(c)xaryn21 2011 All Rights Reserved

As of December 16, 2010 Mara Clarisse Ferrer is officially single

AGAIN.

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Just wait and the right man will come your way Belle, my tipsy best friend said.

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Seriously, do we need to talk about this over and over again? Upakan ko nalang ano? Anton, the frankbut-over-protective-always-there-for-me-when-i-need-money-bestfriend said.

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I can be your prince my believed-to-be-soulmate said on one of his commercials. Oh my, Zephiel.. Can
you be mine? Please? I know youre better than them!

Maganda naman ako. Nay, bakit?!

Hindi naman ako bad breath. Then why is it that during the 19 years of my existence, wala parin akong
first kiss?

Prologue

Belle dragged me inside her condo unit and throws me in the couch. My eyes were half open.
Stop it, youre not drunk anymore. Belle pulled my hair and I have no choice but to act normal again.
Okay! Im not. I said while holding the strands of hair my lovable best friend pulled.
Whats this all about Ferrer?. Youve been acting wild. She sat next to me.
E kasi..*sniff* si Mark..
Oh?? You two broke up because of another girl? My gosh Mara, panlima mo nang boyfriend yan at
ganyan din ang ginawa sayo. Hindi kana natuto.
I started crying like a calf. My heart, my feelings, my PRIDE!!. She covered my mouth immediately.
What do you think youre doing?!Do you want to wake up the whole building?
E kasi..
Kasi?? I can see her big round eyes getting larger because of annoyance.
He..is Gay ;(
Her expression, priceless.
Who would think that an MVP, typical heart throb Mark Velasco is GAY?
I saw how her forehead creased and her eyebrows almost collide, perhaps shes in deep thought of
something.
So, the proposal thingy in front of the crowd was just a scheme to cover his true identity. And the dinner
he set you up--
Woah. Talking about feelings dear.
Oopps. Sorry.. She hugged me tightly as she taps my back. Hindi lang talaga kayo para sa isat isa
Then who??
are you seriously asking me that question?. Alam mo you have this attitude. She broke off from hugging
me and looked at me intently.
Ano naman yun?
You lack patience. After a month or 2 you will start flirting again and then pooof! There goes my best

friend with another man again. Mara, love takes time.

Okay. She got me speechless.
Tagos ba Mars? If you plan to be awake the whole night, then do it.
She walked towards her room. I followed her and lie down her bed first before she could.
Belle magbabago nako promise.
She seemed puzzled and surprised.
Now I believe youre drunk
Im not! I throw her a pillow.
Yes, Im not. Im serious and I promise to be wiser than ever.

Chapter 1
Belles POV

Mara had been staying with me for about a week and its been two months since that issue happened. You
know, the Mark-is-gay thingy that Mara had been crying and blabbing about every night. This means, a
nonstop giving-advice-session and countless words of insecurities coming from her mouth. It was really
surprising that Mark is one of the girls, there was no trace, no evidence..Even Anton never felt something
wrong.
Belle!!!! She opened the door of my room and started screaming like a wild fan in a concert. Man, it
almost broke my eardrum.
Hey!! Stop it! I threw her a pillow and glared.
Omygosh Belle..Omygosh!!! I noticed that her face was red as a sign of an adrenaline rush. Ive never
seen her like this since her latest break up.
And??I can sense that this would be a long conversation so I got my coffee and took a sip (Needless to
say, Im a certified coffee addict)
Im inlove!! I almost spilled the coffee from my mouth which I am lucky though than spilling it from my

nose.
Ano??!! Of all the things she could have thought of doing, I think falling in love at this rate would be the
least thing I expected her to do so. I preferred to listen at her explanations so I stared at her and said
nothing while I put the cup of coffee on the center table.
hmmm. Tara sa room ko. She dragged me outside, giving me no chance to even put on my slippers.
Woah, hes inside your room?? she smiled so wide, I could even see all of her teeth.
TADAAAA!! she opened her room and pulled me inside.
Now,

Who

The

Hell

Is

He??
I narrowed my eyes trying to scan every detail of this guy she had been going crazy about.
Meet Zephiel Augusto
Wow. Zephiels? On my right is Zephiel with eyeglasses, holding a book. On my left is Zephiel holding a
bouquet of flowers. Zephiel sipping a cup of coffee is attached at the wall in front of me (which I found
very cute). She even has a life size Zephiel beside her bed.
Uhh. So, Zephiel huh?? were the only words I managed to say.
Haha. You dont know him right?. I nodded while my mouth was half-open.
Umm-kay. This is Zephiel Augusto, a model, actor and singer. A talent of ABS and has done 4 movies, 2
of them with Hollywood actresses. Favorite color? Blue. Sports? Golf and basketball. O, I forgot about..

And we spend the night talking how macho and gorgeous, her newly found love is..

Antons POV
I immediately went to Belle after I saw her walked inside the library. I sat next to her and saw tons of
books on the table.
Sipag ahh.
Wrong timing ka. Shes now at araneta. Probably screaming like hell
Wait. Am I missing something?? She grinned and closed the book she was about to read.
Zephiel Augusto..Do you know him?
Sounds familiar..
Hes a model, actor and singer and the one that Mara believes to be her soul mate blablabla
Pakiulit?
sorry hindi ako unlimited e. Threatened ba? she said sarcastically.
Why would I?
Ewan ko sayo. Ang bagal mo e. You were ahead of Mark in the first place but you let him win.
Like any other stories you have encountered, I love Mara for 2 years, which is probably the reason why I
chose to be close with them. Hanep strategy no? pero olats parin.
Torpe kase ayan, nainlove tuloy sa isang bading. Confess your feelings before that crazy girl decides to be
a nun
Ha? She thought of being a nun?
You heard it right, Belle, magmamadre nalang ako..tutal mukhang wala naman atang seseryoso sakin
e I smiled while she imitated Mara.

Dont worry, Im on my way

Wait. Im not saying that you should start literary at this time of her life. 2 months isnt enough so just
make her feel like youre always there for her and learn to give a possessive look when you see guys
looking at Mara. This may sound eeewww but Ill support you
Wow. Alam mo I feel like hugging you Ofcourse I dont. You know JOKES right?
weh Anton.

Chapter 2

Maras POV
I found myself walking in a place where only fog and some sort of clouds are the only things I could see. It
was cold and the wind blows as if trying to whisper me something.
Wala kang kwenta! I heard a voice followed by a scream of a man crying in pain and the sound of a
stick being whacked to someone.
I started running towards the voice but every step I take makes me feel that gravity pulls me down even
more.
aahhhhh!! Little by little, the place becomes vivid and thats when a figure of a man materialized.
I saw him holding a large stick. He wears white and what amazed me even more is the pair of wings
attached on his back. Thats when I realized I have wings too.
Who are you? He turned to face me but I was stunned by his demonic eyes. The face I thought was
angelic, now a face full of anger, hate and possession.

I cant move an inch as I stare in his eyes. Until, I noticed someone lying behind him.
Run.. He uttered to say as he struggled to stand. Unfortunately, I cant see his face clearly so I ran
towards him but the demon caught my hand and pushed me away from him.
No!!! he was about to hit the man again but I use all my strength to run as fast as I could to cover the
weak man. The feeling was weird but, all I know is, I have to protect him from the demon, I thought was a
good.

Mara! Belle was waving her hand in front of my face.

O??
Wow. So thats the effect of Zephiels charm on you. You seemed like an idiot a while ago. San napunta
imagination mo? Pluto?
Woi Belle, whats with the rolling of eyes? Anton said while holding a tray full of snacks.
Geez. I almost forgot were inside the canteen.
Why dont you ask this girl. Kanina pang nalipad ang utak
Gutom lang yan. Lets eat
This is not about Zephiel I said to Belle with her mouth full of nachos.
O? E sino? Anton said curiously.
An angel I smiled as I recall how I protect the weak creature in my dreams.
Woah. Dont tell me youre
Im not! And please, Ive had enough of Mark so I realized I just have to enjoy my life as a single, happygo-lucky girl

I mean it okay?! I've been inlove with five men in the past, two of them preferred to be just friends with
me and the three including Mark preferred to be 'serious'.
Uhh. sure na yan?
Yup. Bakit may plano kang manligaw?? I joked but Belle almost spit all her nachos in my face
Yuck!!Alam mo yung JOKE??! How disgusting this girl can be. >:(
Sorry! Haha. I uhh..just cant picture Anton and uhhh..you..haha..you know Now, why do I have the
feeling that this girl hides something.

Yeah right Belle. Anton said with a bit of sarcasm.

So, about the angel..go Belle continue eating while Anton drank his orange juice.
Uhm, It was just a dream but every scene made me feel like it was true.
I know right! Alam mo naexperience ko na rin yan nung
Hey, shut up. Im more interested about the angel so let her finish Anton covered Belles mouth.
Ouch. Fine! Ill shut up
O sige. So ayun, there was this demon beating my angel with a stick. Mind you, the demon has wings. He
was about to hit my angel again with the stick but I immediately ran to cover and protect him
And?? Anong itsura nung angel at demon slash angel?
The demons face was so scary. Pero nakakainis kasi, hindi ko na matandaan yung istura nung
angel.
Nye. Interpret natin.
Sure!
Hmm. So, the demon/angel is someone close to you
Pano mo nasabi?
Because he didnt hit you with the stick
Oo nga no
And that man is good but has a dark secret
Talaga??
Antons chair made a loud screech. Nervously, he immediately put his things inside his bag.
Uhm. Aalis nako. Im gonna be late for my next class
He immediately went outside the canteen.
Is he okay? He looked pale
Belle shrugged.
Weird!

Chapter 4
Maras POV
I was alone at the library, not because Im as studious as you think but because this is the most
comfortable place in the whole campus to day dream. I got my phone out of my bag and opened an album
named Me and Zephiel. The photos were just edited which is why sometimes I stay so late at night, but
theres this one picture which I really love. It was taken when I watched Zephiels concert when I got the
chance to see him backstage. I dont mind how much money Ive lost, the fact that I saw him and got close
to him, smelling his perfume sure is all worth it.
uhh. excuse me
yes? I didnt bother looking at the guy talking to me. Baka popormahan na naman ako. O, wag maasar.
Hindi ako mayabang. Habulin lang talaga. JOKE
where is RS building??
uhh. tabi ng canteen
wheres the canteen?
I finally looked up to see the face of the man who interrupts me from day dreaming.
Zephiel?? I mouthed and felt my whole body froze.
I stared at the guy standing in front of me. Could this be real? Lord, alam kong love mo ko pero hindi pa
ko prepared e.
Ok ka lang?? But then as I stare at him, his face suddenly changed. Kamukha lang pala.
y-yes. Haha. Ano ulit yung tanung mo?
Well, you see Im new here, I just wanted to know where is RS building and the canteen.
He's tall, with brown eyes and long eyelashes. He has a scar at his left arm and he's voice is so manly,
every girl would melt if they hear him say "I love you"
He smiled when he saw me staring at him again. Im Franco nga pala and you are?
Mara. I said formally Im not good at giving directions e. Sometimes I fail, so I guess Ill just go with
you there.

Is it ok? he asked as gentle as possible.

Oo naman. I have my next class in RS building. Tara
I kept my things but as I put my notebook inside my bag, he suddenly tapped me on my shoulder and
apologized for bothering me awhile ago. He said he needs to go because of I dont know reason.
So I walked alone to my next class only to find out that my professor is absent.
While my block mates were rejoicing, my phone vibrated.

From: Anton
Andito ko sa rooftop. Come, Ill show you something =)

I wasnt planning to go but I guess going in the roof top would be much better than staying inside the
room with my classmates. Plus, I was wondering about what Anton would show me.
I hurriedly went upstairs but I slowed down when I felt my knees getting weaker plus the sweat covering
my face, what is POISE??
Thank goodness I reached the door and opened it.
I saw Anton seating on the floor but what caught my attention is the part of the rooftop where a mini
garden was located.
Gandan no? kakatapos lang nan kahapon. Anton stood up and smiled at me. He signaled me to follow
him inside it.
Wow where the words I managed to say as I stepped inside the mini garden.
Were the first one among the students in this campus to see this.
There were roses, tulips, star gazers, anthurium, sunflowers, and different kinds of orchids. I dont know
the names of the other flowers, but their colors blend perfectly. At the center is a small fountain and thats
when I noticed there were butterflies too. Amazing.
Ang ganda nung butterfly!!tingnan mo oh!!

I pulled his sleeves unaware that he was frowning.

Adik lang? Ngayon lang nakakita ng paru-paro? Sabihin mo lang kung sisirain mo yung damit ko,
papayag naman ako

taray!alis na ko Ofcourse I wont. Arte ko lang yun. Because Im 100% sure, he wouldnt allow me to
go

. I rolled my eyes and was about to leave when he caught my hand.

See??

wag muna I faced him and then I smiled slyly. We sat on the stones.
Labs talaga ako e. Mas gusto na kita kesa kay Belle! Yes, shes the person Ive ever known to be so
patient but that girl sure has this thing called PRIDE. Oo, too much pride!
He said nothing but he gave a weak smile.
O bakit? Did I say something wrong?
Wala,
Bat parang ang creepy mo ngayon.
He stood up and offered his hand formally.
Sayaw tayo
Are you kidding me? Ano to highschool?
I saw him frowned but I grab his hand and stood up.
Eto naman, hindi na mabiro
He pinched my nose and then my cheeks and patted my head. My hair got messed up so I pouted and
immediately made it look like I combed my hair.
uhm. Sasayaw tayo, e pano yung music? Ano yun, muntanga lang
Hmm. Ill sing
ha?
paulit-ulit??
I nodded and saw how serious he is.
Then he started singing and we started to dance.
When we turn out the lights
The two of us alone together
Something's just not right
But girl you know that I would never
Ever let another's touch, come between
The two of us
'Cause no one else will ever take your place

No one else comes close to you

No one makes me feel the way you do
You're so special girl to me
And you'll always be eternally
Every time I hold you near
You always say the words I love to hear
Girl with just a touch you can do so much
No one else comes close
For a moment, I felt that were the only person in the world. He sang from his heart that is why I didnt
care anymore if hes singing it or not. Its as if theres a real music playing. As i stare in his eyes, I cant
help but smile
He wasnt singing anymore but we kept on dancing.

Chapter 5

Maras POV

Mara.. I
Mara!! We almost pushed each other when Belle came, shouting like a mad mother scolding her child.
Shes perspiring as if she ran all the way up here.
Belle?.Whatre you doing here?

She ignored Anton and went straight to me. She held both of my arms tightly.
Was it true?? she said
True what???
You saw Franco?
Then I remember the guy.
Kung ganun. Sya yung kababata ni Belle??
Sh!t. sya nga yun!!

Kung ganun totoo nga. Ive heard you talked to him Belles face suddenly changed from excitement to
somewhat disappointment and unconfident.
Uhh..Oo, ang bilis ng chismis.
Okay, OP ako. Sino naman yung Franco na yun? Anton said while removing Belles grasp in my arms.
HAHA Anton she said sarcastically.
Wait!Maybe..
They both looked at me while in Im in deep thought.
I grabbed Belles hand and pulled her outside the garden while running.
Hey!!San tayo pupunta??!
Basta!
and before I forgot, Anton Sali ka sa singing contest!! I shouted to him and smiled before we leave the
rooftop.
Actually, even I dont know where are we exactly going, all I know is we have to see that guy so I let my
instinct guide us.
We reached the parking lot. And there,
Sya yun diba!! I said excitedly while pointing at the guy standing beside a car.
Oo sya yun.
I held Belles face and look straight in her eyes.
Eeeww. Kadiri ka!
Shut up first ok?. she nodded Now, I need you to calm down and think that this is just your boring
exam in Math. Got it?
What am I gonna do?
I smiled and pushed her towards the place where Franco could notice her immediately.
What the hell she mouthed and I whispered Go

She walked for about 5 steps but it seems Franco is still ignoring her. She looked back at me as if shes
saying, wag nalang kaya?? but I frowned and made my eyes bigger. So she continue walking but*BLAG*

Ouch!! I ran towards her when I saw her fell because she didnt notice that the street has a slight
elevation.
Belle!!!! I panicked but Franco made his way first and helped her stand up.
Are you alright? He said. Belle lifts her face and there they stare at each other as if I dont exist.
Isabella Rodriguez? he said
Ako nga
They smiled at each other but I have to cut the sweet encounter after I saw Belles shoe
laying a couple of meters away from us.
Uhmm, EHEM They both looked at me.
Mara right?
Yup. I got Belles shoe and she immediately put it on.
Hindi kapa rin nagbabago, lampa kapa din He joked and patted Belles head.
Okay, bat ang lalaki mahilig mangganun??
I saw Belle blushed. :">
Franco! I saw a girl heading towards us.
Kanina kapa? She kissed Francos cheeks. Who are they?
Okay. Alam na :|
Uhm. Christine, this is Belle my childhood friend and this is Mara she extended her hand.
..and this is Christine, my girlfriend
Hi.

Hi Belle said, smiling fake.

Mauna na kami sa inyo ha. I was planning to transfer here so I inquired. Uhm, do you know Mark
Velasco?
Mark Velasco.
.
.
.
.

Hes my ex

is what I wanted to say but Belle answered for me.

Hes a former school mate. Why?
No, nothing.. Sige we have to go. Nice meeting you two.
And then we both watched their car drove out of our sight.

Belle, with dead hopes and Me, reminiscing the pain again.

Belles POV

Its been 1 week since our encounter with Franco and his i-forgot-the-name-girlfriend, As if I care. I admit,
I was threatened when someone told me that Franco and Mara already met. Im a fool to think
exaggeratedly that they might end up together. I seldom saw him and when I did, I just smile to him. And
before I forgot, Anton seemed avoiding us. Ever since I saw them at the rooftop, we never had a good
conversation after that. Well, I didnt mean to spoil everything that happened between the two of them. I
just couldnt understand him; maybe Mara would tell me what happened.
I poked Mara, who seemed asleep because she rested her head on her notebook, facing opposite me.
HUY!! I pounded the table to caught Maras attention.
But she never responded. I stood up and checked if shes really asleep, only to find out that she wasnt.

Belle bakit ganun?

Ha?
Then she hugged me tightly making me drop my pen.
Anong problema?
I heard her sob. I just let her cry, since talking to her at this condition would only make her cry even more.
After several minutes, good thing she stopped crying before my clothes would be soaking wet.
Kung bakit kasi kahit wala na, kahit tanggap ko na. Nandito parin She pointed her chest Nandito parin
yung sakit, nandito parin yung hope, na sana hindi to totoo, na sana paggising ko bumalik na kami ulit sa
dati. Belle, ginagawa ko naman lahat e. Lahat ng paraang alam ko para kalimutan sya. I thought moving
on would be easy since I became used to it after my past relationships. Pero nagkamali ako. Eto,
nagdadrama na naman ako. Akala ko kasi noon, sya na talaga
I could feel her pain. I could see it in her puffy eyes.
I..dont know what to say

Ok lang. Atleast pinakinggan mo ko. Sorry ha. I know youre sick of all my dramas. Promise last na to
Teka muna Mara. I dont get it. Why are you suddenly talking about him?
She smiled His mom called She wiped her tears Tita doesnt know that we broke up. She invited me to
have dinner this coming Friday. Its her birthday and she treated me like her own daughter so I said yes.
Galing, Ill see that jerk again
What a mess. His mom probably doesnt know about his condition
Condition? You sound like he has a disease and hes dying
Screw that guy. Nahihirapan ka tuloy ngayon. Gusto mo samahan kita?? Dont worry, hindi naman ako
magpapakita sa kanila. Ill just watch over you
Hindi wag na. Ill be okay. Sasabihin ko na din kay tita yung totoo.
After i've heard it. I made up my mind. I'm coming with her, whatever it takes
We decided to go home but as we focus our eyes on our way home, we saw Anton. Emotionless, he
approached us and surprisingly, he hugged Mara.
Dont go
His tone implies that it wasnt just a request.

Chapter 6
Maras POV

Emotions filled my heart as I walk along the hotel. All along, Ive been thinking on how to react, on how to
pretend, on how to hide.
God, Ill leave everything to you. Please, bigyan nyo po ako ng lakas ng loob.
Sana..makaya ko. Sana.. magawa kong sabihin kay Tita ang lahat. Pagod na rin ako. Kaya kailangang
tapusin ko na to.

Jerk! I turned around and saw Belle.

O? Bat ka nandito?
She glared and walked towards me. She wears a nice dress, as if shes the one invited. Dont worry, hindi
naman ako gagawa ng gulo. Ill be there when you need me

I dont know, but I feel a lot better when I

saw her here. At least I have a back up if ever something went wrong. God, I thank you for always being
there for me.

A few meters away, I saw Tita Eula with her son, Mark. Belle advised me to avoid staring at Marks eyes. I
dont know why, but maybe Ill just follow her.
Hindi parin sya nagbabago
Mara!! Its been a long time. Kamusta ka anak? she hugged me tightly. See? Thats why its so
hard for me to tell her everything. UGH.
I saw him behind and was staring at me.
Ok lang po. Happy birthday! I gave her my gift. Twas a scarf. She loves collecting those while I love
collecting hats. We both love to shop; now I dont know if we could do that again

She sat down and Mark, being a gentleman pulled my chair. He smiled at me. I smiled back but I
remembered Belles advice. Ok, here it goes. Whatever happens, its the will of God, I know. Sasabihin ko
na habang maaga pa.

Uhm. Tita I have to tell you somethingWhen I said the word something, I looked at Mark who was
seated beside me.
What is it? Teka, are you two planning to get married?
Ma!.please
Ikaw naman hindi na mabiro. Mamaya nalang natin pag-usapan yan. Lets eat first, okay?
I nodded. My eyes searched for Belle but I cant see her. The whole time we were eating, all I could hear
was titas voice about her experience in her vacation abroad. I smile; I laugh when its needed but my
attention was focused on how I could say everything to her and ruin the happy vibes inside this hotel.
Until her phone vibrated.
Excuse me lang ah.
She stood up and went outside and there I am, alone with this guy. UGH. Ang awkward. Ang hirap.
Im..sorry he said and held my hand.
The moment he did that, I realized how much I miss him.
I removed my hand and stood up, making the chair screech. It got the attention of all the people inside.
AYOS
Belle asan kana??
Mark held my arms and dragged me.
Mark san tayo pupunta?? tears almost fell out of my eyes. Hindi ba dapat maging matapang ako ngayon?
Why am I so weak?
We end up in the garden of the hotel.
I fell down on my knees, but managed not to cry.
Mara Im sorry..
Bakit mo ba to ginagawa? Bat mo ko pinapahirapan ng ganito?? Tapos na tayo diba?
Mara, please let me explain. Hindi totoo yung nakita mo. Give me another chance
I want to believe everything he says. If only its that easy. ButAyoko.. and please, sabihin mo na kay Tita ang totoo. I left him without turning back. I know Im doing
the right thing, I HOPE

Mahal parin kita! He shouted. The words made my tears fell down my cheeks.
Mara. Mahal na mahal parin kita.. Sana, paniwalaan mo ako. Hindi kita niloko at lalong hindi ako tulad
ng iniisip mo. Mara please..dont go I know hes also crying. I could feel him walking towards me. Until I
felt his arms wrapped around me.
Im confused

Marks POV

I made her sat down the bench near us. I offered my handkerchief but she didnt accept it.
Just so you know, I am Mark. Mainis man kayo sakin dahil sa pagdating ko ulit sa buhay ni Mara, pwes
sorry. I know Ive hurt her but believe me; its out of my control. Someone set me up and made me look
like Im gay, for Petes sake.
*Flashback*
I felt excited to see Mara after a week of so many things to do in school. That thesis is such a pain in the
ass.
I saw her sitting at the swing, making her look like a child. CUTE. I walk as quiet as I could to surprise her.
I covered her eyes from behind but she didnt move an inch. I felt something wet in my hands.
Mara?
Hanggang kelan mo ko balak lokohin?I dont have any clue on what shes saying.
Ano bang sinasabi mo? I didnt-She slapped me and throws something straight on my face.
I saw pictures of me with other guys. Fvck. Ano to?
Ngayon alam ko na kung bat ka laging busy. Then she left me.
Mara wait!!, Let me explain!!I ran and reached for her hand. But she pushed me and I saw anger in her
eyes.
Tapos na tayo
I tried everything to talk to her. I called her many times and sent messages but she never responds. I went
to her house but the maid said she moved out of the house. I tried to talk to Anton but all I got was a
punch and swear words. Anton forbids me to see her again or Ill be sorry to be born in this world. After a
week, I got a note that said I should leave Mara or shell suffer. I ignored the note and then after a couple
of days I received news that she almost had a failing grade in one of her subject because someone stole her
project. After that a note was found in my locker again. It wrote, Mark my words. Then, I decided to
move on another school and leave things behind.

*END OF FLASHBACK*
Im.. not gay Uttering those words were very awkward but its the truth.By that time she stopped crying
but she didnt say a word.
Mara, pakinggan mo ko. I didnt mean to hurt you. Yung picturesMara we saw Anton and Belle.
Lets go Belle took Maras hands. Teka lang Belle, may kailangan pa kong sabihin.
No. Its enough.. Please, nahihirapan na ang kaibigan ko And they went inside the car.
PeroBack off Antons eyes were full of authority and anger. But I wont be scared to fight for what is mine.
Mark..Anong nangyayari dito??Wheres Mara? I saw my mother heading towards us.
Im warning you Velasco. Dont go near her again. Mark my words then he left.

Chapter 7
Belles POV

Spell Awkward.

No one dared to talk inside the car. Mara had been staring at somewhere-I-dont-know while Anton filled
the atmosphere with bad vibes by cursing and blaming every innocent motorist he could see along the way
because of a heavy traffic we were in.
Bat kaya ang traffic? I said to somehow lessen the heavy aura but I was wrong for I seemed crazy talking
to myself.
The long, awkward silence made me sick and I could feel my butt already hurts. Takte naman ayoko ng
ganito. :| I dont know what to say to both of them.
Kasi naman tong si Mara. She said she wont go. Thats what Anton knew. Good thing I know her so much
that even the gestures she made, the shifting of her tone, the rolling of her eyes I could recognize

immediately.
Sorry She suddenly said out of nowhere.
ok lang yun. Tapos na naman e.
But I felt irritated when I sensed that the sorry was not for me but rather for Anton who seemed
disturbed. Tanung ko lang Nag-eexist ba ko dito sa chapter na to??
I never shouldve gone there in the first place
*BEEEEPBEEEEPP!!!!!*
T@nga. . @$%! Anton cursed for the nth time.
This is the first time Ive seen him like this. Now, Im scared. Sa bagay, kasalanan nung engot na driver na
biglang nag-over take. Hayyy. Buhay!!
All of a sudden, Mara started sobbing again.
Wag kana ngang umiyak!! Anton yelled. I hugged her but she cried even more.
Look what you did!!. Kumalma ka nga Anton.
Aisshhhttt He parked the car along the side walk and went outside. I thought hell leave us but he
opened the door of the car where Mara is and grab her hand.
Hoy!! Ano na naman yan Anton?
Mauna ka ng umuwi
Ano??!! they left me inside Hey!!I dont know how to

drive!! They didnt hear me. I just saw them rode on a taxi.

GALING. Pano ko uuwi nito??

MARAS POV

San tayo pupunta??

He didnt respond. Thats when I saw his hands tightly intertwined with mine. WARM.
We both end up in a place where all I could see are lights. Beautiful, glowing lights coming from the city.
Amazement filled my heart. I closed my eyes and feel the cold wind. It somehow made me feel better. I
opened my eyes, and saw Anton staring at me. I avoided his eyes because of embarrassment.
Ang ganda dito I smiled and caressed my hair.
Wag kang ngumiti. May kasalanan kapa sakin
Sorry.. Bati na tayo? He just shrugged and sat on the bench. I followed him.
Sorry na Anton. Dont you think its enough? Nakakagagong umiyak ng umiyak no
Sino matigas ang ulo? he poked my head and stood up.
Where are you going?
Ill be back
It just took him a few minutes to get back. He was holding a coffee. I thought hes going give it to me but
he put it beside me instead.
Is this for me??
He nodded and stared at the beautiful view. I could feel it, hes cold.
Sorry na nga kasi..

I was at the verge of crying AGAIN.

Alam mo Mara, hindi porket mahal kita papatawarin kita agad.

A..Ano daw??

Mamahal mo ko???
I could tell he was also surprised by what he said. Pwede pakiulit?
He smiled. A sweet one.
I love you Mara Clarisse Ferrer
My world suddenly stopped. I know my cheeks turned red so I bowed my head.
Silence filled the whole place. Only the sound of the crickets was heard. He sighed very deep and laughed.
Sa wakas nasabi ko din!! Ano tara na?
Huh?teka lang.. ang labo mo naman!
Uhh. do me a favor.
ano?
Never mind. Bukas nalang. Lets go
He seized for my hand and there I am, being dragged again. Ang weird talaga.
As he held my hand, I smiled. A smile I really miss after a lot of tears Ive shed.
He suddenly stopped walking as if he forgot something important.
Belle
Oh? What about Belle?
Does she know how to drive?
Reality came in and realized we were both stupid to leave her. I gave him an unsure look.
Sh!t. Ill call her
While he dials her number, I reached for my phone inside my bag and there I received messages from her.

From: Belle
Dont know how to drive. Get back here!!

The message was 30 minutes ago. I opened another message, newer than the one Ive read.

From: Belle
Thanks huh. Ok na ko. Andito nako sa bahay.

Shes not answering the phone

Dont bother calling her. She might be asleep right now
Huh?

Chapter 8
Marks POV

Last night was a mess. I let pass the chance to explain everything to her. All I know right now is to talk to
her again. I want to win her back, even if Anton would block my way.
Hi babe I miss you
Out of nowhere, he appeared. The boy who was with me at the picture, Kris.
Anong kaylangan mo saken.
You know what I want Mark His hand move swiftly on my chest. @#$%* kadiri
Get your hands off me !@#$ I pushed him hard on the wall. I looked around to see if there are people in
the corridor. Luckily, no one was watching.
Is this how you treat a friend who shared a night with you?
I punched him with all my guts and all the anger I had inside. Hindi ko magagawa yun kay Mara. @#$%*
magkamatayan na.

I held tightly his collar and saw how his lips bleed.
Sino nag-utos sayo na gawin yun?!!
But instead of answering my question, he laughed as if the punch I gave was just a bite of an ant.
@#$%* Sagutin mo ang tanong ko!!
He then shoved me away from him and before I could manage to stand up, he ran.
I dashed to where he went to caught him. He disappeared out of my sight when I reached the street but as
I turn around---

*BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!*

Antons POV

I dont know how to act in front of her after my horrible confession last night.
Hoy Anton..Engot ka, may kasalanan ka saken! Sabay hampas sa likod
Sorry! How did you manage to get home?? I saw how her cheeks turned red and how uneasy she acted.
She looked straight into my eyes, ready to tell something. Expressionless, she pointed something I dont
know behind me.
Si Mara ohh natapilok I looked at the direction where she was pointing but saw no sign of Mara at the
crowd. I gazed at her again but I found myself alone on the table. DAYA ni Belle. It then gave me more

suspicions that she hides something.

I was about to leave when Mara surprised me by pushing Belle to sat on the chair opposite mine.
I wont allow you to go unless you tell us what happened to you last night
Yeah right. Hiding something Rodriguez?
Okay,okay!! Easy!
Spill!
Ahh ganun. Diba you two should be the one to tell me something about what you did last night??
She raised her eyebrows as if we switched places and now were on the hot seat. Mara pulled Belles hair.
Dont change the topic..Ano nga kase!
Alright!!iyak na kayong dalawa. She stroked her hair back to where it was before Mara had messed it up.
uhmm. Excuse me.
Franco approached Belle, holding a lot of books.
Oh hi!. Belle tucked her hair behind her ears and pulled the chair beside her. Upo ka
Sure, thanks. He then looked at Mara and I Hi he smiled.
I nodded and saw how Belles eyes wander on Francos face.
Whats with the books?? Mara asked curiously. She opened a book and scanned the first page.
She said she would help me study for the finals as payment for last night
Last night? I blurted out which made Francos attention switch to mine.
I saw her at the side walk and helped her OKAY.. ALAM na
Oo.. haha. Belle said awkwardly.
Ahh.. Mara said while staring at Belle meaningfully.
O sige well go na. Bye Franco
She signaled me to follow her outside the canteen. I stood up immediately and quickly packed my things.

Geez. Im nervous:|
Both of us didnt talk while we were walking outside. Im tongue tied and anxious. The scene last night
played repeatedly on my mind.
Where are we going??
I dont know. I was just following you She glared and walked straight to a bench near a tree. We sat
down and watched the people passing by. Ayoko ng ganito.
Uhm. About last night yung
Ahh oo..yung favor mo?? I wasnt planning to talk about the favor thingy but the confession I had. I have
to clear things up with her since it wouldnt be like before when we were still friends, I mean I was just a
friend.
Ano na?? Bilis baka magbago pa isip ko
I panicked and started looking for something I could use or probably hoping that God would help to find
an idea that would come into my mind. And BINGO

I saw a poster on the bulletin board beside us.

Nakikita mo yun?
The Deans lister??
Ayy nako. The red poster beside that
She stood up and read the poster. I saw how her eyes got big most likely because she saw the word singing
Are you kidding?? I dont know how to sing!! Tsaka bukas na to ahh. Last day na ng pagpapalista ngayon!
Gags. Ofcourse you know how to sing I heard you
When?
You were singing Only Hope inside the bathroom. Well It wasnt my intention to invade your room but
Belle asked me to get your ipod. So thats it
So ikaw pala yun?? She looked embarrassed.
Nahiya kapa. Lahat naman tayo guilty sa ganun. I love her voice even if shes not good as
Sarah Geronimo or Charice Pempengco but she sure is better than Ann (Basta si Ann!)
fans out there

sorry for the

She smiled and sat beside me again.

So ano? Payag kana?
E pano yun bukas na??Kelan pa tayo magpapractice?
Ngayon na. But lets eat first.. My treat

Yan ang gusto ko sayo e. Tara!

After a couple of hours practicing our piece, we decided to take a break. Belle came in the music room
with a wide smile on her face.
O kamusta ang date mo?
Ako??Baka kamusta ang date nyo??
Luka. Nagpapractice kami para sa singing contest bukas.
Talaga lang ahh. Pangatawanan mo yan Mars. Iapply mo yung pinapractice mo tuwing umaga sa banyo.
Ahh. Tatawa nako? she said a bit annoyed

So whatre you gonna sing?

Way back into Love
I play the piano. Shes in charge of the guitar
Wow heavy.. She laughed while I was really confused why.
Nakahithit ng Veloso pagpasensyahan na
Whatever!
We enjoyed laughing and Belle started sharing about how Kilig she felt when out of nowhere daw when
she felt that she was alone, suddenly he came and made everything alright. Shes really into him, I could

tell. Pero, may girlfriend yung tao e :|

Pawisan kana ohh.
Ok lang yan. Ano practice ulit tayo?
Ayaw pang pakasal!
Ano?
Wala!!sige aalis nako.. may klase pa ko e

Chapter 9

Maras POV

I was walking alone at the corridor going on our last practice before the contest. I decided to drop by the
locker and put my books inside; I wont need it anyway
Hi
I gaze at the girl beside me. My eyes narrowed because I know Ive seen this girl.
You probably forgot about me. Im Christine. Francos girlfriend
Ahh. Hi.

The idea of Belle, enjoying Francos company suddenly entered my mind.

Uhm. Eto ohh She handed me a familiar pink notebook. I look at her and saw how puzzled her
expression is.
I believe this is Belles notebook. I found it inside Francos car.

Shoot. Oo nga.
Thank you. I said nervously.
Close pala talaga sila no?

She said shyly.

Ahh..Oo. I put the notebook inside my locker and closed it. I somehow feel the guilt. I know how it feels
to be cheated, but I chose to support and let Belle be happy on what shes doing. Friendship isnt what
Belle wants, I know it. Im too smart to know on how a girl could turn into a deceitful, foxy, bratt when it
comes to love.
Uhm
May kaylangan ka pa? Gusto mong manood sa contest mamaya?
Having a careless mouth is what I really hate about myself. Of course I dont want to feel awkward and
stiff between my best friend and this nice girl in front of me. Wala na e. Nasabi ko na :|
No thanks. Im going to visit my brother in the hospital. Buti naman
Ahh. So pano Ill go ahead. I smiled at her and she smiled back, making feel more comfortable.
Wait..
I looked back at her. If theres a chance that you would see Franco, please tell him to call me
I will.
Thanks. Nice meeting you again Mara

I nodded and smiled again. As I turn around to walk, I heard her phone rang. She immediately answered
it. I slowed down, making me look like a chismosa for you, but I dont know why I suddenly did that as if
my counterpart tells me to do so.
Oh Mark. Kamusta kana?
I froze and recalled what Christine said a while ago. She was going to visit her brother in the hospital. I
looked back at her for the third time, I think. This time, she ended the call and noticed me.
May problema ba Mara?
Ka-kapatid mo si Mark Velasco?

Is my suspicion right or what? As far as I remember, Mark doesnt talk about him having a brother or
sister.
Oo. Bakit?
She started walking towards me.
Ahh. W-wala lang
Is there something between you and Mark??Please tell me
Hes my..
Hes your?
My..friend
GAHD. Why is it so hard to tell that hes my ex-boyfriend? Ano ba??
Talaga??!Then you should come with me. Matutuwa yun pag nakita ka nya
What the hell. Ano na naman tong pinasok ko :|
Ahm Ano kasi Christine. Ano bang nangyari kay Mark?
Nice. Talagang concern ako noh??pakibatukan nga ako please
He was hit by a car yesterday. Luckily, he only got minor injuries but hes still under observation
Asa pang mamatay agad yun lalaking yun. Hes strong but afraid of the needles
I remember how hard
I laugh when he was alsoOOOPPPSS. Erase. Erase. I shouldnt care at him anymore. Right? Plus, he has
a kind sister and Tita Eula with him.
I smiled.
Buti naman. Maybe Ill drop by sometime after the contest, or pag hindi nako busy. He would certainly
understand it.
Mmm-kay. I want to be frank with you Mara, I want to be your friend. Pwede?
Ha?Sure ka?
Wow. Now I feel like Im between two bumping tectonic plates, causing a big disastrous earthquake. Oh
God, help me.

Oo naman.
Then, Friends

She hugged me tightly Thanks!

Great. I have a new friend. Feels good though

we part ways and I went straight to the music room where I saw Anton playing the piano. He was singing.
I stood near the door to listen but he stopped and said
Late kana
You sure have good radar
Yup. Especially built for tracing Mara vibes
I laughed and put my things on the floor.
O para sayo He was holding a white rose in front of me while his eyes still focused on the piano keys.
Bat mo ko binibigyan nito?

He smiled and looked at me straight in the eyes.

Sa ayaw mot sa gusto, manliligaw nako simula ngayon.
Lots of confetti suddenly fell and there I was, being teased and harassed my Belle. Galing, may kasama
pala kami.

Franco and Belle are with us.

Geez. Naalala ko tuloy si Christine :|

Dude, you really cant do it in a nice and gentle way. Franco said while patting Antons head.
Okay. Close na din sila. hindi ko alam.
Asa kapa kay Anton. Sweet though!!yieeeee!! :>
Tama na nga!! Umalis na kayo, magparactice pa kami
Asus. Galit-galitan. Gusto lang masolo si Anton

Franco and Belle shared a high-five. Ano to. As far as I know, Im here to practice.

Labas na nga! Anton pushed the two outside and closed the door.
Hayy salamat
We both looked at each other while I was still holding the rose. A smile was forming at his lips that made
me smile too. We end up laughing. I dont know why, all I know is Im happy.

Chapter 10. 1
Maras POV

Dugdug. Dugdug
I feel like Im Xeira in 548 heartbeats (A story that really made me cry, credits to Ms. Peach

) . Not

because the love of my life is near, but because were next to perform. My hands are shaking and this
means, my voice too. Why did I join this contest in the first place? Takot ako!!!
Nervous?
Anton smiled slyly. He sat beside me and pinched my nose.
Aray naman!. Oo na, Im nervous!! Wag nalang kaya??
Sira!! Kung kelan malapit na.Alam mo youre cute when youre nervous
I avoided his eyes and stare at my guitar, beside my lap.Tigilan mo nga ako
Bat ka namumula??Dont tell me in love kana sakin
As if?!!

Oh??Pikon kana? Sorry naman, I was just making you feel comfortable
Didnt help
Wag ka matakot. Your voice is better than them. Plus, youre prettier
Okay. Ganto ba talaga pag nanliligaw si Anton?? Puro bola!!
I raised an eyebrow and pinched both of his cheeks.

CUTE!!!!!much better if you shut up your mouth! I said sarcastically.

Ang sweet nila ohh. Kakainggit. Mukhang love na love ang isat-isa
We both looked at the girls giggling on one side of the backstage. I stopped pinching his cheeks and glared
at him, hes staring at me with a wide smile printed on his face.
Oh bat ka tumigil??Isa pa dali
Ill leave you, youll see
Dont worry He held my hand tightly.
Those two words made me feel like Im am the most protected girl in the whole world. The warmth of his
hands creep through my veins up to my heart and washed away the uneasy feeling I have.

Belles POV
Spell HAPPY!!
Franco was sitting next to me, while we were here at the universitys theater. Kinakabahan ako para kay
Mara.
He poked me and leaned closer.
That girl has a nice voice but I dont think she has the looks he whispered
Ang bad mo I gazed at the girl singing in front of us. And yes, tama si Franco.
He knows many things. Truth is, Im starting to like him. NO. I like him. I dont plan to ruin his
relationship with her girlfriend but I am willing to wait until he would realize that he feels the same way.
Right now, I would be the best friend he ever had.
*BBRRRRRR*
I looked at my phone and received a text message from Mara.

From: Mara
Please tell Franco to call her GIRLFRIEND..Okay?. Thanks <3
At talagang she emphasized the word girlfriend.

Franco, sabi ni Mara tawagan mo daw girlfriend mo

huh? Close na sila?
I really don't know, maybe they just met on the way and recognized each other.
I shrugged and focused my eyes on the stage. I took a glance at him and saw that hes holding his phone,
probably dialing her gfs number.
Unattended e
Try calling her again later.
He smiled and stared at me. But I saw his eyes narrowed while looking at my cheeks.
Okay STOP!. i'm melting
May mole ka pala sa left cheek. Ngayon ko lang napansin
Talaga??
Yup, but too small to be noticed
Akala ko kung ano. Uhm, ano nga palang pangalan ulit ng girlfriend mo?
Christine
Do you mind telling me something about her?
What a question. This stupid mouth should be punished
Ahm. Christine is such a good person. Ano pa ba..hmm. Yun, shes the best
While he was describing her, I could see that hes happy and so much in love with that girl. Thats when I
realize how bad I am for assuming that he might be mine someday. Its as if truth was slapped directly on
face. What would I do? I love being with him, and Im not planning to stay away from him.
E ako? I told you, my mouth should be in jail right now. Why am I so careless?
huh?
Wala.
I felt uneasy as I focus again to the one performing on the stage.

Ikaw ang pinakamasayang kasama sa lahat

I looked at him while he was smiling at me.
Now, tell me how could I manage to move on?

...to be continued...

10.2

Antons POV

2nd place??hmmm. Not bad Belle waved the F**kin certificate in front me. We were meant to win, I
know and we dont deserve that piece of paper. I clenched my fist, ready to punch someone hard on the
face. I can smell something wrong.
Ano ba kasing totoong nangyare? She took a sit in front of me and gave me a worried look.
Flashback
Lets go, were next
I grabbed Maras cold and clammy hands. She sighed deeply and smiled before she took her guitar.
A familiar figure of a man wearing a cap that almost hid his face run carelessly towards us and bumped
Mara, I lose my grip on her hand making her fell flat on the floor while her guitar was completely wrecked
into pieces.
Oh my god. No. She held the pieces of her guitar with tears forming in her eyes. I looked around to find
that son of a b!tch but I saw faces of concerned people gathering around us.
Too late.

Are you hurt? I worriedly said.

Contestan no. 2. Youre next.. Please come on stage NOW
I almost punched the face of the announcer. He should have been sensitive enough to see that were on a
critical solution and that the best solution is to call the next contestant instead.
Come on stage or youll be disqualified The announcer hissed and went back on stage.
Anton Maras eyes imply weakness and fear.
We dont need to do this.
She wiped her tears and stood up.
No. Andito na tayo. We can do it
She seized for my hand and dragged me on stage.
Tama. Nandito na e. Well just do our best.
We looked at each other before I play.
No matter how many obstacles we encounter, as long as Im with you, Ill never be afraid.
End of Flashback
So youre telling me that its not an accident but rather planned??Yun ba Anton?
I sighed.
TADAAAAA!! I saw a plastic full of cookies, an inch in front of my face.
I snatched it and looked at Mara standing behind me. She was smiling as if something bad didnt happen.
Ok lang yan, yung iba nga walang makain Then she pinched both of my cheeks and sat beside me.
Ok lang pala Anton e. OA kalang magdrama
Yeah right. I just really cant forget the sympathy I felt when I saw her trying to put back the pieces of her
guitar.
Wait!anong oras na?

10 minutes before 3. Bakit?

OMG!! Mara!!
OMG what??
Malelate na tayo sa klase natin kay Sir Animales..Stoops!
Bloody hell. Tara na!
Ayun. I enjoyed watching them running. Take note, nakaheels pa yun.
I looked at the cookies and smiled; it was designed like a lip pouting. I noticed a small pink paper inside.
Note:
COOKISS for Anton. <3 <3 Enjoy every bite. HAHAHA.
Enjoy every bite huh?? I laughed and went to my locker.
I opened it and found a piece of paper. Galing. I received two notes.
Meet me at 5, same place. Dont ever think of not showing up. You know me very well.
XOXO,
Kris

Chapter 11

Antons POV

As I step inside that big abandoned building, thoughts of Mara was playing repeatedly on my mind. Its
because of her that I did the most stupid thing I could ever imagine. Its because of my love for her that it
leads to something i really didn't want.

Youre late as usual Kris said while smirking as he stood straight after leaning on the wall. He looked
thinner than before. At first glance you wouldnt really think that he is something special, I mean someone
who likes hot pretty girls.
Kris and I were best friends since elementary but we attended different schools back in high school. Ive
never heard anything about him since then until I saw him here in Marsen University. He told me that he
was bullied because of his true identity in this all boys school. It came up to the point that his dad denied
him in front of his friends.
What do you want? I said as calm as possible.
Well, uhh. This is something just between YOU and I Anton..Just between you and i
Wait a minute, are you drunk?
He sneered and walked inside a room. I followed him and found lots of drug paraphernalia on the floor.
Sh!t, adik pala tong baklang to.
Surprised? He picked a piece of that something and smelled it.These is my best friend. And, youre my
friend too right?
Uhh..Y-yes
Nalulungkot ako ngayon Anton. I have no money to buy these anymore because of my f**kin father and I
have so many debts that I have to pay.
Diretsahin mo na ko Kris He grinned devilishly.
Masyado kang nagmamadali. I have something to show you pa. He pulled the venetian blind and there I
saw a man with a tape on his mouth. He was mercifully asleep. Only a glass was separating the room
where we are and where the guy is.

I narrowed my eyes and studied the face of the man.

!@#$%

Si Mark
Yey!!youre right!!

!@#$% Kris, what is he doing there?!

Oh? Arent you happy to see him like this??Diba this is what you want?
I froze on the spot where I was standing. He got me speechless.
Oh?? Bat ka namumutla??
Flashback
Strange. This is what I feel. For a few minutes of staring at her eyes, I began to long for it. I think Im in
love with her.
UGH.
I rolled from my bed and picked my phone. I need to talk to someone.
I dialed Kris number.
Hello Kris
O Anton. Its been a long time. Ano inom tayo?
Sure, san ka?
He gave me the address of the bar hes at. I drove for a few minutes and reached the classy bar with
attractive lights outside.
I saw him waving at me at one side of the bar. I smiled and sat opposite him. We drank and made fun
while I didnt bother looking at my watch.
Olats ka pala e. Nainlove ka sa may boyfriend na
Nga e. I like her so much Kris.
Wait, I have an idea
What is it??
No. Its a surprise. Malapit na birthday mo diba??
Kinikulabutan ako sayo Kris.

After a week i received news from Belle that Mara and Mark just broke up.
I got a letter from my locker. It wrote.
Quote
Happy Birthday my beloved friend. Did you receive the news?? Guess what, i planned it. No need to thank
me.
Kris
End of Flashback
All you need to do is help me. Will you?
Pwede bang pakawalan mo na muna sya?
Sagutin mo muna tanong ko.
Tapos? If I pay all his debts and support his wrong habit, Ill take the conscience for the rest of my life. I
dont want to be the key to ruin my friends life.
Kris. Listen to me. Youre ruining your life.
What life?? Matagal nang sira ang buhay ko Anton.
No. I can help you.
He laughed and waved his hand. So thats it. Ayun ang sagot mo. Pagsisisihan mo to Anton
Four guys entered the room where Mark is, and poured a pale of water in his face. He was awakened and
his eyes were terrified. His eyes met mine and I felt sympathy and the urge to help him. They started
punching and kicking his stomach until I saw blood coming out of his mouth.
I step outside to run to help him, but two men blocked my way.
Not so fast Anton
One of them punched my stomach that made me curl down the floor. A handkerchief was covered at my
nose. The smell made my nerves numb and everything went black.

Maras POV
I was walking along with Belle and Franco to the old abandoned building inside the university. A strange
call made my whole body froze and my heart beat so fast.
Old abandoned building at Marsen U. I think your friend needs your help dear
And then I heard a growling of a man, crying in pain.
Sino ba kayo??! A familiar voice. I know that voice.
Kinakabahan ako sayo Mara. Are you sure boses ni Mark yung narinig mo?
I cant be wrong Belle. Si Mark yun

We reached the building but Franco entered first. He checked if the place was safe for us and then he
signaled us to enter.
I opened a door where I could hear are the sounds of droplets of water pouring on the floor. Maybe hes
here.
I didnt move an inch as I saw two men inside.
Anton, with no trace of bruise in his face and Mark lying on the floor covered with blood.

Chapter 12

Belles POV

Mara nak

I was shocked by what I saw. Mark was lying on the floor, wet with both water and blood. Hes not yet
dead because of his deep breath as a sign that he had been tortured. !@#$% naiiyak ako
My eyes landed on Anton, who was then looking at the floor maybe at a state of shock with a thick wood
stick on his hand.
Aanton. Bakit ka may hawak na pamalo? Mara looked at Franco, teary eyed with fear in her eyes.
He threw it after realizing what Franco said.
Hi-ndi ko alam.
All our eyes switched on the door when we heard a slight knock. We saw a guy, tall but thin and 4 guys
behind him.
He smirked before he entered. May bisita pala tayo Sir Anton
!@#$% Kris..Tigilan mo na to Antons eyes were full of anger as he clenched his fist.
Sir?

she said puzzled.

Bakit po Sir Anton?Diba inutusan nyo kami na dalhin sya dito. We didnt know you would do this to him.
Ang sabi mo lang kidnapin namin sya.
Ano bang sinasabi mo?? Anton looked at us Hes lying. Believe me
Diba..Ikaw yung kasama ni Mark sa picture? Her hands covered her mouth after realizing that what she
said is true.

Great He switched his eyes to Anton and smirked Right sir?

What the f*ck is he saying??

G*go ka pala e!! He punched Kris making him fell down the floor. The four guys were ready to back him
up but he waved his hand signaling the guys to back-off.
TAMA NA!!! Mara burst out her anger and saw tears falling in her eyes.
Mara maniwala ka sakin
*SLAP*
How could you do this to me?!! I embraced Mara as she crumpled Antons shirt.
Mara ang mabuti pa dalhin na natin si Mark sa ospital
We were alarmed when we heard a siren of the police outside the building.
!@#$% Umalis na tayo dito!!!
Hindi pwede pare. Franco blocked their way, with police officers behind him.

Franco and I were waiting outside the room where Mark is. Mara and Christine were inside the
room. Magkapatid pala sila ni Christine. Ngayon ko lang nalaman. She was in US for 5 years and that
time Mark and Christine dont have a good relationship because Christine is a daughter of another woman.
Meaning magkapatid sila sa ama. Maybe thats why Mark didnt mention her with us. Now, as far as I
could see, theyre in good terms.
Ang lalim ng iniisip mo
I smiled at him as he offered a coffee.
I didnt know Anton could do this thing
Asan nga pala sya??
Hes at the police station. Baka iniinterrogate pa.
I began to be sad as I think of him. Anton is such a good person for petes sake! Hindi sya ganun!!

Ang galing ahhh. Buti tumawag kana agad ng pulis bago pumunta dun.
Better be sure than sorry. Sa klase ng lugar na pupuntahan natin, mukhang mga adik lang napunta dun.
Don't get me wrong ah. Pero ok na din na may nahuli dun kasi, mapapahiya ako.
Salamat Franco I held his hand while I smiled.
No biggie. Im your-- friend right??
Ehem We saw Mara and Christine Franco, tara na I immediately removed my hand from his.
She smiled weakly at me. I returned the smile and Franco stood up.
Pano Mara, Belle. Kayo na muna bahala. Ill just get Kuya Mark some clothes and tell mommy what
happened.
Mara nodded and smiled. She went inside the room while I just stood there, watching as the two of them
disappeared out of my sight. Shes really lucky to have a boyfriend like him. But I think Francos luckier to
have her. Perfect. Theyre a perfect couple. They held hands as if theyll never let go of each other. Masaya
ko para sayo Franco

Maras POV

Suki kana dito ahh Nurse Jazz said as she kept her stethoscope and sphygmomanometer. Mark was just
smiling as if he didnt experience any injury. Tss, makes me want to pinch his wounds
Thanks Nurse Jazz. Kelan ako pwedeng lumabas?
Get real Mark. You were just admitted for about 8 hours. Besides, the police will come here tomorrow to
get some statement from you
Kalabaw ka talaga Mark. Ang lakas mo.
Shut up Belle, just because Im injured you could bully me like that.
They joked, as if nothing happened like were on the same situation, a year ago. Belle really shows her
maldita side when it comes to Mark. Theyre friends but Belle really doesnt care if theyre not. Shes not
sensitive on those things thats why she didnt bother getting angry with Mark after the..You know.

Nagtampo nga ako ng konti e. I mean, diba??She should be the one to punch Mark hard on his face. Well,
maybe Belle has a soft side when it comes to Franco. He and Anton are the only guy friends that she has.
Nurse Jazz went outside the room, and there we are. Quiet again.
UGH. I should get some air!!
Sa But before I managed to stop her from going outside, she slammed the door.
I grimaced as I sat down the chair and get my phone inside my bag. I really dont know now what to do.
I texted Belle to come but I only got

as her reply. Okay, did I say shes my bestfriend?Talaga??kelan?

Nakakainis I whispered.
Ang cute
I glanced at him, and caught him staring at me. He looked away and pretended that he was pertaining to
the flowers beside the table. Duh. I know you Mark.
Do you need anything?
Bakit ata ang bait mo sakin?.
Nahihiya lang ako sa pamilya mo. Thats why I do this. Dont expect more
Bakit?
Im a part of it Mark. Every wound you have is because of me
Bakit?
Wala ka bang ibang sasabihin??!
Uhh..Why?
Inhale. Exhale. Kalma. Kalma. I ll just go outside breathe fresh air.
OUCH!!!! I saw Mark holding his left knee.
What happened??! I ran beside him. Asan ang masakit? I touched his knee as gentle as possible. Gahd,
I really dont want to see him like this. Nakakatrauma kaya na makita sya na ganito. Oh no, Tears, please
stay in place. Stop. Stop. Wag kang iyakin Mara. OA na OA.

Do you want me to call the nurse? I looked up to see him smiling playfully at me.
Akala ko ba masakit?! I frowned.
Hindi na. Hinawakan mo na e.
Nakakainis ka I hit his shoulder Ouch!. Easy on that. By that time, I know hes not joking anymore.
Why are you always teasing me like that?

Yes, hes always like that ever since weve met. We often fight but he never lets a day pass without a
ceasefire. Hes immature, an attention seeker, a spoiled brat, a mamas boy, but I chose to love him
despite his imperfections plus his undying pick-up lines.
Namiss kita.. SOBRA-SOBRA
Me too.

Chapter 13

Anton's POV

Empty. Thats how I feel right now.

I cannot anymore recognize Kris face because of the things that the 4 guys did with him when we got in
this place, inside the prison. It was covered with bruises and some swollen parts which mean he had been
flogged so many times. Hes not saying anything since we were brought here. And that makes me want to
beat him more. The only thing I did is lying. I lied to Mara and keep to myself what really happened.
Dinamay lang ako ni Kris. The police really didnt arrest me in the first place, but he pointed me as the
mastermind. Thats why Im here. I say what I know whenever they ask me. But they cannot confirm it
since that as$hole is pretending to be mute.
Anton dearest. Hindi kaba masaya ngayon?

Out of the blue, he said something. But that something made my blood pressure rise again. !@#$%
O bakit??Isnt beautiful?? Your life now is like the telenovelas we watch on TV
I prefer to keep quiet as he laughs devilishly while caressing his wounds. I cannot see his eyes since his
eyelids were swollen but that doesnt interfere with my thoughts that hes looking at me.
Isipin mo yun. Dahil sa ginawa kong palabas, akala ni Mara ikaw ang may kasalanan ng lahat. Tapos
magkakabalikan sila ni Mark. But do you think there would be a good twist if she realizes that she fell in
love with you??Ang miserable nya. She fell in love with the man who ruined her supposed to be happy
ending with Mark. What do you think?.
I tried to get my thoughts away and didnt bother the stupid things that he said.
Suplado huh?. But Im thankful though to ruin a part of your life, since you messed up mine too. I
shouldnt be in here. Quits na diba?

I woke up because of the commotion I heard at the police desk. I stroke my back as I stand up to see why
there are so many people inside the police station. Out of the crowd I saw Belle.
I touched the cold bars of the gate and smiled. She immediately went in front of me.
"Belle, naniniwala ka sakin diba?"
"Gags!. Syempre no.Anton mukhang makakalabas kana"
huh?Pano?
See those guys??. They went here after they knew that Kris had been put to jail. Idinidiin na nila yung
hinayupak
Anak sabihin mo, si Kris yung nagbigay sayo ng drugs diba? A woman said as she cuddles her
son. The boy nodded and I noticed his hands were shaking.
Pinilit nya po. Sabi nya daw po ibigay ko dun sa mga lalaki sa bilyaran.
Sya ho iyon sir! Suspek din yan sa pagrape sa anak ng kumare ko! Another woman said.

Hope started to invade in me. A smile now was printed on my face.

I turn around to look at him. He was just sitting, embracing his knees as he hums a song. Nasiraan na ata
ng bait.
Makakatakas ka sa pulis but not with me. You need to explain all of these.
I will. Kamusta si Mara?
Do you really want to know?
I gulped and sighed. Wag na. Alam ko na
Shes with Mark right now.

Marks POV

Good morning kuya!! Christine said as she put the breakfast on the table beside my bed.
Morning My eyes roamed around the room to see if there is a sign of Mara inside.
Umalis na sya kanina She sat on my bed and looked at me.Past or present?
huh?
Kung past or present si Mara.
I laughed and took a bite of the bread. Chismosa kana ngayon?
Hindi noh! I didnt mean to hear the things she said a while ago, while you were sleeping
Ano sabi nya?
As far as I could remember, medyo naluluha sya tas she said something about coming back
Coming back??coming back to me? What if Im right? Pero, baka assuming lang ako. Coming back to
who?where?what?
So ano nga? Past or present?
Both She raised an eyebrow Ang labo naman e!

She may be my past, but I wont just give her up. I want to be her present until forever.
I grinned at her and lie down my bed. I covered my face with the blanket and hugged the pillow.
Kuya naman e!!!
Ssshhh!! Be good lil sis. Kuyas tired.
Tired??e kakagising mo lang kaya!! KUYA!!
Christine, wag kang makulit
I heard Francos voice.
O? whatre you doing here? Grabe, taray ng kapatid ko. She should atleast be happy to see her boyfriend
early in the morning.
Binibisita kayo. Just want to check if youre okay. Ang laki ng eye bags mo oh
Im alright.

Christines POV

---------------I cant..I need to come back.------

Were the only words I hear as Mara caressed kuyas hair. I could see in her eyes that shes hurting.
Mara
O Christine. Youre just in time. Uuwi na ko
Salamat Mara ahh. Nga pala, hindi ko na sinabi kay mommy yung nangyari. Baka kasi magtanong sya
sayo
How did you know that we know each other?
Nagkalkal ako sa room ni kuya kagabi. I saw a picture of you two on his table. Marami kang pictures sa
loob ng kwarto ni Kuya

Ahh. She smiled as she looked at Kuya, sleeping soundly. Sige una nako.
Bye. Thanks ulit I hugged her.
Youre welcome she hugged me back.
After a few minutes, I decided to bring breakfast for my brother but I saw Maras handkerchief on the sofa.
I immediately went outside hoping that I could still catch her up but I saw Franco and Mara talking
seriously outside. I was going to approach them but it seems that theyre talking about a confidential thing.
So I chose to keep her hanky instead and get the breakfast.
After a while, Franco showed up in the room as I forced to kuya Mark to tell me the status between him
and Mara. Minsan na nga lang magtanong e.
O? whatre you doing here? I didnt mean to sound like that. It just came out of my mouth.
Binibisita kayo. Just want to check if youre okay. Ang laki ng eye bags mo oh
Im alright. He was about to kiss me on my cheeks but my senses told me to stop it. Kumain kana?
He just sighed and sat down the couch opposite us. Yup. Ive eaten... with Belle
Belle? Close na close na sila ganun? Nakakainis ahh.
Ahh. May paosk ka ngayon diba? I think you should go right now
Actually I was planning to skip school today, para tulungan ka
No need. I can handle it myself.
Pero
Franco I looked at him intently.
Okay. If thats what you want. He gave me a weak smile and left.
Ang cold mo lil sis.
Kala ko ba youre tired?
Bumawi ka sa kanya He sat down and poked my head.
What do you mean?

You should learn to appreciate the people who loves and cares for you. I dont want you to regret
Christine.
Pero Kuya
Mahal mo?
I didnt manage to speak. Mahal ko naman sya e, kaya ko nga sya boyfriend diba? I love him because he
makes me happy.
Ganto nalang. Bakit mo sya sinagot?
DUH! Ang corny na!
Bahala ka Christina. Basta I already warned you. Pero kung ang sagot mo sa tanong ko e dahil
napapasaya ka nya, well think twice sis.
Ba-bakit naman?
Hindi kaba masaya kapag kasama mo ko?Hindi ba kita napapatawa pag mag kasama tayo? E pano yung
iba mong kaibigan lalaki?? All Im saying is, you shouldnt base your feelings if youre happy with
someone or not. May mga taong mas bagay na maging kaibigan lang natin.
Iba ka naman e. Syempre kuya kita
Bakit Christine, mamahalin mo parin ba sya kapag kulubot at bungi na sya? Mamahalin mo pa rin ba sya
kapag nalaman mong may alipunga sya sa paa?
Eeeww!
Tamo! Nandiri ka..
Ahh basta! Kumain kana nga lang!
Hindi mo alam kung totoo ang sinasabi o nang-aasar lang

Chapter 14

Maras POV

It was 2 am in the morning. I was awakened by the sound of the vibration my phone created.
*brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*
Hello Ma. I whispered to avoid waking up Mark who was asleep at that moment.
I stood up and scratched my eyes.
Anak I think you should go home
Bakit po?? I went inside the comfort room to avoid whispering.
Your dad.. He had a mild stroke yesterday.
What??! Bat hindi nyo agad sinabi?!
Calm down Mara.
Sorry po. Dont worry Ill go there in Laguna as soon as possible.. Hows dad?
Hes okay right now. O pano anak. Ingat ka sa byahe ha. Tumawag ka na lang ulit. Okay?
Yes mom. I love you.
I love you too dear
I sighed and looked at my reflection in the mirror. Mara, you need to be strong.
Its a good thing that vacation will start a few days from now, and I have suffered and surpassed the
stressful finals. I dont mind being absent for the last few days of school since clearance thingy and
project/hell week is done. Another reason is, I really dont know what I will do if I would see Anton. I cant
hide the fact that he lied to me and that Mark suffered all along.

Maybe I should cool down before

talking to him and clear my mind. I need to rest.

I waited for 2 more hours inside the hospital. I made sure that Marks condition is okay so that I wont
worry for him anymore. Anjan naman si Christine e.
For Anton, Belle wont let him be at prison for a long time. Shell help him, I know.

I packed my things and cleared the sofa where I slept. I looked at him before opening the door.
Hes Mark. The one, half my heart belongs to. The other was taken by the man..
bars inside the prison.

experiencing the cold

Here comes confusion.

Ive learned to live without this guy, while I got used to the company of the other. I love them, both..

I think
I dont want to leave you this way, but right now I dont know who to choose. Forgive me if we cant be
like we used to be before. Hindi ganun kadali ang lahat Mark. Especially when you know that theres
someone who made you happy and gave you the best. Pinunan nya lahat ng kulang Mark. Pero, alam mo
yung pakiramdam na natraydor ka?. Na nag mukha pala akong tanga. Na pati ikaw na mahal ko, nasaktan
ko ng hindi sinasadya. Masakit. Gusto ko si Anton, Gustong-gusto. Siguro nga kung hindi to nangyari
malamang minahal ko na sya at nakalimutan na kita. Magulo ang isip ko ngayon Mark. I cant afford to
lose the both of you. I cant. I need to come back I moved closer at him and caressed his face.to the
place where the world taught me how to love. Kung saan sa iisang lalaki lang umiikot ang mundo ko.
Then I kissed his forehead.

Francos POV

I woke up early just to visit Christine and Mark in the hospital. I called Christine so many times but only
the voice of the operator responds. Bat kasi patay ang cellphone.
Despite of the busy week, I seldom saw her in school and we didnt talk that much. Palagi syang busy kahit
malapit ng magbakasyon. I miss her so much. But it seems that she doesnt feel the same. Para wala lang
sa kanya na hindi kami madalas magkita. Sa bagay, Im not her priority in the first place. Pinagsiksikan ko
lang siguro ang sarili ko sa kanya. 5 years. 5 years ko syang niligawan, sinundan-sundan at sinuyo. I was
always left behind. She calls me if she needs someone to talk to or rather make her smile. Ako na ang

clown sa buhay nya. Yun lang ang role ko lagi. To relieve her stress and be with her.
My message tone played.
Quote
From: Belle
Sorry!! No tutorial ngayon. Ill be absent. Anton needs someone to help him.

Eto, ang number 1 fan ko simula pa noon. Shes smarter than me when it comes to academics but I have
more experiences, and thats what makes her admire me even more. Oo. Alam ko na may gusto sya sakin.
But she never gave any intention to tempt me. Shes a wholesome girl like Christine, although shes
sweeter and more thoughtful. Hindi ko sya pinapaasa dahil hindi nya naman ako binibigyan ng dahilan
para isiping kaya nya lang ako kinaibigan dahil may iba syang intentions.
I smiled as I read her text message. She really doesnt forget her obligations. Buti nalang tinext nya ko,
kundi maghihintay talaga ako sa kanya sa library.
I remember suddenly the scene where I waited for Christine for 3 hours in a restaurant only to find out
that she forgot about it. Tss. Wag na ngang isipin.

---after an hour---

I saw Mara walking on the hall. Wala sya sa sarili nya kaya hindi nya ako napansin agad. As we move
closer to each other, I saw tears flowing on her cheeks. I felt the need to approach her. That face, the same
face I saw inside the library where I approached her to accompany me to RS building. Siya lang ang naisip
kong lapitan noon. Oo, dahil maganda sya. But theres something about her that can make you feel
comfortable enough to talk to her.
Mara, are you okay??
F-franco She wiped her tears and smiled at me.
Uhm.. Pwedeng humingi sayo ng favor?
Oo naman.
Samahan mo naman akong magkape
Sure!.Basta ikaw
Salamat

We went at the cafeteria while no one talked. I saw how sad she is, even her eyes tell her feelings.
Youre hurting, are you?
She gave a weak smile and sat down.
Alam mo Franco. I didnt expect that you would be the one wholl comfort me in this kind of situation.
Thank you for replacing Belle.
Okay lang. Pwedeng-pwede mo kong sabihan.
She was getting something inside her bag. Nawawala yung panyo ko
Here. Use mine. Wag kang mag-alala hindi pa yan gamit
She smiled and got my handkerchief. I noticed a piece of paper that fell out of her bag. I got it and looked
at it.
Zephiel?
Ahh. Oo. Haha. Ano kasi. Fan ako She said shyly.
"Talaga?Bakit naman?"
"Anong bakit naman??DUH Franco, He's so admirable. I really didn't miss any of his concert"
Mara may sasabihin ako. Wag kang magugulat
Oo naman. Ano yun?
This guy I pointed the man in the picture while she nodded and looked at me seriously. Is my..... cousin
WHAT?!!!! She stood up and made a large noise inside. Buti nalang konti lang ang tao.
Sabi ko wag kang magugulat
She sat down again while looking around.
Are you damn serious?
Do I look like Im not?
OMG! Totoo nga. Pakilala mo naman ako dali!!!
Sige, if I had the chance to see him.

Sa bagay, busy yun..Hindi tuloy ako makakapanood ng concert nya this week
Bakit naman?? Are you going somewhere?
Ahh. No. Haha She said nervously
Sabihin na.
Wala nga
Sige, hindi na kita ipapakilala sa kanya
Alright!! Im going to Laguna
Kelan??Bakit?
Ngayon. Na-stroke yung daddy ko. Mild stroke. So I need to spend my vacation there
and youre running away.
Kinda
Do you want me to tell them?
No. I mean. If they ask you about it. If not, then keep quiet
Okay.
O sya sige aalis nako. Magiimpake pa ko e. Thanks Franco!!
She ran away and waved at me from outside the cafeteria. Muntikan pa syang madapa.

Chapter 15

Antons POV

We both sat down the grass as we watch the children playing at the park. Buti pa sila masaya. Pero ok na
din. Everything was settled, between me and Kris. Hes there, inside the four corners of the prison while
Im here, breathing the fresh air of the outside world. Well, at the same time suffering the consequences.
Ang cute nila tingnan parang
Parang kayo ni Franco noon?
Tse! She took her wallet inside her bag and left me sitting on the grass Ill just go buy some coffee
I looked at my phone, hesitating to call Mara or not. I dont know what to do. Ayoko syang mawala.
After a few minutes, she came back.
Tawagan ko kaya?
Dont bother calling her at this time of the day. She might be sleeping and tired because she stayed at the
hospital
I saw her sipping the cup of coffee while looking at the children.Asan yung kape ko?
Bakit nagpabili kapa?Asa ka naman na ibibili kita, may kasalanan ka pa no
Kung makapagsalita akala mo sya ang ginawan ng masama I hissed and stood up to buy my own.
May sinasabi ka?
Wala. Bibili ako ng akin
A thought came in my mind as I walk towards the store. What if she and Mark reconciled and decided to
bring back their relationship? Pano ako? Pero, what if she realized that she fell in love with me too?.But
the good question is, what will happen next? Will she ever talk to me again?
I saw Belle from afar, her back facing me. It was her long hair that swayed as the wind blows. Madaling
mahalin ang babaeng katulad ni Belle. Thoughtful, maalaga, masayang kasama. Why does my heart chose

to fall in love with Mara instead of Belle? Ive met her long before Mara. But I didnt feel the same for her
as i feel for her bestfriend right now. So why am I making a big deal out of it? May Franco na yan. And Im
still happy though, atleast hindi sya abnormal. Marunong din mainlove.
Do you think she would want to see me after what happened?
I dont think so.
So what shall I do then?
You need to wait. Common sense lang Anton. Kahit bata, kapag nag-aaway hindi agad magkakabati. Tayo
pa kayang mas matanda sa kanila? Ano yun laro lang? Wait until shes ready
How will I know?
Syempre, ano bang role ko dito sa storyang to diba? Aside from being the best friend, Im also the fairy
god mother of either you or Mark or someone else. Ill tell you when shes ready or not
Kelan pa kaya yun. Kapag masaya na ulit sila ni Mark? O nakahanap na rin sya ng someone else?
Thats the saddest part of waiting for something youll never know when to come back. Its still your
choice to hold on and to suffer what it might bring. Ang daya no? Hindi mo alam kung tama ang magiging
desisyon mo, kung susundin mo ang tama o susundin mo kung anong nararamdaman mo. It seems that
were walking at a maze, a very dark one where we cant see anything. A place where we dont know if
theres a wall that we might bump in to or youll find the exit and see the light.
Tears suddenly fell from my eyes. I tried to control it but I cant. Im just too guilty about it and afraid of
something that I might lose along the way. Kaya ko pa bang ipaglaban ang nararamdaman ko?
Oh bakit ka umiiyak? Isang maze lang yun Anton. Wala naman sinabi na hindi pwedeng magdala ng
flashlight diba?. He, from above will guide us Anton. You know who.
I didnt waste anymore second to hug tightly the girl beside me. When everything seems to turn their back
on you, youll find someone who still believes and stays beside you. Either a friend or HIM.

Belles POV

Anton and I part ways at last after a long, disgusting hug that he gave me. Tss, mapagkamalan pang
boyfriend ko yun. I went straight inside my room and slump on my bed, thinking if I would attend my
class this afternoon. Okay, here comes laziness. 2 subjects nalang naman yun e. Wag nalang. Besides, I
already informed Franco about it.
As I stare at the ceilings, I remember the last part of the conversation we had.
Stop while you can Belle
Huh??
You know what Im talking about. I dont want to see you get hurt
I stopped walking and sighed.
Tanga nga siguro ako. And the most stupid thing that I ever did is loving someone who cant love me
back. Pero Anton, yun lang ang pwede kong gawin para sa taong mahal ko. I want to be with him even
if it means I have to swallow everything when I see him happy with Christine. Masaya parin ako dahil
masaya sya at gusto kong kahit papano maging bahagi ng buhay nya kahit katiting lang.
Everything I see became blurred because of the tears that fill my eyes. Anton went beside me and put his
hand on my shoulders.
Hindi naman ako pinanganak para magpakatanga e
Look whos talking
I sat down from lying and saw my best friend leaning on the wall.
Alam mo yung salitang pagkatok Mara??
Why would I knock inside my own room??
I looked around the room only to found out that I am such a fool to go inside the wrong place.
Ayyy. O nga no.
She laughed and immediately sat beside me. Her eyes gazed at my face and saw tears starting to form.

O?
Mamimiss kita Belle!! Her long arms wrapped around me tightly that I couldnt move my own arms.
What the hell is happening to you?
I really dont know what to do without you.
Woah. Are you dying?
Gags! She pushed me and pouted like a child.
E ano nga?
Uwi ako samen. My dad had a mild stroke pero ok na sya ngayon.
Talaga??! Sama ako!
Hephep, how about your summer classes?
Oo nga pala. Sayang
I remember the taste of her moms freshly baked cookies and the special mango shake. Namimiss ko na!!
Dapat kasi nagtext kana lang nung nasa bus kana. Naiinggit lang ako I stood up and saw her things
already packed up.
Thats really what I planned a while ago. E may adik na biglang pumasok sa kwarto ko e.Spoiler!
Oo na, ako na ang pampasira. Do you want me to tell them?
She suddenly laughed O bakit?
Wala may naalala lang ako sa sinabi mo. Anyway, what do you think?
Hmm. No??
Wrong! Kontrabida ka talaga. Tell them if they ask you but make sure theyll never spoil my vacation. I
want to rest Belle. Alam mo naman ang sitwasyon e. Its better off this way
Ok
Hows he?

Ayun. Kakauwi lang din nya. Theres no need to worry anymore

Chapter 16

Marks POV

Ive been sitting in front of this door for almost an hour and a half, waiting for someone to come. People
walking in the corridor look at me and some are grinning like Im a stupid guy. Oo na, this is stupidity for
just waiting outside Belles condo unit. I tried to call her many times but shes not answering her phone.
Lalo naman si Mara. Ever since she left in the hospital, Ive never seen her. Gusto ko lang naman kasi sa
graduation ko, nandun sya. Christine's also inviting her. Malapit na kasing mag-18 yun and she decided to
have a party.
I sighed and get a pen and paper inside my bag where some of my clothes are in. Dun kasi ako tutulog sa
totoong bahay namin. Si Christine kasi e, mapilit. I decided to leave a note to Belle and put the flowers on
her front door. But as I put the bouquet of flowers down, I saw someone came out of the elevator.
Someone I really didnt expect I would see.
He looked at me emotionless as he tries his best to walk. Hes perspiring and a little bit pale. Until his
hand met the wall to balance. He seemed like hes going to pass out.
I ran to him just in time to catch his unconscious body.
Anton! His hot temperature immediately transferred to my arms. I also noticed his right hand swelling.
Sino naman kayang sinuntok ng kumag na to.
Belles figure materialized and ran towards us when she saw our situation. Anton, lying in my arms.
Anong nangyare?!
Ewan ko. Basta nalang sya nahimatay
She looked for her keys inside her bag and opened the door. I almost step in the flowers on the floor
because of carrying such a heavy load on my back.
Ang init nya She said after she touches his forehead.
Do you have any medicine?

Im afraid I dont have.

I carried him to the sofa, still catching for my breath. Bwisit na kamalasan naman. I searched for his
wallet inside his pocket.
Whatre you doing?
I dont want to waste my own money on this guy. Sabi mo walang gamot e. Antayin mo ko dito bibili lang
ako
Thanks
May magagawa ba ko?
I went outside and ran to the nearest drugstore. But just as I was going to go back, the rain started to
fall.
Ako na nga tong tumutulong, ako pa tong dehado.
Sige, wala na. Basa na rin naman ako e. :|
I dashed back to Belles condo while holding the medicine and my phone inside my shirt.
Akala ko ba bibili ka lang ng gamot. E bakit parang nagustuhan mo pa atang maligo
Yeah right. I said sarcastically as I throw the medicine on her.
Peram tuwalya
She laughed and put the medicine on the table. I looked at the man lying on the sofa, sleeping like an
angel. KADIRI ka Mark. San galing yun.
I never expect that I would waste my time on this guy who helped in ruining my relationship with Mara.
Pero kahit na ganon, napatawad ko na din sya. Wala na naman akong magagawa e. Although
nakakaramdam parin ako ng pagkainis. I want to punch him and throw him outside the building while its
raining.
O towel She threw the towel directly on my face.
I get some clothes inside my bag and went inside the cr.
I came out of the comfort room and saw a piece of cloth on Antons forehead. I searched for Belle and
found her cooking some soup.
Sabihin mo lang kasi kung naiinlove kana kay Anton
She looked at me and glared.
San si Mara?
Bat ko sasabihin sayo
Daya.

Give me one good reason why.

Because I want to invite her to my graduation and introduce her formally to my father..
Nye, feeling ka din e. Hindi na kayo no
As a special friend. Hindi pa kasi tapos
Special friend huh. Ano to high school? Ang mushy mo
Ganun talaga. Gaya ka
Well, san pa ba pupunta yun, e wala naman yung ibang alam na lugar kundi ito at ang bahay nila
Nasa Laguna sya?
SWERTE.

Belles POV

Youre lying! Anton pounded the table that made the spoon and bowl vibrate.
Goodness Anton!.Why would I lie something about that? He, believe it or not, saved you from falling. If it
were not Mark, you couldve been in the hospital right now!
It the priceless expression on his face that made my day

It may look like a sweet revenge of Mark but

he did the right thing. He just stared at the bowl of soup in front of him.
Tss. Talking about EGO. He did that because he needed to My eyes landed on his fist And dont do that
pounding the table thingy again, Its still swelling
Right, I could still remember that guy.
-Few hours agoQuote
From: Franco
5 pm at the gym. Need someone to talk to.
I received it an hour before and after reading the message, I hesitated if should go or not. I still have a
class at that time and skipping classes would be the least thing I should do in order to pass that subject. I

failed to pass my thesis on time because I still have many documents lost, screw my old laptop.

Think

Think

Think

Alright! You win dear martyr heart. Hindi ko talaga sya matiis
As soon as the class finished, I hurriedly went to the gymnasium. But as I enter, I saw Anton leaning on
the wall.
I knew it. Youre the one hes been waiting
So?
Nothing. Tara samahan mo ko
Are you nuts? he chuckled
No Im not. You are
Takte naman Anton. Stop bothering me and go home! I walked passed him but he grabbed my arm.
Para saan? Youll go there and then again, youll get hurt. Tapusin mo na kasi kung anong meron kayo,
I really dont get your logic when it comes to Franco, we have the same situation Belle, I love someone
who doesnt love me back but I do know how to stop and accept my defeat.
I didnt speak and he let go of my arm. He just left without saying anything but a loud sigh.
I focused my eyes to the guy inside the gymnasium, my heart skipped as he caught my eyes and smiled.
Ang tagal mo!
I gave a fake smile, too far for him to notice and walk towards him.
Sorry, si Anton kase
Ok lang.
We both felt silent that made me feel really awkward.

So, what is it that were going to talk about?

Hows your summer class? Is he getting away from the question or is it
really my summer class that he wants to talk about?
Hmm. Good. Teka Franco
"You must be stressed, seeing Animales everyday of you vacation. Torture right?
He laughed. A fake one.
Did something happen between you and Christine?
T@nga talaga. Why did I even ask that stupid question?
Nakakapagod din pala no? he chuckled Yung palagi nalang kayong nag-aaway pero sa huli alam
mong ikaw ang talo.
Youre right. Especially when all the tears youve shed is not worth it to make that person realize that
you love him. That I love you.
Same as God Franco. Im not as religious as you think but my mother always says that God forgives
and forgets all the sins that weve done. He never gets tired of loving us even if we continue to disobey
Him, but that is only for petty sins. Do you get the point? If He could love us like that, imagine billions of
us, and then maybe we can love like that too. Ano pa kaya ang isang matigas na kalooban ni Christine?
Over billions, you only chose to love oneand thats not me

At ano pa kaya ang isang Franco na

katulad mo? Surely, I can endure that than loving unconditionally billions of people.
His phone vibrated as a sign that someones calling.
Hello Christine his voice became happy from the tone of disappointment a while ago.
I chose not to eavesdrop on what theyre talking about but Francos face enlightened. After a minute or
two, he ended the call and faced me.
Youre right. Thanks Belle. She said she wants to see me
Talaga? W-wow
Ahm. So anoNo. You better go na. Ill be fine here
Sure? Want me to drive you home first?

Kulit ahh. Ok na nga kase. Sige ka, baka mag-away pa kayo kapag nalate ka
Right. He held my hand tightly and smiled[color=indigo ]Salamat[/color]
I watch him disappeared while I am left there, sitting at the bleachers. I really didnt want to go home.
Lalo lang akong malulungkot
I stayed there, for almost an hour, watching the other students play basketball and even volleyball. I
checked my watch and found it was already 7. I immediately went outside. I chose to walk at the short
cut to the gate. My path was somehow dark and scary. Ayy nako. Hindi ako takot.
Si Belle Oh. Ganda!!
I saw three guys blocking my way.
Ano kaba, baka magalit yung boyfriend nan
Gag* wala yang boyfriend
Bwisit na kupal to ah. Talagang kailangang pag-usapan ako sa harapan ko mismo?
Ahh ganun. Oi Belle, tara gimik tayo
No thanks. Excuse me
Wait. Sige na, sandali lang naman e
Pwede kunin number mo?
Libre ka namin. San mo gusto?
I said no. Hinihintay nako ng boyfriend ko sa labas I stepped away from them with my fist ready to
punch and my mind set up to run.
Boyfriend? Sino naman?
Ako A familiar voice said behind me.
Anton?. Ikaw boyfriend nito?
Oo bakit I looked at him. He smiled and put his left hand on my left shoulder.
Lakas mo tol. Magbest friend pa talaga. Amin nalang tong isa They all laughed except the
two of us.

Sige aalis na kami

Wait lang. Sumama nalang kayo samin
No need.
I refuse
No He was smiling but I could tell hes already pissed.
Sige na
Hindi talaga e
Pare namanAnd with after a second or two, the stupid guy fell flat on the floor with blood oozing down on his nose.
Anton seized for my hand. We were running as we left the campus. His hands were warm. No, a
different kind of warm. As we reach my condo unit, I decided to buy some snacks. Anton went first
upstairs.

Chapter 17

Maras POV

Its been two days since I arrived at our house and now my mother already gave me a task. You know what
it is? Mamalengke. We only 2 have maids for housekeeping and laundry because she doesnt want me to
be a spoiled brat that we used to watch on TV especially in this situation that my father had difficulty in
eating and moving half of his body.
So eto, gogora na ang beauty ko sa palengke. Excited nako especially when my mother told me that she
would teach me how to cook. I guess, now is my time to grow.
Teka, nasa probinsya ko ngayon, mag-eenglish pa ba ko?
Hmm. Wag na. Ang pangit pakinggan na nag-eenglish ako tapos bibili ako ng isda at gulay.
Naglakad ako papunta sa gulayan muna, dun ako unang napadaan e. Nakita ko si Manang Tess na
palaging binibilhan ni mommy ng gulay. Nginitian ko sya at lumapit papunta sa kanya.
Mara?!
Manang! Namiss ko kayo!
Kamusta?. Dalagang-dalaga kana.
Syempre!. Pinapabili po ito ni mommy Ibinigay ko sa kanya ang listahan ko habang nagkukwentuhan
kami. Inutusan nya naman ang anak nyang babae na ibili ako ng isda. Sabi ko wag na pero nagpumilit sya.
Gusto nya daw kasing makachikahan ako ng konti at magtanong kasi dun daw mag-aaral ang isa pa nyang
anak na lalaki. So ayun, pabor naman sakin kasi ayoko talaga ng amoy sa isdaan. Hindi naman ako sanay
e. Nung huling pumunta ako dun, feeling ko dumikit sakin ang amoy hanggang sa makapaligo nako. Arte
ba? Pasensya na.
Pauwi nako ng makasalubong ko si Manong Ising na matagal na nagtrabaho samin. Driver namin sya dati
pero nagretire na at ngayon e farmer na. Sakay sya ng bisikleta at ngumiti sa akin.
Ineng, pauwi kana ba sa inyo?
Opo
Tamang-tama, dun din ang punta ko. Baka gusto mong ipadala na sakin ang mga pinamili mo

Naku salamat po Manong. Medyo mabigat nga ho e

Pansin ko nga. Hindi bagay sa magandang dalagang tulad mo ang magbuhat ng ganito. Mas bagay
sayo sa opis
Kayo talaga Manong. Sige po, dadaan lang ako sa may ilog
Nagpunta ako sa ilog kung saan madalas akong maligo ng bata pa ko. Wala dito ang mga kalaro ko noon
dahil nasa ibang lugar na rin sila nag-aaral. Hayy, nakakamiss rin pala.
Masaya dito sa bahay namin. Lalo na sa location. Para sakin hindi sya hacienda pero parang ganun na nga.
Nye, gulo ko. Errr.
Pano ko ba idedescribe? Family business namin ang magtinda ng prutas. May rambutan, lanzones, manga
at pinya. Tapos si Mommy, teacher. Daddy ko naman engineer. Dalawa sana kami pero namatay daw
yung panganay kong kapatid nung baby pa. Heart failure daw
So yun si Mara Clarisse Ferrer sa bahay.
Hmmm. Yung bahay namin, luma yung style, pero pinarenovate na sya ngayon. Dati kasi akala nung
ibang bata haunted house daw ang bahay ko.

Enough of reminiscing, naiiyak ako. HAHAHA

Umupo ako sa isang malaking bato habang pinagmamasdan ang pag-agos ng tubig. Natukso akong
magtampisaw kaya bumaba ako. Medyo madulas ang tinatapakan ko kaya kailangan kong mag-ingat,
kundi baka maduAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

las ako.
Sa isang iglap, naramdaman kong basang-basa na ang buo kong katawan ngunit ni katiting na sakit ay
wala akong naramdaman.
Bigla kong iminulat ang aking mata.

0_o

Sino ka?!! Tumayo ang lalaki na nakasaklob. Basa din ang damit nya.
You need to be careful next time. You almost lose your life
Nagulat ako dahil may tumutulong dugo mula sa mga kamay ng lalaking iyon. OMO, dahil sakin. Dahil sa

pagsalo sa ulo ko para hindi ako mabagok, nasugatan ang mga kamay nya :(
May sugat ka Tumayo ako para hawakan ang mga kamay nya. Thank you ha.
Nakayuko lang ang lalaking iyon habang natatakluban ang kanyang mukha. Pakiramdam ko, pamilyar
ang boses at itsura nya. Sigurado akong nakita ko na sya.
Walang anuman Tumalikod sya at naglakad paalis ngunit bigla syang nahimatay sa daan.

----

I woke up and found myself inside an unfamiliar place. Its hard to neither move my head nor sit to look
around because of the pain I feel at the back of my head. I must have pass out a while ago, again. I smelled
the scent of perfume which gave me a clue that Im inside a girls room. Ah, Oo. Yung babae kanina sa ilog.
I tried my best to sit down and saw a girl asleep on the couch. Siya yun. Her mouth was half-open as if any
minute, a fluid might come out of her mouth. She opened her eyes and stretched her arms. Her eyes
widened when she saw me.
MA!!!!!! My eardrums almost broke because of her high-pitched voice.
Ma gising na sya!!! she ran outside the room and left me there, still covering my ears.
After a few minutes I saw her with a woman, with the same features as her. Maybe its her mom. An old
man followed and there, they all look at me, the tall girl, smiling playfully at me as she put some strands of
her hair at the back of her ear, her mom who is holding some clothes and the old man, holding a hat.
Mabuti naman at nagising kana ijo the old man said Buti nalang at aking sinundan ito si Mara sa
ilog, delikado na ngayon doon dahil madulas ang daan
Mara?. So thats her name. Its too promdi
Eto nga pala yung damit mo, tinulungan ka ni Manong Ising nang mahimatay ka sa may pampang.
Mara sat down on one side of the bed where I am and looked at me worriedly.

Sorry ahh. You had those wounds because of me I could tell that she was about to cry because of the look
on her face.
O pano. Iiwan na namin kayo. Mara, ikaw na ang bahala sa bisita natin. Alagaan mo syang mabuti

Yes mommy She closed the door and opened the window of the room. As she opened it, her hair swayed
because of the soft wind that touched her face. It was a nice view to look at. Simply beautiful, she could be
my leading lady, AS IF

i wouldn't enter that studio again. NEVER

Kamusta na ang mga kamay mo?

I looked at my hand covered with bandage.
Naigagalaw ko pa naman
Sorry

You feel bad because if it were not you, I wouldnt have a wound in my hand and I wont pass out
Sorry talaga :(
Pero balewala to, dahil mas mahalaga ang buhay mo, kaya dont feel bad
She stared at me as If she was surprised on what I said. Fudge.
Dont tell me she was touched? Besides, its just a small wound. Malayo sa bituka, ika nga.
Akala ko
Suplado at walang akong puso, plastic at maangas. Oo ganun ako
"Hindi naman-Dont worry, sanay na ko
Bakit ka nga pala nandito sa Laguna?
Im on a vacation. Nakakastress na din kasi. My cousin said this is the best place to hide. Takas lang ako
sa manager ko
What??! Pano na yung concert mo?

I smiled at her cancelled

Maras POV

TEMPTATION.
If the beautiful human being on my bed is not asleep, I would freak out and scream like theres no
tomorrow. Ill hug him and kiss him as much as I want to and maybe I wouldnt go back to school and stay
here forever, beside Zephiel Augusto.
All the time, Ive been looking after him. I even took stolen shots of him while hes sleeping.
I stared at his face. Haayy, this is too good to be true

This is the 2nd time that I got close to him like

this. Natatandaan pa kaya nya ko??

I took out my phone and smiled as I see the perfect picture of me and Zephiel at the backstage.
I remember Franco and his relationship with the angel sleeping on my bed.
Quote
To: Franco
Guess whos inside my room

Quote
From: Franco
No need to guess. hows he?

Quote
To: Franco:
OMG. You know that Zephiels here?

Quote
From: Franco
Duh.

remember last night when I called you just to ask for your address?.

Quote
To: Franco
HULOG KA NG LANGIT FRANCO!

thanks!

Quote
From: Franco
If ever he does something bad, please bear with it.
Quote
To: Franco
Hindi naman. He saved me nga e.

Quote
From: Franco
Basta. Hes different Mara. Marami din yang kalokohan, tulad ngayon. Tumakas sya sa manager nya.
Quote
To: Franco
Don't tell him please. I don't want him to think that i left because i have other reasons. Alam mo na.

Quote
From: Franco
WHO?

Quote
To: Franco
Kay Mark

As I press the send button, i know i already had chosen. Please God, let my decision be right.
I didnt reply anymore because I already feel sleepy. I decided to just sleep on the couch. Whatever Franco,
all I know is Im in heaven right now
Believe me, I fought the temptation to sleep beside him
After a few minutes of sleeping, I woke up and saw him already awake. I ran outside because of
excitement and there, I talked to him like hes just an ordinary guy I used to know.

Kelan ka babalik?
Who says Im going back?. I already called my manager before I ran away. I dont want to sign another
contract anymore and that concert is just a voluntary act, no payment, no paper.
Now I know that this guy could be as naughty as I could have imagined. Who would've thought? Oo nga
pala, that's why they're called ACTORS.
Thats why Im going to stay here as long as want to he added with a smirk
ANO?!
Oo. Ill talk to your mom later
Pero
Now, if you may excuse me. I want to rest.
Slowly, I opened the door, hesitating to leave my room. Darn, Its my room!
Oh and by the way, pakidalhan mo naman ako ng tubig, my throat suddenly went dry. Thanks!
Teka lang Zephiel
What? Hes annoyed, the tone of his voice implies it.
Wala. Sige magpahinga kana ulit
Call me Louie. Im not Zephiel anymore.
I was surprised by what he said. OMG. Close na kame ganun?
I dont know if I would be happy but something tells me that this would be a long and tiring vacation.

Chapter 18

Christines POV

Its your fault, seriously He said out of the blue while playing his PSP.
No its not!. It was just an old picture for petes sake!
I slumped on his bed as I stare at my cellphone, waiting for his call. An hour to go and it would be a day,
how could he stand it?!
But that picture is YOU and your EX. What do you expect? Its a normal thing to get jealous Christine
Owwss. Hes just over reacting.
Ahh ganon. So that is why your eyebrows almost collide whenever you see Franco and Belle happy, tapos
hell approach you but you would push him away and tell him youre way too busy but the truth is, you are
annoyed. You got jealous and youre just afraid to admit that
Asa ka pa! i hate him for being such a good observer.
Talaga. If you always push him too hard, youll see..he might not comeback
Aggravated, he put his PSP on the table and sat beside me. Youhe poked my forehead are such a spoiled
brat
Puh-lease I glared and put my hands on both sides of my cheeks. I checked my phone again and sighed.
Inaantay naman ang tawag. Why dont you just swallow your pride and
NOWAY! No freakin way!
E di yan! Yang pride na yan ang gawin mong escort sa debut mo. Bahala ka nga.
He left and shut the door.

Inhale. Exhale. I dialed his number and pressed the call button.

Christine! I almost dropped my phone when he returned.

Bakit?! I shouted.
He looked at my phone on my hand and smirked. Mom said you better get ready, gown fitting is in 30
minutes
I am! Cant you see? Im all dressed up!
Sumusunod lang sa utos. Wag kang high blood. He laughed and before he close again the door, Looks
like someones regretting. Konting lambing lang yan

Shut up! I throw him the pillow beside me. He laughed and closed the door, but this time, I made sure
that the door Is already locked.
Tss. If I know.
*calling.. Franco*
My heart skipped as I listen to the tone. Please pick it up. Please.
Hello Christine Hearing his voice feels like he wants to see me. I feel that way too.
Im..so sorry

Im so sorry too. Kalimutan na natin yun. So hows everything in the hotel?

Great. Ill be choosing my dress. Sana..ano..sana nandito ka
Here comes the adrenaline rush. ARGH!! Why is it so hard to say those things? Cheesy moments daw sabi
ni kuya, ang landi talaga nun, daming alam sa buhay. Im not into words, I tell you.
You want me to go there?
Hmm. Sana.
Wait for me.
Sige ingat ka.
Don't worry dadating agad ang escort mo. I love you
After the short call, I noticed that Im smiling. I love you too I muttered but too far for him to hear. How
long has it been since I said those words in front of him? Having the fact that I cant remember anymore
means that its been so long. Right, Im acting too immature for him.
Marks right, I always get jealous. I am always annoyed and I sometimes think that I should get Belle out
of Francos life. 13 years ago, I remember what I felt when one of my classmates said that she wants a doll
like mine too. Childs little b!tchy act, I became over possessive with my doll, I always brag about it and
never let anyone borrow it. Funny thing is, I have the same feeling right now.
I picked my bag and went straight to my mothers room. We, together with my asungot na kapatid went
on the boutique, a family friend of ours.
After a few minutes of kamustahan portion, the designer showed me different kinds and styles of gown.
He said I can wear whatever I like. So I fit the gown that I first grab.
1st gown
Fantastic. You look like youre flying He snorted and Mom told him to shut up. Bakit ba sya
nandito??!
2nd gown
Youre not attending some kind of awards night, dearMom stated.
3rd gown
Seriously. 7th birthday? Mark said with a disgusting look on my gown.
hello kitty design

My bad, I didnt notice the

4th gown
Dull The designer said as he made a disappointed look.

5th gown

Down to the 6th.

Marks POV

Watching my sister fit her gown was fun

believe me. I spent almost an hour of consuming so much air

inside my body because of laughing.

I excused myself and started roaming around the hotel. I didnt bother calling Mara anymore. Wala lang.

Coz I can go to her house anytime I like. Good thing Christine chose this place. What a good coincidence
that shes also here in Laguna.
I inhaled the fresh urban air that caressed my skin. As I stare at the view of the sun setting in, I saw a
familiar figure walking on the street. That long wavy hair, I cant be wrong.
I ran towards her but she disappeared.
Malik-mata, kala ko si Mara.
Slowly, I started going back to the hotel enjoying the beautiful view of the colors of the sky, arranged, and
blended perfectly.
Ouch! A guy, with a cap bumped me. Sorry! He bowed and ran again.

An object, shimmering on the road got my attention. I picked it up and studied the heart-shaped pendant,
parang nakita ko na to?. It belonged to the guy that bumped me a while ago. I searched for him but he was
nowhere to be found.
Oh well, finders keepers right?.
As I turn around to walk again, I got frozen to where I stand. With worried and exhausted look, she was
running towards me.
Mara
She stopped on her track and was totally surprised to see me. Her eyes widened as she said my
name Mark?! Anong ginagawa mo dito?!

Chapter 19

Belles POV

Crap. Ansakit ng ulo ko.

The rays of the sun that peaks through my window hit my face. This is my first time waking up with a
hangover but this is not my first time to get drunk. Engot kasi yang si Anton e. Nagyayang maginuman
daw kami. I wonder if he got home safe. Matawagan nga.
My hands searched for my phone beside my pillow without opening my eyes. But what made my whole
body alive is something different that I touched. Its soft and warm like..like a

I got up from bed and saw ANTON?!!!!!

Holy fudge. What the hell is he doing here?!

HOY GISING!!!!
OMO. I closed my eyes to remember every little thing that happened last night. No, it cant be. We didnt
do that.
Quote
Authors Narration
It was past 12 am, everyone in the building was now asleep except Belle and Anton. Both of them were
laughing and savoring the sweet taste of the liquor they had been drinking. A way of celebrating our
defeat, this is what Anton said.
As the effect of the liquor slowly invades their body, they became too reckless, fearless and aggressive.
You know whats special on this day?
Me?
Tss. Assuming. This is our 2nd year anniversary!
WTF. Are you serious?
Two years ago I met you on the sports building. I saved your life He laughed and drank the last shot I
accidentally hit your head with a basketball
Oh Please, the only thing you did is carry me to the clinic. Wait a minute She leaned closer to him You
actually noted that day?
He looked at her and smiled. Because youre so thin that I cant get you out of my head that day
Blahblah. Sinong niloko. You said you did that because you had
A crush on your bestfriend?. Tama ka. Pero ikaw naman ang una kong nakilala diba.
Oo nalang She stood up to get some water but she felt that her whole world is spinning. Carelessly, she

collapsed on the couch, her head on Antons lap.

HAHA. Lasing na sya
He moved his head towards her and stared on her closed eyes. Ang haba pala ng pilik mata mo.
Akalain mo yunHe scanned her face until his eyes arrived on her soft, red lips.
The need to put his lips on hers came on his mind. With a matter of seconds, she felt something warm on
her lips. She opened her eyes.

And kissed him back.

Reality sinks in. My hand voluntarily touched my lips as I look at Anton.
NO.
NO!!!!!!!!!

Antons POV

I was taken aback as I saw myself inside Belles room. Takte, anong nangyari?.
Anong ginagawa ko dito sa kwarto mo?
Ako dapat ang magtanong nyan!. Bakit ka nasa kwarto ko?!
Flashbacks of the things that happened last night entered my mind.
Quote

Authors POV

After he kissed her, she fell asleep on his lap. Anton gazed at her angelic face and caressed her hair. This
is wrong, he thought.

Using all his strength and a little bit of self-control on his spinning world, he carried her inside her room.
As he laid her down the bed, Belles grasp on his shirt was irremovable.

Then, his body chose to stay.

I laughed, realizing how stupid I am a while ago to think that something happened between us. Silly
thoughts.
Anong nakakatawa? She said annoyingly
Sorry. I didnt mean to sleep here. Lasing na lasing nako kagabi.
She glared and went inside the bathroom.
Ang cute mo pag bagong gising! I teased her.
I looked down on my feet and saw that my shoes are still there. Tama, its out of my control. After a few
minutes inside her bathroom, she went straight in the kitchen without looking at me. Hayy, cant blame
her for feeling awkward.
I followed her to say goodbye and apologize again.
Oi Belle
Ano?! She turned around to look at me but my eyes chose to stare at her lips.
Gulp.
Pa-pagamit ng banyo I was stuttering and immediately went inside the bathroom and washed my face.
Anton, anton. That kiss happened out of your control. Dude, shes your friend alright?.
I heard a knock on the front door. Sino naman kaya yung bisita ni Belle ng ganito kaaga. Sa bagay, its
already 9 am. Si Franco?
Tss. Wag sana sya.
Anton bilis magtago ka, andito sina mommy at daddy. Patay tayo!! She hit the door several times.
Fudge. Pag nga naman minamalas.
Lumabas ako at nakita kong nagpapanic na sya.
Relax. Wala naman tayong ginagawang masama e
You dont understand!. My Dad is different!
Belle! A voice of a woman called.

Bilis magtago ka sa kwarto ni Mara!

Ayoko nga. Walang hindi nadadaan sa maayos na pag-uusap
UGH. Bakit ba ang hirap mong ispelengin?!

Tara, ako na ang magbubukas ng pinto.

Chapter 20

Maras POV

Mark?! Anong ginagawa mo dito?!

K, stupid question. Bakit sakin ba tong lugar na to, sakin?? Binili ko na, binili??
uhh. Masama He gave a beautiful smile which implies enthusiasm.
Hindi naman. Haha I said nervously.
Nga pala
Yes? I love you too
Mara
Mara!!!!! I saw Christine heading towards us. Thank goodness I saw you here. Eto ohh
Great interruption, sayang baka yayayain akong mag-lunch.
She handed me an invitation. Birthday mo pala sa Saturday.
Yup. And I expect you to go there

Malisyosa.

Oo naman. Pupunta ko kahit hindi mo ko iinvite

Great!. Sama ka samin mag-lunch

Ohindi pwede e
I need to find my lost dog , si Louie
Bakit?
May gagawin pa ko e. Next time nalang.. Sige babye!!
I waved at them and run as fast as I could. Nakakainis naman si Louie, wrong timing mag-inarte. Sa bagay,
If I were him, I would run for my life. I cant imagine myself chased after somewhat wild, hungry fans. So,
san ko hahanapin ang mokong na yun?
My attention was caught by a flower shop, its inviting design and beautiful flowers might release the stress
I have for spending an hour finding that pain in the ass, brat. Gosh, I cant believe saying these awful
things. I was once an obsessed fan of him but now I guess I need to forget that part of my life. Kalimutan
nyo na yun ha
Bawal tumingin ang hindi bibili
A voice of a girl said behind me. I glared and turn around to see the face of the arrogant girl. Instead of
yelling at her, I was speechless by her intimidating look. Ano to Diyosa?
Bawal tumitig baka mainlove She laughed and hugged me. Wait a minute. SINO TO??
Ahm Miss. Do I know you?
Do I know you ka jan. Paenglish-english ka na ngayon.. Ako to si Andrea
Andrea, Andeng na kalaro ko ng bahay-bahayan dati?!
An-andeng??
Ako nga!! Miss na miss na kita Mara!!
OMG. Sorry hindi kita agad nakilala
She changed a lot. Grabe, pambeauty queen ang gayak ng lola mo.

So hows life?
Hmm. Good. Ang boring sa Cebu, kaya bumalik ako dito
Ang ganda-ganda mo Andeng. Naku siguro may boyfriend kana noh?
Hahaha. Wala nga e
Just so you know, Andrea is my childhood best friend.
After 5 hours (bilang talaga e no) of chatting, I almost forgot about my dog.
Babye Andrea. Punta ka samin tomorrow ha? My mom would be happy to see you
Sure!
Now, where on earth could that guy be??
Its already 7 pm and still, I cant see any trace of Louie.
Until..
Gusto ko ng mamatay!!! A hopeless, drunk man shouted while lying on the street. I cant see the face
of the man because of the lights of the cars passing by. Goodness! Dont tell me its
No, Im sure its not Louie. HAHAHA.. What a shameful brat he is if --Hoy! Tumayo ka nga jan sa daan. Gusto mo na bang mamatay??! The driver of a familiar
black car parked on the sidewalk. Bwiset na lasing to ahh. Naku kung kaibigan ko to, babatukan ko to ng
isa e.
Oo gusto ko ng mamatay!!
I ignored them and passed by butMARA!!! HOY!! Someone held my arms tightly or may I say hang on my arms.
Ouch! Sino ka LOUIE??!!!!
I removed his hands off my arms. He collapsed again on the floor. Fudge. The drunk, hopeless guy is
him
Need help?
No thanks MARK?!!
You dont need to shout. Kilala mo pala tong lokong to
Unfortunately, yes

Tara tulungan mo kong isakay sya sa kotse

And yes, the driver of the car a while ago is Mark.
Louie is on the backseat, snorting with saliva on the edge of his mouth. Tss. Disgusting. What if I took a
photo of him like this and make a fan page with that picture as the primary photo? What do you think
haters? Hahaha. Haters of Zephiel nako ngayon. Oo, ngayon lang.
You didnt tell me youre babysitting. He smiled and looked at the rear view mirror.
No Im not!.
San tayo?
Sa bahay namin
Bakit?
He took a glance on me and put back his focus on the road. Oh no, what to do? What if he thinks that
Louie is a family member? Kakahiya. Or worst, what if he thinks that Louies my suitor?
You see Louie is not a family member. Hes just a visitor and Francos cousin. He just happened to be at
our house because, believe it or not, that guy saved my life with this pamysterious effect of a cap and a
jacket like some kind of an action star, takas lang daw yan sa manager nya. And then, diba I saw you a
while ago? I was chasing after him because
He laughed all of a sudden
Anong nakakatawa?
Ang daldal mo kasi
Sorry. Sabi ko nga tatahimik na
Wag. Namiss ko nga yun e
I bit my lips to stop it from smiling. Tae. Kinikilig ako :>
Gusto ko ng mamatay!!!!
!@#$% There goes again Louie and his drama effect. Panira talaga
Tumahimik ka nga!!

He sat straight on the car and looked at Mark.

"Hoy Mara, hindi mo sinasabi may boy friend ka pala
Bakit close tayo??
Eto naman!.
And we spent the whole time in the car yelling at each other, with Mark as the referee.

Antons POV

Now I know the feeling of being in a purgatory. I was sitting erect opposite Belles dad. Hes a dragon, Im
telling you, not to mention her Mom. If only you could see how red my face is because of the slap I got
from her Mom.
Silence. But the silence kills me even more especially when there are two people like them staring at you.
Sana pala nagtago nalang ako sa kwarto ni Mara. Malas.
Mom, Dad wala naman po kaming ginagawang masama e
Patawarin kayong dalawa. Dad! Ang anak natin!! She cried like someone I used to watch in
dramas. Oo nanonood ako nun.
Wag kanang umiyak. Ako ng bahala His dad then focused his deadly stare on me and pounded the
table Isang tanong isang sagot, mahal mo ba ang anak ko??!
Ahm. Sir. Kasi po
Isang sagot lang ang hinihingi ko!!
Dad!
Tumahimik ka Belle. Usapang lalaki to
Opo. Ma-mahal ko po ang anak nyo.. I looked at her saw her eyes widened because of
bewilderment. Mahal ko po si Belle
And saw how her face turned red.
Good. Pag ikaw may ginawang masama sa anak ko, magsisisi ka. Naintidihan mo?!

OPO!

Chapter 21

Maras POV

Rise and shine

I got up from bed and immediately went to the room next to mine. I peeked through a
hole in the door to check if the crazy, hopeless, drunkard is still sleeping.
Poor him though. He said he wants to die. Maybe being an actor brought so many failures in his life. I
wonder what it is.
I eat my breakfast in the kitchen together with my mom and dad. I told them Andreas coming today,
thats why my mom thought of preparing a special meal for lunch. I said I will cook but she refused. She
worries that I will murder the food
After a few minutes, the black car last night parked in front of our house. Anong ginagawa dito ni Mark?
Ang aga namang manligaw
I chose to stay inside and look at him at the window but what surprised me is, he opened the door of the
car for someone. Kasama nya si Christine?
I went downstairs and opened the door before they could knock. A pretty girl was the first one I saw, it
was Andrea.
Mara!! She hugged me and I hug her back. I really cant recognize her at first glance. The memory I had
with her was 10 years ago, we were both young and messy. Uhugin pa kumbaga.
I saw Mark holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling sweetly at me. Fudge. Tama na po, Im melting
I stare at him and reminisce all we had before. This is the same feeling I had. I know it. I just got to be
sure.
Pasok kayo. Tatawagin ko si Mommy
I hurriedly went into the kitchen and told mom that Andrea is already here, with Mark. Yes, they know
about Mark.

You know why? Because of the self-confidence he has, 2 years ago he went here at our house to get
permission to my dad if he could court me. I was really shocked by that time, because we always quarrel in
school but I find him attractive though. I thought I would never like him. I thought he was an enemy.
Mom and Dad gave their trust to him.
Magkakilala na pala kayo
Yup. I was almost lost a while ago. She helped me
Kala ko si Christine yung kasama mo kanina
Teka lang ahh. Christine Velasco?
Yup. Kilala mo din?
Oo. She went in our shop yesterday morning. Shes nice. She even gave me an invitation
Friendly talaga yun
E bakit ka nga ba nandito Mark?
Masama?
Hindi. E bakit nga?
Gusto ko lang
I stare at the flowers that he was holding. He looked at it too and smiled.
San mommy mo?
Sa kitchen bakit?
Ill just give her these flowers
He went straight in the kitchen and Andrea and I were left. She sat beside me and nudged me while
smiling playfully.
So HE is MARK.

Oo sya yun I told her about my college life yesterday and that means my love life counts too. That is why

we spent 5 hours chatting. I also knew about her ex-boyfriend but she didnt detail it all. She said they
broke up because of her boyfriends career. Well, if I were the guy, I will certainly regret letting her go. I
mean, Andrea is a complete package.
Yieeee. Ang sweet naman ng boyfriend mo. Binibigyan ng flowers ang nanay mo. HAHAHA
Si Mark? Sweet? Asa. Kaya ko nga sya nagustuhan e. Kakaibang nilalang.
Hindi ko sya boyfriend no.
Dun din naman ang punta nun e
Hoy Mara! That irritating voice, I knew it!. Gising na si Louie.
Andrea and I both looked at him. I saw him froze on his spot.
ANO??!
He was staring at Andrea. Ahhh. Alam ko na Baka na love at first sight sa kaibigan ko

Oh well,

sasabihan ko na habang maaga ang kaibigan ko. Better be sure than sorry.
O bakit Louie? Tawag mo ko diba??
He didnt speak. I looked at Andrea who was also dumbfounded. Okay, these guys are scaring me out.
Mara.. Aalis muna ko ha? Babalik nalang ako next time. She said as I saw tears forming in her eyes.
Ha??
She ran outside before I could manage to stop her.
I smell something Mark went beside Louie and put his hand on Louies shoulder Magkakilala ba kayo
ni Andrea?
The three of us decided to talk in the garden Louie admitted that he knows Andrea. More specifically,
Andreas ex- boy friend is Louie.
Tss. Of all the people, why Louie?!

Kidding aside, I think he still loves her.

So why did you decided to end it ?

Pagod na daw sya e.. You know Im a celebrity, I have shows and Im always busy. I still find time to be
with her pero kulang parin. Another thing is about my leading ladies. She cant stand watching me flirting

on cam. Mahirap lang talaga siguro para sa kanya

She doesnt understand your situation. Thats it
Are you telling that its her fault?
Kinda. She should be more considerate about it, after all she chose to love a celebrity.
If I were on her shoes, I would do the same!
Oo nga. Because you girls are always self-centered. You always think that youre the one whos hurting
Were not!.
Siguro some of you. Pero Ikaw, Oo
Asa kapa!
Talaga naman
Teka lang nga. Bakit napunta na ata yung issue sa inyong dalawa?. Kami naman muna ang bida pwede?
Eto kasing lalaking to e
Nagagalit ka dahil tama ako
Ayy hindi din
GUYS!. Why dont you just shut up and help me?!
As requested, I kept my mouth shut and give Mark a deadly stare.
Ano bang gusto mong gawin?
I want...to say sorry
Say sorry ka jan.. If I know you want her back
Malay mo gusto lang talagang mag-sorry, Wag ka ngang pabida
E yun naman talaga ang gusto nya e.
Talaga? How can you be so sure?

Alright! Enough of you two!. He shouted and sat on the chair

I want her back
Belat ka ngayon Mark

Gaahhd I miss this

Francos POV

Its been 15 minutes passed 3, and Belle is late. Ang queer naman. She was never late. After a few minutes
I saw her entered the cafeteria. I waved at her and she went immediately at the table where Im in.
Sorry ahh. Nasa amin kasi sina Mommy at Daddy kaya nahirapan akong magpaalam.. Bilisan lang natin
ha?
No prob. Eto ohh
She looked puzzled and read whats inside.
Are you sure about this?
Ha?
I mean. Ang thoughtful naman ng girlfriend mo. Buti naalala kami
Nga e.. So ano, kelan kayo pupunta?
Hmm. Hindi ko pa sure. Magpapaalam pa ko. Pero Ill stay in Maras house if ever.
Great. She expects you two to come.
Thanks
Thank you din

Para saan?
Sa ano
Ano?
Sa friendship
Sus. Kaw pa. Antagal na kaya kitang kilala
Kaya nga importante ka sakin
H-huh?
Kaya gusto ko mapunta ka sa tamang lalaki
Bakit ganan ka magsalita?
Kasi nga kaibigan kita
My phone vibrated as the message tone plays. I checked it and read the message.
Siguro nga mas mabuting ganto nalang tayo I barely heard what she said
Ha?
Wala.

Chapter 22
Maras POV

Our garden, in just a few hours turned into a restaurant in a first class hotel.
Are you sure this is going to work?
I dont know. Why dont you ask the crazy girl behind this?
Crazy? Baka kainin mo lang yang sinabi mo.
Whatever
So Ill repeat the plan. Ill go to Andreas house and invite her to have a dinner with us. Then , Ill take her
here instead. Now Louie, thats your part. After that, there would be fireworks. Got it?
Clich and baduy. Pwede na ding pagtyagaan kesa wala
Sige Louie, mang-insulto kapa.
I glared at him and he smiled and made a peace sign.
O insultuhin mo pa daw
Isa pa tong bwisit na to. Dapat hindi nako kinikilig dito e.
I prepared for my job tonight and went to Andreas house. To my surprise, she wasnt there. I called her
but no one answers the phone.
My ringing tone played and I answered it immediately without reading the name of the caller.
Andrea? Asan ka na?
Nandito sa inyo
Mark?
Yo
Anong sinasabi mo?
Nandito na si Andrea sabi ko. Pumunta kana dito dali.
I rushed back to our house and found Mark peaking and hiding on the leaves of the bushes.

Hoy! I hit his shoulder with my hands

Aray! Ano?!
San si Andrea? Patingin nga. I peaked also to where Mark was awhile ago
Usad pa ng konti I pushed him with my arm.
Naks naman si Louie ohh.,Nakaakbay agad :> Ang swerte niya kay Andrea
Swear! I even saw them hugging each other with Andrea, smiling but teary eyed. Aww. Ang sweet. Akalain
mo yun, may nainlababo kay Louie.
Mark
I found myself alone and then the music started to play. He came back and I smiled to him
Akala ko uutusan pa kita e. Good boy
I return back, watching as the two dance.
*poke*
Ano?
*poke*
Ano nga?! I looked at Mark and saw his hands in front of me.
Sayaw din tayo
Ayoko nga
Ay nako Mara
Ayoko nga sabi
But he pulled me, making me stand up. He put my hands around his neck and his around my waist.
Sabi ng ayoko e
Gusto mo din naman. Besides, youre dancing with me now
Its because I dont want you to look pathetic in front of the readers
Well I think because you really just wanted to. Mandadamay kapa
Bahala ka
Seize fire muna tayo pwede?

He hugged me while we were dancing..

Maghihintay ako hanggang sa makapagdesisyon ka. Whatever it is, Ill accept it

Chapter 23

Belles POV

His expression turned uneasy from being excited before he read whats inside the velvet envelops.
Bakit pati ako iniimbitahan ni Christine?
That, I really dont know. So ano?
Im not coming
What?! Nakakahiya kung hindi ka pupunta. Umayos ka nga
Sabihin mo may sakit ako
Papagsinungaling pa ko. Dont you think its time for you to
He looked at me with eyebrows raised, waiting for me to finish what Im saying. Actually, I really dont
know if what Ill say is right.
For me to?
To..fix things with Mara
Right
Silence filled the atmosphere between us. I just look at him while he watches the soccer team practice on
the field.
Honestly speaking, I really dont want to go. If it would be that easy to just reject the invitation, but the

fact that Franco invited me personally makes it difficult.

Of course I miss my best friend so much. But when I think of what will happen when Anton sees her, it
bothers me inside. I dont know why I feel like this.
You
Me?
Do you want me to go?
I was surprised by what he said.
What if I say, dont go?
Pero, alam ko na maaaring sa pag-uusap na yon, its either magkaayos sila as friends ulit or as lovers

Antons POV

Two days and it would be a month. Ang bilis ng panahon.

Especially when youre always with a person who always makes things easier for you. She slowly takes
away the pain, that feeling whenever I think of Mara. I just couldnt understand.
Now Im asking her what I will do.
Do you want me to go?
It took a moment for her to answer.
If you say dont, I wont go.
She sighed and smiled at me.
Pumunta ka Anton. Ayusin mo kung anong dapat mong ayusin.
I nodded. But no matter how I hide it, I feel disappointed.
Theres a part of me that says I need to go and mend things with Mara. I hurt her, and Mark because of

this stupidity I have. But a coward me says, I just need to wait till she comes back and face what Im in
right now, with Belle.
Sabay tayong pupunta. Pero Ill stay in her house and you will stay in a hotel. Got it?
She smiled and already fixes her things.
Hihintayin kita

Chapter 24
Maras POV
BELLE!!!!!! We hugged each other with tears forming in my eyes. Gahd, I miss her so much.
Mara..Namiss kita
Me too. Tara sa loob.
We put her things inside my room, of course with Louies help. She almost freaked out when she saw
Louie. I mean, who wont?
Its dinner time when she came so after eating, we decided to watch movies in my room. And at the same
time, girl talk

Matagal din kaming nagkahiwalay, so we need to catch things up between us.

Syempre, kinuwento ko pati yung tungkol kay Mark pero

Si Mark...sya ba ang pipiliin mo?
Sa totoo lang kasi..Ayokong magdesisyon agad. I need to talk to Anton..Sayang
Bat sayang? Kasama ko sya dito. Nasa hotel sya ngayon
Talaga?
E di makakapag-usap na kayo
Kamusta sina tita?
Kasi nagtataka talaga ako sa nanay nya. Tumawag kanina e
Yun na nga e. Takas lang ako
G-ganun?
Oo. Bat ka kinakabahan?

E kasi.
If Im not mistaken, its been two hours since her mom called me. She asked if Belles here in my house.
But she begged for me not to tell her that she called. So kaya pala.
WHAT?!OMG. pano kapag sunduin nila ako? Hala.
E bat kasi hindi ka nalang nagpaalam ng maayos
Hindi nila ako papayagan kapag nalaman nilang kasama ko si Anton
Si Anton? Bakit naman?
W-wala
Owwsss
Wala nga. Nood na lang tayo
Masaya yung movie na pinapanood namin, lovestory na comedy. At ngayon, nasa part na kami ng nagkiss
yung guy at girl.. SHETS. KILIG
I saw Belle, looking serious at the scene while holding her lips. HAHAHA. Nadala ata.
But she shook her head and grabbed the remote. Know what she did?
BV ka! bat mo pinastforward!!

Ehh! Kadiri kaya

Weh. E dati naman nanonood tayo ng ganan tapos hindi ka naman OA makareact. Kinikilig ka pa nga e
W-wala lang
Umamin ka nga Belle. May tinatago ka sakin no?
Kanina si Anton. Tapos ngayon yung Kiss. Teka
Hindi kaya, may kababalaghan kayong ginawa ni Anton?
Engot! Wala no!
WEH.
Bahala ka. Tutulog nako.
She quickly lied down my bed and covered herself with the blanket. Tama ang hula ko

Anong pakiramdam ng first kiss? Kainggit e

Pano mo nalaman?!!!!!!!!
Gotcha!

Chapter 25
Maras POV

This is it. Ngayon ang party ni Christine.

Belle decided to walk inside first and find Anton. She said it would be better if we settle things up before
the party. So here I am, sa garden waiting for him.
Naalala ko pa yung reaksyon nya kagabi. Hay nako. Who would think na magkakaayos pala yung dalawa.
Medyo nakakailang lang. Kahit wala namang inaamin sakin si Belle, alam kong gusto na nya si Anton.
Siguro sign na to.
*Ring tone*
Hello Mark
San ka?
Basta.
San nga?
Basta nga. Pupunta naman ako dyan e. Wag kang atat
Ay nako. Bilisan mo ha
Bakit ba??

Basta
Tss. Sige na Babye
Bye. I love you
Ok
Walang I love you too?
Meron.
O nasan
Bye!
Binaba ko na yung phone.
I just sat there for almost half an hour but theres no sign of Anton. Asan na yun? I stood up and ready to
walk inside but
A-Anton?!
He was there, standing behind me.
S-sorry
Teka, kanina kapa ba dyan?
Medyo
E bat hindi mo man lang ako tinawag?. Lechak, nilalamok nako e
I slapped my arm and scratched it. There were rashes because of mosquito bites. Hayy.
Sorry
Upo ka
Wag na. Inaantay ka na ni Mark e
P-pano mo

Nakalaoud speaker ka kanina

OMO. Takte naman ohh. Nakakahiya.
I heard him chuckled and I smiled back.
Oi Ferrer nakakamiss ka din pala
He hugged me like weve never seen each other for years.
Bati na tayo ha.
Oo naman.

Chapter 26

Marks POV

I was waiting for Mara at the lobby but my attention was caught by a woman, asking about Christines
Party.
Excuse me po. Im Mark, christines brother. Bisita po ba nya kayo?
No. I was just looking for my daughter. Do you know, Belle Rodriguez?
Ah opo. Gusto nyo po, hahanapin ko nalang sya, tapos papapuntahin ko sya dito
Naku thank you ha.
No problem po.
I searched for Belle inside the venue, but I cant find her. Kung nandito na si Belle, ibig sabihin nandito
narin si Mara. Tss. Hindi man lang nagtext or tumawag.
I saw a girl at the balcony. Baka si Belle yun.

Ehem
She looked around but when she saw me, I saw tears flowing down her cheeks and her face looking
surprised to see me.
M-mark
Bat ka umiiyak?
Wala to. Tara na sa loob
Teka muna, andun sa lobby I went beside her and looked at the garden. yung mommy mo
Asdfghjkl. Si...Si Mara at Anton ba yun? Magkayakap?
Mark
Isabella!!

Belles POV

!@#$%
Pag nga naman minamalas, nakita ni Mark.. At sa sobrang malas, nakita din ni Mommy

Na magkayakap si Mara at Anton.

Hindi ko alam kung anong pinag-usapan nila, pero ang saya-saya nilang tingnan. Mark was just standing
there, and saying nothing when I left with my mom. Yes, she dragged me outside and now, were on our
way back.
I sent Mara a message to tell what happened but, FUDGE. My phone went dead. BWISIT.
Belle, bakit hindi mo sinabi na boyfriend pala ni Mara si Anton.
Mommy, hindi po
Grabe kang bata ka, papano kapag nalaman ng bestfriend mo na masyado kayong malapit
sa isat isa ng boyfriend nya?

Mommy naman e
Sinasabi na nga ba hindi mapapagkatiwalaan yung lalaking yun e
Ma!
Aba, at sinisigawan mo na ko ngayon.
Hindi naman po sa ganun
At eto ang mahirap sa lahat, ang sumingit sa pagbubunganga ng nanay ko. Haayyyy. Bukas nalang
siguro.

Ano ng mangyayari sa best friend ko?!

Chapter 27

Maras POV

Gusto nyo bang idescribe ko in one word ang party kagabi?

BORING

Yup. Dahil kami lang ni Anton ang laging magkasama kagabi.. Belle and Mark was nowhere in sight.
Hindi rin namin macontact.
Hindi ko rin naman maabala si Christine.
But I met Marks dad. :> Actually, thats the only part of the party that I liked the most. Para silang
pinagbiyak na mag-ama. Hes nice too.
I looked at the wall clock and sighed. Its 6 am. Aga pa.
Without even opening my eyes completely, I reached for my phone.
2 messages, 5 missed calls...

Lahat galing kay Belle.

Tss. Mang-iiwan ka jan e.
I dialed her number and decided to call her.
Hello sino to? Ang aga naman
Ayaw mo? Sige ibababa ko na
Mara?! WAIT!!I Wag mong ibaba. Ikaw naman hindi kana mabiro
Okay lang. Nakakahiya naman e
Mara naman
Bakit ka basta umalis kagabi?
Sorry. Ano kasi...biglaan yun
Explain
She told me about her moms arrival at the party and that; she, Mark and her mom saw the FRIENDLY
hug Anton and I shared. WOW.
Mark Velasco.

SO kaya pala hindi ka man lang nagparamdam? Ibang klase ka. Lagot ka sakin.

Dadagukan talaga kita, tinamo

Ahh. So, pati ikaw namisinterpret mo yung yakap?
.....
Goodness Belle!! May gusto kaba kay Anton?
H-ha?! A-ano kaba.. Wag mo nga akong ginaganyan. Sorry na nga kasi diba!
Fudge. Sinasabi na nga ba.
Ano daw?
Wala. Sige babye!

Bye!!
Tss. Ang bruhang si Belle. Deny pa. Ay nako.
Theres already something between the two of them when I was away. I even saw the worried look in
Antons face last night. Ang damuhong si Anton.

Kaya pala hindi na ako ang gusto.

Bitter? Hahaha. HINDI ahh. Alam ko na kasi kung sino talagang gusto ko e.
So thats it...

Im going to find and cheer up with kind words the man I chose. TAE. Ang corny.

Antons POV

Isang oras..

Takte naman to si Mara e. Ambagal kumilos. Lagi nalang late.

After 18724912762936521036 years, finally...She came.
Sorry Im late
Next time Ill arrive one hour after the call time. Uugatin nako dito e
HAHAHA. So kelan ka aalis?
Bukas. Kamusta nga pala bestfriend mo?
Yes naman e. Yun kaagad ang tinanong
She flashed an evil smile. Ano bang masamang kamustahin si Belle?
You have a lot of explaining to do

Ha?
She told me about Belles mom and everything that answered my questions. One of which is where did she
go last night.
Lechak. Nakita lang na magkayakap e. Upakan ko yang si Mark e.
So..
So?
Didiretsahin na kita..
Go.
I took a sip on my coffee.
Are you...still courting me?
Asdfdfslkshgd;adiflga;sdvlasgfv;abvcxliva
I almost spit all of the food I ate. Masamang ubo. Papatayin ako.
Grabe ang samid mo ahh.
Peste naman kasi yang tanong mo e. Nakakagulat
I said as I hold my throat.
Okay
Okay?
Mabuti naman at nagkakaintindihan na tayo. Hindi mo na ko pinahirapan
ANO DAW?
Sige. Ill go ahead.
T-teka. San ka pupunta?
Sa taong pinili ko

She smiled and left me.

Now everything made sense..Kayo ba, nagets nyo?

Binusted ako ni Mara Clarisse Ferrer..

IN A GOOD WAY.

Ang ironic no? Busted ako pero masaya ako. E bakit ako masaya? Kasi tanggap ko na?. Ewan.

*message tone*
Quote
From: Mara
Alagaan mo ang bestfriend ko kundi uubusin ko ang lahi nyo

Chapter 28

Antons POV

I went back to the hotel to fix my things. Siguro hindi na dapat ako magpabukas pa dito. Tingin nyo?
I stepped inside the elevator but what surprised me is..
Andun si Mark. At kami lang dalawa sa loob.
Naku makaalis na nga

JOKE

Alam nyo ba ginawa nya?

He smiled and nodded..
Takte, Magkaaway kami e. Sige na nga, gwapo nama ako e. Tumango din ako.
Congrats nga pala
Anong congrats?
Algaan mo siya ha. Dont make her cry. Lagot ka sakin
Ahhh. Ganon. Akala nya kami na ni Mara.
Mapaglaruan nga.
I will
I almost laughed but I stopped myself and maintain the calm tone I have.
Salamat
He put his hand on my shoulder and patted it, with sincerity in his eyes.
Okay..Hindi ko na kaya.
HAHAHAHAHA..TAKTE. ANSAKIT SA TIYAN.
I laughed until the elevator stopped.
Bat ka ba natawa? Uupakan na kita e

Sorry ha. Engot mo kase

I wiped the tears that formed in my eyes. Mamamatay ako sa kakatawa e. Laugh trip to kapag seryoso.
Ansarap pikunin e.
We both went out of the elevator.
He walked without even looking back at me.
Hala. Galit na. Pag to hindi bumalik kay Mara. Lagot ako dun.
So nasa akin na pala ngayon ang kinabukasan ng babaeng yun.
Hoy Mark!
He stopped and looked at me. Inis na.
Ayokong alagaan ang babaeng ayaw namang magpaalaga sakin
What the hell?
She chose you dumba$s.
What?
Kailangang paulit-ulit?
Fvck. Biro na naman ba yan?
Seryoso ako. Sa susunod kasi sisiguraduhin mo muna bago ka magselos. Tae. Ambading mo
He just stared at me as I walk at the opposite direction where my room was.
Ang cool ko ba?

Chapter 29

Maras POV

Anak ng tinapa tong Mark. He didnt even call me. And yet, I was the only one who did all the effort. Sabi
ni Anton alam na ni Mark yung totoo, bago sya umalis kahapon. So why the hell is he still not showing up?
Nasan na yun?
Maybe Christine knows.
Mara! Napatawag ka? Alam na.
Alam na?
Mark is not here. Dad asked him to pick up Demi in the airport
Demi?
Demi Lovato. HAHA. Joke. Sino naman yun?!
Kuyas friend since..i dont know
Ahh.
Ui samahan mo ko bukas magshopping. Puh-LEASE!!
Right. Maybe Ill get to see him. Ano ba to. Ang desperado ko ata. E anong gagawin ko? Ill just sit and do
nothing? No freakin way. Baka mamaya makahanap pa yun ng iba. Tapos may Demi pa. Anong malay
natin diba?! I have to fight to for my own happiness. Bwisit ka Mark. Ambaba na nga pride ko ohh.
Fine. Ill see you tomorrow
Nice! Thanks future sis-in-law
Haha. Benta yun ahh. Bye Tin!

Bye!!

Sleep. Wake up. Eat breakfast. Take a bath. At gora na ang beauty ni Mara

Fudge. Im 30 minutes late!!.

Pero ok na din. Kasi 33 minutes na late si Christine.

At least nauna ako ng konti diba?

Sorry Im late
No biggie. Nauna lang ako sayo ng tatlong minuto
Magkakasundo talaga tayo
We spent the whole day at the mall. Masaya kasi ngayon lang ako ulit napagod ng ganito. Christine is such
a nice companion to be with. Although halatang maarte sya pero carry lang.
Mara, titingnan ko lang saglit yung cute na dress na yun
Sige. Ill be right there
I pointed the store filled with musical instruments. It was the only store that we didnt stop by. Hindi ata
kasi musically inclined tong si Christine.
As I get nearer, my ears perceive something beautiful and pleasant to hear.
I stood there on the entrance.
Fur Elise?
Isang chinitang babae na may bob cut hairstyle, nakita ko kahit side view lang ang nakaharap sakin. Her
fingers were dancing swiftly and gently on the piano keys.

Beautiful.

I watch as she played the last note.

Takte. Imba tong babaeng to. Anlakas ng dating kapag tumutugtog kahit hindi sya ganun kaganda. Basta.
Theres something about her.

Kukunin ko na to
She smiled at someone which unfortunately, I cant see.
Great. Basta makikinabang din ako
Wait a minute.
Boses ba yun ni Mark or nawindang lang ang tenga ko sa tinugtog ni chinita girl?
But my suspicion ended when the guy walked towards her. And SHOOT.

Si Mark nga

So si chinita si Demi?!
Oi Mara, ano uwi na tayo?
Bigla akong tumalikod at sinalubong si Christine. Maybe this is not the time to meet the two of them.

Christine?

Or so I thought.... :|

ANTONS POV

Siguraduhin mo lang na matutuwa ako sa sasabihin mo bata

My hands were wet and cold and I swallowed hard as I look at the man in front of me.
Nandito ako sa tapat ng bahay ni Belle, without her knowing.
S-sir. Yun pong
Alin? Yung may girlfriend kana pala?
Yun nga po. Sir, wala po akong girlfriend
SIGURADO KABA SA SINASABI MO?!
His voice was like a thunder on a disastrous storm.
OPO
Mahal mo ba talaga ang anak ko?
P-po?
Kung hindi, bakit kapa mag-aaksaya ng panahon na pumunta dito
Kasi po
Bumalik ka nalang kapag sigurado kana ijo. Importante sakin ang nararamdaman ng
anak ko dahil kahit minsan, hindi ko pa sya nakitang nagkaron ng boy friend. Kaya
hanggat maaari, sisiguraduhin kong sa tamang lalaki mapupunta ang anak ko.
Naintindihan mo ba?
He shut the door.

Bakit nga ba..

Bakit ko nga ba to ginagawa..

Chapter 30

Belles POV

Nandito ako ngayon sa multimedia room. Wala lang, tambay. Isa pa, ako lang mag-isa dito.
I looked at my phone. Ano tatawagan ko ba si Anton? Para saan?

Bakit ka nasa labas ng bahay namin kahapon?

And yes,

I saw him..

I did. I really did saw him outside our house. Pero bakit?
Bakit?!
Ewan
Anak ng manok na tagalog!
I almost fell on my seat. Actually, ayoko lang matawag na duwag pero the fact that I am here alone, makes
me feel like theres someone watching me. Those creepy stuffs that I always encounter when watching
scary movies enters my mind although I immediately shrugs it off para lang hindi maspoil yung
pagdadrama ko dito.

Ano daw, drama?

E bakit??

Wait a minute. Nakalimutan ko si Franco.

Oo, si Franco yung bwisit na gumulat sakin.
Loner?
Hindi naman. Anong ginagawa mo dito?
I followed you.
Why?
I was worried when we bumped each other a while ago in the corridor and yet you didnt recognize me.
Napahiya ako no. Sa gwapo kong to dededmahin mo lang ako
T-talaga?. Sorry
So bakit nga?
ha?
Bakit ka ganyan? Para kang adik
Wala to

Even I, I really dont know. Pero kung tatanungin nyo kung sinong iniisip ko ngayon, Si anton yun. I dont
get it. Bakit sya nandun samin kahapon?

Is it just because theres something important that he wants to tell? Bakit sa bahay pa namin?

Or..

Para magpaliwanag sa mga magulang ko tungkol sa nakita ni Mommy sa party ni Christine?

Assuming ka Belle. In the first place he doesnt have to that thing, hindi naman kami e.
Wala na. Natulala na sya

H-huh?
I saw his eyes shifted from the door to mine. What surprised me is, he hugged me and patted my back.
H-hoy Franco! What do you think youre doing?
Kinocomfort ka
I broke off from his hug and grimaced. Icomfort? E hindi nya nga alam ang problema ko e.
Ano bang nangyayari sayo?
As what Ive said, kinocomfort ka. Im your substitute best friend
Ha?!
Hinabilin ka sakin ni Mara. She told me what happened. And thats why Im sure what your dilemma is
right now
Dilemma naman. Sige nga kung magaling kang kaibigan, tell me what my problem is
The problem is YOU and ANTON. And youre undiscovered, in denial feelings for each other
I didnt manage to utter a word. Bakit? Dahil totoo?
In denial feelings for each other..
Am I right?
Why is it really easy for him to tell exactly my feelings? Bat ako hindi ko alam.
P-pano mo nasasabi sakin yan? Bakit kung makapagsalita ka parang alam mo lahat?
Its not what you think. Pero when I saw the look on his face when I hugged you a while ago, I know Im
right
Nandito si Anton kanina?!
He nodded and smiled.
Sundan mo.
I quickly packed my things and ran to the exit but before I took the last step ..

One more step and you have decided. Sa oras na lumabas ka sa room na to, pinatunayan mo na tama ako.
Bakit mo sya susundan Belle? Dahil natatakot ka na baka isipin nyang may gusto ka sakin? To explain?
Para saan? Pwera nalang kung gusto mo talaga sya
My feet got glued on the floor.
I watch him walk towards me, while my mind suddenly flashes memories. Memories when I almost broke
Maras collar bones because of too much shaking when I saw Franco. Those kilig moments I treasured.
The feeling I have towards him. Now, I cant believe it was just a memory right now.
He was standing now in front of me. He held both of my arms and made me face outside the room. Then,
in just a second, I found myself outside, standing in the corridor...

Because he pushed me..

Chapter 31

Belle's POV

Oo na. Tama na si Franco. Tama na kayo. Panalo na kayo.. Mamahhal. UGH.

Forget it! Basta yun na yun!
I ran not knowing where to go and where to find him. Unfortunately, I didnt expect it would rain at a time
like this. Crap. Kung kelan naman may hinahanap ako ohh. I reached for my umbrella inside my bag and
went to the foot ball field, the only place I didnt search.
Its as if my instincts only guided me along the way and there, he was standing a couple of meters away
from me. He was soaking wet, standing beside a tree
Anong sasabihin ko? Isip Belle. Isip.

Pero mas lumakas pa ang ulan.

I went beside him immediately and covered him with my umbrella. His eyes met mine, making my heart
pound harder within its walls.
Anong
Anong ginagawa ko dito? T@nga kaba? Syempre nauulanan ka na.
Alam ko
E bakit hindi ka sumisilong?!
Wala lang. Trip
Gags. Alis na tayo dito. Magkasakit kapa
I dragged him inside the building not only for him but because I am also getting wet. My umbrella only
supports one person. Tapos ang laki pa ni Anton. E di ayun, basa na rin ako.
Dumiretso kami sa locker para kumuha ng extra clothes at pantuyo. Mukha na kaming basang sisiw.
Anlakas talaga ng trip mo.
I glanced at him only to see that he was just leaning on the walls, not bothering his wet clothes.
Anton!
Oh?
Do you want to get sick?!
I wiped his face, until his hand touched my mine.
An awkward silence ensued. He stared at me but what surprised me the most was the moment he hugged
me tightly.
Anton
Pinilit kong alisin ang pagkakayakap nya pero masyadong syang malakas.
Ano bang nangyayari sayo?

Gusto ko lang yakapin ka. Bakit masama?

But this time I pushed him harder. Now, I was just standing in front of Anton, who seemed like a stranger
to me.
He smirked.
O mas masarap lang yung yakap ni Franco?
What?
Sorry ahh. I didnt mean to watch. Next time wag kayong mag PDA
Ang kapal mo. Alam mong hindi ako ganun
Sinasabihan lang kita dahil kaibigan kita
Kaibigan mong mukha mo! Hindi ko alam kung bakit ka nagkakaganyan. Jan ka na!
I started walking with closed fist. But as I was about turn right at the end of the corridor, I swear I heard
him saying,
Do you still love him?
I stopped on my track and looked at the insensible being behind me.
How dare you ask me that question
He walked towards me, his face bearing no expression at all.
Kung ganon tama ako?
I bit my lips, holding back my tears. This is harder than I thought. The moment when you are in front of
someone you treasured the most,
Sorry kanina.. Maging masaya ka sana
But he chose to push you to someone, just because you cant find the right words to say.
And then what?
He patted my head and smiled.

See you later

He walked passed me and I realized I just let go of the chance to be happy.

No.

May magagawa pa ko.

I ran and hugged him from behind. I cant hold back my tears anymore, so I let it flow just like the rain.
Belle I
Bakit?! Alam mo ba yung buong nangyari nung niyakap ako ni Franco kanina? Hindi diba? Dahil
tumakbo ka. Oo, alam kong nandun ka dahil sinabi ni Franco. At sinong halang ang kaluluwa na may sabi
sayo na mahal ko parin sya?! May sinabi ba ko? Wala diba?! Bakit ang hilig mong mag-assume! Akala mo
cool tingnan? Hindi tol, nakakasakit e. Nakakainis! Dahil kahit anong pilit kong itanggi alam ko kung
anong totoo kong nararamdaman. Hindi ko na kaya. Kaya wala nakong pake kung anong sasabihin mo.
Ang alam ko lang..
He suddenly faced me, with a smile on his face.
Ikaw na babaeng corny..

I love you

And kissed me for the second time before I could finish my sentence, before I could say those
words that I kept for a long time.

Pakigaya ka ng sasabihin e My tears were still flowing but I know Im smiling.

Ang alam ko lang.. Mahal kita

Chapter 32

Maras POV

I went back to Manila, to face the reality that a few days from now, my world will be inside the corners of
that university.
Ni hindi ko man lang naenjoy yung bakasyon ko! Tapos si Mark, si Mark.. ano
Mara! Bat hindi mo sinabi na uuwi kana pala!
Uhh..Surprise? I said while arranging my clothes.
Pasalubong ko?
Wala e. Saareeh! Lilibre nalang kita mamaya. Nagmamadali ako e
Tss. Asan loveydoods mo?
Loveydoods?!hahahaha. Gumaganon e

Epekto lang ni Anton

Dont you ever mention that name.

Nye?! Anyare? LQ kayo?
Eeee. Kasi naman sya!
Her phone rung. She bit her lips and her expression shows that it was her loveydoods
Haayyy.

Bestfriend ko dalaga na

I sound like my mom. Haha.

To my surprise, she didnt answer it.

Oh? Pakipot kapa
Makakapaghintay naman yun. Right now, I want to know the reason behind that ring on your finger
Talagang walang maitago sayo e. O sya sige..

Flashback

Tss. Naiirita talaga ako dun kay Demi!

Kung makadikit kay Mark akala mo mawawala lagi e. Tapos

kanina sakin sana tatabi si Mark pero biglang dumali ng

Mark, dito kana umupo sa tabi ko please? Namiss talaga kita e
So ayun, kami ni Christine ang magkatabi habang sa harap ko pa talaga nilalandi nung Deming yun si
Mark. UGH. Bastusan teh?
*1 message received*
Quote
From: Christine
She knows about you and Mark. Maldita lang talaga yan, kaya wag kang padadala. Hindi yun kayang
gawin sayo ni Kuya.
I smiled at Christine who was seated beside me. She winked and said,
Cr lang ako
Sama ako sis.
Umariba ang kerengkeng na si Demi at naiwan kami ni Mark.
Tara na
Mark dragged me somewhere away from Demi and Christine whos still inside the comfort room.

So kelangang higitin ako ganun?

Wag ka munang magulo
We reached the parking lot and got inside his car.
Baka mamaya kasi hanapin ka na nung BEST FRIEND SLASH CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART MO.
He smiled.
Selos ka?
San ba tayo pupunta?
Daya iniiba ang usapan
San nga kasi tayo pupunta?!
Wala. Dito lang. May ibibigay ako
O akin na
Pikit ka muna
Ugh.
So ayun pumikit ako. Medyo nagulat lang ako nung kinuha nya yung kamay ko at pagmulat ko..
Nandun na yung ring sa daliri ko.
Para saan to?
Mahal mo ko?
H-ha?
Kasi ikaw mahal kita.
:>
E para san nga to?
Para malaman ng mga taong may nagmamay-ari na sayo.

HELLO KILIG VIBES

Inalis ko yung singsing sa kamay ko at pinagmasdang mabuti kung totoo o baka nananaginip lang ako.
Bat mo inalis? Ayaw mo? Sige
He was about to go outside but I grabbed his sleeves.
Wala naman akong sinasabing ganun e. Arte nito
He smirked and put the ring back to my finger.
Ingatan mo to ha, pagbalik ko hahanapin ko yan sayo
San ka pupunta?
Magdodoktor ako diba? Sabi ni Dad sa US na daw ako mag-aral
Kelan ka babalik?
Depende. Wag kang mag-alala, pangako hindi tayo mawawalan ng communication.
Sabi mo e
Aray, hindi man lang nalungkot
Haha. Bat ako malulungkot?
Mahal mo ba talaga ko?
Ambading pakinggan pare
He let out a deep sigh.
Disappointed?
Hindi ko kailangang malungkot Mark. Para rin naman sayo yun e. Para pagbalik mo, handa na ang
future bride mo

REALITY

TAKTE!!Kinikilig ako!!

Aray! Dahan-dahan naman!

Hinahampas-hampas pa ko ng bruha.
But I cant blame her for that. Kahit ako e, at siguro sa kahit sinong babae na makakatanggap ng singsing,
baka mangisay sa kilig.
Yun nga lang kasama nya si Demi
Eh?!
Kaya natatakot ako baka mamaya hindi na bumalik yun dahil nagayuma ni Demi
Haha. Hindi yan. He loves you so much
I know right. Pero maraming pwedeng mangyari na hindi natin inaasahan
Tiwala lang Mara

Epilogue

After 8 years..

Isang Linggo na ang nakakalipas pero hindi parin ako tinatawagan ng g@go kong boyfriend.
Bat hindi mo sinasagot tong lechak na tawag ko Mark. Babalatan talaga kita ng buhay

Haha. Hala Tita, baka nakulam na ni witch Demi

Bad boy

witch daw si Demi?

Oo na, ako ang nagturo nun

Oo nga pala. Hes Julio, anak ni Belle at Anton. Alam na
Nakakainggit nga e. Samantalang ako naghihintay parin kay Mark. Well, hindi naman sya nagkulang
sakin. Umuuwi sya pag vacation tas ayun babalik na ulit. Ewan ko nga lang ngayon kung bakit kahit
simpleng tawag wala akong matanggap.
Hes up to something. Youll see
kinabahan naman ako sa sinabi mo
Relax lang teh, after 8 long years ngayon pa kaya nya magagawang mangg@go?.
G@go
No Julio! Bad yun. Wag mo gagayahin si Mommy ha?
Ayy?! May saltik din talaga tong bestfriend ko.
My phone vibrated.
Hello Mark?!
Sorry si Anton to.
Anton pala. Kakausapin mo asawa mo?
I glanced at Belle and Julio. She smiled and shook her head.
Ako talaga siguro ang pakay nya.
Lumabas kayo ng bahay nina Belle, nandito ako sa kotse. May kailangan tayong puntahan
Saan?!
Ayy ang kulit!! Lumabas ka nalang!
Ok Ok. Sorry naman
While we were inside the car, I stare at my ring and smiled. Si Mark nalang ang kulang, kasalan na. Boto
na yung tatay at nanay ko, tapos palagi akong kinukulit ni Tita Eula. Ayy nako, kinakabahan ako.

Ay oo nga pala. Si Andrea at Louie ayun, celebrity couple. Mas mabuti na yun, pareho na silang artista
para walang silipan ng schedule. Maganda din naman si Andrea, kaya ayun, nung nakita nung manager ni
Louie, e di gora sa showbiz. Saya no? Although sometimes they're not in good terms, they still manage to
make their relationship last. I envy them a lot
We arrived at an unfamiliar house.
Belle held my hand and smiled.
Ang ganda ng bahay mo. Kinabog yung amin
Ha?!

At nakita ko si Mark sa may pintuan na nakangiti..