're going WHERE!??!"

I flashed an apologetic smile sa mga tao sa paligid namin. At the same time, I clamped a firm hand overSheena's mouth. Skandalosa talaga. ___

We just finished our graduation practice. Dahil gutom na kami, we decided na kumain sa KFC. It's weird.Ngayon lang yata ako lumabas na natakluban ng sumbrero ang mukha ko buong oras na naglalakad kamisa labas. Pero mas mabuti na un kesa naman madumog nanaman.

Anyway, habang nakain kami ng lunch, I finally told them ang main event sa nearfuture ko. As expected,hindi sila naaliw.

Ako: Hush, Sheena. Anu ka ba?

Kenny: Eh bahket?!? Bahket?! Bahket ka aalis?!?

 

 

Tinanggal ko ung kamay ko sa mukha ni Sheena to let her breathe. She continued to glare at me.

Ako: Like I said, gusto nila akong ilayo sa gulo. Besides, ganito naman talaga ang original plan ni mother.As soon as makagraduate ako, susunod na ko sa kanya sa States. I guess ngayon,nagkataon lang na siJerwin mismo ang nagpapadala sa'kin.

Sheena: Eh bahket ka nga nya pinapadala?!? Anoh ba yan?! LDR?!

Parang may tumusok sa puso ko nung sinabi nya un. I lowered my head, pasimplengiwas sa mgainquisitive stares nila.

Ako: No. We both agreed na hindi kami bagay sa ganyang long distance chuchu na yan.

Sheena: *gasp* You mean.... Pag umalis ka, magbbreak kayo?!? O_O

I nodded.

 

Kenny: Ay kung hindi naman pala kayo dalawa't kalahating tanga!

Ako: Gee. Thanks. ___

Kenny: Alam mo, Venice, kung hindi lang kita friend, sinabunutan na kita. Ngayon pa kayo magbbreak?!

Ako: I don't wanna deal with another long distance relationship. Based from experience, mahirap noh.Lalo na pag hindi ko alam kung anong nangyayari sa kanya.

Sheena: Anoh ba! Iba naman ang sitwasyon nyo ni Jerwin sa sitwasyon nyo ni Gerard dati!

Sheena suddenly clamped a hand over her own mouth. Nadulas yata. Ehwan ko ba naman sa kanila kungbakit hanggang ngayon, feeling nila taboo ang name ni Gerard sa'kin.

Ako: It's okay. I'm not gonna bawl my eyes out dahil lang binanggit mo ung namenya noh.

Nagkatinginan silang tatlo. Naaliw talaga ako pag ganyang naiilang sila. Ang out of character!

Ako: Relax nga lang kayo. Hindi ko naman sinabi na forever na ko sa States. I'll come back someday.

 

Sheena: Kailan?

Ako: I don't know. Months? Years from now?

Kenny: Ah basta! Naiinis pa rin ako! Pano na lang ang ambisyon kong magpakabride's maid sa kasal nyoni Fafa J kung aalis ka?!?

Ako: Magpakabride's maid ka sa kasal nina Sheena.

Kenny: Chuchu. Walang mga fafable na artista sa kasal nyan!

Sheena: Anak ng tipaklong! Bakit kasal ko na kagad ang pinaguusapan naten?! Nihindi pa nga nagppropose si Anton!

Anthony: Gusto mo magpropose na ko ngayon?

Sheena: Che! Wag kang maingay, walang kumakausap syo.

Hindi ko pa rin talaga magets ang relasyon ng dalawang toh. Daig pa nila ang magasawang 50 yearsnang kasal kung magbarahan eh. Pero sige lang. Basta masaya silang dalawa. Mukha naman masayasilang dalawa.

Kenny: Ay ay ay.. Alam ko na, vakla!

 

Ako: Ang alin?

Kenny: Para makabawi ka! Pagdating mo dun, ihanap mo kagad ako ng fafa ha~ Gusto ko ung blond atmay blue eyes.

Sheena: Ay gusto ko yan!

Anthony: Sheena!

At balik nanaman sa dati ang mga utak nila. Inubos ko na ung kinakain ko habangnagdedebate sinaAnton at si Sheena kung bakit mas hamak na gwapo raw sya kesa sa blue eyes. Syempre, si Kenny angreferee, always kahit na parang ang lumalabas eh Anthony vs. Sheena & Kenny.

I smiled. I'll miss this.

Napatingin ako sa relo ko. Ang bilis naman ng oras. Haayyy. Tumingin ulit ako dun sa tatlo. Finally, tinaasko na ung kamay ko para tumigil sila sa kakadakdak nila.

Ako: I gotta go.

 

 

Sheena: Already?

Ako: Yep. May usapan pa kami ng mommy ni Jerwin eh.

Anthony: Oh sige. Teka, itatawag na kita ng taxi.

I watched as Anthony walked out of the restaurant. Napatingin ulit ako kay Sheena and Kenny.Nanahimik na sila tungkol sa blue eyes, sa wakas. Ehwan ko ba naman. Anoh bang meron sa blue eyes?

Mayamaya, bumalik na si Anton. I hugged the three of them bago ako lumakad palabas. Nung pumasokako sa taxi, naramdaman ko nanamang nagplummet ang mood ko. I'm going to meet with Jerwin'smom para bumili ng plane ticket. I wonder... gano katagal pa kaya ako dito?

I went home that night feeling worse than I did in the afternoon. Nagusap na pala si tita at si mom.Gusto nilang hanapin ung ticket na makakalipad ako as soon as possible. Sino banaman ako parakumontra? __ Nakakadepressed lang isipin kung gano ka"soon" ung flight ko.

 

Dahandahan kong sinarado ung main door. I looked around and noticed na tahimikang buong bahay.That's weird. Nasa driveway ung truck, so that means nandito si Jerwin.

Ako: Sunshine?

Sumilip ako sa kusina, sa living room, sa dining room... wala. I went upstairs and sumilip sa kwarto nya.Wala rin. Nakinig ako sa banyo, walang tao sa loob. o_O Nakulong kaya sya dun sa closet sa baba? I wasabout to go back downstairs para icheck kung nalock na rin ung sarili nya sa aking sardines closet, nangmay narinig ako ingay sa kwarto ko.

Curious, I went to check it out.

Ako: What are you doing?

Nakita ko si Jerwin na may hinihilang maleta from my closet towards the door. He almost jumped nungnarinig nya ung boses ko.

 

 

Jerwin: Oh Sardines. Hello.

I looked at the luggage bag questioningly. Anoh yan? Pinagimpake nya na ko? Dimakapaghintay napalayasin ako?

Ako: Uh. Gamit ko ba yan?

Jerwin: Hmm... Yep.

I took a deep breath. Alam kong pinagusapan na namin toh at lahat, pero I still can't help but feel bitter.Pinagimpake nya pa ko. Parang atat na atat na syang paalisin ako noh? I chose to ignore the issuemuna. Mahirap na. Dahil masama ang araw ko, very prone ang attitude meter kong tumaas. Ayokomangaway. Ayoko mangaway. __

Ako: I met up with your mom kanina. I got the plane ticket.

Jerwin: I see.

Ako: The flight's on

 

Jerwin: Venice.

Napatingin ako sa kanya nung tinawag nya ung pangalan ko with a hint of warningin his voice. Iniwannya ung hinihila nyang maleta and plopped himself on my bed. He stared at the floor while I waited forhim to speak. Ang awkward ng atmosphere.

Jerwin: You know... I agreed that you have to leave, but that doesn't mean I want you to. Just... Don'ttell me when you're leaving.

Ako: Why not?

Jerwin: If you do, I'm afraid I won't be able to let you go.

I rolled my eyes. Bumalik ung sinabi ni Kenny kanina tungkol sa'min ni Jerwin. Kinarir na talaga namingdalawa ang pagkastupid.

I walked over to the bed and sat down next to him. Cautiously, pinatong ko ung ulo ko sa balikat nya.

Ako: Hindi ko na sasagutin yang sinabi mo, since alam ko na ang isasagot mo. Okay. I'll keep the date tomyself.

 

 

He nodded. I felt his hand gently stroking my hair. I don't know how long we stayed like that, justenjoying each other's presence kahit na hindi kami naguusap. It was comfortable.

Jerwin: You should take a shower.

Ako: Huh?

He finally pulled away and looked at me. He has a small smile on his lips. Ung ngiti na, after seeing it somany times, narealize kong sinusuot nya lang pag may kung anong mischief sa utak nya.

Jerwin: Go take a shower. Ilalagay ko ung maleta sa truck, then wait for your downstairs.

Ako: Bakit mo ilalagay sa truck ung maleta?

Jerwin: We're going on a roadtrip, mahal.

 

He leaned in and landed a light kiss on the tip of my nose. Bago ako makarecover, he already stood upand grabbed the luggage bag na iniwan nya sa sahig. He walked out of my room whistling.

Then, nagsink in na ung sinabi nya sa'kin.

Ako: Roadtrip?? Anong roadtrip??

Tumakbo ako sa pinto ko, sabay pahabol na sigaw sa'kanya.

Ako: At sinong may sabing tawagin mo kong "mahal"?!?

I heard him laugh habang bumababa sya sa hagdan.

Jerwin: Just go shower. Mahal.

 

 

I narrowed my eyes at the direction he disappeared to. Kacornihan.

I smiled to myself and bounced papunta sa closet ko. I gaped at the sight of myonceorganized closet.Tama bang halungkatin ang mga damit ko tapos hindi man lang inayos pabalik? +_+

Haayyy...

I grabbed a pair of black sweatpants, a red tee, and my underwear. I bounced papunta sa bathroom totake a shower.

Roadtrip daw. I wonder where we're going.

::Chapter 82::

The Promise

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

 

Ako: Oohhh follow that car next!

Jerwin: Which one?

Ako: Ung red! Ung reeeedddd!!!! Err.. nevermind. __

Pinanood ko ung red car na magbyebye sa dinaanan naming exit. Oh well. Next victim na lang.

For hours now, nagpapaikotikot kami ni Jerwin sa kung saansaang kalsada. Apparently, magalingmagplano si Jerwin. Magyayaya magroadtrip, wala palang destination. Kaya ang kinatapusan, namili nalang kami ng mga kotse sa kalsada at sumunod sa mga chosen cars hanggang sa makahanap ng susunodna susundan. I know. Ang galing namen.

Sumandal ako sa upuan ko. Malapit nang lumubog ang araw, wala pa rin kaming nararating. Enjoy ngaang pagddrive, pero hindi naman kami pwedeng matulog sa kalsada noh. At isa pa, nagugutom na ko.

 __

Ako: Sunshine, nasan na tayo?

 

 

Jerwin: Honestly, I have no idea.

Ako: Makakauwi pa ba tayo?

Jerwin: Gusto mo nang umuwi?

Ako: Nagugutom na ko. . Feeedddd meeeee!!!

Jerwin: Maybe we'll turn sa susunod na exit.

It didn't take that long. Mayamaya lang, may kung anong exit nang sumulpot. Tulad ng plano, lumikonga kami. Tumingin kagad ako sa paligid. Uh... I wonder if this is a good idea.Lumiliit na ung kalsada.Dumadami ang mga puno. Walang buildings kundi maliliit na bahay.

Anong probinsya ba itoh?

Ako: Where are we going?

Jerwin: We can look for a restaurant somewhere.

 

Restaurant?

Tumingin ulit ako sa paligid. Anong restaurant naman kaya ang makikita namen dito? Eh puro bahay,sarisari store, gasolinahan, at maliit vulcanizing shop ang nakikita ko.

Oh hey, ahyun, kainan!

Ako: Sunshine, dun oh. Magpark ka dito sa side.

Jerwin: Why?

Ako: Dahel gusto ko nang kumain!

Siguro natakot sya na baka sya na ang kagatin ko, or maybe trip nya lang magingmabait sa'kin ngayon.Either way, nagpark nga sya sa tabi nung kalsada, kung san may isa pang kotse na nakapark. Afternyang patayin ung makina, hinalungkat ko ung compartment nya. Nakita ko ung sumbrero nya andtossed it to him.

Ako: Here. Wear this and let's go.

 

 

Jerwin: May isaw ba dito?

Ako: Ngayon ka pa naghanap ng isaw?

Jerwin: Wala dito?

Ako: Haayyy.. We'll go see.

Bumaba kami nung sasakyan. Jerwin took my hand as I led him dun sa maliit na turoturo. I can smell thesinigang~ Haayyy heaven. T^T

Nginitian ko ung manang na nasa likod nung hilera ng mga tinda nya. Tinignan namin ni Jerwin ung mgaulam. Mukhang mainit pa.

Ako: Manang, isang order nga poh ng sinigang at kanin. Tsaka isang bote ng tubig. (tumingin kay Jerwin)Anong gusto mo, Sunshine?

Jerwin: Uh.. Ung beef steak poh.. tsaka kanin. At pakidalawa na poh nung bote ng tubig.

 

After bayaran ni Jerwin ung pagkain namin, umupo kami dun sa isang sulok nung maliit na kainan ungpinakamalapit sa electric fan dahil napansin kong medyo pinagpapawisan na ung kasama ko. Ang hirapng walang aircon noh?

Jerwin: Wow. This is all really cheap.

Ako: The wonders ng turoturo.

Jerwin: Alam mo, Sardines, I think you're the cheapest girlfriend I've ever had. 

Ako: Nice to know.

We ate in silence. Dahil pag gutom, galitgalit muna. It's not until ubos na ang bawat butil ng kanin samga plato namin nang tumayo kami para bumalik na sa aming roadtrip.

Ako: So.. san tayo?

Jerwin pulled out of the roadside pabalik sa pagddrive sa kalsada.

 

 

Jerwin: I'm thinking.... just follow this road right here...?

Ako: As long as makakauwi tayo eh, why not? I still have a graduation to attendto, you know?

Jerwin: Yeah, yeah. Nasa compartment ung GPS. We'll manage.

We drove around for at least an hour more, singing with the radio or teasing each other or wonderingwhere in the world we are. Madilim na. We have to look for a place to spend thenight. I'm sure hindipapayag si Jerwin na matulog sa truck.. Takot nya lang mapapak ng lamok.

Kumokonti na ang mga bahay sa paligid namin. Feeling ko lang, walang hotel dito. Ngayon lang nagssinkin: hindi pala masyadong matalino na hindi kame nagplano noh?

Jerwin: Kunin mo ung GPS. Search mo kung saan may malapit na lodgings.

Sinunod ko naman ung instructions nya. May dalawang lumabas sa search na malapit sa iniikutan naminngayon. I looked at the map and napataas ang kilay ko.

 

 

Ako: Alam mo bang malapit na tayo sa beach?

Jerwin: Beach?

Ako: Uhhuh. Tignan mo.

Hinarap ko sa kanya ung GPS, and yep, ung map na may malaking tubig sa side ng lupa. Ibig sabihin, maybeach, di vah?

Binalik sa'kin ni Jerwin ung GPS as he returned his eyes back on the road.

Jerwin: May malapit ba na pwedeng tulugan dyan sa beach na yan?

Ako: Yeah. You wanna go?

Jerwin: Let's hope na may spare room sila.

 

 

I think, kinarir na namin ni Jerwin ang pagkaswerte ng gabing toh. Una, hindi kami napadpad sa middleof nowhere kahit na sumunodsunod lang kami sa mga sasakyan. Pangalawa, walang nakakilala sa'minhabang nagliliwaliw kami. Pangatlo, nakahanap kami ng matutulugan.

Nakuha namin ung pinakahuling spare room na meron ung hotel swerte talaga. Maliit lang ung motel,simple, and affordable. Ung kwarto na nakuha namin as if naman may choice pakami eh parangpanandalian lang talaga. May maliit na ref sa sulok, may lamesa at upuan, may mga drawers na lalagyanng damit, may queensized bed, at maliit na banyo. Malinis naman, at may aircon, so hindi ko kailanganmagalala na baka paggising ko bukas, tunaw na si Jerwin.

Jerwin: This isn't too bad.

Binaba nya ang kaisaisang maletang bitbit namin sa tabi nung mga drawer. Sinarado ko ung pinto whilehe inspected the little room.

Ako: Yeah.. Pangovernight talaga.

Jerwin: And we're close to the beach. They should renovate this place. Mas kikita sila from tourists.

Ako: Bakit sa'kin mo sinasabi?

 

Jerwin: I'm just saying.

He plopped himself on the bed.

Jerwin: Mauna ka na sa shower. Ipapahinga ko muna mga mata ko.

Ako: You brought clothes?

Jerwin: Of course. Ano sa tingin mo laman ng maleta na yan? Bato?

Ako: Ha. Ha. __

Jerwin lazily watched me from the bed. Si kuya, napagod kakadrive. Binuksan koung maleta and nakitana pinagsama nya pala dun sa maliit na space na un ung mga damit namin. Sa bagay, hindi nga namanganon kadami ang kailangan namen. Parang twodays worth ng damit ang dinala nya. 

Hinalungkat ko ung mga gamit. Kumpleto. May toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, sabon, suklay... at...dark red na boxers. Dark red SILK na boxers. Before I knew it, I was fingering the material. Nung na

 

realize ko ang ginagawa ko (at naisip ko kung saang parte ng katawan ni Jerwin sinusuot ang boxers), Iquickly withdrew my hand. Umiinit yata ang mukha ko. ~__~

Hinalungkat ko uhlet ung maleta. Parang akong timang dito, namumula eh anoh naman ngayon kungboxers nya un. It's not like first time kong makakita ng boxers. Geez.

I grabbed a cotton shirt and a pair of shorts. Tapos kinalkal ko uhlet para maghanap ng underwear. Ifound one... then I found the other two he packed. Napataas ang kilay ko. Sa dinamidami ng underwearsa drawer ko, ehto talagang tatlo ang pinili nyang dalhin? May boyshort underwear naman ako.. Maycotton.. May mga demure na underwear, pero ang kinuha nya talaga ung lacy underwear ko noh? Atred, black, and white pa!

I turned to look at Jerwin. Nung nakita kong nakatingin din sya sa'kin, I glared at him and held up a blackpanty.

Ako: Pervert. __

Jerwin: What?? They're pretty....

Ako: . . . Pervert. __

Jerwin: Geez, relax. It's not like I'm gonna see you wearing them!

 

 

Suddenly, he propped himself up on his arms. May kung anong nakakalokang sparkle sa mata nya.

Jerwin: ...unless, of course, you want me to see you wearing them.

Ako: *gasp!* Pervert!!

I can still hear him laughing hanggang sa pagbagsak ko nung pinto nung banyo.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

 

Much, much later the same night, Venice and I decided to sneak out of our room and walk along theshore. Halos hatinggabi na kaya wala nang tao sa labas. It's not like they'll see us anyway. Wala namangposte ng ilaw sa beach. Unless lumapit sila sa'min, hindi nila makikita mga mukha namin.

After a few minutes of just walking along the shore, we sat down on the sand para panoorin ung tubigtsaka ung buwan. Sabi ni Venice, may pagkaromantic raw ung setting, kaya lubuslubusin namin. Maybeshe's right. I mean, it's not everyday na nakakaupo kami on the sand, watching the sea, with no sound ornoise except the waves. The night sky is dotted with stars, and the moon is shining bright.

Ang cliche man, it's hard not to appreciate the scenery.

Venice is sitting in front of me, with her back resting on my chest as she silently watches the waters.

This is perfection.

Venice: Sunshine?

Ako: Hm?

 

 

Venice: Sa tingin mo... ano na kaya mangyayari sa'tin five years from now?

Ako: Five years from now? Hmmm... I don't know. Why?

Venice: Wala lang. Naisip ko lang... I wonder if... we would have found someoneelse by then...

"Someone else"... Why would I want "someone else"?

I wrapped my arms tighter around her waist.

Ako: I...

hope not.

 

Ako: ...don't know.

There was a short silence after that. It wasn't awkward. It wasn't angry. It was just.... sad. Naalala naminbigla na bilang na nga pala ang mga araw "namin".

Venice: Jerwin. I know we've talked about na... pagalis ko.. it'll be over between us.

Ako: Uhhuh...

Venice: I'm just thinking... I mean, I'm not going make you promise anything. Iknow things happen, youknow? Pero... when that time comes... Kahit anong mangyari, I really, really hope we'd remain friends.

Umikot sya para tignan ako.

Venice: Don't forget about me.

 

There was a silent plea in her voice. Na parang inaasahan nya na as soon as wala na sya, I'd actuallyforget everything. Out of sight, out of mind, ganon?

How do people do that?

I don't want to forget.

I don't want to be with someone else.

And I don't want her to be with someone else.

I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her tenderly. When we broke off, I stared deep into her eyes.Bilang na ang mga araw namin, but it doesn't mean everything has to end... right?

Ako: Venice... I'll let you go for now, but I promise, I'll come for you. I'll come for you. So... if you can...don't wrap your arms around someone else. Don't give your lips to someone else.I'll come for you, so...don't give your heart to someone else... okay?

::Chapter 83::

The Day After

 

 

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

The next morning...

I can't believe I'm doing this.

It's ten in the morning. The sky is clear. There's a refreshing breeze outside.The sea looks inviting... andanong ginagawa ko?

Nakatitig sa iba't ibang brands ng tampons at napkin, trying to figure out kunganong pinagkaiba nilanglahat.

I nervously looked around the small store. It's a good thing na maagaaga pa atwala pang masyadongtao, otherwise... This is just plain embarrassing. I sighed. I can't believe I let Venice talk me into doing

 

this. I mean, she kicked me out of the bed while I was in the middle of a good dream I can't evenremember now, then she practically chased me out of the room para lang maghanapng store to buy herurgent feminine needs.

Ako naman tohng ignorante, akala ko pag pumunta ako sa store, all I have to do is grab a pack offeminine pads, and then I'll be out. Pano ko ba naman malalaman na may "wings","panty liner", "ultrathin", at "regular" pa pala akong dapat pagisipan? Tapos, may katabi pang "tampons" ung mgatinitignan ko.. The next time na maubusan or makalimutan ni Venice ang mga dapat nyang dalhin, Iswear, I won't let her kick me out of the room without a fight.

Yeah right. Who am I kidding?

Finally deciding na this is way out of my league, lumapit na ko dun sa manang na tinititigan ako simulanung tumambay ako sa harap ng shelf ng mga feminine needs. It's a good thing I'm wearing darksunglasses and a baseball cap. I don't think na makikilala ako ni manang.

Ako: Uh.. Excuse me poh.. Pero kailangan ko po ng tulong.

 

The old lady shot me an amused smile. Sabi na nga ba at pinapanood ako ni manang na titigan ung mganapkin at tampon eh.

Manang: Oh sige, hijo. Anoh bang kailangan mo?

Lumakad kami papunta dun sa shelf na halos twenty minutes na sa harap ko. I gave her an apologeticsmile nung tumingin sya sa'kin after nung tanong nya.

Ako: Ang sabi lang po kasi ng girlfriend ko, bumili raw ako ng napkin. Uh, hindi ko naman alam na ganitopala karami ang... choices na pagpipilian ko. Ano na lang po ba ang irrecommend nyo?

The older woman snickered under her breath. Parang the longer I stay here, the more na I wish Idragged Venice out of the room with me. __

Manang: Mas mabuti na siguro kung kunin mo ung may wings.. Madalas, ayun ang binibili ng mgababae. Mas ligtas na hindi matagusan O mas gusto ba ng girlfriend mo ang tampon?

 

Ako: Anoh ho ba pinagkaiba?

Manang: Hay naku, hijo, dapat alam mo tong mga toh!

Ako: Sorry. __

Binuksan ni Manang ung isang box ng tampons. Kumuha sya ng isa at hinarap sa'kin. I looked at the thingin confusion. Pano nakakatigil ng menstruation yan?

Manang: Ito ang tampon. Kung ikukumpara mo ba sa napkin, eh mas maliit ang chansa na matagusanang babae pag ito ang gamit. Ayun nga lang, eh dapat sisiguraduhin nyang magpalit pagkatapos ng ilangoras.

Ako: Ahh.... Uh.. Pano ho ginagamit yan?

Natawa si manang. __ Kasalanan ko bang hindi ko alam? Eh hindi naman ako nagamit nyan! Masamabang maging curious?!

Manang: Pano pa ba sa tingin mo? Eh di pinapasok.

 

 

OoO

Ako: PPinapasok?!?! HHindi po ba masakit un!?? Safe po ba un?!

Dito na talagang humalaghak ng tawa si manang. I think I can feel the blood draining from face as Istared in horror at the.. the thing na hawak nya. How can someone invent such athing?

Ako: I I think I'll just get the normal sanitary napkins.

I grabbed one pack of "Whisper with Wings" before practically running towards the register.

Ako: At least these are safe... normal... wouldn't hurt... .

 

 

Tinawanan lang ulit ako ni manang as she takes the cash from my hand.

..

(Venice's POV)

.

"I am never doing that again!"

I watched in amusement as Jerwin dropped the plastic bag on the bed, sabay tilapon sa sarili nyafacedown sa unan.

Ako: Anong nangyari syo?

Jerwin: Next time na magpapabili ka ng.... kailangan mo, it's either you're coming with me or I'm notgoing at all!

 

 

I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing. Si kuya naman, masyadong melodramatic. Parang walangkapatid na babae~ Sa bagay, I doubt na inuutusan syang mamili ng mga personal gamit ni Jean.Masyadong sheltered ang buhay.

Pano na lang pala kung sa susunod, bra at panty naman ang ipabili ko sa kanya?

Baka himatayin na sya!

Kinuha ko ung plastic bag and then walked towards the washroom.

Ako: Yeah, yeah. Thank you, Sunshine. Magayos ka na para makalayas na tayo.

Jerwin: You're not even sorry for putting me through that torture, are you? __ 

Ako: Dagdag mo na lang sa life's experiences mo.

Jerwin: I hate you. ~_~

Tinawanan ko lang sya. Anoh ba naman ang magundergo sya ng mga embarrassing nasituations once ina while?

 

 

Ako: I love you too.

He mumbled something, pero hindi ko na narinig dahil he completely buried his face na talaga sa unan.Siguro dapat maawa ako sa itsura nyang mukhang tinali sya sa labas ng Megamall sa harap ng maramingtao in nothing but his boxers... Too bad. I'm enjoying this way too much to feel sorry for him.

After a quick shower, a quick clean up of the room, and a quick drop off of theluggage back sa truck,Jerwin and I finally were able to make ikotikot. As usual, nakaundercover getup nanaman si Jerwin,with his cap and brand name sunglasses. After ten minutes (and threats to beat his head), pumayag nasyang tanggalin ung sunglasses nya. At least, mukha na syang normal na palaboy fafable na palaboy,pero palaboy pa rin.

Dumadami na ang mga tao sa paligid. It's a small town, pero hindi naman totallyout of civilization.Probinsyangprobinsya. I wonder where we are.

Kumakain kami ng pandesal fresh from the small bakery na nadaanan namin habang naglalakad. Ahyanna ang breakfast namen.

 

 

Jerwin: What should we do now?

Ako: Abah, ehwan. Ikaw ang nagyaya na magliwaliw, sabit lang ako.

Hinati nya ung last pandesal as he looks around. Binigay nya sa'kin ung kalahati, while he nibbled on theother half.

Jerwin: Well.. I don't think may makikita tayong souvenir shop dito.

Ako: Yep. Palagay ko rin.

Jerwin: Should we just head back to Manila?

Ako: Ikaw bahala.

Uminom sya dun sa bitbit naming water bottle, still looking around. Ayaw pa yata umuwi ni kuya. Afternyang tunggain ung tubig, binigay nya sa'kin ung bote. Inubos ko na ung natitirang kalahati. Just then,may nakita syang kung ano. Bigla nya kong nginitian sabay hila patakbo sa kung ano man ung nakita nya.o.o

 

 

Jerwin: That's it!

Ako: Ha?!

Nung nakita ko ung shop na tinatakbuhan namen, nanlaki bigla mga mata ko. He must be kidding me!O.O

Ako: Sunshine! We can't do that!

Jerwin: Why not? It'll be fun!

Ako: But I don't know how to ride a bike!

Napatigil bigla si Jerwin. Dahandahan syang umikot para tignan ako. May malaking question mark pa samukha nya.

 

Jerwin: How can you not know how to ride a bike?

Ako: Ehwan ko! Kasalanan ko bang hindi ako nabiyayaan ng sense of balance?!?

Jerwin: So... ayaw mong magbike?

Ako: Gustuhin ko man, hindi nga ako marunong. And I doubt na meron silang malaking bike na maytraining wheels.

Jerwin: Oh well. You can ride with me then.

Bago pa man ako makasagot, nakalakad na kagad si Jerwin papunta dun sa manong na nagbabantaynung maliit na rentahan. Haayyy... Syempre, hindi ko nanaman sya mapipigilan. Kung gusto nya magbike, okie fine~ Baka biglang maglupasay pag pinigilan ko.

Lumapit ulit ako sa kanya nung nakita kong may binibigay nang bike si manong. Ung bike na maypassenger seat sa likod. Ibig sabihin, sakay ako.

Jerwin: Sardines, let's go.

 

Nginitian ko si manong. Tapos, tumalon ako sa likod ni Jerwin, sabay yakap sa likod nya habang nagpedal sya paalis. Weehhh~ libreng chansing! wahahahaha

Halos isang oras din kami nagpaikotikot sa mga kalsada. May nadaanan kaming simbahan, kung santumigil si Jerwin sandali para pumasok.. Inikutan din namin ung barangay hall..After ilang ikot pa, nakitana ulit namin ung bakery na pinagbilhan namin ng pandesal. Nung napagod na si Jerwin, tsaka kamibumalik dun sa rentahan ng bike.

Binayaran ni Jerwin si Manong. Checking the time, narealize naming dalawa na oras na para bumalik ngManila. Otherwise, baka gabihin kami sa daan. Sumakay na ulit kami sa truck ni Jerwin, and in no time atall, nasa highway nanaman kami.. Kumakain ng take out from McDo as lunch.. Nakikinig sa GPS kungpano kami makakauwi nang hindi naliligaw.

Patapos na ang nodestination na road trip namin... ___

I don't wanna go home yet~ T^T

Ako: Ayoko pa umuwi.

Jerwin: No? Sardines, graduation mo na tomorrow. Don't you have things to prepare?

I flinched at the reminder. Hindi dahil sa graduation ko, pero dahil, unconsciously, pinaalala nyangkailangan ko na nga pala magayos ng mga gamit.

Sucks. __

 

 

Halos 7 PM yes, 7:00 ng gabi na nang nakauwi kami ni Jerwin sa bahay. Hindi dahil sa traffic. Hindidahil sa nawala kami. Naaliw lang si Jerwin sa mga paikotikot ng kalsada. Tinigilan na yata namin haloslahat ng maliliit at hindi masyadong maliit na baryo, city na dinaanan namin. Pati ung mga sidestreet natinadahan ng kung anuanong makakain, talagang hindi pwedeng hindi tigilan.

Kaya good luck naman.. Pagdating namin sa bahay, daig ko pa ang isdang nakahilata sa palengke nangtinilapon ko ang sarili ko sa sofa.

Kasunod kong pumasok si Jerwin, hilahila ang maleta namen at nagbukas ng mga ilaw habanglumalakad sya papunta sa living room.

Jerwin: You okay?

Ako: I'm tired. __

Jerwin: Why? Hindi naman ikaw ang nagdrive.

Ako: Dahil nakakapagod pigilan kang bilhin lahat ng mga nakita mong "amusing tothe eyes"! Anongbalak mong gawin sa voodoo doll na binebenta syo nung manang na galing pa yata sa Shake, Rattle, andRoll?!

 

 

Jerwin: I just wanted to know kung totoong may mangyayari pag tinusok ko ung manika. You neverknow, a certain producer might be asking for the pain.

Ako: Argh~ ___ You're hopeless!

He flopped down on the couch next to me. Naglagay sya ng unan sa likod ng ulo nya para mas magingcomfortable ung sandal nya. Feeling ko lang, napagod rin si kuya. I saw him close his eyes. Para siguroipahinga kahit sandali ung mga mata nya. Inggit ako, sinarado ko rin ung mga mata ko. Five minuteslang.. Then I'll take a shower and crawl in my bed. Five minutes...

.

. . .

. . . . .

DING! DONG!

+___+

 

 

DING!! DONG!!

Ugh..

Jerwin: Sardines, may nagddoorbell.. __

Ako: Nanaginip ka lang. __

Pareho kaming hindi gumalaw sa pagkakahiga namin. Baka sakaling pag tinuloy lang namin ang pagdeny, baka mawala nga ung ingay.

Pero syempre, hindi ganon tumakbo ang mundo.

DING! DONG!

 

 

Ako: Argh! Sinoh ba yang storbo na yan?!?

I rolled out of the couch hanggang sa nakatayo na ko, trying to rub sleep out of my eyes.

Ako: Sunshine! Tumayo ka na dyan!

Jerwin: Why? .

Ako: Kung gigising ako, gigising ka rin!

Jerwin: Whyyyyy?

Ako: Coz I said so!

Jerwin: Is this how it's going to be when we get married? .

Tinaasan ko lang sya ng kilay as he pries himself off the couch. Hindi nya yatanapansin ung sinabi nyadahil tuloytuloy lang sya sa pagsunod sa'kin papunta sa nagsskandalo na pinto.Married daw. Ha...

 

DING! DONG!

Jerwin: Yeah yeah. We're coming. ~_~

He mumbled something under his breath as unlocks the door. Considering na nabuksan nung tao salabas ung gate at pumasok na hanggang sa pinto, sure kami ni Jerwin na kakilalanamin angnambubulabog. Kung magnanakaw un, hindi naman siguro sya magddoorbell noh? Kung sinuman sya,good luck na lang. Jerwin doesn't look very happy na nagising sya. heehee

DING! DONG!

Jerwin: Yea?!?!

Napatigil kaming dalawa pagbukas nung pinto at nakita namin kung sinong nakatayo sa labas. O.O

 

Ako: Sunshine... I think I'm more tired than I realized. Naghhallucinate yata ako.

Jerwin: No. I don't think so. I see her too.

Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa, sabay tingin ulit dun sa tao sa labas. Finally, nagsink in na na totoo talagaitoh! Hindi sya hallucination!

Ako: MOM!

::Chapter 84::

Talk About It

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

 

 

If there's one reason I can come up with on why Tita Mel is here, it would be dahil graduation ni Venice.She wouldn't dare miss her only child's college graduation, right? So, the factna nagappear sya out ofnowhere doesn't trouble me. The question kung kailan sya babalik ng States ang nakakabother. Isasamanya na ba si Venice pabalik?

I casually sat on the couch habang naguusap ung magnanay sa kabilang couch. After getting over theinitial shock, pinapasok namin si Tita Mel and gave her a glass of juice.

Venice: Kailan ka pa dumating?

Tita Mel: Kaninang umaga lang.

Venice: Sana sinabi mo na dadating ka. Nasundo ka sana namin.

Tita Mel: Anong klaseng surprise naman un kung sasabihin ko rin lang naman palasyo? And don't worryabout it. Sina Tita Merryl mo ang sumundo sa'kin. They dropped me off sa hotel kanina.

Ako: My mom?

Tita Mel: Yes, your mom. Sila na nagasikaso ng plane tickets namin, binayaran ko na lang. So alamnyang dadating ako.

 

 

That's the confirmation right there. Sinusundo nya na nga si Venice.

My face must have mirrored my frustration dahil tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Tita Mel. Sumandal ulit ako saupuan, trying to mask any unwanted expression.

Tita Mel: Venice. Bakit di ka muna umakyat at magpalit ng damit?

Venice: What? What's wrong with my clothes?

Napatingin din ako sa damit ni Venice. Dahil natulog kami as soon as we got back, hindi pa kaminakakapagpalit ng damit. Venice is still wearing a pair of denim jeans and a fitted shirt. Not exactly thepicture of homey clothes.

Tita Mel: Wala. Pero mas comportable kung hindi maong ang suot mo, noh? Ako angnahihirapan syoeh. Kaya sige na, akyat na.

She stole a quick glance at me, which Venice didn't fail to notice. Tinignan ako ni Venice, then tuminginsya sa nanay nya.

 

 

Venice: Bakit feeling ko pinapaalis mo lang ako para mainterrogate mo si Jerwin? _

Tita Mel: Anong interrogate? Bakit ko naman gagawin un?

Venice: Uhhuh.

I gave a nonchalant shrug nung tumingin ulit sya sa'kin. Siguro nakaramdam na wala na syangmagagawa, tumayo si Venice and dragged herself out of the room paakyat sa kwarto nya.

That left me and her mom alone in the living room. Parang kinabahan yata akong bigla.

Nung sure na kaming nakaakyat na si Venice, humarap kagad sa'kin si Tita Mel. Wala nang paligoyligoypa, diretso tanong kagad si tita.

Tita Mel: Anong balak mong gawin?

Ako: Saan po?

Tita Mel: Aalis na si Venice. Hindi mob a pipigilan?

 

 

Ako: Wala naman po akong karapatan pigilan sya sa pagalis.

Tita Mel: You're her fiancé.

Ako: For now.

Tita Mel: So ganon na lang? Hahayaan mo lang syang umalis?

I sighed.

Ako: Tita... Naaalala nyo ba nung sinabi nyo sa'kin na someday, may mamahalin ako, na issacrifice koang lahat para lang sa taong un? Ang sabi nyo pa, pag nakita ko na ung ganong relasyon, wag kongpapakawalan.

Tita Mel: Sinasabi mo bang hindi si Venice ung taong un?

Ako: Oh no. I'm positive that Venice is the one for me. I'll give up everythingand anything for her.

Tita Mel: Jerwin. Lasing ka ba? Nagkakaintindihan ba tayo?

Natawa ako sa confused expression ni Tita Mel. Ayaw pa kasi muna akong patapusin eh.

 

 

Ako: I asked Venice to wait for me. I promised her that I'll come for her, so if she can, I hope she waitsfor me.

Tita Mel: Anong sabi nya?

Ako: She... didn't say anything.

Tita Mel: Iba talaga ang topak ng batang yan kung minsan.

Ako: No, it's okay. I understand her fears. I don't do long distance relationships either. Hindi namannaming alam kung anong mangyayari, so... mabuti na kung free syang gawin ang gusto nyang gawin.

Tita Mel: Who cares kung anong gusto nyang gawin?!? __ Gusto ko ikaw ang maging soninlaw ko.Itatali ko sya sa bahay hanggang dumating ka.

O_O

No wonder nagkasundo sila ng mother ko. Iba pareho ang takbo ng isip nila. Tamaba namang isipin naikulong ang anak nya?

 

Tita Mel: So, anong kinalaman nito sa advice ko syo?

Ako: I'm just saying. Venice is worth everything I have to give. I'm not givingher up unless she wants meto.

Tita Mel: Haaayyyy hindi ko naman talaga kayo maintindihang dalawa. Bakit hindina lang kaya kayomagpakasal? MagVegas tayo, para wala nang planoplano!

Ako: Tita naman. O_O If Venice and I are ever gonna get married, I'll make sureto do everything right.

Tita Mel: Sinasabi mo lang yan. Tignan ko lang ang tapang mo pag dumating ang araw na kailangan nyonang magdecide ng flowers, center piece, motif, at kung anuano pa.

Okay. So eloping doesn't sound too bad after all.

"Tapos na naman siguro kayong magusap noh?"

Napatingin ako sa likod. Bumalik na si Venice, wearing shorts and... Tshirt koba yang suot nya? Anakng... Ilang linggo ko nang hinahanap ung Tshirt na yan, kinuha nya pala!

 

 

Ako: Nice shirt.

Venice: I know. I found it in your closet~

Ako: When are you planning to give it back?

Venice: Who says I'm giving it back?

Ako: But... it's too big for you. And I like that shirt. T^T

Venice: I like it too.

Lumakad sya sa'kin and patted the top of my head. Ginawa akong aso. __

Venice: I'll buy you another one. Don't cry.

Ako: I'm not crying.

 

Napansin kong todo ang panonood ni Tita Mel sa'ming dalawa as Venice continued to treat me like achild na ninakawan ng laruan (which is somewhat true dahil ninakaw nya naman talaga ung Tshirt ko).When Venice finally gave me a peck on the forehead, dun na napangiti si Tita Mel.

Tita Mel: Naghalikan na ba kayong dalawa?

Venice: Mom!

Ako: Opo.

Venice: Jerwin!

Tita Mel: Ooohh did you like it?

Venice: MOOOMMM!

Jerwin: I definitely did.

Tita Mel: Ikaw, Venice?

She crossed her arms over her chest. Namumula ung mukha nya either from embarrassment or dahilnaiinis na sya.

Venice: No comment. __

 

Ako: I'm sure she liked it too.

Venice: Sunshine, gusto mo ba talagang mamatay nang maaga?

Tita Mel: Pano mo naman nalaman na nagustuhan nya rin?

I looked back at Venice. Kung nakakamatay ang tingin, sampung beses na kong namatay. But then again,kalian ba naman ako napigilan ng galit nya?

Ako: Coz every time I finally break off the kiss, mukhang konti na lang, tatalunin nya na ko. Parang gustoakong lamunin.

Venice: What?!? Kailan nangyari un ha?!?

Tumawa lang si Tita Mel. After Venice finally calmed down, and nagpromise na rin sya na hindi nya kosasakalin, nagpaalam na si tita. Babalik na raw sya sa hotel dahil inaantok na sya, maaga pa anggraduation ni Venice bukas.

Ako: Hold on. Let me just grab my keys. Ihahatid ko na kayo.

 

 

Tita Mel: Ay wag na, magttaxi na lang ako. Magpahinga na rin kayong dalawa.

Ako: Are you sure, tita?

Tita Mel: Oo. Sige na.

Tumawag ng taxi si Venice. We waited sa labas hanggang dumating ung taxi. Nung nakasakay na si tita,tsaka lang kami pumasok ni Venice pabalik sa loob ng bahay. I was about to go upstairs nang biglanghinawakan ni Venice ung kamay ko. I stopped and looked at her.

Venice: Is that how I really look like pagkatapos kitang halikan? :|

Ako: Sardines, I was just kidding. Unless, gusto mo talaga akong rapein every time na hinahalikan kita. Ifyes, then you don't have to stop yourself, you know?

Venice: Ha. Ha. Funny. __ *sigh* I just don't want you to get the wrong idea.I don't kiss you because...you know. I mean... I like kissing you... I like you kissing me. It makes me feel special.. and loved. I washoping na you feel the same.

She looked down on the floor. I put my hands on her face and made her look at me.

 

 

Ako: Of course I do. You're the best thing that ever happened in my life. And every time I look at youafter we kiss, you smile at me as if I'm the best thing that happened in yours.

Venice: (smiles) Good. You know exactly how I feel then.

::Chapter 85::

Emotions

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"Argh! What is wrong with your hair?!"

I sighed for the hundredth time since sinubukan ni Sheena na pa"bonggahin" angbuhok ko. Sa totoolang, dahil kanina nya pa hinihila ang buhok ko in all directions, nagiging numb na ung scalp ko. Hindi pa

 

rin nya magawa ang gusto nyang gawin dahil pagkatapos ng successful na pagkulot, ayaw nang sumunodng buhok ko.

Ako: Can't you just tie it all up? __ Napapagod na ang hair ko oh.

Sheena: Eh kung nakikisama ba naman sila, eh di hindi sana sila napapagod!

Kenny: Anoh bang pinagkakaguluhan nyo dyang dalawa? Kanina pa kayo ha!

Ako: Si Sheena kaseh! Tinotorture ang ulo ko!

Kenny: Hay nako, lumayas ka na nga dyan. Mallate tayo sa ginagawa nyo eh!

Tinulak ni Kenny si Sheena patabi, and just like that, ibang kamay naman ang naghihila sa buhok ko. __

Maaga kami gumising well, actually, maaga silang nanggising. 6:30 AM pa lang,nambubulabog na sinaKenny at Anthony sa bahay namin. Pati si Jerwin, nawindang. After nila akong iharass na magmadalimaligo at magbihis, kinaladkad na nila ako palabas not without isang matinding yakap muna sanagmumunimuni na Jerwin Santos mula kay Kenny.

Pumunta kaming lahat sa bahay ni Sheena para dun magpaganda. Okay, ako, si Sheena, at si Kenny,magpapaganda. Si Anthony, sabit lang.

 

 

Kenny: Ganito lang yan oh.. Itali sa side.. Kumuha ng konting kaguluhan sa kabilang side.. and... tada!Dyosa!

Tinignan ko sa salamin ang finished product ng bakla. Inayos nya ung buhok ko para maging sideponytail, tapos hinayaan nya ung loose strands na iframe ung mukha ko. Oh di vah~ Kung anong tagal niSheena, ganun kabilis si Kenny.

Sheena: Haayyy.. Sige na nga. Okay na. Anyway, best friend, nasan si Jerwin?

Ako: Hmm may gagawin raw sya today eh.

Sheena: Di sya aattend ng graduation natin?

Ako: Probably not. You know naman ang schedule nun.

Anthony: Babawi rin un. Pwede na ba tayo umalis? Halika naaa~

 

Kinolekta namin ung mga gamit naming and then we all piled up sa van nina Sheena. Dakilang drivernamin ngayon ang father ni Sheena. Nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng highway nang biglang sumalpak angmukha ni Kenny sa bintana!

Kenny: Ay! Ay! Ay! Ang taray!!! Venice!!!

Napalingon kaming lahat bigla sa pinagkakapanican nung bakla. And my golay, halos mahuloghulog angpuso ko sa nakita ko. Dun sa kalagitnaan ng highway, isang malaking summer billboard angnakabalandra. At sa gitna ng napakalaking billboard ay ang mukha ko! OoO Okay, mukha ko at ni Jerwin..pero nandun pa rin ang mukha ko!

Yep. Ahyun ang impromptu swimsuit modeling gig ko nung pumunta kami ni Jerwin sa beach.

Sheena: Waaahh best friend, nilabas na nila ang advertisement! Ang ganda mo!

Anthony: Parang natural na model ah!

Ako: Syempre.

Kenny: Ilang oras Phinotoshop yan.

 

Ako: Gusto mo bang mamatay nang maaga, bakla?

Pero, syempre, dahil mahal na mahal ako ng mga loka, tuloytuloy lang sila sa mga commentaries nilatungkol sa mga "enhanced features" ko. Mga bruhang toh... Parang naman ganon nalang kaover thetop ang ginawa sa picture ko. Okay, so naging perfect shape ang katawan ko... At parang naggglow angskin ko (siguro dahil pinaliguan nila ako ng body oil nung photo shoot na un)... At daig ko pa ang modelng shampoo sa ganda at shiny ng hair ko...

Pero kasalanan ko bang sadyang maganda lang talaga ako? wahahahaha

Nung nakarating na kami sa graduation venue, sinalubong kagad kami ni mommy at ni Tita Merryl much to my surprise. In fairness, di ko akalain na aattend ang byenan ko. weehhh~

Aattend rin daw sana si Jean at si Tito Ray, kaya lang busy sa school at sa work. Oh di vah, family affair ifever!

After ng panandaliang chikkahan, tinawag na ang mga estudents para makapagsimula na. Kinaladkadako ni Sheena at ni Kenny papunta sa likod para makapagsimula na ng march.

The ceremony went by pretty fast. Siguro dahil absentminded simula nung umupo ako hanggang sa mgaspeechspeech chuchu. Or siguro dahil madaldal ung katabi ko, at hindi ko namalayan na lumipad napala ang oras. Anyway, before I know it, turn ko nang umakyat ng stage. Syempre, kasabay kong

 

umakyat si mother para sabitan ako ng medal. Parang elementary eh, noh? Walang magulo, kanyakanyang trip lang yan.

Pagkatapos nyang isabit ung medal, humarap na kami dun sa photographer sa harappara sa picture.Lumapit sa'kin si mommy ng konti para bumulong:

Mom: Tinatawag ka ni Jerwin.

Ako: Jerwin?

Tumuro sya sa may likod nung photographer, and sure enough, ahyun nga si Sunshine. May bitbit nasariling camera at may malaking proud na ngiti sa mukha. Nung nakita nyang nakatingin ako na'ko sakanya, he immediately snapped a photo, and then waved. Lumaki lalo ung ngiti ko. 

Halos kaladkarin ko si mommy pababa ng stage para lang magmadali sya.

Ako: Kailan sya dumating?

Mommy: Kanikanina lang.

 

Nung nakababa na kami sa wakas, sinalubong kagad ako ng isang mahigpit na yakapng Sunshine ko.Syempre, ako rin, yakap din kagad.

Ako: I thought you said may gagawin ka today!

Jerwin: Yeah. I got these for you.

Inabutan nya ko ng isang bouquet ng red roses.

Jerwin: And I made sure to pick up your graduation gift.

Ako: Gift? For me?

Jerwin: Yep. But I'm not giving it to you yet. Sige na, bumalik ka na sa upuan mo. I'll see you after theceremony.

He gave me a peck on the cheek, then he slipped through the crowd para bumalik sa kung san mannakaupo sina mommy at si Tita Merryl. Lumakad na rin ako papunta sa assigned seat ko, pero hindi bagomadaanan si Sheena, na nakaupo a few rows in front of ng row ko.

 

 

Sheena: Oy. Nakita ko un. Nakarating si fafa J, ha~

Ako: I know.

Tumuloy ako papunta sa upuan ko, holding the bouquet and my diploma close to me. Kahit hanggang sapagupo ko, feel na feel ko ang ngiti sa mukha ko. This is the life, you knooowww~ Ni hindi ko napansinang mga tingin ng ilang mga people sa paligid.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

Venice's graduation finished in no time at all or siguro dahil late ako, kaya hindi ko masyadongnadama ang haba nya. Dahil isa si Venice sa mga last students na tinawag, nakahabol pa ko, and I stillsaw her march on stage to accept her diploma. I think it's one of those momentsna I can never be moreproud of her.

 

After ng official end ng ceremony, nagpicturepicture muna si Venice kasama ngmga kaibigan nya. Forsome reason, naging official photographer ako. I think naaamuse si Venice sa mukha ng mga kaibigannya pag nakikita nila kung sino ako. Syempre, kung masaya si Venice na ishock ang mga inosenteng tao,sino ba naman ako para pigilan pa sya?

Pagkatapos ng sandamakmak ng pictures, at mas marami pang pictures kasama ung barkada nya, sawakas, pumayag na rin sya na umalis na. Niyaya namin sina Sheena, Anton, at si Kenny na maglatelunch, pero may mga plano rin yata ung mga pamilya nila. Ang tagal bago nataposang mga goodbyesnila sa isa'tisa. I didn't have the heart to pry her away lalo na nung umiyak na sya. Hanggang sa kotse,nagpapahid si Venice ng mga luha nya. I still don't know kung tears of joy ba un dahil she finallygraduated, o tears of sadness dahil hindi nya alam kung kailan nya ulit makikita ung mga kaibigan nya.

I lightly fingered the small box in my pocket. I wonder how she'll react once Igive the gift to her...

Venice: Henyo, henyo ang kung sinoman nakaimbento ng waterproof na mascara.

Ako: Are you feeling better now?

Venice: Yeah. I can't cry the whole afternoon, di ba? San nga pala tayo pupunta? 

Ako: I made reservations in a restaurant.

Tumingin sya sa sasakyan na nakasunod sa'min. Dun nakasakay ung mga nanay namin. 

 

 

 

 

Venice: Alam ba nina mommy kung san tayo pupunta?

Ako: Yeah. My mom knows where it is.

Dinaanan namin ung newly put up na billboard ng Guess. Napapangiti pa rin ako pag nakikita ko ungadvertisement na un ng swimsuit. It's not because the ad turned out really good, but it's more becauseof the memories na nangyari nung weekend ng photoshoot. Kahit anong tagal na, natatawa atnapapangiti pa rin ako pag naaalala ko un.

Venice: What do you think of the billboard?

Ako: It's good.

Venice: I know. Ang ganda ko!

Ako: (chuckles) Yeah, but I think I like the real you better.

Venice: Oh? Kahit na may bilbil ako, at ung billboard me eh slim and sexy?

Ako: Kahit na.

 

Venice: Kahit na minsan halos magkabuholbuhol na ang buhok ko sa sobrang hangin, samantalang ungbillboard me eh parang kahit may twister na, masunurin pa rin ang hair nya?

Ako: Tutulungan pa kitang magsuklay.

Venice: Kahit na hindi naggglow ang balat ko na parang may kung anong luminescent na ilaw sa balatko?

I stole a glance at her, and then smiled.

Ako: You look luminous enough for me.

Venice: Weehhhh~ Kaya mahal kita eh! Pinapalaki mo ang ulo ko~

I laughed again. She leaned forward para maghanap ng ibang station sa radio while I continued driving

"All for show nga ba? Jerwin Santos, umattend sa graduation ng fiancée nyang siVenice Zhao..."

 

Natahimik kaming bigla. Venice froze sa upuan nya.

"Pagkatapos ng mga balitang publicity stunt lang ang relasyon ng dalawa, maramiang naghihinala napalabas lamang ang kasweetan ng dalawa habang nasa graduation"

Venice: Ha. Ang bilis ng balita ah.

She immediately switched the radio to another station. May titigilan sandali, tapos iibahin nya nanamanung station.

"Lumabas ang isang billboard advertisement kung saan kasama ni Jerwin Santos na nagmodel ngmamahaling brand ng swimsuit ang fiancée nyang si Venice Zhao. May mga nagsaabi na ginamit raw niVenice si Jerwin para makapasok sa showbiz"

I finally turned off the radio. There was a couple seconds of silence before Venice snapped back toreality.

 

 

Venice: Wow. That was lame.

Ako: Don't let them bother you. They don't know anything.

She sighed before sya umikot para humarap sa bintana.

Venice: Yeah. I know.

Since then, her mood totally pummeled down. She was spacing out during lunch. She barely talked toher mom nung bumalik na sa hotel ung mom nya. She barely talked nung nagdrive na kami pauwi. Dahillang sa ilang mga tao na kung anuanong inaaassume tungkol sa kanya. Nakakainis.

Nung nakarating na kami sa bahay, Venice immediately went upstairs to take a shower. I went to theliving room and grabbed my phone. I don't know how to fix the problem, but I know I have to dosomething. I called the manager's phone and told him what I wanted him to do. There was a long,pondering silence after I spoke.

 

 

Manager: Are you sure about this?

Ako: Yes. This is getting out of hand. Venice doesn't deserve this. I want to set the record straight.

..

(Venice's POV)

.

Later that night...

I think halos dalawang oras na'kong nakahiga sa kama. Kahit anong pilit kong matulog, ayaw talagangmatulog ng utak ko. Muntik na nga akong mahulog sa kama sa kakapaikotikot ko.

After ng another failed attempt na bumagsak sa dream world, I sat up in frustration. Kapag inuntog koba ang ulo ko sa dingding (oo, alam kong masakit), makakatulog ba ko?

Tumingin ako sa kwarto ko. Halos wala nang laman. Ung mga maleta ko na lang.. at isang bag.

 

 

Parang kailan lang, naaalala ko pa nung lumipat kami dito. Ngayon, nakaimpake nanaman ako.

Bubwit na mga assumers kaseh yan! Anoh bang problema nila sa buhay?!

Haayyyy...

I swung my legs out of the bed, and as quietly as I could, I walked out of my room papunta sa kwarto niJerwin. Siguro tulog na sya. I mean, halos hatinggabi na, so malamang, di ba?

Pero, just in case na hinde, I softly knocked on the door and then binuksan ko ng konti ung pinto.

Madilim na ang kwarto nya.

Ako: Jerwin?

I waited for a few seconds, pero walang sumagot. Nung iikot na sana ako pabaliksa kwarto ko, maynarinig ako biglang gumalaw sa kama. Not long after that, sumagot sya in barelyaudible voice. I wouldhave missed it kung hindi lang ever ang katahimikan sa house.

 

 

Jerwin: Yea?

Pumasok ako sa kwarto nya, making sure to close the door behind me. I stood sa tabi nung kama nya ashe looked at me. Dun ko lang narealize, anoh nga bang ginagawa ko dito? Parangakong timang, lakadkasi ng lakad.

Ako: Uh... I know it's late... and... anoh... I know this may sound really random...

He pulled himself up para makita nya ko nang mas maayos. I took a deep breath, then I quietly askedhim the one reason I can think of kung bakit ako pumunta sa kwarto nya in the middle of the night.

Ako: Can I sleep here?

He looked at my face as if he's searching for something. Akala ko, he's gonna start teasing me, whichwould make me go back to my own room, and try to sleep again by myself. But to my surprise, heextended his hand and smiled at me.

 

 

Jerwin: Sure.

::Chapter 86::

Promise

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

I turned to my side para sana yakapin ung katabi ko. Pero instead of the warm, lean body na ineexpectko, bumagsak ang kamay ko sa lumalamig at malambot na kumot. Confused, I openedmy eyes. And,yep, wala na nga ang taong supposedly eh katabi ko. May narinig akong umiikotikot sa kwarto.Assuming na ung umiikot at ung hinahanap ko eh iisa, I turned to my side para mas makakita nangmaayos. There he is. __ Si Jerwin na nagsusuot ng sapatos... at mukhang may pupuntahan.

Tumingin ako sa orasan.. It's 10:30 in the morning.

 

Argh.. Anong normal na tao ba ang gumigising nang ganito kaaga?

Ako: Sunshine?

Napatigil sya sa ginagawa nya nung narealize nyang gumagalawgalaw na pala ako. 

Jerwin: Oh. I didn't mean to wake you.

Ako: It's okay. May pupuntahan ka?

Jerwin: Yea. I have to go to my manager's office. Tapos, may interview ako latein the afternoon.

Ako: I see.

Jerwin: I'll be back soon.

 

I flinched sa sinabi nya. I stared at him as he finished putting on his shoes. He grabbed his phone and hiswallet from the table then turned around to face me. Nung nakita kong lumalakadna sya palapit sa'kin, Iquickly plastered a smile on my face.

Jerwin: Don't forget to eat lunch.

Ako: Of course.

Jerwin: Bye.

He gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before he straightened up again. Kakabukas nya lang nangpinto when I felt the need to call him again. He paused and turned to look at me. I opened my mouth totell him kung anong mangyayari mamaya... But then, I remembered he didn't want to know. So instead, Ijust smiled at him again.

Ako: I love you.

He gave me a quizzical look, pero nawala rin kagad as his expression changed tosomething warmer.

 

 

Jerwin: I love you too.

After saying that, he finally left. Narinig ko ung truck na nagstart. Mayamaya, bumukas na ung gate,and he was gone. I collapsed on the bed again and pulled the sheets closer to me. Amoy Jerwin pa rin...

Haayyy...

I stayed in that position for a few more minutes, memorizing his scent... Finally, I forced myself to getout of bed. I still have things to do.

Mataas na ang araw nung lumabas ako. Syempre, dahil hapon na. Kasalanan ko bangmatagal angprocess ng pagligo, pagbihis, pagpapaganda, pagkain at pagspace out ko?

Anyway, sinundo ako nina mommy at ni Tita Merryl from the house, kasama si Manong Ponce na driverat tagabitbit ng mga gamit. Pagalis namin, I asked them na idaan muna ako dito, kahit five minuteslang. So, ehto ako ngayon... Nakaluhod sa very familiar na damuhan, sa harap ng very familiar nagravestone habang naghihintay sa labas ng very familiar na sementeryo ang mga matatandang kasamako.

 

Ako: G... Last time ko na yata makakadaan dito... Unless, of course, bumalik ako after ten years. Anyway,I'll make sure na makakadaan ako sa totoong libingan mo sa States. Maybe I'll even say hello to yourparents. I wonder if they'll recognize me... Bahala na.

I lightly traced the engravings on the smooth stone. I felt a sense of déjà vu nungginawa ko un. Ilangbeses kaya ako umupo dito dati doing the very same thing? Ilang taon, ilang buwan, ilang araw akongkumapit sa bato na toh na wala naman talagang koneksyon kay Gerard kundi ung pangalan nyang nakaengrave?

It's weird. Parang ang tagal na... Ang dami nang nangyari...

Ako: Continue to watch over me, okay? At kung hindi rin naman masyadong pabigat, paki bantayan narin si Jerwin. Pag nakita mong may ginagawang kalokohan, may permission kang pasukin ang mgapanaginip nya at ipahabol sya sa monsters.

Napangiti ako sa picture. Ang cute naman~ Si Jerwin at si Gerard in one place... Ung isa hinahabol ngmonster, ung isa, tumatawang parang sadista. I'm sure, kung buhay lang si G, magkakasundo sila niJerwin. Kahit na madalas magtatalo sila dahil pareho silang matigas ang ulo, I'm sure they'll be fastfriends.

Pero mabuti na rin sigurong ganito. Pano na lang ang puso ko kung sabay silang nasa buhay ko? Ayshosyal! Mamangka sa dalawang ilog~ Ang ganda ko!

I smiled one last time as I finally stood up and brushed the blades of grass off

 

 of my jeans.

 

 

Ako: Well, this is goodbye. I'm leaving now, G.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

I watched in nervous anticipation as the talk show hosts wrap up the interview with the current guest.After the talk with the manager on what I can say without giving away too much private information, Ifinally found myself waiting in the dressing room of the weekend Celebrity TalkShow. The whole show islive, so there's absolutely no place for mistakes.

"Jerwin?"

Napaikot ako when I heard my name. I quickly came face to face with a very baffledlooking Nicole.

Ako: Nic, what are you doing here?

 

Nicole: I had a meeting with some sponsors. What are you doing here?

Ako: Interview.

Nicole: Interview? Now? But... What about Venice's flight?

Ako: Venice's flight?

Nicole: Yeah. Isn't she leaving today in...

She looked at her watch.

Nicole: ...about an hour?

I froze on the spot. Did I just hear her right? Venice is leaving today?

Nicole scrutinized the horrified expression I'm probably wearing right now. I can almost see the gears inher head turning, hanggang finally, narealize nya na ang nangyayari. She glowered at me as sherepeatedly slapped me on the arm.

Nicole: You idiot! You didn't know

 

 

"Jerwin? It's your cue!"

I snapped out of my daze nung naramdaman kong may humihila na sa'kin palayo from Nicole's abuse,papunta sa stage. Ni hindi ko na rin napansin na Nicole is throwing daggers at me with her eyes as I wasdragged away. I was numb. Nung nagpalakpakan lang ung audience ako nagising. Nakaupo na pala akosa harap nung host.

Ako: Uh.. Good afternoon po.

Kuya Boy looked at me with concern in his eyes. Napansin nya yatang wala ako satamang utak... atmedyo namumutla yata ako. It feels like it. I don't think tama ang pagdaloy ng dugo sa katawan kongayon. But no one needs to know that.

I gave the host a small smile to assure him I'm fine. After all, nandito na rinnaman ako, I'll do what Icame here to do.

Kuya Boy: Jerwin, unanguna, maraming salamat sa tiwala at sa pagkakataon na ito.

 

 

I gave him a faint smile.

Kuya Boy: Wala nang ligoyligoy pa, ang relasyon nyo ni Venice, totoo bang arranged lang ang lahat?

Ako: Ang "relasyon" namin?

I stifled a snort.

Ako: I admit, the engagement was arranged.

A rushed murmur resonated from the people in the studio.

Ako: Pero ang "relasyon" namin? Our relationship is very much real.

Kuya Boy: Anong ibig mong sabihin?

 

Ako: We started out under unconventional circumstances. Ang totoo pa nga po nyan, nung binalitasa'min ng mga magulang namin na we're getting engaged, ako pa ang medyo okay sabalita. Venice wason the verge of strangling me to death for agreeing with the arrangements.

Kuya Boy: So, contrary sa mga balita, hindi si Venice ang lumapit syo?

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing. Technically, si Venice nga ang lumapit sa'kin, but I don't think thatcounts... Lalo na dahil lasing sya nun at hindi nya na alam ang ginagawa nya when she stumbled uponme.

Ako: Venice had nothing to do with the decision to get engaged... or any other decision that cameafterward.

That... did not sound right. __ Ganun na lang ba kastrict ang pagpapatakbo ng mga magulang ko sarelasyon namin na hindi ko napansin na natangay na lang ng daloy si Venice? Shedidn't even get a sayon anything... Not the start of the engagement... Not the end of it.

Damn.

Kuya Boy: Jerwin? Jerwin?

 

 

I snapped out of my reverie. Binalik ko ung atensyon ko kay kuya. May sinasabi na pala sya, ni di ko nanarinig. Napansin nya rin yata, dahil thankfully, he repeated his question. Sigh. I don't think I'm doingtoo well with this live interview thing. _

Kuya Boy: Nalilito ang marami. Ibig sabihin ba nito ay napilitan lang si Venicena pumasok sa relasyonnyo? Nagpanggap lang ba sya na masaya kayo?

Ako: What? No! Of course not.

That's ridiculous. We're happy! . . . or rather, we were happy.

Ako: Just because the relationship started out wrong does not mean it continuedto be wrong. WhatVenice and I had was real, probably more real than some other relationships that started with thenormal na ligawan.

Nagssignal na si direk na malapit nang magcommercial break. I better wrap up.I turned to the camera,much to the surprise of the staff and crew.

 

 

Ako: On behalf of my family and Venice, I apologize to everyone kung naramdamannyong niloko naminkayo or kung inakala nyo na publicity stunt lang toh. Please do not hate Venice. 

I took another deep breath. There's a sudden stillness in the studio as I talk to the people and lay out all Ihave to say.

Ako: The main reason I came here today is to tell the truth. And the truth is, during the short time thatthe Venice and I spent together, I can sincerely tell all of you that I had come to love that woman, andthat she had come to love me as well. It's not a lie. We were not pretending. What we had was real, andI really hope all of you would understand and finally let go of the doubts someday.

I lowered my eyes, and then slowly looked back kay Kuya Boy. He was looking at me intently, with a hintof pity in his eyes. I wonder if I look as pathetic as I feel right now?

Kuya Boy: Napansin ko lang habang nagsasalita ka, past tense ang mga sinasabi mo. May nagiba bangayong nilabas mo na ang totoo?

 

Napatingin ako bigla kay Nicole, na nakatayo sa gilid nung stage. Mukhang kalmado na sya. She actuallylooks like she's sympathizing with me. I guess I wouldn't have to worry about being murdered after theinterview. She bit her lip, and then reluctantly, she gave me a nod of encouragement.

Ako: As of today, Venice and I no longer together.

I closed my eyes as I hear astonished whispers went around the studio. That confession hurt more than Ithought.

Kuya Boy: Pagkatapos ng lahat ng sinabi mo, bakit ngayon pa kayo naghiwalay?

Ako: The rumors, the harsh criticisms, the assumptions... Venice does not deserve any of those. It wasdecided that she'll be better off away from here. As we speak, nasa airport na po sya... boarding herflight to the States.

Kuya Boy: Jerwin, kung bibigyan ka ng pagkakataon na magiwan ng mensahe para kay Venice, anongsasabihin mo?

I turned to the camera again... Anong sasabihin ko kung, sa kung anong himala, eh naririnig nya kongayon?

 

 

"Don't go"?

"You still never told me if you were going to wait for me"?

But then again, I already promised that I'd come for her no matter what, so...

Ako: Venice. I'll fulfill my promise, so please, wait for me.

I stumbled inside the dark house after shutting the front door behind me. I would have called for Venice,ran around the house looking for her... but what's the point? The stillness already confirms the truth:she's gone.

I trudged upstairs, but instead of going to my room, I walked inside hers or at least, it used to be hers.

I turned on the light and looked around. Wala na ung mga kalat nya sa study table. Hindi na natatabunanng makeup at accessories ung vanity table nya. Wala nang one or two shirts na nakakalat sa sahig. Theroom is clean. Empty.

Except for the small box and the piece of paper sitting on her bed.

 

 

Lumakad ako palapit sa kama. I slowly took the small box. Nanikip ang dibdib konung narecognize kokung ano ung box na un.

It was a ring's box... The diamond ring's box. I opened it kahit na alam ko na kung anong nasa loob pero seeing the diamond ring... It just made things more real, you know? We're no longer engaged. Sheleft me the ring. She's really gone.

I closed the box and reached for the paper na pinapatungan kanikanina lang nung box. I unfolded it andread the small message. I read it again... and again.. and again.

Nung nagsink in na sa utak ko ung binasa ko, I couldn't help but smile.

The message is simple.. but it is exactly what I wanted to hear (or read, whatever).

"Sunshine,

I'll wait for you.

. Sardines."

::Chapter 87::

 

Time After Time

..~*~..~*~..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

There is something very familiar about this guy's face. It's getting annoying na I can't place what's sofamiliar about him. Kahit nung sumabit na si Jean sa braso nya para ipakilala ung ka"date" nya (MeetPatrick daw), I still can't stop glaring at him. I don't really care if it's making the guy uncomfortable. Tamalang un. Anong iniisip nya? Gagawin kong madali ang buhay nya, eh malakas ang loob nyang ilabas angkapatid ko?!

Who cares kung 16 na si Jean at pinayagan na sya ng mga magulang naming makipag"date"? It is mybrotherly right to make the guy's life miserable. Especially since mukhang pretty boy tohng lalaking toh...Wait a minute...

I stared at the guy's face again, and then it hit me. I knew there's something familiar about him! Well,not entirely familiar, pero nandun na rin ung resemblance.

He looks like Kenny!

Damn. And I thought Jean finally got over that little crush.

 

 

Ako: Dude.

Napatingin sa'kin si Jean tsaka ung ka"date" nya.

Ako: Are you gay?

Jean: Kuya!

Ako: What? I'm just making sure. He looks a lot like your previous "Prince Charming", or nakalimutan mona ba?

Jean: Shut up.

Patrick: Prince Charming?

Jean: Don't mind him. Naoverwork na utak nyan, hindi na gumagana.

She turned to glare at me while still talking to the amused boy next to her.

Jean: Bitter lang sya kasi ilang taon na syang walang girlfriend. Pakipot pa kasi. If I were you, matagal nakong lumipad sa States

 

 

Ako: Jeanette.

Jean: What? Sasabihin mo nanaman na busy ka? Na hindi pa kasi tapos ung kontrata mo? Hay nako!Ehwan ko syo!

Ako: You know? I liked you better when you were young and annoying. At least, no'n, may pagkacutepa ung pagkaannoying mo. Now, you're just plain annoying.

Jean: Sabi mo lang un. Alis na nga kami.

Ako: Make sure you come home before eleven and I mean, eleven in the evening,Jean, not eleven thenext day. Maghihintay syo si Aling Ligaya.

Jean: Okay na, kuya. Masyado kang uptight. Relax ka lang dyan. If I know, kinakabahan ka na, wala pangnangyayari.

Ako: Like I said earlier, you're annoying. __

Tumawa lang sya, and then walked up to me and gave me a hug.

Jean: See you soon, kuya.

 

After nun, hinila nya na palabas si Patrick bago pa man makapagpaalam nang ayos ung tao. Jean talaga,lumaking may pagkadominatrix. I stood by the front door and watched the car disappear, hanggang sasumarado na ulit ung gate. I walked back to the room na ginawa kong personal working space ko. It'swhere I write songs for other artists, where I review tracks and albums I mightfeel like producing, whereI check on talents with potential, and where I finalize the financial and material donations na pupunta samga maliliit na baryo na kailangan ng konting tulong sa arawaraw nilang buhay.Yep, nagpapakaphilanthropist ako. One of my earliest projects was the small town na pinagkawalaan namin ni Veniceyears and years ago.

Napatingin ako sa kalendaryo na nakapaskil sa may tabi ko. It's been months since the last time I talkedto Venice; years since the last time I saw her. We've both been busy with work and other things. If thingsgo the way I plan, then it won't be long 'til our lives return to the way it should be.

..

(Venice's POV)

.

"What?!? He wouldn't go out with that walking stick! Nasa kinder pa yata yan nung naghhigh school nakami!"

I know it's not healthy na sigawan ang TV, pero pag bad trip ka, at lalo pang nakakabad trip angpinapanood mo, anoh pa bang care mo kung hindi makakasagot ung sinisigawan mo?

 

 

 

I stabbed my spoon sa bowl ng ice cream na kinakain ko as I glared at the screen. Siguro, bad idea nanagpakabit ako ng TFC, pero pano na lang ako sasagap ng tsismis tungkol kay Jerwin kung wala akongFilipino channel, di vah?

But then again, kung ang mga tsismis eh ganitong nakakahigh blood and mostly di naman totoo, eh anopang silbi ng panonood ko?

I blame Jerwin. __

Three years, four months, and two weeks.

Kung tinuloytuloy ko ang pagccross ng mga araw sa kalendaryo, siguro makakasigurado ako na ganyanna exactly katagal since lumipad ako dito sa States. Pero dahil tumigil ako sa pageekis ng mga arawnung umabot ako sa one year and two months, in denial akong ganyan na talaga katagal.

All I know is... Three years... Three years na kong naghihintay.

Ang hirap pala.

Of course, it's not like we didn't keep in contact. We talk once a month. Chat online once in a while pagmay oras (which is very rare considering timezones and work schedules). Okay, so I haven't actually seenhim in the flesh since three years ago, it's alright. I can manage somehow. As long as I get to talk tohim...... He knows that.

So why in the world bigla syang nagdisappear!??

 

 

For three months now, walang email, walang tawag, walang YM, walang kahit ano! Zilch! Nada!Nasagasaan ba sya ng truck?!? (I hope not. _)

Napatingin ulit ako sa TV, na iba na ngayon ang tsinitsismis.

May nakita na kaya syang iba?

Aba! Sabihin nya man lang sa'kin nang mapaambush ko sya! Tatlong taon akong pinaghintay, tapossasama lang pala sya kung anong walking stick?! Abno ba sya?!

Haayyy. ___

I turned off the TV and pried my butt out of the couch. I might as well go out and... do something bagoako maloka dito. Ehto ang isa sa mga disadvantages ng nakatira sa isang apartment, all alone. Walangmakausap na pangdistract man lang. Ever since I moved out of my mom's house two years ago, I foundout na ang creepy pala pag kinakausap mo ang dingding nagmumukha kang sira.

 

 

So, tinigil ko na un. Instead, pag kailangan ko na ng distraction, I walk outside, kahit isang block lang, atkahit anong oras pa. Good thing safe ang neighborhood na napaglipatan ko.

I grabbed my keys from the counter and then quietly locked the door behind me. It's already 10:30 PM,so most of the other residents sa building, either tulog na or getting ready namatulog. I went down thestairs, and then stepped out of the building. Malapit na magautumn, so medyo malamig na ang hanginpag gabi. I guess this is one of the reasons kaya halos wala nang tao sa labas.May mga dumadaan nasasakyan once in a while, pero walang naglalakad.

I tugged my coat closer to me and started my walk. Iniisip kong maglakad hanggang sa Walgreens twoblocks away para bumili ng gatas... pero ang weird naman, di ba? Lumabas ako nang ganito kalate nggabi para lang bumili ng gatas. But oh well.. May kung anong law ba na nagsasabing bawal bumili nggatas at eleven in the evening?

Tumigil ako sa kabilang street nung Walgreens para hintayin ung pedestrian light na maggreen. Ehwanko ba kung bakit ako sumusunod sa traffic rules, wala namang kotse. May pulis kayang nakatago kungsaan? Huhulihin nya ba ko pag nagjaywalking ako?

Only one way to find out. bwahahahaha

 

 

I looked to the right and looked to the left para siguraduhing walang sasagasa sa'kin. Mahirap na.Masakit ang mamatay. Nung nakita kong the coast is clear, I was about to step out of the sidewalk nangnapansin kong may nakatayo sa kabilang side nung street. Normally, I wouldn't mind, pero this time,nakatitig sa'kin ung guy which of course, freaked me out. O.O

I stood on the spot and squinted para makita ko nang mabuti ung mukha nya then I froze.

Oh my gawd. I'm hallucinating. Natulog na talaga dapat ako!

Suddenly, the other guy smiled and casually waved at me. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko as tearsthreatened to spill out of unblinking eyes. I ran towards him thankful na walang sasakyan dahil late konang narealize na icheck bago tumawid. He jogged towards me to meet me halfway. When he's finallyclose enough, I flung my arms around him.

Ako: Oh my god. You're here! You're here! What are you doing here?!?

 

Natawa sya ng konti as he gave me a quick hug before pulling away to look at me. 

Jerwin: Anoh pa ba? I'm fulfilling my promise. I've come for you.

::Chapter 88.1::

Destiny Fulfilled

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

"Kelan ka pa dumating? Sinong kasama mo? How did you know where I was? Nasan mga gamit mo?Pano ka nakarating dito?"

 

Jerwin chuckled softly as I barreled him with questions. I know, halata bang naexcite ako? Walangmagulo! Moment ko itowh!

I stared at him as we walk back to my place. He looks better in person kesa pagnakikita ko sya sa TV. Ofcourse, mas amazing naman talaga dahil nakikita ko sya habang kinakausap nya ko nahahawakan kopa! Sensory overload! Ganun pa rin itsura nya. It's been three years, pero parang walang nagbago. Ifever, nagmature lang nang konti ang mukha nya. May kung anong wisdom na from life experiences samga mata nya. But the boyish good looks, the teasing grin, the affectionate glances... Nandun pa rin.

It's like nothing changed. Parang ang sarap nya pa ring rapein! wahahahaha charing!

Jerwin: Slow down. Isaisa lang ang tanong.

Ako: Okay. Start from the beginning.

Jerwin: I just got here this afternoon. I'm staying in a Comfort Inn not far from here. After dropping offmy things, I took a cab and was about to go to your place nung nakita kitang naglalakad. Tinigil ako nungtaxi sa may kanto. I've been following you for five minutes, naghahanap ng tatawiran, nung nakita moko.

Ako: Awwww... You're stalking me already, kakarating mo lang.

Jerwin: I'm not stalking you.

Ako: Okay lang un, Sunshine. Alam ko namang di mo na mapigilan ang sarili mo. Tagal mo ba namang dinakita tohng ganda kong toh.

 

Jerwin: True.

Ay. Ang bilis umagree. I likes!

He suddenly stopped walking and pulled me in for a hug. Syempre, ako namang si malandi, nagpahugnaman. Sigh...

Jerwin: I missed you.

Ako: I know.

Jerwin: Namiss mo ba ko?

Ako: Weell... Tatlong buwan ka ring hindi nagparamdam... __

Jerwin: So... dun sa tatlong buwan na un, may nagbago ba?

Ako: Sinadya mo bang hindi magparamdam?

 

Jerwin: I wanted to give you a sense of freedom bago ako pumunta dito, just in case... I don't want youto feel obligated to still wait for me. I wanted you to have the opportunity tofind out if you wantsomething someone else.

Ako: Hmmm.. I did go out with this guy a month ago.

Naramdaman kong biglang nagtense ung hawak nya sa'kin. Si kuya talaga... Magpapakamartyr, tapospag hinarap mo ung kinda, likea na gusto nyang mangyari, biglang aatakihin sa puso. Haaayyy, mga taonga naman.

Jerwin: And?

Ako: We went out once, that's it. I realized na hindi pala ako natutuwa sa kanya.. and the main reasonna pumayag lang akong lumabas kasama sya is nabbwiset ako syo dahil hindi ka nagpaparamdam... Anggwapo mo!

He laughed again. Binitawan nya na ko, pero hawak nya pa rin ung kamay ko as westarted walking saapartment building kung san ako nakatira.

Jerwin: Hey, may trabaho ka ba bukas?

 

 

Ako: Nope. Off ako ng weekends.

Jerwin: Good. Tomorrow, we can grab lunch, tapos ipasyal mo ko. As for tonight,I guess we can stay uplate...

Ako: Di ka ba pagod?

Jerwin: Well, a little... (smiles) But I figured I don't really have to go backto my motel room tonight...Maybe just a quick nap?

Ako: Makikitulog ka?

As soon as I opened the door to my apartment and stepped inside, dumiretso kagad si Jerwin sa livingroom. He plopped himself on the couch parang isda na bagong huli.

Jerwin: What? You don't want to spend every minute, every hour with me now thatI'm here?

Ako: Ang feeling mo rin, noh?

Pinanood ko sya as he tried to make himself comfortable sa aking beloved plush couch. Nung napansinnyang hindi ko sya nilalapitan, he craned his neck to look at me.

 

 

Jerwin: Come here, Sardines. Tagal ko nang hindi naririnig ang "You Are My Sunshine".

As soon as nakatulog at nakapagpahinga na nang konti si Jerwin, quality TIMEkagad ang banat namin.Saturday, nagliwaliw kami sa Chicago, kung san mangiyakngiyak ako nung pinilitnya kong umakyat saWillis Tower at pumasok dun sa glass thingy overlooking the city. Matamaan sanang kidlat ang kungsinuman nakaisip gawing tourist attraction ang pagkataastaas na building na un. Hindi pa natuwa,talagang nilagyan pa ng glass encase sa pinakataas na floor, sticking out of the building, na pag nagstepka sa loob, makikita mo talaga ang TAAS ng tower under your feet. Kung anong tuwa ni Jerwin, ganonnaman ang lakas ng temptation kong umiyak at suntukin ung ngiti sa mukha nya. Bumalik kami saground floor, at halos halikan ko na ang semento sa sobrang tuwa. T^T We then went to MillenniumPark, tapos sumakay ng subway papunta sa Chinatown. Over all, it was a good day. 

Nung Sunday naman, binisita namin sina Mommy at ang kanyang boylet sa bahay nila. Imagine na langang excitement ng mother ko nang nakilala nya kung sino ung nakasakay sa kotse ko. Halos ayaw nya nanga kami paalisin. Kung wala siguro akong trabaho kinabukasan, baka kinulong nya na kami sa bahaynila.

Monday, I grudgingly spent 8 hours at work. I usually don't mind working in thenursing home promise, may pagkaexciting ang buhay dun lalo na pag maraming mga may dementiana umaaligidaligid. When I got out, I drove to Jerwin's motel to pick him up for an early dinner. He just woke up nungdumating ako jet lag raw. Kawawa naman.

We went to a nearby restaurant. Kinuwento sa'kin ni Jerwin lahat ng mga pinaggag

 

awa nya the pastthree months. Apparently, busybusyhan si kuya sa pagiging santo. Kinuwento nyarin ang socalled dateni Jean the day ng flight nya. That date was about four or five days ago, hindipa rin nawawala angkagustuhan nyang iharass ung lalaki for dating his "baby sister". Psh. Overprotective na kuya.

 

 

I was driving him back nang pumasok sa isip ko ang isang ideya. Syempre, ako naman si impulsive, walanang isipisip pa, tinanong ko kagad sya.

Ako: Why don't you check out of the motel and just stay with me?

He looked at me wideeyed. Tinaasan ko sya ng kilay. Anong nakakagulantang sa tanong na un? Avah,kung iisipin, makakatipid pa sya. It's not like we've never shared a roof before.

Ako: What? Ngayon ka pa magpapakademure? Nasan ang demureness mo nung binahaymo ko yearsago?

Jerwin: Excuse me, hindi kita "binahay". That just sounds... wrong. __ We were engaged, and youneeded a place

Ako: Yeah, yeah. Same thing.

 

I didn't miss the fact na "were" ang ginamit nya. "We were engaged" raw. Haaayyy.. Pero un namantalaga ang usapan, di ba? As soon as I leave, wala nang engagement. But now that he's here... Well, walaakong balak na biglang maglupasay at magsisigaw ng: "Jerwin! Marry me! Take me now!" Josko.

Although pag wala pa syang ginawa soon para isemento ang kung anumang relasyon namen bakanga maglupasay na ko sa sobrang frustration.

Jerwin: No, it wasn't. We didn't even share a bed.. except that last night... but, you know what I mean.

Ako: Ahsusssss... If I know, every night, pinapangarap mong nasa kama mo ko noh. Wag kang magalala,may mga gabi na pinapangarap rin kita.

Jerwin: What?!?

I laughed at the startled expression on his face. I know, many years in the States corrupted my mind.Tame pa nga yang comment na yan.

Ako: So? Are you gonna move in with me again? Ikaw naman ang binabahay ko ngayon  although, saapartment tayo, pero you get the idea.

Jerwin: Haayyy.. okay. I'll check out tomorrow. You'll pick me up after work?

 

Ako: Yup.

That was how Jerwin found himself in my apartment. It worked for me. He cooks me breakfast anddinner. Minsan, hatidsundo nya rin ako hurray for international driving license. Nagliliwaliw kamipaminsanminsan tuwing gabi. Nood ng sine or kain sa labas... or magbar or kahit anong magpagtripan.

Next thing I know, three weeks na syang nandito. When I asked him kung kailan sya babalik ng Pinas, hejust shrugged. Indefinite leave of absence daw sya from work. Shosyal.

One weekend, he took me out for a "date". Hindi ko alam kung bakit biglang "date" na ang tawag sa mgalakwatsa namin. I wanted to ask him kung ano ba kami, dahil for sure, hindi kami friends... pero, we'renot exactly in a romantic relationship yet... yata?

Iba ang pagfuss ni Jerwin nung gabi na un. I watched him rummage through my closet, naghahanap ngsusuotin ko. Finally, he pulled out a dark red cocktail dress. I looked at the dress questioningly, tapos sakanya.

Ako: San tayo pupunta at kailangan nakadress up ako?

Jerwin: Secret.

Ako: I'm not gonna wear that thing unless you tell me why. Alam mo ba kung ganokalamig sa labas?

 

 

Totoo naman. With winter approaching, manginginig ako kung susuotin ko ung nilabas nya. It's a fitted,sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline to showcase a bit of cleavage. The hem falls to my knees. Ibought that dress nung minsang napagtripan kung magpakalandi kaya ahyun malandi rin ung damit.

Jerwin: Wear a coat... and a scarf if you want. It's gonna be warm sa pupuntahan natin anyway.

Nilagay nya ung dress sa kama, then took my hand, and practically threw me in the bathroom para magshower.

Jerwin: Fifteen minutes.

After saying that, he closed the door. I stared at the piece of wood in front of me. Hindi ko alam kungmacconfuse ba ko sa actions ng mokong, o mapipikon dahil tinapon nya ko sa banyo. At naloloko basya? Ilang linggo na syang nandito, feeling nya enough na ang fifteen minutes para makaligo?!? Anonggusto nya, magwisikwisik na lang ako?!

 

Sighing, I turned on the shower para maligo. I didn't bother locking the door. Tignan ko lang ang tapangnya kung bigla syang pumasok. Nabbwisit ako dahil I don't what he's so worked up for. Gusto ko na ngasanang ihampas ung lamp sa ulo nya, just to make him stop pacing all over the place and mumbling tohimself.

Hayy. Bahala sya sa buhay nya. I'll take a shower, just like he ordered me to do, pero I doubt I'd be doneby fifteen minutes. If I know, baka lalo syang mabaliw pag one minute late ako sa intended nyang time. Ilikes.

I was right. I finished my shower twenty more minutes after ng 15 minutes nya. When I opened thedoor, I found him standing outside with an impatient look on his face.

Ako: What?

::Chapter 88.2::

Destiny Fulfilled

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

 

 

I'll give it to Jerwin, I didn't expect him to take me here. Nung pinagsuot nyako ng dress, at nung nakitako sya nakadress shirt and slacks, akala ko sa mamahaling restaurant kami pupunta. Feel na feel ko panaman ang high heels ko. Instead, he drove to Clearwater, a live stage theater 20 minutes away from myapartment.

Ako: You made me dress up para manood ng kung anong small play na pwede namang panoorin nangnakajeans at tshirt?

Jerwin: Of course not.

Ako: What are we doing here then?

Jerwin: Sumunod ka na lang.

He locked the car. He took my hand and led me towards the theater's door. Napatingin ako sa paligid.

Ako: I don't think it's open...

Jerwin: Of course it is. It's a Saturday.

 

 

Well, not everything is open on Saturdays.... I think. Besides, kung bukas sya,bakit walang tao sa paligid?

I would have told him that, pero bago ako makapagsalita, he pulled the door open and stepped inside.Okay, so bukas nga sya. Still, wala pa rin akong nakikitang tao.

Jerwin: Close your eyes.

Ako: What?

Jerwin: Close your eyes, or you'll ruin the surprise.

Ako: I hate surprises.

Pero sinarado ko naman mga mata ko.

 

Jerwin: Of course you do.

After making sure na wala na kong nakikita, he took my hand again and led me to.... wherever we'regoing. Parang nagkakaron ako ng deja vu... ___

Ako: Are we there yet?

Jerwin: Almost. Watch out, may limang steps ng hagdan in front of you.

I carefully trudged up the ministairs, grumbling under my breath on how I should have worn sneakersinstead of high heels kung paglalakarin nya pala ako without my beloved eyesight. __

Jerwin: Okay, stop here.... and open your eyes.

I took a deep breath, and then, very slowly, afraid na baka maliwanag sa loob, I opened my eyes........and gaped at the sight in front of me. O_O

 

 

Ako: What? How? When? What? O.O

It's a relatively small theater. We're standing on one side of the stage, with the rest of the theater sodark na hindi ko man lang makita ung mga seats. May apat na spotlights na nakatutok sa stage orparticularly, dun sa nakalagay sa stage. There are cutouts of buildings in thebackground. A small tablefor two is situated in the middle of the stage. Mayamaya, may soft melody na ng mga violins ang nagfloat sa background.

I turned to Jerwin, wideeyed. This definitely looks somewhat familiar.

Ako: How...?

Jerwin: I ran into the theater manager when I dropped by the last week.

Ako: And pinayagan ka nyang gawin lahat toh?!?

Jerwin: He's a big supporter of romance... and with a few bucks added to his bank account, he was morethan willing to rent me the theater for the night.

 

 

Hinila nya ulit ung kamay ko papunta sa table namin. I stared at the table, halfexpecting na nananaginipako at mawawala na sya any minute now. But it stayed there.

Ako: Why here?

Jerwin: Well, the original plan was to take you back to the music hall where wehad our first date[1].Pero, matagal ang flight, at masyadong malayo ang Pilipinas. So I settled for somewhere closer. I tried tomake things as similar as possible. You like?

Ako: Very.

Nanlalaki pa rin yata ang mata ko. I blinked twice para hindi mahulog ang mga eyeballs ko. Panira yatang moment if ever biglang tumalbog sa table ang mata ko. Eewwww. __

As soon as we sat down, may lumabas na waiter. He smiled, and then put a plate of something in frontof me and another one in front of Jerwin. After filling out glasses with champagne, he walked away.

 

Jerwin: Magrrequest sana ako ng sinigang, pero wala silang Filipino cook, and I didn't have time namagluto. I hope okay lang syo ang breaded chicken and mashed potatoes?

Ako: We can always eat at home pag nagutom tayo ulit.

We ate in companionable silence, may paminsanminsan na small talk, with the soft music playing in thebackground. I wonder what Jerwin is thinking. Ano kayang ibig sabihin nito biglabigla nya ko nilalabas at ganito pa kachuva ang event ni kuya! Are we going to try the boyfriendgirlfriend thing now? I know,ang abnormal... Engaged muna kami, tapos break, tapos tsaka kami nagbfgf. Talagang kinarir naminang pagmess up sa normal cycle noh?

Patapos na ung dessert namin when Jerwin suddenly leaned over and took my hand.I looked up inconfusion. Bakit nya iniistorbo ang very much enjoyable na relasyon namin ng brownie fudge ko?

Jerwin: Venice. Look to the side.

Tumingin ako dun sa mga "buildings" na nakasabit sa tabi ko.

 

Jerwin: No, not that side, the other side.

Tumingin ako sa kabilang side ko where it's completely dark. Anoh? May multoba dito na dapatlumabas?

Ako: What?

Suddenly, I saw it. Hundreds (maybe thousands?) of tiny lights glimmering in the darkness. They look likestars. Nagmukhang starry, starry night ung theater. I was completely awed.

Ako: Stars. @.@

Jerwin: Yep. Kung titignan mong mabuti, baka may makita ka pang constellation.

Ako: Really?!

 

Ako namang si naive, naniwala nga, at talagang tinutok ko ung mata ko para maghanap ng kahit isa manlang na constellation. I don't know how they would do it. I mean, the lights are coming from the stagelights above... May kung anong papel siguro na nilagay para maging maliit ung stream ng lights... So..pano kaya nila gagawin ang Orion? Or ang Big Dipper?

All of a sudden, a few other "stars" appeared in addition to the already starrytheater. These new starsare brighter than the rest, kaya nagppop out sila. Ang weird pa kasi napansin kong magkakalapit sila....magkakatabi... nasa gitna ng "sky"... at may letter "R" na nashape ung isang group..

I squinted and leaned even closer para panoorin ung mga new "stars". As one letter and another andanother took form, I felt my heart start beating faster. At kahit anong gusto ko, hindi ko matanggal ungmga mata ko.

Finally, the words were finished. I stared at the finished phrase. I rubbed my eyes, baka namamalitmatalang ako. Pero nung tumingin ulit ako, ganun pa rin ung nakita ko. Ganun pa rinung message.

"Marry Me."

 

I turned to Jerwin in bewilderment. He was watching me the entire time. There'sa mask of nervousness,excitement, fear, and hope on his face.

Jerwin: Venice, maybe it's expected na magsimula tayo sa boyfriendgirlfriend na relasyon. But, I don'tsee the point of doing that. I'm not here to take a step back; I'm here to makea step forward. We wereengaged, and I wouldn't dream of denying it happened. It gave me the chance to meet, to know, tounderstand, and to love everything that you are. Now, I'm asking you to give usanother chance.. to startall over again. This time, because you want to. This time, without outside pressure, withoutreservations. Because after all these years, I still love you. I loved who you were, I love the womanyou've become, and I'm certain I will love the woman you will be in the years to come.

I opened my mouth to speak, pero walang lumabas. I turned to the message again,and then to him. Istill couldn't form a coherent thought, much less a sentence. Is he really doing this?

He stood up from his seat, and I swear, maluhaluha ako nang bigla syang lumuhod sa harap ko. He tookout a small velvet box from his pocket, and I could almost feel my heart jump out of my chest. Heopened the box and I gaped at the gorgeous ring inside.

It wasn't the engagement ring I had last time. Instead of a diamond, the ring has a heartshapedaquamarine stone surrounded by diamond accents. The silver band is plain. It's beautiful, and I really,really hope he's giving it to me.

 

 

 

Jerwin: I've had this for years. I don't know if you still remember it. It's the first ring you looked at thatday we went with our moms to get an engagement ring.[2] It took time to track, but I was able to find it.I've had it even before you left. I figured, if I was gonna be engaged to you, then I'll make sure you havea ring that you liked and that I bought, not because I have to, but because I am choosing to commit toyou. I'm making that choice now.

He took a deep breath as he looked straight in my eyes.

Jerwin: Will you make me the luckiest man on earth and spend the rest of your life with me?

Oh my god...

Jerwin: Sardines, will you marry me?

Hindi ko na napigilan. Nagtuloytuloy na ang luha ko as I flung myself and gavehim a bonecrushing hug.

 

 

Ako: Yes! Yes! Of course, I'll marry you!

He gave a small, relieved chuckle as he hugged me back. After a few moments, hepulled back and tookmy left hand. He was grinning as he slipped the ring on my finger. I stared at the ring in utter joy beforewrapping my arms around his neck again.

Jerwin: If I knew you're going to be this happy, I would've proposed weeks ago.

He affectionately wiped my tears away. Tumawa lang ako. I looked at the "stars"again.

Ako: At talagang may ganito ka pang nalalaman ha...

Jerwin: Well.. I do remember you telling me one time na papakasalan mo kahit sino na makakapagarrange ng stars sa message na yan. I figured, if you say no, I can always blackmail you or guilttrip you infollowing through with your words.[3] Good thing it didn't have to come to that, noh?

 

::Chapter 89::

Strength For The Journey

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Eight months later...

I stared at my reflection for about the hundredth time today, and for the hundredth time din since thismorning, isa lang ang pumasok sa isip ko: Anak ng tinapa, ang ganda ko!

Walang magulo, araw ko toh! Okay, so technically, araw rin ni Jerwin, pero never ko pang naririnig angphrase na "This is the groom's day", kaya wag kumontra.

Eight months. Eight months naming pinaghandaan ang "The Big Day". Eight months ng mga clueless natingin sa mga centerpieces, pagpili ng motif, paghanap ng reception hall at simbahan, sending outinvitations, pakikinig kung bakit mas appropriate ang roses kesa sa lilies, pagsusukat ng mga gowns,

 

making sure na hindi ako magiging "too big" for the gown, pagiging negotiator between Sheena (Maid ofHonor) vs. Nicole & Jean (very vocal na bride's maids) tungkol sa style ng gowns nila, at pagbugbog kayJerwin dahil iniwan nya ko sa mga malamonster na kamay ng mga nanay namin.

Kung hindi ko lang mahal ung mokong, malamang tinakbuhan ko na sya from the dayna bumulaga angmga nanay namin sa pintuan ng apartment ko six months ago. Samahan pa ng mga pagtatalo ninaSheena, Nicole, at Jean, ang constant na pagkapit ni Anthony (dahil dalaga na raw ung alaga nya... wth.

 __) sa leeg ko, at ang paglalandi ni Kenny sa mga nagliparan na pinsan ni Jerwin.

I knew dapat kinidnap ko na lang si Jerwin at nagVegas na lang kami! Wala nanghassle, Elvislookalikepa ang magkakasal sa'min!

Haayyy. Pero syempre, hindi pumayag si kuya. I deserve a "memorable wedding" daw. Chuchu nya.Ayaw nya lang masakal ng nanay nya.

After months of suffering, dumating na rin ang araw. For the past ten minutes since dumating kami sasimbahan, nakailang beses na kong tumakbo dito sa restroom. Walang awat ang action ng bladder ko sasobrang nerbyos ko. It's a miracle na hindi kami nagkakasalubong ni Jerwin. Anglast na bulong sa'kin niAnton, hindi rin raw mapakali si Jerwin, at panay rin ang tawag ni nature sa kanya.

I really don't understand why we're nervous though. It's not like may isang tatakbo sa'min, or may ex nabiglang susulpot para magpakakontrabida (Nasa Paris pa rin si Geena, di ba? I hope. )

 

 

 

 

Sandali na lang, magsisimula na. I checked myself out one last time. Di ko napigilan ung ngiti ko as Ilooked at my wedding dress. It's not the traditional allwhite gown our motherswanted. I chose a satinpearl white Princessstyled wedding gown. The bodice is accented with crystal beading sequins andrhinestones. It's very pretty. What makes is scandalous to my mother's and motherinlaw's eyes... ungbust and ung train nung gown color red. As in dark red.

I have elbowlength fingerless gauntlet glove with red embroidery dun sa littletriangle, intricately goingaround my wrist. I refused to wear a veil. Ayokong biglang sumabit at kung ano pang mangyaring panirang araw. Kaya nakaFrench twist na lang ang hair ko, with a few loose ringlets falling around my lightlymadeup face. I adjusted a couple of the small red flowers beautifully stuck onmy hair, bago akotuluyang umikot para lumabas na sa aking hideout.

"Finally! Akala ko kailangan na kita kaladkarin palabas!"

I almost jumped nung muntik ko nang marun over si Sheena. I smiled at the tinybump beneath her reddress. Nagpakasal sila ni Anton last year, and finally, mukhang papalakihin na nila ang family nila. I can'thelp but envy the natural glow emanating from my best friend. I wonder kung maggglow rin ako ngganon once I get pregnant with Jerwin's child?

O_O

Oh my God. I'm getting married.

 

 

Sheena suddenly grabbed my hand and practically dragged me papunta sa waiting entrance. Dun ko langnarealize na nagsimula na pala talaga ang procession.

Sheena: Immeet ka ng mom mo at ni Tito Rem sa dulo para ibigay ka. Ehwan ko banaman kung bakit kapumayag na maglakad ng isa sa aisle. God knows kung hindi ako hawak ni dad nungnaglalakad ako saaisle, malamang wala pa ko sa kalahati, bumigay na ang tuhod ko.

Oh my God. I'm really getting married.

Sheena: Okay, time ko na maglakad. See you later! Wag kang iiyak! Wag mong itest kung waterproof batalaga ang mascara mo. Panira sa pictures!

And with that, she bounced past the double doors, sa waiting arms ng isa sa mgapinsan ni Jerwin, who'sstanding as his best man.

 

I froze on the spot. Sa tinagaltagal ng panahon, ngayon pa talaga nagsink in na ikakasal na ko. I'mgonna spend every waking moment, sleeping moment, annoyed moment, drunk moment,at kung anuano pang moment with the person waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

And doesn't that sound amazing? You'll spend every moment of the rest of your life with the love ofyour life.

I know it's not normal, pero I quickly tuned in to the small voice na kumakausap sa'kin. I think I'm aboutto hyperventilate, at kung hindi tumigil ang puso ko sa pagmamarathon nya, I'mgonna need a paperbag to breathe.

You love Jerwin. You're ready. You can do this. Just walk inside, and when you see him, everything willfall to its place. You won't want to be anywhere else.

Okay. That sounds right. I can do this. Just walk.

I heard the music change para sa entrance na ng bride. I gulped as I peeked inside. I saw people stand uppara hintayin akong pumasok. Even Gerard's parents are here. I sent them an invitation out of courtesysince medyo naging close rin naman kami ng mom nya simula two years ago na binisita ko ung actual na

 

libingan ni G. They liked me and treated me like the daughter they would have had, kaya more thanhappy silang umattend ng kasal ko.

I noticed some people craning their necks para silipin ako. I realized na kanina pa pala ako nakatayo samay side ng pinto unseen by the people inside. I should move. I should go inside.

Damn it. Bakit nga ba pumayag akong maglakad magisa?!? What I would give to have some strength tomake my legs move... T^T

Deep breaths. You've been waiting your entire life for this. You deserve it.

I took one shaky step.. then another.. and another. Finally, nasa doorway na ko. People smiled whenthey saw me. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. My eyes immediately flew sa harap nungsimbahan, where Jerwin was standing, waiting patiently, with an awestruck smileon his face.

Napangiti rin ako ng konti, kahit medyo nagbblush na ko dahil sa mga matang nakatutok sa'kin. Now Iknow kung san nanggaling ang term na "blushing bride."

 

 

Okay. Time to do this. Just walk. I just need to walk... Nawa'y hindi bumigay ang tuhod ko.

I need to be strong. Be steady.

Be happy, V.

I was about to take a step forward when I suddenly felt a gentle push behind me. o_O

It wasn't hard na mapapasubsob ako, pero it was enough to make me really take astep.

Napatingin ako sa likod ko in confusion. The area is a closed space, and there's absolutely no one elsethere. I turned my head back sa nilalakaran ko.

Weird.

 

 

After deciding na baka imagination ko lang un, I finally looked up again and met with Jerwin's eyes.There's so much pride, hope, joy, and affection in his gaze, na kung hindi langako nakaheels at nakagown, baka tinakbo ko na ung aisle at dinemand kay father na ikasal nya na kami now na.

I finally reached him, and as Tito Remy gave me to Jerwin, I couldn't help but feel a burst of belonging inmy heart. Di ko alam kung pano iexplain, pero I just knew right then and there, that this is how it'ssupposed to be, and this is how it's always going to be.

Jerwin smiled lovingly at me and I smiled back.

This is where the rest of our lives start.

::Epilogue::

Life Goes On

..~*~..~*~..

(Venice's POV)

.

Nine Months Later...

 

 

This is horrible. Kahit anong pilit kong paliitin or ipitin or kausapin, my very pregnant stomach stilllooks...well, very pregnant. ___

Ngayon pa kasi naisipan ng mga bubwit na reporters dumaan! Bakit hindi pa sila maghintay ng ilangaraw!?? At least by then, baka sakaling naluwa ko na ung melon sa tyan ko. If the morning sickness, thecramps, the mood swings aren't enough, ngayon, mapipicturan pa ko na mukhang balyena. ARGH!!!

Ako: Why are these reporters coming here again?

Jerwin looked up from where he was tying his shoes. I can immediately see his eyes calculating kungmay hidden meaning ba ko sa sinabi ko. Seriously, porket moody ako, hindi ibig sabihin na lahat ngsasabihin ko, may kung anong hidden agenda noh.

Jerwin: They're doing a feature piece. People kind of got excited when news leaked out that we stillended up together after everything that happened. They're curious.

Ako: So curious na lumipad pa sila dito sa States?

Jerwin: Yep. They're also wondering about the small music school I founded. I think one of the studentswent to the Philippines. She got pretty famous. She called me a week ago. May offers na raw sa kanya torecord songs. She wants me to write a song for her.

 

 

I stared at the mirror again. Sinubuksan ko uhlet na irearrange ung sash paramacover ung tyan ko. It'shopeless.

Ako: I look like an inflated beach ball. If you roll me down the stairs, I'll probably bounce. _

Jerwin finished putting on his shoes. Nung narinig nya ung sinabi ko, he slowlystood up and walkedbehind me. He looked at my reflection as he snaked his arms around my waist to cover my bulgingstomach.

Jerwin: Sardines, you're 9 months pregnant. You have every right to look like abeach ball.

Ako: So you do think I'm huge!?!?

Jerwin: What?!? No! Ang ibig kong sabihin, people won't care if if you look rounder than usual.There's a life growing inside you. It's a magical thing. And besides, I think I'm really liking this pregnantlook on you.

Ako: Oh, do you now?

 

 

He tenderly ran his hand over my tummy. There's a soft glow of wonder sa mata nya. It never fails toamaze me na parang hindi sya makapaniwala na there's this little person inside na he helped create.

Jerwin: Yep. So, please don't call our baby a beach ball again. You might hurt his feelings.

Ako: "His"?

He nodded vehemently.

Jerwin: Mabuti nang merong kuya ang anak nating babae.

I shook my head in amusement as I twirled around to face him. I have a feeling na, if ever magkaron ngakami ng anak na babae, Jerwin's the type of father that will dote on her. I caneven see him chasing awayguys. Daddy's girl ang anak namin, if ever. Pag lalaki naman, he'll teach him all the trades. I'm gonnahave to worry about our little boy breaking hearts left and right.

I can't wait to see Jerwin as a father.

I was patiently watching the interview go on. Malapit na yata sila matapos. Angtagal. __ We took thepictures earlier, kaya ngayon nakatunganga na lang ako as they ask Jerwin questions.

 

 

Oh well. I stood up to get something to drink nang biglang

Ako: Ugh.

Napahigpit bigla ung hawak ko sa upuan as another contraction hit me this time, a LOT more painfulthan the previous ones. When the pain subsided, I stood still for a minute... Iwonder if I'm in labor?

If I am, then that's just great. All I wanted to do is sleep, ngayon, kailanganko pang manganak munabago ako makatulog.

This is not my day.

Hindi napansin nung mga lalaki ung nangyari, so I had to hobble palapit sa kanila nang konti.

Ako: Jerwin?

Jerwin: Yes, Venice?

Ako: The beach ball is coming.

 

 

Napatingin sa'kin si Jerwin with a confused look.

Jerwin: What beach... beach ball? Beach ball?!?!

Napatayo bigla sya nung narealize nya ung sinasabi ko. I would have laughed atthe clueless expressionssa mga mukha ng mga bisita namin, pero, just then, another contraction hit me again. This one was evenworse than the one before and I don't normally curse pero as I clutched my stomach, I think I let outa whole sentence of expletives.

Ako: Are you just gonna stand there or am I gonna have to drive myself to the hospital?

That snapped the four very shocked men out of their reveries. Next thing I know, tumakbo na si Jerwinsa'kin, yelling at one of the guys to grab the bag near the front door.

Between the four men, they managed to get me to the car. One of the guys stayedwith us, while theother two jumped in their own cars para sumunod sa'min sa ospital. Jerwin quickly looked around to seeif we're forgetting anything.

 

 

Jerwin: Okay. Wife, check. Baby, check. Baby bag, check. Venice's bag, check. Cellphone, check.

He backed out of the garage and tore through the streets, not caring too much about the speed limit.Dahilan nya, kung hulihin man kami ng pulis, eh di tumulong ung pulis na magpaanak sa'kin. Susuntukinko na sana sya, kung hindi lang ako pinigilan ni Kuya Ralph.

..

(Jerwin's POV)

.

"I don't care what you do! Smoke it out! Pull it out! Crack me open! Just get this thing out of me!!!"

Venice's screams reached all time high the past few hours. Mas lalo na ring tumitindi ung sakit ngcontractions nya. Umiksi na rin ung time between each contraction. I suppresseda groan as she was hitwith another stab of pain. I can barely feel my hand anymore sa sobrang lakas ng hawak nya. At hindi pasya nagsisimula sa actual na labor.

 

I looked at the doctor na tinitignan kung ready na ba si Venice. I almost sent a prayer na please, for thesafety of everyone in the 2 mile radius, let's start giving Venice what she wants.

Doctor: Well, it seems like everything's in place.

I felt my legs tensed up. This is it. It's happening na. I gripped Venice's hand with my own as we watchedthe doctor position herself to help deliver the baby.

I gave her hand a quick kiss, hoping na kahit papano, it'll give her some sort of comfort..... coz Lordknows I'm about to go crazy with anxiety and excitement.

Doctor: Okay, Venice, I want you to start pushing with everything you got. One... Two... Three... Push!

Lalong humigpit ung hawak ni Venice sa kamay ko. I think some of my bones broke.. Her face turned redwith the effort. I bit my lip, trying to keep myself quiet, just in case madistract ko sya.

 

She stopped to take a breath. The doctor urged her to push again. She screamed in frustration and pain.Then she'll pause again. After a few moments, the doctor will tell her she has to push na ulit. The cyclewent on for what felt like forever. I stood there, whispering encouraging wordsto Venice when herhands started to shake. I wiped away her tears and the perspiration out of her face. I kept my firm holdon her hand.

Finally, she slumped back on the bed. Next thing I know, strong cries of a newborn filled the deliveryroom. Napatingin kaming dalawa dun sa doktor na may hawak na... very.. bloody baby. The baby's crieswere echoing all throughout the room. Parang napikon yata na inistorbo sya sa warm and comfortablena cocoon nya sa loob ni Venice.

Doctor: Congratulations, it's a boy!

Ako: A boy?

I saw the doctor hand the baby to one of the nurses to get him cleaned up. Him.My boy. Both of uswere happily dazed hanggang sa may lumapit nang isang nurse.

Nurse: Do you want to see your son?

Ako: Of course.

 

 

I took the small bundle in my arms. He looks so... tiny... and wrinkly. He has his mom's pale skin. A softnestle of curls on top of his head. This is my baby my son. The life Venice and I created. He's...wonderful.

Ako: Hey, baby. It's me, your dad. You don't look like a beach ball at all.

I heard Venice snort right behind me. I slowly turned around para makita rin niVenice ung anak nya.

Ako: And this is your mom. She threatened to never have sex with daddy again onour way here. Tell herna gusto mo ng little brother or sister soon.

Venice: Jerwin!

I chuckled as I sat down next to her on the bed. We barely noticed the doctor and the nurses leave theroom to give us some privacy. We were too engrossed on this bundle of miracle in my arms.

 

 

Venice: He's beautiful. What are we gonna name him?

We paused for a while and watched our baby fall asleep.

Ako: How about... Michael?

Venice: Michael?

Ako: Yeah! After Michael Jackson! Baka maging legend din ung anak natin someday. 

Venice: Uh... no. He doesn't look like a "Michael".

Ako: Albert?

Venice: Einstein?

Ako: Galileo?

Venice: What?!?

She glared at me. Toh naman, di mabiro. Buti nga hindi "Policarpio" ang sinunodkong isuggest eh.

 

 

Natahimik kami. Venice finally settled back on her pillows to make herself comfortable. Umurong akonang konti para nakikita nya pa rin ung baby sa bago nyang posisyon. I was looking at the baby when Isuddenly remembered something Jean told me nung binalita naming buntis si Venice.

Ako: Raymer.

Venice: Huh?

Ako: We can name him Raymer. You know, after my father and your stepfather. "Ray" is my dad'snickname, then, "Remy" spelled backwards is "ymer". He's named after special people in both our lives.What do you think?

Venice: Raymer... I like it. Pero, di ba magrereklamo mga nanay naten?

Ako: When we have our daughter, we'll name her after them.

Venice: "When" ha... Sigurado kang magkakababae tayo?

Ako: Well, I won't stop until we get a daughter.

Venice: Anong you won't stop?

 

Ako: Na akitin ka?

Venice: Psh. Kilabutan ka nga.

I smiled at her. Tama na nga ang pangaasar, baka nga hindi na ko bigyan ng anak nito.

Ako: So, it's official? We're naming him Raymer?

Venice: Yeah. I like it.

Ako: Good. Coz I know what I want his second name to be.

Nilipat ko ung tingin k okay Venice, who's looking back at me expectantly. I took a deep breath. I've beenthinking about the name for a few months now. I think it's perfect, pero Venicewould have to agreefirst. I wonder if she'll smack me... Well... uh.. I have to prevent violence in front of my child.

Ako: You want to hold him now?

Venice: Huh? Oh, yeah. Okay.

 

 

Dahandahan kong nilipat si Raymer sa waiting arms ni Venice. Oh, ahyan, hitting two birds with onestone. First, Venice finally got to hold her son and she looks really happy as she coos to him. Second,she won't be able to hit me if ever man na isipin nyang nababaliw ako.

Ako: Okay, so, as a second name, iniisip ko... How about... Gerard?

She paused, parang nagiisip kung tama ba ung rinig nya or anoh. Then, very slowly, tumingin sya sa'kin.

Ako: I mean, since we're naming the kid after special people anyways, I think Gerard deserves therecognition, right?

Tinaasan nya ko ng kilay. That usually means she's listening, but she has no idea what I'm trying to say.So, at least, hindi pa rejected ang proposal ko.

Ako: Gerard is special to you, right?

 

Venice: Well, yeah...? I mean, he was my first love... Naggets mo ba kung ganokaawkward sabihin unsa harap ng asawa ko?

Ako: I'm not jealous. Besides, that just helps my point. He's one of the main people who molded theperson you are including your flaws and everything. If it weren't for him, you'd probably be a verydifferent person, Venice, and I would never have found you as intriguing. At isa pa, kung hindi rin dahilsa kanya, baka hindi ka rin nagpakalasing nung gabing nagkakilala tayo.

Venice: You really want to name your son after him?

Ako: Yes. It's the least I can do. I would have wanted to meet the guy and thank him for making you themost loving, most amazing, most beautiful girl I've ever met.

Venice: Sige lang, bolahin mo pa ko.

I was about to respond nang biglang may kumatok sa pinto. I yelled for the person to come in. The dooropened and pumasok sa loob sina Kuya Ralph, kasunod ung dalawang buntot nya. Hindi pa rin palatalaga sila umuwi.

Kuya Ralph: Hi. Sabi ng nurse, okay na raw na bumisita kami. We just wanted to make sure na okay langung magnanay.

Ako: What? What about me? Di nyo ko kakamustahin?

Kuya Greg: Bakit, ikaw ba ang nanganak?

 

 

Venice: Oo nga. Manahimik ka dyan.

Ako: Why are you so mean?

Venice: Yeah, yeah. Kuya, gusto nyong makita ang anak ko?

Ako: "Naten". Anak naten.

Lumapit ung tatlo para tignan si Raymer. Syempre, they immediately started withthe compliments.Lalaki raw na heartthrob ung bata.

Kuya Vince: Uh, kung okay lang, pwede bang makakuha ng picture ng anak nyo for the feature piece? Imean, kung gusto nyo lang naman na irelease na sa publiko na lalake ang anak nyo.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Venice. She shrugged, as usual, basta business, ako nanaman ang magdecide.Usually, I don't mind, dahil ibig sabihin she trusts me, pero this time, parangang bigat ng responsibility.This is our child we're talking about. Kakapanganak nya pa lang, ieexpose na namin sya?

 

Ako: Uh, I think we'll withhold any photos of our son for now. He's too young.

Kuya Vince: Okay. We understand. No pressure.

Kuya Ralph: Is it okay na ipublish namin kahit ung pangalan man lang?

Venice: I don't mind. People will know soon enough anyways.

Ako: Are you sure?

Venice: Yep.

Nilabas kagad ni Kuya Greg ung notebook nya, tapos excitedly tumingin sa'kin.

Ako: This is our son, Raymer Santos.

Kuya Greg: "Raymer"?

I spelled the name for him. Venice explained the reason kung bakit un ung pangalan nung baby. Theythought it was clever. I think kailangan kong ibili si Jean ng regalo for coming up with a clever name.

 

 

Kuya Greg: Is that it? May second name ba sya?

Nagkatinginan ulit kami ni Venice. I would have told them yes, pero the decision is still Venice's. I smiledat her, telling her na sya na ang bahala. It took a few more seconds bago sya ngumiti pabalik sa'kin.

Ako: Yeah, he has a second name.

Kuya Greg: Oh, what is it?

I gently ran my fingers through Venice's hair. Tumingin si Venice kay Rayver, and with a tender smile onher face, she answered,

Venice: Gerard. Raymer Gerard.

The three journalists stayed for a few more minutes before they bid their goodbyes. Mayamaya, maydumating na rin na nurse to take Raymer to the nursery. Venice settled on the bed, feeling exhausted. Ipulled a chair next to her bed, assuring her na paggising nya, nandun pa rin ako.

 

 

Venice: Sunshine?

Ako: Hm?

Venice: Thank you.

Ako: For what?

Venice: For showing me, na kahit anong mangyari, life goes on, and most of the time, it only gets better.So, thank you.

Ako: You're welcome.

She yawned and then closed her eyes para matulog. I pulled the sheet up to her,and kissed herforehead. She gave me a small smile kahit na ayaw nang bumukas ng mata nya sa sobrang antok.

Venice: I love you, Sunshine.

Ako: I love you too, Sardines.

 

 

I settled back on my seat, and for about the thousandth time and most certainlynot the last, I started tosing "You Are My Sunshine" hanggang sa makatulog na ang asawa ko.

..............

The End

 

<PIXTEL_MMI_EBOOK_2005>8                                                           </PIXTEL_MMI_EBOOK_2005>