EPILOGUE

I used to be his gem, his valuable treasure.

He’s my wealth, my shade of gold.
I used to be his favorite song, his favorite beat.
He’s my favorite harmony, my favorite tune.
We used to be a poem, a lovely one.
We used to be a book, I’m his Elizabeth, he’s my Darcy.
We used to be close, emit sparks as we touch.
We used to be a match made in heaven, now we’re strangers apart.

I thought we’re close enough

I almost shatter your walls, almost had you
I thought we’re close enough
Yes, it was close…close as almost.

I lift my head to see the bright sky above me. I thought I’m done with writing but I just keep on
coming back. Well, I never hated writing. I hate how you’re always the person I write about, my
subject.

I closed my notebook and sighed. It looks like my break is over. I stood and walked towards the
door of the rooftop. When I reached the hallway, I instantly felt the stares of the co-employees. I
rolled my eyes and walked towards my desk.

“Hi Miss Amber!”

I didn’t bother answering and just opened my computer.

“Hey bes!”

“What is it Savannah?” I asked as I opened my emails.

“Have you heard the news?”

I didn’t bother answering Savannah since she’ll answer her own question anyway. I checked my
emails and opened the mail our head department sent me. He’s requesting the files that were
needed for the project proposal.

“Sis! Are you listening?!”

I squeaked as Sav yelled at my right ear.

“What the actual fuck Sav?” I annoyingly said and continue attaching the files.

“You’re not listening kasi!”

“I’m listening kasi” I lied, di nga ako nakikinig. Probably chismiss na naman yang sasabihin niya.
Muntikan na nga siyang may makaaway sa department namin dahil sa bunganga ng babaeng
‘to.

“Dylan is back daw”

“Who’s Dylan?” I absentmindedly asked as I was about to type a short message for Sir Logan.

“Your Dylan? Dylan Valencia? Remember?”

I fell from my chair when I got to comprehend what Sav said. D-Dylan?

“D-Dylan? He’s back?”

I felt my knees weakened and my hands trembling. I stared at the floor and was still
dumbfounded by Sav’s news.
“H-He’s back?”

I held my chest as I felt a struck of pain. Pain…pain again.

You caused nothing but pain, Dylan.
 CHAPTER ONE

“Excuse me po, saan po dito ang STEM building?” I asked to the stranger. We’re wearing the
same uniform, it looks like senior high din siya.
It’s my first day as a senior high school and my first day here in this new school. New school,
new people, and new environment. I used to study at a small school, yung tipong kakilala mo
lahat students.
In a few years, I’ll be facing the big practical world, I must be used to different environments.
“Transferee ka?” she asked smiling at me.
I nodded in response and held my bag tighter.
“Talaga?! Sama ka sakin, STEM student din ako. Tulungan kita hanapin section mo” she
excitedly said.
I flinched when she clung her arms to mine. She looked at me with such puppy eyes and kept
smiling. I smiled awkwardly.
“Let’s go!”
I just realized how BIG this school is. There were six four-story buildings in all, tapos may mga
maliliit pa na buildings.
“Grade 11 ka?” she asked while walking.
“Yup. How about you?” I asked.
“Wow, you’re speaking dollars. Yes, I’m fine”
“I meant the grade you are in” I explained.
“Yes bes! Alam ko. I’m just kidding” she said as she rolls her eyes. Wait…what?
“Bes?” For as long as I can remember, my name is Amber, and not bes.
“Yes bes na tayo ngayon. We’re here!”
I was about to point out the bes thing but it looks like nasa STEM building na kami. My section is
STEM E, I should look for it na. Mukhang malapit na mag start ang first period. I’m known for
being punctual at ayaw kong nali-late.
“Thank you for taking me here” I gratefully said.
“No big deal. What section ka ba?” she asked while smiling. I figured she’s a cheerful girl.
Kanina pa siya ngiti nang ngiti.
“STEM E”
“OMG?! We’re classmates!! Let’s go bes!” she loudly said. So loud na napalingaon ang ibang
students sa amin. I really hate attention.
“What’s your name?” she asked nang hindi na ako sumagot. How can I answer with all those
eyes staring at us.
“I’m Amber Tan, and you’re?” I introduced.
“I’m Savannah Claire Bautista. Let’s go at baka ma-late pa tayo. First day mo pa naman” she
happily said.
One thing I realized with Savannah is she’s very clingy and bubbly. She has a loud voice din
and ang cheerful. Parang di nauubusan ng energy.

Savannah took me to our section. When we came in, all eyes were on me. They might be
wondering who I am.
“Sino yan Sav?” tanong nung isang guy with glasses.
“Transferee natin Pres. Amber magpakilala ka” and suddenly I don’t know what to say. I felt
anxious with all these strangers—classmates staring at me.
“Guys hindi siya pipi. Bes! Pakilala ka na!” she repeated.
I inhaled and tried to calm down.
“Hi everyone, I am Amber Tan” I finally said while playing with my fingers.
“Hi Amber!”
“Welcome to STEM E!”
“Ganda pare!”
I heard different responses from my classmates that made me blush on my feet. They were all
accommodating at may nakikipag-usap agad sa akin. I feel welcome in my section.
“Hi Amber. I’m Harvey, the class president. If you need some touring sa school, you are free to
ask me” the guy with glasses said. I smiled at him and mouthed ‘thank you’.
“Dito ka upo Amber” she excitedly said and brought me to the vacant seat at the back.
I placed my bag and sat on the chair. Some of my classmates were still staring at me, and
smiling. I found it creepy but I replied with a smile as well. Ayaw kong isipin nilang I’m introvert
or snobbery, or what. While some of my classmates were doing their own business.
I moved my head towards my side and I flinched when I saw who’s my seatmate is.
He stared at me with his poker face and I found myself stuck on my chair.
“I’m Dylan, I’m sure you remember me” he introduced.
I felt all my blood rushing to my face. OMG! Ba’t classmate ko siya.
“A-Amber, and yes I remember you” I said and ignored his stares. I took my phone and put my
attention to it. Why? Bakit naging classmate ko pa siya? This will be awkward to both of us.
“I’m glad you still remember me,” he said and I found myself facing him again.
“I’m sorry about what happened. I didn’t mean to…uhm” and suddenly I have no words to say.
“To what? To ghost me?”
Shit.
 CHAPTER TWO
I was about to reply when the bell rang at nagsi-upuan na ang mga classmates ko. I didn’t
bother answering and composed myself. I was indeed taken aback by this guy but I don’t know
how to deal with him.
I placed my phone in my bag and took my pen and notebook.
I found myself smiling when I saw Sav at the front, she’s smiling and asking me if I’m okay. I
smiled at her and nodded. Sav’s a kind person, and I already like her.

The day went smoothly. I was introduced about, nine times, dahil sa mga subject teachers. I
have to say my name and they’ll keep on asking about my likes and interests. Minsan
nadadamay pa ang parents ko. But I understand na curious lang sila sa akin. Ganito pala ka-
hassle pag transfer student ka.
Other than those introducing sessions, I’m happy with how my day went. I already met everyone
and they’re all kind. And I thank Sav for bringing me along and touring me sa school.
I’m on my way on the school gate. When I was in junior high school, lagi akong sinusundo ni
dad but I told him na ayaw ko nang magpasundo. I don’t want to look like a kindergarten.
Marunong din naman akong magcommute, although hindi pa ako ganun kasanay. When I
reached the front gate, I looked for a jeep to ride on to. Minsan nauunahan pa ako dahil sa dami
ng students.
I was standing in the same place for, about 20 minutes already. Nauunahan kasi ako lagi and
ayaw ko namang makisiksik.
“Amber!”
I moved my head and search for the person calling my name.
My eyes widened when I saw Dylan walking towards me. and somehow I stiffened.
“You’re going home?” he asked and looked at me.
I stared at him and realized his looks didn’t change, he’s still breathtakingly handsome. Mas lalo
siyang pumuti, although maputla na siya dati pa. He got taller din. Well 1 year din naman
kaming di nagkita.
“Yup,” I said and decided to stare at my shoes.
“Halika ka”
Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang hawakan kamay ko at hilain. He came inside the jeep and he
motioned me to sit next to him. I sat and hugged my bag. I realized that he’s still holding my
hand. I felt something in my tummy and I can’t seem to act calm.
Ba’t di pa niya binibitawan kamay ko?
I just sat in the jeep with him and let him hold my hand for minutes. We’re so close with each
dahil may mga sumasakay pa in every stop. I can even smell his perfume, ang bango niya.
“Mabango ba?”
I flinched when he suddenly caught me smelling him. I don’t know what to say. And suddenly, I
found myself nodding at him. He laughed at my response and played with my hair.
“I’m just joking haha” he said between his laugh.

When the jeep reached my stop, I took my wallet. I stiffened when there is only five-hundred
peso bill.
I was about to ask the driver if may change siya sa pera ko when Dylan suddenly pulled me out
of the jeep.
“Hey, di pa ako nagbabayad” I said.
“I already paid. Halika na” he said and pulled me again.
I stared at our hands. He’s still holding my hand.
I caught people staring at us. Well, with Dylan’s look, he’ll definitely catch girls’ attention.
We kept walking…walking. Wait! Why is he here in my subdivision?
“H-How did you know where my house is?” I curiously asked. I can’t remember telling my
address nor taking him to our house before.
“When we went outing with Bella, sinundo ka namin dito” he explained.
Ahh…I remember. When Bella, which is his cousin, and my friend, invited me to vacation.
Sumama din mga barkada ko from junior high school. And that’s when I met Dylan.
“I remember,” I said.
When we reached our house, he let go of my hand. I don’t know but I felt sad when he let go of
my hand. Wait? What am I thinking?!
“Thank you for bringing me home. Sorry din sa hassle” I said.
“You didn’t change at all Amber,” he said as he stared at me.
Was that a good thing? Or a bad thing?
“It’s a good thing. I like how you’re still the same person”
I felt my cheeks burning.
“You didn’t change, as well, Dylan”
We spent seconds staring at each other.
“About what happened between us—“
“You don’t have to worry about that. It was all in the past. But we can still be friends…right?” he
said while smiling.
I don’t know but I felt a struck of pain upon hearing those words from him.
“Yeah, we can be friends”
 CHAPTER THREE

“Sali ka na bes” Sav said as she keeps on pulling my hand.

“I’m not interested,” I said and took my book. I’ve been reading classics, again and again. Di
talaga ako nasasawa sa mga works ni Stephen King, JK Rowling, and my favorite author of all,
Nicholas Sparks. I don’t know why but whenever I read Sparks’ works, it feels like it touched my
soul.
“Sali ka na kasi!”
I rolled my eyes and gave up the plan on reading my book. Di naman ako makaka-focus sa
trabaho ni Sav.
“I’m not interested with any club Sav” I honestly said.
I’m really not into such stuff. I’d rather spent my day, in my room, reading those books I recently
bought from NB.
“Just try to audition lang bes!” Sav said with her puppy eyes. Gross!
After few months after my transfer, I found myself being the bestfriend of Miss Savannah Claire
Bautista. Although she might be annoying sometimes…char always pala. Regardless of how
annoying she is…always, I love her so much and I found myself being comfortable with her.
“I don’t want attention Sav” I said as I placed my things in my bag. Vacant kasi last period namin
this morning kaya puro kulit lang pinaggagawa ni Sav.
I checked my watch at malapit na mag bell for lunch.
“Please audition ka na sa Music Club. Di na kita kukulitin” I can’t help but roll my eyes.
She’d been persuading me to join the music club. It started when she heard me sing sa bahay. I
didn’t know she’s coming and she caught me singing on the veranda. And that happened last
week, at one week na din niya akong kinukulit to join the club. Nakakarindi na, to be honest.
“Fine. I give up” After saying such words rinig na rinig ata sa buong building ang sigaw ni Sav.
“YASSSS!!! FINALLYYYYY!! LABYUUUU BEEESSSS!!”
Can I kill someone right now?
“Shut up Sav” I annoyingly said and took my bag.
“So bes, kelan ka mago-audition?” Sav said and took her bag as well. Mukhang nagutom din
ang gaga sa kakakulit sa akin.
“Maybe…I don’t know” I really don’t know. I can audition anytime naman since hindi naman
nagset ang music club ng deadline.
“Bes! Magjoin ka na agad!”
I ignored her and continue walking.
“Bes! Join ka na agad kasi!”
God.help.me.

It has been days since I agreed in joining the music club at hindi ako tinantanan ni Sav. Siya ata
ang interested sa music club samin.
I took my guitar and sat on the swing. It’s already 5 PM at wala ng tao sa playground. Kids on
my neighborhood probably are too tired to play na. Although mas pagod yung yaya nila.
I started to strum my guitar and I found myself smiling and stamping my feet.

I wish I could stand on a star.

I wish I could be where you are.
They say don’t you ever give up.
It’s so hard to…be something when you’re not.

But I have walked alone.

With the stars in the moonlit night.
I have walked alone…no one by my side.
Now I walk with you.
With my head held high.
In the darkest sky, I feel so alive.

I was about to sing the second verse when I heard someone clapped.
“Galing!”
I flinched when I saw Dylan walking towards me with this huge smile plastered on his face. He
handed me ice cream. It looks like he came from the convenience store.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as I took the ice cream. Yas! Cookies N’ Cream, my fav!
I placed the guitar on my lap.
“Natapos na kami sa paglipat ng gamit sa bagong bahay. I got tired with all the lifting kaya
napagdesisyunan ko na pumunta sa convi” he explained.
I nodded and ate my ice cream.
It was a moment of silence for both of us. What can we do? We love ice cream that much!
After finishing my ice cream, I face Dylan.
“Welcome to our neighborhood!” I said and smiled.
“Walang magnanakaw dito and your safety is guaranteed si—“
I stopped midway with my talking when he placed his thumb on my cheeks.
“Para kang bata kung kumain ng ice cream, and kalat” he said and continue wiping my cheeks.
I found myself dumbfounded and staring at him. He’s smiling…and he’s so damn handsome
right now.
“Yan! Maganda ka na ulit” He said and playfully laughed.
“Maganda naman ako lagi” I said and composed myself. Still trying to calm this abnormal heart
of mine.
“I didn’t know you play,” he said. And I realized it’s the first time he saw me holding a guitar.
Although we had a past, I never shared personal matters with him. Maybe that’s one of the
reasons we drifted apart.
I looked at my guitar. I received this guitar from my lola, which is the one who taught me to play
and sing. Always busy kasi sila mommy and daddy dahil they both have their work and career
kaya madalas akong naiiwan kay lola.
But it wasn’t a problem with me dahil lola treated me well. She bakes me pastries and we sing in
the garden. She also read me tons of books and told me dozens of stories. She even gifted me
a journal when I was nine. Since then, I started writing stories, poems, and songs. It was like
literature became my bestfriend.
“It’s a gift from my lola, she passed away last year” it was very hard for me and my family that
my lola has been living with a tumor. It was already years since she found out about her
condition, but she didn’t tell us. She doesn’t want to break our hearts. But losing her was more
than that, it was like dying.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said and stared at me.
“You don’t have to” I smiled and decided to strum this bitterness away.
And I’d give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You’re the closest to heaven
That I’ll ever be and I don’t wanna go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life
When sooner or late it's over
I just don’t want to miss you tonight

And I don’t want the world to see me

Cause I don’t think that they’ll understand
When everything’s made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

I stared at him while singing the last line.

I stopped strumming and placed my guitar on my lap. I can still feel his stares.
“You’re breathtakingly beautiful, did you know that?” he asked while staring at my eyes.
It’s already dark but Dylan’s eyes seem to shine. Emotions…his eyes express too many
emotions and staring at those pristine eyes…I feel lost. I feel lost with this abnormal beating of
my heart. And I feel lost with my feelings…for this handsome young man.
“I didn’t know” I replied after being silent for a minute.
“Now you know, you’re beautiful…breathtakingly beautiful”
And I found myself breaking my own walls.
 CHAPTER FOUR
I walked inside the music club room and as soon as I enter the room, stares landed on me. I
held my guitar and tried to calm myself.
I never performed in front of anyone except with my family…and Dylan. I’m not really used to
being the center of attention. I feel uncomfortable when people are staring at me. But if I want to
spend the rest of my school year in peace, I have to audition. This is all Savannah’s fault.
“Who are you?” a tall guy approached me.
“Hi, I-I’m Amber, I’ve already submitted my audition form and today’s my schedule” I tried to
stop myself from stuttering. If I’m already this bad with a conversation, how much more if I will
start performing.
“Oh! You’re Amber?!” a girl with short curly hair said. I blushed when I realized how pretty she
is.
“Yes,” I shortly answered. Kung hahabaan ko pa baka magkabulol-bulol lang ako.
“Hi Amber! I’m Cassy, the club’s vice president, and this is Conan, the club’s president” Cassy
said and introduced the tall guy who first approached me. I smiled at him and slightly bowed my
head.
“You can start”
I stiffened when he suddenly pointed to the small stage at the corner of the room.
Gosh! I’m too nervous to walk!
“You can do it bes!” I heard Savannah said from the window. Hindi kasi pwede magpapasok ng
hindi member or if walang business sa club. I nervously smiled at her and walk myself towards
the stage. I held my guitar.
Other club members, including Cassy and Conan, sat on the monoblock chairs and faced me.
It took me seconds to mentally prepare myself, parang bigla kong nakalimutan pangalan ko.
Thank God they were patient with me.
After calming myself, I started strumming my guitar.
When I saw Cassy smiling at me, I smiled back and all the nervousness drifted away.
Everybody loves the things you do
From the way you talk
To the way you move
Everybody here is watching you
'Cause you feel like home
You're like a dream come true
But if by chance you're here alone
Can I have a moment?
Before I go?
'Cause I've been by myself all night long
Hoping you're someone I used to know
You look like a movie
You sound like a song
My God this reminds me, of when we were young
Let me photograph you in this light
In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were
Before we realized
We were scared of getting old
It made us restless
It was just like a movie
It was just like a song

After finishing my performance, the sound of clapping echoes inside the room.
“GALING NG BESTFRIEND KOOOO!! WOOOOHHH!!”
And of course, magpapatalo ba ang pabida? I looked at Sav and smiled at her. As I placed my
vision on Sav, my eyes widened when I saw who’s with her…D-Dylan?
I-It’s Dylan…why is he here? I felt my heart skipped a beat when he smiled at me and gave me
a thumbs up. I lowered my head and tried to stop myself from smiling. This guy never fails to
give me butterflies. I think the whole zoo’s inside my stomach.
I jumped on my seat when I heard Cassy shout.
“OMG!! Kuha ka na!! You’re so good!!” wow, may second version pala si Sav.
“R-Really? Thank you, Cassy” I can’t help but smile at the news.
Akala ko I’m just doing this audition dahil sa pangungulit ni Savannah, but somehow, I find
myself thanking myself for auditioning.
“I like how cold and soft your voice is. I really like you na!” Cassy said and hugged me. I hugged
back and awkwardly smiled.
“Since you’re already a member of the club, I’m expecting to see you every Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday for practices and meetings” I nodded at what Canon said.
“And…you did great,” he said and left.
I stared at him as he walks away. D-Did he just complimented me?
“You did great daw!” Cassy said and winked at me. What’s that supposed to mean?

“BESSS!! I’M SO PROUD!!” I held my ear nang biglang sumigaw si Sav. May araw ban a hindi
sumisigaw ang babaeng to? Parang walking microphone.
I just smiled at Sav. I held my guitar and we started walking in the hallway. W-Where’s Dylan?
He was there when I finished my performance, ba’t bigla siyang nawala? I don’t know but I
found myself looking for him. Was he proud of me?
I just lowered my head and sighed.
“Bes, will you go to the mall with me?” Sav asked.
One thing I’ve learned from Sav is…she loves shopping. To be honest, it took her 5 hours to
finish shopping and I don’t have much time to offer right now. I need to work with my
assignments at madami ding binigay na projects ang sir namin.
“I’m sorry I can’t Sav. But I can come with you this Saturday” I offered dahil baka magtampo
sakin. May plano din akong bilihin sa National Bookstore.
“Yes! It’s a date then!” Sav cheerfully said. Mukhang bata!
“I need to go Sav. Susunduin ka ni Troy?” Troy is Sav’s boyfriend. Recently ko lang nalaman na
Sav’s dating. I’m starting to salute Troy’s patience, nakakarindi din kasi tong si Sav.
“Yup. See you tom bes!” Sav said and walked towards the opposite way. Mukhang sa school
garden na naman siya maghihintay.
I sighed and walked towards the gate. I don’t know but I felt sad today. I did well on my audition
and everyone congratulated me, but…he didn’t.
Naglakad ako patungo sa sakayan at naghintay ng jeep. Sa ilang buwan ko ng pagco-commute,
natutunan ko ng sumiksik sa jeep.
Nang may humintong jeep, agad akong sumakay.
When I reached my subdivision, binigay ko yung pambayad ko at bumaba na agad. I walked
towards the house with my head down.
Why did he leave early? I was supposed to be happy because he watched my audition but
somehow, I felt disappointed.
“Mabunggo ka nyan”
I just shrugged and didn’t bother lifting my head.
W-Wait!
“Dylan?!” I surprisingly said as I lifted my head. He smiled at me. Ba’t nandito siya sa harap ng
bahay namin?
“You seem down” he figured huh?
“I’m fine. Why are you here?” I asked. Baka may kailangan ang siya.
“I just want to give you this,” he said and place something on my hand.
My eyes widened when I save a Capo and a pick on my hand. It was a light rosewood capo and
a peach-colored pick. I gasp when I saw my name on the capo and a quote on the opposite
side.
“Strum and make my heart skip a beat”
I held my chest as my heart starts to go wild…again.
I lifted my head and I froze when Dylan’s just an inch away from me. H-He’s too close.
“I want to listen to your music every day Amber” he said as he stares at me.
I found myself smiling.
“You will…if you’ll remain close,” I said.
Confusion was visible in his hazel eyes. Just before he could speak, I moved closer.
I tiptoed and reached for his cheeks.
It was only a peck kiss but it feels like my body is malfunctioning.
And in an instant, my eyes widened…what did I just do?! WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST DO?!
Damn Amber! Nagpapadala ka ng bugso ng damdamin mo! Wow...that was deep.
I covered my eyes and ran towards the gate.
“G-Goodbye Dylan!” I shouted. I didn’t bother looking back, I’m afraid to see his reaction, and
I’m too embarrassed by what I did to face him.
I ran until I reached my room. I held my chest. OMG!! REALLY AMBER?!
I walked towards the window and had a peek. Dylan was still standing outside the gate. Was he
disgusted?
I stiffened when he moved his head and face in my direction, but I froze, literally froze! when he
suddenly smiled and winked.
Damn, I’m hooked.
 CHAPTER FIVE
I tried to hide my smile as I walk on the hallway. I kept remembering what happened yesterday.
I can’t believe I just kissed Dylan. Well, I don’t regret it anyway.
When I reached our room, I immediately searched for Dylan. It looks like he’s still not here.
Damn Dylan! You’ve been occupying my mind these past few days.
“Goodmorning bes!” Savannah greeted and approached me. I smiled at her and held her head.
She’s too short kasi.
“Wow! Good mood ka ata ngayon. May pa smile smile pa ang gaga!” Sav and her bubbly
mouth. I just rolled my eyes at umupo sa chair ko.
“What happened?! Share na bes!” Pangungulit ng gaga.
I smiled at her and told her the whole story.

“GAGA!! ANG LANDI MO!!” I immediately hit her dahil napalingon ang lahat sa akin dahil sa
sigaw niya. She made a peace-sign and smiled at me.
“I can’t even believe I did that” I honestly said, still remembering of what I did yesterday.
I squeeked and hid my face.
“OMG! You’re blushing!”
I remain hiding my face using both of my hands. I feel like burning.

“Goodmorning Dylan bro!”

I, instinctively, moved my head as I heard someone say his name. My eyes widened when he
entered the room…with a girl clinging on his arm. Who’s she?
Dylan caught my stares. I smiled at him.
I felt a sudden pain when he just ignored me and walked towards his desk.
“Where should I sit Dy?!” the girl asked.
Who is she?
“Hi! I’m Jace, the class president. Can you introduce yourself?” our president approached her
and the girl sweetly smiled. I stared at her as she walked towards the front. She got straight,
black hair. Maputi din siya at ang pula ng labi.
I held my lips.
“Hi everyone! I’m Zoe Sy! I’m from US, I just moved last month” she smiled at us and I heard the
boys scream.
Well, I can’t blame them, she’s so cute. She is.
I looked at Dylan and I flinched when I caught him looking at me.
There are so many things that I want to ask him. The kiss that happened yesterday, was it
nothing to him? and…why are you with another girl?
I took my bag and walked towards the door. Since may 30 minutes pa before the first period will
start, I should stay sa garden muna. I need some air. I need to breathe.

“Bes! Tingnan mo!” Sav said at ngumuso. I moved my head and saw Dylan and Zoe walking
towards the cafeteria counter.
“Let them be” why did I sound so bitter? Well…I feel bitter.
“Bitter mo naman bes!” Sav said and ate her sandwich.
Yumuko ako at pinaglalaruan ang pareho kong kamay. Why am I feeling sad? Everything…
these feelings…ended before. We’re just friends! We’re just friends Amber! What are you
expecting?!
“S-Sav…let’s go, please” I pleaded.
“B-Bes, are you okay?!”
I stood up and walked away. I tried to stop the tears from flowing…but I failed.
I walked as fast as I could habang nakayuko. I don’t want anyone seeing me in this state.
Nakakahi---
“What the!”
I bit my lip when I fell on the floor.
“I-I’m sorry. I d-didn’t mean to b-bump you” I said while my head down.
“Amber?”
I lifted my head and I saw Conan’s worried eyes landing on me.
“Are you okay?! Hey! Stop crying!”
My sobs worsened and I just closed my eyes and let all the tears out.
I froze when Conan suddenly hugged me. I lifted my hands and hugged him back. I sobbed and
sobbed…I just want this pain to go away.
“Shhh”
“Everything’s fine Amber”