♥KATHBIE♥Kathryn&Albie's Planet Martian 21 "OurLoveWillLeadThemBack" -SOLID KATHBIES

[sixtwentyone]

no new show for albie??
Ibuburo ba siya ng ABS?? Sad just because of the scandal.

pumipili lang ng magandang project for him...
besides active siya sa mga out-of-town shows!

[sixtwentyone]

from you're Always in my Heart, princess and I na po ang title ng new show ni Kathryn...


[spoiler start]natatawa ko dahil pag hashtag sa twitter #PricessAndI or Princess - ANDI ang basa ko.. [spoiler end]

[sixtwentyone]

[joy06mj]

from you're Always in my Heart, princess and I na po ang title ng new show ni Kathryn...


[spoiler start]natatawa ko dahil pag hashtag sa twitter #PricessAndI or Princess - ANDI ang basa ko.. [spoiler end]

yan din yun unang akala ko..

[sixtwentyone]

yan din yun unang akala ko..

ahaha! natatawa nga ako una kong naisip sa lahat talaga ng name [spoiler start]ANDI[spoiler end] ba dapat ang gamitin .. tapos may nabasa ko ah [spoiler start]Princess and I[spoiler end] pala kase!

[sixtwentyone]

CHAPTER 30

Author’s note: I’m really sorry for the super late update, I’m quite busy with school stuffs. So, here it is. This is the continuation of the previous chapter. Still, before the Star Magic Sportsfest.

They just sat in the balcony the whole afternoon, breathing in the cool and breezy air coming from the sea while catching up with each other’s lives.

Albie: So how’s your life?
Kath: Para ka namang bago… Pero eto, busy pero masaya.
Albie: That’s good. I’m really happy for you.
Kath: Thanks! Eh ikaw? How’s your life?
Albie: My life? Eto, nasa harapan ko, kausap ko…
Kath: Ikaw talaga, Alan Benedict! Ang dami mong kalokohan…
Albie: Eh diba nga, sabi ko sa’yo noon, ikaw lang ang kinalolokohan ko, Kathryn Chandria.

Kathryn blushed upon hearing what Albie had said… After all the things that happened between them, Albie still has that effect on her.

After having the dinner which was packed and prepared by Albie’s Mommy Rina, they continued to talk about everything they could talk about. It was already around 2 in the morning when they decided to retreat to their own rooms and fall into slumber.

The next morning, Kath awoke to the sweet smell of breakfast. When she went to the kitchen, she was astonished to see Albie cooking.

Kath: Aba, Mr. Casiño, ang aga mo naman today.
Albie: Oh, gising ka na pala. I’m making breakfast.
Kath: I can see that, Mr. Casiño… Pero ang aga mo naman, Mr. Casiño.
Albie: Of course, ayaw ko naman gutumin ka, Mrs. Casiño.
Kath: (Blushed) Kahit kelan ka, assuming ka talaga.
Albie: Kunwari ka pa. Feel na feel mo naman.
Kath: Ewan ko sa’yo Albie.
Albie: Oh, ba’t biglang naging “Albie”? What happened to “Mr. Casiño”?
Kath: Nothing. You might just retort to calling me something else.
Albie: Like what? “Mrs. Casino”?
Kath: Ewan ko talaga sa’yo, Albie. Tatawag na lang muna ako sa Manila to let them know I’m fine.
Albie: You’re with me, of course you’re fine… If I know, you’ll only tell your siblings kung gaano ka kinikilig ngayon. Right, Mrs. Casiño?
Kath: Assuming! (Blush)

(Kath: conversation with Kuya Carl)

Carl: Oh, Bunso, napatawag ka?
Kath: Bakit, Kuya? Di na ba ako pwedeng tumawag sa’yo?
Carl: Di naman sa ganun? Kumusta kayo diyan? Uupakan ko ba si Albie?
Kath: Kuya naman eh…
Carl: Biro lang… Ikaw naman. Kumusta ka diyan?
Kath: Okay lang naman ako, dito. You have nothing to worry about.
Carl: Sige, sabihan mo lang ako kapag kailangan kong upakan si Albie Boy!
Kath: Oo, sa’yo ako unang-una magsusumbong kapag sinaktan niya ako.
Carl: Hmmm… If I know ang saya-saya mo diyan ngayon.
Kath: Ikaw talaga, Kuya…
Carl: You didn’t only have a break from your work, overload pa sa kilig natanggap mo.
Kath: Kuya naman eh…
Carl: Bakit, Kath? Hindi ba totoo?
Kath: Hmmmm, slight. =)
Carl: Ikaw ha? Be a good girl there.
Kath: Yes naman, Kuya. Sila Mommy?
Carl: Wala sila dito, nag-grocery. Sumama sila Ate…
Kath: Sige, Kuya…
Carl: Teka, kelan ba balik niyo dito?
Kath: Bukas ho…
Carl: Sige, sabihan mo si Albie ingatan ka, kundi, uupakan ko talaga siya.
Kath: Naks naman, love na love talaga ako ng kuya ko…
Carl: Sige na, ingat kayo jan. Have fun. Bye!
Kath: Opo, Kuya. Bye. I love you.

After having breakfast together, the two decided to go swimming. So, the two went to their own rooms to prepare their things and themselves.

Albie finished first so he decided to wait for Kath at the living room. When Kath went out of her room, Albie stiffened for a moment after seeing her in her bikini top and her very short shorts, carrying her beach bag. After recovering from the momentary shock and amazement, Albie hurriedly went near Kath and got her bag.

Albie: I never knew you had those curves, Ms. Bernardo.
Kath: (Blush) Is that a compliment or an insult? I’ll take it as a compliment, anyway.
Albie: You should.
Kath: Let’s go then.
Allbie: Yeah, let’s go… Before you blush more. (Wink)
Kath: Sira ka talaga, Albie. (Blush)

They spent the entire morning swimming, playing, talking, taking pictures, eating and building sand castles.

After having the dinner that Kath has prepared for the two of them, they both decided to watch A Walk To Remember. Kathryn has watched the movie countless of times, but it was Albie’s first time to watch it.

(Marriage Scene)
Kath: I really love weddings.
Albie: So dapat pala, nirequest natin kay Ate Danica na ikasal tayo sa Mara Clara.
Kath: Sira, kung anu-anong pumapasok diyan sa isip mo!
Albie: Ano? Ikaw lang kaya ang laman ng isip ko.
Kath: Ayan ka na naman sa mga banat mo eh.
Albie: Eto, seryosong tanong na ha? No more fooling around.
Kath: Ikaw lang naman ‘tong parang sira eh. Game! What’s your question?
Albie: Kung ikaw tatanungin, saan mo ba gusto magpakasal?
Kath: Ako, gusto ko dalawang beses rin akong ikasal tulad nina Mommy and Daddy. Isang church wedding at gusto ko rin ng garden/beach wedding… Syempre, isang lalaki lang yung dalawang weddings na yun, ha?
Albie: Noted. (Wink) Eh, ako? Di mo ba ako tatanungin?
Kath: I bet you want it sa moon! Hahahaha! Sige na nga, san mo ba gusto?
Albie: Hmmmm… I actually considered the moon. Pero napag-isip-isip ko mas gusto ko sa tabi mo.
Kath: Ayun! Nabanatan na naman ako! =)
Matulog ka na nga at maaga pa tayong babalik ng Manila bukas.
Albie: Yes Ma’am!
Kath: Okay, good night.
Albie: Uhhm, Kath?
Kath: Yes?
Albie: Wala ba akong good night kiss diyan?
Kath: Hoy tigilan mo ako. Hindi ka na si Christian Torralba!
Albie: Hindi mo na nga pinagbigyan si Christian, pati ba naman si Albie Casiño wala ring chance?
Kath: You don’t stand a chance, Albie. Good night.
Albie: Okay, good night. Sweet dreams…

Kath set the alarm of her phone early the next morning to pack her things up and prepare breakfast for her and Albie. Before going to bed, hoping that Adam was still awake, she sent him a text message, asking him what Albie’s favorite breakfast was.

The next morning, as soon as Kath finished packing her things, she prepared Albie’s favorite breakfast, bacon, eggs, bread and milk. It was a good thing that Raffy’s rest house had everything Kath needed in preparing their breakfast.

When Albie woke up, he immediately realized that he woke up quite late. So he quickly rushed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and then rush to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. To his surprise, he saw Kath cooking, back against him. He decided to just quietly sit at the chair next to the kitchen counter. When Kath turned her back, she was surprised to see Albie sitting quietly while smiling at her.

Kath: Albie, gising ka na pala.
Albie: Yeah, medyo kanina pa.
Kath: Kanina ka pa pala gising, di ka man lang umimik jan.
Albie: Well, I was enjoying looking at you.
Kath: You mean STARING?
Albie: Yeah, pwede na rin…
Kath: And why were you smiling?
Albie: Naisip ko lang, ang sarap gumising kung ganito araw-araw.
Kath: Ha? I don’t get it…
Albie: Ayan, you’re preparing breakfast para sa’ting dalawa… Para tayong bagong kasal.
Kath: Ayun, gumana na naman yang imagination mo.
Albie: Kunwari ka pa. Yan rin siguro iniisip mo habang pini-prepare mo ‘to eh.
Kath: Of course not.
Albie: Denial queen ka talaga.
Kath: Ikaw naman ang hari ng mga assuming!
Albie: Edi perfect match tayo. You’re the queen and I’m your king.
(Kath bringing the food to the table)
Kath: Kumain ka na nga.
Albie: What did you prepare?
(Went to the dining table)
Albie: Wow! These are my favorites! How did you know na paborito ko ‘to?
Kath: Hmmm, lucky guess?
Albie: Let’s sit down and pray. I can’t wait to taste these foods.
Kath: Kelan ka ba nakakapaghintay when there’s food?
(Albie tasted the food)
Kath: So, how is it?
Albie: Oh my God! It tastes like my mom prepared these! It’s heaven.
Kath: Well, thank you.
Albie: I really can’t wait.
Kath: Can’t wait for what?
Albie: To live a life like this.
Kath: Life like this? Life like what?
Albie: A life like this… Everyday, I’d wake up with my breakfast prepared by my wife which happens to be you… Then you’ll prepare the things and my clothes that I’ll be needing for work, then you’ll also be preparing our kids’ stuff for school, then I’d drive them to school, but before we leave, we get to have a good bye and good luck kiss from you.
Kath: Hep, hep, hep, Albie… Baka nakakalimutan mong hindi pa tayo at nanliligaw ka pa lang.
Albie: Exactly. Nanliligaw na ako pero hindi “PA” tayo… That statement simply means I have a chance and we will be together soon… And you can’t take it back because if you do, iisipin kong pinapaasa mo lang ako.
Kath: You know what, Albie? You’re over thinking things. Let’s just eat…
Albie: Buti pa nga… Baka kung saan pa mapunta ‘tong usapan natin at kiligin ka pa lalo.
Kath: Alam mo, Albie… Ikaw na. Ikaw na talaga!
Albie: Anong ako na? Ako na ang itinadhana for you?
Kath: Ano ka? Expression ko lang yun ah.
Albie: Kunwari ka pa…
Kath: Kumain na nga lang tayo…

Albie and Kath ate in comforting silence. After eating and cleaning up, Kath helped Albie pack his things up. The two cleaned up the rest house before leaving.

It was already late in the afternoon when the two arrived at the Bernardo residence. Albie thanked Kathryn’s family before going to his home.

Albie: Tito Gab, Tita Min, thanks po.
Mommy Min: Walang anuman, Ijo. Thanks for taking care of our princess.
Albie: It’ll always be my pleasure po. Sige po, Tito and Tita… Mauuna na po ako.
Daddy Gab: Before you leave, kumain ka muna.
Albie: Hindi na lang po, Tito… I promised mom I’ll be home for dinner po eh.
Daddy Gab: Ah, ganun ba?
Albie: Opo, sige po. I’ll go ahead nap o.
Mommy Min: Sige, Ijo. Drive safely.
Kath: Dad, sasamahan ko lang po si Albie palabas ng gate.
Daddy Gab: Sige, anak.

Kath escorted Albie to his car.

(Before Albie entered his car)
Albie: Kath, thanks.
Kath: No, Albie. I should be the one thanking you.
Albie: No, thank you for making me happy. You never fail to make me happy.
Kath: Well, you’re welcome then. Sige, uwi ka na. Baka hinahanap ka na ng mommy mo.
Albie: Sige, thanks ulit.
Kath: Sige, Albie. Ingat ka. You tell me when you’re home.
Albie: I will.

Albie was about to enter his car when Kath grabbed his left hand…

Kath: Albie…
Albie: Yes, Kath?

Kath tiptoed and gave Albie a quick kiss on the cheek. Albie was caught off guard and was shocked for a moment. When he was able to recover from that momentary shock, Kath was already heading back to their gate…

When Albie got home, his phone beeped. It was a text message from “My Mara”.

The text message read: “…Because Christian Torralba never had a good night kiss from Mara del Valle.” Albie was smiling as he read the text message over and over again. =)

[sixtwentyone]

Sorry guys ngayon lang ako naging mabait si Manong PEX para ipost ko yung Chapter 30 ng BTS (by fifa)

sana makapagpost na din ako ng update

[angrobbyy]

hellooooooooooo

[sixtwentyone]

ROBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[angrobbyy]

ROBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hi ate, hello po

[gail178]

Congrats Albie you deserve it pag nag ka award ka ulit

[maratorralba]

Hi, aliens! Up Up for KathBie! ))) Manonood ba kayo ng Princess and I?

[carol.34]

Hi, aliens! Up Up for KathBie! ))) Manonood ba kayo ng Princess and I?

Hi aliens! Namiss ko magpost dito. Ate Anna, yes I'll watch Princess and I because of KATH.

[sixtwentyone]

REPOST
THE SEARCH IS OVER
written by: macNrnz aka Reena

The Primer
Family friends. Kenneth or Nate, a typical outgoing teen-ager. Into skateboards, motocross, is into dj'ing too. Allyson or Ally is the quiet girl, she is a techie. Loves computer and the internet.Strolling the mall, she loves lovestories and all those teen-drama movies. Gossip Girl, Vampire diaries, 90210, ofcourse is waiting for Breaking Dawn too.
What if after being friends and getting to know each other better they start to feel "indifferently" towards each other. Will they give in to their feelings or someone will walk away? How about Nate's girlfriend Adrienne? Who will he choose? Will Ally wait?
Picture Albie as Kenneth and Allyson is Kathryn…the rest of the character is open for your suggestions. Which should you value friendship or call of love? Who will risk it?
How long before Nate and Ally realize that searching isn’t necessary…it’s all under their nose

I. AWKWARD MOMENTS

M: Ally kanina pa yung doorbell baka gusto mo sagutin anak?

Hindi narealize ni Ally na siya pala ang kausap ng mommy niya since busy siya mag-view ng pictures sa facebook at nakikinig ng music ni Mike Posner. Its her latest craz, his music.

M:Allyson Manuela Buenavides!

Hinila ng mommy niya ang earphones niya, she was caught offguard. Her mom is stressed out dahil blessing ng bagong renovate nilang courtesy of her dad na nasa crib pa siya nasa US of A, TNT! Wala silang picture na hindi produkto ng Adobe photoshop.
A: What mom? (She asked, irritated.)

M: Open the door. I will throw that computer in the trash makikita mo Allyson.
Inalis niya ang earphones saka binuksan ang pinto Nate was bringing a pyrex of mochi. He has his ballcap and shades on, with His IPod too and of course his skateboards. She used to think Nate was married to his skateboards if not his twin brother.
N: Akala ko walang tao, my mom wanted to bring this right away. (Inabot ni Nate ang pyrex.) N:Hindi mo ba ako papapasukin?

Nagulat siya sa tanong ni Nate. She was looking at his ear pierce kase.
A:Sorry, pasok. hindi ba darating sina Tita Beth?"
She opened the gate wider, pumasok na si Nate.
N: Susunod na sila, nauna na ako kase baka may bisita na daw kayo. Sunduin nila yung pari. ganda na ng house niyo. I like it.
A: Thanks, amoy pintura pa. ganyan ka lang mula sa bahay niyo?

Wala kase siya alam sabihin kay Nate. Family friends sila since magkasama sa work ang mommy nilang dalawa. His mom and her mom works for the NSO. They cannot say their super bestfriends, but they are friends. Sila lang kase magka-age sa mga anak ng circle of friends at officemates ng parents nila. Although she doesn’t practically like the guy. May yabang factor!
N:Hindi, Yenn dropped me.

Si Yenn or Adrienne ang girlfriend ni Nate. Kapitbahay ni Nate ito, they live across the village from their village. Yenn is 19 years old, she works as a singer sa isang acoustic cafe every weekends and works as a part-time print ad model while studying. Kung hindi niya masyadong gusto si Nate mas hindi niya type ang matapobreng syota nito. Pumasok na sila sa loob.

N:Nag-fe-Facebook ka pa pala? Can I borrow your macbook?

Tumango na lang siya saka ipinasok ang dalang pagkain ni Nate. She helped her mom fix the buffet table and then returned to the living room. She channel surfed while Nate was using her macbook, hindi rin sila nag-uusap, hanggang sa dumating na ang officemates ng mommy niya at iba nila kamag-anak. Kasama din ng parents ni Nate ang priest na mag-bless ng house nila.

TB:Naku ang aking future daughter in-law.
Niyakap siya ng mommy ni Nate. It was awkward. Since she turned 15 last year yun nalang lagi ang tawag ng mommy ni Nate. She is 15 and Nate is 17. She didn’t look at Nate nakakaasiwa naman kaya na tawagin siyang ganoon, una nunka na magkakagusto siya kay Nate. Please lang. Spell Forever, ganoon siguro katagal bago siya tuluyang magkagusto kay Kenneth. Nakangiti naman si Nate habang nakayakap ang nanay nito sa kanya.

After ng blessing, kumain siya ka-share sa table ang family ni Nate.
TB:Nate is going to subic tree top adventure next week, take Ally with you hijo.
Nagulat siya since hindi niya in-expect na sasabihin ni Tita Beth yon. She looked at Nate, wala naman ito sinabi.
TB: Kumare ipasama mo na si Allyson kay Kenneth ko, she is so pale para maarawan. Hindi ka kase lumalabas iha, uso ang tan, summer.

She tried to fake a smile. Siya sasama kay Nate? Hah!!!Her mom looked at her. She used her ever effective poker face, while praying huwag sana pumayag ang kanyang mommy dear.
M: Hay naku she just wants to stay infront of her macbook. Next year hindi ako magtataka pag nagsalamin na sa mata si Allyson.
TB: Kenneth isama mo si Ally okay.
There was finality in Tita Beth’s voice. Nate nodded.
N: Sure, the more the merrier, you should meet my best buds they're the best.
Well gusto niya sabihin na kilala na niya mga friends ni Nate, atleast by face, hindi naman kase siya pinapakila nito pag may gathering sa house nila, nakakulong lang si Nate sa music room with his friends, usually jamming or playing PS3. One of the reasons bakit hindi niya ma-absorb ang idea na may chance sila ni Nate.
A: Sure thing.

She was ambivalent with the trip. For sure may mga bitbit na girlfriends ang mga kaibigan ni Nate, and maybe Yenn will be there too. She just hoped that she will enjoy her first major summer adventure for the year.

Hindi siya nagkamali si Yenn nga ang kasama nila, she was driving her Rav4.. Tita Annie was semi-okay with Yenn. Very civil ang pakikitungo nito.
N: We're picking up Jayvee okay my friend, single yun.
Nate smiled at him. Alam na niya ang ibig sabihin ni Nate bakit nito sinabi sa kanya na single si Jayvee, and like she cares?
N: Jayv's this is my friend Ally, Ally this is Jayvee, so kayo ang buddies today, pare alagaan mo yan lagot ka kay mommy pag nagkagalos yan.
J: Manakot ba? Hi Ally. You're in good hands.

Tumango siya. Gusto niya sabihin kay Nate na ito ang lagot sa Mommy nito dahil kay Nate siya ibinilin. Mabait naman si Jayvee and Gentleman. Kinakausap siya nito while Nate was so busy with Yenn ofcourse.
J: Will you do the tree drop?
A:Heck No, mahal ko buhay ko.
J: Eh ano lang ang gagawin kase natin then?
Nag-isip siya, super extreme naman kase ng mga rides.
A: Canopy ride.
Inikot ni jayvee ang mga mata.
J: Thats it? corny mo naman. Lets do the Superman and silver surfer too.( Inakbayan siya ni Jayvee)
N: Huy pare pakialis naman yang braso mo kay Ally, hey here are you tickets and water for you.
(Inabutan siya ng tubig saka na ticket sa ride.)
A: Huy bakit may trekking ayoko maglakad. Ano to papatayin mo ko Kenneth? Superman ride? No way. Nooooo!!!
Malapit na siyang mag-hysterical. Nagpapadyak siya na parang toddler paikot. Who told him na gusto niya ng trekking?
N: okay lang yan. andito naman ako and I will take care of you.
She looked at Nate with her “hello, okay ka lang” expression. Tumawa ito ng malakas.
N: Chill Ally, it’s okay.
Inakbayan pa siya ng timang! Why did she say yes for this trip, nag-GG marathon nalang siya, aircon na safe pa siya sa bahay. Inalis niya ang braso ni Nate.
A: It’s not okay, saka baket hindi yun girlfriend mo yayain mo sa ganyan, this is sooo not me.
Pa-walk out na siya nang hilahin siya ni Nate.
N: Akala ko pa naman cowboy ka kasama, try it, it’s okay. I am here. Gusto ni mommy ito yung magbond tayo, so lets do it okay?
She looked at Nate again, she realized she might as well do it para hindi masayang ang almost 3 hours na travel time nila from Metro Manila to Subic. May baon naman siyang sunblock at pinaka-importante hindi masasayang ang ibinayad ni Tita Beth para sa kanya.
A: Okay fine, gagawin ko ang mga yan naku pag namatay ako Kenneth Castro lagot ka mumultuhin talaga kita.
Ang lakas ng tawa ni Nate sa sinabi niya. Nakita niya si Yenn holding a lomo. So she went all the way to subic, drove that far, to take pictures. Hindi niya friend si Yenn. Mabibilang siguro sa daliri ang exchange of conversations nila, dahil na rin siguro sa age-gap. Kasama niya si Nate and Jayvee sa canopy ride. At the first minute she was just praying and then she attempted to open her eyes amazed of the forest she screamed. She eventually enjoyed the rest of the ride.
A: Whooooh, that was good.
Nakipag-high-five pa sina Nate at Jayvee sa kanya.
N: I told you it is okay, ikaw lang eh wala kang tiwala sa akin.
A: Yeah I know, but I don’t feel good about the rest of the ride at that trekking. You know how lazy I am.
N: Jayvee will carry you dib a Jayv’s?
A: No, I’ll walk pa rin. Oh well thanks for taking me here.
N: No problem, alam mo naman malakas ka sa mommy ko.
A: So napipilitan ka lang na isama ako dito ganoon?
N: Wala ako sinabing ganyan, wag praning, halika na.
Nate pulled her hand and it felt funny, she shook of her arm para mabitawan nito ang kamay niya. They did the trekking. There were survival trips, well its helpful if she was the outdoor type,, and clearly she isn’t the outdoor type. After the trekking they did the superman which she enjoyed too. Hindi naman si Jayvee ang kasabay niya kungdi si Nate din. It turned out Yenn was not in the mood to be mingling with Nate and his friends. Pinakilala siya ni Nate sa mga kabarkada nito. Si Francis, si Angelo and Boyet, they called him Boyet dahil Christopher ang pangalan. They ate at the Camayan Beach resort after the adventure. Yenn was quiet all throughout the time they were eating, pero she was really serving Nate, she peeled shrimps for him, kulang nalang subuan nito si Nate. Dinaig pa ni Yenn si Tita Beth kung makasilbi kay Nate. Ganoong klaseng girlfriend ang kailangan ni Nate? She shrugged her shoulders. Never siyang magiging ganoon sa isang lalake. Ano sila prinsipe? Sa Village nila Nate na sila tumuloy at ang Parents na ni Nate ang naghatid sa kanya pauwi.

II. TEASING HER

M: Nate thank you for taking care of my bunso, alam mo naman ang kuya niyan nasa Baguio yan na lang ang baby ko.
Tinapik siya sa balikat ni Tita Annie. They were on their way to Calaruega Batangas to hear mass. Its one of those monthly out of towns they do with his mom’s officemates. Religiously he needs to com with those activities. Family gatherings he can miss but this? Mortal sin sa libretto ng mommy niya. He will be disowned. Una dahil lahat din ng anak ng officemates ng mama niya andoon at ang pangarap na daughter inlaw umano ng mommy niya si Allyson. He was enjoying it, the idea na tinatawag ng mommy niya na Future daughter in law si Ally. It seemed so funny for him. Ang sarap kase inaasar ni Ally, at tuwang-tuwa siya kapag nakukulit niya ito when she seems to be having her own little world.
N: It’s okay tita, she had fun there, mabuti din po yun nakakakita siya ng ibang tao.
Natawa siya sa sinabi niya. Buti nalang busy si Ally sa pagtulog sa coaster, naka-earphones pa. He wouldn’t be surprised na makitang naka-repeat ang mga songs ni Mike Posner sa Ipod ni Ally.
M: Kilala mo naman yang anak ko, naku, siguro if her Kuya was here magiging outgoing siya.
N: don’t worry tita I will take her, pag may mga outing kame, don’t worry clean fun.
He sounded defensive with what he said. Oh well maniniwala naman siguro si Tita Annie. Mabait naman siya. Naputol ang usapan nila when his phone beeped. Alam na niya tumatawag na si Yenn, monthsary nila today and he chose to join this outing. Bukod sa wala naman siyang choice mas pipiliin niya talaga na wag makasama si Yenn sa monthsary. Para sa kanya useless ang magclebrate ng monthsary.
Tinabihan niya si Ally sa simbahan. It was crowded as always in Calaruega chapel. He loved that church kahit minsan nakakapikon ang byahe papunta doon but he loves the view and the ambiance. Siniko siya si Ally para makausog ito ng kaunti.
A: no space (whispering)
N: Sikip na dito eh. (he whispered too)
A: then why sit here?
N: gusto ko dito, ssssh.
Allyson frowned at him. Gusto niya tumawa. Ang pikon talaga ng babaeng ito. When it was time for “Our Father” he was looking at her while singing, hindi naman ito kumakanta she was lip syncing…siniko niya ito, ang talim ng tingin ni Ally, so he just sang louder. At the peace be with you part, he smiled so sweet. Hinalikan ni Ally ang mommy nito who was beside her, he did too, kaya nang pagdating kay Ally he waited, But Ally just faked a smile and said “peace be with you Kenneth”
N: And also with you.
He answered smiling. Linapitan niya ang parents niya sa kaharap na pew kasunod niya si Ally who kissed her parents too. Why was she unfair, bakit siya walang kiss sa Peace be with you? Hindi na niya pinansin si Ally pagbalik sa coaster baka kase umiyak na. Mamaya nalang uli sa Tagaytay.
TB: Nate can you call Ally I'll take your picture you guys.
N: Ally my mom is calling you. (he yelled her name.)
TB: Anak namam huwag mo sigawan lapitan mo and call her, that is not how you treat a girl.
N: Pwede namam kase mamaya yung picture mom, you dont have to rush it, relax. Its just a picture mom.
TB: Huwag mo ako pinipilosopo Kenneth, makukurot kita
N: Fine eto na o ma, tatawagin ko na chill. Hey Ally mom wants to take our picture.
A: Huh why?
N: You know my mom, and you know kulit she can be.
A: Wala ka pala eh.
Ally stood up from the mat na inuupuan nito, she was ofcourse holding a book.
N: hah, eh wala ka din naman tumatayo ka rin eh.
A: kukulitan mo rin naman ako so I am sparing you from that.
N: Hindi nga ayaw mo ban g kinukulit kita ng ganito?
He was pointing at her arms ng sunud-sunod.
A: Stop it.
Ally stopped walking and looked at him. Nagtaas siya ng dalawang kamay.
N: Sorry. I will be nice now.
Nate put his arms around her neck and pulled her closer.
A: Yan na ang nice mo? Talaga lang ha?
He was pulling him closer and closer, tighter and tighter.
TB: Anak wag mo sakalin!
Pinalo ng mama niya ang braso niya na nakaakbay kay Ally.
TB: Okay smile you two lovebirds!
Gusto niyang tumawa sa nanay niya, Lovebirds? How mushy can his mom be. Ally’s face was straight at his mom’s camera, umakto siyang hahalikan si Ally sa cheeks. Hindi nito napansin nag ginawa niya, at ang nanay niya humingi pa ng isang pose, hindi niya inalis ang naka-akbay na bras okay Ally saka tumatawang humarap siya sa mommy niya. As soon as his mom was done taking pictures, inalis ni Ally ang kamay niya saka ito nagwalk-out. Hindi na niya kinulit after si Ally, pero magkatabi silang nakahiga sa mat habang nakikinood siya ng Thor sa portable DVD player nito.
N: Wala ka bang unan?
A: Wala po serrr, sorry ha.
N: Ang sungit mo.
A: Thanks.
Iniwan na si Ally. Grabe talaga sa kasungitan that girl. Naiiling siya, hindi siya magtataka na magiging old-maid ito aloof na, sungit pa. Kawawa naman si Jayvee na hindi na tumigil sa kakahingi ng number ni Ally. Pinag-iisipan pa niya kung ibibigay niya dito ang number ni Ally. Parang ayaw niya. Pag-uwi ng Manila tinabihan niya si Ally sa coaster. Hindi naman ito makapagreklamo dahil lowbatt na and DVD player kaya pinahiram niya ng PSP niya so she was able to watch Hannah. Ibang klase din ang pagka-addict ni Ally sa mga foreign movies.

III. AGREEMENT

Nate texted Yenn and asked if they can meet that afternoon maybe see a movie, he was not surprised with his reply at all.
Y: ph2sht tday. bnd rhrsal 2nyt. wnt to drve 4 me sweetie?
N: hell no! ingat knlang!
He was not the kind of boyfriend who follows like a dog, nilinaw na niya kay Yenn yon eversince they dated. Hindi niya niligawan si Yenn it was more of an arrangement, okay sila na ganoon. He was thrilled at first but later on, nakikta na niya lahat ng differences sila ni Yenn, it was frustrating. Kaya ngayon he lost interest in their relationship, he thinks every relationship goes through such phase kaya hinahayaan na lang niya.
Now he is so bored. He looked at the computer and he saw the pictures from his mom's digital camera. Mom's so addict with pictures she took hundreds in each occasion. Natawa siya when he saw his pictures with Allyson. He finds Allyson amusing, she is not weird nor strange, but just different. Everytime there will be family gatherings si Ally agad hinahanap niya, kapag naman kaharap na niya wala naman sila mapag-usapan so he ends up teasing her annoying her or worst ignores her. His mom is so weird she calls her the future daughter in law. Since siya lang naman ang nag-iisang anak, ibig sabihin gusto ng mommy niya na sila ni Allyson ang magkatuluyan. He is 21 months older than her, she is just too young to be seen as a future wife thats why he thinks his mom is overdoing things. Hindi niya napansin na may pictures din sila while watching Thor sa picnic ground sa Tagaytay.
It was her cleaning out school mess day, itatapon niya mga notes books and papers from the past school year ilang araw na niyang pino-postpone ang activity na yon if her mom finds out malilintikan na naman siya. She has started going through her junk when her phone beeped.
1 Message received: NATE.
She opened the message. “bowling this aft *** u thnk?”
She was surprised. Ano naman ang nakain nito para ayain siya lumabas. She replied anyways.
A:I cnt cleaning out my closet.
N: lame...comon I'll pick u up
A: sori cant. next tym mybe
N: bored ako I wanna do something
natawa siya bakit sa kanya sinasabi ni Nate yun? As far as she knows he has alot of friends to hang out and Yenn too.
A: come help clean out my rum thn. 
She was teasing, para na rin tigilan siya ni Nate, and she can clean her room without distractions.
N: Shoot, be there in 20 minutes, pakainin mko starved!
Napatulala siya sa reply ni Nate. Was he coming? Nagbibiro lang siya, bakit naman um-oo si Nate.
A: U serius?
N: hell yeah i am. bored. Taking a quick shower. C ya in 20m.
Hindi na siya nagreply. She looked at herself in the mirror, kahit na papaano she wanted to make sure she looks presentable. Napatakbo din siya sa fridge. Ano ipapakain niya kay Nate? Wala silang stay home maid at wala siya balak ipagluto ito. Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang makitang may isang tray ng spaghetti sa ref at may chicken salad dressing din doon. She made pink lemonade. Hindi nagtagal dumating na nga si Nate.
N: that smells like Tita Annie's special spaghetti.
A: Yeah i heated some for you, is Tita beth starving you?
Napasunod siya kay Nate na sa breakfast nook nila dumiretso. Hindi na ito nagaksaya ng oras. He ate right away. She poured some juice for him.
N: No naman alam mo naman si mommy she cooks all the time tamad ako mag-utos ng maid.
Unlike them sina Nate naman may stay-home maid. Napatulala siya sa sinabi nito. Was he kidding? Tamad mag-utos ng maid pero nakarating sa bahay nila? Tipaklong naman!
A: sobrang katamaran naman yan.
N: vacation mode baby. So after kita tulungan maglinis sasama ka na sa akin next time?
Nate talked in the middle of chewing. She found it cute.
A: Wala ako sinasabing ganyan. (shaking her head)
N: Unfair! tutulungan naman kita maglinis. Sige na gusto ko lumabas.
A: Eh bakit ako, ang dami mo naman friends. Saka marami lilinisin matatagalan.
N: (shaking his head) Sira ulo nga mga friends ko may kanya-kanya na kase lakad, si Yenn naman may photoshoot.
A: Sana sinamahan mo si Yenn di ba?
Todo iling na naman si Nate.
N: No way, hindi ko PA.
A: Ewan ko sayo ang labo mo, plase konting bilis sa pagkain?
N: opo master. Ako lahat maglilinis niyan don’t worry strong ako!
A: dapat lang umpisahan mo sa pag-hugas ng pinagkainan mo. (smiling)
Inabutan ng mommy niya si Nate na nakatulog na sa couch nila. Hindi niya ginigising dahil naawa siya sa dame ng pinagawa at pinabuhat niya dito. Pati nga jalousie ng bahay pinunasan ni Nate. Sigurado siya hindi ginagawa ni Nate yun sa sariling bahay.
TA: Hindi pa pala nakauwi ang batang yan? Oh ang linis ng salamin.
Nate cleaned the antique full-sized mirror. She can say that he overdid the helping her clean.
A: Nate cleaned it mom, now you have to feed him.
She was busy watching Eclipse, like she havent seen it.
TA: yeah ofcourse I will, maybe I'll cook kaldereta.
A: No mom, no experiments please.
TA: okay, Maybe we'll just make porkchops and some soup.
A: thats better mom.
Nakakahiya kase na magluto ng something complex ang nanay niya compared sa culinary skills ng mommy ni Nate. Si Nate na hindi naman nagising kahit na maingay ang mommy niya.
N: Hi tita Annie, napasarap po yung tulog ko.
M: Hindi na kita pinagising, pinagod ka ni Ally ha.
N: Okay lang po, i volunteered anyways.
M: thank you iho, I called your mom, sabe ko dito ka na muna mag-di-dinner, okay lang daw basta from here diretso ka ng uwi.
N: Naku tita wala pong kaso yun goodboy ako. Mapagkakatiwalaan .Si Ally po?
TA: Inutusan ko pinabili ko ng softdrinks at yelo, pabalik na siguro yun.
N: Sundan ko na po siya.
Nagulat siya na makasalubong si Nate sa gate ng bahay.
A: Aba nagising ka na pala?
N: sinasadya mo kong hindi gisingin, para makita ako ng mommy mo. Nakakahiy!.
A: paranoid? si mommy ang nagsabi na wag ka gisingin.
N: oh, okay let me help with you that.
Kinuha ni Nate ang Bote ng Royal Tru Orange.
A: Thanks. So thank you talaga ha.
N: Hoy anong thank you, babawi ka sa akin, pag nabore ako uli papayag ka na lumabas tayo.
A: Really? May kasunduan tayo na ganoon? Di nga?
N: Hoy oo kaya, basta ha, tetext kita I won’t say no, ipagpaalam kita kay Tita.
A: Gamitin ba nanay ko, sige pag-iisipan ko.
N: walang pagiisipan okay, final nay un, kapalit ng pag-aalila mo sa akin.
A: fine, pero last na ito, hindi na ako hihingi ng favor saiyo kung naman may kapalit saka hindi naman ako humingi nagkusa ka.
Tumingin si Nate kay Ally, oo nga naman he offered the help bakit ngayon parang bina-blackmail pa niya si Ally. Whats wrong with him.
N: Ayaw mo ba talaga lumabas? Bowling or MOA tayo ice skating or movie. Your choice my trat. Please.
Pinagdikit pa niya ang mga palad na parang nagdadasal. Sana pumayag na si Ally, It wasn’t like him to beg to someone. Nakakahiya na masyado pinagdadaanan niya.
A: Okay, magpapaalam muna ako kay mommy okay.
Tumango nalang siya, ipapagpaalam nalang niya si Ally kay Tita Annie. She would say yes. She has to.

IV. A THIN LINE BETWEEN ENDEARING & HOSTILITY

Finally Ally agreed to go out with him, timezone nalang daw sila sa MOA and if they get bored they might see a movie depende sa mood ni Ally. She chose to go out on a Saturday, supposedly date day nila ni Yenn. Natalakan pa siya sa text ni Yenn.
“Lgi nlng u d pwede ak work ikw di pwede sn ba u go? Hndi na tayo ngkkta u barely stay home, did u fnd some1 else? Are u falling out of love for me.”
Tawang-tawa siya sa sinabi ni Yenn sa text. Hindi lang siya sumama dito manood ng sine, ang dami na sinabi. Parang hindi naman siya nag-I love you pa kay Yenn, well he isn’t just that type of guy na mag-I-I love you. That would be the day! Sa takbo ng relationship nila ni Yenn malayo pa ang sabihin niya iyon. A cool jock like him wouldn’t say I Love you, to a girl. Sila ang sinasabihan ng I love you.
Nakasimangot si Ally pagdating nito sa meeting place nila. He was offering to pick her up pro hindi ito pumayag, he fought the urge na sunduin ito baka mapikon na kase.
N: gusto mo ba ng midol? (smiling)
Laking gulat niya ng hampasin ni Ally ang braso niya. Napa-hinga siya ng malalim sa ginawa nito.
N: aww, ano yun? Ano nangyayari sa iyo?
Inulit pa ni Ally ng dalawang beses at mas malakas ang pag-hampas sa braso niya. Sigurado siyang may fingerprints na ni Ally ang kawawang braso niya.
A: asaan si Jayvee?
Nagulat siya sa tanong ni Ally, parang gusto na niyang ma-offend here he is at si Jayvee ang hinahanap?
A: Don’t give me that confused look, pinilit mo ba ako isama dito sa lakad na ito para i-set up ng date kay Jayvee?
N: huh saan galing yan? Ano sinasabi mo. Ako lang mag-isa dito, anu ba ginawa ni Jayvee?
Nalilito na talaga siya ano daw ba ang sinasabe nitong set up with Jayvee.
A: Nagtext sakin si Jayvee ibinigay mo daw number ko sa kanya at gusto niya daw makipag-dat sa akin. Did you do that?
Now everything is clear, kaya pala hiniram ni Jayvee noong isang araw ang cellphone niya to get Allyson’s number. At anu daw, ide-date nito si Ally, at hindi man lang nagpaalam sa kanya, gisto ata makatikim ng upper cut ni Juan Victor sa kanya. Umiling siya, he has to defend himself.
N: Wala ako kinalaman diyan, hindi ko alam na mayroon siyang number mo, promise cross my heart. (Raised right hand and crossed his fingers over his chest) wala rin sinasabi si Jayvee about the date thing, hindi siya nagpapaalam. Sorry.
A: Hay naku paano ko naman papaniwalaan yang story mo, mamaya na natin pag-usapan yan. Gutom na ako, lets go eat na muna.
Natuwa siya na na-pacify agad si Allyson, he made a mental note na sermunan si Jayvee, bypass ang ginawa nito sa pagkuha ng number ni Ally at hindi pa nagpaalam sa kanya. Kumain sila sa pizza place. Mukha ngang galing sa giyera si Ally sa lakas nito kumain. He was staring at her, then a weird idea popped in his mind.
N: If you have a boyfriend how would you want them to call you?
A: (Stared hard at him while chewing pizza) Just my name. (Shrugged her shoulders)
N: dry mo naman. (smiled teasingly)
Ally rolled her eyes while chewing her pizza, it was her 3rd slice.
A: What do you Call Yen?
She asked, challenging him. It was interesting to know what he calls her. Is he the type of guy who gives pet names?
Hindi agad nakasagot si Nate. She concluded wala, or it could be something uber mushy kaya di nito masabi.
A: O eh bat natameme ka diyan?
Umiling si Nate.
A: Baka mama and papa tawagan niyo ni Yenn, sabagay it fits you, papa bear. Yeah, bagay sayo ang papa bear.
Nate cracked a loud laugh.
N: Seriously anu naman yung papa bear? why do you find me cuddly? huggable?
Umiling siya, she gazed him for a while at siya rin ang unang sumuko. Akalain mo hindi niya kinaya ang exchange of gaze with nate, it surely does not mean anything to her.
A: You look hostile dangerous and scary. (Took another slice of pizza)
N: ganon? so papa bear pala ah.
She felt her cheeks hot. Was she blushing? why is she blushing anyways?
N: you are so cute when you blush, para kang peaches. You know i like peach, the fruit and you remind of thAt. So i should call you that.
A: what? peaches? (stared at nate, she looked away when she realized nate wasnt kidding) of course you wouldnt. what the heck is peaches?
N: so you are daring me? (pulled his cellphone out of his pocket) i will change your name on my phone now. from ally to peaches.
Nate fondled on his phone and flashed the screen to her, peaches. she is sure number niya nga yun.
A: Hey dont.
She was trying to grab the phone peo mabilis naiiwas ni Nate anh cellphone at inilagay sa bulsa. Akward naman kung kukuhanin niya from his pocket. PInanlakihan niya ng mata si Nate.
A: Kenneth ano kaba?
N: What? Hey it’s my phone I could whatever I want to do with it. Chill.
A: Fine. Just don’t use that name on me, it’s not funny. Yuck.
Tawang-tawa naman si Nate sa reaction niya. Feeling siguro ni Nate nagbibiro siya, pero it was real, nakakadiri na tawagin siyang Peaches. Of all people si Nate pa.
N: okay fine, o ano busog ka na ba? Saan na tayo?
A: Anong saan na tayo?
N: ang boring mo talaga, kakain ka lang that’s it?
A: Ay oo nga pala, o sige punta tayo sa pwoerbooks and the fully booked.
Hindi naman nagreklamo si Nate kahit na yun lang ginawa nila ang magpalipat-lipat ng bookstore. He even made himself busy with motor and car magazines. “Boys” he told herself. They hang-out ssa star bucks after. Papalipasin na rin nila ang traffic.
N: so sasama ka sa farm ni Uncle Mario tomorrow?
It was the monthly get-together ng officemates ng parents nila.
A: ofcourse, hindi ako mags-swimming wag ka na makulit,
N: May PMS ka nga siguro. Ang KJ mo. (laughing)
A: Whatever. Ang bait mo lang eh, sobra.
N: Trying to make lambing lang naman ako.
A: yuck wag ka ngang ganyan hindi mo bagay. May makarinig pa *** baka akala…
N: Akala?? Ano naman? (smiling)
A: Nothing lets just go home okay.
Inihatid siya ni Nate sa bahay nila. Sa taxi madalas siya nitong tignan sabay ngingiti, Nakaka-conscious man she tried to ignore it as much as she can.
N: dalhin mo ang Ipod mo tomorrow, I’ll bring my speakers.
Tumango nalang siya. Makikita na naman niya si Nate bukas. Malapit na siyang ma-umay sa araw-araw niya itong kasama.
N: Goodnight peaches.
Hindi na niya nahabol si Nate para hampasin uli sa braso. Ano ba kasengf klaseng prutas iyon, why does he likes calling her peaches, It's annoying.
N: Peaches dont forget download mo mga bago songs ha, I like Rocketeer, price tag and please dont go.
A: OO na 35 times mo nang sinabi sakin, kulit.
Nagmamadali na siyang pumasok, marami pa siyang aayusin para sa outing tomorrow, and he needs to chck her Ipod, she need to download new songs. For sure he will be bored sa outing dahil hindi siya magswimming.

V. ASSUMED RELATIONSHIP

“You guys are dating pala?”
Nagulat si Nate at Ally nang biglang magtanong ang officemate ng mommy nila si Tita Virgie. Todo iling si Ally.
TV: Hindi nga? Kase parang nakita ko kayo sa Shakeys kahapon, kumakain.
Napatingin siya kay Ally pagkatapos kay Tita Annie, mukhang dedma lang ito samantalang nag-b-blush na si Ally. Well he felt that he owes it to Ally na sabihin ang totoo.
N: Ah we just hang-out tita may girlfriend po ako.
TV: Really? Well I thought you guys are dating, bagay pa naman kayo.
Gusto niyang tumawa nang malakas but it will appear as if iniinsulto niya si Ally.
A: may girlfriend po siya Tita. Okay lang po iyon.
Nate did not expect that kind of reaction from Ally. It was cold, and well meaningless. Ang galing talaga maging apathetic ni Allyson. Parang walang feelings. But he was more interested in Tita Vangie’s last comment. Pa-ulit ulit niya ito kung marinig, para tuloy siyang sira, na kinikiliti na kinikilig. Napapreno ang utak niya sa naisip. Anong kinikilig? It was not in his vocabulary. “Maghunus dili ka Nate Boy” he told himself.
TB: Narinig ko yun, mareng Vangie hindi ba bagay ang aking bunso at si Ally? Ngayon palang nag-iipon na ko sa grandeng kasal.
TV: oo naman, gusto ko iyan mare, ninang ako, sagot ko honeymoon kahet saan.
N: Whoah, easy lang po—masyado kayo fast forward.
Hindi niya alam why he felt na seryoso ang mga ito sa pag-uusap tungkol sa kanila ni Ally. Hindi bat kakasabe lang niya na may girlfriend siya? Kakaiba talaga ang pagiging fanatic ng mama niya kay Ally. Hindi niya nga makita ano nakita ng mommy niya bakit gustong-gusto ito, day by day narerealize niya na hindi biro ang pagtawag ng mommy niya ng daughter in law kay Ally.
TB: hindi naman kita minamadali pasasaan bat marerealize mo na si Ally ang para sayo.
N: Peaches ko to eh!
Nilapitan niya si Ally saka kunyaring minamasahe ang balikat nito. Iniiwas ni Ally ang balikat saka siya nilingon. Oh-oh galit nag alit na ang tingin ni Ally. Natawa siya.
N: Joke lang bakit ba ang init ng ulo mo sa peaches? Ang cute kaya.
Another dagger look sent his way.
TB: peaches ba tawag mo kay Ally? I used to call you peaches Nate when you were a baby. I don’t know you knew that.
Now that was a surprise. Hindi niya alam na tinawag siyang peaches ng mommy niya. Hindi rin niya alam hanggang ngayon bakit pumasok sa isip niya na bigyan si Ally ng term of endearment.
A: Tita please tell Nate to stop teasing me. Its so annoying.
Niyakap siya ng mommy niya.
TB: Come on Nate be nice. Now you have to make it up to her, you should go out okay you two.
N: Huh? Anong go out mom?
TB: see a movie, have dinner, those kind of stuffs. You should go out its summer vacation.
A: No need tita I am okay.
N: Ayaw mo ko makasama peaches?
A: ugh! You are unbelievable you!!!
N: (Laughing) Ang pikon mo talaga, o pahiram nalang ng Ipod, ayusin ko lang sounds.
TV: Huwag na mag-sounds Nate, may dala akong magic sing videoke time na ito.
Napakamot siya ng ulo, videoke naman ang trip ng mga oldies, lipas na ang bingo. Sayang naman ang na-i-download na songs ni Ally.
N: Peram earphones.
A: wow kung makahiram parang nang-uutos.
N: Okay na yun kase wag nang maarte, papahiramin rin naman eh.
A: Ibalik mo yan sa akin, favorite earphones ko yan!
N: Okay lang yun peaches, whats yours is mine too.
A: Arrgh! Stop will you! Its not even funny.
Tumawa nalang ng malakas si Nate. Pikon talaga si Ally at siya naman ang tuwang-tuwa sa reaksyon nito pag inaasar niya. Tumabi siya kay Ally sa beach chair habang nagbabasa ito ng book. Hinila niya sa tabi nito ang beach chair nakaharap sila sa pool. Dinig na dinig din ang videoke ng mga parentals.
N: Oh God, whole day lang silang kakanta?
Hindi siya sinagot ni Ally. Hinila niya ang libro nito pababa. Nilingon siya and went back reading.
N: Wow you’re really good at ignoring me huh.
Hindi na naman ito sumagot. Hinayaan nalang niya si Ally and started to play her ipod instead. Na-touch siya nang makitang ginawan siya ng sarili niyang playlist ni Ally “Nate” there she placd all the songs she listens too, pati na mga nirequest niya. That’s so sweet of her. He tried to sleep while listening to the songs, paminsan-minsan nililingon niya rin si Ally na serious sa pagbabasa. Nang makaramdam siya ng gutom lumapit siya sa barbecue grill saka kumuha ng hotdogs at nagrequest din ng melon shake for 2.
N: Hey Al, got you snacks.
Ibinaba ni Ally ang binabasang libro. Tinignan nito ang dala niyang merienda.
A: Wow, idinamay mo ako talaga? May sakit ka ba?
N: Sobra ka naman, thank you ko yan for the playlist you made.
A: Sus, tinatablan ka pala ng hiya, wala yun no, thanks for this ginutom ako.
N: Yeah I heard your tummy rumbled.
A: Ang kapaaaaaaaal mo talaga eh no.
N: Joke lang, hindi ka pa rin ba nasanay sa akin?
A: Ikaw hindi ka ba napapagod asarin ako?
N: Nilalambing ka lang naman eh.
A: Whatever.
Hindi man lang tumagal ng 30 seconds ang hotdog na kinuha niya para dito. She looked at him with pleading eyes. Umalis siya nang walang paalam para kumuha ng isa pang hotdog pati na rin pork barbecue.
N: Nguyain mo kase, sige ka ang sarap ng foods sa table nagmamadali ka kumain mabubusog ka kaagad.
A: Thanks ha, super hungry ako hindi ako nag-breakfast.
N: Sana kase sinabi mo eh di dinalhan kita ng breakfast dib a.
A: Weh di nga gagawin mo nga para sa sakin yun?
N: Hala! Wala kang bilib sa akin.
A: I just think that you purposely annoy me.
N: Really? That’s mean. Bakit naman.
A: I’ve no Idea, but I thinks its true.
N: Ouch, ganoon ka-nega ang tingin mo sa akin? Mean girl.
A: (laughing) haha hindi mo bagay naapi.
Yun lang saka na siya iniwan ni Ally sumali ito sa mga oldies na nag-vi-videoke. Hindi nalang niya ito sinundan. Baka isipin pa nitong type niya.
Ally decided to join the parents with the videoke. Kumakanta ang mommy niya ng “Cant smile without you” feel na feel ng kanyang beloved mother ang song nay un, wala itong pinapalagpas na videoke na hindi yun kinakanta.
TA: Oh you’re turn na anak, you choose your song.
Binigay ng mommy niya ang song book sa kanya. Masunurin siyang anak, hindi nia hinahayaan mag-dalawang salita ang anumang utos ng mommy niya. Habang kumakanta si Tito Den ang asawa ni Tita Vangie naghanap na siya ng kanta. She sang yeng constantino sang. Habang wala si Nate kakanta na siya cause if not aasarin na naman siya nito. Nakapag-umpisa na siya ng hawak kamay nang lumapit si Nate and his usual nang-aasar smile was flashing. Wala naman ito sinasabi kaya tinalikuran nalang niya si Nate. Natapos naman niya ang kanta nang wala itong sinasabi. Makakahinga na siya ng maluwag. And then Tita Vangie dropped the bomb.
TV: wow next song playing, If we fall inlove. Maganda yan, kantahin mo yan Ally, duet kayo ni Nate.
Her jaws dropped. Nagkasubuan na, hindi na siya makakatakbo dahil na-corner na sila. Hawak na rin ni Tita Beth ang braso ni Nate.
TB: Go Nate, lapitan mo na si Ally isa lang ang mic anak, dali na sing.
Wala na sila nagawa kumanta na siya. “There will be no ordinary days for you…” dahil isa lang ang mic, kailangan sila magkaharap while singing. He was looking right and she was looking lft. It was a very akward situation. Palakpakan ang mga audience nila. Nilapitan siya ni Tita Beth and gave her a warm hug.
TB: I knew it. May chemistry talaga kayo ng anak ko. O Nate sing another song for Ally.
Hindi na lang siya nagcomment. Nakita niyang namimili si Nate ng kanta, paminsan-minsan din itong tumitingin sa kanya habang nag-s-scan ito ng kanta. When finally he was able to choose a song. Nahihiya siyang tumingin kaya hindi niya nakita ang title ng kanta. Then Nate started to sing.
“Oh her eyes, her eyes….She’s so beautiful and I tell her everyday” nakatingin sa kanya si Nate when he sang that line. It took a while before she realized na kanta pala ni Bruno mars iyon. Tumingin ulit si Nate sa kanya, so she decided to look away. Palakpakan ang mga oldies after ng song number ni Nate. Kahit over lunch tinutukso pa rin sila, they can play good music together daw, ano pa daw ba ang hinihintay nila eh bagay naman sila ni Nate.
A: May girlfriend po si Nate, hindi po pwede.
TV: hindi pa sila kasal, I don’t think na seryoso si Nate sa girlfriend niya.
Binubulungan siya ni Tita Vangie habang nag-lilipit ng kinainan.
A: I don’t think so tita.
TV: Trust me, I really feel na kayo ni Nate ang magkakatuluyan.
TB: Narinig ko iyon mareng Vangie, at check ka diyan, gusto ko yon.
A: Tita Beth talaga.
Niyakap siya ni Tita Beth.
TB: Ikaw lang ang gusto ko for Nate. I will disinherit him pag hindi kayo nagkatuluyan!

VI. ONE FINE DAY

Magkatabi sila ni Nate sa van. Hindi na niya ito matignan ng diretso dahil nahihiya pa rin siya sa panunukso sa kanila ni Nate ng mga oldies.
A: Peram Ipod ko okay lang?
N: (Smiling) ay, gusto ko pa naman magmusic pauwi, okay lang share tayo?
Tumango na lang siya. Nate gave her one piece of earphone while he got the other piece. Hindi sila nag-uusap ni Nate while travelling, hanggang sa makatulog siya, nagising nalang siya when the van stopped. Then she realized she was already leaning on Nate’s shoulder.
A: Sorry.
N: (smiled) it’s okay, hindi ka naman mabigat. Thanks for the Ipod and sharing music.
A: Wala yun no.
N: O sige next time ulit. Saka movie bukas, don’t forget.
A: anong bukas? Anong movie.
N: dib a nga sabi ni mommy, go na okay, text kita. Goodnight peaches.
Hindi na siya naka-react sa tawag na peaches na naman ni Nate. Minsan naiisip niya hayaan na lang niya. Magsasawa din at titigil si Nate sa pagtawag nito ng Peaches sa kanya kung hindi na siya mag-re-react.
She was busy scanning through her classmates facebook pages nang mag-pop sac hatbox niya si Jayvee.
“Hey”
She was too lazy to reply, hindi na nga niya to nirereplyan sa text nakahanap pa ng paraan para ma-contact siya. She disabled her FB chat. And then a notification popped. Nate uploaded a picture, and when she looked at it picture niya habang magkatabi sila sa van at tulog na tulog siya. It was no glam picture at all. Nag-text siya kay Nate.
A: I HATE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH TAKE THAT PICTURE OFF FB!!!
Ang kapal ng mukha nakuha pang i-tag siya sa picture. Hindi pa man humuhupa ang galit niya nag-upload na naman ito ng video niya na kumakanta ng hawak kamay!
A: ah hndi kpa kntento sa pix vid ****? Ihachue!
Gustong-gusto na niyang i-unfriend si Nate, nakakahiya marami-rami rin silang common friend, ma mga schoolmates pa siya na friend ni Nate sa FB dahil crush ng mga ito si Nate. Nakatulugan na niya ang inis at paghihintay ng reply ni Nate. Hanggang sa magising siya hindi pa rin ito nagrereply. Subukan lang nito magpakita sa kaniya, tatadtarin niya ng pinong-pino si Nate.
Maghapon na hindi talaga nagparamdam si Nate sa kanya.
Peaches

Nagulat si Ally sa text ni Nate. Ano na naman kaya ang Gusto nito? She ignored his Text. Mayamaya nagtext n naman ito.
Suplada
Siya pa ang suplada. She ignored his message again. She rather soundtrip than deal with Nate. Hindi pa rin nito binubura ang picture at video sa FB the last time she checked so why will she deal with him.
Allyson Manuela Tamano Buenavides
Eventually mapapagod din magtext si Nate. Nagsilent siya ng phone. Magrereply lang siya dito kapag wala na ang horrible picture and video na nasa FB wall niya.Nagulat nalang siya nang may nagdoorbell. Naiwan pala ng mommy niya ang susi ng bahay, hinatid din ito ng parents ni Nate.
TB: Naipagpaalam na kita sa mommy iha, manood daw kayo movie ni Nate tonight sana di ka raw nagrereply so bukas nalang.
Wala na siya nagawa. Um-oo na ang mommy niya kaya ayaw na niya makipag-away pa dito. Pero alam na alam niya kung sino ang aawayin.
A: fyi i dnt wnt 2 cme c a muvi wd u. its unfair using r prents wth ds.
It took some time bago ito nagreply. She was really pissed. Sa ginagawa kase nito fini-feed nito lalo ang illusion ng mga amiga ng mommy niya na magkakatuluyan sila. Ofcourse that wouldn’t happen. As in NEVER!
N: U sed we wer gona c d muvi tog so i just tuk ur word. sorry
She exhaled heavily. Anu ba naman yun hindi kase niya maintindihan bakit ang clingy nalang all of a sudden ni Nate dahil ba sa mommy nito? Well it’s not even a good excuse.
A: dp tau aus 4 putting dt pic and vid sa FB.
N: deleted 
A: whatever
N: true. Go chk
She did, wala na nga ang picture at video niya.
A: dpt lang
N: so il pik u up tom?
She smiled, without any apparent reason nakatawa siya, was she excited? Hindi nalang siya sumagot. She didnt want to read between the lines. Kanina lang abot langit ang inis niya kay Nate, ngayon excited naman siya bigla sa movie date nila. Well she doesn’t know if you should call that a movie date.
Paggising the next day she was all so happy. She cleaned the house kasama ng maid nila saka pa siya nagpaturo magluto ng chicken asado. she was busy in the kitchen when Nate texted her.
Peaches goodmorning
Natawa siya. She decided to stop fighting him pagdating sa pagtawag nito ng peaches sa kanya.
A: gud mood k yta. batugs k **** u jst woke up? tnghali na uy!
N: haha, so pick u up ng 2pm?
Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. Anong pick you up? Is she missing something?
A: huh?
N: U forgot movie remembr wer gona c pir8s?
A: oooh, ddnt knw u wer serious bout that.
N: ofkors iam so c u later ok, btw my mom cukd beef shortribs. pagdala kta.
She just started to smile wider.
A: I cooked asado, maybe u wnt to eat lunch here instead?
She looked at the watch and it's just 1125 She has time to prepare.
N: really, i love asado i hope it's chicken. okay be there 12 noon. Cu peaches.
Nagmamadali siyang maligo. The maid can help her blow dry her hair. She wore a decent pair of shorts and tank top. She prepared the table, naglalaba na kase ang katulong nila. As soon as she was done dumating na si Nate.
N: Hi, peace offering ko.
Nate handed her a pint of pistachio ice cream. She was impressed, well he remembered that she like pistachio ice cream.
A: wow, thanks, come in lets eat, para hindi tayo ma-traffic.
Pumasok na sila saka kumain right away. Natuwa siya na nagustuhan ni Nate ang pinrepare niya na asado, naka-4 srvings ito ng rice at asado.
N: Sarap, I am impressed.
A: para namang bola nay an?
N: hindi ah, bakit napapansin ko wala kang tiwala sa akin?
A: yong totoo? Wala talaga.
Tumayo na siya para magligpit. Hindi na niya tinawag ang maid para magligpit. Iniabot ni Nate ang platong ginamit nito, he accidentally touched her hands. Hindi niya maintindihan ano ang naramdaman niya, was it electricity, kilig? Baka kilabot. Hindi na siya mapakali the whole time, sunod pa man din ng sunod si Nat sa kanya kahit saan siya magpunta.
N: Ako na maghugas ng plato.
A: No need si Ate Jack na maghuhugas niya, toothbrush lang ako then we can go na.
Hindi rin siya makatingin ng direcho kay Nate, it was just uncomfortable. He was very attentive throughout the time from the taxi-ride to MRT lagi siya ipinagbubukas ng pinto ni Nate. Lagi din ito sa right side niya nakatayo. Pag masikip o maraming tao, hinahawakan siya ni Nate sa braso. She never got used to the jolt of electricity she feels everytime hinahawakan siya ni Nate. Si Nate ang nagbayad ng tickets nila sa movie pati na rin ang popcorn and drinks nila. Hawak din siya ni Nate sa braso habang papasok sila ng cinema. She never realized na ganoon pala ka-gentleman si Nate. Well she never paid attention before, and now she knows na gentleman naman pala ang bugoy!
She enjoyed the movie, hindi niya alam kung mas na-enjoy niya ang movie o ang company ni Nate. Nagyaya pa ito mag-dinner after tawagan ang mommy niya at mag-paalam kung pwede pa sila magdinner. 7 PM na rin kase.
N: Saan mo gusto kumain?
A: It doesn’t matter kahit saan, ikaw?
N: ano ka ba, ikaw mamimili no.
A: ikaw naman lalaki ikaw na mamili
N: haha, kalian kayo ako mananalo sayo? Siguro kung naging tayo, under de saya na ako saiyo diba?
Napatingin siya kay Nate. Tama ban a sinabi nitong kung naging sila? Bakit sinabi ni Nate yun. Hindi na lang siya nagcomment.
N: Hay. Pizza burger pasta rice? What do you want?
A: Hmm busog pa ako sa popcorn eh, so not anything heavy I am good.
N: Pinapahirapan mo naman ako, lets go Burgoo, may salads naman sila.
A: Okay burgoo sounds fine, lets go?
They talked about the movie while having dinner. Na-realize nila na pareho sila ng genre ng movies na gusto na pareho nilang idol si Johnny Depp. They are in the middle of their conversation and dinner nang may babaeng lumapit.
Y: Aba ang boyfriend ko andito pala. Hi baby.
Napatayo si Nate sa kinauupuan. She ignored Yenn.
N: Akala ko ba nasa boracay ka?
Y: well we changed plans.
N: hindi mo sinabi sa akin?
Y: Hindi mo rin sinabi na andito ka sa mall
N: fine. Uuwi na kame. Ingat ka. Lets go Ally.
Nagulat talaga siya na bigla nalang siyang hinila ni Nate. Hindi pa man niya nauubos ang salad niya. Hindi nalang din siya nag-react. Napaka-insensitive naman na talakan niya si Nate.
N: sorry about that, gutom ka pa ba?
A: Uhm medyo, sayang yung salad ko.
N: Sorry
Nate took her hand. Napatingin siya dito. Bakit may ganun? Bakit kailangan may hawakan pa ng kamay na nangyayari?
N: Lets get starbucks instead?
A: Okay, sure, pero treat ko na okay?
N: No.
A: Ahh tumatanggi ka sa akin?
N: Sabi ko nga under de saya ako. Okay lets go.
Inihatid na siya ni Nate pagkagaling nila ng Starbucks.
“Thanks I had fun” yun ang text niya kay Nate bago matulog. She really enjoyed that night.

VII. SURPRISES

Kanina pa hinhintay ni Nate ang text ni Ally. Everytime mag-be-beep ang phone niya iniisip niya na si Ally na ang nag-text sa kanya. Gusto na niyang i-off ang cellphone niya dahil sa kakakulit ni Yenn pero hindi pa kase nagtetext si Ally. He was busy playing Black Ops sa PS3 nang tawagan siya ni Yenn. Sumagot naman siya. Nauwi lang sa sagutan ang usapan nila. Bakit daw kasama niya si Ally. He explained it wasn’t anything she thinks it is. Hindi naman siya two-timer. Sinabi din niya kay Yenn na sinasamahan lang niya si Ally. Ayaw naman nito maniwala kaya sinabi niya saka nalang sila mag-usap. First time nila mag-away ni Yenn, nararamdaman na niyang tunay na relationship pala ang meron sila, kase ngayon lang sila nag-away non-sense pa. Concentrated na siya sa paglalaro nang may magtext. Si Ally. Finally, dumating din ang hinhintay niyang text. Nagreply naman siya agad.
“Welcome, nxt tym ikw **** treat sakin.”
Matagal bago nag-reply uli si Ally, dahil napaka-impatient tumigil na siyang mag-PS3.
A:Haha lpa ko gsto muvi pg meron cge I’ll treat u
N: yes **** I lyk dt, so *** gwa mo?
A: wala patulog na rin nya, ***?
N: PS3, I stopped na, boring eh
A: btw, ok nkau ni Yenn?
N: oh ok *** yun, tnwgan n nya ko
A: y hndi ikw nag call. Bad!
N: ok *** un, gnon ****
A: mean. Wawa yen
N: y ba si yen pnaguuspn ntin.
A: ewan dn—ano ****
N: eh di u, us?
A: ha? Anong us ****?
OO nga naman ano namang us ang naisip niya.
N: haha—san ka college?
Lame, college? Bakit naman yun ang itinanong niya dito.
A: dunno pa, ganda ba sa university mo?
N: syempre, cge dun knlang *** sbay tyo ppsok everyday
A: ay no nlng—evryday kta makikita, sawa!
N: ouch, ikw ha nppnsin k ayw mko ksma
A: ayaw ****? Lagi nlng tau mgksma l8ly in case u haven’t realzd dt?
N: *** nppnsin, lgi kta kse na-mimiss 
Now he has no idea why h said that and if he means it! Ano ba kase nangyayari sa kanya. Is he addicted to Allyson? He dismissed the thought.
A: sus. Slip nko ha, tnx. Nyt
N: night peaches. Sweetdreams.
Now that was new. Sweetdreams? Wala siyang katext na kahit sino man na sinasabihan ng sweetdreams, or any sweet thoughts even give them term of endearments. What is happening to him?
Kinabukasan sumama siya mag-motocross sa Rizal with his friends. Jayvee was there and its his chance to confront him.
N: Pare bakit mo naman kinukulis si Allyson?
J: Akala ko ba okay lang, if ligawan ko yun
N: Wala akong sinabi ha, wag yun pare.
J: May gusto ka ba Ally?
N: Ha? Wala. Basta wag mo tataluhin si Allyson pare kung gusto mong maging mag-kaibigan pa tayo, wag si Allyson!
J: Ang labo mo naman pare, selfish pa.
N: Parang kapatid ko na si Ally pare, masyado pang bata yun, saka wala yun gusto sayo nagalit nga sakin dahil akala binigay ko sayo number niya.
J: Palagay ko type mo si Ally pare.
N: Pssssh. Hindi no.
Now that was a technical foul and very ungentleman. Kung totoo man na hindi niya gusto si Allyson—well he didn’t want to conclude this soon…hindi na dapat niya sabihin o ipagkalat pa yun. Kalalaki niyang tao, what was he thinking. He was out of it the rest of the afternoon, hindi siya mapakali. Gusto niyang itext si Ally pero gusto naman niya for a change si Ally naman ang unang magtext sa kanya. Which never happened. Ano pa nga ba siya na naman una magtetext dito.
“Green mangoes u want?”
Well magreply man o hindi si Ally balak niya na itong puntahan if maaga sila makakabalik. When his phone beeped, excited siyang magreply, onl to find out si Yenn ang nagtext.
“Wer r u again babe?”
N: mtocross, r u in a shoot?
Y: nope, I just woke up nag-bar ak wd Loriz and Sarah, wna c a mvie ***?
N: am tired n eh, bkas nlang?
Y: babe **** eh, bora nko bkas
N: bora k ng bora dnmn ntutuloy, o e l8 n kaya?
Y: ok na LFS sundo kita ok
N: k, c u
Y: yey. Love u babe
Hindi na siya nagreply. Idadaan nalang niya ang mangga ni Ally bago siya umuwi. Hindi man lang ito nagreply, sana nasa bahay ito.
A: Hey anong masamang hangin nagpadpad sayo dito?
N: Grabe ka naman, tinext kita, hindi ka mang lang nagreply, ang dame mangga on the way to Rizal binili kita.
A: wow really, bait ah, tuloy ka andito kase si Patrice, just hanging out.
He remembered Patty Ally’s birthday.
P: Hey Nate, wassup?
N: eto okay naman, pogi pa rin.
Tumawa siya nang malakas nang makitang inikot ni Ally ang mata.
N: Di ka talaga supportive sa akin? Whats up Patty?
P: wow you remembered my nick? Haha, wala lang just hanging out with Ally, she watched pirates na pala with you eh.
Makahulugan ang ngiti ni Patty. She was teasing. He smiled back at her.
P: kaya dito lang kame, ano dala mo?
N: Green mangoes, hatid ko lang may lakad pa kase ako after this.
A: sana pinadala mo nalang kay Tita Beth para iniabot na lang kay mommy di ka sana napagod pa.
P: Thankful ka sobra ha bes? Sensya ka na Nate, minsan walang manner yung bestfriend ko.
N: haha, mag-best friend nga kaya, o paano una na ako, minsan text niyo ko malling tayo okay.
P: Ay gusto ko yan, double date?
Lumapit na si Ally kay Patty saka tinakpan ang bibig nito, umalis na siya baka maunahan pa siya ni Yenn na umuwi sa kanila, tatalakan na naman siya nito. Hindi nga niya alam bakit lahat ng naging girlfriend niya nagger?
A: grabe ka bes, ang daldal mo.
P: what did I do? Diba double date ikaw saka si kuya and then ako and Nate, grabe Bes, mas guapo pala siya sa malapitan.
Ally forgot na isa rin pala si Patty na may crush kay Nate. Marami talaga naloloko ang bugoy. Bitter na bitter pa si Patty nang maging girlfriend ni Nate si Tasha, na ahead ng one year. Six weeks lang ata si Nate at Tasha. Hindi siya magtataka na kaya hindi nagtatagal mga girlfriends ni Nate ay dahil maraming babaeng nagdadasal na maging single ito in the hopes of being with Nate. Oh well she wasn’t and wont ever be one of those girls, chasing Nate. Ang major crush niya is Patty’s kuya, Si Paul. Ang tagal tagal na niyang crush ito at wala nang iba pa. May hawig kase si paul kay Jacob Black. Hmm bagay kaya sila ni Paul?
P: O napaisip ka bes? Hahaha, kung single lang si kuya Paul pinaligawan na kita.
Umiikot na naman ang paningin niya oo nga pala matagal nang committed si Paul, sinundan niya si Patty na nagpunta sa kitchen nila, hinugasan nito ang mangga.
P: So bes ano score?
A: huh? Score ng ano?
P: kayo ni Nate? You guys go out, eto dinadalhan ka niya ng mangga—is he courting you? Oh-em-gee bes, tinu-two time ni Nate si Yenn?
Tinignan niya ng masama si Patty.
A: Addict ka na Bes, anong two time score sinasabi mo, haller! Friends lang kame niya alam mo naman family friends and all.
P: Sabagay, if he is courting you hindi sana manggang maasim ang ibibigay saka, hindi ka type ni Nate.
A: Haha, you think so?
Napatigil sa pagbalat ng mangga si Patty saka tumingin sa kanya.
P: Ako type ni Nate di palang niya na-rerealize for now.
Napailing siya, ibang klase din ang fighting spirit ng bestfriend niya. Higher than mount everest. Bago pa niya makalimutan nag-text na siya kay Nate.
“Thanks pal!”
Nabasa ni Nate ang text ni Ally, pero hindi na muna siya nag-reply. Naawa na rin naman siya kay Yenn dahil ngayon lang sila magsasama nito didivide pa niya attention niya, gusto na rin niyang tulugan ang In the name of love, sure its good pero inaantok siya at pagod. Yenn embraced his arm and leaned on his shoulder, hindi siya kumilos. Bakit ganoon, it doesn’t have any meaning for him. Dense na ba siya? Ayaw niya makipag break kay Yenn dahil lang dense na siya. Paninidigan niya to make his relationship with Yenn work kahit wala na siyang gana.
Pag-uwi ng bahay saka nalang siya nag-reply kay Ally.
“Peaches—I need a friend. Pwede kita puntahan bukas? Gudnyt.”
Sana may puntahan ang text niya kay Ally, sana pumayag ito, para naman masagot na ang mga tanong niya. Maybe Ally can shed some light on him regarding his dilemma on his relationship and feelings for Yenn. Nagtext na din si Yenn na nakauwi na ito. Nagreply nalang siya ng “K Nytie” . Bahala na. All of a sudden his feeling so weird!

VIII. WHAT IS THIS THEY'RE FEELING

“Hey wats wrong? Want me to call u now?”
Nalingat si Ally sa text ni Nate sa kanya. Its almost 3 AM most probably tulog na si Kenneth at hindi na magrereply. Nalingat siya dahil hindi pala niya na-Off ang TV. Laking gulat niya nang magreply pa ito.
“Tom nalang, sleep na peaches.”
Bakit kaya hindi pa natutulog si Nate? Baka may pinagdadaanan nga. Pero bukas nalang daw so malamang hindi naman ganoon ka-urgent. “back to sleep nko, so text me nlang nyt nate, pahinga ka na”. She went back to sleep.
Tanghali na nang magising si Allyson, wala naman siyang text bukod sa mommy niya, kailangan daw niya i-pledge ang furnitures dahil hindi makakarating si Ate Jack. So she also realized na de lata na naman ang kakainin niya, tamad din kase siya bumili ng food sa labas, nakakahiya naman magpadala pa ng food ang mommy niya. So after cleaning the house she played her Grey Anatomy Season 7 pirated DVD care off the ******. Nagkasya na siya sa cheetos hot at ice cold dalandan juice habang nanonood. Pag hindi pa siya nasatisfy pwede na siya sa cereals and milk. Sana pala hindi inubos ang dala ni Nate the other day para may kakainin pa sana siya. Episode 3 na siya nang magtext si Nate.
“Pls be home, I’ll be there in 25.”
Natawa siya, almost 4PM na at kakagising lang ni Nate. Mas batugan talaga ito sa kanya. Pa-umpisa na ang episode 4 nang mag-doorbell ito.
A: Wow foods!
Nakita ka agad niya ang dala nitong plastic bag na may nakalagay na chowking. Nag-alburoto ang tiyan niya, taksil na tiyan ipinagpalit siya kay Nate.
N: Gutom nako, I figured gutom ka rin, narinig ko tiyan mo, grabe circus kung circus.
Pinalo niya ang braso ni Nate. Grabe rin makapang-asar ito, bakit pa niya in-entertain.
A: Ang sama mo.
N: So ako pa ang masama papakainin ka na nga-eto o orange chicken shanghai and buchi plus halo-halo. Pinatanong ko pa kay mommy ano favorite mo.
Napatingin siya kay Nate.Seryoso ba ito? Ano naman kaya ang reason at nanunuhol si Nate.
N: Alam ko gutom ka, so halika na peaches, come to papa, lets eat.
Kinindatan pa siya ni Nate. It was starting to be uncomfortable, the way Nate treated her that moment. Parang may iba. She shoved the thought. Naghain siya, sabay silang kumain, and there was a deafening silence. Hindi sila naguusap. Silence broke nang sabay nilang tusukin ang last piece ng lumpiang shanghai, nagkatinginan muna sila saka sabay tumawa, nakatusok pa rin ang kanya-kanyang tinidor habang tumatawa.
N: GO sa iyo na
Nate offered,
A: NO, you take it!
N: Ikaw na sabe eh
A: Sa iyo na ikaw naman bumili.
N: NO, you are the girl so take it.
A: teka nga, hati nalang tayo.
N: Haha, oo nga naman. Ang talino mo talaga.
A: I know right, oh by the way, what was the text all about last night?
Natigilan si Nate, parang nag-isip pa ito.
N: ah yun ba.. ah kase si Yenn,
A: oh, ano nangyari nag-away ba kayo? Dahil ba nagkita niya tayo magkasama?
N: No, parang gusto ko na makipagbreak sa kanya.
Nagulat si Ally. Hindi niya in-expect na may ganoon na plano si Nate. Well maraming babae na naman ang matutuwa if that happens.
A: Why naman? I mean hindi ka nab a Masaya hindi mo nab a siya mahal?
Ano ba ang dapat sabihin? Parang mali naman ata nang hiningaan ng advice ni Kenneth. Anng alam niya sa mga ganoong bagay siya na wala pang naging boyfriend ever? Loser siya when it comes to heart topics. Kawawang Nate.
N: Well, we barely have time for one another, and yeah when were together I don’t enjoy her company, ikaw ang gusto ko kasama.
Napatingin siya kay Nate. Niloloko ba siya nito? Binibilog ba ni Nate ang ulo niya? Ano iyon?
A: Bakit ako napasok sa usapan na iyan, hell-OH!
N: Nagtanong ka eh, naging honest lang naman ako miss.
A: well give it a chance you’ll never know baka pakawalan mo tapos marealize mo mahal mo pala eh di pagsisihan mo pa, mas maganda na rin yun okay lahat.
Bigla nalang siya iniwan ni Nate sa kitchen tumuloy ito sa TV room habang nagliligpit pa siya.
A: Iiwanan mo talaga ako?
She yelled while wiping the table. Narinig din niya ang tawa nito.
N: Peaches ako nagdala ng pagkain so ikw ang ilaw ng tahanan trabaho mo iyan.
She ignored the context of his response, Ayaw niyang uminit ang ulo niya dahil; baka masapak niya si Nate. Naghugas siya nang plato habang naririnig niya ang TV, so in-off ni Nate ang DVD niya saka nanoond ng MYX. Pakialmero talaga ito.
N: so yeah I think tama ka.
Sabi ni Nate sa kanya habang palapit na siya dito. Hinila niya ang unan na mukha nina Edward, Jacob at Bella na yakap nito.
A: LAgi akong tama. So ano bakit hindi mo puntahan si Yenn.
N: NAsa Boracay kaya si Yenn (Sabay iling) next week pa babalik yon.
A: OH kaya pala Malaya ang powers mo—so eh bakit mo naman naisip nga na makipag-break kay Yenn, gusto mo ba nang bagong girlfriend? May gusto mag-apply.
Hindi siya pinansin ni Nate, inilipat nito ang TV nang “please don’t go” na ni Mike Posner ang pine-play, dinive talaga niya si Nate para lang wag nito ilipat ang TV.
A: Nate!
She was screaming. Tawa naman nang tawa si Nate habang nag-aagawan sila ng remote, kinagat niya sa balikat sin ate. Alam naman kase nitong favorite niya ang kanta ililipat pa. Napasigaw din si Nate. Hindi siya magtataka na bumaon ang ipin nya hanggang muscle ni Nate at na magkaka-marka ang ipin niya sigurado.
N: Ang sakit kaya, bakit mo ko kinagat?
Naluluha si Nate, well hindi siya nagtataka. Hindi rin siya nagkamali, pero laking lungkot niya na wala na tapos na ang kanta nang ibalik niya ang channel.
A: I hate you!
Sabi niya tila naluluha.
N: ouch, ikaw pa galit diyan ha, ikaw na ang nangagat. Lagyan mo to ng ice, pag nakita ni mommy to lagot ka, sabihin noon chikinini.
A: oi kapal mo, bakit kita lalagyan ng chikinini.
Kumuha siya ng yelo, grabe ngayon lang niya narealize kung gaano siya kasakit mangagat, parang dudugo na rin kase ang balikat ni Nate. She took ice and put in a Ziploc bag then wrapped in a wash cloth.
N: may rabies vaccine ka ba? Grabe ka peaches.
Nahiya siya sa ginawa niya overrated na yata ang pagkagat niya.
A: sorry, ikaw kase bakit mo naman kase nilipat. Sorry.
N: grabe isang song lang yun…favorite mo si Mike Posner eh?
Nilingon siya ni Nate sandal habang nilalagyan nito ng yelo ang balikat na may marka na ng ipin niya.
A: wala ka na doon—so ano, nga may gusto nga mag-apply na girlfriend mo. May sira siguro sa ulo yung kaibigan ko?
N: Si Patrice???
Parang napaka-casual na bagay lang noon, walang spark o walang kilig. Saka bakit alam agad ni Nate na si Patty ang tinutukoy niya?
A: bakit alam mo?
She asked. It was still a mystery to her. May radar ba si Kenneth o sadyang assuming lang ito?
N: Alam ko na may gusto si Patty sa akin she wrote me a love letter for crying out loud, and no—even though she is the last woman on earth—NOOOO!
A: Wow grabe ka lang maka-NO diyan. Pero di nga ginawa ni patty yun?
N: Well its been a year, saka okay lang yun sanay naman na ako na nakakareceive ng loveletters from girls, ayaw ko lang sa mga ganoon klase na babae.
Binato niya ng throw pillow si Nate. Sukdulan ang kayabangan nito. Walang kapantay.
N: You asked a question I gave an honest answer, deal with it.
Naging seryoso ang tono ni Nate nang sabihin iyon. Did she offend him for thinking na mayabang ito. Well she didn’t say it out loud.
N: Alam ko friend mo si Patty okay, pero no, not her.
A: dahil lang sa ginawa ni Patty kaya ayaw mo sa kanya?
Nahiya na siya bigla kay Nate. Hindi niya ma-explain how she felt.
N: Its not just because of that but also because hindi ko siya gusto. Kung may magiging girlfriend ako after Yenn—hindi si Patty yon Okay.
Nate lifted her face through her chin. Hindi na kase niya matignan ito. It all felt weird how she felt being tickly and weak nang hawakan siya ni Nate. Hindi naman na first time na hawakan siya ni Nate. Bakit all of a sudden iba na ang pakiramdam niya. It sure isn’t kilig. Not at all. Of course Not!!! Those 3 sentences kept on repeating in her mind. Bakit may naghahabulan na kabayo sa dibdib niya. Ano iyon?
N: hindi mo ba ako tatanungin kung sino ang gusto kong maging girlfriend?
Nate asked her smiling sheepishly. Parang ayaw niya marinig ang sagot. Hindi niya alam ang sasabihin o gagawin sa kung sino man ang isasagot ni Kenneth sa kanya.
N: Oh well, kung ayaw mo malaman sige di ko na lang sasabihin.
Inalis na ni Nate ang kamay nito sa mukha niya, pero nanunukat pa rin ang tingin nito, was he trying to read her mind?
A: May girlfriend ka pa, huwag ka nga magisip ng ipapalit mo doon kung hindi ka naman Malaya.
Hindi niya alam paano niya nakuha ang idea na sabihin iyon kay Nate. Well she may not really know Yenn pero mukha naman itong mabait at babae siya, hindi siya papayag na basta ganoon na lang ang gagawin ni Nate kay Yenn kahit na si Nate ang kaibigan niya.
N: yeah, right…so I’ll go ahead my dear peaches. Bukas pala—kina Auntie Medy naman daw tayo birthday ni Caress, sabi ni Mommy sunduin na kita doon nalang daw natin sila mett.
Sinabihan na siya ng mommy niya regarding that party 7th birthday ng anak ng kasama nito sa work at kasama rin sa work ni Tita Beth, so its th Gang’s affair. Siya na din ang inutusan ng mommy niya na bumili ng gift.
A: Oh, can we go early cause I need to grab a gift.
Tumango si Nate saka nag-salute sa kanya.
N: lock your doors. See you tomorrow.
When Nate went out of the house, she suddenly felt different. Weird. She felt a need to internalize whats going on and maybe tomorrow, may makukuha na siyang sagot.

IX. CRUSH, INFATUATION, OR FALLING IN LOVE

Maaga siya nagising para sumama magbiking with his buddies. Alas kwatro palang nagbibiking na sila. 7 AM nang makarating sila ng eco park na naka bike lang. Nagkayayaan ang mga kabarkada niya na manood ng sine, habang kumakain ng goto sa isa sa mga karinderya doon.

N: Di ako pwede pare may lakad ako.
Sabay sabay na napatingin ang mga kaibigan niya sa kanya.
J: Lakad? date? di nga?
tawanan lahat ng kaibigan niya sa sinabi ni Jayvee.
A: Oo nga kelan ka pa nang-una ng ibang lakad kaysa samin. atsaka magdedate kayo ni Yenn? Monthsary niyo na?

Gusto niya nang ma-offend sa sinasabi ng mga kaibigan niya because there was hint of truth. His friends always came first, and syempre family. Nakikipagdate lang siya sa mga naging GF niya like Yenn kung monthsary nila or kapag pinipilit siya ay bored na bored na siya.
N: May gagawin ako mga sira ulo kayo may party kame pupuntahan nina mommy. Ano ba papanoorin niyo?
A: Kung fu panda kaya.
Sinabi kase ni Arnold dati pa na dapat panoorin nila yun together na magbabarkada.
J: kasama mo ba si Allyson pare?
Hindi niya nagustuhan ang tanong ni Jayvee sa kanya. Why is he asking in the first place?
N: Bakit? gusto mo bumuntot sa amin?
J: Ang labo mo lang kausap.
N: ewan ko sa iyo.

There was tension since jayvee brought up Allyson. Nagpasama si Arnold sa kanya na bumili ng energy drinks. He knows it was a way para lumaki pa ang gulo. Pagbalik nila from the other store nagpaalam siya sa mga ito, hahanap nalang siya ng bus or fx para mas mabilis siya makauwi. Mainit lang kase talaga ang ulo niya. He has np time to actually digest pero mas gusto niya umuwi na take a shower so he can call Ally. Sa mall nalang sila maglulunch and maybe see a movie bago sila magpunta sa party ni Caress.
A: ingat na lang tol.
kay Arnold nalang din siya nagpaalam. He ended up biking back home nakasalubong siya ng nagtataho and decided to buy 30 pesos worth. He knows whom to share it with.

Ginising si Ally ng katulong. Nasa labas daw si Nate hindi daw nito pinapasok. Ang hirap talaga pag matandang dalaga ang katulong cynical masyado, she looked at the time. 8:45 its either sira ang relo niya o may milagro. Ang aga naman dumatinh ni Nate!

A: papasukin mo na ate, hilamos lang ako and bihis. Grabe naman ang aga naman niya?
Tinatamad pa siyang tumayo, she started And finished the book she was reading-kaya puyat siya.
Nada dining table na si Nate, may dalang taho.

A: Ang aga mo naman andito akala ko ba 3PM pa tayo magkikita?
N: nagbiking ako, puyat ka yata?
A: hindi. nag reincarnate lang si Snow white sakin.

Tinignan siya ni Nate nakangiti pa ito. may iniisip siguro itong hindi maganda.

N: Hindi nga? ayos ka rin eh, wala pa man akong ginagawa sayo nagising ka ka na?
A: Sira ulo ka lang eh no.

Sinabunutan niya si Nate. Tumawa lang ito ng malakas.
A: Oh eh ano nga?
Kumuha siya ng cup para makakuha din ng taho.
N: Alis tayo ng lunch time ha, kain tayo thai food saka tayo nood ng Kung-Fu panda.
A: La kong pera. Bakasyon ngayon walang allowance.

She was telling the truth. Pag nagpaalam siyang lumalabas lang siya binibigyan ng pera. Ayaw naman din niyang galawin savings niya.
N: Ako nagyaya ako manlilibre.
A:Ayoko lagi na lang ikaw nanlilibre.
Nakakahiya na kaya kay Nate.
N: Tumigil ka nga, wag ka na ma-pride diyan hindi ako papagalitan ni mommy if she finds out na ikaw naman nililibre ko wag ka na maarte. ligo lang ako tapos babalikan na kita okay.
A: naglalaba pa si ate jack eh.
J: bunso tapos na ako. Magpapaluto ka pa ba ng lunch o dinner? para bago ako maglinis.

Para naman scripted kung makapasok ang katulong nila.
A: ah hinde na ate may savior ako dito na manlilibre saka may party mamaya.
N: Ayos, o uwi na ko sunduin kita before lunch ha, para abutan natin ang movie.

Umalis na siya sa bahay nina Ally para makaligo. He was so happy na pumayag si Ally. Nabobore kase siya sa bahay, he should have enrolled in some class or something, pero hanging out with Ally was surprisingly fun. Mabilis siyang naligo saka naman siya natagalan sa pagpili ng damit. He wasnt picky, lalo kung malling lang. If ge was going clubbing maybe he could have bought a new shirt pero ngayon hirap na hirap siya mamili ng isusuot. He ended up choosing his dark blue RL polo shirt. regalo sa kanya ni Tita Sandra yun, one of his mom's officemates for christmas, every year may theme kung mag regalo si Tita Sandra kung polo short polo shirt lahat, his mom got a red polo shirt from RL too. he also wore his blue vans. Paalis nalang siya ng bahay when Yenn called.
Y: hi sweetie.
N: whats up? boracay ka pa rin ba?
Y: yeah, uwi ako tomorrow, and then flyinh to davao the day after.
N: oh talaga, so whats up?
Y: wala lang I miss you,
N: I miss you too, so paano baba na natin to, may inuutos si mommy. ingat ka nalang.
Y: oh okay. i'll call you when i get back okay.
N: Sige hintayin ko tawag mo, di nalang din ako aalis para naman magkita naman tayo.
Well unconsciously if he wanted to makr his relationship with Adrienne work, kailangan niya rin siguro mag-effort.
Y: Yey thats great. I love you babe.
n: Sige you too.
Hindi niya talaga kaya mag- I Love YOu.

Nasa garden na si Ally pagdating niya. naglock na daw kase ito ng bahay. Nagkatinginan sila dahil suot din ni Ally ang RL polo shirt nito na baby pink ang kulay, naka khaki shorts ito at pink crocs.
A: oh my seriously? pinagusapan ba natin na isuot ang universal gift ni Tita S?
natawa siya.
N: halika na male-late tayo sa showing, lets go na. huwag ka na magpapalit.
Hinila na niya si Ally saka inakbayan.
A: alisin mo nga yang braso mo ang bigat na ang init init pa.
N: ang sungit mo naman peaches ko.
Tumigil sa paglalakad si Ally.
N: okay fine--halika na kase, nagpapapilit ka pa eh.
A: Ang kulit mo naman kase eh
N: Shutting up.
Hindi na siya nagsalita habang naglalakad. Nagtaxi na sila papunta ng trinoma. Hindi niya kinausap
si Ally.
A: hoy hindi mo ba ako kakausapin???
Tinignan lang niya si Ally.
A: Ano to? bakit hindi ka nagsasalita.
Hinampas na naman siya nito. Lagi talagang nanankit itong si Allyson.
N: tignan mo to sabi mo kanina tumigil ako, tumigil naman ako ngayon ah.
A: Hay nako ang sira mo lang eh. labo mo kausap eh.
N: gutom lang yan, ako pa pala ang malabong kausap ngayon ah.
A: ewan ko sa yo.
hindi na rin siya kinausap ni Ally hanggang sa makarating sila sa mall. He held her hand. She just looked at him. Hinila na niya si Ally papunta sa resto.
N: order ka na.
He said. Ang hirap intindihin minsan nitong si Allyson. dahil na rin siguro mas bata sa kanya si Ally.
A: i'll just get chicken satay, and thaiiced tea.
Tumango siya saka nagorder na din.
A: Kumusta na kayo ni Yenn?
Now that was a question he didnt expect from her, hindi niya bakit ang weird na maramdaman na nagtatanong si Ally about kay Yenn.
N: okay lang--so ikaw hindi ka ba mag-bo-boyfriend?
A: Ha? ano naman yun, bakit naman ganyan ang tanong mo?
N: pinapayagan ka ba ni tita Annie na magboyfriend?
A: Well wala naman kase nangliligaw so wala naman siya sinasabi.
Tumango tango siya.
N: eh kung ligawan ka ni jayvee?
A: yun? no thanks.
N: huy kaibigan ko yun ah, ayaw mo kay kay jayvee?
A: not naman like that, I mean okay namansi Jayvee, pero I dont think we will get along.
tumango-tango na lang uli siya.

Nakapila sila sa ticket booth nang makitang padating ang mga friends niya.
Ar: Wow akala ko may lakad ma Nate? kasama pala si Ally sa lakad mo?
N: Akala ko ba sa north edsa kayo manonood?
Ar: Puno yata doon eh, so dito na lang. Hello Ally.
A: Hi guys. manonood din kayo?
J: yeah, so pwede ba kame sumabay manood sa inyo Ally?
Gusto niyang sapakin ang kaibigan niya.
N: Aalis kame agad pare, wag ka na umasa jan. Nagpapalipas lang kame ng oras. Lets go na peaches.
Narinig niya ang sigawan ng "uyyyyyy" nina Arnold and the rest of his kabarkada.
Inalalayan niya si Ally sa loob ngsine dahil busog pa sila hindi na sila nag-popcorn. Pinaupo muna niya si Ally bago siya umupo. They were seated at the most top at puno na halos ang sine like how he wished it to be para hindi makalapit ang mga kaibigan niya. nagtext pa nga si Arnold, bakit hindi man lang daw niya pinagsave ng upuan ang mga kaibigan. Sinabi niya naman ang totoo na wala na talagang available seats.
Tawa sila ng tawa ni Ally throughout the movie nagsisikuhan pa sila. he really ha a good time, after the movie naghanap na sila agad ng gifts. Dahil nalaman ng mommy niya na bibili sila ng gift for Caress binigyan siya nito ng pera para bumili na rin ng gift sa kanila. Specific na sabi ng mommy niya baby alive daw dahil yun daw ang request ni Caress dahil ninang nito ang mommy niya. Nakabili sila ng baby alive at crib and other accessories naman ang binili ni Ally, nagcoordinate nalang sila ng gift. Napakatalino kase na bata ni Caress accelerated na ito at grade 3 na sa pasukan kahit 7 years old palang.
Bumili din sila ng coloring book, and slumbook for caress, lagi kase ito nagpapasagot sa kanila ng slumbook, that gift kahit na si Nate ang nagbigay ay nakalagay na from kuya Nate and ate Ally.

Wala pang gaanong tao nang makarating sila sa Clubhouse kung saan gagawin ang party ni Caress. Ang mommy lang nito at daddy at ilang family members. Nakasuot na ng orange gown ito, yun daw kase ang favorite.
C: wow andito na ang favorite kong ate at kuya.
Binuhat ni Nate si Caress sabay yakap. Kiss naman agad si caress sa cheeks ni nate.
N: ang sweet naman ni baby girl, o inggit si ate mo kiss mo din siya.
Inilapit ni Nate sa kanya. Hinalikan siya nito at inakbayan. kaya para silang one big happy family na tatlo. Nagtataka din siya bakita paang tuwang tuwa naman siya sa naisip.
TM: oh teka picturean ko nga kayo ang cucute niyong 3. okay cheese...o ayan ang ganda naman, o isa pa, Ally and nate kiss niyo si caress nang sabay, ganda naman. o.
ibinaba na ni nate si caress.
C: mommy patingin ako. Wow ang ganda, bakit terno kayong dalawa ate ko and kuya ko? Whoah are you guys wearing a couple shirt?
TM: Caress!!!
Binawalan ni Tita Medy si Caress sa walang prenong tanong nito.
TM: Be nice to your ate and kuya. Ally, Nate pakibantayan muna ang prinsesa ko, titigna ko lang nag chochop ng lechon ang sakit sa ulo eh.
N: Sige tita kame na bahala dito. Hey Caress, may gift kame ni ate Ally sayo, I think you will like it.
C: Talaga kuya, open ko na, kahit yun galing lang sa inyo please.
Niyakap pa ni Caress si Nate.
N: O sige pero isesecret natin sa mommy mo na nag-open ka na ng gift malalagot tayo.
C: Okay lang yun kuya, birthday ko naman, open ko na, ate can you take my picture sa phone mo para naman mapost sa facebook.
Natawa pa siya sa request ni Caress, mas lalo silang natawa ni Nate nang magreact ito sa slumbook talagang binalingan nito ng pansin at binalewala ang coloring book.
C: Hello kitty slumbook super duper like ko thank ko sa inyo, o sulatan niyo na.
N: Wala naman kameng ballpen baby
A: Oh I have!
C: Wow glitter pens, ang kikay mo naman Ate, o sige una ka na ate Ally.
A: Ako talaga una, o sige, pakisabi muna kay kuya Nate tsupi muna kayo.
C: O sige, kuya ko halika tignan mo yung cake ko saka kuha tayo ng ice cream ha.
Pumayag naman si Nate habang sumasagot siya sa slum book!
Favorite sone: Please don’t go, Lazy song
Who is your crush? Piolo Pascual, Mike Posner
Define Love. (Hindi siya makapaniwala na sinasagutan niya talaga ang define love nay un. At nagiisip siya): you just feel it,makes your heart skip a beat (Nilagyan pa niya ng heart sa dulo ang sagot.)
Who is your first love? Haven’t met him yet  hope its Jacob Black and hearts!!!
Natawa pa siya sa sagot niya. Talagang pinapatulan niya ang slumbook ng 7 year old girl. Wala na ba talagang katapusan ang mga bagay bagay na ganun. At natapos din nilapitan niya sina Caress at Nate. Sarap na sarap ang dalawa sa pagkain ng hotdog at marshmallow padating na din ang mga bisita pati na rin ang mommy niya at parents ni Nate. Soon naging abala na ang lahat sa party. Tuwang tuwa siya kay Caress napakatalinong bata. Magkatabi sila ni Nate sa table, he was so attentive of her, at aaminin niyang kinikilig siya. Masaya pala na may nagbibigay ng attention saiyo kahit na alam niyang wala namang meaning.
N: Kuha pa ko drinks you want some more?
Nahila niya bigla ang braso nang hawakan ni Nate ang siko niya, It feels weird.
A: Ahm, yah sure. Thanks Nate.
Nag-smile naman siya ng napaka sincere at sweet na smile. Nate smile back. Kasama na ni Nate na bumalik si Caress na nagchange na sa isang haltered hawaiann dress.
C: Kuya you have to answer my slumbook na okay baka bigla ka nalang mawala, give it to me only okay, I’ll be with m playmates lang.
Pinapanood niya si Nate habang sumasagot sa slumbook.
Favorite Song: How did we, boyfriend
Favorite food: sweet peaches haha!!!
Who is your crush? Peaches 
Who is your first love? I’ll let you know after I tell HER!
Define love: Love is not a necessity, but it is life's greatest gift and luxury. It is to care, to be kind and patient. It is considered as perfect love when a person doesn't expect anything else but love.
Nagtataka siya bakit sa mga personal na sagot na hindi na nito pinapakita sa kanya ang mga sagot.
A: Ang daya bakit mo naman tinakpan.
N: Ikaw ang madaya di mo naman pinapakita ang mga sagot mo.
A: weh eh syempre..eh ikaw ano ba itinatago mo? Wala kaya.
N: wala din ako tinatago saka wala akong sinulat na hindi mo pa alam.
A: fine.
Binigla niya ang paghila sa slumbook na hindi naman nahawakan ni Nate nang mabuti navbasa lang niya ang crush daw nito na si Peaches. Siya ba ang crush ni Nate? OMG, was that true? Kaya ba ganoon nalang kadalas siya puntahan ni Nate sa kanila? Kaya ba lagi siyang nililibre nito? Totoo ba yon o playtime lang. Ibinalik niya kay Nate ang slumbook.
A: Give this to caress na, baka makalimutan natin masira ang araw ng ale.
She tried to smile pero nanginginig siya. Para siyang nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig but her heart is so warm. Maraming lalake na rin ang nagsabi na may crush sa kanya but she never had that kind of reaction. Pagbalik ni Nate she tried to act normal, hindi na siya kumibo sa sasakyan, hanggang sa ihatid sila nito. Tita Beth gave her a big hug and kissed her. Nagpathank you pa ito para sa pagpili niya ng gift. Tinulungan sila ni Nate na mag-open ng lock, nauna na pumasok ang mommy niya.
A: Hey Nate, thanks talaga for everything ha I had fun today.
N: Yeah, no biggie, next time okay. Goodnight.
Nate squeezed her hand bago siya nito pinapasok. Hindi ito sumakay ng van hanngat hindi siya nakakapasok sa maindoor ng bahay nila. She figured its going to be a long night for her. Mahabang pag-ni-nilay ang kailangan niya.

X. THE ONE

Alam ni Nate na nabasa ni Ally ang slumbook. Well atleast aware na si Ally na she is special to him. Wala naman siya balak ligawan si Ally. Oh well strike that, wala PA. Not now na sila pa ni Yenn. Wala pa siyang balak na ipagsabay ang dalawang babae, at never niyang gagawin iyon. Hindi siya womanizer, kahit na akala ng mga tao na ganoon siya dahil papalit-palit siya ng girlfriend. Naisipan niyang itext si Ally, hindi kase siya makatulog. He wanted to know how Ally took whatever she saw sa slumbook. So he decided to text her
“Boo! Still up?”
Nagulat si Ally sa biglang pag-vibrate ng phone niya. Late na, si Patty lang naman ang madalas niyang katext at ang Kuya niya, sigurado siyang at 11 Pm tulog na pareho ang mga ito. Who could be texting her at this time.
1 message received: Nate.
Ano na naman ang kailangan nito. Well she was planning to think. Hard. Dahil hindi naman normal na reaction ang naramdaman niya when she saw what he wrote, kung siya nga si peaches ibig sabihin may gusto si Nate sa kanya?
“Just got out of d shower, y dka pa slip?”
N: la lang jst thnking. So nakita mo ba?
Hindi sigurado si Ally kung dapat ba niyang sabihin ang totoo. Hindi rin siya sigurado kung yun din ang sinasabi ni Nate. Kailan pa siya naging feeler? Makaktulog pa kaya siya sa lagay na ito?
“Nakita ang ano?”
She decided to play “dumb” well, gusto niya makita how will Nate respond to it. At magsasabi ba ng totoo si Nate.
N: La. Nevr mind—so dkpa slip?
“Patulog nako nito. Nyt na ha.”
N: nyt peaches. DVD marathon tau bukas ha?
“k sure. Dala k dvd & chips sweetdrms.”
She has no idea where did that come from and whats it’s impact but she is sure things between her and Kenneth changed today. Saka nalang niya i-po-process lahat. Let this be her summer adventure. Kailangan din niya iconsider na may Yhenn na si Nate. If she is peaches, then ano si Yhenn kay Nate. Nakatulog na siya sa pag-iisip.
As Ally sleeps so well mailap naman ang antok kay Nate. Did he just acknowledge his growing feelings for Ally? If so how will things change between the 2 of them. Sinasabi na nga ba niya dapat talaga nakipagbreak na siya kay Yhenn, but if he did that may tendency din na pagsawaan niya si Ally? Baka ipatadtad siya ng pinong-pino ni Tita Annie. Hindi naman kase niya maintindihan ano ang problema sa kanya. Pag hindi pa niya girlfriend lagi niyang iniisip, gusto niya lagi kasama, kausap, he always wanted to please the girl pero pag girlfriend na niya and the girl starts to become so clingy and needy he loses it. He hopes that maybe because they aren’t the girl for him. That once he finds the one, he’ll be the right romeo for the girl. Natatakot nga siya na ma-karma siya na baka mangyari sa kanya ang ginagawa nya sa mga past relationships niya. Speaking of relationship nagtext si Adrienne. Hindi na raw ito uuwi ng metro manila from Boracay didretso na ito sa Davao, andun din daw kase ang daddy ni Yhenn. Well he almost forgot na magkikita pala sila ni Yhenn bukas, nakapangako na siya na makikipagkita siya dito. He wondered what went wrong for his feelings for Yhenn. He used to always peek through their living room window and his bedroom window sa mga oras na alam niyang uuwi si Yenn from school and her gig. Then things became different last year summer vacation when he watched her gig, classmate niya sa San Beda ang isa sa mga kabanda ni Yenn, and then they just clicked. Since sa CEU nag-aaral si Yenn madalas na rin sila nagkikita and then one day after nila nanood ng sine tinanong niya si Yenn kung gusto nitong maging sila. And it happened. Tama nga siguro yung kasabihan na hindi dapat gumagawa ng decision ang mga taong Masaya at galit- you tend to regret it in the end. Kaya ngayon dahil Masaya siya everytime kasama niya si Ally, hindi siya gagawa ng decision, huwag muna ngayon.
Hindi na niya alam paano siya nakatulog, nagising nalang siya na 12 noon na. Inis na inis na siya sa sarili. Sayang hindi siya makakapunta ng mas maaga kina Ally, sayang ang 1-2 hours he could’ve spent with him. Nagtext siya agad kay Ally “sori I jst woke, will be there in a jiffy.”
1 Message received: Nate
Nagreply naman agad si Allyy kay Nate.
A: batugs as usual, syang **** ngpaluto ako ng Mongolian bbq k ate jack fave mo db?
Kinulit pa niya ang katulong nila na magluto non, kase alam niya yun ang paborito ni Nate.
“Wow, eat ako wen I get there ha, ** mko, miss na kita peaches”
Now that was one text that rocked her nerves. Ano ba naman kase si Nate. Pa-fall? Anong anangyari sa kanya. Sa Spell FOREVER na hindi niya magugustuhan ang sira ulong si Kenneth? Ayan na naman yun feeling na parang hinahalukay yun sikmura niya, na parang may humahagod sa spine niya? Na may kuryenteng dumadaloy sa mga extremities niya. What is that? Ganoon kaya ang feeling ng may drug overdose? She didn’t want to dwell on the idea of falling. Malabo ata mangyari yun. Hindi muna. Huwag.
Nanood siya ng TV nang biglang may magdorr bell. Napatalon pa siya sa kinauupuan, why si she all of a sudden jittery too? Alam naman niyang si Nate yun, humarap muna siya sa salamin bago siya mabilis na lumabas sa gate, only to be disappointed na postman pala. Para siyang icecream na natunaw sa disappointment. Hindi man niya napansin na nakasimangot nap ala siya. Hindi pa siya nakakalayo nang may nag-doorbell na naman, lakas nang makaasar ng postman.
N: hey why the long face?
A: Nate!
Nakita niya ang gulat sa mukha ni Nate nang Masaya at excited niya itong binate.
N: wow excited ka peaches? Hahaha. Iam starved.
A: haha, halika kain ka na? Ang dame naman ng chips na niyan?
N: oh hanggang gabi ako dito, eh kase mag-bo-bowling daw sina mommy so samahan daw kita.
Kinikilig ba siya sa mga ngiti ni Nate? Magpatawas kaya siya? Baka naman pinapakulam lang siya ni Nate kaya ganoon ang effect nito sa kanya? She has a werid imagination.
A: Oh ngayon pala yun, anyways thanks, naghain na is ate Jack, kain ka na.
Nauna na si Nate papunta sa kusina sumunod nalang siya.
A: whoa hang dami mong dalang movies. I love it. Asan ang chips?
N: err wala, padeliver nalang tayo ng KFC or pizza which ever you like.
A: Iam sure binigyan ka na naman ni Tita Beth ng pera kaya siguro lagi ka andito kase alam mo na pag sinabi mo na dito ka pupunta bibigyan ka ng pera ni Tita,
N: (Tumawa ng malakas) haha kilala mo talaga si mommy ha. Alam mo naman yun siya ang number 1 fan mo. Wow ang sarap ng food, thanks peaches.
Pinanood lang niya habang kumakain si Nate, nagtatalo din sila kung ano sa mga dvd ang una nilang papanoorin, love and the other drugs, source code, no strings attached, black swan, Rio, the Prom. Matatapos kaya nila yun? May balak yata mag over night si Nate sa kanila.
They were watching Rio, she was seated at the couch while nate sat on the floor, nakasandal ito sa legs niya, his head resting on her knees. She popped microwavable popcorn and ate Jack cooked some French fries bago ito umalis. Uneventful naman na pag-alis ni ate Jack bumuhos ang malakas na malakas na ulan, hindi na sila makakapag deliver ng food dahil mukha namang hindi makakarating ang order nila kung walang submarine. And yes she is scared of lightning and thunder kaya napapasigaw siya. This time Nate transferred beside her, ang wrapped his arms around hear and she curled like a baby while lightning and thunder seem to be unstoppeable and she started to cry. Walang tigil sa pag sabi ng “hush” si Nate at “It’s going to be okay, Iam here”. She started to somehow relax, nawalan na rin ng kuryente after one hour of crazy wind, rain thunder and lightning.
N: Kukuha mun ako ng flashlight or candle.
Paalis na sin ate nang hilahin niya ito. Yumakap siya sa braso ni Nate.
A: Don’t leave me please. Sasama ako.
It makes sense too, how could Nate possibly know kung asaan lahat ng supplies sa bahay nila. Naglalakad sila na tanging ang emergency light lang sa path from living room to the dining ang ilaw nila. Nate was using the light from his phone too. Nakarating sila sa cupboard , ayaw parin niya bumitaw kay Nate kaya kandahirap ito sa pag abot ng mga emergency candles nila. She saw him smile. Walang hiya talaga naiihi na siya sa takot nakukuha pang ngumiti ni Kenneth?
N: Okay pwede ka na bumitaw, sisindihan ko lang itong mga kandila.
Once the candles were lit, sa dining area na sila nag-stay they decided to cook instant noodles and boiled eggs and opened a can of corned beef.
N: Para naman tayong nag-babahay-bahayan nito.
A: (laughing) yeah, and were so lousy at kitchen stuffs.
She enjoyed cooking with Nate, and eating it by candle light was also romantic. Nagtitinginan sila habang kumakain ng nakakamay lang. She will look away whenever Nate looks at her. Alam niyang napapansin din ni Nate na panakaw siyang tumitingin dito, and she feels like blushing everytime na nahuhuli siya ni Nate na nakatingin. Worst is she isn’t sure kung sino ba talaga ang unang tumitingin kanino.
A: I am si thankful you are here with me, kung ako lang magisa I wouldn’t know what to do.
N: ssssh, its okay, I wont leave you.
Nate grasped her hand and there is a message in that touch, something unspoken but well felt. Heartwarming indeed. She smiled at Nate. Kahit na iisang emergency light lang ang meron sila at isang candle in between them she felt him smiling as she smiled at him.It was like a romantic candle light dinner. Napatigil siya sa naiisip niya. What was that about?
Sabay sila nagligpit ng kinainan at sabay sila naghugas ng plato after that bumalik sila sa living room. They were quiet for a while. As they settle on the couch it started to rain harder and thunder and lightning went crazier. Sigurado silang bahang baha na sa labas and it will be almost impossible for their parents to be home. She broke down. Nate hugged her and kept caressing her back and arm. Hanggang sa makatulog n asiya, on Nate’s lap. Nate was stroking her hair hanggang sa makatulog na din ito. Hindi na nila namalayan ang oras at nagising nalang sila when their parents came. Hindi man lang nila namalayan na naibalik na ang kuryente at nawala ang ulan na parang walang nangyari at all. Both of them were so tired, na nakatulog na sila nang mahimbing, no time for thinking and digesting what happened.

XI. PULLING AWAY. DRAWING NEAR

TA: Buti nalang sinamahan ka ni Kenneth kagabi. Alalang alala ako sa iyo anak.
Nasa grocery sila ng mommy niya it was one of their bonding time, they go to church then grocery shopping and eat out.
A: nakakahiya ma para akong kitten na umiiyak kagabi. But yeah I am thankful na andoon siya.
Her mom looked at her na para bang kakaiba siyang nilalang sa mundo.
TA: Well we promised we will be honest dib a Allyson? So will you tell mommy if you actually like Kenneth?
She froze. May napapansin na bang kakaiba ang mommy niya sa kanya? Why is she asking? Anong sasabihin niya?
TA: Hindi naman ako magagalit whatever It is, basta alalahanin mo lang na bata ka pa and thank things easy.
A: ano ba naman yan ma, hindi naman ako mag-a-asawa eh. He is not even courting me.
Natawa pa ang mommy niya sa sinabi niya.
TA: I like Kenneth but I think you are still young.
A: easy mom nothing is going on.
TA: I think he likes you.
A: No mom, wala lang siya magawa sa buhay.
Her mom laughed once more.
TA: Bata ka pa talaga anak, hindi mo alam ano nangyayari, he likes you I feel it. I will never be wrong.
Inakbayan siya ng mommy niya and kissed her sa cheeks at sa side ng ulo niya. How she missed bonding with her mom too. Kumain sila sa Kenny Rogers and then pauwi na sana nang makita ang buong family ni Nate na papasok ng mall.
TB: Pauwi naba kayo Annie?
TA; Oo, maaga kame nagsimba dahil tatawag si Alex ngayon, una na kame ha?
Humalik siya sa daddy at mommy ni Nate nagtinginan lang sila and then smiled at one another. Before ganoon lang sila magbatian, okay nay un tanguan lang. Pero ngayon nakukulangan siya sa ngitian lang. There was some kind of a thirst for his attention.
TB: oo sige, Kenneth samahan mo magload ng gamet sa taxi sina Tita mo, i-o-order nalang kita ha.
Tumango si Kenneth saka walang kibong tinabihan siya sa pagtulak ng cart. Hindi nia maiexplain ano talaga ang dapat maramdaman when their elbows bumped into each other, and . She looked at him, saka naman ito ngumiti.
N: Don’t look at me like that.
Parang in-asthma naman kung magsalita si Nate.
A: like what?
Confused naman niyang tanong.
N: As if you missed me, and you want to kiss me or hug or be with me, you know what I mean, cause if you mean it hindi ako babalik sa mommy at daddy ko saka sa inyo sasama.
Hindi niya alam kung nagpapatawa pa si Nate sa sinabi nito. She just stared at him.
N: hindi ako nagbibiro. (nate was whispering) alam ko namimiss mo ko, just like how I miss you, and that what happened last night…
Hindi na natuloy ni Nate ang dapat nitong sabihin dahil sa taxi na tumigil sa harap nila. Umiwas na siya dito. Hindi na siya tumingin. Nate was trying to conquer some dangerous grounds! She tried to move away from him everytime na lumalapit sa kanya si Nate, hanggang sa aalis na ang taxi nila. She saw how frustrated nate was, hindi naman nia maintindihan bakit hindi rin siya mapakali.
M: Do you need to go to the bathroom Allyson?
Nagulat siya sa tanong ng mommy niya. Ganoon ba ka-obvious ang pagiging jittery niya? In the first place why will be she jittery? Affected ba siya sa sinabi ni Nate? And what was his point anyways? At the though her phone beeped and it was Nate.
“unfair. So gnon nlng wlang pnsinan?”
Hindi niya alam ano ang isasagot ka Nate but she was affected. Totoo naman na hinid niya pinapansin sin ate, pero ano naman kase ang sasabihin niya dito in the first place. She chose not to reply. Lalo lang lalaki ang gulo. She need someone to take to that she can be honest with. Nakiusap sia sa mommy niya kung puwedeng mag-sleep over si patty sa kanila. Pumayag naman ang mommy niya.
Before dinner nakarating na si patty sa kanila. She was so excited to have her bestfriend around. May dali itong pizza.
P: Bru I missed you, we don’t text anymore.
A: yeah I know I am sorry.
P: But I am cool, guess what, I have a boyfriend.
Her jaws dropped sa balita ni Patty sa kanya. How could she have a boyfriend? Paano nangyari lahat ng iyon.
P: I know right! Well, hindi pa naman talaga kame, and you know, I met through text and all that, so ayun.
Gusto niyang tumawa ng malakas sa sinabi ni Patty, but then pinigilan niya ang sarili, she didn’t want to offend her bestfriend.
P: So ano ngingiti ka lang diyan? Whats up with you and that sheepish smile?
A: I do not have a sheepish smile, I just missed you Patty.
P: Charotera ka rin eh no. So is it Nate?
A: HUH? Anong Nate? I don’t know what you’re talking about?
P: Iwanan kaya kita? Hoy Allyson I’ve been honest with you and I told you that I have an almost boyfriend and now ikaw denial queen ka ever? Not fair.
Sasagot n asana siya when her phone rang, before she was able to see who it was Patty grabbed her phone and answered. She had the idea who it was, wala naman ibang tumatawag sa kanya her mom, her kuya whom she really missed, her dad, patty and yeah Nate. With that kind of grin Patty has parang kilala na niya kung sino ang kausap ni Patty. Nasigurado na niya si Nate ang tumawag nang nagtitili sabay talon sa kama niya si Patty.
P: He is coming here!!!
Paulit ulit ang pagsabi nito non.
A: What did you just do Patrice?
P: I just made you happy, Nate is coming here, bringing us chef Tony popcorn.
Nanunukso pa ang ngiti ni Patty.
A: I cant believe you just asked Nate to come here.
P: let me gues, iniiwasan mo si Nate, kase may nafe-feel ka para sa kanya, and you think you can suppress that feeling pag hindi mo makikita yung tao. Seriously do you think it will work.
A: wow, chill, whats with that assuming thoughts missy?
P: well sige deny all you can, I bet hindi ka na makatulog sa kakaisip what you feel for him.
She ignored what Patty said and pretended na naglalabas siya ng blanket at extra pillows from her walk in closet. And then the doorbell buzzed. She started to be nervous. Nagmamadaling bumaba si Patty saka niya ito hinabol.
Si Patty ang nagbukas ng pinto.
N: hi patty.
P: Hi, Ally your bisita is here.
A: psssh, hindi yan bisita.
She was feeling all weird, her heart wouldnt stop beating erratically while trying to avoid Nate's gaze.
N: Buti pa si patty happy to see me. i wonder bakiy di naman natuwa yun kaibigan mo.
P: mapagpanggap kaya yan, iam sure masaya siya na nakita ka. Come lets watch ma this dvd.
Hinilia ni Patty si Nate saka ito itinulak sa tabi niya. Dumiretso si Patty sa kitchen para mailabas ng juice and the pizza she brought. Sa TV siya nakatingin and she feels Nate's looking at her. Wala pa man she is already blushing. Nararamdaman din niya ang unti unting pag-usog palapit ni Nate sa kanya. Kanina kase dalawang tao pa ang pwede umupo sa pagitan nila ngayon isa na lang at paliit pa ng paliit ang space na iyon. Nakatingin naman siya kay Patrice, busy naman ito sa pagkalikot sa laptop niya. Naiinitan siya for some reason kahit ang lakas lakas naman ng aircon. She decided to get some ice para sa juice. Pagtayo niya, Nate immediately grabbed her hand. Tumingin naman siya dito, and Nate was smiling.
A: ano iyon? Whats wrong with you.
Hindi naman niya napigilan ang maging masungit kay Nate. It was a defense mechanism after all.
N: bakit ka aalis?
A: kukuha lang ako ng ice, bakit ba?
N: oh, okay akala ko kase walk out ka .
A: wag praning Kenneth.
Nate suppressed his laugh. She still feels her cheeks burning hot dahil sa ginawa ni Nate na paghawak sa kamay niya. After what happened the other night sa couch na iyon, parang hindi na yata mapipigilan ang pag-bu-blush niya. Nate was the perfect gentleman, knight in shining armour last night. Ano ba ang nangyayari sa kanya. Nagulat siya nang bigla siyang sundutin sa tagiliran ni patty sabay sabe ng “Huy” hindi naman malakas ang pagkasabi nito but it was enough to startle her at matapon ang ice bucket.
A: tignan mo iyang ginawa mo, natapon tuloy ang ice.
P: bakit kase ang tagal mo kaya diyan. Friend alam mo ba gumawa kayo ng Kodak moment ni Nate kanina.
A: Anong Kodak moment sinasabi mo diyan?
She seriously has no idea what was she referring to.
N: girls, hindi pa ba natunaw ang yelo?
Bigla naman din ang sulpot ni Nate na ikinagulat na naman niya. Why is she jittery all of a sudden. Is that how Nate affected her.
A: ewan ko ba kay Patty sumunod pa dito. Eto na kaya pabalik na ko doon.
Kinuha ni Nate sa kanya ang yelo, umupo uli ito sa harapan niya and rested his back on her legs and his head on her knees. That caused her distraction the whole movie. Panay pa ang abot ng chips at pizza ni Nate sa kanya. Just when she was trying to pull away from him ito naman ang lapit ng lapit sa kanya, yung nakakatulirong paglapit pa. Why cant things be as easy as before. She has no idea what the movie was about aside from Anne Hathaway’s breast and Jake’s Butt, how she was feeling shortness of breath everytime she was with Nate and they were that close. Whats that about. Buti nalang nagpaalam na si Nate na umuwi right after the movie.

XII. HIS & HER THOUGHTS

Nakahiga na sila ni Patty sa kama and the light were out, ang tanging ilaw na lang nila ay ang non-stop na pag-ilaw ng cellphone ni patty. She was somehow thankful na busy ito sa kung sino man ang katext nito at ka-chat sa facebook. Everytime naman na pumipikit siya, si Nate naman at ang nakangiti nitong mukha ang naalala niya. She was fighting her visions of him. Kung kalian inaantok na siya saka naman nag-vibrate ang phone niya.
“Gudnyt my peaches, kahit masungit ka sakin ok lang. im happy na today”
Ano raw ang sabi nito sa text? Was he talking in riddles? Bakit hindi naman siya makarelate? She was about to read his text again when Patty grabbed her cellphone.
P: So peaches pala ang pet name ni Nate say o? so nothings goinggggg onnnnn?
A: (Umiiling) wala wag ka ngang assuming. Nang-aasar lang kase yang si Kenneth.
P: Kenneth na ngayon? Hindi na Nate? Hindi ba last ka nagtawag ng gu with his full name is when you had this huge crush on Edward Lopez. Diba everybody calls him eddie pero ikaw Edward ang tawag mo?
A: wow, your imagination is way beyond wild. Stop analyzing all my actions okay. Its nothing.
P: Don’t lie to me, you can lie to yourself pero hindi sa akin.
A: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Ally tried to pout. Hindi na rin siya interesado na mabasa pa ang text ni Nate, ulit. Well she always reads Nate’s texts twice. Lately ganoon nga ang habit niya. She is not a text person, kaya halos 4 na tao lang laman ng inbox niya her kuya, her ever beloved mother ang mommy niya and Patty and ofcourse si Nate ang pang 4.
Hindi na rin nagsalita si Patty, tinalikuran na niya ito. Naririnig niya ang pigil na pagtili nito. Alam na niya na binabasa ni patty ang mga exchange nila ng texts ni Nate. Kinakabahan siya na baka ano na naman ang isipin nito. Dumating sa point na kinurot na siya ni Patty. Napasigaw na siya.
A: Aww whats wrong with you?
P: Nakakilig naman kaya yun text ni Nate say o.
A: Tumigil ka, don’t feed thoughts into my mind.
P: ewan ko nalang kung hindi ka nalang talaga tinatablan ha, ano kaya ito. Morning peaches ko, I hope okay kna and naka recover from last night. Ano ito? Ano ang meron last night?
A: Wala umulan lang ng malakas alam mo naman na takot sa thunder and lightning, puwede na tayo matulog?
P: Sige matulog ka na, may katext pa ako. Wagas ang pagiging charotera mo. May feelings ka para kay Nate don’t hide it.
That was the last thought she had before she went to sleep. Iniisip niya na ang sinabi ni Patty versus how she feel right from what she felt before towards Nate. Ito pala yung sinasabi nilang it’s complicated. Kung kalian pa nagiging comfortable na siya sa new found friendship nila ni Nate. Yung hindi na siya inaasar nito , na she is seeing him as someone to be there for her, ganoon naman ang tinatakbo ng isip niya.
As Ally lays wide awake, Nate is playing with his skateboard in his room. Hindi rin siya makatulog. He has been thinking a lot, mas kinabahan siya sa tila pag-iwas ni Ally. Ayaw ba ni Ally na maging super close sila? May ginawa ba siyang hindi maganda dito para maging ganoon ka-cold si Ally? Now he is scared to do what he was planning last night. He was supposed to break up with her, he has no idea, when, and how. He was hoping before noong maging sila ni Yenn n asana its for keeps, but he isn’t happy, and he didn’t want to make Yenn think na Masaya pa siya. Now he has doubts, what if he breaks up with Yenn tapos tuluyan naman lalayo si Ally, is it worth it? He didn’t want to risk his friendship with Ally at all. Pwede namang ganito friends, hindi naman siya nagmamadali. Speaking of Yenn, tumatawag na naman ito. Why is she calling at midnight? Hindi niya sinagot ang tawag and turn his phone in a silent mode. Hindi lang niya na silent agad cause he was hoping that Ally will reply to his text. For now nag-iisip siya ng dahilan para mapuntahan bukas si Ally, hang out with her. He needs a reason cause if he doesn’t have one, hindi siya haharapin ni Ally. Iniwasan na nga siya maghapon eh. Why are girls being complicated anyways? Hindi na irn niya kase mapigilan ang sarili kanina sa grocery, kung anu-ano ang sinasabi niya, natakot na yata si Allyson sa kanya. Sunod-sunod naman ang text ni Yenn sa kanya. Nakabalik na raw ito ng Manila, kung pwede daw sila magkita tomorrow dahil may gig daw ito sa Singapore. More and more now he realized how drawn apart they are, na hindi na siya Masaya sa relationship at hindi rin siya proud para sa mga achievements ni Yenn. He used to be happy for him, pero ngayon flat na flat ang pakiramdam niya. So now, nasira naman ang plano niya na puntahan si Ally. He figured mas mabuti na siguro na hindi sila magkita ni Ally, mag-pa-pa-miss muna siya. Ayaw din naman niya makasama si yen, dahil ayaw niyang mabigyan pa ito ng reason to hold on to him. Bahala na si batman, itutulog nalang niya ang dilemma niya.
He woke up to the sweetest text he received ever.
“Gumornin my dear, I dreamed of you last night ”
Hindi alam ni Nate baket siya pinadalhan ng ganoon text ni Ally pero natutuwa siya. Ano siya sira para i-deny na matagal na siyang naghihintay na magpakita ng clue si Ally na kahit papaano naman she feels something special for him, kahit hindi na nito tapatan how special she is to him okay na. Just a glimpse of chance he is okay with it,
“Wow for real? Good morning din my peaches”
He decided to find an alibi to ditch being with Yenn, maglilinis na lang siya ng kwarto. Dahil practically kina Ally na siya everyday, hindi na niya naliligpit ang mga kalat niya, as a guy he was pretty vain. He likes his things organized and clean and fragrant, well masculine fragrant atleast. Kahit may maid sila, he has always been responsible for his own room and the office, since summer vacation hindi naman siya nagrereview at nagtatambay doon kuwarto naman niya muna ang inasikaso niya.
A: PAttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!
Nag-echo ang boses ni Ally sa buong bahay nila umagang-umaga. Pati si Ate Jack na nagluluto ng sinigang, napatalon sa pagkagulat.
Parang wala naman nangyari sa reaction ni Patty. Tuwang-tuwa ito sa harap ng TV nila kaka-dance revo.
A: What did you do bakit mo tinext si Kenneth—err Nate ng ganito. Baka anon a isipin noon, my God naman,
P: okay lang iyan, kung maka-react ka naman.
Hindi man lang nag-abala si Patty na tumingin sa kanya, busy ito sa dance revo at mukhang ginawa ngang aerobics ng tabilbil niyang kaibigan. Naalala niya na ayaw na ayaw ni Patty tinatawag na tabilbil, dahil yun ang bansag sa kanya ng major uber duper mega crush nito from school, 1st year highschool sila noon, 4th year naman ang lalake, hindi raw ito mag-ccrush kay Patty dahil sa tabilbil nito. She felt bad for her friend, kaya din siguro naging aloof siya sa mga lalake. Kahit wala naman ginagawa sa kanya ang mga male classmates nila. Wala na siyang tiwala sa mga ito.
A: oh-emmm, ibig mo sabihin ma tinext ka nga kay Nate, bawiin mo iyon and tell him that its you who texted at hindi ko.
P: Killjoy, kalian ka pa naging jaded? (sabay kuha ng cellphone nia, dialing and then looked at her once more) ow, oo nga matagal ka na palang jaded, manang!!!
She rolled her eyes with what patty just called her. Maybe she is jaded, cynical, but who cares, her friendship with Nate is much more important, than ruining it by just thinking that she has a crush or feelings for Nate.
P: Hi nate, yeah its me, Patty. So yeah Ally wants to go watch a movie, yeah, that’s right, she wanted to see super 8. Really pwede ka? Hindi ko kase masasamahan I have a date today, really? That is soooo nice of you, thanks much, yeah, 3 PM is fine. Really? You’re the best. I love you for that, well you know what I mean. Really. Haha. Sige. Thanks Nate.
Napaupo siya sa narinig. So Patty just asked Nate na sa isip na ni Nate ngayon siya ang nag-iinvite all along. What the?
P: Tatawagan daw ni Nate si Tita Annie to make paalam for you. Sunduin ka daw niya ng 3 PM, para daw susunduin nalang kayo sa mall ng mga parents, looks like I hooked you up in a date today my best.
A: You are frustrating Patrice. To the highest level.
Helpless ang pag-upo niya sa couch. Like a withering candle, napahiga siya. Nakakahiya ang ginawa ni Patty.
P: friend, you deserve to be happy, and I’ve never seen you glowing like this.
A: enough please Patty, don’t mess with my head,
Tumawa nalang si Patty habang nag-mumuni na siya. She didn’t sleep well and didn’t realize na nakatulog na pala siya, ginising nalang siya ni Patty, paalis na ito, nakaligo na rin. She felt sad when Patty left, nahihiya rin siya she invited Patty over para makapag-bonding, but she was a disaster all along. She wanted to vent to Patty she ended up suppressing what she found out. Parang sumasakit ang ulo niya. Lunch time nang tumawag ang mommy niya. Wala naman tigil ang bilin nito na tapusin daw muna ang housework bago sila lumabas ni Nate. Nagawa nga ni Nate na ipag-paalam siya sa mommy niya. She was tempted to text Nate at sabihin dito na hindi naman niya talaga gusto na manood ng sine na playtime lang ni patty ang lahat. She realized it would just lead to more questions from Nate. She stood up and take a shower. Its going to be a long afternoon with him, and honestly, she is excited!

XIII. LOVELY DAY

Minamadali ni Nate ang paglinis ng room niya, well he is excited, he didn’t want to be late too. He ditched most of Yenn’s messages for the day. He didn’t want to face him until he was ready to cut the ties off with her. He replied and said he has something important to do. Yenn actually replied saying ano naman daw yung mas importante pa kesa sa girlfriend niya. He just apologized for it and he never heard from Yenn after. For how long will Yenn be mum hindi siya sigurado. Hindi na niya inisip si Yenn, he knows how mean he is right now pero hindi na siya Masaya, para nalang siyang sirang plaka na paulit-ulit sa pagsabi na hindi na siya Masaya kay Yenn. Alam niyang pinipilit nalang din ni Yenn na maging Masaya with him.
Hindi alam ni Nate bakit kanina excited na excited siya na makita si Ally sia namang kaba niya ngayon. He never felt that way before. Never naman siya na-torpe nang ganito ever, well once mabe noong crush niya ang grade 3 teacher niya. 3 round ng inhale-exhale ang ginawa niya bago siiya naglakas loob na mag-doorbell.
A: Ang…uhm…aalis na tayo?
Was he right? Is Ally stuttering. Tumango na lang siya. He will be tongue tied. Ano bang nangyayari sa kanya?
A: Lock ko lang bahay sandali.
Tumango nalang siya ulit saka pinanood si Ally habang nagsasara ng bintana. Nakalabas na rin ito ng main door, while he was watching her dreamily. After a while parang may sumapok sa kanya at nagsabing, gentleman ka dib a? Doon lang siya parang nahimasmasan. Nilapitan niya si Ally saka kinuha ang hawak nitong padlock. He instantly held Ally’s hand, well hindi niya sinasadya but it works for him. Nagtinginan sila ni Ally habang magkahawak sila ng kamay at ang istorbong padlock.
A: Ah, tutulungan mo ba ako, o magtitinginan nalang tayo dito? Baka mabulag ka.
Napahiya siya sa sinabi ni Ally. Hanep din makabasag ng trip ang babaeng to, kung di lang special sa kanya naku binara na sana niya.
N: Ako na peaches, leave it to me.
Nakita niya ang pag-roll ng eyeballs ni Ally, he smiled. Gustong-gusto niya talaga nakikita na naasar si Ally, ang cute kase nito everytime she squint her eyes and pout her lips, wrinkle her nose at lalo kapag nag-b-blush sa inis. In no time natapos na rin ang paglock sa front door nila Ally at nasa lock na siya ng gate.
N: Ewan ko nalang kung may magtatangka pa pumasok sa bahay niyo sa dami ng lock.
Nginitian niya si Ally na nag-b-blush na naman.
A: Alam mo naman kase na 2 lang kame ni mommy.
N: I know and that’s good, atleast I know you’re safe kahit hindi naman tayo magkasama palagi.
He has no idea why he said that and he didn’t dare look at her. Ayaw niyang makita ang reaction ni Allyson ke like or dislike pa yun. Now he can say he is a torpedo.
N: halika na lets go,
Inakbayan niya si Ally habang naglalakad sila. Ally didn’t stir or move away, they were just so stiff at first and the started to relax after a few seconds. Inalalayan niya si Ally sa pagsakay sa taxi. They made it just in time for the movie. All insisted to pay, pag daw hindi niya ito pinagbayad hindi na raw sila aalis na magkasama ever. Syempre natakot naman siya.
Hawak niya ang kamay ni Ally habang naglalakad sila. Siya rin ang may dala ng popcorn at soft drinks. Inalalayan niya muna sa upuan si Ally bago siya umupo. They both enjoyed the movie. Mas nag-e-enjoy siya dahil paminsan minsan nahahawakan pa niya ang kamay ni Ally. Hindi naman iniiwas ni Ally ang kamay. He was telling himself, ito ang date, dito Masaya siya hindi dahil kay yen hindi na siya Masaya. It was a kick in his ego to admit na kinagat niya na maging girlfriend si Yenn for the sake na may masasabing may girlfriend siya, lalo na sikat si Yenn sa circle of friends nila.
A: Are you okay?
Nagulat siya sa pagtawag ni Ally sa kanya.
N: Yeah Iam fine, so what, saan tayo pupunta? Nagtext nab a si Tita Annie sayo?
A: No nga eh, sayo di pa sila nagtext?
N: No din, lets go ice skates muna?
A: Sure, buti nalang pala naka-sneakers and socks ako ngayon.
Nagpunta sila sa ice skating rink. Ilang beses na sila nagkayayaan na mag-ice skating pero hindi lagi natutuloy. Now this is heavens reward for being a good boy? He is taking it back. He is not a good boy at all. He is a mean boyfriend and an opportunistic friend. The heck, andito na ang pagkakataon, sabi nga nila, grab the opportunity!
A: don’t leave me Nate alam mong matagal na kong hindi nag-skate,
Ally was grabbing her hand firmly. Wow his own damsel in distress, he can play the knight in shining armour, plus plus pogi points. He can feel Ally’s hesitation. Pinakapit niya ito sa waist niya, they were just laughing dahil kapag babagsak si Ally babagsak na rin siya.
A: Sorry talaga. I think I suck at this,
N: hey, hey, are you giving up? Don’t you dare give up on me. Practice makes perfect.
Animated pa ang pagsabi niya dito habang nagpapahinga sila sa may rails ng skating rink. Nakita niya ang pag-purple ng labi ni Ally. Obviously giginawin talaga ito, naka-tshirt lang naman si ally na pinatungan ng loose tank top. Nagkakaroon na siya ng sense ng pagiging ungentleman dahil sa nawawala siya sa sarili pag kasama niya si Ally. Inalis niya ang dalang jersey jacket para ibigay kay Ally.
A: huwag na, nakakahiya nasa iyo masyado.
N: Non-sense, kulay talong ka na, kase naman ang nipis ng suot mo.
A: summer pa kase supposed to be, thanks.
Wala na kase nagawa si Ally nang hilahin niya ito para ipasuot ang jacket niya.
N: there you go. Bagay sayo ang jacket ko ah.
A: sa kin nalang?
Ally asked her. Its his favorite jacket. Un kaya ang senior basketball jacket nila and he was the MVP too.
N: Gusto mo ba iyan? Sure. Kaya lang mag-iingat ka you will be target of hate campaigns alam mo naman maraming naghahabol sa akin.
He laughed hard nang makita ang itsura ni Ally.
A: huwag nalang kaya, kapal mo rin kaya.
N: Haha joke lang, sige sayo nay an, souvenir—basta ingatan mo lang importante kaya iyan sa akin.
A; wala pa man nanunumbat ka na nga?
N: hay naku halika na nga, one round and then where off, baka hinahanap na tayo nina mommy.
He took Ally’s hand and they started skating holding hands. Nagulat pa sila nang makita ang mga mommy nila na nagtatawanan habang pinapanood sila at kinukuhanan pa sila ng video. Parang nabibiglang bumitaw si Ally sa hawak nito sa kanya, nadulas tuloy siya at nahila niya ito paupo. Ally was suddenly on top of him. They stumbled as they tried to stand up. Naririnig nila ang malakas na tawanan ng mga mommy nila. Great. Nabawasan na siya ng pogi points sa nangyari.
N: Sorry Peaches.
Tumango lang si Ally. Inalalayan na niya ito sa pagpunta sa lockers at ibalik ang skates.
TB: You guys look so good together.
Ofcourse ano pa ba ang sasabihin ng mommy niya. Patay na patay ang mommy niya kay Allyson. He used to despise it pero ngayon gusto na niyang maniwala sa “Mothers knows best”
Niyakap ng mommy niya si Ally, parang ayaw ng pakawalan. Dati nahihiya siya sa ginagawa ng mommy niya, pero ngayon parang gusto na niyang sabihin dito na iuwi na nila si Ally. Now na, please lang?
A: Tita asaan po si Tito?
TB: oh nasa Gilligans na, pinag order ko na, hinanap muna kase namen kayo, we figured na andito kayo sa ice skating rink.
Sabay sabay na sila naglakad papunta sa restaurant na sinabi ng moomy niya. He wanted it so bad na makatabi si Ally habang nag-di-dinner pero tumabi si Ally sa mommy nito. Magkaharap sila ni Ally habang kumakain, he didn’t want to eat, kase busog na siya makita si Ally na tuwang-tuwa sa pagkain ng egg-rolls at sisig.
D: Mommy, sinabi mo na ba sa mga bata ang monthly destination natin?
Nagulat siya sa pagsalita ng daddy niya.
TB: ay oo nga pala, kids, we’re going to Bolinao panggasinan next weekend, so aalis tayo ng Friday morning, kase sort of company outing na rin ang mangyayari so close kame ng Friday.
A: That’s great tita. I am excited.
N: Me too.
It was lame how he made an effort to be noticed. But he is really excited. Kailangan niya mag-work out para naman hindi nakakahiya kay Ally na mag-topless habang nasa beach. Pasara na rin ang mall nang matapos sila kumain kaya nagkayayaan narin umuwi. Sa tabi ng daddy niya siya pinaupo kaya sa likod magkatabi ang mommy niya, mommy ni Ally at ito. Sa rearview mirror na lang siya nagnanakaw ng tingin. Pinapanood ni Ally ang video na nakuhanan ng mommy niya. Nang makarating kina Ally tinulungan muna niya ang mga ito na magbukas ng mga padlock bago sila umalis. Nagbeso-beso ang mommy niya at si Ally.
N: ako wala?
He asked. Tumawa ang mommy niya sakay siya hinalikan nito. Narining niya ang pagtawa ni Ally. Hindi pa sila nakakauwi nang magtext si ally. “It ws rili fun. Tnx as always”. He should admit kinikilig siya sa text ni Ally.
N: my pleasure, so jetski in bolinao? Icnt **.
A: IKR—hmm jetski I have to think.
N:boo, don’t b a baby, it’s a date, ok jetski u and me.
A: date? Ptawa k jan, cge jetski na.
N: that’s my girl. And thnx 4 d movie treat!
A: ano kba, ako mdme utang!
N: di ako naniningil.
A; I know—tnx I really had a good time. And for the jacket ♥
N: Anything for my peaches ♥
He slept so soundly that night. Ganoon pala if you just let go of all your apprehensions. He is thinking of breaking it up with Yenn. No more fancy letting her realize he’s not the one scheme. The sooner the better. He just prayed that Ally is his happily ever after.

XIV. BUILDING SAND CASTLES

Paulit-ulit ang pagbasa ni Ally sa mga exchange of text nila ni Nate. There was this kurot sa puso factor everytime binabalikan niya ang text exchange nila. Parang kagabi lang gusto niya magtago sa timbukutu wag lang i-entertain ang seedling na feelings niya para kay Nate, so yeah ngayon para na itong weed, tumutubo, it needs no caring, its there. Stubborn, and unwanted. Saka naman nag-ring ang landphone nila. Its her beloved kuya A.D., miss na miss na niya ito. Tinext kase niya na pupunta sila ng Pangasinan, pupunta nalang daw ito sa resort. Now she has more reasons to be excited para sa outing nila, una dahil makikita niya na ang miss na miss na niyang kuya and second the jetski date. Date. Nakahiga siya sa kama niya nakatingin sa ceiling nang katukin siya ng mommy niya.
TA: Hindi ka pa bihis? Matulog ka na, make sure malinis mo ang kwarto ni kuya mo, uuwi siya.
A: Ma I know na that, una kaya ako tatawagan nun, I am so excited.
TA: Lagot ka sa kuya mo pag nalaman nun na nagboboyfriend ka na.
A: Ma naman, wala akong boyfriend, hindi koo boyfriend si Kenneth.
TA: hmm, sabi mo eh, sige na, hubarin mo na yang jacket ni Nate baka ano pa ma-imagine mo.
A: Mommm!
TA: O sige na matulog ka na. I love you anak.
A: I love you mommy, wala akong boyfriend.
Nakangiti pa rin siya habang hinuhubad ang jacket ni Nate. Iniisip niya kung papalabahan ang jacket o hindi. Hindi naman kase mabaho, infact amoy Nate. His Kenneth Cole cologne. Alam niya na Kenneth cole yun dahil regalo ng daddy niya kay Nate yun. Her dad kase bought Kenneth cole for Kenneth. Patulog na siya nang magtext si Patty at Nate. Una niyang binasa ang text ni Patty. “Kuwento mo sa akin, how was your date ” hindi na siya nagreply and pretend nalang tomorrow na tulog na siya. “night peaches <3”. Syempre kinikilig naman siya sa text nay un. Nagreply siya. “Itulog mo nay an, thanks sa jacket, goodnight”
She fell asleep instantly, contrary to how hard it was to fall asleep the other night.
TA: Ally, ano ka ba, you have to wake up, it’s beach time.
A: Oh no, sabi ko pa naman mom gigisingin ko si Nate.
TA: Si Nate nga ang tumawag, gisingin daw kita, kayong dalawa ewan ko bakit sinasabi niyo na nothing is going on between the two of you.
A: Mommy talaga, shower lang po ako ma.
TA: Okay don’t forgot to call your kuya Ad okay,he should be there on time. I miss him.
A: alright mom, I will, can I get dressed?
Hindi masira ang mood niya, why would she be grumpy? Its beach day, 3 days niya na makakasama si Nate, they have planned things to do, jetski, build sand castle, banana boat, whale watching, island hopping, snorkeling. They all got it figured out. Sino ba ang hindi ma-e-excite and she is sure her kuya Ad will be psyched about the plans they made. Hindi na muna siya nagtext kay Nate, she didn’t want to show how excited she was about the whole trip. She made sure her i-pod is full charged. Sinundo na sila nang coaster like usual, laking gulat niya na wala si Nate sa van. She was all confused. Hindi siya nagtanong whike akk akong she really wanted to cried. Did Nate actually ditched her?
She tried to sleep all the way to Pangasinan. Every 2 minutes she gets to look at her phone but no message or even a phone call coming from Nate.The Resort was breath taking, the sea breeze and fresh air was just refreshing, but she cant help but be sad. Nate didn’t come. Why didn’t he show up. She was furious. Why did Nate stood her up? Iiyak na sana siya when her kuya AD suddenly popped up out of nowhere. Yumakap siya ng mahigpit dito.
KA: I missed you kiddo!!!
She started to let her tears fall. Bahala na. Tatawanan siya ng kuya niya but what the heck.
KA: Hey ganoon mo ba ko ka-miss para iyakan mo ko.
A: Yeah. Miss kita nang sobra kuya adam.
KA: ano akala ko ba super fun ang long weekend na ito.
A: Yeah, ofcourse it will be super fun, if you help me carry all these bags.
Tumuloy na sila sa cottage kung saan sila matutulog ng mommy nila. Kahit papaano she forgot how she was hurting dahil sa presence ng kuya niya. Syempre Masaya din siya sa ube jam, fresh strawberries at lengua de gato na pasalubong nito. She layed down the bed and tried to rest her tired mind. Napatalon siya when she received a text, well she hoped it was Nate and then wished it wouldn’t be him cause she would just cry. It was Patty all along, its like a conspiracy, ayaw na nga niyang maalala na wala si Nate, saka naman magtatanong si Patty kung how was her day so far with Nate. Nakakainis lang talaga. And then she heard his crisp laugh. Lumapit siya sa may door ng adjoining cottage nila, it is really Nate. Saang lupalop ng mundo ito nanggaling, and then she heard a familiar voice. A voice she didn’t expect to hear. A voice who just said “babe I want to see the pool, lets go.” She froze, and she is sure that it was Yenn. And now she is officially broken hearted. Tumakbo siya sa bathroom. She was crying her heart out and then when she looked at herself in the mirror bigla niya na-realize na why is she wasting her time crying over Nate? Ayaw ni Nate sa kanya? Fine. Hindi siya magpapakamatay para lang kay Nate. She deserves someones better. Inayos niya ang sarili. She wore her nice swim suit and a tube swim cover. Inayos din niya ang buhok, paglabas niya, inaya niya na ang kuya niya.
A: Kuya lets go, sand castle as usual?
Hobby nila ni Adam ang mag-build ng sand castle, more often done not, kasama si Nate sa paggawa ng sand castle. Pinagalitan niya ang sarili, hindi na niya dapat iniisip pa si Nate. She shouldn’t care about him at all.
KA: Ang ganda naman ni baby bunso ko. Okay wait lang bathroom lang ako and then we’ll go.
Holding hands pa sila ni Adam na naglakad from the cottage to the beach. Halfway through nang matanaw nila ang holding hands din sinang Nate at Yenn. Kitang kita niya ang hesitation sa pag-ngiti ni Nate at biglang pagbitiw nito sa hawak na kamay ni Yenn. Si Yenn na busy naman sa pag text.
N: Bro andito ka na.
Nag-chest bump pa si Nate at ang kuya niya. She rolled her eyeballs. Kailangan niyang sabihan ang kuya niya na i-ignore si Nate. He is not worth it! Hinila niya ang kuya niya sa beach. Hindi niya pinansin si Nate at Yenn.
KA: war kayo ni Kenneth? Akala ko ba super buddies na kayo?
She just shrugged her shoulders. One day magkakaroon na siya ng lakas ng loob na sabihin kay Adam kung ano talaga ang nangyari between her and that two-timer Kenneth! In no time, she was building sand castle with her Kuya. Hindi na niya inisip kung saan sila pumwesto ni Adam, and then when the first storey of her castle was built a big wave splashed and took it away. Doon na siya umiyak. Out of frustration. She just started, why did the big wave started to ruin it? She just cried and cried. Umiiyak rin siya when her cellphone beeped. It was Nate.
Nagulat si Ally, after a while she realized wala na siya sa beach, she was in her room, wearing Nate’s jacket. Panaginip lang ang lahat? Hindi pa sila umaalis papunta sa Bolinao all along? But she was really crying. Ganoon siguro talaga kasakit na para sa kanya ang makita si Nate at si Yenn na magkasama. Nagtext nga si Nate. At 7 am? Bakit ang aga naman nito nagising? She decided not to reply just yet. Matutulog nalang muna siya uli, with the hopes na hindi na mauulit ang isang masamang panaginip, and her sand castles wont be broken at all. Her phone started to ring, again and again. Its Nate. Ofcourse she knowd it’s him, dahil ang assigned tone niya for nate is teach me how to dougie, na si Nate naman ang may kagagawan. Hindi pa rin niya sinagot and then she decided to open his messages. ”Nag-iwan ako ng tapsilog sa harap ng bahay niyo, a cat might get it, breakfast mo yun. I miss you already”. Parang gusto niya magsuklay that moment para malaman kung mahabang-mahaba nab a ang buhok niya. Sumilip siya sa bintana, nakita niyang palayo na si Nate, was he running? Nate is jogging? Ano naman kayang pa-pogi ang binabalak nito. Parang may pakpak siya sa bilis na tumakbo para kunin ang topsilog na naka-styro. It came with a note. I dreamt of me and you last night peaches. Enjoy breakfast

XV. BITTERSWEET

Nag-ring ang land phone nila, she was thinking its her kuya Adam. Sino pa naman kase ang tumatawag doon kundi ang daddy niya. Lola niya na nasa cebu at si Adam. Trip lang daw ni adam na sa land phone tumawag para naman daw may sense ang extensions sa buong bahay nila. “Hi peaches ko”. She wasn’t expecting that call at all.
A: Nate? O eh bat dito ka tumawag? Whats up?
N: Baka kase di mo sagutin cell phone mo.enrolment niyo bukas? Sasamahan na kita, baka ma-holdup ka.
A: cheke naman dala ko, pero sige kung gusto mo.
N: great, so kinain mo nab a ang tapsilog?
A: oh yeah about that thank you, yup I did na. ang aga mo nagising?
N: ang saya ng panaginip ko eh, saka nag-jogging ako, papunta ako ng gym mamaya. Mamimiss nga kita hindi kita makikita today.
A: heh, wag mo nga ako ginaganyan ganyan diyan. Gym? Hala ano nakain mo?
N: wala naman, sina Jayvee kase eh, crush mo si Jayvee peaches?
Nate laughed after his statement. Gusto niya tulo patulan ang trip ni Nate.
A: Oo, kaya crush na crush ko kaya si Jayvee, di mo na sinasama miss ko na nga eh.
N: ouch ka naman, talagang um-oo ka naman diyan.
A: hello, nagtanong ka naging honest lang naman ako sa iyo.
This time tumigil siya sa pag ayos ng bedsheets sa kuarto ng kuya niya, humiga siya, she was liking the flow of their conversation.
N: peaches naman.
A: Ano? Naku ha lets hang up na, marami pa ako gagawin.
N: di ka naman mabiro, ano hindi mo ba ako namimiss.
A: bakit? Kakakita lang naman natin kahapon, hindi mo ba napapansin na araw araw na tayo nagkikita.
N: talaga araw-araw na pala yun? Bakit lagi naman kita namimiss?
A: ano ka ba Nate, hindi kaya nakakatawa yang biro mo.
N: seryoso ako peaches. Ako namimiss kita.
A; don’t say that.
Halos pabulong nalang nang sabihin niya iyon. Somehow something inside her is asking her not to stop him for saying those kind of things. Whether true or not, napapasaya siya ng mga sinasabi ni Nate.
N: why cant I say it?
Dahil kay Yenn. Dahil may girlfriend ka at ayaw kong umasa. Gusto niyang sabihin kay Nate iyon, but she chose not to.
A: wala, o sige na babye nap o, lilinisin ko ang room ni kuya, he will be home for a few days.
N: sige na nga baba ko na nga ito. Ayaw mo ko kausap, pero sa panaginip ko naman super sweet ka sa akin.
A: anong panaginip?
N: wala na, wag mo na tanong, ayaw mo ko kausap eh.
A: wow tampo ka ba diyan, sige na mamaya nalang tayo magkuentuhan.
N: gusto ko yan, tawagan mo ko?
A: hay naku, akala ko ba aalis ka? Ikaw nalang tumawag sige after mo mag-gym o saan ka man pupunta.
N: great! Sige lunch ka na peaches okay. Ingat ka. Babye!
Napapailing na nakangiti si Ally habang nakahiga pa rin, napayakap pa siya sa cordless phone. Nate just made her day. It was enough fuel for her to finish all her chores and wait for Nate’s promised call.
Maghapon din nakangiti si Nate, kahit na nag-lilift ng weights na matagal na niyang hindi ginagawa nakangiti pa rin siya.
J: Pare may problema ka ba? Naka-drugs ka ba?
Nagulat siya sa tanong ni Jayvee. Umiling na lang siya. Jayvee has been his long time friend gradeschool palang sila magkaibigan na sila. Pero naiinis siya na isipin na may gusto si Jayvee kay Ally at mas nakakainis na the feeling is mutual. Naisipan niyang tawagan si Yenn. Once and for all tatapusin na niya ang walang kwentang relationship nila. Just to give Ally the peace of mind na kahit magpa-cute siya he is free anyways. Malas naman hindi sumasagot si Yenn sa tawag niya. Papunta na siya sa shower room nang sumunod si Arnold, nagyaya na mag-black ops mamayang gabi. Napaisip siya, black ops sounded interesting pero mas gusto niyang makausap nalang si Ally, unless Ally wanted to hang out with them sa pag-black ops. He was tempted to text Ally and ask pero naalala niya na makakasama si Jayvee. Ano siya sira, isasama si Ally at Jayvee sa isang lugar? No way Jose!
N: ahm, pass muna ako dude.
Ar: Pare grabe ka maka-pass wala ka naman pinopormahan.
Umiling siya, yung iling na guilty na guilty. Natawa si Arnold. Binulungan siya nito.
Ar: dude, hindi tayo kaseng close ninyo ni Jayvee pero pare alam ko na yan kinikilos mo. May itinatago ka.
Siniko niya si Arnold,
N: praning lang kayo, o sige mauuna na ako, tawagan ko si Yenn.
Tumawa si Arnold ng malakas may sinabi pang “Yenn talaga ha?”
Sakto naman na nagtext na si Yenn. “yes babe where are you?”
Sumagot siya. “Gym, r u free?”
Agad naman din nagreply si Yenn at nag-usap sila na magkikita sa French restaurant/coffee shop malapit sa village nila. Nagmadali siyang makauwi, saka naman bumuhos ang ulan hindi na siya makaalis ng bahay. Huwag sanang kumulog at kumidlat coz if it happens, kawawa naman si Ally mag-isa lang ito sa kanila. Gusto niyang sumugod kina Ally pero naisip niyang mas importante na magkita na muna sila ni Yenn. He called Ally. Okay naman daw ito. Nag-explain siya na may gagawin siyang importante, and then Ally said its okay, although it sounded na hindi naman okay si Ally na-pacify lang siya nang malaman darating daw si Patty. Nag-promise pa rin siya na tatawagan ito. Mag-text daw muna siya para malaman kung wala na si Patty. And then he heard a car honking its horn, pagsilip niya si Yenn. Sinusundo na siya. Tumakbo siya despite the rain and drove Yenn’s car. Like Ally takot din kase si Yenn sa thunder and lightning. Nakarating sila sa Gustav’s. Yenn instantly clings to his arm and lead him to a booth sa tagong parte ng restaurant.
Gusto na niyang sabihin agad kay Yenn ang gusto niyang sabihin, the earliest the less painful. Ayaw niyang maka-feel ng awa. Kaya lang animated naman si Yenn sa pagkuento sa mga escapades nito. How she enjoyed her work and travelling.
Y: minsan babe iniisip ko na wag nalang mag-school, kase sayang the opportunities diba.
Yenn held his hand. Hindi na niya ito matignan. Guilty na siya sa gagawin.
Y: ano ka ba babe parang di ka naman Masaya diyan. Is there a problem?
N: Yenn, can you tell me honestly bakit mo ko mahal, if you really love me?
Y: ano naman klaseng tanong yan, saan papunta ito nate?
Umiling siya and then he started to breathe heavy.
Y: oh my god, you are breaking up with me aren’t you?
Hindi na siya makasagot. Ganoon ba talaga kalakas ang instinct ng mga babae? Baket alam na agad nito na may ganoon plano siya. Can he do it?
N: are you still happy with me? Honestly?
Y: sinasadya mo na maging absent ang neglectful boyfriend no?
Wow Yenn is a genius.
Y: I saw this coming, I just want to know kung bakit ka nakikipag-break sa akin?
Sasabihin ba niya? Hindi ba double whammy naman kay yen yon? Anong sasabihin niya I fell out of love? That is crap. So crappy.
Y: what nate are you just going to look at me like that? That’s it? Well you’re not the kind of man I thought you were.
He inhaled as deeply as he can. And then he counted three, two, one. Its time to tell the truth.
N: You are my friend, and I didn’t think clearly when I agreed that we will be in a relationship. Hindi ko sinasabing kasalanan mo, its just I tried my best to make it work, but
Now hindi na niya madugtungan ang dapat pa niyang sabihin. Totoo pala yung ibig sabihin ng theres no easy way to break someone’s heart. Dapat siguro nag-inuman nalang sila baka mas napadali na lang ang lahat. Although he doubted that thought too. Anumang paraan masakit pa rin. Kaya ba niyang saktan ang taong wala namang ginagawa sa kanya? Mahal siya ni Yenn, he can feel that.
Y: You never loved me Nate, well you tried, your best, but I feel how you care for me, never mo ko binastos, you took care of me, maybe you think that’s loving enough, but its not the love that you are supposed to show to a girlfriend.
He cant believe how could Yenn say that and how she felt. Mas alam pa ni Yenn ang feelings niya para dito. He was really depressed. Akala niya madali pero ngayon lang siya nakipag break na initiative niya ang lahat, at sa isang babaeng wala naman talaga ginawa sa kanya. Its just that mas importante na si Ally sa kanya and he wants to know her better and then he’ll see from there. He knows better now. Hindi na siya mag-bungee jumping kagaya ng ginawa niya kay Yenn.
Y: excuse me ha Nate wag ka umiyak, I mean I am all good, eventually mag-b-break rin tayo, maganda na iyong ganitong kaaga bago pa masyadong maraming investment na emotionally.
Hindi siya makapaniwala, how Yenn is taking everything so lightly para naman siyang ma-aatake. Hinawakan niya ang kama ni Yenn.
N: Nahihiya ako sa iyo, I don’t deserve this kind of understanding you are giving me. I don’t deserve you.
Tumawa si Yenn, and then her tears started to fall too.
Y: Mahal kita Nate. I told myself, wow pumayag siya na maging kame ang swerte ko. You made me happy and special, sa maniwala ka o sa hindi, you are an ideal boyfriend to me.
Hindi talaga siya makapaniwala. Paano siya naging ideal boyfriend? He treated her like crap.
N: I cant believe how highly you think of me. Nahihiya talaga ako sa iyo.
Y: huwag mo ngang iyakan ito, you are the best boyfriend I’ve ever had.
N: No, don’t say that. Alam mo na hindi yan totoo at hindi ako naniniwala.
Y: I am not kidding. If I was just some lunatic ex, oh well, ex na cause I know after this we’ll be ex, and we’ll be good friends right, so yeah. Hindi kita sisiraan, you have been a gentleman to me. I will always love you for that.
His heart broke more now, as he see the tears Yenn is trying to fight. He is the jerk. How can he do this? Tapos gusto pa niyang i-pursue si Ally how can he? Niyakap niya si Yenn. She is one hell of a woman, maybe its too late para ngayon lang niya marealize na ang swerte niya naging girlfriend niya si Yenn but it would be unfair for Yenn.
Y: I wish you happiness, at this point I will be honest with you too, na I was considering breaking up with you, thought na you don’t deserve a flee away girlfriend, oh my God you just saved me.
Para siyang nabunutan ng tinik sa nangyari. He was glad that he had the courage to break it before it was too late.
Y: so you wont still tell me sino siya?
Napatunganga naman siya kay Yenn. Ganoon nab a siya ka-transparent para malaman nito na he is feeling something for someone? Ngumiti siya. Yenn pinched his nose.
Y: you wouldn’t tell me, but I Think I know who is it.
Niyakap siya uli ni Yenn. Now they are both smiling and has let loose of their baggages. He is happy, infact never been happier.
As they were enjoying their new found freedom, Yenn and Nate were unaware at the other side of the café, Patty and Ally were there too, who were able to witness the hugging and the laughter.

XVI. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

P: gusto mo ba mag-bathroom bessy?
Nagulat si Ally sa biglang pagsasalita ni Patty. Hindi sinasadya na makita nila sina Yenn at Nate, naisipan lang nila lumabas ni Patty at magkita sa Gustav’s. Parating din kasi si Stephen ang inaakala niyang imaginary boyfriend ni Patty. Naniniwala na siyang imaginary dahil hanggang ngayon wala pa rin si Stephen, and then she was all shaken. Bakit ganoon, alam naman niyang may girlfriend si Nate, dati naman niyang nakakasama si Yenn kahit di sila nag-uusap pero bakit ngayon mas masakit? Mas masakit pa sa panaginip. To think na kausap palang niya si Nate kanina, he was so sweet, tapos ngayon ganito. Kasalanan din niya. Pinaasa niya ang sarili.
A: Sige, ako nalang mag-isa, sabihin mo diyan sa Stephen mo, bilisan niya.
Tumayo na siya para magpunta sa bathroom, she was careful para hindi siya mapansin nina Nate at Adrienne na busy sa pagkain. Tapos na ang sweety moments ng dalawa. Inhale-exhale. She looked at herself in the mirror. So what? Pwede naman sila maging friends ni Nate. Friends yun lang. Babalik na lang sila sa dati. Hindi na lang siya aasa. Palabas na sana siya nang makitang patayo na sina Yenn at Nate. Bumalik tuloy siya sa cubicle. Saka naman nagtext si Nate. “Ok ka lang ba? Nid food?” Her heart melted. Nate is taking her into a roller coasted ride of emotions. It will be such a struggle if she keeps on falling for his antics. She decided not to reply. Sinilip silip niya muna kung nakaalis na sina Nate at Yenn bago siya lumabas ng bathroom. Binalikan niya si Patty at laking gulat niya nang isang gwapong Caucasian ang kasama nito sa lamesa. Stephen is huge, mukhang basketball player sa tangkad. May itsura naman ito, hawig sa basketball player na si dirk nowitski, pero his features are softer. Bakit ba hindi sinabi ni Patty na foreigner pala si Stephen.
P: Bessy. Coco puff this is my bestfriend Ally, bess, si Stephen.
Natawa siya when Patty mouthed jowa ko. Stephen shook her hand, saka pa siya niyakap nito. She was instantly happy, and jealous too, that finally Patty didn’t have to search for the one. Meron na itong Stephen. Siya kaya? Umupo na sila. Gusto niyang kurutin ang kaibigan, magkatabi pa ang dalawa habang kumakain. She felt out of place. Mayamaya pa nagtext na naman si Nate. “la ka sa bhay?” she thought na tumatawag na ito sa landline nila. Hindi pa rin siya nagreply. Bahala ito sa kung anong isipin. She realized from Stephen’s twang, he could be European or Australian, nahiya naman siya magtanong. Nagseselos siya, not because she likes Stephen, but the way Stephen looked at Patty, nakakatunaw. Kailan kaya magkakaroon ng isang taong ganoon din tumingin sa kanya? Gusto niya tumakbo sa kwarto niya humiga, mag-senti, mag-basa, makinig kay Mike Posner. Ang tagal-tagal naman kumain ng dalawa, para naman kase nagtitigan lang at hindi naman kumakain. Lalo pa siyang nainip nang magtext na baman si Nate. “paramdam ka peaches, ur making me worry”. Parang suddenly she was confined in a closed area, hindi na siya makahinga. Why is Nate making things hard for her. Sa wakas, natapos din kumain, more like magtinginan ni Stephen at Patty. Ihahatid na raw nila ni Stephen sa gwapong hatchback mazda 3 nito. Kung di ba naman swerte ang kaibigan niya , Stephen opened doors for the two of them. Hay, anu ba yan. Nagulat siya nang makitang nag-hihintay sa labas ng bahay nila si Nate. Ano ba naman kase ginagawa nito umuulan na pa naman. Pinalagpas ni Patty si Stephen sa bahay nila saka sila tumigil 3 blocks down. Nakipagpalit ng lugar si Patty sa kanya. Siya umupo sa harap at ipapakita kay Nate na siya ang kasama ni Stephen.
Stephen opened the door for her. Nakita niya pano manlaki ang mata ni Nate nang tumapat ang mazda ni Stephen. Dahan-dahan siyang bumaba. Tense na tense siya but tried to smile. In-off niya ang cellphone, para may palusot siya incase i-confront siya ni Nate sa mga text nitong di niya ni-replyan.
N: Peaches.
Yun lang ang sinabi ni Nate. Parang nagulat talaga ito sa nakita. Napatayo ito kita niya ang dala nitong bag ng Jollibee at ang peach and mango pie.
A: hi Nate, this is my friend Stephen, Stephen this is Nate. Son of my mom’s friend.
Sinasadya niyang ganoon kalayo ang pakilala niya, as if she depersonalized Nate.
S: Hi Nate, Stephen. My pleasure to meet you.
It took a while before Nate took Stephen’s hand.
N: same to you.
Gusto niyang tumawa ng malakas sa sinagot ni Nate. Nagpapatawa ba ito? Pinigilan niya ang tumawa.
A: bakit hindi ka man lang nagtext na andito ka. Kanina ka pa ba?
Hindi siya pinansin ni Nate. Paulit-ulit ang pagtingin nito head to toe and vice versa kay Nate. She didn’t expect this kind of reaction, maybe Patty did think of that. She is a genius. She pacified herself. Eventuall malalaman din ni Nate na it’s a scheme.
A: I think its getting late, thanks Stephen. I had a good time.
She knows na kung totoong tinatamaan ng kidlat ang mga sinungaling, mauuna na siya tatamaan.
S: I did too. I’ll see you again Ally. Nice meeting you Nate, I hope we can hang out sometime.
Hindi sumagot si Nate. Walang sabi-sabing tumalikod ito saka kinuha sa kamay niya ang susi. Ito na ang nagbukas ng gate nila. Hindi niya alam kung paano pa pakikiharapan si Nate. Pinagbuksan na siya nito ng pinto. Tumuloy siya sa laundry room para ikuha ng towel si Nate, basa na kase ito sa ulan. Kinuha ni Nate ang towel saka siya walang sabing umakyat sa room ng kuya niya, he has stocks of white shirts na padala ng daddy niya. Kumuha siya ng isa saka Tylenol 2 from their medicine cabinet.
N: Anong gagawin ko diyan?
Tanong ni Nate nang iniaabot niya ang t-shirt.
A: Baka magkasakit ka kaya, hindi mo naman ako sinagot, bakit ka nga hindi nagtext na andito ka sa bahay?
Kinuha ni Nate ang shirt at wala man lang sabi sabi na naghubad ng shirt sa harap niya. She held her breath. Gusto niyang mapa-Oh-em-Gee…gym buff pala si Nate? Kailan pa to nagka-abs? Bago pa siya mahuli ni Nate, iniiwas na niya ang tingin.
N: Akala ko aabutan kita dito saka surprise ko nga sana sayo, may surprise bang announced? Saan mo naman nakuha yun boylet nay un?
Affected ba si Nate kay Stephen? Threatened? Nagseselos?
A: Kasama naming si Patty, nag-Gustav’s kame.
Sinasadya niya na ipaalam kay Nate na andoon siya sa Gustav’s kung saan andoon ito and his girlfriend. She was trying to see his reaction.
N: oh you were there? Galing kame ni Yenn doon, sayang hindi tayo nagkita.
Nagulat talaga siya na inamin ni Nate na nasa Gustavs ito at kasama ang girlfriend. Well what did she expect anyways? Na idedeny ni Nate para i-conceal sa kanya? Para siyang nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig. Para na rin niyang sinabi na ina-assume niya na tinu-two time siya ni Nate na pinopormahan siya nito. Nahiya siya sa naiisip. Napaupo siya sa lazyboy across Nate.
A: Date ka jan ah!
She tried to be jolly as she can. She needs to redeem herself.
N: Haha, hindi no. nagkita lang kame ni Yenn, so nagpadaan na ako sa Jollibee, binili kita ng peach mango pie saka palabok, favorite mo to diba?
She was indeed touched. She wondered, ganoon ka-secure sina Yenn at Nate sa relationship nila, idrive ni Yenn si Nate sa bahay nila? Ibig sabihin hindi man lang siya threat sa relationship ni Nate at Yenn. Na-hurt na naman siya sa thought na yun.
A: nakakahiya naman sayo. Thanks.
Hindi niya man lang hinawakan ang bag ng Jollibee, hindi rin niya pinapansin si Nate, nag-channel surf siya. But she can feel Nate staring at her. Tama, he is staring, sana lang walang x-ray vision si Nate!
N: So dededmahin mo nalang ako at hindi ka magkukuwento about sa date mo?
Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. Date? Sasagot palang sana siya nang biglang kumulog kasunod ng kidlat, in a jiffy napatalon siya at napaupo sa lap ni Nate, mas nakakahiya pa, agad naman na nakayakap siya sa leeg nito. She can see how he smiled when it happened. Dali-dali siyang lumayo kay Nate pero nasundan ang kulog at kidlat hinila na siya ni Nate, and made her rest her head in her chest. Is she imagining things or totoong sabay ang heartbeats nila, kung nasa synchronized swimming ang mga puso nila flawless ang timing. Winner. Then just like that the lights went off, yung totoo, conspiracy ban g nature at meralco na paglaruan ang feelings niya? Swerte naman talaga.
N: Come on, baby let get the candles.
Hindi siya sigurado kung imagination lang niya or totoong sinabi ni Nate ang salitang “BABY”? Kung sinabi talaga nito iyon, ano naman ngayon? Baka may hang over pa si Nate sa date nila ni Yenn. Pasindi pa lang sana ang kandila nang bumukas na ang ilaw, that was when she was aware na hawak ni Nate ang kamay niya, and vice versa, all of a sudden their fingers are interlaced, and then just like close-up commercial ganoon na lang nagtinginan sila, it was a magical feeling she should admit, saka naman bumukas ang pinto, dumating na ang mommy niya.
Pinagpawisan siya ng malamig, she cant meet her mom’s gaze. She isn’t sure kung nakita ng mommy niya ang paghahawak nila ng kamay bigla nalang kase nila binitawan yon nang dumating ito. Nagpaalam na rin si Nate,sinabi nito sa mommy niya sa sasamahan daw siya mag-enrol, Natawa naman ang moomy niya atleast daw may peace of mind na ito at inutusan pa sila mamili for the outing.
Hinatid niya si Nate sa gate.
N: Goodnight peaches ko.
A: night, ingat.
N: mamimiss kita
A: sira ulo
She answered, but deep inside, kinikilig talaga siya. Pinagalitan niya ang sarili. Dapat siguro iwasan na niya si Nate? She has a plan, she is considering Nate as her summer escapade, once school starts magagawa na niyang iwasan ito. Nakangiti siya habang naiisip ang pwedeng mangyari sa beach outing, sana walang Yenn na sasama gaya sa dream niya.

XVII. IF YOU'RE NOT THE ONE

Pilit na hinahanap ni Nate sa list ng facebook friends ni Ally ang foreigner na kasama nito kanina. Threatened talaga siya, kung kailan pa naman he's a free man saka naman ito nagkaroon ng boylet. Iniwasan na nga niya barkada niya para lang di mapagtagpo si Jayvee at si Ally. Wala. Hindi niya makita si Stephen. Paano nagkakilala sina Ally at Stephen bakit hindi sinabi ni Ally sa kanya ang tungkol sa mga ito. Somehow he felt relieved na single pa din ang status relationship ni Ally. He is hoping for the best.
Masama ang pakiramdam niya kinabukasan. masakit na masakit ang katawan niya at ulo niya. Masakit na din ang lalamunan niya. Now he is paying the price sa paghintay kay Ally sa labas ng bahay nito habang umuulan. Saka niya naalala na mag-e-enrol nga pala si Ally at kailangan niyang samahan. He got dressed and immediately went with to Ally's house.
A: may sakit ka ba?
Napansin ni Ally ang kakaibang itsura ni Nate. Hindi rin ba ito nakatulog gaya nang Hindi siya nakatulog? Mahirap matulog after nia nakita ang yakapan at date nina Yenn at Nate. Alam niyang sinabi na niya sa sarili that she has affected the fact that taken na si Nate at tatapusin nalang niya ang summer and its done deal. Hindi na sila gaano magkikita she will be busy with her senior year in highschool, Nate can enjoy his usual time with Yenn. Hindi na siya dapat makaramdam ng selos, gaya nang naramdaman niya kagabi.
She is all worried, hindi kase maganda ang itsura ni Nate, well he is still as cute as he is, but she already knew hindi maganda ang pakiramdam nito. She felt both his cheeks, saka ang leeg nito. He has fever, and she can tell.
A: Did you eat breakfast? Sumagot ka Kenneth.
N: Hindi pa. bakit ba?
Hindi naman niya masisi na sungitan siya nito, siya man ang masama ang pakiramdam at napipilitang bumangon ng ganyan magsusungit talaga. Hinila niya ito sa dining hall, hindi man siya marunong magluto, marunong naman siya maginit ng tubig at maglaga ng itlog. Gumawa ng kalamansi juice at instant noodles with egg. She served the food in front of him.
A: Let it cool for a while, dapat malamnan tiyan mo bago ka uminom ng gamot, kukuha lang ako sa medicine cabinet.
N: Yes doctor.
She smiled pagtalikod na pagtalikod niya kay Nate. She can do this all day long, kahit forever, ang pagsilbihan ito. She tried to tame and pacify her thoughts. She cant be too excited, everytime nalang na Masaya siya may nangyayaring hindi maganda.
Kumakain na si Nate nang nakababa siya. Nagdala siya ng isang banig na biogesic, vitamin c and cough syrup. May dala na rin siyang towelletes. Walang sabi-sabing ipinataas ang t-shirt ni Nate.
N: huy, walang usapan ng hubad hubad, ikaw peaches ha.
A: Tumigil ka. Pupunasan ko lang likod mo, baka magka-pneumonia ka kaya.
N: oh okay, parang gusto ko na magkasakit ah.
A: bawiin mo nga yang sinabi mo its not funny.
N: init ng ulo ng peaches ko, pero gusto ko yan, bine-baby mo ko.
She chose to ignore what he said, kahit na mali-mali na tuloy ang sequence ng ginagawa niya. Minadali na niya ang ginagawa. Hindi na kase marelax relax ang kamay niya! Kung pumikit muna kaya siya? “erase, erase” bulong niya sa sarili, para kaseng mas mahalay kung pipikit ba siya. Finally natapos din.
A: huwag mo nalang kaya akong samahan, uwi ka nalang.
Worried talaga siya for Nate.
N: non-sense, ok nako. Sandali lang naman tayo sa enrolment diba.
A: okay, wag nalang tayo mag-grocery kaya?
N: no, tatapusin natin lahat ng gagawin okay, remember tayong dalawa ang binilinan ni Tita Annie kaya tayong dalawa ang gagawa.
Sasagot pa sana siya ng ilagay nito ang daliri sa lips niya.
N: no more reasons. Halika na dali.
Kinuha na ni Nate ang susi sa may altar para magumpisang i-lock ang pinto. As soon as the entered her school, nagtinginan lahat ng tao sa kanila. Napayuko siya. She never wanted being the center of attention, bakit ba? Bawal na ba magsama ng friend sa enrolment? Nate graduated highschool from an all boy school but he spent his elementary years sa school na yon. Hapon pa daw mag-eenrol si Patty dahil mamaya palang magiging free si Stephen, atleast hindi na sila magkikita. Ang laki ng ngiti ng junior adviser niya nang lapitan niya ito.
JA: May boyfriend ka nap ala Allyson?
She knew she blushed sa sinabi ng teacher niya.
A: hindi po miss, this is our family friend si Nate, sinasamahan niya lang po ako. Si Miss talaga.
JA: Oh really akala ko boyfriend mo, bagay kayo and I sense chemistry and uhm, fate?
A: Miss talaga, palabiro, sige po, you look good.
JA: haha, ayaw mong may mabasa ako sa mga mata mo kaya ka nagmamadali. Okay goodluck sa senior year.
A: Thanks Miss. Ingat po.
JA: You too… and ahm Allyson, wag muna mag-aasawa.
Nag-thumbs up siya sa teacher saka nilapitan ang nag-hihintay na si Nate. Ipinangpila na siya nio sa second step para mabilis. Buti nalang hindi narinig ang sinabi ng former adviser niya.
Hinawakan agad ni Nate ang kamay niya nang makalapit siya dito, siya namang daan ng mga mean girls, si Krisha, ang reigning miss intrams nila. She saw how Krisha looked at Nate. Tila may gusto pa ata it okay Nate. She made sure na obvious kay Krisha how Nate held her hand, at idinikit pa niya lalo ang sarili kay Nate. Who cares, she just wanted to send the signal that Krisha should take her eyes off Nate.
K: Hi Allyson.
Hindi na siya nagulat na binati siya ni Krish. Ofcourse gusto nito magpapansin kay Nate. She faked a smile.
K: Pakilala mo naman kame sa cutie mong kasama.
I knew it. She told herself. Napaka-friendly naman ni Krisha, nokia talaga yun, user friendly.
A: Si Nate. Ayan si Krisha, Pamela, Elaine and Trina ,ga batchmates ko.
Ngumiti lang si Nate sa mga ito habang super ngiti naman at project ang mga Nokia girls. Hindi umalis ang mga ito sa harapan nila. Para pang nangaasar na umupo pa sa bench sa harapan nila.
N: Lipat nab a ako ng pila?
Nate squeezed the hand he was holding. Ngumiti siya saka umiling. She rested her head on Nate’s shoulder. Alam niya na para siyang insect na lumalapit sa apoy, dangerous, but her clock is ticking, nauubos na ang oras niya, for now she is carefree. Free to feel how to be Nate’s girlfriend, without him knowing.
N: gusto mo muna umupo? Upo ka na muna.
She saw how Krisha smirked, habang nagbubulungan sila ni Nate.
A: Nah, I’ll stay with you, ikaw baa yaw mo muna umupo?
N: I am good.
Hindi na sila nag-usap after it, pero nagsisikuhan sila at nagngingitian kahit wala naman nakakatuwa in the first place. Hindi tuloy nila napansin na sila na ang next in line. Nagulat nalang sila sa isang malakas at sinasadyang “ehem”. Lagot ang pinaka-terror at oldmaid teacher pala ang adviser niya. Bigla ang pag-bitaw niya sa hawak na kamay ni Nate.
T: Miss Buenavides, I think you know that this is an educational institution and not a park. Hindi kayo dapat nag-lalampungan dito.
Sobrang hiya siya sa teacher at kay nate.
A: Sorry ma’am.
She didn’t have the courage to deny what the teacher was saying they did. Bakit hindi rin niya masabi sa teacher na hindi naman niya boyfriend si Nate. Dahil ba ayaw niya ma-offend ito o ayaw niya malaman nina Krisha na hindi naman sila together. She chose the latter. Hindi naman ma-o-offend si Nate na i-deny niya ito dahil yun naman ang dapat gawin, i-deny ang hindi totoo. Siya lang naman ang na-i-lusyon, at nanghihiram kay Yenn, nang walang paalam. She started to feel bad again, pero pinigilan niya ang sarili. Selfish. Magpapaka-selfish muna siya.
Pagtalikod nila sa teacher at makalayo lang ng konti tumawa na sila ng tumawa. Kinuha ni Nate ang kamay niya para hawakan pero she refused to. Inakbayan nalang siya nito. Hindi na siya tumanggi,, cahsier na sila and then picture for Id and then books and they’re free.
N: mag-ayos ka ng hair peaches, para maganda ka sa ID mo.
Nate fixed some strands of hair na nakawala sa one sided barrets niya. She liked that feeling, na parang ang haba-haba ng buhok niya pag binibigyan siya ng atensyon ni Nate. ANg swerte swerte naman ni Yenn.
N: Malungkot ka ba? Whats wrong?
Nate touched her face. She guessed it was so obvious na malungkot siya. Pwede kaya nia sabihin kay Nate na “ako nalang sana ang girlfriend mo?” She composed herself and smiled.
A: I’ll just fix myself, gutom na ako.
N: okay, malapit na tayo matapos, makakain na rin tayo
How she liked how Nate termed them as tayo. Siya na ang mababaw pero siya na rin ang kinikilig. She put some lipgloss on saka inayos ang buhok. Lagi nalang kaseng mukhang disaster ng school Id niya dahil lagi sila nagmamadali ni Patty tuwing enrollment. Now she is sure that her senior year ID will be her prettiest. Inspired kaya siya.
“Labnat” siguro totoo yun.Right now, Nate perfectly feels fine. Kanina he feels as if malapit na siya ma-ICU sa sakit ng katawan at pakiramdam niya, but since pinakain, inalagaan at nag-holding hands sila ni Ally wala na siyang nararanmdaman kahit na anong sakit. Maybe it’s the medication, but his heart honestly feels that it is because of her. He thought, bakit ngayon lang niya naramdaman para kay Ally yun, when all the while na inaasar niya ito hindi niya yun naramdaman. Eh di sina ang tagal na nila sanang in a relationship. He was that quite confident na magiging sila, because if Ally wasn’t for him, he will move heaven and waters just to make them destined for each other. Hindi na siya sumama sa ID section, pumila na siya sa bookstore para makuha na din ni Ally ang mga books nito. He was still daydreaming about him and ally when the group of girls approached him.
K: Hi, nate right?
Tumango siya. Hindi siya bastos, infact he believes na isa siya sa pinaka-gentleman na tao, but right now, gusto niyang wag mag-paka-gentleman baka ma-badshot siya kay Ally pag nakita kausap ang mga ito.
K: Wheres allyson?
Naka-smile pa ito na parang wala ng chance na ngumiti sa mga susunod na araw.
N: ID section.
Maikling sagot niya. Bahala na itoo kung isiping suplado siya.
K: I hope you don’t mind me asking, pero girlfriend mo ba or nililigawan si Allyson?
Sasagot sana siya na he minds the question pero nakita na niya si Ally palapit.
N: Peaches.
Tawag niya dito na nakangiti. Para namang may choreography pang sabay sabay na lumingon ang grupo nito, there was Ally.
A: Done na ID, ang haba naman ng pila dito.
Hindi pinansin ni Ally an gang mga schoolmate.
N: yeah, buti nakapila na ako.
A: huwag na natin kunin books. Ang init eh.
N: No lets get it na, were here na eh, I’ll go bur us some water, ano pa gusto mo?
A: Just that and maybe some mint candy.
N: okay.
Paalis na siya nang hilahin siya ni Ally. Nagtatanong ang mga mata na nilingon niya ito, nakahawak pa sa braso niya.
A: You’re medicine, its almost time.
He smiled. He really never thought that Ally could be that sweet. Well maybe that’s one of the reason why she is now the most special girl in his life, and maybe no one will ever be. Just Allyson Manuella Tamano Buenavides. Nakita niya ang pag-drop ng jaw ng grupo ni Krishna, he thinks they already got the message, if not—oh well too bad, may mga taong sadyang kulang sa common sense. Nakabalik na din siya agad with their water, pinagbukas pa niya ito ng bottle. They for 30 minutes bago na-issue ang mga books ni Ally, ready na sila kumain.
A: What do you want to eat? Binigyan tayo ng pang-lunch ni mommy, galante haha.
N: Super gutom ka ba?
A: No naman, why?
N: I wanted Japanese food the ramen, baka lang matagalan ang order.
A: Ni, its okay, ikaw ang pasyente ko, kaya ikaw ang masusunod.
N: Naks, gusto ko yan, sana lagi nalang akong may sakit para naman lumilitaw ang kabaitan mo sa akin.
Ally blushed. Napapangiti talaga siya everytime Ally blushes like that. Minsan gusto na niya lagyan ng malisya ang mga kilos ni Ally, na sana may gusto din ito sa kanya. Magkatabi sila sa Japanese resto na pinuntahan nila, ngayon naniniwala na siya na pwede naman talaga kiligin ang mga lalake. Only if its for the right person like him, he found his person, he just needs to make a move. After nila kumain, nag-grocery na sila, and umuwi na direcho kina Ally. He helped her cover all her books. He was amazed how neatly Ally covered all her books.
N: grabe, ako hindi ko yan magawa, yung maid nga pinapag-cover ko ng books ko eh.
A: Talaga, sana sinabi mo ako nalang nag-cover ng mga books mo, favorite ko kaya ginagawa to. This and wrapping gifts.
N: Ah talaga lang ah, pwes simula ngayon ikaw na ang mag-co-cover ng mga books ko.
A: oo bah, basta ba may kapalit.
N: kung kiss lang ba bakit hindi.
A: Haha ang kapal mo rin lang eh no, hindi kaya, food.
N: sure. Takaw mo lang eh.
Kunyariang nag-wa-walk-out sana si Ally nang hilahin niya ito, accidentally napaupo si Ally sa lap niya. Sabay silang tumawa saka na niya ito inalalayan pabalik sa upuan nito.

XVIII. BEACH AND HEARTS

3 Am. Naguumpisa na sa pag-ayos ng sarili sina Nate and Ally. They barely slept. Magdamagan silang nag-uusap sa phone. Neither one of them dared discussed whatever is happening between the two of them. Hindi rin inuungkat ni Ally si Yenn, while Nate never asked about Stephen. Kanya-kanya nalang sila ng sikap sa kaka-research sa mga “karibal” nila.
As usual sila ang magkatabi sa coaster.Kahit excited sa beach dahil walang tulog nakatulog sila ng sabay sa byahe. Ally's head leaned on Nate's shoulder habang nakaakbay si Nate sa kanya. Share din sila sa malong na ginawang blanket. They were also sharing earphones, mga kantang paborito nila lately. Ang playlist na tinawag nilang Summer Escapade.
Nilingon ni Annie ang dalawa. She instantly called for Beth's attention. Saka naman nag-thumbs up ito. Hindi alam nina Ally at Nate, nag-uusap na ang mga parents nila, napapansin naman kase ng mga ito ang new-found closeness ng dalawa and they knew that kind of closeness will somehow turn into something serious, n asana lang daw walang hanky-panky. Hinihintay nalang nila na magsabi sila Ally at Nate na formally sila na. Huwag lang muna sa kasalan ang usapan.
Nagising si Ally dahil sa mapanirang tulog na kumurot sa ilong niya.
A: Oh my God, kuya AD, ang pogi ng kuya ko.
Hindi tumigil si ally sa pagyakap at paghalik sa pisngi ng kuya niya. Oh he she really missed her Kuya Adam. Hinanap niya si Nate sa paligid. Nasa labas nap ala ito ng coaster dala na ang backpack niya.
AD: You did miss me, huh. (kahit may boylet ka?)
pabulong pa nito sa tanong. Hinampas niya ang braso ng kuya.
A: Sira ka talaga, eh ikaw may girlfriend ka nab a? oh should I say ilan ang girlfriend mo.
Siniko naman siya ng kuya niya saka inakbayan. Naglalakad na sila papunta sa cottage. Nakasunod lang si Nate na may dala pa rin ng backpack niya. Magka-akbay sila ng kuya niya habang nagkukulitan. Sa lunch hall na nagpansinan sina Nate atg Adam.
Ad: dude thank you ha, for taking care of Ally.
N: okay lang yun, para naman hindi tayo family.
Nag-chest bump pa ang dalawa.
N: kumusta ka naman sa baguio, sana pala binisita ka naming ni Ally doon?
Ad: yeah, dapat namasyal kayo doon. Eto malapit na rin mag-graudate, balik manila na rinniya, isang taon nalang.
N: wala ka bang iiwanan na girlfriend doon?
Pinapanood lang ni Ally sina Nate at Adam habang nag-uusap. Busy siya sa pag-kuha ng rice sa mga rice cooker para makakain na sila. She is starved. Buong buyahe ba naman sila na natulog lang, nagtiyaga sila sa gawang hotdog sandwich at bottled water kanina. Hindi man niya naririnig ang usapan ng kuya niya at ni Nate, kinikilig naman siya na magkasundo ang dalawa. Well they always have been close anyways. Tinawag na niya ang mga ito para kumain. Sama-sama silang tatlo sa lamesa at parang boodle fight na pinagsaluhan ang mga baon ng mga tito at tita nila. There was adobo, tocino, tilapia, bangus, crabs squids at ang dame pa. She was all pampered through lunch. Pinagtalop siya ng mangga ni Nate while his kuya Adam cracked the crab legs for her. After kumain direcho na sila sa sand castle building. Dahil sa architect daw ang kuya niya puro lang ito utos kaya lakad sila ng lakad ni Nate, and she actually liked it dahil nagkakaroon sila ng time ni Nate na silang dalawa lang. If she just doesn’t miss her kuya baka iniwan na niya, mas madalas pa kase magkuentuhan si Nate at ang Kuya niya at hindi siya makarelate dahil black ops lang naman pinag-uusapan ng dalawa. Tinawag ng mommy niiya si Adam, which she liked dahil concentrated na sila ni Nate sa mga finishing touches ng sand castle nila. And then their first magical moment together, she was patting a side of the sand castle when Nate accidentally patted on her hand, in the end, magkahawak tuloy sila ng kamay. Nagtinginan lang sila habang magkahawak pa rin sila ng kamay. Biglang bawi lang nang dumating na naman si Adam na may dalang surf board. Hinila na sila nito papunta sa dagat. Close to the water, binuhat siya ni Nate, she struggled as Nate carry her. Her thoughts were baka ma-turn off si Nate sa bigat niya at baka ano ang isipin ng kuya niya. Ayaw niya ng mahabang interview pag-uwi ni Adam kasama sila. Adam will be vacationing sa bahay nila for a week. Pagdating sa tubig wala na siya nagawa kundi kumapit kay Nate. Her arms surrounded Nate. Nagulat siya sa lamig ng tubig ng dagat, it was refreshing, pero hindi siya sigurado kung saan siya mas kinikilig. Sa tubig dagat o sa pagkarga ni Nate sa kanya.
They looked at each other. Nate was smiling, his eyes smiling too.
N: Thank you.
Nate wasn’t aware why he was saying thank you. Hinidi siya sigurado kung para saan but he needed to say it now. Nakita niya ang pagtatanong sa mga mata ni Ally.
N: wala lang, nasabi ko na ba saiyo that I am thankful for your presence in my life?
A: nakakaba naman yang sinasabi mo. Are you suicidal or something?
Nate didn’t know if he was supposed to laugh or maiiyak siya sa pagsira ni Ally sa moment na ion. He was trying to be romantic and all, and there is Ally ruining it by asking if he was suicidal. Kinurot niya ang pisngi nito.
N: Ang cute mo lang talaga. Lets go, race to you kuya adam.
Nasa gitna na kase ng laot si adam with the surf board he rented. He was thankful that Adam gave them that quiet moment. Bago pa sila magkita that day, he already told Adam about his intentions for Ally. Hindi naman sumagot si Adam. Ang sabi lang nito his eyes will be on him. No hanky panky. Hindi naman siya dapat matakot, when he said he will make things right between him and Ally he meant he’ll do everything right. Ayaw niyang maging bantay-salakay kaya nagpaalam na siya kay Adam right away. He wasn’t asking for his permission because nothing can stop him, atleast hindi niya binastos si Adam. Nagpaalam siya. Sadya niyang pinauna si Ally para lalabas na ito ang nanalo. They both can swim pero syempre iba pa rin ang bilis lumangoy ng lalake. Pogi points pa rin ang pagiging gentleman.
Nakasakay na ng surfboard si Ally nang maratingnia ang magkapatid. Kitang-kita niya ang pag-iling ni Adam, he understood what he did. Umalis si Adam sa surfboard, sila na daw magbalaik sa beach, lalangoy ito pabalik. So he and Ally decided na sasakay ito sa board saka naman niya ito itinulak, after some time in the beach, they joined the oldies in their videoke session. May mga umiinom na rin ng beer.
His dad offered him a bottle of san mig light, bago niya kinuha ang beer, lumingon siya kay Ally and pointed his bottles. He was in some ways asking for her permission if he can have that drink. Nakatingin lang si Ally mukhang clueless nang akbayan siya ni Adam.
Ad: hey drink that, we’re here to have fun and don’t mind my baby sis, huwag ka na mag-paalam, she will be okay with it.
Nate saw how Ally blushed with Adam’s remarked. Tumingin ito sa malayo and took a sip of her fresh coconut juice. Hindi na niya ito nilingon muli, ayaw naman niyang maging center of attention sila kaya he took a sip of his beer. Unti-untiin nalang niya ang inom para hindi mapadami. Marami pa sila dapat gawin ni Ally, and he didn’t want to fail her dahil nalasing siya.
Now the olides started to sing. Tita Medy was the singer in that group, her voice resembled Lea Salonga’s, and she started to sing “I'm afraid to fly, And I don't know why, I'm jealous of the people who, Are not afraid to die” as Tita Medy was singing napatingin siya kay Ally. It was just pure instinct when he did that. He was surprised to see that Ally was looking at him too. It sounded cliché but they were looking at one another. Nasira naman ang moment when suddenly Caress was tugging his shirt. Napatingin siya dito, nagpapakarga na naman ang bata sa kanya. He carried Caress and sat beside Ally.
N: one beer lang, I promise.
She whispered to her. Ally smiled and gave Caress a kiss. Nauna kase si Caress at ang daddy nito sa resort kaya hindi nila nakita sa coaster kanina. Lumipat si Caress sa lap ni Ally while they all listened to Tita Medy’s voice. “Help me I'm fallin', Fallin', Catch me if you can, Maybe this time I'll have it all. Maybe I'll make it after all, Maybe this time I won't fall,When I fall in love “
Hindi siya sigurado kung tinamaan na siya sa kalahating bite ng SML o tinatamaan siya sa kanta, because as Tita Medy sang Fallin’ and as the words make its way through his soul saka hindi niya mapigilan na tumingin kay Ally, magkayakap sina Ally at Caress, they were so cute. Ayaw niyang ang dalawa to take pictures so he tried to memorize that moment.
Nang matapos si Tita Medy kumanta parang wala nang ibang gusto pang kumanta mahirap naman kase talaga tapatan ang moment na yon. And then saka naman sumulpot bigla ang boss ng mga parents nila, hila hila pa nito ang asawa. Kakantahin daw nito ang theme song nila its called the search is over. Nate has no idea kung ano ang kanta na yon, something he never heard before. Tito Chito and Tita Precy were in no tune, he can tell but the message of the song tells so much about a lot of things.
How can I convince you what you see is real
Who am I to blame you for doubting what you feel
I was always reachin', you were just a girl I knew
I took for granted the friend I have in you
I was living for a dream, loving for a moment
Taking on the world, that was just my style
Now I look into your eyes
I can see forever, the search is over
You were with me all the while
It’s as if he was able to put pieces together. Ang tagal niya naghahanap, of all those failed relationships he had, eto pala sa harap niya, bata palang sila kasama na niya, siya rin palang para sa kanya. There was certainty in him that they were meant to be. He heard na magkaibbigan din daw sina Tito Chito and Tita Precy. On instinct hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Ally, tinignan lang siya nito but didn’t take her hand away from him. He was somehow pleased that she allowed him to hold her hands while a song that awaken his senses plays. Kahit hindi maganda ang boses ng mga kumakanta, it’s the best song he ever heard that afternoon.

Every highway leading me back to you
Now at last I hold you, now all is said and done
The search has come full circle
Our destinies are one
So if you ever loved me
Show me that you give a damn
You'll know for certain
The man I really am
He saw Ally sing with the couple, nakangiti siya habang pinapanood ito. He is enjoying his sight, Now more than ever he is sure, his search was over, he found the other half of his heart.
Ally was starting to feel umcomfortable, every words to that song lingers in her, more so she was holding hands with Nate. It was a cheerful environment. Lahat nag-eenjoy, without the crowd she was enjoying anyways. Her with him, masaya na. She knew it will be hard for her to do what she had planned. Ang iwasan ito, but she will try anyways.
Her train of thoughts ended when she heard her kuya addressed her. Adam was already holding the microphone at palapit na si Tita Medy dito. Her kuya has the best singing voice. Pinagatatakahan nga nila how Adam developed into a hidden talented singer. He seldoms let people know what kind of voice he has. All eyes were suddenly on Her kuya. And then they started singing. Kitang-kiya nya how her kuya looked at her when the song title flashed on the tv screen . Who knows that song? Hindi nga siya sure kung ipinanganak na siya when Lea salonga released that song. And then Tita Medy started to sing. She is sure she is blushing. Every line of the song touches her inner soul. “It would go far and wide, just to be near you”. She smiled. Now she knew, Adam was sensing something “might” be going on between her and Nate. Magsasabi ba siya ng totoo kay Adam? She isn’t sure. She was enjoying the song, mas natatamaan siya sa kinakantang ito nina Adam at Tita Medy kaysa sa naunang kanta, she justified maybe cause Adam and Tita Medy were better singers. Way better singers. “Even the stars, shine a bit bright I’ve noticed, when you’re close to me” Adam really had that crooner voice, parang ka-level ni Richard Poon, nakaka-inlove ang kuya niya, how she wondered bakit wala itong pinapakilalang girlfriend? And then Tita Medy and Adam sang together. “Anyone who see us, knows what going on between us, it doesn’t take a genius to read between the lines. Oh and its not just wishful thinking or only me who’s dreaming, I know whats this are symptoms of, we could be in love”
Oh my God! Its seems as if a lightning hit her, well pati si Nate dahil as those lines were sang on an instant tumingin ang mga taong andoon, and the widest of smiles were her mom’s and Nates mom. It was embarrassing. Why do these people think they were in love? She looked at Nate who was surprisingly looking, err, staring at her. Bakit ganoon, she started blushing when she realized that Nate was looking, just Nate and didn’t care about the other people. Nagbaba na siya ng tingin, nakaka-hiya naman talaga. Para naman in-assume ng lahat na may gusto siya kay Nate, well she knows its true but they need not shove it into her face. She was thinking this is trial oh well conviction by publicity.
C: Ate why are they all staring at you are you inlove?
Nagulat siya sa biglang tanong ni Caress saka yumakap sa kanya. Spell peak of embarrassment, ito na yun, ang pag-announce ni Caress sa madalang people. Tumawa siya, but realized that laugh was fake. Niyakap nalang niya si Caress and announced, loudly “Ofcourse not, akala lang nila yun” saka naman tumawa ang lahat and then Nate’s dad answered “Oh hindi naman daw eh.” Followed it up with a laugh. Buti nalang nasundan agad ang kanta nina Tita Medy at Adam, isang novelty song kaya nawala na ang attention sa kanya. Saka naman lumapit si Adam sa kanya na may dalang rootbeer. Manunuhol pa ito. Inakbayan siya ng kapatid niya. She pouted as Adam gave him a kiss in the cheeks. “I love you baby sis”. She knew na mahabang tanungan ang mangyayari pag nasa manila na sila magkapatid.
Hindi naman nagtagal tinawag na sila ng bangkero para sa island hopping. Finally. Ipinasama ni tita Medy si Caress sa kanila. Adam volunteered to carry Caress on his broad shoulders. Nainggit siya dahil sobrang init ng araw at ang hirap maglakad sa beach ng mainit at naka flipflops. Sabay sila naglalalakad ni nate kahit hindi naman sila nag-uusap.
N: Naiinitan ka ba?
Nate asked smiling. Narealize niya na Nate was measuring up if he can go closer. Affected din ba ito sa nangyari kanina? Lumapit ito sa kanya, now they were closer. Biga tuloy ginanahan siyang maglakad. But still she envied Caress, ito buhat ng kuya niya, how she wish na siya nalang ang pinapasan ni Adam.
N: Inggit kay Caress?
Bigla siya nagulat sa pagsasalita ni Nate. Umiling siya. Before she know it, with about a 100 meters more to the motorboat, bigla na naman siyang binuhat ni Nate saka ito tumakbo papunta sa boat. She was screaming, and laughing at the same time.
A: Sira ka talaga, papatayin mo ko sa nerbiyos.
Naghabulan sila ni Nate sa may shore pilit niya itong hinahabol at pinagpapalo sa braso. Maya-maya nakisali na rin sina Caress at Adam sa kanila. Tumigil lang sila sa kakatawa when a big wave came in and splashed the 4 of them. They decided to go ahead with the boating. She felt awkward, dahil andoon lang si Adam. Magkatabi sila ni Nate, who was busy taking pictures with his underwater camera.
N: The view is breath taking.
Nagulat siya sa biglang pagsasalita ni Nate, and when she looked at him, sa kanya nap ala naka-focus ang camera.
A: stop it.
Sabi niya covering the camera lens with her hand.
N: kj mo, come here, scoot some more lets take a picture. Sayang naman ang view.
She smiled and scoot near him. Agad naman umakbay si Nate sa kanya at umakbay sabay click sa camera. She gave an awkward smile. Dumating na naman siya sa point na nahihiya siya kay Nate maybe because of the song too. "I think its better if i'll take the picture. "
Bigla nalang nagsalita si Adam. She is 110% sure that Adam will be teasing her once they're back in manila.

Pagdating sa island hindi siya pinababa agad ni Nate, inalalayan siya nito pababa ng boat sabay karga hanggang sa shore. Someone started to hum "here comes the bride" paglingon niya si Jopet pala ang 10 years old na anak ni Tita Grace. Lakas ng tawa ni Nate. Hindi nalang siya nagsalita. Then Adam being the oldest proposed to play monkey in the middle. Dahil panay bagets naman sila pumayag naman lalo na ang mga nasa elementary age.Adam was carrying Caress pibbgy back style, and she on the other hand was trying to use Nate as her human shield. nakakapit siya sa bewang nito na parang batang mapapalo ng magulang. Nate was running so fast which left her with no choice of clinging to him tightly.
N: okay ka pa?
Nate asked while there was a brief pause from the intense game, hindi niya na-imagine that at her age nakikipaghabulan siya sa mga batang ito.
A: i am good.
She answered in the middle of gasping for her breath.
N: I can carry you instead.
Nate looked at her smiling. Umiling siya. Hindi pa naman siya lumpo para buhatin nito.
A: focus nate, we dont want to get hit.
Sabi pa rin niyang hinihingal.
N: okay we're in this together okay.
A: Yeah sure.
Sila lang ang hindi tinamaan ng bola sa game. After the game they decided to pick out stones and shells. May malaking aquarium kase sina Nate sa bahay at favorite na nilalagyan ni Tita beth ng stones ang aquarium ng mga ito. They walked around the beach holfing hands and taking picture. Tawa sila ng tawa when Nate was trying to take her jumpshot. Para kasing sinasadya nito na paulit ulit ang kuha nito ng pictures. Dahil mag-dadalawang oras na lang before sunset, they all decided na bumalik na sa resort, malapit na mag-umpisa ang barbecue night and bon-fire. Magbibihis pa sila into Hawaiian costumes as planned by Nate’s parents.
Nagbihis sila ni Nate in their matching floral shirt. She wore a mini floral skirt in pink while pink and purple ang color ng flowers in her shirt while Nate wore a white board shorts with blue and green floral shirt na sabay nila binili. They were incharge of hotdogs and marshmallows. Kaya nag-kukulitan lang sila habang pineprepare ang mga iyon. Nakakahalat nga sila na lagi lumalayo ang mga tao pag nakikita na magkasama sila.
N: Ako lang ba nakakapansin o iniiwan talaga nila tayo?
Nate was smiling nang nagtatanong, bago siya sumagot, sinubuan muna siya nito ng malaking marshmallow. She shrugged her shoulders instead, dahil puno na ang marshmallows sa bibig niya so she decided to get a handful of marshmallows and tried to put it in Nate’s mouth when he least expected it. Saka sila nagtawana. “Ehem, ehem” napatigil lang sila nang dumating si Adam. Saka na rin nagsunuran ang mga kasama nila, they all viewed sunset together. Nakaupo sila sa harap ng palubog na araw some were taking picture while she and Nate held hands and just stared at the beautiful setting of the sun. No need for pictures, she will always remember that moment.

XIX. AFTER SUNSET COMES SUNRISE

Videoke time na naman after the sunset. Ally was enjoing singing buttercup with the other kids nang bigla siyang lapitan ni Nate. She looked at him, her eyes asking. Hindi naman nagsalita si Nate saka siya hinila papunta sa may shore.
A: Ano na naman ang gagawin natin?
N: I’ll just show you something okay, close your eyes.
Umiling si Ally, it was cute and exciting but she was hesitant, skeptic too.
N: Huwag kang KJ, pinaghirapan ko kaya ito, sa manila pa lang iniisip ko na anong surprise ang puwede kong gawin. Pretty peaches please, close your eyes na.
A: Nope!
Umiiling pa rin siya. Napailing si Nate, maybe due to frustration too, bigla nalang siya binuhat ng newly wed style saka patakbong dinala siya sa malapit na rocky area ng beach. Nagwawala na naman siya habang binubuhat ni Nate.
N: Huwag ka kase magulo, mahuhulog ka kaya.
A: Ano naman kase to.
N: Psssh, trust me on this okay.
Hindi rin naman nagtagal nasa shore na sila, and there she saw paper boats. Lots and lots of paper boats with candles.
A: WOW.
Yun lang ang nasabi niya, and then suddenly Nate was giving this all kinds of common flowers, there was gumamela, bonggavilla, yellowbells and kalachuchi. Her jaws dropped. Why is he doing these? All of these? It made her pant. Yung feeling na hindi siya makahinga, it feels like someone covered her face with a plastic bag and she wanted to scream, but nothing is coming out? This is touching and she never imagined someone doing such thing for her and Nate of all people. Nate. Wow. She was trying to recall ilang beses na niya sinabi ang wow mentally and saying it outloud. Wow.
N: Hoy ano na kukunin mo ba these flowers or iiyak ka nalang diyan?
She suddenly gasp for air, and it felt as if she got out of water dahil sa sinabi ni Nate. Ano iyon? Umiiyak ba siya? Hindi naman ah. She looked at Nate again and his arm extended with the flowers in it. Kinuha na niya and smiled.
A: effort lang?
N: wow, napaka-appreciative mo lang naman eh no, pinaghirapan ko yan.
Inakbayan niya si Nate. He seemed really offended with her lack of enthusiasm. Well if Nate only knows how he made her so ecstatic at that moment.
A: Ang cute naman. Sorry nagulat lang ako na talagang nag-effort ka pa ng ganyan. Thanks po.
N: hay nako peaches grabe akala ko you don’t like it, I am being romantic you know.
A: Haha, ewan ko lang sayo, pero its cute, thank you.
N: You’re welcome, peaches.
They sat down the shore and watch the boats and talked about any topic that crossed their mind. Inumaga na sila sa kakakuwentuhan, they decided to wait for sunrise, which came so pretty. They were holding hands while watching the sun pop out. After sunrise they decided to take a nap kahit na palabas na ang mga kasama nila sa cottages para magswimming matutulog muna sila and hoped na they have the energy for the afterlunch jetski session they have. It almost slipped their mind na kailangan nila mag-jetski dahil napagkasunduan na nila yon. They both slept so well na hindi nakagising si Nate on time. Ally woke up and hurried down Nate’s family’s cottage. She watched Nate sleep for a while before she tried to wake him up. She took a picture of him. He was just sleeping so peacefully and he looks like an angelic boy sleeping soundly like that. In the middle of his sleep he just started to smile. For a while, inakala ni Ally na ginu-good time na siya ni Nate, baka naman gising na ito pretending to be awake. She stood still, hinihintay niyang bigla na lang ito magbukas ng mata, pero hindi nangyari. That’s when she decided to wake him up.
A: Yoohoo sleepy head, wake up.
He stirred, and then smiled again. Pero hindi pa din nagigising si Nate. She tried to shake his shoulders, no answer. She decided to try the pinch nose sabay sigaw scheme.
A: Kenneth, gisiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!
Parang nasunugan, biglang napaupo si Nate sa bed. Naihalamos pa natin ang kamay sa mukha.
N: oh my God you scared me.
Tawa siya ng tawa dahil nawalan ng kulay si Nate sa mukha, he seemed scared again.
N: seriously, peaches naman sinira mo naman yung napakagandang panaginip ko.
A: (Laughing) oh my God, your reaction si so funny. So whats the dream about ba?
Tumayo na si Nate and went to the opened bathroom and wash his face. Sinundan niya ito.
N: Op, talagang papasok ka dito? Privacy muna peaches, I know you missed me pero can I do man stuffs first?
Nate was smiling, inirapan niya ito and waited by the now closed door. Pinapakinggan niya ano ang ginagawa ni Nate sa loob ng bathroom.
A: Hindi mo ba talaga sasabihin sa akin whats the dream about?
Kakatukin sana niya si Nate nang biglang bumakas ang pinto, she was surprised how refreshing Nate looked in that quick 3 minutes in the bathroom. His breath was so refreshing, naka-black sando and blue surf shorts na ito, and his face brightened. She blushed dahil sa tingin palang at ngiti ni Nate alam niyang hindi na maganda ang iniisip nito.
N: were you just trying to listen to what I was doing inside the bathroom?
Naiinis na siya sa ngiti ni Nate, it just didn’t show dahil ayaw niyang isipin ni Nate na guilty siya.
A: Ofcourse not, eh kase naman nambibitin ka naman kase.
N: ME? (pointing to self and looking around.) wala akong ginagawa ikaw iyang chismosa diyan.
Inakbayan siya ni Nate saka na siya pahilang sinama nito sa beach side.
N: Iam starved!
Sabi pa nito habang naglalakad sila, Nate looked at him and saw her pouting kaya tumawa ito lalo. Kumain muna sila with the group. It was all fresh broiled seafoods plus sinigang. Ang dami nilang nakain. She found a hammock na mukhang bagong lagay lang sa beach hut na pinagkakainan at pinag-vivideokehan nila. She lied down a while and put on her sunglasses and applied sunblock.
N: You want me to put some on you?
Nagulat siya sa pabiglang sulpot ni Nate. Nagpaalam kase ito na pupuntahan yung pinagrentahan ng jetski.
A: Sira ka lang, oh what na are we going jetski already?
N: Yes ma’am, lets go?
Tumakbo na sila ni Nate papunta sa shore, laking gulat niya nang makitang isang jetski lang ang meron.
A: eh bakit isa lang?
N: (scratches his head) eh kase kinuha ni Ad yung isa eh, pahiram nalang daw muna, wala na kase ibang available na jetski.
Bigla namang daan si Adam sakay ng jetski sa harapan nila.
Ad: Pahiram muna baby sis. Woohoo!!!
Napailing na lang siya., Oh well she isn’t comfortable riding the jetski by herself and tuturuan din naman siya ni Nate, okay na rin na isang jetski lang sila ni Nate.
A: please don’t leave me with this. I am scared.
Niyakap siya ni Nate and kissed and her forehead. It send shivers down her spine and butterflies starting to flip around her belly. Officially she knows how fatal Nate’s effect for him could be.
She was all nervous dahil sa pagjetski and at the same time excited. She declared that beach trip as Nate day, she shove away the thought, na she has to let go of Nate and her feelings dahil she has to think na may Yenn in the way. Pinagalitan niya ang sarili. Happy thoughts. Hindi dapat siya nagiisip ng mga bad vibes.
N: Hindi kita papabayaan, ever. Don’t forget that okay.
A: Ano ka. Excited, so teach me first okay?
N: that’s my girl.
Hinila na siya ni Nate sa may tubig saka inalalayan pasakay ng jetski. Nate sat on the jetski and ask her to hop on. Parang ayaw na niya matutunan ang pag operate ng jetski parang mas okay na sa kanya ang nakaka-angkas na lang at nakakapit sa baywang ni nate.
N: Don’t let go, hindi kita papabayaan but promise to never let go.
Nate looked her way and smiled. She wondered if Nate was giving her signals. She dismissed the thought. Mas lalo lang siya masasaktan if she allows herself to think those kinds of feelings. On their third round came a big wave that knocked them off both the jetski, Nate was alert and fast coming to rescue her. She knows how to swim, it wasn’t really something to worry about, but then she wished na sana pala hindi nalang siya marunong lumangoy she can be the damsel in distress. Nate was all worried pagkalapit sa kanya.
N: Are you okay.
A: yeah im fine.
N: You sure? Itutuloy pa ba natin ito? I can bring you back to the shore?
A: Ano ka ba I am okay, common lets do it again.
Nate seemed doubting.
N: Are you sure?
A: Totally. Its so much fun. Lets go.
She swam past Nate and went to the jetski. Natawa si Nate sa determination niya na matuto mag-jetski, while for her it was not about really learning jetski but it was spendin more time with him. Tumigil nalang sila mag-jetski when the wave got bigger and bigger. It was unsafe anymore according to Nate and his dad and her kuya. She really had fun so kahit naba ayaw pa sana niya she was still concerned about their safety.
She watched Nate play volleyball with her kuya and the kids. She started to feel really sad because after that trip she will start to remove him from her system. It is unfair she knows. Hindi naman kay Nate pero para sa sarili niya bakit ginagawa niya yun, well she wouldnt lie its the best time of her life so far, she has never been that happy eversince her dad left, then her kuya in Baguio. Her thoughts suddenly took her away, nagulat nalang siya na pabagsak umupo si Nate sa tabi niya saka siya inakbayan. Nakangiti ito when she looked his way.
N: what's wrong?
Was she that transparent para malaman ni nate na may iniisip siyang iba?
A: wala, im starved lets go grab some chips.
Patayo na siya nang pinigilan siya ni nate.
N: Ill take care of it. chill ka lang diyan okay.
Umalis na si Nate jogging his way through the hot sands.
A: You’re spoiling me. Baka masanay ako na lagi ka nalang ganyan kabait sa akin Nate.
Nate laughed and handed her the can of piknik and a can of rootbeer that he already opened for her.
N: you are a princess, peaches and you deserve to be treated that way.
Sino ba naman ang hindi kikiligin sa sinabi at ginagawa ni Nate. Why is this guy making things harder for her. That moment she wished hindi na sila uuwi sa Metro Manila. Na doon na lang sila para hindi na siya masasaktan, kaya pa kaya niyang bawiin ang pangako na i-u-unfriend na niya si Nate dahil may Yenn na ito at hindi naman siya martyr. Ang hirap naman, ang sakit na nga hindi pa naman siya naguumpisa.
N: Can you believe it patapos na ang vacation natin school naman, senior ka na sa highschool.
A: yeah, im actually excited sa pasukan, atleast may ginagawa na.
N: so we will still hangout every now and then dib a?
Her heart leaped out of her chest. Binabasa ba ni Nate ang nasa isip niya?
N: hey, wag ka naman ma-sad kase I am pretty sure makaka-hang out pa din tayo. Minsan susunduin pa kita sa school, mag 18 na ko next month ibibili na ako ni mom and dad ng car.
She smiled. Bahala na. Alam naman niyang totally hindi naman niya maiiwasan si Nate, there will always be those times na hindi naman siya forever makaka-bail out.
A: yumayabang ka na naman Kenneth.
Tumawa nalang ito. Then the sun started to set. Instead of watching naglakad sila ni Nate, holding hands. Hinayaan niyang ganoon sila. Tomorrow they leave the island, everything will be different, slowly she will walk away from his life. She’ll see.
N: Peaches, lets not sleep anymore tonight okay, lets just hang out, bonfire and all those she bang.
Napatingin siya kay Nate. Somehow she believed that he really has that tendency to read whats going on her mind, but she liked that idea, they can always sleep on their way home. So why not.
A: Sure, total last night na rin naman na so okay, I’m down for it.
N: Yesss! Chill chill lang naman tayo.
It was indeed chill moments. She enjoyed it some of the kids joined them, at some point nawala si Nate cause he joined the boys for a round of beer. Her heart started to melt when he started apologizing to her sa sandaling nawala ito and he had to drink. She cannot recall a moment that she told him not to drink, and she was used to seeing him drink and its weird, but she likes it that Nate respects her and tells her things, although what reality must say that hindi naman kailangan magpaalam or mag-pa-sorry pa si Nate, in the first place, sino ba naman siya. Hindi naman sila diba.
Before the break of dawn nagsigisingan na ang mga parents nila to load stuffs back in the car. Magsisimba pa kase sila sa bayan, near the resort. She was drowsy. Pagod na talaga with the 3 days get away and no sleep. At some point nakatulog sila ni Nate facing the ocean. They woke up with the sound of dolphins surfing not too far away from the shore. Beauty behold. She bid the ocean goodbye. It was one heck of a summer. It was fun and exciting because of all the realizations she had—how beautiful Nate is inside and out and how she is falling for him everyday.
They decided to help the people load the vehicle of all their stuffs. She decided to wear her backless sundress, naglagay siya ng konting powder and lipgloss. Her sunkissed skin is so pretty. Funny how she never labeled herself as being “pretty” but she really liked whatever or whoever she is seeing in the mirror right now. Siguro totoo yung blooming na sinasabi nila. Her hair felt sticky kaya she decided to put some hairclamp.
Sa byahe papunta sa simbahan nanood lang siya habang naglalaro ng psp si Nate. At some point, Nate will just smile and look at her. Siguro nagagandahan si Nate sa kanyya. She blushed at the thought. Hindi niya namalayan na nakatulog na pala siya sa sobrang pagod nagising siya sa kurot sa ilong ng kuya Ad niya.
A: masakit kaya iyon, sarap ng tulog ko kaya.
AD: sorry sis church time.
Hinanap ng mata niya si Nate.
AD: Nag-CR.
Nanunukso ang ngiti ng kuya niya.
A: huh? Ano?
AD: prince charming mo. FYI miss buenavides wala pang 1 minute nakakalayo sayo namimiss mo na.
Hinampas niya ang braso ng kuya niya. Lakas din mang-asar minsan. “Lagot ka sa akin pag-uwi”. Sabe pa niya dito. Naiiling lang ang kuya niya at napa-ehem nang sa kanya agad lumapit si Nate. Nasa isang pew lang ang family ni Nate at ang mommy niya kaya sumama na rin sila sa mga ito. Katabi niya ang mommy niya at si Nate. After the mass tumuloy sa isang restaurant sa Tarlac saka na dumirecho pabalik ng Manila.

XX. REALITY BITES

Hindi alam ni Nate baket bigla nalang siya kinabahan pagkakakita ng sign na welcome to Metro Manila. Hindi rin niya alam kung napaparanoid ba siya o talagang parang wala sa sarili si Ally o siya lang ang wala sa sarili? Pasukan na next week and he don’t know what it will bring them. Well he already dealt with Yhenn, isang bagay na hindi pa alam ni Ally.He would start a clean slate, and then isa pa yung Stephen na yun hindi pa pala nasasagot ang tanong niya. Maybe one of these days makakausap niya si Ad ng man to man, sila lang dalawa, and then confess what he feels for his sister and maybe matutulungan pa siya nito. He wanted a clean slate na sana maintindihan ni Ad na kahit na sila pa ni Yenn nang magka-feelings siya for Ally na maiintindihan nito yung situation niya.
May separation anxiety siguro siya. Hindi niya sinamahan nang bumaba na sa coaster sina Ad at Ally. He just looked from the window. Now as the coaster pulls out their driveway saka naman siya nagsisisi. Hindi man lang kase siya nilingon ni Ally. Nakakasakit naman ng ego yun.
Nate couldn’t sleep pag-uwi. He’s so dead tired dapat in no time nakatulog na siya but with this situation he has, nakakainis kung kalian Malaya na siya saka naman wala nang time—wala na nga bang time o sadyang pinanghihinaan na siya ng loob? He tried to text Yhenn. In the first place magkaibigan sila and Yhenn understood him and maybe, Yhenn will help him sort things out. Bakit bigla niyang naisip si Yhenn is out of the question, siguro dahil nagui-guilty pa rin siya that he is so far the worst he has been in a relationship.
“Hey you’re back from you summer escapade. How was it?”
Hindi na siya nagtataka na nagrereply agad ito. She has always been attentive to him, making him feel worse about himself.
“Great. I cant describe how happy I am when I am with her—but it was all so weird this morning. She was acting weird.”
“:P”
Yun ang nireply ni Yhenn. His jaw dropped. He wont ever figure out girls. Ang labo kausap. He replied with—“huh??? Confused :s”
“Si Allyson yun kababata mo siya yun diba well I am right, anyways so are you pursuing her na?”
Ano ba dapat ang isagot doon, kung OO sasabihin niya para namang di siya man langnagbabang luksa na nanliligaw na siya kaka-break lang nila. Does the 3-month rule which according to John Lloyd exists apply to them? He thought what to answer for a while. Nakatingin siya sa ceiling. Ano ba ang nangyayari sa kanya kalian pa siya naging unassuring? His phone beeped, si Yhenn ulit.
“Ok wag mo na sagutin, so eh whats wrong ba?”
He smiled, amused kung gaano siya kakilala ni Yhenn. Sana ganoon din si Ally, sana alam na din nito kung ano ang feelings niya for her.
“she was just so cold. Nakakapraning”
Nakangiti pa rin siya habang naghihintay ng reply, kinikilig siya hindi dahil kay Yhenn pero dahil sa kakaisip kay Ally. Hindi siya mabibigla kung one day people will diagnose him as being silly or crazy. He is flipping out!
“ insecure? Alam ba niya na you are single and available? You know what I mean?”
He replied to that text and decided to text Ally after. Goodnight peaches. I had a really great summer with you and this should not be the end.
Nakatulog siya na nakangiti. He needs to continuously let her now how much he cares for her. And then he slept soundly hapon na siya magigising for sure.
Gaya ni Nate. Antok-deprived din si Ally. Sabi ng pagod niyang katawan tama na, magpahinga na, sabi ng puso niya chill lang, mahal din siya ni Nate, pero pinakapanalo sa lahat ang jaded niyang utak. Its over. She shouldn’t break her promise to herself that her summer escapade with Nate ended as they left Zambales. Gusto niyang sampalin ang sarili and bawiin nalang ang vow na iyon. Pwede naman siya magchange mind diba. Pero paano naman kung in a relationship si Kenneth? Sasaktan nalang ba niya ang sarili? Oh no. its trouble!!! She decided to sleep when her phone buzzed, if it was Adam at nangaasar lang masasapak niya ang kuya. But then surprise it was Nate, mula paguwi nila kanina after lunch hindi man lang ito nagparamdam,pero eto nag-gu-goodnight—so she decided to ignore him, but she loved the fact na matutulog siyang Masaya. Napakasaya. Scary because only Nate can do that. That’s it. That’s the truth.
Tanghali na siya gumising. Milagro Ad did not disturb her, ano naman kaya ang ginagawa nito? Gusto niyang makabonding ang kuya niya sa 4 na araw na meron ito sa manila. Hindi muna siya bumaba, she opened her phone and she has 12 messages. End of the world nab a?
Ad: hey sis puntahan ko lang si P.chrmng mo ok. C u later love u
She thought hard kung sino daw ang pupuntahan ng kuya niya, when she realized, si Kenneth ang pupuntahan nito. Nalungkot naman siya bigla. And then she read Patty’s messages.
P: welcome back bessy miss you.
Bessy paramdam ka naman, eggzoyted much ako sa kuentos mo, ako din excited magkuewnto.
Bess???
Natawa siya sa mga text ni Patty na 15-20 minutes ang pagitan na Bess na lang halos ang laman. And then the text message that made her heart leaped. She already succumbed to the fact that it just takes one thing that is Nate-related to complete her day.
“Murneng peaches ko, ginising ako ni Bro—basketball dw kme. Tlog kpa dw e, dream of me, mwah.”
Naloko na ang bituka niya, pacircus circus na ito. Ano ba naman kase yung mwah mwah na nalalaman ni Nate. She opened his next message.
“IMY :*”
Three letters. Meaningful. Enough to make her heart leap a thousand times and her stomach to twirl like it want to seize. Hindi pa doon natapos ang lahat, he has another text.
“May mga bgay na masaya…pero corny…
may mga bgay na corny….pero msaya…
pero pg lgi kitang ksma….lging msaya….!
corny noh? pero masaya….
Paramdam ka naman diyan. Miss you.”
She read his text again, and then again and again hanggang sa matapos ang pangiginig ng kamay niya, ng panga niya, at ang puso niya. It was a good thing that she was lying down, she definitely was close to collapsing. Gustong-gusto niyang magreply, pero kailangan na niyang umpisihan na tapos ang ilusyon niyang may future ang “love story “ nila ni Nate. Its never gonna happen. She decided to take a shower, baka mawala ang epekto ng Nate fever sa shower.
Shower made her feel refreshed, nakarecover na rin siya sa kilig kay Nate nang magbuzz ang phone niya. And it was him. Sa walang kapagurang kakatext ni Nate makaka-feel pa kaya siya ng umay? This isn’t helping at all.
“are u up? Are u ok? Please let me know how are you, im close to freaking out.”
It should be something that should scare her, she should freak out too but for the life of her she started this ignore Nate game and its working to her advantage. Or not? Hindi niya alam kung dapat ba siyang matuwa o hindi. All of a sudden Nate becomes a possessive hovering boy—friend? Doon siya natauhan. Its not right to think that way, because whatever happened to moving on? Napahiga na naman siya. Helpless!
Meanwhile Nate is going crazy. Maghapon na silang naglalaro ng basketball, his future brother in law just woke him up 10 am para makipag-almusal at mag-aya ng basketball, he instantly asked for Ally, tulog pa raw, it made him smiled, did she spent the night thinking of him too? He was asking them to substitute him sa game hindi para magpahinga pero para i-text lang si Allyson na hindi pa nagrereply hanggang ngayon. Nasa clubhouse sila kumakain ng pagkarami raming kwek kwek at fishball. Saka naman niya naalala si Ally.
“fishball?”
Ibinulsa niya ang cellphone. Kilala niya ang mga kasama, alam din niyang napapansin ng mga ito ang madalas na pagsilip niya sa phone niya. Gusto niyang maging sikreto muna sa mga gunggong nilang basketball friends ang tungkol kay Ally, in the first place wala naman siyang sasabihin, dahil hanggang paramdam lang siya, literal parang hangin sa summer, hindi nararamdaman kahit present naman palagi. Ano ba naman kase si Allyson. Wala man lang pakiramdam?
“sino bay an katext mo? Kanina ka pa tingin ng tingin sa cellphone mo, para namang di ka nirereplyan?”
Nagulat si Nate sa biglang pagsasalita ni Simon, pinsan ito ni Janice isa sa mga ex niya, napansin din niya ang pag-ngiti ni Adam. Hindi pa rin niya nakakausap ito tungkol sa kanila ni Ally, kung meron nga ba silang matatawag in the firstplace.
“Sira tinitignan ko lang un oras.” Sagot nalang niya sa mga kasama nila. He tried to shift the topic buti nalang hindi na humaba pa ang usapan. He stopped himself from looking at his phone. Kahit na atat na atat na siya na makita na sana naman eh nagreply na si Ally.
Ally couldn’t help but smile when Nate sent his nth message at hindi pa siya nagrereply. Fishball. Aww how she missed it, sana dalhan siya ni Nate o kaya ni Adam, but ofcourse how her heart longs na si Nate ang magdala ng fishball. She replied with a “gdmornin” she actually finds it cute. Ang pagiging makulit ni Nate. Wala pa naman silang 24 hours na nagkakahiwalay. She waited for him to reply. After 15 minutes na hindi ito nagrereply nawala na siya sa mood. Unfair nga ban a tawagin yun kung gumaganti ito sa hindi niya pagreply? Nainis na talaga siya dahil 30 minutes na ang nakalipas nang mag-good morning siya at hindi pa rin sumasagot si Nate. She decided to call Patty. Nagkuentuhan nalang sila. Kuentuhan that ended up in yayaan na mag-mall. She called Adam and told him na magdadala siya ng food for dinner, nag-playstation daw ito sa bahay nina Nate. So ganoon pala yun pinagpalit na naman siya ng lalakeng yun sa playstation. She choke on her own thoughts. Sinong ipagpapalit kanino eh ano bang meron? Dapat na naman niyang sermunan ang sarili na walang
SILA at huwag na siyang umasa na meron pa silang chance, In the first place, nabuhay naman siyang hi and hello lang sila dati ni Nate, for sure mabubuhay siya ng mas maraming panahon na wala naman silang connection nito. Hindi siya 2nd sa buhay ni Nate maybe 4th or third siguro. Napa-ouch man ang puso niya doon, yun pa din ang totoo, Nate is in a relationship and the feeling she nurtured during the summer for him should end, really soon, if not now. Kakafinalize palang niya noon sa sarili nang magtext na finally si Nate. Hirap na hirap na siyang magpanggap na hindi siya affected sa reply nito.
“Nagmall ka daw? Daya di mo ko sinama—hpe 2 c u later txt m nmn ako pag nkauwi k ng safe. :*”
And her guard is down. Ano kaya mas mahirap biochemistry or i-deny ang feelings for Nate? She was suddenly flying free yung parang nakalulol siya ng isang libong lobo kagaya ng nasa UP na 3d movie, para na siyang lumilipad. May gana na siya maglakad, or should she say glide. Nagulat na lang siya nang biglang tumigil sa paglalakad si Patty, hinawakan pa nito ang noo at leeg niya. “what?” nalilito niyang tanong dito.
“something is weird, kanina para kang kulang na lang macomatose sa kawalan mo ng energy ngayon para kang naka-ecstasy?” She cant help but smile. Nate. That’s what happened. Pero aaminin ba niya kay Patty na dahil sa text ni Nate kaya parang naging makulay na naman ang buhay niya in an instant? Hala magkamatayan na walang aamin. “Its Nate.” Akala niya ba walang aamin then who the hell just said his name? Siya ba? Was she thinking out loud way too much? Well its definitely not her. Then who did? Patty? She looked around wala naman si Nate sa paligid, well for a minute she kinda hoped na andiyan nga si Nate, well not really her pero ang taksil niyang puso. “wala dito, huwag kang maano dyan, sabe ko si Nate, that’s what happened.” Umiiling siya and tried ro walk past patty. She wasn’t losing this battle of pretending who made her day.
“Matagal na tayo magfriends Allyson, huwag ka na mag-deny nagtext yang si Nate kaya parang ewan kang kinikisay sa kilig”
Her jaw dropped. Buti nalang bestfriend niya si Patty at alam nitong lukring siya kaya dinedma nalang niya ang comment nito. Dumaan sila sa Kenny Rogers para bumili ng family meal. She knows her brother’s weakness, chicken, at gusto niyang maenjoy ni Ad ang dinner na ito bago bumalik sa baguio in a few days. “So hindi mo bay an dadagdagan?” nagulat na naman siya sa biglang pagsasalita ni Patty. “Baket akala ko ba may date kayo ng boypren mo?”
“oo nga, eh paano yung boyfriend mong PG I am sure makikikain na naman yun sa inyo” alam niya kahit hindi sabihin ni patty or kahit hindi siya manalamin, alam niyang nag-blush na naman siya. Sino ba kase ang nag-imbento ng pag-b-blush hindi ba alam ng mga ito na nakakapahamak iyon sa mga pusong may itinatago kagaya niya. “whatever” sagot ni Patty sa sariling statement, because she actually chose to ignore that statement.
Pag-uwi sa bahay naliligo na ang kuya niya. She slammed his bathroom door. “saan ka pupunta?” she knows na may lakad ito kung naliligo sa hapom, Adam prefers showering before sleeping. “Boys night out” hindi niya alam bakit bigla nalang siyang kinabahan noong sinabi ni Ad yun. And then her phone beeped. It was Nate. “labas kame nina Ad and some boys, just letting u knw, *** suplada k”. She smiled at the implication of the text. Nagpapaalam ba si Nate sa kanya? That’s sweet.
“pupunta kame sa bar, acoustic night naman daw and Yenn’s band is playing.” She was devastated. Siguro that’s how the flood victims of Ondoy and the tsunami in Japan felt like. Yenn? Bakit hindi naman sinabi ni Kenneth na si Yenn pala ang pupuntahan ng mga ito. So he is sugar coating?
“Bakit parang nilukot na papel yang mukha mo jan?”
“wala lang akala ko pa naman makakapag-bonding tayo.” She said smiling.
“Ooh, tampo ka naman, bukas nalang, manood tayo lahat ng sine na gusto mo kahit buong araw okay” Her kuya even kissed the top of her head.
“may girlfriend ka nab a kuya?” she asked smiling. Close silang magkapatid but they never talked about their lovelives. In the first place wala naman sila dapat pag-usapan. Ad looked at her na parang joke yun sinabi niya, and then he flashed a smile. Bakit kaya hindi nag-gi-girlfriend ito, he is a straight A student, guapo, thoughtful. “Baka mamaya pag-uwi ko magka-girlfriend na ko” sabi pa nito. She smiled. Whoever will be her kuya’s GF will be so damn lucky. Hopefully makasundo niya ito.
“Night”
She decided to text Nate goodnight. Alam niya hindi siya nito rereplyan dahil kasama nito si Yenn, and maybe he will act as that sweet boyfriend taking pictures and videos of her while playing her guitar or whatever. But deep inside she was hoping that he will say—huwag muna, gusto kita ka-text, or I missed you. Tinawanan niya ang sarili she was asking too much from him. Its never going to happen.
Wala sa sarili si Nate habang Yenn was playing and singing. Not because he was affected with her song, which is a cover of Hate that I love you, but because he forgot his phone in his room, dahil sa kakamadali ni Aldrin ang designated driver nila. Hindi tuloy niya alam kung nagtext na si Ally sa kanya. Gusto niyang balikan ito kanina pero hindi niya masabi sa mga ito na si Ally ang dahilan. Then he looked at Yenn. She is the best singer for him. Sino ba naman ang hindi magkakagusto dito, by the looks of it, may tama na nga ang bayaw niyang hilaw kay Adrienne. Well that’s interesting, his will-be-brother in law, which he will make sure they will be, at ang ex niya mukhang love at first sight. Well they’ve known each other for sure, since magkalapit na subdivisions lang naman, but he thinks ngayon lang nagkatinginan ang dalawang ito. He smiled. That’s interesting, really. He can play cupid, isa pa, mawawala rin ang guilt feeling na meron siya towards breaking Yenn’s heart. Kahit sabihin pa nitong theyre both cool, hindi pa rin maalis sa kanya ang magkaroon ng ganoon pakiramdam. He was still not the best relationship she had with, and that makes him very sad,
XXI. That thing you do.
“ I still cant believe you broke up with her” sabi ni Adam kay nate. They were ordering beer from the bar. “Better believe it, alam ko gusto mo siya” Nate answered smiling. “everything happens for a reason bro” sabi pa nit okay Adam. Hindi nga siya nagkakamali, Adam likes Yenn. Well, this is destiny. Hindi maalis alis ang mata ni Adam kay Yenn while she was singing. He started to think hard.Paano kaya niya macocontact si Ally. Ilang beses lang naman ito nagreply sa kanya. For some reason she felt cold and distant. He made this mental note na dalawin si Ally bukas, maybe bring chowking tofu and young chow just how she liked it. Nag-iisip pa rin siya when Yenn suddenly sat beside him and pinched his nose. “Care bear” nakangiti nitong sabi. He was confused? ANo nanaman kaya ang trip ni Yenn. His instinct was to look at Adam. Para naman balewala lang dito ang hawak siya ni Yenn sa braso. Nawawalan na siya ng pag-asa na makahanap ng paraan para makatext at makausap si Ally. Kung kaya magsabi siyang najejebs siya para makauwi na siya, tapos kina Ally naman talaga siya pupunta. Lame naman ng naisip niyang dahilan. He was really ignoring Yenn. He sighed. “lalim nun ah” sabi ni Yenn. Smiling. Iba talaga ang trip ni Yenn. Come to think of it never silang naging ganoon ka-casual noong sila pa. Seems like relationship ruins friendship. And then it hit him. Kung pipilitin niya bang maging sila ni Ally masisira din ang friendship nila? He refused to believe that.
Sinipa siya ni Yenn ng mahina. He looked at her saka naman ito sumenyas ng cellphone. He get it. Nagtext daw ito. Umiling siya. Nilakihan naman siya nito ng mata. “Wala nga akong cellphone okay” he said frustrated. Saka naman tumawa ng sabay sina Yenn at Adam. “Nakakatawa ba yung sinabi ko?” naiiyak niyang tanong. Yenn searched through her pocket and gave her a cherry mobile phone. “Line yan feel free to use it.” Sabe naman nito. He never knew na dalawa pala ang cellphone ni Yenn? Bakit kaya, nevertheless he tried calling Ally’s number, hindi naman ito sumagot. The more it frustrated him. Bumalik siya kina Yenn at Adam na mukhang nag-ge-getting to know each other na. They were smiling sheepishly parang mga mata lang ang nag-uusap. Lalo lang siyang naging bitter. Nagpaalam na siya. Pinakiusapan din niya si Adam na ihatid si Yenn, hindi naman sumagot yun dalawa na parang sasali sa staring contest, parang hindi talaga kumukurap. He found a taxi at the corner of the street at nagpahatid sa bahay nila, he got his phone and his started to leap, nang makitang may text si Ally. He was right, hindi naman siya binigo ni Ally nag-goodnight na ito. Papayag ba siya? Knowing Ally na hindi naman natutulog agad siguradong gising pa ito. He tried to text her. “Still up peaches?” Napangiti siya sa naisip. Hindi na niya hinintay ang reply ni Ally.
Ally couldn’t sleep, iinom n asana siya ng warm milk nang may magtext. Kaka-goodnight lang nila ni Patty sa isat-isa, may nakalimutan na naman siguro i-chismis si Patty. She almost dropped her phone when she found out that it was Nate. Bakit naman tinatanong nito kung matutulog na siya. Nabore siguro sa bar. Pababa na siya sa kusina when the doorbell rang. Sinilip niya ang nasa pinto. Tama ba? Si Nate nga ba ang nasa pinto? Chowking. Hala nag-alburuto na ang salivary glands niya. Pinagbuksan niya ito ng pinto.
“Hi” Kumindat pa si Nate sa kanya. “brought snacks” sabi nitong sa breakfast nook nila. Nakataas ang kilay niya. “I miss you” very casual na sabi nito sa kanya habang inilalabas sa bag ang dala nitong young chow, siomai at tofu. The black gulaman is tempting. “Wala ka man lang sasabihin jan peaches?” sabi nito, who stopped for a while and looked at her.
“bakit andito ka, akala ko ba magkakasama kayo nina Kuya and may gig si Yenn” did she say her name as clear as she thought? Hinila siya ni Nate saka inupo sa stool. “gutom nako puro naman pika-pika inorder ng mga yun, so how was your day?” for most people whatever Nate said cold have been incomprehendible. Punong-puno kaya ng pagkain ang bibig nito. Natawa na tuloy siya. Akala niya kanina at the sight of food gutom siya, ngayon nakikita lang niya si Nate busog na siya? Pambihira. Unfair. “gutom ako sorry ha.” Sabi pa rin nito. She tried to be really quiet, kumuha siya ng siomai at tofu, ayaw na niya kumain ng rice dahil late na. “na-bore ako doon kaya umalis nako” sabi nito after sometime of silence. “Bakit mo iniwan si Kuya?” sabi niya dito. “Nageenjoy naman yun kasama si Yenn” sabe pa nito. Her eyes popped. Bakit naman iniwan ni nate si Yenn sa kuya niya at siya andito. Ano ito? Kalokahan. Mukhang hirap na naman siya makatulog nito. Ano na naman bang gimik meron itong lalake ito at nadamay pa ang kuya niya. Oh my. Not funny.
Kuento nang kuento si Nate kung ano ang ginawa nito maghapon. Kung sino ang mga kasama. Nakikinig lang siya, nakikitawa paminsan-minsan. Nang hindi na niya kaya, ang magpanggap na dedma lang siya sa presence nito, she started to yawn. Buti nalang nagets naman nito.
“Its getting late, matulog ka na.” Tumango siya. For a while, naghihintay si Nate na ihatid niya ito, she just stood there and then moved once Nate got the cue. “Good night” sabi nito just as she closed the door. Umakyat na siya saka nahiga. When her phone beeped, hindi na niya tinignan because for sure it will cause sleepless night.

XXI. THAT THING YOU DO

“ I still cant believe you broke up with her” sabi ni Adam kay nate. They were ordering beer from the bar. “Better believe it, alam ko gusto mo siya” Nate answered smiling. “everything happens for a reason bro” sabi pa nit okay Adam. Hindi nga siya nagkakamali, Adam likes Yenn. Well, this is destiny. Hindi maalis alis ang mata ni Adam kay Yenn while she was singing. He started to think hard.Paano kaya niya macocontact si Ally. Ilang beses lang naman ito nagreply sa kanya. For some reason she felt cold and distant. He made this mental note na dalawin si Ally bukas, maybe bring chowking tofu and young chow just how she liked it. Nag-iisip pa rin siya when Yenn suddenly sat beside him and pinched his nose. “Care bear” nakangiti nitong sabi. He was confused? ANo nanaman kaya ang trip ni Yenn. His instinct was to look at Adam. Para naman balewala lang dito ang hawak siya ni Yenn sa braso. Nawawalan na siya ng pag-asa na makahanap ng paraan para makatext at makausap si Ally. Kung kaya magsabi siyang najejebs siya para makauwi na siya, tapos kina Ally naman talaga siya pupunta. Lame naman ng naisip niyang dahilan. He was really ignoring Yenn. He sighed. “lalim nun ah” sabi ni Yenn. Smiling. Iba talaga ang trip ni Yenn. Come to think of it never silang naging ganoon ka-casual noong sila pa. Seems like relationship ruins friendship. And then it hit him. Kung pipilitin niya bang maging sila ni Ally masisira din ang friendship nila? He refused to believe that.
Sinipa siya ni Yenn ng mahina. He looked at her saka naman ito sumenyas ng cellphone. He get it. Nagtext daw ito. Umiling siya. Nilakihan naman siya nito ng mata. “Wala nga akong cellphone okay” he said frustrated. Saka naman tumawa ng sabay sina Yenn at Adam. “Nakakatawa ba yung sinabi ko?” naiiyak niyang tanong. Yenn searched through her pocket and gave her a cherry mobile phone. “Line yan feel free to use it.” Sabe naman nito. He never knew na dalawa pala ang cellphone ni Yenn? Bakit kaya, nevertheless he tried calling Ally’s number, hindi naman ito sumagot. The more it frustrated him. Bumalik siya kina Yenn at Adam na mukhang nag-ge-getting to know each other na. They were smiling sheepishly parang mga mata lang ang nag-uusap. Lalo lang siyang naging bitter. Nagpaalam na siya. Pinakiusapan din niya si Adam na ihatid si Yenn, hindi naman sumagot yun dalawa na parang sasali sa staring contest, parang hindi talaga kumukurap. He found a taxi at the corner of the street at nagpahatid sa bahay nila, he got his phone and his started to leap, nang makitang may text si Ally. He was right, hindi naman siya binigo ni Ally nag-goodnight na ito. Papayag ba siya? Knowing Ally na hindi naman natutulog agad siguradong gising pa ito. He tried to text her. “Still up peaches?” Napangiti siya sa naisip. Hindi na niya hinintay ang reply ni Ally.
Ally couldn’t sleep, iinom n asana siya ng warm milk nang may magtext. Kaka-goodnight lang nila ni Patty sa isat-isa, may nakalimutan na naman siguro i-chismis si Patty. She almost dropped her phone when she found out that it was Nate. Bakit naman tinatanong nito kung matutulog na siya. Nabore siguro sa bar. Pababa na siya sa kusina when the doorbell rang. Sinilip niya ang nasa pinto. Tama ba? Si Nate nga ba ang nasa pinto? Chowking. Hala nag-alburuto na ang salivary glands niya. Pinagbuksan niya ito ng pinto.
“Hi” Kumindat pa si Nate sa kanya. “brought snacks” sabi nitong sa breakfast nook nila. Nakataas ang kilay niya. “I miss you” very casual na sabi nito sa kanya habang inilalabas sa bag ang dala nitong young chow, siomai at tofu. The black gulaman is tempting. “Wala ka man lang sasabihin jan peaches?” sabi nito, who stopped for a while and looked at her.
“bakit andito ka, akala ko ba magkakasama kayo nina Kuya and may gig si Yenn” did she say her name as clear as she thought? Hinila siya ni Nate saka inupo sa stool. “gutom nako puro naman pika-pika inorder ng mga yun, so how was your day?” for most people whatever Nate said cold have been incomprehendible. Punong-puno kaya ng pagkain ang bibig nito. Natawa na tuloy siya. Akala niya kanina at the sight of food gutom siya, ngayon nakikita lang niya si Nate busog na siya? Pambihira. Unfair. “gutom ako sorry ha.” Sabi pa rin nito. She tried to be really quiet, kumuha siya ng siomai at tofu, ayaw na niya kumain ng rice dahil late na. “na-bore ako doon kaya umalis nako” sabi nito after sometime of silence. “Bakit mo iniwan si Kuya?” sabi niya dito. “Nageenjoy naman yun kasama si Yenn” sabe pa nito. Her eyes popped. Bakit naman iniwan ni nate si Yenn sa kuya niya at siya andito. Ano ito? Kalokahan. Mukhang hirap na naman siya makatulog nito. Ano na naman bang gimik meron itong lalake ito at nadamay pa ang kuya niya. Oh my. Not funny.
Kuento nang kuento si Nate kung ano ang ginawa nito maghapon. Kung sino ang mga kasama. Nakikinig lang siya, nakikitawa paminsan-minsan. Nang hindi na niya kaya, ang magpanggap na dedma lang siya sa presence nito, she started to yawn. Buti nalang nagets naman nito.
“Its getting late, matulog ka na.” Tumango siya. For a while, naghihintay si Nate na ihatid niya ito, she just stood there and then moved once Nate got the cue. “Good night” sabi nito just as she closed the door. Umakyat na siya saka nahiga. When her phone beeped, hindi na niya tinignan because for sure it will cause sleepless night. The message she refused to read states “nagpunta ako jan kase nmimiss kita ng sobra. Paano na kung may pasok? Saka ko na iicpn. Goodnight my peaches.”
Tangahali na siya gumising. He was writing a poem, well atleast trying. Isang rim ng bond paper yata ang naubos niya na nakakalat na ngayon sa sahig. He plans to give it kay Ally soon. Well he hasnt figured out when is that time, basta darating din yun, dapat muna niyang matapos syempre. Gusto niyang matulog ulet pero binilinan siya ng mommy niya na linisin daw ang garahe. He stirred in bed and then texted ally. Sweet morning my peaches. I miss you . Napangiti siya sa text. Siya pa nga ang kinikilig sa sariling text niya.How he hoped that she feels the way. He only needs that break para makapag-usap na sila, so he can tell her the truth.

Maaga nagising si Ally dahil may listahan sila ng errands na kailangan gawin ni Adam. Kapalit noon ang budget ng whole day movie affair niya kasama ang kapatid. kanina pa siya tingin ng tingin sa phone, nakabihis na siya at lahat wala pa ring text galing lay Nate. Gusto na niyang sapakin ang sarili sa ginawa niyang pag-iinarte nang nagdaang gabi. Tinamaan lang talaga siya sa sinabi ni Nate sa text na kaninang umaga niya lang nabasa. She felt the sincerity.Baket naman kase nagpaka deaf and mute siya kagabi ang sweet na nga nung tao. pasakay na sila ng taxi papunta sa MOA nang finally ngtext na si Nate. Ayan na naman ang irregular heartbeat niya. Nagreply naman siya agad. Parang wala siya sa mood magpakipot. "Morning po" Napansin din niyang panay ang text ng kuya niya pangiti-ngiti pa. sisitahin na sana niya ito when Nate replied. "Maganda ang gising ng peaches ko and i like it.What does your day look like? do you have time for me?" Nagsisikip na ang dibdib biya. its just too much. Bakit ba kase kung makapaglambing naman si Nate, wagas. gusto na naman niyang umasa. She waited 2 minutes bago nagreply. "Mvie *** with ***. spending tym and ctching up" She wanted to be casual at ayaw nang tapatan ang pagiging sweet nito. Mabilis din nagreply ito ng ""

"huh" she said out loud ano naman ang drama nito. Hindi niya alam para saan naman ang reaction na yun ni Nate. Nakarating na sila ng MOA para magbayad ng bills at maglunch sa lamesa grill. She opened her phone ad found two texts from him again "miss kita" and "lunch ka na peaches. wag ka papagutom " Saka niya naisipang replyan ito. "Bakit naman sad face. Thank you. Eat ka na din." She smiled. She is liking the attention, outpouring attention she is getting. Dangerous grounds. Bahala na. "Kuya sino katext mo?" she asked habang naghihintay sila sa sine. Trailer pa lang ng mga coming soon movies, at ilaw ng ilaw ang cellphone nito. Sulit na sulit ang unlimitxt sa kuya niya. Adam looked at him and smiled. May kasamang sparkle sa mata. Hala ang kuya niya nagbibinata! "Papakilala ko din sayo pag okay na ang lahat" nakangiting sabi nito pero hindi naman siya tinitignan. She got curious kaya hinila niya ang cellphone nito. Babe. "Sino iyan?" she asked sabay balik sa cellphone nito, wala rin pala siya makukuha sa pag-agaw ng cellphone nito. "Sssh" sabi ng kuya niya, hindi na sila nakapag-usap dahil nag-umpisa na ang movie na papanoorin nila. Nag-off din sila ng cellphone.

Nakuha na niyang natapos na mag-linis ng garahe at attic hindi pa rin nagtetext si Ally. Saka naman niya tinext si Yenn. Funny kung kailan break na sila saka sila madalas magkatext nito. He found out na nagpatay pala ng cellphone ito. Hindi na rin daw nagtetext si Adam kay Yenn. he is happy for yenn. Alam niya mas aalagaan siya ni Adam, hindi kagaya niya. Things happen for a reason and he believes he is a better man now, kailangan lang niyang ipakita yun kay Allyson.
"Hey tumawag si mama dinner daw tayo" sabe ng kuya niya. Nagtataka naman siya dahil in the first place yun naman talaga ang usapan. Sa seaside daw kaya nag-FXna sila papunta doon. Ang dame panaman nila dalang grocery. Laking gulat niya na naghihintay si Nate sa bukana ng seaside. "Hi bro" sabi nitong nakipag high five kay Adam saka siya binati nito. Kinuha ni Nate ang grocery bags na dala niya. “You?” she asked. Napaka-walang kakwenta-kwentang tanong. Inalalayan pa siya ni Nate sa siko, her question was answered nang makita ang parents nito sa loob ng Claire De la Fuentes restaurant. Kaya pala andoon si Nate dinner pala iyon ng mga pamilya nila. Nagmamadali siyang nagpagitna sa mommy niya at sa mommy nito para hindi ito makatabi sa kanya. Wrong move, sa tapat naman niya ito umupo. Seafood ang nasa harap nila at tatapatan siya nito? Spell conscious at diet. She rarely look at him, nagugulat pa siya how he peeled shrimps and mussels for her, saka lang niya ito titignan sa mata. If Nate knows her lama nitong nagpapa-thank you siya. Awkward man pero in-enjoy na rin niya. Hindi naman nagpre-re-react ang mga kasama nila sa ginagawa ni Nate. He was just there quietly serving her. Ngumingiti lang ito pag nakatingin siya, minsan naman nilalayo ang tingin ang kapag nahuhuli niya.Tahimik lang din sila pauwi. Then she decided to compose a long message for him. 3 days before school starts, she needs to make up her mind.
Thx knina. U ddnt hve to its rili flattering. Thx for a wonderful summer I wont ever 4get. Friends for keeps?
There she realized, if Nate keeps on doing what he does, for sure mahihirapan siyang layuan ito. So maybe if she expresses being friends for keeps, maybe Nate will receive the signal. Ang tanong signal for what? She couldn’t answer exactly!
Nagulat si Nate sa biglang pagtext ni Ally. Kinabahan din siya sa pagsabi nito ng friends for keeps. Ano yun wala pa man basted na siya? Hindi pa man nga siya nakaka-first base. Ang labo naman ni Allyson. Wala naman siyang balak sumuko. Sabi nga ng yumao niyang lolo, lahi sila ng katipunero, sugod ng sugod, but he will be wise, ang pagsugod niya kailangan may plano. At yun ang pag-iisipan niya ng mabuti.
“ friends? Ok. Sana lang wag cold friends dib a”
He smiled. Alam niya na guilt tripping ang ginagawa nya dito, alam din niyang pikon at malamang at the end of these conversation mapipikon si Ally.
“sori, jst not myself l8ly”
He smiled again, amused. Alam na niya ang isasagot “ak **, smething difft..inlove?”
Natutuwa siya sa sagot niya kay Ally, he is picture-ing her standing and pacing, breathing in and out. Its getting more and more interesting.
“goodnight kuya Kenneth. Sleep well”
Doon siya napa-upo, tinawag siyang kuya? Kalian pa? frenemies palang sila hindi na siya tinawag na kuya nito, and then now? Akala siguro nito susuko siya. He laughed.
:gudnyt kapatid. Mahal—aga ka sa akin.”
He laughed harder habang paulit ulit ang pagbasa niya sa reply nito. He timed how long it will take Ally to reply. Tawa siya ng tawa dahil 15 minutes na hindi ito nagreact saka nagsabing—“wrong send?” Hindi na siya nagreply marunong na siyang makipaglaro kay Allyson. It cant get any better that this.

XXII. JUST FRIENDS

The day that Adam will be back to Baguio bigla nalang itong nawala. Sabe nito pupuntahan daw si Nate, hindi naman siya nagtanong kung bakit magkikita ang dalawa.Katext naman niya si Nate wala rin naman itong sinasabi na makikipagkita ito sa kuya niya. The past few days they had few exchanges of text messages, pag hindi behave si Nate sa text hindi niya na nirereplyan. Kapag nagtatawag ito ng mga term of endearments o nagpapa-sweet hindi siya nagrereply kaya lately behave naman ito Kuentuhan lang sila. Hanggang sa nakabalik na si Adam sa Baguio para sa final year nito ng architecture, hindi na sila nakapag-usap magkapatid. Hindi na niya nakilala si babe nito.
“BIBILI NILA AKO NG KOTSE>>YAHOOO!!! “ nagulat siya sa text ni Nate Sunday night bago siya matulog. First day of school kinabukasan. Excited na siya for her senior year. Natuwa naman siya for Nate. Alam niyang matagal na nitong gusto na magkaroon ng sariling kotse. “Gud 4 u” she replied. She is happy for him. Magtetext pa sana siya ng goodnight pero nagreply na ito. “ikaw ang unang sasakay doon, promise”. She is not sure if that falls sa “no flirting no reply” policy niya, but she was glad na sinabi ni Nate yun. “oh that’s nice. Hate to break ur excitement pero sleep napo ako, early to class bukas” she dismissed him politely. “Di kman *** naxcite 4 me. Bsta promise kw unang sskay don, ok,night gudluck sa skul bukas,. Mwah.” She smiled despite it. Sometimes he can get away with his sweet gestures. Hinahayaan na lang niya. In the past few days ok naman sila. Kinalimutan na muna niya yung lalayo muna drama niya. Hindi na siya nagreply, bukas nalang ng umaga, hapon pa kase ang pasok ni Nate, mauuna naman siya pumasok dito. She has his schedule memorized anyways.
Maaga siya nagising for school and texted him goodmorning even before getting out of bed. Ready na siya. 4th year higshschool at last. Laking gulat niya paglabas ng bahay na andoon si Nate naghihintay sa kanya. Mukha mang bagong gising, nagsisirko naman ang tiyan at pasaway niyang puso. Bakit ang cute ni Nate nang araw na iyon. She never said that. Si Nate cute? Haha sira na ata ulo niya. “peaches” he said smiling coyly. “Ano ginagawa mo dito?” she asked. Hindi na siya magtataka kung nagkaka-utal-utal siya. “Hahatid kita sa school, moral support ko sa iyo” What the heck! She told herself. Ano naman pakulo meron itong si Kenneth at may May I hatid you pang nalalaman. “Well you really don’t have to, kaya ko naman, FYI hindi ako prep” sabi niya. Deep inside kinikilig na siya at alam niyang pulang pula na ang pisngi niya. She feel it hot. “Wag ka na maarte diyan, ngayon lang naman promise. Next time na pag may kotse na ako ulit” Hindi niya napansin na may taxi na pala na naghihintay. It doesn’t make sense though dahil malapit lang naman ang school niya. “Baka kase ma-traffic ka, first day of school.” Sabe pa nito nang tinignan niya ito pagsakay nito sa taxi. “eh ikaw paano ka?” she asked. Hindi naman kase ito naka-uniform, at aam niya hapon pa ang pasok nito. “Mamaya pa pasok ko, gusto lang kita ihatid, alam mo naman busy na ako nito puro nalang major subjects.” She is flattered. Ang haba naman ng buhok niya para gawin pa ni Nate yun. “sunduin kita mamaya ha, para may tagadala ka ng books mo” May mga books pa kase siya na hindi nakukuha alam ni Nate yun dahil kasama niya ito nag-enrol. “Di ba til 8 PM ka today?” His Monday schedule starts 3 PM at 8 Pm natatapos dahil may 4 hours Lab ito. “Ok lang, kase pag first day naman ng lab orientation lang, so mga 5 nasa labas nako ng school mo” sabi pa nitong pinisil ang ilong niya. Ayan na naman si Nate, ayan na naman din ang puso niyang pasaway.
She was floating while she was in class. Lahat ng nakikita niya bright and shiny. Anon a nga ang tawag nila sa mga taong ganoon, “bubble gum girl” those who believes in fairy tale and happy ever after. Bigla na naman siya sinaniban ng ganoong character, nawawala na naman iyong inipon niyang pagiging jaded niya naubos na yata. Whatever. Bahala na. Okay naman sila ni Nate eh. For some reason this set-up of them being friends is working. Before mag-start ang class nila she received an MMS from Nate. It has the caption “ready for my first day” baka-uniform na ito. She smiled and hurriedly kept her cellphone pero naagaw naman ni Patty ang cellphone. She didn’t want to tell Patty their set up because Patty is not in the mood most of the time for a week now, bumalik na kase sa pinanggalingan nito ang boyfriend. She felt sorry for her kaya hindi nalang siya nagkukuento. “HmP” sabe nito saka nito binigay ang cellphone sa kanya. “Ang harsh” sabe niyang hindi mapigilan ang ngumiti. “Che” sabe pa nitong tinalikuran siya. “Bess, hindi ba kayo nagco-communicate ni Stephen?” she asked. Hindi kase nito nababanggit ang BF kaya hindi nalang siya nagtatanong, pero it seems as if Her bestfriend needs some comfort. “Skype” sabe nitong bitter na bitter. “Oh yun naman pala” sabe niyang sinuklay suklay ang buhok nito, Weirdo talaga itong kaibigan niya. “Once a day nalang nga tapos may pasok pa hindi na magiging regular, Ang hirap naman kase ng long distance relationship.” She felt the desperation in Patty’s voice. May point naman ito. “Alam mo Bess ok nay un, atleast alam mo na faithful sayo ang BF mo at atleast may BF ka, ako wala” sabi niya dito kahit parang hindi naman convincing ang sinabi niya. There was just excitement in her voice when she said the word BF. “Hay naku tigilan mo nga ako, hinatid ka dito ni Nate kanina wag mo na ako paandaran” sabi nito. She gave up. There was no way she can reason out with her bestfriend. Kilala niya si Patty at mukhang mag-a-astang bitter na oldmaid si Patty. If only she can do something. Kung *** i-channel niya ang kilig niya kay Patty, will it work?
Dumaan sila sa bathroom ni Patty bago lumabas ng campus, naglalagay siya ng face powder at cheek and lip tint nang magtext si Nate. Nasa labas na daw ito. She cant help but smile. Tinaasan lang siya ng kilay ni Patty. Sinabihan na niya kase ito na hindi siya makikisabay dito pauwi. She need not elaborate, Patty got the signal, and she didn’t take it positively. Sabe na nga ba, kahit ma boyfriend old maid nang maituturing si Patty.
Hindi mapigilan mapangiti ni Nate pagkakita kay Ally. Parang ang dame –dame nitong stars na nakapaligid. He never knew the term “glowing” could be that literal. He was glad na hindi dinismiss ni Ally ang idea niyang sunduin ito. Sabe nga niya nakukuha ang lahat sa santong dasalan. Ang tagal muna niyang nagtiyaga bago makapormang liligawan niya ito. She always dismissed his moves. Kahit walang sinasabe si Ally parang gusto namang ipahiwatig nito na maging friends nalang sila. He tried his best to keep that friendship pero parang ang hirap naman kung everyday naman na katext niya ito eh hulog na hulog na siya. Nag-promise siya sa mga magulang niya na si Ally na ang magiging last girlfriend niya, Tinawanan nga siya ng daddy niya. Hindi daw sa wala itong tiwala sa kanya pero dahil nakakita na daw siya ng katapat niya. Alam kase ng daddy niya kung gaano siya kabilis magkaroon ng girlfriend. Hindi naman kase kailangan pag-isipan pa ng mga babae ang pagsagot niya sa mga ito. Jackpot boyfriend kaya siya. Napalingon siya sa likod baka kase andiyan lang sa paligid ang mommy niya at batukan siya. Lagi kase nitong sinasabe na si Ally daw talaga ang para sa kanya pero kailangan niyang paghirapan. Wala daw maitutulong ang parents. Its his ball game.
“Ngiti ka diyan?” nakangiting sabi ni Ally paglapit sa kanya. “Masaya lang ako, marami ka ba assignment?” tanong niya, Naisip niya kase na mag-ramen muna sila total presko ang panahon, parang uulan na din. Pumayag naman ito, siya na din ang nagdala ng books at folder nito. Pilit niyang kinukuha ang shoulder bag nito pero ayaw ibigay ni Ally, hindi daw bagay sa kanya dahil pangbabae, masagwa daw tignan. “Eh baket sila tignan mo” sabe niya dito pointing to he assume couples na ang lalake ang nagdadala ng shoulder bag ng mga GF nito, yung iba nga pink at floral pa. “eh mag-boyfriend ang mga yan, iba naman kase yun ano ka ba?” sabe pa nito na nag-b-blush pa. “okay” he answered. Nagtamlay-tamlayan na siya. Gusto na kase niyang sabihin dito na pwede naman na kasena dalhin niya ng shoulder bag nito gawin lang siyang boyfriend nito. Pinigilan niya ang sarili. Sabe nga ni Big Brother wala pa ang takdang panahon.
“So how was your firstday engineer?” nakangiting tanong ni Ally kay Nate. He smiled back. Ano ba naman itong si Nate, baket ba simula kaninang umaga yung cute smiling face niya ang nakatatak sa isip niya. Ilan beses din siyang siniko ni Miss Mean Chin Patty. Hindi naman ito sumagot agad, for her parang pinag-aaralan ni Nate ang mukha niya. Nakaka-conscious. “Huy earth calling Kenneth” Saka lang ito ngumiti na naman. Baket ba ito smile ng smile? Hindi na fair para sa puso niyang nag-skate board sa lukso ng lukso. “Huh? What was your question kapatid?” sabe nito saka tumawa. She knew she blushed when Nate called her kapatid once more. “Sabe ko musta naman ang school?” she said fighting not to mumble. “Oh school, ok lang, wala naman bago, wala ring pretty classmate. Hirap kapag engineering course mo, knit lang girls.” Sabe nitong true-to-life ang panghihinayang. Kutusan kaya niya? “pero okay lang kahit walang pretty girls, okay na ako sa isa” sabi pa nito. Mas lalo siguro siyang nag-blush sa pangyayari. Hala naman kase ano naman kase pinagsasabi ng lalakeng ito. Buti na lang dumating na ang mga ramen nila. KUmain lang sila ng mabilis saka na siya nito inihatid pauwi.
“Uy Ally boyfriend mo ba yun?” tanong ni Chelsea, classmate niya. Nasa may garden sila ng school nag-me-meeting dahil kailangan nila gumawa ng diorama para sa El Filibusterismo. Kanina pa siya aligaga dahil hindi pa nagtetext si Nate maghapon. Nilingon niya ang direksyon na itinuro ni Chelsea. Speaking of the lifeless Kenneth, he’s back. Nainis lang siya lalo, how dare this guy show up in his school un-announced samantalang kanina pa siya nag-eexpect sa text nito. He didn’t send any of his constant messages. Alam na nga niya ang oras, the past 3 days na hindi sila nagkikita may fixed oras ang pagtetext nito at ngayon wala ni isa siyang nareceive mula dito. “Uy hindi kapitbahay lang naming.” Sabi niya. Kumaway na si Nate sa kanya. Inismiran lang niya ito. Ano naman kase ang ginagawa nito sa labas. “Weh di nga? Di ba kasama mo siya nung enrolment nakita ko kaya kayo?” sagot naman ni Sloan, ka-group din niya. Kinabahan na siya lalo. Ano ba naman kase ang iniisip ng mga taong ito, sa bahay pa naman sila gagawa ng project baka ano pa ang isipin at masabi ng mga tao sa harap ng mama niya. “Hindi nga close friend ko lang yan.” Nagtinginan ang mga ka-group niya. She rolled her eyeballs. Bahal na kung ayaw maniwala ng mga ito. “Oh paano bukas ha, 10 am sa bahay, walang uwian hanggat hindi natatapos.” Sabi niya sa mga ka-group niya. “Nagmamadali na yung isang tao diyan may sundo kase” panunukso naman ni Susie. Buti nalang talaga at hindi niya ka-group si Patty dahil for sure asar talo na naman ito. “Hay naku ewan ko sa inyo. Sinadyang bagalan ang pag-gather sa mga gamit niya. Hindi pa kase siya ready harapin si Nate. Sisitahin ba niya ito sa di pagpapramdam maghapon, o dahil sa walang pasabing pagsulpot nito sa school, o iwasan na lang kaya niya? The last choice was tempting pero she didn’t want to make a scene. Marami rami pa ding tao kahit mag-6 na ng gabi.
“Peaches” napalakas ang tawag niya kay Ally paglapit nito. From the looks of it parang hindi maganda ang mood ni Ally. Puyat na puyat na siya at gutom dahil sa exams nila, he wanted to make sure his grades are okay before his birthday next month para maibigay na ang mazda 3 na request niya. Alam niya na nag-down na ang parents niya para sa kotse its almost in the bag pero he stil wanted to make sure. Dahil sa exam hindi siya humawak ng phone. He intentionally shut it off dahil ayaw niya maistorbo, kung sanang si Ally lang ang magtetext ok lang pero hindi rin ok dahil mas gugustuhin nalang niya ito katext kesa intindihin ang lessons na nirereview. “Galit ka ba?” he asked. Dinaanan lang siya ni Allyson na para siyang hangin. Nilingon siya nito saka ngumiti ng pinaka-fake na ngiti sa buong universe. “Ano ba naman yun, ano ba ginawa ko?” sabi niya. Eto na nga siya sinusundo ito at aayain sana mag-ice cream or pizz pero susungitan pa siya. “Hala, may dysmenorrhea ka ba ngayon?” tanong niya clueless talaga sa pangyayari. “How dare you show up just like that” She was speaking in between her gritted teeth. Now he should be nervous. “Wow, sorry, I got out of school earlier than expected kaya naisipan ko sunduin ka na, gutom ako eh.” Sabi niya. He smiled. Maybe Ally would mellow down a bit kapag ngumiti siya. “lelang mo, maghapon ka hindi magpaparamdam tapos bigla ka magpapakita diyan? That’s not right” sabe na naman nito. He smiled. So kaya pala parang tigre na naman itong si Ally dahil hindi siya nagparamdam,ergo na-miss siya. He asked himself quietly, pwede ka kiligin Nate. Pwedeng-pwede. “Sorry, I can explain” sabe niya lalong mas matamis ang ngiti. “I’ll make it up to you, ice cream or pizza?” sabe niya. “None of the above” sabe nitong iniwan na naman siya papunta na ito sa sakayan ng pedicab. Nagmamadaling sinundan niya ito saka hinawakan sa siko, “Whops di pwede, pinagpaalam nap o kita kamahalan sa iyong mommy, and if you want to check your text may message siya for you” She cautiously opened her phone, mahirap na madameng snatcher sa labas, para namang nakatunog ito hinarangan siya. Wow bodyguard? She was smiling. Sabe ng mommy niya bilhin daw the following—she rolled her eyeballs mahabang listahan na naman. She has an extension credit card na ginagamit niya in case of emergencies. Wala na siyang choice kailangan na niyang sumama talaga kay Nate. Hinawakan na siya nito sa braso. Sumakay sila sa pedicab para ihatid sila sa MRT station. Rush hour na, Friday night. Wow. Pagdating sa mall nakasalubong nila ang mga kagroup niya na bumili ng materials para sa diorama. Nanunukso ang tingin ng mga ito. Umiling siya, para i-deny ang iniisip ng mga ito. “Kaya pala nagmamadali ka Allyson may date ka pala” Sabi ni Michelle na kagroup din niya. “Sana bukas darating siya para tulungan tayop” sabe naman ni Chelsea. “Excuse me girls anong meron bukas?” sabe naman ni Nate. She rolled her eyeballs sumasabat pa. Paano na mapapatunayan na kahit ayaw niya, magkaibigan lang sila ni Nate. “Ay sorry friends busy si Kuya Nate bukas” sabi niyang stressing Kuya. “Ha/ hinde naman ah, wala ako gagawin ano ba meron?” sabe na naman nito. Kinurot niya ito sa tenga. “ Busy ka bukas, wag ka na maano” sabe niya dito. Pulang-pula na ito. “Sinosolo mo lang ata siya eh Allyson” sabe naman ni Claire hindi nila ito ka-group pero twin sister ni Michelle. Mukhang na-crushan pa nitong si Claire si Nate.
“haha sinosolo? Sige girls tutulungan ko kayo sa project niyo bukas it’s a date” sabe ni Nate sa mga classmate ni Ally. Hawak pa din nito ang tenga niya, masakit na nga at natatakot siyang malapit nang matanggal iyon. Nagpaalam na sila sa mga ito before its too late, bago matanggallan siya ng ears. Kumain sila Kenny Rogers saka nag-grocery. Nagtext din siya sa mama niya na gumawa ng puto para ipamerienda sa mga ka-group ni Ally mukha kaseng magiging kakampi niya ang mga ito. Aba dapat siya mag-earn ng maraming maraming pogi points.
Nagluluto si Ate Jackie ng pansit malabon nang dumating siya, inagahan na niya dahil sumabay na siya sa parents niya na sinundo ang mommy ni Ally, may outreach program kase ang mga office mates nila, dahil may project si Ally hindi na sila sumama. Nasa itaas pa daw si Ally, naliligo, kaya nagtimpla na lang siya ng fresh orange juice. Alam niyang umiiwas si Ally kapag gumagawa siya ng mga direct to the point moves. Kaya mga pasimpleng bagayy nalang ang pinapakita niya dito para suyuin si Ally. Halatang gulat ito pagkakita sa kanya.
“aga mo?” ally asked him. “walang tao sa bahay tulungan na kita, ano bang chapter ng el fili ang gagawan niyo ng diorama?” he asked. Gusto niyang ipakitang tutulong talaga siya. Pagdating ng mga friend ni Ally, he silently helped them. Napansin din niya si Claire na tingin ng tingin sa kanya. Hindi siya umalis sa tabi ni Ally na napapansin niyang tila pinagaaralan ang kilos ni Claire. Nagseselos kaya ito? He smiled. Hindi siya natutuwa na may crush si Claire sa kanya, natutuwa siya dahil affected si Allyson.
“kayo ba?” nagulat si Allyson nang biglang magtanong si Claire sa kanya. Umalis si Nate para bumili ng alambre sa malapit na hardware sa subdivision nito. Umiling siya, She therefore conclude that Claire has a crush on Nate, Gusto niyang sumagot ng “OO” para makita niyang mapahiya ito sa sarili. She just stared at Claire.
“I get it” sabe nito. Napatulala siya. Claire gets it? Na ano? Eh siya hindi niya gets, Nag-du-drugs kaya si Claire or feeling psychic. “Sayang naman ang feelings niyo for one another kung naghihintayan lang kayo” sabe na naman nito. Ano ba si Claire propeta? Guguluhin pa nito ang isip niyang matiwasay na. “Just friends right?” sabe pa nito sa kanya. Huh? Naguguluhan na talaga siya, mas weird pala ang kakambal ni Michelle. Maghapon tuloy niyang iniisip ang sinasabi nito. Kahit na nakaalis na ang mga ka-group niya, iniisip pa rin niya ang sinabi ni Claire. Just friends, sayang ang feelings? Well on her part its true though. Hay “erase erase” Allyson. She told herself. “dedma nalang. Friends kayo ni Nate its better to stay that way okay” sabe niyang nakatitig sa Friendster account ni Nate, hindi pa rin nagbabago ang status nitong It’s complicated. Hindi niya alam kalian naging its complicated ito from in a relationship.

XXIII. ALMOST LOVERS

She was taking her time scanning through pictures of them together. Three weeks before his birthday, she wanted a personalized gift for him. Its the first time she is going to give him something. Yeah she has known him forever pero hindi niya ito pinag-abalahan. not until now. So she is making a scrap book of all their escapades together. Hindi siya makapaniwala na in less than 4 months eto na sila ni Nate, like almost lovers…and thousand of pictures.
She couldnt help but smile, nakita niya yung first picture nila together sa calaruega. It was perfect. She even remembered how Nate's mom pushed them para lang magtabi sila for one decent picture together.
Nate is going to have a car on his birthday. Excited na ito at alam niya how he is saving money to put speakers on and mags and who knows whatever pa ang gusto ipalagay ni nate kay keno. Sabi nito his car will be named keno at malalaman din daw niya baket keno.
She started looking up for captions for every photo, with high hopes that nate will love the gift she will give him. Super excited na rin siya dahil malaking party din daw ang birthday nito dahil uuwi ang nga uncle nito from all over the country at gagastusan talaga. Its going to be in some newly opened bar. Uuwi din si Adam for the party. She was hoping it'll be a cool night. She was picturing them together sab enga ni Nate siya raw ang escort nito, she laughed at the thought. Si Nate naka-gown at siya naka-tuxedo. That would be the day.
She was into what she was doing hindu niya napansin ang oras, at ang 5 text messages and 11 missed calls niya. It was nate. tatawagan niya sana ito nang katukin siya ni Ate jackie nasa baba na daw si nate. Tinanong pa nga siya Ni jackie kung ****** daw ba si nate, tanghali manligaw. She got tired of explaining to her na friends lang sila nito.
Ayan na naman ang puso niyang sira, nagsisirko na naman kahit sapatos lang ni nate ang nakikita niya.
"Sup" sabi niya dito. nakasimangot na naman. She knows why though.
"Wassup? kanina pa kita tinatawagan." Sabi nitong naghahanap ng palabas sa TV. Siya naman kinalkal ang dala nitong paper bag. Ube jam choco crinkles at flakes strawberries at lengua de gato. Baguio products, just like what his kuya Adam will bring pagbaba nito from baguio.
"Init ng ulo mo, galing kang baguio?" sabe niyang binubuksan na ang lengua. Those are just sinful she can eat the whole jar in one seating.
"Si Yenn" sabi nito. She choked. Ano daw? Si Yenn? Oh come on.
" Woops sorry kinain ko pa naman" sabe niya sabay sarado sa lengua. Sayang naman. Pero may pride siyang tao.
" Hindi mo na naman binasa mga messages ko sayo para sa inyo nga yan" sabi nito saka humiga sa couch nila ginawa pang unan ang lap niya. Itulak kaya niya. Baket naman siya nireregulahanni Yenn. Thank you siguro kase inaalagaan niya ang boyfriend nito? Natawa siya sa train of thought niya.
" galing kay adam yan pinasuyo kay Yenn" sabe nito saka binuksan ang lengua. Naglaway na naman siya. Sinubuan siya nito nang hindi umaalis sa pwesto. Ang lenguang dating masarap lang ngayon bittersweet na. Kung hindi lang sana si Yenn ang messenger ng kuya niya? Nagkikita pa rin pala sina Nate at Yenn? Duh. Gusto niyang sapakin ang sarili para matauhan. Ofcourse saan ka naman nakakita ng mag-boyfriend na hindi nagkikita.
"Op peaches long face ka na naman!"sabi nito sa kanya. Well for some reason gusto niyang maiyak sa narinig. Kahit na ayaw niya isipin at hindi niya dapat maramdaman, nasaktan pa din siya. Hindi nalang niya sinagot ito. Tumayo ito saka siya inakbayan. He was looking at her na para siyang 3d painting na ina-analyze nito. "Huy whats wrong ba?" Sabe nitong parang nalungkot na din. Palapit ng palapit ang mukha nito sa mukha niya. She acted fast and placed her hand in his face, sabay tulak. Tawa siya ng tawa habang nakahawak pa rin sa mukha ni nate. "Ouch" sabi nitong nakikitawa na rin. Tuluyan na niyang itinulak ito saka tumakbo papunta sa kitchen. Nagluluto si Ate Jackie. " Ate jaaaaaaack" sabi niya saka pilit na nagtatago sa katawan nito dahil hinahabol siya ni nate. “susmaryosep naman tong dalawang to tigilan niyo nga iyan mapapaso tayong lahat” sabi ni Jackie na nagkakandahirap sa pagbaligtad sa fried chicken. Nakawala siya kay Jackie saka patakbong umakyat sa kwarto niya, and then she saw her PC monitor. Shoot her secret. Sinigurado muna niyang nakalock ang pinto bago inexit ang screen saka niya in-attempt na mag-shutdown. Patay.Sana na-save ayan na si Nate naririnig na niya ang footsteps nito. Nagmamadali na talaga at siya dahil alam niyang alam ni Nate na bawat duplicate sa mga bathroom at kwarto ay nasa may altar lang sa landing ng 2nd floor, in no time mabubuksan na ni Nate ang pinto at wala siyang balak na malaman nito ang tungkol sa scrap book. No bueno. Tumakbo siya sa closet niya. Sa wakas na-off na rin ang talipandas niyang PC, her secret is safe. Then she realized pawis na pawis na siya wala pa ring Kenneth ang kumikilos at gumugulat sa kanya. Hindi siya umalis sa pwesto she tried her best not to breathe too. Hanggang sa parang nahihilo na siya, dahan-dahan siyang lumabas ng closet only to find out nakadapang natutulog si Kenneth sa kama niya. Dang it! Halos mag-collapse na siya dahil sa anoxia tapos itong bakulaw na to himbing na himbing ang tulog. Sisipain n asana niya ito or itutulak para mahulog sa kama but she couldn’t. He was sleeping like a baby. She was just there kneeling in front of her bed watching him sleep. Then she had the idea of taking his picture while sleeping. Sana huwag ito magising. Which he did. Napagod siguro ang lalakeng ito. Dahan-dahan na lang siya bumaba para tulungan si Ate Jackie na maghain. Gigisingin nalang niya si Nate kapag kakain na.
Hiyang hiya si Nate na nakatulog siya sa kama ni Ally. But it felt so good kahit na less than an hour lang ang tulog na iyon he felt at home. Bukod kase sa malamig sa kwarto nito malinis pa and it just smelled Ally everywhere. Her cologne, her shampoo, lotion facial wash, its just so her gusto niyang iuwi ang kwarto nito,,well maybe kung si Ally ang iuuwi things could have been much easier, “eh torpe ka lang” sabe ng mapanukso niyang safeguard conscience. Pagbaba niya parang si Ally pa ang nagulat pagkakita sa kanya.
“Uy gigisingin ko na sana ikaw, lets eat, I am sure gutom ka na” napatingin siya sa sinabi ni Ally. Hindi ito nagalit na nakatulog siya sa kama nito? Hindi kase niya alam kung saan ito nagtago ang akward naman na silipin ito sa bathroom. Sobrang puyat pa naman niya dahil sa mga requirements, tapos sinundo niya pa sa terminal ng bus si Yenn dahil nakikisuyo si Adam na sunduin daw niya ito. Hindi niya alam ano na ang status nina Adam at Yenn basta ang alam lang niya nagkita ang dalawa sa Baguio. Nakihiyaan niyang magtanong eh. Hintayin nalang niyang magsabi ang kahit sino sa dalawa. Ang bango ng fried chicken at mac n cheese. Wala ang mga parents nila kaya sasamahan niya si Ally maghapon hanggang sa makauwi ang mga ito galing sa batangas. Hindi na nagsama ng mga anak ang gang ng kanilang mga parents. Magsisimba na rin sila mamayang hapon, kung sisipagin itong si Ally na mukhang naka-batugan mode. Sinabihan nila si Ate Jackie na maglaba na at sila nalang ni Ally ang magliligpit at maghuhugas ng plato.
“Psst uy, nood tayo sine” tawag ni Ally kay Nate na busy nag-black ops, bored na siya kakapanood sa paglalaro nito.
“Ha? Akala ko magsisimba tayo?” he asked not looking at her. She hates it whenever Nate chooses his game than her. Nawawalan siya ng self-esteem mas gusto pa din niya kapag siya ang pinapansin nito. “eh di wag!” sabe niyang nagdadabog. Tinext niya si Patty, alam niyang hindi ito magrereply dahil skype day nito with that Stephen. She sighed. Finally, binitiwan ni Nate ang controller saka siya hinarap. “Okay fine, magsisine na, bihis ka na” sabe nitong tinabihan siya saka pa siya inakbayan. Nag-re-rejoice ang puso niya pati ang ego niya. Mabuti naman akam nito ang gagawin sa kanya. Madalian siyang nagbihis, paalis na sana sila nang maalala niyang kunin ang folding niyang payong. Lately napaka-unpredictable na ng panahon. Nanood sila ng sine, holding hands pa sila papasok, buti nalang maaga nila naisipan manood dahil makakahabol pa sila sa anticipated mass. Holding hands din sila pumasok sa simbahan, magkadikit na sila sa simbahan, at ang peace be with you nilang tila mata na lang ang nag-uusap. Pakiramdam ni Ally sila ni Nate, for some reason she shook off her inhibitions and just go with the flow. Kanina habang nagdadasal siya sabi niya kay Lord, kung Masaya siya ngayon hahayaan nalang niya, hindi na rin niya i-question ang plano nito para sa kanya. Nag-sorry na rin siya sa prayer niya for Yenn, na kahit parang mali na sila ni Nate ang magkasama at hindi ito, it just feel so right.
Nate on the other hand has continuously been thanking the Lord in his prayer. What could he ask for? He is excelling in school without much effort dahil inspired siya, he has supportive parents and he spends time with this wonderful woman she loves. Kung may kinakatakutan man siya is ang maging sobrang happy dahil baka magtapos agad, kaya sabi niya kay Lord sana steady nalang ang happiness niya. At sana maging steady na sila. Natatakot siyang hilingin iyon dahil ayaw niyang maging too soon ang lahat, eventually pero kikilos na rin siya sa birthday niya magsasabi na siyang liligawan na niya ito and he will wait until she is ready to take him into her life.
Kumain sila sa labas after mass, pabalik na sila sa bahay nila Ally nang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan. Buti nalang may dalai tong payong but with the winds bumaligtad ang folding na payong nito hanggang sa tuluyan na itong liparin ng hangin. Nagtawanan lang sila dahil ilang steps nalang papunta sa bahay ng mga ito basing-basa na sila. Niyakap niya si Ally sabay saklob sa ulo nito gamit ang jaket niya. He wanted to be protective of her at ayaw niya kahit maisip lang na magkasakit o masaktan ito natotorete na siya. Kaya nga madalas nagmamadali siya madismiss sa klase para maabutan ito sa school, or ma-check man lang na okay ito, nakauwi ng maayos, at healthy. Minsan para siyang tatay na sobrang strikto na. It just gives him peace of mind. If Ally is okay, he is always okay.
“dmko txt. Miss kita” napangiti si Ally sa kakasend palang niyang text kay Nate. Simula kas enang mag-goodmorning ito kanina hindi pa nagtetext at dismissal na niya. Alam niyang may malaki itong project sa school at may party pa ang org nito sa hapon, alam din niyang hindi sila magkikita nang araw na iyon kaya umaasa siyang atleast kahit sa text man lang makausap niya ito. Aalis sila ni Patty, since Friday naman at hindi siya masusundo ni Nate, niyaya niya si Patty na mag-hang out, and susunduin nalang siya after work ng mommy niya and Nate’s parents.
Matamlay siyang naglalakad sa mall dahil hindi parin siya nirereplyan nito. Yun na ata ng pinakamahabang oras na wala silang communication. Kumakain sila sa pao-tsin ni Patty nang magulat siya at makitang magkasama sina Yenn at Nate at iba pang mga lalake na ang suot ay kaparehong t-shirt ni Nate, probably his org-mates. Wala siyang balak tawagin ang attention ni Nate na busy naman sa pagkuha ng gitara at iba pang gamit ni Yenn. May karapatan ba siyang masaktan at magtampo? Wala siguro. Natuwa naman siya na magkasama sina Yenn at Nate. “weh plastic?” sabe ng kanyang konsensiya, she ignored it. Buti nalang busy si Patty at hindi nito napansin ang pagdaan nina Nate and Yenn and others. Sinundan din niya ng tingin ang mga ito. Hindi naman sweet, hindi rin holding hands. Hindi rin naman gaanong nag-uusap.
Paalis na sila ng mall ni Patty when he finally called. Hindi text, tawag. “sorry” sabi nito in a melodramatic tone. Napangiti na siya. She can picture him looking coy while saying sorry. “I’ve missed you” sabe nito nang hindi siya sumagot. Hindi lang kase siya makasagot dahil kinikilig siya. “Are you home peaches?” sabe na naman nito. Sasagot sana siya nang magtanong uli ito. “huy galit ka ba? Sorry ha. Busy lang sobra, yun kase org band di nakaprepare so nakiusap ako kay Adrienne na kung pwede siya magperform, sinundo pa namen siya, sobrang pagod na ako” sabe nito. Naawa naman siya, nabosesan nga niya ang pagod nito. “Hindi naman kase ako galit di mo lang ako binigyan ng chance na magsalita. Anyways so eto galing kame ng mall ni Patty andito na sundo niya so hindi ko na need na hintayin si mommy at parents mo.” She heard a sigh of relief. “Ok hey peaches, I gotta go.” Nalungkot because she still wants to talk to him pero he said he has to go. “Ok have fun, eat on time will you?” sabe niyang nag-aalala na para dito. She knows that Nate will always find a way para lang matawagan siya, so malamang ganoon ka-busy yun para di makakain.
“Weh? Eat on time? Di nga?” sabe ni Patty sa kanya. Hindi nalang niya pinansin. Ayaw niyang magkatampuhan sila ni Patty. “Hay naku friends lang kame, and friends care for each other” sabe niya kay Patty. Nakasakay na sila sa family van nito ihahatid na siya. Hindi na ito nakasagot dahil narinig na nito ang ringtone assigned for her lovey dovey. She decided to play with her phone, binasa niya ang mga exchange of messages nila ni Nate, natatawa siya na kinikilig, gusto din niyang ma-cornyhan pero mas dominant ang kilig. Parang mapupuno ang memory ng phone niya na conversations lang nila ni Nate ang laman. Mga walang kwentang allysin, sasagutin niya ng paquito…sasagot ito ng “” siya naman bigla sasabihing “pogi mo” sasagot ito ng I know. Natatawa siya. Those none-sense things puts sense to this friendship. Sabe nga nila there is a thin line between love and friendship and they’re almost crossing it.
“Sa palagay mo ba kung naging kayo ganyan parin kayo sa isa’t-isa?” nagulat si Nate sa tanong ni Yenn. Kakatapos lang nila mag-usap ni Ally. He took the time to call her bago mag-umpisa ang program. “Ikaw talaga, babes.” Sabe niya saka tumatawang iniwan ito. Ayaw na ayaw kase ni Yenn na tinatawag itong babes. May ibang meaning ata para dito ang babes. “sira ka talaga, but I am happy for you” sabe nito sa kanya. Really he was touched. Masaya din siya na totoong naging magkaibigan sila even after the break-up. “Masaya ako kase alam ko Masaya ka, ano kayo nab a?” he asked. He just had that courage to ask dahil inumpisahan naman ni Yenn na ungkatin ang lovelife niya. Well of course Ally is his lovelife, he loves her and she is his life. “he he, tigilan mo ko” sabe nitong nagblush bigla. “sis naman” sabe niyang binibiro ito. “luko-loko ka talaga, hindi ko gagawin yun request ko sige ka” sabe nitong hindi na tumitingin sa kanya. “ay o sige na nga daya, peace na” kung di lang importante ang hinihiling niya dito for his birthday hindi niya sana ito titigilan sa pang-aasar. He had the whole night of fun and happy stress. His first successful event as the vice-president of future engineer’s org.
“hey matutulog nako, ur prolly busy…have fun, and miss u ” she texted him. Its almost midnight and she haven’t heard from him since they talked. Tinawagan siya nito pagdating niya sa bahay and he said its almost time for them to start the program. Naiintindihan naman niya, hindi lang nga siya sanay na wala silang spontaneous non-sense texts, so instead of sleeping, she decided to cut out the pictures again. Malapit nang matapos ang scrapbook niya. She has to print his sleeping picture. Her favorite so far.

XXIV. SURPRISED

Pinagpuyatan niya ang surprise niya para kay Nate sabado ang party nito but his birthday falls on a friday. Kaya magdidinner silang dalawa. kailangang matapos niya ang surprise kay Nate para maibigay niya ito midnight of his birthday. Magpapatulong siya kay jayvee para masamahan siya ng ganoong oras.Buti nalang pinayagan siya ng mommy niya. She thought her mom took advantage of that request para itanong sa kanya kng sila na ba ni Kenneth. She told her the truth. Hinde and they are just enjoying each other's company. Okay daw sabe ng mom niya. She trusts her daw. Too young to have a boyfriend, wait till she is 18. She realized thats not bad at all.
Susunduin siya ni Jayvee sa kanila ng 11 pm, ito na raw ang bahala sa cake, wag na raw niya bayaran. Um-oo na lang siya. Kanina pa siya palakad lakad sa kwarto 845 pm. Nagpaalam siya kay Nate na magrereview siya kaya hindi siya makakatext. Okay lang daw, magbabasketball daw ito kasama ang barkada dahil nagtatampo daw ang mga ito. Di na raw nakakasama si Nate.Hindi siya sure if that's jayvee's idea. Thank God naisipan niyang hingan ito ng tulong. Alam naman may crush ito sa kanya pero dedma na lang siya. Kailangan lang talaga niya tulong nito.
"Asaan si Jayvee?" tanong ni Nate sa mga kabarkada tapos na sila maglaro, 10 na hindi pa din ito dumadating. "di na raw darating may lakad daw" Napatingin siya sa nagsalita. Inuna ni Jayvee ang lakad kesa basketball? " May babae yun sira na yun" sa lahat ng kaibigan niya, si Jayvee pinaka-kilala niya. And he almost sure babae ang lakad noon. Napaisip siya, sino ang kasama ni Jayvee. Speaking of babae, tinawagan niya si Ally baka nakatulog na ito sa pagrereview. Habit na nila ang gisingin ang isat-isa lalot may big test. He called her. "Hi peaches ko." pabulong siya magsalita "Hey whats up?" sabi nitong parang gulat na gulat sa pagtawag niya. "Just checking how you are tapos ka na ba nagreview?" he asked. Puntahan kaya niya? He decided not to. May dinner date naman sila bukas. He cant wait. "Oh yeah, yeah. tapos na patulog nko, nakauwi ka na ba?" baket tila high pitch ang boses ni ally? Baka nag-kape or redbull. "Nope pa, pauwi na rin, siraulo si Jayvee di dumating, may babae siguro" Matagal bago nakasagot si Ally. Poor her antok na siguro. "Ok goodnight" sagot nito sa kanya. Napatingin siya sa phone, Ok goodnight? Oh well siguro tensed lang ito dahil sa test. Masyado kase itong focused na makakuha ng best grades para makapasok sa university na malapit lang sa university niya. That’s convenient for him too. Nagkayayaan silang mag-mami muna bago umuwi, gutom na rin siya. Patapos na sila mag-mami nang tumawag si jayvee. “Pare nagpapa-five six ka nab a ngayon?” tumatawa niyang sabe dito. “Ano?” sabe nitong lito na irn. “haha Indian ka na pare, ano nangyare?” sabe niya. Parang kabado yata si Jayvee? “Ewan ko sayo tol, ano tapos na kayo maglaro? Sorry gumawa ako ng project eh” Doon na siya tumawa ng malakas. Hindi naman si Jayvee ang tipo ng tao na gagawa ng project. “next time bumawi ka, pauwi na kame nito, ano COD tayo?” sabe pa niya. Hindi na siya nagtaka nang sabihin nitong pass na daw muna, ano pa ba project chickababes siguro yon. He doesn’t miss those days na lumalagare ng girlfriend o ng textmate, he need not flirt anymore, his collection of phone numbers is over, his search is over. Dahil wala siya magawa he decided to go home and maybe sleep. Patulog na siya few minutes before his birthday nang mag-ring ang phone niya. Si Yenn. She wanted to be the first one to greet him on his birthday daw. So they ended up talking about each other at ang magkapatid na pareho nilang well dine-date? Hindi pa niya matawag ng ganoon si Ally dahil hindi pa naman formal ang lahat between them. Maybe tomorrow on their dinner date everything will be okay and formal and legal. Kinwento niya kay Yenn ang date nila bukas, rooftop of an high-end Italian restaurant, he is sure na malaki ang gagastusin niya but he doesn’t mind. At all.
Y: I am impressed talagang i-de-date mo siya with some fancy restaurants, I am happy for you.
N: haha, I know right. Its like its not me…sorry, does this make you feel bad?
He tried asking her. Paminsan-minsan lang kase sila mag-date ni Yenn at hindi pa sila nagpdate na something formal like what he and Ally will go to tomorrow.
Y: ofcourse not, ano ka ba, naka-move on na tayo pareho di ba. I am happier now, and I trust ou are too.
Nate paused for a while and thought of what Yhenn told her. She is happier, siya ba happy? Hindi ba nasaktan ang ego niya na si Yhenn ay mas Masaya kay Adam? He doesn’t feel that way. Masaya naman talaga siya na masaya si yhenn. He is happy now. Well Happiest if he can say that. And then they started talking about Adam, kung ano nagustuhan ni Yhenn dito, and he feels na mukhang masaya naman talaga si Yhen and he missed how they are friends like before it became them. Kaya niya naisipan na tanungin si Yhenn na maging sila kase they just go along so well so each other, para sa kanya yun ang foundation ng good relationship, until he learned to love her, but it wasn’t enough though, then came his feelings for Allyson, he never planned that, he never craved to be with someone that bad, na hindi siya napapalagay ng hindi niya nalalaman na safe ito, na hindi niya nakakausap at napapraning siya pag hindi ito nagtetext. Si Ally na nga ba ang karma niya? Well if yes, its not a bad karma , it’s the best karma there is. Patapos na sila mag-usap nang mag-ring ang call-wait niya, bago pa niya makita kung sino, nawala na ito. He smiled, he was almost sure na si Allyson yon. Maybe Allyson wanted to be the first person to greet him, he looked at the time 11:59. Nagulat siya na ganoon na pala sila katagal nag-uusap ni Yhenn. Nagpaalam na siya dito “Sige na matutulog na din ako, mag-go-goodnight lang ako kay boss” sabe pa nitong tila kinikilig. Well now he is extremely happy to know that Yhenn has really moved on and happy its such a great birthday gift for him too. Matutulog na sana siya when he heard footsteps papunta sa kwarto niya. Hindi na siya magugulat kung ang mommy niya iyon, maybe sinisilip siya ng mommy niya. Bubuksan niya ang pinto para gulatin, but siya ang nagulat dahil si Ally ang napagbuksan niya may hawak itong cake at nakasinding kandila. Was he dreaming.
“Happy Birthday” matamis na nakangiti si Ally sa gulat na gulat na si Nate. She started to sing…and Nate’s jaws are still down there. Hanggang sa magsunuran na rin ang parents ni Nate at ofcourse si Jayvee. “Oh my” yun lang nasabi ni Nate. He closed his eyes as if he was making a wish then quickly blew off the burning candles. All 20 of them. Kinuha ni Nate ang kamay niya, and then squeezed it. She looked at him, and he did too, their eyes locked, he smiled, she blushed and gave an awkward smile. Seeing him happy, is the best unspoken thank you of all time. Nagpunta na sila lahat sa dining room, may pagkain na nakahanda, its not much but it was a lot for midnight snack anyways. While eating, nalaman ni Nate siya ang nakaisip ng surprise na ito, Nate looked at her with endearing affection. Gusto niyang maiyak sa tuwa. Ngayon lang siya tinignan ng ganoon ni Nate,gusto rin niyang pagalitan ang sarili, masyado na naman siyang nagbibigay ng attention dito, delikado na masyado. Nag-iisip pa siya nang bigla siyang hilahin ni Nate, dinala siya nito sa hallway papunta sa bathroom, it was dark. Nate cornered her with his arms in between her head. Hindi na siya makahinga. Halo-halong pagka-tense, excitement, paranoia nay un. They were face to face, she can smell his aftershave and ube cake and softdrinks all together. Her knees were almost jelly like. Buti nalang nakasandal siya sa pader because if not she could be on the floor that very moment. “Thank you” sabe nitong sa mukha pa rin niya nakatingin, she tried to look down, nakakahiya na kaya. “You don’t know how happy you made me today…” he seemed to hesitate in saying something. “Halika na” biglang sabi nito, saka siya hinila sa siko. “baka hinahanap na tayo nina mommy” .
Bigla siyang naguluhan, at first she thought Nate was going to kiss her,and then she expected him to say something more than you made me happy. What the hell was that? Natulala nalang siya kaya parang wala sa sariling inabot niya ang regalo niya. Hindi niya mapigilan ang maguluhan at malungkot, in the end sarili rin niya ang sinisi niya dahil she expected too much.
Nate was teary eyed as he scanned the pages of the scrap book for the 5th time. Its almost 4 am, ilang oras na rin nakaalis sina Jayvee at Ally. He knew how tiring and time-consuming scrap books are, at hindi lang basta scrap book, it has different souvenirs from places they went too, gaya ng movie ticket for the first movie they watched together, shell from the beach, receipt ng first treat nito sa kanya, lots of pictures with his friends, some phrases from songs he really liked. It was just too much love he is receiving from her. Natatakot siya na hindi niya kayang pantayan yon, that Allyson deserves someon better, hindi yung taong kagaya niya na basta nalang na-fa-fall out of love sa isang taon. His mind said, well maybe not Allyson, isn’t her your everything, everything you wanted afterall? He smiled. His heart answered, yeah she si everything he ever wanted, Ally made him believe that destiny and falling inlove go together. Pero bakit bigla siyang nagkaroon ng ganoong apprehension. Bahala na. He tried to sleep, nakatulog siyasa page na may picture silang dalawa ni Ally, noong hindi pa sila close at pinipilit lang siya ng mommy na magpicture kasama nito.
“Happy birthday” nagising siyang text ni Ally ang gumising sa kanya. His heart leaped. He wasn’t that giddy with other girlfriends, with Ally he was just like some addicted guy, a fan to some superstar. He stored all his apprehensions in a box. It wasn’t the right time to deal with it. May ibang araw. It his birthday, and it has to be happy, merry, joyous, phenomenal. Basta lahat na dapat ng masayang adjective. He ignored a hundred text that came first and followed Ally’s birthday greeting. He replied to her, just her. Tnx, ang dry naman non peaches. Walang goodmorning, walang hug, walang kiss?” he smiled. Parang nakikita na niyang nag-bublush ito habang binabasa ang text niya. It took a while before she replied, kaya naisipan niyang basahin ang ibang messages niya. Ofcourse his classmates texted him their greetings, patu mga highschool friends niya, and his ex girlfriends, all of them. Kahit na sabihin pa ng mga tao na ang dalas niya magpalit ng girlfriend, kaya naman niyang ipagmalaki that he are in good terms with all of them. Some not right away but eventually naging kaibigan niya uli ang mga ex niya. Inuna din niyang replyan ang mga ito. Most of them may dindedate na rin at boyfriends. He was pleased. He was happy too that everyone he knows and everyone in his facebook and phonebook greeted him already.
Naligo na siya and get ready for school. Excited na siya para sa date nila ni Ally. Excitement na may kasamang takot. Days before his birthday sigurado na siya na mag-po-propose siya kay Ally, he will finally make things right tell her how he really feels for her and then will go from there. Buong maghapon siyang hindi mapakali dahil hindi pa rin nagtetext sa kanya si Ally. Alam niyang may test ito at hindi talaga ito nagtetext kung hindi lunch break or dismissal, napapraning lang siya. This is it. Their first date. Finally.

XXV. The First Date

Namamaga pa din ang mata ni Ally sa kakaiyak. For some reason she was hurt after what happened the other night. Na-offend siya sa ginawa ni Nate. Wala man lang itong sinabi. Sinadya niyang hindi sagutin ang sinabi nito sa text kanina after she greeted him. Tanging,, “pauwi nako, txt2 nalang later” ang sinabi niya dito. She was thinking, baka wala naman nga talagang mutual feeling in between them. Baka siya nalang itong umasa ng umasa. Baka naman bestfriend lang talaga ang hinahanap ni Kenneth. Na-upset din siya na hindi man lang ito nag-insist na ihatid siya kagabi, hinayaan siya kay Jayvee. Dati-rati naman, mukhang selos na selos ito sa tao. She tried to put some ice pag-uwi habang nagpapahinga, maliligo na rin siya after a few minutes. Patapos na siya sa shower when her phone rang, by the tone she can tell na si Nate yun, her assigned tone for him is the search is over. Parang may nasgabi sa kanya na “great he is cancelling the dinner”. Natakot siyang sagutin ang phone. She ignored it, nagtagal siya sa harap ng salamin at parang wala sa sariling nagsusuklay. Hindi pa siya matatuhan kung hindi pa kumatok ang mommy niya. Nakauwi na pala ito nang hindi niya namamalayan.
“oh hindi ka pa bihis? Allyson 7 PM na anong oras ka ba susunduin ni Kenneth?” tanong nitong tila worried. Kasing-worried niya kaya ang mommy niya? “Quarter to 8 po ma” Kinuha ng mommy niya ang brush saka siya tinulungan na magsuklay. She even used a blower and fixed her hair. Hindi nagsasalita ang mommy niya, deafening silence. “Akala ko magiging excited ka for these. Dalaga na ang anak ko. Baket ngayon parang malungkot ka” Sabe nitong tinignan siya sa salamin.
“yun nga ma eh, parang ako lang ang excited, parang hindi naman excited is Nate for these.” Sabe niyang malapit na tumulo ang luha niya. Her mom hugged her.
“Hindi ganoon ang nakikita ko, tinawagan ako ni Nate kanina, nagpaalam uli siya about this event. Parang hindi rin mapakali yung tao.” Ngumiti ang mommy niya. She sighed. “Magbihis ka na, Kenneth will be here in any minute. Her mom kissed the top of her head. She forced a smile. Hindi niya kase maintindihan baket ganoon nalang ang takot niya for that date. Dapat excited siya, after that night maybe it will be a liberation for her, aamin na siya kay Nate. Makikusuap siyang sila na lang. Iwan na ni Nate si Yhenn, andito naman siya, and they will be happ together. Bahala na she told herself habang naglalagay ng light make-up. Come what may. Quando, quando sabe nga ng lumang kanta.”Aja!” she whispered to herself. She can do it! Nasa bahay na nila si Nate pagbaba niya. She smiled. Nawala lahat ng kaba niya ng makita itong nakaharap sa salamin at inaayos ang buhok. “Psst” sabe niya saka ngumiti, nagblush naman ito. He looked handsome in his relaxed midnight blue Polo na nakafold ang sleeves, naka-jeans din ito and leather shoes. Bagay naman ang suot niyang Sunday dress na lilac ang kulay, ¾ sleeves.
“Hey look at you” sabe nitong parang malalaglag na naman ang panga. “Look at you!’ she answered casually. “Mutual admiration fans club eh?” sabe naman nito. She laughed. She already let loose with it. Kailangan maging masaya ang araw na iyon it’s Nate’s birthday. “Shall we?” Nate asked saka inoffer ang braso nito. Tumango siya saka nanginginig na humawak sa braso nito, Nate looked at her saka hinila ang kamay niya para makakapit siya dito, then Nate Put his hand over her hand. She smiled, and silently prayed n asana umayos na ito, wag itong umarte gaya ng nangyari kagabi. “erase erase” she whispered to her self. Hindi siya dapat maging Nega. “What?” nagtatakang napatingin si Nate sa kanya. She smiled, narinig pala siya nito. Gamit ni Nate ang kotse ng uncle niya, he opened the door for her.
“Next time na mag-de-date tayo, sarili ko nang kotse yon” sabi ni Nate habang pa-upo siya sa passenger seat. She uttered “thank you” bago isara ni Nate ang pinto ng kotse. “excited na ako na makasakay ka kay baby Keno natin” sabe nito before he started the car. Ayan na naman, hindi na naman siya makahinga. Bakit nga kase uli ganoon kabango si Kenneth? Ano raw ang sinabi nito? Sinong Keno? She wasn’t following whatever he was saying. Pinipilit niyang huminga ng maayos at nang hindi naman siya himatayin sa harap nito. Nakakahiya. Baka hindi na maulit ang gabing iyon pagkatapos niyang “magtapat” dito. Hidni niya alam if naiihi ba talaga siya o kinakabahan lang siya. ANg traffic pa naman. “hey relax, its going to be a great night.” Nate took off his hand from the steering wheel and held her hand. How does he manage to stay calm? She is jealous. Hindi na nga siya mapakali sa kinalulugaran niya ito naman cool. It wasn’t traffic at all, parang nakikisama ang mga highway sa kanila, when they reached the resto, she pulled out a long sigh. “What was that about?” nakangiti parin na tanong ni Nate sa kanya. Umiling siya and smiled. She will propose today. Hindi na niya kaya magpanggap sa harap ni Nate. The only things Nate can do is to take it or to leave it.
Hinayaan niyang lumabas ito ng kotse para pagbuksan siya ng pinto. She was getting used to that attention, this is it. Maybe her lucky stars will be with her. The Valet took the car saka na sila umakyat sa restaurant. It was a private place that Nate reserved for them, secluded ang area, There were candles all over the place. She had goosebumps all over. “Impressed?” sabi nitong nakangiti sa kanya. Pinanghila siya nito ng upuan. She uttered a low-pitched thank you. “This is just a start baby” sabi pa nito. Did she just hear him call her baby? Why is he doing that? Gusto niyang batukan ang sarili. Bakit parang hindi siya masaya? Deep down her cynical heart is the fear of rejection.
Nate pulled the chair for Ally. Pinipigilan niya ang huwag kabahan, he is decided na magpaalam na manliligaw na siya dito. Nagpaalam na din siya sa mommy ni Allyson and Adam. Mahabang listahan ng do’s and don’t’s pa ang ibinigay sa kanya ng mga ito kaninang umaga nang tawagan niya ang mga ito. What touched him the most ay noong tawagin siyang “anak” ng mommy ni Ally. It just gives him the confidence he needs. Wala na siyang panahon na mag-isip ng gimik. Kagabi nang na-corner niya si Ally bigla siyang natakot. I was not fear of rejection, it was more of fear of losing her. He signaled the waiter to serve the food, he was Trying impress her all her favorite food she ordered.
“Tahimik ka?” he asked her. Napapraning na siya pagiging tahimik nito.
“Starving” sabe nitong nginunguya ang steak.
He sliced a piece of steak, what he loves about Ally is she never goes on a diet, unlike other girls he met ang conscious ng mga ito sa pagbibilang ng calories. Nginitian siya ni Ally. He smiled back. Eto na, malapit na sila mag-dessert. Parang na-cho-choke tuloy siya sa nginunguya niya. He sipped his iced tea, he realized kaya pala 15O pesos ang isang iced tea dahil ang sarap, he drank some more. Napatulala si Ally sa kanya.
“Uhaw” he said blushing. Minus pogi-points yata yung pag-tungga niya sa iced tea. May lumapit na waiter sa kanya para irefill ang baso niya. Nginitian niya si Ally, ngumiti din ito. Its weird how they wont talk or argue that night. Isang factor na rin siguro na hindi niya ito inaasar kaya ganoon.
“may sasabihin sana ako” he started to talk as soon as the waiter removed the plates in front of them. He searched the area, nawala yata bigla yung bandang nag-pe-perform kanina masyadong malakas ang tibok ng puso niya. He saw how Ally straightened up, she suddenly started to become stiff. “bago ko sabihin yun dapat kong sabihin…”
“Thank you” sabay silang nagsalita. They looked at each other nang sabay saka sila sabay din nagbaba ng tingin.
“Go ahead” sabay na naman nilang sabi and the laughed. That was creepy ang magsalita ng sabay na pareho ang sasabihin.
“okay go ahead since birthday mo naman, go ahead” sabi ni Ally sa kanya, curious man siya kung ano ang gusto sabihin ni Ally, he felt na dapat siguro sabihin na niya ang gustong sabihin. Ma s importante na mauna na siya.
“Thanks” he exhaled heavily. He had the urge to hold her hand, pinigilan niya ang sarili, he shouldn’t be aggressive. He uttered a prayer in his head. Bahala na si Bro, sana kahit na hindi siya sagutin ni Ally that moment atleast maging okay pa rin sila.
“so?” Ally seemed eager to know what he was supposed to say. Siya din he was eager to let it out.
“I’m..ahm, pppffff…I’minlovewithyou” he said it so fast na parang hindi rin niya naiintindihan ang sinasabi. Gusto niyang yumuko but that wouldn’t act as if he is sincere. Nakita niya ang pagkagulat sa mukha ni Ally. He was surprised too, ganoon ba ka-clueless ito sa feelings niya for him.
“can you sa that…that word you sentence, phrase you just said?” He almost laughed, not because it was funny but because he finds it cute. So talagang clueless si Ally.
He’ll make sure he makes it right. “I Kenneth..Nate…am inlove with you.” He was amused how he said it, and how she has the same reaction, surprised.
“why?” Ally asked. She was just staring at him. Sasagot na sana siya when she decided to ask another question. “kalian pa? are you kidding me?”
That made him burst into laughter. “Sorry” he tried to stop laughing. “seryoso?” he answered back in a form of another question. Kinakabahan na siya.
“Ikaw kaya ang dapat ko tanungin, seryoso ka ba? Bubugbugin kita Kenneth wag mo ko pag-trip-an” she asked. Bigla tuloy siya kinabahan. Ang init naman ng ulo ni Ally.
“peaches naman.” He said scared.
“Wag mo nga akong pine-peaches hindi ito nakakatuwang biro Kenneth naman kase eh” Nagulat siya sa biglang pag-tulo ng luha ni Ally. Doon siya biglang nalungkot, why was she crying? And then the waiter played the song he requested, The search is over. That was the answer she was waiting for, kalian nga ba niya narealize na inlove pala siya dito. No one forced him, bigla nalang nagising siya na siya lang ang gusto niyang makasama. Not even his barkada, not even his lousy computer games, not even his skateboard. He didn’t want to do all those things, kung puede naman niyang makasama si Ally and be happy. All along he was searching and trying different relationships that keeps on failing, dahil meron isang Allyson Buenavides na nagpapasaya na sa kanya.
Ally froze, when she heard the song she just froze, and then as the lyric of the song goes, ‘and then I touch her hand” she felt a warm hand holding hers. Para siyang binuhusan ng mainit na tubig.
“peaches” Nate called on to her. She took her hand away.
“Si Adrienne?” she asked. Her name choking on her throat.
“huh?” Kenneth was suddenly confused, it was as if whatever she said is irrelevant to him, or maybe, Yhenn was forgotten for some reason.
“Hello, girlfriend mo?” she asked again.
He started to chuckle, and looked her in the eye.
“break na kame ni Yhenn, its been a while, like after we had the outing”
Gusto niyang tumayo sa kinauupuan. What did he just say? Yung ilamg linggong nawawalka siya sa sarili, sa pagiging guilty niya na may gf ito na lumalapit siya,wala na sila?
“what wala na kayo? Bakit hindi mo sinabi?” she asked almost hysterical.
Nalito na si Kenneth. Hindi alamni Allyson na break na sila ni Yhenn? Why? Hindi ba lama nito na exclusively dating na si Yhenn at ang kuya nito? He started to sweat like crazy. The song is over at hindi na niya alam ang mga lovesongs na pineplay.
“hindi mo alam?” he asked. He was an idiot to ask that pero tinanong pa rin niya.
“hello” she answered. Inikot pa nito ang eyeballs. He is confused. Wala na sirang-siea na ang moment, na iniisip niya at pinaghirapan niyang maging magical, dahil kay Yhenn. Hindi naman sa sinisisi niya si Yhenn pero, bakit ganoon. He sighed, Naihilamos niya ang kamay sa mukha.
“Matagal na, we broke up, differences, ganoon. Sorry I haven’t told you” he said.
“So nakalimutan mo lang sabihin sa akin ganoon?” Ally asked. Ano ba dapat isagot doon, yup he forgot, more of overlooked.
“I overlooked” he answered honestly.
“Overlooked? Hanep ka rin eh no? nasisira na nga yung ulo kakaisip na hindi tamang main—“ Ally hanged her statement. “So kalian pa kayo nag-break?” she asked then took her iced tea. Muntik na siyang madulas. Abort mission na siya sa pagsasabi ng feelings dito, bilang nagtapat na si Nate. It doesn’t mean that sasagot na siya, more questions are left unanswered,
“May sinasabi ka?” Nate asked Ally. Parang alam niya ano ang ibig nitong sabihin. He wanted to be hopeful pero mukhang na-badshot pa siya, akala naman kase niya alam na nito, in the first place, kay Ally niya dine-devote ang buong oras niya, hindi pa ba obvious. Next point, hindi man lang naidaldal ng mommy niyang pro-Ally na break na sila. Wow may naitataging sikreto pa ang kanyang ever dearest mommy, kung kalian naman dapat magdaldal!
“ wala” Ally faked a yawn. Kailangan niya ng plan B.
“Inaantok ka na?” Nate asked her. Nakakaawa talaga ang itsura nito, parang batang nawawala sa mall at hindi marunong umuwi. Desperate. Ngayon lang niya nakita ang “desperado” look ni Nate.
“Hmm, lets walk around” she said. Her plan to divert his attention is working. Now everything is starting to sink in, di ba nga, nagsabi na si Nate na inlove ito sa kanya? Kaso paano naman niya sasagutin ito, eh hindi naman siya tinatanong. Nagsabi lang naman ito na ‘inlove daw sa kana” something cold went through her spine… Yun ba ang kinikilig? Wow.
He called for the check saka na siya tumayo at inalalayan siya nitong tumayo.
“where to?” Nate asked her. She shrugged her shoulder.
“Ikaw? Amuse me” she said. Bahala na, ayaw na niya mag-isip.
Nate extended his hand to her, he gave hers. Nate clasped her hand. She must admit she was a bit disappointed. She actually thought he would interlace their fingers. Pinagalitan niya ang sarili, aggressive na naman siya. She should take it slow, wag padalos dalos.
Nakarating sila sa pool area ng hotel, buti nalang hindi restricted ang area na yon. It was beautiful. The wind started to blow cold air, this time, Ally was sure it was not kilig, it was freezing. Nagsitayuan na ang mga baby hair niya sa batok. Hindi naman sila nagsasalita nakatayo lang sila pareho na nakaharap sa pool. How she wished Nate will give his jacket, nilalamig na kase siya talaga. Magkadikit ang mga braso nila kaya alam niyang lumayo ito, yun na ba yun? Was Nate taking off his coat to put it around her? Hindi siya nangangakong hindi siya hihimatayin once it happened. Walang jacket na inilagay si Nate, instead he put hir arms around her. He positioned himself on her back, he then gently pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her. She was feeling his rapid heart beat. “ I love you Allyson Manuela Buenavides. Mahal kita” Was it her imagine or it is real, she died in his arms. Gusto na naman niya umiyak. Kase naman eh baket naman kase binibigla siya ng ganoon.
She turned to look at him, he was smiling. What good have she done for her to experience such bliss? Good karma ba niya si Nate? Pero paano na si Adrienne? She tried not to think of her, not now anyways, pwedeng siya muna ang beauty queen? Saka na niya iisipin si Yhenn. Hindi siya sumagot, but she smiled. Less talk, less mistake.
“thank you” Nate sighed after sumagot ni Ally after a while nang sabihin niyang mahal niya ito. Akala niya hindi na ito magsasalita. It wasn’t an answer he expected but he’ll take thank you kaysa sa wala. Thank you is a good sign.
Hindi sila umaalis sa ganoong position until the guard told them na bawal na ang visitors sa pool area, umalis na sila doon, time check 12 am, meaning to say, halos 2 oras din silang ganoon.
Hinatid niya si Ally, he made sure he guaranteed her how much he loves him.
Napatalon siya habang nag-to-tooth brush nang magtext si Ally.
“Don’t go professing your love the make me worry afterwards, nakauwi ka nab a?”
He smiled. “opo misis. Thanks for the concern I love you miss ko”
Hindi na nagreply si Allyy, he didn’t mind, nasa cloud 9 naman na kase siya. Siya na ang msaya, at excited na siya para sa birthday party niya. Hindi man official na sila, atleast alam na ni Ally how he feels for her.

XXVI. Is it Over?

Nakauwi na si Ally, naka-pajama na, nakahiga sa kama but her spirits are wide awake. The voice of Nate telling her he loves her keeps on repeating in her head. Gusto niyang may makausap, but in that Ungodly hour, she wonder who could it be?

She was scrolling her phone book, hmm, wala naman siya makitang tao na pwedeng gising pa, then she came across this name on her phone book asdf*^%^#@**, she smiled, parang kilala na niya sino yun. She called the number.

“Busy ka ba?” she asked, scared and nervous.

“Nope naman, why? May problema ba?” the girl on the other line asked. Maingay sa background. She knew na nasa gig pa ito most probably. Bilib siya sa stamina ni Adrienne. Work and school. Hindi niya siguro kaya yon.

“Uhm, well may itatanong sana ako sa iyo” nahihiya pa din siya for all the bad things she thought of her. Maybe she and Yhenn can be bestfriends. Hindi naman dahil she wanted to keep her enemies closer, for now hindi na enemy si Yhenn sa kanya.

“shoot, iam om break naman, sige ano yon sis?” Ally felt genuine concern and enthusiasm sa pagtawag ng sis ni Yhenn sa kanya. So okay na sila? Hmm, dapat ba siya maging guilty?

“break na daw kayo ni Nate? He just told me today, kalian pa? are you okay?” she was blabbing, but she asked everything fast dahil ayaw niyang ma-chicken sa pagtatanong. She overheard Yhenn laughed. Nakakatawa ba yung tanong niya? The world is crazy.

“I cant believe he didn’t tell you, matagal na kameng break. I cant exactly remember when, well we called it off cause its not working, may iba siyang gusto at hindi na ako masaya sa kanya, so whats the use of being together, you make him happy…oops” parang nagulat si Yhenn sa huling sinabi, siya naman napangiti.

"Can i ask why did you break up?" she was hesitant to ask, pero since she brave her way to call her and well make ammends, why not ask all her questions.

There was silence for a while before Yhenn answered.

"It just wont work out, lets say we're not meant to be" she sighed. Is she going to cry? Natakot siya bigla she didnt mean to rub any open wounds

"I am sorry" she said sincerely, it was selfish ti think she is the reason but its embarassing too.

"Hey dont be. wala kang kasalanan. Nate and I are never meant to be. Its gonna happen sooner or later. Iam happier now, I never imagined it was possible to receive what you have been waiting for. Trust me."

She really feels na naluluha ito, na-guilty na naman siya.

"He, he..told mehelovesme" ang bilis na naman ng pagkakasabi niya. Hindi parin nga siya makapaniwala sa sinabi ni Nate.

Yhenn laughed. "Finally."

Napalunok siya. She knew? Well ilan beses kaya siya pinag-awayan nina Yhenn and Nate? Will it happen to her? When Nate spends time with someone makakalimutan din siya nito?

"You were not the reason we broke up, well you may be the catalyst" Yhenn laughed, siya rin natawa sa term na ginamit nito, mas iisipin pa niyang si Ad ang nagsasalita. Her scholarly kuya. "nothing to be guilty about. sooo sasagutin mo ba siya?"

Nailayo niya ang telepono, ano to instant bestfriends na sila ni yhenn? Will it hurt? Dito na ba niya ma-i-apply ang keep you enemy's closer.

"I need your help" she answered instead. One shot to make things happen. Hindi na siya nakatulog ng mahimbing pagkatapos nila mag-usap ni Yhenn halo-halong excitement, kaba, kilig at worry na ang nararamdaman niya.

Nagising siya sa text ng kuya niya. Paalis palang daw ito ng Baguio. Makakarating pa kaya ito on time for the party? She scrolled her inbox, may message si Patty sa kanya, hindi rin daw ito makakapunta sa party ni Nate, grounded. Last na niya binasa ang text ni Nate. She'd probably faint after reading it. "Good morning my love. I cant wait to see you tonight"

She ignored the text. Marami pa siya dapat gawin. Nagtext siya kay Yhenn, susunduin daw siya niyo after lunch. Nahihiya man siya na magpatulong dito, wala na suyang choice.

Ala-una na ng hapon hindi pa rin nagtetext si Ally sa kanya. sabe ng mommy niya hayaan na daw niya, bigyan niya ng space. Pero para sa kanya parang may mali, somewhere. He didnt call, para lang masunod ang mommy niya to give Ally space. Nag-text nalang siya, ayaw lang niya na sabihin nitong he is taking her for granted. Napaka-crucial kase ng mga bawat kilos niya that time.

"I miss you. Busy lang ako may mga errands na kailangan gawin. I'll c u later peaches. ILY"

In less than a minute he got a response from her. Sa wakas. "k. ingat po" He smiled. It may not mean anything, but for him, its worth the security he wanted.He was driving everywhere hours before his party, buti nalang weekend at hindi gaanong traffic. He has to pick up his ninong from the hotel to their house after that saka palang siya makakapagbihis and prepare. He texted her again bago magbihis.

“Sobrang pagod na ako, but knowing I'll b seeing u later is all worth it. ILY. “

Hindi na siya naghintay ng reply, alam naman niya makikita niya sa party si Ally. When he got there all his family was waiting, his barkada was there too, hanap siya ng hanap kay Ally. The bar was almost filled, sa mga officemates palang ng parents niya puno na ang venue ng birthday party niya. It was indeed a well attended event. The invitation was merely through word of mouth, nakatulong din na umuwi ang mga kamag-anak nila all over the world.

Hindi na siya makatiis, he needs to find her, tatawagan na sana niya ito when someone wrapped its arm around him. Nagulat talaga siya nang makita kung sino ang gumawa non.

"Isha?"

Ah.His puppy love. Malayong mag-kamag-anak sila ni Isha, hindi na niya alam paano. All he knows that his 12 year old heart adored the Isha he knew. Simple. tahimik. then she moved to the south hanggang sa nakalimutan na niya ito.

"I am impressed. Binatang-binata ka na. Happy birthday" Isha flashed her smile and the sweetest dimple. Natutuwa siya na hindi parin ito nagbabago. Sophisticated na ito magdamit. He wonders what she is.

"Ikaw naman tulad pa din ng dati. What have you been up to?" He knows that she is like 2-3 years older.

"Med school. sa UST ako nag-aaral"

He still wanted to catch up with her pero sa corner ng mata niya ang monmy ni Ally. He was giddy. He wanted to catch up with isha pero miss na miss na niya si Ally.

"Great seeing you, thanks for coming enjoy, i'll catch with you later" hawak niya ang braso nito pero humihiwalay na ang katawan niya dito. he lost the sight of Ally's mom in the stream of people. Mukhang nagtataka si Isha sa pagmamadali niy.

"Tita!" he yelled. Groovy ang mommy nito na naka-jeans at sparkly top.

"Happy birthday anak" niyakap siya nito at aminado siuanh kilig na kilig siya sa pagtawag nito ng anak. She gave him a red envelope.

"Wow nakakahiya naman po pero thank you" he said. "Si Ally po?" He followed up right away.

"Maaga siya umalis. Hindi ko alam sino yun kasama niya pero sabay daw sila pupunta dito" save nitong tila nalilito. He looked at his phone. Wala naman text sa kanya si Ally. whats up with her at sino ang kasabay nitong pupunta sa party niya. he texted him.

"Where ka? hurry here" there was finality in his text. Gusto niyang bawiin ang pagsend dahil parang demanding. But it was too late. Hinila siya ng mga kabarkada niya malapit sa stage well since wala pa si Ally he might as well spend it with his friends.

Kanina pa palakad lakad si Ally sa room ni Yhenn. Tapos na sila mag-conspire sa bagay na inihingi niya ng tulong dito. inayusan din siya ni Yhenn. Pinahiram pa siya nito ng shining shimering clip. Feeling niya ang ganda ganda niya. She enjoyed the whole day she spent with her. She knew from then on they can be friends.

"Ready ka na ba?" gusto niyang mapa-upo nang lumabas si Yhenn sa walk in closet nito. Simple lang ang suot nito pero ang ganda ganda. She was wearing a tutu like skirt over some dark tights. She will be singing a couple of songs and her band will be the performers for the night.

"You're so pretty" di niya napigilan sabihin. Hay baka makalimutan na siya ni Nate kapag nakita nito ang ex niya. Lalakasan niya nalang ang loob. Nag-usap naman na sila ni Yhenn sasaluhin daw siya nito. "Lets go?" sabe nito. Kanina pa kase nito naririnig ang phone niya sa mga random texts. From her mom, sa kuya niya. sa parents ni nate, barkada ni nate at syempre kay Nate. Napansin din niyang may katext din si Yhenn. She wondered who. Busy ito sa kakatext at pangiti-ngiti pa. Someone drove for them, driver daw ng step mom niya, wala kase ang driver nito. She never knew na ganoon pala kayaman itong si Yhenn, hindi niya alam baket sobra kung kumayod.

"Bakit hindi ka nag-drive?" she asked Yhenn. ngumiti lang ito.

"Ahm wala lang..saka late na tayo I am sure hinahanap ka na ni nate"

Kinakabahan na nga siya hindi ba alam nito na hindi nakakatulong ang pang-aasar nito.

"Okay na nga tong ma-late tayo ng ganito, ayaw ko kase na ako nalang lalapitan noon." She felt conceited pero kilala niya si Nate. Yhenn laughed.

"True kilala mo talaga si sweetie pie" yun ba tawagan nila? Infairness corny. Napasimangot siya. Lalong natawa si Yhenn.

"Hindi naman corny si Nate joke lang yon. We never had any term of endearments. He never had with any of his gf's. Alam ko sayo meron siya" Yhenn teased her. Nararamdaman na naman niya ang pagpula ng pisngi at tenga niya. Gusto niya itong sabihan ng isang malakas na sush…na hindi nakakatulong ang pang-aasar nito kaya eto

"Masanay ka na aasarin nalang kita palagi, sis...can I call you that?" tanong na naman ni YHenn sa kanya. It was awkward, but it would be nice.

"yah. sis" It was easy to say. No apprehensions on her part. Yhenn smiled at her and squeezed her hand.

"Lapit na tayo, do you want a retouch?" Tanong nito. Umiling siya. She is fine. She is nervouse but she doesnt need a retouch. Baka hindi na siya makilala ni Nate. Medyo traffic papunta sa compound ng bar. She can see the strobe lights as if inviting people to come in. This is it. She told herself. Kanina pa siya tinetext ni Nate at ng mommy niya. Andoon na rin daw ang kuya niya. Halos sabay sila nakareceive ng message ni Yhenn. Hidi naman siya nag-tanong kanino galing. She took a deep breath bago bumaba ng kotse. Nakita na niya ang kuya niya na naghihintay sa labas ng bar. Sinabihan niya itong huwag sasabihan si Nate na padating na siya.

Ang laki. ng ngiti ng kuya niya pagkakita sa kanila.

"Wow pretty ladies." Her kuya embraced her saka lang nag-ngitian ito at si Yhenn.

"Ang kulit ni Nate kanina ka pa hinahanap, so ayun siya mingling with his friends. may surprise ka daw kay bate sabe ni mommy?" tanong nito. She was sweaty and nervous.

"Well yeah, but i am not sure if i can pull it through if not sasaluhin daw ako ni Yhenn."

Ngumiti ang kuya niya. Tinanguan lang nito si Yhenn, ngumiti naman si Yhenn sa kuya niya. She was happy to see Nate mingling, siya naman nagbigay courtesy sa mga elders na andoon at sa mga relatives ni Nate.Ang mommy pa nito ang nagpakilala sa kanya, siya daw ang “daughter she never had”. Niyakap siya ng mahigpit ng lola ni Nate saka siya pinaupo nito sa tabi niya. Sumunod naman siya, she was buying some time, mukhang hindi pa alam ni Nate ang pagdating niya.

Nate looked at her phone, last text he received from Yhenn papunta na raw ito at sinabing kasama si Ally. Na-relieve siya. Now they were playing spin the bottle at first time tumapat sa kanya ang bote.No choice its either a double shot of tequila or dare, He chose dare. Ayaw niyang malasing o maging tipsy man lang, baka ma-badshot siya kay Ally. His cousin from the States Leandro gave the dare, slow dance with the first girl who will pass by. Such a cliché dare but he was up for it. It was Isha who passed by. Galing ito ng bathroom. Leo called Isha, “dance with the birthday boy ei?” mukha mang nagulat si Isha, pumayag naman, leo pulled up 200 from his pocket and called the DJ, then light got dimmer, the Dj said “It’s a special dance for the birthday boy, Nate and Isha” He took Isha’s hand and he started dancing with her. Nakangiti si Isha habang sumasayaw sila.

“So med school you said? Iam impressed” sabi niya dito. Boy wasn’t he glad that he didn’t say anything to her about how he felt, if not mas lalong akward siguro ang set up na yun.

“Well med school is med school, ikaw how are you?” she asked back, nag-follow up pa ito. “any girlfriend? Wala bang magagalit na ako kasayaw mo?”

Umiling siya. “well, wala pa akong girlfriend, well not official pero I have a special friend. Pakilala ko siya sayo mamaya wala pa nga siya eh”

Isha smiled. Hindi niya alam kung aware ito na deadly ang mga ngiti nito. Buti nalang naka-padlock na ang puso niya. Hindi na siya easy to fall.

“leo!” ang lakas ng tawag ng lola ni Nate sa pinsan nitong Amboy na nakilala niya through picture lang.

“yes granny?” lapit nito.

“whats that about?” tanong naman ng lola nila. Nag-explain si Leo sa abuela nito pero hindi na niya naiintindihan ang sagot. She was looking intently at Nate and Isha dancing, she was trying to read between body movements. Mukhang wala naman malisya it was just some random girl. She never heard of her and she never saw her picture. Baka relative nila Nate ang girl nay un. No cause for alarm. Nagpaalam na siya sa lola ni Nate para samahan sina Yhenn at ang Kuya Ad niya. Palapit na siya sa mga ito nang may humila sa kanya. “nate” she uttered his name. he looks so good sa suot nitong shirt at jacket. “finally” sabe nito grabbing her sa waist. She stood still. “I miss you” sabe nito then kissed the top of her head. It sent thousand voltages in her spine. “Hey you” sabe na lang niya, once she was able to recover. “Come I’ll introduce you to my relatives” sabe nito then started to interlace their fingers. “nakilala ko na sila” she whispered. Maingay na sa bar. Nagkakagulo na din ang mga tao paglapit sa buffet table. It was one crowded party food and booze overflowed. Unlimited ang iced tea at softdrinks while each guest has a stub good for a number of booze depende sa order nito then if gusto pa ng guest beyond his limit bahala na itong magbayad sa drinks nito.

“okay, so halika lets join Yhenn and Adam” sabe nalang nito. He didn’t smell like alcohol. She was impressed. They joined Adam and Yhenn na mukhang gulat na gulat sa paglapit nila. Iniwan sila nina Adam and Nate once they were settled para kumuha daw ng pagkain. In less than 30 minutes, mag-uumpisa na tumugtog ang banda ni Yhenn, kinakabahan tuloy sia lalo. Kakanta dapat siya at mag-play ng guitar, and sing the search is over, pero na-chi-chicken na siya. She texted Yhenn and said I CANT L. Yhenn looked at her. “sure ka?” she asked. Tumango siya, wala na siyang nasabi dahil nakabalik na sina Nate at ang kuya niya. Kumain sila ng tahimik, Yhenn then texted her pagkaalis nito sa table nila. “I’ll make it special for him, and for you sis” sabe nito. Gusto niyang umiyak. She’ve been wanting to do something special for him, parang hindi deserve ni Nate ang pag-sagot lang niya ng I Love you too. It has to be really special.

Magkakasama na sila sa table nila Jayvee and Nate’s other friends, makahulugan ang mga tingin ng mga ito sa maghawak nilang kamay, yumuko siya. Dahil wala nang upuan sa may bar kung saan naka-pwesto ang mga ito, sumandal si Nate sa Bar saka siya hinila para sumandal sa katawan nito, Nate then wrapped his hand around her waist, at ang isang braso naman acroos her neck. She was enveloped by his arms, and she was liking how it felt. It was new to her but it feels like she was really home, like she is used to it.

Unti-unti na siyang kinakabahan na naman. Yhen texted her and she managed to discreetly look at her phone. “1st song sis” sabe nito sa text. Lumapit si Adam sa kanila and handed a light beer to Nate. Nate looked at her as if asking for her permission. She was touched. Paano ba namang hindi niya mamahalin ito, She nodded, pinakawalan siya ni Nate sa “yakap nito para mainom ang beer, medyo dumistansya siya until not even 5 seconds has passed Nate pulled her closer, nakasandal na rin siya sa bar , nang buhatin siya nito bigla at iupo sa bar stool. She whispered a thank you. Nate leaned his head on her shoulder, nasa ganoon silang pwesto nang lumabas si Yhenn sa stage.

“Hey happy birthday buddy!” Yhenn was looking at them. Tumango si Nate.

“Thanks everyone for being here, for Nate’s birthday. 18.” Yhenn pulled her guitar closer. So while the band is still setting up I wanted to greet Nate a happy birthday. Well I think you all guys know we used to be like you know” sabe nitong parang hindi sigurado kung dapat pang sabihin ang naiisip. “well, anyways I wanted to start off with this song.” Yhen strummed the guitar.

"So have you ever felt being tired of searching for the one? Let me tell you a quick cute love story. It happened not too long ago" Everyone in the crowd was yelling. She blushed. Buti nalang she chickened out. "Si boy did collect, but always failed. The girl was there living her a quiet life" She blushed some more dahil napatingin si Yhenn sa kanya at sabay din tumingin si Nate, their face close enough for her to be left breathless. She was literally gasping for air. It took a while before she got that urge to move his face away from her. Ngumiti pa ito. "So then little do they know that the star has conspired and they need not to search. the girl was surprised that she was al quiet in her own world, and the guy said to himself, the quest is over, she was just really under his nose. And this song is for them" Everyone started to say "ahhh" and "oooh" and "haay" as if they have been through it too. She gasped for air again as Nate kissed the top of her head.
"How can I convince you" She wanted to curse as soon as Yhenn started singing. Sino ba naman ang hindi bibilib sa boses ni Yhenn, she is amazing. Kinakain na naman siya ng insecurities niya. Nagsipuntahan lahat ng couple sa dancefloor. Nate took off his arm, and then pulled. "We should dance its.our.song." Nates mouth was on her ear, and its jolting her, the manner he said it slow and passionate. May namatay kaya sa kilig? Baka mauna siya. Oh well falling inlove with Nate is really legendary.She smiled. He lead her to the dance floor. She couldnt say if what they did was dancing, its more of cuddling. They were just looking ar each other eye to eye, occasionally smiling.Then Nate suddenly said " I love you" It was loud enough for her to hear, for her heart to scream gladly." She smiled at him, then leaned her head into his chest. It was not long until The song ended. Bumalik na sila sa bar, nagpaalam siya dito na pupuntahan muna ang mommy niya. Se wanted him to mingle with all his visitors. Hinatid siya nito sa table
ng parents nito at ng mga officemates nila.
"Kayo na ba ni Kenneth Allyson?" Tita Sonia asked. Umiling siya. Tumawa ang mga ito. Well she knows what do they mean by laughing. Para sa mga ito sila na. Well atleast not officially. Hinanap ng mata niya si Kenneth, he was with the girl he was dancing with kanina, Bago niya alisin ang tingin sa mga ito, nakita niyang hawak ni nate ang braso ng babae at papunta sa lugar nila. Who is she?
"Ally, this is Isha long lost family friend" sabe nito agad, with the stress on the word friend. "Ish si Ally" Nate was hesitant to label who Ally is. She smiled. "Special friends?" Isha asked. She nodded. Its a matter of hours of minutes bago naman maging official ang lahat. Hindi man siya makakanta sa harap ng maraming tao, hindi naman ibih sabihin na hindi niya sasagutin si Nate, less effort nga lang. "Isha." sabi nito sabay abot ng kamay sa kanya. She accepted the hand. Baket ba butil butil ang pawis ni Nate, nabawasan na ang tao sa bar, so medyo malamig na ano ba ikinakapawis nito. Nagkuentuhan sila ni Isha, they made Nate leave para naman makabonding sila ni Isha, Isha smells fishy, baka makapangisda siya ng information kung ano ang meron sa dalawa.

Napilitan si Nate na iwan sina Isha at Ally. Hindi naman sa guilty siya pero kinakabahan siya, ayaw na kase niyang malaman pa ni Ally na dati siyang may gusto dito. Dati. Meaning to say wala na. Si Ally nalang talaga. Kahit na lasingin pa siya o iseduce nang kung sino loyal ba siya. Sabe nga sa who wants to be a millionaire, final answer, sa game ka na ba, sure na. Yun na ang sagot sa kanyang million dollar question. Ally.

Yhenn started their second set. napatingin na naman lahat ng tao sa ex niya, tumitigil ang mundo ng bawat lalaki na nandoon. He is happy for her now. "Gusto ko lang kantahin ito, isang napakagandang love song kung saan nagsasabing ang isang tao susuungin ang lahat para lang sa pagmamahal
niya." He smiled curious siya, anong kanta kaya? He knew who is it for.
Hinanap
niya si Adam, nasa gilid pala ito ng stage hawak ang juicy couture na purse ni Yhenn. She started to sing. "I looked in your eyes and I can see you've loved so dangerously and you're bot trusting your heart to
anyone" He smiled. Yhenn never wanted to sing through the fire before, kahit biru-biruan lang ayaw daw nito di daw nito kaya. How love changes things. Pagkatapos ng kanta ni yhenn umakyat na ang mamita niya sa stage, finally he whispered, si Keno ibibigay na sa kanya. Keno ang pangalan ng kotse nila because of his name Kenneth at Allyson. Hindi pa niya na-e-explain kay Ally baket keno.

Nagsigawan ang mga kabarkada niya nang ilabas ang susi ni Keno. His
own brand new car. Tapos na ang commute days nila ni Ally. Pogi na siya...lalo. Hinila
na siya ng mga kaibigan niya papunta sa parking lot kung nasaan ang kotse niya. He lost Ally in the stream of people. Hindi na niya ito makita. He was supposed to test drive the car with her pero nawala na lang ito
bigla. Her phone is off. Wala na rin sila Yhenn at Adam. Nagsiuwian na ba ang mga ito? Baket iniwan siya? Para siyang maiiyal. Baket umalis si Ally, may ginawa ba siyang mali? Niyaya pa siya mag-coffee ng mga friends niya hindi na siya pumayag, he went to Ally's house. Patay na rin ang mga ilaw, wala ang kotse na ginagamit ni Adam. Uuwi nalang siya. Parang nasira lang ang gabi niya. Baket kase umalis ng walang paalam si Allyson. Handa ba siyang ang magiging girlfriend niya ay sumpungin? Why the hell is he asking that. ofcourse, he loves Ally no matter
what is it. He can deal with those mood swings. Pilit niya itong tinawagan bute her phone is off. badtrip siyang umuwi sa bahay, hindi niya kase dapat pinabayaan na lumayo ito sa paningin niya. Wala pa ang parents niya nag-casino daw ang mga ito at ang mga pinsan niya naman na mag-oovernight sa kanila di niya alam kung asaan. He went up to his room humiga siya sa kama. He didnt bother to open the lights. He tried calling her again, and then he felt a movement in the room. Hindi siya nagiisa, bubuksan na sana niya ang lampshade nang magbukas ang ilaw mag-isa and there was Allyson seated on his lazy boy holding a guitar.
He literally froze. Ally started to strum the guitar. "How can i convince you.." Napaupo siya sa kama. halata ang kaba ni Ally habang kumakanta. Hindi na niya kinayang hintaying matapos ang kanta nilapitan na niya ito, he took the guitar away and help her up. "Di pa ko tapos eh" sabi nitong tumatawa at umiiyak at the same time. "I love you" he said. Wala na siyang masabi after. Niyakap niya ito and she embraced him back. " i love you more" she answered y whispering...He laughed. Para na nga silang mga sira-ulo sa kakaiyak at tawa. They were just like that, hugging and exchanging love you and I love you more hanggang sa may kumatok.

Yhenn and Adam. The two look happy. Hindi na siya nagtanong what are they up too. "Kuya pwedeng ako nalang maghahatid sa girlfriend ko?" He asked. kinurot siya ni Ally. Tumango naman si Adam, ihahatid na rin daw nito Yhenn. He gave his hand to Ally saka na sila sumakay sa kotse niya.

Tinawag siyang girlfriend ni Nate sa harap ng kuya niya. "Hindi pa ba?" Nate asked when she confronted him. Nasa harap na sila ng bahay niya. "O ano tayo na ha? wala nang bawian?" Hawak na ni Kenneth ang Kamay niya. "Eh ano pa nga ba" sabe niya dito, Nate pulled him closer saka siya inakbayan. then kissed her head. "Uyy late na po" sabe niya yawning. Hindi na niya kaya ang kilig na pinagdadaanan.
"Hay agad? o sige na nga. Church tayo bukas?" he asked, hindi pa rin naman siya pinapakawalan, naka-akbay padin. "Lets see andito ang kuya so i cant say" Nate growled silently. Hinalikan na naman siya nito. She pulled away. "Nakakadami ka na. dali na nga hatid mo na ako sa door please" She begged. Walang sabing umalis ito ng kotse and opened the door for her, "Sleep well" sabi nitong hawak ang kamay niya. "Ikaw din" sabe niya. "Uwi na talaga ako?" he asked.
"Opo. late na" she answered. she kissed him on the cheek. "Sige na nga. love kita peaches ko" She blushed. " I love you too natey" Pumasok na siya baka abutan pa sila ng kuya niya or ng mama niya sa labas ng gate. Paga-akyat niya ng room nagtext na naman si nate. I love you xoxo. Hindi na siya nagreply for sure wala na namang katapusan ang exchange nila.

XXVII. Happy Together

Paano ba makakatulog kung bawat pagpikit ng mata si Nate ang nakikita niya? She decided to call him, hindi pa yata natatapos ang unang ring sumagot na ito. “Are you staring at your phone waiting for me to call?” she asked. Kinikilig tuloy siya, sana lang tama nga siya. Tumawa ito. “I missed you” he answered instead. Hay mas lalo yata siyang hindi makakatulog sa ginawa niya. “Stop flirting with me” sabe niyang tumatawa din. “hayyy. Iam so…I soooo…” hindi nito matuloy ang sinasabi. “Oh ano yang I’m soo mo jan?” Humiga siya uli, now she is feeling all the pagod she did the past few days. “sleep na tayo Nate” she said, napipikit na. “Sige na, sleep well my baby” sabe nito she couldn’t remember if he hang up, basta nakatulog na lang siya. So she texted him paggising niya, alam niyang tulog pa ito. “gdmorning sleepy head natey ko. Love u po” She went to the shower right away, magtatanghali na rin, hindi niya alam kung magsisimba sila ng umaga. All she knows is that Adam will take the first bus to Baguio City the next day. She saw a note sa dining table, nagsimba na raw ang mommy niya first mass, magsimba na lang daw sila magkapatid, then they will have dinner together at Nate’s aunts house. Kinilig naman siya, makakapagsimba sila ni Nate in their first day as a couple.

Nagkita nalang sila sa simbahan ng subdivision nila Nate, dinaanan na din nila si “SIS” niya. Well she wasnt that blind not to realize that Yhenn and her precious have something going on. Nag-mi-mini tampo pa si Nate dahil gusto nitong sunduin pa siya. She said wag na lang. She doesnt get it bakit kailangan na sunduin pa siya. Hindi ito kumikibo while in church. Given na ganoon talaga ito pag nagsisimba, hindi naman din siya tinitigan. Kung pwede lang matunaw ito sa kakatingin niya baka nangyari na. Tinignan lang siya ni Nate nang peace be with you na and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Oh lovebirds kita nalang tayonsa bahay nila bro" sabe ng Kuya niya after the mass. Tumango siya. Nate opened the car door for her. "Uy galit ka ba?" hindi na siya nakatiis. Umiling ito. " Nagtatampo?" she asked again. She held his hand na nakapatong sa gear. He clasped her hand. "Medyo" he made a quick look at her. "why?" she asked. She didnt wanna assume. The last thing she wanted is a fight based on uncertain reasons. "Wala lang, eh kase naman wala pa naman tayo 24 hours na tayo na tinulugan mo ko sa phone, tas ayaw mo pa magpasundo. " Nagulat talaga siya. Reason na ba para magtampo dahil doon? "Sorry, I didnt know i wasnt supposed to turn you down. You are my first boyfriend nate and i dont know what people do in a relationship, and I am just being honest and practical" she answered. Nate pulled over. Inakbayan siya nito and pulled her closer to him. Naiiyak na tuloy siya. "Ssh dont cry sorry peaches baby. sorry talaga" She felt his sincerity. Hindi pa rin niya mapigilan ang pagluha. "Stop crying na please. Iam going to hit my face if you wont stop crying." Kumuha siya ng tissue sa dashboard. "Stopping" sabi niya.She took her lipgloss and some face powder. Kiniliti siya nito sa bandang kilikili. " Uy baby ko nagpapaganda, kanino naman" Sabi nito. She pinched him. Naiiling na inistart uli nito ang kotse. pagdating sa house ng auntie ni Nate winarningan siya nito na for sure gigisahin siya ng mga kamag-anak nito. She inhaled-exhaled before getting out of the car.

Sinalubong sila ni Mamang ang lola nito. Its been 6 years since last ito umuwi from the states at alam niyang si nate ang favorite aponito dahil papa. i nate ang favorite son. Kaya nga may kotse si nate dahil hiningan lahat ng anak nito ng pera para sa kotse, lahat ng kulang lola na nito ang nagbayad. "Oh eh ang ganda lang ng aking apo" sabi nitong nakayakap sa kanya at hinalikan siya. Nate winked at him and mouthed "i told you".

"Kain na apo, kenken kumain na kayo ng nobya mo, may seafood kadame apo halika" Hinila siya ni mamang at sa kitchen sila dinala, andoon na rin sina Yhenn at Adam. Nakiupo si Mamang habang kumakain sila at pinagtalop sila nito ng shrimps at crab. " Ang pogi ng batang ito. You are so handsome" Sabi ni mamang na sa kuya niya nakatingin. Nakahinga na lang sila ng maluwag nang sunduin ng papa ni Nate si Mamang may mga bisita daw silang dumating. After kumain sumunod sila sa pool area ng bahay kung saan nag-lalaro na naman ng spin the bottle ang mga pinsan ni Nate.

Buena-manong si Yhenn ang natapatan ng bottle. Napakadaling dare para dito ang kumanta para sa isa sa mga taong nasa paligid. Sino paba eh di ang your oh so handsome na kuya nito ang kinantahan ni Yhenn. "our friendly get togethers are turning into visions of forever, if i just believe this foolish heart of mine, i can't pretend that i'm just a friend'cause i'm thinking maybe we were meant to be"

Lahat ng tao napa-ahhh na naman, everyone swarmed to Watch Yhenn play the guitar and sing. Hindi na tuloy sila nag-spin the bottle dahil dumating na ang videoke machine. Inilayo na siya ni Nate sa mga nagkakandarapang kumanta, magkatabi lang sila sa swing habang nanonood ng kung anu-ano lang sa youtube. Ganoon lang sila hanggang sa tawagan na siya ng mommy niya. uuwi na raw sila, her kuya left na raw. Hindi man lang siya sinabihan. Hinatid na sila ni Nate, to her amusement niyakap pa ito ng mommy niya at nag-thankyou. Super kinakabahan siya habang papasok sila ng mommy niya sa bahay.

"Ma" she said. Mas maigi nang sabihin na niya agad kaysa naman sa iba pa nito malaman. Umupo ang mommy noya sa couch. pinagpag nito ang space sa tabi nito umupo siya and hugged her mom. "Sinagot ko na po siya" parang 1 million na kabayo ang tumatakbo sa dibdib niya. Inilayo siya ng mommy niya sa pagkakayakap panandalian and then kissed her forehead. Naiiyak tuloy siya. "Alam ko, tinawagan ako ni Nate. Lage naman nagsasabi ang batang yun pag magkaaama kayo, noong nagpropose siya, saka noong sinagot mo siya.Sana hindi magbago ano anak?" sabi nito. She was surprised. Sobrang lalo siyang na-inlove kay Nate dahil sa gingawa nito, and the best of it all hindi nagsasabi si Nate. Puro gawa, napaka-gentleman. "Thanks ma" she said teary-eyed. Nasa ganoon silang posisyon nang dumating ang kuya niya.

"Oy ano to group hug?" he asked saka sila niyakap nito. “Mamimiss ko na naman kayo, dito nalang yata ako mag-aaral” her kuya suddenly said. “Hay nako anak, papunta ka palang pabalik na ako, alam ko may iba ka pang dahilan, less than a year nalang huwag ka nang umuwi dito.” Sabi ng mommy nila na tumayo na and looked at them , sila nalang magkapatid ang magkayakap. “Ang mga anak ko inlove na pareho. Basta I all trust you, kame ng daddy nyo we trust you finish school first lalo na ikaw Ally baby ka pa” Her kuya laughed and held their mom’s hand. “ayaw mo ba ng apo ma?” sabay na tumawa ang mommy niya at siya. Tumayo na irn ang kuya niya and kissed them both. “matutulog na ako aking mga mi-ladies, I’ll call you pagdating sa baguio” sabe nito. She sat there for a while pag-akyat ng mommy at kuya niya. Then she looked at her phone, hindi man lang nagtext si Nate kung saan na ito napadpad. She sent her a text. After 20 minutes kung kalian pahiga na siya sa kama niya saka palang ito nag-reply.

“HUH? Anong ?” sabe nito dahil hindi man lang nakuhang magparamdam. She turned off her phone and tried to sleep. Dahil na rin siguro sa sunod-sunod na puyat the past few days she drifted off to sleep. Nagising siya in time to prepare for her class, laking gulat niyang paghlabas ng bahay nasa gate nila si Nate. Naka-shorts lang ito at mukhang bagong gising. Hindi na rin pala niya na-i-on ang piñatay na cellphone
“aga mo naman? May lahi kang Chinese?” She asked grinning. Dahil mahaba-haba ang tulog niya she was really in the mood. “ You turned off your phone on me girlfriend” sabe nitong medyo masungit. He opened the door for her. Sumakay siya sa kotse saka parang walang nangyari na niyakap ito and said “goodmorning boyfie” sabe niya dito. “Seatbelt please” sabe nitong hindi pa rin ngumingiti. She wanted to burst into laughter pero pinigilan niya ang sarili baka maging full-blown ang tampo nito sa kanya. Hindi siya gumalaw kaya Nate leaned on her para hilahin ang seatbelt at isuot sa kanya. “gwapo sana ang sungit naman” she said. Ngumisi ito. “narinig ko yon” he replied giving her a quick look bago i-start ang kotse. She looked through the CD compartment of the car. “Ang dame mo cd dito Nate?” she asked. “Bigay lahat ni Yhenn yan eh” sabe nitong sa daan naka-focus. “Kailan for your birthday?’ she asked curiously. Sobrang dame talaga ng CD, nagtataka siya at hindi pa siya kinukulit nito na isync sa ipod nito. “Hmm mostly ng mga yan dati pa, pag monthsary namen lagi niya ako dinadalhan ng cd.” Hindi pa rin siya tinitignan nito. Nakita niya ang CD ni Mike Posner. Now she is confuse between her urge to play the CD in his car or leave them dahil galing yon sa ex ni Nate. Alam naman niyang maaaring maging sis in law niya si Yhenn but it doesn’t mean na na-erase na rin ang past nito at nang boyfriend niya. “susunduin ba kita mamaya?” Nate interrupted the debate between her jealous heart and reasoning brain. Hindi siya sumagot, she just couldn’t understand the question. Nate held her hand and clasp their fingers. “Huh?” she said nagulat na naman sa gesture nito. It hasn’t been 48 hours, hindi pa siya sanay na may boyfriend. “Sabe ko kung hihintayin mo ako para sunduin ka?” Umiling siya. “Nope na. Sabay nalang ako kay Patty ha” she said. Tumango ito. Sakto nasa school na sila. “ingat ka, eat on time wag puro video games” she said. Tumango ito saka saludo. “I love you po” she said again. “More and more” he responded.
Tawa ng tawa si Patty nang sabihan niya ito over lunch na sila na ni Nate. “I never doubted it will be this soon” sabe ng kaibigan niya. Good thing hindi ito bitter. Nakausap siguro nito kagabi ang Australian boyfriend. Maya’t-maya naman kung makatext itong si Kenneth. Mga kung anu-ano lang na bagay, song lyrics, kung ano makita sa campus. Napapailing si patty kapag patago niyang binabasa ang mga text nito habang nagkaklase buti hindi siya nahahalata ng mga teacher. Sa gabi magkausap sila sa phone kung wala silang mga school work. It was routine, ihahatid siya ni Nate sa school sa umaga, mag-katext maghapon kahit may klase, magkausap sa phone sa gabi. She was thinking, if it is that happy baket walang nagtatagal na relationship. She asked Nate about it. Sabe ni Nate some things are not meant to be. She replied—well let’s make ours meant to be—and pray for it. Kaya kahit hindi sila nakakapagsimba ng sabay lagi naman sila dumadaan sa chapel kapag may time sila, and she couldn’t believ it, it’s almost their first monthsary na.

"Sad?" nagulat siya sa biglang pagsulpot ni Nate sa campus nila. Naka-uniform ito. "Hey you're here" sabe niyang naiiyak sa tuwa. That day was just full of frustration, hindi niya alam sagutan ang physics problem niya, she needs to turn it in before 5 PM, so she can join the tree planting the next day. Kailangan pa rin niya bumili ng seedlings. "Wala ka ba school?" She asked. His sight is just a stress relief for her. Comforting. Umiling ito and took the paper from her. "May something sa school so umalis nalang ako just to see my lovely girlfriend" sabay kurot nito sa ilong niya. " Oh eh bat parang di ka naman masaya" he asked again.

"Eh kase" she sighed. Nahihiya kase siyang sabihan ito about her physics problem. Nate pulled the paper she was holding.

"Uhm, looks like the boyfriend needs to rescue the gf in distress" sabe nitong kumikindat pa. "Im shy" she said. "Nah, let me help you with that. I am good with math and physics" well she already knows that. Isang bagay na kulang sa kanya ay ang galing sa mga mathematical problems, inubos na ng kuya niya. “Okay so it’s like this” Nate started explaining to her how to solve the problem, hindi niya alam kung bang dahil inspired siya o sadyang magaling lang talaga ito magturo kaya nakuha niyang sagutan ang halos isang oras na niyang tinitigan na problem in 15 minutes. “wow fast learner ang baby ko” Nate told her. Nag-blush tuloy siya. She held his hand, mabilis lang and squeezed it tight. Baka kase may makakita sa kanila. “thanks” she said. Nagpaalam siya ditong ipapass na ang paper para maka-alis na din siya. Buti nalang andoon si Nate, masasamahan siya nito na bumili ng seedling.

Hindi lang sila bumili ng seedling, kumain pa sila sa pizza hut. First time nila na lumabas after school as a couple at kumain sa labas as a couple, usually in their almost a month relationship, sa bahay lang nila sila nag-s-stay. This time, magkatabi na sila sa table at hindi na magkaharap. Nate was serving food for her, it was cute. Siya naman pinupunasan ang bibig nitong nalalagyan ng pizza sauce. Sa sobrang dalas nakahalata siyang tila sinasadya naman ni Nate ang lahat.

“Arent you glad ako boyfriend mo?” he asked Ally while looking at her and watching her eat the sausage stuffed crust. Ally smiled. He is fighting his urge to pulle her by the nape and smother her with a kiss. Pinagalitan niya ang sarili. No Kenneth. Easy. “Yabang mo lang” she answered. Hindi na ito humarap sa kanya saka kumain muli. What he likes about her unlike his previous girlfriend si Ally hindi maarte. Kumakain hindi lang dahil gutom o dahil pinilit niya pero kumakain dahil gusto. At hindi nag-di-diet. “ Di nga? Ako nga happy ako na ikaw girlfriend ko, eto na eh, todo na, wala nakong hahanapin pa” he said with sincerity. Ally put the pizza the down and look at him. “wag mo ko sanayin ng ganyan, kung mawawala ka din” she said. Nagulat siya sa sinabi nito. Wala naman siyang balak na lokohin ito o iwan man lang. Why did she say that? “ Huh naman yun peaches bakit ang nega mo naman?” hinila niya ito palapit sa kanya. “seryoso ako, mahihirapan ako pag nawala ka” Ally said. He called the waiter and told Ally na dumaan muna sila sa chapel ng mall bago niya ito ihatid. Pagod lang ito o masyado marami iniisip. Hindi naman siya kailangan mangako verbally dahil wala naman siyang balak lokohin o iwan ito. Isipin lang nga hindi niya pa magawa, gawin pa kaya? Reassurance lang siguro ang kailangan ni Ally, at ibibigay niya iyon.

XXVIII. I’ll Never Let You Go

Dahil Monday ang first monthsary nila, Ally is planning to surprise Nate with cooking a meal feast on a Friday night. Bowling night ng mga parents nila, and for sure papasamahan siya ng parents ni Nate dito. So she made a list of what she needs to cook, Kare-kare, inihaw na isda at ensaladang talong. Alam niyang hindi madaling lutuin ang mga iyon kaya mag-e-effort talaga siya. Wala rin siyang sasabihin nang kung ano man kay Nate. No clues. Gumawa din sila ni ate ng Jack ng lecheflan.

Umaga palang ng Friday hindi na siya mapakali sa school. Excited na excited siyang mag-dismissal na. Seven PM ang labas ni Nate sa school pag Friday siya naman 3 PM, dahil walang PE. Nakiusap din siya kay Patty na ihatid siya sa bahay. She feels bad na i-ditch ang Friday mall day nila ni Patty pero nakiusap siyang just that Friday. Nag-offer pa nga ito na tutulungan siya pumayag naman siya, mas mapapadali ang lahat. Nagtext siya kay Nate nang nakauwi na ng bahay. “got home safe. ISMY, c ul8r :*” she smiled. Sila lang ni nate ang nakakaintindi sa ISMY. I SUPER MISS YOU. Five PM nang umalis si Ate Jack nakalimutan daw kase ng mommy niya ang extra shirt nito kaya idadaan na ni Ate jack sa bowling alley since malapit lang naman ang bahay nito. Everything is going smoothly. 6:15 tapos na siya magprepare ng table, nakakain na din si patty at nag-uwi pa ng kare-kare at lecheflan. “no hanky panky” sabe pa nito nang ihatid niya sa pinto para makauwi na. She needs to freshen up, mangangamoy lutong-ulam siya. Nagbibihis siya nang magtext si Nate “OMW, early dismissal” sabe nito. Hindi na siya nagreply. Baka kase matunugan ni Nate ang excitement niya. Bumaba na siya muli sa TV room. She opened the porch and garage light. She was mindlessly channel surfing until she saw One More Chance. Who doesn’t love that movie? Lahat ng tao may opinion tungkol sa movie na yun. Buti na lang kakaumpisa pa lang ng movie. She rested her legs and made herself comfortable. She looked at the time and her phone.The only message she has is from Patty, nakauwi na daw ito at kumakain na naman NG Kare-kare na gawa nila. She laughed. Wala naman naitulong si Patty kungdi ihalo ang kare-kare.

She looked at the time again. 7:30. Hindi naman ganoon kalayo ang school sa bahay nila, bakit wala pa si Nate? She looked at her phone. No messages, no missed call. She tried the ever working trick of texteing her own number just to push all the messages that wont go through. She received her text for herself and her mom’s text. That’s it. She waited a couple more minutes to no avail wala pa rin. She tried calling him, almost 8 PM. Hindi ito sumasagot. Now she starts to worry. She called Patty sa home phone. Huwag daw siyang praning baka daw may dinaanan muna si Nate. She thought of calling Jayvee 8:30 na. According dito hindi daw sumama si Nate sa kanila na nagkayayaan mag-billiards, kailangan daw kase nito samahan siya. Jayvee even congratulated them na sila na daw pala. Nagpasalamat siya dito. Naiiyak na siya. Tapos na One More Chance wala pa din siya balita kung saan na nagsuot si Nate. She surfed all news baka bigla may balita na about any accident that just happened. Praning na nga yata siya. Nine PM eksakto nang tumawag finally si Nate. “What happened to you, I am freaking out” sabe niya. Hindi niya alam kung sumisigaw talaga siya o sa isip lang niya ba ang nangyayari. “Sorry Ally”. Sorry? Ally? What the hell is happening? “ Tinawagan kase ako ni Yhenn malapit nako sa bahay niyo when she called me, nasiraan daw kase siya ng kotse at wala na siya alam iba tawagan, so pinuntahan ko siya, ihahatid ko nalang sana siya sa gig kaso sabe ko oh I’ll try to fix this, so I did, akala ko it work nang umandar yun kotse niya wala nang break it crashed” sabe nito in a very, very casual way. She was shaking. Una si Yhenn ang dahilan pangalawa di man lang nagawa mag-sabi at kahit si Yhenn man lang di siya nagawang tawagan pangatlo ano daw ang sabi niya the car crashed? It seems like ok naman si Nate kase nakakausap pa naman niya, ang tanong ano na ang nangyari? She decided not to respond. “baby sorry na, so ngayon andito ako sa emergency room, papunta na sina Mommy dito, any minute, lalagyan lang naman ng cast yun angle ko, medyo naipit, pero I am fine don’t worry pogi pa din ako ha sorry baby” Hindi niya namalayan umiiyak na pala siya. She was helpless gusto man niyang puntahan ito, para ano pa magtataxi siya eh late na? Bahala ito. She turned off her cellphone saka nagkulong sa kwarto. She locked her room door. Narinig din niya ang pag-ring ng home phone nila at si Nate ang nagleave ng message. Sabi nito puntahan daw siya bukas.Hindi siya sigurado kung gagawin niya iyon. Di pa sila bati.

Tanghali na siya gumising kinabukasan. Late na rin kase siiya nakatulog. Halu-halong inis pag-aalala at selos ang nararamdaman niya. Kinatok siya ng mommy niya with matching ultimatum na kung hindi raw niya ito pagbubuksan ng pinto after the count of three huwag na raw siya lumabas ng kwarto. One palang nabuksan na niya ang pinto. “ Oh tapos ka nab a maghimutok diyan Allyson” sabe nitong pumasok sa bathroom niya para dalhan siya ng toiletries supply. Umupo siya sa toilet bowl habang ni-re-re-arrange na naman nito ang mga gamit sa closet niya. Ang mommy niya talaga. “Kumusta na daw po si Nate may balita po ba kayo?” Ofcourse nangingibabaw ang pag-alala niya para dito. “Okay naman siya, kasama ako sa emergency room. Nakausap ko na din ang kuya mo, uuwi yun, maya-maya lang andito na yun.” Na-excite man na makikita ang kuya niya nagtaka naman siya. “Nag-aalala daw kase siya na awayin mo si Yhenn, sasamahan na din daw si Yhenn ipaayos ang kotse” sabe uli ng mommy niya. Lalo siya na-depress syempre si Yhenn ang dahilan bakit uuwi ang ever busy scholarly kuya niya. “Hindi mo ba dadalawin si Nate?” sabe ng mommy niya hinarap siya nito dala ang mga damit na nakaliitan na niya. “Di ko pa po alam” sabe niyang naiinis. Wala ba siyang kakampi? Si Nate naba ang bunso sa pamilyang yun? Napailing ang mommy niya. “pwes kung ayaw mo makita ang boyfriend mo wag mo ako sisimangutan maghapon Allyson. Linisin mo ang banyo mo” sabe ng mommy niya habang palabas ng kwarto niya. She opened her phone. Una niya binasa ang texts ng kuya niya malapit na raw ito sa bahay nila. Ipaghain daw niya. Prinsipe? She told herself. Then si Yhenn din nag-so-sorry about what happened, dapat daw nainform siya right away. She deleted the message. What for? And then Nate, sana daw puntahan naman niya ito, Nate needs her love daw. Hindi nalang niya ni-replyan. She cleaned her bathroom. It’s usually an outlet for her stress.

After cleaning she took a shower, she was drying her hair nang margining niya ang kuya niya. Alam niya sinasadya nitong lakasan ang boses para mapa-feel sa kanya ang presence nito. Deadma lang siya. Nagtext naman si Nate. “alam ko na y k gnyan, may surprise pala sakin ang baby ko, im such a loser jerk for doing that to you. Sorry peaches. Sorry if pogi knight in shining armour ang bf mo, pero lam mo **** bnilin ni Adam sakin si YHenn and she is my damsel in distress friend, please forgive me. Eto na hurt na nga ako ayaw mo pa ako dalawin.” She smile as she read his text. Si Nate talaga ang galing siya pangitiin. Hindi rin kase niya mapigilan umiral ang pride niya. Bumaba na siya. Sinalubong siya ng yakap ng kuya niya. “kadiri ka lang ah” sabi niya dito. “So sasama ka ba bukas sa outing nina mama?” sabe ni Adam sa kanya. Napa-isip siya. OO nga pala, magsisimba pala sa Manaoag bukas, excited pa naman sila ni Nate doon. “Hindi siya sasama dahil kailangan niyang samahan si Nate bukas” sagot ng mommy niya, busy ito sa kaka-pack ng kare-kare sa pyrex. Anong ginagawa ng mommy niya sa kare-kare niya? “ma?” she asked. Surprised and excited and scared. Bakit parang pinamimigay siya ng nanay niya kay Nate? “Ooh, nurse ka pala bukas?” tanong na naman ni Adam mukhang sarap na sarap sa kare-kare niya. Well dapat lang, pinaghirapan niya iyon. “Tigilan mo yang kapatid mo Adam, utang na loob bilisan mong kumain mag-grocery pa tayong 3. I repeat tayong 3 lang” sabe naman ng mommy nila. Hindi talaga niya alam kung ano ang pinagdadaanan ng mommy nila.

Nagtext na naman sa kanya si Nate. “sorr about not making it to your house, and about not making it for tomorrow. Sana dalawin mo na ako peaches ko, if not I will walk to your house”. She smiled. Mukhang desperado na si Nate. Magagawa kaya talaga nitong maglakad papunta sa kanila sa kondisyon nitong naka-semento ang paa? Gusto tuloy niyang i-test ito. Pero hindi naman siya sadista. Tatawagan na niya ito mamaya pagkatapos nila magbonding mag-iina. Niyaya na rin nila manood ng sine ang mommy nila at mag-dinner sa mall. Late na sila nakauwi. Since hindi siya nag-rereply kay Nate isang text lang ipinadadala nito kada-oras, L puro sad face.

Almost midnight nang tawagan siya ni Nate, umalis ang kuya niya, sasamahan daw si Yhenn sa gig nito. “Hey did I wake you up?” she asked. Nahihiya siya na ngayon lang niya naisipan na tawagan ang boyfriend. “Nope, I was praying” he said. “Uhm ok. So hows the ankle?” she asked. “Ayun same, dumating sina Jayvee kanina eh, they ate the kare-kare, ang sarap hun, sobra.” Hon? Kailan pa siya naging hon? “Anong kare-kare?” she asked instead. Kaya pala ang mommy niya lipat ng lipat ng kare-kare ipinadala na pala kina Kenneth. “Yung surprise mo sa akin, hay sorry talaga babe ha” Babe naman ngayon. Gaano pa kaya kadameng term of endearment ang gagamitin sa kanya ni Kenneth? “Sabi ni tita ikaw daw mag-aalaga sa akin bukas, excited na ako” sabe nito. She smiled. She missed him, so much. “Matutulog na ako, hindi naman pwedeng puyat ang nurse mo diba? Sige goodnight na” sabe niya. “Goodnight love. See you” Love naman ngayon? Napapailing nalang siya saka na humiga.

Inihatid siya ng kuya niya sa bahay nila Nate. May dala na rin silang breakfast from Jollibee dahil sinundo din nila si Yhenn ito ang nag-insist na bumili ng breakfast. Hi hello lang siya kay Yhenn, ito rin ang nasa passenger seat. Hindi niya napipigialan ang maasar kapag nagtitinginan ang mga ito sabay ngingiti. She even wondered kung ganoon ba sila ni Nate. Nakakadiri nga rin kayang tignan yun? Nasa dining room na si Nate nang datnan nila, paalis na rin ang maid nito na mag-de-day off daw. “May wheelchair ka naman pala” sabe ni Adam kay Nate. “pinahiram noong kapitbahay naming yan, PT kase siya” sagot naman ni Yhenn. Gusto tuloy niyang sumagot nang “eh di ikaw na ang superhero”. Hindi pa rin kase niya mapigilan ang magselos. “HI sweetheart” bati ni nate na sinalubong siya sa pinto. She smiled and pushed the wheelchair to the dining area. Kumuha din siya ng plato para ilipat ang corned beef breakfast nito at tocino breakfast. Malakas talaga kumain si Nate. “wow alam mo na ito ang favorite ko babe?” tanong ni Nate. Umiling siya. Hindi naman talaga niya alam. Si Yhenn naman kase ang umorder. “Ako umorder niya bro” sabe naman ni Yhenn. “ikaw na ikaw na” her mind screamed. “Oh thanks sis” sabe naman ni Nate. Gusto na niyang mapikon sa dalawa hindi niya alam kung nang-aasar ba ang mga ito or inaasar lang siya. Padabog siyang umupo sa tapat ni Nate, wala rin naman reaction ang kuya niya. Kumakain ito. After kumain umalis na ang kuya niya at ang karibal niya. Ipapagawa daw nila ang kotse ni Yhenn. Siya naman nagligpit ng kinain nila. She was pacing back and forth the sink and the table. Sunod naman ng sunod si nate with his wheel chair. “ ano ba matatamaan mo na kaya ako” sabe niya dito, Iniurong ni nate ang wheel chair. “Sorry. Galit ka pa rin ba?” he asked. Naghuhugas na siya. “Mamaya na tayo mag-usap. Patapusin mo na ito” she answered. She was wondering dapat pa ba nila pag-usapan iyon?

Hindi alam ni Nate kung napatawad na ba siya ng girlfriend niya. He feels like a jerk, nataranta kase siya nang tumawag si Yhenn he thought kung mabibigyan niya agad ito ng pansin mas maraming time ang ma-s-spend niya with Ally, hindi rin niya alam na i-su-surprise siya nito. Kaya nga surprise di ba? Usig ng konsensya niya. Nanonood sila ng tv ni Ally, nakaunan siya sa lap nito at kumakain ng chips. Ally was impatiently surfing channel at dahil lingo ng umaga hindi masyado maganda ang palabas sa TV.

He texted Yhenn. Since si Yhenn naman ang puno’t dulo ng lahat, si Yhenn na rin ang makakatulong sa kanya para patawarin na siya ni Ally nang tuluyan at maging masaya ang first monthsary nila. Walang pasabing inangat ni Ally ang ulo niya. Nakita siguro nitong si Yhenn ang katext. “Hey whats that about?” sabi niya. “Magluluto po ako sir” padabog pa din na lakad nito papunta sa kusina. Nagmamadali siyang lumipat sa wheelchair. Kumikirot pa ang paa niya. Sinundan niya ito sa kusina.

“Anong lulutuin mo miss?” he asked smiling at her. “Ikaw ano ba gusto mo? Huwag iyong mahirap ah?” sabe naman nitong sa freezer nila nakatingin. “Uhm, sige ikaw na bahala surprise me” sabe niya. Hindi naman ito kumibo nakita niya na naglabas ito ng karne saka kumuha ng gulay sa fridge. Mukhang tinolang manok ang lulutuin. Nothing fancy. Choosy pa ba siya? Ipinagpalit na nga nito ang Manaoag trip para sa kanya. Naglaro na rin sila ng scrabble habang hinihintay maluto ang tinola. SORRY he put in his next tiles. Ally looked at him. “Hindi ka pa ba nagsasawa mag-sorry?” sabe nito sa kanya. He held her hand. “Hindi mo pa naman ako pinatatawad, ang cold mo pa nga sa akin eh” sabe niya. Dapat ma-settle na ito. Wala naman talaga ibig sabihin ang pagtulong niya kay Yhenn. Hindi rin naman niya sinasadya na i-ditch ang surprise nito. He was clueless. “Sa susunod wag mo na kase ako pakabahin ng ganoon. Hindi ko kaya. torture yun.” He smiled. “Thanks baby. I love you, happy monthsary” he said. Ngumiti si Ally. “happy anniversary boyfriend” sabe niya. “Sorry hindi kita ma-i-date” sabe niya. “Marami pa tayo monthsary na pagdadaanan, kaya ano ba naman yung first monthsary di ba?” sagot nito. May point naman si Ally. Well he has to make sure he will make up to her. Nagtext siya as soon as tumalikod si Ally para i-check ang niluluto. Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang magreply ang katext “yes I will be there” . Sana after nito nakabawi na siya sa nagawa niya for Allyson.

Pagkatapos maglaro ng scrabble, cards naman ang ginawa nila, then they decided na mag-order nalang ng KFC for delivery. Kakain na sila nang may marinig silang ingay sa labas. “Huh? Ano yun?” lalabas sana si Ally para silipin kung ano ang nangyayari sa labas nang pigilan niya ito. “dito ka lang peaches.” He said. “lets eat okay.” Napapnsin niya ang pagiging restless ni Ally, ang lakas naman kase ng kaluskos sa labas. Napapakamot na tuloy siya ng ulo. He tried to distract her. “ang sarap mo na magluto ngayon peaches. Ang swerte ko talaga ikaw misis ko” Nanlaki ang mata saka marahan siyang tinampal sa braso. Lakas ng tawa niya. “tigilan mo nga ako dyan” tumayo na ito saka lumapit sa front door, he dialed Adam’s number. The moment Ally opened the door nagliwanag na ang fireworks, buti nalang mabilis itong kanyang brother in law, nasindihan ang fireworks. Ang mga kandila at rose petal na nakasulat happy 1, ILY. Then Yhenn worked her magic with singing the Bella-Edward them Flightless Bird. Literal na nakabukas ang bibig ni Ally sa pag-surprise sa nangyayari. It could’ve been perfect kung wala sana siya sa wheelchair ng mga oras na ito. He tried to stand anyways. He took support from the door frame. Umiiak na si Ally. His both hands covered her mouth and nose. Tapos na ang kanta nang hilahin niya si Ally, lumapit sila sa kumakanta pa ding si Yhenn this time, The Search is over naman ang kinanta to. Siya ang iniupo ni Ally sa stool na inihanda sana para dito. Then Ally wrapped her arm on him and he held her hands. It was perfect. Nasa ganoong posisyon lang sila kahit tapos na kumanta si Yhenn. He felt her kiss the top of his head. Buti nalang na-shampoohan siya ng mommy niya kahapon.

Pumasok na sila uli, sina Yhenn at Adam na raw ang bahala magligpit, nakiusap pa si Ally na itabi sa basket ang candles at petals.

“Nakakainis ka pinaiyak mo ko” kurot nito sa kanya. Tumawa siya saka ito inakbayan. “Thank you boyfriend. You made me really happy” He shrugged his shoulders. “Sa Manaoag sana kita isusurprise kaya lang eto, accident, kaya sabi ni Yhenn tutulungan niya ako to surprise you. Love kita Ally, don’t ever think na lolokohin o iiwan kita” Niyakap siya ni Ally, magpapaalam na rin kase ito para makauwi na. “thank you I love you boyfriend” natawa siya. “I love you misis” sabe niya, saka siya nito pinikot. He was relieved na okay na sila, sana okay na din sina Yhenn at Ally. Sana makausap ni Adam ang kapatid.

XXIX. Semper Fidelis

Nasa labas ng bahay nila ang kotse ni Nate. It was a surprise dahil alam naman niyang di pa pwede magdrive si Nate. Biglang bumukas ang pinto si Yhenn. "Hi morning" nagulat siya. "Bakit?" she stopped herself from continuing. Hindi yata maganda pakinggan ang dapat niya itanong. "I volunteered to be your driver, kayong dalawa ni Nate" she said. "Wow, nakakahiya, hindi naman kailangan really" she didnt know what else to say. It was really unnecessary. "Well just for today atleast. pinahiram kase ni Nate ang kotse dahil may photo shoot ako sa Tagaytay. Hindi na kase safe gamitin ang kotse ko. My dad said bukas ipapadala na niya ang bagong kotse ko. Ibabalik ko na din ito kay Nate bukas"

It was hard for her to chew all information she was getting. “Gusto din sana kita makausap.” Now what. Before the incident everything was okay between the two of them. They were becoming friends, and then she forgave her, total looks like her kuya is so into her, tapos kinantahan pa siya, who wouldn’t easily forgive? Hindi lang niya talaga maiwasan na magselos dito. Gusto man niya mag-wish na sana mawala na ito sa buhay nila hindi naman yata tama. Paano na ang kayang favorite kuya? “I am leaving soon Ally”. Is this a dream? Should she pinch herself? “Why? When? Where?” She was mumbling. She looked at her wristwatch, maaga pa, kaya pa niya makinig sa paliwanag ni Yhenn. “Soon. My mom, I need to be with my mother. You see, my parents are divorced, that’s not the story, I just wanted to let you know na hindi na, never na ako manggugulo sa inyo ni Nate” Well she can’t exactly say its not true dahil nakakagulo naman talaga si Yhenn. “Si kuya?” she said. So she’s using this one statements on her that doesn’t seem to make sense at all. “Hindi ko pa sinabi. You see, our love affair wouldn’t work. I really love your brother more than I have loved Nate or myself. Kailangan ko lang talaga umalis and its not fair that I just leave and then continue it.” She looked at Yhenn umiiyak nga ito, no, she was sobbing. She felt her pain. “alagaan mo ang kuya mo mahal ko siya, yun lang ang gusto ko hilingin sa iyo and always remind him how sorry I am for leaving just like that” Her tears were falling too, not just because of relief na wala na si Yhenn sa pagitan nila ni Nate but also because he knows it will be painful for her kuya. “Nate doesn’t even know too, alam ko sasabihin niya kay Adam, and I don’t wanna let them know mas lalo lang magkaka-dramahan, ikaw ang taong pinakamadali para sa akin na sabihan dahil alam ko wala ka naman talaga attachment sa akin. Its really sad because I wanna be friends with you, pero I have to leave” Lagi nalang ba siyang papahirapan ni Yhenn? Eto umaalis iniiwan ang kuya niya at ang boyfriend niyang alam naman niyang halos bestfriend na rin ang turing dito. She is torn. “Hindi ka talaga magpapaalam sa kanila? They will hate you, and they will hate me more if they found out I knew all along. Its not fair.” Ano pa bang explanation ang dapat niyang sabihin para maisipan nitong magpaalam na sa dalawa. “I know they will hate me, okay lang pag nakabalik ako, tatanggapin ko ang galit nilang yun” Hindi na siya nagsalita. Naku monthsary pa naman nila ni Nate, hindi pa pala niya na-g-greet ang boyfriend. “Bye” she hugged Yhenn, ang higpit din ng yakap nito nang magpaalam na siya.

Lunch break nang tawagan siya ni Nate. Hindi daw ito papasok muna. “Puntahan mo ako mamaya girlfriend?” he asked. “Nakakainis ka naman, gagawin ko naman talaga yun eh” she said. “haha, wow. So magpapaluto ako kay manang luz ng paella favorite mo ha, puntahan mo ko mamaya ha” sabe nito nangungulit. Pinipigilan niya ang sarili na kiligin baka akala ng mga tao sa paligid niya sira ulo siya. “babye na Nate love you” she whispered. Lakas ng tawa nito, she guessed he figured that she is in a public place afterall. “Love kita peaches” sabe nito. She was inspired the rest of the day. Hindi man niya namalayan ang paglipas ng oras na uwian na pala. Ihahatid pa rin daw siya ni Patty kahit kina Nate naman ang tuloy niya.

“Na-bo-bore na ako dito sa bahay” reklamo ni Nate pagdating niya. She offered to wash his hair. “Its been 3 days, paano missed school requirements mo?” she asked too. “Dadaan mga classmates ko bukas, wala naman pasok bukas so di na naman ako papasok, hey samahan mo ako sa doctor ko sa Saturday ha mahal?” Nginitian pa siya nito. Tatanggi pa ba siya ganoong katamis na ngiti. While with Nate nakalimutan niya na pinaiyak siya ni Yhenn kanina. She immediately pushed the idea out of her stream of thoughts. Ayaw niyang mahalata ni Nate na may pinagdadaanan siya. Hinatid siya ng papa ni Nate kasama ito after dinner, buti hindi siya kinagalitan ng mommy niya na pumunta kina Nate kahit school day.

As days passed wala na siyang balita kay Yhenn, nagulat nalang siya na sinabi ni Nate na “nawala nalang bigla si Yhenn, nasa Italy yata”. Nate seemed fine parang wala naman itong nararamdaman. “What is she doing there?” she asked. Nasa mall silang dalawa. Ikalawang araw na walang cast ang paa ni Nate. “ I don’t know. Hindi ko baa lam sa babaeng iyon, one day she is all okay the next day parang pasan niya ang buong mundo. Maraming pinagdadaanan yun, sinosolo niya lang.” Nate sighed. Inakbayan siya nito as they say on one of the benches. Napagod na siguro sa kakalakad. “Hayaan mo nalang, huwag nalang natin pag-usapan” sabi nito as he leaned his head on her shoulder. She felt relieved. Wala na nga si Yhenn. Ang inaalala lang naman niya ang kuya niya at ang malaman nito at ni Nate na nagpaalam si Yhenn sa kanya pero wala siyang ginawa. Maya-maya nag-aya na ito maglakad uli, ibibili nila ng birthday gift ang mommy niya. Si Nate din ang nag-plano ng surprise birthday as alto for her mom. She was really touched. Uuwi din ang kuya niya.

It’s a Friday at bowling night, ito rin ang gabi na isusurprise nila ang mommy niya sa bowling alley mismo. Buti nag-volunteer ang mga tita nila namag-potluck. Bumili sila ni Nate ng cake at lechon de leche na favorite ng mommy niya, sinundo din nila si Adam sa bus terminal na mukhang haggard na haggard. “kanina pa ba kayo? Ang haba ng byahe ko” he said. Dala din nito ang mga plates mukhang busy na ang future architect kuya niya. “no just in time bro. let’s go?” Nate asked. Binuksan nito ang trunk ni Keno saka na siya pinagbuksan ng pinto. One thing about Nate, he never failed to open doors for her, kahit na 2 months na sila magbopyfriend going 3, araw-araw pa rin siya pinagbubuksan nito ng pinto. She was looking at her kuya mukha naman itong okay.

Gulat na gulat ang mommy niya sa birthday surprise, mas lalo pa ito naiyak nang isang malaking boquet of red roses ang dumating galing sa daddy niya at plane ticket para bisitahin nito ang daddy niya sa States. Naiyak na din siya na napayakap sa mommy niya. She knows how hard it has been for her mom to live without their father, kaya natutuwa siya. Even her kuya Adam ‘is teary eyed. Lalo siyang naluha nang 3 silang yakapin ng mommy niya. Siya, Si Adam at si Nate. Thank you siya ng thank you kay Nate dahil ito ang nakaisip ng lahat-lahat pati ang pagtawag sa daddy niya to be a part of that surprise.

"Wala ka sa mood?" nagulat siya na sumulpot nanaman si Nate sa school. It’s a Thursday at holiday kinabukasan. "Heyyy" yun lang ang naisagot niya. Grabe lang makaramdam itong boyfriend niya. "Nakakainis kase mga group mates ko ayaw ako tulungan dito.” Nate smiled and her world is brand new again. "Uwi na tayo, ako nalang ang ka-group mo" tumayo si Nate saka siya hinawakan sa siko. Kinukuha na rin nito ang bag niya. "Lets say this is a make up for my highschool groupmates na tinatakasan ko din" sabe nito saka pa kinurot ang pisngi niya. Nag-drive through din sila ng chicken-spaghetti sa jollibee bago sila umuwi. Nate helped him with his project.

"Did you talk to kuya?" She asked. Tumango ito hindi naman tumitingin busy ito sa kaka-kalikot nang project niya. "Hindi siya okay pero hayaan mo siya. from now on hindi mo na babanggitin si Yhenn. sa akin, sa kuya mo. kahit kanino" sabi nitong hindi pa rin tumitingin sa kanya. "She had more than enough attention in this relationship. Its unfair for us" sabe nito. Inangat ni Nate ang tingin sa kanya saka pinisil ang kamay niya. Tumango siya. Last week na umuwi ang kuya niya for their mom’s birthday walang binabanggit ang kuya niya about Yhenn until kagabi sa facebook nito he wrote “Just kill me, if you don’t wanna involve me in your life kill me”. Natakot siya. May suicidal tendency ba ang kuya niya dahil sa nangyari dito at kay Adrienne? Huwag sana. Malapit na rin naman na magpasko. Aalis ang mommy nila for Christmas to visit their dad, kaya sa Baguio sila magpapasko ng Kuya niya. She promised to spend all those time with Adam and make him feel loved.

"So excited ka ba boyfriend? babalik tayo sa calaruega." she hugged him from the back Tumawa ito. Sa sunday fieldtrip na naman sila at sa calaruega pa ang punta its their third monthsary too. "Baka ikaw excited ka sa akin?" sabi nito saka humarap sa kanya, almost face to face. Siya ang lumayo. Tumawa ito saka siya hinila uli, his arms around her waist. "I love you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me" Hindi na naman siya makahinga. Lately hindi nila pinagdadaanan ang mga ganon. Nakalimutan na niya ang feeling ng overwhelming feeling of breathless. "Ako din. mahal kita. I never planned it, but it turned out to be one of the greatest thing" Lumayo siya uli. Nate looked at her. Smiling. Napangiti na rin siya. Somehow she felt relieved na okay na talaga si Nate. Sabe nga nito no one should get in their way. Its just the two of them that matters.

Calaruega, Batangas. It's beauty never gets old. Solemn. Romantic. Kanina sa bus nag-blow si Nate ng 3 candles sa red velvet cheesecake na pinagpuyatan niya. With her inclination for cooking lately sinabi niya sa ina na she wants totake up culinary arts, malayo sa pinag-usapan nilang accounting or public management. Her momsaid kahit ano daw gusto niya na magpapasaya sa kanya.

Kakatapos lang ng misa at namamasyal na sila ni Nate up hill sa mala-secret garden ng lugar. Once they were on top, Nate took a deep breath and looked at her. Kinabahan tuloy siya. Yung mukha ni Nate na seryoso. Na parang may pinagdadaanan. Nate started to search something in his pocket. Lalo siyang kinabahan is he searching for what she thinks is searching for. Isnt it too soon? Hindi pa nga siya natatapos ng highschool. "Happy monthsary Peaches" he said. It was a long box. No way its a ring. She was relieved cause if it was, her answer couldve been a no. It was a complicated thing to explain. It is a bracelet with a single charm. Heart. "Aww this is" she started to try thinking what to say. "For you" Nate took her hand and Started to put that gorgeous thing on her. "Wow" she said. It was the only thing she managed to say. "Wow? yun lang ba ang masasabi mo?" sabi nitong nakangiti. Its so obvious how Nate likes to tease her when she is nervous. Hinila siya nito saka siya niyakap. "Mahal kita" he said. That's overdose of verbal declaration of love. Dati naalala niya Nate said cool jocks like them don’t profess love, sila ang sinasabihan ng I love you. Oh well Nate succumbed to her. Ganoon din naman siya. Hindi rin naman niya nakakalimutan sabihan si Nate ng I love you. Most of all pinapakita naman niya dito na mahal niya ito.

“Ate I like your bracelet” lumapit si Caress sa kanya habang hinihintay niya si Nate na kumuha ng ice crea,. Kinarga niya si Caress saka iniupo sa lap niya. “You do? Nice noh? Kuya Natey gave it to me” sabe nito. “He did? Wow love mo siya ate?” the kid asked. Natawa siya. Kinurot niya ang pisngi nito saka ito hinalikan. Caress touched and twisted and turned the charm, something is scribbled on it. “Semper Fidelis” . Ngayon lang niya napansin. “what does it say ate is it Ally loves Natey?” sabe ng bata. Lalo siya tumawa. She read it to her “simper fidelis” Nanglaki ang mata ng bata. “what does it mean ba?” sabe nito. She shrigged her shoulder. Hindi rin naman niya alam ang ibig sabihin. “It means always faithful” nakabalik na pala si Nate. Nate handed her the cheese ice cream. Kinuha din nito si Caress sa kanya. Saka hinalikan ang bata. She was touched. Nate will be a good father she told herself. “Kuya ano ibig sabihing non?” Caress asked. Tumawa siya. Ang cute talaga ng batang ito. “It means wala na pa iba love si Kuya Natey, si Ate Ally lang” sabe nito saka nito niyakap ang bata. Caress giggled. “Ang sweet mo kuya Nateyy ko” sabe pa nito. She smiled. “Ate Ally wag ikaw selos sa akin, love ka ni Kuya ko, love ko din siya” She smiled and nodded. “promise” she said raising her right hand. Maya-maya dumating ang mommy ni Nate saka kinuha si Caress dito. Her mom then took their picture, naalala niya dati pinipilit lang sila ni Nate na magpapicture. Ngayon lagi pang naka-akbay si Nate sa kanya sa mga picture. Ngapapicture din siya with Nate’s parents. She also overheard Nate’s dad and her mom talking na sasamahan daw sila ng kuya Adam niya sa pasko. On Christmas eve after mass Nate and his parents will be driving to Baguio to spend Christmas day with her and Adam hanggang New year’s eve na. For sure daw malulungkot lang si Nate doon sa Metro Manila kung hindi siya makakasama. She told herself, maybe she has done really something good for her to deserve a good loving boyfriend in a one of a kind perfect family. Narinig din niya ang sinabi ng mommy niya na swerte daw sila magkapatid dahil may mga extended silang pamilya, even with the absence of her father Nate’s dad was always there. She heard her mom thank Nate’s dad for Nate taking caring of her. She was teary eyed. She never wished for a perfect life, but this is all just so perfect. Nagulat siya nang may mag-abot ng panyo sa kanya. “Babe” she said. He smiled. “What are the tears for?” sabi nito. “I am just the happiest girl on earth today” she said smiling. Tears flowing still. He smiled. “Today lang” Nate asked smiling and wiping her tears with his thumb. “always dapat” sabe pa nito. Tumango siya. “Right. Always. Thank you”. Umiling ito. “No thank you” she said and kissed him on the cheek.

XXX. Ring and Bells

Nate wasn’t fooling around when he commited him self to the statement Semper Fidelis. Marami man siyang naging girlfriend hindi naman siya nang-lamang, hindi naman niya pinlano na ma-inlove kay Allyson habang sila pa ni Yhenn. It wasn’t hard to become monogamous kung ang girlfriend mo ay si Ally. She was very nice, patient, understanding. Ni minsan walang drama sa relationship nila. In their almost 4 years relationship Ally never threatened him with a cool-off, hindi nagagalit ng walang rason. Some of his friends will say abnormal daw ang relationship nila because one, they haven’t took a larger step, which means under their pants, two never in their 39 months of relationship did they have a big fight three he still opens and close doors for her at hinahatid sundo niya ito sa eskuela kahit na busy siya sa OJT niya. He will be a hotshot engineer. Hinihintay na siya ng brother in-law niya na mag-graduate at makapasa ng boards and they will create the boldest and hippiest engineering and architectural firm in metro manila. Adam who graduated 2 years ago has been working non-stop since. Marami na ring bahay ang nagawa ito sa mga exclusive subdivisions pa. He is excited too, to graduate and start a life, for now habang hinhintay niya ang girlfriend sa labas ng school nito ay nag-iisip siya ng magandang regalo for her 18th birthday. Its 3 months for now. Malapit na din umuwi ang daddy nito, in time for her birthday. He has thought of one gift but he isn’t sure if it was the right time. Hindi naman siya nagmamadali pero gusto na niyang gawin. His overthinking of things isn’t helping. Sa sobrang pre-occupied niya hindi niya napansin nakalabas na pala ng campus si Ally at kumakatok na sa window niya. “Hi heart” he said as he got out of the car, he gave her a kiss sa cheeks. Ally was bringing a tray of he doesn’t know what. Kinuha niya ito. “whats this?” he asked. “risotto” she said. Nilagay niya sa trunk ang risotto it smelled so good, he wanted to taste it right away. “Lalim ng iniisip mo sweet?” she asked as he opened the car door for her. “Haha wala yun, na-miss kita heart” he said. She smiled. Hindi siya naniniwala noon na nakakawala ng pagod ang ngiti, now he believes in it. Nakakawala talaga ng pagod ang ngiti ni Ally. “May plates ako I need to finish deadline sa Wednesday heart” technically he was telling the truth, not this Wednesday though next Wednesday pa kailangan nlang niya ng time off para mag-isip sa mga plano niya. “Oh okay, busy din ako midterm na rin next week, so hatid mo na ako sa bahay?” Ally asked. Tumango siya. “I have to taste that risotto yet” sabe niyang ngumingiti. Tumango ito and squeezed her arm. Lagi nalang ito nahihiya when she tries out something new to cook at siya ang mag-taste test. “wala rin daw si Kuya mamayang gabi may date daw siya with Sasa” tumawa sila ng sabay. Sasa is Nate’s classmate. Nag-O-OJT ito sa company ng kuya niya, obvious naman kase itong si Sarah Samantha na may gusto sa kuya niya. “seryoso?” Nate asked still laughing. Ally shook her head. “Nagbibiro lang ako, I like teasing kuya kay Sasa. Ang pikon kase” He laughed. Alam niya ang ibig sabihin ni Ally sa reaction ni Adam with Sasa. Maganda naman si Sasa, sobrang ingay lang minsan saka masyadong pa-girl ang dameng abubot sa katawan , while Adam likes simple girl. Sophisticated and demure. “One day hindi ako magtataka na magkakatotoo din na sila na ni Sasa” sabe na naman ni Ally and they burst into laughter again. Pagdating sa bahay, Ally heated the risotto and fed him. Nag-susubuan sila kumain. It was a very common thing they do lalo na kung sila lang dalawa. It was awkward though in front of other people. “Heart sobrang sarap nito” he said, praising her. It is true after all. Sinasabayan nalang niya ng workout ang pagpapakain ni Ally sa kanya. Halata sa weight gain niya how loved he is, at gaano kagaling sa kusina si Ally. Now he needs to go home and figure things out. He needs to make phone calls.

Pinilit siya para sa isang engrandeng 18th birthday party.Pauwi na rin ang daddy niya. Hindi sila sigurado ni Adam if their parents have decided kung babalik pa ang papa nila sa states o hindi na. Eto siya ngayon final

fitting ng ball gown niya kasama niya ofcourse ang boyfriend niyang pa-gwapo ng pa-gwapo araw araw. "This is going to be special my dear" sabe ni Veejay Floresca. Si Mama Beth ang mommy in law niya ang pumili ng gagawa ng gown niya at ito rin ang nagbayad. Uuwi din halos lahat ng mga kamag-anak ni Nate for her party na sa Resorts World gagawin. A lot of people contributed for her party,ang parents ni Caress ang nag-sponsor for her cake. Adam paid for the DJ and the band playing. The rest of her mom's officemate shouldered for the flowers. Maraming maraming flowers. Totally different from

what she dreamt of her 18th birthday. Quiet, family dinner, her family, Nate's family. She smiled. Kinikilig na naman siya dahil nahuhuli niyang tinitignan siya ng patago ni Nate. Hindi pa rin siya sanay in almost 4 years na tinitigan siya nito. Mukhang highschooler siyang kinikilig dahil sa

crush. "Heart" Nate snapped his finger on her face. Nagulat siya. "Kanina ka pa kinakausap ni Veejay, did you want a cocktail version daw to change?" Napalunok siya. Isang damit na naman? No. She never wanted that kind of attention. "Sure?" Nate asked. Hindi tuloy niya alam kung paano niya sinagot ang tanong na yon.

"Wedding jitters?" Nate asked squeezing both her shoulders, she extended her arms backward and caught his nape bringing his face closer to hers. "crazy boyfriend" she whispered on his ear. Tumawa ito. Tawang kilig na kilig. "Oh my God ano yannn?" the designer screamed. Nagtinginan muna sila ni Nate before they let go of each other. "Are you guys getting married?" Veejay asked. Laughing. "Not yet" Nate answered. It was quick response though. "Perfect couple you are" he said. She smiled. It was very heartwarming. Everytime people compliment their relationship it just makes her heart flutter. The more she is reminded that Nate has always been the One. Umalis na sila ni Nate sa shop ni Veejay para i-check ang final arrangements sa Resorts World and then they will be having dinner in a Korean resto close by where they will be meeting Nate’s parents, her kuya and mama. “This is it huh?” he asked. She queezed his hand. “Hay, you know how I used to feel about this but right now I am really thrilled seeing all the people I love, crazy huh. Dalaga na ako” she answered. Nate laughed. “yeah, no more corruptrion of minor for me” sabe nito. She pinched a part of his arm “Heartttt” he exclaimed in exaggeration. “pwede na tayo” sabe na naman nito. Her eyes widened. “what?” she asked, half-laughing, nervous for his answer. “Manood ng PG na movie” he answered in a half-laughing tone. Kinurot na naman niya ito uli. “hey peaches ha nakakarami ka na” sabe nito pouting his lips. “che!” she said. Hindi na ito nakakibo dahil nasa parking lot na sila. They checked all the things and there she realized oo nga that’s it a week before her 18th birthday.

“Kanina ka pa tingin ng tingin sa phone mo? Sino yan?” she asked. Hindi alam ni Nate kung anong sasabihin. Na-traffic daw sina Adam from the airport, his parents however are in the restaurant already. “Si bro, natraffic daw sila ni Tita Annie” he answered. “Huh ang lapit lang nito sa bahay?” Alam niya nag-iisip na ito. Ano sasabihin niya. Hindi niya alam baket kinakabahan siya. “May, dinaanan yata sila” his alibi should work. “Halika na” he asked after it. Baka sakali ma-distract niya si Ally. Kumapit na ito sa braso niya as they entered the restaurant. His parents exchanged pleasures with Ally. Nagmano siya sa ama saka humalik sa ina. His mom looked at him her eyes questioning, he mouthed “on their way”. Tumango ito. Tumabi si Ally sa mommy niya siya naman sa daddy niya. After a few minutes they ordered drinks, it was his signal malapit na sila Adam sa restaurant. Nag-order na rin ng meat ang parents niya, para pagdating nila Adam kainan na. “heart” he tried to call her nang makita niyang nag-freeze ito, jaws dropped eyes widened. “whats” hindi na niya naituloy ang tanong, he looked towards the door, There he was, Tito Manny, Ally’s father. “My princess” tumatawang sabi nito. “daddy?” ally started to cry. He was teary eyed too. “You’re here?” she asked again, Tumayo na si Ally. He just sat their silently, umiiyak na din ang mommy niya. “sweetheart” sabe pa ni Tito Manny and lifted Ally from the floor in a tight hug. When all was calm umupo na rin sila. Ally was squeezed between Tita Annie and Tito Manny. Nakayakap pa ito sa braso ng ama. His girlfriend is glowing, and he is happy for her.

Its been three days since they saw each other. Ang daddy niya ang nagsusundo sa kanya sa school, hindi na niya nakikita ang boyfriend. She misses him pero ito na rin ang nagsabi na kailangan muna nila mag-spend time together ng dad niya. Tonight finally makakasma niya ang boyfriend dahil pupunta silang lahat sa bahay nina caress they will be having dinner there dahil birthday ng mommy nito. Si Nate na din ang magsusundo sa kanya sa school then susunduin nila si Adam sa work. Wala itong kotse dahil ang daddy nila ang gumagamit. Higpit nang yakap niya nang sa wakas makita ang nobyo. “Namiss kita sweet” she said. Siya ng gumawa ng blueberry cheesecake at pecan tart na dessert for the party, ipinagmamalaki ni Tita Beth ang luto niya. “mag-tataxi nalang daw si Adam papunta kina Caress.” Sabi ni Nate. Nakangiti lang ito habang nakatitig sa kaniya. Kinikilig naman siya kapag tinitignan siya ng ganoon nito. Feeling niya napakaganda niya. “Na-miss kita” she decided to say out of the blue. She laughed as Nate started to blush. She cant deny that they still have those kilig moments together despite years of relationship. Whatever differences they have as friends and as starting couple became irrelevant. They were just in the best state right now.

Sabi ng mg kabarkada niya masyado na daw niya inuubos ang oras niya kay Ally. His life is routinary. School, girlfriend, bahay. Baka daw dumating ang araw na ma-re-realize niya na hindi niya pala na-enjoy ang buhay binata at too late na dahil nakatali na siya kay Ally. “baket mukha ba akong nagpapakasal na?” he joked. His friends looked at him and then looked away. Para na rin sinabi ng mga ito na ano ba sa palagay niya? He did a lot of thinking. Maraming bagay ang ipinagdasal niya, una ang relationship nila ni Ally, maybe due to their faith in the Lord whom they made the center of their relationship is one of the major reasons why their relationship worked. Madaming bagay ang nag-improve sa kanya, along with that improvements were ofcourse changes. Changes that Ally didn’t even insist for him to do, he just did. Hindi na siya umiinom ngayon, dahil na rin sa hindi na rin niya masyado nakakasama ang barkada niya. He never skips class and submits his school works on time, which made him a deans lister for the past 4 semesters. He prayed so hard last night that the Lord will give him signs regarding his plans in the next few days. Napatingin siya sa girlfriend na naka-upo sa lap ng daddy nito. It melted his heart how happy Ally is with her dad. He stored that scenario of Ally as a daddy’s girl in his mind. One sign down. More to go. Makakapag-decide kaya siya in a few days kung gagawin niya ang mga plano? Tinawag siya ni Ally after a while. “dito ka daw sa mga boys, play lang kame ni Caress” sabe nito saka siya pinaupo sa tabi ng daddy nito, Ally mouthed “I love you” before she left him sa mga boys, lumabas ang daddy ni Caress at ang daddy niya na may dalang beer at brandy. Tito Manny was forcing him to drink. Kumuha siya ng isang SMB Light. “mag-d-drive pa po ako pauwi tito” he politely said when he was almost half done with the beer at ino-offeran siya nito nang brandy. Tumango ito. “pero pinahiya mo ako doon” Tito Mannay whispered to him. “sorry Po” he answered. “I was just thinking of your daughter’s safety” he explained. Tumango tango ito. He felt bad for turning him down but he has to be straight forward and he never drink and drive. Tinapik siya nito sa likod. Isang araw mag-uusap tayo, nang tayong dalawa young man” Tito Manny answered. Tumango siya. “dad wag mo i-harass si brother in law” tumatawa at nailing na sita ni Adam sa ama. “Whoo, kinakausap ko lang, itong batang ito ang ipapalit sa atin ng kapatid mo, kaya dapat kinakausap ng masinsinan”. Tumawa lahat ng mga kasama nila sa table even his dad. “Sorry ha pare, pero syempre prinsesa ko ang pinag-uusapan” sabi naman ni Tito Manny sa dad niya. “Huwag ka mag-alala pare, ako naman ang unang mag-paparusa kapag sinaktan si Ally, alam mo naman mahal ko ang anak mo” sagot ng daddy niya. “Pare si Kenneth mo hindi sasaktan ang anak alam ko yon, ang kinakatakot ko eh agawan ako ng prinsesa” Tito Manny answered. Mukhang nakarami na rin ng inom. He blushed, He knew he blushed. Mabuti naman alam ng mga tao na wala naman siya balak lokohin si Ally. She is his life. Funny how people may think they are too young, but at almost 22 years old he really knows that his lifetime would only be worth spending with Allyson. Hindi niya alam kung handa na siya na mag-asawa pero he wanted to ask her. He will. This is one of the signs he was waiting for. His bell is ringing already. He is decided.

Nagising si Ally na hindi makapaniwala na birthday na niya. She had a wonderful quiet lunch ni Nate kahapon, sinamahan siya nito magpa-facial at foot-spa pagkatapos nila kumain. They heard mass together saka na siya nito inihatid sa restaurant where she had dinner with Adam and her parents. Nag-usap pa sila sa phone ni Nate paug-uwi niya, pero hindi na siya nito pinag-puyat para raw wala siyang eyebags para sa party. Her mom brought breakfast for her in her bedroom. “Mom you didn’t have to” sabe niya dito. Niyakap niya ang ina. She couldn’t explain why she is all of a sudden having that feeling na lahat nalang ng tao sa bahay nila parang last day na makakasama na siya. Lahat nalang ng tao parang sinasabihan siya that she has to be a good wife. Hindi naman siya ikakasal in the first place. She just turned 18 a few hours ago. Hindi tuloy siya mapalagay the entire time na nagkakagulo ang mga tao in preparation for the party. It took almost 3 hours to have her fixed. Her eye lashes are heavy her head is heavy with the waves the stylist made on her. She was amazed by how she looked after. Amazing. She cant wait to hear what Nate has to say sa ayos niya. Her dad is still her last dance. Ipinakiusap ni Nate yun sa kanya, althoughshe really wanted him to be her last dance according to Nate, her dad should still be given the importance, naiintindihan daw ni Nate yun, he said they have to respect her dad, not because they are in a relationship ibig sabihin its all that matters. She was really touched when he said that. Napapansin niya how her dad is giving Nate a hard time lately. Noong nasa States pa ito even he knew na sila ni Kenneth he was kind to him. Lagi din ito may regalo from his dad. She was looking at herself in the mirror. The make up artist said she needs a little alone time to appreciate herself. Kinakabahan siya kaya niya bang humarap sa maraming tao? Her phone started to ring. “Heyyy happ birthday mahal” It was Nate. Her heart melted. “Kinakabahan ako sweet” she said. “Its gonna be fun Heart, I will be with you through out the night, It’s going to be great.” She sighed. “Thanks, oh see you there” she said. “I’ll be waiting for you call me okay” he answered.

Her party was well attended, lahat ng inimbitahan niya andoon, everybody came in their nice outfits, hindi nawawalan ng tao ang photo booth. She was table hopping with Nate on the side. The highlight of the night started when the band started to played.everyone started dancing, she and Nate were constant partners. Until the program started, dance after dance after dance. It was Nate’s turn. She had her biggest smile ready. The lights got dimmer and then there were this pictures flashing, the song isn’t the regular waltz song, instead, the search is over is playing. She was in awe, It was their pictures throughout their 3 years of being together. “Hey, hush, I didn’t want to make you cry” Nate pulled her closer when her tears fell one after the other. “Sobra mo ko pinapaiyak naman” sabe niya dito. “I didn’t mean to…Heart” Nate standed looked serious. She looked at him, he smiled. “I have something to tell you.” He said it so fast it barely register. “Ano? Sabihin mo na sweet” she was curious whate else he needed to say. “will you marry me?” he asked. Now she was shocked. Hindi pa man siya nakakapag-isip nang sasabihin when she saw her dad coming towards them, her dad is cutting to dance with her. Ibinigay ni Nate ang kamay niya sa daddy niya. Nakaalis na ito but she is still in the state of shock. “ Thanks daddy” she said while they were dancing. “dalaga ka na” her dad told her. She leaned on his shoulder. “Masaya ka ba anak?” he asked. “Opo sobra sobra” she started to forget what nate asked. “mahal ka ni Nate alam ko” bigla namang sabi nito. “I know dad, I am lucky” she answered. “Hindi ako mag-dadalawang isip pag hiningi niya ang kamay mo, pero sana huwag magmadali anak” Tumango siya. He knew where her dad is coming from. Kung siya naman ang tatanungin ayaw din naman niya, not now. Alam na niya ang isasagot kay Nate. She cant wait for the party to be over, dahil after ng sayaw nila ng daddy niya tila iniiwasan na siya ni Nate.

“can we talk?” she asked him. Ito ang naghatid sa kanya sa bahay. They were both in his car. Nate took something out of his pocket it was a red velvet box. She knew what it was. “Sweet” she whispered. Nate opened her hand, saka ipinatong ang kahon sa kamay niya. “Pinag-isipan ko yun tanong ko, gusto kita pakasalan, if you want me to.” Hindi niya alam paano sasabihin kay Nate ang gusto sabihin. “I just turned 18” she said. It is breaking her heart how she is to turn him down. “Not now, please” she gave the box back. “Keep it” he said. “Naiintindihan bakit away mo pa, consider that a promise ring will you?” She opened the box, a tiffany ring with a solitaire diamond, she was just looking at that ring online, for no apparent reason. “I love you” she said and kissed his cheek. “Thank you” he replied and smiled. “Hindi mo naman kailangan isuot” he said again. Lumabas na ito ng kotse and opened the door for her, he took her hand and interlaced her fingers. She leaned her head on his shoulder habang sabay silang naglakad papasok ng bahay. “sa susunod na mag-paparty tayo nang ganito next time bubuhatin na kita papasok ng bahay” he grinned, she get it whatever he was implying. She pinched his nose. “oo naman, dina kita papakawalan sa susunod” she joked. “I love you peaches” he said. “I love you boyfriend” sabi niya saka walang sabi sabing hinalikan niya ito sa lips.

[*sTar_2027*]

Waaaaaaaaaaahhhh infairness namiss ko yung the search is over bwahahaha

[*sTar_2027*]

Col namiss kita po waaaaah kulang yan haha for sure you have the copy of the last chapters?lol

[sixtwentyone]

From tita Rina's FB



Off to Star Awards as a presentor & a nominee for New movie Actor for Aswang,God bless you Albie!


Getting ready for Star Awards


Albie with Em Milan dressing him up for the Star Awards

[joy06mj]

^congrats albie!!!!

[maratorralba]

From tita Rina's FB

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...39392841_n.jpg

Off to Star Awards as a presentor & a nominee for New movie Actor for Aswang,God bless you Albie!

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...03680757_n.jpg
Getting ready for Star Awards

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...10682558_n.jpg
Albie with Em Milan dressing him up for the Star Awards

Ang ganda ng new house nila ah! Napaka minimalist! I like it!

[sixtwentyone]

credits to @Rawxciified of twitter

Took a pic of Albie Casino. i was beside him hahaha weeee http://pic.twitter.com/frfKJBUt