Zen Sit Ized

8/12/2019 Zen Sit Ized

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ZENSITIZEDWhat if you met this person, she was all okay and friendly. At first you thoughtit would be impossible for you to like her more than you think. But as time goes by, you realized you liked her. More than that, you tried protecting her and every time you're with her you heart beats faster, but here comes fate.

You just have to be sensitized.

Both of you were only starngers passing by the corridors. You never looked at him, so is he. But one activity changed everything and you became interested abouthim. You just can't admit it but you really were. Would you admit it to yourself before fate ruins it? Or will you let it pass and live like before?

Sometimes you just have to be sensitized.Color Coding

Jara Marrise DeeMr. James Dee [step-father ni Jara]Mrs. Letty Dee [Jara's mom]

Chloe MontiverdeMitch Cruz

Zen AndrewsMr. Jack Andrews [Zen's dad]Mrs. Zusy Andrews [Zen's mom]Zara Andrews [Zen's younger sister]

Karl Cruz [brother ni Mitch][friend ni Zen]

Diane Dela CruzHave you ever dreamt of a perfect life with a complete family, somebody to loveyou and friend who'll support you thru out? I've been dreaming that since I wasa little child. My dad and mom was divorced 6 years ago and it was really hard to accept especially I was close to my dad but I can't do anything about it so I

accepted it5 whole heartedly. Yeah, I miss him so much but this is reality.

And now all I got are my bestfriend, my mom and Kean Cipriano! Asking who is Kean? The most loved vocalist of the band Callalily! Isn't he adorable? He makes meweak.

Jara!

Nagulat ako dun ahh. First off, I am Jara Marisse Dee. 4th year highschool and an out-going kid. I grew up in New Jersey and we transfered here in the Philippines last year. Wondering why my surname is Dee? It's because my mom married James, my 2nd dad, when I was 12. At start I don't like him but I saw that mom becamehappy and James gave us the love of a father.

I have two bestfriends, Chloe Montiverde and Mitch Cruz. They we're the ones whoteached me tagalog, I mean I knew the language of course but I sucked at it before. Now? I kinda get it. Haha!

Day-dreaming again sweetheart?

Sinabi mo pa. That's her everyday routine! Snap out of Kean girl. Ang dami-damimong suitors oh. You can't live in a fairytale forever.


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After nyang sinabi yun, she slamed my locker at ginit-naan nila ako. What's wrong with day-dreaming? And I don't need a guy you know. And yes! I am still youngfor guys or whatever they call it.

Stop it already, let's just buzz out and enter Algebra.

We started walking and as usual we're chatting. Nung malapit na kami sa room, wesaw this guy rushing.

Ouch!

Tiningnan namin yung guy and guess what? Wala lang namang sorry or "let me helpyou". WATCH WHERE YOUR GOING! Clumsy dude! Good thing I don't cuss or else! Uggh!

*END OF JARA'S POV*

ZEN! GUMISING KANA NGA!

Aga-aga heto nanaman tayo. Oops! Wait! Ako nga pala si Zen Andrews. Yes, half-american and the rest is Filipino blood. I live with my mom, dad and of course, siZara, ang younger sister ko. Actually third year siya at fourth year naman ako.

OPO MA, MALILIGO NA!After taking a bath, bumaba na ako. Kung di, baka akyatin pa ako ni mama. Ganyankami dito sa bahay, sigawan pero walang sakitan. Ganyan lang talaga kami magpakita ng concern.

Morning pa, ma. Nagbeso naman ako sa kanila. Hey Zar!

Kumain kana at malalte na kayo. May kailangan ka bang bayaran sa school or ano pa man? Sabihan mo na ako ngayon dahil..

hinug ko agad si Mama bago pa man nya matapos yung sinasabi nya.

Ma, kaya ko na yung mga extra payments ko for projects. Keep the money na lang!Una na kami ni Zara. Pa, una na po ako.

Sige hijo. Zara magingat kayo ng kuya mo ha?

Nagmano naman ako kay Papa bago pa kami umalis. He may be an American citizen but he lives like a Filipino at magaling rin yan magtagalog. Syempre! Nagjeep na kami ni Zara papuntang school dahil walang time si Papa maghatid ngayon.

Oh, ingat ka ha? Eto baon mo oh!

Kuya, sobra sobra to ahh.

Ibabalik nya sana yung extra kong binigay pero di ko na tingangap. Nagwave na lang ako at umalis na. Shoot! Late na ako para sa Physics. Tumakbo na ako ng mabalis papunta sa classroom namin. Shoot! May naka harang pa sa daan, and guess who.Sila Jara nga naman.

Ouch!

Nabangga ko si Jara pero wala narin akong time para balikan sya at magsorry. Sensya na lang.


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WATCH WHERE YOUR GOING!

Well, I didn't planned to bump into her. It was a total accident. Bahala na nga.Dumating na ako sa room namin bago pa man nagbell at dumating ang teacher namin. Saved by the bell!Pumasok na ako at umupo na.

You just have to be sensitized.*ZEN's POV*

Pagkapasok ko sa room, nagulat ako dahil ang ingay. Usually, tahimik ang classroom dahil nag-aaral pero ngayon mukhang busy ata.

ZEN! Thank God you're here. The plan for the float failed! Dinicline ni Ma'am dahil mali ang format at theme ni Martine!

Yan si Diane Dela Cruz. Classmate ko at class-President namin. She's talking about the Festival float na project namin for Tech Arts.

Diane is an admired girl. Kahit sino magugustuhan sya dahil di lang maganda, matalino pa. Samahan mo pa ng good traits like responsible and friendly. Kaya nga lang lahat ng nanliligaw sa kanya eh basted, studies first kasi ang motto nya.

We need this before 3rd period starts Zen! I need your help.Tiningnan nya ko sa mata ng mabuti at nagnod naman ako.

Need this before 3rd period? I'll give it to you before Physics end.

Pagkasabi ko nun saktong dumating yung Physics teacher namin. Habang nagdidiscuss sya ehh ginagawa ko na yung sketch ng float namin.

Dude, makinig ka muna. Mamaya na yang sketch.

Nagpromise ako kay D na before this period ends tapos na to. Nakikinig naman akoah!

Palibhasa para kay Diane.

Shut up!

Yan ang long time friend kong si Karl Cruz. Di naman kami bestfriends, di rin aloof. Close friends would be the right term for the both of us. Alam nya lahat saakin. Kung paano magalit, paano patahimikin at mga bagay bagay pa.

Mr. Andrews, what is electricity?

Naka taas kilay pa to si Ma'am Lacarma, ang aming mahigpit na teacher. Siya ngalang rin ang kinakatakutan ehh. Matanda na kasi! Haha.

Electricity is a general term for the variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. Together with magnetism, it constitutes thefundamental interaction known as electromagnetism. It includes many well-known physical phenomena such as lightning, electric fields and electric currents, andis put to use in industrial applications such as electronics and electric power.Nagpause naman ako.Any other questions Ma'am?

No, you may seat down.


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After nyang sabihin yun ehh bumalik na sya sa harapan at may sinulat sa blackboard. Tinawag ko naman si Diane, humarap rin naman sya.

Here's the skecth. Final details na yan at may labels na at materials sa lahat ng gagamitin. If you have any problems sa design, confront me.

Kinuha nya na yung papel at tiningnan. Nagnod naman sya at nagthumps up. After nyang makuha ang papel, sakto naman ang pagring ng bell.

Sus! Nakasagot sa Physics dahil inspired sa mahal nya. Siniko naman ako ni Karl.Aminin mo na kasi.

Tumigil ka nga, nag-aral ako noh and one more thing.. A promise is a promise pare. Di ko rin pwede aminin sa kanya na may feelings nga ako sa kanya. Alam mo yun!

Dahil ba...

HOY ANDREWS! WE'RE NOT OVER YET!

Mang-gugulo nanaman kayo? Wag dito.

*JARA's POV*

Tara! Canteen tayo, let's have orange juice Jara!I'm allergic to orange, remember?

Uhuh! I am. Weird noh? Pero sabi ni mom I got it sa father's side raw. Wow! That's amazing.

Mitch, alam mo ba sino yung naka banga kanina kay Jara?

Nagnod naman si Mitch. You know him? Who's the unpolite moron then? Di talaga mapigilan ng mouth ko na di makapagsalita ng negative about that guy.

Friend yun ni Karl. Si Karl, kambal ni Mitch. Oo! Kambal sila.That was...HIM!

Bigla nalang tinuro ni Mitch yung guy na nakikipagsuntukan. Wait! Si

Zen Andrews ang naka banga sa akin?Ok here's the sitch! Zen Andrews is my childhood friend. Dati madalas siya at ang mom nya sa bahay. Parati nalang yan. May pinaguusapan sila ng mom ko with my dad. Actually I never met my dad. Yeah, nagdivorce sila ni mom and that was it! Inever heard a thing again about dad. Nakikita ko lang sya sa pictures nila ni mom at nakaka usap sa telephone.

When I turned eight, nagstop na bumisita sila Zen sa bahay namin. Sabi ni mom, umuwi na sila ng Philippines. And now? Heto ako naka tunganga sa kanya. After 8 years nagkita na uli kami.

Bakit ka ba nakikialam sa away ng may away? What do you care about boy stuff Miss shimmy-shimmy lip gloss barbie?

Shimmy-shimmy lip gloss barbie? How dare he! Tinaasan ko sya ng kilay. Ang kapal! Di naman to ganito dati ehh.


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As a member of the Student Body Organization I have the right to stop that fight!

Anong papel mo sa SBO? Muse? What do you talk about sa meetings? Make-ups? Humakbang sya palapit sa akin at nilapit yung mukha nya at nagulat ako dun ah! Nail polish? Nilayo nya na ulit yung mukha nya at umiling-iling. Waste of time.

Tumalikod naman sya at naglakad pa alis. Nilapitan naman ako ni Chloe at Mitch but Karl, grabbed Mitch's wrist.

Teach your friend not to join boy fights ok?

Teach your friend how to respect girls first.

Kambal nga sila pero sa ugali? Super magkaiba. Close naman daw sila dati according to Chloe pero nung nagka girlfriend si Karl, ehh nagkaroon sila ng gap. Maybeit was because Mitch thought na sapat na silang dalawa para mag-enjoy pero nakahanap ng "first girlfriend" ang kapatid nya.

We're having PE class. Tara!

Naglakad na kami papuntang locker para magpalit into PE uniforms. WHile we werewalking, maraming nag-Hi sa akin. I don't even know them but to be polite, I rep

ly. Nung nasa locker na kami konti na lang ang tao dahil nauna na sa field.What are gonna do today nga?

Soccer.

WHAT?!

Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Mitch at Chloe. Nagnod lang rin naman sila. Lumabas nakami ng locker at instantly pumuntang field. Pagka labas namin na feel ko agad yung init sa mukha ko. My god! The heat of the burning star, called sun.

Nung tuminging-tingin ako sa paligid, napansin ko na dalwang sections pala yung

nasa field. And guess what? Section nila Zen.The hell? Why are they here? Tumingin naman ako kila Chloe.

Sabay ang PE class natin but we have different teachers. Didn't you know that? Umiling lang ako. Malay ko ba klase pala nila yan. Mag-three-three months na angklase natin Jara, you still don't memorize our sched?

Hey hey. I know our sched but theirs? Tinuro ko naman yung other class. Hell I care!

*ZEN's POV*

Pare, bakit pa nagkalayo kayo ni Mitch? Alala ko pa dati close na close kayo ehh

. Was it all about Maredette?

Maredette, ang first girlfriend ni Karl na sa tingin naming lahat ay nagcause ngpagkakaroon ng gap ng kambal.

Ewan. We just felt ilang after kong sabihin sa kanya ang about sa amin ni Mare.Tapos nung sinabi ko na break na kami after a few weaks mas lumayo sya sa akin.Ewan ko talaga dun. Napa tango nalang ako. Tara! Labas na tayo, kasabay pa namandin natin ang section nila Jara.


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Pagkasabi nya ng name ni Jara iba yung na feel ko. Parang ilang na ewan. Fine! Si Jara ehh childhood friend ko at close si Mama sa mom ni Jara. Pero when I turned 8, lumipad na kami ni Mama dito sa Philippines at naiwan sila doon. After that, never heard about them. Last thing I knew is last year, new student sya ditoat iba na yung apilido nya. I forgot her old surname pero sure akong hindi Dee yun.

Tol, they'll have soccer! Nakakatawa isipin si Ms. Muse sisipa ng bola.

Tumawa naman kami ng malakas. Inaayos lang namin yung Fiest Float ng section namin dahil na approve yung details and ideas na ginawa namin.

Hey Zen! Tumayo naman agad ako at ngumit kay Diane.Thanks nga pala for helping the class join the Fiesta Float.

Ano ka ba, okay lang noh. It was also my responsibilty D.

Hey Diane!

Hey girls.

If your asking bakit sila magkakilala nila Mitch at Diane it's because sa Student Body Org. Yeah. V-Pres si Diane dun and hard to say, ang tinatawag namin na Ms. Muse na si Jara... ang president.

Jara, ang pula-pula mo ah?

Paalis na sana ako nun pero narinig ko na lang ang isang malaking blag. Pagtingin ko, nahimatay si Jara. Ang pula-pula nya at ang init ng katawan nya. Nilapitanko agad sya at binuhat papuntang clinic. Syempre bilang childhood friend,

I also care.Pagka-pasok ko sa clinic nagulat agad yung nurse dahil buhat-buhat ko si Jara. Ang pula-pula pa nya that time.

Susme! Anong nangyari hijo?

Nahimatay ho dahil sa init. Allergic po kasi sya sa araw. Namumula at nanghihinaho sya pagsobrang naiinitan.

Marami ka atang alam tungkol sa kanya? Sige na ilapag mo sya rito at paki kuha yung id nya.

Ho? Kunin yung id nya? Kayo na lang po. Nakapulupot ho sa leeg nya ehh.

Nahiya ka pa. Girlfriend mo naman sya dba? Ikaw Zen ha, nagbibinata ka na.

Nagulat ako sa sinabi ng school nurse. Napatingin ako kay Jara na parang naka tulog lang ng mahimbing. compared kanina, di na sya gaano mapula at bumabalik na ang normal nyang kutis. Maputi at mapula ang labi at pisngi. Mana sya sa mom nya.Di ko alam kung kamukha nya ang Dad nya dahil di ko pa naman nakikita.

Pero siya? Maging girlfriend ko? Puh-lease!


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Heto! Isulat mo dito yung pangalan, section at kung bakit sya nandito. Sasagutinko lang yung telepono at kukunan ko narin sya ng cold compress. Alam mo naman yan Zen dba?

Tumango lang ako. Kilala na ako dito sa H.S Clinic dahil nagtratrabaho ako ditopag Friday's. Minsan pa nga may Saturday ehh. Junior Missionary President ako atnapili kong mag-OJT dito sa H.S Clinic. Yung iba naman na assign sa iba't ibangwork-ed na nagdidiscuss about sa mga Fil-Tribes.

Sabi nga ni Papa ehh papayagan nya ako dito mag-OJT pero sana raw wag ko seryosohin ang pagiging temporary "school nurse" dahil wala syang balak pag-aralin akong nursing. Ayoko rin naman ehh. Ang gusto ko? Di ko pa alam. Basta as of now, mag-eenjoy nalang muna ako.

Napatingin ako uli sa id ni Jara at napansin ang kanyang picture. Napatawa ako,paano ba naman naka peace sign sya sa school id nya. Bihira lang yang ganyan napinapayagan. Meron bang bar pin na butterfly shape sa id strap nya. Napaka-kikay. Girls. Tssk.

Jara Marrise.... Dee.

Bakita kaya napalitan ang apilido nya? Napa shrug nalang ako nun.

Hijo, heto ang cold compress. May emergency meeting ang faculty kaya maauna muna

ako ha? Dadating na rin yung mga kaibigan niyang nobya mo. Sumama naman tinginko sa school nurse noon. Wag mo muna sya iiwan ha? Sige.

Umalis na sya nun at nag-bang nalang ang pintuan. Ang lamig ng compress, nasobrahan ata to sa temperature. Naghanap ako ng bimpo sa loob ng clinic pero lahat basa kaya kinuha ko na lang ang panyo ko sa bulsa at binalot ko naman ito sa compress. Pagkabalot ko nun ay agad na nilagay ko sa forehead nya. Gumalaw pa nga syapagkalagay ko nun ehh.

Mga 30 minutes eh dumating narin yung kaibigan ni Jara.

Zen, is she okay?

Oo naman. She just fainted because of the sun's heat. Didn't you have any idea she's allergic to the sun? Didn't you saw her becoming red as a tomato?

Nope. We were against their soccer team. Thanks for bringing her here and takingcare of her.

Tumayo na lang si Zen and asusual, earphones are stuck once again to his ears. Isa pa to eh! Isa't kalahting wierdo!

Mmm.

Gising na sya Mitch!

ZEN! Napatigil ako nung narinig ko si Mitch. Thanks ulit! And please tell my brother to stop being a faggot.

Magkagalit parin nga talaga sila.

*JARA's POV*

Mmm.

Gising na sya Mitch!


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ZEN! Si Zen? Andito? Bakit? Thanks ulit! And please tell my brother to stop being a faggot.

Anong nangyari? Shoot! Ang lamig ng forehead ko! Ano ba to?!

Pagkakuha ko nung cold compress dun ko lang napansin na nasa clinic pala ako. Atnapansin ko rin na panyo ni Zen ang naka balot sa compress.

You fainted Ms. Allergic-to-Sun's-heat-that's-why-you-turned-red! You never toldus that fact, pero bakit alam yun ni Zen? Huh? Jara?

Tiningnan ako ni Mitch at Chloe ng masama. Di ko naman pwde sabihin na childhoodfriend ko sya dahil mas magtatanong sila tungkol dati.

Dba nag o-OJT sya dito? He should know the symptoms. Nice one Jara! And one morething di ko naman din alam na aatake pala uli tong allergy kong ito. It was ages since the last time na nangyari to.

Nakatingin parin sila sa akin na para bang nawiwirdohan at nagtataka.

That's enough! Tara na nga.

Hey hey. Not so fast! First off, early dismissal dahil faculty meeting. Second i

s you have to return the hanky and say thank you kay Zen.No problem. Mitch, pahingi naman number ni Karl oh. Sabihan ko na bigay nya kayZen yung hanky at dba-

Personally Jara. Personally.

Personally? Me? Zen? Thank You?

NO WAY!I can't! For Pete's sake it's been 8 whole years since we last saw each other until now. Bigla na lang kami nagkita at yeah, we talked kanina pero the worst part is we fought. Now I have to say sorry? I can't!

May klase sya ng 2:15 sa Art Department and it ends at 3:30. May klase ka din ng4:00 sa Art Dept dba? So you don't have any excuses Missy! Alam ko pag di ka pumunta. You better go!

But--

No buts Jara. This is just once.. once!

Napa-yuko ako nun. Yes! This is just once. No other time but today. Only today!I can do this.

3:35pm. Art Department, room 302.

Gulp! Here I am, standing infront of room 302. Photo class? I never knew Zen wasinterested in picture takings or whatever they call it. Matagal-tagal rin akong


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nakatayo dun. Ewan pero di ko magalaw ang feet ko and slowly now, goosebumps are coming out.

AIYO! I CAN DO THIS!

I started walking papunta sa door. Kakatok na sana ako pero...

D, aminin na natin sa kanila.

Aminin? D? Alam ko boses yun ni Zen pero sino kausap nya? Tama! Merong open glass sa kabilang side. Unti-unti akong lumakad papunta dun. And to my fright, si Diane Dela Cruz pala ang kausap nya.

Hindi ka ba napapagod maglihim? Kahit nga kay Karl di ko sinabi ehh.

Di naman kita pinagbawalan na sabihin kay Karl ah? You know we can't tell others. If ever my parents will know about this ish, dadalhin nila ako sa States. I don't want it there Zen! And one more thing, reputasyon ko ang nakasalalay dito! Iwasted alot of my time to gain these awards and trust and I don't wanna lose itbecause of one relationship.

Relationship? So it means sila nga. That was a shocker! I never had an idea about that. Wala nga sigurong may alam.

Now, if nahihirapan ka na. Let's end this!NO! I'm sorry, it's just na nagseselos ako when boys are around you. Nagseselosako Diane!

Do you think you're the only one who is suffering? Of course not. Zen, please understand me too. SBO member ako and it's my job-

Napatigil si Diane sa pagsasalita dahil niyakap sya ng mahigpit ni Zen. Hindi koalam kung umiiyak ba silang dalawa or whatever. Basta nararamdaman kong mahal na mahal ni Zen si Diane and vice-versa of course.

I won't let you go Diane... I won't.

4:15pm. Art department, room 305.

I won't let you go Diane... I won't.

Those words kept playing back and forth sa utak ko and I dont know why. I'm herein my Art class, Portrait painting it is. Di ko rin nabalik ang panyo ni Zen dahil sa nagbell na agad before pa man sila lumabas and I really can't be late saPortrait painting class ko. My teacher is strict.

Ms. Dee! What is the definition of portrait?

Told yah she's strict. Napaka talas pa ng boses.

A portrait is a painting, photograph, or other artistic representation of a person or object. Portraits are often simple head shots or mug shots and are not usually overly elaborate. The intent is to show the basic appearance of the personor object, and occasionally some artistic insight into his or her personality ofa person. Napa hinga ako ng malalim. Any other question Ma'am?

None, you may take your sit. As I was saying, you are going to paint a portraitof somebody special in your life. It could be your father or whoever. I want theportrait before the Holiday Break.Tumalikod na sya nun at nag simulang umingay


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ang klase. NO PORTRAIT PAINTING NO FINAL GRADE! COMPRIS?

Oui Madame!

Yun na lang ang nasabi namin. Our Art teacher is also our French teacher that'swhy. After nung Art class ko dumeretsyo ako sa Student Body Org room para magcheck ng informations or whatever. Pagpasok ko, nagulat ako at nandun silang lahat.

Oh? Wala naman tayong meeting ah. Any problem?

Jara, the Principal have some words for you. Nandun narin si Diane, hinintay ka.

The principal? Pati rin si Diane? Bakit kaya? Kumatok muna ako at may nagbukas naman. Pagtingin ko sa loob nagulat ako at nandun si Zen pati si Karl.

Good Afternoon Ma'am.

Yes Ms. Dee. Have a sit. You maybe wondering why I called you guys, also you two. Tinuro nya si Karl at Zen. It is because I want you guys to assist and plan for the Holiday dance which is 2months from now. I know it sounds early but it isbetter to start now than later. So, are you all okay with it?

Nagnod naman kami lahat. I'm used to work with Diane naman so it'll be easy. Nagsmile naman si Diane sa akin pero biglang napatawa ng mahina ang Principal namin

.No dear, you will be working with Zen. And you Diane, with Karl.

WHAT?We're gonna work together?What? I'm gonna work with him? Ma'am I think it would be better if I will work with Ms. Dela Cruz because I'm find myself extemely comfortable wokring with her.Right? Pagkasabi ko nun lumingon ako kay Zen.

Yeah. What she said Ma'am.

No, my decision is final and this is for the better part of the Holiday Party. U

nderstood?

We all nodded pagkatapos lumabas na kami. Ewan ko pero dismayado ako sa naging desisyon ng Principal namin. I mean all my years in service sa SBO ngayon lang ako makakapagtrabaho with a boy... and worst? With Zen.

Everything's gonna be alright Jara! Hinawakan ako ni Diane sa shoulders. Kung alam nya lang na na may idea ako about her and Zen but of course I can't and I won't tell it. Aiyo?

Aiyo! Huminga naman ako ng malalim nun. Hey Andrews!Lumingon sila ni Karl sa amin ni Diane. 5 pm sharp. Art Department, 305! After kong sabihin yun umalis na ako at agad agad na sumukay sa car.

Hey dad!

Hija. Dad gave me a hug. Are you ready for thursday?

Umayos ako ng upo sa car. Thursday? Ano nga bang meron sa Thursday? OMG! Dad I can't attend Miriam's debut. I just got a new Holiday project Dad. Sorry!

It's okat dear. I understand. By the way your Mom's gonna be back tomorrow. Maymeeting siya ngayon ehh. So it's just gonna be you and me kiddo! Niyakap naman n


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ya ako. Told yah he's the best dad! ;]

Thanks dad! But can I request something? Nagnod naman sya. Portrait painting pokasi Holiday project namin, can I... Uhhm. Paint my real dad?

Tiningnan nya ako tapos nagsmile naman sya. And of course it means yes! That's why I love my family! Haha.

**

Nung morning, dumating naman na si Mom and I told her about the Portrait painting thing and she also agreed. Ngayon, nandito na ako sa school. Marami-rami narinang tao at maingay narin.

Marrise! You just have to know this.

You didn't Chloe! You called me Marrise out loud and you know I hate that nick of mine!

Why girl? Ang ganda nga ng Marrise ehh. So catchy!

Thank you but I prefer Jara instead. Hey Mitch. What's the sitch?

Nagtinginan muna yung dalawa bago may nagsalita pa. You don't want me to repeat

it. Nagback-off ako at tinaas ang kilay ko.Okay. Okay. My brother spoke to me. Just this morning!

Really? That's a shocker! Anyways, I have a new project for the Holiday Dance. And great! I'll be working with Andrews.

Naglalakad parin ako nun. Di ko napansin napaka behind na pala nila. Nakatayo lang sila at nakatingin sa akin na para bang may nagawa akong malaking kasalanan.

Hey hey. I don't know how and why. Basta pagpasok ko sa SBO meeting place pinatawag ako agad at yun nga, sinabi ng Principal na makakatrabaho ko si Andrews andDiane will be working with Karl.

Karl and Ze-

Yes! Karl and Zen. I still don't know why them basta sabi lang ng Principal, sila napili nya. So happy? And yes! I can't join you guys later cause we have to meet and di ko parin nababalik yung panyo nya.

Sumabay na ulit sila sa paglalakad. Habang nasa stairs kami eh maraming bumabati. Di ko kilala sino basta bumabati sila. Nung nakarating namana kami sa floor namin, marami narin ang tao pero dahil room namin ang malapit sa stair naka pasokako agad.

Naglesson lang naman kami and all. No quizess or what. Dahil nga malapit na ang

Holidays parati to nababangit ng mga teachers namin. Like yung isa pa nga eh tinanong kung sino raw may responsibility mag ayos ng Holiday Party. Syempre di kosinabi na ako dahil bawal yun. Fine! Sinabi ko kila Chloe but that's the last thing you're gonna hear from me.

Nung dumating na ang afternoon subjects at time na para sa Art class ko. Ako lang isa nanaman pumunta sa Art Dept. kasi walang klase dun sila Chloe at Mitch. Ako lang ang kumuha ng intern dun.

Nung napadaan ako sa classroom ni Zen, may nafeel akong urge na sumilip pero sye


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mpre I resisted dahil bawal yun. Dumeretsyo na ako sa classroom ko. Lahat kami eh busy at may mga suot na apron of course. Nung kalagitnaan na sa classes nilapitan ako nung teacher namin..

Good combinations Ms. Dee. You don;t have any copy of the "somebody" your gonnapaint?

None Ma'am. I perfectly know his angles and face structures.

Good work Madam Moseley.

4:30 ang end ng klase, which is kaka ring lang ng bell. Nagsi-ayusan na lahat nggamit except ako. Nagbid goodbye na nga ehh.

Hey Jara. Aren't you going?

Tanong nung kaklase ko. Tiningnan nya pa nga yung part na napinturahan ko na tapos nagsmile naman sya.

If your ready to go out, do lock the doors okay? I have the keys with me so no worries. By the way, good start!

Nagsmile lang ako at umalis na sya. Mga minutes after ako maiwan, biglang nagring ang phone ko. Dahil madumi ang mga kamay ko ginawa ko nalang loud speaker. Tut

al wala namang ibang tao.Hey! I know I'm on loud speaker cause your on you Art Class. Aren't you done yet?

Si Mitch talaga alam na ang behavior ko. Palabas na nga ho! And besides, it's only 4:50 my dear! I'll try to catch with you later. I still have to fix my things. Bye! Short conversation isn't it? Ganyan kami magpakita ng pag-aalala. Teehee!

Nung naayos ko na lahat lumabas na ako. Bilang na lang ang mga tao sa Art Department. Nilock ko na yung room at inilapag ko ang gamit ko sa floor at naglabas ngsketch pad dahik kami ni Andrews ang may obligasyon sa settings and all.

Nangangalahati na ako sa sketch di parin sya dumadating. Pagtingin ko sa cell phone ko 5:25 na. Gahhd! Where is that guy! Wala akong magawa and I'm starting tobe irritated! kaya sinaksak ko sa tenga ko yung earphones ng MP3 ko and turned the volume loud.

5:45 na at wala parin sya. Natapos ko na yung sketch at konting colors na lang ang nilalagay ko. The hell! What is wrong with him? Isn't he sensitive enough! Nung sinimulan ko na magligpit at tinangal ko ang isang earphone sa tenga ko, maynarinig akong foot steps. Di katagalan dumating din sya and it was exactly 6pm.

Sorry I was late. May pinuntahan pa kasi akong usapan ehh. I really didn't haveany idea na matatagalan ng ganun and all.

Nakatayo na ako nun and still nakalagay yung isang earphones. Dahil na naka typeA uniform kami which is blouse and skirt, pinagpag ko muna yung sa likod ko. Then I started picking up my things at kiuha ko narin yung bag ko. Nung nagka-harap na talaga kami tumigil ako at tiningnan sya mismo sa mata.

Here. I've done my first part. It's all up to you to show it to Diane. And hellI care if you didn't came early.

Nakatutok parin kaming dalawa nun sa isa't isa at di tinatangal ang tingin. Matibay sya? Mas matibay ako.


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And next time you'll gonna be late do tell me cause I don't wanna look like a stupid girl outside a locked Art room Mr. Andrews.

Nung sinabi ko yun nagstart na talaga ako umalis at naglakad sa corridors. Ewanko pero ang init ng katawan ko dahil siguro sa galit or what. Uggh! I tell you he is a big freaking jerk!

JARA!

Ano naman kailangan nya? Di nya ba maintindihan yung mga sinabi ko. It really doesn't matter. Di ako tumigil sa paglakad ko nun.

Fine. If it really doesn't matter then I still wanna say sorry. I made you waitfor an hour and you were all alone. And also sorry that I wasn't sensitized enough about your feelings and sorry....

I was worrying about you the whole time.*ZEN's POV*

4:o6 pm

Pare, naalala mo ba yung sinabi kahapon ni Michael? May tatapusin pa kayo ngayonahh.

May sinabi ba si Michael kahapon? Di ko narinig ehh. Bahala sya. Di naman ako naghahabol ng away eh. Sila humahabol sa akin.

Tumawa lang si Karl. Nandito kaming dalawa sa Art class parin at naghihintay ngbell. We are still discusing Photo lighting. Alam ko na lahat yan. Hehe. Finally, mga after minutes of waiting, nagbell na talaga.

Paglabas namin ni Karl dumeretsyo agad kami pababa dahil magiiwan pa kami ng libro sa locker. Nung nasa may 2nd floor na kami which is we call the Mezanine dahil practice place lang yun, nakita agad namin yung grupong ayaw kami tantanan. Mg

a extra nga naman sa buhay ko.

Well, ano? Simulan na natin Andrews?

Wala akong panahon. Meron pa akong school meeting Michael! Pwede ba.

Paalis na sana ako nun pero humarang agad yung dalawang bakulaw at sinuntok akonung isa pero naka layo ako agad.

Kung maitatanong nyo kung kailan nagsimula ang hidwaan na to, actually, 2 yearsago? Oo. 2nd year ako nun. Nakalaban namin sa isang basketball game ang grupo nila, simula nun naging mortal na kaaway nanamin ang isa't isa. Siguro halos everyday eh may away kami pero alam naman ng SBO members at ng teachers na hindi kami

ni KArl ang nagsisimula.

Pagtingin ko ulit sa relo nakita ko na 5 minutes to 6pm na. Ganun ka bilis yungoras at ganun ka tagal ang naging suntukan namin. Di naman ako masyadong nasaktan, konting lip cut lang ang nakuha namin ni Karl pero yung kaibigan ni Michael eh ultimo bugbog dahil sinalo nya lahat ng suntok.

Karl. Nakalimutan ko! I need to go!

Huh? Tumakbo na ako pataas at di na naghintay ng kung ano mang explantion or que


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stions ni Karl. ZEN! SAN KA PUPUNTA?

Nasa may pa 3rd floor na ako na stairs nun nung narinig ko ulit si Karl. I NEEDTO MEET UP WITH JARA! Ang stupid ko talaga! Di ko naisip na may naghihintay palasa akin at hell! Pinahinrtay ko pa ng isang oras. Ayaw na ayaw ko pa naman ng ganito.

Nakarating narin ako sa 4th floor. Konti na lang ang mga ilaw na naka on at walang mga klase. Tiningnan ko ang mga room numbers at nung nakarating na ako sa room 303 napansin ko na may babeng naka upo sa floor... Si Jara nga.

Di ko alam paano sya lapitan kaya nagdahan-dahan muna ako. Kinuha nya yung gamitnya at naka lambitin ang isang earphone.

Sorry I was late. May pinuntahan pa kasi akong usapan ehh. I really didn't haveany idea na matatagalan ng ganun and all.

Nakatayo na sya at mismong nasa harapan ko. Naktingin sya sa mga mata ko, titigna titig. Walang gusto bumitaw at walang gusto magsalita.

Here. I've done my first part. It's all up to you to show it to Diane. And hellI care if you didn't came early.

Naghand over sya ng sketch ng stage at kung anong itsura nito kung meron ng desi

gns. Napamangha ako nung nakita ko yun. Ang ganda ng combinations ng colors at ang strokes. Napaka professional. Napatingin ako sa room number. 305? Tama! Art Class. Painting and all. Kaya naman pala ehh!

And next time you'll gonna be late do tell me cause I don't wanna look like a stupid girl outside a locked Art room Mr. Andrews.

Pagkasabi nya nun. Inalis na nya ang tingin sa mata at nagsimula ng maglakad palayo.

JARA! Di parin sya tumigil sa paglalakad at ni mismo di lumingon. Naglalakad akong sinabi.. Fine. If it really doesn't matter then I still wanna say sorry. I made you wait for an hour and you were all alone. And also sorry that I wasn't sen

sitized enough about your feelings and sorry.... I was worrying about you the whole time.

Napahinto sya nun ng mga ilang seconds pero agad ring naglakad ulit. Nakaliko nasya dun sa corner at ako naman ang napahinto sa paglakad. Di ko alam bakit ko yun nasabi basta biglang lumabas sa bibig ko. PERIOD.

Don't get me wrong na I'm hitting on her! Of course not. Girlfriend ko si Dianeand I love her so much so there would be no way I'm gonna play another game ok!Wait....

Maghihintay yun si Jara sa shed at for sure nandun si Michael. That faggot!

*JARA's POV*

Thinking about me the whole time? Yeah right! Ano yun a big joke? The nerve of him. Kung di ko lang alam na sila ni Diane I could think na he's hitting on me pero as what I've heard the other day sobrang mahal nga nya si Diane and there's no way na he's doing and saying this. WAIT!

Why am I thinking about him? ENOUGH! This is a whole lot of !@#$. Uggh!

Hey Jara! Waiting for you dad?


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Napatingin ako. Sino nga to? Right! Si Michael, yung naka-away ni Zen yesterdaythat made me so irritated once more.

Nope. I'm more like waiting for Superman to save me from you.

He laughed. Mukhang fake na ewan. Loser! Your funny Jara. Tara hatid kita. Hinawakan na lang nya bigla ang wrist ko.

Wait! Wait! Your way over board of touching me and no I wasn't joking.

Ayaw nya parin ako bitawan at hinila nya ako papunta sa kotse nya. Ang lakas nitong kumag na to! Ang sakit rin ng hawak nya! Ugggh! Faggot!

Hoy Michael!

Napatingin kaming dalawa sa likod namin nung may sumigaw na lang bigla ng pangalan ni Michael. Nagulat na lang ako nung nakita ko ang isang lalaking pawis na pawis at hinihingal pa. Oo... Si Zen Andrews nga.

Bitawan mo nga sya at lumayo-layo ka.

Bakit naman kita susundin? Sino ka? Si Master Zen?

Ang korny mo talaga kahit kailan!Palapit ng palapit si Zen sa amin. Lalong nahalata ang kanyang pagka-hingal. Siguro tumakbo to galing 4th floor. Ang laki pa ng butil ng pawis nya.

Tumahimik ka na lang nga at lumayo. Ako ang maghahatid kay Jar-

Di pa man natatapos si Michael sa pagsasalita, sinuntok na agad ito ni Zen kayanaman nabitawan ako ni Michael at napa-upo ako dahil ba naman sa strength ni Michael eh.

Lalapit na sana sa akin si Zen nun pero napatayo si Michael at binira si Zen sapolo nya. Pagharap ni Zen nasuntok naman agad sya sa pisngi nya. Nakita ko na du

mudugo yung lips ni Zen. Sobrang lakas ng bleeding. Nasuntok nya sa tiyan si Michael at di na talaga makatayo si Michael.

Lumapit na si Zen sa akin at tinulungan akong tumayo. Inalalayan nya ako at kinuha nya yung dala kong books.

Tara! Takbo na.

Pagtingin ko sa likod nandun na yung friends ni Michael. Di ko alam paano nya ako napatakbo, basta ang alam ko tumakbo na lang kami at nakarating sa isang 24-hour Shop.

Sandali! Napatigil ako sa pagsasalita dahil sa pagod. Malayo na to sa school. Hu

minto muna tayo rito.

Huminto nga kami at pumasok sa Convenience Store. Pagpasok namin naka all eyes sa amin or shall I say kay Zen. Paano ba naman dumudugo parin ang lips nya.

Sinabihan ko si Zen na maupo muna sya at hinatiyin na lang ako dun. Ginawa rin naman nya. Kumuha ako ng 2 malamig na mineral water at isang ice pack.

Habang nagbabayad na ako sa cashier, tinanong naman ako ng babae.


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Napa-away ba yang boyfriend mo hija?

Napa-ubo ako nung pagsabi nya ng word na "boyfriend". Ngee! Ngumiti na lang akoat ganun rin yung babae.

Nung papunta na ako kay Zen napansin kong naghahanap ata sya ng panyo. Napahawakako agad bulsa ko. Nung malapit na ako sa kanya inabot ko na yung panyo ko na nakabalot sa ice pack.

Aalisin nya sana yung panyo pero tiningnan ko sya ng masama.

If your thinking na baka madumihan ang panyo, it's okay. Malalabhan naman yan ehh. So, i-balot mo yan uli dyan.

Ginawa naman nya. Inabot ko na sa kanya yung tubig at binuksan ko narin for him.Nakinta ko ring may bruise pala sya sa left cheek. Sabi ng iba madalas raw magaway ang grupo ni Michael at silang dalawa ni Karl.

Nung napansin ko na ang oras kinuha ko agad ang phone ko at tumawag kay Dad.

Hey Dad. Uuhm. Yeah I know it's already 6:30pm. Sorry to inform you late Dad. I'm here at my partners crib. Yes Dad. I'll be home before 8pm. Yes Dad. Bye.

Nakatingin naman sa akin nun si Zen. Siguro nagtataka dahil sa mga sinabi ko.

Okay. It was just a white lie and don't ever judge me by it! And stop staring please.

Na amaze lang ako dahil di ko ini-expect na a President of an org will tell a lie to his Dad.

Cut it off Andrews!

Umirap ako nun. Siguro matagal-tagal rin kaming naka-upo. Hinihintay ko lang naman na matapos sya ehh. Tumayo sya nun at may binili. Di ko alam kung ano. Ang stupid nga ehh. Habang nagbabayad sya ehh may hawak hawak na ice pack at nakalagaysa lips nya.

Pagbalik nya naglapag sya ng instant noodles na may hot water na. Dalawa pa yungbinili nya. Akin eh bulalo flavor which is my favorite. He still remembers? Nah. Maybe yun lang talaga yung napili nya kasi wala lang.

Here eat some before ka umuwi para naman di mo sabihin kila Mitch na ginutom kita at pinaghintay pa.

Natawa naman ako nun. Nakita ko syang nagsmile at naka lagay parin yung ice packsa lips nya.

Bulalo flavor yan ah. Syempre! Your favorite. Kanina nga pala ahh. Sorry kung pinahintay kita at pinatakbo ng malayo. Kasi naman dumating yung barkada ni Michae

l. Kaya ko naman sila lahat ehh. Pero kasami kasi kita at

ayokong mapahamak ka....ayokong mapahamak ka.

Pagkasabi nya nun, tumingin sya sa akin. Matagal-tagal rin kaming nagkatinginantapos bigla na lang syang tumawa ng malakas. Nakaka inis! Kala ko pa naman talaga sya parin yung dati na mabait at di pala pintas. Kala ko pa nga dati bakla si


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Zen ehh. Paano ba naman mas astig pa kong gumalaw sa kanya. Pero as I see now? He did changed.

Di parin sya tumigil sa kakatawa kaya tinapunan ko ng corn chips at nashoot sa bunganga. Nagchoke naman siya.

Buti nga sayo!

Tumayo na ako nun at kinuha ang mga gamit ko at lumabas na ng Convenience Store.Pagtingin ko sa labas ang lakas ng ulan. Sobra! Napaka bad timing naman oh.

Jara I'm so-

Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita at nakatingin lang siya ng diretsyo. Hindi ko alamsaan siya nakatingin pero nakikita ko na malungkot ang kanyang mga mata.

May waiting shed sa tabi nung Convenience Store kaya dun na lang kami nagpalipas. Habang tumatagal kami dun lalong lumalakas ang ulan at kumokonti ang mga tao at sasakyan na dumadaan.

Napatingin ako sa cellphone ko at nakitang walang message ni tawag. Napatingin rin ako sa oras, 7pm palang. Ang bagal ng oras pagumuulan.

Have you ever wondered why people are sad if it's raining?

Nagulat ako nung bigla na lang syang nagsalita at nagtanong. Hindi ko naman alamanong sasagutin. Sa States kasi kung umuulan man masaya parin kami. Patuloy lang sa mga ginagawa. Madalan rin umulan dun, snow pa parati.

Have you ever tought there's someone for you behind this crowded world?

Of course, depende na lang kung hahanapin mo siya o hindi.

But what if I already found her, pero feeling ko hindi ako yung "right one" niya?

Is he talking about Diane? Sa tono niya parang oo. Kung hindi ko siguro alam na

sila magiging curious talaga. But what the heck? I heard about it all.

Paano mo naman masasabi na hindi siya ang "right one" kung sinagot ka niya dba?

Napatingin siya sa akin na para bang may alam ako sa kanila ni Diane. Meron naman talaga eh.

Tama nga ako. Nagchuckle siya. Tama na sa alin? Ikaw nga yung nakita kong palayosa room 302 kahapon.

Napa upo ako ng maayos ng di-oras nun. Nakita niya pala ako? Paano? Kailan? Ba'tdi ko napansin? Ba't di niya ako sinita?

Sana kung ano man yung narinig o nakita mo, ilihim mo na lang. Alam kong bestfriends kayo nila Mitch pero sana kahit ito lang eh di mo sabihin sa kanila. Maasahan ko ba?

Inabot niya ang kamay niya, a sign of shaking his hands perhaps. Tiningnan ko lang ito pero syempre tinangap ko.

Pagabot ko sa kamay niya, may bigla na lang tumunog. Ang tugtog pa nga eh Jeepney ng Spongecola. Binitawan niya ang kamay ko at umabot sa bulsa niya. Cellphonelang pala niya.


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Hello D? Yes. I'm here at the Convenience Store. Waiting for the rain to stop...I know I know. Don't worry I'll go home when the rain stops. I will D, I will.Okay. You keep safe too. Love you!

Habang kausap niya si Diane sa phone nakatingin lang ako sa kalsada, napaka tahimik na at ang naririnig ko na lang eh ang mga luhang binubuhos ng ulap at ang boses ni Zen.

Di ka ba magpapasundo?

Dad and Mom isn't home. They went to Bora for my cousins birthday.

Wow! Rich. Tiningnan ko siya ng masama. Ayaw na ayaw ko talaga na sinasabihan ako o ang family namin na mayaman or whatever. Sorry. Sorry.

Bigla naman nagvibrate ang phone ko at pagtingin ko, text message from Chloe.

Sender: CHLOE


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Yun naman pala ehh. Di bumalik ka na rito.

Ayoko nga!

Napa sigh na lang ako. Ayaw ko naman maligo ng ulan pero parang sinasabi ng utakko na sundan ko si Jara para matapos na to lahat. Nakaka inis!

Nagdadalawang isip parin ako. Paano ba naman kung susundan ko siya, for sure magtataka si Mama ba't basang-basa ako. Pero kung di ko sya susundan, baka maghintay pa ako ng ilang oras dito. Di ko naman pwede itong iwanan. Kundi patay ako dilang sa Principal kundi pati kay Diane.

Ayaw mo ba talaga maligo? Sigurado ka?

Kung maliligo ako, walang jeep na magpapasakay sa akin pauwi.

Ang korny nito. Magpapasundo naman tayo ah.

Tayo? Okay ka lang. Makabilang dulo ang bahay natin Ms. Dee. Kaya please lang tara nanaman oh!

Ayoko nga! Hindi ako magpapapigil sa isang korny na lalaki noh. I never asked for a brother, and now what? Your acting like one!

Ha! Same here. I never asked for a braty sister and now your being one!

I swore I am not a brat!

No comment.

Nagwave naman ako at tinalikuran ko siya. Kasi naman eh! Ang kulit. No, wait! NAPAKA KULIT. Di pa ba siya nilalamig sa ginagawa nyang pagbababad sa ulan? Lord!Ba't naman kasi ito pa kasama ko ngayong umuulan ehh. Naman oh!

Kinuha ko na ang cellphone ko at napansin na may text pala si Diane.

SENDER: D ^_^

Hey Zen! Aren't you home yet? Si Jara, naka-uwi na ba? Don't you dare leave heralone or else... Ingat! Mwah. =*

Haay. How I wish I can go home na D! How I wish.

Nung pinapanood ko si Jara na tumitingin sa langit at naka bukas ang palad. Kina-catch niya yung mga raindrops. Para talaga siyang bata. Batang di alam paano ubuusin yung oras niya, batang di alam kung saan pupunta at isang bata na walang paki alam kung anong susunod na mangyayari.

Nung pag-lingon ko sa kanan, nakita ko na may kotseng rumaragasa. Tumayo ako aga

d at pumunta kay Jara......

Nakita ko na lang na biglang tumakbo si Zen papunta sa direksyon ko. Yun pala ehmay papuntang kotse sa kinatatayu-an ko. Nagulat lalo ako nung hinawakan ako niZen sa bewang ko.

Hindi ko alam anong gagawin basta alam kong palapit na yung kotse sa aming dalawa. Hinawakan ko na lang agad siya sa bewang niya at sumang tabi kaming dalawa.

Nagkatitigan nanaman kami pero ngayon ang kaibahan lang ay nasa ilalim kami ng u


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lan. Nafefeel ko na unti-unti ay nababasa yung uniform ko at ang lakas ng kabogng puso ko. Para bang lahat ay naka pause. Pero habang tinitingnan ko yung babaena nasa harap ko ay iba ang nakikita ko. Hindi ko alam paano at bakit ganito pero ang nakikita ko ay si....

Diane?!*JARA's POV*

Diane?!

Pagkasabi nya nun parang tumigil ang paghinga ko at napalayo ang tingin ko. Inalis ko ang paghawak nya sa bewang ko at lumayo ako ng ilang steps. Napaka awkwardng moment!

I think... it's too late. Uwi na tayo.

Nagstart na akong maglakad pabalik sa shed. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at nagtext na

kau Kuya Jun, ang dakilang driver namin. Hindi ko alam pero habang nagtetext ako, nanginginig yung thumb ko. Hindi ko ma identify kung sa lamig ba or dahil sanangyari.

Nakita ko na pabalik narin si Zen sa shed. Kinuha nya ang gamit nya at tumayo dun sa tabi ko pero this time mas grabe yung distance.

Okay okay. Syempre naiinis ako dahil napagkamalan nya akong girlfriend niya. It's not a big deal actually pero masakit parin kung tutu-usin. It's a big bummer for me you know. I hate comparing or whatever you call it.

Siguro mga after 30 minutes, dumating narin ang kotse namin. Papunta na sana akodun sa mas malapit na spot, pero biglang grinab ni Zen ang kamay ko.

I'm sorry for what happened kanina.I really didn't-

Zen, stop! I've heard alot of sorry's this day so please, whatever happened disregard it. I'm not your girlfriend so you don't have any obligation or whatever with me.We're partners for the Holiday project and that's it!

Nagnod naman siya. Binuksan ko yung pinto at nakita ko na palakad siya sa otherway. Ang tigas din ng ulo nito noh?!

Hey hey. Remember I promised na ihahatid ka so don't you ever turn your back atme.

Basa ako, wag nalang.

Anong tingin mo sa akin? Tuyo na? Just hop on okay!

Ginawa rin naman niya ang sinabi ko. Marami na syang nagawang mali for a day sana naman wag na niyang dagdagan pa. I'm already pissed off.

Oh hija? Ba't basang basa ka? Saan naman natin iihatid itong kaibigan mo?

Napatakbo kami sa ilalim ng ulan ehh. Siya nga pala Kuya Jun, si Zen. Zen, si Ku


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ya Jun. San ka nga ba nakatira?

Dun ho sa Lizeralde Village.

Umandar din naman kami. Actually, mga 6 or 8 blovks away lang yung Lizeralde Village from school kaya madali lang kami nakarating. Pero all the time, tahimik ako. Si Kuya Jun naman at Zen naguusap tungkol sa mga kotse.

Dito nalang ho sa pulang gate. Nagstop naman kung saan niya tinuro. Salamat ho Kuya Jun. Tumingin naman siya sa akin.Jara, thanks nga pala. Ako na lang bahala dun sa sketch.

Sure. No prob.

Bumaba naman na siya at dumeretsyo na kami ng bahay. Pagkauwi ko eh naligo agadako, utos kasi ni Manang Lenny. Pagpasok ko sa CR, naka handa na lahat lahat. From bubble bath to towels and all.

Siguro mga 45 minutes rin ako sa CR. Nung pagbihis ko, tumawag naman agad si Mitch. Alam kong si Mitch yun dahil daily routine namin na magtawagan basta 9:30pm.Yes, 8:30 na kami umalis dun sa shed.

Hey. So how was the do-a-holiday-project with Mr. Andrews?

The usual things I do with Diane. Discuss, talk about it and make sketches. But..

But what?

We had less talks.

And why is it you had less talks ei?

Mitch! Stop the oh so questions your throwing at me. I just got home okay. And gahd! It was raining indeed.

Masyado ata mabilis yung pagsasalita ko kaya napasigaw si Mitch sa telephone.

WAIT!

Pareho kaming tumahimik sa phone at naghihintay na may magsalita. Ang weird namin noh? Ganyan talaga kami. Minsa nagsisigawan, minsan sobrang tahimik.... Just like now.

Okay okay. Let's talk this over lunch tomorrow. I think your really tired and mybrother is bugging me.

No no. You wait! What's with the brother thing now? Di mo pa ba siya pinapatawad? It's already over year yah know.

Yeah. Over a year of not telling me about him and Maredette. If di pa nadulas siZen I won't know a single thing. If di pa natin tiningnan yung friendster profile niya, we won't have a damn clue.

Ano bang ikinagagalit mo?

Him not sharing everything! I thought we were-

You thought you were twins that shares your life in a box. You thought you werebest of friends that gives props to every single things you do. You thought... t


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he whole world revolves around the both of you, isn't it?

Tumahimik naman siya. Basi sa mga narinig ko over a year now, close na close ngasi Karla Michelle Cruz, which is Mitch and si Karl Michael Cruz. Yeah, they'retwins and all pero before magstart ang 3rd year, naging malabo yung magkapatid.

FINE! FINE! You make the whole point but still, di pa okay ang lahat.

You don't have to shout! Just promise me Mitch that you guys will be okay by theHolidays? Please..

I'll try.

**

Dun na natapos yung phone patch namin ni Mitch. Nakatulog narin ako after nun, napagod rin ako noh and I tell you, it was a very long day.

Nung pagpasok ko sa school marami-rami narin ang tao sa corridors. And guess what who first approached me? Yes. Si Diane. Magkatabi sila ni Zen ata naguusap. Kung di ko siguro alam na silang dalawa ehh iisipin ko na friends lang sila. Paanoba naman ni holding hands or what wala. Hangang magkatabi lang.

Jara! I saw everything you drew. As usual, maganda parin. I loved it! I tell you

. Napangiti lang naman ako. By the way, bago ko pala makalimutan, ikaw at si Zenang bahala sa banda.

What? Kami?

Yes, kayo! Dahil director naman ang mom mo Jara, mas madali kayo makakakuha ng band. Pwede ba?

Oo naman. Di na ako bago dyan!

Totoo naman ehh. Like last year, kami rin ng mom ko ang nag pa-schedule ng performance ng Bamboo. Yeah, Bamboo was the hit last year dba? Actually hangang ngayon, but as I said, loyal ako sa Callalily. Aaw. Kean Cipriano. Haha.

So, what band would you tell your mom na pupunta sa Holiday Dance?

Callalily.

Nagkatinginan kami tatlo dahil sabay pa naming sinabi ni Zen yung name ng band.

Bingo! Maayos yan dahil paborito pa kayo ng fave band. So, ikaw na bahala nun Jara ah? Just tell me ano pang kulang and all. Nga pala, ako na bahala sa OpeningBanners natin.

Okay. I'll go ahead. I think it's time for me to buzz out!

Nagsmile lang naman si Diane at si Zen sa akin. Umalis na ako at dumeretsyo sa room namin. Pagdating ko run ang inggay, grabe.

Jara, kanina ka pa hinahanap ni Ms. Malasmas.

Okay, here's the sitch, Ms. Malasmas is our Adviser for the school year and at the same time siya rin ang Physics teacher ng buong Seniors.

There you are. Okay, class I know sanay kayo na walang absents or any excuses siMs. Dee but today, I'll break the record. She won't be around because of a very


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special assignment that I'll give her. I hope I won't hear any negative feedbacks from this class. Understood?

Nagnod naman ang buong klase. Kami kasi ang first section kaya inaalagaan naminang pangalan ng section namin at ng adviser namin. But the thing na nagbobothersa akin eh ba't niya ako pina-excuse?

I know your wondering why your excused for the whole day, don't worry cause I'llgive you make up quizes for any subject kung meron man. ANyways, it's the lastweek of October so it's E.F.S time once again.

E.F.S?

Exchange Foreign Student sweetheart.

OMG! I almost forgot.

E.S or as we Seniors all know Exchange Student. Sa Seniors lang nangyayari yan.Yung class president ng isang section eh ma-a-assign na i-welcome or i-turo lahat lahat sa Exchange Foreign Student lahat about sa school. From it's history toplaces.

Sa Seniors lang siya dahil feel ng Admin ng school namin na kami lang ang makaka-handle ng ganitong work. Though merong foreign students sa ibang year levels pe

ro sila yung mga early enrolled yun.Napili ang klase nyo dahil compared sa iba, 48 lang kayo. Remember, two studentsdropped out nung middle ng school year?

Yeah. May dalawang nagdrop out. First was Jonas Go, nagmigrate sila sa Italy nung mid August after ng death ng Dad niya. Second was Krista Marie Soco. Di namantalaga siya nagdrop out eh. Bigla na lang siyang nawala after nung isang incident. So, that makes our class 48.

So, kayo ang napili ng School Admin na tatangap ng Foreign Student at as Class President you have the job to introduce alot of things to your new seatmate. WillI expect good compliments from you Ms. Dee?

Nagnod naman ako. New seatmate ei? Gulp! Good luck.

Pati for sure, you'll be good at it. I know you can handle Mr. Jamir Valdez.

Jamir Valdez?

Yes. A half-American and a half-Italian blood. His Mom and Dad seperated monthsago so he decided to apply sa E.F.S and this happened. Siya nga ang napili dahilsa maganda niyang compliments about Philippines and our school. Heto ang Application Form niya.

Inihand over naman sa akin ni Ms. Malasmas ang Form nung si Jamir. Tiningnan ko

ng mabuti at binasa yung "About Me" section niya.

I'm not really a big deal in this extra-ordinary world. I'm more on a pest on the others eyes but I never let them ruin my life for it's the only thing I can treasure behind fears and traumas I recieve from people's taunts.

And yes, I applied at E.F.S because I want to meet someone. Someone who can makeme say..... You complete me.

Gahd.


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Who can Jamir Valdez be?Who can Jamir Valdez be?

After nung 45 minute drive form our school to E.F.S station, naka feel na talagaako ng kaba ngayon. I really don't know why but I think this isn't very ordinary. I mean nung Junior years ko, I heard of E.F.S na. Yung mga things you do andhow you do it. From my Alumni friends, sabi naman nila masaya raw lalo na kung ikaw yung naka compel na gawin yun. Haay. Hayaan na nga natin.

Naglakad kami papasok, napansin ko agad yung mga bata na iba't iba ang mga lahi.I mean when you walk around the streets of Manila or simply the Philippines, you'll know with just a glimpse na Pinoy nga to. Pero dito lahat magkakaiba. May mga Korean, Japanese and Americans.

You stay here, I'll just talk to the Admin okay?

Nagnod lang ako at umupo dun sa bench. Nasa tapat ako ng garden at napansin ko na lahat ng pots eh may names. May mga nakalagay pa dun na "I'M ASIAN" tapos maynaka drawing na peace sign. Ang ganda tingnan.

Nung pinagmamasdan ko ang paligid bigla na lang nagring ang phone ko and I wans't suprise na si Chloe nga.

Hey. Where the hell are you?

E.F.S Station.

E.F- OMG! Exchange Foreign Student? Tayo ang napili?

Yeah. Gulat nga rin ako eh. Ano sunod nyong subject Chloe?

Spanish Class. Bummer! So, who's the new student? Gwapo?

How can you know na gwapo if she isn't telling you na lalaki.

Narinig ko naman si Mitch sa background. Natawa na lang ako bigla. Ang kulit talaga nitong dalawa. Haha.

I just feel it! ANO KA BA?!

Enough! Yeah. He's a guy, Jamir VAldez. Haven't seen him and don't know anythingabout him either.

Jamir Valdez? Quite interesting.

Lahat naman para sayo interesting eh. Let me talk to her.[cough sound] -Jara! Sohow's it going?

Fine, pero Mitch. Kinakabahan ako ehh. I really don't know who is he or what hashe been doing with his life tapos ngayon eto na? I'll be assigned to tell him about class A and school. Tapos seatmate ko pa tapos ano-


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Your scared to fall for him, aren't you?

SILLY GIRL! Of course that won't happen.

You know falling isn't a crime Jara Marrise!

Stop it!

Okay okay. Talk to you later. Madam I-ate-a-Spanish-dictio is here already. Tata!

Pagbaba niya ng phone, natawa na lang ako bigla dun sa last part na sinabi niya.Pagtingin ko sa screen ng phone ko, 10:o7 AM na pala. Di ko man lang napansin na I already missed to major subjects. Uggh!

Hey.

Nung may nagsalita napatingin ako sa right side ko. YUn pala eh isang Korean boy. How did I know na korean sya? He has a bar pin sa laft side ng shirt niya saying "I AM A KOREAN." Ang cute nga tingnan eh.

Nagbend naman ako para magka level kami habang naguusap. Ang cute nung bata. Maputi at chinky eyes. Typical asian as others say.

Hey there cute little boy.Your not an E.F.S right?

No.. I'm not. But I'm here to get one.

Your going to adopt somebody?

Napatawa ako how he speaks. For a korean boy, magaling siya mag english pero yung accent niya eh ang funny. Puno ng joy at ang ecstatic niya pa.

It's for our class. He's gonna study with us. How bout you?

Oh! I'm waiting for my foster parents and I'm excited.

Humawak naman siya dun sa bag strap niya at nagtumingin siya dun sa paa niya.

But for sure I'm gonna miss E.F.S and my friends. How bout you? Are you missingsomebody now?

Me? I'm missing my dad as of now. It's been 8 years since I last saw him.

Sorry about that, don't worry I'll make you smile.

Really? And how?

Humawak na lang siya bigla sa shoulder ko at naglean. Kiniss niya ako sa cheeksand I found it sweet. For a lil boy like him ang dami na niyanga alam at nakatutuwa siya. Nagblush naman siya nung pagka harap sa akin. Haha. Napa tawa kaming pareho.

Kamsahamnida.

That's thank you in Korea. I do speak a little of their language. Actually nungnasa States pa kami, parati akong kinukulit ni Mommy na mag-aral ng Hangul[Korean Language] at Mandarin[Chinise Language] so I can understand James', my second


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dad, parents. Half-Chinese lang sila pero syempre compel parin to know their ownlanguage.

Chin. Seven years old.

Hinand out naman niya yung kamay niya as a sign of shake hands.

Jara.

Nagshake hands naman kami. Ang cute niya talaga at ang daming alam for a seven year old kid.

Jara. Napatayo naman ako nun dahil dumating na Ms. Malasmas. The papers for younew classmate is already fixed. So, I would like you to meer Jamir Valdez.

Pagkatapos niyang sabihin yung pangalan ni Jamir, tinuro naman niya yung nasa likod ko. Bago pa man ako maka lingon may nagsalita na.

Hey.

Nizza per averla qui.Nizza per averla qui.

Nung pagharap ko, magulat ako sa nakita ko. Isang mid-built 5'6 guy na may wavyneck-length hair. Di ko masasabi na curly dahil para lang naman siyang nahanginan, not like the dread locks other guys have. He also has almond shaped Hazel eye

s. So this is Jamir Valdez?

Oppa!

Naghug naman na sila ni Chin, yung korean boy.

Is Jara your new girl?

Tumingin si Jamir sa akin nun at nagsmile, so I smiled back. Ang puti ng ipin niya at ang red ng lips niya. Don't put any malice okay! I'm just observing here.

No, she's not my girl but she'll gonna be my new seatmate.

Nag one last hug naman yung dalawa before pa kunin nung teacher at dumeretsyo nasila sa loob which is papunta raw ng library. Nagsign din naman si Ms. Malasmasna sumunod kami sa kanya. I really don't know where the hell are we going.

Nadaanan naman namin yung playground, but this time it was a sobbing playground.Makikita mo yung grupo ng American girls, nagiiyakan. Of course it's because namagkakahiwalay sila at madalan na magkita.

Sad ain't it? I also experienced that yesterday with my Italian friends. They left earlier than me.


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Nakatingin parin naman ako doon sa mga nagiiyakan. Naalala ko na naging ganyan rin ako dati with my U.S friends when we were about to leave States nung Febuarylast year.

So, your the class A president? I haven't been on a class A before and I think it would be a good experience this year. But my Filipino sucks.

You know how to speak tagalog?

Oo. Napatingin ako bigla sa kanya at pareho kaming napatigil sa paglakad. That'syes in Tagalog right? Every E.F.S member is obliged to know you language if wechose to go here.

When did you started to join E.F.S?

Febuary of this year. But I only decided months ago for the place I'm going andI chose the Philippines.

You've been trying to learn Tagalog for 6 months already?

Yeah. But hey it's hard you know especially when we also have to learn about your culture, holidays and manners. Like the po and opo? Nagnod naman siya. We alsostudy to study about your national heroes. Jose Rizal died on December 30 right

? So that's a holiday.Natawa naman ako sa mga sinabi niya. I didn't had any idea that it's also hard to be an E.F.S member. You have to study alot of things about the place you chose. What if I was an E.F.S member and I chosed Cambodia? I have to study about it?Gahd.

Dumating rin naman kami sa breakfast table. May sarili kaming breakfast table niJamir cause according to Ms. Malasmas, we have to do the "meet your new friend"thing.

I'll start it off. Habang kumakain naman ako at nakatingin sa food ko. Nagsimulanaman si Jamir magsalita about him. I'm an only child, my mom died after giving

birth to me and my dad died when I was 12. After my dad died, I really didn't had any idea what to do. I mean there was nobody else to keep me except for my drunk-ass Aunt. Because of her I learned how to smoke and because of my mates I learned how to use drugs!

Napatigil ako nun sa pagkain nung sinabi niya yung drugs. Sino ba namang di magugulat sa sinabi niyang yun. Syempre naman! Drugs na yan noh! That's way off thelimits.

Hey hey don't look at me like that. I got rehabed for two months and I really didn't got addicted to it or what. After I got out of the rehab I joined E.F.S andlearned about your culture and all. Here I am, eating with you.

His life was pretty interesting. I mean for a teenager, he got rehabed, his dadand mom died tapos he's already here. I mean, ironic isn't it?

Okay. My turn. I'm also an only child. My mom and dad seperated when I was 7 andshe married again when I was 12. I grew at the U.S of A. Specifically at New Jersey an-

That's why you speak fluent English. I get it!

Uuuhm. Yeah. We transefered here in the Philippines when I was turning 15. I sta


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rted the school year being a Junior here. And now that I'm 16, I'm a Senior. Naggiggle naman kaming dalawa. I am the Student Body Org President and class A President as well.

Wow! Kudos for you. So, what is your most favorite subject?

I love painting and that's my last subject everyday so I'll consider it as my favorite one.

Your into painting? Cool. When I was inside the rehab center I paint too. Actually until now but I only paint views and not people.

Why?

I also don't know. But I guess when I meet "somebody" who'll able to change my view about painting a person, I'll prolly paint her first.

Napa smile naman ako dun sa huli nyang sinabi over breakfast. I found it reallysweet na if he'll meet somebody yun yung una niya i-pa-paint. After breakfast dumeretsyo na kami sa school inaayos yung papers niya. Na register na siya and hellstart tomorrow. Dahil excused naman na ako kaya pinatuloy ko na lang the wholeday. Tinext ko rin si Diane na di kami magmemeet ni Zen ngayon.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not pissed at him or what. I just thought na I'll take a

rest and an off sa school works.Nandito naman kami sa school shed ni Jamir. Sabi kasi ni Ms. Malasmas as possible magtalk muna kami so wala ng ilangan or hiya moments at masanay narin siya saPhilippines.

So, you wanna go somewhere?

Uuhm. I only got to go at the big malls here.

So prolly you wouldn't wanna go there now.

Nothings entering my mind kung saan maganda pumunta. Kung sa beach? Masyadong ma

layo at ang init rin naman kung doon kami. I didn't agreed na sa mall kasi mapupuntahan naman yun anytime. Kung sa-

I know!

I'll take you to tierra de la maravilla.*ZEN's POV*

After nung lunch, PE agad ang subject namin kaya deretsyo na kami sa field ni Ka

rl after nagbihis. Compared nung isang araw, ngayon hindi namin kasabay ang class A. Pero nakita ko si Mitch at Chloe magkasama. Asan si Ja-

Zen. Jara told me wala raw kayong meeting later.

Wala? Bakit raw?

She was assigned for the E.F.S. E.F.S? Binigyan ko ng strange look si Diane na mukhang na gets naman niya. Exchange Foreign Student.


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Aah. No wonder class nila ang napili.

It's not like that. Compared sa atin, 48 lang sila kasi may dalawang nagdrop out. At, sandali nga, you still have 2months for that project. Don't frustrate yourself.

Ako pa ang frustrated ngayon? Eh siya nga tong halos everyday after Film and Photography class namin deretsyo agad sa ballet class nya or kung di naman dun, SBOmeeting. Di ko alam bakit siya pa ang minahal ko...

Natapos yung Film and Photography class ko by 3:40. Si Karl naman may Algebra remedial pa dahil nalate siya sa Algebra class niya kaninang morning. Nung palabasna ako sa classroom, nagring na lang bigla yung cellphone ko. Pagtingin ko si Zara, ang sister ko.

Napatawag ka?

Kuya, samahan mo naman ako.

Pagrinig ko sa boses niya, naka feel ako na may problema to. For a junior higschool girl, mature narin at open na si Zara for alot of things.

Sige, asan ka?

Nandito sa baba ng Art Building.Nagring off na siya agad pagkasabi niya nun kaya pinuntahan ko na agad. Nakita ko siya sa may stairs naka upo at dala-dala ang kanyang mga gamit. Nilapitan ko naman siya at inabot ko ang kamay ko para tulungan siyang tumayo at kinuha ko narin ang kanyang kamay.

Kung tatanungin, oo, close kaming dalawa. Pareho kaming pinanganak sa States pero lumaki sa Filipino culture. Dati talaga madalan namin makasama si Papa kasi according kay Mama na busy si Papa with work. Naitindihan namin yun. Pero ang gumulat lang talaga sa amin nung kailangan na namin iwan ang America at heto nga, napadpad ang mga Andrews dito sa Pilipinas.

The usual?

Nagnod naman si Zara at dumeretsyo na nga kami sa lugar kung saan kami paratingnandoon pag may problema man o wala.

Pagdating namin doon naglakad-lakad muna kami. Medyo cold ngayon ang mood ni Zara, ibigsabihin me problema talaga to.

So?

Bakit ganun kuya? I mean I'm trying my best to be kind towards sa iba pero ganunparin, mahirap.

Alam mo you don't have to please anybody para maging complete ka at ang buhay mo. You must be happy with simple things.

I mean I'm trying to be one.

To be one of them or to be just you?

Tiningnan naman niya ako which naglead para tumigil kami maglakad. Nilapitan kosiya at hinawakan ko ang face niya.


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Alam mo, you don't have to stress yourself. In reality, no one can escape death.You just have to enjoy it and live like no worries!

Nagnod naman siya at nagsmile na. Hinug niya rin ako. Kaya ko love tong little sister ko ehh! Tiningnan ko naman siya.

Bakit, di pa ba sapat sayo na may gwapo kang kuya katulad ko?

Natawa naman siya. Kung saan kami papunta yun ang di ko alam. Kung saan man mapadpad, bahala na.

*JARA's POV*

Kung saan kami pumunta eh sa isang butterfly sanctuary. As what I said, its a butterfly shelter pero meron ring mga fish ponds, picnic place at lake. Actually dati isang plain playground raw ito na ineronavate hangang sa naging ito. It's actually called wonder land pero dahil ito ay super common na, initranslate na nilaito Italian, that's why it's called tierra de la maravilla.

Dahil sa malaki yung place, nagdecide kami na maglakad lakad na lang muna at syempre, di mawawala ang paguusap.

Have you ever fell in love? Napatingin ako sa kanya nun at natawa pero syempre pinipigil pigil ko. Hey! I'm serious here.

Sorry I was just shocked. But to be honest, I haven't.

Really? There are alot of cute guys at New Jersey right?

I really don't know cause I focus more on my studies way back and until now. Howbout you? Met alot of girls in E.F.S?

Actually yeah, but we parted ways cause she decided to be sent at Africa.

Africa?

Weird ei? She said she wanted to help people and also comfort them. I can't do a

nything but agree on what she likes for I am not his boyfriend.

Nakita ko yung sadness sa mga mata niya by that time. Kung ikukumpara sa buhay ko, mas madami na ngang nangyari sa kanya like yung iniwan siya ng kanyang parents, tapos naiwan siya sa tita niya na merong mga bisyo.

Kung tatanongin niyo naman ako, I never parted with my parents ng di babawas sa3 days at wala ring mga bisyo ang tita or tito ko. Of course I never left home with Kuya Jun na driver namin. Pretty boring huh?

Hey hey. Tumayo naman siya sa harap ko. I know it's only been what? 6 hours of company we got but you know my family background and I also know yours. We'll gonna be classmates for the rest of the school year and I know we might change, so

can we make a promise?

Tiningnan ko siya ng ibang kind ng look pero gets ko naman siya kaya nagnod ako.

Promise me we'll be friends forever? Even if the sun will explode or the moon won't shine anymore, will still be friends right?

Inabot niya yung kamay niya as a sign ng hand shake. I think he's doing this because I'm his first ever friend here sa Philippines and as the assigned student,I shall do my job. And he's right, we only met for how many hours but I already


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feel comfortable with this guy whom had alot of things to discuss.

Naghand shake naman kami at nagsmile towards each other. After nung promise making nagdecide kami na pumunta sa Lake Shore, isang part sa tierra de la maravilla.

Nung nadun na kami nakita namin na may ibang tao pala dun. Usually kasi pagpumunta ako dito, walang tao kasi ito yung pinaka tagong place sa tierra de la maravilla. And to my shock, si....

Ikaw?Ikaw?

Nagulat na lang ako nung makita kong nandun siya at may kasama siyang girl. I mean the girl is not Diane and...

Hey! Lumapit yung girl sa amin ni Jamir. Zara Andrews, younger sister of Zen. You guys are?

Jamir. An E.F.S guy. Nagshake hands naman sila. She's Jara by the way.

Hi Jara. Tumingin siya sa akin tapos binalik niya nag tingin niya kay Jamir. So

your an E.F.S? Welcome aboard!Jamir, this is Zen from class C-II, our batch mate.

Hey. Nice meeting you.

Nagshake hands naman sila. Tapos biglang tumingin sa akin si Zen at nagsmile rinnaman siya, so as return I smiled back. Inaamin ko naiilang ako. Who would expect them here right? Who would expect him here pa sa favorite place ko.

Why not let's have some snack together so we could know more facts. Nagnod namankami lahat and nagagree na kakain sabay-sabay. So, where are we eating?

Kate's Place.

You love eating at Kate's Place? Kuya loves that resto! I think you just found your soulmate nice guy!

Pagkasabi niya nung soulmate word, I felt something heat rushing inot my spine.I dont know why and I don't know what was it basta na feel ko na lang. Dumeretsyo na nga kami dun sa place and as expected madami-dami ang tao dun dahil masarapnaman talaga ang food. Dahil walang ibang table naupo kami dun sa saktong for four persons lang.

So, Jamir tell us about you.

Okay then. I was born at Italy on the 24th of November and my mom died after giving birth to me.

Oh! I'm sorry about that.

No, it's perfectly okay. It was way way back. Anyway, when I was 6, dad decidedto transfer at Jersey City so we could be with our relatives. Unfortunately, daddied when I was 7 exactly his birthday. Tragic huh? But I accepted things smoothly.


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Your life is so sad.

Way back yeah, but when I entered E.F.S it was all good now especially I'm herewith you guys. My first friends.

So, do you have a place to live in while you here?

Yes, it still belongs to the E.F.S sisters. Actually I've been here 2 weeks already so I know the directions and all.

Nung dumating na yung food namin ganun parin, naguusap si Zara and Jamir about Italy and all. Tahimik lang naman kami ni Zen. Ewan ko pero talagang ilang ako lalo na magkatapat pa kaming dalawa sa table.

Hey Zen, Jara. Parehing kaming tumingin kay Jamir. Orange?

I'm allergic to orange.

Sabay naming sinabi yun. Impossible naman na ginaya nya ako or vice-versa dahildi naman namin pinagusapan yun. Nagkatinginan lang kami that time at walang masabi.

Really? You are allergic to oranges? Way back I thought my brother was the onlyone who had that allergy but now I don't think his AB-normal anymore cause you h

ave one too.What's the side effects when you eat one?

I get this itchy red spots all over my body and it's-

..shaped like hearts.

Di ko inexpect na same pa kami ng symptoms. Nagulat talaga ako. We both love toeat at Kate's Place tapos we both are allergic to orange and we have same symptoms pa. How weird is that?!

Nung pagkatapos namin kumain eh may na suggest na fact si Zara.

Kuya, why not ihatid mo na sila Jamir at Jara cause my friend is here already, sabay na lang ako sa kanya.

Okay then.

Di na kami umangal nun dahil gabi narin at madalan ang cab sa place na yun dahilthey protect the privacy of the place kaya exclusive lang siya para dun sa mgamay car at di rin ako masusundo ni Kuya Jun kasi magpaayos raw siya ng wheels.

Nung pagsakay namin nasa likod ako at yeah, front sit si Jamir. Nagkukwentuhan namain sila ni Zen about sports and all. At dun ko lang nalaman na dapat ay magvavarsity pala si Zen sa basketball pero ayaw niya dahil studies first ang drama.

Here we go. Thanks Zen. Jara, why not transfer here at the front.

Bumaba naman na si Jamir at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto sa likod. Nagsmile naman siya sa akin at before ako pumasok..

Thanks! Thanks for a great day.

Nagsmile ako pabalik at sumakay na. Habang nasa highway na kami tahimik parin. Walang gusto magsalita. Actually gusto kong itanong kung totoo ba talaga yung kan


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ina pero it would be very silly I know.

Jara. Nagulat ako pagsabi niya ng pangalan ko. How did you know about the AmoreFountain?

Ang Amore Fountain is kung saan kami nagkita kanina. Yun ang pangalan dahil yungfountain eh shaped like heart tapos doon pumunta yung mga tao kung gusto nila magwish about things.

I don't know. I just remembered that when I was walking alone there last year, my feet brought me there. How about you?

Same as yours.

This is so getting into my nerves. I mean we both love the same resto and we both have the same allergies. Don't tell me it also rained on the you were born? Napatigil siya sa pagdradrive at pinark niya doon sa sideway. Bakit ka tumigil?

It rained on the day you were born?

Yeah. Don't tell me it also rained-

Yes. I was born on the 21st of June.

Thank God! 29th of August.After nun, nagdrive na siya ulit. At least alam kong di kami twins or what. Ganun kasi sa movies dba? They both have same allergies, favorites tapos umulan pa sa day kung kelan pinanganak. At least we both have different birthdays. Tsaka Iknow impossible yun mangyari kasi we both have mothers at for sure naman magkaiba sila.

Pero if ganun nga, bakit kami magkapareho ng allergies, favorites and yung ibangstuffs. This couldn't be fate or what.

Dumating na kami sa bahay nun. Nakita narin ako ni Kuya Jun kaya lumabas siya atpinagbuksan ako ng door.

Thanks for the ride and for the time.

Pababa na sana ako nun sa car pero bigla na lang niya ako hinawakan sa kamay kaya napatingin ako

We could be friends right?It's already the third week of November, yes our sembreak is already done. Maybenagtataka kayo what happened after nung hinatid niya ako sa bahat and told me the we-could-friends phrase eh naging okay na kami. I mean wala na masyadong hiya

an.

Sometimes pag nasa Algebra class or detention si Karl, sumasabay siya sa amin nila Mitch at Chloe mag snack sa hapon. Pati pag naguusap kami about sa Holiday Project na hinand over sa amin maayos naman lahat at nagdadala pa nga si Zen ng Chinese food dahil merong bagong resto na nagbukas sa harap nung school.

If your asking about Jamir, okay naman siya towards sa mga classmate namin. Nungfirst week niya ang dami na agad naging close sa kanya pero dahil seatmates kami he keeps telling me ako parin ang pinaka close niya na friend. Pagmorning saba


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y siya sa amin maglunch pero pag hapon he's with his "global friends" na ka batch namin and sabi niya they're having a great time.

It's Friday today and I'm not feeling well kasi na ulanan ako kahapon pauwi. Dikasi ako nasundo ni Kuya Jun dahil hinatid niya sila Mom at Dad sa airport. They're on a 3 week trip.

Hey girl! Matamlay ka ata?

No, I'm fine. Kulang lang sa tulog. May homework ba tayo?

Wala naman pero new lessons ata.

Na survive ko naman ang morning schedules ko at naging okay naman though I keptsneezing. Ilang ulit rin ako tinanong ni Mitch at Chloe if I wanted to rest na lang but umayaw ako kasi ayaw ko maka miss ng lessons.

It's already 5pm, kakatapos lang ng Art Class ko. If your asking about my portrait project it's all good. Konting touch na lang at mga color combinations ayos na sya. Wala pa ngang nakakakita eh. I want it to be a suprise.

Naka tangap ako ng text from Zen na medyo malalate daw siya ng ilang minutes. Compared dati na pinapaabot pa namin kila Diane or Mitch, kami na mismo ang nagtetext ngayon.

From: ZenWill be late okay? Bawi na lang ako sa somai mo.

Alam niya kasing favorite ko ang somai at paano nito pinapagaan ang loob ko if I'm stressed with stuffs.

Mga 5:30 na siya dumating at dala-dala niya yung Chinese food na binili niya pero napansin ko na medyo gloomy siya. Bakit kaya?

Oh, bakit ganyan mukha mo? Mukha kang nawalan ng girlfriend.

Nagsmile lang siya pero nawala rin agad sa face niya. Mukhang may problem nga to

. Nilapag niya yung food sa floor. Binuksan niya yung somai tapos dun sa kabilang side ng tupperware nilagyan niya ng toyo at kalamansi. Alam na alam na niya naroutine ko yan before kumain ng somai.

Inabutan niya ako ng chop sticks at kinuha ko naman. Kinuha ko yung isang somaipero di ko pa sinubo. Tiningnan ko si Zen na naglalagay ng mga basura sa plastic. Tumingin naman siya bigla sa akin kaya nagcause na nahulog sa palda ko yung somai. Bigla ako napa-pout.

Tingnan mo anong nangyari.

Kumuha siya ng tissue at pinunasan yung palda ko. Aagawin ko pa nga sana yung tissue pero nilayo nya yung kamay niya. Nung matapos niyang punasan yung palda ko

tumingin siya ulit sa akin at bigla nalang pinisil ang ilong ko.

Aray! Masakit yun ah!

Para ka talagang bata. Ang kulit mo kasi kaya yan ang nangyari.

Ginulat mo ko eh!

After nung usapan na yun nag trabaho na kami for the Holiday Project. Nasabihanko narin so Mom about sa banda pero aayusin niya pa raw. Ngayon inaayos namin yu


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ng design ng invitations para sa party. Ako yung gumawa sa girls at siya naman sa boys.

Jara?

Mmm.

How would you act infront of someone close to you but you had this big fight theled you guys to something serious?

I don't know pero for sure I'm still going to be myself and all. Bakit? had a fight with someone?

Wala naman. Konting misunderstanding lang yun pero I think it would really be anend.

And end of what? Your acting weird again!

After kong sinabi yun tumahimik nanaman siya. May malaking problema talaga tonglalaking to! Napaka ewan.

Mga after 20 minutes siguro nagring na lang bigla yung phone niya at heto nanaman po tayo sa mala dramatic Jeepney ringtone niya. Sinagot naman niya ito agad.

Sino kaya yun?*ZEN'S POV*

After nung paghatid ko kay Jara nung almost last week nung October okay naman nakami lahat lahat. Mas naging close kami pati narin nalaman ko na di pala talagasiya maarte pero ang takaw lalo na pag somai.

Since nung nagdala ako ng Chinese food sa Holiday Project meeting namin nalamanko na favorite niya pala ang somai with toyo't kalamansi. Natawa pa nga ako nungfirst kung paano niya gawin yun eh pero later on, nahawa rin ako.

After class ko bigla na lang ako nilapitan ni Diane at gusto raw niyang makipagu

sap kaya tinext ko muna si Jara na malalate ako ng kaunti.

Dumeretsyo naman kaming dalawa sa room 302 kung saan talaga kami naguusap from then on.

So, ano paguusapan natin? Dalian natin D, naghihintay kasi si-

Sino? Si Jara? Parati na lang si Jara Zen! Wala na akong ibang naririnig sayo kung di Jara. Simula nung maging partners kayo you started acting like this.

Ano bang pinagsasabi mo? She's my friend for God's sake Diane, don't tell me pinagseselosan mo siya?

Oo! Pinagseselosan ko siya. Yan! Pwede mo kong tawanan. Everytime I see you withher it seems that your happy with her.

Dahil mas may oras pa siya sa akin kesa sayo!

Inamin mo rin. So, you like her huh?

That's not the point! You've been acting like we're just friends since this relationship started and I'm tired of it. Ayaw mo sabihin kahit ni kanino kaya pareho tayong nahihirapan.


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I told you the main reason already. We can't tell them and you know that Zen!

Dahil masisira ang reputation mo? Dahil mawawala lahat ng dreams mo? So, you want to persue your dream? Fine.

So, this is a break up?

You asked for it.

After ko sinabi yun lumabas na agad ako dahil di ko matake yung intense naming dalawa. Sa lahat naman nagpwede niyang pagselosan si Jara pa which is just one ofmy good friends. Napaka babaw ng reason niya!

Dumeretsyo naman ako sa meeting place namin ni Jara after kong bumili ng Chinesefood for the both of us. Nagsmile naman ako sa kanya at prinapare yung food. Binigyan ko siya ng chopsticks pagkatapos kong iprepare yung somai niya. Kumuha siya ng isa pero di niya pa to kinain.

Pagtingin ko sa kanya bigla nahulog yung kinuhang nyang somai at namantyahan yung palda niya kaya naman kumuha ako ng tissue at pinunasan yun. Aagawin pa sana nya yun pero nilayo ko ang kamay ko.

Pagtingin ko sa kanya naka pout pa sya nun at para siyang bata. Bigla ko nalang

naisip na i-pinch yung nose niya.Aray! Masakit yun ah!

Para ka talagang bata. Ang kulit mo kasi kaya yan ang nangyari.

Ginulat mo ko eh!

Pagkatapos naming kumain nagstart na kaming mag work for the Holiday Project atas it goes on, okay naman siya. Kinakausap pa raw ng mom niya yung about sa bandat ngayon we're busy for the invitations kahit it's still a month ahead.

Ako ang naka assign sa boys kaya ginawa ko tong ala-rock design. Nagapprove rin

naman si Jara dito. Nung tiningnan ko siya na nagske-ketch ng drawing for the girl's invitation, na force akong magopen ng topic.

Jara?

Mmm.

How would you act infront of someone close to you but you had this big fight theled you guys to something serious?

I don't know pero for sure I'm still going to be myself and all. Bakit? had a fight with someone?

Wala naman. Konting misunderstanding lang yun pero I think it would really be anend.

And end of what? Your acting weird again!

Mga ilang minutes ago siguro may bigla na lang tumawag. Pagtingin ko si Karl pala yun.

Bro, may pinapasabi si Ms. Gemma.


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Oh ano raw yun? Importante ba talaga?

Oo eh. Wala raw kasing boy representative sa pagpunta dun sa isang province sa History Class.

Ano ngayon?

Your going with Diane raw.

WHAT?!

Oo. Punta ka raw agad dito sa Faculty to divide things out.

Sige sige.

Pagtingin ko ulit kay Jara, nagdradrawing parin siya at naka MP3 pala kaya parang walang narinig. Tumayo ako at niligpit ang gamit ko pero wala parin akong nakuha na reaction galing sa kanya.

Jara, Ms. Gemma's finding me so I have to go. Sorry to leave you here.

Ang drama mo! Sige na, you go ahead at susunod na ako in a while maybe.

Naglakad na ako at nung malapit na ako sa stairs, tiningnan ko siya. Bilang isan

g close friend ko I think I have to let her know.Jara,

Tumingin siya sa akin at tinangal yung earphones niya. Puno parin ng joy yung mga mata niya like before.

What? Your just gonna look unto my eyes?

Bumalik siya sa pagtingin sa kanyang sketch at nandun parin ako sa stairs. Hindiako makapag pigil na hindi sabihin sa kanya.

Me and Diane just broke up.*JARA's POV*

Me and Diane just broke up.

WHAT? WHEN? BAKIT?

Chill down Jara. Hinawakan niya ako sa shoulders ko at nag calm down naman ako.We broke up just today, before I got here. Nagka misunderstanding kami dahil...

Dahil? Nakatingin lang siya sa akin nun. Hindi ko alam kung sasabihin ba nito orwhat pero nung tumingin ako sa mga mata niya na gets ko na. Tinuor ko ang sarili ko nun at.. Sa akin?nagnod naman siya.

Pinagseselosan ka niya dahil raw ikaw na lang parati ang kasama ko at.. parati na lang raw ikaw ang bukang bibig ko. But, don't think that I like you it's justthat your my Holiday project partner. That's all. And-

Tinangal ko yung pagka-hawak niya sa shoulders ko at tiningnan ko siya.

You don't have to explain this stuffs to me, what you have to do is talk to Diane. She's your girlfriend, not me. Now, if your not going to talk her, I will.


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No. We will go on a week trip for History class. I'll fix things there.

Nagnod naman ako at kinuha ko na yung mga gamit ko and baba na sana ako nung bigla na lang niya akong hinarangan.

I hope nothing will change between us. I wasn't expecting this and sana di magbago ang tingin mo towards me or-

Don't worry. Di ako ganyan ka babaw para magalit agad sayo. May karapatan siyangmagselos, naiintindihan ko yun. Now, if you want to have her back go and talk to her.

He smiled at me and started walking away. Nung nasa may corner na siya ng corridor, he looked back and waved. I don't know if I shall be happy na determined siyang maki pagbalikan kay Diane or mainis dahil ako ang reason ng paghihiwalay sakanya.

After namin magusap that time, dumerestyo muna ako sa class A na room at tiningnan kung sino pang andun. Wala naman akong nakita kaya pumunta na lang ako sa Faculty para iiwan ang keys.

Nung papunta na ako eh umuulan pala kaya napatakbo ako ng wala sa oras. Pagdating ko sa Faculty room nabasa ako ng konti at di ko alam na nandun pala si Karl, Zen at Diane.

Oh? Ba't basang basa ka?

Karl, it's raining. Sense please. Come on Jara, tulungan kitang mag dry up sa CR.

Dahil hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at pareho kaming pumunta sa CR. Kinuha pa nganiya yung stuffs ko at nilagay sa may sink na tuyo. Inabutan naman niya ako ng isang towel para sa shoes ko na medyo na basa rin kaya pinunasan ko naman.

After kong pinunasan yung shoes ko nilagay ko yung towel sa sink at binasa ng water para malaman ng janitor na madumi yun. Inabutan niya ulit ako ng towel at tinulungan ko niya ako i-dry ang hair ko.

Alam kong sinabi sayo ni Zen yung nangyari. I know you might think I'm patheticbu-

But you love him? I understand you okay. Siguro nung pagkasabi ni Zen, nagulat ako pero naiintindihan kita Diane. We are both girls. Wala akong balak agawin siZen sayo. If you love him, fight for your love.

Lalabas na sana ako nun dahi

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