...All Over Again... ♫ [18 July 2010] The End. *bow*

[ayreezh]

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All Over Again
© ayreezh


"Believe me..."

"I believe you."

I've read somewhere that the length of time
a person should be able to move on from a "break up"
is 1/3 of the time that the couple was together.
But what does "together" mean?
 
Is it the time when you start having feelings for the person?
Is it the time when you start just being with the person?
 
What if the person was forcefully taken away?
What if the person never cared?
Does science or society set up any rules for those kinds of situations?
 
When is it okay to care for someone again?
When is it okay to fall in love without the guilt?
When is it okay to be with someone again?
When is it okay to find solace in someone else?
When is it okay to be okay?
 


This is what happened after the Terminal.
This is the continuation of life.


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Posters:

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |


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Trailer:

Gotta Be Somebody


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Chapters:

| Prologue | Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch.7 | Ch. 8 |
| Ch. 09 | Ch. 10 | Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13 | Ch. 14 | Ch. 15 | Ch. 16 |
| Ch. 17 | Ch. 18 | Ch. 19 | Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 |
| Ch. 25 | Ch. 26 | Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 | Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 | Ch. 32 |
| Ch. 33 | Ch. 34 | Ch. 35 | Ch. 36 | Ch. 37 | Ch. 38 | Ch. 39 | Ch. 40 |
| Ch. 41 | Ch. 42 | Ch. 43 | Ch. 44 | Ch. 45 | Ch. 46 | Ch. 47 | Ch. 48 |
| Ch. 49 | Ch. 50 | Ch. 51 | Ch. 52 | Ch. 53 | Ch. 54 | Ch. 55 | Ch. 56 |
| Ch. 57 | Ch. 58 | Ch. 59 | Ch. 60 | Ch. 61 | Ch. 62 | Ch. 63 | Ch. 64 |
| Ch. 65 | Ch. 66 | Ch. 67 | Ch. 68 | Ch. 69 | Ch. 70 | Ch. 71 | Ch. 72 |
| Ch. 73 | Ch. 74 | Ch. 75 | Ch. 76 | Ch. 77 | Ch. 78 | Ch. 79 | Ch. 80 |
| Ch. 81 | Ch. 82 | Ch. 83 | Ch. 84 | Ch. 85 | Ch. 86 | Ch. 87 | Ch. 88.1 |
| Ch. 88.2 | Ch. 89 | Epilogue |


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Text Copies:

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here and here.
Feel free to drop by.


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Disclaimers:

All characters, events, and places in this story are entirely fictional.
Any similarities between them and actual people and/or incidents are purely coincidental.


Unauthorized reproduction and/or distribution of text, pictures, or any other information which appears in this site, in any form or by any means, without the permission of the author is strictly prohibited.


All songs/music used in this story are copyrighted by their respective record labels, composers, and artists. No copyright infringement is intended.

[ayreezh]

::Prologue::
Dead & Gone
♫.~*~..~*~.♫

(Jerwin's POV)
---------------- ♥

Oh great.. I'm lost..


I've been driving around the same neighborhood for about an hour now.. and I still can't figure out where I'm supposed to turn.. Seeing this cemetery for about the nth time is already giving me the creeps.. It's like seeing death over and over and over again..
and the number of cars parked on the side of the street.....


Someone's burial....


I knew I should have just taken a cab instead of renting this car.. -__-
It's been ten years since I last came home from the States..
I should've listened to my parents when they "offered" to pick me up..


*sigh* But who am I kidding? They're too busy to actually consider picking me up.  It's just part of their whole "good parents" facade.


I parked my rented car a few feet away from the cemetery's entrance -- just behind the last car that's probably there for the burial.. I know I shouldn't crash some person's burial -- it's not like I'm actually crashing the burial, I'm just parking with them..... But I don't want to drive around for another hour!


I took out the new phone I got just before my flight from LA, and dialed my parents' house number.. Technology today.. it does wonders -- allowing me to call whenever, wherever -- using a phone from another part of the world.


two rings.. three.. four..


"Hello?"


Oh my gosh, she's home.. O_O


Ako: Mom? It's Jerwin.
Mom: Jerwin! Where are you?!? Kanina ka pa dapat nakarating dito sa bahay ah!
Ako: I know, but I'm lost. I think I'm somewhere near the neighborhood.. but I can't remember where to turn..
Mom: Where are you? Ipapasundo na lang kita sa driver.
Ako: No, it's ok, mom.. Just tell me where to go. I'm at the.. cemetery..
Mom: The front entrance?


Napatingin ako dun sa entrance nung sementeryo.. Guards, a huge gate.. and a moderately sized board that bears the name, "Garden of Lilies"..


Is that supposed to be associated with the term "heavenly garden"? -___-


Mom: Jerwin?
Ako: Yea.. I think I'm at the front entrance.


I took out a receipt from something I bought from the airport earlier, then started writing the directions my mom was throwing at me..


After a few minutes of making sure I got it, I hang up.. I looked at the directions and frowned..
and here I thought I was near our house already.. Turns out I need to make at least 5 more rights and lefts..


Just when I'm about to pull out from the side of the street, people started pouring out of the cemetery's gates.. The service must be finished.. Man.. I might as well wait until they all clear up -- I don't want the problem of running someone over on my first day home..


People started to go into their own cars, while others stood on the corner street still talking -- or crying.. Most of the people look young.. Probably around the same age as me..

I wonder if they buried a teacher.. or a principal?


I was still looking at the rush of people when my eyes fell on a certain group -- well, more like on a certain someone in that group.. They approached the parked cars, probably saying their "thanks for coming" kind of thing.. The family? or.. uh, siblings? cousins? They all look too young to be parents.. unless they buried an infant. -__- But then again, what's with the number of the teenagers scurrying around?


Anyway, I stared at the girl..
She, like most of everyone else, was wearing white.. Her hair was wind-blown.. and, although she was following the girl and the boy, who were peering into cars' windows, she was just staring into space, frequently led to the next car by another girl and a very.. uh.. feminine-looking guy..


I should just leave..


It would feel odd kung pati ako bigla nilang lapitan.. I shouldn't intrude on their grief..
O_O Wait, why are they walking towards me!??


Oh crap! They probably think I attended the burial too..




The group stopped right next to my car, and the guy and the girl (who, I notice now, must be siblings considering how much alike they look) did their thing..



Girl 1: Thank you for coming.
Ako: I'm sorry for your lost.
Boy 1: Yes. Thank you.


These people look exhausted.

Their eyes are red -- probably from crying or lack of sleep or both.. Their shoulders are slumped, as if they just want to go back and mourn again..


My gaze fell again on the girl I was staring at earlier.. She was standing behind the siblings now, still staring into space.. She certainly emanates a different kind of aura from the other grief-stricken people.. But she wasn't crying.. Her face wasn't tear-stricken nor her eyes show any trace of redness..


The two people on each of her side appear to be supporting her..
Although, I can't seem to understand why..
She couldn't be family since she's not the one peering or talking to people who attended the service.. She doesn't resemble the siblings in any way.. She doesn't seem to be in grief..
Yet people glance at her with sympathy.. the two people beside her are holding her arms as if she'll break into pieces if they let go...


Suddenly, the girl turned and met my gaze.. She stared as I stared back..

..and I froze..


No.. she doesn't look exhausted.. She doesn't look grief-stricken..

She looks deprived of life..
She.. She looks dead...



Just then, the girl and the boy, who talked to me earlier, turned to go to this lifeless girl..
No wonder they're all hovering around this being..



Girl 1: Let's go..
Girl 2: Halika na, best friend.. You've been through enough today..



I thought she wouldn't answer.. I mean really, come on, when someone is like that, nagsasalita pa ba un?
But... The lifeless girl can talk.. or mumble, at least..


Lifeless Girl: You're done?


Her voice was steady, barely a whisper, but it was steady..
It would have been a sweet, perfectly-toned voice... if it wasn't so stressed with pain..


Girl 1: Oo.. We're done, Venice..


They led her away to where they probably parked.. I followed them with my eyes for some time, then shook my head.. Lots of bad things really happen in this world..


I pulled out of the side of the street and started to drive away..

But for some reason, I couldn't help but replay the expression on that girl's face..
May kung anong curse siguro ung sementeryo na un.. It plays tricks on your mind...




Venice..

[ayreezh]

::Chapter 1::
Aquarius
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


about 2 years later...


(Jerwin's POV)
---------------- ♥

"Today, something will come along your way that is bound to change your life.
Do not try to avoid the inevitable."


It's another one of those usual bland, early mornings before I go to work and my sister, Jeanette, would set off for school.. And like always, the dining room is populated by just the two of us and the housekeeper, who would set our breakfast on the table and then go back to the kitchen..

Don't bother asking where my parents are.. Maagang umaalis for who knows what, and then come back whenever they feel like they should -- which could be days or weeks at a time..


Part of the whole morning ritual is Jean's weird habit of reading the horoscope section of the newspaper, katulad ng ginagawa nya ngayon..


Ako: Horoscope mo today?
Jean: No, kuya.. This one's yours. Nabasa ko na ung akin, di ka ba nakikinig?
Ako: Not really.
Jean: Jeez.. But anyway.. Kuya! Something is bound to change your life daw!
Ako: That'd be nice.
Jean: You can at least pretend to be more excited, you know?


She folded the newspaper and set it next to her plate, still scanning the front page article as she finishes up her pancakes. I don't usually mind what she reads, pero... -___-
seeing my picture on the front page, and knowing the article is something about me... it makes me feel uneasy watching my sister read it..


Jean: Kuya.. (reading the article) Sabi dito, nag-multi-platinum nanaman daw ung CD mo.. It's safe to call you the Prince of the Music Industry for decades raw.. (giggles) Prince.. heehee
Ako: What's so funny about that??
Jean: If only they know how "un-princely" you are.. I doubt they'd dub you that title..


Sabi na nga ba.. Kaya ayokong may naririnig tohng batang toh tungkol sa'kin eh.. Laging may pangontra... -___-


By the way, my name is Jerwin Santos. I'm 22 years old, and I've been working as a recording artist under a major record label for about two years now -- and yes, I can say I've been successful so far.. My songs often debut at the top -- which is good since it shows that people like hearing me sing (I guess).. I appear in TV shows, commercials, billboards, gigs.. Name it, I've done it.


It's been a rollercoaster ride of fame for two years since I've come back from the States... Two years now..


Ako: If you're done eating, shouldn't you be leaving? You're going to be late.
Jean: Fine fine.. Seriously, kuya, learn to take a joke.. Masyado kang serious.. Panget ka na nga, mas lalo ka pang papanget.. Abah--
Ako: Little brat. -___-


Tinawanan nya lang ako then went out of the dining room to look for the driver who'll take her to school.. I finished my breakfast and then stood up as well.. I might as well get this day done and over with...


Something that will change my life, huh...

Won't that be interesting...

[ayreezh]

::Chapter 2::
The Day We Met
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Jerwin's POV)
---------------- ♥

Ughhh.. Long day.. long day... -___-


I just finished taping a music video (finally wrapped that one up after weeks of hard labor).. And before that, there was that meeting with the sponsors, a guest appearance for a talk show, and lunch with my manager, discussing work again..

Man, it's just work, work, work -- all day, every day..

Even now..

Well.. at least this is the final task for today...


Last trip before going home: the music arena, which is to be the venue for my concert next week.. The manager said they're supposed to be doing all the finishing touches sa set.. Pero syempre, dahil late na ko natapos sa lahat, nag-uwian na ung mga crew nung dumating ako..


O__O


Or so I thought..


Some of the lights are still on.. and there, at the center of the stage, a girl wearing a school uniform is standing, staring at the ceiling and at the production lights hanging up around the stage..



Ghost? Multo? -___- Should I run away now?


I probably should.......
Ano naman magiging laban ko sa multo!??[/i][/color]


-___-


For some reason, I realized kung anong iniisip ko -- at kung gano ka-ridiculous ung iniisip ko..
I mean come on, why would a student haunt this music hall? Shouldn't she be haunting school grounds?


So, even as my heart pounded twice as hard sa dibdib ko, I still cautiously started to walk towards the stage to see what she is -- I mean, to see what she wants..


Ehto na.. konti na lang.. Ilang steps na lang, mahahawakan ko na ung stage--


Just then, the girl suddenly let out a huge sigh and then turned around, facing me.. O__O

>__<

o__o

>__<

O__O


Girl: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! <'OoO'>
Ako: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! O_oO



O_oO


Ghost: Hoy! Bakit mas malakas ka pa sa'kin sumigaw?!?!?
Ako: Are you kidding me!??! You scared the hell out of me!!
Ghost: Anoh!??!?! Anong tingin mo sa'kin!?!? Multo!??!?



Oh.. so she's human. O___O


Ako: What are you doing here anyway?? Pano ka nakapasok?
Girl: (jumped off the stage) I have my connections. (tingin sa'kin) Sinoh ka ba?


O.O


Ako: You don't know who I am?
Girl: Tatanungin ko ba naman kung sinoh ka kung kilala kita?! Gunggong.
Ako: Aish.. You wanna die!??
Girl: Only if you die first.


What is wrong with this girl!??


Ako: (clears throat) Anyway, my name is---
Girl: Nevermind. I don't really care who you are.


Really.... -__-


I should calm down.. Wala akong mapapala kung makikipagtalo ako dito.. I don't know her.. And as long as she's not a ghost, then I'm okay.
I should just check everything as fast as I can and then leave. Yea, that's right.. Good plan.



Girl: I used to dream of performing on this very stage....


The ghost girl turned her gaze back at the stage with a serene look plastered on her face -- a far cry from the pasaway, carefree mask she was wearing just a few moments ago.. O_O


Ako: Eh? So you're a performer?


A back-up singer? or a dancer? Is she one of my crew? How come I've never seen her before? Is she new??




She let out a soft sigh, then umikot para tumingin uhlet sa'kin..
Ah! There's the carefree face again. O_O

Ang galing.. It's like she can switch her idiotic expression on and off in moments....


Girl: A performer, ha... (smiles) Yea.. I guess you can say that..


She took a quick glance at the stage again.. pero this time, it was like she was staring at something more distant.. I wonder.... kung may nakikita na syang multo.. -___-


Girl: The stage used to be my life.... until my life was taken away on stage.. From then on, performing just wasn't the same anymore..


"Life taken away"?? HER life?!??



Could she be a real ghost after all? T-T


Bago pa ko makapag-process, she suddenly jumped after checking the time on her watch.


Girl: Whoy! It's late! I gotta go! (biglang tingin sa'kin) Nice meeting you,-- uh.. what's your name again?? er, nevermind! Bye!



I watched her run out of the hall.. Di man lang naghintay na mag-bye din ako, or mag-wave man lang.. And she didn't even introduce herself! Psh.. Creepy ghost.


Weird.. Rude..


I looked back at the stage, and the girl's contemplative face flashed in my mind again...


And now that I think about it..
Have we met before??

She looks so familiar...

--- ♥♥ ---

(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

"TAXIIIII!!!!"


And of course, dahil malayo pa lang, nakikita na ang beauty ko, tumigil naman ung tinatawag kong taxi..

I gave the driver my destination, and nung nalinaw na kung saan un, nilabas ko kagad ung cellphone ko -- ang naghihingalo kong cellphone -- and tinawagan si Ate Marian..


"Hello?"


Ako: Ate! Haller!
Ate Marian: Oh, Venice.. Napatawag ka..
Ako: Makikipag-chikkahan sana ako kaya lang low batt na ko.. So anyway, straight to the point na lang.. Napuntahan ko na ung pinapapuntahan mo.. It looks like the crew is pretty much done with everything..
Ate Marian: Ay talaga? Nako, buti naman.. Di kaseh ako nakapunta today dahil sa meeting.. Pati ba ung mga lights nakasabit na?
Ako: Yep, yep.. At least, I think everything is all set up.. Pupunta ka naman bukas di ba?
Ate Marian: Uhmmm.. Late afternoon pa siguro, after nung mga meeting at lunch dates..


Amazing na production assistant toh eh noh? Inuna pa ung lunch dates kesa dun sa concert project nung company nila..



Ako: Oh well, you can check na lang tomorrow kung may na-miss ako.. alam mo naman ako, malay ko ba kung anong ginagawa nyo dun sa stage na un.. Dami-dami mong alalay dyan, ako pa pinapunta mo para mag-check..
Ate Marian: Ehhhh, pagbigyan mo na ko, Venice.. Baka pag nag-utos ako sa mga minions ko, baka mahuli pa ko ni bossing eh.. Lab mo naman ako di vah?
Ako: Che! Abusado! Anyway, I gotta go..
Ate Marian: Eh? Already? Ah.. Nandyan ka nanaman....
Ako: Syempre naman, ate.. Ma-mmiss ko ba naman ang pagpunta dito? hahaha And besides, anoh vah.. Mamamatay na nga cellpone kowh.. Kaya sige na.. bye bye, ate!
Ate Marian: *sigh* Okay.. Ingat ka.


I hang up the phone and looked out of the window..
Just one more place to go bago ako umuwi..


It didn't take long bago lumitaw ang white-washed walls nung cemetery.. Binaba ako nung taxi dun mismo sa entrance, and after kong bayaran at mag-thank you kay manong, kinolekta ko na lahat ng gamit ko para makababa na..

The guards waved as I passed their booth dun sa entrance.. Suki na ko dito na kahit sinong guard at kahit anong shift pa yan, kilala na ko..

I continued to walk dun sa loob nung cemetery.. Even as the sun starts to set, ok lang din.. Sa tagal ko na ba namang naglalakad dito, pati ung mga multo at bangkay, kilala na rin ko..

and just like any other day, I stopped in front of the well-kept grave.. I sat on the grass, and gently touched the grave stone..


Ako: Sorry, I'm late.. Si Ate Mars kaseh eh, may pinadaanan pa.. But I'm here now... G...

[ayreezh]

::Chapter 3::
Just For One Night
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Jerwin's POV)
---------------- ♥

Three hours.. She's three hours late...


After making sure that everything was going well in the concert venue, I drove straight to Seis, a bar-slash-nightclub dyan sa Makati.. I was supposed to meet her here before she leaves early tomorrow morning for a fashion show in Paris.. but...

Tatlong oras na kong nandito, and wala pa rin.. No text.. no call..


Maybe she's being held up at work again.......?


I looked through the one-way mirror nung window at the wall separating the VIP room from the rest of the nightclub.. The chaos outside is brightly lit by the laser-disco lights..
Samantalang ako, nandito, mag-isa, halos maubos na ung pang-ilan ko na bang bote ng beer kakahintay..

We always meet up in this place.. Aside from the fact na it's close to impossible to spot us among the number of heads that come in to party every night, Seis has one of the most private VIP rooms any nightclub can offer.. We don't have to worry about our "meeting" being leaked to the press -- which is just the way she wanted..


BEEP! BEEP!


Napatalon ako nung biglang nagtutunog at nag-vibrate ung cellphone kong nakapatong dun sa maliit na table in front of me.. I reached for it, half knowing what the text message would say, and half hoping I'd be wrong..



"Jerwin, I'm sorry.. We just finished with the rehearsal and I'm so tired. I don't think I'd be able to meet you up tonight. I'll see you when I get back? xx, Geena."


Well... I knew she was gonna ditch me again..


I should've known better than to hope otherwise..


*sigh* Wala na kong dahilan mag-stay dito.. Sayang lang oras ko.. I threw a few bills on the table then sinalpak ung cellphone ko in my pocket.. but then, just as I stood up, the door to the VIP room suddenly swung open, and a girl literally stumbled inside..O_O


I froze on the spot as she squinted her beady, drunk eyes at me, and then looked around the room..


Girl: What? Izn't thizz the bathroom? =___=
Ako: Uh, no.. The bathroom is on the other side of the building.. O_O
Girl: Eh? That's weird.. I was so sure na dito un.. Ikaw! (pointed a shaky finger at me) Take me to the bathroommm!


O___O

*gulp*

Oh well.. I might as well walk her there since palabas na rin naman ako..
Oh gawd, I hope she doesn't throw up or anything..


Ako: O-okay...


I walked over to her carefully, watching her body as she sways dangerously from side to side..
and when I finally reached her, when her face was finally close enough to see in the poorly lit VIP room, mahulog-hulog ang puso ko! O_O


Ako: You! Weren't you the girl from the music arena?!?!?!
Girl: (squints her eyes at me) Kuya.. Arena? Adik ka baaa? Nightclub toh! Bar! And the best bartenders and margaritas in townnn!


She doesn't remember me..


Which is not a surprise considering how much her breath reeks of alcohol.. Psh, alcoholic. Is she trying to kill herself?!?


Ako: Okay.. Wala ka bang kasama?
Girl: Nope! I'm alone! Alone! All aloooonnneeee!! So let's go to the bathroom-room! Oh-kie!


I offered her my hand kaseh nga baka biglang bumagsak habang naglalakad kame.. Nakakahiya naman.. And that would attract a lot of attention..
She thrusts her hand in front of her, trying to take my hand -- only to fail.. -___- I can just imagine kung ilang kamay ang talagang nakikita nya as she grabs halos each and every space na malapit sa kamay ko..


HAAAAAyyyyy...


After the third try, although it's amusing to watch her trying to figure out where my hand is, ako na ung kumuha nung kamay nya para lang mapadali kami..


Girl: Ooohhh!!! Ahyun pala ung kamay moh! I waz starting to wonder kung bakit ang damiiii mong kamay! Kuya, are yoouu humann?


Just then she looked up at my face again, and then swayed -- as in SWAYED -- left and right.. And before I could even react, she passed out. collapsed. fainted. right there. with me.


Is this my unlucky night or something!!?!??


I caught her just a few inches before she hit the floor -- much to HER luck. And then, repositioned her so that I can scoop her up without breaking my back.. Surprisingly, she's not that heavy to carry -- much to HER luck again, dahil kung mabigat sya, I would've dragged her to the booth instead of carrying her.



I looked up at the door, still ajar from when she barged in, and noticed a few people starting to look.. Guys who seem to have followed her drunken footsteps to this room.. Guys who are emitting an aura of doing something not good. -___-


Well.. there goes the plan of just leaving her in this room..


I took a deep breath and pagkatapos kong magdasal sa lahat ng santo na naaalala ko, I walked briskly out of the VIP room with the idiot ghost girl in my arms.. I ignored the looks and the whispers hanggang sa makalabas ako nung building and dashed straight to my truck..


It took me at least half an hour to get my keys out, figure out how to open the passenger door with her still in my arms, get her inside, make sure she doesn't fall over and hit her head on the dashboard (for the second time.. hehe malay ko bang babagsak syang paharap.. and besides, it would've been just my luck if that impact would wake her up), fasten her seatbelt, and finally, sitting myself in the driver seat.. T-T

After catching my breath, I reached out to the purse na naka-swung around her shoulder.. I looked through her wallet searching for an ID..

I found one, an ID with her home address.......
A street name I've never seen before.. at ung barangay na I didn't even know existed.. -__-
How the hell am I supposed to bring her to a place na hindi ko naman alam kung saan?!? Nasa Luzon pa ba un!?!


Cellphone! That's right, I can call someone and tell them to pick her up..
Rummage through the purse again, found it!
It's off.. Who turns off their phones when they're in a bar?


I tried to turn it on..

Nothing..

Maybe I'm pressing too lightly.. Try it again..


The screen flashed an image of a battery dying out...

Low batt.. O.O
Something.. Something is definitely messing with my luck here...


I slumped on my seat, speechless.. I can't believe it.. I'm stuck with this drunk girl, not knowing where to throw her out or who to call.. I should've just left her in that nightclub!!!




"Kuya... O_O Is this what you had in mind when your horoscope said something will change your life??!"


I stared at my sister's shocked face as she absorbs the image of me in the doorway, carrying a disheveled girl inside our house..

I know.. I got so hopeless that I ended up just taking the ghost girl back home with me..


Ako: Shut up. It's not what it looks like.
Jean: (stared at the girl) You're picking up drunk girls now? O_O
Ako: It's not like I wanted to! *sigh* Look, just close the door and help me lie her down or something.
Jean: Why? O_O Is she a guest?
Ako: Jean.. I'll tell you the whole story in a while, okay? Now, will you just help me get her settled in your room? Coz it's tiring to just stand here, carrying her.


Sinarado ni Jean ung main door, but then she stopped to look at me nung sinabi kong sa kwarto nya dadalhin ung bitbit ko..


Jean: Uh, she is NOT going in my room.
Ako: What?? Why not!?
Jean: One, I have a twin bed. We're not gonna fit kung magtatabi kami. Two, she smells like alcohol. Even if I sponge her down, she'd still smell like some sort of drink.. Put her in YOUR room! Your bed is big enough and you don't care for alcohol-smell....
Ako: WHAT?!? NO!
Jean: Why'd you bring her home then?!? We don't have a spare room! Unless you wanna put her in mom and dad's room.....
Ako: Ugh, don't even go there.. Look.. She's a GIRL! It's only proper that she uses YOUR room since you're a GIRL too!
Jean: No! You are not putting her in my room! Unless...


She smiled.... a cunning smile.. I hate it when she smiles like that... -___- It signals my defeat. T-T


Jean: You want me to tell mom that you refused a concert in the States last month..
Ako: You WOULDN'T! You know she'd freak out if she hears that!
Jean: Well, your room it is then!
Ako: Little brat.


Tumawa lang si Jean as she led the way papunta sa kwarto ko.. All the while rattling on about how we should probably clean up the stranger and change her clothes.. It's a good thing my parents aren't home, or else.. They'd probably kill me for bringing home a drunk, passed out girl..


*sigh* Let's hope my bad luck stops here..


I slowly put down the unconscious girl sa kama ko and then turned to look at Jean, na naghahalungkat naman sa closet ko..


Ako: What do you think are you doing?
Jean: She's borrowing one of your shirts.
Ako: WHAT?!? WHY!??
Jean: We can't just leave her with the same clothes on.. That's just icky. And besides, I bet she's been wearing that uniform the whooleeee day...


Napatingin ako dun sa babaeng tulog sa kama ko.. What Jean said might be true.. I mean, surely, umaga ung klase nya, then she went to the music hall in the afternoon.. afterwards, she left but didn't go home.. and ngayon, ung uniform nya pa rin ang suot nya..


"This would do."


Bumalik ung tingin ko kay Jean na nag-pull out nung isa sa mga red shirts ko.. She examined the size, then nung naisip nya sigurong it's good enough, she folded it and put it at the night table beside my bed..


Ako: Why can't she just borrow one of your clothes?
Jean: Duh. My clothes are too small for her.. Anyway, I'm gonna go get a face towel and a basin of water to clean her up.. You should get a shower, kuya.. You look terrible..
Ako: Oh, thanks. -__-
Jean: heehee I'll change her clothes as well.. I'll be done by the time you get out of the shower.. THEN, you'll tell me why she's here.


I watched as Jean left the room para kunin ung portable cleaning utensils nya.. Jean has always been this responsible.. kahit na gulo ko ung nililinis nya.. Ha.. It's hard to believe she's just 12..

I looked at the unconscious girl on my bed again..

Well.. one night of sleeping next to a stranger can't possibly hurt..

[ayreezh]

::Chapter 4::
Start of Something
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

yaaaawwwwwwwnnnnnnnnn... *stretch*


Man, that was the one of the best sleep I've had in a while! -__-

Now, time to roll out of bed and go to school--

o__o


?__?


Bakit iba ang kulay ng ceiling ng kwarto ko??
Bakit iba ang kulay ng kumot ko?
Bakit may humihilik sa tabi ko??
O_oO


Dahan-dahan kong inukot ung mukha ko just to look kung anong nangyayari sa world.. *gulp* May hotdog pillow sa side ko... pero.. pero.. ung tingin ko napalipad kagad dun sa humihilik-hilik na creature sa other side nung hotdog pillow..O__O


Tao.. Bakit may ibang tao sa kama ko?!?!?


Napatingin akong bigla sa paligid.. Kelan pa naging light brown ang white walls ko!??!
Kelan pa ko nagkaron ng mahogany-looking na study table dun sa may kama!?!?
Kaninong kwarto toh?!?!?!?! O__O


I must be dreaming.......
that's it..


Pinikit ko uhlet ung mata ko para bumalik sa pagkakatulog ko.. dahil kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko talaga kwarto ito.. at hindi ko talaga alam kung pano ako napunta dito..... at hindi ko rin ma-take ang boom-boom-pow ng veins ng head ko.. at hindi ko rin alam kung kaninong ulo tohng nag-cconcert ng hilik sa tabi ko...

-____-


Siguro paggising ko, white na uhlet ang walls ko.. light blue na uhlet ang kumot ko.. at wala na tohng skandalosong tulog na toh sa tabi ko...


-___-


-___-


>___<


>___<


O___O


Arghhh!!!! I can't take it anymore!


Bigla akong napaupo (whoa! the world is spinning.. O__O ), hinablot ung unan ko at hinampas with all my might dun sa mukhang matutulog na nga lang, eh magsskandalo pa! At hindi pa ko natuwa sa pagkakahampas ko, diniin ko pa talaga ung unan sa mukha nya, manahimik lang sya!


Ako: Ikaw! Eextra ka na nga lang sa panaginip ko, ayaw mo pa kong patulugin!!!


Sabi yata nung part of the brain ko na nag-ccontrol sa dreams, dapat pag may nag-ssuffocate syo, magigising ka.. dahil ung taong sinusuffocate ko ngayon eh biglang nag-iba ang ingay at lumipad ung mga kamay nya dun sa unan sa mukha nya..


Oh di vah, kahit tulog ako, may scientific sense pa rin ung dreams ko..

Nung na-realize ko na malamang eh either patay na sya or gising na sya, tinanggal ko na ung kamay ko, and sya tinapon ung unan all the way duuunnn sa dulo nung kama..
Tapos bigla syang tumayo, gasping for breath, and then turned to glare at me..


Skandaloso: Are you trying to kill me!??!!?
Ako: Ang ingay mo kaseh eh!


Tinitigan kong mabuti si kuya.. Familiar ang face.. Hmmmm... Well, ang weird naman kung hindi familiar ang face nya, tapos eextra sya sa dreams ko di ba? Pero.. san ko nga ba sya nakita?


O__O

WAH! Teka!


Ako: (biglang turo sa kanya) Ikaw ung guy dun sa concert hall! Anong ginagawa mo dito!??!?
Skandaloso: WHAT?!? AKO pa ang tinatanong mo kung anong ginagawa KO dito?!?!
Ako: Ahsush.. Iniisip mo ko kagabi bago ka matulog noh? Kaya siguro pati sa panaginip ko, nakiki-extra ka..
Skandaloso: What are you talking about?? Anong panaginip??



O.O


Ako: But.. this.. O_O


Isn't this a dream?


I reached out to his face, and with all the power na kaya ng muscles ng thumb at index finger ko, kinurot ko ung pisngi nya.. ahihihihi


Skandaloso: AWWW!!!! AWWWW!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!!?


O_oO


Tinulak nya palayo ung kamay ko, then went on with a whole paragraph of profanities as he rubbed his cheek na namumula sa kurot ko..
Ako naman, wala.. natulala.. nawindang.. natanggalan ng soul..


Ako: It's not a dream.. Where am I??
Skandaloso: Ngayon mo lang na-realize?!? You're in my room.. Long story short, you were so drunk last night that I had to take you with me.


O_oO


Inuwi ako ni kuya sa bahay nya?!?!?!?!


Skandaloso: Stop looking dumb.. I didn't do anything.
Ako: Eh bahket tayo nasa iisang kama!??!?!
Skandaloso: Coz my sister didn't want some drunk stranger in her room..
Ako: Bakit di ka sa sahig natulog?!?
Skandaloso: Babaliw ka ba?!? It's my bed! You should be thankful I didn't make YOU sleep on the floor!
Ako: Ughh.. My head hurts.. T-T
Skandaloso: Serves you right.. After being so drunk last night, himala kung wala kang hang-over ngayon..


Tumayo na si kuya from the bed, and I realized na may damit naman pala sya.. Sando at shorts.. hindi naman mukhang kabastos-bastos.. But still...


Ako: And sure kang walang nangyari..... rite?
Skandaloso: As if I'd waste my time picking up some random drunk girl, when I can just have anyone else out there -- who's not drunk -- and have my way with her..


Ai.. arogante si kuya.. Malakas ang wind.. -__-


"JERWIN!?! JERWIN?!?!"


Wah! May sumisigaw!!!


Biglang nanlaki ung mata ni kuya, tapos dinaig pa si Road Runner sa bilis ng takbo papunta sa pinto.. kaya lang nabunggo nya ung isang paa dun sa isang leg nung kama.. kaya imbis na mapadali, eh nagtatalon si kuya sa sakit at sa panic.. Naaliw ako..


Kasoh lang, biglang tumigil ang puso ko nang bumukas wiiiddeeee open ang pinto nung kwarto.. at isang middle-aged woman ang sumulpot sa doorway, holding a newspaper in her hands..


Skandaloso: M-MOM?!??!?!


O_oO


"Mom"??!?!?


Right then and there, nagdasal ako na lamunin na ko nung kama.. tapos lamunin nung sahig ung kama.. at lamunin ng lupa ung sahig..
Na-frozen si kuya dun sa gitna nung kwarto as his mom stared open-mouthed at me..


Dahan-dahan kong tinignan ung sarili ko, pasimpleng silip ba.. I'm wearing a shirt.. a boy's shirt.. probably HIS shirt..
no shorts, no PJs.. although mahaba naman ung shirt para ma-cover ang dapat ma-cover.....
and I'm still wearing my underwear.. So, that's one more sign na WALA talagang kalokahang nangyari.......


But I don't think his mom realizes that.. She just looked at me and then at Jerwin.. and then back at me...


Ako: Uh.. hi?



________________________
To Be Continued.

[TwilightZone817]

WAA~!  na-miss  ko  si  FluffyKuya  Jerwin.  Pati  si  Venice.  Pati  si  ate  Irish

Pasaway  pa  rin  si  Jean  at  makulit  pa  rin  si  Venice. 

Next  napo.  Chapter 14  na~! 

[ayreezh]

Justin
  aii!!! hahahaha i miss you too..   ikaw ha.. chapter 14.. dun ka sa kabila nagbabasa noh! at in fairness, updated ka.. kakapost ko lang nung 13 kanina..

::Chapter 5::
Collide
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

Arrghhhh.. Anoh na bang nangyayari dun?!?! Anong pinag-uusapan nila!??!



I paced back and forth dun sa living room kung san tinapon kame ni Jerwin ng mga nanay namen -- na nag-uusap naman dun sa dining room sa kabilang side nung bahay..

Ehwan ko ba talaga kung anong nangyayari sa world.. Bastah ang alam ko, kung anuman ung nangyayare, maya-maya lang, pag wala nang witness, papatayin na ko ng nanay ko..


Haaayyyyy... I lived a full life. -__-


Everything happened so fast.. o siguro, kaya sya naging fast eh dahel sa sobrang panic attack ko, nag-blur tuloy ang lahat.. Anyway, pagsulpot nung nanay ni Jerwin sa kwarto.. and upon seeing the ME with only her son's shirt on.. nakahiga sa kama nung anak nya.. at ang anak nyang bagong gising rin....... -___- Nagpanic yata si mother.. Kahit na may I compose sya nung facade nya, na kunwari eh calm sya, ung mata nya naman eh halos mahulog hulog na sa kakatingin sa'min ni Jerwin...

Pinaligo nya lang si Jerwin, tapos pinaghilamos ako.. Pinakain kami ng very tensed at mabilisang almusal, and then halos kaladkarin kaming dalawa ni Jerwin to her car, at dumiretso dito sa bahay para kausapin ang mother ko..


At hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring news kung anong nangyayari sa discussion nila.. T-T



"Will you sit down? You're giving me a headache!"


Napatingin ako bigla kay Jerwin, na nakaupo dun sa isa sa mga sofa namen, nagbabasa nung newspaper na inabot sa kanya nung nanay nya kanina.. Op corz, ako naman si ever curious, lumapit ako para maki-tsismis kung anu bang tinitignan nya dun with all intent..


Ako: Hmmm anoh bang pinagkaka-serious serious mo dyan??


I walked dun sa likod nung inuupuan nya, then peered dun sa newspaper..
Hmmm.. -___-



O_oO


Ako: WAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!



Bigla kong hinablot ung newspaper sa kamay nya at napatitig sa picture -- full-blown picture -- dun sa front page -- FRONT PAGE!!!

Dun sa picture, although may pagkadilim, mukhang malaki ang megapixels nung camera dahel oh so clear ang picture! Buhat ang unconscious na ako ng so serious na si Jerwin! Kitang-kita ung face ni Jerwin.... I guess the only consolation eh naka-bury ung mukha ko sa chest ni Jerwin kaya hindi masyadong kita ung face ko..........

Although, kung nakikita mo ko so often, I'm sure, mapa-overtake ka lang ng 2nd time dun sa picture, ma-rrealize mong ako, AKO talaga un!!!


What is this? T^T


Ako: Ako yan! Ikaw yan! Bahket mo ko buhat!??!?! Kelan toh?!? San toh?!?!?!?
Jerwin: It was from last night. Remember? You were so drunk, you passed out. I had to carry you out.
Ako: Why??! T-T
Jerwin: Eh anong gusto mong gawin ko?? Just leave you there and let those other guys prey on you? Though it doesn't seem to be such a bad idea now.
Ako: (sarcastic) Oh. Thanks for the concern.



Binato ko ung newspaper sa kanya, which he barely caught.. hehe..
I can't believe this is happening.. at talagang picture picture pa!
Napaupo ako dun sa tabi ni Jerwin, and let out a huge sigh..


Ako: Anong newspaper ba yan!? And besides, why are they even plastering other people's lives on the paper?!? At front page pa!
Jerwin: Coz people are always interested in celebrities' personal lives.
Ako: Celebrity? Sinong celebrity?



Napatingin sa'kin bigla si Jerwin with a big "ehhhh??" on his face.. Then he held up the newspaper and pointed at the big bold letters of the title nung article:
"Pop Superstar Jerwin Santos: Carrying Mystery Lady"



o__o


O__O


*gulp*


Tinuro ko ung headline, then tinuro ko sya.. He nodded..
Tinuro ko uhlet ung headline, then tinuro ko uhlet sya.. He nodded again..



<'O_oO'>


Ako: WAAHHH!!! What is this!?!?!? Celebrity ka!?! "Pop Superstar"!?!? Bahket hinde kita nakilala!??! Joke ba toh?!?! Is this a prank!?!??!
Jerwin: I don't even know you, why would I play a prank on you? At kasalanan ko bang you're so dense, you didn't recognize me?
Ako: Dense? -__-
Jerwin: Yep.
Ako: AKO?!? Dense?!!??
Jerwin: Would you rather I use the term "stupid" then?


O_oO

"S-stupid"?!?


Pak!


Jerwin: Aw! What was that for?!?!?!?
Ako: Anong "stupid"?!? Sinong stupid ha!??!
Jerwin: Hey look! You don't even know me, binabatukan mo na ko!??
Ako: (smiles) Yeaa, baka sakaling magising yang brain cells mo. Di ba?
Jerwin: Why you--!
Ako: Oh anoh!? Magsabunutan tayo dito, ha?!?
Jerwin: Psshh.. Pasalamat ka, babae ka.
Ako: I know, I'm really thankful na maganda ako noh.


He rolled his eyes at me, at ako naman, bumalik sa pag-ppace ko dun sa harap nya.. Wala pa rin ang mga magulang namen.. Abah! Hinde ako pumasok sa school dahil dito sa chuchu nila, tapos paghihintayin lang pala nila ako?!


Ako: What's taking them so long??
Jerwin: I don't know. My mom is probably making some ridiculous deal with your mom.
Ako: Like?
Jerwin: (shrugs) How am I supposed to know? Eh magkasama tayo dito..
Ako: Namumuro ka na ha.. -__-
Jerwin: Yea well, see this?


Tinuro nya uhlet ung picture namen sa newspaper, then he looked at me like he was trying to explain something very complex to a little kid.. Namumuro na tlaga... -___-


Jerwin: This is gonna cause some major scandal. I don't like any kind of scandal. It's stressful. It's annoying. And it's all your fault.
Ako: At kasalanan ko pang nagpaka-hero effect ka dyan??
Jerwin: Yea! If you can't control your drink, then don't drink! Geez.


Nag-slump sya dun sa couch, finally putting the newspaper aside.. Mukha ngang stressed out si kuya.. Siguro nga, may point sya......
Pero tama ba namang sa'kin ilagay lahat lahat lahat ng sisi?!?


Ako: Eh anong gusto mong gawin ko?! Hug gusto mo!?
Jerwin: (chuckles) You dare to touch me?


Ai.. kuya.. Porket may star power ka, kala mo di kita ma-ttouch dyan?!


Dahan-dahan akong lumapit kay kuya, papunta uhlet dun sa likod nung inuupuan nya.. All the while, he was watching me with a curious expression.. Ako pa ang naisipan nyang i-dare.. As if naman di ko sya mahahawakan.. Anoh ba sya, ginto!?? Don't touch: Fragile?!?


Ako: Of course naman.. Bahket? Sobrang demure mo ba na mahihiya ka pag hinawakan kita?


I ran my finger slowly on his shoulder, smiling at his bewildered expression.. Oh di vah, enjoy~?


Ako: Stressed out ka di ba? Gusto mo, imasahe kita?


I slowly massaged his shoulders, slowly working my way papunta sa leeg nya..


Jerwin: W-What--- O__O


"AHEM."


Napatalon kaming dalawa nung may biglang sumulpot dun sa doorway nung living room.
As in 10 feet away ang talon ko from the couch; at buong dugo yata sa katawan nya ang nag-rush sa mukha ni Jerwin.

Napaikot kaming bigla dun sa pinanggalingan nung "ahem".. at josko.. maaga yata talaga akong ma-mmurder ng nanay ko.. T-T


Ako: M-M-Mom?!?!
Mom: Venice.. Sisilipin ko lang sana kayo, pero mukha namang ok na ok kayong dalawa..
Ako: A-anoh.... O__O
Mom: Sige lang, alagaan mong mabuti ung bisita naten ha.. (tingin kay Jerwin) See you later, Jerwin.



Aii nag-wink.. nag-wink ang nanay ko kay Jerwin... Napapaghalataan talaga kung san ko namana ang kalandian ko.. O___O

She walked out of the room at bumalik dun sa meeting venue nila ng nanay ni Jerwin.. Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko.. Masama, masama ang mga ganitong pangyayari sa puso.. My golay..


Jerwin: Geez!



Napalipat ung atensyon ko kay Jerwin, na hanggang ngayon eh namumula pa.. wahahaha
Lumapit uhlet ako sa kanya, pero this time, umupo na lang ako dun sa tabi nya.. Ahyan, wala nang malice yan..


Ako: Ahsush.. Kaw naman.. nahiya pa.. parang di ka pa nahuhuli na may nagmamasahe syo..
Jerwin: Shut up.


Halos 5 minutes pang nagtuloy-tuloy ung panunukso ko sa kanya.. Natigilan lang ako nung nakita naming pumasok sa living room ung mga nanay namen.. Syempre, kaming dalawa naman, napatingin, nanahimik... Naghihintay ng kung anong judgment..


Mom: We've decided.
Ako: Decided?


Nagtinginan kame ni Jerwin.. May na-miss ba kame kanina?


Jerwin: Decided what?
Mrs. Santos: You two are going to get married.



-__-


o__o


O__O


Jerwin at Ako: WHAT?!?!?!?!

[hugz_n_kissez]

woah!! eto nah ulit ung all over again!! nice nice..

next nah po ulit!!

[TwilightZone817]

Justin
  aii!!! hahahaha i miss you too..   ikaw ha.. chapter 14.. dun ka sa kabila nagbabasa noh! at in fairness, updated ka.. kakapost ko lang nung 13 kanina..

hehe.  lagi  ko  kasi  tinitignan  yun  baka  sakaling  dun mo  unang  i-post.
at  'di  nga  ako  nagkamali.  hehe.  hintay-hintay  na  lang  ng  susunod.

[ayreezh]

woah!! eto nah ulit ung all over again!! nice nice..

next nah po ulit!!

ayyy hello uhlet!   uu, ehto na uhlet ung all over again.. natagalan ng konti.. haha  anu nga uhlet name mo?? sorry kung sinabi mo na dati, masama lang talaga ang memory ko pagdating sa pangalan..

hehe.  lagi  ko  kasi  tinitignan  yun  baka  sakaling  dun mo  unang  i-post.
at  'di  nga  ako  nagkamali.  hehe.  hintay-hintay  na  lang  ng  susunod.

hahaha oo nga! hindi ka nga nagkamali!   nauna na nga sya don.. heehee kamustah na ba??

::Chapter 6::
Diamond Ring
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

There's got to be a mistake.. Siguro nga, may kung sinong nang-ttrip sa'kin.. If ever man! Anoh vah! Hindi pah ba time para lumabas?!?! Aatakihin na ko sa puso dito!!!!


Jerwin: M-Marriage.. M-Mom.. What are you talking about?
Mrs. Santos: Well, if you think about it, marriage is the perfect solution for everything that's going on, di ba, kumare?



K-Kumare?!? Kumare na ang tawag nya sa nanay ko?! Mag-kumare na sila?!?!


Jerwin: Solution for what? If this is about the bed-sharing that happened last night, kanina pa namen sinasabi snyo, nothing happened!
Mrs. Santos: We may choose to believe that nothing happened, but the fact is, you two shared a bed.. a man and a woman.. on the same bed the entire night.. Kahit anong sabihin nyo, what I saw and what my maternal instict tells me.......


Ang old-fashioned.. -__- Old-fashioned na pervert ang utak ng mother ni Jerwin....
Ang contradicting...


Mom: And the pictures! Nako, iikot sigurado un sa internet, sa TV! Abah, Venice, magtatanong ang mga tao! Baka may mga sumunod pa na ilabas.. Hindi ka matatahimik, anak.
Ako: Pero.. This is all so sudden! I'm only 21........ Mahaba pa ang future ko.. May mga pangarap pa ko sa life.. Ang mga places to go, mga things to see.. In other words, ayoko pa mag-asawa.. T-T
Mom: It's not like it's an instant marriage.. Hindi naman kami ganun ka-cruel, di ba kumare?


Ai.. hindi ba? T-T


Mrs. Santos: Exactly. How about a long engagement? Di ba? Just think of it as an arranged marriage.
Jerwin: But, mom--
Mrs. Santos: No "buts", Jerwin. You are doing this! Think of all the positive publicity you're gonna get the moment we annouce the engagement..
Ako: Publicity? O_O


So publicity stunt lang ako!? Ganon?!?


Mom: Well, sabi ni Mrs. Santos, kung kilala ka ng mga tao, at kung madalas ka nilang nakikita, hindi sila magiging ganon ka-curious syo.. So, they won't mob you as much... probably..


Naramdaman kong napasandal si Jerwin dun sa couch.. Syempre, napalipad ung tingin ko sa kanya.. bahket nag-rrelax na toh?!? Nag-ggive up na si kuya?!?!?! Nababaliw ba sya?!?


Ako: (bulong kay Jerwin) What are you doing?!? Back me up here!
Jerwin: (bulong pabalik) But they seem so determined about this engagement thing.
Ako: You are killing me!
Jerwin: Oh, it'll be okay. Haven't you heard? (smiles) Parents know best.


Ang--!!! O__O


Ako: Eh kung sabunutan kaya kita dyan?!?!?
Jerwin: They'll probably think it's a show of affection.
Ako: Eh!?
Mrs. Santos: Well, now that's done and over with, let's go to the jewelry store.
Ako: J-Jewelry store?
Mom: Abah, syempre, we need to pick out your engagement ring!
Ako: B-but I have class to go to! And-- And.. Jerwin! Wala ka bang klase? Work? Whatever?!
Jerwin: Nope. I cleared out my entire morning schedule just for you, sweetheart.


"Sweetheart"?!! Ewww... -__-


Mom: Ok lang un, Venice.. We'll be done before noon, makakahabol ka pa sa dalawa mong klase..
Mrs. Santos: Bakit hindi ka na lang magshower na at magpalit ng uniform, para after naten kumuha ng ring, we can just drop you off at your school?
Mom: Ai! Perfect plan, kumare!


Oh josko... T^T




Ako: I can't believe na nakikisali ka dito!
Jerwin: Oh relax.. It's just an engagement. We're lucky they didn't propose an immediate wedding.
Ako: But we're getting engaged! I don't even know you!
Jerwin: Oh. (tingin sa'kin) Jerwin Santos. 22 years old. I'm a recording artist. Nice to meet you.


Ipalamon ko kaya sa kanya lahat ng singsing dito sa harap namen.. Mabubuhay pa kaya sya? -__-


Anyway, Mrs. Santos and my mom dragged me and Jerwin to this really chic jewelry store para mag-pick out ng engagement ring..... Well, actually, they're picking out the ring..
Props lang kame ni Jerwin, as we try to look like a couple para dun sa mga ogling na salesclerks and other people around.. I can't believe he's this famous, and I didn't even recognize him....
Something's probably wrong with my eyes. -_-


"Uh, excuse me poh?"


Napatigil kaming dalawa nang may nag-approach na teenager sa'min, holding a camera, at naka-uniform pa.. High school uniform..
Iha, maaga pa para mawalan ng klaseh ah..


Jerwin: Yes?
Teenager: Pwede poh bang magpa-picture?
Jerwin: Sure.


Okay. Anoh ako? Kasama bah ko? I should probably step out of the way...


Teenager: Ate, pakuha naman nung picture oh!


Ay.. Inabot sa'kin ung camera..

Ako namang si mabait, kinuha ko naman.. Jerwin just shrugged at me as the bubbly little teenager ran to his side -- kulang na lang eh mag-bounce bounce sa sobrang excitement.
Jerwin put his arm around the fan's shoulders and then pareho silang ngumiti dun sa camerang hawak ko.. Kuya naman, feel na feel ang pagiging star..


Ako: Okay.. Ready? 1.. 2... 3... Smile..


Flash!


Teenager: Ate, pwede isa pa?
Ako: Uh, sure..


Abusado kang bata ka ha..


I took one more picture.. and another.. and another..
Napapansin ko ngang medyo na-aawkward na si Jerwin, pero tuloy pa rin naman ung pag-smile nya dun sa bata.. Mabait na celebrity.. nyahahaha

Finally, nagsawa na rin ung bata, kinuha na ung camera sa'kin..


Teenager: Thank you, ate ha..
Ako: You're welcome..


Lumapit sya sa'kin ng konti tapos nag-signal na may ibubulong sya.. So syempre ako naman, as if by reflex na pag "bulong" ibig sabihin eh "latest chikka", lumapit naman kagad ako..


Teenager: Ate, kaano-ano mo si Jerwin Santos?
Ako: Ha?!? Kaano-ano ko si Jerwin??! O_O


Napatingin ako bigla kay Jerwin, who's looking naman sa'min with an amused look on his face..
Napalakas yata ung exclamation ko.. Pati ung ibang taong nakapaligid sa'min eh nakatingin rin.. -__-



Ako: Ah, anoh...


Anoh naman sasabihin ko?! Fiancé? Josko, kakilabot! Hinde ko kaya~ T-T


Maya-maya, may naramdaman na lang ako bigla na braso na nag-wrap around sa shoulder ko, and then pulled me close to him.. Syempre ako naman, napatingin kung sinoh bah tong bulgaran ang chansing sa'kin..
*gulp* Si Jerwin....


Jerwin: Ikaw siguro unang makakaalam nito, but this girl right here...


Oh my golay.. Ehto na.. Sasabihin nya.. Sasabihin nya talaga!


Jerwin: This is Venice, my fiancée.


O_oO


Sinabi nya! Sinabi nya talaga! At nakangiti pa si kuya! Nakangiti pa talaga sya!
Ai josko ang puso ko! Ang dugo ko! Ang mukha ko!


Mag-ccommentary sana si teenager, kaya lang biglang may isa pang ate na biglang lumapit sa'min -- mukhang sa sobrang shock ni ate, eh hinde nya na natiis na hinde lumapit..


Ate: Fiancée?!?
Jerwin: Yes. We're here to pick out an engagement ring. Our mothers are pretty much going crazy over the rings right now.


He nodded his head over kung nasan ung mga nanay namen na busy pa rin sa pagpili nila ng engagement ring. The Ring. -__-
Nagsimula na ang bulungan sa store.. Ahyan na, kumakalat na ang balita.. Ahyan naaaaaa!!!


Teenager: Eh di, ate. Pwede pa-picture uhlet? Tayong dalawa naman?


Ai! Picture!


Napatingin ako kay Jerwin who just smiled at me. Hindi ung smile na pang-encourage, instead, ung smile pa na pang-asar.. Bubwit talaga.

Tapos kinuha nya ung camera uhlet nung high schooler, and lumapit naman sa'kin si high schooler.. Syempre, feel na feel ko naman ang pagpapapicture, sige, nag-photo op kami nung bata -- kunwari di labag sa kalooban ko ang mga nangyayari.

Pero unlike kay Jerwin, dalawang picture lang ung sa'min ni batang nagccutting ng klase..


Teenager: (kinuha ung camera kay Jerwin) Ok, kayo namang dalawa!


Lumapit sa'kin si Jerwin, and katulad nung ginawa nya kanina, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder again and pulled me a little closer to him..


Ako: (bulong sa kanya) Talagang kailangan mong sabihin sa kanilang lahat noh?!
Jerwin: (bulong pabalik) But it's the truth. You are my fiancée. Now, smile.


The little high schooler took about 2 or 3 pictures namin ni Jerwin, hanggang finally, napagod na, nag-thank you na sya at tinago na ung camera nya.. at ehto pa ang parting words nya:

Teenager: I can't wait na ipakita toh sa mga kaklase ko!


*Sigh* Wala na talaga akong takas...


After matapos ang impromptu pictorial, hinaltak na ko ni Jerwin papunta dun sa case na tinitignan nung mga nanay namen.. Malamang kaseh ung mga tao dun sa paligid namen eh parang konting-konti na lang, eh susugurin na kame ng tanong..


Jerwin: Are you done yet?
Mrs. Santos: Well, we narrowed it to three. Pinapakuha na lang namen dun sa saleslady ung last one.
Ako: Three?
Mom: Oo, anak.. Para madali kang makapili ng diamong ring mo..
Ako: Diamond?? O_O


Diamonds?! Bakit diamond? Di ba pwedeng pearl? sapphire? ruby? emerald? amethyst? o kung anoh mang may kulay na bato dyan sa kalsada?!? Bakit kailangan diamond??


Mrs. Santos: But of course, diamonds are a girl's best friend di ba?
Mom: And engagement rings should be diamonds!


I gave a short laugh and then stepped back.. Bigyan ba naman ako ng diamond?
Siguro betrayal toh to all the females in the world, pero for some reason, hinde ko bff ang diamond.. Siguro kaseh pag nakakakita ako ng diamond, parang naiisip ko kagad: pwet ng baso. wahahaha


*Sigh*


"You don't want a diamond ring?"


Napatalon akong bigla nung may bumulong sa tabi ko.. Josko naman tohng si Jerwin, may pagka-ninja!


Ako: Not really...


Tumingin-tingin ako dun sa kabilang case ng mga rings para pakalmahin ang nagulantang kong puso.. Sumunod naman sa'kin si Jerwin as I browse through the expensive displays.. I know, hinde ako natutuwa sa engagement.. pero sinong hinde maaaliw pag ganitong binibili ka ng mamahalin na singsing?


Whooaaaa... Wait...


Napatigil ako bigla dun sa isang case display, at halos idikit ko na ung mukha ko dun sa glass para lang matitigan ung isang ring..


Jerwin: You know, those aren't really engagement rings...
Ako: But look how pretty that is...


It's a white-gold ring with a center heart-shaped, aquamarine stone and an outline of little diamond accents around the heart.. It's so pretty~


Jerwin stepped beside me.. Nilapit nya rin ung mukha nya dun sa ring na tinitignan ko, nakikitingin din..


Jerwin: Do you want that ring?
Ako: Ha?!?


Ay nagising akong bigla dun sa lust ko for the ring! But it's so preeettttyyyy~ T-T
Sigh. Pero syempre, hinde naman kaya ng budget ko yan, so I might as well stop the dream. Haaayyyy.. Tumayo na lang ako ng ayos and quickly looked somewhere else..
Tumayo na rin ng ayos si Jerwin, pero he's still looking at the ring..


Jerwin: I'm asking if you want that ring.
Ako: H-Hinde ah! I'm just saying it's pretty.. and besides, di ba nga, dapat diamond ang center stone ng engagement ring.. haha Kaw talaga.. Hindi ka nakikinig.. hahahahaha Halika na nga dun sa mga nanay naten at nang makalayas na tayo dito..


I immediately walked over pabalik dun sa mga nanay namen.. Si kuya talaga, shocking.. -__- Bigla ba naman akong tanungin ng ganon.. Bahket, pag sinabe ko bang "oo!" bibilhin nya?!?
.....baka nga.... ayyyy asa!


Just in time nung na-reach ko ung nanay ko, the last of the picked-out rings was being laid out sa harap nila.. And my golay! Anoh ba namang pinagpipili ng mga nanay na toh?!?!
Gusto ba nila akong ma-hold up dyan sa tabi-tabi dahel sa singsing?!?

A saleslady proceeded to describe each ring to me.. parang naman hindi pa enough na nag-ssparkle sparkle sila sa harap ko..


One is a three-stone ring.. three stone, as in three major diamonds with an outline of little diamonds pa! The metal is white-gold.. Siguro pag nanuntok ako ng tao, diamond-knuckles ang dating ng singsing na toh...


Ung second naman, josko... ung white gold na band eh may nakadikit rin na maliliit na diamonds.. and ung center diamond, complemented by "pave-set of diamonds" (ehwan ko ibig sabihin nun, bastah ahyun ung sabi nung nagbebenta).. at nakausli ung center diamond.. O_O Ehto ung tipo na pag nanuntok ka, magkakaron ng butas ung sinuntok mo..


and the third one.. Siguro ehto na ung pinaka-simple.. Although may diamonds pa rin ung white-gold band, maliit lang naman ung center diamond.. The center diamond is round, wala nang kung anu-anong arte.. The classic engagement ring.. Pag nanuntok, parang kagat lang ng lamok ung singsing..


Ako: I think I'll take the third one.
Mrs. Santos: Sigurado ka? Isn't it the simplest one?
Ako: Yea, that's why I like it.
Mom: Gusto mo, tumingin ka muna ng iba.. Ehto lang kaseh ung nakita namen na pwedeng bilhin kagad.. But we can always go back....
Ako: No!! O_O I mean, it's fine. Di ba, Jerwin?


Umikot ako, tama naman na kakatigil lang ni Jerwin sa paglalakad papunta sa likod ko.. Anoh bang pinaggagawa ng taong toh at ang bagal naman sumunod!?


Jerwin: What? Tapos na ba kayo?
Ako: (pointed at the ring I chose) I'm picking the third one.. What do you think?
Jerwin: If that's the one you want, then it's fine with me.
Ako: How helpful you are. -__- (tingin uhlet sa mga nanay namen) I'll take the third one.


Although nag-hhesitate ung dalawang atat maghanap ng singsing, they eventually agreed to take the ring na pinili ko.. Takot lang nila, baka bigla akong mag-walk out dito..
The saleslady took the ring, put it in a box, and told us to wait.. blah blah blah..


Jerwin: How much is it?
Mrs. Santos: Oh honey, don't worry about it.
Jerwin: No, mom. I'll pay for it.


Ai shosyal.. Wa care kung ilang libo ang bayaran ni kuya..


Binayaran na ni Jerwin ung singsing, and, finally, we all walked out of the store pabalik sa parking lot para makapasok na ko sa school.. at malamang eh makapag-vent out sa mga taong kailangang pag-vent out-an ko ng mga nangyayari..

Pagpasok namen sa kotse, Jerwin squished beside me sa backseat and carelessly threw the plastic bag nung singsing sa'kin.. Lokong toh, talagang wa care sa ilang thousand pesos na merchandise! Abah! Ingatan nya naman! Pwede ko pang isangla toh!


Jerwin: Here, put it on.
Ako: Anoh? Di ka man lang luluhod?! Wala man lang, "Will you marry me?"
Jerwin: Babaliw ka ba? O_O
Ako: Wala ka talagang ka-romance romance dyan sa buto mo noh? Papayag-payag ka dito, tapos di mo rin pala lulubus-lubusin..


I took out the small navy blue box from the bag and opened it.. Tinignan ko lang uhlet ung singsing sandali.. Half wanting to throw it out of the window, pero half knowing na, if I do that, malamang eh ipapahanap lang sa'kin ng nanay ko o ni Jerwin ung singsing hanggang sa makita ko uhlet.. Mga engkanto.


I slid my new diamond engagement ring on the appropriate finger.... Weh, engagement ring.. kilabot... -___-


Sigh...

And then, as if by reflex, napahawak naman ako dun sa other ring na suot ko sa right hand ko.. Dun sa ring na I always wear.. A silver wrap ring with pearls on both ends and little diamonds on the band.. A very special ring...

[TwilightZone817]

hahaha oo nga! hindi ka nga nagkamali!   nauna na nga sya don.. heehee kamustah na ba??

Medyo  mahirap  ang  buhay  ng  isang  graduating  HS  student.
Lalo  na  ung  preparations  sa  mga  College  entrance  tests na  halos  sunod-sunod.
Tapos  sa  Saturday  na  ung  UPCAT~!  WAAA~!  aus  pa  ang  sched. First  day.  first  batch. 6:30AM  T^T

[ayreezh]

Justin
   ay graduating ka na?  good luck..   6:30 AM!?!? good luck talaga! O__O  anoh un UPCAT?? exam rin ba un?

::Chapter 7::
Family Affair
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

Haayyy.. It's just one thing after another.. Is it "shock-Venice-out-of-her-mind" day today? -__-

I looked over at Jerwin, na tahimik na nag-ddrive sa tabi ko.. Parang kanina lang, akala ko matatahimik na ang buhay ko kahit hanggang mamayang gabi na lang.. Pero hindeeee, kailangan talagang hanggang sa kadulu-duluhan ng araw ko, maki-extra tohng taong toh.. T-T


Anyway, tulad ng napag-usapan kanina, after ng engagement ring shopping, binaba ako sa school ni Mrs. Santos -- ay, TITA Merryl na raw pala ang itawag ko sa kanya.. So, naka-attend pa ko ng dalawang klase ko.. at paglabas ko ng last class ko, nahagilap ko pa ang dalawa sa support systematics ko: ang long-time best friend kong si Sheena, at ang malanding baklang breast friend ko na si Kenny..


Tumingin uhlet ako kay Jerwin, who's still silently driving.. Although hinde naman masyadong tensed ung atmosphere....... tensed pa rin.. Haayyy.. I guess, I can't blame my friends for reacting the way they did nung nakita nila si Jerwin...


----- ♥ flashback ♥ -----


Sheena: Anoh yan?? Nakaw mo??
Kenny: Pwet ng baso?


Nilapit nila ung mga mukha nila dun sa singsing ko as I tried to explain na it's the real thing -- real diamond sya.. As in sparkly shimmering diamonds.. Pero syempre, knowing me at ang kawawang wallet ko, hindi naniwala ung dalawa..


Ako: Anoh ba?!? Diamond ring nga yan.. At hinde nyo ba nakikita kung nasaang finger sya nakasuot!??
Sheena: Oh, anoh, you're engaged?


-___-

Brrrrr!!! Nakakakilabot talaga marinig ung term na "engaged"!! Ever!

Napansin yata nung dalawa ung sudden silence ko at bigla silang napatigil sa paglalakad, with their faces like this → O_oO


Ako: *sigh* Yes, it's true.
Sheena: Oh my golay!!! Kelan pa?!? Saan?!? KANINO?!?!?
Kenny: Naunahan mo pa ko?!?!
Sheena: (tingin kay Kenny) Bakla, kahit sinoh naman, mauuna pa talaga syo noh.. Pero! AKO?!?! (biglang tingin sa'kin) Naunahan mo pa AKO?!?!
Kenny: At sinoh naman yang lalakeng yan na bigla-bigla na lang nag-aappear!??!


We stepped out of the school gates just as I was summing up all my courage to blurt out Jerwin's name.. Pero bago pa ko makasagot, biglang lumipad ung atensyon nung dalawa dun sa shiny, black expensive-looking pick-up truck na naka-park sa may tabi.... at lalo pang nawala ang atensyon nila sa'kin nung nag-step out ang driver nung mamahaling sasakyan..


I know.. may ADD ang mga kaibigan ko. Though I can't blame them for getting distracted.. Kahit na natatakpan ng mala-langaw nyang sunglasses ung mukha ni kuya, pagtayo pa lang, nakakalaglag underwear na si kuya driver.


"Venice, where have you been? Kanina pa ko naghihintay dito."


Ay! Kinakausap ako nung langaw?!?!?


Naramdaman kong bumalik sa'kin ung tingin nung dalawa, as I watch kuya driver walk towards me.. Sinoh ba toh at feeling close? Kanina nya pa raw ako hinihintay.. -___-

Nung sobrang lapit na ni kuya, dun ko lang na-realize na malamang lang talaga, may kung sinong engkanto dyan na gustong makita kung gano ako katagal bago atakihin ng panic attack.. O.O


Kenny: Sinoh yan?? O_O


Tumigil sa harap namen si Kuya, looking at me, and then at Kenny and Sheena.. He smiled, na parang nanunukso na: "Sige naa~ Pakilala mo na ko~ "

Bubwit.


Ako: Uh, Sheena, Kenny... This is my.. m-my.. (T-T) fiancé... Jerwin..
Jerwin: Hi!


Ang mokong, hinde pa natuwa sa shocked expressions ng mga kaibigan ko, talagang tinanggal nya pa ung sunglasses nya at dinazzle pa ng mukha nya ung dalawa!

Syempre, starstruck to the bone cells sina Sheena at Kenny, nag-hyperventilate nung nakita nilang si Jerwin Santos -- THE Jerwin Santos -- ang nakatayo sa harap nila.


Hanggang sa nag-bye bye na kame ni Jerwin, tulala at hinde pa rin nakapag-construct ng buong sentence sina Sheena at Kenny.. Feeling ko lang, bobombahin nila ng tawag ang telepono ko mamaya.. -___-


----- ♥ end of flashback ♥ -----


Haaayyyy...

Napatingin ako sa labas and dun ko lang na-realize (alam ko, may pagka-slow ako), hinde nag-ddrive si Jerwin papunta sa bahay ko. O_O On the contrary, malayo kame sa kalsada papunta sa bahay ko...


Ako: San tayo pupunta?
Jerwin: We're going to my house.
Ako: WEH?!? AT BAHKET?!??!
Jerwin: But of course.. My fiancée should meet my manager and my sister.
Ako: Feel na feel mo talaga tohng gulo na toh noh?!?
Jerwin: Relax ka lang dyan.. Kung masyado kang stressed, you really won't see the irony and amusement of this situation.


Hindi na ko nagsalita dahel natakot ako na pag nag-react pa ko, baka makapatay ako ng tao nang wala sa oras.. Abah! Hinde bagay ang beauty ko sa kulungan noh! At pano na lang ako mabubuhay kung papatayin ko si Jerwin habang nag-ddrive?!? Hinde naman ako marunong mag-drive!


After ilang minutes, we eventually ended up in the house I woke up in that morning...
Kasumpa-sumpa dahel dito nagsimula ang lahat! T-T

Jerwin parked in front of the main door, and I saw a middle aged man immediatey running towards him. Bumaba kaming dalawa ni Jerwin, and he gave the car keys to the man..


Ako: Sinoh un?
Jerwin: That's the family driver, Mang Ponce.. He's gonna put my truck in the back.. Now c'mon.. Let's go inside..
Ako: Do I have to? Hintayin na lang kita dito.. T_T
Jerwin: Sira ka ba? Eh ikaw nga ang hinihintay ng mga tao..
Ako: But I don't want tooooo~ T-T


He suddenly grabbed my hand and practically dragged me papasok nung bahay.. At, trying hard not to scream and yell, talagang with all my might, kinokontra ko ung paghila nya..


Jerwin: (hila sa'kin) Seriously! How can someone with your size have so much strength!??!
Ako: (hila pabalik) It's called adrenaline rush!
Jerwin: Well, tell your adrenaline to cut it out coz we have to go inside!
Ako: Ayokooooo~!!!


"Aren't you two a picture of energy?"


Sa pagkagulantang ko nung may biglang nag-appear sa doorway, napatigil ako bigla sa pag-oppose ko kay Jerwin.. Syempre, nung nawala ung opposing pull, paghila ni Jerwin sa'kin -- and talagang hinila nya ko with force! -- lumipad kaming dalawa!


Ako: Aw Aw Aw.. >__<


O.O


Jerwin fell on his rear, and I landed. right. on top. of him.
At parang daga na nahuli ng pusang naglalaro sa living room, lightning speed din ang pag-rolyo ko away from Jerwin. =__=


PAK!


Jerwin: AW! What did you do that for?!?!?!
Ako: What in the world were you thinking?!?!
Jerwin: You were the one who suddenly stopped pulling!
Ako: Eh bahket ka pa nanghila?!?
Jerwin: How was I supposed to know you were gonna stop resisting!??!


"Hahahahahaha!! "


Oh geez.. I completely forgot about the girl standing dun sa doorway -- and she's now hysterically laughing at us. -__-
Lalo tuloy akong napapahiya.. Anoh ba namang araw toh?!?

I slowly helped myself up, the same time na tumayo si Jerwin at pinagpag ung pantalon nya..
I couldn't resist lang naman, so, when he looked up to look at me, I stuck out my tongue.


Jerwin: Wha-!? What are you?!? Six?!?
Ako: BEHHH!!!
Jerwin: Aishh.. (turned to the young girl) Jean! When will you stop laughing!?
Jean: Hahahahaha!!! Sorry, kuya.. It's just... You two looked so ridiculous!


-__-


Ako: Who is she and why is she still laughing at me? -__-
Jean: Oh! Sorry..


The girl stopped laughing, pero malaki pa rin ung ngiti sa mukha nya.. She walked over to where me and Jerwin were standing..


Jean: I'm your future sister-in-law, ate. My name is Jeanette.. But you can call me Jean.
Ako: Oh, hi, Jean.


"Sister-in-law"?!?!?


Jean immediately linked her arm around mine, and walked me papasok nung bahay nila.. Jerwin followed us with an unmistakable amused look on his face..

We walked straight to the dining room where I saw Tita Merryl setting out what looks like expensive plates.. and on the counter, nakaupo ang isang middle-aged man, na aura pa lang, nakaka-intimidate na.. He seems busy looking at his laptop, hanggang sa narinig nya nang pumasok kame..


Jean: Hey, dad, look! She's here!


"Dad"!?! Wait!!! Akala ko ba "manager and sister" ang makikilala ko tonight?!


The middle-aged man turned to look at us, and kahit anong gentle nung features nya, ai my golay, panakot pa rin kaseh ang stern nung expression nya nung tinignan nya ko!


Ako: (bulong kay Jerwin) I thought you said I was meeting your manager??!
Jerwin: Yea. Didn't you know?? My manager is my father.


I knew this can still get worse. T-T


Mr. Santos: I see. So you're the girl my wife decided to marry my son off.
Tita Merryl: Ay, anoh ka ba naman, Ray. Don't scare her off like that. Ngumiti ka naman..


Oo nga! Wag ka naman manakot!


Mr. Santos: I'm not scaring her off.



He looked at me up and down.. examining my every feature..
at hindi raw sya nananakot... T^T


Teka lang!!! If -- IF -- hinde ako magustuhan ni father, hinde ba ibig sabihin nun, ma-bbreak ang engagement na itoh?!?

I looked at Mr. Santos again.. Mukha syang strict businessman, walang nonsense-nonsense.. He might actually come to my advantage!


Jean: What do you think, dad? Doesn't Venice look perfect for kuya?


Manahimik kang bata ka.. Wag mong kontrahin ang dasal ko!


Mr. Santos: I see... So you've won over Jean..
Ako: Eh?


And then.. And then.. he SMILED!!! He actually smiled!
Na-feel kong biglang nag-crack ang light of hope ko!


Mr. Santos: I'm actually grateful to you.. After more pictures came out from that night, I can't think of any better way to cover Jerwin's reputation from the harsh speculation of the media..


I knew it!!!
There it goes.. ang kaisa-isang ilaw ng pag-asa ko.. namatay dahel lang dun sa sinabi na un ni Mr. Santos.. T-T


Wait.. more pictures?!?


Ako: More pictures po?
Mr. Santos: You haven't seen them yet?


He faced the laptop towards me and Jerwin.. Kame naman, napatakbo to look kung anoh pa bang skandalo ang lumabas naman ngayon.. and yep, there.. Pictures.. More pictures from the night before, this time, nasa parking lot na..


O_oO


Ako: (pointed at one photo) What were you doing?!?!?


In one of the picture, from the angle nung camera, it looks like.... it looks like Jerwin and I were kissing..


Jerwin: Hey! It's not what it looks like, okay?!? This was probably when I was trying to open the door.... Although, it really does look like I'm kissing you... ha..
Ako: "Ha"?!? Anong "ha"?!? Do you understand what people will think when they see this?!
Jerwin: Yea, sure.. Jerwin Santos, kissing mystery lady.. or something like that.


Adik ba sya?!? Bakit ang calmado nya pa rin!?


Tita Merryl: Di ba, Ray? I told you they get along well.
Mr. Santos: Yes, I can see that.
Jean: (talon sa tabi ko) So, ate, are you going to sleep here again tonight?


O_O

Baliw ba lahat ng tao sa pamilyang toh?!?!

[TwilightZone817]

Justin
   ay graduating ka na?  good luck..   6:30 AM!?!? good luck talaga! O__O  anoh un UPCAT?? exam rin ba un?

Yup  graduating  na.    and  good  luck  talaga  sakin  6:30am  tapos  mga  one  hour  pa  ang  layo  ng  bahay  namin  dun  sa  testing  center. <_<
and  test  din  po  ung  UPCAT/University of the Philippines  College  Admission  Test. 

[ayreezh]

Justin
  ay my golay.. good luck talaga.. ang aga! ang aga aga aga! O___O anong course naman kukunin mo?

::Chapter 8::
My Boo
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

9:10 AM..

-__-

Ang aga.. Ang aga ko talaga gumising.. Usually, ganitong oras, nagpapaka-hurricane pa lang ako sa kwarto ko sa pagmamadali para lang hinde ako ma-late..
Pero look at me now.. All calm.. kumakain-kain lang ng almusal.. Nakatunganga dun sa TV na hinde ko naman talaga makita dahel nasa kabilang kwarto sya.. Ginagawa lang ng nanay ko na radyo ang TV.. kaya di man namen makita kung anong palabas, pang-boombox naman ang lakas ng volume..


Haayyy..


Sa sobrang windang ko yata kagabi, pag-uwi na pag-uwi ko, diretso collapse na ko sa kama..
Although, hinde naman ganon kasama ung dinner with Jerwin's family.. It was kinda.. nice, actually...

Jean seems to be ecstatic to have an "older sister".. and Mr. Santos or Tito Ray seems to be pleased na hinde ako social-climber... and lalo pa syang na-amused nung narinig nyang hinde ko nakilala si Jerwin the first time I met him.. Kasalanan ko ba!?!?


Haaayyyy.. french toast.. buti na lang masarap ka--


"VENICE! VENICE! VENICE! VENICE!!!!"


Wah! *cough* *cough*


Tubig! *cough*


Mom: Well.. Mukhang nandyan na ang mga suki ng telepono kagabi..


I tried to catch my breath, at the same time, trying to stop myself from further choking on the piece of french toast na nag-dire-diretso sa lalamunan ko..


Ako: Ang aga naman!
Mom: Well, what did you expect? Tinulugan mo ung mga tawag nila kagabi? At alam mo naman si Kenny, pano na lang matatahimik ang buhay nya kung wala syang sagap?


Maya-maya lang, ahyan na nga.. Lumipad na pabukas ang pinto ng bahay namen.. at tatlong mokong ang madapa-dapang tumakbo papunta sa dining room kung san kani-kanina lang eh tahimik akong kumakain..


Anthony: Venice! Venice! Is it true!?!? (biglang tingin sa nanay ko) Good morning, Tita Mel! (tingin uhlet sa'kin) Venice! Is it true!??!?


Meet Anthony.. ang epitome ng taong may Attention Deficit Disorder.. Ehwan ko ba dyan sa taong yan, pero for the past two years, bigla syang naging overprotective.. daig pa si Double 07 sa pagbantay sa'kin..


Knowing what exactly he was talking about, I held up my left hand and showed him the diamond ring.. Mabilis naman syang tumakbo at talagang nilapit ung kamay ko sa mata nya..


Anthony: Totoo nga! Why?!?! Buntis ka ba?!? Ni-rape ka ba?!?
Sheena: *gasp!* Buntis ka?!??
Kenny: Na-rape ka?!?!?! O_oO
Ako: Mga gunggong! Mukha ba kong na-rape!??!
Anthony: Then why?!? Kelan pa!? Why!??! T-T


Biglang nalipat ung tingin nya sa tabi ko nung nagsimulang tumawa si mommy.. And syempre, dahil A.D.D nga ung loko, 180-degrees bigla ang turn ng mood nya..


Anthony: Wow, tita! French toast? Penge?
Mom: Sige lang, upo na muna kayo.. At mag-ttoast pa ko ng tinapay..


Just then, biglang napunta ung atensyon ko sa TV nang narinig ko ang three magic words: "Jerwin Santos' Fiancée?"

At wala nang hinga-hinga, sumugod ako kagad sa living room para tignan kung anong nangyayare.. Nilabas na ba nina Tito Ray ung balita? Bakit di ko alam?!?


Sumunod sa living room sina Sheena, Kenny, Anton, at ung nanay ko.. narinig rin yata nila.. o baka nawindang sila kaseh bigla akong lumipad.. Pero either way, nakatunganga na rin sila sa TV as new photos of Jerwin and I linger dun sa screen..


Mom: Wow.. anak, tignan mo nga naman.. Ang bilis naman ng balita! Kahapon lang yan ah!
Sheena: Kahapon?!


That little high school brat! Anong kalokohan itoh!??!


The pictures from when Jerwin and I were at the jewelry shop continue to appear dun sa screen.. Ung 3 pictures naming dalawa -- for some reason hinde pinakita ung picture na kasama namen ung pasaway na high schooler na un..

The morning show hosts relay their speculation about the photos naman..
Nag-sspread daw like wildfire ung mga pictures from one online site to another..

At in fairness, may pagka-hyper ang mga hosts na itoh..
Never did they expect raw na ikakasal na pala ang "Prince of the Music Industry".. Ni hinde nga raw nila alam na may girlfriend toh..


Kung alam lang nila ang totoo.. tignan ko lang kung lalo silang hinde maloka.. -__-

They even went on to add ung quote sa isa sa mga blog na quote-unquote, si Jerwin daw mismo ang tumawag sa'kin na "soon-to-be bride" nya.. Although di naman un ung exact words ni Jerwin.. pero.. close enough..


Morning Show Host: Now the main question is, sinoh ba itong mystery girl na ito?


Oh my golay.. they want to know who I am... T-T


Kenny: WAH!!! Breast friend! Sikat ka na!
Sheena: Nasa TV ang picture mo! Nasa TV!!!
Kenny: At gusto pa nilang malaman kung sinoh ka! WAH! Dadami ang stalker mo!
Ako: Che! Tigilan nyo nga ako!


*sigh* But it's probably true.. Lantaran ang mukha ko sa picture na un..
And being the unknown, the media will try to find out kung sinoh ung girl sa tabi ng "Prince" nila... Eventually, they'll find me...




Later this afternoon...


This day is just horrible. HORRIBLE, I tell you!
This morning, pagtapak na pagtapak ko pa lang sa school grounds, may mga tao nang nagtitinginan, nagbubulungan... And as the day progresses, lalo silang dumadami! Lalong kumakalat ang news.. Ehto na siguro ang karma ko sa lahat ng beses na ako ang nagkakalat ng tsismis.. T^T
Lord, sorry na.. T-T


Ako: Haayyy... -__-
Kenny: Ai, depressed?
Sheena: Relax ka lang dyan, Venice.. Pauwi na tayo.. May 12 hours ka pa uhlet bago makakita ng mga nagbubulungan tungkol syo..
Anthony: Anoh pa bang bago sa mga taong pinagbubulungan ka?
Ako: Haller?!? Ang pinagbubulungan kaya nila ngayon--
Sheena: eh ang lovey-dovey engagement mo sa isang superstar na walang nakakaalam na lovey-dovey mo?
Ako: I was gonna say something like, it's none of their business... -__-


Naglalakad palang kami malapit sa gate nang bigla na kaming hinarangan ni Manong Guard.. At ung mukha pa ni manong!
Napatigil talaga kaming apat.. Wala pa naman kaming sinisira na classroom ah! O_O


Manong Guard: Nako, Venice.. Wala ka bang sundo ngayon?
Ako: Eh? bahket poh?


Kelan ba ko nagkaron ng sundo?


Manong Guard: Kanina pa naghihintay ung mga reporters syo.. Nadagdagan na nga ng nadagdagan habang tumatagal.. Baka matabunan ka habang naglalakad..


O_O


Kenny: Ahyan.. magsuot ba naman kaseh ng uniform sa pagpapa-picture.. Nasundan ka tuloy..
Anthony: Pano yan, Venice? Dito ka na lang matulog?
Sheena: Dalhan ka na lang namen ng sleeping bag..
Ako: Hinde kayo nakakatulong ha..


Nginitian ko si Manong Guard, then slowly, and very carefully, sumilip muna ako sa labas.. Mas marami ngang tao than usual.. Although, parang lahat naman sila eh minding their own business.. Kung may paparazzi man, parang bilang lang sa kamay ang nakikita ko..

So syempre, malakas ang loob ko na makakatakbo ako, ay sige! Nag-step out ako sa gate..
and then, wham!

Nagsimula silang lahat na magtutok sa'kin ng mga camera! As in more than kalahati pala sa mga taong nandun eh may dalang camera!

20?!? 30?!?

At hinde pa sila natuwa sa flashing lights, nagtakbuhan pa sila papunta sa'kin with their tape recorders at notebooks at sandamakmak na mga tanong!


Everywhere I look, flash.. At dinudumog nila ako!!!!
Just then, I felt somebody grab my arm and pulled me back papasok nung schoolgates..
Nakita ko na lang si Manong Guard na mabilis sinasarado uhlet ung gates..


Anthony: Venice?! Ok ka lang?!?
Sheena: Anoh namang kalokahan mo at lantaran kang lumabas?!?!?
Kenny: Nakakakita ka pa ba?!?


I see dots... At dots talaga! Flashing dots.. sa dami nung camera flash sa harap ko, ang hirap mag-adjust ng mata!

Pano ako uuwi?!?!?


Without thinking, nilabas ko ung cellphone ko.. and kahit na trembling ung kamay ko sa sobrang shock at panic, na-manage ko naman maka-scroll down sa letter J sa phonebook ko..
It's ringing.. ringing..


Please answer....


"Hello?"


Ako: Jerwin!!


I felt all my panic go to another level nung sinagot ni Jerwin ung tawag ko.. I know! Abnormal.. Pero all of a sudden, parang nag-ssink in lahat ng nangyayari, at nararamdaman ko nang nagsisimula ang hyperventilation ko..


Jerwin: Venice? What's wrong?!? You sound--
Ako: They're everywhere! I can't go out! They have these big cameras and-- and-- and-- Jerwin.. I can't go out...
Jerwin: Crap.. They found you already!??


For some reason, naiiyak ako sa sobrang gulo ng emotions ko.. Di ko alam kung magpapaka-amazona ako sa mga photographer sa labas, and yell at them to leave me alone.. o magpapaka-media's sweetheart, at hahayaan ko silang kumuha ng pictures....

Parang mabubulag yata ako sa latter choice.. -__-


Jerwin: Listen, I'm in the middle of a meeting right now.. But.. Are your friends with you?
Ako: Y-Yea..


Waaahhh mas pipiliin mo pa yang meeting mo kesa sa fiancée mong nag-ppanic attack?!


Jerwin: Let me talk to one of them..


I thrust the phone to Sheena, na nagkataon lang na pinakamalapit sa tabi ko..
She looked surprised but she took the phone and listened to whatever Jerwin was saying..
then after a few quick seconds, she handed me back the phone..


Sheena: Kausapin ka raw nya..
Ako: (took the phone) H-Hello?
Jerwin: Hey... I told her to stay with you for a while.. You'll be alright.. Okay? Just take a deep breath.. I'll be there in 15 minutes..
Ako: Okay...


I hang up, and then did what he told me.. I took a number of deep breaths to calm my nerves down.. Naubos ko na yata ung oxygen sa paligid ko..  I tried to block out ang kilig na si Sheena na pinagmamalaki kay Kenny na nakausap nya si Jerwin Santos..

It's gonna be okay.. Jerwin's coming...



... Well, I don't know where that came from, but it'd better be alright when he arrives...


Umupo sa tabi ko sina Kenny, Sheena at Anton.. They try to figure out how to get me out of the school grounds to the pick-up truck pagdating ni Jerwin.. Pati nga si Manong Guard, nakiki-plano.. Pero rejected naman ung idea nya.. Magplano ba naman na mag-fire ng baril nya?!? O__O


Honestly, it felt like the longest 15 minutes ever!
At nung nag-ring uhlet ung cellphone ko, and when I saw it was Jerwin, halos magtatalon ako sa tuwa! -- hinde dahil sya ang tumatawag noh! Dahil lang sa, at last, makakauwi na ko.. yata.


Ako: Hello?
Jerwin: I'm outside.. Run to the car as fast as you can, I'll meet you halfway.. Understand?
Ako: Okay..


Nag-hang up na ko.. Josko, tatakbuhin ko ung sea of cameras.. @__@

Pumusisyon na sina Sheena at Kenny para makisabay sa pagtakbo.. At least, baka sakaling mahati ung atensyon nung mga paparazzi.. Si Anton naman, tumabi na sa'kin.. Sya raw ung magiging quarterback na mag-ppart ng red sea.... Di ko masyadong naintindihan, pero parang ganun..


Manong Guard: Ready na kayo?


We all nodded..

Manong Guard: Okay.. Ehto na.. 1... 2.. 3!!!



Takbo!


As soon as bumukas ung gate, nagtakbuhan kagad kami.. And tulad ng inaasahan namen, kahit papano, nahati nga ung atensyon, as some tried to follow Sheena, and ung iba naman napatingin kay Kenny.. I looked straight ahead.. and I ran as fast as I could.. I can see the black pick-up truck...


"Venice!"


Ako: Jerwin?


I scanned the crowd pushing all around me, and, finally, I saw him running towards me.. Lalong nagkagulo ang mga photographers.. Ang lokong superstar naman kaseh, hinde man lang nag-suot nung langaw nyang sunglasses!


Pero adrenaline rush na itoh! I ran faster towards him.. Anthony tried to push the people out of my way.. until at last, I was able to grab Jerwin's hand.


Jerwin: (smiles) Let's go.


He held my hand as tight as he can, as we fought our way pabalik dun sa sasakyan nya.. Parang lightning ang bilis ng lahat..
As soon as napaggitnaan kami nung mga paparazzi, he immediately wrapped a protective arm around me as he tried to shoulder our way out of the crowd of over-ecstatic photographers.
Everybody was yelling questions and calling him to look..

It felt like we went through a stampede hanggang sa we reached the pick-up truck at last..
Binuksan kagad ni Jerwin ung backseat door.. and halos, madapa-dapa naman ako sa pagsakay.. He slammed the door behind me, then tumalon na rin sya sa driver's side.

And finally, we were driving away..


Ako: I think I'm gonna be sick.. -__-


I slumped dun sa backseat, na-lowbat bigla dahel naubusan na ng adrenaline rush.. Hopefully, nakatakas na rin sina Anthony pauwi..


Jerwin: Just don't throw up in my car, and we're all good.
Ako: Pwede mo naman ipalinis eh..


I threw my book bag sa isang tabi, then crawled towards the passenger seat sa harap.. Alam mo ung ginagawa nung mga bata na tatawid over from the backseat papunta sa harap? Oo, pinagsiksikan ko ang sarili ko habang nag-ddrive si Jerwin..


Jerwin: What are you doing?!?
Ako: Lumilipat ng upuan.


After getting myself comfortable, I fastened my seatbelt and started taking deep breaths to completely calm myself down..


Jerwin: Are you okay?
Ako: I was just mobbed! Do you think I'm okay?!?


Natahimik si Jerwin.. -__- It made me feel kinda bad for barking at him.. eh sya na nga naman itohng naging escape car ko.. at naging shield ko from all the pushing and pulling kanina..


Ako: Sorry..
Jerwin: Your life is going to change now.
Ako: *sigh* Pansin ko nga.. T-T I just don't understand.. Why are they following ME?!?! Eh ikaw ung celebrity!!
Jerwin: After years of being mobbed, nakahanap na ko ng ways para makapagtago.. And besides, people are always curious about the "unknown factor" -- which, in this case, is you. People will be more curious from now on..
Ako: Eh?!
Jerwin: Well, they'd go into a frenzy after that little incident of me showing up to save you from a herd of hungry tabloid photographers.
Ako: I don't believe this... T-T


Jerwin drove for a few more minutes, and then he entered into a busy restaurant's parking lot..
Ngayon pa nya naisipang kumain?!? At sa lantaran na McDo pa! Gusto nya bang pareho kaming masagasaan ng mga taong curious?!?


He parked in the far back, and then turned off the engine.. May balak yata talagang kumain si kuya!?!


Ako: Anong--?!
Jerwin: Listen..


Ay, teka.. serious mode ang aura.. O_O


Jerwin: We got ourselves in this situation.. and quite honestly, it's not really that bad..
Ako: Not that bad?!? We're engaged! (I held up my left hand) ENGAGED!
Jerwin: I know.. But at least our parents aren't rushing us into marriage.. You know, a lot of engagements break up over time..
Ako: Are you saying...?
Jerwin: Yes.. Of course, hindi pa pwede ngayon, since we just "started".. But.... Venice, won't you spare me a little part of your life?


O__O

>__<

O__O

Jerwin: Be my fiancée.. We'll get through this together.. as partners..


Well.. that makes sense.. I mean, it's not like may takas pa ko..


Ako: (smiles) Partners sound nice..
Jerwin: So we're in this together?
Ako: Better than being in this alone.. So, yep! We're in this together.
Jerwin: Great! And Venice..


Really, he's not that bad naman pala eh..


Ako: Yea?
Jerwin: Don't worry... When the time comes, I'll let you go.


.....


I nodded.. kinda hesitant.. kaseh naman, ang lungkot naman.. Kakasimula pa nga lang ng engagement namen.... nyahahaha


Jerwin: But for now -- No, from now on.. I'll take care of you.



_______________________
To Be Continued.