99th day

by: inluvagal_08

�I have to leave you behind��

�But, I need you here��

�And they need me there too��

�Won�t you at least fight for this love?�

�No, I�m sorry, we were never meant for each other��

�But I am willing to wait��

�You don�t need to wait for me�You�re just going to end up waiting in vain��

*tears falls down*

[[Electricity went out immediately]]

�Whaaa...panira ang brown-out!� Kita niyo yun? Inspired na inspired na nga ako,
tapos bigla nalang nag brown-out! Tear jerker moment ko pa naman yun! By the way,
my name is Luxelle Aimee Smith, may dugong Spanish, Chinese, Haponese, American,
and PINOY at laking Pinas, of course! I love Jdorama�s so much! As in. To the tenth
power. I love Kdrama�s too! Well, I�m here, looking at the pitch of black darkness.
Hay. Kakainis naman to.

I took my guitar, tapos nagstrum ako ng kahit anong mga kanta. Maya-maya, my
cellphone beeped. What the? Siya na naman. Bakit siya? Bakit palage nalang siya
nagtetext? Eh, ayaw ko sa kanya eh. Can�t he accept the fact na friend lang ang
turi ko sa kanya? Humanda siya.

I opened his text, it read like this:

Hi, musta?

I replied with this:

So, ano? Let�s play a game?

I waited for his reply.

Waited.waited.waited. and then, after 1000 years, he replied.

What game?

Hay, grabe. Ang tagal mag text.

100 days.
I waited for his reply.

100 days? Ano yun?

I replied.

Here�s the mechanics. I�ll pretend to be your gf for the following 100 days, and
you�ll be my bf for the following 100 days. Okay? Ganun lang yun ka simple. Pero
this is only a game, alright? And one condition, you can�t quit the game, unless
tapos na ang 100 days.

I waited ulit for his reply, kaya ayun.

What? Sige. That�s easy. I�ll be your bf for 100 days? That�s cool. So, kung sino
ang unang mag quit, game over ganun? Ay, oo nga pala. Hindi pala pwedeng mag quit
noh? Okay, game. So, mag eend ang ating 100 days, after 4 and a half months, right?
Sige ah. Mauna na pala ako, matutulog pa ako, hun eh. Goodnight! Sleeptight, my
baby. Mwah.

Yuck. Speaking of which. Feel na feel rin naman niya! This is going to be really
disgusting. May pa baby-baby effect pa siya? But, walang quits right? So, okay,
let the game begin.

this will be the beginning of a new game again. Umaandar na naman kasi ang
pagiging player ko eh. But who could ever resist Luxelle Aimee Smith?

[[Day 1]]

The next day, at school.

I�m here at school na. OMG. Another cool day ulit. By the way, I�m one of the
�popular� girls in the school pala. Siyempre, I�m almost perfect na raw. Sabi nga
nila, nasa akin na ang lahat, pero mali sila. I�m having everything, but I am not
happy with �my everything� because I am only longing for one thing, and hindi ko
alam ang �one thing� na iyon. It�s so confusing, but I still feel empty. And yeah,
have I told you that I am a player? Ganun ako eh, so what? Gusto naman kasi ng mga
guys.

I went to my locker, tapos I opened it. Then, may nalaglag na isang boquet ng
flower. It fell on the ground. I picked it up, tapos I saw a note.
From your bf: Hun, sabay tayo recess at lunch ha! Love you.

Oh my gosh. This is not happening. No, I�m not having my lunch with this guy. Yuck.
Yuck. Yuck. Sineseryoso na niya yata eh! Kaso lang, bigla kong naalala ang contract
namin. Walang quits pala, so, haayy�bahala na nga. But he�s never gonna be my
boyfriend.

I went to the room, tapos nakita ko yung love na love kong mokong. Grabe. He�s
still the ice-prince. He�s still the same cold him. Many times I�ve tried to seduce
this guy, pero ganun pa rin siya. Pero, no effect pa rin. Sa sobrang titig ko sa
kanya, nalaglag yung ballpen ko.

Tapos, nagulat nalang ako bigla, nung, idinukwang niya ito tapos inabot niya sa
akin. �Oh, ballpen mo. Ingatan mo yan ha. Mawawalan yan ng ink, wala ka nang
isusulat.� Napatingin lang ako sa kanya. �Wag ka ngang tumitig sa akin ng ganyan.�
Teka lang. Did he just talk to me? Oh my. He talked to me! He talked to me!

I left the classroom, kasi recess na. Tapos, I met my bestfriend on the way. I ran
to her, tapos I hugged her. �Best friend! Waaa� you can�t believe what happened!� I
told her excitedly. �He talked to me! Mister Ice Prince talked to me!�

She smiled at me, tapos niyugyog niya ako. �Details girl! Give me the details!�
Kinilig din siya. Oo, alam niyang gustong gusto ko si Ice Prince. Hehe. Siyempre
naman, isa ako sa mga nagkakandarapa sa kanya. But hindi ko nga lang pinapahalata.
Ayaw ko kasing dumagdag pa sa mga babaeng nagkakagusto sa kanya eh. Bakit? Eh,
hindi rin naman ako niyan papansinin eh! So, sinabi ko lahat ng nangyari kay Best
friend ko, tapos ayun, kinikilig ang bruha.

�Talaga, Lux? Grabe kakakilig kayo!� Pumunta kami sa canteen, tapos bumili ako ng
four seasons, then I sat down on the bench with my best friend. Nakita ko naman sa
opposite table si Mr. Ice Prince ko. Parang mababaliw na ako nito! �Uy, andyan siya
oh!�

Tumingin ako sa kanya, tapos bigla nalang, may narinig akong nagpalo ng mesa namin.
Nagulat ako sa nakita ko. OMG. This is humiliating. �Baby, diba I said we should go
together during recess and lunch time?! And to think that we are already a couple.
Wag mo nga akong ikahiya, babe.� My jaw almost dropped. Sobrang nakakahiya itong
ginagawa ng lalakeng ito!

�Babe?Kayo?Kayo na?OMG. Lux.� I almost melted in embarrassment. Nakakahiya na

talaga. �He is so hot, girl! Grabe, great choice!� Tange? Good choice ba kamo?
Itong hampas lupang kuto slash mokong na epal na to? Good choice? Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!
Yuck talaga!

�Ha? Ah eh�� I started, but my voice trailed off. Nakita kong nakatingin sa amin si
Mr. Ice Prince ko. Gosh, he must�ve overheard everything. �Naku, ito? Hindi ko siya
bf no! At, haler�naglalaro lang kami ng game.� Oh, ayan, lumabas na yan sa mouth ko
ha. Totoong-totoo na yan.

�Game? What game?� Ay teka nga pala, siya pala si Sofia. Sorry ngayon ko lang
pinakilala.

�100 days.� At akalain mong magkasabay pa kaming magsalita. Ang lupit naman ng
tadhana.

"You mean, mag prepretend kayo na 'kayo' for 100 days? Gosh, isn't that dangerous?"
Sabi ng bestfriend ko. Hay, hindi pa siya sanay sa akin. Hindi naman ako magfafall
dito sa mokong na to eh. Siya lang naman ang may gusto sa akin. Pasalamat nga siya
at sinakyan ko ang pag-ibig niya sa akin eh.

"Who said that it is dangerous? Kelan ko lang ba sineryoso ang love? There's no
harm in it! And, this is just a game, let's eat--" I was cut off by the stupid
stupid stupid freak. Ugh. Yuck.
"No harm? And to conclude that this game, is a game of love. And yeah, I'm not
hungry anymore."After he said that, he left me. What's going on with that guy? He
is really weird. Akala ko ba gusto niyang magkasabay kami mag lunch? Bahala na nga
siya.

[[DAY 2]]

Hindi na siya nagparamdam. Ay ganun? Grabe naman. Super tampo siguro. Hayaan na nga
natin. HAHA. Nandito ngayon ako sa rooftop, then I�m thinking of Mr. Ice Prince.
Siya nga pala, yung name ni Ice Prince is Ford. Hay, lemme tell you a story.
Mahilig kasi akong mag story telling eh.

Si Ford, he�s all that. He�s smart, he�s athletic, he�s super handsome, he's hot,
he's beetchy, he's a slut, he's an alter-ego, he�s music inclined, he�s stupid,
he�s lame, he�s cold, and I don�t know why he�s so cold. It�s like, super laki ang
galit niya sa mundo. I don�t even know if he had a girl friend or what, or maybe
worse, baka hindi pa nga nagka gf yan sa sobrang sungit eh.

I never saw him smile. Never did I see him laughing. And I always see him alone.
Sometimes with his friend. But he�s not always going out with his friend. Ang name
ng friend niya is Drake. Well, si Drake lang naman ang kaibigan ni Ford. Ewan ko
kung meron pang iba.

At first, ayaw na ayaw ko sa kanya. We�re super enemies kasi eh. Nah-uh, not that
�always� cat-and-dog enemies, but silent enemies. Ang lake ng galit niyan sa akin.
Di ko nga alam kung bakit eh. Pero basta ganun. But, I was really shocked yesterday
why he even bothered to pick up that ballpen for me. He�s sweet in his own simple
ways.

Maya-maya, na feel kong sleepy na ako, kaya pumasok na ako sa aking room, at nag
computer. Haha. Sleepy daw pero nag computer. Then, nag Skype ako, yung parang
Yahoo Messenger rin. Tapos may nag PM (Private Message) sa akin.

***

Insanedrofflic: Can I have a moment? Gusto ko kasi ng kausap eh.

AimeePreetty: Yeah sure. Asl?

Insanedrofflic: 17/m/******

AimeePreetty: Oh. You�re from ****** din? Saang school?

Insanedrofflic: ****

AimeePreetty: OMG! Ako rin. Should we meet? Ano pala name mo?

Insanedrofflic: Just call me insanedrofflic.

AimeePreetty: I�m Aimee pala. Uhm, matutulog na ako insanedrofflic ha? Goodnight!

Insanedrofflic: Ok, sige. Goodnight din. May friendster ka?

AimeePreetty: Wala. Sige, matutulog na talaga ako. See you at school, if possible.

Insanedrofflic: But hindi ako kumakausap ng tao sa school.

AimeePreetty: Huh?!

Insanedrofflic: I�m always busy eh.

AimeePreetty: Teka. Bakit? You know, may share ako sa�yo ha? There�s this guy, and
he�s really cold hearted, taga school rin siya natin, but he�s impossible. Pero
nagulat lang ako sa ginawa niya kanina. Hay, wala lang! In love na in love lang
talaga ako sa kanya! And there�s this guy naman, na bf ko sa game, pero super
topakin, and he�s really a tampo-ero. Grabe. Pikon. Hay. Yung guy # 1 is my Mr. Ice
Prince, the guy # 2 is my Game-boy, parang ganun! Basta. Hehe. Nice chating,
Insane! Tc! Sige, night2x uli!

Insanedrofflic has signed out.

***

He�s weird. Grabe. Bakit nag sign out siya agad? Hay, bahala na nga. Baka kung
makita niya ako, mainlove siya sa akin. Hindi niya kasi alam na popular ako at ako
si Luxelle. Hehe. Ay, ang hangin ko talaga to the 10th power.

The next morning�

�Late na ako!� I turned off my alarm clock, tapos bumangon na ako sa kama. Then,
naligo na. Oh my gosh. I�m super late! Nag pa drive nalang ako patungo school sa
driver ko, then nung nandun na ako, nakabangga ako sa�kay Mr. Ice Prince ko! OMG.
�Sorry talaga. Hindi ko sinasadya.�
He just gave me a straight stare, tapos he looked the other way, and left. Weh, ang
suplado naman. Eh, halata namang may HD (Hidden Desire) siya sa akin eh. Dumeretso
na ako sa locker ko, tapos may nalaglag namang boquet ng flower. I picked it up,
and it was from Mr. Game-boy ko. By the way, his real name is Gab.

Can�t you see that you�re driving me insane baby? I love you so much. Let�s eat
together later. Keep safe, baby!
-from the guy who�s insane about you, love lots.

Insane?

Flashback

Insanedrofflic: Can I have a moment? Gusto ko kasi ng kausap eh.

AimeePreetty: Yeah sure. Asl?

Insanedrofflic: 17/m/******

AimeePreetty: Oh. You�re from ****** din? Saang school?

Insanedrofflic: ****

AimeePreetty: OMG! Ako rin. Should we meet? Ano pala name mo?

Insanedrofflic: Just call me insanedrofflic.

AimeePreetty: I�m Aimee pala. Uhm, matutulog na ako insanedrofflic ha? Goodnight!

Insanedrofflic: Ok, sige. Goodnight din. May friendster ka?

AimeePreetty: Wala. Sige, matutulog na talaga ako. See you at school, if possible.

Insanedrofflic: But hindi ako kumakausap ng tao sa school.

AimeePreetty: Huh?!

Insanedrofflic: I�m always busy eh.

AimeePreetty: Teka. Bakit? You know, may share ako sa�yo ha? There�s this guy, and
he�s really cold hearted, taga school rin siya natin, but he�s impossible. Pero
nagulat lang ako sa ginawa niya kanina. Hay, wala lang! In love na in love lang
talaga ako sa kanya! And there�s this guy naman, na bf ko sa game, pero super
topakin, and he�s really a tampo-ero. Grabe. Pikon. Hay. Yung guy # 1 is my Mr. Ice
Prince, the guy # 2 is my Game-boy, parang ganun! Basta. Hehe. Nice chating,
Insane! Tc! Sige, night2x uli!

End of Flashback

Hindi kaya si Game-boy at si Insane ay iisa lang? Bahala na. Kung siya nga naman
si Insanedrofflic, then, nakakahiya, kasi sinabi ko sa kanya na siya�y pikon, blah
blah blah! Bahala na nga. Hehe. Tumakbo na ako patungo classroom namin, tapos
nakita ko ang homeroom teacher ko sa pintuan, tumitingin sa akin with an enraged
look. Uh-oh!

�You�re late for the 20th time, Ms. Smith. Do you want to be expelled?! �

Uh-oh. That�s the terror of being late for the 20th time. Hindi naman ako masyadong
mahilig magpalate noh? Pero I just can�t wake up early, because I�m a sleepy head
eh!

�And to think that you�re not wearing your school uniform again! Why do you have to
make the same mistake over and over again, Ms. Smith!? �

�I�m sorry ma�am. Hindi na mauulit.� I told her, sadly. �Sorry talaga.� I said it
again. She motioned that I should get inside the room, then pumasok nalang ako.
Siyempre, hindi ako nakauniform. What am I wearing? A spaghetti pink-top, and
skinny jeans and chucks taylor, converse. Presko? Hindi naman. Ganun lang talaga
ako.

�GOODMORNING, BABY KO!� I glanced at the back, and saw Mr. Game-boy, shouting his
lungs out. He�s really embarrassing me! �BABY, HOW�S YOUR SLEEP?! BABY, I MISSED
YOU SO MUCH! DID YOU RECEIVED THE BOQUET? I LOVE YOU BABY!� What the hack! He�s
really really humiliating me again! Oh god, please! Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. 98 days more
to go pa! *Sighs* Iba talaga kapag maganda ka.

[[Day 3]]
I was on the swing, siyempre, ano ginagawa ko edi nagswiswing! Le Duh! Hehe.
Kakaloka nga eh. Ako lang dito, mag-isa! �Hoy ikaw!� What the? Is the what is
the?! Ano naman ginagawa ni Gab dito?! �Ikaw ha! GF kita! Samahan mo nga ako!�

Bigla nalang niya ako hinila, tapos bigla nalang lumabas kami sa gate tapos nalaman
ko nalang na nasa Rooftop na kami. Sa view pa na kung saan makikita kami lahat ng
mga estudyante! Ay ganun? Ano ba naman ang pakana nitong baliw na ito? �Ikaw! Dahil
GF na kita, simula sa araw na ito, we should make our vows!�

Sabaw ba kamo?! May nalalaman pa siyang vow vow ah! Takdyakan ko siya baka
malaglag siya saa building. Nyaha. Baliw na rin yata ako. His �baliw-ness� is so
contagious! Hay naku. �Anong vow na naman yan?!� Inirapan ko siya. Siyempre,
nakakainis siya eh. Super corny niya! Siguro mahilig siya kumain ng mais?

�Ok, raise your right hand please.� He told me, tapos I did as what he said. �Ok,
now, shout this loud. Dapat sabihin mo rin ang sasabihin ko ha!� He grinned
stupidly. Hay, baliw talaga. �I, Gabriel Alfonse, will and will always take good
care of Luxelle Smith! I will love her till the day I die!�

Muntik na malaglag yung mga mata ko. Nanonosebleed na ako sa kacornihan nito! Ano
ba naman yan! Super nakakahiya ang mga pinangagawa niya! �HOY! KAYO!� He yelled,
and pointed at two University students. �Eto! Kita niyo to?! Itong babaeng to!
Mahal na mahal ko to! Baby ko to eh! Future wife ko rin!� Muntik ko na siyang
itulak nung sinabi niyang future wife. Kakaloka! May future wife pa siyang
nalalaman!

�Hoy! Ikaw! Umayos ka nga! Tara na. Umalis na tayo dito.� Inirapan ko na naman ulit
siya. Pero napansin kong tumititig siya sa akin. �Oh, ano tinitingin-tingin mo sa
akin?! Alam ko namang maganda na ako eh!� Bigla niya nalang akong binatukan. Ang
lakas naman ng guts niya para batukan si Luxelle Aimee Smith ah! Binatukan ko nga
balik. �At sinong may sabi na pwede mo akong batukan?!�

Ngumiti siya nang nakakairitang ngiti niya, tapos he rolled his eyes. �Ako. Diba GF
kita. Tara na nga! Dun tayo oh! Sa field. � Bigla niya naman hinila kamay ko.
Tapos, umupo kami sa meadow. �Halika ka nga dito, humiga tayo sa grass.� What?! Are
you okey kokey?! �Ang ganda kasi ng clouds eh.� He pointed at the sky. In fairness,
hindi ko alam yun na mahilig pala siya sa clouds.

�Ano? Bakit? Oo nga noh. Ang cute nung isang cloud oh!� Humiga kami sa field tapos
tumigin kami sa sky. It was so blue. Grabe, ang ganda. Nakakainlababo. Haha. Tapos
maya-maya, bigla nalang�tinamaan ako ng bola ng soccer. �Crap! Ano ba yan! Umingat
nga k-k-k-kayo� � My voice trailed. Bumangon kasi ako at nakita ko si mr. Ice
Prince ko sa harapan ko mismo, nakatayo at nakatingin sa akin.

�Oh, ano?! Titingin ka lang ba? Di ka man lang magsosorry?! � I told him. He just
looked at me. Aba, suplado ka talaga ineng! �Hoy! Umayos ka nga. Bakit ba ang
sungit sungit mo?! � I yelled at him. Lumapit siya sa akin, tapos kinuha niya
yung bola ng soccer. He looked at me, and gave me a stare.

�Shut up. � Shut up?! Shut up ba kamoh?! Naku! Naninira ka pala ng araw eh!
Pasalamat ka eh, crush na crush kita! �Next time, don�t lie down on the grass. �
Tapos may tinuro siyang sign board sa may opposite end, tapos nag sarcastic smile
siya. �Look at that. It says keep off the grass. � Ngek. Keep off the grass daw
ba!

�Hoy ikaw!� Bigla nalang ako nagulintang sa sigaw ni Gab. �Alam mo bang
naghohoneymoon kami dito! Kita�m nakahiga nga kami dito eh! We�re thinking about
names para ibigay sa future kids namin �.� I cut him off. Naku, sobrang pahiya
talaga tong Gab na to!

�Shut up Gab! � I yelled at him. �I�m sorry, Pero, ganyan lang talaga siya. He�s
just like that, so don�t mind him. � Tapos, bigla nalang, nag walk-out si Gab.
Hinayaan ko nalang siya. Ganyan naman yan eh. Lagi nalang nagwawalk out. �Um, sorry
ulit, I�m Luxelle pala. �

He just looked at me. �I know. � He whispered coldly, tapos, umalis na siya. Grabe
ang sungit naman. �And yeah. � Bigla nalang tumigil siya sa paglakad, tapos, nag
sarcastic smirk siya. �Next time, tell me when you�re on your honeymoon, alright?
And yeah. Keep off the grass.. �
Pati ba naman si Ford, eh, tutuksuin ako sa
Humanda nga yung lalakeng yun. 97 days more
patience to carry on and continue with this
Pero, hindi rin naman ako naiinlove dito sa
stupid. Nakakainis siya.
sinabi ni Gab na �honeymoon� raw.
to go. Do I still have the strength and
game? I guess I just have to persevere!
Gab na to eh. Kasi naman, he�s so

Pumunta ako sa locker ko, tapos maya-maya, may nalaglag na namang boquet ng flower.
This time, the color of the flower is blue. Then may note na nakasabit dito, it
read like this:

Lux, sorry kung pinahiya kita sa lalakeng yun ha? Sorry to make you mad. I know
that you like him. So, please don't get mad. TT_TT I still love you, Lux! Sorry rin
kung corny ako, hayaan mo, hindi na ako magiging corny. Starting tomorrow, may
isang cool slash hot slash gwapong BF.

-Gab

Ay ganun? Cool slash hot slash gwapong BF ba talaga? Okay na yun, edi may partner
na ako. Teka, may ipapakita akong chart sa inyo. Ginawa ko to kahapon eh. Haha.

Gwapo+Maganda=PerfectCombination.

Gwapo+Cool+Hot+BF= Package

Stupid+Trying Hard+Corny+Baduy= Gabriel Alfonse a.k.a Gab slash Game-boy.

oh, diba, bagay na bagay diba? haha. hay, bahala na nga. basta. 97 more days to go!

[[Day 4]]
Gosh, gosh. I hope I'm not going to be late. Ngayon? Sad to say, that I'm wearing
my SCHOOL UNIFORM. So, boring! I stared out the window, then, I looked at the
clouds. It looks so nice. It looks very nice. Ngayon ko lang na aprreciate ang
clouds. Kahapon ko lang nakita ang beauty niya. Oh, diba, bongga.

Maya-maya, nakarating na rin ako sa University. Ayun, tumakbo ako, tapos, nung nasa
labas na ako ng classroom, eh, nakita ko ang aming Homeroon teacher, tumitingin sa
akin. Oh, no. Tinignan niya ako, tapos binigyan ng straight stare.

"You're late."

Am I?! I checked my clock, then, I pointed it. "I'm sorry, but I'm not " I gave
her a look. Okay, now, she's just being too much.

"You a--"

She was cut off by the bell. Then I gave her a sarcastic look. See? Hindi pa nga
time eh. Ano ngayon? Aangal pa siya? Pumasok ako sa loob, tapos pumasok na ako sa
loob. Then, nakita ko, wala pa si Gab. Nasaan kaya siya? Bahala na nga siya. Edi,
mas masaya ang araw ko, kasi wala siya!

Malapit ng mag start ang 1st period, eh, hindi pa siya dumadating. Tumingin ako sa
relo ko, it's almost 8:00 A.M. Bakit kaya wala pa siya? Maya-maya, napansin kong
may tumawag sa akin. "Hoy." Lumingon ako para tignan kung sino. Nakita ko si Ford.
"Sa'yo yata to eh." Inabot niya sa akin yung ballpen ko. I smiled at him, then he
smirked at me. Aba, eh, he's really sarcastic!

"Pasalamat ka gwapo ka. " I whispered softly.

"Since birth " Nagulat ako nung sumagot siya. Eh, papano niya narinig yun? I
didn't mind him, tapos kinuha ko nalang yung earphones ko tapos inilagay ko sa
tenga ko. Then, nakinig ako sa iPOD ko. I was listening to the song Coming For You
by Jojo, then I had a flashback.

It happened last time. I guess, yesterday afternoon. And it's about,

Insanedrofflic. Madalas na kaming magchat, and I guess, I'm starting to like him.
He's sweet. He's kind. He's caring. And he's mysterious. I hope mameet ko na
siya--.

Naputol ang thought ko, nung... nakita ko s-s-s-si...

"Oh my gosh, Gab!! You look so!!! H-O-T!!!"

"What happened?!?! You're awsome Gab!!"

"Can I be your girl, Gab?!?!"

"Gab!!! Oh my! Ang gwapo gwapo gwapo gwapo mo!!!"

"Shut up!! Akin si Gab!"

"Gab, ako nalang!"

"Hindi, akin si Gab!"

"Anong sa'yo?!"

"Akin siya noh!"

My jaw almost dropped. Oh my god. That's all I can say. Gab, looks fabulous. Oh my
god. "Goodmorning, Luxelle!" Lumapit siya sa akin, nakatitig pa rin ako sa kanya.
He smiled at me, then he lifted my chin up. "Gulat ka, Lux?" Then, he handed me a
blue rose. "That's for you. Goodmorning, my angel. "

"Ano kayo?! Kay Luxelle na si Gab!"

"Aww... they're so cute!"

"Perfect couple!"

Tapos nun, bumalik siya sa upuan niya. Yung mga babae naman eh, nagsitinginan sa
amin, gulay. Oh gawd. ano ba itong nangyayari.

After class..

"Lux, pasyal tayo, sa may malapit sa dagat." Huh?! Dagat?! Anong pinagsasabi nito?!
"Sige na! Sumama ka na sa akin." Wala na akong magawa, kaya, sumama na ako. Nung
nakarating na kami sa tabi ng dagat, (malapit lang yun sa University namin), umupo
na kami sa sand.

Gosh. I didn't know na may pagka romantic rin pala tong istupidong ito. "Tignan mo
nga yan! Ang ganda no? Ang galing!! " Grabe. Parang bata. Nakakita lang siya ng
sunset, nasiyahan na. In fairness, ang babaw niya. Pero, he's the first guy na
nakagawa nito sa akin.

Tumingin ako sa sunset, then, I felt sad and at the same time happy. Parang ewan,
parang, basta, unexplainable. Parang gusto kong umiyak. May naalala lang ako. You
wanna know the reason kung bakit ako naging playgirl? It's because of a broken
relationship. Yung first bf ko kasi, eh, siya yung nag unang break up sa akin, kaya
ayun, I never took love seriously eversince that incident happen.
We were happy together, we were the perfect couple, I never thought that we'd came
to an end. Kaya, ganun. I don't know. Pero ganun. Ay, teka nga, I don't want for
my mouth to turn upside down eh. Then, nagulat nalang ako sa sinabi ni Gab.
"Pwedeng pa sandal sa shoulder mo?"

I gave him a look. Pero, wala lang akong reaction. Tapos, sumandal siya sa shoulder
ko. "Lux, will you ever learn how to love me?" I was shocked by his question.

"Are you crazy? " I smiled. Tapos, he looked at me.

"Me? Crazy? I guess so. Only for you baby. " Need I say more? He's sweeping me off
my feet. Damn, he's not that bad after all. Well, at least now, he's gotten better.
Ugh, scratch that. Trying hard pa din siya.

<PIXTEL_MMI_EBOOK_2005>7
</PIXTEL_MMI_EBOOK_2005>
fastforward...
[[Day 10]]

Nakaraan na ang ilang araw, at ngayon, it's our 10th day na. Gusto ko nang mag give
up kay Gab, pero ayaw kong maging talunan. Hangang ngayon kasi eh, hindi ko pa rin
siya type. I still lurf (love) Ford! Speaking of Ford, you couldn't believe what
happened. But I somehow hate him, oh whatever! Hay, makapunta na nga sa room.

I was walked towards the room, when all of the sudden, I heard someone strumming
the guitar. I looked in the 2nd room, and I couldn't believe what I saw. I saw
Ford. Playing the guitar.

I thought he hated music. I thought he hated guitars. I thought, he hate playing

it. I went inside the room, then I smiled at him, but he stopped from playing the
guitar and gave me a sarcastic smirk.

"What are you doing here?!" He angrily yelled at me with a matching sarcastic
skeptical look. He almost dropped the guitar. I was stammering. I was astonished,
seeing how angry he was. I almost cried. "I don't like playing the guitar!"

He screamed. I neared him, then I gave him a look. "How come, you were playing it
awhile ago?! SHUT UP, FORD! Just hell, tell me why you are so furious with it, yet
when you are alone, you strum it! Heck, are you being stupid, or are you just plain
damn stupid?!"

I yelled back at him. I was furious at the same time. Heck, I did not care if I had
feelings for him or not, but, his behavior, is totally, unacceptable. He gave me a
look, then he flashed me an evil stare. "HOW DARE YOU TELL ME TO SHUT UP!? WHO ARE
YOU TO STAND UP AT ME LIKE THAT?!"

Muntikan niya na akong i-sapakin sa mukha, but I gave him a glare. "Don't you dare
raise, one, finger, on, me, you dumb*ss." He looked at me, his expression showed
how suprised he was to hear that. He looked at me, for about a minute, then he
actually went to a chair next the window, and then yumuko siya.

I went to where he was, then, I asked him. "You can tell me whatever you are
feeling right now...You can confide to me, anything." I told him in the most nicest
and softest way I ever could. But what did he do? He gave me a furious stare, then
he yelled at me.

"YOU WOULD NEVER UNDERSTAND! WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT!? YOUR BEAUTY? YOUR POPULARITY?
YOUR REPUTATION!? YOU ONLY CARE ABOUT YOURSELF YOU SH1T!"
When I heard that, of course, I was damn hurt. Then, I took his guitar, and then,
sinira ko ito. I hit it on the floor. What did he do? He pushed me on the floor.
The next thing that happened? I just knew, that his body was on top of mine, and we
were laying on each other's eye. The stare, that somehow has intimacy, a greater
possiblity for it to eventually drop to something deeper.

Then maya-maya, dumating si Gab. Oo, nakita niya kami sa position na yun. A
position that would eventually conclude to a kissing scene. Shoot, but we didn't do
IT! After I saw Gab looking at us, he looked the other way. I was so sure that he
had something to say, but, he left. I slapped Ford on the face && pushed him on the
ground, then I ran after Gab.

"Gab, sandali!" I called out. He stopped from walking. Then I saw him, holding a
blue rose in his hand. A tear almost fell from his eyes. "It's not what it looks
like." I explained. He turned back, and looked at me.

"It's okay. You don't need to explain. We're not officially a couple. We're just
playing a game right?" He started. And I was sure that he was just forcing a smile
on his face. "And yes, I always had these questions in my mind, since our 1st day.
Would you learn how to love me? Will we end up with each other? Will we end up with
brokenhearts? Would I endure this game to the end? There are so many questions!" He
smiled a fake one at me.

"But--"

"It's okay. 10th day palang naman eh. And I guess, there are just so many questions
in my mind that are meant to be unanswered by the world." Then he handed me the
flower. And he left. And what's worse is I saw him blink a ear. And it was the
first tear, that made my heart become softer.
I don't know what, but I guess, tama si Gab. There are just too many questions in
this world that are left unanswered. And one of that is, bakit kaya hindi ako
natututunang mahalin ni Ford? Hay, bahala na nga. I need not to worry anyway.
Bahala na nga si Gab, he never took my explanation kasi eh. If only he just
listened, he won't get the wrong scenario.

I took the letter that was tucked in the blue rose and it read like this:

"If teardrops were meant to fall on the thorn of the rose , I would rather be the
teardrop than me, being the thorn. "

And what does he mean by that? Bahala na nga siya, ni hindi man lang nga siya
nakinig sa explanation ko. I went to the trash can, and threw it away together with
the blue rose. What's the use of him giving me a blue rose? When after all, I don't
even know if he is being real or, he's just giving me all these blue roses, because
it's a part of him-- playing his role.

[[Day 12]]

2 days has passed, hindi pa rin ako kinakausap ni Gab. But he's still giving me
blue roses each day with a letter tucked on it. I'm starting to worry. Pumunta ako
sa classroom, then maya-maya, may nakabangga akong babae.

"Sorry." She told me. She gave me an innocent look. I smiled at her. Then she
helped me pick up my things. "Uhm, here's your book."

"Thanks. I'm Luxelle, you can call me Lux if you want." I smiled at her, then nag
shake hands kami. "Are you new here?" I asked her. She nodded. "Friends?"

"Sure, ate Lux." Sumama ako sa kanya, tapos kumain kami sa canteen, then we talked
about things, and then I find her very nice and I was sure comfortable with her.
Tapos may nalaman akong isang bagay that almost made my jaw dropped.

"What? Kapatid ka ni Ford De la Cruz?" I almost dropped my soda. She nodded her
head, then she smiled at me.

"Yup." She told me. Tapos bigla nalang siya yumuko. "But...there's one problem..."
Her voice trailed, then I heard her sobbed.

"Are you okay?" I asked her, then she shook her head. "Come on, tell me... maybe I
could help." Opposite talaga sila ni Ford. Grabe, she's kind while Ford is stupid.

"He wouldn't want to see me here." I was shocked upon hearing that. Ayaw siya
makita ni Ford? Anong klaseng kapatid siya?!

"Bakit naman? I thought you lived together." I told her, then she looked at me, I
saw her blink a tear.

"We don't live together. He hates me. He hates us. He hates our family. Most of all
he hates me." She cried harder. Tapos siniko siko ko siya ng mahina.

"Ssshhh... ang dami ng tao. Doon tayo sa may likod ng gym, sigurado walang tao na
makakakita sa atin doon." Hinila ko siya, tapos pumunta kami sa likod ng gym. Then,
nagkwentuhan kami.

"Hindi nga rin niya alam na nandito ako ngayon. Pero mahal na mahal ko si Kuya. It
has been 4 years, pero hindi pa rin siya nagbago." 4 years? Hindi nagbabago? Ano ba
yan? Ano nangyari sa kanya? "Way back 4 years ago, something changed him. Then, he
left home. He lived alone. I guess hindi pa siya nakamove on."

"Teka, ano ba ang nangyari sa kanya--" We stopped talking when we heard a plucking
sound from a guitar. Tapos, napatingin kami sa may palm tree banda, at...nakita
namin si Ford.
"K-k-kuya..." Pabulong na sinabi ni Cleo. By the way, her name's Cleo. "Kuya..." I
saw tears from her eyes, that fell to the ground. Naaawa ako sa bata. And at the
same time, nakucurious rin ako.

Narinig siya ni Ford, kaya, bigla nalang napatingin si Ford, then, he stopped
playing the guitar. Nakita ko ang crack sa guitara niya. And I felt guilty. Ako
kasi gumawa nun eh. Lumapit si Cleo sa kanya, pero tumayo ito, at sumigaw. "ANO
GINAGAWA MO DITO!??! DIBA SABI KO, AYAW KO NANG MAKITA PAGMUMUKHA MO!?"

"Ibang klase ka talaga kuya! hindi ka parin nagbago! Kuya, tapos na yun! Bakit
hindi ka parin marunong magpatawad?!"

"TAPOS NA YUN? KUNG GANUN LANG YUN KADALI PARA SA'YO, HINDI GANUN KADALI YUN PARA
SA AKIN, CLEO! UMALIS KA NA DITO!"

"Hindi naman namin kasalanan yun, kuya eh! At hindi mo rin kasalanan yun!"

"SH1T, CLEO! JUST LEAVE ME! PATAY NA SI DAPH!"

Tumakbo si Ford pero hinabol siya ni Cleo. Pero sino yung Daph na yun?

"KUYA! PLEASE! YOU'RE BEING COLD! YOU'RE BEING BITTER! KUYA! COME ON!"

"SHUT UP, CLEO! KUNG HINDI DAHIL SA INYO NG PAMILYA MO, HINDI SIYA MAWAWALA!"

"PAMILYA MO RIN ANG PAMILYA KO! AND SHE WAS THE ONE WHO CHEATED ON YOU, KUYA! PAST
IS PAST! JUST TRY TO FORGIVE, AND LEARN HOW TO LIVE!"

"UMALIS KA SA PAGMUMUKHA KO! UMALIS KA!" Tapos nun, he pushed his sister on the
ground. Nainis na ako, tapos bigla akong lumapit sa kanila, then, nakisinggit kahit
hindi ko alam ang pinaguusapan. At least, narinig ko. HEHE. No, I'm serious.
"Ford, sumosobra ka na! Kahit ano pa ang gawin mo, kahit saan ka pa pumunta, kahit
sinong tao pa ang makikilala mo, kahit kasama mo pa ang mga ibang tao, kalahi at
kadugo mo parin ang pamilya mo!" Tumigil silang dalawa at napatingin sa akin.
Tapos, tumingin si Ford sa akin, then he left.

Pinatayo ko si Cleo, tapos, she wiped her tears and then she hugged me. "Ikaw
palang ang unang babae na gumanun kay kuya, kaya... ate Lux... please take care of
kuya Ford." I didn't know what to say, pero ayaw ko siyang idisappoint, kaya, I
nodded, hesitantly.

Fastforward...

"Sige, ate Lux! See you tomorrow ulit! Nice meeting you! Salamat ulit! " She waved
bye at me. Siya nga pala, she's one year younger than me. HEHE. umalis na ako,
tapos, nakita ko si Gab. He looked at me, and I looked at him. Then he looked the
other way. I took the letter from my pocket which I got from the blue rose earlier,
then I read it.

"Love can sometimes be magic. But magic, can sometimes be an illusion. "

I almost cried when I read that. Why am I worrying over this stupid guy anyway?
Well, it's because, the game is not yet over... And we need to work things out.
Then, I took the blue rose, and then I saw my name, written on it.

"Luxelle..." Nagulat ako. I looked behind me and saw Gab. Then, I looked at him.
"I'm leaving Philippines for 1 month. But we can still communicate."

"You're leaving me behind?" I asked him. He smiled.

"I am not. I'm going to go, because I need to do something. I'm sorry. But, I'm not
abandoning you! Of course. I'll still call! I love you Lux. I'm leaving tonight.
Can we just spend the whole afternoon together?" I punched him softly on his arm
for 5 times. Then a tear formed at the edges of my eyes. "Oh, don't cry okay? I
don't want to see you crying."

Fastforward, seaside.

"You see that sun? It's setting down. Kapag wala ako dito, pumunta ka lang dito, at
ako pupunta rin sa lugar na kung saan ko makikita ang sunset. Para kahit malayo
tayo sa isa't isa, at least, we're sharing the same sunset. Okay?" He smiled at me,
then I leaned my head on his shoulder. He held my head with his arm, then he
caressed my hair. "Love waits for one thing, the right moment."

Then, he kissed me on my forehead, and he was ready to go. Pumasok na siya sa

private boat nila, tapos, he waved bye at me. I looked at him, then I whispered
softly. "Bye bye, Mr. Game-boy. "

After I whispered that, I decided to go home. Tomorrow's gonna be a sad day. Wala
nang blue rose sa locker ko, wala nang may magreet nang corning goodmorning sa
akin, and most of all... wala nang stupid slash moron slash baliw na Gab. Ang tagal
naman ng 1 month.

[[Day 14]]

Quote
A/N: short up lang toh, mga friends.

*click to listen to the background music*

Hay. Ang boring. Wala si Gab. Walang corning bangag. Ang lungkot naman. Walang
clown. Andito ngayon ako sa classroom, wala lang, naglalaptop, University week pa
rin kasi namin eh. I was editing pics sa Adobe Photoshop, then, maya-maya, may
narinig akong boses lalake sa loob ng room.
"Gab?" I looked around, and saw-- a little kid. Hindi pala. Wala pala si Gab dito.
2 days palang, eh, parang year na. Teka, bakit ganito reaction ko? Bahala na nga.
Game lang naman ito diba? Umalis ako tapos naglakad lakad, then nakita ko yung best
friend kong si Sofia.

"Uy, bakit ang lungkot natin?" She asked me. I shrugged. Bakit nga ba? Ewan ko.
"Miss mo si Gab ano?! Aminin!"

"Hindi noh!" Tapos bigla nalang ako nagulat nung nakita ko si Ford na lumalakad
patungo sa amin. "Gosh. Sof. Si. Ford." I whispered. Naiinis pa rin ako sa pagka
brutal niya. "Tara na!" Hinila ko kamay ni Sofia, pero hindi siya sumabay sa
paglakad ko. "Ano ba? Tayo na--"

Uh-oh. "Teka. Pwede ba tayong mag-usap?" Hinde! "About what happened the other
day, I'm sorry." Sorry? HAHA. nagpapatawa ka ba, Mr. Ice Prince? "Kung hindi
dahil sa'yo, hindi ako natauhan."

"Teka, iwan ko muna kayo ha!" Bruhang Sofia, bigla ba namang umalis. Iniwan ako sa
walang hiyang lalakeng to!

"Ano gusto mo?! " Muntik na akong sumigaw. May kinuha siya sa kanyang bag, nung
nakita ko ito, isa siyang box. Tapos inabot niya sa akin. "Ano to?! HOY! Ayaw ko
nang basura mo! "

"Please. Listen to me." His face neared mine, wah, muntik na kaming mag kiss.
Pesteng lalake. "I'm really sorry. Friends?"

"Friends?" I sneered. "No thanks!" Pagkatapos kong sabihin yun, tumakbo ako, pero
hinabol niya ako. "Ano ba! Wag mo'kong habulin, bwiset!"
"I won't stop running after you until you forgive me!" Grabe. Ganun ba talaga yun?
HAHA. Teka, something did change. Uyy, anong ibig sabihin niyan, Ford? In love ka
na ba sa akin? Nyahahaha.

[[Day 17]]

I went home, and then I saw a box wrapped in a gift box sa mailbox namin. I took
it, tapos i opened it. Blue rose ang laman. It's from Gab. Haay, I miss him so
much. Teka nga, bahala na nga. Ang tagal naman niyang umuwi.

I'm getting ready for the party tonight. It's gonna be a sad party. Wala kasing
clown eh. Eh, si Gab lang ang clown ko. May family dinner kami mamayang gabi, I
don't know kung sino ang pupunta. But I bet na may mga special guests.

Umakyat ako sa kwarto ko, tapos kinuha ko yung iPOD ko, then wallet ko, tapos
umalis ako patungo sa ***** Mall. Mamimili kasi ako nang damit eh. Wala lang.
Tripping tripping. HAHA. Anyway, wala kasi yung driver namin ngayon eh, kaya taxi
taxi muna ako. Kasama ko naman si Sofia eh, best friend ko. I leaned my back sa
upuan, tapos I sighed.

I started to stare outside the window. "Oh, are you okay?" Sofia elbowed me.
Siyempre okay lang ako noh. Marami-rami lang yung iniisip ko ngayon. Si Ford, eh,
he's weird. One reason din, why I'm going to that mall, it's because we're gonna
meet. Ewan ko nga rin ba, bakit ako umoo.

"Yeah, I'm okay." I smiled. A forced one I think. Heck, I don't know what I'm
doing. I think I'm out of myself. Nervous siguro ako. Ewan. Hay, ang gulo. Nung
dumating na kami sa mall, eh, dumeretso nalang kami sa FIGARO, ayun, nakita ko si
Ford, nakaupo sa loob. I swallowed a lump in my throat, tapos pumunta na ako sa
kanya, kasama rin si Sofia, siyempre.
"Thank God you came." He smiled at me. Parang matunaw ako. He looked really
different. I don't know why, but he's been acting strange lately. After the
incident na hinabol niya ako, at naging "friends" raw kami, eh, everyday he's
acting really strange. "Anyway, I was about to ask you something."

Something? Anong something? "What is it?" I took a grip doon sa latte na inorder
niya sa akin, then nag sip ako.

"It's something related sa Promenade." Promenade raw oh. Teka, ano sabi niya?!
Promenade, as in PROM? Homaygas. Ano to?!

"What about the p-prom?" I nervously asked. Oh my. Is he gonna ask me out? Like,
ano ba?! Ewan! Ang praning ko talaga ngayon!

"I wanna ask you out during the big dance night." Muntik ko na maitapon yung latte
na iniinom ko. Sabi na nga ba. Teka, ako? At si Ford? Magiging prom date ko si
Ford? Si Ford na crush ng bayan? HOMAYGAS. This is so terrifying. "Will you go out
with me?"

Turn him down. Turn him down. Turn him down. "Yes. I will." What?! Diba sabi ko,
turn him down?! Bakit sinabi mo eh, yes I will? Ano ka ba naman, Lux! Ang lux mo
talaga! You're so care-free! Ano? Kaya mo ba ang mga tao?! Teka, ano pinagsasabi
ko? HAHA.

"Thanks. Thanks so much." Nag smile siya sa akin, tapos nag ring ang phone niya.
"Wait, I'll be back. Excuse me, please." He explained. Tapos nun, eh, ayun, umalis
pumunta sa labas. Napatingin ako kay Sofia, I checked kung buhay pa ang mokong,
ayun buhay pa pala. HAHA.
"He asked me to the prom dance." I told Sofia. She smiled annoyingly.

"Sabi ko nga ba eh. Kayo ha, nagkakadevelopan na kayo!" She teased me. Haler talaga
tong Sofia na toh! Eh, tama ba yung tuksuin niya ako? HAHA. Siguro. Nakakakilig
naman eh! Joke. HEHE.

Natahimik kami kasi, nakita kong pabalik na si Ford. Kaya, ayun. Natahimik kami.
"Uhm, excuse me. Sorry ha. Aalis na pala ako. Thank you sa time, so, um, see you
when I see you. May emergency kasi eh. Bye! Thanks." And guess what, nagulat ako
nung--kiniss niya ako sa kamay. Namula naman ako. Super talaga. I think I'm hating
this guy.

Fast forward, Dinner time

I fixed myself, tapos sinuot ko na yung black dress. eto oh kita niyo? Super
nagandahan ako niyan, kaya, binili ko kanina dun sa mall. I went downstairs na,
tapos, gulat na gulat ako sa sinabi ni Mommy.

"Darling, are you ready to meet the guy that we approve for you?" Napalunok ako
nang malalim. What did she say? Guy that we approve for you? Sino naman yun? "Come,
let's go, baby."

Pumunta kami sa dining room, tapos may nakita akong lalakeng nakatalikod. "Good
evening, this is my daughter, hija, this is the mother of the guy that we approve
for you." Oh. Ganun. I gave out a blank face, tapos my mom smiled at me. "And that
is their son." She pointed at the guy na nakatalikod.

Then the guy slowly turned around, showing us his face. I was shocked. It was him.
"Hijo, Clifford, this is my daugher, Aimee." What the heck. Clifford pala real name
nun.
Mukha yatang parehas kaming dalawang nashock sa mga pinangagawa nang mga magulang
namin. Does this mean eh, inaarangge marriage kami nang mga parents namin? Hindi
naman siguro, she never mentioned anything about that. "Now, let's see. Starting
from this day, kayo na ha. Kapag nahulog na ang mga loob niyo sa isa't-isa eh, I'm
sure that the said marriage will workout sa right time."

Heck what? The said marriage? Kami na ni Ford? I ddon't know if I should be happy
or not. What about Gab? Hey, take it easy Lux. Hindi naman to arranged marriage eh.
Parang compatibility-test lang. . .

[[Day 17]]

"Hindi po puwede mom. I don't want to be engaged!" I don't know why but it suddenly
came out of my mouth. Hindi ko alam, pero parang feel na feel kong tapos na lahat
sa amin ni Gab. May kinalaman ba si mommy sa pag-alis ni Gab? Shoot. I feel so
stupid.

"Hija, please, show some respect." My mom forced a smile at me, but I can see a
stern look within that fake-smiling eye. Instead na maging tahimik ako, I stood up
and then tears slid down my bare face.

"Please, excuse me." I said this in the most possible sympathetic way that I could.
Pagkatapos nun, eh, tumakbo ako. Lumabas ako ng bahay, tapos hindi ko alam kung
saan ako dinala ng mga paa ko. Hindi ko nga napansin na, nasa harapan ko na pala si
Ford.

*music plays here click to listen*

"Don't take this really hard, Lux. Aalagaan naman kita eh. I promise to be a good
guy to you." Shoot. Ano ba! Feel na feel niya rin yung compatibility test noh!!
Naiinis ako! I hate this. Hindi pa nga kami nakaabot ng 100 days, eh, ganito na ang
mga nangyayari! Wala pa siya dito. Bwisit ka Gab, kung hindi ka lang sana umalis.

"Leave me alone." Inirapan ko siya, tumakbo ako, siguro. Oo. Tumakbo ako, dun sa
yacht ni Gab banda. Umupo ako sa may sand, tapos tumingin ako sa buwan. I hate
this. Why am I feeling this way. Dapat hindi ako malungkot. Playgirl ako diba? Ano
ba naman yan!
Tumayo ako, tapos pumunta ako sa may tubig, yung mga luha ko, pumatak nang pumatak.
Nakita ko reflection ko sa tubig, damn it's so lonely to look at it na wala si Gab.
"BUMALIK KA NA!! BWISET KA KASI EH! BAKIT KA PA UMALIS!!! WALA AKONG KAKAMPI!!!"

Yes, I know, feel na feel ko kasing si Gab lang ang kakampi ko eh. Nasasakal na ako
sa family ko. Pesteng tadhana. Bakit kailangan si Ford pa? Eh, diba, Lux, life long
crush mo si Ford? EH ANONG PAKEALAM KO!!!!

Siguro nga, kinakarma na ako ngayon sa pagiging playgirl ko. Pero sana, sa lahat
nang mga nangyayari sa akin, i hope na hindi si Gab yung karma ko... Kasi, I don't
wanna lose the stupid feeler.

Tapos bigla nalang nag ring yung phone ko. It's him! It's him! He's calling! Hindi
ko alam pero biglang may lumabas na ngiti sa mukha ko. I answered it, but, bigla
namang tumulo yung luha ko.

PHONE CALL

Are you crying?

No, hindi....wala toh.

Bakit hindi mo nalang sinabi?!

Musta ka na jan?

Eto, okay lang.

Okay?! Kelan ka bang natutong mag sinungaling?! Matagal na. . .

I'm glad na okay ka...

Yeah...

Ang plastic mo Luxelle!

So, what's new in your life?

What' new?! Ayan ang rami!

Wala naman. Ikaw? May bago ka na bang babae jan?

Teka, bakit mo itinanong?

Wala siyempre. Loyal ako sa'yo eh. Kahit game lang yun.

Ang sweet naman.

Lux, may tanong ako.

Ano yun?

Papayag ka ba kapag totohanin natin yung game natin--

Gab? Gab? Anjan ka pa ba? Hello?

*tooot*

END OF PHONE CALL

Papayag ka ba kapag totohanin natin yung game natin? Papayag ba ako? Papano yun?
Gusto ko nang magbago, at... may boyfriend na ako... at yun ay si Ford. . .
[[Day 20]]

Papunta na ako ngayon sa classroom namin, well, as usual, parang ang boring nang
day. Tagal pa kayang umuwi ni Gab. Naiinis na ako. Nandito nga naman si Ford, pero,
parang hindi ko alam kung bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko. Ano? Diba game lang
naman iyong amin ni Gab?

Pumunta na ako sa locker ko, when suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked
up, and it was Ford. "Morning. " I smiled at him, no, I know what you're thinking,
you must be pretending na fake lang itong smile ko, pero hindi. I don't know, pero
my day suddenly lit up. HAHA. baliw na yata ako eh.

"Morning, Ford." Later on, may nareceive akong message sa phone ko. Kinuha ko ito,
tapos I opened it, while handing over my books sa kay Ford. He looked surprised,
but I don't care, siya dapat ang bumitbit nito. HAHA.
***
From: Insanedrofflic

Goodmorning, how's your sleep? Hope you had a good night rest, Aimee.�

Napangiti ako, I don't know, pero naging textmates na kami nitong si Insane. Insane
nga daw iyong name niya! HAHA. Nakakatuwa. Siya nalang iyong nagpapatawa sa akin
palage. Mga 2 weeks na rin kaming nagtetext. And I think I'm starting to like him.
Excited na nga akong ma meet siya eh.

Nag type ako ng new message:

To: Insanedrofflic

I had a good rest last night, ikaw?� I hope you don't mind, and kung pwede ka nga,
sana meet tayo mamaya. Anong school nga ikaw?�

Ayun, na send ko na. Nagpatuloy akong lumakad, tapos hindi ko pinansin si Ford,
kasi busy nga ako sa ka text eh. Nag beep iyong phone ko, tapos ayun, I read the
message.

From: Insanedrofflic

Ha? Um... ****** University. Same school lang tayo, diba? If I know parang sinabi
ko na to noon eh. Hehe. � Saan tayo mag memeet? Sa lobby nalang, lunch time, tapos
nun, sabay na tayong kumain, treat ko. � Text mo nalang ako kapag nandun ka na.�
Sige, mag start na class namin. Tc!�

Pumasok na ako sa room namin, umupo ako sa seat ko, tapos, wala pang teacher kaya
naisipan kong mag reply sa kanyang text.

To: Insanedrofflic

Ok, sige sa lobby.� So excited to see you na.� Anyway, yah sure, text kita.� Sige,
ako rin, una na ako, may class na rin eh.� Ikaw rin, teecee always! C u later!
^___________^
Nung na send ko na ito, bigla nalang, may umagaw nito sa akin, iyon ay ang adviser
namin. Gaah, akala ko wala pang teacher, siguro nga hindi ko namalayan. Pero,
papano na? Papano ko itetext si Insane niyan? Panirang teacher to oh. Hay.

Fastforward, lunch time.

Teka, anong gagawin ko? Papano ko malalaman kung nandun na si Insane? Hay. Teka--
, oo tama! Tama! Ang galing ko talaga. "Ford, pahiram naman ng phone oh."

"H-ha? Pero--" Hindi na siya nakapagpatuloy pa ng sinasabi niya, kasi bigla kong
inagaw iyong phone niya. Nag type ako ng new message, na isisend ko kay Insane.

To: +63927182****

Sane, si Aimee to. Saan ka? Nandito na ako sa lobby. Hintayin ko reply mo ha?�

Tapos ayun sinend ko. Nagulat nalang ako, nung bigla nalang nag beep phone ni Ford.
Kaya, I opened it, baka sakali kay Insane iyon.

From: My number

Sane, si Aimee to. Saan ka? Nandito na ako sa lobby. Hinatayin ko reply mo ha?�

***

Bigla nalang napalaglag ang bunganga ko. This can't be. Wag mong sabihin na si--

"Lux, pahiram.May itetext pa ako. Ang tagal kasi ng hinihintay ko eh." Oh my ghad.
No! No! No! Si ano ay si ano?! Wag niyong sabihin na iyong clifford ay binaliktad
niya lang, kay naging drofflic?! Oh my gaaad!

Kinuha niya iyong phone niya, tapos tinignan niya iyong message na tinaype ko. Nung
nabasa niya na, tumingin siya sa akin. We stared at each other.
"Ikaw ba ang textmate slash chatmate ko?!"

"Ikaw ba si Insanedrofflic?!"

"Oo!! Ikaw?! Ikaw ba si Aimee?!"

"Oh my gaadd!!" Iyong online best bud ko, eh etong si Clifford?! Siya?!
Nakakahiya!!

tip: click to listen to the background music. it's really good to listen to the
music, while reading the story. Try it, click this.

FLASHBACK

Aimee: You know what, I kinda like this guy who's name is Clifford Ramirez and, I
am hooked up in a game with a guy who's name is Gabriel Alfonse.

Insanedrofflic: Wow. Grabe. Sino ba talaga sa dalawa? And to think na parang ang
familiar ng name ni Clifford Ramirez. Nagkataon lang naman siguro.

Aimee: Ha?

Insanedrofflic: Wala. Nevermind. So, sino ba talaga gusto mo sa dalawang ito?

Aimee: It's like this. I was forced to be Clifford's girlfriend, but I am playing a
game with Gabriel. Iyong game na hindi typical game. Pero iyong mag-on kami for 100
days, but hindi naman talaga kami.

Insanedrofflic: Mean to say?

Aimee: Parang kunwari lang.

Insanedrofflic: Tigilan mo na kasi pagiging playgirl mo eh.

Aimee: Ikaw? Sino nga iyong girl na mahal mo?

Insanedrofflic: Ah, si Charise.

Aimee: Wow! Kasing name pa ng friend kong girl ha!

Insanedrofflic: Talaga? Coincidence siguro.

Aimee: Hehe.

Insanedrofflic: You know what, were in the same situation. Kasi, na forced rin ako
na pakasalan ang isang girl, na hindi ko naman type, pero nga lang, maganda siya,
kaso feeler eh. Sobrang masungit, at grabe, OA. Sabi ng parents namin, kapag mafall
in love with each other raw kami, mas mabuti na nga raw iyon. At ayun, gf ko siya
ngayon, pero hindi ko feel. Parang everyday napipilitan lang ako.

Aimee: Kawawa ka naman, Sane. Pareho nga tayo ng situation. Kaso lang, parang
compability test lang iyong sa amin. Pero, it's still the same. Good luck nalang sa
love life mo!

***

END OF FLASHBACK

Oh my gosh! Maari bang ako iyong girl na tinutukoy ni Ford na hindi niya type kasi
ang OA?! Bwiset tong Ford na to!! Hoy! FYI, hindi ako OA no! Kikay lang ako!
Bwiset! Naninira ng araw! We stared at each other for a minute, tapos tinaasan ko
siya ng kilay.

"Ako iyong girl noh!?"

"May crush ka pala sa akin?! At kay Gab?!"

"What the heck, ako iyong girl na OA?!"

"A-ayun?! Hindi ah! Crush mo pala ako?! Uyy."

"Bwiset! Wag ka nang mag kunwari! "

"Oo! Tama na. Ikaw iyong girl! OA OA mo kasi eh! Maganda nga, eh feeler naman! "

"Feeler ka' moh?! Baka ikaw?! At sinong Charise!? Iyong Charise na parang corpse
bride?!"

"Wag mong insultuhin si Charise!!"

"Ano ba?! Naguguluhan ako sa'yo! You are stupid! You made me believe that you love
me!"

"Hindi naman sa ganun."

"Walang hiya ka! Sinira mo buhay ko! "

Tumakbo ako 2 meters away from him, then I yelled at the top of my lungs. "I
DECLARE WAR BETWEEN US!!! FROM THIS DAY ON, I PROMISE NA HINDING-HINDI NA KITA
PAPANSININ!!" Tawagin ba akong OA at feeler?! Samantalang siya naman itong feeler!
Liar pa!! Gab, I wish you were here.

"Luxelle..." And then somebody hugged me from behind. I looked back to see who he
was, I was surprised. He wiped my tears away, it was him-- it was Gab!!

"Gab!! Napaaga yata ang iyong pagbalik!! Miss na miss na kita!! Alam mo? Grabe, ang
rami ng problema ko. Sayang ang raming nangyari dito, sana nandito ka noong mga
panahong iyon. Gab, alam mo, I felt so lonely nung umalis ka, papano kasi, namiss
ko ang kacornihan mo alam mo yun? Ang mga jokes mo na corny--"

"Sorry, I quit playing our game, Lux. " I think I felt a bullet struck my heart
just a second after he said that.
A/N: Girls/Guys, kapag may 3 asterisks mean to say, continuation siya nung previous
chapter. Yun lang po! Pakikiepal mode ko lang. HEHE. Enjoy! And thanks for the
replies.

***

*click here to listen to the BGM*

I stared at him with an unknown reaction. He stood in front of me, then, he turned
back. He walked away. Without any explanations. When he was distance away from me,
I ran after him.

I don't know why, but my tears went with me as I began to ran after him. Some of
them dropped, some remained on my cheeks. And then the other tears, were just
inside my eye, forming and are about to drop.

I can't explain why I was like this, this was like, the first time that I've cried
for a guy. He kept on walking, and then I jumped to him, and hugged him from
behind. He stopped walking, the time stood still, there was a lull silence, and
then, I can hear my heart beating.

I didn't want to let go. He wasn't moving, so was I. And I guess, that all eyes
were probably on us. "Gab, you can't quit! It's in the rule. Don't let go. " I am
astounded on what I've just said. I guess he was too. He didn't say a thing.
Instead, he took my hands off him, and then walked away.

This is stupid. I mean, hey, he's just a guy. We just lasted for 20 days. And now,
let's talk about Ford. Since na nag-away kami, I guess I wont be going to the prom
after all. 2 days from now, promenade na, at wala akong escort. Bahala na, I'm not
going to the prom.

***

Fast forward, morning.

Pumunta ako sa locker ko, tapos ayun, kinuha ko na ang mga gamit ko. I didn't see
any blue rose na. Nag stop ang lahat after Day 20. At ngayon, it's already Day 21
(sana) kung hindi siya nag quit. Pero bakit ba ako na aapektuhan kay Gab? Mag move
on nalang kaya ako? Teka, bakit ako magmomove on, di ko naman siya mahal diba?

Panira naman, ang bibigat nang mga books ko, and I think I can't carry this on my
own. Hay, pero sino tutulong sa akin? Wala! Siyempre! Haler?! Hindi naman yata
pwede iyong si Gab or Ford pupunta dito tapos tulungan ako nila-- Speaking of...

"Good morning sweetie!" I was about to smile, when I heard Gab saying that, but,
suddenly, my attention was caught by the girl, who was beside me, taking her books
out of her locker. And then my smile, turned into a frown. "Ako nalang sweetie! Ako
nalang dadala ng mga gamit mo."

Why should I be affected?! It was only a game!! "Thanks baby. You're damn sweet."
Tapos nakita ko, bigla sila nag kiss. Oh my gosh, hindi ko na kaya toh. Napatingin
ako sa kanila for awhile, then tumakbo ako sa stairs.

Appropriate ba yan?! Mag kiss ba sa public?! At worse, sa harapan ko pa?! Bakit

anong kasalanang nagawa ko?! Teka, OA ka nga Luxelle! Tama nga si Ford OA ka! Bakit
ka ba uber mag react, eh hindi naman talaga naging kayo?! At isa pa, anong pakealam
mo sa walang hiyang unggoy na lalakeng iyon?!

*BGMusic slowly fades here*

Diba hindi mo naman siya mahal?! Diba si Ford iyong tunay ong mahal?! Mag sorry ka
nalang kaya kay Ford, tapos, pumayag ka nalang sa deal na kasalan-- "Aaaahhhhh!!"
Bigla nalang nalaglag iyong mga libro ko sa sahig, tapos, nakabangga ako sa isang
lalake. "Sorry." I whispered. Tapos nag madali akong ligpitin iyong mga libro ko.

Nagulat nalang ako, nung bigla niya nalang akong tinulugan. "Ako na miss, kasalanan
ko rin naman kung bakit nalaglag iyong mga libro mo eh. Ako nalang bubuhat para
sa'yo." Kaya ayun, siya nga bumuhat. I looked at him, he seemed fammiliar, pero
ewan, at least may taga buhat ako.

"Anong class ka?" He asked me. "By the way, I'm the new student pala." Ah, siya
pala iyong new student na sinasabi sa akin ni Sofia? Naks. Guwapo pala ah. Pang
Sam-Concepcion ang amoks, only better! HAHA. Joke. Sa totoo lang, kamukha niya ang
isa sa mga singer sa Arashi na Japanese band.
Napatingin ako sa ilalim, nakita kong nakatingin si Gab sa akin, kaya nga siguro
hinigpitan niya lalo iyong pag kiss sa kanyang babae. "Ay, by the way, I'm Aimee,
IV-A iyong section ko." I told the dude.

"Oh! Classmates tayo pala kung ganun. I'm Zeus pala."

"Nice name, Zeus. Talaga, classmates tayo? Edi mabuti. Care to play a game?"

"Anong game?"

"100 days. Easy lang naman siya. Magiging mag-on tayo for 100 days. Deal?"

"Sure. Anything for you. "

See? May escort na ako para sa prom, bukas. And may Game-boy na ako, for 100 days
ule. Makikita nang Gab na yan ang hinahanap niya. But... never mind.
The PROM-mise or PROM-mess?
Special chapter

Flashback, Day 21

�Hunnie, are you ready for the prom tomorrow?�

Those words. They kept on floating in my mind. They won�t stop. Naalala ko pa ang
facial expression ni Gab. He was looking deeply into the girl�s eyes. It�s like he
wanted to kiss her again. And it hurts a lot.

�I am of course. I�m so happy && lucky to have you as my baby.�

She wrapped her arms around Gab�s neck, and then, she placed her hand on Gab�s
cheek, and caressed it. Gahd, if I were not with Zeus that time, I would have
already freaked out.

�So baby, where do you wanna go after class?�

She asked Gab, and then Gab looked at me, he gave me that sarcastic look. Heck,
what has happened to him?! What have I done for him to do this to me?! The girl
friend thing had been an effective way of making me jealous, fine, but heck, he �s
being a big meanie

�Wanna watch the sunset with me?�

I was more hurt when I heard him saying this. I can�t believe that he eventually
asked the girl, to go watch the sunset with him. I hate him. I hate his eyes. I
hate his looks. I hate him, I hate him!

End of flashback

Day 22

5:35P.M

I�ve still not decided if I�m going to the prom or not. Will I go? Or not? Haay,
ang hirap mag decide. I walked back and forth in my room, still in PJ�s and still
undecided! Ilang oras nalang at prom na, at nandito pa ako, hindi decided! Ano?
Hindi nalang siguro ako pupunta. Papano ba naman? Hindi naman siguro ako
makakabihis pa nito!

How do you expect me to put on my make up and dress up within 2 hours and a half or
less than?! Ano ba!!! �Hoy! Babae.�

Nagulat ako, it was Sofia. She was already dressed. She looked stunning. �Wow, you
sure look stunning.�

�Stunning ka diyan?! Aba�y bilisan mo na at mag hilamos ka na dun at bibihisan na

kita.�

At ayun, binihisan niya nga ako. Pagkatapos nun, may nag doorbell na sa labas ng
room ko. Oo, just imagine na ang room ko ay kasing laki ng 250 squared meter na
bahay, kaya nga may doorbell diba?! Nagtatanong kayo kung bakit ganun ka laki?!
Sisihin niyo tatay ko.

Anyway, inopen na ni Sofie ang door, tapos andun, si Zeus, nakatayo. Haay, bahala
na nga, napipilitan lang naman ako eh. Pero, at least gwapo naman siya. Ayun,
binigyan niya ako ng bouquet ng red roses. Naalala ko na naman si Gab, at ng
kagaguhan niya. Ang mga blue rose niya, walang hiya siya! �Aaaaaahhh!�

�Okay ka lang?�

�Obvious ba?!�

�Diyan ka lang muna sa sala.�

�Oks ah. Hihintayin kita.�

Pumunta na kami ni Sofia sa dressing room ko, at minake-upan niya na ako. Tapos
sabay na rin style ng buhok ko. Mejo nilagyan niya ng konting curls sa huli, gamit
ng curling iron. And, at last, tapos na. Lumabas na ako, tapos ayun, si Zeus,
escort ko. His breath was so fresh, his eyes were tantalizing, then lastly, his
smile, it was gorgeous. I�m so glad to have a partner as hot as this guy.

Sumakay na kaming tatlo sa sasakyan ni Zeus. Asking how�d he knew where my house
is? Binigyan ko ng direction! HAHA. Anyway, ayun, siya nag-ddrive, ako sa tabi
niya, si Sofia sa likod. �So, Sof? Sinong escort mo?�

She smiled at me. �As usual, si Kent.� Ah, si Kent, siya nga pala iyong suitor ni
Sofia. Gwapo rin �yun! Back to present moment. Kinuha ko ang iPOD ko, tapos
sinaksak ko ang earphone sa tenga ko. Nakinig ako sa music.

Hindi ko na namalayan kung ano iyong title, pero I dropped a tear sa screen ng iPOD
ko. Heck, this Promenade is gonna be the worse Prom that I�ve known all my life.

Nung nandoon na kami, parang away ko nang lumabas. Pero, siyempre lumabas pa rin
ako. Kaya, ayun, lumabas nga ako. Nag palakpakan lahat ng mga tao. Perfect match
raw kami ni Zeus. Bahala na nga sila. Dumaan ako sa red carpet, tapos maya-maya,
iyong spot light, tumitig na sa akin.

�Teka, bakit ako?�

May narinig akong sumigaw nun. Bigla nalang, napatingin ako sa right side ko, si
Gab, iyong isang spotlight, nasa kanya rin. Sino naman ang may pakana nito?

�Mr. Alfonse and Ms. Smith, you can take the dance floor. But before you proceed,
the special guests asked for a song number from Mr. Alfonse to be dedicated to Ms.
Smith.�

Sabi ng voice sa loud speaker.

�What?! Pero?! Ako? Teka, baka nagkakamali lang kayo! Ako?! bakit��

�Ladies and gentlemen, let us give a round of applause to Mr. Alfonse as he sings
for us!�

At nagpalakpakan ang mga studyante. Iyong isang spotlight, nasa akin pa rin, at
iyong isa, sinusundan si Gab. Pumewsto na siya sa stage, tapos he took the
microphone by hand, tapos hinintay na lang ng lahat ang pag start ng music niya.

*please click this to hear the BGM thanks!*

Sa middle ng song niya, bumaba si Gab sa stage, tapos, pinuntahan niya ako. I don�t
know why, pero I felt so happy. He neared me and then, he gave out his hand to me.
�Would you dance, if I asked you to dance?�

I didn�t know what to do, instead I took his hand, and then nodded. �I would, Mr.
Alfonse.�

Sumayaw kami, tapos, ayun, I stared in his eyes, and he was doing the same thing.
Then, the spotlight was on us. I hardly said a thing. He smiled at me, then a tear
dropped from my right eye. Ay, abnormal?

�Okay ka lang?� He asked me, then I smiled. I miss him so much. �I heard na kayo na
raw nung Zeus na iyon, totoo ba iyon?�

Hindi ako nagsalita. I just stared at the ground. Then he kept on repeating the
same question over and over again, until he came up with such a sentence. �Marami-
rami na pala ang karibal ko ngayon.� He was whispering, he thought I didn�t
overheard it, but I did.
I remained silent. I don�t know what�s gotten into him. So, I decided to ask him.
�Bakit ka ba nag quit?�

Silence.

Long dead silence.

�No, it�s okay if you don�t want to answer--.�

�I just felt like quitting. I don�t wanna play around. I don�t wanna fool around. I
don�t wanna play with someone, when I already have a girlfriend.�

I didn�t know what to do. Pinigilan ko mga luha ko, tapos I excused myself, then
tumakbo ako patungo sa labas. Every body�s eye were on us. Even the spotlight
itself followed me, and us. �Hey, wait.�

�Ano ba?! Bakit mo ako sinundan?! I wanna be alone!� He held my hand, and then I
avoided eye contact with him. �Get your hand off mine!!�

I nearly screamed, yet he was still there standing and holding tight. �Why are you
making it so hard for me, Gabriel?!� This was the first time ever that I�ve
mentioned his real name, he looked stunned, tapos bigla nalang he loosen his grip.

�Stop fooling around!!! You�re making things hard for me!! First you quit our game,
and you left me behind without any clue, then the next day, I saw you with this
girl! What could possibly be the reason Gab?! Why did you have to do that?!�
He remained silent. And silence itself arose in the venue. �Say something!!! Yeah,
I know I have no right to persuade you like this, heck, who am I to do this to
you?! I just wanna kick the guts out of you, Mr. Alfonse! So, before I do anything
else, please, just explain it all to me�.�

He stopped me from saying more, then he caught me in his arms. He hugged me tight,
and then, he whispered in my ear. �What if you never believed in love? Then,
someone came along? And you fell in love with that person. But, what if? That
person only came, to teach you how to love? But not to love you?�

I don't know what he means. I didn�t say a thing. He grabbed my hand, tapos dinala
niya ako sa may meadow, then we viewed the full moon. Tapos, maya-maya, nagulat
nalang ako sa sinabi niya sa akin.

�Luxelle, I�m saying goodbye.� Goodbye?! Bakit?! Ano na naman ito?! �Pinapaubaya na
kita sa kamay ni Ford.� I hate you Gab. I hate you. I hate you.

�Dahil ba sa babae mo?!�

"Hindi! Ikaw nga itong may lalake eh!"

"Eh ano ngayon?!"

"If only you knew..."

"Na?!"

"Wala!"

"Oh, ano na yung sinasabi mo?"

�You won�t be needing �Gab� anymore. Because, I know, that as the days passes by,
you�d really despise me. So, that�s why, I�m saying goodbye, don�t worry, goodbye
for now lang naman eh. I promise it won't take long... but--�

SLAP!!!

�Bakit may "for now" effect pa?! Why not make it "goodbye forever"?!� I stopped the
tears from falling, and then sighed. I just have to home right now. I don�t wanna
wash my face with tears anymore.

Well, goodbye then. I turned back as I started walking away, and then I yelled
while the tears ran busy down my cheek. "And yeah, thanks a bunch for ruining my
prom night, Mr. Alfonse."

Wait, Luxelle!� He grabbed my hand, and then, napatigil ang buong mundo ko. I felt
something that I�ve never felt before. Tapos bigla nalang nag flash back sa mind ko
ang first love ko.

***

FLASHBACK

�Kailangan mong iwanan si Redd, ang bata bata niyo pa nga!! Kung ayaw mo siyang
iwan, ako mismo maghihiwalay sa inyo!�

I can still hear my mom�s voice echoing inside my head. It had been years since
that incident happened, pero, hangang ngayon nakatatak pa rin ito sa aking isipan.

1 day after�

�Mamee!�

Bigla nalang akong nagulat noong may yumakap sa akin sa likuran ko noon.
Nagtatanong siguro kayo kung bakit mamee tawag sa akin, kasi nga po, iyong Aimee na
name ko, ginawa niyang Mamee. Basta ganun.
�Daddee Redd!�

Hinawakan ko kamay niya, tapos napaluha ako noon. Mga bata pa lang kami nun, siguro
11 years old or 10 years old.

�Mamee, can we work this out?�

He asked me. Oo, nasa States pa kami pala nun. Doon kasi ako nung bata pa ako eh,
eh nung nag high school na ako, nag migrate kami ditto sa Pinas. Kasi may business
iyong dad ko dito eh.

�I don�t know about this, Redd.�

Oo, Redd iyong name niya, siya pala ang childhood sweetheart ko. Kaso nga,
pinaghiwalay kami ng parents namin.

�Aimee, look, I can�t live without you.� I can still remember him looking in my
eyes so solemnly that time. I swear he had the most tantalizing eyes ever.

�I can�t live without you too, Redd.�

�Here.�

I gave him a ring. Then nilagay ko sa kanyang palm. Tapos nun, sinuot niya na. He
hugged me. Then, bigla nalang may kinuha siya sa bulsa niya.

�Aimee, eto, this is for you. Please keep this.�

Nagulat rin ako noong may isinuot siyang ring sa ring finger ko. I never expected
na meron rin siyang ibibigay na ring in exchange.

�Aimee?! What are you two doing here?! I told you that you shouldn�t see this guy!
I�ve told you many times, Aimee! And now, ipapadala na talaga kita sa Philippines!�
When I heard mom saying that, my world almost fell apart. I eyed Redd, and then, I
dropped a tear.

�Go to your room!!!�

Nasa labas kasi ako ng bahay that time, sa may terrace sa labas ng front door,
kaya, sa kasamaang palad, nahuli ako ng aking mom nun. Kaya, ayun. I left Redd
alone, tapos, nakita kong pinagalitan siya ni mom ko that time, tapos I was crying
while I was walking toward my room.

The next day�

�We already booked you a flight to the Philippines, later in the afternoon, Ai.�

Sabi nun ng dad ko.

�Why?! Why do you have to do this?!�

�You and Redd are too young to be involved in a relationship, Aimee! We are only
protecting you!�

Hindi nalang ako kumibo pa, tapos nun, ayun. Iniwan na ako nila. The last time I
saw Redd was in our backyard, sa treehouse namin.

�You�re leaving, huh.�

�I don�t want to go Redd.�

�Aimee, I�m here, because, I want to ask you a favor.�

�What is it, Redd?�

�Aimee, will you be my girl�.�

�Aimee! Where are you?! It�s time to go now.�

�I�m sorry, Redd. But, I need to go.�

�Aimee, no.�

�Redd, what do you want to say?!�

�Aimee, don't leave.�

�No, Redd, no. I�m sorry. We'll see each other again, someday, perhaps.�

Pagkatapos nun, tumakbo na ako, tapos, iniwan ko si Redd sa treehouse. Then,

pumunta na ako sa International Airport.

END OF FLASHBACK
***

�I don�t want another heartbreak, Gab. Let go.� I said in a faint whisper. Bigla
nalang ako napaisip. Mahal ko na nga ba si Gab? Siguro nga. Pero ewan ko. Bahala�Oh
my gosh. Bakit?!

�And let us give way for our Prom King && Queen, Ms. Smith, and Mr. Alfonse!!! A
round of applause please!�

And then the spotlight suddenly lit up on us both.

�Teka, anong ibig sabihin nito?�

�Ha?!�

�Tayong dalawa?�

At wala akong choice, kundi umakyat kaming dalawa sa stage. This prom is a mess.

Fastforward, fter Prom.

�Naks! Ang best friend ko, ang ganda ganda talaga! Ang haba ng hair mo chay!
Akalain mo, kayo pa ang perfect match of the night!! Ang swerte talaga ng nagging
Prinsipe mo, chang!�

Ayan, si Sofia. Humirit na naman.

�Now what, Sof? Now what?!� Hindi ko alam, but hindi ko rin napigilan. Bigla nalang
tumulo iyong mga luha ko, tapos napayakap ako kay Sofia. �It hurts.�

�Why?! Sisterrette, kayo na nga ang perfect match of the night, ikaw si Cinderella,
tapos siya si Princce Charming mo! O diba, ang saya?! Sister, sister? Teka, bakit
ka naman umiiyak??�

�Oo siya nga iyong Prince Charming, but� Sof, what if, I was never meant to be his
Cinderella?�

I ran off tapos, hindi ko alam kung saan na ako dinala nung mga paa ko. Napaupo ako
sa swing, with my long gown, then umiyak. Hoy! Etong mascara ko, naeerase na!!

�Bakit ba?! Bakit ayaw mong tumigil?!� Sinabihan ko ang mga luha ko. Naiinis kasi
ako eh, bakit kasi hindi siya tumitigil eh!

�Alam mo Gab, nakakainis ka na sobra!� I screamed. Narinig kong umecho iyong boses
ko sa may forest banda, tapos maya-maya nagulat ako nung biglang may nagsalita sa
likuran ko.

�Luxelle.� It was Gab. �Let me explain.�

�Ano pa ang ieexplain mo?! Wala ka nang kailangan pang ipaliwanag pa. Iwan mo na
ako.�

�Kaya lang naman ako nag quit ng game, kasi, narinig ko na ang tungkol sa inyo ni
Ford. Tapos, game lang naman iyon ah? Bakit ka ba nagagalit? I mean, diba lahat ng
ginawa natin sa 20 days natin, eh, puro pretentions lang?

And may girlfriend talaga ako� at iyon ay iyong nakita mo last time. Kakagaling
niya mula sa States, umuwi siya dito, tapos nakipagbalikan siya sa akin. So I
accepted it naman, kasi wala namang may namamagitan sa atin diba? Kaya, ayun, sana
maintindihan mo��
�Tapos ka na?!Pretentions pala ha?!?!�

He looked at me. Nagulat siguro, tapos bigla nalang tumulo ang mga luha ko.

�Manhid ka ba?! O nagpapamanhid-manhidan ka lang?! Oo, GAME lang iyon! Pero Gab, I
took all of your gestures seriously! Walang hiya ka! Bakit ganun Gab?! Bakit hindi
mo sinabi noon pa na may gf ka na pala?! Bakit ganun?! Akala ko gusto mong
totohanin?!�

�Laro lang naman iyon diba?! Oh, bakit ganyan ka mag react?!�

�Yeah right, it was only a game.�

�Ganun naman pala eh! So, ano pa ang pinag-aawayan natin?!�

�Ikaw kasi eh.�

�Ako?!�

�Sino pa edi ikaw!�

�Eh, game lang naman iyon�.�

�Game nga lang iyon! But it was the very first game, that I�ve taken seriously! � I
started. �I don�t want you to be my friend anymore, Mr. Alfonse. You don�t need to
give me your unreasonable reasons, and you need not to bother me anymore! You�ve
gone so far. I guess, it�s time to call this quits.�

"Ako ang mandhid? Baka ikaw. I've already called this quits 2 days ago."

After I heard him say this, umalis ako. Ang sakit nun ah. His voice kept on
repeating on my mind. I've already called this quits two days ago. Oo nga pala noh.
Ako nga iyong manhid, hindi siya. Manhid ako. Walang hiya ka Gab.

I ran, and then the quote kept on ringing in my mind. I guess I was never his
Cinderella. I guess it was only a game. I guess, I guess it was meant to be like
this. But you know what? The game that we played had surely changed my life�
[[Day 36]]

*click to listen to back ground music*

2 weeks had passed, well wala na akong pakealam kay Gab. Si Ford? Hindi ko siya
pinapansin, kahit na nagpapapansin. Hindi ko nga siya nakita noong Prom night eh.
Si Zeus? Eto, ok na ok kami. Masaya naman kami palage. And, he's sweet. Siya nga
pala, may date kami ngayon sa kanilang Coffee Shop kami mag meet. So, mag 1 month
na rin kami ni Zeus pala.

I rode my own scooter, tapos dumeretso nalang ako sa Coffee Shop. Tapos nun, nakita
ko, nandun na si Zeus sa loob, nakaupo, tapos may pagkain narin sa mesa. Ay, chaka
he's so sweet. I smiled at him, tapos he smiled at me too. "Sweet morning, Lux."

"Sweet morning, too." He pulled the chair out for me, and then, naupo na ako. I
smiled, wa, sweetness uberness talaga. Naupo na kaming dalawa. Kumain ng muffins at
donuts tapos nun, I feasted over my own mocha frap. Then, bigla niya nalang
hinawakan kamay ko.

"I have something to tell you. but first, promise me, kapag marinig mo to, hindi ka
magquit sa game." I nodded and gave him a stare, what's he gonna tell me? His
smiling face, turned into a serious one.

At first he was a little hesitant, but he actually took the bulls by the horn, and
then, he explained, so far, I was a little astounded. "This is really something
serious. And I want you to know, that I have no wrong motives anymore."

Anymore? Which means? "Sinadya ko ang lahat. The first time that you've bumped into
me, was actually a part of my plan. Akala mo nun, hindi kita kilala, but actually,
matagal na kitang kilala. Kaya ko lang naman tinanggap iyong alok mo that time,
kasi I wanted to take revenge."
"Teka, bakit?!" Hindi ko na siya na intindihan. Word check: Revenge-to punish
somebody who has harmed you or harmed a friend. Tama diba? Pero, bakit? Ano ba
nagawa ko?

"You must be so confused right now. Look, actually, nung nakilala na kita ng
lubusan, unting-unti nawawala iyong motive kong mag revenge." He held my hand. "It
was because of your family, kung bakit nag suffer iyong pamilya ko way back years
ago. It was because of your dad."

I withdraw my hand from his, when I heard him saying this. "Anong kinalaman ni dad
dito?! Bakit, bakit anong kasalanan ng pamilya ko?!" He stared at me, tapos he took
a deep breathe.

"Way back years ago, my dad was your dad's business partner. But, unluckily,
trinaidor ng tatay mo ang tatay ko. Siniraan niya ang dad ko sa public, tapos
kinuha niya ang mabuting reputation ng tatay ko, at pinalitan niya ito.

Sinabi niya na, ang tatay ko raw, ay ang may kasalanan kung bakit bumaba ang sales
ng companiya. At hindi lang iyon, kinasuhan pa siya, tapos nakulong. Hindi naman
talaga kasalanan ng tatay ko yun eh. Pero, basta ganun. Ayaw ko nang mag revenge,
Lux."

He held my hand, and then, I let go.

"Pwede ba?! Tama na! Tama na ito!"I'm tired of those fetish lies. Ang mga lalake
talaga! Walang alam kun di mangloko! "I'm leaving." I stood up from my chair, and
then, I headed to the door. Nung nasa labas na ako, tumakbo ako.

Then, napatigil ako sa gitna ng daan, nung nakita ko si Ford sa may southward
banda, then si Gab naman, sa Northside banda.

I'm losing my grip. Hindi ko na kaya to. Nakita kong sinisipa ni Gab iyong can,
tapos si Ford, nakita ko, nakaupo sa bench, hawak-hawak ang stuffed toy na binigay
ko sa kanya noon. Napaluha ako.
"LUXELLE! ALIS DIYAN!! MASAGASAAN KA!" I looked at my right side, may nakita akong
scooter na sobrang bilis ang takbo. Hindi na ako nakagalaw pa. I think I was
unconscious. Bumilis pa iyong speed ng scooter, tapos... tumigil ito, nung malapit
na sa akin.

"Luxelle Aimee Smith, is that you?"

***

(Gab and Ford's thoughts)

Teka, si Luxelle ba iyon??

Tama ba ang narinig ko??

si Gab?

Ford?

Bakit kaya siya nandito?

Bahala na nga siya sa buhay niya.

***

"Luxelle? Okay ka lang?"

"Nasaktan ka ba, Lux?"

"Luxelle, ano? Napano ka ba?"

Napatingin ako sa paligid ko. 4 na lalake. Tapos, hindi ko pa kilala iyong nasa
scooter. Maya-maya, kinuha niya na iyong helmet niya, tapos, nagulat ako sa nakita
ko.

"R-redd?"

"Aimee!" Binilisan ko, tapos umakyat ako sa scooter niya, then naupo na ako sa
likod niya. "Sino tong mga to?" He whispered in my ear. I shook my head. Wala na
akong may naisip pang paraan. Bahala na silang tatlo.

"Sige Redd, alis na tayo." I told him, as loudly as I could. Nakita ko mga mata
nilang 3. Nakatingin lahat kay Redd. In fairness, super gwapo na ngayon si
childhood sweetheart ko.

"Mga dudes, teka lang ha? Umalis muna kayo sa daan ko. " At ayun, umalis na kaming
dalawa ni Redd. How I missed him. And then, nakita ko iyong ring na binigay ko sa
kanyang ring finger. Hangang ngayon, sinusuot pa rin pala niya .

***

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako dadalhin ni Redd, pero, I have a feeling na magiging
masaya ako. Si Redd na yan eh!

"Saan ba tayo--"

I can feel him placing his index finger at the tip of my lip, while I was still
being blind folded. I closed my blabbering mouth, and then followed him instead. He
was holding my hand, okay? How could I possibly walk, without him holding my hand?
May blind fold kaya ako!
Minutes later, nag stop na kami sa pag lakad. I guess we're here. "You ready?" I
nodded. Then, slowly he took off the blind fold na nakatali sa akin. I almost
cried. This can't be. Waa. Long time wish ko na ito. Tears of joy yan ha? Don't
get me wrong. "Surprise."

We were on top of the hill. Timing rin, kasi mga 5:30 P.M na, eh medyo dumidilim na
ang paligid. Gahd. I have been dreaming this, but now, reality na. Ang sweet
talaga nitong si Redd. Ever. "Ang ganda, Redd." I can see the view sa mainland. I
don't know, but, super ganda.

30 minutes passed, the lights of the houses sa mainland began to lit up na. Ang
galing! You know that feeling na nasa itaas ka ng hill, tapos ang lamig ng hangin,
then-- Napatingin ako kay Redd, bigla niya nalang hinawakan kamay ko. Then, kinuha
niya ito, at ikiniss.

Nagulat ako. I felt uneasy. Di ko alam ang gagawin ko. He pulled me closer, and
then, he placed his arms around my shoulder. I was like, shocked. I felt the funny
feeling that I once felt. Kaso lang, hindi na siya ganun ka strong. But it might
still be there. Bigla nalang nakita ko ang ring finger niya. And guess what? Iyong
ring na ibinigay ko pala, sinusuot niya pa.

"Sinusuot mo pa pala?"

I asked him. Inalis niya na kamay niya sa balikat ko, tapos he touched his ring
finger which was on his left hand using his right hand. He smiled, and then hinubad
niya ito.

"Yeah." He looked at me, and then, maya-maya, he motioned me to stop talking. Then,
he pointed sa mainland. "Look."

*click to listen to BGM, please.*

Nakarinig ako ng ingay sa mainland, and then, bigla nalang, may nakita akong group
of people, marami sila, pumunta sila sa may parang plaza yata, and then, when the
clock struck 7:00 P.M, bigla nalang... may fireworks.

I was really amazed. The fireworks were so nice. Then, naalala ko iyong mga moments
namin ni Redd noong bata pa kami. Hay, it's so nice to reminisce. Bigla nalang,
hinila ako ni Redd, then, he hugged me.

"Aimee." He whispered in my ear. "I wanna tell you something."

"What is it?" I asked him. He took my hand, and opened it, then he placed his hand
on my palm.

"I wanna be with you FOREVER. Do you feel the same way too?"

Then he closed his hand && mine, while our fingers were slowly being locker to each
other. I took a deep breath, and then, I searched for the right words to say. I
don't know kung ano gagawin ko. Mag yeyes ba ako? Sige. Tutal, wala namang pake si
Gab sa akin, and I don't like Ford, and please wag lang si Zeus.

If I would fall in love, I choose to be in love with someone na talagang sasalo sa

akin kapag malaglag na ako. I wanna be kept in the arms that can hug me in my
weakest point. And I surely know one person who could love me like that. "Why?"

"Because I wanna KEEP you forever."

And that's Redd.

His the one I've been referring to. Redd--my childhood sweetheart. But what about
him?? Oh, Never mind! Ayaw ko nang ma SPOIL iyong moment namin ni Redd dahil sa
isang walang hiyang lalakeng tulad niya.

I guess I am Redd's Cinderella.

And I guess, he's my Prince Charming too.

"Thank you Redd, for everything." Bigla nalang, hindi ko alam kung papano, pero..
nalaglag ako kay Redd, and I accidentally kissed him on his lips. "Sorry. Hindi ko
sinasadya."

Napahawak ako sa labi ko, and then, I felt uneasy ulit.

"No, it's okay." Umupo kami ulit. Then, ayun, we stared at the sky. Then, bigla
nalang kinuha niya ulit iyong kamay ko. "Aimee. Listen. I know fairytales aren't
true. But, I just wanna ask you one thing."

"Ano?"
He pulled me closer, and then hugged me. Tapos he whispered in my ear.

"Will you be my Cinderella, even though I ain't a Prince?"

***

*beep beep*

I took my phone, tapos I read the message, it was from Zeus.

From: Z

Aimee, let�s go out tonight. Meet me at the same coffee shop, see ya.

�Sino yun?�

�Ah, wala, si Zeus, friend ko. May appointment kami mamaya eh. What was it that you
were saying awhile ago?�

I turned to Redd, then he gave out a sigh then he shook his head. �Ah, okay.
Nevermind nalang yun. Saan ka ba pupunta?�

�Sa may same coffee shop earlier.�

�Ihahatid nalang kita doon, tara na.�

Fast forward, Coffee Shop

�Sasama ka?�

�Uh��

�Tara na, samahan mo na ako.�

*click to listen to BGM*

Hinila ko nalang si Redd, tapos pumasok na ako kasama siya sa loob. Nakita ko si
Zeus, nakaupo sa table, then�nakita ko rin si Gab at Ford. What are these two guys
doing here?! Akala ko ba si Zeus lang iyong nagyaya sa akin?

�You�re 2 minutes late.� Bigla nalang ako napatingin kay Gab. I couldn�t believe na
after all he�s done, kaya pa rin niyang kumausap sa akin. �And I thought, I told
you na ikaw lang ang pumunta? Bakit may chaperone ka pa?�

I can�t believe that he is now so rude. Nakakainis. �He�s my bestfriend, for

Heaven�s sake, Gab. Can you just please give him respect?� He smiled
sarcastically, and then, he lowered his look at me.

�I thought he was another guy of yours again. Hah, akala ko kasi, nakipaglandian ka
na naman eh--�

�Dude, wala naman yata sa ayos iyong pananalita mo kay Aimee��

I motioned Redd to stop whatever he was about to say nalang. Umupo na ako sa table,
even though ang awkward, I stil sat with them. �This is Redd, my childhood best
friend.�

Silence. Grabe, ang sakit naman nun.

�So, err� Zeus, bakit mo pala ako pinapunta dito?� Muntik nang mabitawan ni Zeus
iyong teaspoon na hinahawakan niya. Lumunok siya, tapos, he gave me a look.
�Me?� He pointed to himself. I raised an eyebrow at him, tapos nakita kong naka
sarcastic smile si Gab. �I didn�t ask you to come here. It was Gab, Lux.�

What the heck. I have been set up.

�Oh? Ganun pala ha.� Tumayo ako sa kinakaupuan ko, tapos I looked at Redd. �Mauna
ka na sa labas Redd, I have some serious business to finish here.�

Redd didn�t say a thing. He looked confused though. He might be wondering kung ano
ko ang mga lalakeng ito. Siguro nga, it�s time to choose whom. Pero, bago mangyari
yun. Tatapusin ko muna ang kababalaghan naming ni Gab.

I looked back just to see if Redd already got out, so when I found out that the
coast was clear, I decided to go with the plan. I sat right up, then ayun, I gave a
look kay Gab. �Let�s go some elsewhere.� Tumayo ulit ako, tapos I went near him, to
where he was seated, then hinila ko siya.

�Ano ba?!�

�Okay lang po kayo Ma�am, Sir?�

The guy standing next to us asked us.

I gave out a forced smile, with matching white teeth showing out. �Yes, WE are
okay, right, HONEY?�

Binigyan lang ako ni Gab nang annoyed look, tapos lumabas na kami sa Coffee Shop,
sa opposite exit, hindi sa place na kung saan naka park iyong scooter ni Redd.

Tapos nun, I let go of his hand. He turned to me, and I saw him, fuming with rage.
�What�s up with the attitude, Gab?!�

Silence.

�Why did you tell me to meet you here?!�

Another silence.

�Why did you have to insult me like that?! What the hell is your problem?!�

Another dull silence.

�Come on! Are you just gonna stand up there, and stare at me like that?!�

Silence. Silence. Echoes.

�What the heck do you want Gab?! What the heck do you still want from me?!�

Echoes. My voice echoed. I hate this.

�Why are you making things so hard for me?�

This time, I felt my eyes heating up. I felt a huge weight being placed on top of
my shoulder, and then, when I touched my cheek, I felt hot tears falling from my
eyes. He looked at me, and then, I was sure that he couldn�t supply me the right
words.

I mean, bakit ba kailangan pa niya akong pahirapan?! Bakit ganito? �Sana naman Gab�
Hindi ikaw ang karma ko.�

When I said this, he neared me, and then he placed his hand on my cheek. He looked
into my eyes solemnly, and then, I felt droplets of water falling from the sky.
�Ano?! Tatayo ka lang ba diyan?! Bakit mo nilalagay iyong kamay mo sa mukha ko?!
Please, just� for once! Make some things easy for me--�

�I�m sick of this.�

He slowly took his hand from my cheek, and then, his back faced me. �I don�t know
what�s been happening, Lux. I don�t know. I can�t understand things. And I think I
need time to understand things.�

�But you are being unfair! How do you expect me to wait for your explanation when
even you, yourself cannot explain it?!�

�Just listen to me.� He pulled me over, and then, my head fell on his chest.
�Listen to the beat of this heart.� He wrapped his arms around me, and then, he
hugged me. The rain poured hard on our heads, and then, bigla nalang, nanotice kong
humigpit iyong grip ni Gab sa akin.

�Will you wait for me?�

I got struck by something in me when I heard him saying this. �Huh?�

I quickly let go of his hug.

�I like you Luxelle. And you know it. And I think I already love you. But promise
me. That you would pretend that this night never once happened in your life.�

Silence.

�I can�t be always there for you.�

Look, I don�t know why the hell is he saying such things, but, I need to go now
before things worsen. I slowly walked away from him. And then, when I was about to
go the opposite side of the road, I guess I was 2 meters away from him, I heard him
shouting something, that made my heart shatter into pieces.
�I LOVE YOU! But promise me.� He stared to yell. �Once the night is over, let�s
pretend to forget that this ever happened, because from now on, I know things will
not be easy for us. And I guess this is the best way, to say good bye to you.�

I stopped from walking, and then, I looked back at him. Goodbye? Now lemme tell you
something. I am seeing this guy, who looks real lot like Gabriel Alfonse, who
dresses up like him, but HE is not him.

�Who are you anyway?� I screamed and tears started forming in my eyes again. I saw
him looking at me, with a clueless look. �Do I know you?�

I said this with tears falling from my eyes. I turned back, and swallowed the hurt,
as my tears continued mixing with the raindrops. I guess it is goodbye for us. So,
from this day on, I will pretend that I DON�T know him. That is what he wanted
anyway, right? I went to where Redd was, and then, when I saw him I stood before
him.

He hugged me, and then I hugged him tighter, while I whispered to his ears. �Yes
Redd. I will be your Cinderella from this day on.�

I felt my knees becoming weaker, and then� the last thing I saw was� Gab�s face.

And then everything turned to black.

[Day 40]

"Is she okay?" I was still closing my eyes. So much for fainting. Damn it, I don't
know what happened to me. My body is still weak, I guess I need more time to rest.
"Alam mo, Redd. Sana naman, alagaan mo tong si Luxelle."
"Of course I will." Nakikinig lang ako sa usapan nila. Si Gab ba yan? Siya nga yan.
"Bakit dude, what's the problem?"

"Nothing. I just want her to be in the safest arms. Please do take good care of
her."

"Do you like her?"

"No I don't."

"Oh. Okay. But why are you so concerned?"

"She's my friend. I don't know. I guess I don't like her. Alam niya na yan. Basta.
May sinabe ako sa kanya kagabi eh." Huh? Wala naman diba? I don't remember
anything. I guess, the last thing na naalala ko is, pumunta kami ni Redd sa Coffee
Shop para imeet namin si Zeus. "Just take good care of her. Please."

"Dude, bakit ba?!"

"I LOVE HER." Nagulat ako sa narinig ko. Siguro nga nananaginip lang ako. Pero, ano
ba to? I can feel butterflies in my stomach. "Now are you happy?!"

"I am not, because I love her too."

"Pabilisan nalang pala tayo ngayon. Imma make my move na."

"Tignan nalang natin kung mapapasa'yo si Luxelle."

"Mahal ko siya."

"Mahal ko rin siya."

"Fine. May the best man win."

"Kung makakalusot ka. "

"Just promise me, you won't tell her what happened here."

"Kahit hindi pa ako mag promise, hindi ko rin naman sasabihin na dumalaw ka. "

*Please, do click this to listen to the BGM!*

Bigla nalang, I heard the door being shut closed. I slowly opened my eyes, and then
I saw Redd, looking into my eyes. "Stop it, Redd. Ayaw ko na."

I hurriedly left my bed, and then even though I felt a little dizzy, sinundan ko si
Gab. Naiyak na ako, then, maya-maya, naabutan ko na siya. "HOY! IKAW!"

He looked back, and then napatigil siya sa kanyang paggalaw. "Bakit ka ba

nagsisinungaling sa akin?! I heard everything!"

"Ano?"
"I know you love me!"

"Talaga? Papano kung mali ka?"

"You can't deny it to yourself, Gab! Silence hurts more!"

He neared me, and then hinila niya ang sleeve ng t-shirt ko. He looked into my
eyes, and then he started speaking. "I don't want to think of you! I don't want you
to be in my mind! I hate the way na palage ka nalang nangtataray sa akin! Naiinis
ako sa'yo! Naiinis ako dahil pumayag pa ako noon na mag laro tayo ng game na yun!
Higit sa lahat, naiinis ako sa'yo, I just don't want you to be in my mind, alam mo
yun?!"

Nasaktan ako sa sinabi niya. He slowly lose his grip sa sleeve ko, and then I
turned my back away from him, and started walking. I don't wanna hear kung ano pa
ang sasabihin niya. I started walking, trying not to shed a tear, and then, bigla
nalang ako napatigil sa sinabi niya.

"Do you know why I don't want you to be in my mind?!" He was yelling. I stopped
from walking when I heard this. My tears started running down. "It's because.... We
both knew it from the very first day that we played the game... you were already in
my heart."

Then, I suddenly felt him, hugging me from behind. He just shouted his love for
this girl, this girl, who is no other than--me.

"Can you give me another chance, Lux?"

I just smiled, and definitely he knew what that smile meant. He smiled back at me,
and then he hugged me tighter. "I really missed you Gab. "

"Tomorrow. You'll be seeing someone you knew from the past."

I don't know what he meant by that. But, for now. I just wanna hold on tight to his
hug. Yes, I finally have fallen for him.

***

"Goodmorning, Luxelle! " Nagulat ako nung bigla nalang may bumatok sa akin sa
aking balikat. Bigla ko na lang tuloy nalaglag ang aking gamit mula sa locker! I'm
so happy. It was Gab! "How are you, Lux?"

I smiled at him. I don't know why, but I'm just happy because he's around me! "I'm
happy and inspired at the same time." I just gave him a wink, and then umalis ako
leaving him behind. Tinignan ko lang naman kung susundan niya ako. Sinundan nga
niya ako!

"Ako nalang dadala nung gamit mo, Lux." Kinuha niya mga gamit ko, tapos, may
naalala ako. Oo nga pala. Diba sabi niya kahapon eh, tomorrow, you will see someone
from the past?

"Gab, sino ba iyong someone na yun?" He just smiled. Sino nga ba? "Sino ba?"

Tapos tinuro niya ang sarili niya. "Obvious ba? Edi si cute slash gwapo slash hot
na si Gab! " Naspeechless ako. Bakit hindi ko yun naisip? Oo nga noh. Sabi ko nga.
Tinulungan niya na ako sa pagdala ng mga gamit ko, siya na iyong unang nag greet
nang goodmorning, siya na iyong nangamusta, at higit sa lahat, bumalik na siya sa
dating sarili niya.

Papasok na sana kami sa classroom, noong may tumawag kay Gab.

"Baby! I've been looking all over for you! How are you!?" She leaned on Gab, and
then she kissed him infront of me. And to think that the kiss, was NOT a smack. I
admit, I felt irritated. Ano ba talaga?! Naiinis na naman ako ulit kay Gab. Bakit
ganun?! Akala ko break na sila?!

"Listen." I heard Gab saying this to her. "Please. Just go."

"Babe. You know that something already happened between the both of us. You don't
want others to know about it! Alam mo na kung ano na yun. Babe, diba, mahal mo
ako?"

Tahimik lang si Gab. Hindi ko alam kung anong sinasabi nitong babaeng ito. Bakit
niya naman sinabing may 'nangyari' sa kanila ni Gab? Ano? Meron ba?

"Kung patuloy ka pang sumama diyan sa babaeng iyan, alam mong hindi magugustuhan ng
mga magulang mo yan. And diba, they do NOT approve of her? " She said this in a
very loud and sarcastic voice. Napatingin nalang ako sa kanya. Anong pinagsasabi
nito?!

"Belle. Shut your mouth up! Kung ano na ang pinagsasabi mo diyan! "

"Eh, totoo naman diba?! Sa totoo nga dapat eh, TAYO ang ikakasal. Kaso lang, DAHIL
sa babaeng yan, puchak, Gab, HINDI ito matutuloy. Akala ko ba MAHAL mo ako?! Akala
ko ba ako ang pakakasalan mo?! Akala ko ba ako ang buhay mo?! Gab, ano ba?! Bakit
ka ba nagsinungaling sa akin?! Hindi pa nga tayo break eh!"

I was just staring at them. Hindi ko alam kung anong ififeel ko dapat. Should I be
angry? Should I be sorry? Should I cry? Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang
paniniwalaan ko. I'm totally lost.

"So, ngayon, I'm gonna say it na." Gab started to say. "WE ARE DONE, BELLE."

Napahiya ang babae. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko. I stood there looking
like a faggot sh*t. I was looking like a 3-year-old innocent girl who's standing
there, looking for her lost lollipop. I looked like a sh*t. Akala ko ba nagbago na
si Gab?! Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko!

"Akala mo, tapos na tayo? Pwes nagkakamali ka, Gab. Pagbabayaran mo tong lahat
na'to." Umalis iyong babae, pagkatapos, ako naman, I wanted to walk out too. Hindi
ko na alam kung ano pa ang gagawin ko.

I looked at Gab, and gave him a disappointed look. Akala ko pa naman, magiging
maganda na ang araw ko.

I decided not to attend class anymore, kaya, bahala na. Pumunta ako sa playground,
and then nag swing ako. I was staring at the grass, while recalling their
conversation. Hindi ako mapakali.

"Babe. You know that something already happened between the both of us. You don't
want others to know about it! Alam mo na kung ano na yun. Babe, diba, mahal mo
ako?"

"Kung patuloy ka pang sumama diyan sa babaeng iyan, alam mong hindi magugustuhan ng
mga magulang mo yan. And diba, they do NOT approve of her? "

"Eh, totoo naman diba?! Sa totoo nga dapat eh, TAYO ang ikakasal. Kaso lang, DAHIL
sa babaeng yan, puchak, Gab, HINDI ito matutuloy. Akala ko ba MAHAL mo ako?! Akala
ko ba ako ang pakakasalan mo?! Akala ko ba ako ang buhay mo?! Gab, ano ba?! Bakit
ka ba nagsinungaling sa akin?! Hindi pa nga tayo break eh!"

Ano ba talaga ang nangyayari? Sino ba talaga si Gab? Ano ba talaga siya ni Belle?
Ano?

"Hoy, ikaw!" Bigla nalang ako napalingon sa right side ko, then nakita ko si Belle.
She was looking at me with these angered eyes. "Alam mo bang ako ang fiance ni Gab
sa future?!"

Hindi ako sumagot. Paki ko?! "Alam mo bang, may NANGYARI na sa amin ni Gab!?
Hinihintay ko nalang ang RESULTA, hinihintay ko nalang kung POSITIVE ba or hindi.
Siya ang magiging tatay nang MAGIGING anak niya."
Ano?! Anong pinagsasabi niya?! Postive? Resulta? Teka... Anak? "It was during that
night, nanatulog siya sa bahay ko sa States. We were totally in love, and we MADE
out. And then, something happened."

I don't know how to react. I do look like a fool. Ang sakit. "Kaya, layu-layuan
mo na si Gab, bago ka pa mabiktima niya. At sinisigurado kong mapapaskin si Gab.
Because responsibilidad niya ako."

After she said this, umalis na siya. Then, bigla nalang may tumawag sa akin.
"Aimee." It was Ford. "Ok ka lang?"

"Ang lakas din naman nang loob mong lumapit sa akin noh?! Hindi tayo magkaibigan!
"

"Pwede ba. Aimee. I'm hear to propose a peace treaty."

Hala?! Ano daw?! Hoy, oldies yan ah! 'Treaty' raw! "Ano?! Sige. Peace na tayo.
Basta layuan mo ako!"

"Hindi eh. Hindi ko na kaya Aimee eh." Anong hindi?! Pwede ba tigiltiggilan mo nga
ako!

"Alam mo, nakakainis ka! Umalis ka na nga dito! Pambihira ka! "

"Sige. Aalis ako. Pero, bago akong umalis, may ibibigay muna ako sa iyo." He told
me. "Ipikit mo mga mata mo."

Then, I felt something being wrapped around my neck, and found out na necklace
pala. Emerald siya. Favorite jewel ko. "Bagay talaga sa'yo."

"Oh, salamat. Pwede ka nang umalis."

"Bago ako umalis. Pwede ka bang mayakap?"

"Ha?!" Bago pa ako umindi, niyakap niya na ako. Tapos, nakita ko si Gab. Nakatingin
sa amin habang niyayakap ako ni Ford. "Puchak, bitawan mo'ko!"

"Listen to me..." He whispered. "Aalis na ako patungo States bukas. Hindi na

matutuloy ang compatibility test na yun. Aalis na ako. Kaya, please. Stay the same.
Luxelle, I love you."

Bigla nalang ako napatigil sa sinabi niya. Ano raw? Aalis siya? "And right now. I'm
leaving you... sa mga kamay ni... Redd."

Huh?! Bakit si Redd?! "Take good care of yourself..."

Pagkatapos niyang sabihin yun, he slowly walked away. Then, he turned back, and
shouted. " I want Redd for you."

Tapos bigla nalang may nagsalita sa likod ko. "But I don't want THAT Redd for you."

When I turned around to see whom he was, nagulat nalang ako, dahil nakita ko si
Gab.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit, but sinampal ko siya. "Manloloko ka."

He looked at me, and then gulat na gulat expression niya. "Bakit?!"

"Gab, sabihin mo nga sa akin!? Saan sa mga 'i love you's ' mo, ang totoo?!" After I
said this, umalis nalang ako. Pero hinabol niya ako.

"Luxelle!" He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him. Our faces are just an
inch away from each other. Then my heart began beating fast. And tears started to
drop from my eyes. "Why are you crying?"
I didn't answer. I just looked at him. "Luxelle. Mahal na mahal kita. Sana maniwala
ka. Luxelle, I love you more than--"

Pinigilan ko siya sa pagsalita. I placed my four fingers at the tip of his lip, and
then I took a deep breath and sighed. "Please Gab. Not now."

"Pero, bakit?"

"Gab... you are soon going to be a father of your child... So just... leave me
away, and stop bothering me..."

After I said this, I ran away. Talo na ako.

**

[[Day 48]]

It had been 8 days na hindi kami nag-uusap ni Gab. I need no explanation from him.
Siguro nga, kinakarma na ngayon ako. Siguro nga galit na si God sa akin. Siguro
nga, minamalas talaga ako pagdating sa pag-ibig.

Naglalakad-lakad ako sa may hallway, and then maya-maya, noong dumaan ako sa may
CR, may narinig akong nag-uusap. Hindi ko alam pero, napatigil ako sa narinig ko.

"Alam mong walang may nangyari sa atin, Belle!"

"Of course I know that, wala naman talagang may nangyari sa atin eh. Pinalabas ko
lang naman na ganun, so that lumayo na siya sa'yo. Hun, I love you so much. Akala
ko I'm your everything?"
"Shut up Belle! You know that my heart beats only for one girl, and that's her!"

"Ano pa ba ang gusto mong gawin ko, Gab? I'm willing to give you everything!"

"Talaga lang ha?"

"Yes. Just ask and I'll give it to you."

"Layuan mo kami ni Luxelle. Yun lang ang hinihingi ko sa'yo."

After I heard him saying that, I started walking again. I'm not sure kung sino yun,
but I guess si Gab yun. Oo, siya yun. Ano ba talaga? Wala naman palang may nangyari
sa kanila eh. Sinungaling na babae yun!

At ako naman, sobrang tanga, naniwala rin! Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko--
Napalingon ako kasi bigla nalang may humila nang kamay ko papasok sa may storeroom
malapit sa CR. "Sino ka?!"

Hindi ko masyadong makita, kasi, madilim sa loob, tapos sobrang liit pa ng

storeroom! OMG. Bigla niyang sinarado iyong pintuan, tapos, I can feel him
breathing sa likod ko. "Si Redd to. Listen to me."

Silence.

"Lumayo ka kay Gab na yun. He's just not the right guy for you." Hindi ko alam kung
ano sasabihin ko. I just kept silent. "Aimee, listen. I want us to be together
forever. Kung nandyan ang Gab na yan, papano na tayo? Remember our promises when we
were young?"

Silence. Silence.

"Aimee." He hugged me. I gave him no reaction. "Please. Just tell me you love me
too."

I shrugged, and I brushed off his hands off mine. I shook my head, and then, a tear
dropped from my eye.

"No, I can't answer that. I can't say anything right now. Please. I'm so confused
Redd. Just, leave me alone. Give me time for myself!" After I said this, I ran
quickly out of the storeroom, but he followed me.

"Aimee. Niloloko ka lang niya!" Talaga?! How sure are you!? I shook my head and
then I started to cry. I hate it kapag tumatakbo ako tapos umiiyak ako! Alam mo!
Narinig ko na ang lahat! Ayaw ko nang maniwala sa inyo! "Aimee, please, listen to
me!"

I stopped from running, and then looked back.

"No Redd. Wala akong may paniniwalaan sa inyo." After I said this, I tumakbo ako
nang tumakbo, tapos di ko namalayan, nabangga na pala ako kay Gab.

I just gave him a stare, then umalis ako. But then, he suddenly grabbed my hand,
and then now, I don't know what to do. I'm starting to have the feeling again.
"Aimee, mag-usap tayo."

"Bitawan mo siya, Gab!"

I turned around, and then I saw Redd.

***
song plays here click this please

"Bitawan mo siya Gab!"

Gab let loose of his grip, and then I was dumbfounded.

"What do you want?!" Gab answered back. I was like, standing in between them. I
don't know what to do. Swear.

"Just stay away from Luxelle!"

"Why so?"

"You are not good enough for her!"

"Ah ganun ha?!" Gab neared Redd and then he pulled his collar, tapos, he lifted his
chin up. "I may be weird, I may be stupid, I may be an idiot, I must've made plenty
of mistakes, I've hurt her feelings many times, I could have been a bad friend, but
this I say to you."

Gab lowered his voice, and then he let loose of his grip sa collar ni Redd.

"She is the only girl in my whole life who's ROCKED my world like this." After he
said this, Redd shook his head, and then tumakbo nalang si Redd. I was left with
Gab.

I stared at him. I didn't know what to do. Siyempre naman noh! Tignan niyo nga ang
nangyayari sa akin?! This is heck stupid. I mean, at first I thought magiging tatay
na talaga siya, but hindi naman pala! Oh gosh, what's happening?!

"Are you okay?" He asked me. I just stared at him. Then tears began dropping from
my eyes. I've been a cry-baby these past few days. I've never cried like this
since then. I've never felt such great pain like this. All these things came when
Gab entered my life. He brought these things along with him.
Pinagpalo ko si Gab, tapos he was just standing there, not doing anything. "I hate
you! I hate you! I hate you!" I was crying sheepishly. He neared me, and then he
hugged me. "I'm so stupid...I'm so stupid..." I said this in a faint whisper.
Grabe, gulong-gulo na ako.

"Please. Lux." He caressed my hair, and then he held me close to his chest. I can
feel his heart beat, so as his breath pressing on mine. "I'm sorry for everything."

I cried, and I smiled at the same time. "I'm sorry too..." I whispered while I was
being held close to his chest. Then I just felt his lips on my forehead, tapos nun,
ayun, we let go of the hug, and we stared into each others' eye. He wiped my tears,
and then he placed both hands on the top of my shoulders.

"I'm sorry for causing you pain." He told me. I nodded. "I still promise. That,
when you're at your weakest, I'd stay by your side. But that is, if you would allow
me to." After he said this, he placed his hand on my cheek.

"Gab..." I whispered his name. He looked at me, and then he smiled.

"You've rocked my world, Luxelle Aimee Smith." On bended knees he said this. I
didn't know what to say.

"Hindi mo na kailangan lumuhod pa."

"No. This is not yet even enough. I've hurt you many times. I've been a total fool.
And please, let me stay this way, just for now." He started. Then, he took my hand.
"I am always here. I may not always be there, beside you. But, you are just here.
You are always here."

He took my hand, and placed it on his chest, tapos, napaupo nalang ako sa kanyang
ginagawa. I almost cried again.
"I am in love with you Luxelle."

Silence.

Echoes.

Silence.

Sweet silence.

"How can I make it up to you?" I asked him. Tapos hinawakan niya kamay ko.

"Is it possible if you would choose between us four? If it is, then please do. If
you do so, things will not be complicated again.

Sino ba talaga, Lux? Please tell me, if I'm holding on to nothing... "

And he said this, with tears in his eyes.

Flashback
"I'm sorry for everything."

"I'm sorry for causing you pain."

�I still promise. That, when you're at your weakest, I'd stay by your side. But
that is, if you would allow me to."

"You've rocked my world, Luxelle Aimee Smith."

"No. This is not yet even enough. I've hurt you many times. I've been a total fool.
And please, let me stay this way, just for now."
"I am always here. I may not always be there, beside you. But, you are just
here.You are always here."

"I am in love with you Luxelle."

"Is it possible if you would choose between us four? If it is, then please do. If
you do so, things will not be complicated again. Sino ba talaga, Lux? Please tell
me, if I'm holding on to nothing... "

~~~

Know what I did to Gab? I just gave him a blank face, and then I shook my head, and
walked away. I didn�t want to say anything. If I choose Redd, Gab would be hurt. If
I choose Gab, Redd would be hurt. If I choose Zeus, both would be hurt. If I choose
Ford? Haay� wag na.

No, I can�t choose.

I don�t wanna choose.

I will not choose.

I won�t choose.
I am not gonna choose.

END OF DAY 48

[Day 49]

Almost there.
Yet still, undecided?

+++

song plays here, click to listen PLEASE

Zeus� teardrop.

�Aimee. We need to talk.�

Zeus leaned on me, and then, he placed his hand on my locker, and he stared at me.
I gave him a blank look. Oh yeah, I remember. Our game is still on going. He stared
at my eyes, and then I can feel his breath pushing against mine. Then, finally, he
began speaking.

�Are we okay?� He asked me. I smirked at him. Yeah, we are okay.

Silence.

Echoes.

�Are we okay?!� He pushed me on my locker this time, I was shocked by the rage in
him. I didn�t expect him to act like that. I felt like another force came into his
body, and then the spirit of anger rose up in him.

�Y-yeah, we�re okay Zeus. Why, what�s wrong?� I stammered. He looked at me, and
then I was shocked, when I saw a tear dropping from his right eye. He shrugged, and
then he wiped his tear.
�This is the first time that I�ve cried with only one eye! Idiot.�

�What did you say?!�

He gave me a sneer, and then he held my chin up.

�Promise me, whatever happens, we�d still continue the game.� Then, he let loose of
his grip, and he shrugged. �You know. I always wanted to be your guy.�

I was shocked when he said this. �I always wanted to carry those books for you. I
always wanted to be there and be your crying shoulder. I always wanted to take care
of you. And all of these things just happened, the moment I realized that we are
not supposed to play this stupid game.�

I was struck by something inside. Shet, what is this. He pulled me closer to him,
and then he hugged me. �I always wanted to be yours. Can I be your guy for real?�

I just think I already saw this coming. I shook my head, and then withdraw my
entangled body from his arms.

I pushed him lightly aside, and then I ran away.

***

Redd�s Cinderella

�Hey, hop in.� I was sitting on the bench outside the school, when I saw Redd
passing by. �You okay?� He smiled at me. Am I okay? I don�t know. I don�t even know
myself.

�Why are you here?� I asked him. He opened the door of his car, and then he went
out and neared me. He brushed his hair, and then he took my hand. I just eyed my
hand as he held it, and then my eyes began to water. I just held it back.
�I went here for you.� He told me, and then he took my hand, motioning me to go
with him. I shrugged, and then, I just brushed it off. �Anything wrong?� No,
nothing�s wrong. Infact, everything�s wrong.

�Nothing.� I muttered. I forced a smile, and then, I went with him. I hopped in his
car, then, I stared out of the window. Am I making the right decision? All the time
I was in his car, I was just silent. He kept on saying things but I never heard
them right. Then, now, I don�t even know why I am with him.

After awhile, the car stopped. He opened his door, and then he went to mine and
opened it too. Gentleman eh? Nevertheless his never changed a bit. I didn�t know
where we�re headed, I just followed his lead. Stupid me? Yes. I am.

My attention was caught by the violin-playing guy standing at the rear entrance. He
was looking at us. And then he neared us. After he finished playing, he handed me a
bouquet of red roses. I never liked red roses. �Thanks.� I whispered, and took the
lame-o-bouquet.

The guy led us to a table, I guess, it was reserved though. Redd pulled the chair
for me, and then I sat on it. Then after we were both seated, I felt so uneasy. �Ok
ka lang?� He placed hs hand on top of mine. Sheessh. This is not what I wanted. I
never thought that It�d be this �awkward� ya know?!

�I guess.� I told him. I gave him a smile, just to tell him that I�m okay. Yeah, I
am. Am I really? Ugh. I hate it.

�May sasabihin ako sa�yo.� He said. He lowered his look to match mine as well. �Can
you accept me as your prince?�

I was dumbfounded. God, rescue me.

�Ah!? Are you kidding?� I laughed in a playful manner.

�Luxelle. I need you so much.� Hee told me. And then, he stood up from his seat,
and went behind me. And then he hugged me so tight. �I wish to be with you from
this time on.�

I had no choice but to hug him back too.

But I need to go now.

***

A moment with Gab

I got home, without answering any of those two guys. I walked out in the middle of
our dinner (me && Redd) and then, now, I�m here, sitting at the front door of our
house. I looked outside the streets, and then I saw a person walking towards our
house.

The moment he passed by the dim light post, I caught a glimpse of his face.
Surprised as I was, I was neither delighted nor happy to see this guy. It was Gab.
What the heck is he doing here? Is he here to cause me another pain again?!

I sat frozen on top of our wooden stairs. He neared me, and he stood in front of
me. �Lux. I need your answer. I�m desperate.�

No.

Not this. Please.

Silence.

Echoes.

�Lux. Do you love me?�

I didn�t answer. �Not this topic please.� I shrugged. Then, he pulled me up and got
me standing up right before him. He looked at me in the eyes, and then he placed
his hands on my cheeks. He pulled me even closer. �Please. No.�

I held my tears inside. I looked away, but he held my chin up right. �Look at me,
Lux.� I had no other choice but to look at him, in the eye. Tears started to form
inside his eyes, and then they slowly fell from it. �Luxelle.� He pulled me to his
chest, and then he hugged me, tighter this time.

I felt his breath pressing onto my head, and I can hear his heart beating fast. I
couldn�t help it, but I still kept my tears inside. Even if they are now forming in
my eyes. I don�t want them to fall. I�m trying to be strong.

�Luxelle. Do you love me?�

Please.

No. Not that.

�Lux, do you love me?� He got me entangled in his arms. And then he was looking at
me solemnly. His eyes were so expressive. But I don�t want to hurt anybody. The
tears that I kept inside which I�ve held in for so long finally came out from my
eyes without any doubt or hesitation. I shook my head heavily, and I pushed him to
the ground.

�No, Gab! Please! Just leave me alone!� I quickly got in my house, and then, I bent
on the door as I lean my back on it. Then I cried more this time. Why did this ever
happen? I heard a light knock on the door, and I assumed again that it was Gab. It
was really him. I took a deep breath, and yelled loudly at him. I knew that he was
standing behind the door.

�Why don�t you just give up!?� I yelled at him. �I mean, hey, what�s the use?! I�m
not good enough for all of you!� I touched my cheek, and then I wiped the tear
away.

�I won�t give up, unless you say so.� I heard him replied. Ah ganun ah?! Things are
so complicated, and I hate myself for making it much more complicated! I just hate
it!

�Then give up Gab!� I yelled again.

Silence.

Echoes.

No answer.

�Gab? Are you there?�

I asked softly. I was a little worried now.

No reply.

Silence.

�Gab?!� I quickly opened the door, and it was a relief to still see him standing
there infront of me. �. . . .�
�Why are you looking for me?�

�I just wanna check you out� uh, I guess.�

�Check me out, eh? Don�t worry.� He smiled at me. But still, I can see the pain in
his eyes. �I�m not gonna give you up unless it�s already the end of our 100th day.�

100th day?

What the.

He placed his hands in his pocket, and then he started walking. I yelled out. �What
do you mean, 100th day?! I thought you--�

He turned back and stopped walking and then he cut me off.�Hey. Calm down. It�s
still our 49th day. There are still 51 more days to go. And yeah, what you're
thinking right now is true.� After he said this he left.

51 more days to go?

Which means�he never quitted?!

WTF?
****
***

I still can�t figure it out. He didn�t quit the game? Why didn�t I see that coming?
The air was freaking cold, and I had to cover myself with my blanket. Then, maya-
maya, may narinig akong knock sa pintuan ko. Hmft, sino naman kaya ito?

Ang aga-aga tapos, super lamig pa. I got up from bed shivering and walked towards
the door lazily, and then I never got the chance to fix myself.

I opened my door, and to my surprise, it was Gab. �Good morning, Lux! I brought you
this.� He smiled at me, then he handed me a blue rose. Wow, I missed this. I smiled
at him, then I found out that he was holding his laughter inside.

�Something wrong?� I yawned, and then pinisil niya iyong cheeks ko. �What the?� I
gave him a look. He just brushed me off with a smile. �Wait for me outside, I�m
just gonna�fix myself.� Yeah, after I said that, I shooed him outside my bedroom,
and then I took a bath.

***

�I�m done.� After I finished taking a bath and after I fixed myself, I went out of
my bedroom, and to my surprise, I think I just couldn�t believe my sense of smell.
Food? Who would cook food for me? Gab? No, impossible. But? Gab? He cooks? OMG.

�You did these all?!� My eyes almost jumped out from its place when I saw the
stuffs he cooked. Bacon, Pancake, Spam, Soup, Sushi?! What the?

He smiled at me, tapos nauna na akong umupo. �Hindi kapani-paniwala noh? Ako gumawa
lahat niyan. I have some cooking lessons � Ok. No comment. �Shall we? � After he
said that nag pray na kami, tapos kumain.

While I was eating, he was just looking at me. Seems like he enjoyed watching me
munching on the food rather than enjoying the food he cooked. �What are you staring
at?�

He shook his head, and unconsciously, I dropped the fork. My bad. Kukunin ko n
asana, but accidentally, when my hand was holding the fork na, I just felt his hand
on top of mine.
We were like, staring at each other for few seconds, and then, we both blushed.
What the heck is happening? �I�m sorry.� He said, slyly. I just gave him a smile to
assure him that it was okay, but I couldn�t help thinking about it.

The feeling was so different. Hindi ko alam kung in love na ako kay Gab. But, I
swear, crush ko nga lang siya. But, I don�t know. I think I just felt my stomach
doing a back flip while I was savoring his touch. OMG. Parang manyak na ako kung
magsalita!

Nung natapos na naming ang food, at nung naligpit na rin naming iyong table, bigla
nalang hinila ni Gab kamay ko, and then he whispered something in my ear. �Let�s
have some fun! � Hinila niya ako sa may door, good thing na nakabihis na ako, but
I was just wearing flip flops for Pete�s sake!

�Saan tayo pupunta?!� I was clueless of course. Sino ba naman ang hindi magiging
clueless nung bigla ka lang hinila ng isang tao when you never thought that thing
would happen!? He just smiled at me, tapos sumakay na kami sa scooter niya. �I
never thought that you had a scooter as nice as this before.� I whispered to
myself.

�Ha? Oo. Bigay to ni Dad sa akin. � Oh, I never knew that he heard my whisper. And
to think that that whisper was intended for myself to hear only. HAHA. Anyway, this
was the first time that I�ve heard Gab mentioning his father.

I tried to see his facial expression, but I couldn�t. He looked back at me, while I
held my grip on his waist, and then he lifted my chin up, tapos, nilagay niya ang
helmet niya sa ulo ko. �Suotin mo to. Ayaw kong mapahamak ka. Okay?�

At first I was hesitant. �Papano ka? � I told him. He shook his head, and then he
patted me on my shoulder. Then, he started the scooter. Saan ba talaga kami
pupunta?

***

song plays here: High by the Speaks. Click this to listen. Urgent.

�Bakit nandito tayo?� What kind of place is this? A park beside the sea? Or rather
should I say, we�re in a park that�s beside the lake. He took my hand, and then
hinila niya ako papunta sa isang bench. Then pinaupo niya ako. Tapos may kinuha
siya sa bulsa niya. Box? �What�s up with that?�

He took my hand, and then he gently placed a ring on my ring finger. What the?
�Dapat palage mo tong susuotin. Wag na wag mong tatangalin to ha? Look. Don�t think
na this is some kind of engagement ring, or what. Uh, this will be our friendship
ring.� He showed me his right hand, and then may nakita rin akong ring sa kamay
niya. Wow. That was cool. But friendship lang? Wtf?

�Thank you�� Before I could utter a word, he placed his index finger at the tip of
my lips and then he motioned me to keep quiet first. So, I just remained silent
nalang. Ano drama na naman ito?

�Alam mo kung bakit dito kita dinala?� He smiled. I thought he was expecting an
answer from me, but he continued speaking anyway. �Eto iyong place na kung saan ako
first dinala ng mga magulang ko. Nung hindi pa sila nawala.�

Nawala? Mean to say? Wala na siyang parents? �And this is the most important place
to me. That�s why I brought you here.�

He took my hand, and then he gently placed his other hand on my cheek while the
other held mine. �And I brought you to this very special place, because you are
precious to me.� He looked at me in the eye, and then, my heart beat faster, and
faster. His face slowly neared mine, and then, malapit nalang. I closed my eyes,
and then, I can feel him breathing now.

I opened my eye, and I saw him�bending his body only to find out that�he was
reaching for his mineral bottle which was placed behind me. And I thought he was
going to kiss me na. Boo! �Okay ka lang?� He smiled, I just laughed it off.

�Bakit hindi mo tinuloy?! � Did I say that out loud?! Did I?! Yes you did. Oh my
gosh! No?! No way?!

�Ang alin ang hindi ko itinuloy? � I was sweating more now, and then he neared me.
�Iyong�akala mong ikikiss kita?� OMG. How did he?!
*PAK!!!

�Hoy! Maging matino ka nga! � Binatukan ko siya, tapos tumawa nalang siya. �Ano
tinatawa-tawa mo?! Ha?!�

�Wala. Nagagandahan lang kasi ako sa iyo eh. Ang cute cute mo. Parang hindi ka
mabiro!� Tapos nun, tumakbo siya. I ran after him, hangang sa nalaglag na kami sa
may field, and� this is now for real. Our lips met!

Oo. We kissed! We kissed. Oh my no. We kissed. But we were both frozen, kaya parang
nasa taas lang iyong lips ko and iyong sa kanya steady lang.

After we got our consciousness back, tumayo na kami. Then he looked at me

nervously. �Uh, sorry. It was not intentionally�� I interrupted him, and gave him
the �talk-to-the-hand� sign, because I just felt my phone vibrating. Who the heck
would dare to destroy such a beautiful moment like this?! Curse that person.

***

�Hello?�

�Aimee. This is Redd�s sister. Do you still remember me? It�s me, Dee.�

�Oh� hello.�

�Look, hear me Luxelle. Redd�s gonna need you...He�s sick.�

�What?�

�He needs you��

�Why? What�s wrong?�

�Redd..Redd..�

�What?!�

�He�ll be needing you for his 2 and a half months in this world...He�s dying�
and� and��

�What do you mean?!�

�He only has 2 and a half months left� after that��

�What?!�

�After that 2 and a half months� he�ll be�gone...and he�ll be needing you sa last
mga last days niya dito sa mundo��

�Oh my gosh.�

�Can you take care of him for 2 and a half months and make his last days on this
earth happy? He�s asking you� to be with him� just for a short time��

I looked at Gab, and then a tear dropped from my eye.

�Are you still there?�

�Yes. I�m still here.�

�So, are you willing to be by his side until his last�d-day?�

I swallowed a huge lump in my throat. I shook my head, but I whispered hesitantly.

�I am willing to��

�Thank you. This would make Redd happy� even though it�s only for 2 months and a
half� but it�ll forever remain in his memory� thank you��

***

And after that, I don�t even know how to respond to the things that I�ve just
heard.

�Lux, okay ka lang?� I shook my head, and then I hugged Gab. �What�s wrong?
Hey..what�s with the phone call?�

�I�m saying goodbye.�

Goodbye because I�m going to be with Redd for 2 months and a half. Pero sa iyong 2
months and a half na yun,.. our game is still ongoing� but how? Papano na ito?

�Wait Luxelle. I don�t understand!�

I took a grip on Gab�s hand, and then I threw it away when he held my shoulder.
�You don�t need to understand!�

I don�t know what to do now. I can�t still believe the fact that� my childhood
friend�my best friend� Redd� is dying na pala� But bakit hindi man lang niya sinabi
sa akin na may sakit pala siya?! Bakit ganun?! Ano ba ang sakit niya?!
Bakit 2 months and a half nalang ang natitira sa kanya?! I don't know what to do
now... how about Gab? How can I make it up to him? Papano na to? Kung saan pa
na may napili na ako, doon pa ako inaatake ng tadhana... At iyong napili ko ay
hindi si Redd.. hindi rin si Zeus... hindi rin si Ford... but si Gab... pero,
papano na to?! Papano na ito...

But sabi nila, kung hahayaan lang natin ang tadhana na iseperate tayo sa
pinakamamahal natin, siguradong malabo na ang chance na magkatuluyan pa kayo...

Kasi,kung ma-sawi man kayo sa pag-ibig sa huli, o manalo man kayo sa laban niyo...
hindi iyan Destiny's choice... it's your own choice. I can do this. When the tough
gets going, the going gets tougher. I know this is not yet the end of our story...
Kasi alam kong...

ito pa lang ang simula nang lahat...

End OF SEASON 1

Season 2 intro. *curtai opens*

"He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar

The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do"

~*song plays here .click*~

I'm here right now sa hospital, with Redd. Yes, he's really sick now. May tumor
siya sa left side of his brain, and slowly nag-spread na ito sa ibang lobes sa
brain niya. He's still fast asleep. I sat to the chair next to his bed, and I gazed
outside the window.

The raindrops kept on faalling. It really paints a very sad scene. I sighed, and
then I looked back at Redd. I neared him, and then I sat on the edge of his bed,
and then I held his hand. Ilang months nalang, mawawala na siya.

"Redd, ang daya mo naman. Bakit mo ba ako iiwan? Akala ko ba, best friends tayo? "
I whispered and then, I saw a teardrop sliding down from his eye to his cheek. I
squeezed his hand, and then he smiled as the teardrop reaches the top of the bed. I
felt sorry for him, he shouldn't die.

I nearly cried. But I held it back. I slowly let go of his hand, and then I hugged
him. Tapos nun, I decided to go somewhere else. You know, to keep my mind and self
busy. Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang aking gagawin. I decided to go to the Mall,
sa shop nila ni Sofia. I miss my best girl friend badly. I really need her company
right now.

The Mall's just a walking distance from here, so I walked on the street while
holding the umbrella. I started walking, and... naiisip ko na naman si Gab. I
looked at the ripple on the street, and then I dropped a tear silently. I
immediately wiped it, tapos nagmadali na ako sa paglakad.

Nung nasa Mall na ako, my attention was caught by two couples who were standing in
front of me.

Boy: So, babe... where do you wanna eat?

Girl: Anywhere, as long as you're with me hun.. "

Boy: Gusto mo kumain tayo ng ice cream?!"

Girl: Sige! Gusto ko nun! You're the best!"

Boy: I love you so much my baby... Mwaaah."

Girl: Yuck honey ha? Tigilan mo nga ako, PDL ka eh."

Boy: Huh? PDL? Akala ko PDA yun. "

Girl: Tange! PDL yun. Public Display of Lust! "

Boy: Lust ka diyan! Tara na nga."

Muntik na akong mapaluha nun, pero natigil ang pag-eemote ko kasi bigla nalang may
nagkiliti sa akin. "Hoy bruha! Long time no talk! "

"Sof! I miss you." I hugged her. Then, bumitaw ako, tapos binatukan ko siya. "Ano
ba, bakit mo ako kiniliti?!"

She rolled her eyes and then she smiled at me. "Kasi po, parang ayaw umalis ng mga
mata mo sa dalawang taong iyon!" Tinuro niya iyong two couples na nakita ko kanina.
"Bakit nga ba? Namimiss mo siya noh?"

"Hindi noh! Hindi ko siya namimiss! Tigilan mo na nga ako... " I gave her a sad
face. Ginulo niya yung buhok ko, tapos she patted my cheek.
"Kamusta na pala si Gab?" I shrugged as she asked me that. It had been a week.
Hindi kami nagpapansinan. What I hate the most is the eye contact thing. It hates
to think that I'm being frozen by just one stare, one stare from him.

"Let's go somewhere else, baby. I don't think... we can pass through here." I
turned back upon hearing this voice. I looked back, then I saw Gab--together with
'the' girl. And they were holding each others hand.

***

~Flashback

"Bakit mo ako iniiwasan?"

I was just ignoring him. I never bothered to answer him. Parang hangin lang
kumbaga. But the problem is, masakit--dito. *points at the chest,(heart)*

"Luxelle. Anong problema? Bakit mo ako iniiwasan? May kasalanan ba ako? Ano?"

Pagkatapos niyang sabihin iyon, dumating na si Redd. I was trying to ease the pain.
But it was no use.

"Aimee! Tara na."

Redd looked at me, and then he reached for my hand and held it. Tapos tinignan niya
si Gab mula ulo hanggang paa.

"I see. Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan niyo ng girlfriend ko?"

Lumunok ako. Hindi ko na ma defend si Gab. Knowing that Redd is dying. And yes,
I've already accepted his request na maging ako si Cinderella niya.

"Girlfriend?"

I faked a smile. Then, kinuha ni Redd kamay ko, and then our fingers again were
locked to each other.

"Yes. Diba, Sweetie?"

I shrugged, but I had no more choice.

"Uhhm. Y-yeah. Y-you heard it right, I am his girlfriend. And he's my..my.."

I stammered as I started saying this. Labag man sa kalooban ko, kailangan ko yun
gawin. Tumingin ako kay Redd, and he was smiling, super obvious that he was
expecting me to say that he's my boyfriend. And then I exchanged looks with Gab. He
was listening pretty well. But when I continued what I was trying to say, he looked
fairly disappointed. Who would not be?

"He's my..he's my..my..boy..b-boyfriend."

And when I said this, I could not explain Gab's reaction. But it can be describe by
just this simple one word.. OUCH.

~End of Flashback

***

I know that things would never be the same again. Papano nalang to? I think nag-
kabalikan si Gab and iyong girl. And, now...I'm trapped. Whom will I choose? Things
are going tougher. But as they say, when the tough gets going, the going gets
tough.

"H-hi?" I gave him a sarcastic look.

"Who are you, do I know you?" Ouch? Was that meant to be sarcastic?

"Oh! I'm Aimee Smith. You? "

"I'm Gabriel Alfonse. "

"Nice meeting you, Mr. Alfonse. "

"Same here, and yeah, meet my girlfriend, Belle. My future and potential wife. "

"Oh, hunny. Don't be too sure! Hi, I'm Belle, nice to meet you "

See what I mean?

Now that gotta hurt. And I mean HURT, alot. Now, this is a start of a new
beginning. There will be many twists, and pain. And I don't know if our love will
remain, and I don't know if it could stand...the test of time. I don't know who's
that Mr. Right that God has intended for me... but I know, one day...someday, we'd
find our way to each other's heart... I know... we will be together... in the right
time, in a perfect time, in God's perfect time. I promise not to be a player
anymore, because right now, I am changing., changing because of this love that I
have for one person...for Gab.

Let's have a little flashback here.

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

"Who are you, do I know you?"

"Oh! I'm Aimee Smith. You? "

"I'm Gabriel Alfonse. "

"Nice meeting you, Mr. Alfonse. "

"Same here, and yeah, meet my girlfriend, Belle. My future and potential wife. "

"Oh, hunny. Don't be too sure! Hi, I'm Belle, nice to meet you "

My name is Belle ka diyan! Hi Belle, my name is Rain! And I love black. Black
looks good! Susme.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
***

�Gab looks at me, I faked a smile so he won�t see.

She better hold him tight, give him all her love, look in Gab�s beautiful eyes
And know that she�s so lucky.While I'm not.�

I hate it so much. Every time I see them both holding each other�s hand, kissing
each other in front of my locker, and especially when they eat lunch together makes
me wanna burst into tears of regret. Oh, and I forgot to mention the ridiculous
part. They cuddle each other with pet names and stuffs that pinches my heart every
second I hear them like that.

�It just hurts to see them so in love with each other.

I never bothered to explain to Gab nalang. For I know, kung love niya talaga ako,
eh pinaglaban niya. Hindi iyong ganun nalang kadali tapos pinalitan ako. Siguro
nga, we�re never meant for each other. Sana nga, I shouldn�t have played the game.

And yes, you should know this. It�s lunch time. You know what that means? Just
figure it out later. �Aimee!� I bit my lip as I saw Redd waving at me. Guess what?
He�s seated next to Gab�s table. Shootness. What more can I totally say? Nothing.
And yeah, this is what I meant awhile ago.

I turned to Gab, and then I faked a smile at them. But deep inside, I�m dying. �So,
baby? What do you wanna eat? Would you want me to buy ice cream for you?� I bit my
lip harder this time, and then napatingin nalang ako sa sabaw sa may table. I
almost dropped a tear.

�That was close.� I whispered to myself. Lumunok nalang ako, tapos huminga ng
malalim, then I looked at Redd and smiled at him. �Are you okay?� He nodded
cheerfully. Naaawa na talaga ako kay Redd. I stared at him, and then marami akong
changes na na notice sa kanya. Ang pagka-healthy looking niya noon, ay umiba na.
He�s becoming paler and paler each day.

I guess I have to move on with my life, without Gab, without his love.

***

Naglalakad-lakad ako sa may hallway, siyempre, eto nagpapakasenti. Kasama ko nga

pala si Redd, muntik ko nang makalimutan. What should I do? �Redd, let�s go have a
vacation this Christmas break.� Nagulat si Redd sa akin, kinuha ko kamay niya,
tapos tumingin lang siya sa akin. �Do you think we should go somewhere else, out of
this country, para mas masaya?�

�Anywhere you wanna go, basta kasama kita, masaya na ako.� He hugged me, and then
nagpatuloy kami sa paglakad namin. �Siya nga pala, Aimee.� Nilagay niya sa bulsa
niya �yung kamay na humawak sa kamay ko. �Kamusta na pala ka�yo ni Gab?�

And please tell me that I am not hearing his name.

Napatigil ako sa paglakad, tapos bigla nalang ako tumingin kay Redd. I faked a
smile, pero parang gusto na talagang lumabas nung mga luha ko. My eyes were
beginning to shrink down, and then, after I knew it, Redd already caught me in his
arms. �It hurts.� I softly whispered in his ears, then he caressed my hair.

�It�s okay, I�m always here for you� alam ko namang mula nung una kong nakita si
Gab eh, mahal na mahal mo na siya. Simula palang nung araw na dumating ako, alam
kong wala na akong pag-asa sa�yo, kasi alam ko na siya talaga. Sa una pa nga lang
eh, umasa pa ako na mapapasaakin ka rin, but I realized that I was starting to be
selfish.� He smiled at me, and then he wiped the remaining tears on the edges of my
eyes. �All I want is for you to be happy.� I smiled at him, and then napatigil ako
nung hinalikan niya ako sa labi ko. �I love you, Luxelle Aimee Smith�� Bigla
nalang, niyakap niya ulit ako, ng sobrang higpit. �Before I close my eyes Aimee�
Let me please hear those 3 words, even though hindi mo ako mahal gaya ng pagmamahal
mo sa akin��
Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganun ang sinasabi niya, but he was looking at me, and
then tears started forming in his eyes. �I�m sorry if pinaasa kita�� I started to
speak, then he smiled at me, tapos niyakap niya ulit ako, tapos, �yun�

Unconsciously, he lost his strength, and he fell on the ground, while I had him in
my arms.

�Redd?! Redd! Redd ano ba?? Wala namang ganyanan oh! Redd, magsalita ka!� I shook
his body, and then he weakly opened his eyes. He smiled at me, but I can see his
tears falling down from his eyes.

�All I need to hear is those 3 words, Ai�Aimee� That�s� my� last� request�� His
voice becoming more weaker, and weaker� �Just�just say it� and I will be the
happiest guy in this� world�� I immediately wrapped my arms around him, as I held
the back portion of his head, and then my tears started to drop too. �I love you so
much� always� bear that in� your mind� And� I know� that� Gab loves you too� I wish
you the best� Love him the way I love you� Be happy� Aimee��

I took a deep breath, and then� I whispered in his ear. �I love you, Redd�� I saw
his smile as he heard me saying this, and then after that smile� a tear slid down
his face from his eye, and he whispered my name. After that�

I just realized that, God already brought Redd together with him in Heaven. His
eyes were closed, and the traces of his tears were still on his face. I took a deep
breath, and held his hand. Tears fell from my eyes as I realized na iniwan na ako
ni Redd. Bakit ngayon pa? I thought, may 2 months pa si Redd? Bakit ngayon pa?! Ano
nalang gagawin ko ngayon na wala na siya?! Papano na �to?!

Redd, for being such a great person, my prayer for you is na maging payapa ka na�

May you rest in peace,Redd--

�Lux�hindi pa ako patay.� Susme. �Loko lang kita noh?!� He immediately stood up,
and then he smiled at me. Lokong gagang to, tignan mo na nga?! Akala ko ba naman
patay na siya?! �Joke lang yun. Akala ko nga, totoong mamamatay na ako eh!�

�Walang hiya ka! Akala ko naman eh, totoo na!� Pinalo ko siya sa chest, tapos bigla
nalang� may narinig kaming boses.

�Wag mo siyang iiwan, alagaan mo muna siya bago ka mawala. Alis na ako.� At nagulat
nalang kami� nung nalaman namin na si Gab �yung nagsalita.
***

Bakit ganun si Gab? Akala ko he doesn't care for me anymore. He's words, they
kept on floating in my mind. Whaaaa?! Bakit ba ako ganito? MAHAL ko ba si Gab? Ano?
Ano ba? Hindi ko siguro siya mahal. Pero, ano? Ewan. Parang napapamahal na rin ako
kay Redd eh. Siguro kasi, palage kong kasama si Redd, at napapamahal na ako sa
kanya, pero ewan.

Paulit-ulit sa isipan ko iyong pagsabi ko ng 'i-love-you' sa kay Redd.

"Bulaga!" Muntik ko nang mabitawan yung mug na.. bingay sa akin ni Gab nung...
close pa kami. "So, pasyal tayo?" Ha? Ah, eh.

"Wala ako sa mood." I told him, and then I shrugged. He looked at me, with a sad
face, tapos hinawakan niya yung movie ticket sa kamay niya. 2 tickets. "Movie? No
thanks."

"Please?" He looked at me, giving me a puppy look. Ugh. Fine.

"Fine. Let's go." Kinalakad ko siya palabas ng bahay, tapos mabuti nalang at
nakabihis ako.

***

"Teka?"

"Sorry talaga, hindi ako makakanood ng sine. I'd love to, but... may emergency call
kasi ako eh. So, papano yan? Enjoy niyo nalang yung movie ha?" Napatingin nalang
ako kay Redd, tapos ayun, inabot niya yung tickets kay Gab. "Gab. Alagaan mo siya
ha." I'm sure na he's hurting badly right now, pero ano yun? Bakit niya kami
binigyan ng chance ni Gab?

As he walked from a distance, I ran after him, and then I wrapped my arms around
him, as tears fell from my eyes. "Thank you, for giving us this time and this
hance." Hindi na siya nagsalita pa, pero ayun... nag smile nalang at nagpatuloy sa
paglakad. When I turned my back doon sa direction ng movie house, nakita ko si Gab
na nakatayo sa harap ko.

*song plays here, click!*

"Look, I'm just doing this for his sake "

"Bakit ang sungit mo? Hindi ka naman ganyan dati ah!"

"I don't know. Tara na. Let's watch some movie." He looked at me, tapos naglakad na
siya. Napatigil parin ako. I am frozen. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Makakasama ko siya
uli?? And to think na nag beg pa si Redd sa akin para kunin yung ticket at sumama
sa kanya? Ganito pala plano niya? Grabe. Naiiyak ako. Bigla nalang, napatigil si
Gab sa paglakad, tapos tumalikod ito sa akin.

"Ano? Ang bagal mo naman. Bilisan mo na nga." Lumapit siya sa akin, at hinila niya
yung kamay ko. Hangang sa nalaman kong...

Magkahawak na pala ang kamay namin.

***

"A-Ano tinitingin mo?" Bigla napayuko, parang nahiya. Ewan ko. Pero, I feel so
awkward. I feel like, just so uneasy. "A-Ah, Luxelle, k-kamusta ka na p-pala?"

Napangiti nalang ako.

"Okay naman ako. Bakit ka kinakabahan?"

Hindi siya nakapagsalita. He looked so furious. Parang tatae. I just looked at

him, and I kept on looking at him, as in stare talaga. Bigla nalang ako nagulat
nung bigla nalang siya pumutok.

"Pwede ba?! LUXELLE! Tama na! Fine, hindi na kita matiis!"

***

Napatingin nalang ako kay Gab. Ano raw? Tama ba ang narinig ko??? "Ano ba
tinitingin-tingin mo?! Kung hindi lang dahil sa kay Redd... eh, hindi naman talaga
ako papayag eh!"

Inirapan ko siya. "Eh, sa palagay mo?! Gusto kitang makasama?! Asa ka naman pare!
"Naupo na ako sa may seat ko, inilean ko 'yung likod ko sa may seat, tapos parang
naiiyak na ako. Ano ba naman 'to. Hindi ko alam, pero bigla nalang siya tumayo.
Napatingin ako sa kanya.

"Oh, ano? Sasama ka pati sa pag-ihi ko?! Diyan ka lang, babalik lang ako! Tss. "
Parang napahiya ako doon, pero iihi ba talaga 'yun? Tutal, ako naiihi rin, nag CR
na rin lang ako. Tapos, bigla ko nalang nakita si Gab sa may wall, nakalean at
'yung kamay niya, parang sinampal niya 'yung mukha niya.

Eh, nag eavesdrop ako, para naman may malaman ako. Oh, baka naman isipin niyong
chismosa ako. No, hindi. I'm not. Maya-maya, bigla nalang ako nadulas, tapos 'yung
trashcan, eh, nasipa ko. Lagot.

Nakita niya ako. "Hoy! Ikaw, diba sabi ko umupo ka dun?! Bakit mo 'ko sinusundan?!
Pati ba naman pag-ihi ko, pakikialaman mo?!"

Aba, akala nito kung sino siya magsalita ah! "Aba, ang kapal mo naman chong! Eh,
sa naiihi rin ako eh! At hello? Wala naman akong pakialam sa'yo noh! " Wala nga
ba? E-ewan. Tinignan niya ako, tapos ang sama nung tingin niya. I pouted my lips,
tapos tinuro ko 'yung wall. "Eh, ano yan?! Iihi ka tapos, nandyan ka naka-lean!? "
"E-Eh, pakialam mo?! Diba sabi mo wala kang pakialam, so, pabayaan mo ako! At
ikaw, sabi mo iihi ka, ano pa bang ginagawa mo diyan?! " Ang taray. Hindi ko
carry.

Napayuko nalang ako, at pumasok sa Girls' Bathroom. Ayun, napatingin ako sa

salamin. Tapos, naiyak ako. "Pambihira naman kasi eh! Kung saan pa na ready na
akong mag let go, doon pa kami pinagsama! Tsss. Wala na talagang awa 'yung
tadhana. " After nun, eh, hindi ako umihi, naghilamos lang ako, tapos lumabas na.

*click to listen to bacground music!*

Nagulat ako nung nakita ko si Gab. "Ano pang ginagawa mo dito--"

"Siyempre, hinihintay ka! Bobo! "

"Sinabi ko bang hintayin mo ako?!"

"Eh hindi ba?! "

"Hindi "

"Eh... sabi ko nga. Tara na nga. Sayang 'yung movie. Tara na! Ang bagal bagal mo
kung kumilos ka. Tss."

***

Horror 'yung pinapanood namin, kaya medyo nakakatakot. Eh, ako, hindi ako sanay sa
mga horror chuva eh. "Ano ba yaaaaaan!? Ang brutalllll! Kakatakooooot!
Aaaaaaahhhh-- "
Bigla nalang ako nagulat nung tinakpan niya 'yung bunganga ko. Napatingin nalang
ako sa kanya, tapos binatukan ko siya. "Aray! Ano ba?! "

"Anong ano ba?! Eh, ikaw 'tong patakip-takip eh! "

"Eh sa ayaw ko ng mainggay na kasama eh! " Behlat! Ayaw your face. If I know.
Wehhh.

"Eh di, maghanap ka po ng ibang kasama! "

"Talaga lang! Mas mabuti pa kung si Belle kasama ko. " Saklap. Hindi ko na
nakaya, tumayo na ako sa kinauupuan ko, tapos ayun, tumakbo palabas. Bahala siya sa
buhay niya.

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako dinala ng mga paa ko, basta alam ko, tumakbo ako
palabas ng mall. Bahala na! Bakit kasi kailangan niyang sabihin 'yung pangalan ng
baklang 'yun! Kakabwiset. Naiiyak pa rin ako, tapos ayun, binuksan ko 'yung phone
ko at tinawagan ko si Redd. Tapos ayun, sinagot niya na.

"Redd, please.. I've been like running for almost 30 minutes now. Saan ka na? Ang
sakit talaga. "

"Tumalikod ka."

"H-ha?? B-bakit??"

"TUMALIKOD KA SABI EH! "

Tumalikod naman ako, when I looked back, I saw Gab instead of Redd. Wth? Bakit nasa
kanya 'yung phone ni Redd!? "Ano ka ba Gab?! Ano plano mo?! Bakit mo ako
ginaganito?! "

Nilapitan niya ako, tapos kinaladkad pabalik ng mall. Ayun, nasasaktan ako sa
pagkakaladkad niya sa akin! Bwiset talaga! Argh. "Ano baaaaa!?!?"

"Ang kulit mo! Pwede ba?! Sayang naman 'yung movie! Ano?! Nagpa-stamp ka ba?!" I
didn't nod. Hindi eh. Wala na akong balak pang bumalik doon! Nilalagay ko lang
buhay ko sa peligro. "Bakit hindi ka sumasagot, ha?! Ihahatid na kita pabalik."
Kinaladkad niya na naman ako palabas ng mall, tapos ayun papuntang parking lot.
Tapos nakita ko 'yung kotseng itim, tapos pumasok na siya sa kabilang pinto. "Ano?!
Pumasok ka na! Buksan mo na yan, 'wag mo nang hintayin na buksan ko pa yan para
sa'yo! Dahil hindi ko 'yun gagawin! Nakakabwiset ka! "

Pumasok na ako, tapos ayun, natahimik nalang. Naiinis ako, at the same time
naiiyak, at nasasaktan. Papano kasi, bakit kailangan pa niya akong ganituhin?!

***

"Sh*t, we ran out of gas." Wth?! Papano na 'yan?! Puro kahoy na lang ang
nandito, at parang walang village dito, or bahay man lang! Ang dilim dilim pa!
KAMING DALAWA sa isang SASAKYAN? Kaming DALAWA sa kaloob-looban ng KADILIMAN?! Oh
no. Pinagpalo niya 'yung manobela. Tapos, ayun inuntog niya 'yung ulo niya dun,
pinagmasdan ko lamang siya, tapos... nasaktan ako ng lalo. "You suck."

"Ano ba problema mo, ha?! Lalake?! Ano problema mo lalake?! " Napatawa nalang
siya, sarcastic one, tapos he faced me. Tinuro niya ako, tapos tumawa.

"Bakit makakatulong ka ba kung sabihin ko? " Napatingin nalang ako sa kanya,
tapos lumapit siya ng onti sa aking mukha. Then after that, tinuro niya 'yung ilong
ko. "Tell me, Luxelle."

I shrugged, tapos no comment nalang ako. He smiled sarcastically tapos mas nilapit
niya this time 'yung mukha niya sa mukha ko. "Alam mo kung bakit hindi ka
makakatulong? "

I shook my head, then he tinuro niya this time, labi ko. "Kakaiba ka talaga. Eto
jacket, suotin mo, nilalamig ka na."
 Te-Teka, si Gab? Pinapahiram ako ng jacket?? Tinignan ko lang, tapos he looked at
me. "Mukha yatang nagulat ka. Ayan, kunin mo na." Lumabas siya ng sasakyan, tapos
pumunta sa may parang field na kung saan ka makakakita ng maraming-maraming stars.
Nahiga siya sa may field, tapos parang tumingin siya sa langit.

Lumabas na rin ako ng kotse, tapos nilapitan ko siya. "Gab."

He looked at me, tapos parang confused siya. "Anong Gab?"

"Bakit mahal mo si Belle?" Look, I know I sound so pathetic. But I need to be

frank.

Bigla nalang naiba 'yung mukha niya, tapos, hindi siya sumagot. "Ikaw ang problema
ko, Lux. Hindi si Belle."

Ang saya naman ng sagot niya. Ang layo-layo naman sa tanong. At ako pa raw problema
niya? Tss.

Naku, hindi yan tama,Gab.

***

Nung nasa kotse na ulit kami, napatingin nalang ako sa kanya, tapos bigla nalang
ako nagsalita.

*Click this for background music, go!*

"B-Bakit na sa'yo yung phone ni R-Redd?!?"

Out of the blue, bigla ko nalang naitanong. Stranded na nga kami, walang food,
walang gas, walang mga kumot o kung anu-ano pa! Kakatakot. Kaming DALAWA sa isang
madilim na lugar. T_T

Hindi siya nakasagot sa akin, tinanong ko siya ulit. "Bakit--"

"Bobo ka ba? Ikaw kaya tumawag sa akin!" Napasandal siya sa manobela, tapos ako
naman binuksan ko phone ko sa may Call Logs ko, takte, siya pala talaga 'yung
natawagan ko instead of Redd! OMG.

"Gab--"

"Don't call me by that name. I'm Gabriel! " Bakit ganun? Ang sakit naman. Pero,
bakit ako nasasaktan? Hindi ko naman siya mahal eh! "Wala kang right na tawagin
akong Gab, ok!? Isang babae lang ang pwedeng tumawag sa'kin ng ganyan!"

Isang babae? Ah, okay. Natahimik nalang ako, tapos bigla nalang nag flashback
lahat sa akin. Habang nagfaflashback lahat, hindi ko napansin na naluluha na pala
ako. Fine, I guess I just miss the "GAB" whom I used to know. But, it was my fault
right? Bahala na.

Pinigilan ko mga luha ko sa pagtulo, tapos sinandal ko nalang 'yung ulo ko sa may
headboard ng seat. Bigla nalang umulan. Napatigin nalang ako sa mga droplets ng
ulan. Tapos, bigla nalang, nagsalita si Gab. "L-Luxelle--"

Napalingon ako sa kanya, tapos nakayuko na siya. "Gab? Okay ka lang? Gab!" Hindi ko
alam, kasi bigla nalang nalaglag 'yung ulo niya sa balikat ko. Napahawak ako sa
liig niya, ang init init niya. Hindi ko alam kung ano gagawin ko! Aanhin ko siya?!
Umuulan pa naman! Papano na 'to.

Dali-dali kong binaba 'yung upuan, tapos sa backseat nalang ako umupo, then I
carried him. Oh, ang strong ko diba? Haha. NOT. Ang bigat kaya niya! Mga 15
minutes pa 'yung kinain kong oras bago ko siya nalipat dito sa tabi ko. Pinahiga ko
siya sa may lap ko, at pinagmasdan ko 'yung mukha niya.

Tapos, nakita ko siyang giniginaw. Hinubad ko nalang 'yung jacket na ipinahiram

niya sa akin, tapos I placed it on top of his chest. I looked at him, tapos I
noticed kung ano ka-HOT si Gab, este, kung ano ka ANGELIC, ay este, ka gwapo si
Gab. Totoo pala 'yung sinabi ni Sofia. Gwapo pala talaga si Gab.

I opened my knapsack, tapos kinuha ko 'yung paracetamol at dahan-dahan kong

pinainom sa kanya. I smiled, tapos I closed my eyes. Then tears slid down from it.
"I miss what we used to be..."
***

"WTH!!!!"

I slowly opened my eyes, and then-- OH MY GOSH. Bakit kami magkayakap?! Bakit...
Papano!? Papano kami nagkaganito?! Bakit magkatabi na kami?! Papano kami nagkasya
dito sa backseat?! Why am I entagled in his arms?! "Bakit mo ako niyayakap?!? "

"Wow ha?! ASSUMING!? Eh, ikaw nga 'tong yumayakap sa akin! Ang laway mo, panis
na!!! "

I pushed him to the car's floor. Takte, ganito lang sasabihin niya sa akin,
pagkatapos ng lahat ng paghihirap ko kagabi?! Eh, 15 minutes yata yun at ang bigat
niya! Nainis na ako, hindi ko na napigilan, umiyak na ako, sa HARAP niya.

"Ano ba Gab?! Bakit?! Bakit kailangan pa nating maghirap?! Bakit ito lang isusukli
mo sa akin?! Hindi mo ba alam na grabe ang taas ng lagnat mo kagabe, ako nag-alaga
sa'yo, tapos eto?! Eto isusukli mo?! "

He looked at me, and then napayuko nalang siya. "Ano?! Yuyuko-yuko ka lang ngayon?!
Bakit Gab?! Ha?! Kailangan mo pa ba akong pahirapan?! Kung gusto mo si Belle,
doon ka sa kanya!! Ayaw kong nakikita kitang ganito Gab! Nahihirapan ako! "

"I know one day mapapasaakin rin si Minie Mouse."

Anong connect, Gab?! "ANG LABO MO!!!! " I should take up psychology when I'm in
college na. That way, I'll get the chance to be a psychiatrist, tapos si Gab ang
magiging unang patient ko!

CONTINUATION

***
2 days have passed, eto nandito ngayon ako sa may hall ng hotel na kung saan mag b-
birthday si Redd. Yeah, actually, more like victory party na rin kasi siya na ang
bagong heir ng kanilang company si New York. And also, kasi aalis na rin si Redd.
Yeah, babalik siya sa New York, kasi nga, aasikasuhin niya doon 'yung college
degree && after that, their business.

And guess what? Pupunta rin si Gab. Kamusta naman 'yun? Hindi pa nga lang siya
nakauwi. Oh well, I'm here, nagpapahangin lang sa may window banda, terrace to make
it simple. "Lux!" Lumingon ako, nakita ko si Redd. He looked so pale. "Nakarating
na si Gab." Heck, do I care? I don't of course. lol. I just gave him a laugh, and
then he stood beside me. "Are you okay?" I nodded. He lifted my chin up, and then
he smiled at me, and looked at me in the eye. "Promise me you'll be okay kapag wala
na ako dito."

I smiled at him, but I shrugged. The word "promise" is not easy for me. Since I've
broken many promises already. "Okay, let's just have it this way. Just tell me that
you and Gab will be okay na." I gave him a shocked look, then he smiled. "I know
that you're hurting."

Yumuko nalang ako. Hindi na ako nagsalita pa. Nasasaktan nga ba talaga ako?
"Shhhh... It's okay. I understand that I have to move on nalang. But at least, I
would want you to be happy." Ang bait talaga ni Redd, pero papano ako maging happy
kung ganito 'yung nangyayari sa amin ni Gab?

"Sir Redd, you have a phone call from your mom."

"Teka lang Lux ha. Be right back." He excused himself, and then ako nalang muli
mag-isa. Ayun, tumingin-tingin sa labas ng bintana, tapos bigla nalang may
nagsalita sa likod ko. Waw, nagulat ako.

"Oi, ikaw. Nakita mo ba si Sofia?"

Nashock ako kay Gab. Bakit niya hinahanap ang bestfriend ko?

"Malay ko, bakit ako tinatanong mo?! " Wawalk out na sana ako, kaso nung paalis na
ako, bigla niya hinila 'yung kamay ko.
"Nagseselos ka ba?" Napataas nalang 'yung kilay ko. Aba, si Gabriel, assuming
masyado! Duhh...

Bakit, Luxelle, hindi ba? I just laughed sarcastically at him, and then umalis na
ako. On the way sa may ballroom, nakita ko si Redd. He walked toward me, and then
inakbayan ako. "Aimee. I want you to come with me. "

I smiled, and then sumama na ako sa kanya. "Where are we going, Redd?" He took his
phone out from his pocket, and then nag text siya.

"He's over there! " He smiled and then he ponted over sa lalaking nakatalikod sa
may pillar banda ng room. "I'm going to introduce you to my cousin. "

***

AUTHOR'S POV

"Gab?" Napatingin si Sofia kay Gab, and then si Gab, tumayo lang at nakatingin sa
langit habang nagpapahangin sila sa terrace. "Bakit ganito?"

"Mahal kita, hindi ba kapani-paniwala?" Napatigil si Sofia, muntik na niya

mabitawan 'yung purse niya. She looked at Gab and smiled. And then lumapit siya kay
Gab, and she threw her arms around him. Tumingin lang si Gab sa kannya, tapos she
kissed him sa cheeks then umalis na siya.

Naiwan mag-isa si Gab, tapos napaupo siya sa may yard bench. Tapos nun, uminom siya
ng tubig, at napabuntong hininga. He looked sa confused, tapos napapikit siya ng
mga mata. Then, when he closed his eyes, he saw Luxelle.

Bakit ba, Luxelle? Bakit hindi ka maalis sa isipan ko? Sino ka ba sa buhay ko? Ano
ka ba sa buhay ko? Mahal ba talaga kita? Pero bakit ganito yung nararamdaman ko?

He continued to internalize everything, and then may narinig siyang boses. "Yes,
Gab, I will be your girlfriend."

Minulat niya mga mata niya, and then nakita niya si Sofia nakatayo sa gilid niya at
mukhang masaya. Ano ba ang nangyayari? Ano kaya ang plano ni Sofia? Ano kaya ang
plano ni Gab? Ano ang mangyayari?
I mean, did Gab even asked her to be his girl?!

END of Author's POV.

***

"COUSIN MO SIYA?!? " Napatigil ako nung nakita ko siya sa harapan ko. My memories
went back like a strong current flow of water. Hindi ako makapaniwala.

"Yes, why? Bakit? Magkakilala kayo?" I shook my head, and then lumapit siya sa
akin.

"I never thought I'd see you here." He smiled at me, and then he hugged me.
"Luxelle, I came back for you. I came back to say yes to the deal we had before. I
am sure, and I am ready. Luxelle, tanggapin na natin ang arrange marriage natin na
pinag-usapan ni Dad ko at ni Dad mo."

No, I won't. Teka, bakit? Pero...

"Ford, tawag ka ni Dad mo!"

Napatingin ako sa kay Dad niya, lumapit siya sa amin. "Hija, we've met once again.
I hope you'd say yes to my son's offer. "

"Yeah, Ford, please take good care of Luxelle. " Lumapit sa akin si Redd nung
nakita niyang yumuko ako. Then binulongan niya ako sa tenga ko. "Don't worry. " He
patted me on the shoulder. Then he continued. "Your in the safest arm. Aalagaan ka
niya. Ipapaubaya na kita sa cousin ko, hayaan mo na si Gab. He doesn't deserve
you."

I smiled, and then nag reach out si Ford ng shake hands sa akin. I don't know what
that meant. And I don't know either kung ano ang mangayayari after ako mag shake
hands sa kanya. But guess what? I shook hands with him.

And I guess it only meant one thing. We're gonna start over again.

Goodbye, Gab.

***

I don't know. Hindi ko na kaya. Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang gagawin ko. I'm
waiting for Ford and Redd. Magdidiner kami ngayon. Nakatingin ako sa mirror. Bakit?
Bakit ako nahihirapan? Eto na ba ang karma sa lahat na ginawa kong kalokohan?

*BEEP BEEP*

I wiped away my tears, and then I stood up. I walked passed the door, and then
bumaba si Redd, and he opened the door sa front seat for me. I went in, and then I
noticed na tahimik lang si Ford. Nakayuko, at di kumikibo. I decided to greet him.
"Good evening, Ford."

He did not reply. Redd started the engine, and then umalis na kami. Hindi sila
kumikibo, mukha yatang tahimik sila ngayon. Bakit ano ba ang nangyari? Nung
nakarating na kami sa may seaside banda, Redd stopped the car, tapos bumaba siya
and sinundo at binuksan 'yung door ko. Hindi pa rin lumabas si Ford.

"Bakit nandito tayo?"

"Listen." Kinuha ni Redd kamay ko, tapos he hugged me. "I'm sorry last night, if I
acted weird and strange. About Ford? It was only a joke."
Huh? "Hintayin mo nalang dito ang surprise ko. For the mean time, just wear this
blindfold." Then nafeel kong kiniss niya ako sa forehead, tapos may footsteps ako
narinig. "Ingatan mo siya ha? Sige. Enjoy the rest of your night."

"Sure." Hindi ko actually alam kung sino 'yung katabi ko ngayon. Basta, I can feel
my heart beating faster. Gusto kong kunin 'yung blindfold, kaya I attempted to.
But, bigla nalang kinuha niya kamay ko, and he held it in his. "Wag mong kunin."

Teka? I know that voice. Is it him?

"Yeah, I know I suck. I let you down many times already. But, I want to say this
right now. Lux, remember, I'm still playing our game."

Napatigil ako, bigla ko nalang kinuha 'yung blindfold ko, and...

I slapped him.

***

*Listen
to this please!*

"I can't believe that I'm talking to you right now Gab! And I meant that in a
sarcastic way!" Bakit ba ako inawan ni Redd mag-isa dito?! Nasasaktan ako. "Tama
na Gab! Tama na ang kalokohan mo! Tama na! Ayaw ko na!"
Tumakbo ako, para mag para nang taxi, kaso wala. "Lux, sorry." Sorry?! Sorry your
face! Ayaw ko na. Suko na ako. Tama na. Niloloko lang natin ang mga sarili natin!

"Manong, para!" Nakapara na ako ng taxi, at sasakay na sana ako. Kaso lang, bigla
niya akong niyakap. Napatigil ako ng sandali, tapos I threw his arms away from me.
Then, I rode the taxi, and then I wiped my tears away. Nakita ko siya, sumakay rin
sa sasakyan ni Redd, and he followed us.

Nagstop na ako, tapos nagbayad na ako kay manong driver, then tumakbo ako sa may 7
eleven. Then the last thing I knew...

He caught me in his arms when I was supposed to fall to the ground.

"I still love you."

�Pwede ba?! Tama na nga �yung kalokohan mo, Gab!!� Sinampal ko siya, tapos tumakbo
ako, tapos bigla nalang, nadapa ako, pero may babaeng yumakap sa akin agad, tapos
umiyak siya sa balikat ko.

�He doesn�t love you.� Si�Sofia. Feeling ko tuloy, tumigil �yung mundo ko. Tapos si
Gab, feeling ko kahit nakatalikod ako, napatigil rin sa pagtakbo. �He�s just
fooling around! Lux, believe me��

Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang sasabihin ko. Tinabi ko �yung kamay ni Sofia,
tapos tumakbo ako. Sino pupuntahan ko? Sino? Tama. Tama. I took out my phone, and
then I dialed Ford�s number. �Come on� please pick up, Ford.� I whispered to
myself, tapos naluluha na naman ulit ako.

�Hey, this is Ford speaking. I�m busy right now, talk to you later, eh? Please
leave a message after the tone.� Great. Binaba ko nalang. Walang hiya. Computer
�yung sumagot. Crap. My world�s turning around. Bakit ba ako nasasaktan? Bigla
nalang, may na feel akong tumatakbo papunta sa akin, tapos�may nag snatch ng
cellphone ko. Pambihira!

Bigla nalang umulan, tapos, nalaglag ako sa may street. I felt weak. Bigla nalang
umiba pakiramdam ko. Nakita ko ang liwanag, tapos bigla nalang� napapikit nalang
ako. I felt the raindrops pouring on me. Oo, tanga na kung tanga. Patay kung patay.
All I wanna do right now is to rest nalang. The next thing I knew, I was lying in
someone�s arms. I attempted to open my eyes, but I was too weak. After that, I fell
into a deep sleep.

***

I slowly opened my eyes, and then� nakita ko, si Gab� he was sleeping sa may side
ko. Yung ulo niya nakapatong sa higaan ko, tapos he was holding my hands, tapos he
was seated sa may chair next to the bed. I slowly touched his hand, and then a tear
fell from my eye. I miss his touch. Maya-maya, nagising na siya. �Oh! Gising ka na
pala� okay ka na?� I shrugged, and then I nodded, wala na akong may sinabi. Tumayo
ako, but I felt my head hurt. Pero, pinilit kong tumayo. �Wag ka munang umalis,
hindi yan mabuti sa kalagayan mo.�

I just smiled at him, and then I stood up once again, tapos I headed sa may door.
Do you know kung ano �yung meaning ng smile? Sometimes, ang mga smiles iba�t iba
�yung meaning. May smiles na meaning eh, happiness. May smiles naman na overjoyed.
May iba naman na fake lang at napilitan. But you know what this smile signifies?
Smile na meaning eh� �pagod na nga ako� tama na� talo na ako� mahal pa rin kita eh�

This smile simply means one thing: Sweet surrender� meaning? Give up na ako kay
Gab� tanggap ko na na I�m not the one for him� maybe I never was meant for him
naman eh� Sino kaya ang magmamahal sa kanya ng tunay?

***

Papunta na ako ngayon sa condo ni Sofia. Wala, para mag girls-hangout. 8pm na
ngayon, so� siguro the best kung mag night out kami. Para naman makalimot na ako!
Ano ba? Haha. Bubuksan ko n asana �yung pintuan� kaso may narinig akong malakas na
halakhak� Sino kaya �yung kasama netong Sofia na �to?

Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pinto� tapos, nagulat nalang ako sa nakita ng mga
mata ko. Bakit sa lahat ng tao sa mundo, ako pa ang kailangang makakita nito? Ito
ba ang sinasabi ni Sofia na may iba siyang mahal? At yung �iba' ban a tinutukoy ni
Sofia ay walang iba� kundi �yung sarili niya mismo??

Bakit kailangan ko pang makita �to??

Why would she steal my guy?

And why would she dare kiss Gab??

Shocks, ang laki mong tanga Lux.

Nakatunganga nalang ako sa kanila. Tapos na pansin ni Sofia. She looked at me,
horrified. �Look, Luxelle. It�s not like what it looks like��

I smiled weakly at her, as tears fell from my eyes. Then, I patted her on her
shoulder, and hugged her. �Kung sa palagay mo, ikaw ang babaeng magpapaligaya sa
kanya, at kung mahal ka niya at mahal mo rin siya� ipinapaubaya ko na siya sa�yo�
Alagaan mo siya ng mabuti ha? Wag na wag mo siyang sasaktan tulad ng ginawa ko sa
kanya� Higit sa lahat wag na wag mo siyang lolokohin� tulad ng pagloko ko sa kanya
noon� na pinagsisisihan ko parin hangang ngayon��

Aalis na sana ako, pero bigla nalang niyakap ako ni Sofia. I just smiled, and then
tears followed it. Then I held her hand habang niyayakap niya ako behind my back.
�Take good care of his heart� Never break it the way I did� Love him the way I do�
make him happy� Never leave him� Ok?�

I smiled, and then I bit my lip. I smiled sadly of course. Then� she just looked at
me. �Sorry.� She muttered. I placed my index finger at the tip of her lip. I smiled
weakly.

�Just tell him that I love him so much� But, I understand. I�m happy now that he�s
found the right girl for him. To think that he�s found the girl, who�s my
bestfriend pa? Congratulations� � I smiled again, and then tears continued
flowing down. I wiped them away, and took a deep breath. Tapos I placed my hands
inside my pockets as I slowly turned my back around. �I wish you happiness� � I
started walking, trying to ease the pain inside. Bakit sa bestfriend ko pa? Okay
lang sana kung hindi sila naghahalikay� but, it�s okay. I guess, I�ve got to move
on.

Then, napapikit ako ng mata. May nagflashback sa mind ko. Yung kahapon. Yung nasa
tapat ng 7 eleven. The moment that he caught me in his arms. I could never forget
it.

�I still love you��

I opened my eyes, and then I wiped the tears. Well, Gab� if you meant that� may
reply ako doon� I still love you too� But, I guess, when I thought that my dream�s
coming true na�

I just saw you with someone new.

3 days after...

I pulled my stroller and then I looked back. I put on my sweater and sun glasses,
and yes, this is it. I�m going to leave for Christmas break. Pupunta akong States,
para naman okay na okay na ako. And they say, mas makakapag-move on ka diba? Malay
mo. Ang weird no? Actually 3 days after nangyari yung kissing scene na �yun, I�ve
decided to make an early leave. Bahala na studies ko, sigurado naman na mahal ako
ng teacher eh.

Nandito na ako by the way sa loob ng airport, well ayun� �Luxelle, dear!� That was
may oh-so-dearest-sister-dear. Yiea! I have a sister, never knew about it eh? She
hugged me, and then muntik na akong ma-suffocate. �How have you been doing?!�

Nyay. After 1038238030923 years, eh nagkita na rin kami ulit. Kakaloka. �I�m okay
no. Eto, still beautiful and sexy.� Patawa kong sinabi. Inakbayan niya ako, tapos
after nun nakita ko sina mum and dad. They waved at me.

�Hija, kamusta ka na?� She smiled at me and then she hugged me. �So, okay nab a
yung 2 months leave mo sa school niyo? Makakapag-cope up ka pa ba niyan sa lessons
mo? Or gusto mo dito ka nalang mag-aral?� Pwede rin. Pero bago niyan, dapat umuwi
muna ako sa Pinas. Siguro I�ll take up my college here.

After some conversations, umuwi na kami. They drove me to my said-house raw, and
then nung nandoon na kami, nagulat nalang ako. �Akin �to? Etong sports car?!� I had
this huge grin on my face, mum and dad nodded in unison. I smiled and hugged the
car. Of course! Why would I hug them? Joke.
�Well, anyway sweetie, we hope you wouldn�t be shocked. You�re sharing this house
with one person.� Napalingon ako sa kanila, napabitaw sa pagyakap sa kotse. Sharing
this house with someone?! �Jed, come here will ya?!�

Jed? Teka, sino ba siya?!

�Uhhh� wait auntie.� Auntie?! Crap. Who the heck is he!? This is really freaking
scary! Nakatunga-nga lang ako sa may door, and then� nung binuksan niya na,
napatingin ako sa kanya mula paa hangang ulo. Gosh! He is a hottie! �Oh, is she the
new laundry girl?�

Gwapo na sana, pero?! This guy�s got an attitude. Humanda ka sa lagim ko. �No,
sweetie. She�s my daughter. The girl that you saw in the photos, and the girl whom
you thought were beautiful� She�s Ai.�

Ai?! Bakit niya iniba pangalan ko?! �Ai? Oh. Okay. So, should I help her with her
stuffs? Ya know.� Ya know ka diyan! Tsss. For 2 months?! Etong sira ulo �tong
makakasama ko?! Oh come on, cinnamon.

***

�Yo, laundry girl. You know how to cook, do ya?� Tinaasan ko nalang ng kilay,
susme. Mannosebleed ako dito sa lalakeng �to! He neared me, and then he poked me.
Ay, wow? �Yo, I�m talking to ya! You know how to cook?�

�Of course I don�t!� Muntik na siya maging happy, kaso nung narinig niya yung �I
don�t� bigla nalang nadisappoint �yung mukha. Bwahahaha. Buti nga sa kanya. Nakita
ko siya, nakatitig sa akin. �Why are you looking at me like that?! Sheeeshh.�
Binaba ko �yung remote control, and then umakyat ako sa taas.

�Hey, you! We�re not done yet!� Hindi ko alam kung ano pumasok ssa kokote niya,
pero he ran after me, inside my bedroom! Shoooot! �You better stop playing games
with me, lil mis fella!�

Argghh. Nakakainis na siya! Ano ba �yan! Tapos, sa sobrang takbo, nakita ko �yung
sarili ko�nalalaglag! Pero� he catched me. And we stared into each other�s eye.
�Steffi?� Huh? Steffi? Sino yan?
�Steffi?� I asked him. He slowly put me down. Then, umupo siya sa may bed ko. Then
he shook his head. Tapos tumayo siya.

�I�m already over her, okay?! � I gave him a weird stare. �She was my girl.� Then
bigla nalang lumungkot �yung facial expression niya. �And sadly� Ai, you look like
her! Guess I would be hating you forever! �

Napalunok nalang ako.

"Hey Little Sister, wanna come with me?" Nagulat nalang ako sa Ate ko. I smiled and
then I nodded. Okay na sana ang lahat, pero... may sumira sa pag imbita niya sa
akin.

"Jed, come along with us. "

Napalunok ulit ako.

"Sorry talaga!"

And yea, pambihira talaga si Ate ko.

"Uhm, I'm really sorry, but my boo just called and he told me to meet him. I'm
sorry kids, I hope you'll enjoy!"

Nasa movie house pa naman kami ni Jed. Oh my. I remember the time na kapiling ko pa
si Gab, and we were both... just like this.

"What are you looking at?! Am I that HOT?! Come on, I know I am. " Inirapan ko
siya, tapos naalala ko... parang ganito rin kami ni Gab nun. We were quarreling and
yea, just like this. "Why the sad face, eh? Wag ka ngang ganyan! Mamaya
mapagkamalan pa tayong mag-on!"
Nung sinabi niya ito, napatawa ako, ewan ko kung bakit. Sabi niya kasi, baka
mapagkamalan raw kami na mag-on eh, eh. Teka-mag on ba sabi niya!? "Asa ka naman
pare!" And wait... Nag TAGALOG siya?! Pambihira, pinanosebleed muna ako! Gaaaahd.
"Hindi mo man lang sinabi ng mas maaga na marunong ka pala mag tagalog! "

He smirked at me, and then nilagay niya yung elbow niya sa tabi ng kamay ko. "You
know what, parang parehong pareho talaga kayo. Ang funny naman." Yuck? Kadiri.
Kakaloka. "But yea... to be honest, sana hindi ka nalang dumating! "

"And sana hindi nalang kita nakilala. Pambihira, katulad mo talaga siya." Huh? I
said that? Oh my. "I mean, hindi. Ewan! Eto, kainin mo." Pinasok ko yung popcorn sa
bunganga niya, tapos muntik nalang siya mabilaukan.

"ANO BA?! IKAW, BABAE KA! ANG KULIT MO!!!!! " Sa sobrang sigaw niya, yung lalakeng
may kasamang babae na nakaupo sa unahan namin, bigla nalang napasigaw.

"Just take her to the motel if you wanna have sexx with her!!! "

Gusto ko na sanang sakalin yung lalakeng yun, pero siyempre medyo napahiya na ako.
Kakainis. Kakahiya. "Alam mo, nakakahiya kang kasama! " I whispered. He placed his
arms around my shoulder. Nagulat ako, hello?!

"What if, I'd follow that guy's advice, eh? Do you think we'll have fun? "

Sobra ka na ha!

Sinakal ko na. Joke. Sinampal ko pala. Ah, tama ba? Ahehehe. Oo tama.

Sinampal ko siya, sabay walk out. But I sensed na parang di niya ako sinunod. So,
binalikan ko nalang at I yelled at him, bahala na ang mga tao! Scandalo na kung
scandalo! "Hoy! Ikaw! Bakit di mo 'ko sinusunod!? Di mo man lang ba ako hahabulin?!
Ha? HA?! "

Nag smile lang siya sa may gilid ng seat, tapos parang nag bye siya sa akin. "Ano
ka ba. Bakit ba kita hahabulin? Pang motel ka lang eh."

Sobra pa yata 'to kay Gab ah. Bigla nalang nag ring 'yung phone ko. I answered it.
Mukhang hindi naman long distance call. "Hello? Hello? Luxelle? Si... Si Gab 'to.
Nasaan ka? Gusto ko lang sana mag paalam."

"Ha?"

"Nandito na kasi ako ngayon sa States, sa may ********, infact, nandito ako sa
****** Mall."

"So? I don't care." Binaba ko yung phone at nag-isip.

Napatahimik nalang ako, nung natauhan ako.

I don't wanna cry anymore. I've cried enough.

Hindi ko namalayan, nasa labas na pala ako ng moviehouse, and to my delight, I was
surprised because, I saw Gab, standing in front of me. He looked at me, and then he
hugged me.

I felt a funny feeling in me once again, and napa-30 secs siguro yung hug namin,
but I let go of his hug. Why? Magmumukhang tanga na naman ako sa harap ng maraming
tao. I just looked at him, and then excused myself.

�Excuse me, but� someone is waiting for me inside.� I mumbled. Mabuti naman at
nandito si Jed. Bahala na. Papasok na sana ako sa cinehan, kaso lang, he held my
hand tight by grabbing it. I just looked at it, and then pinigilan ko nalang �yung
mga luha ko.

�Lux, I can explain.� I shook my head, and then grinned sarcastically. Giving him
this you-have-nothing-more-to-explain-I�m-fine-already-get-lost-look. �Please.� I
let go of his hand, but� again, he surprised me by running after me, and then�

On bended knees, he beseechingly begged before me. �Just this moment, please? I�ve
gathered lots of information para makapunta lang dito.�

�Why did you bother to come here? Oh, alam ko na� baka naman dito nakatira si
Belle?� I rolled my eyes, and then he looked at me earnestly.

�I CAME HERE, JUST TO FOLLOW YOU, JUST TO BE WITH YOU...� He started, ako naman,
medyo naiyak. �Luxelle.� He stood up, and then he held my right hand. He looked at
it, and then he locked his fingers with mine. I couldn�t utter a word, I was
speechless. �Will you give me another chance, to continue our remaining days? Even
though hindi mo na ako kakausapin, just let me show� na mahal pa rin kita.�

�Remaining days? And c�mon Gab, we both know that you love my bestfriend, so what�s
the big deal of resuming with the game huh?! I don�t need you anymore Gab! Get
outta my life!� I told him and then I started walking away from the cinema house.
He started following me, while mumbling words that started to stir my heart.

�About Sofia, I didn�t actually kiss her. It was her who kissed me, I was drunk!
She told me to come over her house, because she told me that you were together.
Gusto ko na sanang makipagbati sa�yo, and I wanted to clear things and sort them
out, but� wrong timing �tong bestfriend mo eh! I don�t love her Lux, akala niya
mahal ko siya� actually there was one time na nagsasalita ako sa sarili ko, saying
words na�Mahal na mahal kita� And it so did happen na si Sofia, yung nakarinig nun.
And she assumed that I was telling it to her directly. Not knowing na ikaw �yung
dapat kong sabihan nun!� Halos hindi na siya makahingga sa kakaexplain. Nagulat
nalang ako sa sinabi ni Gab.

I know this time, that he is not lying.

***

�Who is he? Why is he with you?�

�Who are you?�

�I�m the one responsible for her. But, anyway, you can come and hangout with us if
you want to. Let�s go home Ai, just bring him along.� Hinatak ako ni Jed, tapos si
Gab naman, kinaladkad ko sabay sa pagkaladkad sakin ni Jed. Napatigil ako nung
nakahawak-kamay na kami ni Gab. It�s weird, but� I can�t control the feeling. Ano
ba?! I�m over him already!!!

Fastforward, Luxelle�s house.

�So, who is this dude?�

�I don�t know him.�

�I�m her uhhh�. Sister? � At nagpakabakla ang bangag! Totoo! For real. He was
like, �ohhh papaaaa ko!!� but I know that he was only pretending.

�Ah, ganun? Bakla pala �tong kasama mo Ai? So, magsama nalang kayo sa room mo
mamaya magtulog ha� At ako naman, sosolohin ko �yung kwarto ko!!! AHAHA.�

�Salamat, papaaa. Anyway, ano ka ba ni Lux?�

�Lux? �

�Yeah, he meant me.�

�Aw! My apologies. Well� Ai is my girl.�

HUWAAAATTTT!?! My girl ka diyan?!

�HOY! ASA KA PA! MOTEL BOY!!!! HINDI AKO PAPATOL SA�YO NOH!!! Tara na nga,
Gabriella! Akyat na tayo sa kwarto ko!!! Matutulog na tayo!!�

Kinaladkad ko si Gab papuntang kwarto ko, tapos ayun� napatawa ako nung naalala
kong tinawag ko siyang Gabriella. He looked at me, and then he gave me a weird
look. �Talagang go with the flow ka no?! Naki-Gabriella ka pa! Ano ba?! Nagpretend
lang nga ako eh. Baka naman patayin ako nun.�

�Eh, kung hindi kaya ako nag go with the flow? Sa tingin mo? Papayagan kang umakyat
dito? Isa pa naman sa rules ko na bawal ang lalake sa BAHAY ko, except for Jed.�

He neared me, and then he grabbed me. Then�

He kissed my lips, after that, he whispered in my ears. �I am still inlove with you
Lux� I can�t get over you� I want to win your heart� I love you so much.�

I'm.... SPEECHLESS.
***

*Click here, song plays here*

"No, I'm...I'm sorry Gab." I held my tears inside, bahala na siya. Hindi na ako
maniniwala pa sa kahit anong sasabihin pa niya. Even though I can feel na pwede at
possibleng paniwalaan yung mga sinabi niya.. Ayaw ko na. Ayaw ko nang magpakatanga.
Ako kaya si Luxelle Aimee Smith, ang pinaka-popular sa University, ang Girl-Next-
Door, ang Muse, ang inaadore nang lahat, bakit ba magpapakatanga ako sa isang tulad
ni Gab? "I'm over you already..."

"Please, let's start over again?" He sat next to me, and then he hugged me.
Eventually, he was now crying in front of me. "I know I've been a fool, but I'll do
almost everything... just to show you that I could be the one..."

I almost gave in, but I shook my head and smiled. "Quit it Gabriella, let's go to
sleep now... Umuwi ka na bukas sa inyo ha... Goodnight." I turned off the lights,
and then I jumped in my bed, tapos I hid in the sheets of my bed. I could feel that
he was staring at me, man, it's not easy to have a guy around you especially when
you both are only alone.. and to think that you both are in one same room!

I held my tears, and I sighed as I hugged my pillow. Tapos, after ilang minuto, I
heard him saying things. "I just wish na sana maniwala ka na sa akin..." I
pretended to be asleep nalang, para marinig ko lahat ng sasabihin niya kung meron
man. "Haay, Lux, if you only know how much I love you... sana nga, niligawan nalang
kita noon pa... because all I wanted in this life.. is to have you as my own...
Goodnight..."

Napansin kong kinuha niya yung sheets ko tapos he kissed my forehead, then a tear
slid from my eye. I felt his hand wiping it away, and then natulog nalang ako. Kung
totoo lang yung sinabi niya, sana nga... kami na.

***

I woke up, and then... nakita kong... nasa movie house ako. What? So it means...
panaginip lang lahat nun?? "Ayun, gising ka na sa wakas. Grabe, ang tagal mong
matulog! Hindi mo man lang pinanood yung movie, the best siya, Ai!"

Wala pala talagang Gab?? Walang Gabriella?? Panaginip lang pala.. "Oh, sorry...
Let's go home now, shall we??" Umuwi na kami ni Jed, tapos nun, tahimik lang ako
nung nasa kotse niya na ako. Nakatingin ako sa labas ng bintana. Napaisip... nasa
isipan ko si Gab.

I guess those things in my dream are only meant for sleeping...

"Ai, are you okay? You seem quiet..." Wow, for the first time, hindi na siya rude.
Napasmile ako somehow, kasi parang nakaease yung sinabi niya.. at least, he asked
if I were ok. But still, I can't get Gab off my mind. "You know what?? Before we go
home tonight, I would love to bring you to my favorite place."

"Why?" I asked him, he smiled at me as he continued driving.

"Gusto kong mag-smile ka. Kasi, everytime na nandoon ako sa lugar na yun, I always
smile. I just love it. And this is the perfect time."

***

"Carnival?!"

"Oo... ang saya kasi dito eh. Doon tayo oh, sa may rollercoaster!"

"Loka-loka ka, Jed! Takot ako sa mga ganyan eh!!!"

"Don't worry, I'll pull you out from your comfort zone. " He grabbed my hand, and
then we sped off.

We headed to the ticket booth of the coaster. MY GAWD.

The rollercoaster ride was not fun, believe me.

I'm all dizzy, geez.

"Langya!" Bigla nalang nabitawan ni Jed yung ice cream na hinahawakan niya kasi may
dumaan na mga bata at naghahabulan yata o di kaya, kasi sobrang dizzy na si Jed
kaya niya ito nabitawan? kidding. "So, okay ka na? Uwi na tayo. Pagod ka na yata
eh."

Kaya umuwi na kami ni Jed. nung dumating kami sa bahay, nakita ko si Ate ko, at
yung boyfriend niya nandoon sa sala. E, hindi ko naman talaga alam kung boyfriend
niya yun, pero i guess oo, boyfriend niya yun. haha. "Uy, ate, boy--"

"Heyyy lil sister! This is Mike, my boyfriend." Wow, sabi ko nga ba. In fairness
ha? Mukhang playboy. Kelan ba ni Ate naging bf 'tong mokong na 'to? Hmmm. Tignan
nalang natin. "Mag-to-two months na kami. In fact, 3 days from now would be our
Monthsary." Gawd, ang panget tignan. haha. monthsary? corny much? joke. loka, ano
bang nangyayari sa akin? Happy lang siguro ako kasi nakapunta kami doon sa carnival
na yun. "Dear, you and Jed seem to get along pretty well na huh? Hmmm. " Eto
talagang si ate, pati si Jed eh pagtritripan.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't like her. Tss." Bakit ganun? Bigla nalang naging suplado?
Ay chever. Sungit sungit talaga. Haha. "I'm going to bed now, goodnight. " Ngek.
Sungit talaga. Masundan nga!

"I'll be right back, I'm gonna get something from upstairs first." Anyway, ayun...
umakyat na ako, palusot lang yung 'i'm gonna get something' para naman di ako
tuksuin ni ate, jusko. haha. dahan dahan kong binuksan yung pintuan ni Jed, tapos
ayun, nakita ko siya, he's lying on his bed, while holding a picture frame, and
looking at it. I was just peeking in sa door, and slightly nakabukas ito. Tapos
nun, hindi niya rin napansin na nadoon ako, kaya I'm so happy. haha. joke.

"Why, Thea?" Huh? Thea? Sino yun? Teka, na-aachoo ako. "Why does she need to
resemble you--"

"AAHHH...AHHH...AHHHCCCHOOOO!!!"

"Whattheheckareyoudoingtherehaveyoubeenthereforalongtimeareadyareyoustupidenoughtos
taythere?whattheheck!!agshddjdkjkdjkdkdksjuhwdsbd....sddjskdj...."

A-Ano raw?? Wala akong na gets. Pambihirang sipon kasi eh. "Don't you know the
word privacy?!?! "

A-ahhhh, okaayy??? "Ahehehe??..." Nakakahiya si ako.

"~SPECIAL CHAPTER~"

Darn. It's Valentines tomorrow. I'm soaking in tears. Nandito ako ngayon sa train,
kasama ko si Jed. And I am thinking of Gab. Why am I thinking of him?

Am I missing him? Am I? Am I? No...no, uhhhh...you're just thinking of him.

Bakit ganun? Bakit ganito? I hate to admit it, but I always find myself thinking of
him. I just can't erase the painful things that he's taught me. Arggh. The heck, am
I missing the idiot? "Abstinence hurts." Napalingon ako kay Jed, what the? Bakit
yun yung sinabi niya? That struck me. We're on our way to my parent's house, kasi
may dinner kami eh. Valentines eve nga daw kasi eh. NOT. I don't wanna celebrate
Valentines. I...I just don't want to think about it anymore.

Nung nakarating na yung train namin sa station, kinaladkad naman ako ni Jed, and
then... hindi ko alam kung saan niya ako dinala, but... I stood before a huge
gate... written with a trademark on it that reads... "Jackson Memorial Cementery"
"Heck, why did you bring me here?!"

Hindi niya ako sinagot, he kept on walking. He had this gloomy face as he continued
walking without halts. But in the middle of some point, he stop over one grave, and
then he knelt down with his one leg being the stronghold of his kneeling. He took
his knapsack, and then opened it, and he had this red rose on his hand after
opening it. After that, he closed his bag, and laid the rose on the grave's emboss.
I heard him sigh, as I neared him and at a point that I decided to stand next to
him na. Ayun, I heard him saying stuffs, which I first thought he wasn't serious.
"It had been 3 years since she left me."

3 years? So he must've been 16 that time. He's 19 right now by the way. "Her?" That
was all I got to blurt out. He continued to look downwards, as he caressed the rose
that was laid on the grave. He's weird. Really.

"I used to dream of seeing her wearing that white wedding gown... I used to see us
walking together down the aisle... I even thought and imagined what it would feel
if I were the one who'd open her veil in the altar... but... but... she left me."
He sat on an Indian seat, and then he brushed his hand on the emboss that reads
"Thea Dawn". I sat next to him, tapos pinagmasdan ko siya, then he smiled weakly.
"She died because of congenital heart disease... She suffered heart attacks several
times, ones that were mild, but then... I guess she was already tired.. and that's
why... she gave up."

Ganun pala. Now I understand. After that, he sighed and smiled, and then he stood
up. His one hand placed in his pocket, and the other reached out for mine--Wait?!
Reach out for mine?! Is he nuts?! He gave me this 'yeah-hey-just-give-me-your-
hand' signal. And what the hell came to me, I just found myself giving him my hand
and then he helped me stood up again.
****

After that, we went to my parent's place to eat dinner. When we were there already,
ayun... nag stay muna ako sa terrace, and I suppose it's already 9pm or later than
9 na, that's why the breeze is becoming chiller and chiller each second.

I sat on the bench, and then again, Gab crossed my mind. What the heck, it's
Valentines, and HE IS OVER YOU LUXELLE, GET OVER IT TOO. HE DOESN'T EVEN CALL YOU
OR WHATEVER! SO GET OVER IT. HE WILL NOT CALL YOU TONIGHT... or at least, I hope
then that he would. Argggghhh! You're driving yourself insane, Luxelle!!

Fine, you miss him! Let it be.

It's Valentines tomorrow, I wonder what she's doing now? Nakita ko si Redd, then I
gave him a high five. "Musta ka na?" He smiled, and then he said he was ok. After
that, naupo kami sa may seats, and then ayun nag-usap usap. But I can't get her off
my mind. Damn.

Why do I love him? Why do I? Am I over him? Am I? What the heck! I'm obsessed. I
don't wanna think of him anymore. Abstinence hurts. Shootness.

"Do you have a contact number of Luxelle?" Nag smile lang si Redd sa akin, then
inabot niya yung phone niya sa akin. What the heck, I asked for Luxelle's number,
not for his phone! Then.. I looked at his phone, at napasmile nalang ako. "Man,
thanks."

I looked at my phone, and then... I dropped a tear. Wanna know why? Sino ba naman
kasi 'tong nasa wallpaper ko. I wish he would call, just even for once God?

And now, I'm gonna call her.

*kring~!*

*kring~!*

Come on, Lux... pick up. Tsss.

"H-hello, Redd?? Oh, bakit ka napatawag--" Nagulat ako, kasi ibang boses yung
sumagot. It felt, weird.

"Lux, this is not Redd... this is Gab."

Napatigil ako, then napatingin ako sa langit. Muntik ko nang mabitawan ang phone
ko, tapos ayun... once again, I heard his voice.

"Will you be my valentine? Only if you come back here..."

I looked at the sky, and then napasmile ako na parang ewan. Then, I saw a shooting
star, and it fell from the sky--I think it was a response from heaven. I smiled,
and then I whispered.

"Happy Valentines Gab... Goodnight."

I put down the phone, and then... umupo na ako.

Thanks for answering my prayer, God...

True love waits, Gab.

True love waits.

***

Just with a blink of an eye, nandito na ngayon kami sa loob ng plane. Seated
together with my family. Bibisitahan namin si Redd. Nagulat nga ako nung sinabi ni
mum yun eh. I thought he hated him, but now, Redd�s mum and mine are inseparable.
Kasama ko rin �tong si Jed. Malapit na rin and yes, Gab� makikita na rin kita.

Nung nasa hospital na kami, ayun� I saw Redd, he looked much more paler than
before. I guess� he�s getting sicker and sicker each day. And I don�t want that to
happen! �Aimee. How are you?� He smiled weakly, then he slowly sat up on his make-
shift hospital bed. He held my hand, then he looked at it. �Can I spend my
remaining days with you?�
I was dumbfounded when he mentioned the words �my-remaining-days-with-you�. My
eyebrows met, and then I let go of his hand. �Don�t say such words, Redd!� He
smiled at me. Pambihira, nakakaiyak na siya! �Please�� I almost cried. Pero, bigla
niya akong niyakap.

�We can�t deny it anymore, Aimee. It�d hurt more if we deny and deny� I just want
to say thank you to you� and� I really love you. Sabi ng doctors, weeks nalang. I
thought nga, 2 months pa.. but--.� I hugged him back. He was more like a bestfriend
to me, than being the lover-potential, boyfriend-material. After that, umalis na
kami. Umuwi ako sa bahay, then, when we entered the house, I saw�Sofia.

My head immediately heated up.

�Luxelle��

Natigilan ako. I looked at her, shocked. How dare she? May guts pa siyang pumunta
dito? Bilib na ako. �Oh, you�re here.� I said as if I didn't care at all. I
started to walk pass through her, then my parents greeted her. She�s so�fake.
Nakakairita.

�Luxelle! Hindi mo man lang ba kakausapin si Aya?�

�Shut up. I�m not in the mood.�

Yeah, I know I was rude.

Binilisan ko ang pag-akyat sa kwarto ko, tapos I slammed the door. Pambihira, di
kasi nila alam eh! They think of her as this-goody-goody girl, but heck, hindi nila
alam na slut siya! Grrr.

I buried my head under my pillow after I threw my things on the floor, then I heard
a knock at the door.

*knock~!
*knock~!
*KNOCK~!

�Who the hell is that?!� I said out of frustration. Nakakainis na talaga. Bakit pa
kasi siya pumunta dito? Argggh.

�Lux, it�s me.�

Alam kong si Sofia na yun, but I don�t wanna answer. Nakakabiscuit kasi eh! Grrrr.
*knock~!
*knock~!

�PAMBIHIRA!! ANO BA KAILANGAN MO!?!� Damn!

I walked to my door, then I opened it, and then I looked at her in the eye. My
eyebrows met again. �What do you want?! �

I don�t want this issue to reach my �rents, but I guess I couldn�t handle it
anymore, I won�t play safe na. �I�m sorry, Lux.� She uttered those words. It felt
great, but I just couldn�t let my pride down. She hugged me, and then she cried.
�Nagpaka-g*ga ako, I know I shouldn�t have done that� would you still give me
another chance?�

I hate it. I hate it!! I just stood there, and I just found myself hugging her
back� and then finally, I gave in. �Fine� apology accepted.�

Nakakainis, pero� I forgive her na.

She wiped her tears, and then she hugged me tighter this time. �Thanks, Lux! Babawi
ako sa inyo ni Gab� I�m not gonna do anything stupid again� I promise��

I cut her off with my words. �Don�t ever try to think about saying the word
promise. I'm sorry, Sof. But you broke my trust.�

She smiled, yet I saw the look of disappointment in her eyes. She looked the other
way, and then she took something out from her bag. �It's ok.. By the way.. This is
for you�� She handed me a blue envelope, then she smiled. �I got to get going now,
I�ll catch up with you later. Thanks, and take care!�

After that, umalis na siya. I went back in my room, then I ripped the envelope as I
opened it. And it read like this:

�Meet me sa tapat ng McDonalds� Keep safe� and yeah, got the blue rose? Hope so. I
miss you, Lux.�

So meaning 'yung blue rose na nakita ko sa bed ko nung nasa States pa ako, sa kanya
galing yun...

And by the way... it was a letter from Gab.

And I�m gonna see him once again.
***
Yes, I�ve been like waiting forever here.

What the heck, ano? May plano pa ba yun na magpakita dito?! Kakainis. It�s been an
hour na. Arrggghhh. Kakainis. Pambihira. �Oi! Bakit ka nandito? Siguro� siguro may
date ka �no?!�

Nagulat nalang bigla ako nung nakita ko si Jed. What the? Ba�t nandito siya?!
Sinundan niya ako?! �Bakit ka nandito?� He took a newspaper from the magazine rack,
and then he slid it on his palm, tapos umupo siya sa tabi ko. He looked at me, and
then he neared my face and smirked.

�Haler? Kakain rin naman kaya ako? Ikaw lang ba yung may bituka?� Fine. Arggh. I�m
still pissed off kay Gab, kanina pa ako naghihintay dito. Bigla nalang akong
yumuko, tapos� napaluha. Dali-dali kong pinunasan yung luha ko gamit yung kamay ko,
tapos I smiled�a fake one. �Oh, bakit ka umiiyak?�

I looked the other way, and then hindi ko na napigilan. �NAKAKAINIS KASI EH�� My
jaw dropped when I saw Gab once again. Nasa tapat siya ng McDonald�s, he was riding
his motorbike, he was like looking for someone. �I need to go now, Jed. Catch up
with you later.� I hurriedly took my bag and phone in hand, and then I run to him.
Nung malapit na ako sa kanya, I stood there frozen. He looked so� hot. He looked
like this ~click here. �Bakit ngayon ka lang?�

He looked at me, and then bumaba na siya sa motorbike niya, then binaba niya yung
helmet niya. �Hey, nakasabi na dun sa sulat ko diba? Sa TAPAT nang McDonald�s.
Kanina pa nga ako dito eh. And I WAS waiting for you.� Gusto ko na siyang kurutin,
langya, nag-over react pala ako. Kakahiya naman ako! Argggh.

�Okay, okay.� I told him, then there was a great silence.

~SILENCE.

Gawsh, he�s so silent na. Nakakabingi na ang silence, nagulat nalang ako sa sinabi
niya�H-h-huwaaaattt!?!

�It�s our 60th day, I would want to show you some place.� 60th palang? Talaga?
Akala ko 60+ na. He started to walk to me, and then, he grabbed my hand�I never
felt his touch for so long, and now� I don�t know if I will still be able to move
on, I mean� kung ganito lang naman ang mangyayari� SHUT UP LUXELLE!!! �You know,
hindi ko naman talaga alam kung ika-ilang day na natin �to eh� But, gawin nalang
nating day 60 �to..�

Wow, ang saya naman niyan. Hindi niya rin pala alam Tahimik lang ako, tapos ayun,
nalaman ko nalang na tumigil na yung motorbike niya. And the next thing I knew was,
kinaladkad niya ako papasok sa isang napakaTAAS na building�which looked so scary,
to be exact. And then� he brought me sa rooftop view. Is this guy crazy, or what!?
�Bakit dito?�

�May significance kasi sa akin �tong place na �to eh� Gusto kong i-explain lahat
sa�yo� And�� He took my hands, and then he place it sa chest niya, sa may right
side. ��I want you to know that� I am still in love with you.�

Napalapit ako sa kanya, then� we shared an intimate stare. Tapos, napalapit na

napalapit na yung mukha namin sa isa�t-isa�

kaso lang�

*kring~!
*kring~!

�E-excuse me, Gab�� I answered my phonecall, then I excuse myself. It was�Ford. �F-
Ford??� My heart skipped a beat, and then I started to feel my stomach becoming
fluttery.

�I just dropped a call to ask if you could go out with me tonight?� Huh? Bakit?
Anong meron? �Just meet me later around 6pm, sa university natin� sa may lobby�
where we first found out that we were chatmates.� After that, he hung up. Dang, I
didn�t have the single chance to say no. Oh well, I�ll just meet him up later.

When I put my phone down, tumalikod na ako kay Gab� and then� he grabbed me, pulled
me close to him�

And in just an instance�

I knew that our lips were already locked with each other.

"Lux... alam mo bang... ikaw... ikaw--"

�Gab� I�m sorry, but� I think I made a mistake� Now, would you please excuse me� I�
I need to go��

Yes, indeed� I made a mistake.

I�m starting to fall for him again, and now�

I admit it.

"No, wait! I can't let you go right now!" Napatigil ako sa paglakad. "You've
already left me... and now that you're back... I won't let you go... Luxelle, I
love you so much."

And then I was in his arms already.

**
"G-Gab..." I was now crying. He lifted my chin up, and then he aimed for another
kiss. I closed my eyes, and then... I pushed him lightly. I shook my head, and then
I ran away. Gaga ka talaga Luxelle! You shouldn't have let him kiss you! Iiwas na
talaga ako sa kanya. Ewan! EWAN!!!! Tignan nga talaga natin kung hangang saan
siya.

True love waits.

Gabi na, I decided na umuwi nalang. Nung nakarating na ako sa labas ng gate namin,
may nakita akong lalakeng nakatayo sa bandang gilid nito. I looked losely, and
found out that it was Ford. Then, I guess he noticed na may mga footsteps na
lumalapit, he looked back, and nakayuko siya. "Bakit hindi ka pumunta??"

It felt as if I was shot-gunned. Nakalimutan ko, crap! "Sorry Ford, I forgot." He

smiled sadly, and then lumapit siya sa akin.

"It's ok, anyway, aalis na ako. Goodnight, and thanks for making me smile kahit
ngayon lang." He told me, and then ipinasok niya yung mga kamay niya sa pocket
niya.
"Teka, see you tomorrow Ford!"

"Toomorrow?? Haha.. Goodbye Luxelle." After that, he left. I went inside our house,
then I saw a VERY huge teddy bear. and I mean VERY VERY huge.

"What the?? " My jaw dropped. Jed saw me, and then he neared me. He gave me a
handful of chocolates.

"Hindi galing sakin yan no! Asa ka pa. " Phew! I thought it was from him. Muntik
na akong mahimatay. My gawsh. I gave him this 'so-kanino-galing-'tong-mga-'to-
look'. He shrugged and then he took a bite on the chocolate. "Galiwng hyaan sha
walaken nadatalo sah lanmbas kenina! (translation: Galing yan sa lalakeng nakatayo
sa labas kanina!) "

I laughed and then I stopped when I heard his last line. Sa lalakeng nakatayo sa
labas kanina. Oh my gawsh. Don't tell me... it's from... Ford? "S-Sino??! "

"His name sounded like... Fraud?? Arggh. Sorry, I forgot. " After he said that, he
excused himself, and then umakyat na siya sa taas. Then, maya-maya nagulat ako, he
was peeking at me sa stairs. "Teka, was he your suitor? The Fraud dude? Or whoever
his name was?? "

I got the small pillow case and I threw it to him. "It's none of your business! "
After nun, he gave me a sarcastic laugh, and he left. I went to the HUGE teddy
bear, and then...

may note na naka-tuck dito.

"I wished you came earlier... Kung nakapunta ka kanina... siguro it would be the
best the of my life... Considered ko na sana yun as the best birthday gift sakin
eh... kaso di ka nakapunta... so, anyway... here's something for you... alagaan mo
ha?? Aalis na kasi talaga ako eh... for good. Don't worry kung hindi ka nakapunta
kanina. It's ok. Take care, Luxelle. Taim i' ngra leat "

Taim i' ngra leat? What is that??

Birthday pala niya... di man lang ako nakapunta. Aalis na siya? Di man lang ako
nakapagpaalam.

*ding~dong~!

Si Jed na yung nag-open ng door, then ako panay isip kung ano yung meaning nung
'Taim i' ngra leat' tapos... nabitawan ko nalang yung note nung...

"HOY AI!! MAY LALAKENG NAGHAHANAP SA'YO DITO!!!!"

***
�Sino raw?� I asked Jed, but he rolled his eyes, and then stormed out of the living
room and went upstairs, ang sungit parang may PMS. Pumunta naman ako sa may door,
para tignan kung sino� JUSME. Nagulat ako. Gawsh! He brought with him a bouquet of
blue roses, then he was all wet. Ngayon ko lang na realize na umulan pala at
umuulan pa rin pala.

�Give me another chance� Lux�� He looked at me, and then he�

He fainted. Nilalagnat na pala siya. I held him entangled in my arms, then I hugged
him. I cried. He was lying on my arms, and he was motionless. I hugged him, and
then I noticed that the bouquet was still on his hand�he was holding it still. I
hugged him tighter this time, and then� I brought him inside the house.

________________________________________

�Are you okay now?� It was already morning, and I was half-asleep the whole night.
I was worried about him, and I had to check on him every now and then. He got up
from the sofa, and then he sat down. He looked at me, with a clueless look. �Yeah,
pumunta ka dito last night� and then basing-basa ka sa ulan� May lagnat ka kagabi�
and then you fainted.� He looked at me again, and then� he hugged me. �I�m giving
you another chance, Gab.�

His face had a wide smile on it, and then he kissed my forehead. How sweet of him.
Then after that, I saw�Jed, he was looking at us. �Who the hell is he? Why�d he
kissed you, huh?�

I laughed at Jed, and then I explained. �He�s my friend.� I didn�t know what to
say, kaya ayun, yun lang ang lumabas sa akin. Jed gave me a sarcastic look, and
then he crossed his arms.

�Friends? Kung ako nga na parang kapatid mo na eh hindi maka-hawak lang ng kamay
mo� siya na friend mo lang, eh may pa kiss kiss pa?!� Wow. I got astonished ah.
Pero, walang hiya lang talaga �tong Jed na �to. Ipinahiya niya ako sa harap ni Gab.

�Eh ano?! Hindi naman tayo close eh. Close ba tayo?� I blurted out. I know! I know!
It sounded rude�and it gotta hurt. But, hey, whatever! He looked at me, and then he
shook his head, and then he stormed out of the house and left. He�s weird, I don�t
get him. He�s so stupid. Oh well, concerned lang naman yun kasi nga cousin ko siya.
Haha. 3rd cousin raw? Ewan ko. Hindi ko nga rin alam eh, nakalimutan ko.

Maya-maya, napatayo si Gab. He brushed his hair with his fingers, and then he
placed his hand in his pocket. �Lux, I gotta go home now. I�ll meet you later, 6pm�
See you in front of the same location again� sa harapan ng Mcdo.� Pagkatapos niyang
sabihin yun, he grabbed my hand, and then pinatayo niya ako. I smiled and then he
waved bye. Ayun, umalis na siya.

Pagkatapos nun, eh� my cellphone beeped. May message eh.

~Umalis na ba ung kumag na un?

It was from Jed. Waw, tinawag ba naman niya si Gab na kumag!? Gaga �tong Jed na
�to. I hate him so much!

Bakit ba ang overprotctve mu?

I sent it to him, then minutes after, I got his reply.

If you would want to know the reason, just go upstairs and read open my laptop, and
go to my blogsite. Catch up with ya l8r.. take good care of yourself. Bye.

After that, I went upstairs, then I opened his blog site. Tapos ayun� isa lang
naman yung nakasulat dun na natamaan talaga ako.

blog entry # 20.

LUXELLE AIMEE SMITH= LUXELLE AIMEE LACSON

Both the same. And then I found out one thing. We are related. The problem? I am
already in love with her. And she�s my� sibling. Magkapatid pala kami ni Luxelle.
And our foster �rents right now just adopted us. Our real �rents are already gone.
Tita told me about this last night.

�Jed Lacson @ 11:00 PM she has my heart.

Huh? What does he mean about this!?!

M-Magkapatid k-kami?!? A-Ano?!

And he is in love with me?!?

OMG. Then bigla nalang ako nagulat sa boses na narinig ko.

"Luxelle, I am your big brother." He hugged me from behind. "

And I'm sorry...because...because... I am in love with you. "

What Jed just said stopped my world.

I was lost for words.

I just cried. I hugged him, and I didn�t know what to do anymore. I didn�t know
whom to believe in, I�m so confused.

�I�m willing to give up this love for our family, sis.�

He gave out a big grin, but I could see behind that grin a crying heart. I smiled,
and then he wiped my tears away, and he patted me on my shoulder.

�So, ngayon� may�may�may s-sis�may�m-may�s-sis�s-sister na�a-ako�� I was so sure na

he was faking this smile on his face. Nakikita ko kasi sa mata niya na nasaktan
siya nung sinabe niya yung sister na word eh. Magsasalita na sana ako, kaso lang
naunahan ako ni Jed.

�Gab is waiting for you. Go for it�s-sis.� After that, he gave me a thumbs up, and
then umakyat na siya sa room niya.

The happenings in my life are getting hotter and hotter.

What would happen next??

________________________________________

�I thought you wouldn�t show up anymore.�

I was surprised when I heard a voice behind me.

I looked back, and then� I didn�t know whom was it.

He wore a cap, and then� H-he hugged me.

�I miss you.�

I-it was� Gab.

He placed both hands on my face, and then he smiled at me and looked me in the eye.
I was stunned. He looked so� gorgeous! He looked so� gwapo. Shocks, grabe� s-si Gab
ba �to?! He�s so�hot.
�How�s my Luxelle?�

Tssssss?! M-my Luxelle?

Is is just me, or talagang sinabe niya yun? After that, he grabbed my hand, and
then� inangkas niya ako sa scooter niya.

I was so silent.

It felt awkward, because my hands were around his waist. And it was like hugging
him, but not hugging him. Get it? I would wanna ask him about Sofia, I would wanna
ask him if he still loves me, or whatever, or if he�s just playing his role�

�Gab.�

Lumabas yan sa bunganga ko. Namalayan ko nalang na nagstop nap ala yung scooter
niya�sa may seaside banda, sa kanilang yatch, sa lugar� kung saan niya ako unang
iniwanan.

�Gab, how about her?�

________________________________________

He gave me a weird stare.

Binaba niya na yung helmet niya, tapos pinark niya yung scooter sa gilid. Then
pinababa niya na ako. And then we stood before the ocean. It was near night time
na. Napatigil yung pag-iisip ko, nung kinuha niya yung kamay ko, then he locked his
fingers with mine, and then he looked at it.

�I love you.� He told me and then he looked at me in the eye. �About Sofia, I
didn�t actually kiss her. It was her who kissed me, I was drunk that time Lux� She
told me to come over her house, because she told me that you were together. Gusto
ko na sanang makipagbati sa�yo, and I wanted to clear things and sort them out,
but� wrong timing �tong bestfriend mo eh!

I don�t love her Lux, akala niya mahal ko siya� actually there was one time na
nagsasalita ako sa sarili ko, saying words na�Mahal na mahal kita� And it so did
happen na si Sofia, yung nakarinig nun. And she assumed that I was telling it to
her directly. Not knowing na ikaw �yung dapat kong sabihan nun!�

I remembered those lines�

From my dream. And now� he�s saying it all�to me.

I just had enough of it.

I pulled his shirt close to my face, grabbed his head�

And then when I was about to give him a kiss. He kissed me already. It was one
passionate kiss. Maya-maya, I stopped it. I felt guilty. I don�t know. Parang
wrong move.�I-I�m sorry Gab.� He smiled at me, and then� may kinuha siya mula sa
kanyang bulsa.

And he handed it to me.

�For you.�

It was another blue rose.

***

"Bakit galing 'to sa bulsa mo?! "

Perfect na sana lahat--kaso, 'yung rose eh sira-sira na!

Ano akala niya sa rosas?! Kendi?! Pambihira!

I crossed my arms, and then, he hugged me. I was like, ' ' "A-a-ano ba G-G-Gab?!
B-b-bita-tawan m-m-mo a-a-akoooo!!"

"Ay, sorry. " Tumawa ba bigla?! Tatayo na sana ako, kaso bigla niya nalang
hinawakan kamay ko, and then he looked at me. "It's our 62nd day. And, hindi pa rin
ako nag give up sa pag-alay sa'yo ng mga rosas."

I was listening to every word that he was saying, and then a thought crossed my
mind. Bakit kaya kailangan eh, blue rose pa?? "So, sana... wag mong masamain na
punit-punit na yung ibinigay ko sa'yo..." Hindi ko alam kung magagalit ako dapat o
matatawa. Dang!

"Bakit ba kasi kailangan ng blue rose?? " Tumawa na ako, then binitawan niya yung
kamay ko. He shrugged, and then umayos siya sa pag-upo then he faced the almost-
settling-down-sun.

"Malalaman mo rin 'yun, Lux." Yun lang? Echos. Malalaman ko rin?! Tsss. "Basta.
Just be patient. Let's make the most out of this... game."

When he said the last word, I was frozen. Parang may pinalo na frying pan sa ulo ko
and then *pagaaaaang!*

Oo nga pala, laro lang pala ito.

"Lux, ano mangyayari sa day 100th natin?" The question struck me. Ano nga ba? "Di
bale. Kung saan man tayo dalhin ng tadhana, alamin mo..." He started, then he took
my hand, and he placed it on his chest. "You'll always be here.."

I don't know why, but should I be happy because he told me that? I should be...
but, why am I not?

I'm still confused.

Do I really love Gab? No, I don't think that I love him. I don't know. Parang...
nawawala na yung feelings ko sa kanya eh. I don't know, it's becoming... a bit
colder.

maybe... just maybe...

the spark is not there anymore.

________________________________________

Silence arouse in the living room.

"Bakit ngayon ka lang?" I sat in the chair, and then the lights were all out. Why?
I went home, and then Jed was not yet around... and yeah, it's already 4 in the
morning. And right now, he is here. "Why, Jed?"
I can see his face though it was dark, and it seemed as if--lasing ang bata. "Bakit
ka naglasing?! " I never thought he'll do this! What the heck. Tsss. "Dang, Jed!
You're drunk."

"I-I'm not... Hahaha... Luxelle..." He neared me, and then he got me in his arms.
Tapos nun...

"Hindi pala tayo magkapatid... We are just... third cousins... Pucha, they lied
to me... So... Pwede pala... Hahaha... "

WTF?! He's drunk. But... totoo kaya?? Third cousins lang kami?? Siguro nga, hindi
naman kasi nakabanggit si mum tungkol dito eh. I was shocked, when I realized na...
his face was just an inch away from me. Sasampalin ko na sana siya, kaso lang... he
took both of my hands, and then he smiled sarcastically at me, and then, he place
both of his hands on my face...

and then he kissed me--not just an ordinary kiss, more like FK (French Kiss)...

And I didn't know why....

but I gave in.

***

"ANO?! Papano?! "

IMPOSSIBLE!!

Nananaginip ba ako?!

I rubbed my eyes with the use of my hand and found out it wasn't a dream.

I woke up and I saw pictures of "us" sleeping together--and I entangled in my

blanket, and was obviously naked, being handed to me by Sofia. "I'm so sorry,
Luxelle. But... this was given to me by someone."

"Given to you by someone?!" Half awake I sat up right away from my bed and gave her
a glare. KAKAINIS!!!
"I..I..I swear Luxelle. I'm not with that person. i know I broke your trust..." She
looked at me, her eyes becoming teary. "... but I was not the one who took that
picture, kasi...kasi.. baka isipin mo... na... na ako yung kumuha I saw this in my
locker early morning earlier, around 6am. I went to school, because I needed to
pass my report as early as I could.."

I sat there frozen. I wonder what would happen if this reaches to him. I hope
nothing bd would happen.
________________________________________

---

Someone's POV.

I'm sorry Luxelle. But I had to do it. I know. I shouldn't have done this. But...
I just hate you so much. Hindi pa tayo tapos Luxelle, pero kinalimutan mo na.
Bwiset, katulad ka rin nila--manloloko, nang-iiwan. At ngayon, dinadaan-daanan mo
na ako. Hindi mo man lang ako pinapansin. Sorry nalang ha. Pero kailangan ko 'tong
gawin.

"Ayos. Eto." Kinuha ko na yung cash na inabot sa akin ng isang taong nakasuot nng
coat, then nakasumbrero at nakashades. yung detective effect. Hindi ko makita yung
pagmumukha niya. "Ipapasa ko na 'to sa kanya."

"Ano po ba gagawin niyo dito?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Edited pictures lang naman 'to diba?" Sabi ng tao. I can see the smirk on that
person's face, and then parang sarcastic pa. "Magaling. Magaling na pag edit.
Convincing siya. Siguradong makakasira sa kanyang reputation bilang anak ng
Smith's."

Pagkatapos niyang sabihin yun, dumeretso na siya sa dereksyon na kung saan

matatagpuan yung library at yung mga lockers at ang audio visual room. Napatingin
nalang ako sa envelope na may cash, tapos nilunok ko nalang yung consensya ko.

Ginawa ko na rin 'to kasi kailangan ko rin ng pera. Ginawa ko 'to para makaganti
25% at ginawa ko rin 'to para kahit papano... mapansin niya na ako kapag malaman
niya na isa ako sa mga gumawa nito.

hangang kailan ko pa ba 'to maitatago?

---
________________________________________
"Ha? A-ano 'to? "

"T-tignan mo... Gab. "

Palabas na ako nun ng room, tapos nakita ko si Gab at Sofia nag-uusap. I hid behind
a pillar, then..nakinig.

"What the hell?! Ano ibig sabihin nito?! "

"Sorry Gab. "

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ABOUT?!? "

"The picture tells us so. "

Gab shook his head and then he threw the pictures sa floor. I felt so bad. But I
remember... I wasn't drunk last night. And I haven't done 'it' with Jed. I DIDN'T
SLEEP WITH HIM!!! SHOOT! Bakit ngayon ko lang naalala?!

~Flashback.

"No, this is all wrong!"

I slapped him hard on his face. "We're cousins! This is all stupid, Jed! "

"You liked it don't you?? "

"I didn't!"

Then we both fell on the sofa--and yung sheet ng sofa, nalaglag sa akin. I pushed
him to the ground, then I slapped him again, harder this time. And then I ran to my
room, and cried. And then cried myself to sleep.

~End of Flashback.

THOSE PHOTOS ARE ALL WRONG.

I'm sure.. it is edited.

And I know... Sofia's with them.

Nakita ko aalis na sana si Gab, kaso bigla ko siyang hinabol, then I knew I shouted
it out loud.

"THIS IS ALL WRONG! GAB, it's edited. Believe me!" He stopped, then he looked at
me. Almost giving me a angry stare. To make it convincing, I explained it. "The
pictures are all edited! I knew it. I wasn't drunk last night. And I know...
someone must really be so jealous of me that she had done a big mess like this. "
And when I said this.

I eyed Sofia.
***

63rd day was so devastating.

What have I done to deserve something like this?
the kissing thing with Jed. I thought he would be
know what he did? He hugged me and then he kissed
that people make mistakes at some point, and that
loving me.
I told Gab everything, including
ranting and yelling at me, but
me on my forehead. He told me
'this' issue won't stop him from

I went home that night, with a heavy heart. Yet, when I reached the front door, I
saw another blue rose tucked on the mailbox. And with the numbers 831. I wonder
what it meant. And it was from Gab. After that, I went to my room, cried, and
slept. I guess that was another night of crying. I mean, I've been crying like
never before.

I am here right now, walking through the hallway, holding my books in hand, and my
head slightly tilted to the ground. I couldn't afford looking straight to the eyes
of the people whom I will be seeing. It's just... so hard.

Yes readers, I know... you've seen my heartaches.

________________________________________

---

It's our exams tomorrow, and I don't know if I could still study. I mean, hey... I
don't even know what to do. And yeah, malapit na rin yung graduation. And that
means college. "Hey girls, look who's here? " It was the stupid queenbee of the
class. And I tell you, THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT SHE'S SAID THAT TO ME.

I used to be that. But I swear I've changed. And people could witness it. "That
photo was heck sexy, babe. " Gosh. All I wanna do is to break down and cry.

"Sexy? HAHA! Have you seen hers? " Sabi ng isang lalaki na naman. Then, maya-
maya... dumating si Gab. Yumuko nalang ako, but I noticed a hand on my shoulder. I
thought he'd hate me, but... but he was still there. I shook my head, and I ran
away.

________________________________________

---

I went to the hospital, where Redd was... and I guess si Redd lang ang
makakaintindi sa akin ngayon. I know, Gab would... but I'm ashamed. I went into
Redd's room, and then I saw him standing by the window. "I heard about the photos,
what was it about?"

I froze. H-how did he know?

He turned back at me, then he wrapped his arms around me, then he whispered in my
ears. "I know... those were edited. I am a photo manipulator myself, and I know by
just looking at it--it's edited." He told me. He placed his hand on my face, then
he looked at me. "Don't worry okay? We'll sort this out. And by the moment na
malaman natin kung sino may pakana nito, humanda nalang siya."

I cried, and then umalis na ako, tapos bumalik ako sa school after lunch. And
then... I saw Sofia, sa may lockers... she was returning the envelope of the
pictures sa ibang locker. I looked closely, then... I knew it.

Magsasalita na sana ako, kaso lang...

"So, okay ba pag-edit ko?"

I couldn't believe it. I wished I haven't seen it.

"You're such a great guy, Zeus." Then Sofia leaned on him and gave him a kiss.

Tae ka, Sofia-- "How could you do this to your own bestfriend, Sofia?"

And I swear, I didn't see that coming.

"G-Gab?? "

"WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DO THIS TO LUXELLE?! "

"Pare, teka... pwede naman natin dalhin 'to sa matinong usapan eh."

"I-Ikaw? D-Diba?? Ikaw yung si Zeus?? "

"HAHA. "

"I have to get this news straight to Luxelle and to the admin--"

Nung paalis na si Gab, bigla nalang nagsalita ulit si Zeus. I was still hiding sa
may likod ng wall.

"No Gab. I won't let you go away this easy. Nakuha mo na sa akin lahat. Nakuha mo
na si Luxelle."

And then... And then...

Zeus held a gun and pointed this at Gab.

continuation of day 64th.

may nakita agad akong batang lumapit kay Zeus, tapos umiyak ito.

"kuya, ibigay mo na sa akin iyang watergun ko. T_________T "

imbes na magalit ako kay Zeus, natawa na lang ako, tapos tumakbo ako kay Gab, at
tinignan ko si Sofia. "Thanks A LOT." I smiled at her, sarcastically and then I
flashed an evil grin at the both of them (Zeus and Sofia). Pagkatapos nun, hinila
ko na kamay ni Gab, at tumakbo na kami patungong guidance office. Pero bago yan,
tinawagan ko muna si Redd. "Redd, kilala ko na kung sino may pakana ng pictures."

Halatang mahina na si Redd, kasi sa boses palang niya, malalaman nang pagod na
pagod na ito. "Ma..mabuti naman. Sino yung...yung gumawa *coughs* nun? *coughs*
*coughs*" I felt a bit worried when I heard him coughing continuously. Okay lang
kaya siya?

"Redd? Redd okay ka lang?" Napatingin ako kay Gab, then nag sinyas ako nang 'he's-
really-sick' sign. "Redd, gusto mo puntahan ka namin diyan?" I asked him. I can
picture out his faint and pale face and also his weak smile. Naiiyak na ako.

"No, it's...*coughs* it's okay. I'm okay *coughs*" Ano ba yan... parang ang lala
naman nang ubo niya. Hindi ako naniniwala na okay siya. Diyos ko, wag mo naman
pabayaan si Redd. "Lux... wag kang mag-alala... *coughs* basta... palagi mong
alalahanin... *coughs* mahal na mahal kita... *coughs* at ikaw... ikaw pa rin 'yung
best friend ko... *coughs* nag-iisang tao na minahal ko noon... *coughs* ngayon...
*coughs* at... at *coughs* hangang sa kunin na Niya yung buhay ko. *coughs*
*coughs* " Naiiyak na ako! Ano ba yan Redd?!

"Redd! Wag ka namang ganyan! Naku... pag may masamang mangyari sa'yo... babatukan
kita!" Deym, I'm really worried na. Sana walang may mangyari.

"Thanks for the concern. *coughs*" Maya-maya, tinawag na ako ni Gab.

"Tara na, Lux! Bilisan na natin bago pa maunahan tayo nila Zeus." Halatang atat na
atat na talaga si Gab. So, ayun, nag babay na ako kay Redd at dumeretso na kami sa
principal's office. Sabi kasi ni Gab, kung sa dean kami, matatagalan pa yun, so
kung sa principal kami... edi tapos ang problema. Kaya dun kami pumunta.

________________________________________

"Now Ms. Sofia... this is a very serious case. You made this scandal, together with
an outsider. Magkasabwat pa kayo. And then... you said na may isa pa kayong kasama.
Malamang nasa ibang iskwelahan rin iyon. Have you ever thought that you'll get into
a very serious penalty, Ms. Sofia?"
Yumuko lang si Sofia. Ako naman ay naaawa. Kahit na mismong bumubukal iyong dugo
ko, hindi ko namang maiwasan na maawa kasi nandoon parin iyong pagmamahal ko sa
kanya bilang 'best friend' ko noon 'yun. Even though she broke my trust, I forgive
her. Kagaya nga nang sinabi ni Gab sa akin, we do make mistakes at some point of
our lives and we must learn from it. Naiiyak na rin ako. "Ms. Sofia, do you have
anything else to say?"

She shook her head, and then ayun, she had her hair down and she was sniffling. "We
will contact your parents immediately to let them know about this, and yes. Before
I forgot, we will also let Ms. Luxelle's parents know about this. And then we will
ask their opinnion if they would agree to the penalty that we will be bestowing on
you."

"Uhm, excuse me... ano po ba 'yung penalty?" Si Gab, serious na serious talaga.
Pero, in fairness... grabe yung effort niya.

"If mag complain 'yung parents ni Ms. Luxelle about the scandal, then we would
really expel Ms. Sofia for this is a very serious thing. But we would let them
choose whether they would allow to expel this young lady or to give her a month of
suspension." Grabe! Sobrang serious talaga nung penalty. Kawawa naman si Sofia.
"And also... the decision lies within the hands of Ms. Luxelle."

I looked at Gab, and then he nodded. "Okay. Thanks Ms. Sanchez. We'll be going
now." Pagkatapos niyang sinabi 'yun, umalis na kami ni Gab. Then nereport na namin
sa student's council president para ipublish sa school paper. At first ayaw ko
sana, kaso si Gab, mapilit. Kaya ayun. Then wala nang class kasi dahil sa nangyari.
We decided to just stroll sa may seaside and just to talk about things... and this
was the first time na parang ang serious nang pinag-usapan namin.

"Hindi ko na kaya si Sofia..." I whispered and sighed while I played with my thumb.
Yeah, that's my weird habit.

"I know it's hard for you... but whatever happens, always remember..." he paused
and then he continued. "life still goes on..." he smiled at me, then he changed the
subject..."anyway, it's our 64th day... konti nalang ang natitirang mga araw... wag
na nating sayangin 'to Lux." He held my hand, and the I smiled tapos umupo kami sa
gilid ng seawall, and then I leaned my head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms
around me, then he planted a kiss on my cheek. "I hope nothing changes when the
game ends." He took my hand, and then may nilagay siyang ring sa ring finger ko.
"Remember, I will still be here for you though over na yung game."

I playfully spanked him on his arm and then kinurot ko siya. "Alam mo, ang corny mo
pa rin hangang ngayon!" Tumawa ako nang sobra, pero mukha yatang hindi siya
natutuwa. I stopped laughing because I saw that he was serious na. "Ay, sorry ha. "
Sabi ko sa kanya. He looked at me, then tumawa siya... mas malakas pa sa akin.

"Nyaaaaaaahahahahahaahahaha!!!" Baliw 'tong Gab na 'to! Kala ko nagalit na! Baliw!

Baliw! "Ang cute cute mooooooooooooooooo!!!!!" Baliw talaga! Alam ko naman na cute
ako eh.

"Psssss. Alam ko naman na cute ako eh. Akala ko nagalit ka na. HAHA! Baliw! Baliw!
Baliw!" Tinukso ko siya, tapos tumayo ako. Then he stood up too, at ayun...
naghabulan kami... "Wahhhhhhhhh!!! Ano ba yan!? Wag mo kong kilitiinnnnnn!!! Gab,
mababatukan kitaaaaaaaaa!!!" Baliw talaga si Gab, alam niyo... ayaw ko talagang
kinikiliti ako kasi... ang ewan ng pakiramdam eh! Pero ayun...

"Aba! Sinabihan ka lang na cute ka, feel na feel mo rin ah? HAHA!!! Tapos ka na
ngayon sa akin! Mwahahahaha! BUHAHAHAHA! " hinabol niya ako nang hinabol at
kiniliti hangang sa nadapa kaming dalawa.

at ayun.

he was on top of me, and we were both lying on the meadow...

while gazing into each other's eye...

"tanan nalang tayo!" my eyes widened when I heard him say this. nyaaaay! baliw na
talaga si Gab! he smiled, and he was still on top of me. "hehe... joke lang po!" he
started. "[size=12pt]but in the future... i would want to marry you! buhahahaha.
[/size][/b]"

and then I had butterflies. bangag ka Gab.

***

Yesterday we were okay, well a bit, I guess

But today, he's not talking--to ME

And guess what. it's our 70th Day. Many had happened. Yeah, nag-away kami ni Gab.
And it was like... the worse day of my life. Ewan ko ba, mapride kasi siya eh. But
damn, it was his fault!

I stared at the window and then I had a flashback

"Redd!? Palage ka nalang pumupunta kay Redd! Bakit ba siyadong concerned ka sa

kanya?! " Naninigas na yung katawan ko nun, basang-basa pa ako nun ng ulan, kasi
nga, gusto kong pumunta kay Redd. "What the heck, Luxelle! Papano kung nagkasakit
ka, ha?! Ano makukuha mo dun kay Redd, ha?!? " It was our 65th day that time. I
said sorry, and then ayun, nagkaayos kami. At first I thought he was only
concerned.

And then it happened again, on our 67th day. "So, ganun pala na 3 hours late ka
kasi nangaling ka kay Redd? " Nanigas ulit ako. Kasalanan ko talagaeh.
"Look, Gab! I was just concerned about him! " I shot back at him. Hindi ko nga
alam eh, pero ang tanga naming dalawa! He neared me that time, and then he placed
his hand on his forehead na parang pinalo niya ito.

"Oh for Pete's sake, Lux! So, you mean to say mas concerned ka pa sa kanya kesa sa
akin?! That's why you made me wait for 3 hours?! COME ON!!" Yumuko nalang ako
noon, and then I said sorry, for it was my fault.

And then... just yesterday, it was our 69th day... it happened againn. And I
finally blurted it out. "Ganun?! Kaya hindi mo nasagot yung tawag ko kasi you were
talking to Redd?! So ganun nalang yun? Redd nalang lahat? Doon ka pala natulog?!
Kaya pala hindi mo masagot-sagot yung tawag ko?! goddamet, Lux! I've been worried
sick about you, nandoon ka lang pala sa kanya! "

"Let me explain!"

"So, explain! "

"You know Gab, you've been acting like a jealous b*tch since the past few days!
Nakakainis ka na! Palage na tayong nag-aaway! Ano ba, Gab?! "

"It's because of him, Lux! And it's because you're so-much-concerned-for-him! "

I looked at him that time, and then I threw a glare at him. "YOU'RE ACTING LIKE MY
BOYFRIEND! BOYFRIEND BA KITA?! " I took a deep breath and I ate my pride when I
said that, and then I continued. "Gab, he needs me!"

"Oh, so, ako pala hindi kita kailangan? ganun pala. Oo nga naman, hindi mo ako
boyfriend. Sorry ha?" He said sarcastically, and then he started to walk away,
tapos tinapon niya sa sahig yung blue rose. "Hindi ko na po KAYO didistorbohin!
Kailangan ka kasi NIYA eh! Sige po, PAALAM!"

And then that was the start of everything.

It is such a fast forward, and you know what? Belle is back--on track, just
earlier. Sofia had been suspended. And I will not see her for a month, that's good
news But... Gab?

I don't really know.

________________________________________

I skipped 3 periods, just to visit Redd in the hospital, again. Hell, I'm just a
concerned best friend okay?! Wala lang, and guess what? After I left the
hospital... I went home, and then after an hour na nakauwi ako... may nag door
bell. And then I opened the door...I saw Jed. Naiilang ako siyempre. When I was
about to go back inside, bigla nalang siya nagsalita. "Uhmm, this is... Andy,
my...girlfriend." And after he said that, may babaeng lumabas behind him. She
smiled at me, and then I gave her a 'pilit' smile and I went upstairs.

I don't know, but parang... nasaktan ako.

Gosh, I shouldn't be like this! I shouldn't be like this! He's my brother cousin I
should be happy kasi may gf na siya. But... ARGGGGH!!! Get a grip from reality
Luxelle!! I HATE MYSELF! I HATE MYSELF!

I threw myself to bed, and then I buried my face underneath my pillow and... cried.
OO! Iyakin na kung iyakin! Tapos, may kumatok sa pintuan ko.

*knock, knock~!*

"WHAT THE FVCK!!! WHO'S THERE?!?!? " Halo na yata yung luha at sipon ko nung
sumigaw ako eh, kaya naiinis ako. naiinis ako kasi hindi ako pinapansin ni Gab,
naiinis ako kasi parang wala lang sa kanya. Oo nga pala! Naglalaro lang kami eh.
Ano ka ba Luxelle! Wala kang right magalit!

"It's me." That voice... That voice sounds familiar.

It seemed as if--no, wait?! "It's me, Gab."

WTF! He was supposed to be angry!

"LUXELLE, OPEN UP! Forget what happened... I'm sorry..." " I hurriedly opened the
door, and I bet he saw how messy I looked. He held me tight, and then he looked
into my eye.

"Forget what I said." He whispered and then he cried. "I still love you..." And
then, he kissed me. We kissed, passionately. And then...

"Oh my god."
"Why, Andy? Oh, hey. Sorry to disturb you guys." Si Jed yun. Takte, epal naman oh.
"What was it, Andy?"

Jed's gf looked at Jed, and her stare went to us, as she pointed at Gab using her
index finger. "T-That's him..."

Gab's expression->
Andy's expression->
Jed's expression->
My expression->

"A-Andy..." Pagkatpos, hindi ko na alam yung nangyari pa. Basta... ang huling
naalala ko... niyakap siya nung babae, and he held her so tight... At ayun, sinutok
siya ni Jed. And then... ang huling narinig ko nalang eh...

"Jed, I'm sorry." Sabi nitong Andy na 'to. "Gab... matagal na kitang hinahanap...
Mahal na mahal parin kita hangang ngayon "

Pagkatapos nun, sinampal ko nalang si Gab.

***

"Lux, wait! You got it all wrong!" Aalis na sana ako nun, kaso lang hinawakan niya
yung kamay ko. I shook my head, and I didn't bother to let him explain. I've had
enough. Naeewan na ako sa mga palusot niya, sa mga babae niya, naiinis na ako. But
the least that I could ever do was... just to look at him and smile.

That smile that means, goodbye. Is it really goodbye for us? When in the first
place there never had been any 'us'. Kasalanan ko naman eh. I let him in this
game. I shouldn't have. I thought I was not gonna fall for this idiot, but... the
hell, I fell for him. So HARD, that I think... siya na 'yung karma ko.

He looked at me, and hindi ko na mabasa kung ano pa yung nasa mga mata niya. I
looked at the both of them, and then I looked at Jed. Tapos nun, I walked slowly
down the stairs, and then I went out of the house.

Galit na galit na yata ang Panginoon sa akin. Kasalanan ko naman eh. Sobrang
playgirl ko noon. But I swear, I've changed. I've been beaten by my own
addictions, I've been fooled. Shyet, I shouldn't be like this. The moment that
I've realized that it was already raining, doon... doon ko ibinuhos lahat nang
sakit na nararamdaman ko.

Wala ngang kami. Ano ba Luxelle! Wala ngang kayo! Nakainis ka Luxelle! I broke
down the street and then, I cried. Then, I saw a flash of light before my eyes.
Napabuntong hininga ako, tapos I cried again... and then.... I noticed na may
humila sa akin, then... I realized it was Gab. "Ano ba?! Bakit mo pa ako pinuntahan
dito! "

"Umiiyak ka na naman?" Napayuko ako, tapos nilagay niya yung kamay niya sa balikat
ko. I avoided eye contact with him, but he was following kahit saan ako tumingin. I
pushed him lightly, tapos may nalaglag mula sa kamay niya. It was... another blue
rose.

"Gab, why are you making it so hard for me? " Nasabi ko na walang pahintulot. He
looked at me, and then he froze. He didn't utter a word. "Hindi ko alam kung bakit
Gab, ewan ko! Nakakainis ka! Gusto ko nang mag quit! "

His eyes widened and his facial expression couldn't be painted. "Lux, let me
explain--"

"I don't want to listen to your lies anymore. I've heard enough, seen enough, and
knew enough. Thanks Gab. We're only pretending... and we're only playing right?
So... go, be with her. " I gave him the sweetest smile that I could ever give, but
deep inside all I wanna do is to break down and cry and yell and scream out all my
frustrations and my heartaches. That was the sweetest yet saddest smile I've ever
given to a man.

Aalis na sana ako nun, pero hinila niya ako, kaya napalapit ako sa mukha niya. He
looked into my eyes, and I could see his tears though basang basa na kami sa ilalim
ng ulan. Tumingin nalang ako sa ilalim, tapos niyakap niya ako. Which made me cry
even more.

Then he hug me so tight, and then he whispered in my ear. "You're right... We're
only pretending... But right now, let me just hold you in my arms... Just for this
time... "

________________________________________

Nandito na ako sa school, we're going to have our finals next week, and then...
graduation na namin. Okay na kami ni Gab. Well, it depends kung paano mo idefine
yung okay. Tapos na rin naman ang classes namin for this day, kaya pupunta na
siguro ako sa baba para umuwi na. When I was about to go downstairs, I heard a
voice. Then... nakita ko, si Andy.

Uminit agad ulo ko.

She was talking to a girl, and when she saw me... nilapitan niya ako. She smiled,
at ako naman ay nailang. "Hi." She smiled at me sweetly, then the next thing that
she told me shocked me. "Ex pala ako ni Gab." My eyes widened, and then mas nailang
ako. "But hey, don't get me wrong. I'm not here to ruin your relationship. "

"Relationship? " She giggled, and then she smiled at me. Napakunot-noo nalang ako
at nagulat sa sinabi niya.

"Yes, he talks alot about you. He talks how good you are as his girlfriend, and he
even told me that he loves you very much." N-nako. Si Gab?! Sinabi niya yun?
"That's why, I came to realize that... he needs you, more than I need him. " She
hugged me and then she whispered weakly. "It was just a coincidence when I saw him
at your house... and God granted my last request."

I just remained silent. Gusto ko sanang sabihin sa kanya na walang "kami" but it
just felt so good hearing those words... na 'how good you are as his girlfriend'
Girlfriend... wow. Sana magkatotoo... "Luxelle, I want you to keep this as our
secret... My last request was to see Gab, before I go back to States... to get my
medications... and I want to ask a favor from you... please do take good care of
him... he loves you very much Luxelle... he has never loved any other girl the way
he's loving you right now..." Kawawa naman si Andy.

Ok, so binabawe ko na. Hindi pala lies yung mga pinagsasabi ni Gab.

I love you Andy Gab!

And the only thing that I have to do right now...

is to talk to him and tell him... what I really feel.

***

Yeah, hangang tingin lang ako. 2 days had passed, pero ayan, hindi ko parin maamin-
amin kay Gab. Meaning, it's our 73rd day na. Naiinis na ako sa sarili ko. Pumunta
ako sa locker ko, ayun... nung binuksan ko, may blue rose na naman. Ano ba talaga
ang meaning nito?!

Tutal, uuwi na rin naman ako, tapos... I bumped into someone. When I looked up,
nagulat ako. It was Gab... and Andy. I smiled at Andy, alam ko naman kasing mabait
siya eh, at... at... ewan. And take note, I only smiled at Andy. Hindi ko tinignan
si Gab. Naiilang ako kasi eh. Ganun ba talaga pag in love ka na?

"Hi, Lux! " Bati ni Andy sa akin. She turned to Gab, and then bigla nalang, nag
smile siya sa akin and tinap niya yung shoulders ni Gab, at umalis siya sabay sabi
nang: "Alis muna ako ha? Gab, see you around. Lux. " I knew what that smile meant.
Nung tumalikod na si Andy, habang lumalakad siya, parang umaalinlangan pa siya.
Para bang aalis na hindi.

Tapos, nakita ko, napatigil siya sa pag lakad, then she turned around to look at
us, and then she smiled. I was so sure na yung smile na yun ay tulad sa smile kong
pinakita kay Gab just days ago. A smile that meant, goodbye. Ako'y naawa kay Andy.
As she smiled at me, she waved. Then, I swear, I saw a tear dropped when she turned
to start walking again. She even wiped it away. Then, natigilan ako nung nagsalita
si Gab. "Let's go to the place where I first held your... uh, hand. "

He blushed, then... he took my hand, and then... he locked it in his fingers.

Namula nalang ako, at hindi nakapagsalita. Naalala ko pa yung araw na yun.

�Anong vow na naman yan?!� Yeah, nandun pa rin kami nun sa Rooftop ng School
Building. He held my hand that time, first holding hands namin yun. Nagulat nga ako
nun eh. Parang magag@go na ako nun! HAHA.

�Ok, raise your right hand please. I, Gabriel Alfonse, will and will always take
good care of Luxelle Smith! I will love her till the day I die!� Naiinis pa ako
nun, kasi I find it really corny when he said that... But, right now... I wish it
would come true.

�HOY! KAYO!� He yelled that time, tinuro pa niya yung mga ibang students. Hiyang-
hiya ako nun. �Eto! Kita niyo to?! Itong babaeng to! Mahal na mahal ko to! Baby ko
to eh! Future wife ko rin!�

Ang sarap mag reminisce no? Pero, ang masakit dun eh... hindi ko masabi na mahal ko
na siya. At hindi rin ako pwedeng mag quit ngayon. Kasi, hindi ako pwedeng mag quit
eh. It had never been my nature! Ayaw kong mag quit sa mga bagay... And I have to
take my stand on that. "Luxelle. Alam mo ba kung bakit dito kita dinala uli?" Ay,
may kasama pala ako! Joke. I shook my head nalang, kasi ano ba? Hindi ko naman
talaga alam kung bakit ganito.

He looked at the clouds, and then he placed his hands in his pocket. Witiwiw,
dramatic naman "Exit ko 'to, simula nung... araw na... nag break kami ni Andy."
Tagos. Bakit naman isinama si Andy sa usapan? "Alam mo." He looked at me. "No,
don't get me wrong. I'm not gonna tell you about Andy here." Hay, mabuti naman.
"What I'm pointing out is... dito ko rin unang narealize na tama pala yung break up
namin."

Gab, ang mean mo. Hindi mo alam na si Andy ay may sakit! "Ahhh..." Speechless
ako, halata ba? He laughed a little, tapos tinuro niya yung blue rose sa bandang
kanan.

WOW! As in wow! Hindi ko alam na may ganito pala dito! "Alam mo yan?" He told me.
Sobrang nakinig ako, siyempre this is it! Malalaman ko na. Yehey!

"Ang mga yan...." Sabi niya, tapos ngumiti siya nang nakakaloka. "...bulaklak yan!
"
Binatukan ko nga siya. Akala ko pa naman kung sasabihin niya na! Lumapit siya sa
akin, tapos kinurot niya ako. "Alam mo... marami ka pang hindi nalalaman... "

Parang natigilan ako nung sinabi niya yun. Bakit kaya ganun yung epekto? "What I
mean... kung ano man ang mangyari sa huling araw natin... I want you to always keep
this..." Then, sinuotan niya ako ng half-heart necklace, and then... he opened up
the first button malapit sa collar, and then, he showed me his half heart necklace.
"... Para maalala natin ang isa't-isa... Kahit saan pa tayo pumunta... "

He told me, and then he placed his hand on my cheek. Then, I blurted it out. "G-
Gab... If it weren't because of this game... Masasabi mo ba talagang... m-mahal...
m-mahal mo--"

*kring.. kring~!*

dhdhsdjkdsjajdkadjdkjdakdldjaldtoooooootWTF!! Panira naman 'tong phone na 'to!!!!

"HELLO!? " I answered it, tapos...

tapos nung narinig ko yung sinabi nang tumawag...

tears formed in the edges of my eyes, and then tumulo nalang ito,

Then I hugged Gab... "Gab...G-Gab... He's... He's gone. "

***

Day 80

It had been a week since Redd... died. And I'm still having sleepless nights,
thinking tha he's gone... forever. Gosh, I can't believe it was that fast. I'm
disheartened to the fact that... I wasn't able to see him that day when I heard the
news. It was so fast, that... I couldn't even accept it. I mean, everything seems
like... a nightmare. The person whom I run to in times of my heartaches... was
already gone.
And it seemed so fast. Gab hugged me for the reason that he saw me crying again,
then he gave me an assuring smile. "Be happy for Redd. At least, he's in a great
place now. " Though I could see sadness in Gab's eye, I knew he was only being
strong for me to get my strength from him. I just can read it through his eyes.
"Say, why don't why, go on a holiday trip after our graduation? It's like... 2
weeks from now."

Yeah, it will be our grad when that '2 weeks' end. We're here right now infront
of... Redd's shrine? Kidding. Well, it's more like a shrine. May color white na
banner na nasa taasan tapos may mga nakasulat doon na 'we will miss you, Redd.'
which made me shed a tear. "Nakakainis ka, Redd! " Pinagpalo ko yung litrato niya.
He looked so different here. So young, so full of smiles, so full of energy, so
full of... love. He's not even pale here, yet.

"And daya mo! Sabi mo... may 2 months ka pa! Pero bakit 1 month lang? Iniwan mo
na kami agad... " I hugged his portrait then I whispered those words. After that,
may lumapit sa akin. It was one of his co-adviser.

"Ms. Smith." She fixed her eyeglasses and then she looked at me. "This was given to
me by Redd and he told me, to give this to you." It was a music box. I opened it,
and then... I cried when I heard the sad melody of it. Kahit na twinkle twinkle
lang yung tumutugtog, ang sakit sakit pakinggan. I opened it, then nakita ko...

si Prince Charming at si Cinderella sa loob. Hinahawakan ni Prince Charming si

Cinderella, then super smile silang dalawa. Then I remembered the day when Redd
asked me to be his Cinderella. And you know what? Itong music box na 'to... Ito
yung palaging pinapakinggan namin nung mga bata pa lang kami. And that makes it
even more.... sadder. Nilapitan ako ni Gab, pagkatapos pinunasan niya yung luha
ko, then umalis na kami para pumunta sa Gym.

Meron kami ngayong exam sa P.E, and cheerdance yung exams. Wala ako sa mood, pero
niluboslubos ko na sa pagsayaw ang mga nararamdaman ko. After that, tapos na...
tomorrow will be our hell week by the way.

And after that one week, graduation na. After graduation, tapos na yung game namin
ni Gab. Lalabas na sana ako ng gym, nung nakita ko... si Gab at si Andy magkasama.
I smiled weakly at Andy, and then, I went pass through them.

Nangiyak-iyak ako nung nakadaan na ako sa kanila, pagkatapos... may naramdaman

akong kamay na humahawak sa akin sa braso ko. Tumalikod ako para tignan, it was--
Gab. "Lux, ano ba? Bakit di mo 'ko pinapansin? I was calling you, yet... dinaanan
mo lang ako--"
"Ahh, tinawag mo pala ako... Akala ko kasi makakaistorbo ako sa INYO eh. " He
looked at me and then he pulled me closer.

"Anong sa amin? Nagseselos ka ba? " He finally blurted the question. Luxelle,
nagseselos ka ba?! Ano?! ANO?! HA!? Bakit di mo masagot-sagot?! I kept quiet
then, yumuko nalang ako. Tapos nilapit niya ako sa chest niya. "Stop it Luxelle!
You don't need to be jealous." He started.

"This heart that beats beats only for you."

I smiled weakly at him, then I felt na... nanghihina tuhod ko at parang sumasakit
yung dibdib ko. Pagkatapos nun, napasirado yung mga mata ko.

Tapos, nawalan na ako ng malay.

At ang huling nakita ng mga mata ko ay si....

"R-Redd... "

***

day 81

"Na-nasaan ako??" I opened my eyes slowly, and then tumayo ako sa... kama. OMG!
Ano nangyari!? "HALA KA!!! GAB?! KAMUSTA?! MAGKAKABABY NA TAYO!?! " Another
oooppps! Did I just said that?! This is so not me!

"Baby? Ikaw? Magiging asawa ko? " Napasimangot ako sa kanya, tapos naalala ko.
Si Redd yung huling nakita ko sa mind's eye ko. "Nahimatay ka kahapon. Sabi ni
nurse magpahinga ka raw muna. Kaya ayan, dito ka na natulog." Ah, ganun? "Naalala
mo pa ba?"

Huh? Ang ano? Wasted na ba ako? "Ano?! May nangyari ano?! Ha?! " Tumayo agad ako,
tapos uupakan ko na sana siya kaso lang... I felt dizzy. My world was spinning
again. "G-Gab..."

Sinalo niya ako tapos niyakap. "Lux, ano ba? Wag ka namang ganyan. Lumalala na yata
yang migrane mo eh." Sabi niya sa akin. Teka, papano-- "... Sabi ng nurse, matagal
mo nang tinatago na may migrane ka. Kaya, kahapon... ayun! Nahimatay ka... at ang
huling pangalan na binanggit mo pa ay pangalan ng patay." gab, psychic ka ba?
Ano raw? "Ano? Pangalan nino? " Umupo nalang ako sa kama niya, tapos he looked at
me, then lumabas siya nang kwarto. "Hoy saan ka pupunta?! " Parang kanina pa ako
nagugulat ah. Wow. Ang saya. HAHAHA! Teka, eto ba epekto ng migrane? Oh
my gulay. "Hoy Gab!! Gab, ano ba--"

Napatigil ako nung... nung nakita ko si Andy. Napatigil ako sa may stairs, tapos
nanghina tuhod ko. "Oh, Luxelle. I'm glad you're okay--LUXELLE!!! " Tapos nalaglag
ako sa stairs. Mabuti naman hindi ako napaano. Tumawa nalang ako sa sarili ko.
Naku, Luxelle ha. Kakagulat ka. Pero, teka... bakit ba nandito na naman yang Andy
na yan? Nakakasobra na siya ah. She helped me stood up. "Are you okay? next time,
be careful." She smiled at me. "By the way, I brought you fruits. "

Hindi ko alam kung ano yung nangyari sa akin, because when she handed it to me, I
pushed it lightly aside, and then tinaasan ko siya nang kilay. I looked around to
see where Gab was, but the coast was clear. Bahala na. Inaatake ako ngayon eh. "I
DON'T NEED YOU, OR ANY OF YOUR FRUTAS FRUITS " Talagang frutas pa eh no!? Mali.

"Teka, this will be good for your health." She picked the fruits na nag slide mula
sa kamay niya papunta sa sahig. I just looked at her, then I gave her a cold stare.
"Here, take this--"

Ngayon, tinapon ko na yung binigay niya sa akin. Gosh, naiirita na ako! Bakit ba
ganito siya pag umasta?! "I don't need you and your stupid fruits. I'm outta
here." I went upstairs, and then kinuha ko na bag ko, tapos nung pupunta na ako sa
ilalim, nakita ko... Gab was there. He was helping her. He picked the fruits for
her, and there she was... SITTING PRETTY. Gosh, dinagdagan pa niya yung init ng
ulo ko. ARGGGH. Nag madalil akong umalis, tapos... tinawag ako ni Gab.

"Teka, saan ka--"

"I'll never talk to you again, unless you ditch that sitting pretty girl over
there." I whispered into his face then I prodded his chest and I gave him a cold
stare. Naiinis ako. Tatakbo na sana ako, pero bigla nalang hinila niya kamay ko.

"Ano ba?! Bakit ba ang insecure mo?!" Ah, ganun? So, ako pala ang naging insecure
ngayon?! Kayo ba?! Kung nakita niyong nakikipaglandian ang isang babaeng-anghel-
amoks na nagpupumilit na maging mabait sa'yo... pero di mo naman alam ang plano
niya.... sa lalakeng mahal mo?!
"Pwede ba! Kung gusto mong hindi ako maging insecure, ipaliwanag mo sa akin kung
bakit nandito yan! Nakakabadtrip! Feeling close, pero ano?! Ha?! Gab?! " Inalis ko
ang kamay ko, tapos, hinila niya ulit ako. "So, ano?! Tug of war ba 'to?! Akala mo
sa kamay ko ano?! LUBID?! "

Ngayon, hindi lamang kamay yung hinila niya. Ako na mismo hinila niya. Then he
stared deeply into my eyes. "Alam mo, kung ano ano na iniisip mo. Kung alam mo lang
sana." He told me. Anong alam?!

"Ano ba dapat kong malaman?! " He smiled and laughed at me.

"Chikret. "

"Nakakatawa ba ako!? "

"Hindi, pero... yung pinanggagawa mo. Nakakatawa eh! You're acting... as if...
you're my girlfriend. " Naku, hindi ba? Hindi nga. Nanigas katawan ko sa sinabi
niya. It seemed as if he threw what I said to him back to me. Masakit pala yun.
"Hey, you little puppy." PUPPY!? AKO?! I spanked his hand. "Ow, bakit!?"

"Hindi ako puppy! Pangit ang mga aso! " I told him. Oo, nakakatakot sila. "Aalis
na ako. Binubwesit mo'ko eh."

"Teka nga lang!" Tumakbo siya sa harapan ko, then kinorner niya ako sa gilid ng
wall. He neared his face to mine, then his stare went down to my lips, and then
back to my eyes. "Sabihin mo nga sa akin. Nagseselos ka ba? "

Nakakainis ka na! "Nagseselos ka ba???" Mas nilapitan niya na ngayon yung mukha
ko. OMG. "Luxelle... Nagseselos ka ba???" Isa nalang, tapos... tapos parang
hahalikan niya naman ako. I pushed him forcefully,then tinadyakan ko siya.

"Eh, ano ngayon kung nagseselos ako ha?! Eh sa mahal kita eh, alam mo yun?! Mahal
na mahal na mahal! Kahit hindi pa tayo naglalaro, mahal pa rin kita! Gag0ng game
kasi!"

Ooooopppppsies.
***
Hindi ko akalain na... na nasabi ko yun. Gab just smiled at me, and then umalis
nalang ako kaagad. I didn't wait for his response. I was scared Ano? Ano kaya
mangyayari? Will everything still be the same? Uwumi muna ako para makapagligo,
tapos pumunta sa school at kinuha yung exams na na miss ko kahapon. Siyempre, my
daily routine is to stop over my locker everytime before I go home. Kaya... when I
opened it, nagulat ako.

Bakit walang blue rose?

________________________________________

Day 82

Nung nasa bahay na ako, I sat at the edge of my bed, then I stared at my phone.
Sana nandito ngayon si Redd... Sa Friday pala... i kicrimate na si Redd. Yeah, his
parent's wanted that way. Ang sad nga...

Maya-maya, nag beep yung phone ko. I opened it, then I was pissed when I found it
that it was only from GLOBE ADVISORY. Tsk. Sino ba hindi mapipiss niyan? Humiga
ako sa kama ko, then I stared at the ceiling. Si Gab. Si Gab. Tsk.

Corny naman siya ah? Bakit siya pa Lux? Gwapo nga pero minsan baduy. Bakit siya
Lux? Nakakainis kasi unpredictable. Pero Bakit siya? He's really stupid and gets
pissed off by petty things. THEN WHY DID YOU CHOSE HIM!?

Ano ba! Hindi ako pumili sa kanya! Ikaw! Ikaw pumili sa kanya! Ikaw reader! Ikaw!
Di, joke lang. Kinakausap ko puso ko eh. Ayiiiie. Heart-to-Heart kami. Echus.
Siguro nga nakatulog ako. Kasi nanaginip ako eh. And in my dream, pumunta siya sa
kwarto ko.

He kissed my forehead, then may iniwan siyang 2 blue roses sa gilid ko. "Lux."
Napaupo ako. GOSH. This is so not a dream anymore. Which means? Totoo pala!?
"Tungkol dun sa sinabi mo kahapon... "

I swallowed a huge lump in my throat as he continued talking. "Totoo ba yun?"

Patay.

Tumawa nalang ako. "HAHAHA! Of course... hindi. " I threw my pillow at him. "Ikaw
naman kasi, naniwala ka agad. "

He smiled at me, then umupo siya sa gilid ko. "Alam mo... " Napasimangot ako.
Tapos, I saw him smiling. "... Malapit na rin matapos ang pagpretend natin. I'm
excited."

OUCH. "Teka, Gab, ano kasi eh... tungkol kahapon--"

"Hindi, Lux. Alam ko naman na it's part of your role. " Magsasalita na sana ulit
ako,kaso he stood up and then sinabi niyang aalis na raw siya. "Alis na ako. See
you around."

Bakit ganun?? Bakit hindi ko maamin!???

I guess everything will still be the same.

Except this feeling that I have for him.

***

Day 85

*take time to listen to this*

Nakikinig ako ngayon sa "realize" ni Colbie Cailat. Ewan ko ba. Nagpapakasenti ako
ngayon. Siguro nga dahil, bilang na lang iyong mga araw na natitira. I don't know
if matapos na 'tong game na 'to... Ganun parin ang lahat. I just don't get it. Why
did I fell so hard?

Nagpapapraktis kami ngayon para sa graduation. I know, it won't be easy. Haaay,

bye bye schoolio. MagpapaStates na kasi ako eh... I'll spend my college years
there... Eto kinatatakutan ko. "Hoy!" Nagulat ako nun, si G-Gab pala. Naku, bakit
hindi ko man lang masabe nang deretso iyong pangalan ni G-Gab?? Pinagmasdan ko
mabuti yung mukha niya, naku... mas nahuhulog yata ako. "Ano yang tingin na yan?
"

I quickly glanced my head to the opposite side wherein I couldn't see his view.
S-shyet! Bakit ba ako ganito? "Bakit parang... tuliro ka? " Umupo siya sa tabi
ko, tapos inakbayan niya ako at nilapit niya mukha niya sa mukha ko. So, grabe
naman iyong *tug*dug*dug* nang heart ko. "Bakit ka namumula? At bakit parang
pawis na pawis ka? "

I folded my arms, and then I brushed off his hand off my shoulder. "Ahh... a-a-ano
kasi eh... A-a-ano kasi... He..he... " Tumawa nalang siya sa akin kasi hindi ko
matapos tapos yung sinasabi ko. Tapos kinurot niya ako sa pisngi ko. "A-a-ano ba???
Masakit..." Lumapit uli siya sa kin.

"Siya nga pala, di ako makakasama sa inyo nila Sofia." Ummm, yiea. Ok na kami ni
Sofia ngayon. She cried bucket of tears in front of me, and okay na talaga. I
forgave her na. And friends na kami ngayon... but siyempre, I don't trust her much.
Makakasali pa nga siya sa graduation eh! "May lakad kasi kami ni Andy mamaya eh.
"

Natahimik nalang ako at napayuko then a tear fell from the edge of my right eye. I
remembered this tear... Sabi raw nang iba, when tears fell only from your right
eye, may meaning daw yun. But I don't really know what the heck's the meaning.
"Luxelle! "

Salamat, Sofia. You saved my heart. Loka! Yumuko ako, and then I excused myself.
"Uhhh... lis muna ako. Geh. Enjoy kayo ni Andy ha. Have a great time." What a great
liar, Lux. Sa tingin mo ba, madadaya mo sarili mo?!

"Sige, I'll just text you later."

I took my iPOD sa pocket ko, tapos nakinig ulit ako sa realize. I placed the right
ear phone on my right ear, then I told Sofia that I was damn hurting. "Sof...
Masakit talaga."

"Oh, bakit naman? Ano gusto mo? Patayin natin si Gab?! Eh, palibhasa lage nalang
siya ganyan! Kasi naman eh, bakit ba may pa game2x pa kayo? Masasaktan lang naman
kayo niyan... " Yeah, we talk like nothing had happened. That's right, ganun
talaga. They say that arguements makes relationships stronger, because we learn
from it, and if it happens again, we know how to react.

"I don't hella know why I fell for this... dummy. " Sinandal ko 'yung ulo ko sa
gilid ng upuan, tapos umiyak na ako. "I don't get it. Parang he shows that he loves
me, but I doubt it... because we're only playing a game. Kasi naman... parang
tinutoo ko na yung game... Kaslanan ko naman kasi.. "

Niyakap ako ni Sofia, tapos she patted me on my shoulder. "Don't cha worry. I'll
do everything... magiging stalker ako nila Gab at Andy." She smiled. "That's the
least thing that I could ever do for you... to make up for such stupid things I
did..." Tapos yumuko siya.

"Hey, past is past. I already forgave you." I smiled then pinahid ko na yung luha
ko, tapos tumayo kami.

________________________________________

Uuwi na kami ni Sofia, kaya... nag stop bby na kami sa lockers namin. Tapos nun...
nung nabuksan ko na yung locker, napaiyak ulit ako. "Sof... "
"Oh, bakit?Ano? Tutuloy ko pa ba yung pag stalk sa kanila?" She was talking and
talking... and then ako napaisip.

Bakit kaya ganun? "Sof... mahal ba talaga niya ako? "

"Ano ba? Siyempre... Oo--I mean, di ko alam. Kasi Lux... naglalaro lang kayo ng
game eh. "

Tagos. Oo nga. Kaya naman pala eh. "Baka nagkabalikan na sila ni Andy." I said
coldly.

Nanlaki mata ni Sofia. "Naku! Hindi mangyayari yun... But we can never tell. "

Siguro nga. Bakit naman sila magkasama? Bakit sinabi ni Gab na may lakad sila?
Bakit? Higit sa lahat...

Bakit wala nang blue rose? Nakalimutan niya na ba? Kasi...

simula nung araw na nadulas yung 'mahal kita' na yun sa labi ko... everything had
never been the same. at... natigil yung pagbigay niya ng blue rose...

nung....

nagsinungaling ako at sinabi kong hindi totoo na mahal ko siya....

kahit na mismo alam kong....

mahal na mahal ko siya.

Day 86

*listen to background music*

I don't know. I just don't wanna think yet.

He had been so cold to me lately. But guess what? One unexpected day, I just
thought I was dreaming. It was when I saw... Ford standing in front of me. He was
all... cute. But, hindi ko pa rin maalis alis si Gab sa isipan ko. Up to
now...hindi ko pa rin alam hangang ngayon kung ano yung meaning ng "Taim i' ngra
leat" thing na iyon.

Sabi nga naman ni Ford kasi, aatend lang siya ng graduation namin. And yeah, hindi
siya mag g-graduate. Kinuha lang daw niya iyong diploma niya... kasi sobrang taas
naman iyong grades niya. Pwede ba iyon?

He stood beside me, and then he gave me a lollipop. "Gusto mo?" Nanlaki mata ko.
What the? Bigyan ba naman ako ng--anak ng! "To cheer you up somehow... I know
you're thinking of Gab right now." After he said that, I felt as if parang binug-
bog sarado iyong puso ko. I'm not over reacting here. I don't know why, but... I
bursted in front of Ford. I can't stand him anymore. It's too much.

"Alam mo Ford, nahihirapan na ako! So, yeah, this Andy girl who seems so innocent
went back... and nagpapaka-anghel pa pero may sungay naman--"

"Andy's a nice girl." Nagulat ako nung sinabi niya iyon. Pati ba naman si Ford?
"You might be wondering why I act as if I know her." He started then he folded his
arms, and tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. "We used to be lovers." Muntik na akong
mabilaukan. HUWAAAAAAT?!? "Yes, but... I played with her. Inagaw ko nga siya kay
Gab eh. And then it turned out that she really loved Gab and ginawa akong panakip
butas. But that's not the point. But, it was too late. I've moved on. That was when
you came into the picture." Bakit ba nasama na naman ako sa istorya? "No, I'm not
here to tell you how I love you." Tumawa siya and I took it as a joke nalang.

"Tell me more... about that Andy girl." Napabuntong hininga ako, then I wiped the
tear that fell from the edge of my eye.

"Andy's a nice girl... I never loved her... a bit I guess. But past is past.
Because of me they broke up... kawawa nga yang Andy na yan eh. The problem with her
is, she's too nice-- too nice in a way na naaapakan na pride niya." Napa-tsktsk si
Ford, then he leaned on the wall. "Siya nga pala... bakit? Mahal mo na ba si Gab?"

Napatahimik ako, tapos hindi ako sumagot. "Hey, it's okay. You can tell me." Sabi
niya sa akin. I looked at him and cried. "So, I'll take that as a NO?" He smiled
then... he started to walk. "Alis na pala ako. Pupuntahan ko lang sila mama at
iyong kapatid ko. Balik lang ako mamaya." Nagulat ako, then I called him. I smiled.

"Bati na kayo ni sis mo? Job well done, Ford." I told him, then he started walking.
Then, I called him again. "Wait!" He looked back, and gave me a smile.

"What?"

"Yes. I love Gab. I LOVE HIM, VERY VERY VERY MUCH." He smiled, then he gave me a
thumbs-up. Tapos umalis na siya.
***

Di ako natahimik no! Niresearch ko talaga yung meaning ng "Taim i' ngra leat" it
meant pala... I love you. Irish pala yun. Nagulat ako, pero napatawa nalang ako
dun. Akala ko kung ano na. I smiled. then, ayun... Lumabas na ako ng library.
Tapos... I saw Gab. He was all alone. "Hey, Lux!" Aba! Presko! "How are you?"

"Layuan mo ako! BWISIT KA!" I didn't know why I said that. Kakainis kasi! Alam mo
iyon! Mahal mo na...pero di mo pa masabi. Pero, nakakabwisit eh! Naawa ako sa
kanya. But I don't know if he feels the same way too. Lumalakad na ako nun, pero
hinawakan niya ako sa braso. Natigilan ako. Then, I started to cry.

"Teka, may kasalanan ba ako? Bakit ba ang init naman ng ulo natin?" As if you
care! Tss. Pinapaiyak mo lang ako ng lalo eh! "Uyyy... wala namang iyakan dito.
Tahan na..." Then lumapit siya sa akin, tapos... parang naiilang na ewan.

"Go away... Baka hinahanap ka na ni Andy... "

"Nah... Hindi kami magkikita ngayon... mamaya pa, may dinner kami with her family.
Sama ka?" Putek! Sinabi pa sa akin! Ano ba naman yan! I stood up quickly, then
isang tao lang yung nasa isip ko. Si Ford. Siya lang ang pwede kong takbuhan
ngayon. Since may inaasikaso si Sofia. "Oh, bakit naman aalis ka na?"

"I don't need you Gab. Get lost." I don't know why I said that. But, nahihirapan
ako. Ang sakit sakit.

"Hey! Luxelle! Ano ba?"

"No, just...arggghhhhhh!!!!" Tumakbo nalang ako, tapos ayun... eksaktong nakita ko

si Ford, then ayun... kinuwento ko sa kanyaa iyong lahat. Napatahimik lang siya.

His reaction-> @_____@

"Bakit ba palaging Andy sinasabi ni Gab?! Bakit ba ganun?! Ford, nasasaktan ako!"
He tapped me on then shoulder, then he smiled.

"Mehn, imbis na nagmukmok ka siguro diyan... sumama ka nalang sa akin..." He

smiled. Parang ganito-> Then he continued.

"Luxelle, date tayo. For the last time please?"

________________________________________

Friendly date lang naman, kaya ayun... pagkatapos nun... hinatid na ako ni Ford sa
bahay ko. Then... nagulat nalang ako nung biglang may nagsalita...

"Kaya pala ayaw mong sumama sa dinner dun kay Andy... PUTEK! LUXELLE! PALIBHASA,
MAY DATE KA PALA EH! BAKIT DI MO NALANG SINABE!?"

Nagulat ako. Why is he so mad? Hindi naman siya affected eh!

"Gab, teka calm down--"

"WAG KA NANG SUMALI PA DITO! PATI BA NAMAN ANG GIRLFRIEND KO?!PATI BA NAMAN SI
LUXELLE, FORD?! BAKIT?!"

at ayun, magsusuntukan na sana sila... kaso lang... sumigaw ako. "ANO BA GUSTO
NIYONG MANGYARI HA?! ANO?! IKAW NAMAN GAB?! BAKIT KAILANGAN KO PANG SUMAMA DUN KAY
ANDY HA?! AYAW MO YUN... MAY QUALITY TIME PA KAYO! EH, SA KUNG SUMAMA AKO DUN, MA
AOUT OF PLACE LANG NAMAN AKO EH! ANO?! KASI GUSTO MONG MAKITA NA NAG LALABING-
LABING KAYO?! HA?! AMININ MO NGA?! NAGKABALIKAN BA KAYO?! HA?!"

"Bakit ba pag umasta ka kala mo kung girlfriend kita?!" Sabi niya sa akin. "Putek.
magsama kayo ni Ford mo!"

"Gab, kakasabi mo lang na girlfriend mo siya."

I looked behind him, then I saw Andy.

Ano ba talaga?!?

"Bakit ka nandito?!" Sabi ni Gab, tapos nilapitan niya si Andy.

"Sinundan kita! Alam kong mangyayari to! Gab, ayaw ko na kasi nang gulo Gab...
please, sabihin mo nalang kay Luxelle..."

"Ang alin, Andy?!? Nagkabalikan kayo?"

"Lux ganito kasi yun--"

Bago paman magsalita si Andy, hinila na ni Gab iyong kamay niya tapos tumakbo na
sila. Then, napatawa nalang si Ford. "I think I know what's going on around here...
Lux, binibigyan ka ba niya ng blue rose?"

Nagulat ako kay Ford. Then, napanod ako.

"I knew it. So were you still playing the game?"

"Yes. In fact, malapit na kaming mag end...and that's it."

He gave me a smile, then he placed his hands in his pocket. "I don't think so. "

Ano ba naman yan?! Excited na tuloy ako na parang kinakabahan!

Gab, mahal mo ba ako o hindi?!?!? MAGTAPAT KA NA!!!!!

I know you love me too....

I wish.

"Lux, may shooting star oh!" I shook my head, then I bid my goodnight kay Ford then
I went inside the house.

Hindi ako naniniwala sa mga shooting stars na yan. "I've been wishing since then,
and... when I thought that it was coming true na..."

Everything flashed back to my mind just like a video tape.

"...I saw him with someone new already. "

***

Day 90

Hindi niya ako pinapansin nung mga nakaraang araw. Kaya, hala, sige, dedma kami.
Pataasan ba to ng pride? Panalo na ako niyan. Ano ba yan. Kung saan pa kami malapit
nang matapos... dun pa nagkagulo-gulo ulit. Sobrang magulo na yung larong to.
Siguro, malalamon ko na yung pride ko ngayon... dapat tapusin ko na yung game
namin. Pero, hindi.

Hindi dapat ako sumuko. Aja! Aja--

"PUTEEKKKKKK!!!!" Hindi ko namalayan na nabangga ko pala si Gab sa sobrang kakaisip

ko! Guess what happened?! GUESS what?! Yung ice cream niya... YUNG ICE CREAM NIYANG
CHOCOLATE FLAVOR... natapon sa white shirt niya.

I looked at him nervously at parang ganito na ako-> -___-V tapos nag-peace sign
ako. Namula na yata ako nun eh. Sobrang tumutulo na yung pawis ko, tapos buong
katawan ko umiinit. Kinakabahan ako sa pwedeng gawin niya. Ayaw ko nang masaktan
pa. He looked at me, then tinignan niya yung ice cream niya, tapos... he looked at
me again. "You're so careless!"

Yumuko nalang ako, tapos I slowly uttered. "S-sorry...hindi kita...hindi kita

nakita." Then I started to walk. Tapos sumigaw siya.

"HOY! IKAW! TUMIGIL KA SA PAGLALAKAD! ILIBRE MO AKO NANG ICE CREAM!"

Imbes na mangiyak-iyak na ako, natawa nalang ako. I can sense na magiging okay na
kami ni Gab.

________________________________________

Ayun, nilibre ko siya ng chuckie, tapos nag libot kami sa school.

"Wui! Bati na yata sila!"

"Akala ko ba nagbalikan sila ni Andy?"

"Onga! Palage silang magkasama eh!"

"Alam kaya ni Andy to?"

Kumulo yung dugo ko. Tapos, bigla akong natahimik. Si Gab, tahimik rin. Ano ba
talaga? Ako na yatang lumalabas na tanga ngayon eh. Yang Andy yan kasi eh! Wala
akong pakealam kung may sakit siya! Hindi! Hindi niya pwedeng agawin si Gab ng
basta basta nalang. Hindi niya pwedeng kunin yung remaining days namin ni Gab!
Hindi! Hindi!
Tumakbo ako, at iniwan ko si Gab. Tumakbo ako sa kung hindi ko alam kung saan ako
dinala ng mga paa ko. Tapos, insaktong nakita ko si Sofia. I panted and then I
hugged her. "May information ka na ba?"

Pinaspy ko siya kina Gab at Andy kasi eh. Remember? She looked at me and gave me
this look-> O___O "Ano?! Meron ba?!"

She stood up, and dusted herself. "W-Wala! W-Wala pa.." She took her phone from her
pocket, then she elbowed me. "So, ano? Malling tayo! Bili tayo ng dress para sa
graduation ball!" Natahimik nalang ako. "Oh, bakit?"

"Eh... huling araw na rin namin ni Gab yan eh " She smiled at me, then hinawakan
niya ako sa wrist ko.

"Nako! Tara na nga! Mag mall na tayo!"

________________________________________

Nung nasa mall na kami, sa gitna nang malling namin, nakita namin ni Sofia si Andy
at si Gab. Para akong ewan dun. Sumama na rin sila sa amin sa pag pasyal, kasi si
Gab humahanap na rin ng susuotin niya sa Grad Ball. I was so quiet na na O-OP na
ako sa kanilang tatlo. At opo, nagkukuwentuhan sila ni Sofia~! T_______T Ano ba
yan. Naleleft out na ako dito. Y________Y

"Naku! Gab, bagay to sa'yo!" Sabi ni Andy, tapos... with matching smile effect rin
si Gab. "Nako, ang gwapo mo diyan Gab!"

"Eh... ehehe.. matagal narin naman akong gwapo ah! " Nainis na talaga ako. SINO
BANG DI MAIINIS!? "Diba Luxelle? "

Nagulat ako, parang may narinig ako. Ano raw? Tinawag ba nila ako? Dedma lang ako
kasi baka akin-akin lang yun. "LUXELLE!" Anak ng! Tama bang hampasin ako gamit ng
tuxedo niya?! Tsss. I folded my arms, then I shook my head.

"PANGET KA PA RIN! TSSS." I turned to the opposite direction, then... nakakita ako
ng dress. Maganda siya... alam kong bagay na bagay sa akin. Pero... pero... hindi
na lang siguro ako pupunta sa Grad Ball. Sigurado namang si Andy ang kasama ng Gab
na yan eh!
"Luxelle, tara! Kain tayo! " Napasmile si Andy sa akin habang hinila niya ako,
tapos ako naman naki-ride on sa smile niya. At ayun... kumain nga kami. Tapos...
tapos, nilibre sila ni Gab, ako hindi. BAKIT GANUN!?

"Gab, bakit di mo siya nilibre~?!" Muntik nang mapasigaw si Andy nung nakita na
namin yung food na nasa tray... kulang kasi. "Bakit wala yung order ni Luxelle?!"
Yumuko nalang ako kasi naninigas yung katawan ko eh. I'm just holding the tears.
Ayaw kong umiyak. Lalong-lalo na na nandito yan epal na yan. "Ano ba Gab?!"

Umupo si Gab sa tabi niya habang kumuha nang frenched fries. "Edi ilibre mo siya!
Reklamo nang reklamo!" Napahampas si Gab sa mesa, kaya halos nakuha niya yung
attensyon ng mga costumers ng Pizza Hut. Hindi ko na na kayanan. I excused myself.

"Uhm..uuwi na ako..may pupuntahan pa kasi...kasi ako... sa..salamat sa

inyo...Sof...tatawagan nalang kita...Si..sige...Bye." Tumayo ako, tapos lumakad ako
palabas, tapos nun... tumakbo na ako at tumulo na yung mga luha ko. Bakit ba
ganito? Bakit ang laki ng galit niya sa akin? Bakit?

Bumalik ako sa school, kasi may kukunin ako, kaya ayun...habang nilakad kong
papuntang school, panay pahid ko nang luha ko. Mga taong dinadaanan ko at dumadaan
sa akin napapatingin agad. Yumuko nalang ako, hangang sa nakarating na ako sa gym.
Napaupo ako sa may gilid na corner, tapos umiyak. Bakit ganun?

Maraming tanong yung lumilitaw sa isipan ko. Tapos maya-maya, may nakita akong
anino...

Lumapit siya sa akin, then nakita ko... "BAKIT KA NANDITO!? PAGKATAPOS NANG GINAWA
MO!?"

"TANGA KASI AKO EH! TANGAAKO! AT KUNG SA TINGIN MO NA IKAW YUNG PINUNTA KO DITO..."
He paused and then he looked at me, then he bent his knee on the ground to match my
level. "...ikaw nga talaga yung pinunta ko."

Naiyak ako nang lalo, tapos hinampas ko siya gamit ng kamay ko. "NAIINIS AKO SAYO!
NAIINIS AKO SA INYO! SA INYO NI ANDY MO! WALANG HIYA KA! SUMAMA PA KAYO SA
PAMAMASYAL NAMIN! TAPOS YUN LANG?! YUN ANG GAGAWIN MO!?"

"Hindi mo kasi naiintidihan eh--"

"ALIN!? ALIN ANG HINDI KO NAIINTINDIHAN?! GAB! I'M SOO FED UP!" Umiyak na lang ako,
tapos I tilted my head on the wall. "I'm tired. I'M SO TIRED!!!"

I stopped crying, then I decided to cut our conversation.. I stood up, and then I
decided to go. "I quit Gab."

"No, you can't!" He held my hand, and then napatigil ako. Kakatapos ko nga lang
umiyak, ayun na agad! Papaiyakin na naman ako. He hugged me, and then he looked at
me.

"Let go of me! Let go!" Pinipigilan ko talaga yung luha ko, tapos he was still
hugging me and he was still staring at me. "Gab! STOP THIS! EVERYTHING'S NOT
RIGHT!!" I can't stop the tears anymore, but I'm trying my best. "EVERYTHING'S
UNFAIR! SO UNFAIR GAB!!!--"

When I started to look at him, bigla kong narealize na parang... his eyes were
becoming teary. "No, please... just don't quit... No Luxx... don't..."

He hugged me tighter this time. He cried.

I cried.

we were both in each other's arms.

We both cried.

We both cried.
***

Day 93

Okay na kami ni Gab. But, I can't help it anymore. Haay. Malapit na kami mag end.
Nandito kami ngayon sa may amusement park. I hope this day won't end. I hope I'll
always be with Gab. I hope time would freeze. But I can't turn my hopes into
reality. "Hoy, bakit parang tulala tayo? " Nagulat ako tapos napatingin ako kay
Gab. Nakasakay pala kami sa ferriswheel. "Tulungan mo nga ako dito sa cotton candy
ko. " I smiled, then kumuha ako sa cotton candy niya. Tanga 'tong si Gab, tawa
nang tawa. Tsss.

"So, ano plans mo bukas? " Ako? I just wanna spend my day with you tomorrow.
Hayyy... "Sama ka samin ni Andy?"
Natameme ako. Andy na naman? "Gab, bakit ganun?! This past few days... puro Andy
ka nalang?! Ano?! Tapatin mo nga ako? Nagkabalikan ba kayo? " I waited for his
answer. I was scared, but... I needed to know.

"Naku. Hindi no. So, ano? Saan tayo bukas?" Ganun?! Bakit iniba niya iyong topic?
Siguro nga...

nagkabalikan na nga sila.

________________________________________

"Kailan mo pa sasabihin kay Luxelle ang tungkol sa ginagawa natin?"

Napatigil ako nung nakita ko si Gab at Andy na nag-uusap. Narinig ko lahat. I hid
behind the lamppost.

"I can't. I don't want to."

"Ano ba yan, Gab?! Bakit ayaw mo pang sabihin!? Nahihirapan na siya eh! Sabihin mo
na kasi sa kanya! "

"Eh sa ayaw ko pa! Hindi pa ako handa! "

"Bakit kasi ayaw mo pang sabihin?! Wag na nga nating patagalin to! Gab, sabihin mo
na sa kanya!"

"Ayaw kong mabigla siya, Andy."

Nung narinig ko iyong last line na iyon, tumalikod nalang ako. I have heard enough.
Tama na. Pagod na ako. I quit... I took my phone, then I texted Gab.

To: Gab
I quit. Good bye.
Then, tears trickled down my face. I think I'm having a Broken Heart Syndrome here.
Haaay. Tama na nga to. I quit. Good bye, Gab. Goodbye.

"Luxelle! Ano ba?! Mahal kita! Mahal na mahal kita!" Bigla nalang akong nagulat
kasi hinila niya ako, tapos hinalikan niya ako sa labi ko. Then I pushed him away.

"I'm tired of playing around Gab. Tama na... Good bye!"

"SIGE! BAHALA KA! BAHALA KA! UMALIS KA NA! WAG KA NANG BUMALIK PA! ALAM NAMAN NATIN
NA LARO LANG TO, DIBA?! HINDING HINDI KITA MINAHAL... HINDING HINDI KITA KAYANG
MAHALIN! ANG ARTE ARTE MO!"

Pagkatapos niyang sabihin iyon, he started walking away... pero dumating si Andy.

"Gab, sinungaling ka. Luxelle, Mahal na mahal ka niyan. Wag kang sumuko. Malapit
nalang mag 100th day niyo."

Hindi ko alam pero lumapit ako kay Andy at niyakap ko siya. "Hindi ko na to kaya...
alagaan mo na lang si Gab para sa akin..."

Ano sa tingin niyo? Quit nalang ako?

Mahal kaya niya ako?

"Hindi ka pwedeng mag quit sabi eh! MAGHINTAY KA NA NGA LANG!!! MAHIRAP BA TALAGA
MAGHINTAY?!"

Oo Gab. Minsan mahirap. Hindi ko alam kung ano gagawin ko--"ANO BA LUXELLE!? KUNG
MAG QUIT KA, SINAYANG MO LANG LAHAT! WAG KA NANG MAG QUIT! HINDI MO BA NAISIP KUNG
GAANO KA SAYANG IYON?! LAHAT NANG PINAGHIRAPAN MO... MAPUPUNTA LANG SA WALA!
PUTEK! BAKIT BA GANYAN KA?!"
Tama, tama ka Gab. Masasayang lang lahat. Pero kung mag pupursige ako, hangang sa
matapos ang laro... mapapasaakin ka pa rin ba?

But then all of the sudden, parang may hinampas na frying pan sa ulo ko. Kaya
ayun... naalala ko.

True love waits. Luxelle, true love waits.

Damn! Fine! "Pasalamat ka kasi mahal kita kahit laro lang to! Sige na! Hindi na ako
magquit! "

"A-ano sabi mo? M-mahal mo ako? "

Namula ako, kaya... naghanap ako nang palusot. "Hi-hi-hi-hindi ah! Sabi ko,
pasalamat ka kasi matagal na tong laro na 'to! Kasi kung hindi... nako, baback out
talaga ako! "

Hehe... G@g@ ka Lux. Tanga ka! Tanga!

Bakit ka pa nagpalusot?!

Sana sinabi mo nalang.

Kaso lang... ang hirap talaga kapag nasa harap ka na ng taong mahal mo.

Parang nawawala ka sa sarili mo.

"Sayang naman. Tara na, uwi na tayo."

S-sayang?!

***

Day 94

Goodmorning world-- ROSES?! I was supposed to say....

a trail of roses!?

B-bakit may ganitong effect?! A-a-ano ba ang especial sa araw na 'to?! I followed
the trail, then... nag stop ito sa garden namin sa likuran, sa may harap ng puno.
Then sa puno, may nakasulat, nasa isang bond paper siya.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (: I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. IF YOU ONLY KNEW IT. (: IF YOU
WANNA KNOW WHO I AM, GO TO THE SWING AND GET THE NEXT CLUE.

-Anonymous "

Oo nga pala. (: Birthday ko ngayon! (: Salamat sa kung sino kaman! Sino naman kaya
may pakulo nito? Di naman siguro si Gab, kasi hindi naman blue iyong roses! And to
think na hindi niya to magagawa 'tong mga to! Sino kaya to? Pumunta ako sa swing,
tapos may flag na nakasabit sa may upuan, then may nakataling papel dito.

Kinuha ko iyong papel, tapos... It read like this:

"Nevermind! (: Magpaparamdam nalang ako sa iyo bukas. (: Wag mo munang alamin kung
sino ako. Ingat ka palage. (: 831."

831? It sounds familiar... "LUXELLE!" Anak ng!

"Ano ba!? Nakakagulat ka naman! "

Agad kong ipinasok sa bulsa ko iyong papel, tapos kinuha ito ni Jed. "Uyyy, may
admirer ang loka kong pinsan. " Hinampas ko siya sa kamay.

"Abnormal ka! " I folded my arms, then I tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Sa palagay
mo? Sinong may gawa nito? "

Lumapit si Jed sa may swing, tapos napakunot-noo siya. "Ah, baliw lang siguro iyong
gumawa nito! HAHA! " Tumakbo siya papasok sa bahay. "Sige, Happy Birthday sayo
insan! Goodluck nalang diyan sa kung sinong baliw iyan! "

Masusuntok ko talaga 'tong Jed na to.

________________________________________
Kakatapos lang namin mag practice, kaya, umupo kami ni Sofia at Gab sa ilalim ng
puno. May hawak hawak na guitara si Gab, tapos ayun, he started playing it. And
then, he started singing...

"

*click to listen to Gab*

When I see your smile

Tears run down my face I can't replace"

Napapause siya, tapos he looked at me. I was like-> @______@

"And now that I'm strong I have figured out

How this world turns cold and it breaks through my soul
And I know I'll find deep inside me I can be the one"

Medyo namula na ako. Parang natutunaw na ako. T_______T

"I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven."

"Ang galing mo naman Gab! Kinakantahan mo si Lux? Ayiiie. harana! "

Nag smile nalang si Gab, tapos he continued.

"It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.

Seasons are changing and waves are crashing
And stars are falling all for us
Days grow longer and nights grow shorter
I can show you I'll be the one

I will never let you fall (let you fall)

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all (through it all)

Even if saving you sends me to heaven

Cuz you're my, you're my, my, my true love, my whole heart
Please don't throw that away
Cuz I'm here for you
Please don't walk away and
Please tell me you'll stay."

Then, I realized na parang di na niya kinananta iyong bridge.

He kinda recited it nalang. He was looking at me. I blushed. @______@
Then, he started to strum the strings again.

"Use me as you will

Pull my strings just for a thrill
And I know I'll be okay
Though my skies are turning gray

I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven."

"Happy Birthday. "

I don't know why, but... this one made my day complete.

The best gift ever.

Thank you, Gab.

***

Day 95

*click to listen to the background music*

5 more days to go.

5 more days to go. @________@ Shucks. I'm with Ford, Andy, Gab, and Sofia right
now. Yes, bonding chuvaness. Grad na raw kasi namin 5 days from now. OMG. @______@
Kakatapos lang ng practice chever namin sa school para sa graduation. Right now
nandito kami sa Starbucks. "Pre, pabili nga nang cape. " Nagulat ako kay Gab.
Huh?! Si Ford kasi, inutusan niya!

"Sige, pre. Andy, Sof, samahan niyo ako. " Ha?! HA?! PUTEK! Bakit?! I then had
a flashback.
"May plano kami ni Sofia sa inyo ni Gab, don't worry, Lux. "

"Asa ka naman eh! Naku, wag kang maniniwala kay Ford, Lux! Bakulaw yan! "

"Nako, kayong dalawa ha. I smell something fishy. "

"Aba! Sige, game ako diyan sa plano mo, Ford! "

"Sige, hintayin mo lang Lux. Mag ride on ka nalang. Bukas ha, Starbucks tayo.
Isama niyo ang Andy na yan. "

"T-teka! Anong plano!? "

"Basta... "

Doon na tumigil iyong flashback ko.

Ghad. Eto na nga talaga siguro iyong plano nila! *sigh* Napabuntong hininga ako,
tapos tinignan ko iyong coffee ko. "Madaya! Wag mo munang inumin! Hintayin mo nang
dumating iyong coffee ko. " Napatigil ako, tapos napatingin ako sa mukha ni Gab.
E-ewan ko, pero... pero, parang hindi ko maalis iyong titig ko. "Oh, bakit mo ako
tinitignan? May sinabe ba akong masama? S-sige, s-sige na, inumin mo nalang y-
yan. " Then he looked the opposite way, quickly. Take note, NAMULA siya.

Hindi ko alam bakit. OMG. Nasaan na sila Sofia? Kulang nalang eh, manginig ako
dito! "Aaahhh. " Tumigil kami sa pagsalita kasi napansin naming magkasabay kami.
He looked at me, then he smiled shyly, tapos ako naman i looked at him quickly,
then yumuko ako. Nahihiya na talaga ako!

"Mauna ka na.. " OMG! Ano ba to!? "Hehehe..." WAAAAAAAAA! I took my phone, then I
texted Sofia.

To: Sof
Sof! Nasaan na kayo?! Ba't di ko kayo makita sa counter?! Nako! Humanda kayo sa
akin!

Sent.

I waited for her reply. I waited. Waited. then...

ten-te-ne-nen-ten-te-nen-hoy~!

Bwiset na message alert tone.

"Ah, wait. Excuse me. My call ako." Waaaah! Liar ka Lux! Liar! Eh, sa message alert
tone lang iyon eh!

Eh, sa natotorpe ako eh! I excused myself, then pumunta ako sa may CR, tapos I
read Sofia's reply.

From: Sof
Ay! Sorry, Lux. Hehe. May emergency call kasi iyong mga assistant sa Grad Ball eh!
Kaya napaaga iyong pag-alis namin ni Ford, sumama nalang si Andy kasi gusto niyang
tumulong. Hehe. At isa pa, moment niyo na yan. Good luck! Kaya mo yan, AJA!
^_________^

Waaaaaa! Iniwan nila ako dito?! Papano na 'to? May good luck pa siyang nalalaman!
T________T Papano na 'to?

________________________________________

Bumalik na ako kay Gab, after 15 minutes. He stared at his coffee, then I hollered.
"Hey. Sorry for--"

"A-A-Ah okay lang iyon! " Kinakabahan siya!? "H-h-hoy hindi ako kinakabahan
ah... ah, ah... naiilang lang ako. " Yumuko na siya, tapos nagsalita ulit. "U-
umupo ka na.. "

Umupo na ako, tapos ayun, parang nakaadjust na rin ako. "So, pwede ko nang inumin
'tong coffee--anak ng!? " Pagtingin ko sa coffee ko, nakita ko... hawak-hawak na
niya, tapos... wala nang laman. Hindi nalang ako nagsalita pa, tapos ayun.

Sobrang tahimik namin. "T-teka lang ha. M-manong." Nag sign siya sa waiter, tapos
hindi ko alam kung ano iyon. Oorder ba siya? Ewan. Lumapit naman si manong waiter,
then... nagulat nalang ako.

"Miss, eto na po iyong bouquet ng blue roses ipinabibigay sa inyo ng kasama niyo.
" Inabot sa akin nung waiter iyong bouquet, tapos he whispered in my ears. "You
both look good. Bagay kayo! "

Ngumiti nang nakakaloko iyong waiter, tapos umalis na siya. Then, ayun, I stared at
the bouquet as I held it in my arms. "S-salamat, Gab. "

"Lux, wag mong buksan iyong letter na yan na nandiyan ngayon. Buksan mo lang kapag
100th day na natin. Ok? I trust you. "

Ganun? Parang nacucurious tuloy ako. "Ha? Bakit hindi pwede--" Tapos nun, bigla
niya nalang hinawakan kamay ko. Napatigil ako at napatingin dito. I'm blushing.

Whatdapak. @_____@

"--I trust you."

They say, when a guy says that he trusts you, he means it.

"..And I mean it." He held it tighter this time, then napatingin ako sa mata niya.

He meant it.
***

Day 97

*click here for the background music*

Lalabas na sana ako nun ng girl's bathroom sa may gym, pero--nagulat ako sa narinig
ko. "Sabihin mo na!" Alam ko sa malayo palang, boses na ni Andy yun. And sino pa ba
naman ang kinakausap niya? SI GAB. Of course, I hid behind the wall, then ayun.
"Ano? Sabihin mo na kasi!"

Huminga ako ng malalim. Ano kaya ang sasabihin ni Gab? Nalulungkot ako, kasi--
*cellphone vibrates* Gosh, si Sof napatawag yata ah. I answered my phone, then I
lowered my voice in a soft whisper.

"G@ga! Bakit ka napatawag?"

Ang nice ng intro ko no!

"Heh. Ano kasi eh, nandito kami ngayon ni Ford sa boutique, may nakita kaming dress
para sayo! Talagang bagay na bagay to sayo... "

"Abnormal ka! Ano namang dress yan? Para sa Grad Ball? "

"Oo! Nako. Tiyak na malalaglag yang bunganga ni Gab mo pagnakita ka niya dito!"

"Sira! Hindi siya sakin. Kay Andy siya. "

"Anong hindi sayo! HAHA! Kitang-kita pa nga dito sa video na nakuha namin sa inyo
nung iniwan kayo namin sa Starbucks eh!"

"Ano?! Kinunan mo kami nang video?! Akalla ko may pinuntahan kayo!? Sira ulo!"

"Oo, nandun lang kami sa likod nang bush noh! HAHA! Kitang-kita pa nga iyong
paghawak niya nung kamay mo! Binigyan ka pa nga niya ng blue rose! Ayiiiiie. "
"Nako, nako! About the dress pala, magkano yun? "

"Ay, murang mura lang! Punta ka dito ngayon?"

"Ha? Sige titignan ko--"

"I love you! I love you! I still love you!"

Napatigil ako. "Sof, sino nagsasalita diyan? "

"Ha? Wala ah! Ang tahimik nga dito eh. Narinig ko rin yun ah! Sino yun?"

Tapos bigla nalang akong natauhan.

Boses ni Gab yun ah.

"Sof, never mind. Ayaw ko na nung dress! Forget about it. Sige, bye!"

"T-teka--"

Before she could utter a word, I hung up.

Tumakbo ako sa dereksyon na hindi nila ako makikita, tapos lumabas ako nang school.
Ang sakit sakit nun ah! Bakit kailangan ko pang marinig yun?!

"I love you! I love you! I still love you!"

Mabuti sana kung sa akin niya sinabi yun! Pero... sa iba ko pa narinig eh! Pero
ano ba naman ang right ko? Ex niya yun eh! Ex niya yun, at ako? Playmate lang niya!
Ano ba naman ako! Umaasa pa kasi eh! Lux, GAME lang to. GAME. Malapit na rin
namang matapos eh!

Yun pa nga ang mas masakit.... Kung sa game lang, eh hindi niya ako kayang
mahalin... papano pa pag tapos na?

________________________________________

Doon ako tumambay sa may swing sa playground, doon, tahimik, walang sagabal. Walang
distorbo. WALANG GAB. Pinahid ko iyong luha ko, tapos bigla nalang may lumapit na
bata. May dala-dala siyang blue rose. Isa lang pumasok sa isipan ko... Ang lakas
naman ng loob niyang bigyan pa ako ng ganito! Hindi ko alam kung magagalit ako o
iiyak.

"Ate, pabigay po sayo."

The kid handed me the blue rose, then I smiled at him--A FAKE ONE. "Kanino to
galing, bata? "

Sabay turo niya doon sa--sa kay Gab na nakaupo sa may ilalim ng Narra Tree. Tumayo
si Gab, tapos umalis na iyong bata. Lumakad si Gab papunta sa akin, then... I
froze. Umulit ulit sa isipan ko iyong narinig ko.

"I love you! I love you! I still love you!"

"I love you! I love you! I still love you!"
"I love you! I love you! I still love you!"
"I love you! I love you! I still love you!"
"I love you! I love you! I still love you!"

Yumuko nalang ako, tapos ginulo niya iyong buhok ko. "Lux, bakit ka malungkot?
Tara, pasyal tayo." PASYAL?! ASA KA TOL! PAGKATAPOS NUNG NARINIG KO!? "Lux?" Hindi
pa rin ako sumagot, then he lifted my chin. "Ok ka lang?"

"Siyempre naman okay lang ako! " Napa smile ako ng di-oras. Peke yun. Alam ko.
Kasi ang totoo, gusto ko nang umiyak nun. Tumayo ako, tapos, kinuha ko iyong kamay
niya sa chin ko. "I'm glad okay na kayo ni Andy!"

"Anong--" I placed my index finger at the tip of his lips, then I sealed it--giving
him a keep-quiet-i-understand-sign.
"Alam ko naman eh. Siya ang mahal mo. Go for it, Gab. I'm happy for you!" I patted
him on the shoulder, then nag peace sign ako sabay ngiti nang nakakaloka.
Pagkatapos kong sinabi yun... Umalis na ako, then, I stopped over sa may trash
can... tinapon ko iyong blue rose na binigay niya.

Tapos nung napansin kong wala nang tao, umiyak na lang ako.

That was the worst lie I've ever said to someone I really really love. Paglingon
ko... nagulat ako. May nagsalita.

"Akala ko you're happy for me? But..." He stood before me, then nasa kamay niya na
ulit iyong blue rose. "...But why are you crying at bakit mo tinapon 'to?"

I smiled, then I told him. "It's because, I just... I just....

don't love you no more."

Basag na nga puso mo Lux, mas binasag mo pa nang lalo. Now, make that the VERY
VERY WORST LIE I'VE SAID TO the very person that I really really love.

Aalis na sana ako... pero, natigilan ako nung.... nagsalita si Gab.

"You're a great pretender, Luxelle Aimie Smith."

***
*background music plays here*

It's not over yet? Is it?

But for me. It is.

"You're a great pretender Luxelle Aimee Smith."

I am a great pretender. I AM. I pretend that I am okay, though I am not. I pretend

that I am happy for them, though I'm not. I smile, to cover up the hurts, and most
especially--I'M A GREAT LIAR. I lied to myself. I LIED TO GAB. I LIED TO MY HEART.
That is because, I LOVE GAB!

He thought I was only pretending that I LOVE HIM. That's not it. BUT I CAN'T SPEAK
OUT. I went to school early this morning, for the last practice para sa grad
bukas, kaya... ganito iyong nangyari.

"Luxelle, wait."

I felt frozen. My shoulders were shaking. It was Gab. I was not yet ready to see
him. But, I had no choice. He went infront of me, and then he handed me 3 blue
roses. "Don't forget to read the letter that I gave you on our 100th day."

So, that's it. After he said that, HE LEFT.

It hurt so much. I'm falling apart. Seeing someone you love hurting because of your
lie--sucks.
And now, I guess it's time to sleep. Graduation na bukas.

I threw myself to bed, then I cried myself to sleep.

________________________________________

Day 99 [1st part]

I woke up, and read a lot of messages--from Sofia, from Ford, from my classmates,
from auntie, from Gab, from Andy, from Sofia, from Sofia, from--teka, may Gab dun
ah!?

I opened Gab's message then it read like this:

From: Gabriel
Don't forget to read the letter.

Whatever! I immediately deleted it. Akala ko naman kung ano? Then ayun... naligo
ako, bumihis, I fixed my hair, placed a light make up--then I sped off to school.
Papunta na ako ng auditorium, then nakita ko si... Gab. "Luxelle! You look
beautiful."

I just stared at the ground, then nabitawan ko cellphone ko. My fingertips were
numb already. "Hey, are you okay?"

I shook my head, then I looked at him. "Why would you think that I am okay?! "
Hindi pa naka start iyong graduation, but... the mascara that I've put on, started
to ran down with my tears. It mixed with my tears. I looked at Gab, studied his
face from head to toe, then I pushed him lightly. "I know! Hah! I'm a great
pretender--AND SO AS A GREAT LIAR. So, Gab. I'M SORRY! "
"Lux, wait, hindi kita maintindihan--"

"AKO NGA RIN EH! I CAN'T EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT THE HELL AM I RANTING HERE! " My
tears were still trickling down my face--kulang nalang mag break down ako. Then,
pagkatapos nun, he went to me, then he placed his hands on my cheeks, tapos he
wiped my tears and also the trace of mascara on my face. "Ano ba!? Bakit mo
kailangang punasan yan!? "

I took 3 steps backward, then I shook my head heavily. "I QUIT GAB! I QUIT!I DON'T
WANT TO SEE YOU ANYMORE! I DON'T WANT YOU IN MY LIFE! GET LOST! I QUIT! I QUIT!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! GO AWAY!"

"Okay."

It hurt me more.

Okay? Yun lang masasabi niya? OKAY?

That's plain bull.

***

99th day

*click to listen to the music*

�Things are so unfair. Girls, sa mga players diyan, I hope you all learned from my
lesson.�
-Luxelle.

Have you ever heard of the story of a Prince who waited for a Princess� decision?
She told the Prince to wait for her decision. Sabi niya, hintayin daw mag 100th day
na. Tapos, sasabihin niya na kung ano decision niya sa Prince.

The Prince waited everyday outside the Princess� window. May stall pa siyang dala-
dala palage. Every morning, maaga pa siya dumarating. Bago maka gising iyong
Princess, nandun na siya, nakaupo. Whenever the Princess looks out the window,
makikita niya nandoon na iyong Prince.

Everyday, the Princess would ask the Prince, �Why are you still not giving up?�.
The Prince would just give her a smile. Days passed, and came the most awaited,
�100th� day. The Princess woke up, earlier than ever.

She waited if the Prince would come. She knew that time, mahal niya na iyong
Prince. Hours passed, then ayun, the shine shined na. The Prince was still not
there.

Why was he not there? Let�s just take this as an example. Sometimes, we tend to
lose our patience na. Sometimes, the other one would make us feel as if�we are just
waiting in vain. And that was what the Prince thought.

But sometimes, katulad din tayo ng Princess. Sobrang ayaw ayaw raw sa una, but in
the end, nung wala na iyong Prince, she realized that she needed him. Kung wala na
iyong tao, dun pa natin marerealize iyong worth nila. That�s why, we should not
take those who loves us for granted. Haaay.

Siguro ako, I�m like the Prince. Pagod na ako sa kakahintay. Pagod na ako sa
kakaasa. But, sometimes, I�m just like the Princess. Umayaw sa una, sa huli, siya
rin naman iyong nalaglag. Wala lang, I just wanted to share this story. I started
walking in the aisle, as the Principal called out my name.

Flashes of camera�s were striking on me, I tried my best to smile. As I started to

approach the steps of the stage, I held my head up. Though wala dito parent's ko,
it's okay. They already called, and I'm good with it. Then, as the Principal handed
me my diploma, a tear trickled down my face. I smiled, then I bowed. �Thank you.�

I would never forget this day. I would never forget this year. This school year
taught me a lot of things. Things happened so fast, kaya ayun� huli ko nalang
nalaman, picture taking na pala ng batch namin. After that, I went to my locker, I
cleaned it up, then� when I looked at the side of it�I saw Gab�s picture.

I held my hand on it. I caressed it, then I cried. Masakit maalala lahat. Tapos, I
forcefully removed it, and then I crumpled it into pieces. �Luxelle.� I knew it was
Gab. He hugged me from behind, then after that, I don�t know why, but he whispered�
�Don�t let it happen.� I don�t know what he meant by that. �I�ll be waiting for you
there.� Huh? Ano ba �tong pinagsasabi niya? Bahala na siya. Ayaw ko na. Pagod na
ako. T________T

�Luxelle! Graduate na tayo! � She hugged me and she cried. Ford was behind her.
�Thanks for everything, Lux. You are a true friend.� Napasmile ako, then I hugged
her back. Si Ford naman, he smiled at me too.
�So, who�s up for an ice cream?! � Tanong ni Ford. I smiled at him, then pumunta
kami sa favorite ice cream palor namin.

�Ang sarap talaga! Haha!� Sabi ni Sofia. She smiled, then I guess na notice niya na
quiet ako. So, she asked me. �Hoy, okay ka lang? Asan si Ga��

��Don�t ever mention that name, Sofia. I already quitted.� Nabitawan ni Sofia iyong
ice cream niya, tapos nanlaki mata niya. Pinaghampas niya ako. �Ano ba? I guess
Andy needs him more.�

�Ano ka ba, Luxelle?! Bakit mo ginawa iyon? Naku! Kung pwede lang sana� Kaso! Ah,
wala! Basta, diba may letter siyang binigay sayo? Buksan mo nalang iyon bukas!
Basta, naku, pag nakalimutan mo iyon� Lagot ka talaga. Teka, may nagpapabigay pala
nito.� She handed me a gift. Then, ayun� I opened it. May letter sa loob. Mula sa
�anonymous� na naman.

�Naku, Sof. Tigilan mo ako ha. Sino ba �tong Anonymous na �to?!� Nanotice kong,
wala na pala si Ford. �Nasaan na si Ford?�

Tumawa nalang si Sofia, tapos� I opened the letter. �S-s-s-s-si Ford at iyong
Anonymous�� I started to startle. ��a-a-ay i-i-i-iisa?!�

Nanlaki mata ni Sofia. �HALA!? HINDI PWEDE YAN! MALI YATA?! TEKA� ANO BA YAN!? SI
GAB TALAGA! KUNG ANO ANO NILALAGAY SA LETTER!!!�

Ang defensive ah.

Tinignan ko nalang si Sofia. �Si Gab pala may bigay nito. Haha! Akala ko pa naman
si Ford.� T-t-t-teka� S-s-s-si G-G-G-Gab!??!!??!?!

�Naku! Lagot. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Lagot ako pag nalaman �to ni Gab! Please, wag
mong sasabihin sa kanya na sinabi ko!�

Loko! Alam niya pala?! �Alam mo pala?! Sige! Mag-sama kayo ni Gab!� Tampo na ako.
So meaning, kaya pala siniset-up kami nila Gab, kasi alam nila na si Gab itong
anonymous na �to?! At ako pala�y walang kamalay-malay? Then, when I opened the
gift� may�

May isang petal ng blue rose. May nakasulat dun na 831:

�8 letters�3 words� 1 meaning��

When I looked back, nakita ko si Gab. Bakit siya nandito?! Nag quit na ako ah!
:�( Nandito ba iyan para saktan uli ako!? �S-S-Sige, mauna na ako sayo.� Tumakbo
ako, tapos� tinawag ako ni Gab. Napatigil ako, then�

�Wag mo kalimutan iyong letter ko.�

�WAG KANG MAG-ALALA, HINDI KO BABASAHIN IYON!!!�

�Baka pag di mo binasa, mag sisisi ka� Sige� Goodnight.�

I ran after him, tapos pinagpalo ko siya. �NAKAKAINIS KA! ANO BA?! SABIHIN MO
NALANG KASI KUNG ANO IYONG NANDUN!�

�5 A.M dapat, basahin mo iyon. Mag lampas nang 12noon, wala nang chance.�

After he said that� He kissed me.

This time�

On my forehead.
***

100th day, Gab's POV.

*click to listen to background music*

Is it really the end of everything? Is it? Will she be able to catch up with me
here? I texted her na instead of 5am-12noon, 6am-11noon nalang. Wanna know why?
Because when the clock strikes at 11am, the game's officially over. And yes, I also
left her a very long note. It included everything--starting from day 1 to 99.

Right now it's 7am, I wonder if she's reading it right now. I wanna tell you a
story of a guy who loved his girl so much. At first this guy really never loved
this girl, he knew then that he was only infatuated.

But as time passed by, he saw that he's sorta falling for this girl. He has seen
her laugh, he has seen her cry, he has seen her angry, he also saw her in pain, and
he even saw her being jealous. As more days come to past, he started to get wonder.
'she told me she love me but she's happy when i'm with her... what doe she really
feel?'

Well, you know girls, it confuses us guys everytime you tell us your happy for us.
It confuses us so much, especially when you've said 'I love you' to us. It confuses
us because--it felt as if that 'i love you' was a plain lie. How is that? You can
even make us believe that you don't love us, even though you do!

Now back to the story.

The guy spent his time with the other girl, and yes, he saw that the girl whom he
loves was happy for them. He was hurt, until finally one day... the girl decided
to call it quits. Yes, it hurt. It hurt alot.

The guy had a restless night. He cried. His heart was broken. It was as if... He
lost a part of him. And then, he realized that HE LOVES THE GIRL SO MUCH. He
decided to send the girl a letter. A letter he wrote from the moment he laid his
eyes on her.

He told the girl to meet him up in the same place where he first brought her to. He
was waiting, and waiting... until. "Gab, let's go."

"Just wait a little while, tito!" Now do you get it? Ako iyong lalakeng tinutukoy
ko sa story. And now... Hindi pa dumadating si Luxelle, pero.. I guess it's time
for me to go now. I started to walk and move steps forward toward the yacht, when I
heard a voice calling me.

"G-Gab!" When I looked around, it was Sofia and she was with Andy and Ford. Damn,
I'm just seeing illusions. Akala ko si Luxelle na."Wag ka... wag ka munang aalis."
She was panting so hard, same as the two. It seemed as if tinakbo nila mula sa
kanila hangang dito.

"Gab! You can't just leave her behind! Kung aalis ka, aagawin ko siya sa'yo!" That
hurt my heart. But what else can I do? She didn't even come... and now it's 11:30.
I just need to go.

"I'm sorry, I...I..need to go." I neared them, then I gave them the 100th day
letter. "Please... please give this to Luxelle... uhm, incase...you guys would see
each other..." I turned my back then I started to move on. I bit my lip just to
stop the damn tears from falling. What the heck, I've never been like this before.
Luxelle was my first love. And she will always be my first love... But I guess...

I'll let go of you go now... just like how a child lets go of his kite.

It's the end of the game.

***

100th day, Ford's POV

*click for the background music, please.*

"Ford! Bilisan mo na nga!" Pinalo ako ni Sofia habang tumatakbo na kami. We are
damn running after Gab. Why are we running after Gab?

"Teka, bakit ba tayo tumatakbo? Di ba pwedeng lumakad nalang?" Gaano ba ka espesyal

si Gab? Why are we running after him? Damn, ginagawa siguro nila akong bakla eh!
Mr. Muscle yata 'to!

"Duh! Hindi mo ba alam na last day nila ngayon? At pag di tayo nakarating dun sa
eksaktong oras, baka umalis na iyong si Gab! Ano ba?! Aalis na kasi iyon eh! Di ba
sinabi niya na sa atin kahapon!?" Hinampas na naman ako ni Sofia. 'Tong babae 'to,
kanina pa 'to ah! Nakakarami na. Amp. Kailangan ba talagang sumigaw?!

"Bakit mo ba ako hinahampas-hampas at pinapalo-palo?! Ano akala mo sa akin!?"

Bigla nalang nakita naming nanghina si Andy. "H-hindi ko na kaya 'to.... P-pagod na
ako."

"Echus! Drama-ever! Bakit ka ba nagkakaganyan Andy?" Tumawa si Sofia. Nakikibakla

na naman siya oh. Ang kulit talaga nitong si Sofia, kaya siguro nagustuhan ko na
siya. WALA! WALA AKONG SINABI! ANO?! HALA! HINDI! ASA! tae naman oh. Amp.

"Sige... mauna...mauna lang kayo." Namumutla na si Andy ah? Bakit siya ganyan?

"Andy, okay ka lang? Mukha yatang--"

"Ano ba! Si Andy pa! Eh, siyempre okay siya! Tara na nga! Tss." Selos? haha! Bakit
ganun? Hay, mga babae talaga ano. Saan ba kami talaga pupunta? Bakit parang patungo
na 'to sa dagat? Nababaliw na ba si Sofia? "Ayun! Ayun siya!"

Siya? Sinong siya--?? Teka, aalis nga talaga si Gab! Naku. Papano si Luxelle?!

"G-Gab!" Halatang napagod si Sofia sa kakatakbo. She bent her body, then she let
loose her hand and then tumayo na siya.

"Gab! You can't just leave her behind! Kung aalis ka, aagawin ko siya sa'yo!" I
kinda hesitated when I said that, kasi napatingin sa akin si Sofia. It was as if...
she gave me this glare. G@go ka talaga, Ford!

"I'm sorry, I...I..need to go." Ano?! Anak ng! Anong drama nitong si Gab!? May pa
'i need to go' pa siya?! Bakit ba siya aalis!? Iiwan niya lang si Luxelle?! Eh,
iniwan na nga si Luxelle ni Redd eh! Ano ba yan! "Please... please give this to
Luxelle... uhm, incase...you guys would see each other..."

"Pare! Nakakarami na kayo! Sinasaktan niyo lang lahat si Luxelle! Mahal ka nun! Wag
ka nang umalis kasi!" Hindi na siya lumingon pa, kasi pumasok na siya sa yacht.
Anak ng! Amp. Amp. Amp!

"Walang hiyang Gab! Ano ba gusto niya!?"

"Tara, balik nalang tayo. Umalis na siya eh!" Umirap si Sofia, tapos... naglakad
nalang kami palabas. Sayang lang iyong tinakbo namin! !@#$ 'tong Gab na 'to eh!

"Ano nalang kaya magiging reaction ni Luxelle?" Mukha yatang nag-alala si Andy. She
gave us this worried look. Kawawa naman talaga si Luxelle. Sana nga, ako nalang
minahal niya noon--noong mahal ko pa siya. Eh, aanhin natin kasi kay Sofia na ako
ngayon eh! AMP! Sige na nga. OO NA. Deny-deny pa ako. So ano ngayon!? Tss.

T-teka?! Si Luxelle yun ah!? "Hoy! May the flash na tumatakbo oh!"

*BATOK* Aray! Binatukan na naman ako ni Sofia. "Ano ka ba! Si Luxelle yun! Tara,
balik tayo! Sundan natin siya! "

Napakamot ako sa noo ko. Eh, alam ko namang si Luxelle yun eh. Mali bang sabihin na
si the flash yun? Tumakbo na naman ulit kami. Tapos ayun... When we saw Luxelle on
bended knees while kneeling on the sand... we almost got teary-eyed. Nanood lang
kami kay Luxelle. Kawawa talaga siya!

"Ano ba yan! Ang daya daya mo! May nangyari lang sa bahay eh! Tapos...tapos wala ka
na! Bakit ganun ka Gab!? Bumalik ka na Gab! BUMALIK KA NA!!!" Tumingin siya sa
dagat na parang kakainin niya eto, tapos nagsimulang tumulo iyong mga luha niya.
Her tears made a mark on the sand. "Nakakainis ka Gab! Nakakainis ka! Kung sinabi
mo lang sana ng mas maaga pa! Bakit ka ba umalis?! Bakit kailangan mo akong iwanan!
"

Tumayo siya, tapos kumuha siya ng bato. Hinagis niya ito sa tubig. "Bumalik ka Gab!
Bumalik ka! Gab naman eh! Una si Redd, iniwan na ako, tapos ngayon ikaw! Gab
naman! Bumalik ka! Bakit mo ako iniwan?! Mahal na mahal kita! "

Lumapit kami kay Luxelle, tapos nagsalita si Sofia. "Lux..."

"G-Gab!?" She quickly looked back, then when she saw us, the smile on her face
turned into a frown. It was obvious that she was disappointed. "Ano ginagawa niyo
dito!?" She wiped her tears, then umupo na siya sa may gilid.

"Lux... pabigay niya." She looked at me, then tears were forming again in her eyes.
She took it with both hands, then those tears trickled down on her face. Slowly,
but I know... iyong trace nang luha niya... everytime lumalabas yun... sumasakit
iyong damdamin niya.

She looked at the envelope, then she hugged it. Then, she looked at us. "Why didn't
you guys tell me?" I know dadating 'to sa point na ganito. Tumingin nalang ako kay
Sofia, tapos we exchanged looks. Tumingin kami kay Andy, then siya nalang nagsabi.

"Si Gab ang may ayaw... he wanted to surprise you sana... but you--"

"Akala niyo hindi masakit para sa akin na nakikita ko kayo palage magkasama?!" Alam
naming dadating to. Naaawa na ako kay Luxelle, I went to her, then I hugged her. I
felt her pain. Sobrang masakit iyong nararamdaman niya. "Bi..bitawan mo ako! Wag
kayong lumapit sa akin! Ang dadaya ninyo! Pinagmukhang tanga niyo ako! Ayoko na! "
She stood up and she pushed me lightly aside, then pinahid niya iyong luha niya.
"Babalik na ako sa States..."

"Bakit? Iiwan mo na kami?"

"Wala na rin akong rason na magpaiwan dito... I know you guys understand... Marami-
rami na ring masakit na bagay na nangyari sa akin dito... Kaya... Siguro, this is
for the better... So that... I could move on... He left, without even saying
goodbye... He left me clueless..."

After she said that, she started walking away.

Masaklap iyon.

They both know it wasn't supposed to end this way.

***

100th day, Andy's POV

Tumakbo si Lux. Hindi ko na nakakaya 'tong nangyayari sa kanila. May kailangan

akong gawin. I ran after Luxelle, then... I pretended na nanghina ako. Alam kong
kung malaman ni Gab na nasa ganitong kalagayan ako, babalik iyon. G'go kasi eh, why
did he ever thought of giving up?? "LUXELLE! TUMIGIL KA! WAG...ma..ma...maawa
ka...sa...sarili...mo...."

"Aalis na ako! Ayaw ko nang maniwala pa sa in--" Bigla akong nadapa, kaya napatigil
si Luxelle, then she neared me. She was still crying, but she helped me stood up.
Sa kasamaang palad, bigla yata akong inatake ng panghihina ko. "Ta...ta..tawagan
ninyo...si..Gab...hindi...hindi...hindi ako...makahinga...ta..tawagan
niyo...siya..." I got entangled in Luxelle's arm. I smiled weakly at her, then... I
gave her my phone. "I...i...ikaw..." She gave me a look, then...she took it
hesitantly.

I started to look at her, then I whispered. "Please...don't

let...him...go...take...good care...of Gab...for...for...me." She hugged me then
she cried.

"How can I take good care of someone I never had?" Her tears trickled down her
face, then I smiled weakly at her as tears started forming in my eyes.

"No...you had him from the start..." I tried to smile, but...it hurt so bad. Oo,
mahal na mahal ni Gab si Luxelle. Sobrang mahal na mahal niya 'to...kaya naisipan
kong magparaya... Pagod na ako. Hindi mo mapipilit na mahalin ka ng isa tao... when
he never loved you at all. "Luxelle...you are very lucky." I smiled weakly.
Napakasakit pero...this is for the best. At alam naman natin na may sakit ako, at
bilang nalang iyong araw ko.

She looked at me, and bit her lower lip, then a tear fell from her right eye. She
hugged me, then she whispered. "Thank you... for everything..." I smiled, then I
nodded when she started to dial Gab's number.

"Call him...tell him...I'm dying..." I whispered, then I closed my eyes slowly,

then I heard her talking to Gab.

"G-Gab... Andy needs you..." It felt so good to reminisce everything... It felt so

good na minahal rin ako ni Gab noon... And now, though it hurts... it feels so good
to see them together... that's what you call love... "Ano? She needs you Gab! You
must comeback here! She's dying!" It hurt me, I know. He doesn't care a bit. But
what can I do?

"Lux...tell him you want him back..." Tumingin lang si Luxelle sa akin, then she
looked so hesitant. She held my hand, then she started to give me the eyes of
worry.

"What about you?" She asked me. I smiled again. Then tears fell from my eyes and
went down my cheek.
"I'm okay." I knew the next words that I will hear from Lux's mouth would hurt
me... But I know this is for the better. It's better than seeing him unhappy with
me... Selfless love.

"Gab... I need you back Please.."

I love him, he loves me not.

She loves him, he loves her much..

***

100th day,
Lux's POV, before going to the seaside.
GAB'S VERY LONG LETTER.

*CLICK THIS BEFORE READING ON!*

I woke up and then I realized it was 6am already. I got pissed because of Jed.
Agang-aga kasi nag-away na naman kami. Tss. Ako pa pinagluto niya ng breakfast, at
nakatapos kami by 9am. I went to my room, then... I remembered something.

I know may nakalimutan talaga ako. Ano ba yun? Hindi ako napakali. I was roaming
inside my room, while thinking deeply. Oo! Tama! Ang letter ni Gab. Nasaan na ba
iyon? Hinanap ko sa buong kwarto ko, pero di ko makita. I went downstairs, then I
shouted at Jed. "Hoy, asungot! Kinuha mo ba iyong envelope ko dito sa room!?"

"Hoy ka rin! Anong envelope pinagsasabi mo?!" He looked at me, tapos tumawa siya.
G'go pala 'to eh! Amp. Ano nakakatawa?! Kamusta naman yun! I gave him a glare, then
he dusted himself. "Sige na nga! Nandoon sa side table mo, sa ilalim ng phone
directory, tinago ko! Ayiiieee, ano yun? Love letter mula kay...Gab? " Adik! Adik
ka! Hindi na ako kumibo pa, tumakbo na ulit ako sa kwarto ko sa taas, tapos I sat
at the edge of my beg, then kinuha ko na iyong envelope.
I opened it, then hindi ko alam na mapapaiyak ako sa mababasa ko.

Day 1
Damn! I never thought I'd be in this kind of game! Eh, parang nawawala na yung
feelings ko sa kanya eh. Ang big turn off for me! Pare-pareho lang silang mga
babae! She's also one of them! Btw, I gave her a love note. Amp, ang cheesy ko!

"What the heck!?" Imbes na magalit ako, naluha ako. Tapos, maya-maya... nakita ko
si Jed nakasilip sa may pinto. "Hoy! Wag ka ngang chismoso!" I went to the door,
and then I shut it close, tapos I started to read again.

Day 2
I gave her a bouquet of blue roses. Wala lang, sabi kasi nila...The rose is an
absolutely amazing flower. Whatever its color the flower itself is a vision of
absolute fragility and delicate grace. The rose is also an extraordinary flower in
that it has so many shades, some natural, and some man made. But each shade has a
meaning of its own. Have you ever wondered what the meaning of blue roses could be?

The blue rose does not occur in nature, at least not the absolute blue rose. Blue
roses were at first created by dyeing white roses. Some people mistake lavender
roses for blue ones. So, the closest we can get to blue roses are the lilac to
almost black category. Roses lack the pigment that produces blue color. The blue
rose has been painstakingly created and imbued with a special meaning.

Much like its mysterious origin, the blue rose means mystery. An appreciation for
the enigmatic, the inexplicable is expressed by the blue rose. A tantalizing vision
that cannot be totally pinned down, a mystery that cannot be fully unraveled is the
blue rose. A person who receives the blue rose is the subject of much speculation
and thought. A complex personality that does not allow easy interpretation is what
the blue rose indicates.

Another meaning of the blue rose is that it symbolizes the impossible, or the
unattainable. Since te blue rose itself is a rarity in nature, it stands for
something that is hardly within one's grasp, an object that seems too difficult to
be achieved. Thus the blue rose is admired and revered as an unrealizable dream.

The blue rose being in itself something very extraordinary expresses that very same
feeling. "You are extraordinarily wonderful", the blue rose exclaims. A truly
wonderful personality, almost chimera-like is what the blue rose says about the
receiver. A flight of fancy, an irrepressibble imagination is what the blue rose is
all about.
Blue and its deeper shade purple have for long symbolized mystery and ambiguity.
Again, the fact that the blue rose is a flower that has been fabricated increases
this sense of surrealism. The meaning of the blue rose in this sense is an
appreciation for something that cannot be grasped in full measure.

The lighter shade of the blue rose, which is almost akin to lilac, expresses the
first flush of love. Enchantment, a feeling of being completely bowled over in the
very first instance is another delightful meaning of the blue rose. Lavender and
lilac have both been associated with romance since time immemorial.

The blue rose is also used as a symbol of caution. It expresses a need to be

discrete. Again, there is a whiff of secrecy and mystery as expressed by the blue
color.

New opportunities and new possibilities are also some other meanings of the blue
rose. The blue rose denotes the excitement and the possibilities that new ventures
bring. The mysterious beginnings of new things and the excitement therein are very
nicely expressed by this flower.

The blue rose is a flower that seeks to convey a message of mystery, enchantment
and a sense of the impossible. One should never forget that as a flower that is not
found freely in nature, the blue rose has a certain charm and unique mystery that
does not reveal itself freely.

"Pakshet. Ang haba nun! Nosebleed! Ganun pala meaning ng blue rose?! OMG. He's
so...sweet."

Day 3
We made our vows today. I don't know, but I'm starting to see her worth. I know she
loves Ford, may kasalanan ako sa kanya... pinahiya ko siya kay Ford by saying na
naghohoney-moon kami. I know it was kind of 'green' kaya I sent her a sorry note.
Tomorrow, I'll change. Look forward for the newly-fresh-reinvented-Gab

Tumawa nalang ako. Omg, I could remember those days!

Day 4
Nako. Pinag-agawan ako ng mga babae kanina! Sabi na ngang ayos ang look ko eh.
Haha! Anyway, I brought her to my favorite place. I don't know why I asked her if
she'll ever learn how to love me. I don't even know bakit sumandal ako sa shoulders
niya! I'm starting to have this feeling. I'm starting to get hook in this one.
Well, I guess she finds me cheesy! But... hey, girls like that! And that's...just
me.

Cheesy ka pala Gab!? HAHA! Adik!

Day 10
I don't know, but... I guess I was kinda hurt. Well, no really. Sige na nga, medyo!
Nakita ko kasi si Ford at Lux na nasa kissing position eh! Ford was on top of her
body and damn! They were staring at each other's eye. Ang saklap nun! Pero teka,
bakit ako nasasaktan?! HAHA! Laro lang 'to. Hindi pa rin ako tumitigil sa kakabigay
sa kanya ng blue rose. We're just playing our roles here, man!

Naalala ko... Tinapon ko pa iyong blue rose niya noong araw na yun...

Day 12
2 days has passed, I'm not talking to her. I don't know why. But I still give out
the blue rose. I saw her today, then I told her the reason why I was ignoring her.
I'll be leaving for 1 month.

Day 13
I miss her. I sent her a blue rose today.

Day 14
Damn, why do i miss her? Pinadalhan ko pa rin siya ng blue rose.

Day 15
Sige pa rin padala ko ng blue rose.

Day 16
Kelan ba ako makakauwi!?

Day 17
Miss ko na talaga siya. T_______T Amfufu. I sent her another blue rose. I called
her, and I swear she was crying. But she said she was okay. Pero bakit ganun?
Mafifeel kong mabigat ang nararamdaman niya? I wish I was beside her right now.
Haaay. I asked her if papayag siya kung totohanin namin iyong game, pero bigla
nalang naputol iyong linya.

OMG! Nakakatunaw naman 'to!

Day 18
Uuwi ako bukas. UUWI NA AKO! Hindi ko na kaya. T_________T Blue rose sent.

Day 19
Nandito na ako sa Pinas. I wanna surprise Luxelle. ^__________^

Day 20
I guess I shouldn't have done that. Mali yata ginawa ko eh. Amp! Parang tinototoo
ko na iyong game! I still gave her a blue rose.

Day 21
Bumalik pa kasi 'tong palibhasa kong ex eh... Amfufu. @________@ Nasaktan ko na
tuloy si Luxelle. Ewan ko ba kung nasaktan ko siya! Pero parang hindi naman eh.
Sabagay, game lang naman toh. Hindi ko siya nabigyan ng blue rose ngayon. Nakita ko
kasi siyang may kasamang iba. Ewan ko ba, but I sound as if pinapaselos ko si Lux
gamit 'tong si Belle. Kakainis! Bakit pa ako pumayag sa larong to!

Day 22
Prom namin ngayon. Damn! Ako pa naging prom king! At hulaan niyo!? Si Luxelle pa
kapartner ko. What if you never believed in love? Then, someone came along? And you
fell in love with that person. But, what if? That person only came, to teach you
how to love? But not to love you? Hay ang gulo ko! T________T I made her cry today.
Amp. I held her hand again... it felt so good. But, I made her cry. T___________T
Bakit ko bang sinabi na I already called it quits 2 days ago? T_________T In fact,
I never quitted.

Day 36
Medyo naging madali iyong mga pangyayari. Masaklap nga para sa akin. She acts as if
wala na siyang pakealam. Eh, sabagay, may Zeus na naman siya. Nasa park ako! I was
kicking some can when I heard Luxelle's voice!

Tapos I saw Ford. Nakita namin pareho si Luxelle na tumakbo palabas ng coffee shop,
then Zeus was running after her. Muntik na ngang masagasaan eh! Putek, magkakilala
pala sila nung nakamotor! Presko nun ah! Kala mo kung sino! Tss. Nung gabi, kasama
ko si Zeus. I told him na i-text si Lux. Kaya nung dumating na si Lux sa Starbucks,
may ka dramahan na naman na naganap. Nag CONFESS na ako sa kanya. Pero di ko alam
kung bakit kong sinabi na kalimutan niya yung sinabi ko. Amfufu, talaga naman oh.

Day 40
Nasa-ospital ako. Medyo may arguement pang nangyari samin ni Redd. Damn, narinig
niya pala lahat na sinasabi ko. Bakit? She ran after me after I went out of the
room. I'm starting to love her.

Day 41
Okay na sana kami ni Luxelle. Kaso 'tong ex ko, she kissed me infront of Lux.
T___________T And I just don't want Redd for Lux! I know I can be the ONE!

Day 48
8 days kaming di nag-usap. Wala talagang nangyari sa amin ni Belle! WALA! I told
Lux to choose between us four. Ang dami kong karibal! Grrrrr. But she didn't
choose. T____________T

Day 49
I told her I won't quit unless it's the end of our game. I AM IN LOVE WITH HER!
Shoot.

Day 50
Okay na sana ang lahat. Perfect na perfect na yung lahat. But... she said goodbye,
and it broke my heart. T____________T OUCH. First kiss namin 'tong araw na 'to.
Kinikilig ako. HAHA. I don't know why, but after the stupid phone call... SHE SAID
GOODBYE. It turned my world upside down.

Naka naman! First kiss ha! HAHA. Shoot, ang haba naman nitong letter. Hindi na
letter 'to! Parang journal na 'to! Day 50 palang ako.

Teka, anong oras na ba? Bahala na. Tatapusin ko muna 'to.

Day 51
Argh, i don't know kung bakit, pero boyfriend na daw niya si Redd?! Pakshet naman.
Buti nalang nandito si Belle para magpanggap. T______T Hindi ko na makaya ang sakit
na sobra. T__________T

Day 52
I made her jealous.

Day 53
We watched a movie. I can't help but look at her. I can't help my feelings. I love
her so much. T________T

Day 54
I love her so much.

Day 55
I love her so much!

Day 56
Damn, I really love her.

Day 60
Mahal na mahal ko na siya!

Day 61
May pinaplano kami ni Sofia para sa 100th day namin ni Lux. Dapat 'di 'to malaman
ni Lux. But unfortunately, Sofia kissed me--and Luxelle saw it.

Day 62
Minahal na pala ako ni Sofia. Putek, bakit ganitong gulo pa?

Day 63
I only think about one girl everytime i go to bed at night. Si Luxelle lang yun!
Pucha.

The rest I won't write it out here. Hindi ko na kasi na-track out ang mga ginagawa
ko eh. You know what, I really really love Luxelle. I'm planning to give this out
to her sa 100th day namin. But for the mean time, eto iyong reason why I kept going
on with Andy:

She's helping me to fix some things. She's helping me--same with Ford and Sofia,
para sa malaking surpresa ko. But... I don't know if matutuloy iyon. Pero may
problema ako eh. Sa oras na di siya makarating sa seaside sa takdang oras, aalis na
ako. Kaya sana pumunta siya. Why?

I'm going to start. What? I'm going to start it. I will court her na. And I'll take
it as a 'permission' na 'yes sa pag court' if makarating siya. Kung hindi, aalis na
ako. Kasi pag di siya makarating--it means only one thing.

hangang sa laro lang talaga lahat nun.

________________________________________

After I read the last line, tears fell from my eyes. I looked at the clock, it was
already 10:50A.M. I hurriedly left the house, then nagtaxi na ako. Mangiyak-iyak
nga ako sa loob eh. Papano kung di ako makarating? Mawawala na ba ng tuluyan si Gab
sa akin?
Gab! Mahal na mahal kita. Sana naman mahintay mo ako.

Nakarating ako dun, it was already 11:30A.M. Wala nang Gab. Wala na siya. Wala na
ang lahat.

Iniwan niya na ako.

"Ano ba yan! Ang daya daya mo! May nangyari lang sa bahay eh! Tapos...tapos wala ka
na! Bakit ganun ka Gab!? Bumalik ka na Gab! BUMALIK KA NA!!!" Tumingin ako sa
dagat. Bakit ba lahat ng tao na malapit sa akin, kailangan pang mawala?
"Nakakainis ka Gab! Nakakainis ka! Kung sinabi mo lang sana ng mas maaga pa! Bakit
ka ba umalis?! Bakit kailangan mo akong iwanan! "

Kumuha ako ng bato, tapos hinagis ko sa dagat. Naiinis ako! Naiinis na naiiyak na
nanghihinayang. T____T "Bumalik ka Gab! Bumalik ka! Gab naman eh! Una si Redd,
iniwan na ako, tapos ngayon ikaw! Gab naman! Bumalik ka! Bakit mo ako iniwan?!
Mahal na mahal kita! "

Bigla nalang ako nagulat nung may nagsalita. Si Gab na siguro to! Salamat naman--
"Lux..."

"G-Gab!?" My smile turned into a frown. Umasa pa ako. Wala na si Gab, Lux! Wala na
si Mr. Game-Boy mo.. "Ano ginagawa niyo dito!?"I wiped my tears, then I sat at the
edge of the seawall.

"Lux... pabigay niya." Tears started to form in my eyes as I took the envelope with
both hands.

I hugged the envelope, then a tear fell from my eye. It hurt so much. Wala na siya!
WALA NA! Wala nang Gab. "Why didn't you guys tell me?" Why didn't they tell me?
They chose to keep this a secret from me? I thought they are my 'friends'?

"Si Gab ang may ayaw... he wanted to surprise you sana... but you--"

"Akala niyo hindi masakit para sa akin na nakikita ko kayo palage magkasama?!"
Damn! Excuses. I hate excuses. It hurts! Bigla nalang niyakap ako ni Ford. I cried
even more. "Bi..bitawan mo ako! Wag kayong lumapit sa akin! Ang dadaya ninyo!
Pinagmukhang tanga niyo ako! Ayoko na! " I stood up the pushed him lightly, then I
wiped my tear away. Tama, babalik nalang ako sa States. Tama! Haha. Babalik nalang
ako, para makalimutan ko lahat. Lahat LAHAT. "Babalik na ako sa States..."

"Bakit? Iiwan mo na kami?"

"Wala na rin akong rason na magpaiwan dito... I know you guys understand... Marami-
rami na ring masakit na bagay na nangyari sa akin dito... Kaya... Siguro, this is
for the better... So that... I could move on... He left, without even saying
goodbye... He left me clueless..."

Tumakbo ako, without knowing where to turn.Masakit talaga, sobra. Wala na yata
akong luhang iluluha pa. Damn, I never knew that loving was as hard as this. Bigla
nalang, I stopped when I heard footsteps. I looked back, then I saw Andy. She
looked--tired. "LUXELLE! TUMIGIL KA! WAG...ma..ma...maawa
ka...sa...sarili...mo...."

I started to run faster.

"Aalis na ako! Ayaw ko nang maniwala pa sa in--" Bigla nalang siya nadapa. I
stopped, then I neared her. I cried, then I helped her stood up. Masakit madapa no?
Parang pag-ibig rin. Kailangan mo munang madapa at maghintay ng taong tutulong sayo
para tumayo. Magagasgas iyong tuhod mo, pero mawawala rin naman 'yang sakit--as
time goes by.

Then bigla nalang, namutla si Andy. Gosh, wag naman sanang isunod si Andy.
"Ta...ta..tawagan ninyo...si..Gab...hindi...hindi...hindi
ako...makahinga...ta..tawagan niyo...siya..." I got her in my arms, then she smiled
weakly. Gosh, I know that smile. She handed me her phone, then she smiled weakly
again as she whispered. "I...i...ikaw..." I gave her a sad look, then I took it
hesitantly.

She started to look at me, then she whispered once again. "Please...don't
let...him...go...take...good care...of Gab...for...for...me." I hugged her then I
cried again. Bakit ba ang iyakin namin?

"How can I take good care of someone I never had?" My tears trickled down my face,
then she smiled weakly at me as tears started forming in her eyes. Naaawa na ako
kay Andy.

"No...you had him from the start..." She smiled again, a weak smile. Iyong smile na
palagi kong binibigay kay Gab. "Luxelle...you are very lucky." It hurt when I heard
that. I mean, kung mas masakit iyong nararamdaman ko--papano nalang kaya si Andy?
Mahal niya, hindi siya mahal, may mahal na iba, tapos pinakawalan niya pa. Tapos
she's so nice to me pa.

I looked at her, then I bit my lower lip. I smiled at her, then I hugged her so
tight and whispered. "Thank you... for everything..." She was smiling now, then I
started to dial Gab's number. My fingertips were shaking. My heart was pounding so
fast.

"Call him...tell him...I'm dying..." She whispered, then I saw her slowly closing
her eyes. Then, I nodded my head tapos..

"G-Gab... Andy needs you..." Masakit sa akin. Masakit ang marinig ko ang boses
niya. Masakit--kasi wala na siya sa tabi ko. Masakit, kasi.. ang tatanga naming
dalawa.

"Ah, ganun. Sorry,pero di ako makakauwi." He answered coldly.

"Ano? She needs you Gab! You must comeback here! She's dying!"

"Hindi noh."

Napatigil ako sa pagsalita, nung narinig ko si Andy.

"Lux...tell him you want him back..." I held her hand, then I gave her a worried
look. I feel sorry for Andy.

"What about you?" I asked her. Then she smiled as tears fell from her eyes.

"I'm okay." I can feel her pain. Damn it. I took a deep breath, then I started to
hold my tears.
"Gab... I need you back Please.."

"You need me? Look. Prepare nalang kayo sa Grad Ball niyo mamaya. Okay?"

It hurt me more.

Bakit ganun?

He doesn't seem to care.

"Gab, I won't go to the Ball."

Then, I heard him shout. "YOU MUST!" Napatigil na ako. Ngingiti na ako sana. Kasi
akala ko, kaya sinabi niya yun.. kasi pupunta siya sa Ball... pero, may
continuation pa pala ang sinabi niya.

"Kahit wala pa ako doon..."

Now, I admit, it hurt more.

***

________________________________________

Make up? Yeah right. Lipgloss? Whatever. Eyeliner? No thanks. Powder? COME ON! I
don't even feel like going to the Grad Ball. I know na hindi na talaga dadating si
Gab. I KNOW THAT! Kilala ko si Gab. Kapag sinabi niyang hindi, hindi. "Ayaw ko nang
pumunta mamaya " Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan ko, then I pushed the dresser slightly
forward para makalabas ako. Tumingin lang si Sofia na bihis na bihis na sa akin.

"Kaw talaga oh! Gab wants you to enjoy this night, kahit wala pa siya. Do him a
favor, Lux. Alam kong--"

"ANO? ANONG ALAM MO? ALAM MO BANG NARARAMDAMAN KO?TSS! " Nilagay ko iyong kamay ko
sa bunganga ko, tapos I pardoned myself. "Sorry naman, nadala lang ako. Alam mo
naman kasing... hindi ako sanay na wala siya sa tabi ko... "
Lumapit nalang si Sofia sa akin, tapos she hugged me.

Fastforward...

GRAD BALL.
"I used to wonder where I'm going and where I wanted to be.
Sit alone all shook up,waiting for my destiny.
Hearing songs on the radio,wishing that could happen to me.
Then when you came in the picture, then I knew quickly.
That we could build something so strong.
Expect the best for the future.
Forget about what used to be.
I need you here all life long"

*click to listen to BGM*

They were all happy. Dancing, partying. Sheessh. How could the world be so unfair?
Here I am, seated on one dark corner, crying out all my sentiments. I hate it. I
hate why I had to let go of him.

I hate myself. I hated the fact that I never had the chance to tell him how much he
meant to me when we were still together. Wait, were we really together? Whatever.

I miss his smile, his tears, his hugs, his kisses. The smile that could make me
smile too though I don't even want to laugh. The tears that rippled in my heart and
made me cry too. The hugs that makes me feel like I am in the most safest place
ever. Those kisses... the kiss that made my stomach tingle, and gave me butterflies
in my stomach.

So much for reminiscing, eh?

Damn, willl I ever hold his hands again?

The fingers that perfectly fits in the spaces of mine. The feeling that I felt
whenever I was with him, can never ever be replaced. I'd never find another him in
this world. He taught me how to love. Maybe that was only his role. Maybe he's my
karma. Maybe... maybe he only went in my life just to teach me how to love...
I suddenly had the urge to cry even more. He came in the picture, and I thought--
I'd never love him. But it's true. Opposites do attract. I never thought I'd ever
fall for him. I mean, at first he was all cheesy.

He's stupid, he's a two-timing jerk, he's selfcentered, he's arrogant. Sometimes
he's moody. He can be so cold at times, yet at times he can even sweep me off my
feet for just a second of uttering a sweet line from his lips.

Ghaddd. Why am I reminiscing? I guess I've never been this inlove. I've never been
like this before. The feeling of pain is crushing my damned heart. Maybe this is
the curse. The curse of being a player. But, swear. I've changed. Since the day I
met him. DAMN! Why won't he come back here?!

"Luxelle!" I thought it was Gab. But it wasn't. It was Ford. "Hey. I know how it
feels." He slowly sat beside me, then he gave me a pat on the shoulder. "You'd
never know how much that person's worth unless he's gone."

Ouch. Strike two. Sapul. That struck me. Tama nga si Ford.

"Sometimes. We can't really tell them how exactly they mean to us... It's just a
matter of choice. A matter of decision. A matter of persepective. A matter of
action." He took a deep breath and continued. "I don't know why I'm saying this
but. I know how much he means to you. I know how it feels. And I know what you felt
way before. You felt being taken for granted. But did you ever thought about his
side? He also felt the same way."

Huh? Hindi ko na siya maintindihan. Taken for granted? Self check. Tama. Guilty. I
felt as this alotta times. "To be honest with you Luxelle... I really disapprove of
the idea of this game. Why did you guys ever thought of playing it at the first
place?"

Times three.

Why did I ever thought of having him join this game with me?
"Ford... You know, I, myself don't even know the answer... But I guess at first, I
was the one who took him for granted. I wanted to play with his feelings. But in
the end, I was the one who played with my own. It sucks to even know that I fell
for this trap! Damn, I got so hooked with that game, and I was glad it's already
over... but..." My voice trailed as I searched for right words to match what's
inside my heart... "...but I'm also partly sad that it was over...because he's not
here... "

"Is it really over? Correct me if I'm wrong..." He took my hand, and he placed it
in his chest. "Take this one like I'm Gab...

how could something be over when you always knew that it was not over here?"

Now that really made sense to me. But.. I just don't understand. I'm still... sad.

WHATEVER!

"Let's go. Let's... let's party! Whoooohoooo!" I took the bottle of the beer and I
drank it up. Hinila ko si Ford sa dance floor, then...

then... then I saw Gab.

My world froze. I let go of Ford, and then, I ran after Gab.

I...I...I've been waiting for this...

"GAB!!! GAB!! MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA!!! MAHAL NA MAHAL... MAHAL NA MAHAL... " Bigla
nalang may napansin akong kamay sa mga braso ko.
"Luxelle, tahan na... wala si Gab... lasing ka na..."

Love can sometimes be like magic..

but sometimes... magic can only be an illusion.

"Pwede ba?! PWEDE BA?! NAKITA KO SI GAB EH!! NAKITA KO TALAGA SIYA! NAKITA KO
SIYA... NAKITA...NAKITA KO... "

Niyakap ako ni Sofia then she cried.

"Luxelle... hindi... hindi.... wala si Gab dito... nasa...

nasa ospital siya..."

***

________________________________________
*CLICK THIS PLEASE!*

"Ba--"

Bago ko pa matapos 'yung sasabihin ko, bigla nalang ako nasuka. Hindi ko na kinaya.
I really needed an explanation. Tama ba 'yung narinig ko? Teka, baka nga masamang
panaginip lang 'to. Pagkatapos mangyari yun.. Napahiga ako sa balikat ni Sofia.
Ang bigat bigat na nang lahat. Wala na akong lakas para lumaban pa.

"Sof... ano nangyari sa kanya? " I weakly asked with a hint of tears in my eyes.

"Walang may nangyari sa kanya... Si tita kasi niya... nanganak na! Oh diba?!
Bonggahin si Gab! May pamangkin na siya! "

Bigla nalang na parang may hinagis na frying pan sa ulo ko. Tama ba 'tong narinig
ko?! AKALA KO PA NAMAN KUNG ANO NA NANGYARI KAY GAB! Binatukan ko si Sofia.
"WALANG HIYA!!! "

She gave me a look. "Bakit naman?! Ehhh--"

Tumayo na ako, tapos, pinahid ko mga luha ko. I held my dress with my hands, then
pumunta ako sa may likuran ng paaralan sa may malaking orasan na parang yun sa
Cinderella. Tapos, sumandal ako sa may duyan, tapos... ano pa, kundi...umiyak na
naman.

Tama nga sinabi ni Ford. It's not yet over here... dito sa puso ko.
Hang-over lang siguro 'to sa laro namin. Malalampasan ko rin 'to. I don't need
Gab... FINE, I DON'T NEED HIM BECAUSE... BECAUSE I WANT HIM... AND THAT MAKES ME
NEED HIM TOO!

Putek. Ang sakit. Ang sakit sakit sakit. Eto siguro 'yung first time na may
occassion sa School na wala akong escort. Okay lang naman sana... pero... pero...
wala si Gab. Wala akong pakealam kung wala man akong escort o ano man yan... basta
ba, makita ko lang si Gab.

Napapikit ako ng mata, tapos, may tumulong luha mula sa kanang mata ko.

When I opened it, I saw Gab.

W-wait?! WAIT?!
Wala na akong sinabi pa, kundi... agad ko na siyang niyakap.

Finally, he's back...

***

________________________________________

"I didn't mean to do what I did to you..." He held me tighter in his arms, then he
kissed me on my forehead. My eyes started heating up. He looked at me in the eye,
and then he wiped the tears that fell from my eyes. "I love you so much, Luxelle
Aimee Smith..."

I hugged him tighter. I'm so happy. I just don't care about the world around me
anymore. I am in the safest place. I am with the one I love the most. What more can
I ask for? I never thought I'd ever fall for this stinky sh1t head, but I did. No,
I meant that stinky sh1t thing as a joke only.

Honestly speaking, Gab isn't my ideal guy. Actually Ford is. But, I never felt that
spark with Ford, I felt it only when I am with this Gab dude. No I know...

Love has no standards, it just comes unexpectedly...

and sometimes, with the unexpected person.

I stayed for awhile in his arms for awhile, and then, bigla nalang tumugtog 'yung
'Angels Brought Me Here'..

*click this!*

"May I have this dance with you?" He smiled at me, then he opened up his palm to
me, in a gesture of asking me for a dance. He smiled at me, then I took his hand.
"My pleasure, Gabriel Alfonse." He
mine on his shoulders. I stared in
I've missed this look. I've missed
"Gab." I started speaking. I don't
for us?"
placed his hands on my waist, and then I placed
his eyes, then I saw what I've been wanting too.
looking in his eyes. I missed him so much.
know, but here it goes. "So, is it really over

He didn't give me a word, but instead, he took my hand, and then he placed it on
his chest. "I mean... the game's already over...so...there's no more use of us
being together... " It hurt when I said that, but I just wanted to know his point
of view on this one.

He took me in his arms, then sumandal yung ulo niya sa balikat ko. "You never knew
how much I waited for this game to end...You never knew how much I waited for this
day to come..." I didn't know if he meant that in a negative or positive way... but
the only thing that matters here, is that he's here now...

and for sure, this time...

I'll never let him go.

________________________________________

"Love birds!" Nakahiga pa naman kami ni Gab nun sa may duyan nung bigla nalang
ginulat kami ni Sofia. At love birds pa talaga?! HAHA. tsk. "At last, Gab! Bumalik
ka na ring bakulaw ka! " Tumawa na lang si Ford, tsaka... nakita kong nakaakbay si
Ford kay Sofia.

"Ehem... ehe ehem... " Tumingin ako kay Gab, tsaka alam kong nakuha niya yung
gusto kong ipahiwatig, kaya nakisakay na rin si Gab.

"Oy, love birds! " Nag hi-five nalang kami ni Gab. Tapos, nung sinabi ni Gab yun,
bigla nalang kinuha ni Ford yung kamay niya sa balikat ni Sofia. Aba! Nahiya pa ang
mokong! "Nako... kayo ha... Ehe ehem... May namumuo na yata ah?"
"AHAHAHA! may namumuo na raw! Iwanan na muna natin sila. "

Tumawa kami ni Gab kasi sabay pa silang nagsalita. EHEM. HAHA! Umalis sila Sofia,
tapos kami nalang naiwan ni Gab. "Lux... " Biglang nag switch mood si Gab.
Siyempre, I kinda got worried eh. Amp. He took my hand, and then he held it with
his. Tapos, nagpatuloy siya sa pagsasalita. "Lux... hindi ako magcocollege dito."

Nagulat ako. Hindi ko alam kung malungkot ako o ano.

Mean to say ihihiwalay na naman kami ng tadhana? Wala na ba kami talagang pag-asa?

Yumuko ako at niyakap ko siya. Yung buhok ko nakacover na sa mukha ko. "Bakit ba
palage mo nalang akong iniiwan? " He hugged me back, tapos he lifted my chin up
and he placed the strands of my hair na nagcocover sa mukha ko behind my ear.

"Love has its own time, its own season, its own reasons for coming and going. You
cannot bribe it or coax it into staying. You can only embrace it when it arrives
and give it away when it comes to you..." Napaiyak nalang ako, pero mas lalo kong
hinigpitan yung yakap ko sa kanya. "I have to ask you a question. It's a good one
so think about it. If two people love each other, but they just can't seem to get
it together, when do you get to that point of enough is enough?"

"If I love him, I won't let it get
to not get it together, then maybe
the right time for them." I looked
took a deep breath... "when do you
after doing everything within your
yourself in the mirror and realize
to that point. If they love each other, but seem
that's only destiny's way of saying it's not yet
at him, and then a tear dropped from my eye. I
say enough is enough? the moment you got home
power to fight for his love, then you look
that you don't recognize yourself anymore."

"Good answer. But I have a better answer than that..." He smiled, then he started.
"When do you get to that point of enough is enough? I guess for me, when you love,
there's no such thing as 'enough is enough' but then, I will answer my question..."
He took a deep breath. "...the answer is when I ask you to be my girlfriend. Why?
Because it's all I ever wanted, and it's all I could ever die for. And I guess I
will be contented already... to have you as my own. Amp, ang gulo ko! "

Nanlaki mata ko. Ano raw sabi niya? "Ano sabi mo?"

"Sabi ko po, will you be my girlfrien?"

***

I said yes right away. Without hesitations nor doubts. Finally, we are officially
on. I threw my arms around him, and then I held his neck and pulled his head closer
to mine and then I gave him a kiss. He kissed me back and then he placed his hand
on my cheek and then he pulled me closer to his body.

I can feel him breathing on me. The moment felt so magical. It felt as if it was
our first kiss. It felt very romantic. Then suddenly, a drop of water fell on my
skin--it was rainingg already. I smiled at him, and then minutes passed by and then
we found ourselves soaking wet in the rain.

My make up mixed with the rain already, yet he didn't bother. He smiled at me, and
then he took a strand of my hair that was covering my eye and tuck it behind my
ear. I hugged him, and then we kissed again. This time, under the rain. "I love
you, baby." He was serious when he said that. Though before, when he used to call
me that agad akong nagagalit, but now... it felt, so great.

I wished I could freeze the moment. Everything was so perfect. Me and my prince
charming. Me and my BOYFRIEND--my real boyfriend,together--in each one's arm. Bigla
nalang may tumunog.

We just realized that the clock struck 12PM already. Basang-basa na kami pareho ni
Gab, kaya naisipan na naming pumunta sa locker room at magbihis.

Wala na akong damit, kaya ayun pinahiram ako ni Gab ng jersey niya. Sobrang luwag
pa naman, man! I looked so boyish. Tapos na ako sa pagbihis, kaya naisipan kong
puntahan si Gab, kaya lang... nakita ko siya--HALF NAKED (you know! only in his
boxer shorts. OMG! ).

My jaw almost dropped.

Is it just me? or is it getting hot in here?!

I covered my eyes with both hands, and then narinig kong natawa si Gab. "Lux, ayan.
Pwede ka nang tumingin. May damit na po ako. " He neared me, and then he placed
his arm around my shoulder. "Remember this day Lux... and the number 29. " Haha!
Abnormal na Gab oh. "So, ano gusto mong tawagan natin? Tatay chaka nanay? " He
said, playfully. Binatukan ko siya.

"Ang baduy naman! " He looked at me, and then he gave me the whatever-look. Aba!
Ang taray. "Wala nang tawagan tawagan, kahit ano nalang. Basta ba maganda lang. "

"Alien nalang. "

Binatukan ko nalang siya, kasi kung ano na yung pinagsasabi niya pagkatapos niyang
binanggit yung 'alien' thingy na yun.

________________________________________

Hindi natapos 'yung gabi namin dun.

Kasi po, umuwi 'yung 'rents ko, kaya pinakilala ko na si Gab sa kanila. Kinabahan
nga ako eh. Naka jersey pa naman kaming dalawa. Hinatid niya ako sa bahay, tsaka
ayun... Eto 'yung nangyari.

"Princess! How are you?! Oh my god! Why are you wearing---" Napatigil si mum kasi
bigla siyang napatingin sa gilid ko. I smiled at her, then she waved at Gab. "Hijo,
you must be Gab! Gosh, dear. You never told me he's cute! "
I gave mum a shut-up look and where's-your-manners-look.

She smiled, and then bigla nalang naging anghel. "Anyway, ikaw siguro 'yung
boyfriend ng anak ko. Welcome na welcome ka dito, tsaka doon ka nalang sa room ni
Luxelle matulog, tutal, pagod na siguro kayo. Goodnight!" Tapos nag bow si mum. Ano
siya?! Hindi naman kami Korean o Chinese o Japanese para mag bow bow pa siya ah!
Kakahiya talaga 'tong mum ko.

Umakyat na kami sa room ko, tapos napaisip ako. Bakit kaya niya ako pinayagan na
magpatulog ng isang lalake dito sa room ko?! Nako. Si mum talaga.

Humiga na kami sa kama, tapos...

sinandal ko yung ulo ko sa shoulder niya.

He hugged me, and then... he kissed me on my forehead, sabay sabi ng... "I've
always waited for this day to happen... I really really love you, Lux...

ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko hanggang sa harap ng altar... "

**

I suffered for 5 long years just for Gab to come back. I suffered for 5 long years.
It had been a long time since then, and I haven't seen him afterward. I'm now a
fresh graduate, and I'm now a movie director , and yes, at 21, tapos na ako sa pag-
aral.

Right now, I am with Sofia, and we are in our very own studio. Yes, we brought up a
studio, and we both own it. Wanna hear a story? I wanna tell you one.
There's this girl, she was once a player--she played with different kinds of guys,
bad guys, nice dudes, nerd ones, MVP athletes, younger kiddos, and even a cousin.

But then, everything changed when she met him--the kind of guy whom she never met
before. A guy whose cheesy, a guy who's stupid, a guy who's insensitive, a guy who
is unpredictable--and a guy who made her FALL in love.

He was just this typical guy-next-door, yet inside him, she saw something. He was--
everything she wasn't looking for. And then, he left her. She remembered once he
quoted something like this:

"What if someone comes into your life, only to teach you how to love but not to
love you? And what if you fell for him but he's just there simply to teach you a
lesson?"

They became couple, yet--TIME itself separated them. No, there was no breakup. But
she considered everything was over already. For 5 long years of being together,
there had been no single communication. But she swears, she still loves him. She's
still hoping, hoping and hoping--that he will come back.

But no. He's never coming back.

And I wonder if he still knows her.

I wonder if he still knows me, the her in this story.

________________________________________

"Ms. Luxelle, nandito na po 'yung script writer na si Riel hinihintay-hintay ng

lahat." You might be wondering kung bakit naghihintay kami ng director. Well, you
heard me right earlier right? I am a director--a movie director rather. I direct
movies for movies. And right now, were gonna have a rehearsal, and Sofia, being the
Theater Arts graduate--is our leading lady.
"Sure, give me 2 minutes." Pumunta na ako kay Sofia, tapos I gave them all a 2
minute break. "2 minutes break! Resume afterwards."

Pumunta na ako sa likod ng studio, sa may back stage, to meet this script writer
everybody said was good. Sabi kasi nila, sa States 'to nagtapos eh, so good raw ang
performance niya. May isang movie na raw siya na sinulat, and that movie went
really well and it was rated with 5 stars.

Binuksan ko na yung pintuan, tapos, I saw a guy wearing a cap, and it was covering
his face. He wore a polo shirt, and a maong pants. Hindi ko makita yung mukha niya
kasi nga, may sumbrero pa siya. "Excuse me, Mr. Riel?"

I called out his name. He immediately took off his cap, and then, I was stunned
with what my eye saw.

It was Gabriel Alfonse.

"It had been a long time since we saw each other. Finally, I'm back for good." He
hugged me, and then I cried. Bumitaw siya sa pag yakap sa akin after minutes, and
then he placed his hand on my cheeks and I felt my lips locked in his.

Finally I had the courage to talk to him once again. "Do you still feel the same
way?" I didn't know why I said that, but eventually, I was teary-eyed when I
blurted that out.

"Of course.. I even followed you here. Updated ako sayo, Lux." He placed his arm
around my shoulder, and then he neared my ear and whispered. "And guess what? I'm
planning to even give this movie a very significant title."

"What title?" I asked him. He looked at me, and gave me a wink.

"A title where everything started..." He paused, and took a deep breath. "Luxelle..
99TH DAY is the title..."

I had goosebumps when he said that.

I thought he totally forgot about everything. But, no. I was wrong. And in fact, he
even remembered that game we once played.

"We will put what we went through with our lives before all together in this movie
that we'll be making." [/b]

________________________________________
***

"Congrats! The movie was a job well done, guys!" Our producer gave me a high-five
and then he patted Gab's shoulder and gave him a big grin. "You're such a great
director, Ms. Luxelle!" He faced me and then he glanced at Gab. "And you are such a
talented script-writer! Our movie was one hecka top movie of the month!"

I just smiled, and then bigla nalang nagsalita ulit 'yung producer. "Lux, where are
you going? We're gonna have a celebration tonight! Gab, you better show yourself
later. I know you don't like such things as parties, but--dude, just like in a
basketball team, you're the playmaker--and without your script, we could've done
nothing! And you too, Ms. Luxelle. Such a great director! Thumbs up for you two for
a great partnership! Meet you guys at 9 eleven!"

Wala na akong sinabi pa, I just giggled and then I excused myself, kasi uuwi muna
ako. I'll just meet them later sa 9 eleven. Yung 9 eleven, isa siyang sossy na
night bar. Maganda yun dun, as in. Yung producer namin yung may ari nun.

Gosh, I don't even know why I feel this way but... I think I had the same feeling
that I once felt in my high school years. The feeling of being in love--and now,
everything's coming back all over again to me.

When I saw his eyes, and when I saw his face--everything flushed back to me like
the water in the toilet making a ripple and flooding all over in my mind. When I
saw him 8 months ago, it felt really--different.

I mean, the feeling that I once felt, became much more stronger. It became much
more unexplainable. I can sense... true love. Since we both loved quoting 'true
love waits' in our high school years. Haha. Enough said. Right now, I'm heading
home. You see, I'll be changing my outfit. Who would wanna go to a party in a
jersey, eh!?

Yes, I am wearing a jersey. Haha! Jersey and rugged shorts and a havaianas flip
flop. Crazy eh? I'm going to nose in my feet in a chuck taylor, and yeah, black
skinny jeans is my addiction as of now, and yeah, I grabbed a white sando, and put
on some add on bling blings.

Anyway, after that, I curled up my hair, and then put on some light make up and I
drove to 9 eleven.

Tumigil ako sa pag-drive nung nakita kong--parang walang tao. I looked at the bar,
it looked so--alone. I wonder if they set this time on private? Kaya siguro wala
masyadong tao? Ewan. I flipped my hair, and then I got out of my car, then...
pumasok na ako sa 9 eleven. "What the heck... Saan na ba yung mga tao dito?" I
whispered to myself. Damn! Walang tao. Naloko yata ako! But it couldn't be
possible, naman! Ano ba?!

Nakasara kasi yung ilaw, then silence arouse in the place. It even gave me
goosebumps. I hate dark places. I just don't like being in a dark place. Aalis na
sana ako, but then when I glanced at my left side, I saw a candle. And I knew then,
there was a person holding it. "Hello? Sino po yan? Andito ba yung mga taga ******
Studio??"

Silence.

Gawd, it's scaring me. Inulit ulit ko... hangang sa unti-unting umilaw yung dim
light, tapos... may spotlight na nag cover up sa akin. I was shocked. I stood
frozen there when suddenly, a guy wearing a mask knelt down before me. He bit the
stem of the rose between his lips, and then he took it, and offered it to me.

"This is for you."

And when I looked at it, it was...

A blue rose.

Unti-unting kinuha niya yung mask niya, then... I felt blood rushing over my cheek
when I saw whom it was.

"This is the 100th blue rose, Lux.."

100th blue rose? Akala ko ano!?--nagulat nalang ako nung bigla ulit siyang lumuhod
sa harapan ko, and then... may kinuha siya sa pocket niya.

It was a small box.

And then he opened it. Guess what's inside? It was...

A ring.

"Will you be my wife?"

Binatukan ko siya. Tumawa nalang siya, then he smiled at me. "Seriously, Luxelle.
Will you...

will you marry me?" I smiled, and then I threw my hands around him and gave him a
tight hug.

I nodded and then a tear dropped from my right eye.

"Now it's my turn to say this Gabriel..." I paused and then I smiled. "I have been
waiting for this day to come."

And then I cried. Tears that you call...

the tears of joy.

***

The Aftermath
^Epilogue~!

*click to listen to the music~!*

All scripts are written with an ending, but my story will never come to an end.
I've never been this happy, I've never been this contented, I've never been this
satisfied. Right now, my arms are entangled around the person that I love the most.
I stared at that person's eye, I could see pure joy. My stare went down to that
person's lips--they never had been that sweeter, and they get sweeter after every
kiss that we have.

Hindi ko inaakalang mamahalin ko ang isang BABAENG katulad niya. SERIOUSLY, she
never had been my type of girl. Who would want a PLAYGIRL? But, heck--I was wrong.
SHE NEVER WAS ONE. I realized that past experiences are the reasons of who we are
as of now and what we have had become--and I knew that her history is not that
good.

Luxelle's life is full of heartaches, struggles, trials, pain, suffering. But you
know what made me love her more? It's because of her endurance, her perseverance,
her patience, her BRAVERY, her courage... HER GUTS--her confidence. And that made
her more beautiful. I never thought that I'd fall for her. I thought it was just
one silly game, but hey...

have you ever thought that games could teach us memorable and great lessons?
Games could give us good experiences, bad ones, pain, wounds, sweats, tears,
laughter, smiles, and it could also test us, challenge us--and it could even give
us UNITY. It ould make us ONE. It could test the strength of the other, it could
challenge the mind of people, it could bring GREAT sacrifice.

And you know what? I learned all of these... in a GAME... A game called... 99TH
DAY. "No! It's supposed to be 100 DAYS you idiot!" I looked beside me and then I
saw a hand falling on my shoulder. OW! Sakit nun ah! You see, she never changed.
And she will always be my one and only, Luxelle Aimee S. Alfonse--until the rest of
my life...

"I love you hun. " I wrapped my arms around her, and then I looked deeply in her
eyes. She smiled sweetly, and then she neared her face to mine. When we were about
to kiss... Bigla nalang may sumingit.

"ARRRGGGHHH! ANO BA YAN!? PANIRA--"

Napatigil kaming dalawa ni Luxelle, and then tumawa nalang kami.

"Duudddyyy!! Mummmyyyy!!!"

I knelt down and then I placed both hands on her shoulder and I pointed my pointer
finger at her and then waved it. "No, no,baby. it's DAAAAA-DIIIIII, not dudi!"

"Dadduuu?? DADDAAAA!! DADDAAA! DUDIIII!!!!"

Bigla nalang tumawa si Luxelle, and then she kissed our daughter on the forehead.

"Hey dudi, I love you. "

Pasaway ka Luxelle. I ran after her, and then, napansin naming pumasok na si
Gabrielle sa loob ng bahay. She's only 3. And her name is the combination of our
names. While we were running after each other, I felt droplets of water falling on
my head.

"Hun. Can you stop?"

She looked at me, and then she stopped and raised her right eyebrow giving me that
what-the-hell look. I laughed, and I winked at Luxelle.

"I SAID CAN YOU STOP FROM RUNNING? "

"Why?"

"It's because I wanna kiss you." Nanlaki mata niya. Tumawa nalang ako. "I wanna
kiss you under the rain. "
She stopped and I walked to her, I placed my hands on her face as the rain dropped
heavier. She smiled, and then she whispered.

"And this moment will be sealed with a kiss.... BUT NOT UNTIL YOU COUNT from 1 to
99." She ran and then, I started counting.

"1...2...99!!!!"

"Ang daya mo! Pero sige... tutal... asawa na kita... halika dito.." She wrapped her
arms around me, and then kissed me without any hesitations.

She kissed me, having the 99th as the last number.

Hmmmmm.

Sealed it with the number 99.

I will love her, not just for 100 days, nor for 99 days...

But I will ove her... for the rest of this life that I have.
and by the way, it's Gab's POV, my own POV, my own story.
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