Pajama - Addict Cupid Fools PDF

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CUPID FOOLS
pajama_addict
The crazy things we do for love.
Prologue
Sabi nga ni Einstein, gravity can't be blamed for people falling in love. Pero sinong sisihin ko?
Hindi naman pwedeng si Cupido kasi napaka-unrealistic ng idea na merong batang walang saplot at may
dalang pana at wala nang ginawa kundi bwisitin ang mga nananahimik na taong tulad ko sa ibabaw ng
mundo. Pero paano to? Unang kita ko pa lang sa kanya hindi yata pana ang tumama sa akin, sibat yata
na may lason sa dulo.
Sino bang nagpauso ng pag-ibig na yan? At kelan ba yan magiging outdated? At kung totoo man si
Cupido, pakisabi sa kanyang walang hiya sya at ubod sya ng bwisit. Nananahimik ako tapos guguluhin
nya buhay ko? At bakit sa dinami-dami ng lalaki sa buong mundo, yun pa ang napili nya para sa akin?
Isa itong malaking mismatch! Hindi ito makatarungan! Kailangan ko ng hustisya!
Chapter 1
I stared at my Chemistry notebook and screamed. Sino bang nag-imbento nitong badtrip na subject na
to? First quiz pa lang bagsak na ako. Hindi naman kasi ako brainy tulad ni Ate Ice. I sighed and
closed my eyes before I groaned. I am Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte - fifteen, a junior high school
student and a beauty titlist with a purpose. Chika lang. If you're wondering how it feels like to
have a genius for an older sister, I would probably say that it feels great and you probably won't
believe me -- alam mo naman tayong mga Pinoy mahilig sa drama and you probably would want to portray
me as the underdog in my family. Well, you're so wrong. Bata pa lang ako, alam ko nang hindi ko
kayang sabayan ang katalinuhan ng Ate ko regardless kung anong pambobola ginagawa nina Daddy, Mommy
at Ate sa akin. I know what I'm capable of and I'm not stupid to compete head-on with my sister in
the brains department. Wala akong panama dun. So early on, I decided that Ate will be the brain in
the family and I will be the beauty. Ang kokontra insecure. Kaya maawa ka na sa sarili mo, wag ka
nang kumontra. My quest for the crown started early, lahat yata ng beauty contests sinalihan ko na
and thanks to my Ate's very rigid coaching when it comes to answering questions for the Q & A, halos
lahat ng contests na sinalihan ko ay nanalo ako.
"Ingrid, I brought snacks for you, sweetheart." Narinig kong sabi ni Mommy at tumayo ako para buksan
ang pinto ng kwarto ko. I took the tray from her and she followed me inside my bedroom. "Okay ka
lang, sweetheart?" She asked me with a smile.
"'Mmy, sulatan mo nga yung school board at ipatanggal mo nga si Mr. Buenviaje sa pagiging Chem
teacher!" I mumbled angrily as I took a mango tart from the tray that Mommy brought.
"Bakit naman?" Mom asked as she sat down on my bed.
"Nag-quiz ba naman kanina, kakasimula lang ng klase, quiz agad! Tama ba yun?! Isang linggo pa lang
kaming pumapasok, 'Mmy! Makatarungan ba yun?!" I asked angrily as I stuffed the whole tart inside my
mouth.
"Okay lang yun, sweetheart. Quiz lang naman di ba?"
"But I still got a zero! A zero, 'Mmy!"
"You got a zero?" Mom asked trying to hide her surprise. "Well... that... sucks." She said as she
tried to smile. "Di bale bawi ka na lang sa susunod."
"'Mmy, I really, really hate Chem! Tapos yung teacher pa namin ang lakas mang-badtrip!"
"Gusto mo bang magpaturo sa Ate mo? I could always call her."
"Wag na po, 'Mmy. Busy kaya sila sa new babies. Ayoko nang dagdagan yung sakit ng ulo nila. Ate said
puyat daw sila parati ni Kuya JFK kasi yung kambal gising ng madaling araw."
"So, what do you plan to do?" Mom asked in her usual patient and calm manner.
"'Mmy, kailangan ko pa ba talagang kumuha ng Chem? If I will be the next Miss Universe, eh aanhin ko
naman yang Chemistry na yan?" I asked as I posed and waved at an imaginary crowd. Mom laughed as she
stood up to put her arms around me.
"You are so precious, Ingrid." She said. "At oo, anak kailangan mo pa ring mag-aral ng Chemistry kasi
kailangan mo yun para grumaduate ka ng high school. Kapag nag-college ka na, make sure that you veer
away from Chem."
"Pero 'Mmy, hindi po ba kayo pwedeng sumulat sa school board para ma-exempt ako sa Chem?" I asked and
Mommy laughed softly.
"Hindi, sweetheart. Di bale before you know it ay tapos na ang school year."
"Mommy naman, June pa lang ngayon eh!" I protested and she laughed harder as she guided me to sit
down.
"You're a Samonte, there is nothing that you can't do." She said and I sighed.
"I can't do, Chem. I kennot, 'Mmy!" I groaned as I stood up and slumped back on my bed.
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"Kaya mo yan. Ikaw pa. Beauty queen ka di ba? Paano kung nagkaroon ng question about Chemistry ang
isang contest na sinalihan mo eh di matatalo ka na lang dahil dun?"
"Mommy naman, kelan naman magkakaroon ng Chemistry-related question ang isang beauty pageant?" I
asked frowning.
"Aba, malay mo." Mom said as my phone rang.
"Si Calvin?" She asked when she saw the grin on my face.
"Grabe naman to kung makahabol sa akin, wagas!" I kidded as I sat up. Calvin Mallari -- star player
ng St. Martin Academy's basketball team. He's a junior like me at ilang buwan na rin kaming
nagbobolahan sa Facebook at Skype.
"Iiwanan na kita dito muna at alam kong nakakahiyang kiligin sa harap ng Mommy mo." Mom said and I
smiled at her before I stood up to give her a kiss.
"Hello, Calvin?" I answered as soon as I heard my door click close.
"Hi, Ingrid! What are you doing?" I heard Calvin say over the phone and I tapped the mute on my phone
and squealed.
"Yes, success!" I shrieked. "Grabe ka ang tagal na nating nagpapa-cute sa isa't isa pero hindi ka man
lang gumawa ng move! You're so torpe!"
"Ingrid, are you still there?" I heard him say and I hurriedly tapped unmute on my phone.
"Hi, sorry! May nag-send kasi ng message sa FB kaya tiningnan ko muna." I reasoned trying to hide the
excitement from my voice.
"Ganun? Sino? Lalaki?" He asked and I got on my bed and jumped around. Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! May
gusto talaga to sa akin! Grabe! Ingrid, you're so good! "Hello?" He said and I cleared my throat as I
tried to contain my excitement.
"Yes?"
"Lalaki ba yung kausap mo sa FB?" He asked again and a grin wide enough to split my face into two
threatened to appear.
"Bakit mo tinatanong?" I asked as I plopped on my bed.
"Wala lang. Pero, anyway wag mo nang sagutin kasi alam ko namang wala akong karapatang malaman ang
mga ganung details ng life mo." Sabi nya at para akong kiti-kiti kasi kinikilig ako ng todo. Hay
naku, magkaka-lovelife na rin ako sa wakas! Yes! "Sige na, ayokong ubusin oras mo at may ginagawa ka
yata. Bye." He said at kahit ayokong matapos yung pag-uusap namin at nagpakipot ako ng todo.
"Oo nga eh, pasensya na ha kasi sobrang busy ako. Bye, Calvin. Thanks for the call."
"Bye, Ingrid." He answered and I disconnected the call on purpose.
"Oh my gosh! Grabe! Grabe! Kinikilig ako!" I squealed again as I got up and stood in front of my
mirror. "Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte, this year is yours." I said before I did a happy a dance.
Ang bagal ng oras kapag si Mr. Buenviaje na ang nagli-lecture. Marunong yata sya ng time-space warp
at sadya nyang pinapabagal ang time para ma-torture nya kami. Tingin ako ng tingin sa relos ko at
hikab ako ng hikab. Ano ba naman tong si Sir nakakabwisit. Ano naman pakialam ko sa dipole-dipole at
covalent bonding na yan? Isa lang ang alam kong bonding, yung kasama ang mga kaibigan ko sa mall!
"Can anyone tell me what the states of covalent compounds are at room temperature?" Tanong ni Sir.
"Yes, Aleph." Sabi nya at tumayo ang isa kong kaklase na pangarap yatang agawin ang trono ng kapatid
ko pagdating sa pagalingan sa Math at Chemisrty.
"Solid, liquid and gas, Sir." Sagot nya at ngumiti si Mr. Buenviaje sa kanya.
"Very good, Aleph." He replied and I rolled my eyes. Kung bawat very good na nakukuha nitong si Aleph
Gabriel Santiago sa klase ni Sir ay may bayad, siguro libre na ang tuition fee nya sa susunod na
taon.
"Hoy, anong sinisimangot mo dyan?" Tanong ni Agnes na katabi ko sa upuan.
"Ang nerd ng lalaking yan." I murmured. "Nakakainis kasi teacher's pet. Lakas sumipsip, ano sya
vacuum?"
"Gaga, marinig ka nyan." She giggled and I frowned.
"Pakialam ko ba dyan." I answered. Bwisit na bwisit talaga ako sa lalaking yun. Naalala ko nung grade
three kami binigyan nya ako ng roses - na may kasamang bubuyog. Isang linggong maga yung pisngi ko
dahil sa kagat nung bubuyog na freebie ng bulaklak na binigay nya. Nung grade six kami, sya ang
partner ko sa tinikling at namali sya ng bilang kaya sumabit ang paa nya sa kawayan at pareho kaming
nadapa. At ito ang matindi, yung 1st runner up sa Miss Intrams nung 2nd year ako na sobrang bitter
kasi natalo ko sya ay naging girlfriend nya at tumatawa yung babae kapag dumadaan sa harapan ko,
feeling ko tuloy naikwento ng gagong yun ang mga kamalasan na inabot ko dahil sa kanya. Bwisit
talaga!
"Ingrid!" Narinig kong tawag ni Sir at gulat na napatayo ako sa upuan ko.
"Yes, Sir?"
"Ingrid, ikaw na naman ang lowest sa last exam natin? Alam mo bang naging estudyante ko ang Ate mo
and she always got perfect scores in my exams!"
"Sir, grumaduate na po si Ate hindi pa rin kayo naka-get over?" I asked haughtily and some of my
classmates laughed as Mr. Buenviaje glared at me. Bwisit talaga tong si Mr. Buenviaje! Ikumpara ba
naman ako sa Ate ko?! "Ms. Samonte, I don't really care if you plan on failing this class pero hindi
kita mapapatawad kung sa district exams ay mangungulelat ang St. Bernadette dahil sayo!" He snapped
and I swallowed hard. Oo nga pala, malapit na ang district exams. Patay ako nito.
"Sorry po." I murmured and he expelled a heavy breath.
"You may sit down." He said. "Aleph got a perfect score again. Congratulations." He beamed and I
nearly rolled my eyes as our classmates clapped their hands. Sus. Ang masama, yung klase ni Mr.
Buenviaje ay ang class namin before lunch kaya bawat lunchtime na lang ay wala akong ganang kumain
dahil sa bwisit ko sa kanya.
"Alam nyo bang ang pinakamababa na score daw ng mock district exam sa Chem for our level is 22/100?
22/100?! Seryoso? May utak pa ba yun?" I heard someone from the other table say and I turned my head
to glare at them. Ito na naman tong gagang to! Hanggang ngayon bitter ka na di ka nanalo sa Miss
Intrams?! I grumbled to myself.
"Wag mo nang pansinin yan, di naman nila alam na ikaw yun." Agnes murmured. "Tsaka section 1 ka
naman, sila section 2, mas matalino ka pa rin sa mga yan."
"Yun na nga eh, bakit ba di kami close ng Chem na yan! Nakakabwisit!"
"Monette, nandyan si Aleph! My gosh, hanggang ngayon ba hindi pa rin maka-get over yan sayo?" I heard
someone say and I arched my brow. Naghiwalay na pala tong dalawang to? I thought and Agnes must have
read my mind because she moved towards me and whispered.
"Bago magpasukan naghiwalay na yang dalawang yan. Hindi alam kung ano ang rason. Ang tsismis third
party daw at ito ang matindi, muntik na daw magpakamatay yan si Aleph nung naghiwalay sila."
"My gosh, may ganun? Akala ko ba matalino sya? Ang tanga pala ng taong yan."
"Hi, Monette." I heard Aleph greeted at ang gaga dedma, di man lang nya tiningnan. Feeling maganda
naman tong isang to. I thought as I stole a glance at Aleph. He looked pitiful because he was
carrying a tray and there were no vacant tables available. He turned his head and our gazes met.
Hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa utak ko dahil umusog ako at walang sabi-sabing umupo sya sa tabi
ko.
"Salamat ha." He whispered.
"Sure." I heard myself say as he smiled shyly at me. Kinuha ko ang bag ko at nilapag ko sa mesa para
mas malaki ang space na maupuan nya. Tumikhim si Agnes at nung tiningnan ko sya ay ngumiti sya.
"Uyy." She teased and I rolled my eyes at her.
"Kumusta ka na?" Aleph asked and I smiled.
"Ito nalulunod sa sobrang kagandahan." I retorted and he laughed. Walang kaabug-abog na tumayo at
pumunta sa harap ng mesa namin si Monette bago naweywang.
"Bakit ka dyan tumabi?!" She angrily hissed and I couldn't help but arch my brow. Anong ibig sabihin
nito sa mga salitang bakit dyan ka tumabi?! Mukha ba akong madumi?!
"Excuse me, ano naman kung tumabi sya sa akin?" Pagtataray na tanong ko. "May problema ka?!"
"Oo! Ikaw ang problema ko! Masyado kang epal!"
"Wait! Epal? Me? Are you freaking serious?!"
"Oo, seryoso ako! Mapapel ka eh, lahat gusto mong kunin! Imbes na boyfriend ng iba ang pagdiskitahan
mo bakit di mo na lang subukang itaas ang score mo sa Chem!" Pagtataray nya at nagkantyawan ang mga
ibang estudyante.
"Hoy, mahaderang forever first runner up! Hindi ko ugaling mang-agaw ng boyfriend, ano! At hindi rin
kita kasing-ugali na nangongolekta ng lalaki para lang matawag na maganda! Hanggang first runner up
ka lang talaga!" I spat and the other students whistled. "Besides, di ba hiwalay na kayo ni Aleph,
anong pinag-iinarte mo dyan?!" I added and she narrowed her eyes at me. My gosh, nakaka-stress tong
froglet na to.
"First section ka ngang naturingan pero ikaw ang lowest sa buong third year sa mock exam sa Chem!"
She announced and my eyes widened at her words. Aba, gagang to! Kakalbuhin ko na talaga to! I angrily
thought as I stood up but I was surprised when Aleph stood up too.
"Monette, please lang wag mong pagsasalitaan ng hindi maganda ang girlfriend ko." He said as he
turned to drape an arm around my shoulder. Girlfriend?! Ano daw?! I asked myself, too surprise to say
something. "Halika na, babe." He said as he took my bag and pulled with him out of the cafeteria.
Chapter 2
He pulled with me towards the botanical gardens at di ako nakapalag, much more nakapagsalita. I was
in shock. It's my dream to be someone's girlfriend pero ang gusto ko yung mga athletic na lalaki na
sikat at tinitilian ng ibang babae. Parang si Kuya JFK. Ayokong magka-boyfriend ng mga geek at nerd
na tulad ni Ate. My gosh, ano ba naman to!
"Teka nga, teka nga! Saan ba tayo pupunta?" I asked as we finally stopped inside one of the white-
painted sheds. "Ano ka ba naman, kung makahila ka parang hindi beauty titlist ang hinihila mo! Ang
rough mo ha!" I murmured as he sat on one of the benches.
"Sorry." He mumbled and I rolled my eyes at him. "I'm sorry, I didn't know what came over me. Gusto
ko syang pagselosin. I wanted her to realize that she still has feelings for me and it's not yet over
between us." He quietly said and I gawked at him in disbelief. My gosh, is this guy for real? What
did he see in that second-rate trying hard beauty contestant?! I asked myself as he bowed his head.
Pero sino ba ako para humusga? It's his life, his lovelife and he must have seen something in her
that made him fall in love.
"Bumalik tayo sa loob so you can explain to her that the whole thing is just a misunderstanding." I
said and he shook his head.
"This is actually the first time na kinausap nya ako since we broke up." He said at ang aking
pagiging chismosa ay gumana ng todo.
"Why did you break up?" I casually asked hoping to get some information.
"May naging kasalanan ako, I was late for an hour and she broke up with me." He replied and I arched
my brow. Yun lang? Na-late ng isang oras tapos hiwalay agad-agad? Ay sya na ang choosy!
"Pero by the looks of it para namang gusto ka pa nya, kasi di ba yung dialogue nyang inagaw kuno kita
sa kanya."
"Oo nga eh, I saw hope." He said as he lifted his head and glanced sideways at me. Ang ganda naman ng
ngipin mo. Nagpa-braces ka rin ba? I wanted to ask but held my tongue. Mahilig ako sa mga lalaking
magaganda ang ngipin kaya nung nakita kong si Kuya JFK na ngumiti dati, alam kong para sya sa Ate ko,
nakakasilaw ngiti nya eh tsaka at least man lang pag nagkaanak sila eh di na maranasan ng mga
pamangkin kong mag-braces tulad namin ni Ate.
"Sorry ulit ha, nadamay ka pa tuloy." His voice pulled me out of my musings.
"Naku, stop being so melodramatic, ang dali-daling i-rectify nun eh. Bumalik tayo sa loob at sabihin
mo dun sa first runner up forever mong ex-girlfriend na nasilaw ka lang sa ganda ko, which is of
course understandable. At dahil nga mala-anghel ang aking mukha ay bigla mong nasabing girlfriend mo
ako dahil sadyang natulala ka sa ganda ko." I stated and he laughed.
"Nakakatuwa ka talaga." He muttered. "Pero it's not that simple, ma-pride si Monette. At baka pag
sinabi ko yung sinabi mo ay lalo kaming mag-away."
"Ma-pride nga sya pero wala syang utak." I said and he laughed again. "Besides, nag-away na kayo,
naghiwalay na nga kayo eh, lubus-lubusin mo na."
"Bakit ba parang galit na galit kayo sa isa't isa?" He asked.
"Itanong mo dun sa ex-girlfriend mong abot hanggang Jupiter ang pagiging insecure sa ganda ko."
"Pag nagkabalikan kami itatanong ko." He replied grinning and I frowned.
"Seryoso ka dyan, ikaw talaga ang maghahabol? Na-late ka lang ng isang oras eh hiniwalayan ka na?
Kung ganun ay hindi steadfast ang love nya sayo."
"Paano mo naman nalaman ang mga ganung bagay, may boyfriend ka na ba?"
"Wala." I answered. "And it's not because walang nanliligaw sa akin; I'm waiting for the right one!"
"Napaka-defensive mo talaga."
"Eh ano naman?" I asked arching my brow. "Malapit nang maging in a relationship ang status ko kasi
malapit ko na syang sagutin. Kaya utang na loob, wag mo akong idamay sa kaartehan ninyong dalawa ng
babaeng mukhang monay na yun."
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. Nagulat lang ako na nagselos sya."
"Natural magseselos sya, eh ako ba naman ang katabi mo at sobra syang threatened sa ganda ko." I
declared and he laughed again. Bentang-benta ako dito ah.
"Anyway, thank you for bailing me out earlier. I owe you one." He said and I just shrugged. "Halika
na, I'll tell Monette everything. Anong oras na ba? Kailangan na ba nating bumalik sa classroom?"
"Oo." I answered looking at my watch. We trekked back to our classroom and I immediately went to my
chair and sat down.
"Ano yung kanina?" Tanong kaagad sa akin ni Agnes.
"Ewan ko ba dyan kay Aleph at Monette na yan, cross-eyed lovers." I murmured.
"Baka star-crossed naman." Agnes replied laughing and I rolled my eyes at her.
"Gusto ko silang tawaging cross-eyed lovers kasi feel ko!" I said and Agnes doubled over in laughter.
"Uy, may chismis ako!"
"Ano?"
"Kaya daw naghiwalay yung dalawa kasi na-late daw si Aleph ng isang oras dun sa usapan nila."
"Ganun lang hiwalay kaagad?" Agnes asked and I nodded my head. "First-hand information yan." I added.
"Pero mukhang hindi nga makaget-over si Aleph kasi gusto nyang balikan."
"Baka wala silang closure."
"Girl, closure ka pa dyan, hiniwalayan na nga eh so may closure na yun." I said and Agnes nodded her
head.
"Galit na galit nga si Monette kanina eh, nagdabog dun sa canteen."
"My gosh, ang tanga talaga ng babaeng yun. Di ba nya naisip na kami ni Aleph ang pinaka-unlikely pair
sa buong St. Bernadette? I mean beauty queen ako, sya naman quiz bee king. Aanhin naman ng ganda ko
ang pagiging nerd nya? Mga nababagay sa akin mga gwapong captain ng basketball team." I said at di ko
maiwasang kiligin. "Grabe na to, Agnes alam mo bang ramdam na ramdam ko talagang magtatapat na sya sa
akin!" I whispered excitedly. "As in, I can feel it in my bones!"
"Buti ka pa, magkaka-lovelife ka na. At ang swerte mo lang kasi hindi ka na mahihirapang maghanap ng
date para sa prom."
"Friend, June pa lang ngayon ang aga naman nyang prom mo." I said and we both laughed as Mr.
Benedicto, our Literature teacher walked in.
"Good afternoon, class!" He jovially greeted as we stood up to greet him. "Open your books to page
43." He instructed. We obeyed, and I was once again immersed in the romantic world of William
Shakespeare as Mr. Benedicto recited a passage from Hamlet. "To be or not to be, that is the
question..."
"To be, Sir!" I yelled excitedly, the whole class erupted in laughter, and Mr. Benedicto smiled.
"To be what Ms. Samonte?" He asked.
"To be his one true love." I answered dreamily and the class oohed as I saw Aleph out of the corner
of my eye smile.
Sa buong Section I, ako lang ang cheerleader kasi lahat sila pang-seryoso ang mga extra curricular
activities samantalang ako pang-kikay. I mean, aanhin ko yang debate club, school paper at student
council? Besides, Samonte ang huling humawak ng mga yun sa katauhan ng Ate ko at ayaw ko syang
kakumpetensya. Kaya ang ending, cheerleading, drama club at dance club ang mga sinalihan ko.
"Girl, totoo ba ang balitang kayo na daw ni Aleph?" Tanong sa akin ni Christine na kasamahan kong
cheerleader.
"Ha?"
"Nagpupustahan nga sila kung gaano kayo katagal." Lindsay piped in and I arched my brow.
"Hindi daw kayo tatagal, girl kasi hindi daw kakayanin ni Aleph ang pagiging high-maintenance mo!"
Claire said at lalong tumaas ang kilay ko. Wow, ako pa daw talaga ang dahilan kung bakit hindi
magtatagal yung imaginary relationship namin eh ang perfect ko kaya! Mga bwisit!
"At ang on-going bet ay ida-dump ka ni Aleph after a week." Sabat ni Brianna.
"Ganun? Ako? Ako ang ida-dump ni Aleph? My gosh!" I replied, getting annoyed. May problema ba sa utak
tong mga to?
"Ay naku, girl ang pinakamahabang bet na nakalista ay isang buwan, yun na daw ang longest possible
duration ng relationship ninyo." Charmaine said and I rolled my eyes.
"Pwede ba, ako ang ida-dump ni Aleph?" I asked again. Ano ba yang balitang yan, hindi ako makaget-
over!
"Aba, bakit hindi? Aleph is the student council's vice president, the President of the debating club
and he's touted as our school paper's next editor-in-chief."
"And I'm Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte, your next Miss Universe!" I exclaimed, infuriated. My gosh,
pakialam ko ba sa achievements nya eh for sure hindi nya kayang itaob ang achievements ng Ate ko!
"Samonte!" Someone called and I turned my head to find Monette and her fan girls.
"Bakit?" I asked. Everyone inside the gym grew quiet, as I stood up straighter to face her. Ay naku,
wag kang magkakamali kasi black belter ako, baka di na lang ilong puproblemahin mo ngayon pag natapos
ako sayo.
"Ang landi mo! Lahat ng gusto ko o nagustuhan ko gusto mo ring kunin! I'm sure kaya ka lang
nagkagusto kay Aleph at kaya mo lang sya inakit ay dahil alam mong naging boyfriend ko sya!�
"What? Ako? Ang nang-akit? Me?! Darling, go find yourself a psychiatrist but if I were you, I'd spend
my money on a nose job first."
"Ang kapal mo!"
"Ikaw ang makapal! Ano namang meron kang magugustuhan ko? Not your face because my face is definitely
prettier than yours; definitely not your figure because mine is better and I'm sure it's not your
analytical skill or your IQ because I am certain that I am smarter than you!"
"Ang yabang mo! Ang bobo mo naman sa Chem!"
"Ay may ganun? Bago mo akong tawaging bobo, isaksak mo dyan sa utak mo na Section 2 ka lang! And Chem
lang talaga ang maisip mo, ano? Unless na-perfect mo yung mock district test na yan ay wala kang
karapatang magmalaki kasi for sure pasang-awa ka lang naman dun!"
"Eh ano naman? At least kami nakapasa!" Monette's friend, Aissa, interjected and I arched a brow at
her.
"Hoy, babaeng mukhang wasak na imburnal, maghanap ka nga ng taga DPWH na pwedeng mag-ayos nyang
itsura mo. Bago mo problemahin ang usapan ng may usapan ay problemahin mo muna yang itsura mo!" I
snapped and she glared. "Stop glaring, ang laki ng mata mo nagmumukha na syang headlights ng kotse."
"Aba, ang yabang nitong Samonteng to." Felice, Monette's other friend said and I turned to glower at
her.
"Felice, hindi pa pasko kaya wag ka munang um-extra. Sana hindi Navidad ang apelyido ng mapapangasawa
mo di ba?" I muttered and she clenched her fists. "Napikon ka? Are you dying to hit me? Try mo lang,
give me one good reason para ilampaso ko yang mga pagmumukha nyo sa sahig." I uttered as I took a
step forward. They took a step back; they know that Ate and I are members of St. Bernadette's
Taekwando team. "Ano?" I asked.
"Sumusobra ka na!" Monette yelled before she lunged at me. Na-excite ako bigla kasi gustong ko syang
saktan pero ayokong mauna, however, sadyang KJ and tadhana kasi dumating ang makapangyarihang si Mr.
Vice President of the Student Council.
"That's enough!" Aleph said and I rolled my eyes at him. Bwisit na to, wrong timing. Sana pinasampal
man lang nya ako ng isang beses.
"Gabe, sya ang nauna eh--"
"Sisa, excuse me pero nasa gym tayo at cheerleading practice ko so most probably ay ikaw ang sumugod.
Perra est�pida." I murmured under my breath. Stupid bitch.
"Eso es suficiente, Ingrid." Aleph replied smiling. "That's enough."
"Dejar de decirme qu� hacer." I challenged. Stop telling me what to do.
"Por favor." He said and I rolled my eyes at him again but heeded. Tiningnan kami ng masama ni
Monette bago sya umalis kasama ang mga kaibigan nya at hinatid sya ng tanaw ni Aleph.
"Sundan mo na para matapos na tong tsismis tungkol sa atin. Mamaya makarating pa to sa mapapangasawa
ko eh magselos pa yun." I told him and he smiled before he turned to leave.
"Ingrid!" Someone called again and I grimaced. Ito na naman tong kadiring to. I thought not trying to
hide my annoyance. Jobert is a senior and the captain of St. Bernadette's soccer team.
"My gosh, ito na naman sya." I murmured. Okay lang namang di sya kagwapuhan pero hindi ako natutuwa
sa pagiging manyakis nya.
"Hello, Ingrid." He said as he roamed his eyes from my bare legs up to my chest. I was wearing my
skimpy cheerleading uniform.
"If you don't want me to gouge your eyes out better make sure that you only look at my face. Kasi
kung bababa yang tingin mo ulit, kinabukasan bulag ka na." I threatened and his grin widened.
"Ang tapang mo naman, Ingrid." He said. "Pwede bang makuha ko na ang number mo?" He asked at lalo
akong nandiri. Ano ba tong negritong to, ang sarap ilibing ng buhay! I opened my mouth to retort but
Aleph came forward to drape his arm around my shoulders.
"Babe, ayokong binibigay mo ang number mo sa iba." He said before he smiled at Jobert who looked
astonished at his action. I was surprised too but I thought he was just returning the favor when I
helped him earlier.
"Wala naman akong ibang binibigyan, babe." I answered and he looked at me and smiled.
"Akala ko meron eh, seloso pa naman ako." He said.
"Kayo?" Jobert asked at di ako makasagot. Hindi ko alam kung tatango ba ako o hindi. Ayoko nang
dagdagan yung tsismis pero ayoko rin namang patuloy akong binibwisit ng manyak na yun.
"Bakit, may problema?" Aleph asked and Jobert frowned.
"Sige pala, Ingrid." He said before he left.
"Wow, takot sya sayo?" I asked and Aleph laughed.
"Nagsapakan na kami nun dati. Una na ako, salamat ulit."
"Walang anuman. We're even, wala na tayong utang sa isa't isa." I said as I offered him my hand and
he took it in his.
"Quits na." He answered before he waved goodbye. But contrary to what we both thought, the lie we
told was far from over, in fact it was just beginning.
Chapter 3
That night, 7 PM pa lang ay nakaligo, nakapag-pulbo at nakapag-pabango na ako bago humarap sa
computer. "This is it, Ingrid!" I told myself. "Pero nakakaasar naman tong si Calvin, hanggang cyber
dating lang ang alam." I murmured as I waited for the familiar buzz that heralds the love of my life.
Today, I'll be yours and you'll be mine.
I typed on my Facebook status and smiled as likes and comments started pouring in. Mga chismosa. I
thought with a grin as everyone inquired kung sino daw ba ang pinapatamaan ko at kung anong ibig
sabihin ng status ko. Nakikinita-kita ko na ang reaksyon ng madla kapag nakita nila yung In A
Relationship With announcement sa wall ko. Ay grabe exciting!
"Kinikilig ako!" I squealed as I danced in front of my study table. "Hay naku, nasaan ka na ba future
father of my gorgeous children? Bakit ang tagal mo?" Tanong ko sa sarili ko habang binabrowse ang
newsfeed. A notification showed and I clicked on it.
Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago has sent you a friend request. CONFIRM or DELETE.
"Aba si Aleph." I uttered smiling as I clicked CONFIRM. Naasar ako sa kanya dati but after our
incident at the cafeteria, I realized that he's actually a nice guy. At syempre dahil tsismosa ako
agad-agad tiningnan ko ang profile nya. "Ang weird naman ng sense of humor ng lalaking to." Sabi ko
sa sarili ko habang binabasa ang mga reposts nya from something called Cyanide and Happiness. "Ano ba
yan, pang-intelihente ang peg?" I murmured as I scrolled down. I came across a status update that he
posted barely twenty-seven minutes ago and I couldn't help but arch my brow.
Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago:

You love me and I love you why do we have to hide what we feel?
Ay Barney, ikaw ba yan? I love you, you love me? Nyahahaha! Ambaduy! Syet! I thought laughing as I
read the comments.
Monette Ylagan:
Do not over assume. Just because I acted like that like that! Do not overthink I still have fellings
for you!
"Ay, I acted like that like that! Dinaig pa ang major major! Ikaw na!" I murmured laughing. "Fellings
talaga, teh? Ang talino mo talaga! Do not over assume at do not overthink for the win!" I said as I
laughed harder. "Magcomment kaya ako dito?" I mumbled when I saw a notification flash on the lower
left side of my screen. I clicked on it and it brought me to a recent status update from Aleph.

Hello, Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte :)
"Ay ang special ko naman talagang binati pa ako sa status nya." I said as I typed my reply on the
comments box.
Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte:

Hi, Aleph! Ang drama mo ah!

Madrama ba? Hindi naman. Masaya lang.

Good for you if you're happy.

Thanks for making me happy.
"Err... hanudaw? Thanks for making me happy pa tong nalalaman, pinapaselos pa rin ba nito yung trying
hard na jowa nya?"
Monette Ylagan:
As if.
"Aba, aba! As if mo mukha mo! Ang kapal naman nitong first runner up na to! Sarap tsinelasin!"
Ingrid Yelen Tan Santiago:

My pleasure, Aleph.

? ? ?
"Talaga naman ang landi pumupuso!" I laughingly said as I sent him a private message.
Pinapaselos mo, ano? Wahahaha! Desperado!
Lol. Obvious? Lakas mo naman mangantyaw. He replied.
Ay naku, palitan mo ang profile pic mo ng picture ng babae, yung tipong magandang Korean actress na
hindi pa sikat para hindi searchable. Tingnan natin kung di uusok ilong nyan sa kakaselos. I messaged
him back and instantly perked up when I saw Calvin message me. Aleph, bye muna may gagawin lang ako.
Good luck! I hastily typed before I logged out of my FB and put my headset on as I logged in to my
Skype.
"Ang tagal mo naman." Calvin said as I adjusted my camera's angle at muntik na akong tumalon sa tuwa.
"May kausap ako eh." Sagot ko. Pa-cute lang at para lang malaman nya na hindi lang sya ang may crush
sa akin. Manhid ka, manligaw ka na! Gusto ko syang sigawan. Maganda kung maging tayo ngayon kasi
Thursday at nakikinita-kita ko na after twenty-five years of marriage yung Throwback Thursday status
at pic ko. Ayyiiiie! Nakakakilig!
"Lalaki kausap mo?"
"Oo." I replied at kitang-kita ko sa screen ko kung paano sya nalungkot. Kaunting push pa, Ingrid
mapapasakamay mo na itong gwapong to! "Bakit, selos ka?" I casually asked.
"Hindi ah!" He denied vehemently and I hid my smile pero nagpapapadyak na ang paa ko sa ilalim ng
mesa kasi sobra akong kinikilig. Ano ba magtapat ka na! Dadaanin kita sa mental telepathy! I thought
as I stared at him. Magtapat ka na... magtapat ka na...magtapat ka na! "Anong ginagawa mo?" He asked.
"Obvious ba na kausap ka?" Papa-cute pa to eh, alam naman nyang cute na cute ako sa kanya. "Wala ka
bang sasabihin sa akin?" I prodded. My gosh, ang torpe mo! Gusto mo pa yata na isang Ingrid Yelen Tan
Samonte ang manligaw sayo!
"Wala naman. Alam mo ba kanina sa practice may nakasagutan ako, co-captain din ang yabang kasi.
Transferee lang naman sya but he's so full of himself." Ito na naman sya sa mga basketball stories
nya na wala akong pakialam. Bwisit. I murmured to myself as he gave me a blow-by-blow account of how
he pushed the other guy and how he nearly pummeled him to death. Sumabat na ako nung nag-quote na sya
ng Bible verses. Nagsisimba ako at Katoliko ako pero my gosh, wala sa bibliya ang utak ko that
moment!
"Calvin, wala ka ba talagang sasabihin sa akin?" I asked again and he looked puzzled.
"Ha? Ano naman ang sasabihin ko sayo?" Pakipot naman tong isang to! Manigas ka dyan! "Ah oo nga pala,
nakalimutan ko may itatanong nga pala ako sayo." Gosh! Ito na! Ito na! Magtatapat na sya!
"Okay, ano yun?" I inquired as I tried to wipe the smile off my face. Ay, wait kailangan maganda ang
kuha ko pag ini-screen capture ko to. I murmured as I tilted my head a little to the left. Yan,
perfect.
"Ingrid..."
"Yes?"
"Pwede mo ba akong tulungang gumawa ng love letter para sa crush ko?" He said and I fell off my
chair. "Hey, okay ka lang?" Gago ka! Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Ma-sprain ka sana sa next na laro mo nang
hindi ka na pantay maglakad! My heart! My poor, bleeding heart!
"Okay lang ako." I murmured as I stood up and sat back down. I patted my hair in place and cleared my
throat. "Love letter para sa crush mo?" I asked serenely although I felt like raising my middle
finger at him.
"Oo." Sabi nya at kamuntikan ko nang tadyakan ang monitor ko sa asar.
"Bakit hindi na lang ikaw ang gumawa para at least galing sa puso mo?"
"Gusto ko ikaw eh." Ang kapal ng mukha mo, magbigti ka na! "Ano pala yung status mo sa FB, anong ibig
sabihin nun?"
"Wala."
"Ikaw nakakatampo ka na, may nililihim ka na sa akin." He said, his voice teasing and I felt like
giving him an uppercut.
"Calvin, bye na. May kakausapin pa kasi ako sa FB eh."
"Ha? Sino?"
"Someone special." I answered as I tried to keep the bitterness off my voice. He looked surprise at
naguguluhan na ako sa mga pangyayari. May pa-surprised surprised look pa tong isang to. Sorry ka pero
last week pa ako naka-move on! Tseh! "Bye, Calvin." I said before I logged out not giving him time to
reply. "My gosh ha, sinayang mo ang ganda ko!" I angrily hissed as I logged into my Facebook again.
Gusto kong magwala sa asar. The nerve of that guy!
427 Notifications. 18 Friend Requests. 197 Messages.
Hindi masyadong chismosa ang mga kaibigan ko sa FB, 197 messages talaga at nung binuksan ko pare-
pareho ang tanong. "Pakialam nyo ba kung sino yung tinutukoy ko dun sa status ko?!" I grumbled
angrily as I closed my INBOX. I checked my profile and saw that Ate posted a message.
Irina Ysobel Samonte-Zamora:

Call me!
I dialed her number and she answered on the first ring. Walang patumpik-tumpik, ang tanong nya ay:
"May boyfriend ka na? O nadevirginize ka na?"
"Ate naman eh! Wag ganyan! Badtrip ako!"
"Ay, nabasted ka ba?" She asked and I sighed.
"Ang kapal ng mukha, ang sabi ba naman sa akin gawan ko daw sya ng love letter para sa crush nya!"
"Hindi ka maba-badtrip kong hindi ka nag-assume."
"Sinong hindi mag-a-assume sa mga kilos nya? Nalulungkot kapag sinasabi kong may kausap akong
lalaki?"
"Baka feeling mo lang o tingin mo lang ay nalulungkot sya when in fact, normal na facial expression
nya lang pala ang nakikita mo at normal na tone of voice nya lang pala ang naririnig mo pero since
may feelings ka sa kanya ay nabibigyan mo ng meaning. Ganun talaga if you have feelings for the
person, you tend to romanticize everything"
"I hate you, you're so smart." I groaned and she laughed.
"You're smart too, baby. Ayaw mo lang kasing maniwalang smart ka pero you're as smart as Ate."
"Ate, broken-hearted ako pero di ako delusional kaya wag mo na akong bolahin." I retorted and she
laughed again.
"But are you okay?" She seriously asked.
"I'm super." I answered. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Give my regards to Kuya JFK and the
twins."
"Okay, kapag may kailangan ka, do not hesitate to call me."
"Yes po, Ate I know. I love you."
"I love you." She answered before she ended the call. Ayokong ma-depress kahit napaka-depressing ng
gabi ko. Pero bwisit talaga yung Calvin na yun sinira nya talaga araw ko pati timetable ko! I pulled
my planner from one of the drawers. I had encircled the date and wrote: This is the day that I get a
boyfriend!
"Yeah right! Now my plans are ruined! My life's ruined just because of one stupid basketball jock!" I
angrily uttered. "Ang corny mo, Ingrid ha. Anong your life is ruined? Gaga!" I scolded myself. I
wheeled my ergonomic chair closer to my table intending to log out of Facebook and just sleep the
misery away but something on my newsfeed caught my eye.

Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love. (William Shakespeare)
"Ito lang yata ang lalaking kilala ko na nagme-memorize ng passages mula sa plays ni William
Shakespeare." I mumbled aloud as I typed a comment.

Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind (William Shakespeare)
Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago

Love goes by haps; Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps. (William Shakespeare)
"Aba, nakikipagsabayan!"
Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte

Stupid cupid you're a real mean guy, I'd like to clip your wings so you can't fly... (Mandy Moore)

We were both young when I first saw you (Taylor Swift)
I read his entry and laughed. "Loko-loko rin to eh."
Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte

I, I love you like a love song, baby (Selena Gomez)

I'll stop the world and melt with you (Bowling for Soup)
I stared at my screen for a long, long time. "What the hell are we doing? Are we flirting?" I asked
myself and I remembered what that idiot Calvin asked me.
Pwede mo ba akong tulungang gumawa ng love letter para sa crush ko?
"Shit ka." I grumbled suddenly tired. "Ilang buwan tayong nagbolahan tapos ang gusto mo lang palang
hingin sa akin ay tulong sa paggawa ng love letter? You freak!" I angrily mumbled as I took my phone
and deleted all his pictures from my gallery. "Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Ang kapal, kapal ng mukha mo!"
I furiously threw my phone and it bounced off my bed. "Badtrip!" I whispered irately. Napansin kong
may nag-pop up na chatbox sa right side ng screen ko at nilapit ko ang upuan ko sa study table.
Are you okay? The message came from Aleph.

"No, I'm not okay!" I wanted to say and I felt like crying. Parang natatangahan ako sa sarili ko.
"Bwisit ka Calvin!"
Kilala mo kung sino si Cupid at alam mo ba kung nasaan sya? Lakas nyang mang-trip ha, huhulihin ko
sya gamit ang isang lambat tapos tatanggalan ko ng balahibo ang mga pakpak nya! I typed.
LOL! Anong number mo? He asked and I didn't know what came over me pero tinype ko at sinend sa kanya.
My phone rang after a few seconds and I retrieved it from my carpeted floor and swiped the screen to
answer the call.
"Aleph." I said.
"Hi, paano mo nalamang ako to?"
"Kumusta ka naman, kakakuha mo lang ng number ko di ba? Duh." I answered and he laughed again.
"I have a proposal."
"That better be good." I said as I plopped noisily on my bed. "Don't tell me gusto mo akong maging
pseudo-girlfriend para pagselosin lang yung Monette mo?"
"Oo. But in return I'll teach you Chem."
"Aleph, you know that the National Champion for Math and Chemistry is my older sister, right? Bakit
sayo pa ako magpapaturo?"
"Because it would be more exciting? Because whoever made you want to kill Cupid will probably realize
what he lost when he'll find out that you got yourself a boyfriend." He stated. Jeez. I hate how
smart individuals make sense. I murmured to myself as I rolled unto my back to stare at the ceiling.
"Deal?" He asked and I closed my eyes to think. I saw Calvin's smile in my mind and anger gripped me
again. Kailangan kong makaganti sa gagong yun! Chura mo! Tingnan natin kung di ka magsisisi!
"Hanggang kelan yung pagkukunwari?" I questioned. "At anong makukuha mo dito?"
"When one of us falls for another person." He replied. "I want Monette to get jealous enough to want
me back at sa tingin ko effective yung tandem nating dalawa kasi ayaw nya sayo kaya nagdodoble ang
selos nya."
"Teka lang, paano kung nagkabalikan kayo eh di naiwan ako sa ere at nagmukha akong tanga?"
"Hindi kita iiwanan sa ere pero pag-uusapan natin kung kelan tatapusin. Graceful exit for both of us.
If you want, since ikaw yung babae, we can make it appear that you dumped me. Wala sa akin yun."
"That's cold. Napaka-impersonal naman."
"It's not impersonal, it's convenient." He said and I sighed. "Deal?" He repeated and I sat up.
Hmm... may lalaki na akong pwedeng ipamukha kay Calvin, may Chem tutor pa ako. Besides, may itsura
naman tong si Aleph, matangkad din at compared kay Calvin, I'm sure mas may utak to. "Do we have a
deal?" His voice cut through my musings.
"Laro lang to ha, pwede akong kumalas kahit kelan ko gusto."
"Oo."
"Okay, deal." I answered.
"Good because I already sent you the relationship status request even before you said yes."
Chapter 4
Friday and I couldn't shake the misery out of my head. I'm in a pseudo relationship. I thought
dejectedly. Bwisit ka kasing Calvin ka ang kapal-kapal ng mukha mo! I angrily murmured. All along
akala ko ang ganda ko ang dahilan ng pag-uusap namin, yun pala type nya lang humingi ng dating tips
sa akin. Badtrip! Of course, it was out of the question to blab about my feelings to Mom kasi feeling
ko Calvin wasn't deserving of Mommy's distress.
"Are you okay, baby?" Mommy asked after I've eaten breakfast and brushed my teeth.
"Yes, 'Mmy." I answered as I kissed her on the cheek.
"You look gloomy." She stated.
"I'm just tired, I was up until 3 AM." I reasoned.
"Talking to Calvin?" She teasingly asked. No, talking to myself. I wanted to reply pero hindi na ako
nagsalita and just shook my head.
"Doing something else." I said. "Sige po, 'Mmy baka ma-late po ako. Bye!" I said before I went inside
Dad's study to kiss his cheek too.
"Ingat, baby." He said as he put the book he was reading down. The drive to school was uneventful at
nakisabay pa daw ang langit sa kadramahan ko sa buhay kasi umambon. Ang problema ang tamad kong
magbukas ng payong, feeling ko kasi nakakawalang-poise ang magbitbit ng payong. Pero mas wala kang
poise kung mukha kang basang sisiw! I scolded myself and opened my bag.
"Naman!" I angrily mumbled. "Hindi ko dala ang payong ko!"
"Miss Ingrid, may golf umbrella po sa likod ng kotse kunin ko na po." Sabi ni Manong Ben.
"Naku, Manong wag na po, lalabas pa po kayo eh at mababasa pa kayo, baka yung rayuma nyo magparamdam
na naman. Tatakbuhin ko na lang po hanggang gate." I said, as I got ready to open the door. Bubuksan
ko na sana nung biglang may kumatok sa pinto bago ito bumukas.
"Wala kang payong ano?" Aleph asked and I stared at him. "Halika na, may mga sasakyan sa likod nyo."
He stated as he held out his hand. I took the hand he offered and he helped me out of the car.
"Bye po, Manong Ben! Ingat po!" I told my driver before I closed the door.
"Buti meron kang jacket." Aleph said as he took my bag and slung it over his shoulder. The gesture
surprised and intrigued me. Ano ba to, masyadong ini-internalize ang pagiging pseudo-boyfriend ko. I
murmured.
"Salamat, buti may payong kang dala. Kakarating mo lang din?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang naglalakad
kami papuntang gate.
"Hindi. Kanina pa ako." He answered.
"Hi, Aleph!" Someone greeted and Aleph draped his arm on my shoulders, muntik na akong magtaas ng
kilay kaya lang naisip ko ano pang pinag-iinarte ko eh na announce na nga sa buong St. Bernadette na
kami dahil sa relationship status request na yan na napuno ng comments at likes kagabi. Para tuloy
akong nanalo sa Miss Universe sa dami ng nag-congratulate sa akin.
"Hello, Carl." Aleph greeted back.
"Hi, Ingrid!" Carl said and I smiled at him. I suddenly felt depressed. Ang pathetic ng ganda mo,
Ingrid. Panakip-butas ka na lang ngayon at dahil bobo ka sa Chem pumayag ka tuloy na maging panakip-
butas na lang! My mind said and I couldn't help but sigh. My gosh, this is so demoralizing. We swiped
our IDs and I smiled at the guard who greeted us. Hindi ako mahilig sa self-pity at never akong naawa
sa sarili ko until that moment.
"Hey." Aleph said as we took the stairs to the second floor. "Naiiyak ka?" He asked and I shook my
head and started to sob. "Bakit?" He asked as I kept my head bowed. We reached the corridor and he
pulled me into his embrace. "Ano yun?" He asked again but I could't seem to stop crying. I felt so
stupid. I felt like I was dumped by that jerk Calvin, sana kung friend-zoned eh love letter-zoned.
Pauso. Trending. Bwisit! Tapos ako naman itong tanga, pumasok sa isang kalokohang relasyon na for
sure ay magiging isang hash tag EPIC FAIL. All caps pa para intense. "What's wrong?" He murmured
against my hair.
"Ang tanga tanga ko." I sniffed.
"Bakit mo naman nasabing tanga ka?" He asked and I cried harder. "Hush, stop crying. Hindi ka tanga,
okay?"
"Tanga ako kasi pumayag ako sa ganitong set-up kapalit ng tutorial sa Chem! Where's my damn pride?" I
sobbed and he laughed.
"I will take care of you and I will make sure that you won't regret this." He uttered as he continued
to hold me. May mga estudyanteng dumadaan kasi naririnig kong binabati nila si Aleph but I wasn't
done being a drama queen yet. "Tama na iyak, ikaw din mamumugto yang mata mo tapos mamumula yang
ilong mo, papangit ka."
"Bwisit ka!" I murmured and he laughed again as I willed for my tears to stop. I expelled a heavy
breath and closed my eyes. You're Ingrid Yelen T. Samonte; you are smart; you are beautiful; you are
fierce. I recited the mantra in my head, an exercise that my Ate taught me.
"Are you okay now?" He asked after a few minutes and I nodded my head.
"Yes, thank you." I said. "My hanky's inside my bag." I muttered and I was surprised when he pulled
his handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped my face with it. I stared at him and he smiled.
"Ayan, beautiful as always." He announced. Hindi ko alam kung nagbibiro sya o nambibwisit lang but I
let him pull me inside our classroom. Everyone whispered excitedly when they saw us but I followed
Aleph's example and just ignored them.
"My God! Kayo na nga!" Marian, one of our classmates, exclaimed. "First couple ng Section I! We're so
excited!"
"Oo nga, usually kasi ang mga classmates natin from other sections ang boyfriends or girlfriends!"
Annie happily piped in and I wasn't sure if I should thank them or not.
"Congrats sa inyo!" Ren�e, another classmate, said and I just smiled.
"Are you okay, babe?" Aleph asked and I just nodded my head. Hindi ko alam kung bakit kailangan
naming magtawagan ng babe sa classroom when in fact si Monette naman ay taga-second section. Pero
naisip ko rin, oo nga naman mamaya may spy yung babaitang yun sa section namin.
"Yes, babe." I replied and some of the girls squealed. As agreed walang makakaalam na peke yung
relationship namin, ako, sya, si Ate ko at Kuya JFK lang. I told Aleph upfront that my sister would
ask questions and knowing that she's one hell of a great debater, malamang hindi ko kayang sanggain
yung kapangyarihan nya. And I knew that she won't be able to hide things from Kuya JFK kasi buy one,
take one package sila. While we were having class, parang lahat ng classmates namin kinikilig at
excited, in fairness din naman kasi kay Aleph feel na feel nyang boyfriend ko sya at ang sweet ng
loko kulang na lang budburan ko sya ng asin pang-counter sa sweetness nya.
"I want Ingrid to be my partner, Sir." He told Mr. Carmino, our Advance Biology teacher and the whole
class shrieked, well except sa mga lalaki na nangantyaw ng todo.
"So totoo ang balita na kayo na?" Mr. Nolasco asked with a smile and I wanted to hide under my chair.
Kawawa naman ako nito pag nagkabalikan tong si Aleph at si Monette. I thought as Aleph nodded his
head. Hindi kasi ako tulad ni Ate, yung planning capabilities ko pang-hanggang bukas lang, I do not
think ahead kaya tuloy ito, feeling ko magmumukha akong tanga pag nagkabalikan na sila. Agnes said
that she'll be eating lunch with the Home Economics Club officers later kaya kami ni Aleph na lang
daw ang magsabay.
"You don't mind naman na ako kasabay mo mamaya sa lunch di ba, babe?" He asked and I rolled my eyes
at him.
"Babe talaga? Parang sanggol." I murmured and he laughed.
"Ano bang gusto mong tawagan natin?"
"Sina Ate ko kasi Puppy at Kitten."
"Gusto mo piglet at chick?" He asked laughing and I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Gusto mo flappy at bird, alam mo na siguro na ikaw si bird?" I said and he laughed harder. "Aleph,
may tanong ako kasi naguguluhan ako and I want a guy's point-of-view on the matter. Nahiya lang kasi
akong tanungin si Kuya JFK kasi sobrang protective nya, Im sure aabangan nya si Calvin pag sa kanya
ako nagtanong."
"Okay, shoot."
"We talk everyday for almost a year now. Nagpapaka-sweet sya, nagpapaka-sweet ako. In short, we're
flirting. Nagseselos din sya kapag nalalaman nyang may iba akong kausap pero just last night he told
me that he wants my help in composing a love letter for his crush. What gives?"
"He likes you." Aleph stated plainly. "But..."
"My gosh, I hate buts." I murmured and he laughed. "But it could mean na lumipas na ang pagkagusto
nya sayo and he only sees you as a friend now." He added without looking at me. "Kung babalik sya
sayo, tapos na tayo?" He asked and I frowned.
"Ano ba, Aleph wag kang parang nadi-depress dyan feeling ko tuloy nagkakagusto ka na sa akin. My
gosh, istahp!"
"Ano namang masama kung gusto kita?"
"Lapit mo mukha mo dito sa bunsen burner para masilaban kita." I joked and he laughed. He insisted na
magtabi kami ng upuan during Chem para ma-explain nya yung lessons at buti na lang understanding si
Agnes and she didn't mind.
"Tumabi ka na dun, nakakahiya ka naman ikaw ang lowest." She uttered.
"Salamat, Agnes ha your vote of confidence in my Chem abilities is superb!" I answered and she
laughed. Mr. Buenviaje said nothing when he saw me beside Aleph. Siguro ini-expect na nyang
tutulungan ako ni Aleph since he's Section I's class president. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hate ko
talaga ang Chem at hindi ko mabilang kung ilang beses akong ginising ni Aleph kasi nakakatulog ako sa
upuan ko.
"Wag kang matutulog." He murmured. "Lalo kang walang maiintindihan nyan. I don't believe in spoon-
feeding so at least grasp the concept and ask me questions."
"Ang boring eh." I whispered as I hid a yawn behind my hand.
"Sa susunod na makatulog ka hahalikan na kita."
"Anong akala mo sa akin si Sleeping Beauty?" I grumbled and he chuckled.
"We have one last mock district test in a week before the actual district exam, I expect you to do
well." Mr. Buenviaje said and I groaned. "Aleph, take care of your girlfriend baka bumagsak na naman
yan nakakahiya para sa Section I." Mr. Buenviaje said as he let his eyes rest on me. Sir, kung
makalait naman kayo! Tsaka paano nito nalaman na kami? Tsismoso tong matandang to!
"Ako na pong bahala, I will take care of her." Aleph answered and Mr. Buenviaje nodded his head.
"Grabe! Talagang singled out ako!" I complained as we headed to the cafeteria. "Ako lang ba bumagsak
at sobrang mainit dugo nya sa akin?"
"Ingrid, unang-una Samonte ka. Ate Ice can calculate chemical half-lives with her eyes closed kaya
mataas expectation sayo. Secondly, first section tayo kaya ini-expect nila na kahit hindi ka highest
ay papasa ka. Lastly, ikaw lang ang may below 50 ang score sa lahat ng juniors kaya nga nakatutok
sila sayo eh kasi di ba sa district exams, malaki ang bearing ng highest and lowest scores kaya
mahihila mo lahat?"
"Thank you for making me feel better." I sarcastically said and he laughed.
"Papasa ka. It's 85 or nothing. I promise you." 85? My gosh, the pressure! From 22 to 85? May mahika
ba itong taong to?!
"May magic ka ba?" I asked and he chuckled. He asked me to sit down as soon as nakarating kami sa
cafeteria and volunteered to order for me. "Ako nang magbabayad." He said as I handed him money.
"It's on me." He added and I turned my head and saw Monette and her friends. Aysows kaya naman pala!
I murmured to myself.
"Babe, bilisan mo ha namimiss kita agad!" I said loud enough for Monette to hear and Aleph looked
amused.
"Okay, babe. Kiss ko?" He asked and I blinked before he laughed and patted the top of my head.
"Kidding." He murmured against my ear. "Relax." He said before he left. He arrived with our food
after a few minutes and I thanked him. Umupo sya sa tabi ko as he put my food in front of me.
"Puro landi, bobo naman sa Chem! Ang kati-kati ng babaeng yan." I heard Monette say and I was about
to stand to give her a piece of my mind but Aleph stopped me.
"Monette, ipasa mo muna ang Math mo bago mo tawaging bobo ang baby ko." He coolly said and Monette
sputtered angrily.
"How dare you, Aleph!" She said but Aleph ignored her.
"Eat." He commanded. "Mag-aaral tayo simula bukas, saan mo gusto sa bahay nyo o sa bahay ko?" He
asked.
"Sa amin na lang, ayaw ng Daddy na pumupunta ako sa bahay ng lalaki." I replied.
"Okay, alas sais pa lang nandun na ako." He uttered and I nearly choked on my food.
"Alas sais?! Ano to boot camp?!" I indignantly asked and he regarded me seriously.
"Overnight to ng dalawang araw kaya ipagpaalam mo na ako sa inyo kung sa inyo tayo mag-aaral. My
parents wouldn't mind having you over for two days kung sa amin tayo."
"What?!" I nearly yelled. My gosh, isa lang ang alam kong overnight at slumber party ang tawag ko dun
pero overnight sa kakaaral, ano yan Saw V, Chem edition?!
"We have less than 2 weeks before the district exams, Ingrid. Ayokong bumagsak ka. We will cram
nearly a month's worth of lessons in eight days."
"Ano ba, Aleph! Wag mo naman akong gawing geek! Beauty queen ako eh!" I whined and he smiled.
"Beauty and brains ka actually." He murmured and I stared at him.
"So crush mo na ako nyan?" I asked and he laughed ignoring my question.
"So saan tayo bukas, sa amin o sa inyo?"
"Seryoso ka ba dyan?"
"Oo nga, seryoso ako."
"Sa amin na lang, magpapaalam ako kina Mommy at Daddy na mag-o overnight tayo."
"Okay." He said.
"Alam mo ba bahay namin?"
"Oo." He answered.
"How come?"
"I'm your stalker."
"What the freak?!"
"Joke lang." He laughingly said.
Chapter 5
We were having dinner and my parents couldn't get over my niece and nephew's cuteness. I was a bit
irritated kasi hindi nila ako sinama kaya hindi ako nagsasalita.
"Nagtatampo si Baby Ingrid, Dad." Mom teased.
"Bukas, punta tayo sa bahay ng Ate at Kuya mo."
"Hindi po ako pwede bukas kasi mag-aaral po ako." I grumbled as I pushed my food around my plate with
my fork.
"Aba, Sabado pero mag-aaral ang bunso mo, Daddy." Mom uttered her disbelief and I looked at them.
"Ako po kasi lowest sa Chem." I mumbled. "I only got 22/100 in the mock district test kaya po meron
po akong study buddy."
"22/100?" Dad asked incredulously.
"That's okay, baby." Salo agad ni Mommy. "Okay lang yun, Hon kasi mock district test lang naman. I'm
sure Ingrid will do better."
"Kaya nga po mag-aaral po kami dito sa bahay." Sabi ko. "I need your permission because my study
buddy is a boy. Kilala po sya ni Ate and I need his help since he got a perfect score in the mock
test."
"Kung aral lang naman ang gagawin nyo, walang problema." Dad uttered.
"Overnight po eh, dito po sya tutulog."
"Overnight? Bakit overnight?" Mom asked.
"Kasi po ilang araw na lang before yung district test at sabi ni Mr. Buenviaje tulungan nya daw ako
kasi nakakahiya sa Section I."
"Anong pangalan nya?" Dad inquired.
"Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago po." I replied and he nodded his head.
"Kelan sya pupunta dito, baby?"
"Saturday po. 6 AM." I replied with a grimace. "Mommy paghintayin mo lang sya sa baba kasi 9AM pa ako
gigising." I mumbled and Mom laughed. After dinner, nag-shower lang ako at humarap na sa computer.
Nabadtrip na naman ako nung naalala ko si Calvin so I turned my computer off and lay down on my bed.
Narinig kong tumunog ang phone ko and I stood up to take it out of my bag.
Open your Facebook. The message was from Aleph and I arched my brow. Pero agad-agad kong binuksan ang
computer ko.
"Ano na naman kayang drama nito?" I murmured as I logged into my FaceBook. Naka-invisible yung chat
status ko pero sya naman online.
Ano? I asked.
Pahinging pic gagawin kong profile picture ko. He replied.
My gosh baka ma-discover ako. No! I typed before I sent it to him. My phone rang and I swiped the
screen to answer his call.
"Anong ka-cornyhan to, magka-chat na nga tayo magkausap pa tayo?" I asked without preamble. "And
don't tell me obliged akong gawing profile pic ang picture mo? Hindi ko take ang mga ganyang klaseng
kamaisan."
"Optional yung gagawin mong profile pic mo ang picture ko, kung gusto mo lang naman." He retorted
laughing.
"Aleph, alam mo para tapos na yang problema nyo ni Monette i-block mo na lang yung bruhang yun, for
sure she'll get curious enough to want you back."
"Mas gusto ko ng ganito, mas exciting."
"Oh well, hindi ako nai-excite. I am just reminded that my lovelife is one stupid mess and I am
currently in a relationship with someone who's pining over a cross-eyed bitch!"
"You're harsh." He said and I huffed. "Anong problem mo, babe?"
"Babe ka pa, imposibleng na-wire tap ni Monette itong phones natin ano!" I grumbled and he laughed.
"Aleph, I am so bitter I'm starting to turn green and grow uneven ridges all over! Nagiging ampalaya
na ako!"
"Bitter ka pa rin kay Calvin?"
"Oo! I feel conned! I know I have no right to feel this way kasi hindi naman kami but that's one
frigging year of flirting and I can't help it!"
"Lalong hindi ka makakaganti nyan kung bitter at galit ka because your judgment will be clouded so
you won't be able to make smart decisions. Kelan yung next game nila ng basketball at saan?"
"Bakit mo tinatanong?" I asked.
"I just want to check the competition." He answered almost inaudibly.
"Ha?"
"Wala."
"At paano mo pala nalamang naglalaro sya ng basketball?"
"Because you're the type who'll fall for jocks." He answered.
"Maiinsulto na ba ako dapat dyan sa sinabi mo?" I asked and he laughed.
"Ingrid, no offense intended, I was just stating a fact."
"And that fact being that I'm shallow?" I questioned and he sighed.
"Galit ka na nyan?"
"Inis lang, ayokong magalit sayo kasi yung galit ko naka-reserve kay Calvin."
"Wag ka nang magalit sa kanya, anger is affection turned upside down. Tell me what you want to do.
Gusto mo ba syang maging boyfriend?�
"Dati, oo but now I'm not so sure. I just want to get even without looking pathetic. I don't want him
to know that he broke my heart. May pride naman ako kahit pumayag akong gawin mong panakip-butas." I
said and he grew silent. "Hoy, nakatulog ka na yata." I uttered. "Bakit ang tahimik mo?"
"Hindi kita ginagawang panakip-butas." He said. He sounded so upset that I felt guilty. Pero teka
lang, bakit ako nagiguilty eh totoo naman yung sinabi ko? Kunyari pa tong isang to. "I don't want you
to think na ginagamit kita, Ingrid."
"Err... but am I not your pseudo-girlfriend? Anong tawag mo dito?"
"You are my girlfriend. Period." He said and I started laughing. Defective yata tong isang to, loko-
loko!
"Umayos ka nga, alam ko namang nagdadrama ako pero hindi mo kailangang magbaliw-baliwan para lang ako
mapatawa, ano! Anyway, salamat sa effort. Nagpaalam na nga pala ako kina Mommy at pwede na tayong
mag-aral hanggang malusaw utak ko."
"Ingrid..."
"Bakit?"
"Sorry."
"Dahil?"
"Basta sorry." He said and I frowned. Ganito ba talaga pag sobrang talino, wala nang sense kausap? I
thought. Pero may sense naman kausap yung Ate ko.
"You can't tell me you're sorry without telling me the reason why you're apologizing."
"I'm sorry kasi--"
"Uy, wait! Teka lang low batt na ako. Bukas na lang tayo mag-usap tutal pupunta ka naman dito.
Kailangan ko nang matulog kasi ang aga-aga ko pang gigising."
"Okay." He replied. I ended the call and charged my phone. I was about to turn my computer off when I
remembered na humingi nga pala sya ng picture ko. I browsed my files for a pic and sent it him.
Aleph, wag mong lawayan yan ha alam ko maganda ako dyan. I wrote after I sent the file.
Salamat. He answered. Binuksan ko ang overflowing INBOX ko at sinagot yung ilan sa mga messages na
legit yung tanong, yung iba kasi puro nakiki-tsismis lang. I chatted with Agnes for a few minutes and
browsed my newsfeed.
Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago has updated his cover photo.
"Aba, sosyal may pa-update, update na lang to ng cover photo ngayon." I mumbled to myself as I
clicked on the picture. "Ano ba ito, talikod-genic?" I asked staring at the photo of a young girl's
back. "Hindi man lang kita ang mukha, pa-mysterious effect nakakaloka."
My one and only you. The text on the photo says. Gusto ko syang i-message para biruin but I wasn't
that heartless. Naisip ko na baka si Monette ang nasa photo at ayokong kutyain yung feelings nya dun
sa babaeng yun.
5 AM pa lang ginising na ako ni Mommy. Alam nya kasing tatagal ng forty minutes yung gisingan namin.
It was ten minutes to six when I woke up and trudged sleepily to my bathroom to take a shower.
"Nandyan na sya." Mom said as I was putting conditioner on my hair.
"Pakisabi sa kanya na wala syang puso!" I replied over the water's noise and heard Mom laugh. Bandang
6:30 AM na nung lumabas ako kasi hinding-hindi ako humaharap sa bisita ng hindi nakablow-dry ang
buhok at nakaayos.
"Good morning." He greeted when he saw me. Magkaharap sila ni Dad and they were obviously talking. I
eyed his large bag and the folded Manila papers that were on top of the center table.
"Hindi ka naman masyadong prepared." I said. "You've met my parents." I stated and he smiled. "Tara,
let's have breakfast."
"I already ate." He answered.
"Kumain ka ulit, Aleph. I baked some cookies, kahit yun na lang tsaka juice." Mom offered.
"Halika na, Aleph kumain ka na. Masarap magluto ang Mommy ni Ingrid." Dad invited and he stood up.
Ang maganda lang sa mga matatalinong tao, they're so sure of themselves at nakikita ko si Ate sa
kanya -- hindi nahihiya, confident at alam ang lugar nya sa mundo. He chatted affably with Mom and
Dad samantalang ako hirap pa rin idilat ang mga mata ko.
"Pagpasensyahan mo na yan, hindi talaga morning person yang batang yan." I heard Mom say and I opened
my eyes to look at them.
"Ang aga naman kasi ng umaga mo." I murmured and he laughed. The conversation around the table was
pleasant kasi in fairness naman kay Aleph, he's a polite and likable guy.
"Magkikita kami ni Julio sa Wack-Wack." He told Mom after breakfast. "Dun na kami magla-lunch, Hon."
He added.
"May zumba class kami ni Madeline mamaya, pwede namin kayong puntahan sa Wack-Wack and we can all
visit the kids after." Mommy said at naasar ako. Buti pa sila may social life samantalang ako nasa
Chem Boot Camp. I whispered to myself.
"Sama ako!" I complained. "Gusto ko nang makita si Blaze at si Twinkle!"
"After your district tests, baby." Mom said. "Unahin mo muna yan, ayan na nga si Aleph o tutulungan
ka na. He's sacrificing his Saturday and Sunday for you kasi sa kanya ka pala binilin ng Chem Teacher
ninyo."
"So kami lang maiiwan dito?" I asked. Hindi sa takot ako sa kanya o iniisip kong meron syang gagawin
pero I find it weird na hindi sila masyadong nagre-react, Aleph's a guy after all and if I remember
correctly eh napaka-OA ng reaction ni Daddy kay Kuya JFK dati.
"Nandito sina Manang kaya marami kayong kasama." Mom said and I frowned. "I had one of the dens set-
up para komportable kayo habang nag-aaral." She added and I sighed. Hay naku, wala talaga akong
kawala dito puro aral talaga gagawin ko sa loob ng dalawang araw. "Aleph, follow me, anak so I can
show you to your room." Mom said and Aleph carried his bag with him as he trailed behind my mother.
"Daddy! Isama nyo ako!" I whined as soon as they left. "Hindi ba kayo natatakot na baka anong gawin
sa akin nun pag iniwan nyo akong mag-isa dito?"
"Ingrid, you totally need someone who'll set you straight, baby." Dad answered and I looked at him in
surprise.
"Daddy! What are you saying?!" I demanded as I went to him to sit on his lap. "Pigilan nyo akong
manlalaki!" I groaned and he laughed.
"Buti na yung pumupunta sa bahay kesa nakaka-chat mo lang. Besides, Aleph is a nice kid, marami pang
gustong marating sa buhay. Si Kuya JFK mo unang kita ko pa lang sa kanya alam ko agad na ang pangarap
nya ay maging asawa ang Ate mo."
"Dad naman eh! Higpitan nyo rin naman ako!" I said and he laughed as he kissed me on the forehead.
"Mag-aral kang mabuti, Baby ang baba ng 22/100, si Aleph nga 110 ang nakuha kasi pati yung bonus
question nasagot nya. You have to pass."
"Sabi ko nga po." I murmured with a pout. Bumalik si Aleph at Mommy sa dining room at maya-maya ay
nagpaalam na si Dad na aalis na. I ran up to my room to brush my teeth and Aleph was already waiting
for me near the stairs. "Para saan yang Manila papers mo?" I asked. Sinundan nya ako papunta sa
library na gagamitin namin. The large oak table was moved to the side near the wall at may nilipat na
beanbags si Mommy. Pati yung books at laptop ko nandun na rin. "Dito tayo." I said as I turned the
aircon on.
"Mga props to." He answered as he made himself comfortable. "Start na tayo?" He asked and I yawned
before I nodded my head. May dala syang scotch tape at gunting at isa-isa nyang dinikit sa wall ang
Manila papers na dala nya. Unang tingin ko pa lang, nalasog na utak ko.
"My gosh, ano yan? I don't speak geek." I groaned and he laughed.
"Eyes here, Ingrid." He said tapping the wall and I followed. For the next two hours, he went over
the lessons na sabi nya ay napag-aralan na daw namin and I wondered kung nasaan ako nung mga panahong
yun because I swear, noon ko lang nakita yung mga diniscuss nya. "We will have a quiz after, uulitin
ko tong topic na to kapag hindi ka naka-perfect."
"Ano?! Perfect?!"
"Oo, kasi yun ang basis ko kung naiintindihan mo o hindi?"
"Kamag-anak mo ba si Mr. Buenviaje at pinadala ka ba nya dito para tunawin utak ko?"
"Ingrid, ilang topics lang to. Come on, kaya mo to. Wag mo kasing isiping hindi mo naiintindihan." He
said as someone knocked. Mommy peeked inside the room and smiled seeing my murderous expression.
"Are you kids, okay?" She asked.
"Mommy! Ayoko na!"
"Good to hear that you're doing great." Mom said ignoring what I said and I stood up. "Aalis na ako,
Manang Rina will be the one to prepare your lunch ha."
"Waaah! Mommy, rescue me!" I said as I went up to her and wrapped my arms around her waist. "Ayoko
dito!"
"Aleph, wag mong paakyatin to at tutulog na naman to. Sige iwanan ko na kayo." She said. "Baby, you
can do it." She told me as she kissed me on the cheek.
"Sige po, Tita. Ingat po." Aleph said. "May questions ka?" He asked as soon as Mom closed the door. I
glared at him, feeling ko isa syang demonyo at ginagawa nyang miserable ang buhay ko.
"Naasar ako sayo." I said and he sighed as he sat down.
"Tinutulungan lang naman kita eh." He mumbled quietly. Alam ko namang di ako dapat nag-iinarte at
maasar sa kanya pero naiinis pa rin ako.
"Sorry ha, feeling ko kasi mas lalo akong nabobobo dyan sa lectures mo, mas matindi ka pa kay Mr.
Buenviaje eh, at least sya inaantok lang ako hindi ako nakakaramdam na gusto kong pumatay." I said
and he smiled.
"Sige, let's take a break." He muttered and I closed my eyes as I reclined against the beanbag. I
opened an eye to look at him and he was reading.
"Aleph."
"Yes?" He asked as he turned his head to look at me.
"Bakit mo ako tinutulungan?"
"Kasi gusto ko." He retorted. "Kailangan ko ba ng rason para tumulong?" He added and we grew quiet.
"Paano mo nasabing sya na nga?" I asked after a few minutes.
"Sino?"
"Sino pa eh di yung maswerteng babaeng gusto mo." I replied as I sat up to look at him and he
laughed. "Okay, fine. Sorry naman napaka-personal na nung question. Sige na, let's resume your
lectures para naman magkaroon ng kabuluhan yung pagiging anti-social natin kahit Sabado. Although
hindi pa rin ako sure kung papasa ako sa Chem na yan."
"Papasa ka." He stated as he stood up.
"Paano ka naman nakakasiguro?"
"Aba, kakasabi mo lang na maswerteng babae ka di ba?" He answered with a smile.
Chapter 6
"Anong sabi mo?" I asked and his smile widened.
"Wala. I'm just trying to lighten the mood kasi mukhang seryosong-seryoso tayo eh. Anyway, on to the
next Manila Paper." He said as he moved to the second Manila paper he attached. It was difficult to
keep my eyes open kasi antok na antok ako habang nagli-lecture sya pero nahiya lang talaga akong
pumikit at kulang na lang ay lagyan ko ng toothpick ang mata ko para manatiling bukas. Bago mag-lunch
nag-quiz kami and I got 7/30.
"Sorry." I mumbled after he showed me my test result.
"Well at least that's an improvement. You got 22% in the mock test, right? At least 23.3% na." Ikaw
na ang nakakapag-calculate ng percentage ng walang calculator. I thought fascinated. Sila yata ni Ate
ang magkapatid. "Alin ang hindi mo naintindihan?" He asked.
"Lahat." I said and he sat down beside me.
"Meron kang naiintindihan kasi meron kang naisagot. Eh di sana zero yan kung wala kang naintindihan.
Wag mo kasing isipin na hindi mo naiintindihan. Change that attitude, hindi pa nga tayo nagsisimula
kanina sabi mo na agad ayaw mo na kaya yung utak mo kahit na it's capable to grasping the concepts
since sinasabi mong ayaw mo eh ayaw na nya din. It starts in your head."
"Eh anong magagawa ko kung nahihirapan talaga akong intindihan yung Chem?"
"That's great! Nahihirapan. Now, I like that term better than wala kang maintindihan. So let's go
over the questions." He said at inulit na naman nya lahat ng nilecture nya. I'm actually impressed
kung gaano sya kapasensyoso, kaya naisip kong panganay sya because I definitely don't have his
patience. I was a little surprised when he said na bunso sya.
"Ganun? Saan mo nakuha ang pasensya mo?" I asked as we were having lunch.
"Pasensyoso ba ako?"
"Oo kaya." I said and he smiled.
"Hindi ko alam na pasensyoso ako." He remarked. After lunch, kanya-kanya kaming punta sa mga kwarto
namin to freshen up. Pag baba ko sa study, nandun na sya naghihintay.
"Pwedeng wag kang tumayo dyan sa harap ko kasi feeling ko teacher kita at estudyante mo ako?" I
asked. "Dito ka o, tumabi ka sa akin and let's go over the lectures from here. Sakit na ng leeg ko
kakatingala sayo." I complained and he laughed.
"Gusto mo bang doon tayo sa patio nyo para mas relaxed yung atmosphere?"
"Okay." I said. We spent the whole afternoon studying at since hindi ako sanay nang nag-aaral ng
ganun katagal sumakit ang ulo ko. We decided to take a break for an hour as we sat near the pool.
"Alam mo sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung saan ko gagamitin yang Chem na yan pag nag-asawa't
nagkaanak na ako." I muttered and he chuckled.
"Magagamit mo ang Chem na to kapag nagtanong ang anak mo tungkol sa assignment nya sa Chem." He said.
"Madali lang yun, bigyan mo ako ng number mo para pag may assignment ang anak ko eh tatawagan kita."
I said and he did not reply. "Joke lang, ito naman. Siguro na-stress ka sa idea na pati yung mga anak
ko eh sayo pa magpapaturo." I uttered and he smiled. "Pero maiba tayo, Aleph. Bakit hindi ka nag try-
outs sa basketball eh ang tangkad mo kaya?"
"I used to play when I was younger but I realized that I like studying better. Hindi lang talaga
siguro ako sporty. Bilib ako sa mga taong kayang i-devote yung buhay nila sa ganun pero ako, hindi
yun ang passion ko."
"Ano ba ang passion mo, ang mag-aral?" I asked with a grin.
"Ang matuto." He replied.
"Ay, ang deep naman."
"Hindi naman. Ikaw, bakit gusto mong maging beauty queen?"
"Kasi maganda ako." I said without batting an eye and I actually expected him to laugh but he just
nodded his head. "Agree ka?" I joked and he glanced sideways at me.
"Oo naman." He said.
"Ay grabe! Yan ang gusto ko sayo eh! Close na tayo talaga! Kukunin kitang ninong ng mga gorgeous
children ko!"
"Ninong talaga?" He asked.
"Ninang ba gusto mo?" I asked back and he laughed. "Aleph, what did you see in Monette? I know I'm
not in a position to ask but I'm just curious."
"Naging kami dahil sa dare." He said.
"Walanghiya ka, akala ko you'll restore my faith in men tapos sasabihin mo sa aking dare lang?"
"Yun ang totoo."
"Tapos nadevelop ka?" I asked and he just shrugged. "Kelan kayo ako makakahanap ng ganun, yung
lalaking alam sa utak at puso nya na ako lang yung para sa kanya. Kung meron man akong kinakainggitan
kay Ate, it's not how smart she is but the fact that she has someone who loves her for who she is and
who she's not."
"Makakahanap ka rin ng ganun, malay mo nahanap mo na pala, di mo lang alam."
"Eh magparamdam na sya ano." I muttered and he touched my arm and held my gaze.
"Ramdam mo?" He asked and I frowned at him.
"Bwisit ka, ang lakas mo ring mang-alaska eh." I grumbled and he laughed as he stood up and offered
his hand. I took it and he pulled me to my feet. Bumalik kami ulit sa pwesto namin para mag-aral.
"Mam Ingrid may tawag po kayo sa phone, si Agnes po." Sabi ng isa naming kasambahay.
"Okay po." I said as I stood up. "Saglit lang ha, Aleph."
"Sige, take your time." He replied before I ran back inside the house.
"Agnes! Himala bakit napatawag ka sa landline?"
"Kasi po kanina pa po ako tumatawag sa cellphone ninyo pero wala pong sumasagot." Sabi nya at tumawa
ako.
"Sorry naman, nasa kwarto ko eh. Mamaya kukunin ko. O bakit ka pala napatawag?"
"Malling tayo." She invited.
"Kahit gustuhin ko man ay hindi pwede kasi nag-aaral ako. My gosh, yung utak ko nga nalusaw na eh,
grabe si Aleph ang tindi, in fairness dinaig pa nya si Mr. Buenviaje."
"Nandyan si Aleph?"
"Oo."
"Hala ka, girl iba na yan. Feeling ko crush ka nyan."
"Hoy, Agnes nakakaloka ka wag mo nga akong gawan ng intriga."
"Ang manhid mo, girl. Sinong lalaki ang mag-aaksaya ng panahon para turuan ka ng Chem eh sa tigas ng
ulo mo mauubos muna dugo nila bago ka matuto."
"Ang bait mo talagang kaibigan. Thanks for saying na bobo ako in so many words."
"Loka-loka." Agnes replied laughing. "Hindi sa bobo ka, ang sabi ko matigas ang ulo mo kasi parang
ayaw mong matuto."
"Gaga! Sa tingin mo ay tuwang-tuwa ako na ako ang lowest sa buong juniors? Matigas ang ulo ko pa
dyan, hindi ko lang talaga maintindihan ang Chem."
"I'm sure tutulungan ka ni Aleph na intindihin yun...ayiee!"
"Baliw!" I answered laughing. "O, sige na. After district exams na ako pwedeng maglakwatsa."
"O sya, sige bye! Love, love, love!" She said before she ended the call.
"Echosera yung babaeng yun." I mumbled as I ran upstairs to get my phone. Pagbalik ko sa patio, Aleph
was sleeping, his head pillowed against his folded arms. I did not bother waking him up kasi mukhang
pagod na pagod sya. I browsed the book in front of me, gave up after a few minutes because it was
like trying to understand gibberish and instead took pictures of him. "Weee, may pang-blackmail na
ako." I said laughing softly. "Let me take a selfie with you, Mr. Santiago." I said as I moved beside
him and started making faces and taking pictures.
"Ingrid..." He said and I looked at him startled. His eyes were open and he was looking at me with
amusement in them. "What are you doing?" He asked as he sat up straight and yawned.
"Wala." I replied hiding my phone behind my back.
"Lapit ka." He said.
"Bakit?"
"Sige na." He insisted and I pulled my chair closer to his. "Let's take our first official selfie
together." He announced as he took his phone out of his pocket and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Sorry pero kanina pa ako nagsi-selfie nung tulog ka." I told him and he smiled.
"Selfie tayo habang gising ako." He said as he draped an arm around my shoulder.
"Kailangan sweet?" I teased.
"Oo at ilalagay ko to sa FB." He answered. We posed, made faces and took pictures at aliw na aliw ako
sa kanya because I didn't realize that he can be funny too, parang napaka-seryoso nya kasing tao.
"Ewan ko na lang kung di pa magselos ang mga dapat magselos dito." I said thinking about Calvin. "Ay,
wait lingon ka dun kunyari iki-kiss kita." I instructed.
"Ha?"
"Syempre di kita iki-kiss! Kunyari nga lang. Ito naman."
"Paano ba?" He asked, his ears turning red and I arched a brow at him.
"Hoy Aleph, ha don't tell me hindi ka pa nakahalik? Wag kang pa-demure nagka-girlfriend ka na kaya."
"Hindi pa nga."
"Weh?"
"Hindi pa nga." He insisted and I narrowed my eyes at him.
"So anong ginagawa nyo ni Monette kapag kayo lang, nagdadasal?"
"Bakit, kailangan bang maghalikan kami kasi kami na?"
"Aba, kung may boyfriend ako hindi kami pwedeng hindi kami mag-kiss, ano." I said and his brows
furrowed.
"Ganun?" He asked.
"Oo ganun." I answered. "Uy, alam mo ba ang gusto kong first kiss ay romantic, yung sa tabi ng dagat,
sunset tapos magka-candle light dinner kami!" I shrieked excitedly. Hindi ko alam pero kilig na kilig
ako at hindi ko naman namalayang pinaghahampas ko na pala sya. "Ay, sorry." I mumbled when he grasped
my hand. "Masakit ba? Sorry ha." I murmured blushing.
"Okay lang." He said. "So dapat pala pag gusto kang halikan ay planado?"
"Anong planado?"
"Kasi may conditions yung first kiss mo -- sa beach, sunset, candle light dinner." He answered and I
looked at him. "Those conditions are not just going to magically appear in front of you, unang-una
walang dagat malapit sa atin, pangalawa yung sunset na sinasabi mo hindi visible sa Manila sa taas ng
buildings at pangatlo yung candle light dinner naman takes a lot of preparation unless gusto mong ang
kainin nyo ay tinapay lang at soft drinks."
"Lakas mong mambasag ng pangarap ng may pangarap." I said and he laughed.
"A kiss is spontaneous, Ingrid. Hindi dapat pinaplano kasi depende yan sa nararamdaman nyo sa moment
na yun."
"Wow, coming from someone who hasn't kissed anyone yet, that's rather deep." I said and he laughed
again.
"Sabi nga sa Ecclesiastes chapter three verse one, there is a time for everything and a season for
every activity under the heavens. Lahat may panahon, lahat may tamang oras."
"Sana mas mauna kang magka first kiss sa akin para mabigyan mo ako ng tips." I said and he smiled.
"Pero kung ayaw mong magkwento okay lang din." I added.
"Let's take that kissing photo you mentioned earlier." He reminded.
"Wag na lang, hindi ka pa pala naka-kiss, nakakahiya naman. Next time na when you're experienced." I
said and he chuckled.
"Okay ka na? Aral na tayo ulit?" He asked and I nodded. We spent the next four hours studying at
hindi ko man lang namalayang gabi na pala. One of the house helps must have turned the outdoor lights
on without us noticing.
"Seryosong-seryoso kayo ah." Mom said and we both turned to look at her.
"Hi, 'Mmy!" I ran up to her and gave her a kiss and a hug.
"Good evening po." Aleph greeted as he stood up.
"Mag-aalas syete na and you're still studying? Tara na muna sa loob, let's have dinner." She said and
Aleph followed us inside. We freshened up for dinner and Dad said grace.
"Kumusta naman yung study time ninyo?" Dad asked looking at Aleph.
"Okay naman po, as expected, mabilis pong matuto si Ingrid." He said.
"Ayan, baby mabilis ka naman palang matuto." Mom praised.
"Hay naku, after talaga nitong district exam sa Chem na to, magpa-party ako." I mumbled and they
laughed. After dinner, balik aral ulit kami but this time dun na kami sa loob ng study room. He asked
me to balance one of the equations and I stared dumbfounded at him. "Seryoso ka?! Naman! Wag mo
namang abusuhin yung utak ko." I objected. "Pakialam ko ba sa mga yan kung di sila balanced, as if
close kami!"
"Kailangan mo silang maging ka-close kasi magkikita-kita kayo sa district exams." He answered.
"Madali lang naman to." He said as he started solving it. Naasar ako kasi parang ang dali sa kanya.
"See, di ba mabilis lang. Here, try this."
"My gosh..."
"Kapag na-solve mo to, kahit anong hihilingin mo sa akin gagawin ko."
"Wala naman akong maisip na hihilingin sayo ano." I mumbled.
"Malay mo wala sa ngayon pero dadating ang araw na meron."
"Perahin mo na lang kaya." I suggested and he laughed.
"As if naman kailangan mo ng pera." He said.
"Akin na nga, pag na-solve ko to ha aalipinin kita." I kidded and he winked.
"Sige. Kahit habambuhay."
"My gosh, ganun ka kawalang tiwala sa utak ko talagang isusugal mo ang habambuhay mo para sa akin?" I
teased as I looked at the equation and started solving. Sino-solve din nya ang equation pero ang
bilis nya lang natapos samantalang ako twelve years na nagso-solve pa rin. I was biting my lower lip
in in apprehension when he looked at the paper where I wrote my solution on. "Oo na, mali na yan." I
mumbled when he said nothing. "Akin na nga, wag mo nang tingnan nakakahiya."
"Ingrid..."
"Yes?"
"Congrats. I'm yours for life."
Chapter 7
"Tama yung sagot ko?" I asked in disbelief. "Tinotokis mo ako, feel ko! Akin na yung sinolve mo
tingnan ko kung magkapareho tayo!" I said as I reached for the paper where he wrote his solution on.
Pinag-compare ko yung ginawa nya at ginawa ko at tumili ako ng malakas. "My gosh! I'm so smart
talaga!" I exclaimed. Hindi ko maintindihan yung tuwa ko, alam kong ang babaw kasi ilang years kong
ginawa but I felt so accomplished. "Aleph! I love you na!" I shrieked as I enthusiastically wrapped
my arms around his neck. "First time kong naka-balance ng equation and I would like to thank my
sponsors mainly you who haven't lost your patience in teaching me Chem kahit meron kaming hate-hate
relationship!" I happily declared and he laughed.
"I love you too, Ingrid." He said before I felt his arms around me. "Ang cute mo talaga."
"Matagal na no! Grabe ka naman ngayon mo lang nalaman?" I kidded. "Tsaka of course you love me too,
lovable kaya ako! Teka lang ipagmamalaki ko lang kina Mommy that I was able to balance this chemical
equation correctly! Wait!" I said as I stood up and ran out of the room with the paper in my hand.
Tumakbo ako ulit pabalik at naabutan ko si Aleph nakangiting mag-isa. "Hoy, anong nginingiti-ngiti mo
dyan?" I asked and he shook his head.
"Wala may naalala lang ako." He answered standing up. "Naipakita mo na yung paper mo sa parents mo?"
"Hindi pa. Halika samahan mo ako, kailangan ko ang support mo!" I said as I took his hand and pulled
him with me. Pumunta kami sa basement den kung saan parating nanunuod ng old movies sina Mommy. They
looked up as we descended the stairs. "Mommy, Daddy, look! I balanced the chemical equation
correctly!" I proudly announced waving my paper in front of them.
"Very good, baby!" Mom enthused as I sat on Dad's lap.
"Daddy, ang galing ko ano?" I asked and he laughed.
"Magaling naman talaga tong bunso ko ah." Dad answered patting the top of my head. "Kanino pa ba to
magmamana ng talino kundi sa akin. Di ba, Mommy?"
"Oo nga! Ang galing-galing naman ni baby Ingrid." Mom said as she smiled at Aleph. "Salamat, Aleph
kasi ang haba ng pasensya mong turuan tong baby namin. Anong favorite cake mo at ipagbi-bake kita?"
"Naku hindi na po." Aleph answered. "Nakakahiya naman po."
"Magsabi ka na, Aleph kung anong favorite cake mo! Masarap kaya mag-bake si Mommy ng cake!"
"Strawberry shortcake po." He answered.
"Hala, pareho tayo ng gusto? Ay, close talaga tayo!" I said and my parents laughed.
"Sige, Aleph ipagbi-bake ko kayo ni Ingrid bukas."
"Salamat po."
"Bye na muna, 'Mmy at Dad kasi mag-aaral pa kami!" I said as I stood up. "I won't be able to say
goodnight later at baka tulog na kayo kaya ngayon na lang. Goodnight! I love you!" I uttered as I
kissed their cheeks and gave them a hug.
"Goodnight, baby." Mom said.
"Pagbutihin nyo pag-aaral nyo ng Chem." Pahabol na sabi ni Dad as I pulled Aleph with me. Hindi ko
alam bakit feel na feel ko syang hinihila.
"Opo." We both replied. Bumalik kami sa study room at umupo ulit.
"Uy teka lang sabi mo you're my alipin for life. Nyahahaha! Natatandaan ko yun ha." I said and he
laughed.
"Oo nga." He answered. "Bakit may ipapagawa ka ba?"
"Aleph, kantahan mo ako." I joked.
"Anong kanta ang gusto mo?" He asked, sounding serious and I was actually surprised.
"Weh, kakantahan mo talaga ako?" I inquired and he nodded his head. "Papanindigan mo pagiging alipin
ko habambuhay?"
"Kung yun ang makakapagpasaya sayo, bakit hindi?" He answered and I arched my brow. Kumusta naman
yang may personal alipin ako? Anong kapraningan ito?
"Talagang magvo-volunteer kang alipin ko? Seryoso ba yan?"
"Seryoso naman talaga ako."
"Hala, ako hindi. Ano ka ba, tinutulungan mo na nga ako dito sa Chem gagawin pa kitang alalay? Ang
sama ko namang tao."
"Ikakatuwa ng puso ko kung gagawin mo akong alalay habambuhay, mahal na Ingrid."
"Loko-loko!" I replied laughing. "Alam mo ikaw praning ka rin ano?" I said and he laughed too.
Nakakaaliw din tong si Aleph eh. Arte-arte ni Monette, sya pa daw yung umaayaw, ang kapal ng mukha!
"Aleph, pag ikaw tinurn-down ni Monette, please lang wag kang magmakaawa sa kanya ha. She doesn't
deserve you."
"Bakit, who do you think deserves me?" He questioned smiling.
"Someone better." I replied. "Ang bait mo kaya tsaka gwapo ka naman tapos di ako makaget-over sa
ganda ng ipin mo, nagpa-braces ka ba?�
"Hindi." He replied laughing. "It's really adorable how you can jump from one subject to another."
"Yes, it's really adorable how adorable I am." I jested and he laughed harder. "Alam mo, pansin ko
lang na bentang-benta talaga ganda ko sayo."
"Oo naman, pwede ko bang bilhin?"
"Ang ganda ko? Ay, unique ito. Yung future husband ko lang pwedeng magmay-ari kaya sorry." I replied.
"Tara na nga, puro tayo kalokohan, ano nang next na ididi-discuss?" I asked as I opened my Chemistry
book. I discovered a few hours later na kakaiba si Aleph kasi masyado syang seryoso sa pag-aaral
samantalang ako tinatawag na ng kama ko para matulog.
"Gusto mo bukas na natin tapusin tong chapter na to?" He asked for the fourth time kasi napapapikit
na ako sa antok pero gusto kong kinabukasan ay bagong chapter na ang pag-aralan namin at ayokong
maghalu-halo sila sa utak ko.
"Hindi, sige ituloy mo lang, nakikinig naman ako eh." I answered stifling a yawn. Lumipat kami sa
bean bags kasi sumakit na pwet ko sa kakaupo, at least nakaka-recline kami comfortably sa plushy bean
bag chairs.
"Sigurado ka?"
"Oo." I replied nodding my head as I moved to find a more comfortable position. He started discussing
again as I tried to keep my eyes open. I didn't know what woke me up but I did at medyo disoriented
ako as I stared at the rows of books against the wall. Definitely wala ako sa kwarto ko. I thought as
I lifted my face and saw Aleph watching me.
"Gising ka na, prinsesa?" He asked smiling and I shrieked.
"My gosh, my gosh tinulugan kita! Sorry!" Sabi ko habang chini-check ko yung t-shirt nya. "Nilawayan
ba kita? Buti naman hindi. Sorry talaga, Aleph! Dapat ginising mo ako! Ginawa tuloy kitang unan!"
"Okay lang. Parang masarap kasi tulog mo kaya hindi na kita ginising."
"Nahiya naman ako. Sorry ulit."
"Stop apologizing. Okay lang, it's no biggie."
"Ilang minutes akong nakatulog?" I asked glancing at my watch and my eyes widened when I saw the
time. "Four hours?!" I nearly shouted. "Dapat ginising mo ako! My gosh sorry talaga!"
"Okay nga lang, nakaidlip din naman ako kaya hindi kita nagising."
"Uy, secret natin to ha. Wag mo tong ikukwento kahit kanino."
"Oo naman, di naman ako kiss and tell."
"Malamang kasi wala kang iti-tell at di ka pa naman nakaka-kiss." I teased as I made a move to stand
up. He chuckled before he stood to help me up. "Sorry, Aleph ha. I'm such a bad student. Di bale
magseseryoso talaga ako sa pag-aaral kahit inuubos nitong Chem na ito ang ganda ko."
"Sabi ko nga okay lang. Napagod ka lang siguro. Tara, tulog na?"
"Sige, goodnight." I said. Binuksan nya ang pinto at tinurn off ko muna ang aircon bago ako lumabas.
Sa baba ang kwarto nya at hinatid ko sya sa may pintuan. "Goodnight ulit, Aleph!" I said as I waved
jovially at him.
"Goodnight." He answered smiling. "Akyat na."
"Sige, byebye!" I said. Umakyat ako sa hagdan at hindi ko alam kung anong naisip ko kasi bumaba ako
ulit at sinilip sya. Nagulat ako kasi nakatingin sya sa akin as if he was expecting na bababa ako
ulit.
"Beng!" He said. "Huli ka."
"Tseh!" I answered laughing as I ran up the stairs.
Monday at hindi na halos ma-contain ni Agnes yung excitement nya tungkol sa overnight study session
namin ni Aleph. Ako naman hindi ko na ma-contain yung pride ko kasi marunong na akong mag-balance ng
chemical equations.
"Dali, kwento ka!"
"Ayun, ang saya marunong na ako." I told her smiling. "Mahirap nung una grabe pero buti naman patient
si Aleph."
"My gosh! May nangyari sa inyo?"
"Ha?"
"Marunong ka nang mag-ano?!" She asked in a whisper.
"Gaga! Marunong na akong mag-balance ng chemical equation!"
"Ahhh."
"Bakit, ano bang nasa isip mo?" I asked and she laughed.
"Wala, akala ko kasi kung ano at mukhang blooming kayo pareho."
"Praning. Ano ba yan, na-stress ako sayo bigla." I said.
"Babe." Aleph called and I turned to look at him. "Tumabi ka kaya sa akin para kahit may lesson
natuturuan kita. Harold doesn't mind exchanging seats with you, di ba Harold?" He asked his seatmate
who nodded his head before he stood up.
"Dito ka na, Ingrid. Pag pumasa ka daw sa mock exam, magpi-picnic ang buong class sabi ni Mr.
Buenviaje." He said. Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako kasi supportive sila pero sa kabilang banda
ay feel na feel kong bobo ako sa Chem.
"Halika na." Aleph said as he stood up to get my bag and offer his hand.
"Ingrid, tumabi ka na! My gosh kapag di talaga natuloy ang picnic natin di na kita kakausapin!" Agnes
jokingly said and I rolled my eyes at her. "Kwentuhan tayo later ha, dami mong ichi-chika." She
whispered before I stood up. Ang nakakabanas kapag katabi mo si Aleph ay wala kang choice kundi
makinig sa teacher kasi taas sya ng taas ng kamay, nakaka-conscious maging bobo.
"Yes, Aleph?"
"13.42 joules." He answered.
"Correct." Our physics teacher replied at ako naman mega solve kung paano nya nakuha yung 13.42
joules. Nakakaloka naman tong katabi, kailangan gumagana utak mo. I murmured to myself as he took my
notebook and wrote the solution.
"Salamat." I said.
"Anytime." He replied. An hour and a half later ay oras na para sa dreaded subject ko. Yung class
namin divided into three groups dahil saktong thirty kami. I'm in group 1 with Aleph and Agnes at
kapag may games parati kaming nananalo kasi si Aleph henyo.
"I'll be choosing a representative from each group to balance a chemical equation. Pabilisan to. The
winners will get an additional 10 points in their final scores in the upcoming district mock test.
Galingan nyo, sections two and three already have their winners." Sabi Mr. Buenviaje. I looked at him
feeling bored. May mga teachers na nakakaantok at meron ding nakakainis but Mr, Buenviaje trumps them
all kasi maiinis at aantukin ka at the same time sa kanya. Para kang nag-sleeping pills at naglasing
ng sabay.
"Group 1, Samonte." He called and I looked at Aleph.
"Samonte daw." Sabi ko sa kanya kasi sanay akong sya parati ang representative namin. "Oh shit!
Samonte?!" I whispered in panic and he nodded his head. "Ako?!"
"Group 2, Villasor and Group 3, Bautista."
"Aleph!" I nervously murmured and he held my hand.
"You got this." He calmly replied. "Kaya mo to, Chem lang to."
"Natatakot ako." I said and I suddenly felt like crying. Ayokong natatalo pero langya talaga ang
mismatch lang. Bwisit ka, Sir! Talagang ipapahiya mo ako sa harap ng klase!
"Kaya mo to. Nagawa mo nga yung mga pina-balance kong equations kahapon, ano namang rason at di mo
magagawa itong ipapa-balance ni Sir ngayon?"
"Nandun ka kahapon eh."
"Nandito pa rin naman ako ngayon." He answered smiling. "Kaya wala kang dapat ikatakot."
"Samonte." Mr. Buenviaje called and I stood up. Para akong bibitayin habang naglalakad papunta sa
harap at ang tingin ko kay Mr. Buenviaje ay demonyo habang inaabot nya sa akin yung white board
marker. I stared at the equation in front of me at lalo akong kinabahan, parang nawala lahat ng
inaral namin ni Aleph ng dalawang araw. "Okay, start." Mr. Buenviaje said. Yung dalawa kong kaklase
halos magkandarapa na sa kakasolve samantalang ako nakatunganga lang.
"Go, Ingrid!" I heard Agnes say as I stared at the letters and numbers. Ang ingay nila pero wala
akong narinig aside from the buzzing in my ear.
"Ingrid!" Aleph called and I turned my head to look at him. "It doesn't matter if you get it right or
not." He said and he smiled. "But give it a try." He added and I gave him a weak smile before I
turned to the board and started writing. No pressure, Ingrid. I chanted inside my head as my
classmates continued to scream. Natapos na yung dalawa at ako na lang ang naiwan and the classroom
grew very quiet as my palm sweated like crazy. Ayokong mag-give up kahit tapos na sila so I continued
to solve. After what felt like eons, I handed the marker back to Mr. Buenviaje and walked back to my
seat.
"The winner is group 3." Mr. Buenviaje announced and my shoulders slumped in defeat as our classmates
cheered. "But Samonte got it right. Good job, Ingrid." He added as I sat down. Nahihiya ako sa group
ko kaya tahimik ako until our class ended. Lunchtime came at wala akong ganang kumain so I declined
Agnes' invitation.
"Halika na." Aleph said as he gently pulled me to my feet. "Kumain ka, starving yourself is not going
to change anything." He uttered as he led me to the cafeteria.
"Sorry." I mumbled. "Sorry kasi wala ka tuloy bonus points dahil ang bagal ko."
"Don't apologize, nagawa mo naman ng tama."
"Oo nga pero hindi pa rin tayo nanalo."
"Winning isn't everything." He replied.
"I'm sure you're just saying that to make me feel better." I murmured as we reached the cafeteria.
Kumaway sa akin si Agnes and I just smiled as I let Aleph pull me towards a vacant seat.
"I'll order for you." He said and I just nodded my head. Ang nakakabwisit depressed ka na nga may mga
asungot pa.
"Kawawa naman si Aleph, first time yatang walang nakuhang bonus points kasi may malas na kumapit sa
kanya." I heard Monette say. Kahit hindi ko pa tiningnan ay alam kong sya na agad. Nagtawanan sila ng
mga kaibigan nya at parang sasabog na ulo ko sa asar.
"Oo nga, ang feeling kasi akala mo matalino. Bakit kaya nasa section I yan, dinaan sa kapit?" Someone
said as I stared at my lap.
"Feeling maganda!" I heard someone add and I stood up to face them.
"Bakit, kayo ba ang nakakuha ng bonus points sa section nyo?" I asked and they glared at me. "Just as
I thought. Ang lakas ng loob ninyong tumawa kasi di nanalo ang grupo ko when in fact kayo naman
ultimate losers."
"Hindi kami losers, ikaw ang loser!" Monette exclaimed as she stood up too.
"Excuse me, babaeng mukhang talampakan bago mo ako tawaging loser manalo ka muna against sa akin ha.
Nakakarindi kasing tinatawag mo akong loser when you haven't won anything against me!"
"At bakit? Hindi ba ako ang unang girlfriend ni Aleph? So nauna ako sayo sa bagay na yun!" She spat
as Aleph walked towards me. "Ano, wala kang masabi?!" She asked haughtily as Aleph put the tray that
he was holding down. Lahat ng asar ko sa katawan lumabas. Ang kapal ng babaeng tong ipamukha sa akin
na sya yung first gf eh dare lang yun, ni hindi nga sila nag-kiss!
"Monette, stop it." I heard Aleph say as I opened my mouth to retort. "Babe..." He whispered as he
tried to make me sit down. "Just ignore them."
"Ano naman kung ikaw ang first girlfriend nya, ako naman ang first kiss nya!" I declared as I turned
to look at Aleph. Parang nagulat si Aleph sa sinabi ko at parang nagulantang ang buong
cafeteria.Great, just great. I murmured to myself. It was a stupid thing to say at parang lalo kong
pinalabo yung chance ni Aleph kay Monette. My gosh, magagalit sa akin to. I thought as I stared at my
shoes.
"Ingrid." He called.
"Look, I'm sor--" I started to say and stopped when I felt his hand cup my face before I felt his
soft lips on mine.
Chapter 8
Huminto yung utak ko. I heard whispers and murmurs but they're just sounds and they didn't make
sense. Our lips touched for only a split-second but it felt like a bolt of lightning hit me. I didn't
even realize that I was holding my breath until he whispered in my ear.
"Breathe, Ingrid. He said and I heard a soft swoosh as I exhaled. He wrapped his arms around me and
patted my back until my breathing evened. "Okay ka na?" He asked before he pulled me to sit down.
Hindi ako nakapagsalita kasi parang barado yung lalamunan ko at ayokong mag-react habang nakatingin
sa amin sina Monette at ang mga aliping sagigilid nya. What the hell just happened? I asked myself.
Monette's expression was a mixture of disbelief and outrage at nai-imagine ko na lang that I must
look like a goldfish with my eyes wide and my mouth shaped in an O. Ay di pwede, kailangan maganda pa
rin ako! I murmured as I tried to appear calm. I smiled at Aleph and he smiled back before he
squeezed my hand.
"Aleph!" Monette shrieked. Nagpapapadyak sya ng paa at para syang nagka-seizure kasi nangingisay sya.
"Bakit sya?!"
"Leave." Aleph calmly ordered. "Leave before I'll report you to the student tribunal for calling my
girlfriend names." He added and Monette shrieked like a crazed banshee pero she left the canteen with
her friends. "Ingrid--" He called my name and I turned my face look at him. "Are you okay?" Am I
okay? What is wrong with me?!
"I think I should go..." I mumbled as I stood up. Hindi ko alam bakit ako biglang kinabahan. Hindi ko
rin alam kung bakit ako nahihiya kay Aleph when in fact dapat eh binubugbog ko na sya, pinagsasampal
at nilalampaso sa sahig.
"Ingrid--"
"I need to be by myself, wag mo akong susundan, please." I murmured as I nearly ran out of the
cafeteria. My feet took me to the Botanical Gardens and I sat down inside one of the sheds. What the
ef! Did Aleph just kiss me? Bakit? Eh di lalong na-turn off sa kanya si Monette? Paano sila
magkakabalikan ng babaeng mukhang panis na pancake na yun? Is he trying to make her jealous? Hindi na
tama tong panggagamit sa akin ni Aleph ha! Ang mahal naman ng kabayaran ng pag-balance ng chemical
equation na yan! My gosh, my first kiss! Wait, is that considered a first kiss when in fact dampi
lang? No, it's not a first kiss, a first kiss is... is... badtrip ka, Aleph! I hate you! Kahit naman
sinabi kong ako ang first kiss mo hindi mo kailangang i-demo! Ano ka promodizer sa isang
supermarket?! Pero, paano kung wala lang sa kanya yun? Paano kung hindi naman talaga first kiss
matatawag yun?! Why does this school prohibit its students to bring their phones with them eh di sana
na-search ko na sa internet ang definition ng first kiss!
"Ingrid--" Someone called and I jumped and shrieked in surprise.
"Ano ka ba naman, Aleph!" I exclaimed. "Gusto mo bang magka-heart attack ako?!"
"Sorry kung nagulat kita."
"Di ba sabi ko sayo wag mo akong sundan?!" Pagtataray ko sa kanya. The funny thing was hindi ako
galit, I was just embarrassed. Ipagmalaki mo ba naman sa lahat ng kumakain sa canteen na ikaw yung
first kiss nya at meron pa kayong show na ginawa, tingnan natin kung di ka maloka. I felt my face
flare and I hate not being able to control it. I reserved my blushes sa mga lalaking kinakakiligin
ko, hindi sa isang classmate na nag-volunteer bilang tutor ko sa Chem kapalit ng kasunduang
pagseselosin namin ang chaka nyang ex-girlfriend. "Why are you here?" I asked as I glared at him.
"Dinalhan kita ng sandwich, carbonara at bottled water. Kumain ka, please. Baka kasi sumakit ang tyan
mo. Tsaka late kang uuwi ngayon di ba kasi may practice ka sa cheerleading kaya mahaba yung time na
walang laman ang tyan mo?" He said and I arched my brow at him. He looked genuinely concerned and I
sighed.
"I hate you." I whispered.
"I know." He replied. "But I'm not going to apologize for earlier."
"What was that for, anyway? Kailangang i-demo na ako nga ang first kiss mo?"
"It felt right that time and I refuse to apologize for something that feels right." He replied and I
frowned. Takte naman tong lalaking to, kahit sa away kailangan kong paganahin ang utak ko?! Anong
feels right? Shit! Kailangan kong hiramin ang kapangyarihan ni Irina Ysobel Samonte-Zamora kapag
kausap ko to!
"So ngayong ayaw mong mag-apologize, sinong magso-sorry? Ako?"
"Bakit kailangan mong mag-sorry?�
"Dahil kaya mo lang naman yun ginawa kasi naasar ka sa akin at sinabi ko sa harap ng girlfriend mong
mukhang bugok na itlog na nag-kiss tayo!"
"That's not the reason why I kissed you."
"Stop, Aleph! Oo, matalino ka na at hindi na nahahabol ng brain cells ko yang reasoning mo and I'm
annoyed that I'm so flustered that I even forget to issue you cutting come backs! Argh!" I screamed
and he put the paper bag that he was holding down before he hugged me.
"Ingrid..." He murmured. Hindi ko alam kung naguguluhan lang ako sa mga nangyayari but I nearly
hugged him back. There's something so comforting about his hugs, ang laki nya kasi kaya feeling ko
tuloy safe na safe ako sa kanya.
"Black belter ako umayos ka." I mumbled and he laughed softly.
"Alam ko." He uttered as he tightened his embrace around me. "What's so bad about being each other's
first kiss, Ingrid? Hindi ka naman lugi sa akin kasi ikaw rin first kiss ko?"
"Lugi? Anong akala mo sa akin, tindahan?"
"Hindi. What I'm trying to say is pareho naman nating first kiss ang isa't isa so we're even."
"Aleph naman eh, iba yung gusto kong first kiss! Ayoko ng ganun! Gusto ko romantic, may rose petals,
may mga anghel na kumakanta at may falling stars!"
"Makuntento ka muna sa first kiss na yun, di bale paghahandaan ko yang first kiss na gusto mo."
"Bwisit ka ang hilig mong magbiro! Kung di lang ako nagi-guilty that I've ruined your chance to get
your girlfriend back kinarate na kita at binalibag na kita sa sahig."
"To get my girlfriend back? Bakit, saan ka nanggaling?" He asked and I leaned away to look at him.
"Hanep ah ang hilig mong magpa-cute!" I grumbled as I took a step back to kick him.
"Pag tinamaan mo ako, kiss kita pero pag di mo ako tinamaan kiss mo ako."
"You're crazy!" I hissed and he laughed before he turned serious.
"Okay sige, ganito na lang. Let's regard earlier as a temporary first kiss hanggang sa may totoong
first kiss ka na. Siguro naman fair na yan?"
"Meron bang temporary first kiss?!" I asked and he shrugged.
"Now, I want you to eat habang may time pa tayo. Please. I feel guilty that you're mad at me enough
to skip lunch." He said as he let one of my hands go and pulled me to sit down. He took the boxes out
of the paper bag and opened the first one that contained carbonara. "Kumain ka unless crush mo ako at
hindi ka makakain dahil sa akin." He teased and I scowled.
"Ang kapal mo ha."
"Binibiro lang kita. Eat." He said and I took the paper box from him and started eating. I didn't
realize kung gaano ako kagutom until naubos ko yung pasta na dala nya. "Sandwich?" He asked and tore
the pack open when I nodded my head.
"Late na ba tayo? Hindi pala ako nakapagsuot ng relos."
"Hindi pa. Just eat." He said. Naubos ko yung tuna sandwich and he handed me the bottled water.
"Magtu-toothbrush ka pa ba?"
"Oo."
"Halika na samahan na kita sa locker at hintayin na kita sa labas ng banyo ng girls." He offered as
he pulled me to my feet. Ito lang nakakabadtrip sa mga mababait na tao, nawawala kaagad yung asar mo.
I thought. Wala pang tao sa corridor at ang akala ko nasa canteen pa silang lahat. I took my
toothbrush, towelette and facial wash from my locker and went to the girls's bathroom. Pag labas ko
nandun sya naghihintay.
"Ibalik ko lang to sa locker ko." I said and he nodded his head. "Nagka-klase na yata." I said as we
passed by the other classrooms and I was right kasi nandun na yung teacher namin sa Literature at
nagka-klase na sila.
"Santiago and Samonte you're late."
"Sorry po." Aleph said as he pulled me with him to our seat. "It's my fault, Sir." He added and Mr.
Benedicto just nodded his head. Yun lang kapag ikaw yung top ng class, sasabihin mo lang na 'it's my
fault' eh okay na. Gusto ko yung subject na Literature pero hindi ko alam bakit bored na bored ako
nun habang nagdi-discuss si Sir kaya tuloy napagtripan ko ang kamay ni Aleph. I took his hand and
began tracing the lines on his palm. I took a quick glance at him and he didn't seem to mind. Buti na
lang left-handed to. I murmured as I inspected his nails.
"Ang neat naman ng lalaking ito." I whispered to myself. Pinagdikit ko ang kamay naming dalawa. Hala
grabe ang liit ng kamay ko. I mumbled in awe. Siguro yung buong mukha ko kayang takpan ng buong kamay
nya. I muttered as I guided his open palm to my face. Wow! I thought right.
"Ms. Samonte?" I heard Mr. Bendicto call my name and I let Aleph's hand go.
"Po?"
"From which play is this line: "Lovers and madmen have such seething brains, such shaping fantasies
that apprehend more than cool reason ever comprehends."
"A Midsummer Night's Dream?" I replied and he smiled.
"Good." Mr. Benedicto answered. "You may continue petting your boyfriend." He added and the whole
class laughed. "Kanina ka pa namin pinapanuod at si Aleph kahit patay-malisya halatang kinikilig." He
said and classroom was filled with hoots and whistles.
"Grabe naman maka-chansing si Ingrid!"
"Hindi pa nakuntento sa kiss kanina, may baon pang hawak-hawak ng kamay."
"Halatang kinikilig si Aleph!"
"Inlove na inlove sila sa isa't isa, nakakainggit!" They teased and I glanced sideways at Aleph and
he was smiling. Ano ba, Ingrid! Para kang tanga! I admonished myself as I tried to look cool and
unaffected like my seatmate. Ano ba naman kasing pumasok sa utak ko at kailangan kong i-scrutinize
yung kamay nya? Ano yun, for quality control?
After literature, we sat through Math and History and I was eager to go to the gym for my
cheerleading practice. Feel na feel kong tumambling para maalog ang utak ko kasi pakiramdam ko merong
kakaiba sa akin.
"Ingrid, is it true that you and Aleph kissed inside the cafeteria?"
"Sa harapan ni Monette at nang ibang tao?"
"Oh my gosh, like we didn't know you're this wild, Ingrid!"
"How was the kiss? Magaling ba sya?"
"No comment. Please to talk to my lawyer." I told them as I did my warm-up routines. Ano ba, Ingrid!
Ano ba naman itong pinasok mo! Mas lalo ka talagang magmumukhang tanga pag nagkabalikan yung dalawang
yun! I thought groaning aloud. Cheer dancing usually clears my head but I wasn't myself and I made a
lot of mistakes.
"Co-captain! You're three counts behind!" Sigaw ng trainer namin sa akin and I apologized again. "Are
you okay? You can skip practice if you're not feeling well." She offered and for the first time ay
pumayag akong umuwi ng mas maaga kesa kanila. I needed to sort my thoughts out, naguguluhan na ako sa
pinag-aasta naming dalawa ni Aleph. May pseudo-relationship bang naghahalikan? May nagkukunyaring
girlfriend ba na hinahawakan ang kamay ng kunyari-kunyariang boyfriend sa class? I changed back into
my uniform after I freshened up and walked towards the gym's exit.
"Ingrid." I heard someone call at kahit hindi pa ako lumingon ay alam ko agad kung sino.
"Aleph. Bakit?" I asked as he took my bag from me.
"Pauwi ka na? Bakit maaga? Buti inagahan ko ang punta ko dito. Ihahatid na kita sa parking lot."
"Hindi na, kaya ko naman maglakad mag-isa." I mumbled and he halted before he put a hand on my
shoulder to stop me.
"Masama ba pakiramdam mo?" He asked as he felt my forehead. "Hindi ka naman mainit."
"Aleph, naguguluhan na ako dito sa set-up nating to. Akala ko kasi yung aim natin ay pagselosin si
Monette para magkabalikan kayo pero parang lumalabo yata ang status nyong dalawa habang nagkukunyari
tayong mag-boyfriend. I am grateful that you're tutoring me in Chemistry pero ayokong makasira ng
relationship. You're a nice guy and you deserve to have a shot at finding happiness with the girl you
like."
"I am taking a shot at finding happiness with the girl I like." He said and I closed my eyes and
expelled a heavy breath.
"Kung ako si Monette, I would misinterpret the signals you're sending at iisipin kong wala ka naman
talagang balak balikan ako at ang totoong gusto mo ay yung nagkukunyaring girlfriend mo."
"Masyado ka kasing nag-iisip kaya ka ganyan. Just go with the flow and just enjoy the moments." He
uttered as we resumed walking. "I like her but, I love you. She wants me and you do too. But if you
ask me who, it's always been you."
"Ano yan?"
"Kinakantahan kita, di ba sabi mo nung Sabado you want me to sing for you? Ayaw mo?"
"You're aware, right na yung song na yan ay about sa isang lalaking two-timer?" I asked and he
laughed.
"I just like the title. It's sounds sweet. Ang simple lang at napaka-direct to the point. Walang
paliguy-ligoy."
"Hm..."
"Gusto ko yung message nya." He uttered and I just nodded my head. "At gusto kita. Dati pa." He
continued and I nearly slipped in surprise.
"Ha?!"
"It's always been you, Ingrid.�
Chapter 9
"Anong it's always been you? Are you okay?" I asked him in confusion.
"What I'm trying to say is--"
"Ingrid!" I heard someone call my name and I turned to find Calvin standing a few feet away from us.
Instinctively, I grasped Aleph's hand.
"Calvin! Kumusta?" I asked as I pasted a smile on my face. I felt Aleph stiffen as he pulled me
closer to him.
"Why are you ignoring my calls and text messages? I have been trying to contact you for the past
days." He said as he stared at Aleph and our joined hands. "Pwede ba tayong mag-usap?" He asked
looking at me. I felt the familiar stirring inside my chest as I saw the sadness in his eyes. Ano ba
ito, may problema na naman ba tong lokong to sa love letter? I thought to myself. "Please, mag-usap
naman tayo." He added and I heard the pleading in his voice. I turned towards Aleph and smiled at
him.
"Usap lang kami saglit." I said and he nodded his head pero hindi nya binibitiwan ang kamay ko.
"Bawiin ko muna." I tried to joke as I pulled my hand free. Napaka-stifling ng atmosphere at parang
lumabas na yung result ng district exams at nalaman naming bagsak kaming lahat.
"Gusto mo bang hintayin kita dito?" Aleph asked and I shook my head.
"Hindi na." I said and he nodded his head the second time. "Bye. Magkita na lang tayo bukas?"
"Okay." He mumbled.
"Halika, Calvin." I said after I waved goodbye at Aleph. Tahimik kaming naglakad at lalong lumakas
ang kabog ng dibdib ko. "Bakit ka pala nandito?" I asked and he sighed.
"Galit ka ba sa akin? Bakit mo ako iniiwasan?"
"Hindi kita iniiwasan. Busy lang talaga ako. Alam mo na malapit na ang district exams at kailangan
kong mag-aral. Nakakahiya naman sa school ko kung bumagsak ako dun."
"Araw-araw kitang hinihintay sa Skype pero hindi ka na ulit nag-online dun. Araw-araw din akong nag-
message sayo sa FB at araw-araw akong nagpadala sayo ng text messages."
"Busy nga kasi ako." I mumbled lamely. Alangan namang sabihin ko dito na masyado akong naging
ampalaya sa last na usapan namin? NO! Over my curvaceous, gorgeous body!
"Gusto ko lang mag-explain."
"Hindi mo naman kailangan mag-explain." I immediately said. "Bakit naman kailangan mo pang mag-
explain eh may kanya-kanya tayong buhay?"
"Ingrid--"
"Hay naku, Calvin. We don't owe each other a detailed explanation of our decisions and activities."
"Bakit ang bilis mo naman yatang nagka-boyfriend? A few minutes after nating nag-usap agad-agad in a
relationship ka na? Hindi lang ako makapaniwala kasi we've talked daily for almost a year tapos wala
ka namang nabanggit. Nasaktan ako, Ingrid." He uttered and I arched my brow. Ay, ang taray. Nasaktan
daw sya. Langya ka, nahulog nga ako sa upuan nung sinabi mong magpapatulong ka sa paggawa ng love
letter! Pektusan kita sa pituitary gland eh! Wait, nasaktan sya? Oh my gosh, is he like jealous?!
Gravity! Ito na ba yung hinihintay ko?!
"Bakit ka naman nasaktan? Kasi magkaibigan tayo at hindi ko nasabi sayo yung tungkol sa amin ni
Aleph?" I asked, careful not to sound hopeful or hopeless.
"Kasi akala ko may understanding tayo--"
"Teka nga. Teka lang. Anong understanding? Baka kamo misunderstanding. Di ba wala naman tayong
usapang romantic, hindi ka nanliligaw, hindi din naman kita in-expect manligaw. Magkaibigan lang tayo
at meron kang gustong babae and the last time I checked ay humihingi ka pa nga sa akin ng tulong para
magawan mo sya ng heart-wrenching at palm-sweating na love letter."
"Ano ka ba, Ingrid. Ang slow mo. Ikaw yun. Ikaw yung babaeng gusto ko." He muttered and I stopped
walking to stare at him. "Hindi ko alam kung paano ka ligawan, okay? Ramdam ko na may gusto ka sa
akin pero hindi ko alam if you like me enough to agree to be my girlfriend." Wait! What? Girlfriend?!
Oh my gosh! Is this it? Matutupad na ba ang pangarap ko sa buhay na magka-lovelife?! OH. MY. GOSH!
Pero paano si Aleph? Iiwanan ko sya sa ere?
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" I asked calmly. At ang feeling mo ha, ramdam mong gusto kita? The ef,
kahit totoo.
"I didn't know how to tell you about my feelings kaya sinabi kong magpapatulong ako sayo na gumawa ng
love letter. My plan was to have you read the love letter I wrote for you under the guise na
magpapatulong nga ako pero nag log-off ka agad sa Skype at nung tinatawagan kita hindi mo naman
sinasagot ang mga tawag ko."
"What the freak, Calvin! Gusto mong magpatulong sa paggawa ng isang love letter na ibibigay mo rin sa
akin?" I asked in disbelief.
"Kasi hindi ko nga alam kung paano sasabihin sayo, Ingrid. Isang taon na tayong nag-uusap pero
naguguluhan ako sayo at hindi pa rin ako secure kung talaga bang pareho tayo ng nararamdaman kasi--"
He started to say and stopped when it suddenly rained. Walang sheds sa parking lot at wala kaming
masilungan. I automatically ran towards where Manong Ben usually parks our car. Sumunod si Calvin.
"May kasama ka ba? Saan ka naka-park?" I asked.
"Meron, sa G kami."
"Sa D ako. So mauuna na ako sayo? Usap na lang tayo sa Skype mamaya."
"Okay." He agreed. He briefly held my hand and it felt weird. Hindi ako sanay. Sinalubong ako ni
Manong Ben na may dalang payong at nagmamadali akong pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan.
"Ano ba itong ulan, bigla-bigla na lang bumabagsak." I grumbled habang nagpupunas ako gamit ang panyo
ko. Ang lakas bigla ng ulan at hangin. "May bagyo po ba?" I asked Manong Ben.
"Hindi ko po alam, Mam. Basang-basa po kayo. Medyo ma-traffic po ngayon kasi umulan kaya magtatagal
po tayo sa byahe. Gusto nyo po bang bumalik sa loob ng school at magbihis kesa matuyuan yang likod
ninyo?" Manong Ben suggested and I readily agreed. May locker ang cheerleaders sa loob ng gym at may
isang bag ako ng mga damit at panloob dun kasi ayaw ni Mommy na natutuyuan ako ng pawis. I headed
straight to the gym to bathe and change at may naririnig akong talbog ng bola.
"Ano ba yun, may practice ba ang basketball team ngayon?" I murmured to myself as I went straight to
my locker to get my backpack. I hate the squishy feeling of wet shoes at buti na lang talaga si Mommy
medyo OA kung ipaghanda kami ng damit ni Ate dahil kumpleto, may kasama pang sandals at flip flops. I
took a quick shower and I was a little freaked out na mag-isa ako sa loob ng female shower rooms kaya
nagmamadali akong matapos para makapagbihis. Paglabas ko naririnig ko pa rin ang talbog ng bola at
tumayo ang mga balahibo ko. "Hindi kaya totoo ang mga sinasabi nilang may multo dito sa gym?" I
thought as I quickened my steps. "Wait, kuhanan ko nga picture nang mai-post na yan sa IG." I mumbled
as I took my phone from my pocket. I adjusted my backpack on my left shoulder at dahan-dahan akong
naglakad papunta sa court. I nearly screamed kasi may tao nga. My hands were trembling as I aimed my
phone at the ghost. "Aleph?" I asked myself seeing the familiar, tall figure. Nakatalikod sya sa akin
and walang ka-effort-effort nyang sini-shoot ang bola mula sa 3-point area ng court. "Aleph!" I
called and he turned to look at me.
"Ingrid?"
"The one and only." I said smiling. "Ang galing mo palang maglaro, sayang naman yang talent mo
ipahiram mo naman yan sa basketball team natin paminsan-minsan." I kidded as I walked towards him.
"Dito ka naligo?" He asked noticing my still-damp hair.
"Oo, nabasa kasi ako nung biglang bumuhos ang ulan kaya bumalik muna ako dito para maligo at
magbihis."
"Bakit ka naka-shorts? Eh di lalamigin ka nyan?"
"Mas mabuti yung flipflops at shorts pag tag-ulan kasi pag naka pants ka ay nababasa yung laylayan
tapos pwede kang magka-athlete's foot kapag basa yung shoes mo." I said. He laughed as my phone rang
and I swiped the screen to answer it. "Manong Ben." I said.
"Mam Ingrid, tumawag po ang Mommy ninyo. Ang sabi po wag muna po tayong magbyahe pauwi kasi baha na
daw po sa dadaanan natin baka daw po tayo ma-stranded."
"Okay lang po sa akin. Gusto nyo po bang pumasok sa school para hindi naman po kayo ma-bore dyan sa
loob ng sasakyan?"
"Naku, hindi na po. Dito na lang po ako. Tawagan ko na lang kayo ulit mamaya. Okay lang po ba kayo
dyan?"
"Opo, okay lang po ako." I retorted. We said our goodbyes and I pocketed my phone. "Grabe ang lakas
ng ulan. May sundo ka ba?" I asked Aleph.
"Hindi pa nga dumadating, baka sobrang traffic." He answered. "Gusto mong tumambay sa student council
office para mas komportable ka naman? May mga bean bags dun."
"Okay lang bang tumambay dun?" I inquired and he nodded his head.
"Oo naman. Kasama mo naman ako."
"Abuse of power?" I teased and he laughed again. Sya na ang nagdala ng payong pati ng backpack ko and
I found it logical na umakbay sya para kami magkasya. Umakyat kami sa office ng student council and
he opened the door using his key. Naalala ko tuloy si Ate at bigla ko syang na-miss.
"What's wrong?" He asked and I looked up in surprise.
"Wala." I retorted. "Si Ate kasi dati may susi din dito."
"Oo dahil sya ang President ng student council last year. Yung President at VP lang ang may hawak ng
susi." He muttered. "Go, wash your feet para mas komportable ka." He said as he pointed me to the CR.
Pagkalabas ko galing banyo ay sya naman ang pumasok para mag-wash up at magbihis.
"May tsinelas ka rin?" I asked and he laughed.
"Buong bahay yata inempake ni Mommy sa loob ng bag ko." He said as he sat down beside me. "Do you
want to study Chem?" He asked and I frowned at him.
"Utang na loob naman!" I exclaimed and he laughed. He suddenly grew serious as he stared at his
hands. "Kumusta yung usapan nyo ni Calvin?" He casually asked as I stretched my legs in front of me
and adjusted the bean bag so I could lean against it.
"Okay lang."
"Paanong okay lang?"
"Sabi nya ako daw yung girl na gusto nya. Yung kwinento ko sayo na sabi nyang magpapatulong syang
gumawa ng love letter? He told me ako daw yun, it was part of his plan at hindi lang kami
nagkaintindihan."
"So masaya ka na?" He asked. His voice sounded strained so I looked at him. He was hunched forward
and he was clenching and unclenching his hands.
"Aleph, diretsahang tanong to ha at kahit na sabihin mong OA ako sa pagiging assuming pero gusto ko
lang magkalinawan tayo." I muttered and he turned to look at me.
"May gus--"
"Oo, may gusto ako sayo. Ano ka ba, kanina ko pa sinabi yan nung hinatid kita sa parking lot." He
interjected and I gawked at him. Kakaiba naman pagiging straightforward nitong isang to! Hala! May
gusto nga to sa akin? Ang awkward! Jeez! "You're thinking na napaka-awkward ng sitwasyon." He stated
and I lowered my gaze.
"Hindi naman." I said as I sat up straight."
"Kung may gusto kang itanong, itanong mo na habang may lakas pa ako ng loob."
"Wala naman akong gustong itanong." I murmured. My gosh naman! Ano ba! Kailangan sabay kayong mag-
confess ni Calvin? Ano to, nag-usap kayo? Nakaka-stress! Anong sasabihin ko dito? Ano yun, na-develop
sya sa akin sa kakaturo nya sa akin sa Chem? Aliw na aliw sya sa pagiging bobo ko sa pag-balance ng
equation? Teka lang, bakit ako kinakabahan? At pakialam ko ba sa kanya eh si Calvin naman talaga ang
gusto ko?
"Wala ka bang sasabihin?"
"Ha?" I asked, disquieted and he laughed.
"Hindi ko naman ipipilit yung feelings ko for you. Ang sa akin lang, I hope you'll give me chance to
prove my worth." Hanudaw? Prove his worth? Ang sweet mo naman! Nakakaasar ka! Pero teka lang, paano
si Monette?
"Ang gulo mo." I murmured. "Hindi ba may Monette ka?"
"Wala. As I said it was just a dare. Mahaba at kumplikado ang kwento kung bakit at paano naging kami
but I never really had feelings towards her."
"Pwede ba yun? Kayo buong summer tapos wala kang feelings dun sa tao? Ano sya, basahan?"
"Turned-off ka na nyan?"
"Hindi, unang-una di rin naman ako turned-on so wala kang itu-turn off." I mumbled at tumawa sya.
"Sana wag mo akong iwasan kasi it took a lot of guts para masabi ko lang sayo yung feelings ko. Sana
wag mo rin akong pandirihan kahit may iba kang gusto. At higit sa lahat, sana bigyan mo ako ng
pagkakataong maging part ng buhay mo. Kung hindi posible, tatanggapin ko naman but before you decide
na ayaw mo sa akin, please give me a chance to change your mind."
"Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot ko. Sa totoo lang mas komportable ako sayo nung feeling ko may
gusto kang iba pero ngayon di ko maiwasang mailang." I answered and he sighed.
"Sorry." He said. We stayed quiet for a long time and finally, he spoke. "Wala na yatang ulan, gusto
mo na bang lumabas?" He asked and I nodded my head. Nauna syang tumayo at tinulungan nya ako para
makatayo. Walang imikang lumabas kami sa office ng Student Council.
"Wala na ngang ulan." I said kasi naloloka na ako sa sobrang tahimik namin. We reached the school's
gate without talking to each other.
"Ihatid na kita sa sasakyan nyo." He stated and I shook my head.
"Hindi na." I said.
"But I insist." He replied so we began walking towards my car.
"Aleph..."
"Yes?"
"I don't know how to tell you this but I don't want you to hope."
"I know." He retorted quietly. Pagdating namin sa sasakyan ay lumabas si Manong Ben para kunin ang
payong at bag mula kay Aleph bago sya pumasok ulit.
"O, sige na, bye na." I uttered waving at him but he just stood there as if waiting for something.
"Bye na!" I repeated but he continued to stare at me like a lost puppy. "Aleph, alis na ako!" I
grumbled and he suddenly moved forward to give a hug.
"Choose me, Ingrid." He murmured. "Please." He added and I suddenly felt weak-kneed.
Chapter 10
I stood stiffly as he hugged me. Hindi pa nag-sink sa utak ko na may gusto sa akin si Aleph pero ito
na sya, asking me to choose him. Ano ba to, kelan pa naging mahirap ang multiple choice? I mumbled.
Para akong naloka, noong nakaraang linggo lang wala akong lovelife at ito na ako ngayon dala-dalawa
na. Sino bang pipiliin mo? Yung taong gusto mo o yung taong gusto ka? Hindi ko naman sila pwedeng
pagsabayin dalawa at kakalbuhin ako ni Irina Ysobel Samonte-Zamora. Ang hirap naman maging maganda. I
felt his embrace loosen and he sighed as he stepped away from me.
"Hindi ba tayo pwedeng maging magkaibigan lang, Aleph?" I asked as I looked at his desolate
expression. "Hindi ba mas masayang magkaibigan lang tayo? Look at us, we totally click kasi
comfortable tayo sa isa't isa. I think mas bagay sa atin maging friends lang."
"Wag mo naman akong i-friendzone. Mukha ba akong friendly?" He asked as his shoulders sagged in
defeat. "Hindi naman kita minamadali at tulad ng sinabi ko, ang hinihingi ko lang naman sayo ay
chance to prove my worth."
"Alam kong maganda ako, aminado ako dun, pero grabe naman yang prove your worth. You're a great catch
and any girl would be proud to have you as her boyfriend." I kidded smiling but he did not smile
back.
"But you're not like any girl, am I right? Kaya hindi mo ako pipiliin." He said and I felt a searing
pain inside my chest. Para akong hindi makahinga kasi ako ang nasasaktan para sa kanya. Ano ba tong
taong to, bakit to ganito? Biglaan yung pagka-gusto sa akin? Partida, bobo pa ako sa Chem nyan.
"Aleph, hindi ako sanay na ganyan ka. You're always oozing with self-confidence at napapraning ako
kasi mukha kang naliligaw na tuta dyan."
"I'm sorry if my face reflects how I feel. I wish I could just smile even if the girl I like likes
someone else but I'm not like that, Ingrid. I'm human. I hurt and it shows."
"I am not trying to mock you, okay. I'm sorry if that's how it came across."
"Hindi ko naman sinasabing mina-mock mo ako. Sa akin lang, natural hindi ako masaya kasi nire-reject
mo ako."
"Hindi sa nire-reject kita--" I started to say when my phone rang. I took it out of my pocket and
stared at its screen.
.
.
Calvin calling...
.
.
"I need to take this call." I told Aleph and he bowed his head. Kung tutuusin wala naman akong
pinangako sa kanya. He knew from the very beginning that it's Calvin I like. He knew that I harbor no
romantic feelings towards him. He knew that ours was just a set-up. But I couldn't stop myself from
feeling guilty. "Aleph..."
"It's okay. Sige, alis na ako. Mag-ingat ka sa byahe." He said as he smiled sadly. I watched him walk
away and I felt a knot in my stomach. He turned to look at me and I was about to say something when
he spoke. "Can you please text me kapag nakarating ka na sa bahay nyo para hindi ako mag-alala?
Salamat." He uttered. Hindi nya hinintay ang sagot ko at umalis na sya. I stared at his retreating
back and watched as the black, iron gates of St. Bernadette swallowed him. My phone rang again at
muntik ko nang mabitiwan dahil sa gulat.
"Calvin." I said over the phone.
"Hello, Ingrid. Nasaan ka na? We're stuck in traffic kaya tinawagan kita at baka na-traffic rin kayo,
at least we can be bored together." He said, his tone light and teasing but I wasn't in the mood.
"Calvin, I'll call you later kasi meron akong incoming call." I lied.
"Okay, tawagan mo ako agad. I miss our talks, Ingrid and I really miss you."
"Okay, bye." I answered before I ended the call. Pumasok ako sa loob ng sasakyan at tumunganga.
"Alis na po ba tayo, Mam?" Narinig kong tanong ni Manong Ben at tumango ako.
"Sige po." I replied. Mommy was right, sobrang traffic at na-stress ako sa mga sasakyang busina ng
busina. Hindi ko alam bakit kailangang bumusina, para bang pag ginawa mo to ay bigla na lang may
lilitaw na flyover sa harap ng sasakyan mo at makakaalis ka na agad. "Ingay naman nitong mga to, di
ba nila alam nagmo-moment ako?" I murmured.
"Ano po yun, Mam?" Tanong ni Manong Ben na lumingon sa akin.
"Wala po. Hash tag ganda problems."
"Ano po?"
"Wala po, Manong." I answered. Kinuha ko ulit ang telepono sa bulsa ko and decided to check my
Facebook.
.
To be or not to be...
I read Aleph's newly posted status on my newsfeed and I couldn't help but smile. Hay, Aleph! Sana
dalawa ang puso ko. Kung pwede lang umibig ang atay ko, ikaw iibigin nito. I thought as a quick touch
on my phone's screen brought me to his profile. He had posted our pictures together and I smiled at
our silly faces. Nakakaaliw din tong isang to eh. I murmured to myself and stopped.
"Ano ba, Ingrid! Do not make your life complicated! Si Calvin ang gusto mo! Si Calvin ang kausap mo
ng isang buong taon! Si Calvin ang ideal guy mo! Bakit kailangan mong malito ngayon?" I mumbled as I
leaned heavily against the seat and closed my eyes.
"Mam Ingrid." I heard someone call. "Nandito na po tayo sa bahay, Mam." Manong Ben said. I yawned and
stretched as the door was pulled open.
"Thank God, nakarating rin kayo." Mom said and I gave her a sleepy smile before I got off the car.
"Halika na nang makakain ka na. Manong Ben, mamaya na po yan ipapautos ko na lang po yan at kumain na
po muna kayo." Mom added as Manong Ben moved to get my bags from the back seat.
"Mommy, I'm so tired." I mumbled as I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"Kumain ka muna, baby bago ka matulog ha. Magagalit ako kung hindi ka kakain." She replied as she
hugged me back. Sabay kaming pumasok sa bahay at kahit na inaantok na ako ay pinilit kong kumain
kahit ilang subo lang. I kissed my parents goodnight after I finished eating and headed to my
bedroom. I took a quick bath and changed into my pajamas and plopped on my bed.
"Ingrid, bumangon ka kailangan mong i-blow dry ang buhok mo." I murmured. "Ingrid, bumangon ka." I
repeated and sighed as I stood up to sit in front of my vanity bureau. I plugged my hairdryer into an
outlet and turned it on. "Hay naku, ito lang ang hindi masaya sa mahabang buhok." I murmured as I
started to dry my hair. It usually takes me twenty minutes pero five minutes pa lang eh tinapos ko na
kasi hindi ko na kaya ang antok ko. "Bukas na kita ililigpit." I said after I unplugged the
blowdryer. Halos takbuhin ko ang kama ko sa kakamadali kong humiga and I grumbled angrily when my I
heard my phone ring. I decided to ignore it but it didn't stop ringing.
"Hello, Ingrid!" Calvin's cheerful voice grated on my nerves and I nearly rolled my eyes pero naisip
ko, hindi ba ako dapat kiligin kasi tinatawagan ako ng forever crush ko? I arranged my face into a
smile before I spoke.
"Hi, Calvin!" I said.
"Di ba may date tayo sa Skype ngayon?"
"Bukas na lang kasi inaantok na ako." I replied stifling a yawn.
"Sige na, kahit 10 minutes lang."
"Ano bang nagagawa ng pag-uusap sa Skype na hindi nagagawa ng pag-uusap sa mobile?" I asked and he
laughed. Had it been any other day ay baka naglaslas na ako sa kilig pero dahil pagod na pagod ako eh
gusto ko syang padalhan ng isang truck ng bomba sa asar.
"Gusto kitang makita eh. Sige na, please."
"Inaantok na kasi ako."
"Sige ka magtatampo na ako nyan." Sabi nya na may halong lambing. "Sige na, Ingrid ikaw din hindi mo
ako makikita bago ka matulog." He added and I frowned. Teka lang, di ba nakita ako nitong ka-holding
hands si Aleph? Bakit naglalandi to sa akin ngayon? Ano akala nito sa kagandahan ko, two-timer?!
"Ingrid..."
"Calvin, baka magalit boyfriend ko." I said and there was silence on the other line. It took nearly a
minute before he spoke again.
"Boyfriend? Akala ko ginagamit mo lang sya para pagselosin ako?" He questioned. Para akong sinampal.
Ganun, tingin nito sa akin? Mangagamit ako ng ibang lalaki para lang pagselosin sya? Ang gwapo nya
ha!
"What do you mean by ginagamit ko lang si Aleph para pagselosin ka?" I asked cooly even when I felt
like going to his house and burning it down.
"Come on, Ingrid. It's obvious. He's not your type. You really are not into geeky, boring guys like
that dude. Anong gagawin nyo buong araw, mag-aaral?" He asked laughing and my temper just skyrocketed
until it reached Jupiter.
"For your information, Aleph is not boring! Yes, he's smart unlike someone I know but it's wrong to
call him geeky just because he has brains unlike you!"
"Hey, wag kang mapikon. Naiintindihan naman kita eh." He retorted laughing. "Alam kong pinagseselos
mo lang ako at alam kong wala kang gusto sa kanya. Sino namang magkakagusto sa mga ganung klaseng
lalaki na puro libro lang ang alam?"
"Excuse me, but he can whip your ass in and out of the basketball court." I said before I ended the
call. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako naasar. May nag-iba ba sa akin? Ganito ba kami mag-usap dati?
Bakit parang ang hangin na nya bigla? And he has no right to say na walang magkakagusto kay Aleph
because he's a great guy! I murmured to myself and for some weird reason I felt like crying. "Potek
naman to, ang aga ko namang mag-menopause." I murmured as my vision blurred with unshed tears. Hindi
ko alam kung bakit ako naiiyak, maybe I realized that I was so pathetic at kailangan ko pang
manggamit ng ibang lalaki para makaganti lang which, of course, backfired because Calvin saw through
it. My phone rang repeatedly but I ignored it thinking that it was Calvin. A few minutes later,
someone knocked and I stood up to open the door.
"Baby, nag-away ba kayo ni Aleph?"
"Hindi po. Bakit po, 'Mmy?"
"Tumawag sa landline kasi hindi mo daw sinasagot ang phone mo and he was worried. Tinanong nya lang
kung nakauwi ka na daw ba." Mommy said.
"Is he still on the phone?"
"Wala na, he thanked me and declined when I offered to call you para makapag-usap kayo. Gusto nya
lang daw malaman kung nakauwi ka na. May nangyari ba?"
"Wala po. Nakatulog na po kasi ako, 'Mmy kaya hindi ko na po nasagot ang tawag nya." I said and Mommy
nodded her head before she kissed me goodnight. I decided to check my phone's messages and call logs
before I dialed Aleph's number.
"Ingrid? Sorry kung naistorbo kita. I was just worried kung nakauwi ka na ba kaya ako tumatawag
kanina. Pasensya ka na. Nakausap ko ang Mommy mo and she told me na kanina ka pa daw nasa bahay
ninyo. Sorry ulit sa abala." Bungad nya at di ko mapigilang ngumiti.
"Salamat sa concern." I said.
"Walang anuman. Matulog ka na."
"Okay, goodnight." I mumbled as I waited for him to end the call.
"Ingrid?"
"Bakit?"
"I'm sorry about earlier. Ayokong i-pressure ka kasi wala akong karapatan. I was just desperate pero
hindi bale kahit ayawan mo ako, tuturuan pa rin naman kita ng Chem at kahit anong subject na
kailangan mo ng tulong."
"Ganun?" I teasingly replied. "Alipin ang peg?"
"Ako'y alipin mo kahit hindi batid, aaminin ko minsan ako'y manhid..." He started singing and I
laughed.
"Hindi ka alipin, praning. Ang ganda ko naman kung aalipinin ko ang Vice-president ng Student Council
ng St. Bernadette?" I asked and he laughed too.
"No pressure, Ingrid. Nahihiya tuloy ako sayo sa inasal ko kanina. I hope you can forgive me."
"Last year pa kita pinatawad." I said. "Ang dami mo namang drama. Tulog na nga tayo at may pasok pa
bukas."
"Inaantok ka na ba?"
"Hindi pa." I answered truthfully.
"Ako rin." He retorted. "Pwede ba kitang tawagan?"
"Hindi ba nag-uusap na tayo, bakit ka pa tatawag?"
"Kasi ako ang lalaki at ako dapat ang tumatawag sayo?" He asked and I burst out laughing.
"Saang bundok ka ba galing at nasobrahan yata ang pagka-traditional mo?"
"Hindi nga. Nakakahiya naman ikaw ang tumawag. Is it okay if I call you...?"
"Okay."
"...mine?" He finished and my heart jumped to my throat. "Joke lang, pero okay lang din kung
seseryosohin mo."
"You're such a flirt." I said and he laughed softly. I remembered what Calvin said, na walang
magkakagusto kay Aleph because he's a geek and it's unfair that he's being judged just because unlike
other boys his age ay mas gusto nyang mag-aral kesa maglaro. "Aleph..." I muttered. I wanted to say
something to cheer him up.
"Yes?"
"It's okay..."
"What's okay?"
"To call me yours." I replied and my eyes widened as my hand flew to my mouth when I realized what I
said.
.
Chapter 11
"Naka-record to, walang bawian." He said and I was so embarrassed gusto kong baklasin ang grills ng
bintana ko para tumalon sa hiya. Pero syempre ayokong ipahalata. Nakakaloka! Nakipag-duet daw ba ang
peg ko. Di ba kanta yung Is It Okay If I Call You Mine?
"Ah, naka-record ba?" I muttered for lack of anything to say. Para akong hinihingal sa kaba. Hindi ko
alam kung kinakabahan ba ako dahil sa hiya or kinakabahan ako for other reasons.
"Ingrid..."
"Bakit?"
"I'll see you tomorrow." He answered. "Mag-usap tayo bukas kasi ayokong sa telepono lang because you
deserve to be courted properly. Magpahinga ka na. Goodnight." He said and I felt a tremor run down my
spine.
"Goodnight, Aleph. I'll see you tomorrow." I uttered in a calm voice although my palms were sweating.
"Hihintayin kita sa gate." He added.
"Okay." I answered.
"Ikaw na ang mag-end ng call."
"Okay." Sagot ko ulit. As soon as I disconnected the call, I stood up and ran out of my room to go to
my parents' bedroom. "Mommy!" I screamed and she immediately stood up and wrapped her arms around me.
"Mommy!"
"Bakit? What's wrong? Are you okay?" She asked.
"Mommy, naaasar ako!"
"Why? What's the problem, baby?"
"Kinikilig ako!" I retorted as I hugged her tighter and she laughed.
"Ano namang problema kung kinikilig ka? You're fifteen, normal sa edad mo ang kinikilig." She said
and I shook my head.
"Hindi normal to, 'Mmy. Hindi ako dapat kinikilig! Nakakainis!" I said as their bathroom door opened.
"Bakit kayo magkayakap dyan? What happened?" Dad asked.
"Kinikilig daw ang bunso mo." Mom disclosed laughing. "Dalaga na."
"Mas nauna pa ngang nagdalaga kesa sa Ate nya yan. Sino naman yang kinakikiligan mo? Okay lang sa
aking kiligin ka, baby basta wag ka munang mag-asawa." Dad uttered and Mom laughed harder.
"Why is he so likeable? It's so unfair. I have a clear vision of how my future husband should look
like. Mas feel ko, 'Mmy na tinitilian sya ng milyun-milyong fan girls habang naglalaro sya sa
basketball court kesa tinitilian sya ng mga professors sa taas ng grades nya! Argh!"
"Gusto mo ang lalaking marami kang kaagaw?" Mom inquired. "Parang si Ate mo kay Kuya JFK mo?"
"Wag nang umasa si Irina na magpapaagaw yung asawa nya, kulang na lang idikit ni JFK ang Ate mo sa
katawan nya." Dad remarked and Mom and I laughed.
"Yun nga ang cute dun, Mommy eh. Maraming gustong umagaw pero sayo lang sya. Parang si Kuya JFK di
ba? Ang daming babaeng lumalapit pero si Ate lang talaga gusto nya at mahal nya. Hindi ba mas
nakakakilig po yun?"
"Baby, hindi lahat ng lalaki tulad ng Daddy mo at ni Kuya JFK. Karamihan kahit walang gustong umagaw,
nagpapaagaw."
"Tama yan." Dad, who was reading a book, answered. "Always remember this, Ingrid: not all glitters
are gold. That applies to men too. Hindi lahat reliable. Kaya na rin ako pumayag maikasal ang Ate mo
sa Kuya mo kasi I knew when I saw JFK that his love for your Ate is dependable."
"Nakalimutan yata ni Daddy na nandun ako nung pinakuha nya ang shotgun nya for Kuya JFK, 'Mmy." I
replied laughing and Dad laughed too.
"Nilalaglag mo na ako, baby Ingrid?" He asked and I shook my head.
"Hindi po. Kayo pa eh love na love ko po kayo?"
"Just enjoy the kilig moments, baby. Wag magmadali. Always use your head." Mom said and I nodded in
agreement before I kissed her goodnight. I went up to Dad to kiss him goodnight too before I went
back to my bedroom. I lay down on my bed, stared at the ceiling, and started giggling.
"Ano ba to, bakit ako kinikilig?" I asked myself grinning before I covered my face with my hands.
"Kainis ka, Aleph dinaan mo ako sa pag-balance ng chemical equations!"
.
Ang aga kong nagising and for someone who hates mornings it felt weird na naunahan ko pa ang alarm
clock. I took a shower and went downstairs to have breakfast.
"Good morning, baby! Bakit ang aga mo yata?" Mom asked. Kahit anong aga naming magising ni Ate dati,
si Mommy mas nauuna talagang magising kesa amin. Hindi ko alam kung paano nya yun ginagawa.
"I just woke up early." I said before I kissed her on the cheek. "Si Dad?"
"Mamaya pa yun, tulog pa. Sya nga pala, can you give this to Aleph. Sabihin mo sa kanya salamat sa
pagtuturo nya sayo sa Chem. I baked this specially for him."
"Waah! Bakit heart-shaped?" I asked looking inside the the box she handed me.
"It's a strawberry jelly hearts cheesecake, baby. Why?"
"Wala po." I murmured and I saw her smile.
"I like Aleph." She said.
"I know, I like him too." I answered and stopped. "I mean, he likes you too. Mommy, stop laughing!
Gosh!"
"O sige na, hindi na kita tutuksuhin. Eat your breakfast." Mom uttered smiling as I took my seat on
the table. I was already inside the car when a horrible thought struck me: Paano kung mas nauna akong
dumating kay Aleph? Eh di mukha akong masyadong excited?
"Manong Ben!"
"Po?"
"Balik po tayong bahay."
"Ano ho?"
"Ay wag na lang pala, bagalan nyo na lang po ang pagda-drive." I told him and he glanced in confusion
at me through the rearview mirror. Kawawa naman si Manong, idadamay ko pa sa kagagahan ko. "Wag nyo
na lang po akong pansinin, nahanginan lang po yata utak ko." I murmured before I sighed. Ano kayang
irarason ko kung mauna akong pumasok dun? Alangan ako ang maghintay sa kanya sa gate? I thought to
myself. Dahil maaga, hindi pa masyado ma-traffic kaya yung usually 30-40 minutes na travel time ko to
school was cut in half. "Hay, Ingrid ewan ko sayo. Kainis ka! Mamaya isipin ni Aleph masyado kang
excited na makita sya! Mamaya isipin nyang may gusto ka sa kanya!" I mumbled to myself as the car
screeched to a halt. Ayoko pa sanang bumaba but I heard a knock. I pressed a button and the window
rolled down.
"Good morning." Aleph greeted and I felt hot and cold at the same time. Para akong sinilaban tapos
nagbago yung isip ng susunog sa akin at binanlawan nya ako ng nagyeyelong tubig.
"Hi." I heard myself say.
"Tara na." He invited and I realized that I was gawking like a moron at him.
"Okay." I said. "Sara ko muna yung window." I added as I felt my face flare. "Bye po, Manong Ben.
Ingat po kayo." I waved at my driver before I unlocked the door. Aleph pulled the door open and took
my bag from me.
"Good morning po." I heard him greet Manong Ben before he closed the car's door. "Aga mo yata." He
remarked and I suddenly panicked.
"Hindi ah! Mali kasi yung alarm clock! Ano kasi, sira sya. Ayun isang oras palang advance." I
blabbered and he just smiled before he held my hand. Lalo akong nanlamig. Ano ba to. Ano ba yan,
Ingrid! Si Aleph yan, hindi yan si G-dragon! I murmured to myself. I felt him twine his fingers
through mine and my pulse raced like crazy. Nyay, kailangan ko ng tubig.
"Bakit nanlalamig ka? Are you ill?" He asked. Hindi, I'm crazy. Nababaliw na ako.
"Hindi naman." I answered but he stopped walking and faced me. He took both my hands and encased them
in his before he brought them to his lips and began blowing air into them.
"Better?" He asked. "Mainit kasi ang hininga ng tao that's why we instinctively blow at our hands
when we feel cold." He explained. Tumambling ang kaluluwa ko sa ibang dimension. "Okay ka na?" He
inquired and I mutely nodded my head. He took my hand again and we resumed walking towards the gate.
"Good morning!" Manong Max, St. Bernadette's main gate security guard, greeted.
"Good morning po." We replied. Dumiretso kami sa juniors locker rooms para iwanan ang mga phones
namin before we headed to our classroom.
"Ang aga pa pala, ano?" I asked because the silence felt awkward.
"Oo. Nagtaka nga ako nung nakita ko kotse nyo. You're usually not this early. In fact buzzer-beater
ka." He said and I turned my head to say something scathing at him but he was smiling and I just
forgot how to talk. Or breathe. What the hell is wrong with me?! "Anong problema, bakit ang tahimik
mo?" He inquired and I glanced sideways at him. Wrong move, kasi biglang gandang-ganda naman daw ako
sa mata nya. My gosh, kailangan ko nang magpatingin. Hindi na normal to.
"Ganun talaga ako pag umaga. Di ba nga hindi ako morning person?" I reasoned and he nodded his head.
I stared at my clasped hands on top of our table while he took out a book and started to read. I took
a peek at him, sobra syang seryoso. At ang nakakabanas, hindi man lang nya ako tinanong tungkol sa
nangyaring aminan of sorts kagabi. Baka naman nananaginip lang ako at wala naman talagang ganung
exchange of blatant flirtatiousness? I asked myself and felt him move. Hindi ko sya pinansin kasi
naasar ako na ako lang pala yung affected tapos sya naman hindi. Pag ako talaga nagka-eye bags I will
hate you forever! I grumbled crossly. He was fidgeting and I continued to ignore him until he
casually draped an arm around my shoulders. Huh? May ganung move? Ano to, sinehan?
"Tsansing?" I asked as I tried to hide my smile.
"Sorry." He said and took his arm off me. Sobrang awkward and for the first time in 1 million years,
I actually wished na may dumating nang teacher para magsimula na ang class. Unti-unting dumating yung
classmates namin and the classroom was filled with noise pero kaming dalawa dedma. Nasaan ba to si
Agnes kung kelan mo kailangan? I thought as I closed my eyes. Sana pinagpatuloy ko na lang pala yung
pagtulog ko sa bahay kesa sumasakit bangs ko dito sa lalaking to.
"Aleph, patulong naman kasi absent ako ng two days di ba? Pwede bang mahiram yung notes mo?" Ivy
asked. "Hi, pala Ingrid!" She greeted smiling at me and I smiled back before I closed my eyes and
leaned back against my chair.
"Oo naman." Aleph answered as he moved to take his notebooks out of his school bag.
"Pwede pa-explain na din ng lesson natin sa Math? That is kung okay lang. Si Dennis kasi hindi ma-
explain ng maayos kaya tuloy lalo akong nalilito." Ivy added.
"O sige. Wait, let me pull a chair for you." Aleph said. At ayun nag-lecture na sya ng walang humpay.
Alam kong hindi ako dapat mainis pero sayang naman yung pag-bubble bath ko ng almost one hour at pag-
blow dry ko sa buhok ko ng thirty minutes, not to mention ang ilang minuto kong pagpili kung alin sa
mga uniforms at medyas ko ang isusuot ko when in fact pare-pareho lang naman itsura nila. Hay naku,
ano ba ang problema nitong lalaking to? Akala ko ba mag-uusap kami kaya nga ang aga ko tapos sya
naman lecturer ang peg? I sighed. "Teka lang, Ivy." I heard him say before I felt his arm around me.
I didn't dare open my eyes as he pulled me to lean against him.
"Mamaya na lang, Aleph." Ivy whispered. "Natutulog yata si Ingrid."
"Okay. Mamaya, sa lunch sabay ka sa amin para ma-explain ko sayo."
"Sige. Salamat ulit." I heard Ivy say before she left. I didn't know what to make of it. Ano ba to,
may dramang put your head on my shoulder lang pero ayaw naman nyang pag-usapan namin? Ang labo nitong
lalaking to! I was waiting for him to say something pero tahimik lang syang nagsusulat. Ano bang
sinusulat nito eh wala pa ngang teacher? I murmured to myself.
"Good morning, class!" I heard Mr. Carmino, our biology teacher, say.
"Ingrid, wake up." Aleph whispered. I leaned away from him and stood up with the rest of the class to
greet Mr. Carmino. I was annoyed the whole time, feeling ko napaglaruan ako. Papa-cute sa gabi tapos
dedma sa umaga, ano ka baliw? I mumbled angrily as I proceeded to ignore him. "Ingrid, tara lunch."
He invited pero hindi ko sya kinibo sa sobrang asar ko. "Ingrid, may kasalanan ba ako sayo?" He asked
as he followed me out of the classroom. Badtrip ka, sayang lang isang bote ng conditioner na naubos
ko para paagandahin lang buhok ko para sayo! I wanted to scream pero hindi na ako nagsalita at hindi
ko na sya sinagot.
"LQ?" Agnes asked when I sat down beside her for lunch.
"Q lang, walang L." I replied and she laughed.
"Kanina pa tingin ng tingin yan sayo o kawawa naman."
"Bayaan mo sya, mas malabo pa sya sa valence electrons ng mga badtrip na atoms na yan na wala nang
ginawa kundi bwisitin ang araw ko!" I muttered furiously. Hanggang sa matapos ang class namin hindi
ko na sya pinansin.
"Ingrid, anong nagawa ko?" He asked as he followed me towards the gate. "Kausapin mo naman ako."
"Ewan ko sayo!" I replied.
"Ingrid naman." He uttered as he followed me towards the parking lot.
"Ingrid!" Someone called at lalo akong naasar. Isa pa tong bwisit na to!
"Bakit ka nandito, Calvin?" I asked frowning and he was taken aback.
"Yayain sana kitang mag-mall." He said at kung di lang talaga ako asar na asar sinapak ko na sya.
"Tara." I replied. "Saang mall, magkita na lang tayo dun?" I uttered and saw, out of the corner of my
eye, Aleph leave. Bwisit, ang sakit sa dibdib. I turned to look at his retreating back and I felt my
eyes blur with tears.
"Trinoma na lang tayo?" I heard Calvin say but I didn't pay him any attention.
"Aleph!" I heard myself scream his name and he stopped. I walked towards him and it wasn't long
before I started running. "I'm sorry." I said when I reached him and he pulled me towards him to
enfold me in a hug. "I'm sorry." I whispered against the front of his shirt.
"It's okay because I love you." He replied and I started to cry.
Chapter 12
"Why are you crying?" He asked as I continued to sob. "Ingrid, tama na ang iyak." May halong lambing
ang boses nya at parang sasabog ang puso ko. Bwisit ka, Ingrid ang baduy mo. Sasabog ang puso? Gaga!
"Babe, please stop crying."
"Babe mo mukha mo." I wept and he held me tighter. "Nakakainis ka! Asar na asar ako sayo!"
"Ang bango ng buhok mo." He murmured out of the blue. Dapat lang! Ang dami kong naubos na hair
conditioner dyan badtrip ka! "Bakit ka naiinis sa akin? Anong nagawa ko bakit bigla mo na lang akong
hindi kinausap? Okay pa naman tayo kaninang umaga tapos bigla ka na lang hindi namansin?"
"Ilang drum ng anesthesia ba ang nalaklak mo at ang manhid mo?!" I asked as I continued to cry.
"Babe, sorry na kung ano man yun. Sorry."
"I hate you na talaga, Aleph! Nakalaan pa man din tong mga luha ko sa magiging Daddy ng mga anak ko,
how dare you make me cry!" I exclaimed as I hit his chest with my fists and he held my hands with his
before he bent down to kiss me on the forehead.
"Tama na iyak. Nag-sorry na ako di ba kahit hindi ko alam kung ano ang ginawa ko?" He said as he
leaned to kiss the tip of my nose. "Pansin mo pababa ng pababa?" He asked smiling and I frowned.
"Ang?"
"Ang kiss ko, kung di ka pa tatahan, sa labi na ang susunod."
"Loko." I mumbled but I couldn't stop my tears from falling so I covered my mouth instead. "Bwisit
ka, iisahan mo na naman ako." I said and he chuckled before he pulled me into his embrace again.
"Salamat, mahal na Ingrid."
"Salamat saan?" I asked. Alam ko namang nagyayakapan kami sa parking lot. Alam ko ring maraming
nakakakita sa amin kasi uwian na. At higit sa lahat alam kong habang niyayakap nya ako ay hindi ako
pumapalag. Ito na ba ang pagdadalaga? I asked myself as I settled in the confines of his arms. Grabe
ka, ang laki mong tao pero ang gentle mo. Nakakainis ka!
"Salamat kasi bumalik ka sa akin." He stated plainly and I suddenly remembered Calvin.
"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed as I pushed against his chest and turned my head to look for Calvin. Hala,
saan sya nagpunta? Tanga mo, Ingrid ano tong nakikipagyakapan ka sa ibang lalaki sa harap ng crush
mo?! I scolded myself. Wait, bakit ba eh boyfriend ko to? My mind retorted as I leaned against him
again. Ay, teka lang! Boyfriend ko to? Eh mas malabo pa to sa dagat tuwing tag-ulan! "Asar nga pala
ako sayo!" I grumbled as I turned away from him and started walking towards where Manong Ben usually
parks our car. "Ano ba!" I exclaimed as he hugged me from behind. "Ang unfair mo naman! Ang tangkad
mo eh, apat na steps ko isa lang sayo!"
"Bakit ka galit sa akin?"
"Wala!"
"Sabihin mo naman sa akin para hindi ko na maulit."
"Maulit ka pa wala ka pa ngang ginagawa." I murmured to myself as he hugged me closer.
"Ano yun, Babe?"
"Wag mo nga akong tawaging, Babe! Nakakabanas! Parang yung biik na may bangs na may identity crisis
at akala nya aso sya!" I muttered angrily and he laughed.
"Ano pala ang gusto ni mahal na Ingrid na itawag ko sa kanya?"
"Ingrid lang! Daming arte." Bwisit ka, nakakakilig ka, Mahal na Ingrid talaga! Ayheytchu! Ano ba to
ang tigas naman ng dibdib nito, may muscles kaya to? Nyaah! Ingrid, ano ka ba! Kung anu-ano na lang
iniisip mo para kang sira!
"Hindi naman pwedeng Ingrid kasi gusto ko special. Pwede ba kitang tawaging Kisses?"
"Anong akala mo sa akin chocolate?"
"Para ako si Hugs."
"Gosh ang corny." I uttered but I couldn't stop myself from grinning. Ay naku, sabi ko na nakakahawa
ang ka-corny-han nito! Gravity!
"Kisses..."
"Yuck."
"Kisses naman..."
"Ew, kadiri."
"O sige hindi na lang kita tatawaging kisses at hahalik na lang akong diretso." He said and I turned
my face to glower at him.
"Baduy mo." I said, poker-faced. "Sige na, bye na. Nawala na yung date ko tuloy."
"Nagseselos na ako. Anong date? Sinong nagbigay sayo ng permisong makipag-date?"
"Bakit? Daddy, ikaw ba yan?"
"May boyfriend ka na eh tapos makikipag-date ka pa?" He asked and waved at a group of students who
called his name.
"Boyfriend? Sino? Ikaw? Bakit, nanligaw ka ba?"
"Yun nga plano ko, ang ligawan ka ng pormal pero masyado kang nagmamadali -- Ouch!" He grimaced as I
kicked him on the shin. Ouch talaga eh no?
"Ang kapal mo, Santiago!" I exclaimed before I turned to leave but he grasped my hand and pulled me
towards him. "Grabe ka naman kung makahila ka sa akin parang isang sakong patatas lang ang hinihila
mo.�
"Kisses, wag ka nang magtampo. Sorry na. Ano bang gusto mong gawin ni Hugs para mapatawad mo na sya?"
"Well, you can stop calling me Kisses for a start."
"Ayaw."
"Fine."
"Sabagay okay lang ding nagtatampo ka para may rason akong yakap-yakapin ka." He murmured.
"Bwisit, akala ko friendly ka lang may halong malisya?"
"Hindi nga ako friendly." He muttered as he turned me around to face him. "Awat na, tama na ang
usapang pambata. I am serious. Alam ko kung bakit ka nagtatampo because I did not follow through with
what we talked about last night."
"Hindi no!" I denied hotly even as I blushed.
"You need to hear my explanation first, okay? I wanted to court you formally. When I talked to your
Mom last night before our conversation, I asked for her permission to court you." Hala, wala namang
sinabi si Mommy ah! Loko to!
"Gawa-gawa mo, Aleph wag ka na!"
"Oo nga. Nag-text pa sya sa akin kaninang umaga."
"Patingin nga!" I demanded as he took his phone out of his pocket. I peeked at his phone's screen.
"Oo, ikaw wallpaper ko." He said grinning.
"Hindi ko naman tinitingnan to check kung ako ang wallpaper mo, no! For sure marami kayong pagmumukha
ko ang wallpaper." I mumbled and he laughed as he draped an arm around my shoulders and browsed his
messages.
"Ayan. See?" He said and he showed me Mom's text.
.
.
Ingrid's Mom:
Oo, pwede kang bumisita. Mas gusto ko nga na pinupuntahan mo sya sa bahay kesa kung saan-saan mo sya
nililigawan.
.
.
"Do you believe me now?" He asked. "May isa lang akong tanong."
"Ano?"
"Nasaan yung cake na sabi ng Mommy mo pinadala nya daw sayo para sa akin?" He inquired and my eyes
widened when I remembered the heart-shaped cake.
"Oh gosh! Naiwan ko sa kotse!" I said and he laughed. "Pwede mo pa kayang kainin yun?"
"Pwede pa naman siguro." He said. "Tara check natin." He added as he pulled me with him towards my
car. "Good afternoon po." Bati nya kay Manong Ben na agad-agad bumaba sa sasakyan para kunin ang bag
ko.
"Good afternoon din." Nakangiting sagot ni Manong Ben sa kanya as I pulled the door open. Nandun nga
ang box na may cake and I gingerly picked it up.
"It's heart-shaped and I think it's melted." I said and he took the box's lid off.
"It's symbolic. It's pink and red kaya galing sayo; it's heart-shaped so it's your heart and it's
melted and soft because you're falling for me."
"It's corny and you're so mahangin." I said and he laughed.
"Mukhang masarap. Kainin ko."
"Pagawan na lang kita ng bago, it's my fault."
"It's jelly di ba kaya okay lang. Jellies don't melt when they've set unless mainit." He said.
"Gawan mo nga ng chemical equation yung pag-melt ng jelly?" I teased and he smiled.
"Pag nagawan ko, anong makukuha ko?"
"Another jelly." I replied grinning and he chuckled. "Pero seriously, kaya mong gawang ng chemical
formula to?"
"Bakit naman hindi? It's a substance."
"Fine. Ako na ang bobo." I murmured.
"Kisses, hindi ka bobo. Stop calling yourself that." He reprimanded frowning. Gosh, ako talaga si
Kisses. Bakit naman kisses? Am I so kissable?
"Bakit kisses?"
"Do you really want to hear the explanation?"
"Hindi na, kung ano man yun." I replied quickly and he laughed again.
"Tara punta tayo sa canteen and let's eat the cake. Wala kasing spoon--"
"May disposable wooden spoons kami sa loob ng kotse." I said and I opened the car before he could
reply. I got in and opened a small bag and took two wooden spoons.
"Bakit dalawang spoon?"
"Fine, kung ayaw mo akong bigyan.'
"Pwede naman tayong mag-share."
"Nyak, indirect kiss?" I asked aloud and felt heat swallow my whole face. "I mean--"
"Ayaw mo?" He asked winking. Kadiri tong lalaking to pero bakit ako kinikilig dito? We ended up using
one spoon after his long speech about the environment and saving mother earth. Naloka ako sa haba
kaya pumayag akong isang kutsara na lang ang gamitin namin para matapos na ang litanya nya. He
offered to share the cake with Manong Ben pero umayaw si Manong dahil hindi daw sya mahilig sa
matamis.
"Ang sarap." He mumbled. "Tell Tita na ang sarap ng cake. Tama lang ang tamis, tama lang yung
consistency ng jelly and I love the tart sweetness of the strawberries."
"Sige, I will tell Mommy that you love how she mixed the chemical and organic components of this
cake." Sabi ko matapos nya akong subuan. He laughed at my quip at mukha ngang sarap na sarap sya kasi
naubos nya agad.
"Uwi ka na ba?" He asked and I nodded my head.
"Wala naman akong gagawin sa school kasi wala kaming cheerleading practice ngayon. Ikaw ba uuwi ka
na?"
"May meeting pa kami ng student council." He said.
"O, sige mag-ingat ka pag-uwi mo mamaya. Balik ka na sa loob mamaya ma-late ka pa sa meeting nyo." I
said as I waved at him. "Bye!"
"Bye." He replied as he kept on staring at me. Ano bang meron sa mata nito at parang mata ng puppy?
Hush puppy eyes.
"Bakit?" I asked kasi hindi ako nakatiis. "Kanina ka pa nakatingin sa akin, may utang ba ako sayo?"
"Oo." He replied and I frowned as he stepped forward to wrap his arms around me.
"Pa-kiss." He whispered before I felt his lips on my cheek.
After I took a shower and blow-dried my hair, I turned my Mac on and logged in to my Facebook. I was
thinking of texting Calvin dahil nga parang napahiya ko naman sya kanina pero parang di na ganun ka-
importante sa akin kung anong nararamdaman nya. I knew I shouldn't feel that way dahil kaibigan ko
sya at halos isang taon kaming nag-uusap. I arched my brow seeing the number or messages and
notifications.
"Bakit kaya hindi tumunog mobile ko?" I mumbled to myself as I stood up to check my phone. "Kaya
naman pala kasi wala nang baterya." I said as I charged my phone before I went back to my desk. Hindi
ko na tiningnan yung notifications and went straight to checking my messages.
Agnes Reinalyn del Fiero:
Nasaan ka ba? Bakit nakapatay ang phone mo? Ang exciting sa wall ni Aleph!
"Ano daw?" I asked frowning as I immediately navigated to Aleph's FB profile. Tumaas ang kilay ko sa
nabasa ko.
Calvin Mallari:
Real men know how to play basketball. Are you a real man?
"May ganun? So kung di ka marunong mag-basketball eh automatic bakla ka na?" I said. "Ano ba to si
Calvin. Pero teka bakit sa wall to ni Aleph?" I murmured as I clicked on the View 396 more comments.
My jaw dropped at what I read and I hastily ran to get my phone to dial Aleph's number.
"Hi, Kisses."
"Ano tong nababasa ko sa wall mo?"
"Alin dun?" He asked and I huffed in annoyance.
"Yung thread ninyo ni Calvin! Ano to prelude to bromance?!"
"Wala naman akong sinabi. Hindi nga ako nagko-comment. He sent me a friend request so I accepted it
and that's the first thing he posted." He answered at habang kausap ko sya ay dumadami ang comments
sa post na yun. Syempre, hindi nagpatalo ang mga estudyante ng St. Bernadette at sangkaterbang reply
ang natanggap ni Calvin. Some were rude while others were philosophical. Pero di rin nagpapatalo si
Calvin kaya tuloy lalong humahaba ang usapan.
"Bakit hindi mo na lang i-delete yung post nya at i-block mo sya para tapos na?"
"Para saan? He has the right to express his opinion same as those who commented have the right to
express theirs."
"But he is indirectly insulting you!"
"No insults taken although napaka-illogical ng argument nya." Aleph replied. "Nag-post na naman sya
ulit." He said laughing and I refreshed my browser.
"Low batt ako. I need to hang up."
"Okay." He said and I ended the call.
Calvin Mallari:
Ano, bro. Concede?
Hindi ko maiwasang hindi magreply. Nabwisit ako bigla. Hindi ko alam kung anong gusto nyang patunayan
pero para syang tanga.
Ingrid Yelen T. Samonte:
I do not see the point of this post.
.
.
Calvin Mallari:
It's just to prove to you that you chose the wrong man.
.
A man's worth is not measured by the game he plays.
.
.
Calvin Mallari:
Sabihin mo lang, hindi ka marunong maglaro. May lalaki bang hindi marunong maglaro? Seryoso? Akala ko
ba kayo ang champion sa PSSBC last year?
.
.
At ano namang kinalaman ng pagiging PSSBC champion ng St. Bernadette sa post-menopausal symptoms mo?!
.
.
Calvin Mallari:
Come on, gusto ko lang syang makalaro. You don't have to be rude.
.
.
You call me rude yet you post nonsense on another person's FB wall. Wow.
.
.
Calvin Mallari:
Isang game lang then I'll shut up. Two-on-two.
"My gosh, two on two? Eh puro bano halos lahat ng naiwan sa basketball team ng Saints kasi grumaduate
na halos lahat ng nasa team nina Kuya Fire last year?"
Saan?
"Saan pa to! My gosh mapapahiya kayo. Yung team nina Calvin ang malakas sa basketball ngayon!"
Ingrid Yelen T. Samonte
Wag mo nang patulan, Aleph.
.
.
Calvin Mallari:
Sa gym nyo para may home court advantage kayo. Bibigyan pa kita ng partida, you can choose whoever
you want basta galing ng St. Bernadette. I have watched your team play at wala akong masabi. LOL.
"Ang yabang mo!" I yelled at my monitor. "Grabe ang hangin mo!"
Calvin Mallari:
Whoever you choose to team-up with, you will be going against me and Carl Robles. Sinong kasama mo?
.
.
Fire Zamora (Ice Zamora's Property):
He's teaming up with me.
Chapter 13
I stared at what Kuya JFK typed. He's teaming up with me. Para akong nabunutan ng tinik na ten years
ko nang iniinda. Wow, Kuya you're the best brother-in-law in the whole galaxy!
.
I Love you, Kuya with every fiber of my gorgeous being.
.
Fire Zamora (Ice Zamora's Property)
I love you too, baby sis. We miss you.
.
Thank you, Kuya Fire.
.
Fire Zamora (Ice Zamora's Property)
I need to talk to you, Aleph. PM me your number.
.
Okay po.
.
"Ay, sila lang ang mag-uusap? Di ako kasali? Ang daya nitong dalawang to!" I mumbled aloud as my
phone rang.
.
Ate Ice Calling...
.
"Ate!" I excitedly uttered over the phone.
"Anong kaguluhan ito, Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte? Bakit parang may ligang magaganap sa ngalan ng
kagandahan mo?" She questioned and I laughed.
"Liga para sa kagandahan ko? I like that. Pero, kidding aside, Ate ewan ko ba dyan kay Calvin bigla
na lang nagyabang sa wall ni Aleph." I confided. "Nagulat na lang ako kasi nag-message si Agnes kaya
ko tiningnan." I added.
"Nabasa ko nga kasi kaibigan ko si Aleph sa FB. What happened to Calvin? He used to be a really great
kid. What did you do to him?" She teasingly asked. "Anong klaseng sama ng loob naman ang binigay mo
sa kanya?"
"Ngeek! Ano naman ang kinalaman ko sa pagpapalit nya ng anyo? Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit naging
ganyan sya. Almost a year ko na sya kausap pero ngayon ko lang nakita yung ugali nyang ganyan."
"Your Kuya says it has something to do with Calvin's pride being trampled on. Hindi naman ako
naniniwalang masamang bata si Calvin, siguro he's just hurt sa mga nangyayari. By the way, do me a
favor at pakihila yung buhok mo kasi nakarating dito sa pamamahay ko." She said and we burst out
laughing.
"Si Ate talaga!"
"But do you like Aleph?" She asked. Ito na naman si Irina Ysobel Samonte-Zamora sa kanyang
interrogation.
"Medyo..." I retorted. "Ang sweet nya kasi, Ate. Tapos ang talino pa nya. Teka lang, hindi ko alam
pero natatawa ako." I uttered as I was suddenly gripped by a giggling fit.
"Hindi ka naman masyadong kinikilig nyan?" Ate asked laughing.
"Hindi ako kinikilig ah!" I said.
"In denial ka ba?" Ate inquired. "Hindi uso sa family natin ang mag-deny. I did that with your Kuya
when he first told me about his feelings. Ayun tuloy I ended in bed beneath him."
"What?!" I asked aghast. "Okay ka lang, Ate? Too much information naman! Ayokong malaman ang blow-by-
blow account kung paano na-conceive sina Twinkle at Blaze!"
"Stop being green, I stayed a virgin until Dad's circus of a wedding." She casually uttered and I
couldn't help but laugh.
"So what's this talk about beds ba, Ate?"
"Kapag pinipigil mo kasi, lalong tumitindi, buti na yung ilabas mo para tapos na agad."
"Are we still talking about feelings, Ate?"
"Ingrid, seriously what have you been doing lately kung ibang bagay ang pumasok sa utak mo? I forbid
you to go to those restricted sites ha, makakatikim ka talaga sa akin. If you have questions about
intimacy and boys, ask me. I'm not going to sugarcoat things for you and I promise that I'll be
brutally clinical with my explanations."
"Ate naman! What do you mean by what have I been doing lately? Ikaw tong green eh. I'm only fifteen."
"Well, I was sixteen and pregnant kaya wala sa edad yan."
"You're right." I agreed smiling. "Ano palang pinag-uusapan nina Kuya at ni Aleph, Ate?"
"I don't know but I'll ask him later." She said. "So gusto mo si Aleph?" She asked and I felt myself
blush. "Ibig sabihin ba ay hindi na pseudo ang relationship nyo?"
"Ewan ko ba dun. Bwisit nga eh, daming paliguy-ligoy kaya nalilito tuloy ako. It's a given that he
likes me kasi nasabi na nya sa akin but he did not really ask me kung gusto ko bang maging kami."
"Baka akala nya kayo na, baka ikaw lang yung hindi nalilinawan sa relationship status ninyo. Baka sya
naka-In a Relationship na samantalang ikaw ay stuck sa It's Complicated.
"Ganun? Hindi man lang nya ako niligawan!"
"Paano ka pa liligawan eh nagpauto ka na?" Ate answered laughing and I frowned.
"Ang sama mo."
"Nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo. Pero wag kang pumayag na hindi clear kung mag-ano kayo. Get it over
with and ask him. Wag kang mahihiya, mas nakakahiya yung babaeng assuming."
"Opo, mahal na reyna." I said and she sniggered. We bade each other goodnight and I was burning with
curiosity kung ano ang pinag-usapan ni Aleph at ni Kuya JFK. I was tempted to call his number but I
held myself back. Dapat tumawag ka, pag ikaw di tumawag sa akin who you ka talaga! I mumbled and
smiled victoriously when my phone rang. "Hi, Aleph!" I said.
"Hi, Kisses."
"Kisses ka pa. What did you and Kuya JFK talk about?"
"He asked me to join the basketball team."
"Anong sinagot mo?" I asked curiously. Alam kong walang future ang basketball team ng St. Bernadetted
kasi karamihan sa magagaling ay graduate na.
"Sabi ko depende kung anong sasabihin mo."
"Ngeek, bakit ako? Ano naman kinalaman ko dyan? Ako ay isang cheerleader lamang na ini-inspire ang
mga players ng St. Bernadette gamit ang aking angking kagandahan." I said laughing and I expected him
to laugh too but he didn't. "Hoy, ano na. Okay ka lang ba?"
"Ayoko yung cheerleading uniform mo, masyadong maigsi." He blurted out and I arched my brow.
"Ang laki ng problema mo." I murmured.
"Malaki talaga, kasi lahat na lang pinagseselosan ko." He replied and I remembered what Ate said pero
ayokong sa telepono namin pag-usapan. Gusto ko clear, ayokong mali ang magiging intindi ko sa sagot
nya at lalong ayokong mali ang magiging intindi nya sa tanong ko.
"Pwede ba tayong mag-usap bukas?"
"Why do I have a feeling that I won't like what you'll say tomorrow?"
"Bukas na natin pag-usapan." I answered. "Goodnight, Aleph." I added before I disconnected the call.
Kahit anong sabi ko sa sarili ko na ayokong magmukhang excited ay super aga ko pa ring nagising.
Nakatulog naman ako but it felt like my mind was awake the whole time and I couldn't wait to see
Aleph. Sa sobrang excited ko, naka-anim ako ng palit ng hairstyle na wala rin namang silbi kasi in
the end, I decided na ilugay na lang ang buhok ko.
"Hassle naman nitong pagdadalaga. Kainis." I murmured as I went down for breakfast.
"Akala ko maaga kang nagising." Mommy said as she put a plate in front of me. "Bakit ngayon ka lang
bumaba, natulog ka ba ulit?"
"Hindi po." I mumbled. "Ano po kasi eh, yung buhok ko po, 'Mmy." I murmured and she smiled knowingly
at me. "Mommy, wag na kayong magsalita kundi maaasar ako!" I complained and she laughed.
"Oo na, I'll keep my lips sealed." She said smiling. Kahit maaga ako ay mas maaga pa rin si Aleph and
my heart did a happy dance when I saw him waiting for me. He greeted Manong Ben who enthusiastically
greeted him back.
"Good morning." He whispered in my ear as he helped me out of the car and I felt goose bumps erupt
along my arms. Nyay, ano ba to. Nakakaloka. "Akin na, let me carry your bag." He said.
"Thank you." I answered. He smiled at me and grasped my hand as we started walking. We went to the
juniors' locker room first to leave our phones before we headed to our classroom. Wow, wala pang tao,
who would have thought magiging candidate ako for Most Punctual? I murmured to myself as we took our
seats. "Kelan kayo maglalaro nina Calvin?" I asked.
"This afternoon." He replied. "Nakausap ko na yung coach ng basketball team and he gave us permission
to use their slot for the match."
"Ha? Ngayong hapon? Bakit ngayong hapon agad?"
"I'm not one to prolong the agony." He answered smiling. "Besides, may review tayong dalawa sa Chem
for the mock district test at kilala kita, your mind wouldn't be in that review dahil iisipin mo ang
basketball match namin ni Calvin."
"I'm not yet ready!" I exclaimed panicking. Ano ba, emergency lang ang peg at nagmamadali? Wala man
lang practice, o warm up o kung anu-ano? Agad-agad laban na?! I thought nervously before I turned
towards Aleph. "You got this, Aleph!" I uttered as I took his hand. "You got this! Kayang-kaya mo
to!"
"Thanks." He laughingly replied. Isa-isang dumating ang mga classmates namin and the whole class was
abuzz with the upcoming game kaya tuloy lalo akong ninerbyos. Hindi naman ako ang maglalaro dun pero
bakit ako ang takot? I asked myself as I glanced sideways at Aleph who was busy thanking our
classmates who wished him luck.
"Aleph, kapag tagilid na ang laban yayain mo na ng Q & A." One of our classmates kidded and Aleph
just laughed good-naturedly samantalang ako halos magka-seizure na sa kaba. Alam kong kasama nya si
Kuya JFK but I had a feeling that Calvin will find a way to do a one-on-one match with Aleph kasi
alam nyang wala silang panama sa Kuya ko. I tried to inhale deeply to release some of my nervousness
and felt Aleph grasp my hand.
"Are you okay?" He asked as I stared wide-eyed at him.
"Yes." I squeaked. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla-bigla akong nagka-anxiety attack. Siguro hindi ko
lang matatanggap na ipapahiya ni Calvin si Aleph sa sarili naming school. Iniisip ko pa lang yun,
natutuyo na ang dugo ko.
"Hey, calm down." He said as he massaged my hands. "Anong nangyayari sayo?" He asked, his eyes
overflowing with concern. "Halika." He said as he took my hand and guided me out of the classroom. We
walked towards the fire exit and he pulled the door open. "Breathe." He said.
"Baka ma-late tayo." I answered as I started to tremble. I was trembling so bad that I could feel my
hands shaking.
"Ingrid, my God." He said as he enfolded me in his embrace. "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?
Do you want to go home? I can call your Mom." He said.
"I'm scared for you." I whispered and he grew motionless before he tightened his arms around me. "I
have a feeling that Calvin will make sure that Kuya JFK is out of the equation, uutakan ka nya. And
he's a good basketball player, Aleph. I've seen nearly all of his games. I don't want you to be
subjected to something as humiliating as losing face in front of the whole school."
"It's just a game. Besides, how could losing be humiliating? Hindi ba lesson learned dapat yun?" He
stated. "As I said, a game doesn't define who you are, isang aspect lang yun ng pagkatao mo."
"Aleph." I murmured. "Sorry."
"Sorry saan?" He asked.
"I caused this. Naasar sayo si Calvin dahil sa akin."
"That's okay, you're worth the fight."
"Kailangan sweet talaga?" I asked and he laughed softly.
"Wag mong isipin yun. Okay lang ako. Ayokong natatakot ka. Hindi naman magbabago ang tingin mo sa
akin sakaling hindi ako manalo di ba?" He asked.
"Oo naman! Ano ka ba! Ang babaw ko namang tao kung dahil lang dun ay magbabago na tingin ko sayo."
"Thank you, pero ano nga pala tingin mo sa akin?" He asked and I frowned. Oo nga, ano nga pala tingin
ko dito? Boyfriend ko? Friend ko? Classmate ko? Tutor ko? "Masyado bang mahirap ang tanong, Ms.
Samonte?" He asked.
"Ano ba sa tingin mo ang tingin ko sayo?" I asked back and he laughed.
"Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte, you're playing safe." He said and I couldn't help but smile. He leaned
against the painted iron railings of the fire exit and he pulled me to lean against him. "Are you
okay now?" He asked before I felt his lips on my forehead.
"Medyo." I answered as I closed my eyes.
"Mamaya na tayo bumalik sa classroom, hindi pa naman nag-ring ang bell. Gusto pa kitang kayakap." He
whispered and I nodded my head. But all too soon, the bell rang and we had to go back to our
classroom. I was distracted the whole time pero sya parang wala lang. Lunch was a blur and I grew
nervous again as the bell rang signaling the end of classes. "I'll see you at the gym?" He asked
smiling before he waved goodbye and walked away.
"Aleph!" I called and he turned to look at me.
"Yes?" He asked. "Ano yun?" He inquired and I moved towards him to wrap my arms around his waist.
"Regardless of the outcome, you're my Aleph all the same." I whispered against the front of his
shirt. I felt his arms snake around me as he pulled me against him.
"My Ingrid." He whispered. "I have waited all my life to be called yours.�
Chapter 14
I hugged him tight at parang ayoko syang pakawalan. "All your life talaga?" I teased as his arms
around me tightened. "Baka kumanta ka na naman nyan." I kidded and he chuckled.
"Wala na, inspired na inspired na ako." He murmured against the top of my head.
"Wag masyado, ha baka naman lumampas ang bola sa ring." I said and he laughed softly. "Dito ka na
lang, wag ka nang pumunta dun. Tara, alis na tayo." I said as I tilted my head up to look at him.
"Aalis tayo pagkatapos ng game. Date tayo." He said.
"Ngayon na tayo umalis. Anong date? Weh."
"Date, labas tayo."
"My gosh ang corny." I answered smiling. Ang corny pero nangingiti ako. Kumusta naman tong nerbiyos
ko umakyat na yata sa utak ko at nabaliw na akong tuluyan.
"Anong corny dun? Gusto ko lang naman makasama ang girlfriend ko." He asked and I couldn't stop
myself from giggling.
"Ano ba yan!" Natatawang sagot ko. Ano ba naman yan bakit nagpapapadyak ako ng paa? Mukha tuloy akong
tanga.
"Kinikilig ka?" He asked and I scowled at him.
"Hindi ah!" I answered.
"Ganun? Bakit ako kinikilig?" He asked smiling and I felt heat swallow my whole face.
"My Ingrid..."
"Bakit?"
"I need to go kasi magbibihis pa ako. Gusto mo bang sumabay sa akin papuntang gym?" He asked and my
pulse raced in anxiety again. "O grabe na naman ang kabog ng dibdib mo, wag ka na ngang mag-alala
kasi manalo o matalo man ako dito, akin ka naman kaya okay lang."
"Ganun?" I asked grinning and he nodded his head before he kissed me on the forehead.
"For good luck." He said and I tiptoed to kiss his right cheek.
"For wala lang." I said and he laughed before he hugged me again.
"Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte!" Someone called and we both turned to the direction of the voice.
"Ate!" I exclaimed happily when I saw my sister. "Ate, you're here!"
"Malamang, you're looking at Fire Zamora's cheerleading contingent." She replied as I hugged and
kissed her.
"Good afternoon po, Ate Ice." Aleph greeted and Ate arched her brow.
"Kayong dalawa ha, PDA in broad daylight. Para kayong si Irina Ysobel Samonte at si John Fitzgerald
Kennedy Zamora." She replied smiling. "Nauna na si Kuya Fire mo sa gym para magbihis at magwarm-up ng
kaunti, sumunod ka na."
"Okay po. Bye po. Bye, Ingrid." Aleph said as he waved at me.
"Bye." I answered waving back.
"O sya tatalikod na muna ako at nakakahiya naman." Sabi ni Ate at tumalikod sya. Nagkatinginan kami
ni Aleph and he moved forward to cup my face before he kissed me on the cheek.
"Bye." He whispered.
"Bye." I whispered back as he turned to leave.
"Teka bitin." He said as turned to me, held my face with both his hands and kissed me on the lips.
"Salamat sa inspiration." He said grinning before he ran towards the gym. I stood there gaping at his
retreating back.
"Ahem... salamat sa inspiration. Mwwwah!" Narinig kong sabi ni Ate. Tiningnan ko sya at tawa sya ng
tawa. "Wala na, dalaga na si Ingrid."
"Matagal na kayo akong dalaga na, Ate." I answered as she grasped my hand.
"Bakit ang lamig mo? Are you okay?"
"Kinakabahan ako, Ate." I retorted. "Not that I'm undermining Kuya JFK's basketball skills pero
feeling ko kasi gagawan ng paraan ni Calvin na hindi masama si Kuya JFK sa laro kasi alam nyang hindi
sila uubra sa kanya."
"Sinabi din sa akin ng Kuya mo yan. Tingin nya, it will be a one-on-one game."
"Kaya nga. Feeling ko hindi papasiputin ni Calvin yung kasama nya para may excuse sya and since Aleph
is the very soul of fairness eh papayag syang mag one-on-one sila."
"You think so highly of him yet you doubt his capacity to win this match?"
"I'm just realistic, Ate. Calvin has been playing nonstop for years. Alam ko may talent si Aleph but
this will all boil down to experience."
"No, this will all boil down to faith. You need to have faith in him, Ingrid. Matalino si Aleph. Sa
tingin mo papayag syang matatalo sya ni Calvin ng ganun-ganun na lang? He has a trick up his sleeves,
okay? Wag ka nang kabahan." She smilingly told me as we started walking towards the gym. It was jam-
packed and I felt more anxious.
"Bakit naman ang daming tao?" I asked my sister in a whisper.
"Dahil siguro first time na may mag-challenge sa St. Bernadette? Tingnan mo pati yung buong
basketball team nandito." Ate answered and I groaned.
"My gosh. Kawawa naman si Aleph ko."
"Ay inangkin?" Ate teased and I promptly blushed. The basketball team made us sit in the lower
bleachers with them at kulang na lang sambahin nila si Ate. Ang hirap naman maging legendary tapos
maging asawa pa ng isa ring legendary. I thought smiling as Ate shook hands with The Saints'
basketball coach.
"Nasaan na sila?" I asked looking around. "Ang dami nang tao."
"Ano ka ba, mag-relax ka nga dyan." Ate whispered and frowned when she heard someone scream Kuya
JFK's name.
"Fire! I love you!" Sigaw nang isang estudyante na nasa may bandang likuran lang namin and instantly
my sister transformed as she marched towards the girl and her group.
"Hoy, malandi ka. Stop fawning over my husband!" Ate snapped and the girl looked at my sister in
alarm. "Baka ingudngod kita sa sahig at gawin kong floorwax ang dugo mo!" She added.
"Sorry po, Ate Ice." The student mumbled apologetically.
"Sorry, sorry. Ang landi-landi nyo ha. Sa lahat ng pwede nyong landiin yung may-asawa pa talaga." She
said as she glared at them and they bowed their heads. Natatawa ako pero pinipigil ko. Ewan ko ba
kung bakit napaka-selosa ni Ate eh halata namang patay na patay si Kuya JFK sa kanya but it's still
fun to watch when she gets riled up because of Kuya's fangirls.
"Grabe naman, na-shotgun wedding na nga kayo, kinasal na kayo sa Vegas, nag-wedding ceremony na kayo
sa bahay at nagkaanak na kayo ng kambal ay selosa ka pa rin." I joked and she huffed.
"Yang mga malalantod na babae na yan, para yang mga ipis. Dapat unang sign pa lang ng existence eh
pinapatay na agad. Alam mo bang bago nagpalit ng number ang Kuya mo ang daming text ng text at tawag
ng tawag sa kanya? Kahit sa FB? My God, ang kakapal ng mga mukha!"
"Eh, Ate gwapo ang pinili mo eh."
"Excuse me pero sya ang pumili sa akin." Pagtataray nyang sagot at tawa ako ng tawa. "May mga
schoolmates din pala si Calvin na nandito." She said and I turned to the direction she pointed. At
nandun nga ang mga estudyante ng St. Martin in their yellow and green uniforms.
"Bakit sila pinapasok dito?" I asked and Ate laughed.
"Ano ka ba, may event eh, baka pinayagan. Ang unfair naman nun kung walang support yung kabila."
"Eh sya nag-issue ng challenge eh!"
"Ay si Mrs. Santiago, ayan na nagagalit na."
"Ate naman, wag naman ganun! Anong Mrs. Santiago? Nakakahiya."
"Yan lang ang nahihiyang abot-tenga ang ngiti." Ate observed and I stuck my tongue out at her.
"Ayan na." Someone said and as if on cue nagsigawan ang lahat. Agad kaming tumayo ni Ate.
"Ang gwapo ng asawa ko." She gushed and I couldn't help but laugh. "We're wrong, may kasama si
Calvin." She observed before she frowned. "I know him."
"Sino Ate?"
"Yung kasama ni Calvin. That's Judge Robles' grandson."
"The who sya? Di ko sya kilala, Ate." I replied.
"Ay, naku wag mo na syang kilalanin kasi ubod sya ng yabang. Pero bakit Carl eh Jerrick ang name
nya?"
"Baka Carl Jerrick o kaya ay Jerrick Carl ang buo nyang pangalan." I said and Ate shrugged.
"Wala akong pakialam kung anong pangalan nya pero wag na wag nyang gagalusan ang asawa ko kundi
ililibing ko sya ng buhay."
"Hala, warfreak." I joked but she wasn't listening as she called Kuya JFK.
"Mr. Zamora!" She said. Nagtataka ako kasi sobrang ingay pero narinig ni Kuya na tinatawag sya ni Ate
and he jogged towards us.
"Bakit, Mrs. Zamora?" He asked smiling as Ate wrapped her arms around him. "Hi, baby sister!" He
added waving at me.
"Hi, Kuya!" I said.
"Mag-iingat ka, marumi maglaro yan si Robles. Sabihin mo sa akin kapag nasagi nya kahit dulo ng buhok
mo at babalian ko sya ng buto." Ate uttered.
"Kitten naman, basketball is a contact sport." Kuya said laughing. "Pero salamat sa pag-aalala,
kinikilig tuloy ako."
"Napapagod pa man din ako kinaumagahan pag kinikilig ka." Ate replied in a whisper before they both
laughed. Narinig ko pero hindi ko na-gets. Ganito ba kapag mag-asawa? Ang weird ng sense of humor? I
asked myself as I trained my gaze on Aleph who was talking to one of St. Bernadette's referees.
"Kiss ko?" I heard Kuya ask and my sister kissed him quickly on the lips. "Salamat." He said smiling
as he draped an arm around Ate's shoulders.
"Good luck, Kuya!" I said when he looked my way and he smiled.
"Ganda ng ngiti mo ah, alam ko hindi para sa akin yan. Teka tawagin ko." He teasingly said before he
called Aleph.
"Kuya naman." I mumbled.
"Bakit po, Kuya?" Aleph asked.
"Good luck daw sabi ni Ingrid." Kuya JFK replied and Ate laughed.
"Salamat." Aleph answered smiling. The speakers sounded and they both waved at us as they ran back to
the court.
"Good afternoon." The speakers announced and the crowd just went wild. "We are privileged here today
to witness an exhibition match between St. Bernadette and St. Martin."
"Our basketball team needs this morale boost." St. Bernadette's coach said and Ate nodded her head.
"Kakasimula pa lang naman ng season, Coach." She answered smiling.
"Last year was our best year."
"Don't worry, Coach I'm sure after today they'll be inspired." Ate stated. She said more but I was
too nervous to listen to her. Diyos ko po, wag nyo namang ipahiya si Aleph. I prayed silently as both
teams got ready for the jump-ball. As expected from the great JFK, walang kapawis-pawis, St.
Bernadette took possession of the ball. Halos masira na ang gym sa kakatalon naming lahat when they
scored their first basket.
"Go, Aleph! Go, Kuya!" I shouted. Pero hindi rin papatalo sina Calvin as they scored a basket in
answer. Sa first quarter, lamang lang ang Saints ng four points and the cheers got louder. Nung
second quarter na, lumamang na sila ng twenty-nine points and I breathed easy.
"My gosh, partida wala pang practice asawa ko nyan." Ate proudly said. Dapat naman talaga syang
maging proud kasi si Kuya JFK ang nagdala ng laro.
"Go, Saints!" The students cheered. Calvin's teammate was dribbling the ball when he suddenly fell
down.
"Anong nangyari?" We both asked as we stood up. Two of our school nurses ran to the court and a
stretcher was brought.
"Ayan na ang totoong laban." Ate muttered as Calvin talked to the referee. The gymnasium was filled
with excited hushed whispers as we waited for the decision. The moment Kuya JFK turned towards us, I
knew it's going to be a one-on-one game even if Calvin's teammates were present and he could have
opted to get a substitute for his injured teammate. "I told you." Ate said and my heart beat like
crazy inside my chest.
"Relax." Kuya JFK said as he sat down beside me. He was given a standing ovation but I was too scared
to appreciate their gesture.
"Ano yun, hindi ka nila kaya so nagkukunyaring injured yung si Robles?" Ate inquired and Kuya JFK
smiled.
"Buti na yun, Aleph deserves the spotlight." He retorted and my heart just exploded in edginess when
I heard the buzzer sounded.
"As agreed by both parties, all scores will revert to zero." Someone announced and some of St.
Bernadette's students booed. "In one-on-one basketball, one point is awarded for normal shots and two
points for shots made beyond the three-point line." The announcer said. "First to score 11 wins the
game. Good luck."
"Bakit sya pumayag?!" I asked in bewilderment. "It's all in the bag, twenty-nine points ang lamang
kanina! Sinayang nya!" I said as they tossed a coin to determine who takes possession of the ball.
Calvin did and we all groaned.
"Pumayag pa kasing back to zero si Aleph!" I heard one of the students say.
"Oo nga! Ang tanga lang!"
"True! Buti sana kung magaling sya, mukhang bokya!" Another piped in and turned around to look at
them.
"Tumahimik kayo kung ayaw nyong tapyasin ko yang mga ulo nyo at gawin kong bola!" I angrily said and
they looked at me in fear. "Kung hindi lang din naman kayo makakatulong dahil masyado kayong nega eh
umalis na kayo dito!" I angrily added. " Mga bwisit!"
"O, Mrs. Santiago, ang high blood." Ate joked but I was too worried to listen as I watched Aleph's
every move.
"Magaling si Aleph." The coach announced and Kuya JFK nodded his head.
"Kulang lang po yan sa practice, Coach pero kung seseryosohin nya ang paglalaro, he could easily take
my place." He declared. I was on the edge of my seat. 10-9 ang score in favor of Calvin. Naku, isa na
lang. I thought uneasily. Pero at least nasa kanya ang bola. I murmured. He was beyond the three-
point line and I knew he wanted to end the game. Ang hindi ko alam ay kung bakit ako biglang tumayo
at sumigaw.
"Aleph!" I yelled as he aimed. "Pagna-shoot mo yan..."
"Naku ito na." I heard Ate say.
"I will marry you!" I screamed as he threw the ball. Hindi man lang nya tiningnan kung pumasok ang
bola as he turned to walk towards where I stood. I watched, as if in slow motion, as the ball went
in. The crowd went wild and I felt his arms around me as he hugged me to his chest.
Chapter 15
The crowd roared in victory but I did not hear any of that because my ear was against his chest and
his steady heartbeat drowned the noise.
"And St. Bernadette won!" The speakers boomed. Lalong lumakas ang sigawan.
"You did it." I whispered and he protectively wrapped an arm around me. Everyone descended on us to
congratulate him and he thanked them profusely as they shook his hand, slapped his shoulder and asked
for a high five.
"Thank you." He said pero hindi nya ako binibitiwan. "Salamat." He uttered again and again. He was
sweaty and his shirt was wet but I didn't mind. Pero naisip ko masyado naman kaming corny kung
patuloy kaming magkayakapan habang kino-congratulate nila sya. I stepped away from his hug and he let
me go but he grasped my hand.
"Ef na ef." Ate whispered in my ear and I looked at her and made a face. "May pa marry you, marry you
ka pa ha." She teased. "Bakit ka nagmana sa akin? Ganyan siguro ako kalanding tingnan dati." She
muttered with a grin.
"Bad influence ka, Ate." I stated and she and Kuya JFK laughed.
"Kawawa naman si Daddy." Ate said. "Ang aga nagsipaglandi ng mga anak nya."
"Ate naman eh! Di naman ako naglalandi eh!"
"Hala, hindi daw, naka-video kayo kaya wag kang mag-deny dahil may evidence kami pang-blackmail." She
said and I realized that Kuya JFK's phone was aimed at us. "Hm... ano kayang ipapagawa ko sayo or
else ia-upload ko to sa YouTube?"
"Kitten naman, wag mo nang tuksuhin yan si baby sister." Kuya JFK chided softly. "Congrats, Ingrid.
Good choice." He added with a wink.
"Yayayain sana namin kayong kumain sa labas pero alam ko namang gusto nyong magsolo at gusto ko ring
masolo itong asawa ko, I really feel hot all over when I see him play basketball." Ate whispered.
"Ha?" I asked and she laughed.
"I love your innocence, baby Ingrid. Stay that way muna ha." She smilingly said. "Aleph!"
"Yes po, Ate Ice?" Aleph asked with a ready smile. "Thanks for today. Kuya JFK was very inspired
earlier because he knew you're watching."
"Dapat lang syang ma-inspire." Ate answered. "Mauna na kami sa inyo, our babies are waiting. Ganitong
oras kasi sila gising and we'd like to spend time with them."
"Alis na kami, Aleph and Ingrid. That was one great game, Aleph at sana pag-isipan mo yung sinabi ko.
St. Bernadette needs someone to lead the whole team."
"Pag-uusapan po namin ni Ingrid, Kuya." Aleph said.
"Naks naman, alam na alam ang rule number one sa relationship?" Ate said. "Ano nga ba yun, Puppy?"
She asked as she turned towards Kuya JFK.
"I'm your slave." He replied and Ate frowned. "Joke lang, the woman is always right." He said but Ate
continued scowling at him. "Kitten naman." He said as he hugged my sister. "Wag nang magtampo, bawal
ba akong mag-joke?"
"Ang corny eh, nag-freeze yung utak ko ng ilang seconds." Ate replied laughing. "I'm your slave pala
ha." She said before she tiptoed to whisper something in his ear.
"Tara na uwi na tayo." Kuya eagerly spoke. "O iwanan na namin kayo dito at may gagawin pa kami." He
said as we waved goodbye at them.
"Salamat po ulit, Kuya Fire." Aleph said.
"You're welcome. Alam mo na siguro kung sinong bubugbog sayo kapag umiyak si Ingrid?" He jested and
Aleph nodded his head.
"Hindi ko po paiiyakin to." Aleph replied. We watched as Kuya JFK carried Ate bridal style as if my
sister weighed nothing. "Ang sweet nila. You can really feel how much they love each other. I hope
our relationship is like theirs."
"I know." I absentmindedly retorted and blushed. May ganun?
"Aleph, pwede ba kitang makausap?" Someone spoke behind us and we turned to find Mr. Malvar, the
basketball team coach, smiling at us. "Hi, Ingrid Samonte."
"Hello po." I replied.
"Bakit po, Sir?" Aleph inquired and Mr. Malvar transferred his gaze on Aleph before he expelled a
heavy breath.
"I know you declined my offer before but we need you on the team. We badly need you on the team,
Aleph at tatanawin ko, at ng buong St. Bernadette, na malaking utang na loob kung sasali ka sa
basketball team ng Saints. Our team's in a bad shape kasi graduate na si JFK and most of the members
kaya kailangan namin ng estudyanteng may talent sa paglalaro."
"Coach, hindi po sa nagpapapresyo po ako but I have my priorities. However, I'm not closing my heart
on basketball. Tulad din po ng sinabi ko po kay Kuya JFK, pag-uusapan muna namin ni Ingrid because
being on the team would mean that I'll be spending less time with her." He said and Mr. Malvar sighed
again before he nodded his head in understanding. I blushed a furious red. Ako na ang demanding sa
time talaga. I thought.
"I hope you'll decide to join us, Aleph." The coach said.
"Pag-uusapan po muna namin ng girlfriend ko. Besides, we're preparing for the district exams so hindi
rin po ako makakatulong sa inyo sa ngayon."
"Okay, I hope you'll change your mind soon. Dalawang laro at dalawang talo na tayo this season. By
the way, congrats. Excellent game."
"Salamat po." Aleph answered. Hindi na natapos yung pag-congratulate ng mga schoolmates namin sa
kanya and we had to fight our way out of the gym. "Samahan mo ako sa student council office, freshen
up lang ako tapos labas na tayo." He uttered.
"Saan tayo pupunta?" I asked.
"Di ba niyaya mo ako ng date kanina?" He inquired and I arched a brow.
"Hindi ah!" I said and he laughed.
"Wag ka nang mahiya, I already said yes. Tara na." He spoke as he led me to the student council
office.
"Kailangan kong magpaalam kay ya-- I mean kay Mommy because she'll get worried kung late akong
makakauwi." He said as soon as he stepped out of the bathroom. He has already changed into a pair of
denim jeans and light blue cotton shirt.
"Naman, bakit bihis ka? Naka-uniform ako eh!" I grumbled and he laughed.
"Kung gusto mo bukas na lang after ng review natin. Di ba overnight ulit tayo?" He suggested. Oo nga
pala, Sabado bukas kaya aral mode na naman kami.
"Sa amin ka na kaya umuwi ngayon?" I said and blushed. Talaga naman, Ingrid. Balak mo na syang sa
inyo patulugin ngayon pa lang? "Hindi, joke lang." Bawi ko agad.
"Let me call my Mom." I heard him say. I didn't dare look up kasi bigla akong nahiya. Kumusta talaga?
Why did I say that?
"Aleph." I said and he turned to look at me. "It was a stupid suggestion. Bukas ka na lang pumunta ng
bahay. I don't know what came over me besides ano na lang ang sasabihin ng parents mo?"
"Gusto kong sabay tayong umuwi sa inyo." He said before he walked towards me to wrap his arms around
me. "Parang gusto ko na yatang magkasama tayo sa iisang bahay." He said.
"Hala wag ganun. Ano yan?" I asked laughing and he laughed too as I hugged him back. I rubbed my face
against his shirt and inhaled deeply. "Ang bango mo naman." I suddenly blurted out and inwardly
groaned. Ingrid, kung anu-ano ang sinasabi mo para kang ewan.
"Yung mga ganyang hirit parang ayoko nang mag-aral at gusto ko na lang mag-asawa agad." He replied
with a chuckle. "Ingrid..."
"Yes?"
"What you said earlier..." He started. Naku, naalala nito yung sinigaw-sigaw ko kanina. "Totoo yun di
ba?" He inquired and I winced in embarrassment.
"Wag kang ma-pressure. Kung ayaw mong magpakasal sa akin, okay lang naman. Wala naman tayong
contract. Tsaka kung magbago man yung feelings mo at di mo na ako gusto ay okay lang din, hindi kita
papaabangan kay Kuya JFK." I blabbered and he laughed softly.
"Ako ang magbabago ang isip? After all the elaborate plan I made to be this close to you?" He asked
and I looked at his face.
"Elaborate plan?" I asked and he grimaced.
"Wag na muna nating pag-usapan baka ma-turn off ka sa akin."
"Plinano mo lahat to?!"
"Sabi ko na magagalit ka eh."
"So hindi to spontaneous?!"
"Ingrid--"
"Kainis ka!" I snapped. "Bakit ganun? Kinikilig ako?" I mumbled and he stared at me before he
laughed. He cupped the back of my head as he bent down to kiss my forehead.
"Let me call Mom para ipadala na din nya sa driver yung bag ko. I had it prepared two days ago."
"Hindi ka naman excited mag-overnight sa amin nyan?" I asked and he just smiled. I sat down on one of
the couches near the window as he called his mother. I idly wondered kung bakit pumapayag ang parents
nya na sa ibang bahay sya matulog. Iba kaya talaga pag lalaki ang anak mo? Mas lenient kaya talaga
ang mga magulang kasi hindi naman nabubuntis ang lalaki? I mused.
"Tara. Hintayin natin yung driver ko sa baba. I told Mom that I'll be sleeping over at your house."
He said as he took my hand. Lumabas kami ng student council office and we decided to sit on one of
the concrete benches near the Science Laboratories. Wala nang mga estudyante kasi kanina pa ang uwian
and I felt peaceful just sitting beside him.
"Ingrid..."
"Yes?" I asked as I turned my head to look inquiringly at him.
"Kahit ba hindi ako perpekto matatanggap mo ako?" He questioned and I frowned.
"What do you mean?" I asked as he stared at his shoes. "Will you still like me kahit na..."
"Kahit na...?" I asked as I searched his face. He looked uncomfortable and unconfident.
"Kahit na anak lang ako sa labas?" He asked quietly and I stared at him in surprise. Hindi ko alam na
anak sya sa labas pero when I think about it never ko pang nakita ang Daddy at Mommy nya. Noong
elementary kami Yaya nya ang parating kasama nya. I opened my mouth to say something and closed it
again. "Ayaw mo na ba sa akin?"
"Ha?" I asked because I didn't know what to say. He smiled at me although his eyes were filled with
sadness.
"I just want to be honest with you. Walang ibang nakakaalam, ikaw lang because I feel that you
deserve to know the truth about me. I wanted to tell you before kaya lang hindi ko alam kung paano."
He murmured. "Both my parents are married, mag-isa akong anak nila but technically I have older
brothers and sisters. I grew up with my Yaya, na malayong kamag-anak ng Mommy ko, kasi hindi naman
ako pwedeng tumira sa bahay ng parents ko. I am their darkest secret."
"Aleph--"
"Pwede mo akong hindian ngayon, maiintindihan ko naman. Don't stay with me just because you pity me
kasi mas gugustuhin ko pang hindi na lang tayo kesa naawa ka lang sa akin."
"Wala kang kasamang magulang sa bahay nyo? Saan ka kumukuha ng panggastos? Sinong nag-aalaga sayo?"
"May driver, all-around housemaid at yaya ako. Bata pa lang ako sila na ang nakagisnan kong kasama.
Pasensya na I lied to you countless times kasi ang takot ko baka you might find it weird na kay Yaya
ako nagpapaalam kaya sinasabi kong si Mommy ang tinatawagan ko kahit hindi naman."
"Pero paanong--?" Hindi ko na natapos ang itatanong ko dapat. Exclusive school ang St. Bernadette at
sa mahal ng tuition dito, hindi ko alam kung paanong dito sya nag-aaral kung wala syang magulang na
nagpapalaki sa kanya.
"Both my parents are well off." He answered my unspoken question. Kilalang businessman si Daddy at si
Mommy naman owns a chain of fashion boutiques. Dati, kay Yaya nila pinapadala but when I turned ten,
they opened a bank account for me kaya diretso na sa akin ang pera. Maliban dyan, Santiago is not my
father's last name. Hindi rin yun ang apelyido ng Mommy ko. Sabi ni Yaya, binayaran lang nina Mommy
yung midwife na nagpaanak sa kanya para i-register nya ako as hers."
"What?! Oh my God, Aleph--"
"Wag kang maawa sa akin, Ingrid. Please. I don't need your pity." He pleaded. "I used to think that I
don't deserve you because of my family background but I have to give it a try or else habambuhay kong
pagsisisihan kung di ko man lang subukang maging part ng buhay mo." He added looking at me. I lowered
my gaze kasi ayokong makita nyang naawa ako sa kanya. He sighed before he let my hand go.
"Naiintidihan ko." He said and I glanced up to find him smiling at me.
"Ha?"
"Alis na ako, mauna na pala ako sayo." He muttered, his voice cracking. "Kung gusto mo magkita na
lang tayo bukas dito for the Chem review. "I'm not going to take this rejection against you because
you have the right to choose. Okay?" He smiled but his eyes looked glazed with tears. Hindi ako
nakapag-react as he started walking away. Anong sasabihin ko? Anong isasagot ko sa ganoong klaseng
revelation? He walked with his head held high although his shoulders looked stiff and my heart just
broke at how strong he was trying to appear because he knew that I was looking. And I realized the
reason behind his drive to be successful -- he felt that he has to prove himself to those parents who
abandoned him.
"Aleph!" I called but he did not turn around to look at me but just raised his hand and waved.
"Aleph!" I called again as I followed him. "Saan ka pupunta?" I asked.
"Uuwi na." He replied. His voice sounded thick and I felt my eyes blur with tears.
"Aleph!"
"Bakit?" He asked as he stopped walking. I ran up to him and hugged him from behind. "Sige na, uwi ka
na." He mumbled as he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket. "Sabi ko naman di ba naiintindihan
ko." He whispered as he started to wipe his face. I realized that he was crying and I started to cry
too.
"Loko ka." I sobbed. "Nag-propose na nga ako sayo eh tapos iiwanan mo ako dito?" I asked and he
untangled my arms from around his waist as he turned around to face me.
"Wala akong family na maipapakilala sayo." He said, his eyes were red from his tears.
"Hindi ko sila kailangan." I said. "Hindi mo sila kailangan." I added as I pulled his face towards me
and kissed him fully on the mouth as I closed my eyes. He kissed me back as he opened his mouth over
mine and I gasped in surprise as my eyes fluttered open.
"My Ingrid." He whispered as he lifted his face an inch off mine.
"I think I'm in love with you." I murmured and he smiled.
"I know I'm in love with you too." He replied.
Chapter 16
I hugged him tight and I felt him kiss the top of my head. I grew up loved and doted upon by my
family and my heart just broke at the thought that Aleph did not grow up the same way.
"Mula ngayon, ako na ang pamilya mo." I said and heard him inhale sharply. "Bakit? Ayaw mo?" I asked.
"Hindi. Tumigil lang sandali ang puso ko." He murmured and I laughed.
"Ay, ang corny." I teased and he laughed too. I leaned away from him to look at his face. "Is it
alright if I tell my parents about this?"
"About me and my life?"
"That is kung okay lang sayo. Kaya ko lang gustong sabihin sa kanila para hindi na natin kailangang
magsinungaling. Because knowing my Mom kukumustahin nya ang Mommy mo, itatanong nya kung okay lang ba
ang Daddy mo so if we're not going to tell them about your story, we will be forced to lie. Ayokong
magsinungaling tayo sa kanila kasi pag nalaman nila, I'm sure masasaktan sila."
"Okay." He mumbled as he gripped my hand tightly.
"Aleph, my parents are cool people. Tsaka hindi naman sila judgmental pero kung hindi ka comfortable,
sige wag na nating sabihin."
"Ayokong magsinungaling ka sa kanila kaya sabihin na natin." He said and I smiled encouragingly at
him. He pulled me towards the concrete benches and we sat down. I called Mom and told her that Aleph
and I will be having another study session kaya sa amin sya matutulog and she was ecstatic.
"Gustung-gusto namin ni Daddy mo na nag-aaral ka, baby. At least hindi puro Korean drama at anime na
lang ang pinagkakaubusan mo ng oras ngayon." She said. "Anong favorite na ulam ni Aleph para maipag-
prepare ko sya?" Mom asked.
"Ano daw favorite na ulam mo?" I whispered and Aleph looked at me in surprise.
"Beef Caldereta." He replied. "Bakit?"
"Mommy, beef caldereta daw po." I said over the phone.
"Okay, sige I'll prepare one for him. Sabihin mo sa kanya, baby na salamat sa pagtuturo sayo ng
Chem."
"Opo, 'Mmy." I answered before we said our goodbyes. "Ipagluluto ka daw ni Mommy ng caldereta." I
told him and he blushed profusely.
"Nakakahiya naman." He mumbled and I pinched his cheek before I sighed. "Aleph, nakita mo na ba
parents mo?" I asked and he nodded his head.
"Oo, I saw my Mom twice and my Dad once. We went to Dad's office and I waited for him outside his
building kaya alam ko kung anong itsura nya. Hindi na kami lumapit kasi baka magalit sya tulad ni
Mommy."
"Bakit? Nagalit ang Mommy mo nung nilapitan mo sya?"
"Oo. I was excited to see her kaya nung nakita ko sya I ran up to her and introduced myself. Galit na
galit sya kay Yaya. So the second time I went to see her, I told her that I won't be seeing her again
and left."
"Gosh." I mumbled as I discretely wiped my tears with the back of my hand. "Pero wag kang malungkot,
at least merong financial support, di ba? Sabi ko nga hindi mo sila kailangan and you grew up very
well."
"Oo naman, Nagpapasalamat ako na hindi nila ako pinabayaan financially thanks to my Yaya. I heard her
talking to Mom over the phone once -- Anyway, you should meet her, parati kitang nakukwento sa
kanya."
"Weh, ganun? Nahiya naman daw ako." I giggled and he laughed. His phone rang and he stood up and
offered his hand.
"Tara na, si Kuya Delfin na to." He said. Nagkukwentuhan kami habang naglalakad palabas ng gate and I
learned na may anak sa pagkadalaga ang Yaya nya at yun ang driver nya ngayon. "Mabait sya at
nakakatandang kapatid ang tingin ko sa kanya. Ikakasal na sya ngayon December. Sa UAE nagtatrabaho
ang girlfriend nya kaya gagawan nila ng paraan na makapagtrabaho si Kuya Delfin dun."
"Paano yan pag umalis na sya eh di wala ka nang driver?"
"Importante pa ba naman yun? Mas mahalagang makasama nya yung taong mahal nya. Maghahanap na lang
ulit kami ng bagong driver. Sabi ni Yaya meron daw syang pamangkin na pwede naming kunin."
"Sabagay, unahin muna ang pagmamahal." I said and he draped his arms around me.
"Kaya nga inuuna kita parati eh." He uttered and I laughed.
"Sige bolahin mo pa ako." I replied. He pulled me close and kissed me on the forehead. As soon as we
got his things, dumiretso na kami sa sasakyan and headed home. Mom was already waiting for us when we
got home and she smiled when she saw Aleph.
"Hello, Aleph! Welcome back!"
"Salamat po at good afternoon po." Aleph greeted her politely as I kissed her on the cheek and gave
her a hug.
"Good afternoon din. Anong gusto ninyong snack? Mali-late si Daddy ng uwi kasi dumating na daw sina
Ninong Rainier mo, Ingrid."
"My gosh! They're back? I'm so excited!" I squealed. Ninong Rainier is my Dad's cousin and he's so
generous that he easily became my favorite godfather. "Yes! I'm sure marami na naman akong
pasalubong!" I exclaimed excitedly as I pulled Aleph with me to sit on the sofa. "Ano pala ang gusto
mong snack?" I asked him.
"Kahit ano." He replied smiling.
"Mommy, kahit ano daw po sabi ni Aleph." I yelled at Mom's retreating back.
"Okay! The milk strudel is hot off the oven at tsaka gumawa ako ng empanada kanina. I'll reheat some
for you."
"Okay, thanks!" I answered.
"Parating may pagkain sa inyo, ano?" Aleph asked grinning and I laughed.
"Compulsive baker kasi si Mommy kaya mahilig kumain ang pamilya namin." I told him. "Gutom ka na ba?
If you want pwede tayong maunang kumain." I added and he shook his head.
"Hindi, hintayin na natin ang Dad mo. It's fun to watch all of you eat." He said and I felt my heart
painfully twitch again but I pasted a smile on my face.
"Sige. Gusto mong manuod muna tayo ng TV before we study para diretso na pag-aaral natin later?"
"Okay. Pero hindi ako mahilig manuod ng TV."
"Ayokong magbasa ng libro to pass the time." I groaned and he laughed softly.
"Dito na lang tayo, let's talk to your Mom." He suggested and I frowned. Anong exciting sa kakausapin
namin si Mommy while she's preparing for dinner? I asked myself and realized that unlike me, walang
Mommy si Aleph na pinapanuod nya habang nagluluto.
"O sige, pero let's freshen up first kasi maarte sya pag nagluluto sya. Kulang na lang eh mag-apron,
face mask at hair net kami kapag pumupunta kaming kusina." I said and he laughingly agreed. After we
washed up and changed ay dumiretso na kami sa kitchen and Mom was surprised to see us.
"Ayaw nyo bang manuod ng TV o mag-internet habang kumakain ng meryenda?" She asked as she put a
plateful of pastries on top of the kitchen counter.
"Hindi na, 'Mmy. Mag-aaral na kasi akong magluto." I kidded and Mommy arched her brow.
"Bakit? Mag-aasawa ka na?" She teased and I blushed.
"Hindi pa, ano! Gusto ko lang matuto." I murmured as she laughed. Hindi ako mahilig pumuntang kusina
kasi kami ni Ate magaling lang kumain pero walang silbi pagdating sa pagluluto. But Aleph was truly
interested in what Mommy was doing.
"Bakit po ginagamitan nyo ng thermometer yan, Tita?" He asked. Dad had called to tell Mommy that he's
already on his way home.
"Kasi si Tito mo wants his steak medium rare so I need this thermometer to make sure na tama na yung
pagkakaluto nya." Mom said and Aleph nodded his head.
"Salamat po pala kasi ipinagluto nyo po ako ng beef caldereta." Aleph said and Mom smiled.
"You're welcome. We'll have steamed veggies too. Do you eat vegetables, Aleph?"
"Opo. Sabi po kasi ni Ya--" He started to say and stopped as he glanced nervously at my Mom. "Sabi po
kasi ni Yaya kailangan ko daw pong kumain ng gulay." He murmured quietly and Mom smiled. Hindi ko
alam kung napansin ni Mommy but she didn't ask questions after that. Dad arrived and we happily ate
our dinner.
"Aleph, what does your Dad do?" Daddy asked and Aleph froze. "Anong trabaho nya? I should probably
thank him for letting you sleep over just to tutor Ingrid."
"Um..." Aleph mumbled as my parents looked expectantly at him.
"Dad! Alam nyo po ba that Aleph won against Calvin earlier?" I asked in an excited tone and they
transferred their gazes to me.
"You play basketball too, Aleph?" Mommy asked and Aleph shook his head.
"Hindi po. Friendly game lang po." He answered.
"Kasi Calvin issued a public challenge via Aleph's Facebook so Aleph was forced to play. Kuya and Ate
were there earlier because Kuya JFK teamed up with Aleph!"
"Nagpuntang St. Bernadette sina Ate mo?" Dad asked.
"Yes, Dad!" I answered enthusiastically and diverted their attention with stories about the game. We
survived dinner pero hindi ako mapakali because I couldn't suddenly act like a hyperactive lunatic
every time my parents ask about Aleph's parents. "Is it alright if we talk to them now?" I asked him
and he nodded his head. We went to the basement den because that's where my parents usually rest
after dinner.
"Hi, baby! Hi, Aleph!" Mom greeted looking up from the book she was reading.
"O, akala ko ba mag-aaral kayo? Do you need anything?" Dad questioned as we nervously took the seat
in front of them.
"Can we talk to you?" I asked and Dad straightened.
"Don't tell me you're pregnant, Ingrid." He said and Mom looked at me in alarm.
"Ano ba, Dad! Nakakaloka!" I mumbled and my parents sighed in relief.
"Okay, as long as the news is not about you pregnant or getting married, I'm one happy Dad." My
father said smiling as he put the paper he was reading down. Mommy did the same and I stared blankly
at them. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sisimulan.
"Um...it's... ano... po." I stuttered as I anxiously bit my lower lip. Dad leaned back against his
chair as he watched us fret.
"Is it about Aleph's family?" He asked and I grabbed the opening he gave.
"Yes po." I answered. "Pero bago namin simulan ay gusto ko lang din pong sabihin na kami na." I said
and my parents looked at each other. "Boyfriend ko na po sya. Mag-aaral po akong mabuti at di po ako
mag-aasawa ng maaga." I added hastily as Mom and Dad gawked at us. "Gusto ko lang po na legal at
tanggap ninyo yung relationship namin because we don't want to hide it from you."
"Oh-kay." Dad slowly said. "Kung inuna mong sabihin yan, ibig sabihin mas mabigat na news yung
susunod." He uttered.
"Aleph...doesn't..." I tried to find the right words pero hindi ko mahagilap. Paano ba yun sasabihin?
Aleph is an orphan? Aleph was abandoned? Aleph's parents are alive but they don't want him? "Aleph--"
"Anak po ako sa labas." Aleph cut me off as he squeezed my hand. "My parents are both married when
they had me so my Mom left me with a distant relative. Ang kasama ko lang po sa bahay ay ang yaya ko,
ang anak po nyang driver ko at isang all-around maid but I get financial support from them." He said
and my parents continued to stare at him.
"Nasaan sila ngayon?" Mom asked after a few seconds of silence.
"Hindi ko na po alam. The last time I talked to my Mom was when I was nine at yung Daddy ko po hindi
ko pa po nakakausap--"
"Oh my God." Mommy whispered. "So you grew up without a mother?" She asked aghast.
"May yaya naman po ako kaya sya po ang nagturo sa akin na--" Aleph started to say and stopped. "Gusto
ko lang pong sabihin that you might not find me fit for your daughter because I am a child out of
wedlock. Naturuan naman po ako ng magandang asal at kahit po wala akong magulang, marunong naman po
akong gumalang kaya makakaasa po kayong igagalang ko po si Ingrid." He uttered and I closed my eyes,
it sounded desperate even to my ear. I waited for my parents to reply and assure him that it's okay,
tanggap nila sya but they continued to gape at us. I squeezed his hand tightly seeing how he bent his
head in rejection. My heart just broke for him. I stood up and pulled him to his feet.
"Mag-aaral na po kami, Dad, 'Mmy." I murmured quietly before I pulled Aleph with me. I felt like
crying at the unfairness of it all. It's not his fault that he was abandoned and I used to believe
that my parents were not snobs but open-minded people. "Okay lang yan." I whispered as we took the
stairs. "Okay lang ako kahit tayong dalawa lang." I told him.
"Aleph." I heard Mom's voice and my fear was that she'd ask Aleph to leave so I held his hand
tighter.
"Po?" Aleph asked as we both turned to face her. She and Dad were at the foot of the stairs and I
opened my mouth to protest.
"Please po, 'Mmy--" I started to say. I was willing to kneel down and beg.
"Come here, son and give me a hug." She said and I burst into tears.
Chapter 17
It was the Wednesday after our dramatic confession and the day of the final mock exams and I felt so
anxious. I woke up early dahil naging panata na yata ni Mommy na ipag-prepare si Aleph ng breakfast.
She would prepare two lunch boxes, yun nga lang mas malaki yung lunch box ni Aleph kasi mas matakaw
sya. Kahit anong niluluto ni Mommy for him inuubos nya and he would send her thank you notes and
short poems to express his gratitude.
"Good morning!" Mom smilingly greeted me. "Remind Aleph about this Saturday. Hindi ba pupunta sila
nina Kuya JFK at Daddy mo sa Wack-Wack?"
"Good morning, 'Mmy. Opo. Pero he's worried because he doesn't know how to play."
"Madali lang yung golf. Ano ba naman yung papaluin mo yung golf ball, pupuntahan mo kung saan sya
huminto tapos papaluin mo ulit." Mom said and I nearly laughed. Hindi kami mahilig sa golf at nag-
uusap lang kaming apat kasama si Tita Elaine at Ate kapag naggo-golf sina Dad.
"Nahihiya nga sya because you bought golf clothes for him."
"Kasya ba sa kanya?"
"Sabi naman nya kasya daw po."
"Good." Mom replied smiling. "What's with the long face?" She asked when I sighed. "May problema ka
ba?" She inquired as she carefully put in the homemade sausages, beef tapa, scrambled eggs and
steamed rice inside separate insulated lunch boxes.
"Mock exams namin ngayon, 'Mmy." I answered with a sigh. Big deal ang final mock exams sa St.
Bernadette because according to our teachers, ang result daw dito ay hindi nalalayo sa magiging
result ng district tests. So kung bagsak ka sa final mock exam ay malamang bagsak ka rin sa mismong
district test.
"And you're worried?" She questioned with a smile and I nodded my head. "Baby, okay lang sa amin ni
Dad kahit anong score ang makuha mo, ang gusto lang namin you give it your best. We saw how you and
Aleph prepared for the exams at sa preparation nyo pa lang, proud na kami sa inyo."
"Yun na nga po eh, what if I get a really low score despite the preparations? Anong ibig sabihin nun
pag ganun?"
"Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte, don't you dare imply that you're not smart. I won't let you. Magagalit si
Mommy sayo, baby."
"What if--"
"Anak, this is not you. Kelan ka pa naubusan ng self-confidence? Tawagan ko ba si Ate mo para pasahan
ka nya at overflowing yung sa kanya?" She kidded and I smiled. "Cheer up and chin up. Nag-aral naman
kayo ni Aleph kaya hindi ka babagsak. Besides, it's just Chem and you're Ingrid Samonte. Magpapatalo
ka ba naman sa Chem, baby?" She added and I laughed.
"Si Mommy talaga."
"Totoo naman. You'll do well kaya wag ka nang malungkot. Just give it your best, no pressure.
Tatanggapin namin ni Dad kahit ano ang result ng exams mo, okay?"
"Okay." I replied as I gave her a hug. "You're the best, 'Mmy. I hope I'll be as cool as you when I
have my own family."
"You'll be a better Mom than Mommy pero wag kang magmadali, ha?" She said hugging me back and I
laughed.
"Marami pang pangarap si Aleph kaya medyo matatagalan." I answered as I waved goodbye at her.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit siguradong-sigurado ako na sya na, I just can't imagine a future with anyone
else. Or ganito lang kaya ang feeling ko kasi bago pa lang kami? I thought. But my heart rebelled at
the idea that what we have is just temporary. Bahala ka dyan pero akin ka lang. I murmured to myself.
Aleph has a way of making me feel needed. Last Monday when he was announced as St. Bernadette's
representative to the National Math and Science Olympiad, I saw him scan the crowd looking for me and
my heart just burst at how his whole face lit up when he saw me. Ingrid, malala ka na.
"Nandito na po tayo, Miss Ingrid." Narinig kong sabi ni Manong Ben and I looked around me. Nasa
parking lot na nga kami ng St. Bernadette. I heard the familiar knock on my window and I pressed a
button to roll it down.
"Good morning." He greeted smiling. "Good morning po, Manong Ben!" He added.
"Good morning din." Manong Ben replied.
"Text ko po kayo, Manong kapag nasa gate na po kami para iabot ko po ulit ang mga lunch box." I said
and my driver nodded his head as he smiled. Aleph carried the lunchboxes and it was fun to watch him
smell the insulated bag and guess what's inside.
"Merong tapa?" He asked and I laughed. "Ako na rin magdadala nyan." He said referring to the Coleman
I was carrying.
"Hindi na. Akbayan mo ako. Dati automatic, ngayon kailangan nang sabihan." I whispered and he laughed
as he draped an arm around my shoulders.
"Nagtatampo." He said. "Ang cute."
"Tseh."
"Sorry na." He replied as he gave me a kiss on the forehead. "Good morning ulit, my Ingrid."
"Good morning." I replied as I kissed his cheek. Dumiretso na kami sa Botanical Gardens kasi sarado
pa ang canteen kaya dun na lang kami kakain sa isa sa mga sheds.
"Wow! Ang sarap!" He exclaimed as he opened the first stackable lunchbox. "Pakisabi kay Tita na
salamat."
"Makakarating. Ngayong Saturday, wag mong kakalimutan yung date sa Wack-Wack."
"Hindi kaya ako maa-out-of-place dun? And won't your family's friends ask me questions about my
family?"
"Natatakot ka? Kasama natin si Irina Ysobel Samonte-Zamora, magaling yung mambara." I said and he
laughed.
"Alam ba nina Ate Ice at Kuya JFK?"
"Oo."
"Anong sabi?"
"Wala. Pumunta ka daw ng bahay nila para makapag-basketball kayo ni Kuya. And I also want to
introduce you to my nephew and niece." I told him and he smiled.
Pagkatapos naming kumain, I texted Manong Ben and waited for him at the gate. Si Aleph na ang tumakbo
para mag-abot sa kanya ng lunchboxes. Like what we usually do, nag-toothbrush muna kami bago pumunta
sa classroom namin. Yun nga lang yung nervousness ko earlier, nadagdagan when I saw how everyone was
madly reviewing.
"Oh gosh." I whispered as I took my seat. "Lalo akong kinakabahan."
"Bakit ka kinakabahan? You got this. Nasagutan mo naman lahat ng exercise questions nung Sunday kaya
dapat hindi ka na natatakot."
"Yun nga ang weird kasi hindi ako natatakot sa ibang subjects except sa Chem, feeling ko babagsak
ako."
"Ingrid, we reviewed and you were able to correctly solve the questions I gave you. Na-grasp mo na
yung concept at naintindihan mo na kung paano yun ginagawa."
"Oo nga pero baka makalimutan ko." I whispered worriedly and he chuckled.
"Ano ba naman tong girlfriend ko, that's all in your head." He said.
"Aleph!" I exclaimed. "Paano kung bumagsak ako? Paano kung ako pa rin yung lowest? Paano kung below
fifty na naman makuha ko?" I questioned and he stood up and offered me his hand.
"Halika."
"Saan tayo pupunta?" I asked as he pulled me along.
"Let's find a way to take your mind off your fear."
"Sa Fire Exit na naman? I asked and he smiled. As soon as we're at the iron stairs he wrapped his
arms around me and I did the same. "So, itong Fire Exit na ito na ang ating happy place?" I murmured
against the front of his shirt.
"Sort of." He replied chuckling. "Look at me." He whispered and I obeyed. "Natatakot ka?" He asked
and I nodded my head. He cupped my face and placed a chaste kiss on my lips. "Natatakot ka pa rin?"
He inquired and I frowned but nodded my head for the second time. I felt his lips on mine and I
couldn't hide my smile.
"Psychological chansing ito?" I asked laughing and he grinned. "Paano yan kung takot na takot pa rin
ako?" I teased and he bent down to capture my mouth moving his lips lazily over mine. "Nakakarami ka
na." I whispered when we parted.
"Nakakarami ka na rin naman." He whispered back grinning. "Every time you're afraid, think of me."
"And you'll be there?" I kidded and he laughed.
"And I'll be kissing you in your head."
"Ay, ang landi." I laughed aloud and he joined me. "Do you think I'll pass Chem? I'm not worried
about the other subjects pero yung Chem--"
"It's just Chem, Ingrid and you're Aleph's girl." He uttered and I tightened my arms around him.
"Weh."
"Okay lang naman matakot. Normal lang ang matakot pero dapat hindi ka nagpapatalo sa takot mo."
"Ano namang ikakatakot mo eh ang talino mo?"
"Takot akong mawala ka. I'm scared that I'd wake up one day and realize that this is all just a dream
- na nandun lang pala ako sa kama ko at hindi pa ako nakapunta sa bahay ninyo, na imahinasyon ko lang
pala lahat ng kabaitan ng magulang mo sa akin, na yakap ko lang pala unan ko at hindi ikaw, at
malungkot pa rin pala ako at mag-isa tulad dati."
"Ang ganda ko pa rin pala sa panaginip mo." I stated plainly and he chuckled.
"Sometimes, I'd suddenly grab your hand or touch your cheek just to check if you're real." Okay, that
explains a lot. I thought remembering how he'd hold my hand while we're having classes or how he'd
turn to me and touch my face while we're having lunch.
"Aleph, hindi kita iiwanan." I spoke.
"What if you'll realize one day that I'm not worthy of you?" He asked, his brown eyes filled with
worry. I wound my arms around his neck and tiptoed.
"Kiss me." I murmured and he did. Gently, slowly, deliberately. He inhaled sharply when I opened my
mouth and rubbed my tongue against his lips. He pulled me closer against his chest and my eyes flew
open in surprise when he sucked my tongue into his mouth. Oh my. I thought, my knees quickly turning
into jell-o. He cupped the back of my head as his tongue sneaked past my lips and I gasped as my
stomach knotted. Hindi ako natatakot pero grabe ang kaba ko. I heard myself moan and he stopped.
"Sorry." He panted as he hugged me to his chest. "Sorry I lost control. Hindi na mauulit." He
murmured against my hair. "Sorry na, Ingrid."
"Sorry para saan?" I asked because as far as I know ako ang nauna. Well, he definitely took control
of the kiss but it felt... nice.
"Dun sa kiss. Hindi ko na uulitin, don't worry."
"Ganun?" I asked, unable to hide the disappointment from my voice. I heard him chuckle and I blushed.
"Tara na sa loob." He whispered before he kissed my cheek.
The mock exams will take the whole day and when it was finally time for lunch, halos magtulakan na
kami palabas ng classroom.
"Aleph! Anong sagot mo sa no. 7 sa Math?"
"Aleph, yung sa number 13 sa History, na-discuss ba yun?"
"Aleph! Ano yung 3.a sa drawing no. 5 sa Bio?" Our classmates crowded around him as we ate lunch kaya
tuloy naging isang one long table ang lahat ng nasa section I kasi pinagdugtung-dugtong nila ang mga
mesa namin. Unlike my classmates, ayokong dini-discuss yung mga sagot after exams. I mean para saan?
Kaya mo ba yung i-undo eh napasa mo na?
"Buti pa si Ingrid, cool na cool." They commented as I continued to eat. I just smiled and felt Aleph
squeeze my hand. But I wasn't as calm as they thought, in fact sobrang kaba ko gusto kong masuka kasi
Chem na ang kasunod na subject. I got this. I got this. I got this. I chanted in my head as I glanced
at my watch. Hindi ko matandaan kung paano ako nagtoothbrush at naghilamos, ang tumatak lang sa utak
ko ay ang pagpasok ni Mr. Buenviaje sa classroom.
"Are you ready for the Chem exam?" He asked and everyone groaned. "Good luck." He added before he
distributed the test papers. I stared at the paper in front of me and panicked. Wala akong
maintindihan.
"Oh gosh." I whispered as I looked around me and saw how everyone was busy writing.
"Ingrid?" I heard Aleph's voice. "Are you okay?" He asked and I shook my head.
"Samonte, what's wrong?" Mr. Buenviaje asked when I suddenly stood up. I started to hyperventilate
and I gripped my pen tightly. What if I fail? What if ako ang lowest na naman? Hindi na lang yung
sarili ko ang ipapahiya ko kundi buong section ko pa. What if--I closed my eyes and for some weird
reason, our kiss earlier played inside my head.
"Ingrid." I heard Aleph call my name as I felt my face flare when I remembered how I kissed him back
and how I moaned his name.
"Ha?" I asked. Nakatayo sya sa harap ko and he looked very worried.
"Okay ka lang?" He asked as I continued to blush. I wet my lips and he smiled knowingly. "Is it
working?" He asked and I rolled my eyes at him and sat back down.
"Go back to your seat, Santiago." Mr. Buenviaje said.
"Yes, sir." He replied as I started to write.
Chapter 18
"Pass your papers!" Mr. Buenviaje said and I felt awash with relief. Hindi ako sigurado kung tama
lahat ng sagot ko but I was certain hindi na 22 magiging score. Baka 25 na. Yey! I thought to myself
as I chuckled. May dalawang subjects pa kami pero hindi ako kabado dun. For the exam, magkahiwalay
kami ng upuan ni Aleph because we had to sit a seat apart as instructed.
"Okay ka lang?" Aleph inquired smiling as he sat down on the vacant chair beside me.
"Yes." I replied nodding my head at him.
"It's 85 or nothing, right?" He asked and I frowned at him.
"85 talaga? Wala bang tawad yan?" I bargained and he laughed.
"Sige, 86." He jokingly said as he draped an arm around my shoulder. I felt him kiss the top of my
head and I sagged against him. "Pagod ka na?"
"Oo."
"Di bale two subjects na lang then we're done." He murmured.
"Grabe ang hirap, six questions yung hindi ko na-solve." One of my classmates complained and I
suddenly felt nervous. Gosh, Ingrid bakit nasagot mo lahat? Baka kung anu-ano na lang naisulat mo
dun, di kaya? My gosh baka ma-zero ako! I thought in alarm.
"Oo nga, ang hirap! Sana pumasa ako! Ito yung nakakainis eh, ang dali ng exercises tapos ang hirap na
pagdating sa exams!"
"Oo nga!"
"Hey, what's wrong?" Aleph asked.
"Wala." I answered shaking my head.
"Biglang nanlamig ang mga kamay mo." He remarked and I glanced at our joined hands. "Ano yun?" He
queried.
"Bakit hindi ako nahirapan sa exam?" I whispered the question. "Maybe I lost my mind and I thought
ang dali lang nya tapos wala pala akong naintindihan at kung anu-ano lang sinulat ko dun."
"Because you're smart kaya hindi ka nahirapan. Nauunahan ka lang naman ng takot pero ang totoo,
matalino ka. Ikaw ang isa sa pinakamatalinong babaeng nakilala ko."
"Isa sa pinakamatalino? Sino yung iba?" I jested and he smiled.
"Si Ate Ice." He responded grinning.
"Ay grabe naman, ka-level ko na si Ate? O sige, kahit alam kong wala akong panama dun eh tatango at
ngingiti na lang ako."
"That's not true, you're very smart."
"Gosh, Aleph I love you na talaga." I laughingly answered and he chuckled.
"I love you too." He said. "We should tell each other I love you often kasi gumagaan pakiramdam ko
pag naririnig ko yun sayo."
"Sige, I will flood your ears with I love yous." I whispered and he laughed just as our teacher
stepped inside the classroom.
"One seat apart. Ballpen lang dapat ang nakikita ko sa desks ninyo." He said as Aleph stood up to
return to his chair.
"Good luck sa napakatalino at napakaganda kong girlfriend." He announced loudly and everyone hooted
and whistled. Gusto kong mahiya but I felt very pleased. Ikaw na talaga, Ingrid. I murmured unable to
hide my grin. "Good luck sa buong section I, I know that the odds are forever in our favor." He added
and I clapped with the rest of the class.
Ang dali ng last two exams kaya iniisip ko na lang na kung sakaling bano man ang makuha kong score sa
Chem, at least bawing-bawi naman siguro ako sa iba.
Usually, nag-uusap muna kami ni Aleph sa school bago kami umuuwi. I'm not sure when I started to get
clingy pero namalayan ko na lang, parang hirap akong iwanan sya kapag uwian na.
"District exams na this Friday." He murmured sighing and I turned my face to look at him.
"Wag mong sabihin sa akin na kinakabahan ka?" I asked.
"Hindi. Naisip ko lang na kapag tapos na ang district exams ay wala na akong excuse pa na pumunta at
makitulog sa inyo kasi nakakahiya naman sa mga magulang mo."
"Pwede ka namang pumunta sa bahay at makitulog dun anytime."
"Hindi na, that would seem as if I'm taking advantage of their kindness. Ang bait na nga nila sa akin
eh, ayokong isipin nilag inaabuso ko yun." He muttered and I leaned my head against his shoulder.
"Ingrid..."
"Bakit?"
"Hihintayin mo ako di ba? Wag kang mainip, kailangan ko lang siguraduhing maayos yung magiging buhay
mo sa akin."
"Ang gloomy ng statement pero kinikilig ako." I said as I lifted my head from his shoulder to look at
him. I leaned forward and kissed his cheek and he wrapped his arms around me.
"Seeing what kind of home you'll be leaving behind when we get married makes me anxious. Sa tingin ko
hindi ko kayang pantayan."
"Eh di wag na lang tayong umalis sa bahay namin." I said and he laughed softly.
"Nakakahiya naman sa magulang mo pag ganun." He retorted. "Basta gagawin ko lahat para komportable
ang magiging buhay natin." He seriously declared.
"Ang heavy naman nyang thoughts mo, samantalang ako ang pinuproblema ko lang ay paano maipasa ang
Chem tapos ikaw ay kung paano ako bubuhayin kapag nagpakasal tayo. Let's take one step at a time.
Hindi naman ako aalis sa tabi mo eh." I told him laughing and he grinned. "Masyado kang ahead, Mr.
Santiago."
"Gusto na kasi kitang gawing Mrs. Santiago." He replied shyly. I stared at him. His head was bowed,
his ears were red with embarrassment and he was fidgeting a little.
"Aleph." I called his name and he looked up.
"Kahit hindi ka pa nagpo-propose, the answer is yes. I will marry you." I said and his face slowly
lit up with a smile. He stood up and pulled me to my feet before he wrapped his arms around me. "I
love you, Aleph." I spoke. "I mean it."
"I know." He answered tightening his arms around me. "And I love you more."
Thursday. Walang pasok dahil tingin ng teachers dapat nagre-relax kami para sa district exams
kinabukasan. Still, kailangan naming pumunta sa school for the mock exam results at yun ang badtrip
dun. Bakit di na lang nila i-text yung scores mo para hindi naririnig ng buong section kung sakaling
mababa ang nakuha mo? I mumbled. I do not see the point of announcing to the whole class what score
you got unless ang gusto ng mga teachers ay mamatay ka sa hiya.
"Diretso na tayo sa bahay after. May dala kang mga damit di ba?" I asked Aleph distractedly.
Pinagpaalam ko talaga kina Mommy na sa amin matutulog si Aleph kasi feeling ko I will need his
shoulder to cry on dahil bagsak ako sa Chem.
"Oo, nasa bag ko." He replied. He held my face with both his hands before he smiled encouragingly at
me. "Everything will be alright." He said and I mutely nodded my head. Tahimik ang buong klase. Ang
section I napakacompetitive pagdating sa academics at kahit alam namin that Aleph will top the exams,
takot pa rin kami kung sino ang magiging lowest dahil for sure ay mahihila nya ang mean score ng
buong section.
"Siguro kakalbuhin ako ni Mr. Buenviaje--"
"That's not going to happen." Aleph said. Ngayon ko lang na-realize ang kahihiyang dinala ko kay Sir
na Chem teacher namin at class adviser din. Siguro naloka sya kasi sa lahat ng subjects kung saan
pwede akong magkalat ay dun pa talaga sa subject na hawak nya. I murmured to myself. From what I
heard, when I scored twenty-two last mock exam ay di na tumambay sa teachers' lounge si Sir dahil
siguro sobra syang napahiya.
"Good morning." Mr. Buenviaje greeted and I stood up with the rest of the class.
"Good morning, Mr. Buenviaje." We all greeted back. Hindi sya ngumiti and he looked so grim that I
wanted to run out of the classroom and hide. Oh my gosh, isa lang ang ibig sabihin nyang simangot ni
Sir, may nagkalat sa mock exam at panigurado ako yun. I thought bowing my head as he stared at the
sea of anxious faces in front of him.
"I think I'm going to be sick." I whispered as Aleph clasped my hand. "Nasusuka ako."
"Relax." Aleph murmured as he engulfed my hand with his. "Wala pa ngang results nagkakaganyan ka na.
Worrying is a waste of time."
"Have you taken a look at his face? Para syang shock na shock! Siguro twelve na lang nakuha ko
ngayon." I said and Aleph laughed softly.
"I have here your final mock exam results." Mr. Buenviaje said as he adjusted his eyeglasses. Hindi
ako tulad ng iba kong kaklase na sobrang grade-conscious. Beauty-conscious lang ako but when Aleph
and I became a couple, natatakot na akong maging kulelat kasi nakakahiya naman na sobrang extremes
kami -- sya ang highest at ako naman ang lowest. "Let's start." He said at feeling ko bibitayin ako.
"I will announce the highest scorers of each subject first before I announce your individual scores."
He told the class and everyone sat up straighter.
"Literature. Samonte, Santiago." He announced and the class erupted into cheers. I smiled
absentmindedly at my classmates as I clasped Aleph's hand tighter. "Math, Biology, Physics,
Chemistry, Earth Science, Statistics, History and Social Sciences, Technology and Computer Science.
Santiago." He uttered with a smile and everyone stood up to give Aleph a round of applause.
"Wow, grabe pinakyaw!"
"Congrats, Aleph!"
"Ikaw na, Aleph!"
"Proud na proud si Ingrid." Our classmates teased. I was so impressed and proud of him pero lalo
akong kinabahan. My gosh, baka i-announce din ni Sir ang lowest tapos pakyawin ko rin lahat ng
subjects. I murmured as we all sat back down. Wala akong maintindihan sa mga susunod na sinabi ni
Sir. I heard Aleph congratulate me at ngumiti lang ako kasi hindi ko na-gets bakit nya ako kina-
congratulate. Ano ba, Sir! Pabitin lang? Bakit kailangang huli ang Chem?! I wanted to scream.
"Good job, Ingrid." Aleph whispered and I stared at him in surprise. "Lahat ng scores mo above
ninety." He said and I frowned. Talaga? Kelan yan? I wanted to ask pero inisip ko na baka nalito lang
sya o mali lang ang narinig ko. Baka congrats, Ingrid lahat ng scores ng boyfriend mo above ninety. I
remedied in my head.
"Chemistry." Mr. Buenviaje said and I held my breath. "This is the subject that I'm most worried
about." He told the class and I nearly stood up to throw my chair at him. Kailangan ng speech?! Hindi
na lang sabihin! Ang daming drama nito! "As you see, I have always loved Chemistry and I wanted to
share that love to you that's why when I was offered to be Section I's adviser, I gladly took it."
He said and I groaned. Ano ba, Sir! Kung may dala lang akong granada binato na kita eh! "A teacher's
pride is his students and I admit that I was very disappointed when Samonte here got twenty-two--"
"Okay." I said as I stood up, cutting his speech off. Hindi ko na-take yung suspense at ayoko nang
mapahiya. Alam ko namang wala akong pag-asa sa Chem pero kailangang mangiyak-ngiyak talaga sya habang
idedetalye nya sa buong klase yung pagiging palpak ko bilang estudyante nya? "I'm sorry if I made you
doubt your skill as a Chem teacher, Sir. I'm sorry if my low Chem score made you tear up like your
girlfriend broke up with you. I'd just like to say that I tried and I apologize if I turned Section I
into a laughingstock--" I uttered and stopped. Hindi ko kaya ang hiya. "Sorry." I mumbled as I took
my bag and ran out of the classroom.
"Ingrid!" I heard Aleph call my name but I ignored him. Wala talaga, kahit anong aral ko hanggang dun
lang talaga. I wished, for the first time, that I had my sister's brains. Sana matalino ako, hindi
yung tipong bobo na napapaiyak ko yung adviser ko sa kabobohan ko. My feet took me to the Botanical
Gardens and I went inside one of the white sheds and cried my heart out. After what felt like an
eternity, I felt someone's arms around me.
"Sorry." I sobbed. "Sorry kasi kahit anong effort mo ang bobo ko talaga sa Chem." I cried. "Sabi ko
naman sayo eh di ko talaga kaya yang Chem na yan. Okay lang sa akin kung makikipaghiwalay ka kasi
nahihiya ka--" I said and stopped talking when he laughed. Wow, saksakan ng insensitive tong isang
to! Talagang tinawanan pa ako?! I turned to glare at him and his expression turned somber.
"I'm so sorry that you feel that way, my Ingrid. I promise to give you a kiss for every point that
you earned in the Chem final mock exam everyday." He murmured and I felt my eyes blur with tears as I
went up to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Tahan na." He said as I sobbed. He cupped my
face with both his hands as he kissed me on the lips. "Ako rin naman mahihirapan eh pero kakayanin
ko." He said as we parted for air.
"Mahihirapan ka saan?" I asked.
"Ninety-two kisses araw-araw?" He asked smiling at me and my jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Ninety-two?!" I squealed. "I got ninety-two?!" I repeated and he showed me my test paper. I lunged
at him and kissed him thoroughly until we were both breathless.
"Thank you." I said.
"Shh..." He whispered against my lips. "May ninety kisses pa." He added before I felt his lips on
mine again.
Chapter 19
I was excited to go home and I was eager to tell my parents that I got a ninety-two in the Chemistry
final mock exam. Hindi ako yung tipo ng estudyanteng nag-uuwi ng test papers sa bahay because
although my parents always made it a point to praise my efforts regardless of my exam scores, I will
never be as brilliant as my sister na puro perfect ang scores sa exams.
"Mommy!" I yelled excitedly as soon as Aleph and I got out of the car. "Mommy!"
"You're home!" My mom happily greeted. As always, nasa may pintuan sya at naghihintay sa pagdating
ko. That's one of the things that I love about Mom, she's so eager to see me home kaya ayokong nali-
late ng uwi.
"Good afternoon po." Aleph greeted and smiled in obvious pleasure when Mom gave him a hug.
"Hi, Aleph. Welcome back, anak." She said before she turned her full attention to me and embraced me
tightly.
"You seem very pleased kaya yung hinanda kong pagkain at gift sayo hindi na yun to console you ha,
but to congratulate you." She uttered smiling as I returned her hug.
"I got a ninety-two!" I exclaimed and she pulled away from my embrace to look at me.
"You did?"
"Yes!" I replied ecstatically.
"Very good, baby! Sabi ko naman sayo you'll do well. I called Dad para umuwi sya ng maaga because you
looked so gloomy this morning."
"Akala ko po kasi babagsak ako." I told her grinning. "Buti na lang hindi."
"Hindi ka babagsak, alam namin yun ng Daddy mo because we saw how you studied hard. Pero ang sabi ko
nga kahit ano ang scores na makuha mo ay okay lang sa amin, ang mahalaga hindi ka nagpabaya sa pag-
aaral mo." She smilingly said as she ushered me inside. "Tuloy ka, Aleph wag kang nahihiya sa bahay
na to at welcomed na welcomed ka anytime dito." She spoke to my boyfriend who willingly followed us
inside.
"Pero hindi ko pa rin po natalo si Aleph, Mommy." I kidded and she laughed before she draped an arm
around Aleph and mine's shoulders.
"Hindi mo naman kailangang talunin si Aleph, baby Ingrid." She replied before she turned to Aleph.
Thank you for tutoring our Ingrid ha, Aleph."
"Okay lang po yun." Aleph answered.
"Do you want to eat?" She asked and I nodded my head kahit hindi naman ako gutom kasi alam ko si
Aleph ay sobrang fan ng mga luto ni Mommy. "Doon kayo sa dining, ipaghahanda ko kayo." She instructed
and we headed straight to the dining room as Mommy headed towards the kitchen.
"I like how your home smells." He confided and I glanced questioningly at him.
"Bakit, ano ba amoy ng bahay namin?" I asked laughing softly.
"Napaka-welcoming. Parang parating may nagluluto." He replied and I laughed.
"So amoy ulam?" I kidded and he shook his head.
"Hindi. Ibig kong sabihin parang yung napapanuod mo sa movies na yung Mommy parating nagluluto to
welcome her family back. Parang ganun." He shyly answered and I squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"Welcome back." I said and he smiled.
"Salamat." He answered. Mommy arrived a few minutes later with two of the househelps in tow as they
placed plateful of cakes, pastries and pasta in front of us.
"Comfort food lahat yan kasi I thought you will need comforting." She said as she fondly patted my
head, she stepped out of the dining room as we started to eat.
"Masarap?" I asked my boyfriend as he sampled Mommy's creamy carbonara.
"Oo, ang sarap." He replied nodding his head.
"Congratulations, baby! Dad and I prepared something for you!" I heard Mom say and I turned my head
to look at her as she placed a large box in front of me.
"Ano to, 'Mmy? Can I open it now?" I enthusiastically asked and she nodded her head.
"Oo naman, go ahead open it." She said. "We have one for you too." She spoke to Aleph who looked very
surprised when Mom placed a small box in front of him. "Open it." Mom encouragingly said as Aleph
just stared at the box.
"Para sa akin po?" He asked wide-eyed and Mom nodded her head.
"Oo, that's for you. It's to show you how much we appreciate your efforts to tutor Ingrid and how
pleased we are to know such a fine young man like you." Mom said. I had to hand it to Mom, she always
knows all the right words to say.
"Maraming, maraming salamat po." Aleph said, his voice was thick like he was about to cry at muntik
ko na syang kantyawan. Ano ba to, first time makatanggap ng gift at naiiyak pa? I thought grinning
and stopped as he stood up and bowed his head in front of my Mom while he continued to utter his
thanks. "Maraming salamat po talaga." He repeated. I realized na hindi tulad ko at ni Ate, walang
magulang si Aleph na nagbibigay ng regalo sa kanya. Alam kong mahal sya ng yaya nya because he talks
affectionately about her, pero I doubt kung nagagampanan ng yaya nya ang papel bilang magulang ni
Aleph knowing that she has a son who's only five years older than him.
"Buksan mo na!" I said hiding the overwhelming pity I felt towards him behind an excited tone.
Nakangiti syang tumango sa akin and I suddenly felt bad that the gift he received was small compared
to the humungous box in front of me. He unwrapped the box careful not to tear the wrapping.
"Kailangan mong sirain yan or else hindi ka na makakatanggap ulit." I said.
"Oo nga, Aleph." Mommy agreed smiling down at him and he tore the wrapping open. "Buksan mo na din
gift mo, baby Ingrid." She said. I shrieked in delight when I saw the Louis Vuitton bag. "Yan ang
gusto mo di ba?
"Oh my gosh, Mommy you got me a Virginia bag?" I asked in disbelief as I stood up and gave her a hug.
"Thank you!" I whispered and she laughed softly as she hugged me back.
"O, yang pag-aaral mo ayusin mo parati and you will get everything that you want." She said. I kissed
her on the cheek before I turned to Aleph.
"Is that an LV Florin wallet? Ka-wallet mo si Kuya JFK." I said as he stood up to thank my Mom again.
"Wala yun, Aleph. Ang liit na bagay lang nyan, kami nga dapat ang magpasalamat at first time namin
makita to si Ingrid mag-aral." Mom answered and I pouted. "Wag ka nang magtampo, baby." She uttered
as she pinched my cheek. "Iwanan ko muna kayo dito at tatawagan ko si Madeline dahil pag-uusapan
namin yung binyag ng kambal." She told us before she left.
"Okay ka lang?" I asked Aleph who seemed was quietly clutching the wallet in his hands.
"Oo, okay lang." He muttered. "Ngayon lang kasi--"
"Di bale, araw-araw kitang bibigyan ng regalo." I said cutting him off. I didn't want to hear it from
him at baka maiyak ako and knowing how proud he is, baka ma-offend sya kapag malaman nyang naaawa ako
sa kanya. I smiled at him before I resumed eating.
"Thank you, Ingrid." He murmured and I turned my head to look at him.
"Thank you para saan?" I asked. "Hindi ako bumili nyan, sina Mommy."
"Wala, thank you for existing. My life was dreary and sad until you came." He said and I turned fully
at him.
"Your life wasn't sad and dreary or else you wouldn't have grown up to be the amazing guy you are.
But I definitely added color to your world." I said before I flipped my hair. "You're welcome." I
added and he laughed.
We played a video game that we're both not familiar with pero binili ni Dad because he's supposed to
play it together with Kuya JFK's Dad, Tito Julio.
"Close yung family ninyo at family ni Kuya JFK, ano?" Aleph asked and I nodded my head as I watched
my character plunge into her self-induced death.
"Ay naku, ayoko na!" I murmured as I put the Play Station controller down. "Oo close na close na kasi
ang tindi rin naman ng pinagdaanan ni Kuya JFK kay Dad, pati Daddy nya nag-effort na mapalapit sa
amin siguro kasi gusto nila si Ate. Teka lang, first time mo ba talagang laruin to? Bakit di ka
namamatay?" I asked and he chuckled as he too put the controller down and turned the console off.
"Hala maglaro ka lang."
"Hindi na, mag-usap na lang tayo, di rin kasi ako mahilig maglaro pero sinamahan lang kita." He said
before he sighed. "Sorry." He murmured and I frowned at him.
"For what?"
"Because I don't have a family to--"
"Sabi ko di ba hindi ko sila kailangan? Ano ka ba, ikaw lang sapat na. Gusto mo ba ng jejemon
version?" I joked and he laughed before he leaned his head against my shoulder. I moved closer to him
as he held my hand. "Aleph..."
"Yes?"
"Do not ever think that just because your parents left you, you're a lesser person compared to
everyone else." I murmured and he turned his head to look at me. "Promise me."
"I promise." He answered and I gave him a smile.
"Ingrid, just in case what you feel towards me changes--"
"It won't." I said. "I promise." I added and he smiled before he tilted his face up for a kiss. I
bent my head down and placed a kiss on his lips.
"I love you, Ingrid."
"I know. I love you too." I said. He straightened and I arched my brow. "Bakit? Sandal ka lang."
"Nahiya ako baka pumasok parents mo." He whispered and I laughed loudly.
"Kunyari good boy?"
"Good boy naman talaga ako." He said. "Bakit ka nakatingin sa akin?" He asked and I shook my head.
"Wala lang." I shrugged.
"Ano nga yun?"
"I want to know about the elaborate plan that you mentioned before. Akala ko kasi pinagseselos mo
talaga si Monette dati. Hindi naman kasi ako kasing clueless tulad ng inaakala mo, naramdaman ko
naman na medyo kakaiba na pero ayoko lang lagyan ng malisya because you were so convincing that you
wanted Monette back."
"I told her about you. Alam naman nya na ikaw ang gusto ko, I never hid it from her."
"Paano naging kayo? Paano naging dare? I don't get it, you don't move in the same circle so
imposibleng naglaro kayo ng truth or dare bigla-bigla."
"She was the one dared. Ang sabi nya sa akin, kung hindi daw ako papayag maging boyfriend nya, she'll
drop out of school dahil pagtatawanan sya ng barkada nya."
"Ganun? Pero bakit ikaw ang parang naghabol sa kanya dati? Sya kaya umiiwas sayo, di ba sa canteen,
the day na nakausap kita at sinabi mo girlfriend mo ako?"
"Yun ang usapan namin. Na papayag ako, para hindi sya mapahiya, na maging kami pero she will have to
help me get your attention."
"So ibig sabihin yung pag-away away nya sa akin sa gym kasama sa elaborate plan mo?"
"Hindi." He answered. "Hindi na sya tumupad sa usapan, in fact, ayaw na nya akong kausapin kasi ayaw
nyang maghiwalay kami kaya hinahabol ko sya kasi gusto ko syang makausap to ask her about her end of
the bargain."
"Hm..."
"Sabi ko na nga ba dadating tong araw na to." He murmured.
"Ang araw na ano?" I inquired.
"Ang araw na magtatanong ka at magdududa tungkol sa nangyari sa amin ni Monette."
"Uy, feeling ka ha. Hindi ako nagseselos dun ano!" I stated in annoyance and he chuckled.
"Hindi ko naman sinasabing nagseselos ka, ang sabi ko duda. Pero kung nagseselos ka..."
"Hindi nga!"
"Okay, sige." He said grinning boyishly. Ay naku, ang ganda ko naman compared dun ano! I grumbled. He
took his phone out of his pocket and gave it to me.
"Ano to?"
"Nandyan ang usapan namin, hindi ko binura." He told me. "You can read everything that we talked
about."
"Hindi na." I murmured and he laughed.
"Ang cute mo naman magselos."
"Asa." I replied as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"Ingrid, do you remember the first time we met?" He asked and I shook my head.
"Elementary tayo di ba? Classmates tayo, right?"
"No, we met earlier than that."
"Ganun? Saan at kailan?" I asked curiously as I turned sideways to face him.
"Your sixth birthday. I don't know why or how but I was there." He answered.
Chapter 20
The downside of having a boyfriend is that you wilt in sadness like an idiot kapag nagkakalayo kayo.
I didn't realize that I'd turn emo like a moron at kulang na lang ay magpagupit ako at magpalagay ng
tongue rings sa sobrang lungkot. The members of St. Bernadette's Debate Club were sent to Davao for a
tournament. Saturday sila umalis at Tuesday morning pa sila babalik. Iyak ako nang iyak at alam kong
nagmumukha na akong tanga.
"Uuwi naman ako agad." Aleph said over the phone. "Wag ka nang umiyak."
"Bakit ba pinapakialam mo luha ko ha?" I sniffed as I pulled wads of tissue from the pink tissue
paper box beside me. "Hindi ko naman sinabing umuwi ka na agad eh, gusto ko lang umiyak, bakit ba?" I
asked. Narinig kong nagbuntong-hininga sya at tumulo na naman mga luha ko. Ano ba to, may future yata
ako sa pag-aartista. Who would have thought na ganun kabilis tumulo ang luha ko? I asked myself.
"Kisses naman."
"Wag mo akong tawaging Kisses at nadi-depress ako!" Shit ka, Ingrid ang clingy mo!
"Sorry. Sorry na." He sounded very worried and I cried harder.
"Ano ba naman to. Bakit ba ako iyak nang iyak. Naiinis na ako sa sarili ko! Nakakaasar! Tapos Sunday
pa lang ngayon! Sa Tuesday pa tayo magkikita! Nakakainis!" I wailed and he sighed again.
"Tapos na yung Championship ngayong Monday pero we have to stay for the awarding ceremonies
kinabukasan. Sorry na, my Ingrid."
"Galingan mo dyan kahit alam ko namang mananalo kayo kasi kasama ka nila, galingan mo pa din."
"Salamat." He answered. "Miss na kita. Ang lungkot ko nga dito kasi hindi tayo magkasama."
"Ang OA lang natin, para tayong nakatira sa iisang bahay kung umasta. O sige na at anong oras na,
gusto kong makapagpahinga ka at may debate pa kayo bukas. Kumusta ang standing nyo?"
"Wala pa kaming talo." He replied at napangiti ako kahit nangilid na naman ang mga luha ko.
"Mag-ingat ka dyan. Wag kang mambababae kundi lagot ka talaga sa akin!"
"Ano ka ba?" He asked laughing. "Ikaw lang ang babaeng kilala ng puso ko."
"Sige pa pakiligin mo pa ako." I sobbed again. Alam kong hindi na normal yung attachment ko kay Aleph
but we're always together kaya nahihirapan ako. Sa amin sya umuuwi tuwing Friday at sa bahay na sya
natutulog hanggang Sunday kaya sabay kaming pumapasok sa school kapag Monday. "Wala akong kasabay
bukas." I cried.
"Sorry na, Kisses."
"Heh! Bayaan mo lang akong magdrama!"
"Hindi na mauulit to, okay? Gagawan natin ng paraan."
"Paano naman natin gagawan ng paraan eh magkaiba tayo ng clubs?" I asked. Bakit ba di ako nag-
debating club? Nakakaasar! They recruited me since President si Ate ng Debating Club ng St.
Bernadette last year but I declined. Naisip ko nun na mas gusto ko pang lumulon ng apoy at tumawid sa
alambre kesa makipagdebate.
"Basta ako ang bahala. Now, I want you to sleep at isipin mo na lang na paggising mo bukas, isang
tulog na lang at magkikita na tayo."
"Okay." I said. Kumalma na ako kasi naisip kong nasa isang event sya at baka maapektuhan ng pag-iyak-
iyak ko yung magiging performance nya. "Don't mind me, Aleph. Just focus all your energy on the
tournament. I'm sorry for acting like a lunatic, sobrang miss lang talaga kita pero sinusuportahan ko
ang mga academic activities mo ha, don't get me wrong."
"I know. I miss you so much too. Alam ko din how supportive you are. I do not like to hear you crying
but my heart just jumps at the thought that you're missing me so badly."
"Ay? Lumundag talaga?" I joshed.
"Oo eh." He replied. "Baka pumunta dyan, ingatan mo ha."
"Ang corny!" We both laughed and sighed at the same time. "Hihintayin kita sa Tuesday. Anong oras
kayo uuwi?"
"Baka after lunch na kami makakarating sa school."
"Dito ka na umuwi, Aleph. Dito ka na matulog."
"Nahihiya ako eh. Okay lang yung Friday hanggang Sunday kasi nag-aaral tayo. Pero pag school day
parang walang rason na pumunta at makitulog ako sa inyo."
"Dito ka na matulog. Besides, di ba wala kang kasama kasi umuwi ang Yaya mo at yung Kuya Delfin mo sa
province?"
"Okay lang naman akong mag-isa, nahihiya lang talaga akong pumunta sa inyo--"
"Am I not reason enough na sa amin ka matulog?" I asked and heard his soft laughter. "Magpapaalam ako
kina Mommy."
"Baka feeling nila umaabuso ako."
"Ano ka ba, ewan ko na lang kung di pa ako tumalino sa kakaaral natin. Buti nga pag nandito ka nag-
aaral ako eh. At kaya lang naman talaga ako nag-aaral para parati kang nandito."
"Matalino ka, don't say 'kung hindi ako tumalino' kasi that's under the premise na hindi ka matalino
and I won't have you thinking that way.
"Wow, may ganun?" I asked and he laughed. "Pumasok ka na sa loob. Ilan kayo sa isang room?"
"Three, kasama ko yung dalawang fourth year."
"Hindi ka naman nila binu-bully?"
"Mas malaki pa ako sa mga to." He replied and I couldn't help but smile.
"Goodnight. I want you to take a rest. Good luck bukas."
"Thank you. Goodnight, my Ingrid. I love you."
"I love you, Aleph. Goodnight."
Kinabukasan, wala akong ganang mag-breakfast. Sanay kasi ako na nagdadala ako ng breakfast sa school
at sabay kaming kumakain.
"Okay ka lang, baby Ingrid?" Mommy asked and I smiled at her. "Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo?"
"Hindi po. Okay lang po ako." I told her and she patted my head.
"Bukas di ba ang uwi nila? Ilang oras na lang, baby magkikita na kayo ulit."
"Mommy, naiinis ako kasi ang corny ko." My tears started falling and Mom was quick to dab my face dry
with a paper towel. "Naasar ako!"
"Tama na, tahan na."
"Nakakainis kasi eh! Para namang hindi na sya uuwi!" I blurted out and she laughed as she took the
seat beside me and patted my back gently.
"Siguro kasi first time nyong nagkalayo since naging kayo kaya ka ganyan."
"Yun na nga, Mommy I'm no longer normal. Something must be wrong with me bakit ganito ako? Hindi rin
alam ni Aleph bakit ang iyakin ko. My gosh, Mommy! I hate this emotional side of me!"
"Lahat naman yata ng nagmamahalan na nagkakalayo, ganyan kasi nami-miss nyo ang isa't isa. I feel
emotionally distraught too when your Dad and I aren't together."
"Talaga po?"
"Oo."
"Kahit noong mag-boyfriend pa lang kayo?" I asked and she nodded her head.
"Pero..."
"Pero ano, 'Mmy?"
"Pero hindi ko sinasabi sa kanya kasi nahihiya ako. Baka akalain ng Daddy mo patay na patay ako sa
kanya." She spoke smiling and I felt my face grow hot.
"Ibig ninyong sabihin dahil alam ni Aleph ay feeling nya patay na patay ako sa kanya?!" I asked,
napatayo ako sa upuan ko. Oh my gosh! Ingrid, what have you done?! Nakakahiya naman to! Ayokong
isipin ni Aleph na patay na patay ako sa kanya! I must have sounded so freaking desperate over the
phone kaya buntong-hininga sya nang buntong hininga! Oh no!
"Did you just realize that you sounded needy while you were talking to Aleph last night kaya ka
namumula?" Mom asked in a teasing voice and I covered my face with my hands.
"Mommy! Bakit hindi nyo ako pinigilan! My gosh! Nakakahiya!" I groaned as Mom laughed.
"Dalaga na talaga ang baby ko." She said as I wrapped my arms around her.
"Mommy! Nahiya tuloy akong magpakita kay Aleph bukas! Ano na lang ang iisipin nya? Na mahal na mahal
ko sya?"
"Hindi ba totoo? Hindi ba mahal mo naman talaga sya? You were crying when you thought na hindi namin
sya tanggap ng Daddy mo ang you even managed to pull your Chemistry score up because you were so
inspired."
"Mommy naman eh!" I grumbled as she laughed again.
"Hindi naman nakakahiya kung yun ang nararamdaman mo. And I think Aleph feels the same way towards
you."
"Eh! Kinikilig ako." I couldn't suppress the giggle that bubbled out of my mouth at what I heard and
Mom laughed some more.
"O tama na and eat your breakfast."
"Mommy, pwede po bang dito matulog si Aleph? Wala po kasing tao sa kanila eh kasi umuwi yung Yaya nya
tsaka yung Kuya Delfin nya na driver nya, may namatay daw po kasi silang kamag-anak kaya si Aleph
lang at yung katulong nya sa bahay nila."
"Of course. Bakit naman hindi pwede? He can always use one of the guest rooms. In fact nandun pa ang
mga gamit nya."
"Okay, 'Mmy thank you po!" I said and resumed eating my breakfast. The drive to school was boring,
feel na feel ko na Monday kasi wala si Aleph. My day dragged on and Aleph's vacant seat beside mine
made me miss him more. Bakit kaya ganito? Tanungin ko nga si Ate kung tama pa ba tong nararamdaman
ko? I asked myself as I stared unseeing at the whiteboard. Chemistry's an ultimate bore pero at least
hindi na ako OP ngayon kasi naiintindihan ko na yung mga litanya ni Mr. Buenviaje.
"Samonte."
"Sir?" I asked as I stood up. "A first order reaction has a half life of 27.5 minutes. If the initial
concentration of the reactant is 0.400 M, when will the concentration drop to 0.100 M?" He
questioned. I nearly rolled my eyes. Kainis, boyfriend ko lang po si Aleph pero di po kami nagpalit
ng utak. "Try solving it, Ingrid." He told me. Naglakad ako papunta sa harap. "Pwede kang gumamit ng
calculator." He said me as he handed my the white board market. "What's the answer?" He asked after I
was done solving. Sir naman eh! Kainis kayo! Feeling ko talaga may galit kayo sa akin eh!
"55 minutes?" I murmured. Hindi ako sure. Sa pagandahan sure ako pero pagdating sa Chem, sarap
maglaslas.
"Louder, Samonte!"
"55 minutes, Sir." I said. I scowled at him and he smiled.
"Go back to your seat." He said and I trudged back to my chair, my head bowed.
"Correct, Samonte." He announced. I looked up in surprise. Oh my gosh, me na talaga! Ako na ang
matalino! I laughed loudly in my head.
Yun nga lang lunch na after at na-depress na naman ako kasi wala akong kasama. Si Agnes naging close
nang tuluyan sa Home Economics Club nya at nahihiya akong makiupo kasi hindi naman ako officer.
Walang gana akong kumakain ng lunch at dumating na naman sina Monette.
"Ay, alone." She said but I ignored her. "Paano ba yan baka pagbalik ni Aleph ay ayaw na nya sayo?"
She asked and I smiled at her.
"Alam mo dapat maasar ako sayo eh, pero gusto kong magpasalamat." I said and she arched a brow.
"Nababaliw ka na yata Samonte kasi wala ang boyfriend mo."
"You're right. I'm crazy in love with him and had it not been for you baka hindi naging kami at hindi
ko na-realize na para sya sa akin."
"Ano?!"
"Hindi ba sa sobrang desperada mong magka-boyfriend ay sinabi mo kay Aleph na magda-dropout ka sa
school kung hindi sya papayag?" I inquired arching my brow too. "At dahil ayaw mo na syang hiwalayan
kaya hinahabol ka nya para tuparin mo yung usapan ninyo ay naging kami."
"Excuse me--"
"Excuse me but I have a screenshot of your conversations kaya wag kang magmaganda sa akin, pangit
ka."
"What--?"
"What ka pa ang arte mo. Wag kang magpapampam sa akin ha kasi wala akong pakialam sayo. Wag mo rin
akong pagselosin kasi pinatulan ka lang ng boyfriend ko dahil nagmakaawa ka. Pathetic."
"That's not true!" She exclaimed. Other students were looking at us and whispering as Monette
glowered at me. "Bawiin mo ang sinabi mo!"
"Make me." I challenged. "I'm missing my boyfriend so much and I'm looking for someone's head to bang
against this table. Mag-aaply ka?" I asked and she glared at me before she lowered her head. I stood
up and picked up my tray. "Wag kang magkakamaling dagdagan ang bwisit ko sayo baka hindi na lang
ilong ang problemahin mo pag nangyari yun, buong mukha mo na." I uttered before I left.
Ang tagal ng oras at feeling ko ang haba ng araw. May cheerleading practice ako and I went through
our routines like a robot. Bakit ba kailangang twenty-four hours ang isang araw? Di na lang ginawang
ten? Eh di sana ilang oras na lang bibilangin? I grumbled inwardly as I waited for Manong Ben. May
pinahatid daw kasi si Mommy sa bahay nina Ate kaya na-traffic sya and I was getting worried kasi past
6 PM na at madalang na lang ang estudyante sa school. My phone rang and I took it out of my bag.
"Aleph!"
"Hi. Miss me?" He asked at bumaha agad ng luha ang mga mata ko.
"Oo." I nearly sobbed. Nasa harap ako ng Science Lab at nakaupo sa isa sa mga concrete benches
fronting it. "Miss na miss na kita." I murmured as I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. Gusto
ko sanang sabihing umuwi na sya at wag na nyang hintayin yung awarding ceremony kinabukasan pero
ayoko kasi alam kong gagawin nya and I never wanted him to do something that he might regret just
because sinabi ko. "Di bale bukas nandito ka na." I said trying to sound cheerful. "I wish you're
here." I whispered. Hindi ko matiis. Sobra ko talaga syang miss.
"Look behind you." I heard him say over the phone and I turned around. "Hi." He said. I stared
fearfully at him and my knees grew weak. Nanlamig ako and my heart was drumming loudly against my
chest. Am I seeing an apparition? Has something happened to him? He looked pale.
"Oh my God, no." I gasped out and I started to shake. "Oh my God this can't be."
"Ingrid?"
"Bakit mo ako iniwan! Sabi mo di mo ako iiwan! Bakit?" I wailed. "You can't leave me!"
"Ingrid, what's wrong?" He asked as he moved to hug me to his chest.
"Don't leave me, please Aleph. Hindi ko kaya. You can't leave me!" I whimpered. The pain was too
much, it felt as though my heart was ripped of my chest.
"Ingrid--" He held me tight.
"Aleph, mamatay ako..." I trembled as I cried pitiably. The thought that something happened to him
was too painful to accept.
"I love you." He said and I stared wide-eyed at him as his mouth descended on mine. He kissed me
slowly and I wrapped my arms around him as I kissed him back.
"I thought I was seeing a ghost! Bakit hindi ka man lang nagpasabi! I was so scared!" I rambled
angrily when we parted for air. "Nakakaasar ka!"
"Wag ka nang magalit, I won't leave you." He whispered againt the top of my head and I sagged against
him. "Nahilo ako sa byahe because I took a cab kaya siguro maputla ako."
"I'm so glad you're home." I spoke as I cupped both his cheeks with my hands and he smiled.
"Takot ka palang mawala ako." He stated, his smile widening and I frowned at him. "Thank you." He
murmured and I stared at him in confusion.
"Ha? Why?"
"Thank you because finally there's someone who's afraid to lose me." He said and my heart just leaped
out of its cage as I pulled his head down for a kiss.
Chapter 21
Hindi kami umuwi agad kasi kailangan ni Aleph na kumuha ng mga damit at gamit sa bahay nila. I was
excited to see his home but I was instantly saddened when I saw it. It was a small bungalow house
inside a subdivision and it looked decrepit -- the paint was peeling, some of the jalousies were
missing, even the roof looked like it was about to fall.
�Mag-isa ka lang dito ngayon?� I asked when he invited me inside. Sira na yung gate nila kaya
kailangan pa nyang buhatin bago kami makapasok. Tumawag ako kay Mommy earlier to tell her na pupunta
kami sa bahay ni Aleph to get some clothes for him at pumayag sya. "Akala ko ba ang Yaya mo lang at
Kuya Delfin mo ang wala? Di ba may katulong kayo? Bakit ang dilim? Parang walang tao."
"Last week pa umalis si Ate Melba kasi may sakit daw ang asawa nya kaya umuwi sya sa probinsya nila.
Tuloy ka." He said as he opened the door. He groped for the light switch and I saw the interior of
his house for the first time. Lalo akong nalungkot. Everything looked old -- yung sofa nilang butas,
yung TV sa harap ng sofa at yung center table na wala na yung glass top at pinalitan na lang ng
tabla. "This is home for me." He said and I smiled because he was looking intently at me. I stepped
inside. Malinis naman ang bahay nila, in fact sa sobrang linis parang walang nakatira. Nakikita from
the sala yung dining table kasi walang division at may isang pintuan na sa tingin ko ay papuntang
kitchen.
"Bakit dadalawa lang ang kwarto eh apat kayo dito?" I asked looking at the closed doors.
"Si Yaya at yung katulong magkasama sa iisang kwarto, si Kuya Delfin sa likod nitong bahay may sarili
syang kwarto dun. Ako naman, mag-isa lang sa room ko." He answered as he pushed open one of the
doors. "Pasok ka, pasensya na maliit kasi ang kwarto ko tsaka walang bintana kaya medyo mainit." His
tone was apologetic. He wasn't being humble dahil maliit pala talaga ang kwarto nya. In fact, mas
malaki pa yung pinakamaliit na den namin sa bahay. Kama, bookshelf na punung-puno ng mga libro, isang
maliit na study table, upuan at cabinet lang ang laman. I looked around his bedroom, walang kahit
isang picture; hindi tulad sa kwarto ko na may isang wall na puro pictures namin nina Mommy, Daddy,
Ate at nadagdagan pa ng pictures ng mga pamangkin ko at ng mga Zamora.
"Okay ka lang ba?" He asked as he folded clothes before putting them inside his bag.
"Oo, okay lang. Bakit?"
"Ang tahimik mo kasi eh. Naiinitan ka ba?" He asked and I shook my head kahit pinagpapawisan na ako.
Bakit wala syang aircon? I murmured to myself. Isang ceiling fan lang ang meron sa kwarto nya.
"Ingrid, ano yun?"
"Ha? Wala naman."
"Meron yan eh, ano nga yun? Pwede mong sabihin sa akin ang kahit ano."
"Magkano ang pinapadala sayo ng parents mo, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Minsan ten thousand, minsan fifteen." Paano nagkakasya yun? I asked myself. "Pero pag enrolment,
malaki pinapadala nila kasi kasama sa budget yung bagong uniforms, sapatos, bag at mga librong
kailangan ko sa school. At tsaka pag may contests, may monetary prize so nakakadagdag din kaya nga
sali ako nang sali." He grinned.
"Ah..." I mumbled.
"Napagkakasya ko naman." He smiled at me. "Kapag may mga field trips humihingi si Yaya kay Mommy ng
dagdag." I gave him a smile before I averted my gaze. "Ingrid, naawa ka ba sa akin?" He questioned
and I shook my head.
"Hindi ah!" I denied. "Hindi ako naawa sayo. Ang talino, ang galing, ang gwapo mo at ang ganda-ganda
ng girlfriend mo, bakit kita kakaawaan?" I grinned trying to hide my pity. Mabuti naman may kotse
silang binigay sa kanya, what if nagko-commute lang sya eh ang layo nitong bahay nila sa school?
"Good thing meron silang binigay sayo na car." I remarked unable to contain myself. Galit ako sa kung
sino man ang magulang nya. I remember Aleph telling me that both his parents are well-off so I did
not expect his house to look this miserable.
"Hiram lang yun. Ang sabi ni Yaya pag eighteen na daw ako ibabalik namin yung sasakyan. Tsaka hihinto
na yung financial support nila sa akin. Kaya nga ngayon pa lang nagre-research na ako ng
scholarships. At tsaka kaya payag rin akong kunin ni Kuya Delfin si Yaya kapag na-petition na sya
nung magiging asawa nya para hindi naman mahirapan si Yaya dito." Wala man lang bahid ng lungkot ang
boses nya habang nagkukwento samantalang ako ay halos di na makahinga sa sakit ng dibdib ko.
"Ganun?" I murmured. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin. Hindi man lang nila paabuting maka-
graduate sa college si Aleph?
"Okay lang yun, wag kang mag-alala. Marunong ako ng lahat ng gawaing-bahay. Marunong akong magluto,
mag-plantsa, maglaba at maglinis kaya mabubuhay akong mag-isa." He replied smiling as he slung his
bag over his shoulders. I moved towards him and hugged him tight. "Sobra mo akong na-miss?" He asked
as he put his bag down to return my hug. I just nodded my head kasi feeling ko pag nagsalita ako ay
tutulo na ang luha ko. Bakit ganun? Pakiramdam ko hindi tama. Pero sabagay, kung nakuha nilang iwanan
si Aleph sa pangangalaga ng ibang tao ay kaya din nila syang tiising mamuhay ng ganito.
"Halika na!" I said trying my hardest to sound cheerful."Bakit ang liit ng bag mo?"
"Good for two days yung laman nito."
"Dagdagan mo." I said as I opened his closet. Sumikip lalo ang dibdib ko sa iilang piraso ng damit na
nakita ko sa loob. I blinked my tears away as I pulled more clothes from his hangers.
"Bakit, ilang araw ba ako dun?"
"Paano kung di pa umuwi ang Yaya mo? Paano kung di na bumalik ang katulong nyo? Besides, dinala ng
Kuya Delfin mo ang sasakyan kaya magko-commute ka nyan papuntang school. Sayang yung pamasahe mo kaya
sa amin ka na muna para sabay tayong pumasok sa school."
"Hindi na. Itong girlfriend ko talaga. Okay nga lang ako dito." He said looking helpless as I took
all his clothes out of his closet.
"Get me a bigger bag." I instructed.
"Ingrid."
"Sige na. Alam mo ba kung gaano kita ka-miss?" I started to cry pretending that the reason for my
tears was because I miss him. But the truth was, sobra akong naawa sa kanya.
"Sorry." He hugged me again. "Nandito naman na ako eh."
"Kaya nga. Kumuha ka na ng bag, masyado mo naman akong pinapahirapan." I kidded as I wiped my tears
with my palm. "Bilis na, anong oras na." I added as he pulled a big trolley bag from under his bed.
"Shoes mo nasaan?" I asked and.
"Dalawa lang shoes ko eh, di na kasi kasya yung iba. Pangatlo yung golf shoes na bigay ng Mommy mo."
"Give me some newspapers para mabalot ko tong mga to." I instructed as I put his clothes inside his
trolley bag. "Nasaan yung mga gamit mo sa school?"
"Nasa bag ko, yung iba kong libro iniiwan ko sa locker sa school." He replied as he handed me some
old newspapers. Mabilis kong inempake ang mga gamit nya. I stood up and looked around his bare room.
"Bakit wala yata akong makitang kahit isang medalyang naka-display?" I tried to joke kasi iniiwasan
kong magdrama lalo sa harap nya.
"Nasa isang box, tinago ko. Hindi naman kailangan i-display at wala namang makakakita." He muttered
and I swallowed the lump in the throat.
"Okay, halika na." I said. Sinukbit nya sa balikat nya ang backpack na pinaglagyan ng mga damit
kanina at hinila palabas ng kwarto ang malaking trolley bag na pinaglagyan ko ng ibang gamit. Ako na
ang nagbitbit ng school bag nya at laptop. Nilagay ni Manong Ben sa compartment ang mga gamit at
pareho kaming sa likod umupo.
"Ingrid..."
"Bakit?"
"Hindi mo naman kailangang gawin to." He whispered.
"Ang ano?"
"Hindi mo naman ako kailangang ampunin, okay lang ako." He responded smiling. "Alam kong naawa ka sa
akin. Ramdam ko. Pero okay lang talaga ako kasi sanay naman akong mag-isa. Dati kapag umaalis din
sina Yaya, naiiwan ako sa bahay mag-isa kasi hindi naman nila ako madala at ayokong mag-absent sa
school."
"Hindi ako naawa sayo, no. Sadyang gwapo ka lang talaga kaya miss na miss na kita." I reasoned and he
held my gaze. "Promise. I don't pity you at all and I'm doing all these for my benefit. Ano ba naman
kasing ginawa mo sa akin? Bakit sobra kitang mahal--" I stopped talking and cleared my throat. Mukha
kang tanga, Ingrid. Sobrang mahal talaga?! Hindi sya sumagot at hindi sya nagsalita. He just put his
arms around me and pulled me close.
Pagdating namin sa bahay, kung nagulat man si Mommy sa dami ng bag na dala namin ay di sya nagsalita.
She hugged me and Aleph before she guided us inside.
"Halika, Aleph ilagay natin sa room mo yung mga gamit mo." She said and the three of us carried
Aleph's things inside the guest room that he always uses kapag nasa bahay sya. "Mag-wash up na kayo
at nandito na si Daddy mayamaya." She told us. Tumango at ngumiti si Aleph samantalang kami naman ni
Mommy ay lumabas sa kwarto nya. "Did you cry?" She asked and I shook my head even as I started
tearing up again. "What happened?�
"May mga parents pala na ganun, 'Mmy? Yung natitiis nila ang mga anak nila. Nakita ko ang bahay nya
and it looked so pitiful. Wala man lang bintana yung kwarto nya, walang aircon, wala syang sariling
banyo. Mas malaki pa yata yung walk-in closet mo."
"Baby--"
"Ang unfair kasi eh. Ano naman ang kasalanan ni Aleph sa kanila? It wasn't his fault na nagtaksil
sila sa mga asawa nila." I cried and Mommy hugged me.
"Baby Ingrid, this is something that you should learn to accept: life isn't fair. Pero wag mo ring
isipin that life was completely unfair to Aleph because look at him, he's such a fine young man.
Kawalan ng mga magulang nya ang hindi nila pag-recognize sa kanya."
"Ang sakit lang kasi, 'Mmy sa loob. Tapos pag nag-eighteen na daw sya they'll stop the financial
support that they're giving him."
"Bakit daw? Hindi man lang after he graduates from college?"
"Ewan ko po. Hindi ko pa man sila nakikilala but I already hate those people."
"Hush, hindi makakatulong yang ganyang attitude." Mom said.
"What happened?" We heard Dad spoke and we went to him to hug him and kiss his cheek. "Bakit ka
umiiyak, Ingrid? What happened to your sister? Okay lang ba si JFK? How about my grandchildren?
"Wala, Dad. They're fine. Nagpahatid nga ako ng cakes at pastries sa bahay nila kanina kasi yung
panganay mo tumawag sa akin at nagki-crave daw sya." Mom replied.
"Don't tell me she's pregnant again." Dad muttered under his breath and Mom and I laughed.
"Hindi. Nakita mo naman siguro si JFK kung anong itsura nung nanganak ang asawa nya. Wala pang balak
yun na sundan ang kambal. Normal craving lang siguro."
"But that doesn't explain why my baby Ingrid is crying." He spoke patting my head gently. "Anong
nangyari sayo?"
"It's about Aleph." Mom whispered.
"Ingrid, pumayag naman ako na dito matulog si Aleph bakit ka umiiyak?" Dad asked and my tears started
falling again kaya si Mommy na ang nagkwento. Nagpaalam ako kasi kailangan ko nang magbihis for
dinner. Bumaba ako agad and knocked on Aleph's bedroom after kong magbihis pero wala sya kaya
dumiretso ako sa dining room.
"Pasensya na po, nang-aabala na naman po ako." I heard Aleph say. He stood up and pulled a chair out
for me when he saw me.
"Okay lang, Aleph. Hindi ka nakakaabala. As I said, pwede kang pumunta dito anytime. Di ba, Dad?" Mom
smiled at Aleph as Dad nodded his head. "Kain ka, di ba gusto mo ng caldereta?"
"Salamat po." Aleph replied.
"Kumusta ang debate tournament ninyo?" Dad inquired.
"Nanalo po kami but I did not wait for the awarding."
"Pinauwi ko po kasi sya agad, Dad." I joked and Mommy laughed.
"Baby ha, wag mong inaabuso si Aleph mamaya may mga opportunities yang papalampasin kasi iniisip nya
kung anong magiging epekto nun sayo."
"Okay lang naman po kasi tapos na po yung tournament, Tita. Awarding na lang talaga po kinabukasan at
tsaka mamasyal daw po kami around Davao. Hindi naman po ako mahilig mamasyal." Aleph came to my
defense. "Hindi naman po ganun si Ingrid, in fact, it was my decision to come home early at wala po
syang sinabi sa akin."
"Mag-isa ka sa bahay ninyo ngayon?" Dad inquired.
"Opo, pero sanay na po ako. Marunong naman po akong magluto at tsaka marunong din po akong maglaba at
mamalantsa. Tinuruan naman po ako ni Yaya." He uttered. He suddenly looked nervous, feeling nya
siguro matu-turn-off si Dad dahil sa sitwasyon nya. "Okay lang naman po ako." He murmured bowing his
head.
I tried to keep the conversation going, kahit anu-ano na lang ang kinukwento ko kina Mommy. Sumasagot
din naman si Aleph pero mukha pa rin syang kinakabahan. We finished eating and we all stood up so the
househelps can clear the table.
"Aleph." Dad spoke.
"Po?"
"Mahal na mahal ko yan si Ingrid. Ako, minsan lang akong magtiwala kaya sana wag mong sirain ang
tiwalang yun--"
"Dad--" I interrupted. Pati ako biglang kinabahan. Anong ibig sabihin ni Daddy?
"Bakit po? May nagawa o nasabi po ba ako na di po ninyo nagustuhan?" Aleph asked, his voice very
soft. "Sorry po."
"Mapagkakatiwalaan ba kita, Aleph?" Dad queried and I was getting confused. I looked at Mom at
mukhang sya ay naguguluhan din. "Uulitin ko, mapagkakatiwalaan ba kita?�
"Opo." Aleph answered and Dad nodded his head.
"Good." He responded. "I like you. I like how determined you are and I like how you work hard for
what you want. Nakikita ko ang sarili ko sayo."
"Salamat po."
"Now, I'll only say this once at nasa sayo pa rin ang desisyon."
"Ano po yun, Sir?"
"Dito ka na lang tumira.�
Chapter 22
Hindi ako nakapagsalita. Dad's offer caught me off guard. Anong ibig nyang sabihin? Aleph must be
confused too because he just stared at my Dad. It was Mom who spoke kasi nahalata nya yatang hindi
namin na-gets.
"What my husband is saying is kung gusto mo, Aleph you can stay with us." She smiled kindly at my
boyfriend. "I would rather na dumito ka rin muna kesa naman mag-isa ka dun sa bahay mo at wala kang
kasama."
Aleph opened his mouth to reply and I was sure that he'd turn the offer down. I grabbed his hand and
he turned his head to look at me. I know my Dad, hindi na nya uulitin yung offer because his pride
wouldn't let him.
"We'll talk about it, 'Mmy and Dad. Hanggang kelan po ba ang offer ninyo?" I asked my father who
smiled at my question.
"Hanggang bukas ng umaga." He replied and I nodded my head. I want Aleph to live with us not because
boyfriend ko sya at gusto ko syang makasama but because he deserves a better life than the one that
his heartless parents forced him to live. "Mag-aaral na po kami." I told my parents and they nodded
their heads as I gave them a hug. I pulled Aleph with me and we left the dining room.
"Ingrid--"
"No. You are not going to decide until mapag-usapan natin."
"Ingrid, ayokong kinakaawaan ako. I said I'm fine."
"I know and just to be clear, hindi ako naawa sayo."
"But--"
"Go wash up. Magkikita tayo dito sa labas ng room mo in twenty minutes to study. I'll just have a
quick shower." I said before I left him and took the stairs to the second floor. Alam kong ma-pride
si Aleph at alam ko rin na dapat pag-isipan kong mabuti yung mga susunod kong gagawin. Hindi sya
papayag. He doesn't want to be treated as charity. I thought minutes later as I blow dried my hair.
Hindi ko iniisip that Dad would be so generous as to offer Aleph our home. Akala ko maawa lang sya,
say nice things about success, life's struggles and determination but Atty. Ireneo Samonte is full of
surprises. I took my books and laptop with me and ran down the stairs. Nandun na si Aleph at
naghihintay sa akin. He took my laptop and books and I grasped his hand.
"Anong subject ang pag-aaralan natin ngayon?" He asked.
"May assignments tayo kaya yun ang gagawin natin." I told him.
Pumasok kami sa isa sa mga libraries. My family has eight libraries dahil siguro mahilig mag-collect
ng books si Dad at bata pa lang si Ate ay sobrang hilig na nyang magbasa kaya tuloy dumami nang
dumami ang libraries sa bahay. "Sit down." I told him as I smiled and he sat down as I adjusted the
airconditioner's temperature. "Okay na sayo ang ganito kalamig?" I asked him and he nodded his head.
Umupo ako sa tabi nya and just stared at him.
"Thank you." He started to say. "Thank you because you are the best girlfriend any guy could ask for.
Aside from that, you have the perfect family whose magnanimity is very touching. Pero, Ingrid ayoko
nang i-burden kayo sa kung ano mang pagkukulang na sa tingin ninyo ay meron ang buhay ko. Masaya
akong ganito and enough na sa akin na i-welcome nyo ako dito sa bahay nyo warmly. I don't want
anything else and I don't need anything more." Sabi ko na. I thought as I listened to him talk.
"Alam ko." I said. "I know you don't need help."
"I'm glad you understand." He said. I need another tactic. I murmured to myself. Kahit na anong
explain ko kay Aleph that he deserves better, hindi nya yun kakagatin. He'll just shy away from it
kasi feeling nya limos.
"Sige, gawin na natin yung assignment natin." I said and he looked surprise. Ingrid, wag ka nang
makipagsabayan ng debate dyan at sobrang wala kang laban. I reminded myself as I smiled at him and
showed him one of my notebooks. "Ito yung assignment natin sa History." I said.
"Lahat ba ng subjects may assignment?"
"Tatlo lang." I replied smiling at him again. I was buying time. Gusto ko sanang kausapin si Ate pero
for sure kung ano mang sasabihin nya ay hindi ko rin naman makakabisado at baka maloka lang ako kapag
biglang ni-refute ni Aleph lahat ang arguments ko.
Ingrid, kahit saan titingnan wala kang panama dito kay Aleph. Use a scheme that you're very familiar
with at sigurado kang mananalo ka. I told myself. Pero wala akong maisip na talent, yung ganda ko
lang talaga. Ano ba yan! Sana nag-aral talaga ako nang bongga eh di sana pwede kong i-challenge to sa
patalinuhan at kapag natalo ko sya, sa bahay sya titira.
"Are you okay, Ingrid?" He asked and I looked at him.
"Oo naman, bakit?"
"Kasi kanina ka pa nakasimangot. Anong iniisip mo?"
"Yung essay." I answered. Truth is, hindi ako nahihirapan kapag essays, sisiw lang sila sa akin. I
can even do my homework with my eyes closed pero nahihirapan ako sa kakaisip kung paano mapapayag si
Aleph na sa amin tumira.
Paano ba? I inwardly groaned. I looked up and saw him staring at me. "What?" I asked smiling and
pushed his chair backward before he opened his arms towards me. I stood up and went to him.
"Na-miss kita." He said hugging me close. "You have no idea how much I miss you." He murmured and I
kissed the top of his head.
"Na-miss din kita." I replied. "Pagod ka ba? Di ba galing ka pa sa byahe? If you want matulog ka na
muna and then gigisingin na lang kita." I suggested but he shook his head before he raised his face
to look at me.
"Okay lang ako. Nagising ako sa pag-welcome mo sa akin kanina." He joked and I pinched his ear. Alam
kong para akong baliw kanina at hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin maisip bakit feeling ko nagmumulto
sya. You're just so scared of losing him. My mind responded. Oo, tama. Takot ako.
"What's with the sighs? Kanina ka pa nagbubuntong-hininga. May problema ka ba?" He asked and I nodded
my head. "Ano yun?" He questioned. I beamed at him and cupped his face.
"I am madly in love with you." I said. I used to think na sobrang nakakahiyang aminin yung feeling
but i realized now that there's nothing shameful or embarrassing about loving someone. He looked
surprised. And very pleased. He opened his mouth to say something but I put my finger against his
lips. "Ako muna ang magsasalita." I uttered and he nodded his head as he tightened his hug around me.
"I'll listen." He spoke.
"I was thinking of a way to make you accept Dad's offer." I smiled. "I was thinking about
manipulating you into saying yes." I divulged. "But I've changed my mind."
He nodded his head and I pushed his hair away from his forehead and put my lips against it. "No
matter what your choices are, I will be your greatest cheerleader and I will cheer the hardest for
you." I told him. "You're right, you're okay where you are. How could you be not when you turned into
the boy who made me fall in love with him?"
"You're going to make me cry at mababawasan ang pagiging cool ko sa mga mata mo." His tone was light.
"You will always be cool to me no matter what you do." I answered. "But before you close your door on
the possibility of staying with my family, gusto ko lang malaman mo na kulang yung oras na magkasama
tayo sa school. I want to be always around you, I want to be always beside you and I want to always
see you. Yun ang unang pumasok sa isip ko, ang makasama ka. Hindi ko na naisip na magiging mas
comfortable ka dito sa amin kung sakali, ang inisip ko lang gusto kitang makasama."
"I feel the same way." He whispered.
"I know but you're Aleph and you know what's better for you. So mag-decide ka man na tanggapin yung
offer ni Daddy o hindi, ako pa rin si Ingrid na mahal na mahal ka." I said before I lowered my face
to give him a kiss. His lips parted as soon as mine touched them. He nibbled my lower lip and I
sighed contentedly before my tongue ventured out of my mouth to his.
He gasped as he guided me to sit on his lap facing him. He was very gentle as he held me close
against him. I sucked on his lower lip and I felt his hand cup the back of my head while his arm went
around my waist. I moved my face a fraction off his and his face swam in front of my vision.
"I love you." He whispered.
"I love you." I replied.
"Kailangan na nating tapusin yung assignments natin." He was smiling and I nodded my head as I made a
move to stand up but he pulled me back before he kissed me again. We parted and he kissed me on the
forehead before he kissed the tip of my nose. "Mahal na mahal kita, Ingrid Yelen Samonte." He said
before kissing my cheek.
"Alam ko. Mahal na mahal din kita kahit ang corny pakinggan kapag tagalog." I replied and he laughed.
I got off him and went back to my seat to finish my essay. Hindi na namin napansin ang oras until Mom
knocked.
"Almost ten ng gabi na, hindi pa ba kayo tapos?" She asked. May dala syang tray na may dalawang baso
ng gatas at isang plate ng biscuits.
"Last na po to, 'Mmy." I answered as Aleph stood up to carry the tray for her. Nilapag nya sa ibabaw
ng mesa.
"Salamat po." He said and Mom smiled.
"May pasok pa kayo bukas. Baka late kayong magising."
"Mga thirty minutes na lang siguro to, 'Mmy." I answered. Kami ni Aleph, ginagawa namin yung
assignments namin sa school kasi ayaw pa naming umuwi kaya pagdating ko ng bahay ay dumidiretso na
akong matulog after ng dinner.
"Goodnight. Mauuna yata kaming makakatulog ng Daddy nyo. Iwanan nyo lang yang tray dyan, nagbilin na
ako kay Rose na iligpit yan pagtapos na kayo." Mom said as she bent down to kiss me on the cheek. "I
love you, baby Ingrid."
"I love you 'Mmy." I replied. She patted Aleph's head before she waved goodbye at us and left.
Natapos kami before 10:30 PM at antok na antok na ako. I waved goodbye at him at the foot of the
stairs and we hugged bago ako umakyat.
Naghilamos na lang ako at nag-toothbrush bago nahiga sa kama ko. I stared at the canopy of my bed. Oo
gusto ko syang makasama pero ayoko syang baguhin. Hindi ko ma-explain, basta ang alam ko regardless
kung anong klaseng bahay yung tinitirhan nya o kung ilang piraso ng sapatos lang meron sya, I will
choose him over everyone else. I heard my phone ring and I frowned as I groped for it under my
pillow.
My Aleph calling...
"O, bakit?" I asked over the phone.

"I love you." He said and I laughed.
"I love you." I replied.
"Kung ano man yung magiging decision ko bukas hndi ka naman magagalit di ba?" He inquired and I felt
sad but I pushed the dejection away.
"Oo naman." I answered. He'll refuse. I thought. "O sige na, let's sleep kasi alam mo naman ako, ang
hirap kong gisingin at baka ma-late pa tayo dahil sa akin.
"Okay, goodnight, Ingrid."
"Goodnight, Aleph." I replied.
I slept late kasi ang dami kong iniisip, mainly about my boyfriend whose principle cannot be bent.
Grabe, Ingrid wala talagang epekto yung ganda mo sa paninindigan ng boyfriend mo. Nakakalungkot kahit
sinabi ko nang tatanggapin ko kung ano man yung decision nya ay na-depress pa rin ako ng kaunti kaya
tuloy late akong nagising. I ran to the dining room at nandun na sina Daddy, Mommy at Aleph.
"Wag magmadali sa pagkain, you still have ample time for breakfast." Mom reminded.
"Good morning!" I greeted them and Dad laughed as he put the newspaper he was reading down.
"Good morning." He said. "Kanina pang 4 AM gising si Aleph kaya two hours na yang naghihintay sayo."
He told me and I grinned sheepishly at them. "Nakapag-usap na kami kaninang umaga." Dad announced and
I put my spoon down. Mawawalan yata ako ng ganang kumain. I told myself. HIndi na ako nagtanong kasi
alam ko na ang sagot.
We bade goodbye after we finished eating breakfast and I couldn't help but be quiet the whole drive.
"Bakit hindi mo ako kinikibo?" Aleph asked. Ingrid, wag kang OA dyan. I admonished myself as he put
an arm around my shoulders.
"Nakakatampo lang kasi na hindi ka tinatablan ng ganda ko." I joked and he laughed. We didn't talk
about it again kasi ayokong maging bitter. After class, we walked back to the parking lot.
"Anong sasakyan mo pauwi?" I asked him.
"Kotse." He replied and I nodded my head. Dumating na pala ang yaya nya kaya meron na sya ulit sundo.
I murmured as I hid my disappointment behind my smile.
"O, sige. Mag-ingat ka." I said as I waved goodbye at him. He opened the door for me and got in after
I did. I stared in surprise at him.
"Bakit ka gulat? Ayaw mo nun, tinablan ako ng ganda mo?" He was teasing and my eyes widened before I
squealed happily and gave him a hug. "Under one condition."
"Ano?" I asked looking at him. He tapped the tip of my nose with his finger.
"You have to be rank 1 or rank 2 every grading period." He told me and the smile vanished from my
face.
"Ganun?!" I asked and he grinned.
"Ayaw mo?" He questioned and I glared at him. "Okay lang kung ayaw mo, uuwi na lang ako sa amin--"
"Fine!" I answered. "Magpasalamat ka talaga gwapo ka." I muttered under my breath and heard him
laugh.
Chapter 23
Masaya na sana ako kung di ko lang naiisip how much blood I would have to spill. Rank 1 or rank 2?!
My gosh, paano ko yan gagawin? May superpowers ba si Ate na pwede kong hiramin pansamantala?! Yung
saya dapat ay napalitan ng alta-presyon. Hindi ko rin naman makuhang magalit sa kanya because I said
yes at hindi naman nya ako pinilit. But I wanted him to stay with us. I glanced sideways at him.
Nakakainis! Parati na lang may ganitong conditions!
"Ingrid ano yun?" He asked.
"Bakit ganun? Kailangan bang maging matalino ako for you to love me?" I murmured.
"No." He responded. "Hindi yun ang rason, please don't misunderstand."
"Ano pala? Wala naman akong hinihingi sayong kahit ano pero bakit ikaw parating may naka-attach na
dapat kong i-achieve?"
"Because I know that you can do better. Alam ko namang kaya mo pero nagsi-settle ka lang sa
nakasanayan mo."
"Paano kung mas gusto kong ganun?"
"Anong klaseng boyfriend naman ako kung hahayaan lang kitang hindi abutin yung full potential mo?
Hindi ba a healthy relationship is supposed to make you want to be a better version of yourself?"
"Wala nang ibi-better pa itong ganda ko! Ito na ang full potential ng gorgeousness ko!" I grumbled
and he laughed.
"You're gorgeous alright but you're smart too. Why opt to be just beautiful when you can be both?"
Nakakainis talagang makipag-away sa mga debater! Ano namang isasagot ko dyan?!
"Badtrip..."
"Ingrid naman, galit ka ba sa akin?"
"Talagang rank 1 or rank 2?! Wala man lang tawad yan? Like kahit top 10 man lang o--"
"Rank 1 or rank 2." He firmly said.
"Ano ba, kailangan ko na bang magsimulang mag-novena kada 6 PM?" I questioned and he smiled before he
turned serious.
"Come on, Ingrid. Second highest ka nga sa mock exam sa Chemistry. That was a big leap, from twenty-
two to ninety-two. I'm not sure kung bakit mo nililimitahan ang sarili mo." He spoke.
"Hindi ko nililimitahan ang sarili ko. I'm just being realistic. Aba, eh kung magra-rank 1 or rank 2
ako tapos ganito pa ako kaganda, ang perpekto ko naman!" He laughed as he put his arm around my
shoulders.
"Perfect ka naman talaga." He whispered and I made a face. I heard him sigh.
"Don't tell me threatened ka sa akin kaya ka nagbuntong-hininga?" I joked.
"Hindi sa ganun but I want you to strive for the top spot. Ang sabi nga ng American motivational
speaker na si Les Brown di ba, shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars."
"I am already a star, I don't need to aim for the moon." I replied and he laughed softly before he
expelled a heavy breath. "Ano yan? Hindi ka naniniwalang star ako?"
"Hindi ka lang star para sa akin, you're the center of my universe."
"Ay naku." I couldn't help but giggle. Galing talagang magpakilig nito. I thought. I looked closely
at him, mukha syang bothered and I couldn't help but worry. "Aleph, ano yun? Nagsisisi ka ba na
pumayag kang sa amin tumira?"
"Hindi naman."
"Ano pala?"
"Nahihiya ako sa family mo. When I talked to your Dad this morning, ang sabi ko I will never be able
to repay the kindness your family extended to me. I actually wanted to refuse."
"What made you change your mind? Di ba ang sabi ko naman ay okay lang sa akin kahit ano ang magiging
desisyon mo."
"Because I realized that I want to be with you too." He retorted. "Gusto rin kitang makita parati,
makausap, makasabay umuwi, makasabay gumawa ng assignments at makasabay mag-aral." Ano ba ito, okay
na sana eh pero makasabay gumawa ng assignment at mag-aral? My gosh, yung utak ko may lovelife?
"Yun naman pala, bakit parang nagsisisi ka?"
"Pakiramdam ko kasi I'm taking advantage of your family--"
"That's not true," I cut him off kasi ayoko syang magself-pity. "You're the least likely na mag-take
advantage sa iba. In fact napaka-selfless mong tao at okay lang sayong magtiis as long as okay ang
mga nasa paligid mo."
"Parang ang bait ko naman sa tingin mo." He smiled at me.
"Hindi ba? Kung ako yung nasa sitwasyon mo, I would have demanded more from... from... those
assholes!" I paused. "Sorry but I really have a very low opinion of your parents."
"I understand. But let's not talk about them. Sisirain mo lang ang araw mo when they don't really
care about you or me." He told me. "Anong oras pala gumigising si Tita?" I looked at him. Medyo
naguluhan ako sa tanong nya.
"Ha?"
"Gusto ko kasing mas mauna akong nagigising sa kanya para makatulong naman ako sa gawaing-bahay.
Ayokong gigising lang ako para kumain, papasok sa school, uuwi, kakain, gagawa ng school works tapos
tutulog ulit."
"Aleph, we did not invite you to live with us para gawin kang katulong. You don't have to help with
the household chores. Sa dami ng katulong sa bahay, nag-aagawan na nga sina manang kung sinong gagawa
ng mga gawain."
"I'll feel better knowing na may nagagawa ako para sa inyo."
"Pwede ka sigurong magpaturo kay Mommy magluto, that is kung gusto mo. Frustrated yun, sa aming
dalawa ni Ate kasi wala man lang sa amin ang nakamana ng culinary skills nya. At least di ba ikaw,
you're truly interested kaya for sure matutuwa sya. At tsaka gagawin na nga kitang personal tutor eh,
malaking pasasalamat na kaya nina Mommy sayo because you managed to influence me to study."
"Basta, Ingrid just in case may hindi ako magandang nagawa o may hindi magandang feedback yung mga
tao sa bahay ninyo sa akin, kahit yung mga katulong ninyo, sasabihin mo sa akin at huwag mong
ililihim."
"Ito masyadong concerned sa sasabihin ng ibang tao."
"Hindi naman pero syempre nakikitira lang ako kaya kailangang ako ang makibagay--"
"Tama na." I said as I took his hand in mine. "Sobrang cute ka na para sa akin, please hindi mo na
kailangang magpa-cute. Lalo akong nai-inlove sayo eh." I told him and he laughed.
When we arrived home, naghihintay na si Mommy sa amin sa labas ng bahay. Hindi uso sa pamilya ko ang
magmano, kami ni Ate yumayakap at humahalik lang sa parents namin before we leave and as soon as we
arrive. Pero si Aleph yata iba ang nakasanayan.
"Magandang gabi po." He said as he took my Mom's hand and touched it against his forehead.
"Kaawaan ka ng Diyos." Mom responded. Na-lost tuloy ako, feeling ko hindi ako belong kaya nagmano na
rin ako sa kanya and kissed her cheeks after. "Ang bait naman ng baby ko." She beamed at me. "Tara
na, pasok na sa loob. Kakauwi lang din ng Daddy ninyo. Go freshen up so we can have dinner."
Kanya-kanyang punta kami ni Aleph sa mga kwarto namin para magpalit ng damit. Pagbaba ko ng hagdan ay
nandun na sya at naghihintay. "Anong aaralin natin after dinner?" He asked.
"Pwede bang wag muna nating pag-usapan ang pag-aaral at baka magka-indigestion ako?" I said and he
laughed as we made our way to the dining room.
"Take your seats." Mommy said as soon as we arrived at the table. "Say grace, Aleph." She uttered. We
all closed our eyes as Aleph recited a short prayer.
"Amen!" We all chorused.
"How was school?" Dad asked.
"Okay naman po, Dad. Boring as usual." I replied and Daddy laughed.
"Ano pala ang activities mo sa school, Aleph?" He turned to look at my boyfriend.
"Member po ako ng student council, debate club at tsaka po ng school paper."
"Actually po, Dad lahat ng clubs sa school member si Aleph except for the clubs that I belong to." I
teased and he laughed softly.
"Talaga? Why is that?" Mom questioned.
"Hindi po kasi ako marunong umarte kaya di po ako pwede sa drama club, di rin po ako marunong sumayaw
kaya di po ako pwede sa dance club at wala pong lalaki sa cheerleading club." He replied and my
parents laughed.
"Baby Ingrid, napaka-educational ng mga napili mong clubs."
"Talent-oriented lang po talaga ang mga choices ko, Dad." I retorted laughing too.
I took a bath after dinner at nagmamadali akong bumaba para sa nightly tutorial namin ni Aleph. Hindi
ko ini-expect na sobrang seryoso sya at talagang may nilabas pa syang outline.
"Kelan mo ginawa to?" I asked him when he handed the handwritten summary to me. I stared at his neat
handwriting at ayun na naman ako, impressed. Wala yatang gagawin itong boyfriend ko na hindi ako mai-
impress. I thought.
"Kanina habang nasa cheerleading practice ka. Gusto ko kasi nakikita mo in advance kung anong ita-
tackle natin para mapaghandaan mo rin."
"My gosh naman, pagkauwi ko galing school ay may naghihintay sa aking pagma-masteral." I quipped. "O
Ph.D na ba tawag dito?"
"Gusto lang kitang bigyan ng kaunting boost sa studies mo, matalino ka but you need a little push."
"Sabi ko nga di ba, mas gusto kong maging beauty titlist kesa maging honor student."
"There's nothing wrong with being a beauty titlist, pero ang dami mo nang beauty pageant na
napanalunan, wala nang challenge sayo ang sumali sa mga ganun. Bakit hindi mo i-try ang ibang
challenges naman?�
"Aleph, I can see what you're doing, wag mo nga akong binobola."
"Hindi kita binobola." He said. I looked at him and remembered something he told me.
"Di ba sabi mo you first saw me on my sixth birthday?"
"Oo." He replied. "Di ba sa isang resort ginanap yun? You were wearing a pink gown with a cape. Meron
kang korona at yung theme mo yata nun ay isa kang princess."
"Sinong kasama mo nun?" I asked.
"Si Yaya."
"Wag kang ma-offend ha, pero paano kayo nakapasok? Alam ko kasi exclusive yung venue ng birthday
parties namin ni Ate kaya yung mga may invitation lang ang pwedeng pumasok sa loob."
"Hindi clear sa akin how we got in, basta ang alam ko nandun ako."
"Teka, dyan ka lang." I said as I stood up and left. Kinuha ko ang albums ng 6th Birthday ko na
nakatago sa isa sa mga drawers namin sa may salas.
"Ano yan?" He queried when I put the thick albums in front of him before I sat down.
"Yung pictures nung party na yun. May videos din kung gusto mong makita." I told him as I flipped the
album's pages. "Hinahanap kita kung nasaan ka dito at tsaka kung may mukhang familiar sayo."
He was very quiet and I turned my face to look at him. "Ano yun, Aleph?" I asked and he smiled
uneasily at me.
"Natatakot ako kung anong pwede nating malaman sa mga pictures na to." He spoke quietly and I closed
the album.
"Wag na kasi ayokong natatakot ka. Tanggap naman kita and it really doesn't matter kung paano kayo
nakapasok sa venue. I was just curious and I'm sorry because I was being insensitive."
"Hindi. Okay lang naman pero--"
"Ibabalik ko na ang mga to sa loob."
"Tingnan natin, nandyan na eh."
"Ayoko, kinakabahan din ako eh." I expelled a heavy breath. "Hindi naman siguro tayo magkamag-anak di
ba?" I asked the question that's been bothering since he told me that he was at my birthday party.
"What if we're related?" I questioned and he stared at my face. "Paano kung pinsan pala kita?"
"Let's check the album." He said. "Ipakita mo sa akin kung nasaan dyan ang kamag-anak ng parents mo
at titingnan ko kung isa sa kanila ay Mommy ko o Daddy ko."
"Ay, Aleph naman! Wag naman ganyan! Hindi ko matatanggap, I swear." I was nearly in tears. Iniisip ko
pa lang na hindi kami pwede ang sakit na sa loob.
"But we need to know." He muttered and I nodded. He held my hand as we slowly turned the pages.
"Stop. Ayoko na, mamatay ako sa suspense. Dyan ka lang." I said as I ran out of the room.
Bumaba ako sa basement den at kinuha ang family pictures ng side ng Tan at Samonte bago umakyat ulit.
"Ito ang pictures ng mga kapatid at mga pinsan nina Dad at ito naman kina Mom." I handed the photos
to him.
Tiningnan nya nang matagal isa-isa at lalo akong kinabahan. Paano na lang kung magpinsan kami ni
Aleph? I know my parents are open-minded pero I didn't think yung openmindedness nila extended to
incest. Bakit ang tagal naman nitong i-scrutinize yung pictures? I asked myself as he suddenly put
the photos down and stood up.
"Ingrid?"
"Shit, Aleph. Teka lang. Teka lang iiyak na ako." I murmured as my tears started flowing. I felt him
put his arms around me and I cried harder.
"Bakit ka umiiyak?"
"What a question!" I sobbed. "Are we related? Nakita mo ba ang sa mga parents mo dun sa pics na
pinakita ko sayo?"
"No." He replied and it took a full minute before I was able to fully grasp his reply. "Wala sa
pictures na pinakita mo ang isa or both parents ko." He said smiling.
"Are you sure?" He nodded his head and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Nag-kiss na kaya tayo, kumusta
naman yun kung magpinsan pala tayo di ba?" He was laughing as he tightened his embrace.
"Hindi tayo magpinsan, pwede na ba kitang i-kiss?" He whispered. I leaned away from him before I
tiptoed and he bent down to place a kiss on my lips.
Chapter 24
I didn�t know why I can�t take Aleph�s parents off my mind. Feeling ko kasi kakilala namin sila o
kilala sila ng pamilya ko. Kasi paano nakapasok si Aleph sa venue ng birthday party ko? I repeatedly
asked myself. Ayoko rin syang tanungin kasi baka mamaya ma-offend sya but I can't shake the idea off,
feeling ko magkakilala ang mga pamilya namin. Naniwala naman ako sa kanya when he said na wala sa
pictures na pinakita ko ang parents nya pero gusto ko pa ring malaman kung sino sila.
�Pero paano kung nalaman kong we�re cousins pala talaga?� I asked myself aloud. Hindi ko
matatanggap. I answered my own question. But the curiosity was killing me. �Sige ka, Ingrid baka
mamaya magbigti ka kapag nalaman mong magkamag-anak kayo.�
�Baby?� I heard Mom's voice. �Are you okay?� She asked. �Kanina pa ako kumakatok pero hindi mo
yata naririnig kaya pumasok na ako.�
�I�m sorry 'Mmy. Marami lang po akong iniisip.� I replied and she smiled as she looked at the piles
of books in front of me.
�Aleph is making you study hard?� She sat on my bed.
�Opo, gusto nya daw po akong gawing beauty and brains.� I pouted and shelaughed.
�Well, there�s nothing wrong with studying. Pero kung pagod ka na, pwede namang magpahinga. Hindi pa
dumating sina Dad at Aleph.� She added. Umalis silang dalawa para magpasukat ng damit para sa binyag
ni Blaze at Twinkle. Sa sobrang grand ng binyag, kailangan kong mag-ball gown, dinaig pa ang debut ng
artista. But I can�t blame them, unang apo sa parehong sides ang kambal.
�Okay lang po, 'Mmy. Kailangan ko kasing matapos to at for sure iku-quiz na naman ako ni Aleph
pagdating nya. Masyadong seryoso sa pag-aaral yun! Di ko alam bakit ko ba yun nagustuhan!�
�Si baby Ingrid talaga kunyari nagagalit, naasar at nagtatampo pero naman pag dumating na si Aleph
todo ang ngiti.�
�Mommy!�
�Just know your limits, ha, baby? We trust you. Nagdaan naman ako dyan at di naman maiwasan na
naglalambing ka sa boyfriend mo, but don�t get too touchy.�
�Hindi naman kami po kami touchy eh! Nahihiya nga po si Aleph na tumabi sa akin kapag nandito kami sa
bahay.� Mom laughed.
Naiilang si Aleph kapag nasa bahay kami at tsaka lang sya tumatabi sa akin kapag tulog na sina Mommy
at Daddy. Kaya tuloy ginawan ko na lang ng paraan at nagpaka-studious na lang ako nang bongga so we
could have time alone. Sa tindi ng kamandag ng boyfriend ko, napi-perfect ko tuloy yung quizzes ko.
�Kapag may kailangan ka, just tell me.� Mom�s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
�Okay po.�
�Bababa na ako because I'm already preparing for dinner. Umakyat lang ako para i-check ka."
�Okay, 'Mmy.� I smiled at her and she affectionately patted my head.
I went back to studying and easily finished my Math assignment. Iba kasi magturo si Aleph, gusto nya
naiintindihan mo yung concept. According to him, once you grasp the theory ay alam mo na kung paano
iso-solve ang isang problem regardless kung mag-iiba yung premise.
�Hon, Baby Ingrid, we�re home!� I heard Dad�s voice at nagmadali akong tumayo at bumaba para
salubungin sila.
�Daddy!� I shrieked as I ran to him and gave him a hug. He laughingly hugged me back. Mom was
already there at nagmano si Aleph sa kanya.
�Just in time for dinner.� Mom said. �Mag-wash up muna kayo tapos bumaba kayo kaagad para makakain
na tayo."
�Nag-aaral ka na naman ulit?� Dad asked me and I nodded.
�Tinapos ko po yung assignments ko.� I replied grinning as I took Aleph�s hand in mine.
�Sigraduhin mong gwapo ka sa damit mo ha.� I teased.
�Gwapo talaga, pinagkaguluhan nga yan ng mga girls dun.� Dad grinned and my mood turned sour. �Di
ba Aleph?�
�Po?� Aleph looked alarmed. He looked at me and I arched my brow at him.
�Dad, binibiro mo na naman si Ingrid.� Mom said as Dad laughed and left with Mom.
�Aleph, magbihis ka na para sa dinner.�
�Opo.� He replied as he looked warily at me. �Ingrid��
�Nagpacute ka dun?�
�Hindi.�
�Wag ka na!�
�Hindi naman talaga eh.�
�Bakit ka pinagkaguluhan, aber? Bahala ka na nga.� I mumbled as I turned to walk away.
�Ingrid naman.� He was quick to grab my hand. �Wag naman tayong mag-away.�
�Ewan ko sayo.� I said as I shook my hand off his grasp. I walked towards the stairs and stopped.
Kainis! Ano ba, Ingrid bakit ba masyado kang maawain dyan sa boyfriend mo?! I turned to look at him.
His head was bent. He looked so neglected and my heart constricted painfully inside my chest. Naman
o! Nakakaloka yang pag-ibig na yan! I walked back to him and shyly twined my fingers with his. �Bati
na tayo�� I whispered. �Sige na�� He looked at me and smiled that slow smile that always makes my
heart thump crazily inside my chest. Ito na, wasak. I sighed.
�Payakap.� He said as he embraced me.
�Bihis ka na para kumain na tayo.� I whispered hugging him back.
�Natapos mo na yung assignments mo? Eh di ako na lang ang mag-aaral mamaya?� He sounded disappointed
and I hid my smile.
�Mag-aaral din ako kasi balak kitang talunin.� I replied before I tiptoed to give him a quick kiss
and ran.
Monday and it was boring as usual. Gusto kong matulog habang nagli-lecture si Mr. Buenviaje. Ewan ko
ba kung bakit kahit nagkakaintindihan na kami ni Chemistry at para talagang may ka-tandem na sleeping
pills ang hangin kapag nagli-lecture ni Sir at parati na lang akong inaatok. Ang nakakabadtrip, trip
na trip nya akong tanungin. I sighed as I leaned my head against Aleph�s shoulder and started
doodling on my notebook. Gumalaw si Aleph para umusog palapit sa akin and I smiled gratefully at him.
�Samonte!� Mr. Buenviaje called and I sat up straight.
�Sir naman! Kahit naman po antok po ako hindi po ako nakatulog, ano!� I replied and my classmates
laughed.
�Samonte, kapag nagkaanak ako ng babae sana hindi kasing-kulit mo.� Mr. Buenviaje uttered as he took
his glasses off before wiping them with the piece of cloth on top of his table. �You and Aleph will
be representing our class.� Oh gosh, another beauty pageant! I like! Pero wait, si Aleph partner ko?
�Anong beauty pageant po, Sir?� I questioned and he stared at me for about five seconds before he
laughed hard. Ano naman problema nitong isang to?
�It�s not a beauty pageant, Samonte.�
�Ngeek. Eh ano po pala?�
�It�s a Chemistry Quiz Bee.� He replied and I gazed unblinking at him before I doubled over in
laughter.
�Sir, ha marunong po pala kayong mag joke?� Tawa ako nang tawa, paano ba naman si Sir ang tagal pa
nga ng April Fool�s Day ay umaariba na kaagad.
�I�m not kidding, Samonte.� He said and I immediately stopped laughing. �You and Aleph will
represent this class in the Chemistry Quiz Bee at siguraduhin nyong mananalo kayo. Wala na ang Ate mo
sa school at may pag-asa tayong makuha ang title." Ang tindi ng sapi ni Mr. Buenviaje!
"Sir? Ako? Ako talaga? Gets ko pa po kung si Aleph pero, my gosh naman, ayoko pong sumali sa quiz
bee!�
�O sige, I�ll find someone else to partner with Aleph.�
�Okay po.� Quiz bee talaga? Gosh! Ayoko, ano! Mamaya magkalat lang ako dun!
�Okay lang ba sayo na di muna kayo magkasama ng mga dalawang linggo?�
�Po?�
�Kaya ko lang naisip na ikaw ang kuning partner ni Aleph dahil, aside sa tumaas ang mga grades mo and
you�re ranked second based sa quizzes, kailangang mag-review after classes yung representatives. Ibig
sabihin nyan, kailangan mo munang ipahiram si Aleph sa iba kahit mga two weeks lang.� He was grinning
and I quelled the urge to stand up and throw my chair at him.
I took a quick peek at Aleph and he was smiling as if he and Mr. Buenviaje were sharing a personal
joke. He noticed me staring and the smile disappeared from his face as he cleared his throat. �Ano,
Samonte? Bukas na magsisimula ang pagre-review namin ni Aleph at ng magiging partner nya. Ayokong
mag-away kayo dahil sa akin.� Sir ang feeling nyo po! "Yung pangatlo sa ranking ay si Ara�� Si
Ara?! Halata ko kayang may crush yun kay Aleph! "Ara, okay lang ba?"
"Yes, Sir!" She eagerly replied.
�Ingrid�� Aleph squeezed my hand.
�Teka lang! Ako yung number two di ba? So I'll do it!" I announced. "Ako na po."
�That's great!" Ngiti nang ngiti si Sir. "Daanan ninyo ang review materials na hinanda ko and we will
start reviewing tomorrow. Class dismissed.� He said and we stood up as he left the classroom.
�Bakit feeling ko nalugi ako?� I asked Aleph as we walked towards the cafeteria. �Feeling ko lang
nauto ako big time.� He laughed as he draped an arm over my shoulders.
�Ikaw naman talaga ang karapat-dapat na maging partner ko sa quiz bee kasi rank 2 ka di ba sa
quizzes? You�re the best choice.�
�Naman, aral sa bahay, aral sa school pati yung extra-curricular ko aral pa din? Baka naman maging
genius na ako nyan?�
�Pero kung ayaw mo pwede kong kausapin si Sir. Ayokong gawin mo ang isang bagay kasi napipilitan ka.
Besides, kahit naman iba ang kasama ko sa review, sayo pa rin naman ako umuuwi.�
�Yan ang problema sayo eh, fifteen lang ako pero kung abusuhin mo itong obaryo ko sa tindi mong
magpakilig eh wagas. Baka mabaog ako nyan?� He chuckled as he pinched my cheek.
�Ang galing mo ring magpakilig.�
�Weh? Gaya-gaya.� We both laughed.
Parati kaming pinapabaunan ni Mommy ng lunch. Dati ayoko kasi feeling ko hindi cool but Aleph enjoys
it so much kaya nakigaya na rin ako. We went straight to the locker rooms to get the lunchboxes
before we headed towards the cafeteria. It�s a good thing na may microwave ovens yung canteen namin
for students to use at mabuti rin kasi iilan lang kaming nagbabaon kaya kaunti lang ang gumagamit
nun.
�I�ll reheat these.� Aleph told me and I nodded at him before I sat down.
�Samonte!� Someone called at hindi pa man ako lumingon ay alam ko na kung sino. Hindi ko sya
pinansin and I pretended not to hear her pero ang kapal ng mukha nya at umupo sya sa harap ko.
Tinaasan ko sya ng kilay.
�What?� I asked.
�Is it true na ikaw ang isa sa representatives ng section I sa Chemistry Quiz Bee?� She asked
laughing. �Sa lahat ng tsismis na narinig ko, ito yung pinakanakakatawa.� She laughed harder.
�Ay, wala yan dun sa tsismis na narinig ko.�
�Like may pake ako sa mga narinig mo.�
�Like may pake din ako sa sinasabi mo. Concerned lang naman ako sayo because it�s about you tapos
sobrang funny sya. Pero anyway, kung ayaw mong marinig hindi kawalan yun sa akin.� I smiled sweetly
at her as she looked curiously at me.
�Ano naman yan?� She took the bait. Ang bobo nitong babaeng to.
�Wag na, I don�t want it to bother you.�
�Ano nga?!�
�Is it true?� I whispered and she leaned towards me.
�Na ano?�
�Na nagpagawa ka daw ng ilong?� I burst out laughing. �My gosh, ang mga tao talaga ang cruel.� I
laughed some more before I stopped to look inquiringly at her. �Oh no, nagpagawa ka na ng ilong sa
lagay na yan?� I asked her and she stood up. I remained seated as I grinned at her.
�Ang yabang mo!�
�Why? It was a valid question.� I said, pretending to look affronted. �I mean, I just thought that
since the rumor you heard about me was correct baka yung sayo totoo din.�
�Anong ibig mong sabihin?! Ikaw nga ang isa sa representatives sa quiz bee?!�
�Don�t worry, magpapagawa ako ng tarpaulin that says, Good luck, Aleph and Ingrid. Section I�s
representatives to the Chemistry Quiz Bee at ilalagay ko sa labas ng classroom ninyo para feel na
feel."
�Mag-back-out ka na kasi mapapahiya ka lang!�
�Excuse me, walang Samonteng nagba-back-out. Ikaw, trying hard at nagfi-feeling maganda, lumayas ka
sa harap ko kasi kaunting kembot na lang ay ipapahiya na kita.�
�You�re a bitch.�
�That I am. And you�re an ugly moron so get out of my sight.�
�Monette, leave.� Aleph said. Dumating sya at dala na nya ang tray na may baon namin.
�Parati mo na lang syang kinakampihan!� She said. �Hindi ka fair!�
�You cannot expect me to be fair when it comes to my girlfriend because I will always take her
side.� He said. �Leave.�
�Maghihiwalay rin kayo!�
�That day won�t come.� Aleph replied and Monette stormed out of the cafeteria. �Pasensya ka na,
hindi ko kaagad napansin that she�s harassing you again.� He told me as he took his seat. �Are you
okay?�
�Oo.� I nodded as I looked at him. Maghihiwalay din kayo. Monette's words rang in my ear.
�Ano yun?� He asked because I kept staring at him.
�Aleph,�
�Yes?�
�Kahit anong mangyari, I will fight for you.�
�Ako rin.� He smiled.
"Do you trust me?"
"Oo naman." He said looking confused. "What is it, Ingrid?" Ask him, Ingrid and get it over with.
"May kailangan ba ang mahal kong Ingrid?" He smiled. Alam kong ayaw nyang pag-usapan pero gusto kong
malaman at ayokong masorpresa na lang isang araw.
�Can you please tell me the real name of your parents?� I asked and the smile vanished from his
face.
Chapter 25
�Bakit mo naman tinatanong?� Aleph asked. He sounded unconcerned but I knew better. Kaunting
pagbabago pa lang ng mood nya ay nararamdaman ko na kaagad at alam kong hindi sya komportableng pag-
usapan ang tungkol sa mga magulang nya.
�Gusto ko lang makasigurado�� Hindi ko tinuloy ang sasabihin ko because I suddenly felt guilty. Ano
ka ba, Ingrid! Alam mo na ngang sore topic yung parents nya eh talagang inuulit-ulit mo pa! Wala kang
silbing girlfriend! �Nevermind. Let's just forget I asked.� Ngumiti ako pero hindi nya sinuklian.
"Aleph, sorry because I was insensitive. Pasensya ka na. Minsan kahit anong try kong magpaka-mature
pero immature talaga ako."
�Mature ka naman ah. You love me because I needed loving and you accept me for who I am and that
makes you the most mature girlfriend I know."
"Weh."
"Oo kaya. Tsaka you don't have to apologize. Of course you're curious, sinong girlfriend ba naman ang
hindi naghahangad malaman yung mga ganung details tungkol sa boyfriend nya, di ba?" His smile was sad
and it broke my heart. Ramdam na ramdam ko yung insecurity nya tungkol sa background ng pamilya nya.
I took his hand in mine before I brought it to my lips.
"Alam mo bang love na love kita? Sana maniwala ka when I tell you that nothing matters�not where you
live, not what you own and definitely not who your parents are. Hindi naman yun ang rason bakit bakit
kita tinatanong eh at naiintindihan ko kung bakit ayaw mo ring sabihin. Sorry ulit, Aleph."
"Okay lang, wag kang sorry nang sorry. Hindi nababagay sa napakaganda kong girlfriend ang nag-a-
apologize for something very trivial."
"Hindi ka galit?"
"Hindi. Kahit anong gawin mo, I won't get mad at you. Kasi tulad mo, love na love na love din kita."
"Mahabag ka naman sa ovaries ko." I joked and he laughed. "Grabe ka naman, tama na ang pagpapakilig.
Ngingiti ka nga lang kinikilig na ako eh tapos magsasalita ka pa talaga."
"Okay, hindi na ako magsasalita." He smiled. "Kain na tayo?"
"Okay." I answered and he opened my lunch box for me.
"Ingrid?"
"Yes?"
"Hindi sa ayaw kong sabihin. Pero ang totoo hindi ko alam yung names nila. First name lang ang alam
ko, I don't know my parents' full names." He smiled apologetically. "Kaya pasensya ka na, ha kasi
kahit yung mga ganung details hindi ko man lang mai-share sayo. Kung alam ko naman talaga, I will
tell you pero hindi kasi eh. Sorry."
My guilt tripled and I felt like banging my head against the table. Ang tanga-tanga mo talaga,
Ingrid! Nag-iisip ka pa ba? Bakit kailangan mo kasing tanungin yung mga ganung bagay?!
"May picture ako ng Mommy ko dati sa bahay pero dahil nga nangako ako sa kanya that I won't visit her
again at di ko na sya ulit iistorbohin, pinatago ko na kay Yaya. Nakakahiya naman kasi sa pamilya nya
kung��
"Bakit ikaw ang mahihiya?" Medyo tumaas ang tono ng boses ko at gulat na napatingin sya sa akin.
"Ikaw pa talaga ang mahihiya? Ikaw ang mahihiya eh sila itong�" I suddenly felt like crying. Ano ba,
Aleph bakit ba ang bait-bait mo? Ikaw na nga itong inalipusta ng mga walang kwenta mong mga magulang
tapos ganyan ka pa!
"Galit ka ba sa akin, Ingrid?"
"Hindi." I answered. "Medyo emotional lang talaga ako pagdating sayo. Ang gwapo mo kasi." I kidded
and he chuckled.
"Paano kung may mahanap kang gwapo rin?"
"Ikaw lang kaya ang gwapo para sa akin. At di naman ako maghahanap ng iba, ano. Di ba may usapan na
tayo na tayo ang magkakatuluyan. We'll finish school. We'll both be succesful and we'll have our own
family. Magkakaanak tayo nang maraming marami kaya dapat galingan mo ang pag-aaral mo kasi marami
kang bubuhayin."
"Gaano ba kadaming anak ang gusto mo?" He grinned.
"Kung ilan ang kaya mo." I retorted.
"Sure ka? Hindi ka ba natatakot about your figure? Nabasa ko sa ibang libro that most women would
rather preserve their looks by not having children."
"Bakit naman tayo mag-aasawa kung hindi tayo magkakaroon ng babies? Besides, why would I worry about
my looks eh alam ko namang ako ang pinakamaganda para sayo?"
"You got it right." He smiled. "I want to have babies with you too."
"Okay, tama na muna yang talks about babies kasi alam nating dalawa kung paano sila naku-conceive
kaya medyo nagba-blush na ako." I uttered and he laughed again.
"Ang cute talaga ng girlfriend ko.�
"Parati mo akong tinatawag na cute." I pouted.
"Bakit, ayaw mo ba?"
"Gusto. Pero mas feel ko yung gorgeous."
"Ang gorgeous naman ng girlfriend ko." He amended and I laughed.
"Thank you!" I replied. Bigla ko na namang naisip yung possibility na baka nga related kami. Ingrid,
stop thinking about that! Napa-praning ka na sa kakaisip! Pero what if�"Aleph."
"Ano yun, Gogrous Kisses?"
"Yan tayo eh. May Ph. D sa pagpapakilig." I giggled. "Pero seryosong usapan. The reason why I asked
for your parents' names ay dahil something's bothering me."
"Alam kong iniisip mo na baka related tayo."
"Yun nga, pero I realized na kahit hindi tayo pwede pipilitin ko." I told him and his eyes softened
as he touched my cheek.
�Ingrid, I feel the same way. Kahit hindi pwede, pipilitin ko. But I am sure that we're not related."
"But just in case...."
"Just in case?" He looked questioningly at me.
"Just in case we are, are you ready to commit incest with me?" I questioned and he stared at me.
"Alam mo, isa ako sa mga taong naniniwalang mali yun." He answered and my shoulders drooped in
defeat. "But I don't know why the idea sounds so sexy coming from you." He laughed softly. "Kung ikaw
naman ang makakasama ko sa kasalanang yun, okay lang."
"Kahit magalit sa atin sina Daddy?"
"They'll understand eventually."
"Kahit paalisin nila tayo sa bahay?"
"I'll work really hard para kaya kitang buhayin. Pero hindi yan. Ikaw naman, masyado kang nag-iisip."
"Magkamukha kasi tayo eh." I said and he leaned forward to kiss me on the forehead.
"Ngayon lang kasi parati tayong magkasama pero dati, hindi tayo magkamukha. Ang explanation dyan ay
dahil we influence each other's behaviors, mannerisms and even the manner of speaking kaya
nagkakahawig kayo. Tingnan mo kami ni Ate Ice, di ba hindi kami magkamukha kahit magkamukha kayo?
Ibig sabihin, tayong dalawa lang ang magkamukha dahil parati tayong magkasama and we imbibe each
other's characteristics."
"Alam mo kaya ako in love na in love sayo kasi hindi ka lang gwapo sobrang may sense ka pa. Tapos
kapag nagba-blush ka kapag pinupuri kita, tulad ngayon, lalo kang nagiging gwapo sa paningin ko."
"Sige uugaliin ko nang mag-blush para parati akong gwapo sa pangingin mo." He replied laughing. "Wag
mo akong titigin, Ingrid naku-conscious tuloy ako."
"Pogi, pa-kiss." I whispered. "Sige na."
"Dito? Right now?"
"Hindi, next year pa! Oo, dito at ngayon."
�We might get carried away and we're in public." Ang cute mo, nakakapikon ka na!
"Aleph, smack lang. Hindi naman torrid. You're a perv." I laughed and he laughed along with me.
"Well, I guy can hope." He said and I laughed harder.
"Lapit ka nga para ma-kiss kita." I said and he leaned towards me. I kissed him on the cheek and he
frowned.
"Bitin, Ingrid. Isa pa." I kissed him again. "Isa pa."
"Namimihasa. Pinagtitinginan na tayo ng iba. Ikaw talaga, gagawa ka na nga lang ng scandal sa
cafeteria pa talaga."
"Bitin eh."
"Mamaya sa bahay." I whispered and he instantly perked up.
"Promise yan? After we're done studying, may kiss ako." Aray, kahit anong pangako ko talaga dito,
after we're done studying talaga ang sinasabi nya. Tanggapin mo na, Ingrid na isa ka nang studious na
nilalang ngayon. "Promise? Sabihin mo na promise." Ungot nyang parang bata.
"Ikaw kung makareklamo ka parang hindi tayo nagki-kiss sa bahay."
"Iba kasi yung feeling kapag naka-schedule." He grinned before he leaned towards me and hid his face
on the crook of my neck.
"Hoy, anong nangyari sayo? Nakikiliti ako!"
"Teka lang, nangingiti ako. Hindi ko mapigil."
�Nyak. Ito naman kung makapagsalita parang hindi kami parating nagki-kiss.�
"Hindi ko nga mapigil."
"O sya, sige kilitiin mo lang ako, kakayanin ko para sayo."
"I love how you smell." He murmured and I felt my pulse race. "Ang bango mo."
"Mabango talaga ako." I tried to sound casual and unaffected but he rubbed his nose against my neck
and I nearly squealed.
"Hala, ano ka ba! Aleph ha."
"Bakit?"
"Bakit ka nangingiliti?"
"Akala ko ba okay lang?"
"Ganun? Kasi okay lang kaya gagawin mo?"
"Sorry, hindi ko alam nakikiliti ka pala talaga. Sorry, Ingrid." Minsan din to sa sobrang bait,
nakakainis na. "Galit ka?�
"Hindi ah."
"So okay lang palang kilitiin kita mamaya?" He whispered. I knew it was a joke pero tumayo lahat ng
balahibo ko. Gosh, wala na ito nagkakamalisya na ako nang bongga!
"Ewan ko sayo. Kumain ka na nga, malamig na yang food mo."
"Opo." He smiled boyishly.
We resumed eating pero yung heartbeat ko hindi na bumalik sa dati. Yun nga lang one-sided yung
feeling because Aleph seemed unaffected. Ano ba yan, Ingrid. Masyado ka na yatang in love sa
boyfriend mo!
�Bakit ka nakasimangot, Gorgeous Kisses?�
�Ha?�
�You�re frowning. Is something bothering you?�
�Wala.� I replied.
"Meron."
"Eh kung meron, ano yun, sige nga." I challenged.
"Kaya ko nga tinatanong eh kasi hindi ko alam kung ano kahit alam kong meron." Oo na, ikaw na ang
debater. Wala talaga akong laban dito. "Anong iniisip mo? Sabihin mo sa akin para matulungan kita."
Hindi ko pwedeng sabihing todo-todo ang landing nararamdaman ko for you! Gosh!
�Iniisip ko lang yung sa quiz bee.� Palusot ko. Sana lang di ba kagatin mo yan kasi wala akong
talent sa pagde-debate.
�Wag kang matakot." He said and I nearly sighed with relief. "Magre-review naman tayo nang maayos so
dapat hindi ka kabahan at tsaka magkasama tayo. Kaya nga mas gusto kong ikaw ang partner ko kasi mas
nakakapag-aral ako nang maayos kapag nandyan ka."
"Ganun?" Nakangiti kong tanong. "Kikiligin na sana ako eh pero para mong sinasabing mukha akong
librarian at nai-inspire kang mag-aral kapag magkasama tayo." He laughed aloud.
"Hindi ah. Your presence just inspires me."
"Sana hindi ako tumunganga dun di ba? I might panic tapos wala akong maisagot. Baka puro ngiti lang
ang gawin ko dun. O baka rarampa na lang ako sa stage kapag turn ko nang sumagot kasi aakalain kong
nasa beauty pageant ako. Eh di napahiya yung section natin nang todo.�
�Hey, don't put yourself down. I don't know bakit ganyan kang mag-isip. Ingrid, we both know that
you�re very smart so that�s not going to happen. Kinakabahan ka lang kasi first time mong sasali sa
quiz bee.�
�Sana tama ka at ayokong mapahiya.� I mumbled and he put his arms around me to hug me tight.
"Hindi yan. Trust me." He murmured before he kissed me on the cheek. "Kabado nga ako para sa binyag
ni Blaze at Twinkle eh." He confided.
"Ngeek, walang Question and Answer portion dun. Tsaka kung meron man, for sure masasagot mo lahat ng
tanong."
"Hindi naman ako dun takot eh. Pero takot ako kasi nandun lahat ng mga kamag-anak mo and they might
ask me about my family. Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot ko. Takot din ako na baka hindi nila
magustuhan yung idea na sa inyo ako nakatira and they might think that I am an opportunist for taking
advantage of your family's kindness. At lalong natatakot akong hindi nila ako magustuhan para sayo."
"Ilan ba ang pakakasalan mo, kung sakali?"
"Ha?"
"Sinong pakakasalan mo?"
"Ikaw."
"O yun naman pala, hindi naman buong angkan ng Tan at Samonte. Botong-boto naman sayo sina Daddy,
Mommy, Ate, Kuya JFK, Tito Julio at Tita Elaine pati sina Blaze at Twinkle. Di ba nga sabi pa ng
parents ni Kuya JFK pwede ka ring sa kanila tumira kasi wala na si Kuya dun at nalulungkot sila
minsan?"
"Pero�"
"Aleph, opinyon lang nating dalawa ang nagma-matter sa relasyong ito. Not other people's opinion.
Tayo lang ang importante. Just in case magkatotoo man yang mga takot mo, which is near-impossible, I
will fight for you. My family will fight for you kaya wag kang matakot. Hindi ka na mag-isa ngayon
kasi nandito na ako at dala ko ang buong pamilya ng Samonte."
"I love you." He said. "Salamat sa lahat."
"I love you." I answered. "At salamat din kasi you did not give up on me. Salamat because you
persevered to be with me. Maraming salamat. Nakakainis ka, naiiyak tuloy ako." I felt his arms around
me as I sobbed.
"Hindi tayo maghihiwalay ha." He whispered.
"Hindi." I whispered back.
"Pero kung sakali, babalikan kita."
"Aleph, ayoko ng ganyan!"
"Ayoko rin. But I want you to be prepared and I want you to remember that I'll always go back to you,
Ingrid."
CHAPTER 26
Alam kong kailangan kong maglabas ng takot kasi kinakain na ako ng fear kong maghihiwalay na kami ni
Aleph. Takot ako sa idea na dadating ang panahong maghihiwalay kami. Yun nga lang ay hindi ko alam
kung kelan at dun ako napa-praning. I wanted to call Ate pero alam kong busy sya sa school at sa
binyag ng mga twins. Alam kong sina Mommy at Tita Elaine ang nag-aayos ng binyag pero alam ko ring
nai-stress si Ate kasi ang OA na daw masyado ng preparations. Si Agnes kaya ang kausapin ko? I
thought. Pero alam kong hindi lahat masasabi ko kay Agnes, lalo na yung background ni Aleph. I
decided to talk to Mom.
"Mommy," I knocked.
"Yes, baby?" She asked as she opened the door. "Ano yun, baby?"
"I need someone to talk to." I said. She looked surprise pero hindi sya nagtanong. Siguro yun ang
gusto ko sa kanila ni Ate kasi nakikinig muna sila bago sila nagtatanong.
�Pumasok ka, bakit parang nahihiya ang bunso ko?� She smiled as she ushered me inside. �Tapos na
kayong mag-review ni Aleph at gumawa ng mga assignments?�

�Opo.� I replied. Umupo ako sa kama nila at nagbuntong-hininga.
�Ano yun? Pagod ka na bang mag-aral? Pwede namang hindi kayo mag-aral gabi-gabi. Magpahinga naman
kayo ni Aleph. We're so proud that you'll both represent your section in the Chemistry Quiz Bee pero
hindi nyo naman kailangan i-pressure ang mga sarili ninyo. Mag-relax din kayo."
�Hindi yun, 'Mmy eh.� I murmured. Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Dad. He immediately frowned when
he saw me.
�Ano yun, Ingrid? Is something bothering you?� He asked. Ayokong makipag-usap kay Mommy na nandun si
Daddy kasi nahihiya ako. Feeling ko kasi parang ang babaw lang ng mga kaartehan ko sa buhay at dapat
hindi ko na inaaksaya yung oras ni Daddy dahil lang dun.
�Wala po.� Tumayo ako at ngumiti. �Bukas na lang po. Goodnight.�
�No.� Dad said. �Mag-usap kayo, nakalimutan ko may ire-review pa pala akong case. Nawala sa isip
ko. Babalik ako sa basement den at aakyat ako ulit after one hour. Is one hour enough?� He said. Alam
kong wala syang ire-review at nagrason lang sya para mabigyan kami ng time makapag-usap. I smiled
gratefully at him.
�Opo.� I replied as I sat down again. �Salamat po, Dad.� Nakakakunsensya yung pagiging mabait ng
magulang ko kaya mas gusto kong alam nilang lahat ang nangyayari sa akin because I felt that they
deserve to know.
�Okay lang, baby. Sige.� He said before he left and closed the door behind him. Mom�s face was
etched with worry at kahit wala syang sabihin ay ramdam kong medyo takot sya sa kung anong iko-
confess ko kanya.
�Mommy, hindi kami nagmi-make-out ni Aleph ha, kaya wag po kayong mag-alala.� I told her. �Pero
nagki-kiss kami.� I felt myself blush and she laughed.
�Hinay-hinay. A kiss could lead to a lot of possibilities.� She said.
�Alam naman po namin. We know our limits and we�ve set boundaries. Takot na lang ni Aleph na magalit
kayo sa kanya.�
�So itong conversation na ito ay walang kinalaman sa flowers and bees, am I right?� She asked and I
felt my ears turn hot with embarrassment.
�Wala po.� I murmured. �Mommy naman eh!�
�Akala ko yun ang pag-uusapan natin. Natakot ako bigla kasi kami ng Ate mo hindi napag-usapan yun and
I really don�t know kung paano ko sya ie-explain sayo.�
�Hindi nyo na po kailangang i-explain, kita nyo naman nagkaanak kaagad ng kambal si Ate nang walang
explanation from you.� We both laughed. I sighed again and Mommy held my hand.
�Ano yun, Ingrid? Mommy�s all ears. Tell me everything, I promise you hindi ako magagalit. Gusto ko
lang open ka sa amin ng Daddy mo.�
�Feeling ko po kasi magkakalayo kami ni Aleph.�
�Bakit?�
�Hindi ko po alam. Napa-paranoid po ako, Mommy.�
�Pero bakit mo naman naisip na magkakahiwalay kayo? May sinabi ba si Aleph that made you feel that
way?�
�Opo. Sabi nya kasi kahit anong mangyari, kung sakali daw ay babalik sya sa akin.�
�Yun naman pala. Yun lang ang mahalaga.� Mom said. �Baby, hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay
masusunod ang gusto mo at hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay magkasama kayo. Ang babata nyo pa, marami
pang pwedeng mangyari. Sabi nya di ba, babalik sya sayo? Pwedeng totoo yan, pwede ring hindi.�
�Aw, Mommy! So pwedeng hindi sya babalik sa akin?�
�Baby, sya lang ang nakakaalam nyan. All you need to do is have faith.�
�Ay, lalo naman akong nalungkot.� I whispered and felt Mom wrap her arms around me. �So pwedeng
hindi kami magkatuluyan?�
�Nagmamahal ka ngayon at iyon ang importante. Mahal nyo ang isa�t isa ngayon at dapat yan lang ang
iniisip nyo. Just enjoy the moments, Ingrid. Ako, I am your love life�s number one fan regardless
kung sino ang ka-loveteam mo. Nasa inyo naman ni Aleph yan how you'll make the relationship work.
Pero, gusto ko si Aleph for you. Gusto rin ni Dad si Aleph pero kung dadating ang panahong malalaman
nating hindi pala kayo ang para sa isa�t isa, tandaan mo parati, mahal namin kung sino man ang
mamahalin mo. Hush, stop crying.�
�Bakit po ganyan ang sinasabi mo, Mommy? May alam ka ba tungkol kay Aleph na di ko po alam? Dapat ang
sinasabi nyo sa akin eh mag-hold on ako at maniwala akong para kami sa isa�t isa.�
�Gusto ko ring sabihin yan pero ayaw kitang masaktan. When the time comes, I want you to know when to
hold and when to let go. Wala akong alam tungkol sa kanya, baby na di mo rin alam. Ang alam ko lang,
you�re very precious to me and it would break my heart kung masasaktan ka.�
�Pero okay lang sayo kung sakaling magkahiwalay kami at hihintayin ko po sya?�
�Oo naman. Kung saan ka masaya. Pero sana alam mo kung kelan bibitaw kapag nasasaktan ka na. Pero,
tulad ng sinabi ko, just enjoy the moments. Hindi pa nga nangyayari at di natin alam kung mangyayari.
I�ll help you pray na sana hindi mangyari yun. Cheer up.�
�Eh, na-depress na ako.� I sobbed against the crook of her neck. �Na-stress na tuloy ako.� I
murmured and heard Mommy laugh.
�Aleph loves you. Yan lang ang dapat mong iniisip ngayon. No one can see the future so just enjoy the
present. Okay?�
�Okay.� I answered leaning away from her. She wiped my tears with the pad of her thumb as she smiled
at me.
�Dalagang-dalaga na ang bunso ko.�
�Kakadalaga nga lang eh dala na agad.� I kidded and she laughed.
�Anong dala na? Ang gwapo at ang talino ng boyfriend mo, supportive ang family mo sa love life mo
tapos nandito si Aleph sa bahay, kasama mo 24/7. May rason ka pa bang malungkot?�
�Mommy takot kasi ako sa future.�
�Dapat hindi kinakatakutan ang future. Dapat nga excited ka para dun. Tsaka bakit mo kakatakutan ang
isang bagay na hindi ka naman siguradong mangyayari?�
�Ewan ko po.� I muttered and she laughed.
�Takot kang mawala si Aleph because you love him but the more you fear losing him, the higher the
possibility that you will. Magpo-focus ka na kasi masyado dun sa fear na mawawala sya kaya hindi ka
na makakagawa pa ng ibang bagay that will make your relationship stronger. So just give attention to
the present. Okay?�
�Okay po.�
�Do you feel better now? Gusto mo bang tumabi sa amin ni Dad ngayon?�
�Okay lang po ba?�
�Bakit naman hindi?� Mom asked and I gave her a hug.
Aleph�s Yaya arrived a few days before the quiz bee. Mas gusto ko sanang hindi na muna sila dumating
kasi ayoko na syang umuwi sa kanila. Nagpaalam ako kina Mommy na ihahatid namin si Aleph sa bahay nya
after our classes and she gave her permission.
�Bakit hindi ka nagsasalita?� Aleph asked.
�Wala lang.� I replied. Ayokong magsalita kasi ayokong umiyak. Ayokong magmakaawa na sa amin na lang
sya tumira kasi alam kong kahit ayaw nya ay gagawin nya because I asked him to. Hindi ko alam when I
ceased to be selfish. Bunso ako at aarte lang akong naiiyak kahit di naman ay nakukuha ko na ang
gusto ko. But not with Aleph, gusto kong ang mga decisions nya ay gusto nya. Ayoko syang pangunahan
at ayoko syang i-manipulate. My gosh, ito na talaga ang tinatawag na true love?
�Galit ka ba sa akin?� He asked and I looked questioningly at him.
�Bakit naman ako magagalit sayo?� I arched my brow. �Teka lang may ginawa ka bang ikakagalit ko?
Naku ha, wag mo akong itu-two time. Ingungudngod talaga kita sa kalsada makita mo."
He laughed as he put his arms around me. "Sa tingin mo maghahanap ako ng iba?"
"Wag kang magkakamali. Makipaghiwalay ka ng maayos and let me bash you and hate you in peace."
"Hindi ako maghahanap ng iba. Ingrid naman, ang tagal kitang pinangarap.�
"I love you talaga! Pinangarap? Kinikilig ako!" We both laughed but I copuldn't stop my tears. Oh
crap, I'm going to miss you. Mami-miss kong di kita nakikita sa bahay bago ako matulog.
"Why are you crying?" He asked and I wiped my face with my hands. "Ingrid, what's wrong?"
"Na-flatter lang ako masyado." I grinned at him even as my tears continued to fall. "Alam mo na
naiyak sa sobrang kilig. Don't mind me, nababaliw na yata ako at imbes na matawa ay naiiyak daw ako
bigla."
"Ano yun?" He put his arms around and I hugged him back. "Ano yun? Sabihin mo sa akin. Please, I'm
worried."
"Wala lang." I sobbed. "Natatakot ako sa quiz bee." I continued to cry. Ayokong sabihin sa kanya ang
totoo. Di bale nang magmukha akong tanga pero ayoko syang i-pressure.
"Yan ba talaga ang rason?"
"Oo nga!" I insisted as I leaned away from him. "Hay naku, alam mo na first time lang sumali sa ganun
kaya ito maya't maya naiiyak sa kaba. Kaloka di ba?" I tried to laugh as he stared at me. He pulled
his handkerchief from his backpocket and wiped my tears with it.
"Mahal kita, alam mo ba yun?"
"Matagal ko nang alam." I smiled. "Tama na nga ang iyak. Ang drama lang natin." I said. Huminto na
ang sasakyan at naiiyak na naman ako kasi nasa tapat na kami ng bahay nya. "Teka, patulong tayo para
maibaba ang mga bag mo." I said.
"Mamaya na yan, I want you to meet Yaya first." He said as he took my hand and open the car's door.
Hinila nya ako papasok ng gate nila. "Ya! Nandito na po ako!" He shouted. He seemed excited at lalong
sumakit ang dibdib ko. Gusto na nga nyang umuwi. I thought. I smiled at him when he looked at me.
"Nakukwento kita sa kanya kaya gusto ka nyang ma-meet."
"Gusto ko rin syang ma-meet."
"Aleph!" An older woman excitedly called as soon as she opened the door. "Aleph!" She immediately
hugged my boyfriend. "Mabuti naman at sinabi mong may tinutulugan ka. Ayaw kitang iwanan pero alam ko
namang hindi ka rin sasama sa amin kasi ayaw mong umabsent sa klase."
"Opo, kina Ingrid po muna ako natulog." He said. He put an arm around my shoulders. "Ya, girlfriend
ko po, si Ingrid Yelen Samonte."
"Sya yung nasa mga pictures sa albums mo?" His Yaya asked. I was pleasantly surprised. Ay, stalker.
Nangunguha ng picture. Ang ganda ko talaga.
"Good evening po." I greeted as Aleph blushed.
"Good evening, Ingrid. Pasok kayo sa loob. Bakit ba dito tayo sa labas nag-uusap?" She opened the
door wider and we stepped inside. "Upo kayo, anong gusto nyong meryenda? Hindi pa kasi ako
nakakapagluto ng hapunan."
"Naku, wag na po kayong mag-abala at hindi namn po ako gutom. Hinatid lang po namin si Aleph dito."
"Ganun ba? Pasensya ka na, Ingrid kakarating lang talaga namin kaya pati yung ref ay hindi ko pa
nabubuksan at naglinis muna ako ng buong bahay."
"Okay lang po." I said. At naiiyak na naman daw ako. Ano ba, Ingrid! Para kang baliw! Hindi mo na ba
makikita yang boyfriend mo sa school? My gosh! "Kunin na natin ang mga gamit mo sa kotse?" I turned
to ask Aleph but my voice cracked with emotion. Gosh! Stop it, Ingrid! "Pasensya na po, medyo makati
po ang lalamunan ko." I repeatedly cleared my throat. Nahiya ako sa Yaya nya kasi feeling ko ang arte
ko lang. "Tara na." I mumbled as I got up.
"Ya," Aleph started to say. "Pwede po bang kina Ingrid po muna ako." He added. I turned to look at
him. "Gusto ko po kayong makasama��
"Naiintindihan ko. Natutuwa ako na masaya ka dun." His Yaya smiled. "Gabi-gabi mo akong tini-text di
ba para sabihin sa akin kung gaano kabuting tao sila at gabi-gabi ka rin nagkukwento na tinuturing ka
nilang parang pamilya. Masaya ako para sayo." His Yaya was getting teary at wala akong maintindihan
kasi naiiyak na ako. "Dun ka na, mas makakabuti sayo kesa magtiis ka dito."
"Salamat po." Tumayo si Aleph para yakapin ang Yaya nya.
"Magpakabait ka dun. Dadalawin kita. Inaayos lang namin ang mga papeles ng Kuya Delfin mo para
masundan na nya si Riza."
"Kung gusto nyo po ng kasama��
"Hindi na. Mas gusto kong masaya ka. Okay naman kami dito at iniisip ko pa lang na iiwanan kita ulit
kapag aalis na ako sumasakit na ang dibdib ko. Mas palagay ang loob ko na may mga taong kumukupkop
sayo."
"Salamat po."
"Yung mga tinuro ko sayo, wag mong kakalimutan. Ayokong pabigat ka sa iba. Tumulong ka sa mga gawaing
bahay�� She started to cry. "Sana nakita ni Matilda kung anong klaseng bata ka. Sana nasaksihan nya
kung gaano ka kabait. Sana��
"Okay lang po, Ya. Tama na po. Wag na natin silang abalahin." Aleph retorted. Matilda? Matilda ang
name ng Mommy nya? I asked myself. Aleph turned to smile at me. "Okay lang ba, Ingrid na sa inyo muna
ako?" He asked.
"Ayokong napipilitan ka lang. Gusto kong gusto mo rin."
"Gusto ko." He said.
"Sigurado ka ba?" I inquired.
"Oo." He grinned. "Pero kung ayaw mo ako dun��
"Loko!" I hugged him tight. "Kanina pa kaya ako naiiyak kasi nagdadrama ako!" He laughed as he
wrapped his arms around me. I felt him kiss the top of my head and I sagged against him in relief.
"Teka lang, you were asking about my Mom. Kahit hindi ko alam yung name nya, gusto kong makita mo
kung ano ang itsura nya." He said before he turned to his Yaya. "Ya, yung picture po ni Mommy?"
"Teka, kukunin ko. Buti hindi ko tinapon, nandito lang sa drawer." His yaya said before she left to
get the picture. "Pero luma na ito baka nagbago na ang itsura." Sabi nya pagkabalik nya as she handed
the photo to Aleph.
"Di bale po, gusto ko lang pong i-introduce yung girlfriend ko sa kanya." He laughed. "Mommy, si
Ingrid po, ang babaeng pakakasalan ko." He said and I rolled my eyes at him.
"Bola." I replied although hindi ko maitago ang ngiti ko. "Akin na nga para makapag-hello ako sa
kanya." I joked as I took the picture from him and my smile vanished as I stared at the very familiar
face.
CHAPTER 27
I stared at the picture. Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko sa kanya so I said nothing. Paano ko
naman sasabihin sa boyfriend ko na kilalang-kilala ko at sobrang generous sa akin ang Mommy nya na
nang-iwan sa kanya? Paano ko yun ida-divulge without hurting his feelings?
�Are you okay, Ingrid?� He asked and I looked up and smiled before I handed him back the picture.
�Oo naman. Ready ka na bang sa amin tumira forever?� I tried to joke and he smiled. I wanted to hug
him. I wanted to tell him na okay lang kahit hindi sya mahal ng Mommy nya, mamahalin ko sya at hindi
ko sya iiwan. Pero natatakot akong magsalita at baka kung anong masabi ko.
�Naiiyak ka ba?� He sounded worried and I nodded. Hindi talaga ako makalusot kapag sya ang iniiyakan
ko kasi ang bilis tumulo ng mga luha ko. �Why?�
�I�m just so happy na magkakasama na tayo.� I fibbed and he smiled before he gave me a hug.
�Aleph, I�ll never leave you.� I murmured as I hugged him back. �Nandito ako parati para sayo. And
even when the time comes that I�ll have to choose, ikaw ang pipiliin ko.�
�Hey, ayokong umiiyak ka. Pwede bang kapag masaya ka ngumiti ka na lang kesa umiiyak ka? Kahit
sabihin mong masaya ka, it still hurts me to see your tears.�
�Masanay ka na, isa kasi sa career choices ko ang mag-artista.� I retorted and he laughed. I kissed
him on the cheek bago ako kumalas sa pagkakayakap sa kanya. I smiled at him. It was painful to learn
that the secret the Samontes whispered about was Aleph. �I love you and I�ll fight for you.�
�Fight for me? Why?�
�Baka kasi may mga malalanding babaeng lalapit-lapit sayo eh makakatikim talaga sila ng roundhouse
kick sa akin.�
�Alam mo bang natutuwa ako kapag nagseselos ka?� He grinned and I took his hand in mine.
�Pero wag na wag kang magkakamaling pagselosin ako, masama akong magselos.�
�Oo naman. Faithful ako sayo.�
�Sure yan?�
�Ingrid, wala ka bang tiwala sa akin?�
�Meron. Sobra-sobra.� I replied. �Tara na at baka gabihin na tayo?�
�Sige.� He turned towards his Yaya and they embraced. Lalo tuloy akong naiyak. Pakiramdam ko mas
lalong masasaktan si Aleph kapag malalaman nya ang totoo. At ano na lang ang sasabihin ng mga kamag-
anak namin when they learn that he�s living with us? Pero ayokong isipin yun at wala akong pakialam
sa sasabihin nila. I�m keeping you. I quietly told myself.
�Mag-ingat ka dun. Wag mo na akong dalawin kasi mas lalo kang mahihirapan kapag umalis na kami. Wag
kang magpabaya sa pag-aaral mo at parati kang magdadasal. Tumulong ka sa bahay nina Ingrid at wag
kang mag-astang senyorito.�
�Opo.� Aleph�s voice shook with emotion and I turned away from them as my tears fell.
�Isasauli namin yung sasakyan at nahihirapan na din kami at wala nang padala ang Mommy mo��
�Ya, may ipon po ako ibibigay ko po sa inyo��
�Hindi na. Sayo yang ipon mo, wag mong gagalawin. Kung pang araw-araw namin ng Kuya Delfin mo ang
inaalala mo, natanggap syang driver sa isang factory ng gamot. Makakaraos kami.�
�Bakit nyo naman po isasauli nyo yung sasakyan? Ano na pong gagamitin ninyo?�
�Sanay naman kaming mag-jeep at mag-bus, Ingrid. At magdadalawang buwan nang hindi nagpapadala ang
mga magulang ni Aleph ng sustento kaya imbes na ipang-gas namin yung kakaunting pera namin ay mas
makakabuting ibili na lang namin ng pagkain.� Walang trace nang galit o bitterness ang boses nya and
I wondered kung gaano kabait yung ibang tao at tanggap nila ang mga ganoong treatment.
�Sorry po.� I blurted out and Aleph and his Yaya looked at me with confusion. Hindi ko alam kung
bakit ako nag-apologize, hindi ko alam kung para saan yung apology ko. All I knew was ang daming nag-
sakripisyo at ang daming nadamay para sa tinatawag ng mga Samonte na dignidad ng pamilya.
�Bakit ka nagso-sorry?� Aleph was frowning.
�Kasi�ano... kasi sa amin ka na uuwi kaya for sure mami-miss ka nila.� I answered and was surprised
when his Yaya hugged me.
�Ingrid, salamat kasi nandyan ka para kay Aleph. Nag-alala ako kasi hindi ko alam kung saan at kung
kanino ko sya ihahabilin, mabuti na lang nandyan ka at ang pamilya mo.� She whispered and I hugged
her back.
�Ako na pong bahala sa kanya. Salamat din po kasi pinalaki nyo po syang maayos.� I said getting
teary-eyed.
�Salamat.� She smiled sadly before she turned towards Aleph.
�Bunso, wag kang magpapalipas ng gutom dun, ha. Ingatan mo parati ang sarili mo. Kahit anong
problemang dadating, magpakatatag ka. Gusto kong abutin mo lahat ng pangarap mo. Kapag nandun na kami
sa ibang bansa, magpapaturo ako sa Kuya Delfin mo kung paano ka susulatan sa internet, kung may
problema ka ay wag kang mahihiyang magsabi sa akin. Nandito ako para sayo.�
�Opo.� Aleph's lower lips was trembling pero hindi sya umiiyak.
�Matapang ka di ba? Kailangan mong maging matapang kasi gusto kong meron kang marating. Kapag maayos
na ang lagay namin doon, sisikapin kong makapagpadala ng pera sayo dito. Ang sabi kasi ng
mapapangasawa ng Kuya Delfin mo, pwede daw kaming magtinda ng ulam doon, dagdag kita��
�Wag na po, Ya. Okay lang naman po ako eh. Tsaka wala naman po akong gastos sa bahay at pagkain pati
po pamasahe. Maghahanap po ako ng trabaho ngayong summer para may pang-enrol po ako kung sakaling
hindi po sila magpapadala ng pera para doon. Kumuha na po ako ng form sa Principal's office para
makapag-apply po ako ng scholarship kaya wag po kayong mag-alala.�

Habang nagsasalita sya parang dinudurog yung puso ko. Ang sakit na marinig yun sa kanya at lalo akong
nasaktan kasi parang wala lang sa kanya habang sinasabi nya yun. Sanay na sya sa sakit and the
realization was so heartbreaking.
�O sige na at anong oras na. Mag-ingat kayo.� His yaya said and we waved goodbye at her. Naghihintay
si Manong Ben sa labas ng sasakyan kasi akala nya yata kailangan ni Aleph nang tulong para maibaba
ang mga gamit nya.
�Tara na po.� Sabi ko at tumango sya. Walang imik na sumakay kami sa kotse at habang papalapit kami
sa bahay at lalo akong kinakabahan.
Paano ko sasabihin? Would my family take my side? Anong pwede kong gawin? I wanted to ensure na
manatili sa amin si Aleph kasi kung hindi, saan sya pupunta? Pwede syang bumalik dun sa bahay nila
pero aalis din naman ang Yaya nya at ang Kuya Delfin nya so he�ll be left by himself. Naalala ko rin
yung sinabi ng Yaya nya na almost two months nang hindi nagpapadala ng pera ang parents ni Aleph so
paano sya mabubuhay?
�You�re awfully quiet. Anong iniisip mo?� He asked and I turned my head to smile at him.
�I�m just happy na magkasama tayo.�
�For someone who�s supposedly happy ay parang nakasimangot ka. Ano yun? I can feel that something�s
bothering you.�
�Mixed emotions. Malungkot ako na masaya. Masaya ako kasi magkasama tayo pero malungkot ako kasi
magkakalayo kayo ng Yaya mong nagpalaki sayo.�
�Magkikita kami ulit. I look forward to the day when I�m successful enough to afford a plane ticket
to visit her. Sana maisama kita.�
�Dapat talagang isama mo ako.� I replied and he chuckled before he looked out the car's window.
"Aleph?"
"Yes?"
�I know you�re just hiding your sadness. Alam ko ring nasasaktan ka but you�ve hidden your feelings
for so long that you�ve gotten very good at it. You don�t have to hide them when you�re with me.�
I said and he smiled as tears pooled in his eyes.
�A lot of times, I question kung bakit pa ako ipinanganak." He laughed softly even when his tears
were racing down his face. "Sana hindi na lang nila ako itinuloy. Masakit kasi yung ganito, I know
that I�m unwanted and I wish there�ll be a day when I won�t feel so unloved by the very same people
who were supposed to love me.�
�Ano ka ba naman! Yung love ko sayo katumbas yun ng ilang libong tao, bakit mo pa hahanapin yung
pagmamahal ng iba?� I tried to smile as I wiped my tears with my hands. �Dapat na ba akong magtampo?
�
�Hindi. Alam mo naman na love na love kita pero it is a universal fact, Ingrid that a child will long
for his or her parents' affection. I am trying to get over that longing and I am so glad that you�re
here kasi unti-unti nang nawawala yun. Sana hindi ka magbago. Sana patuloy mo akong mamahalin at
tulad ng pagmamahal ko sayo because if I lose you, I truly have nothing.�
�Ay, hindi yun mangyayari, asa ka pa. Akin ka lang, papalagyan ko na nga ng tattoo yang noo mo eh na
Ingrid�s Property.� I said and he laughed. I leaned sideways to wrap my arms around his waist and
he guided my head to lie on his shoulder. "I love you."
"I love you." He answered and I closed my eyes and started thinking of a plan. Kailangan kong
makausap si Ate. Ate will know exactly what to do and and I knew that she'd stand behind me without
question.
Pagdating namin ng bahay ay napansin kaagad ni Mommy na umiyak ako but I was glad that my mom�s not
one to ask questions that might embarrass anyone. She was very glad na bumalik si Aleph and although
alam kong gusto nya akong makausap ay wala syang sinabi.
�Nandito na si Dad, kakarating lang. Magbihis na kayo para makapag-dinner.� She smiled kindly at my
boyfriend. �Are you okay, son?�
�Opo, Tita. Thank you po.� Aleph responded.
�That�s good to hear. O, hurry up I cooked a new dish and I�m sure magugustuhan nyo yun. I made
homemade strawberry ice cream and custard �clairs for dessert too.� She announced enthusiastically.
Naunang pumasok sa kwarto nya si Aleph and Mom turned to me.
�I�m ready to listen when you�re ready to talk. Okay, baby?� She said and I nodded before I hugged
her.
�I need your support, 'Mmy and I hope I will get it.�
�Bakit parang kinakabahan ako dyan sa sinasabi mo?� She nervously laughed. �Should I call your
sister?�
�Mamaya, tatawagan ko si Ate. Sige po, 'Mmy magbibihis po muna ako.�
�Okay, bilisan mo para makakain na.�
�Opo.� I replied as I ran up the stairs to my bedroom.
Dad must have sensed that something was wrong with me and Aleph because he doubled his efforts to be
funny. At mas lalo tuloy akong naiiyak. Takot ako sa reaction nya. He�s a Samonte and he�s very
protective of the family name.
�Baby, is something wrong?� He took me aside and asked me after dinner.
�Wala po.� I smiled but he still looked unconvinced. �Dad naman, hindi po ba ako pwedeng mag-emote?
Paano na lang ang pangarap kong mag-artista kung di nyo ako papayagang mag-practice?� I pouted and he
smiled.
�Pwede mo kaming lapitan ni Mommy mo kung may problema ka. I will listen.�
�Opo. I know, Dad. Kaya kita love na love na love kasi ang bait mo at mahal na mahal mo ako.�
�At kaya kita love na love na love dahil ang galing mong mambola.� He laughed. �O, sige na at alam
kong magre-review pa kayo para dun sa Quiz Bee ninyo. Good luck, I know you and Aleph will do us
proud.�
"Thanks, Dad.� I kissed him on the cheek before I ran back to my bedroom. I took a bath and took my
books and notes with me. Pag baba ko ay nandun na si Aleph at naghihintay.
�Ready ka na para mag-aral?� He smilingly asked and I nodded. We reviewed for two hours but my mind
was somewhere else. Hindi ako makapag-concentrate and I repeatedly apologized kasi nahalata nyang
wala ako sa sarili ko.
�Spill it, Ingrid. Ano yun?� He asked looking at me. �Kanina ko pa yan napapansin at gusto kitang
tulungan pero hindi ko yun magagawa kung hindi sasabihin sa akin.�
�Wala.�
�Meron.� He answered. �Ano yun, please tell me.�
�Hindi ko alam kung paano at saan magsisimula.�
�Magsimula ka kahit saan, I�ll piece the information together. Teka lang, may gusto ka bang iba?�
He asked.
�At talagang tinanong mo pa ako kahit tinanan na kita?� I asked back and he laughed. �Aleph��
�Yes? Ano yun, mahal kong Ingrid?� Oh my gosh, paano ko ba ito sasabihin? Ma-pride si Aleph and I�m
sure aalis sya kapag sinabi ko sa kanya. I don�t want him to leave. �Ano yun? You can tell me.�
�Promise me something first.�
�Okay.�
�Kahit anong mangyari at kahit anong sasabihin ng iba, dito ka lang sa bahay. Dito ka lang sa tabi ko
at hindi mo ako iiwan.� I said and he frowned.
�That statement got me very curious.�
�Mangako ka muna at tuparin mo yung pangako mo.�
�Ingrid��
�Sige na, please.� I murmured. �Sige na. Promise me and I�ll tell you everything.�
�Okay, I promise.�
�Dapat kumpleto. Ulitin mo yung sinabi ko.� He laughed softly before he kissed me on the forehead,
�I, Aleph Gabriel Santiago, promise Ingrid Yelen Samonte that I won�t leave her side. Ever.� He
grinned and I lurched forward to hug him tight. �What is it?� I felt his arms around me. "Tell me."
�I know your Mom.� I whispered and he tightened his arms around. "And your Dad too." I added and
felt him stiffen.
CHAPTER 28
I thought he was going to push me away kaya hinigpitan ko ang pagyakap ko sa kanya. We were sitting
side-by-side on the bean bags and my position felt uncomfortable because I twisted sideways just to
hug him. But I didn't mind at all. Gusto ko lang syang mayakap. I wanted to reassure him that
everything will be okay.
But I was also anxious kung ano ang magiging reaction nya. I was scared that he would leave. I was
afraid that the moment he finds out the truth, he would see me and my family differently. I was
terrified at the idea that he would walk away because I wasn�t ready to let him go.
�Aleph, don�t leave me. Please.� I sobbed. �Sorry na. Sorry sa lahat-lahat. Ipaglalaban kita,
hindi mo kailangang umalis.� I pleaded.
I knew I sounded pathetic. Siguro kung narinig ko ang mga salitang yun sa iba, I would have rolled my
eyes and said something demeaning. Hindi ko naisip na darating ako sa point kung saan ako ang
magmamakaawa. As the youngest child in my family, I wasn�t used to apologizing. Or begging. Pero
magbabago ka pala and you�ll learn to swallow your pride for the person you love.
I calmed down a little when I felt him return my embrace. I felt his lips on my forehead. Still, I
did not loosen my hold on him.
"Stop crying, Ingrid." He muttered. His voice sounded thick at parang umiiyak din sya. "Bakit ka ba
umiiyak?"
"Wag kang umalis." I said. I felt him nod before I felt him kiss my hair.
"Hindi ako aalis. Kahit kelan. Bakit naman ako aalis, di ba? Bakit naman kita iiwanan?"
"Sure ba yan?" I asked.
"Oo." He replied. "But I have a question and I want to know the truth no matter how painful it is."
"Ano yun? Tungkol ba sa parents mo? Susubukan kong sagutin lahat ng tanong mo�"
"No." He cut me off. "Don't worry about that, I need to ask you something more important." He said
and I leaned away from him to look at his face.
"What is it?" I sniffed and he held my face with both his hands.
"Are we related? Magpinsan ba tayo?" He asked and I shook my head.
"No." I responded.
"Yung totoo? Just tell me the truth. Regardless if we're related by blood, ikaw lang ang mamahalin
ko."
"Ang sweet pakinggan pero hindi nga. Mabuti na lang. Talagang iisipin pinaparusahan ako kasi sobrang
ganda ko kapag yun ang nangyari. At tsaka hindi ko matatanggap kung sakali. Baka lumabas na ako at
bumili ng lubid kung naging magkamag-anak tayo." I answered and he chuckled before he pulled my face
towards his for a kiss. I kissed him back and he kissed me on the forehead when we parted for air.
"Yun lang ang importante. The rest doesn't matter." He said and although I was satisfied with his
reaction, alam ko pa rin na kailangan nyang malaman ang totoo.
"May tanong ka ba about your Mom and Dad?" I questioned and he shook his head.
"Wala." He said. "Hindi na mahalaga yun. Iniwan nila ako but I have you. Lahat okay lang sa akin,
tanggap ko. Ang hindi ko lang matatanggap ay yung pati ikaw mawala sa akin. You're all I have." He
said and my eyes swelled with tears again. "I sensed that something was wrong but I was too
frightened to ask you about it. Nakita ko kung paano ka nag-react nung ipinakita ko sayo ang picture
ni Mommy. And I prayed na kahit kunin na nila lahat basta wag lang ikaw."
"Tama na." I sniffed. "Naiiyak tuloy ako lalo, ikaw kasi eh." I sobbed and he pulled me into his
embrace again.
"Kung ayaw nila akong makilala, they must have their reasons. Kung ayaw nila akong maging parte ng
buhay, matagal ko nang tanggap. I'll work really hard to start anew with you, Ingrid. Gagawin ko
lahat para kapag tayong dalawa nagka-pamilya, our children will not go through this kind of pain."
"Children agad? Pwedeng wedding muna?" I asked and he laughed.
"Oo naman." He said.
"Are you sure, you really don't want to know about your parents?" I asked again and he nodded.
"Ayoko nang marinig pa kung sino sila at ano ang explanation nila because I'll start hoping again.
I'll start dreaming that they'll look for one day and we'd be a happy family. Ayokong buhayin yung
thoughts na yun because I carried that dream with me for years. At masasaktan lang ako lalo because
I'll realize that I was a fool for dreaming."
"No, you're not a fool. You're the most amazing boy I know." I said and he smiled.
"I don't want to be just a boy, I want to be an amazing man for you someday.�
"You already are and so much more."

"May isa lang akong gustong hingin from you."
"Wag naman virginity ko. Grabe, hindi pa ako prepared."
"Ano ka ba." He laughed. "Si Ingrid talaga. Alam kong masyado pa tayong bata para dun."
"Pero kukunin mo rin naman balang-araw di ba?" I asked and he laughed harder.
"Oo. Kukunin ko, don't worry."
"Buti na yung sigurado." I mumbled and he sighed.
"I love you so much but I haven't proven anything to your family yet." He muttered. "Ano yun,
Ingrid?" He suddenly asked. Napatingin ako sa kanya at nakakunot ang noo nya.
"Ha? Bakit?" I asked back.
"Nag-iba kasi ang timpla ng mukha mo dun sa sinabi ko. May nasabi ba akong masama?" He questioned. He
sounded very worried and I felt guilty. Ayokong sabihin yung tungkol sa tingin ko ay magiging
reaction ni Daddy. Ayokong ikwento kung anong nangyari seven years ago when the whole Samonte clan
found out about Aleph. But you need to prepare him, Ingrid. I told myself.
"I'm worried about Dad." I held his gaze and his frown deepened.
I didn't want to sugarcoat things for him. Kung sila kaya nila syang iwanan, lokohin at balewalain, I
promised myself that I wouldn't do the same�I will remain faithfuI; I will remain by his side and I
will always tell him the truth.
"Bakit? Galit ba sya sa akin?" His apprehensively searched my face. "Magbabago ba ang pakikitungo nya
sa akin dahil dun? Paghihiwalayin ba nya tayo?"
"No." I answered. "Hindi ako papayag. Tsaka, hindi sya galit sayo. Hindi naman nila alam kung sino
yung anak ni Tita Mattie sa iba. Pero when your existence was revealed, ironically Pasko pa nung
nangyari yun, Dad was the most vocal about it. Sya yung galit na galit dahil siguro bunsong kapatid
nya ang wife ng Daddy mo�" I stopped talking. "I'm sorry, hindi ko sinadya. Wag kang magtampo sa
akin, ha. Ang daldal ko kasi."
"Apology accepted although it isn't required." He smiled. "It's okay. You can tell me anything.
Ayokong hindi open ang communication nating dalawa. Ayokong iniisip mo pa kung dapat mo bang sabihin
sa akin ang isang bagay o hindi."
"Ang sabi mo kasi kanina ayaw mong malaman yung tungkol sa parents mo."
"Oo. Dahil ayoko nang umasa. Pero mas importante ka at ang gusto ko ay nasasabi mo lahat sa akin ang
kahit ano. I want you to see me as your confidante. Gusto kong maging isang mabuting boyfriend at
mabuting tao sayo."
"Alam mo bang mahal na mahal kita at ang unfair mo kasi bawat sinasabi at ginagawa mo ay mas lalo
akong nai-in love sayo?"
"See? May magandang naidulot din yung pag-iwan sa akin ng parents ko, tingnan mo ngayon mahal na
mahal mo ako." He said and I made a face.
"Oo na, ikaw na ang lovable." I muttered and he laughed. But his expression grew serious and I took
his hand in mine. "Bakit, Aleph? Is something bothering you?"
"Ibig sabihin ba, kailangan nating itago sa parents mo kung sino talaga ako?" He asked.
"Magsisinungaling tayo? I really like your family, Ingrid pero torn ako kasi ayoko ring malayo sayo
at baka kapag nalaman nila kung sino ako, di nila ako matanggap."
"My parents love you, Aleph. Kahit sina Kuya JFK at Ate Ice boto sayo. Hindi tayo magsisinungaling.
Gusto ko lang na humanap tayo ng magandang timing na kausapin si Dad."
"Sa tingin mo ba, aayawan nya ako?" He sounded so uncertain. "Gagawin ko ang lahat para hindi nya ako
ayawan." He murmured and I got teary-eyed again.
"Hindi sya pwedeng umayaw sayo kasi mahal ako nun. At alam nyang love na love na love kita."
"Pakasal na tayo, Ingrid." He blurted out and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Di ka pa nga marunong mag-drive pero gusto mo nang magpakasal?"
"Marunong naman ako kahit kaunti." He replied. "Pero kahit ganito ako, I will make sure that you will
be happy with me. I will make sure that your life will be comfortable with me and I will make sure
that you will never regret choosing me."
"Anong ibig mong sabihin sa kahit ganito ako na phrase mo? Kahit ganyan ka kagwapo? Kahit ganyan ka
kabait? Kahit ganyan ka katalino? Ang swerte ko kaya sayo. You're every girl's dream. Pero syempre
kahit halatang kinikilig ka dyan ay tatandaan mo parati that you belong to me. Exclusively para kay
Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte ka lang."
"Oo naman." He answered and I wrapped my arms around him again. "I love you so much, Ingrid."
"I love you so much too." I replied. "At tatandaan mo parati na kakaririn ko na ang pagiging Mrs.
Aleph Gabriel Santiago kaya hindi na pwedeng magbago ang isip mo."
"To borrow your word, karirin mo lang. Magpapakarir ako sayo." He laughingly said and I looked at him
and frowned.
"Parang bastos pakinggan yung sinabi mo."
"Hindi ah. Bakit ko naman babastusin si Mrs. Santiago?" He asked at gusto kong tumili sa kilig.
"Ay naku, ewan ko sayo." I said getting up. He pulled me to sit on his lap and I arched my brow at
him. "Bakit parang kinakabahan ako? May balak ka bang masama sa akin?"
"Wala." He was blushing and I blushed seeing how red his face had gotten. "O, bakit ka namumula?"
"Wala." I replied. Pero two minutes na lang ay wala pa syang ginawa at nakakalong lang ako sa kanya.
"Aleph." I whined.
"Bakit?"
"Kung may balak kang masama, pwedeng gawin mo na? Hindi ko mamasamain." I said and he burst out
laughing. "Ano bang balak mo?"
"Kiss lang. Masama ba yun?"
"Hindi." I replied.
He gently held my face with his hands. As soon as our lips touched, I parted my mouth to invite him
in and he inhaled sharply. His kisses were always gentle at siguro sa aming dalawa ay masasabi kong
ako ang overeager. He rubbed his tongue against mine and I couldn't stop myself from whimpering.
"Tama na." He said. His breathing was ragged and I looked in confusion at him. "Ingrid, please wag
kang ma-offend that I was the one who stopped. At wag mo ring isipin na rejection yun. I would have
loved to continue kissing you but I know that we'll be tempting the gods if we kissed longer. And I
don't want to break your parents' trust, Ingrid."
"I know. Yes, I felt a little disappointed but I love the words tempting the gods. Feeling ko tuloy
goddess ako."
"Goddess ka naman talaga." He grinned.
"Itulog na natin to, nagbobolahan na lang tayo." I said getting up. He rose to his feet and hugged me
tightly to his chest.
"When I thought earlier that we might be related at hindi tayo pwede, ang sakit na. Mabuti na lang
hindi or else I would have lost my mind."
"Masyado kang gwapo para mabaliw." I hugged him back and I rubbed my nose against the front of his
shirt. "Bakit ba ang bango-bango mo parati?"
"Wala naman akong cologne at perfume."
"Ah, so pawis yan?"
"Hindi."
"Ano pala?"
"Pheromones." He answered and I stared at him. "Joke yun, tawanan mo naman, sayang ang effort ko."
"Wag demanding." I said before we doubled over in laughter. "Ang lakas! Pheromones talaga? So ang
hangin na nilalanghap ko ay puno ng chemicals that draw me to you?" I asked. "Eh paano kapag may
ibang babae? So ganun rin?"
"Ang cute mo pag nagseselos." He chuckled. "Yung pheromones ko ay sayo lang kaya lumalabas lang yun
kapag nandyan ka."
"Siguraduhin mo." I grumbled and he grinned. "Sya nga pala, sino yung nasa cover photo mo? Yung
batang babae dun na nakatalikod?"
"Ang selosa naman ng Kisses ko." He said before he kissed me on the cheek. "Pero bukas na natin pag-
usapan yun, matulog na tayo kasi anong oras na."
"Okay." I agreed reluctantly.
Lumabas kami sa study den at sya ang nagbitbit ng mga gamit ko hanggang sa may hagdanan. Pero inis pa
rin ako sa kanya kasi hindi nya sinagot yung tanong ko. Sino kaya yun?
"Goodnight, mahal na Ingrid." He was smiling.
"Goodnight din." I replied.
"Galit ka ba?"
"Hindi." I replied.
"Ingrid naman."
"Hindi nga ako galit. Inaantok lang ako." I reasoned and he sighed. "Sige, akyat na ako." I told him
before I ran up the stairs to my bedroom. I took a quick shower before I changed into my pajamas. I
was blow-drying my hair when my phone rang. "Ngeek, bakit tumatawag to?" I thought before I answered
the call. "Ano ka ba, hindi ako galit, ano. Medyo nainis lang. Pero pwede naman nating pag-usapan
bukas."
"Check my Facebook." He said. "Goodnight."
"Ha?"
"Basta, check my Facebook. I love you, goodnight."
"Goodnight." I replied. Ako na ang unang nagbaba ng telepono kasi ganun ang gusto nya. I turned my
laptop on. Mas prefer ko kasing ang laptop over my mobile kasi naliliitan ako sa screen ng telepono
ko. "Hm... ano kayang bago sa profile nya?" I murmured as I navigated to his profile.
And that's when I saw his cover photo�it was me wearing the same dress and the same tiara that the
girl in his old cover photo wore. I clicked on the picture and saw the caption he wrote. I promptly
burst into tears.
You're my once upon a time and my happily ever after... I'm yours forever and always.
CHAPTER 29
I was nervous around Dad. I was scared that I might unintentionally blurt out that Aleph was Tita
Mattie�s son. Natatakot ako kung anong magiging reaction nya at natatakot ako na baka yung galit nya
dun sa incident ilang years ago ay mag-extend kay Aleph.
�Ingrid, ayaw mo ba ang pagkain, baby?� Mom asked and I stared at her for a few seconds before I
smiled.
�No, Mom. I actually love today�s dinner. May iniisip lang po ako.� I reasoned. It was Sunday at
kinabukasan na ang Chemistry Quiz Bee. Hindi ko man lang makuhang kabahan kasi mas kabado ako sa
iniisip kong magiging reaksyon ng pamilya ko kapag nalaman nila ang sikreto ni Aleph.
�Ingrid, wag mong masyadong isipin yung Quiz Bee ninyo ni Aleph. Napapansin namin ng Daddy ninyo na
parang ilang araw na kayong lutang. I pray every night na manalo kayo but not at your well-being�s
expense.� Mom said.
�I agree with your Mom, Ingrid. I want you and Aleph to win too pero kung ganito ang kahihinatnan na
parang parati kang wala sa sarili mo, I�d rather that you drop out of the competition.� Dad
declared. �It�s just a contest, baby. It's not everything. Don�t feel pressured.�
�Mom, Dad, thank you so much for the advice pero hindi kami pwedeng mag-back-out kasi po pinaghandaan
namin ni Aleph nang mabuti yung competition. Besides, kami po yung representative ng Section I, baka
kalbuhin kami ng adviser namin kapag hindi po kami tumuloy.�
�Well-prepared naman po kami.� Aleph seconded. �Medyo kabado lang po.�
�Well, pupunta kami ng Daddy ninyo. Even your Ate and Kuya JFK will be there.� Mom smiled. �Tingnan
nyo nga kanina nung nagpunta tayo sa bahay nila, she couldn�t get-over the fact that you joined a
quiz bee, Ingrid.�
�Grabe, Mommy parang naghimala ako. She nearly broke my eardrum with her scream when I told her over
the phone that Aleph and I will be representing our section.�
�But don�t feel pressured. Just enjoy the experience.� Dad advised. �But we�re so proud of you,
ngayon pa lang.� He added smiling.
�We�ll do our best po.� Aleph answered and Dad smiled fondly at him.
After we finished dinner, umakyat muna ako para maghilamos at mag-toothbrush. Aleph and I were
supposed to go over important points na sa tingin nya ay lalabas sa quiz bee. Pagbaba ko ay nasa may
hagdanan na sya at naghihintay sa akin.
�Hi.� He greeted as he held out his hand towards me. I took it and gave it a squeeze before I twined
my fingers with his. �Are you okay?�

�Oo naman.� I answered as we walked towards our library. Inangkin na kasi namin ang isa sa mga
libraries ni Daddy kasi dun kami parating nag-aaral at lahat ng gamit at review materials namin ay
dun na namin nilalagay.
�Mula kasi nung last na nag-usap tayo about...about...my parents parang parati ka na lang malungkot.
Please, don�t think about it too much, Ingrid. I am worried about you.�
�Hindi ko naman masyadong iniisip pero sumasagi lang talaga sa utak ko paminsan-minsan. But I will
try na hindi na isipin yun if it will make you happy.� I said and he smiled. Nasa harap na kami ng
pintuan ng library and Aleph looked like he was about to say something.
"Ingrid..."
"Yes?" I asked.
�Wala lang." He touched my cheek. "I want you to remember that I�m happy whenever you are happy.�
�I�m happy as long as you�re here with me.� I retorted.
�Good, because I have no plans of leaving your side.� He answered beaming. He turned the doorknob
before pushing the door open and we both stepped inside.
Naka-on na ang aircon at mga ilaw sa loob ng library at alam kong si Mommy ang gumawa nang lahat ng
yun kasi may isang tray ng Mango Boat Tarts sa table. �Ang sweet talaga ng Mommy mo.� He remarked
and my gaze flew to his face because he sounded so sad. He glanced at me and smiled. �Nalulungkot
lang ako sa idea na baka nga magalit yung Daddy mo sa akin kapag nalaman nya kung sino ang parents ko
tapos paalisin nya ako dito sa bahay ninyo.�
�That�s not going to happen!� I feelingly muttered. �Hindi naman siguro ganun si Daddy. At tsaka
ang tagal na nun, I�m sure wala na lang sa kanya yun.� I added. Hindi ko man lang makuhang
kumbinsihin ang sarili ko but I pasted a smile on my face.
�Pero wag kang mag-alala, Ingrid. I will apologize to him and��
�No.� I shook my head. �Bakit ka mag-a-apologize? You don�t have to swallow your pride for
something that you did not cause.�
�But my pride is a little price to pay and something that I�m prepared to lose and swallow for
you.� He replied and I felt the tell-tale pricking behind my eyes.
�Tayo ang haharap nito, di ba? Hindi lang ikaw, hindi lang ako pero tayong dalawa.�
�Gusto mo bang sabihin na natin sa parents mo kung sino ang mga magulang ko para hindi ka na mag-
alala at alam na natin kaagad ang sagot ng Daddy mo? Nakikita ko kasing masyado kang affected at dun
ako nasasaktan.�
�I�m buying time. I want to be prepared for the confrontation. I want to hear what Ate thinks at
kanina gusto ko syang kausapin but Mom was always with us kasi nami-miss nya na si Ate kaya parati
syang sumasama sa amin.�
�But the longer we�ll drag this on, the more difficult it will be for you. I don�t want you to lie
for my sake at every time tinatanong ka ng parents mo why you look sad, alam ko kung ano ang
tumatakbo sa isip mo at nagi-guilty ako kasi kailangan mo pang magsinungaling para pagtakpan ako.�
�Hindi naman totally kasinungalingan ang mga sinasabi ko. Totoo namang iniisip ko din yung Quiz
Bee.� I argued and he sighed. Hinila nya ang isang upuan at pinaupo ako bago sya umupong nakaharap sa
akin.
�Ayokong masanay ka sa pagsisinungaling sa kanila. A white lie is still a lie. I know for a fact that
you do not lie to your parents, Ingrid. Ganun mo sila kamahal at malaki ang tiwala nila sayo. Ayokong
masira yun nang dahil sa akin.�
�Let�s tell them after the contest.� I said.
�Promise yan?�
�Oo, I swear sasabihin ko sa kanila ang lahat.�
�Good girl.� He smiled proudly. �I�m so proud of you, Ingrid. Not only because you�re my
girlfriend but also because you�re such a kind-hearted person. Maldita ka para sa mga hindi
nakakakilala sayo and I wish everyone would get to know you and see just how nice you are.�
�Everyone talaga? Baka dumami karibal mo nyan, ikaw din.� Biro ko sa kanya at tumawa sya.
�Alam ko namang ako ang pipiliin mo. May tiwala naman ako sayo.�
�Ang cute ng linya pero magselos ka naman paminsan-minsan. Feeling ko tuloy hindi effective yung
charm ko kasi hindi ka man lang nagseselos.�
�Nagseselos ako kapag may mga lumalapit sayo. Marami akong pinagseselosan kahit na hindi naman dapat.
But I know that you love me at kahit sino pang gwapo dyan ang aali-aligid ay alam kong sa akin ka pa
rin uuwi.�
�Uuwi talaga? Kinikilig tuloy ako.� I said and he laughed again. �Pero, Aleph...�
�Ano?� He asked and I leaned towards him to whisper in his ear.
�Walang ibang gwapo sa akin, ikaw lang.�
Kung noong mga nakaraang araw ay hindi ako kinakabahan, sa araw mismo ng contest ay parang gusto kong
umuwi kasi nasusuka ako, naiihi, nauuhaw, nagugutom at masakit ang ulo all at the same time. Lahat
yun ay dahil halos mahimatay na ako sa kaba. I thought my family�s presence was going to give me
inspiration pero bigla na lang ay gusto ko na silang pauwiin lahat kasi feeling ko ay magkaka-mental
block ako kapag nakikita ko sila.
�Calm down, breathe in, breathe out.� Aleph was coaching me to breathe properly because I seemed to
have forgotten how.
Nasa isang sound-proof na room kami sa backstage kasama ng ibang contestants and we were waiting for
the Seniors to finish. Nagbunutan daw ang heads per year-level at ang Juniors ang panghuling sasalang
sa Quiz Bee. �You can do this. We reviewed, right? Kayang-kaya mo to.�
�Mamamatay na yata ako.� I murmured and he smiled.
�Wag muna, magpapakasal pa tayo.� He replied.
�Tama ka. Masyado kang gwapo para iwanan ko.� I remarked and he laughed before he embraced me
tightly.
�Thank you for your sacrifices. Alam ko namang ayaw mo talagang sumali pero since mahal na mahal mo
ako at naramdaman mong ayoko na may kasamang iba ay pumayag ka.�
�Actually, nagselos lang talaga ako nang todo kaya napa-oo ako nang wala sa oras.�
�Di bale, we�ll make our first quiz bee together memorable.�
�Memorable talaga kasi kung hindi ako maiihi sa sobrang kaba ay feeling ko masusuka ako sa takot.� I
uttered and he laughed.
�You�ll do fine. Kaya ka lang takot kasi first time mo.�
�Were you like this the first time you joined a Quiz Bee?� I asked and he shook his head. �Wow, ang
galing mo naman.�
�I wanted to win, wala kasi kaming pang-medianoche at ayokong problemahin pa ni Yaya yung dadalhin
kong regalo para sa exchange gift ko kaya ginalingan ko. It was a matter of necessity for me then
kaya wala akong naramdamang kaba.�
�Every time na lang na nagsasalita ka at nagkukwento ka tungkol sa past mo ay lalo akong nai-inlove
sayo.� I said and he hugged me tighter.
�I love you more everyday too.� He whispered.
�Get ready, kayo na ang susunod!� Someone opened the door and noise assaulted my ears. The teacher
closed the door again and smiled at us.
Substitute teacher sya sa Chemistry kasi may isang teacher na naka-maternity leave. Mukha syang
bagong graduate and she looked very approachable. �Do your best, Juniors!� She uttered and we all
murmured our thanks.
�Miss. Baldonado, sino po ang nanalo sa Seniors?�
�Section I.� Miss Baldonado answered. �Kahit yung sa freshmen at sophies kanina, Section I pa rin
ang panalo. Pagbutihin nyo, ha.� She waved goodbye and left.
�Oh my gosh.� I groaned. Lalo akong na-pressure. Kumusta naman talaga kung hindi kami ang mananalo?
Siguro magpapasagasa sa tren si Mr. Buenviaje. I inwardly groaned.
�Third year contestants, get ready.� The speakers sounded and I started to tremble.
�Gosh, Aleph! Bakit ako pumayag na sumali dito! I�m sure magkakalat lang ako! I�m sure mapapahiya
lang ako and I am so sure na wala akong maisagot!�
�Ingrid, relax. Now inhale deeply before slowly expelling your breath.� He instructed and I
followed. �Shake your hands like this.� He said and I copied what he did. �Now, give me a kiss.�
He leaned forward and I tiptoed to kiss him on the lips. �Better?� He asked and I nodded. He gave me
a quick kiss again before he took my hand in his. �Smile, my Ingrid.� He whispered and I pasted a
smile on my face.
�And Section I�s representatives, Aleph Gabriel Santiago and Ingrid Yelen Samonte!� I heard someone
announce and Aleph and I took the stairs to the stage. Hindi ko na napansin yung palakpakan at
sigawan because I was simply awed to see the sea of people inside the auditorium. Never kasi akong
nahilig sa quiz bee at kahit kelan ay hindi supportive sa mga academic contests na sinasalihan ng
classmates o mga kaibigan ko.
�Bakit ang daming tao?� I asked in a whisper as Aleph and I stood in front of a podium.
�Ganito talaga. Pinagsabay kasi nila yung eliminations ng freshmen hanggang seniors.� Aleph replied.
�GO, INGRID!� I heard my sister�s voice and I saw her with Dad, Mom and Kuya JFK. They were waving
a banner with Aleph and mine�s names on it at lalo akong kinabahan. Pakiramam ko lahat yata ng kinain
ko simula last year hanggang kaninang umaga ay nag-uunahang lumabas sa bibig ko.
�Oh gosh, I think I�m going to get sick. Nasusuka ako.� I murmured.
�Relax.� Aleph squeezed my hand.
The Quizmaster was enumerating the rules and the point system pero wala akong maintindihan sa mga
sinabi nya. I scanned the crowd again and saw Monette and her cronies. They were pointing and
laughing at me at yung kaba ko napalitan ng inis. Nakakabwisit din itong mukhang galunggong na to. I
clenched my fists.
�Aleph, mukha ba akong tanga kanina?� I asked and he laughed softly.
�Halata kang kabado pero maganda ka pa rin.� He replied.
�Salamat.� I said and I couldn�t stop myself, I gave him a hug. Lumakas ang sigawa ng mga
classmates ko at puro hiyaw yata ng section namin ang narinig ko.
�Test your buzzers and your microphones.� The Quizmaster said and I nearly jumped in surprise when
our buzzer sounded.
"Okay lang yan, wag kang kabahan." Aleph whispered before tapping the microphone�s head with his
finger.
�Everything seems to be working, let�s start.� The Quizmaster announced and the crowd stopped
cheering.
�We can press the buzzer even before the question is finished. But we have to be careful because if
we answer incorrectly or if we fail to answer the question, we�ll be given a point deduction. Iba-iba
ang points na ina-award per question so dapat mindful din tayo kung iri-risk ba natin o hindi. It�s
safest to wait for the Quizmaster to finish the question before we press the buzzer, okay?� Aleph
said. Naramdaman nya yatang wala akong maintindihan sa mga pinagsasabi ng QM kanina kaya inulit nya
sa akin.
�Here�s your first question, for ten points: What do you call the col��
I pressed the buzzer and stared at Aleph in surprise. Hala, bakit ko yun pinindot?! I asked myself.
�Yes, Section I?� Oh my gosh! Sana pinatapos ko yung question! You have five more seconds to answer
the question.� She said. At meron palang timer ito! Ang gaga mo, Ingrid! Col lang ang clue! Malay ko
ba kung anong karugtong ng col na yun! Oh gosh! Oh well, sumagot man ako o hindi may point deduction
pa rin yun so I might as well take a guess.
�Bose-Einstein Condensate.� I said over the microphone. I was tempted to turn and run kasi nakita ko
si Mr. Buenviaje na napaupo sa upuan nya at mukhang luging-lugi.
�Correct!� The Quizmaster announced and I felt Aleph wrap his arms around me.
�Kapatid ko yan!� I heard Ate scream.
My family looked so damn proud, siguro naisip nilang hindi na sayang yung pagpunta nila sa school
kasi may nasagot na ako kahit isa lang.
We won because of Aleph. Matalino talaga sya at pagdating sa premium questions kung saan kailangan ng
calculations ay nagsusulat pa lang ako, sumasagot na sya. Mr Buenviaje actually cried when we were
declared as the winners. Pakiramdam nya siguro ay naka-witness sya ng himala. My family quietly
waited as our classmates and schoolmates shook our hands and congratulated Aleph and me.
We eagerly headed towards the Samonte contingent at bago pa man kami makarating kung saan sila
nakatayo ay sumalubong na silang lahat sa amin.
�I�m so proud of you!� Mommy looked like she was about to cry.
�Good job, Ingrid.� Dad said hugging Aleph and me to his chest.
�Ingrid!� Ate screamed my name. �Proud na proud si Ate sayo!� She gushed.
�Congratulations, ang galing nyo!� Kuya JFK enthused.
�Tara, let�s celebrate. Di ba wala na kayong klase?� Mom asked and Aleph and I nodded. We were
chattering happily as we were walking towards the exits when someone called Mommy�s name.
�Ate Isabel!� A woman�s voice said. I automatically turned my head to look who it was and froze.
�Mattie!� Mommy excitedly replied.
CHAPTER 30
I felt Aleph tense up and my protectiveness kicked into gear. I groped for his hand and twined my
fingers with his. He was holding my hand too tight pero hindi ako nagreklamo. Sa isip-isip ko kasi,
at least he was feeling something, mas nakakatakot kung wala na syang maramdaman kasi sobra syang
nasasaktan.
"Ate Isabel!" Tita Mattie hurried over and gave Mommy a hug. "Ingrid! Ice!" She exclaimed. "You've
grown more beautiful, Ice." She smiled at Ate. "Hi, Ingrid!" She turned her head to look at me as she
and Ate hugged. I could hear my heart beating wildly against my chest. "And this must be Ice's
husband." She said smiling at Kuya JFK.
"Ako nga po, I am JFK Zamora." Kuya replied.
"Ang gwapo mo pala talaga! I saw pictures of your twins. Such gorgeous children! I would have wanted
twins too pero hindi na yata kaya ng katawan kong magbuntis." She added.
Ganun si Tita Mattie, ang warm nyang kausap. Sya yung tipo ng taong hindi ka maiilang kahit bagong
magkakilala lang kayo because she'd go out of her way to make you feel comfortable. Kaya hindi ko
maisip kung bakit nagawa nyang iwanan si Aleph.
"Ano pong ginagawa ninyo dito, Tita?" Tanong ni Ate. "Mag-isa lang po ba kayo?"
"Oo, mag-isa lang. Si Lester at Lemuel balak kong ilipat dito sa school na to. Alam nyo naman yung
mga pinsan nyo, sobrang kukulit. Naghahanap kami ng magandang schools para sa kanila, hoping na
madisiplina ang mga batang yun!" She replied.
"Magandang school itong St. Bernadette, Tita." Ate said.
"Oo nga, Mattie. Dito mo na lang sila ilagay. At least Ingrid's here too. Di ba, Hon?" Mom directed
the question at Dad and Tita Mattie's gaze drifted towards my father. Parang naiilang syang tingnan
si Daddy and her demeanor instantly changed.
"Good afternoon po, Kuya." She greeted politely. Tumango lang si Daddy at hindi man lang ngumiti sa
kanya. Parang napahiya si Tita Mattie and she turned to smile at Aleph and me.
"Ingrid!" She exclaimed as she hugged me. "Ang galing naman ng inaanak ko! Napanuod kita kanina,
sobrang galing ninyo! I am so proud of you!"
"Thank you po." I replied pasting a smile on my face.
Alam kong nahalata nyang pilit yung ngiti ko pero siguro ay hindi na lang sya nagsalita o nagtanong.
Aleph's hand was growing cold in my grasp and despite the fact that I hated Tita Mattie for what she
did to Aleph, I still waited to see a hint of recognition on her face when her gaze settled on my
boyfriend. "Boyfriend ko po, Tita. Si Aleph Gabriel Santiago." I introduced and Tita Mattie smiled
pleasantly.
"Ang gwapo, bagay na bagay kayo." She said. Walang sumagot sa amin ni Aleph. "O, sige na at kailangan
ko nang umalis. Alam nyo naman yung mga anak ko nagwawala kapag matagal nila akong hindi nakikita."
She added waving goodbye. "It's great to see all of you here! Nice meeting you, JFK and Aleph!"
"Nasa binyag ka di ba?" Mommy asked and Tita Mattie's smile broadened.
"Oo, nandun kaming lahat. We wouldn't miss it for the world." She uttered. "Bye!"
"Bye!" Mommy and Ate replied.
Naramdaman kong nanlumo si Aleph and I knew why. His own mother did not even recognize him. "Teka
lang po, may nakalimutan po pala ako sa locker ko!" I smiled at my family. "Hintayin nyo na lang po
kami sa parking lot! Bye!" I said before I pulled Aleph with me.
Walang nagsasalita sa aming dalawa at dumerecho kami sa office ng Student Council. Wordlessly, he
took the office's key out of his pocket to open the door. He locked the door behind us and I
immediately turned to face him and give him a hug.
"Nandito ako." I whispered and I felt his arms around me. "Nandito lang ako."
I wondered kung ano kaya ang pakiramdam ng isang anak na hindi kilala ng sarili nyang nanay? Kasi
ako, hindi lang ako mapansin ni Mommy ay masama na ang loob ko; may tanong lang akong matagalan syang
sagutin ay di na ako iimik at kapag may sakit ako tapos wala sya ay umiiyak na ako. How much more
kung most of your life ay wala ang Mommy mo?
"Aleph...?" I kissed his cheek because he just held me and said nothing.
"Hindi nya ako kilala." He whispered. I could hear the hurt in his voice at nag-unahang tumulo ang
mga luha ko. I just felt shattered for him. "Hindi man lang nya ako nakilala." He mumbled.
"Shh..." Was all I could say. Hindi ko alam kung paano sya i-comfort. Anong sasabihin ko sa kanya?
Would words be enough to make him feel better? "Don't take it personal, Aleph. Baka kasi bata ka pa
lang nung huli kayong nagkita." I swallowed the lump in my throat. My reasoning sounded shallow.
"Kaya siguro hindi ka nya nakilala." I added lamely.
He inhaled deeply. "Baka nga." He murmured. I hugged him tighter and he put his cheek against mine. I
felt moisture trickle down my face and I knew that he was crying. At kahit anong pilit kong maging
matatag para sa kanya, I couldn't help but cry with him too.
"Tama na." I said as I ran my hand along his back.
"Akala ko kasi hindi na ako masasaktan." He answered and my heart broke all over again at how honest
and raw his declaration sounded. "Akala ko kasi okay na ako."
"Alam ko and I just love how strong you are kasi kung ako yun baka nagwala na ako sa harap nya. Pag
tayo may pamilya na, malayo ka pa lang nasa labas na kami't naghihintay sa pag-uwi mo. Tikhim mo pa
lang, kilala na ng mga anak natin." I said and I felt him nod his head. "I'm sorry because there are
times when my love isn't enough." I said. "I apologize in advance for those times."
"No. Hindi yan totoo at alam mo yan." He whispered as he leaned away from me to look at my face.
"Alam mong enough ka na but it was just painful not to be recognized by the same woman who gave birth
to you. Pakiramdam ko isa akong tuta na walang may-ari."
"Ano ka ba, ito o, ang ganda ng may-ari mo." I said and he tearfully smiled. "Tara na, baka magtaka
na sina Daddy. Baka akalain nilang nagmi-make-out tayo. Okay sana kung totoo." I said and he
chuckled. I took my handkerchief from my skirt's pocket and wiped his tear-stained face with it. "Ang
gwapo naman ng magiging Daddy ng mga babies ko kahit umiiyak." I said and he covered my hand with his
before he brought it to his lips.
"Kapag tayo may family na, none of our children will ever feel left-out and unwanted."
"Oo naman. Kakaririn ko ang pagiging Mommy nila." I said and he laughed.
"Pagiging Mommy lang?"
"Pagiging wife mo syempre. Paano naman ako magiging Mommy kung walang tulong mo? Solo?" I asked and
he laughed. He cupped my face with his hand and I closed my eyes as I felt his soft lips on mine.
"I love you, Ingrid." He said when we parted for air.
"I love you more, Aleph." I answered before I tiptoed to kiss him again. I didn't know how long we
kissed, all I knew was if my kisses could make him feel better, I'd be willing to hold my breath for
him.
"Ingrid! Aleph!" Narinig ko ang boses ni Ate sa labas ng pinto. "Masyado pa kayong bata, ha!"
"Ang ingay ni Ate." I murmured as Aleph laughed softly. Nakangiting sinuklay nya ang buhok ko gamit
ang mga daliri nya bago inayos ang necktie ng blouse ko. I straightened his polo too before we opened
the door.
"Hi, Ate." I said. Nasa labas silang dalawa ni Kuya JFK.
"Why the hell are you crying?" She demanded as she pulled Kuya JFK inside with her and closed the
door. "Anong problema?" Her voice softened. "Baby Ingrid, anong problema? Ate will listen, ano yun?"
"Wala." I said as I sniffed kasi naiiyak na naman ako.
"Are you pregnant, Ingrid?" Ate asked and I rolled my eyes at her.
"Ano ba, hanggang kiss lang kami." I replied and she sighed with relief.
"Kasi bakit ka umiiyak? Nag-aalala tuloy ako. May reason yan, kasi kilala kita at alam kong hindi ka
iyakin."
"We'll talk to you and Kuya JFK later. Baka masyado nang mag-alala sina Dad, let's go." I said taking
Aleph's hand.
"Aleph, hindi ka naman nagloloko, di ba?" Kuya JFK questioned when we all stepped out of the Student
Council office.
"Hindi po, Kuya!" My boyfriend answered. "Hindi ko naman po yun gagawin. Mahal na mahal ko po si
Ingrid."
"Okay, so hindi buntisan, hindi third party, hindi rin ako naniniwalang acads kasi you're both doing
well... malamang... family?" Ate questioned.
"Later na, Kitten." Kuya JFK spoke. "Kakausapin naman daw nila tayo mamaya." He added and Aleph and I
smiled gratefully at him. Gusto muna ni Ate na maghilamos ako kasi halata daw na galing ako sa pag-
iyak kaya dumaan mula kami sa CR at sa locker room ng Juniors.
"Bakit ang tagal ninyo, what happened?" Dad asked. Hinintay nila kami sa labas ng sasakyan and his
eyes were filled were concern.
"Naku, Daddy ni-rescue namin yang dalawang yan kasi pinagkaguluhan dun." Ate said and I smiled at
her. Kasi sa totoo lang ay hindi ko alam kung paano magpalusot at pakiramdam ko kung magsasalita ako
ay tutulo na naman ang mga luha ko.
"Nanalo ba naman ang bunso ko at si Aleph, natural pagkakaguluhan talaga sila." Daddy proudly said.
"Tara na, let's celebrate. Saan nyo gustong kumain?" He asked as we all got inside the car.
Si Ate ang sumalo sa usapan. She must have sensed na hindi ko kayang magpakabibo. She even managed to
convince our driver to drive their car hanggang sa restaurant na napili ni Dad para silang dalawa ni
Kuya JFK ay sa SUV na sumakay.
"We're so proud of you, Ingrid and Aleph!" Mommy gushed for the nth time. "Ang galing, galing ninyo!"
"Thank you po." Aleph replied for both of us.
"Why are you so quiet, Baby Ingrid? Is something wrong?" Mom asked looking at me and I smiled.
"Mommy, naku hanggang ngayon ninenerbyos pa rin po yan." Ate answered and my parents laughed.
"I was really nervous when you pressed that buzzer Ingrid at hindi pa tapos yung question." Mom said.
"Mabuti na lang at magaling talaga si baby Ingrid." Dad piped in.
"Dad, sina Lester at Lemuel sa St. Bernadette na rin yata mag-aaral sabi ni Tita Mattie, di ba?" Ate
interjected and the smile disappeared from Dad's face.
"I don't like that woman." He said. "Let's not talk about her. I have no respect for women who cannot
respect her marriage and other people's marriage." He harshly stated and Aleph bowed his head.
"Hon, tapos na yun and Mattie is really trying her best para ayusin-"
"Maayos pa ba nya yun? Ilang buhay ba ang sinira nya? Walang delicadeza." Dad said before he smiled
at all of us. "But aren't we all here to celebrate Ingrid and Aleph's win?"
"Oo nga!" Mom smiled too. Pero ako, di ko makuhang ngumiti.
"Aleph, kain na." Dad said and Aleph looked up to smile at him. "Ayaw mo ba yung pagkain? Magsabi ka
kung anong gusto mo para we can place an order."
"Sir..." My boyfriend started to say and I turned to shake my head at him. Kilala ko sya at
nararamdaman ko ang plano nya.
"Ano yun, Aleph?" Dad asked.
"Sir, kasi...ano po..."
"Yes?"
"I just want you to know that I really appreciate all the things that you and your family did for me.
Salamat din po kasi po pinatuloy nyo po ako sa inyo."
"Wala yun. As I said, you remind me so much of myself." Dad smiled dotingly at my boyfriend before he
resumed eating.
"Aleph..." I whispered but he looked at me with those sad eyes and I knew that he really intended to
tell Dad about his secret.
"Kaya po, I cannot stand sitting here with you and your family and lying to you." Aleph said and
everyone looked at him except Dad who continued to eat. "Sir... sorry po." He muttered and tears
started to gather in my eyes. Naawa ako sa kanya. I'm not sure why he felt that it was his
responsibility to apologize for his parents' wrongdoings.
"Bakit, Aleph?" Mommy asked. "Ingrid, bakit ka naiiyak, baby?"
"Tita, sorry po kasi hindi ko po sinabi agad."
"Ang ano?" Mom looked bewildered as Ate and Kuya JFK looked on with concern.
"I'm her-"
"He's Mattie's son with Gilbert, Isabel." Dad finished for him and I looked at him in surprise. Aleph
did not even look up and just kept his head bowed. The announcement seemed to shock Mommy and Ate
into silence. "I knew because I was curious when I learned that he did not grow up with his parents
so I had his background investigated."
"Daddy..." Hindi na ako nahiya at umiyak na akong tuluyan. "Daddy, wala naman pong kasalanan si Aleph
dun eh." I sobbed. "Wag po kayo sa kanya magalit!"
"Tingnan mo ako, Aleph." Dad commanded and my boyfriend raised his face to look at Dad. Aleph's lower
lips was trembling and I heard Dad sigh.
"I want you to bear my words in mind, okay?" He added and Aleph nodded as he tried to blink his tears
away. "I welcomed you to my family even when I knew whose son you were. Do you know why?" He asked
and Aleph shook his head. "Because your family does not define who you are." He said. "Your parents
and their choices are not your cross to bear. You're Aleph and I may not like your mother or your
father but I like you. Do you understand?"
"Opo." Aleph answered and Dad smiled. "Thank you po." He was wiping his eyes with the back of his
hand.
"Kumain ka na. Isa lang naman ang maaring ikakagalit ko at gusto kong tandaan mo."
"Ano po yun?"
"Do not dare make my daughter cry." Dad retorted. I pushed my chair back, got up, sat on Dad's lap,
wrapped my arms around his neck and wailed like an idiot.
END OF BOOK 1

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The crazy things we do for love.

Today, I'll be yours and you'll be mine.

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago:

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago:

Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte:

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago:

Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte:

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago:

Ingrid Yelen Tan Santiago:

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago:

Pinapaselos mo, ano? Wahahaha! Desperado!

Lol. Obvious? Lakas mo naman mangantyaw. He replied.

427 Notifications. 18 Friend Requests. 197 Messages.

Irina Ysobel Samonte-Zamora:

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago:

Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte:

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago

Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago

I read his entry and laughed. "Loko-loko rin to eh."

Ingrid Yelen Tan Samonte

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago

Pwede mo ba akong tulungang gumawa ng love letter para sa crush ko?

Are you okay? The message came from Aleph.

Aleph Gabriel G. Santiago has updated his cover photo.

"O, bakit?" I asked over the phone.

kayong mag-review ni Aleph at gumawa ng mga assignments?�

makapag-apply po ako ng scholarship kaya wag po kayong mag-alala.�

"You already are and so much more."

my fingers with his. �Are you okay?�

"Ako nga po, I am JFK Zamora." Kuya replied.

"Thank you po." I replied pasting a smile on my face.

"Bye!" Mommy and Ate replied.

"Tama na." I said as I ran my hand along his back.

"Pagiging Mommy lang?"

"I love you, Ingrid." He said when we parted for air.

"Wala." I said as I sniffed kasi naiiyak na naman ako.

"Thank you po." Aleph replied for both of us.

"Mabuti na lang at magaling talaga si baby Ingrid." Dad piped in.

"Oo nga!" Mom smiled too. Pero ako, di ko makuhang ngumiti.

"Ano yun, Aleph?" Dad asked.

"Sir, kasi...ano po..."

"Tita, sorry po kasi hindi ko po sinabi agad."

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