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

[hugz_n_kissez]

leigh po sis! binago mo po ung takbo ng story? ahihi.. pero nice nice pa din siya.. tsk kaasar ka jerwin.. nagsisimula pa nga lang ehh.. tinatapos muh nah!! ahaha.. next nah ulit.. ay atat si ako..

[ayreezh]

Leigh
   di naman masyado.. pareho pa rin ung major plot, pero naiba nga lang ng konti ng storytelling.. kaseh nawindang ako dun sa isa.. although alam ko ung susunod na mangyayari, hinde ko naman ma-figure out kung pano i-kkonek.. wahahaha kaya ehto, revise revise..

::Chapter 9::
If You Can Dream
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

It's been two days since all the hype started.. At tulad ng sinabi ni Jerwin, the media (lalo na ung mga tabloids!!!) just throws random things out there!
Nag-rrange na ang profession ko from mail-order bride, to a bar hostess, to a golddigger, at ang pinaka-favorite ko, to a prostitute.. Oh di bah?!?! Alam kong malandi ako, pero hinde pa naman ako ganun ka-landi noh!  At porket graduating college student ako, akala ba nila ganun na ko ka-desperada makakuha ng pang-tuition!?!?  Mga ass-u-mers sila!


At ang pinaka-widespread na rumor na kumakalat, kaya lang ako papakasalan eh dahil sa pregnant ako.. eh mga adik ba sila?!? Ahyon na lang ba ang dahilan ng mga tao ngayon para magpakasal?! And besides, mukha bang malaki ang tyan ko!? Alam kong may bilbil ako, pero hinde naman sya condensed sa harap noh!



Oo, nakaka-high blood talaga.. Buti na lang at nag-truce na kami ni Jerwin... Hatid-sundo nya na ko from school dahel baka masagasaan ako ng mga taong may galit o may kung anong amusement sa existence ko.. And at least, kahit anong kalokahan ang nangyayari pag lumalabas man ako mag-isa o with my friendships, kahit anong rant and rave ko, nakikinig sya..


But he'll never be able to calm me down like you did...


I sat on the freshly cut grass, just in front of the gravestone.. Matagal-tagal na rin since nakadaan ako dito.. Kaseh naman, ang hirap lumabas noh! Tignan mo, tulad ngayon, kaya lang ako nakalabas dahel tulog na ang halos lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas! 11:00 na ng gabi.


Ako: But I'm here now.. and if you're watching me from wherever you are, you should know how crazy my life is right now.. Imagine, halos buong bayan yata ang nag-ttry na mang-istalk sa'kin! Abah! Na-bbuild up na ang muscles ko kakatakbo noh!


I ran a finger on the cold stone bearing Gerard's name.. his name.. and the date of his death..
Two years na ang nakakalipas, and I still can't get over the feeling na ang unfair that he never told me.... bastah na lang sya nag-poof out of my life..


Ako: Bubwit ka talaga, G.... If you were here, none of this would have happened.. You would've taken care of me.. If you were here......




The next day, masakit man sa puso at sa ulo kong gumising ng maaga, anoh pang choice ko? Eh tinawagan ako ni Mr. Santos at on the way na raw ung driver nila para sunduin ako.. -___-

Sabado.. Sabado ngayon.. it's the only day of the week na pwede akong matulog hanggang hapon.... Why are they taking this away from me?! WHYYY?!?


"Ma'am? Ok lang poh ba kayo?"


Eh? -___-


Ako: Ok lang naman poh, Mang Ponce.. Bakit poh?
Mang Ponce: Mukha ho kasi kayong pagod na pagod.. May sakit poh ba kayo?
Ako: Nako, wala poh.. late lang nakatulog kagabi. San poh ba tayo pupunta?
Mang Ponce: Ay, sabi poh ni sir, dalhin ko raw kayo dun sa venue nung concert ni Sir Jerwin.
Ako: Eh?? Bakit naman?
Mang Ponce: Hindi ko poh alam eh.


Mga bubwit na Santos yan.. Hindi dahel mga morning person sila, kailangan na nila gimbalain ang pagiging night owl ko noh! Haaayyy..


After getting through a horrible traffic jam, nakarating na rin kami sa wakas dun sa music arena.. Binaba ako ni Manong Ponce sa front entrance.. After he drove off to park the family van, nilabas ko kagad ung compact mirror ko.. Abah! Syempre, dapat maganda ako for my fiancé..... Yak! wahahahaha


Well.. Di ko naman kasalanan na may eyebags ako.. at mukhang bloodshot ung mata ko.. Haaayyy.. Binalik ko ung salamin ko sa bag ko, then walked papasok sa loob..


Seems like nag-ssoundcheck ang mga people.. I saw Jerwin on stage, nakikinig dun sa isang manong na siguro eh part ng sound crew or production crew..... kung ano mang crew yan!


"Venice!"


Oh my golay! I completely forgot this girl works here!
Biglang nagising lahat ng cells ng katawan ko nang tinapon ni Ate Marian ung katawan nya sa'kin --- her way of saying hello..


Ako: Ate! Hello!
Ate Marian: Uyy, binibisita mo boylet mo?
Ako: Updated ka rin sa chikka? -__-
Ate Marian: Duh.. Besides sa almost every entertainment news, subukan mong maging kapatid si Anthony, tignan ko lang kung hinde ka ma-shock sa mga tsismis na nalalaman nun.. So, visit the boyprend ba itoh?



Pinapunta ako dito! Bahket ko naman bibisitahin yan?!? Kabisi-bisita ba yan?!?  Anoh yan, preso!?


"Venice, iha!"


Ehto pa ang isang hinde kabisi-bisita..


I slowly plastered a smile on my face as the elder Santos waved me over dun sa kinatatayuan nya sa harap nung stage..  Kinuha kagad ni Ate Marian ung braso ko, and parang the all-loyal employee, brought me sa harap ni Mr. Santos..


Tito Ray: Magkakilala kayo ni Marian?
Ako: Ah, opo.. We went to the same college together.. Mas matanda nga lang poh sya ng one... two?.. years..
Tito Ray: Well, what a small world! Anyway..


Nag-turn si Tito Ray towards dun sa taas nung stage and called Jerwin na busy-busyhan naman sa pagkaka-popstar nya.. Upon seeing me, Jerwin's face lit up -- feel na feel talaga mag-act na "happy boyfriend seeing pretty girlfriend"

May sinabi lang sya dun sa kausap nya, then he finally jumped off the stage papunta sa'min..

Upon reaching me, akbay kagad si kuya sa balikat ko and then flashed me his toothpaste-commercial smile.. -__-  All-out performance talaga si kuya, tapod dinagdagan pa ng:


Jerwin: Hi, honey..


"Honey"?!?!? "HONEY"?!?! Kakilabot!!!


Ako: Hello..


Napatingin ako kay Ate Marian.. na for some reason, eh abot kilay ang ngiti sa'kin.. Naniwala naman ang loka sa mga kalokohan nitong si Jerwin... -___-


Tito Ray: Well, now that you're here.. We can talk about the announcement..
Ako: Announcement?
Jerwin: Dad thinks it's about time to tell the public about me and you.


I should have known.. -__- Di na dapat ako gumising nang araw na toh..


Tito Ray: Yes, you see.. I think this concert will be a perfect event.. We're just trying to figure out how to squeeze in your appearance for a more dramatic effect.
Ako: Appearance?!?
Tito Ray: Don't you think it's a good idea?
Ate Marian: (thoughtfully) A duet would be nice...


Napatingin ako kay Ate Marian.. teka! teka! Bahket sya kumakampi sa kalaban?!?!?


Tito Ray: A duet? Venice can sing?
Ate Marian: Oh yes, sir! I attest to her talent. One of the most captivating voices I've ever heard.


O_oO


Anong ginagawa nya?!? Alam nya ba ang ginagawa nya?!?


Tito Ray: I see... I'll trust you on that.. (napaisip) A duet would be good. Perhaps right before the final number.. We wouldn't need too much choreography or things like that. Just a simple ballad, maybe?
Ate Marian: Ay opo! I'll personally take care of the transition!
Ako: W-wa---
Jerwin: That's it then.


O_O

Kuya, pati ba naman ikaw?!?


Ako: But--


Before I can speak any further, biglang kinuha ni Jerwin ung arm ko, and led me away from the discussion, papunta dun sa small table with drinks and snacks..


Ako: What are you doing?!? O__O
Jerwin: What? I'm thirsty.


I looked back at Mr. Santos and Ate Marian, and they're walking towards the production manager.. Gagawin talaga nila!!! Tama ba naman un!??!


I grabbed Jerwin's arm, and slightly, firmly, desperately shook him.. wa care na ko kung umiinom sya.. at lalong wa care ako nung nag-choke sya sa tubig..


Jerwin: What?! What?!?
Ako: Stop them!!! O_oO
Jerwin: Geez, Venice.. Don't kill me over something like that..
Ako: Sira! Hinde ka pa mamamatay sa tubig!
Jerwin: People die from choking you know?
Ako: You're missing the point here!
Jerwin: Eh? I am?
Ako: Hello?!? They are making me sing on stage with you! on a major concert!
Jerwin: Uh-huh?
Ako: Me! On that stage!


Inubos ni Jerwin ung tubig nya and threw away the bottle, and finally, he looked at me.. To my surprise, he's smiling..
He gently put his hand on top of me head, and nilapit ung mukha nya sa'kin.. O_O It took all of me not to smack him right then and there.


Jerwin: Yes, I know. But, isn't it your dream to perform "on that stage"?


Nag-flash sa mind ko ung first time I met him.. Nung pinasilip ni Ate Marian ung current project nila, which coincidentally was actually the stage for Jerwin's concert.. It was just a few minutes of short conversation.. and I didn't even recognize him..


But he... O_O He remembered?


Jerwin:  If you dared to dream about something like that, then I'm sure, you have what it takes to perform there, on that stage.


Tumalikod sya sa'kin and started to walk pabalik dun sa stage to finish whatever they were doing when I came in..


Jerwin: I'll be done in a little bit.. Then we'll pick out a song for tomorrow, okay? Just relax.. I got you.


Well.. I guess I won't smack him after all..



________________________
To Be Continued.

[Lavenderpink]

waaaaaaaaaaaahhhh... love it love it...

[hugz_n_kissez]

ahh kaya pala nung hinahanap ko siya  ate nawala. ahihi..

yeah v!! you can do it without g!! aahihihi .. and i missed g too!! hindi lang ikaw.. ahahah.. next nah ulit an kakiligan!! atat nah reader .. toinks!!

[ayreezh]

Ate Joyce
   helloooo!!!! i've seen you before... sure ako.. -___- hahaha  waaahhh i'm glad you love it love it!

Leigh
   haha nawala nga bigla.. binura ko uhlet..   heehee.. atat na reader.. lol ok lang yan..  

::Chapter 10::
Laughter In The Rain
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

Wow... People really do love him... O___O


After a night of tiring last minute rehearsal between Jerwin and moi, an early morning production meeting, an afternoon of final rehearsals, ehto na.. ehto na talaga! The major concert that has been the most awaited event of the year -- daw -- has finally arrived!


..kahit kakasimula pa lang ng year....



I carefully stepped dun sa hidden side nung stage to watch quietly as Jerwin finished up another high-powered number -- which made the crowd go wild.. In fairness, kahit anong kontra ko kay kuya, di ko naman ma-deny na all-out performer talaga sya..


Halos tatlong oras na syang nagkakanta at nagsasayaw dun, pero all smiles pa rin sya.. basang-basa man ung mukha nya ng pawis (ewwww.. ).. The crowd loves him. It's really a magical feeling pag sumasabay pa sila dun sa mga kanta nya..


"Miss Venice, it's time to go."


Oh my golay of golays... Ehto na.. T-T


The concert is down to its last two numbers.. meaning, ehto na ung stint ng concert na ilalabas nila ako.. I know the rehearsals went well from the time we started hanggang kaninang hapon.. Surprisingly, our voices blended quite well..

Pero......... ilalabas na nila ako.. T-T


I let the crewmember lead me to the entrance point, as I listen to Jerwin's voice on stage, working up the crowd again.. and then I heard the cue..


Jerwin: Ladies and gentlemen, here to sing one of my most favorite ballads of all time.. I'm sure, kilala nyo rin sya.. Please welcome, Venice Zhao!


WAAAHHHHH Teka! hinde pa ko nakakahinga!!!


The gigantic stage prop divided in half right in front of me, and next thing I knew, lights were everywhere, there are thousands of people in front of me -- going wild.. Jerwin stretched out his hand to me.. as if saying it's alright, come on..


Okay Venice! Mas mapapahiya ka kung ngayon ka pa tatakbo, eh nakatingin na silang lahat syo.. Aja!


I took a deep breath and then plastered a bright smile on my face.. then I walked towards Jerwin as if I belong right there on that stage with him.

--- ♥♥ ---


(Jerwin's POV)
--------------- ♥

The back of the stage opened, and it revealed the slender girl whose identity everybody could only speculate about -- until now..

The big screen at the side of the stage started the slideshow of the pictures of me and Venice that were leaked to the press.. and some others that were taken the night before and kaninang umaga lang for the purpose of a "couple's slideshow" during this segment of the concert.. Para kunwari tagal na namen magkasama, di ba?


Paglabas ni Venice, the audience went wild!
Ahyan na ang mga instincts nila na may masasagap silang balita dahel sa pagsulpot ni Venice..


I watch Venice as she takes in the sight in front of her. She looks pretty.. Beautiful, even.. The light blue cocktail dress is hugging her body in all the right curves.. Her hair is styled to fall loosely around her shoulders.. And her eyes! Her eyes are sparkling from either fear or excitement, who knows..


Was she this beautiful when I first met her?


I reached out my hand to her, and as if thankful for some sign of support, her face lit up with a smile and she started to walk towards me.. All of a sudden, the anxiety disappeared, and a facade of belonging washed over her whole body..


Ako: (to her) Well, you don't look too bad..
Venice: Ilang oras akong nagpaganda, tapos "you don't look too bad" lang masasabi mo?


I laughed as I slowly led her to the X mark on stage, where she's supposed to stand.. And then the music started.. The cheers gradually decreased at the same time that the stage lights dimmed.. Natira na lang ung spotlight na nakatutok pa rin sa'min ni Venice.. I guess this is Marian's idea of romantic..


{music: I Finally Found Someone}
Ako: (sings) I finally found someone
That knocks me off my feet
I finally found the one
That makes me feel complete

Venice: (sings) It started over coffee
We started out as friends
It's funny how from simple things
The best things begin...


The audience was captivated...
I know that reaction.. The first time I heard Venice sing, I was enchanted by her voice too.. She has this certain way of making any song sound like she's singing it directly to you and only for you..

Ilang beses man kami nag-practice since last night with the same song, I never got tired of hearing her sing.. Kahit ngayon..


Ako: Did I keep you waiting?
Venice: I didn't mind
Ako: I apologize
Venice: Baby, that's fine
Ako: I would wait forever just to know
Together: You were mine..

Ako: You know, I love your hair
Venice: Are you sure it looks right?
Ako: I love what you wear
Venice: Isn't it too tight?
Ako: You're exceptional
Together: I can't wait for the rest of my life...


She went through the motions perfectly.. She sang the song perfectly. She herself was perfect.
By the time the last note has finally played, the audience is going wild again.. But I barely noticed coz all I could do was hold her close to me and smile at her with pride..


Ako: You did wonderful.
Venice: (grins) I thought so too..





I waited for the crowd to hush down a bit, before I finally took Venice's hand and presented her to the thousands of people gathered in the arena..


Ako: Ladies and gentlemen, I want all of you to meet my fiancée.. my future bride.. my soon-to-be wife..


I felt Venice's grasp tighten.. I loveeee how she freaks out whenever she hears those words..


Ako: Miss Venice Zhao!


And just like that.. Venice was welcomed with a warm, thunderous applause and whistles and cheers..
Just like that... the whole world will know she's my fiancée..




I gave my final bow to the audience and finally ran out of the stage to the closing music of the band and the last bit of applause.. The concert has finally ended..


"Good job, Jerwin!"


"Good concert!"


"Congratulations, Mr. Santos!"


I waved to each and every crew member that greeted me backstage..
until I finally reached my dressing room..


"That wasn't too bad."


Linya ko un eh..


I closed the door behind me and looked at Venice who's quietly sitting on one of the plush couches.. She's changed to her usual shirt and jeans attire..


Ako: What? You didn't like the dress? And I thought you actually looked human...
Venice: Alam mo bang sobrang itchy nung tela nun?! I changed as soon as I got off the stage! And what do you mean I actually looked human?! Anong tingin mo sa'kin?! Dog?!?


I laughed to myself as I wiped my face with the face towel hanging on my seat.. Dog talaga?


Venice: Ay, oo nga pala.. Sabi ni Jean, sumabay na raw sya sa mga magulang mo pauwi..
Ako: Oh.. How about you? Bakit nandito ka pa?
Venice: Wellll... Ang original plan is ihahatid din ako ng mother mo pauwi.. kaya lang.... Paglabas ko ng changing room, iniwan na nila ako.. T-T
Ako: Awwww.. that's too bad.. Mag-taxi ka na lang then..
Venice: Hala! Alam mo ba kung gano kalakas ang ulan sa labas?!?
Ako: Bakit? Matutunaw ka ba pag nabasa ka?
Venice: Anong tingin mo sa'kin?!? Witch?!?


Pikon talaga kahit kelan.. I got up from my chair and then threw the sweaty face towel aside..


Ako: I'll just take a quick shower.. I'll meet you up in the front door. At wag kang magpapakabasa, ok? Mahirap nang biglang mawala ang fiancée ko.

--- ♥♥ ---


(Venice's POV)
--------------- ♥

Pumapatak ang ulan sa bubong ng.. arena..


Anoh bang tagalog ng "Arena"?


I watched the crew members cleaning up the stage props from afar.. and then tumingin uhlet ako dun sa labas.. Ang lakas pa rin ng ulan..


"Yo! So you managed not to melt?"

-___-

Mukha ba kong Wicked Witch of the West at matutunaw ako pag naulanan?!!?


Ako: (viciously turned around) At talagang ikaw naman eh inenjoy ang shower mo?! Ang tagal mo--
Jerwin: Here.


O_O Hm?

Umbrella?


Jerwin: I was looking around for an extra umbrella so we won't get soaked. So are you ready?


Payong?


I opened the door for him, while he fumbled to open the umbrella.. This rain is crazy!! Mahangin na nga, uulanan pa ng ganito.. -___- Himala talaga na marami pa ring tao na pumunta dito amidst the weather..


Jerwin: Ok, got it. Let's run.


Jerwin suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me under the umbrella with him.. and then, takboooo!!!


Ako: Gano kalayo ka ba nagpark?!? Ang layo naman!
Jerwin: We just reached the parking lot!
Ako: Dapat ikaw na lang---


O__O


Shwoosh!


O_oO

>__<


SPLASH!


ARAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!


Sa sobrang pagmamadali namen, para sana eh di kame masyadong mabasa, hinde ko napansin ang isang malaking butas sa daanan ko.. At dahel magaling ang balance at coordination ko, yes.. nadapa ako, at full body down sa isang malaking puddle ng tubig ang kinagbagsakan ko.


Napaatras tuloy bigla si Jerwin sa pagtakbo nya nung namalayan nyang bigla nawala ung hawak-hawak nyang tao..


Jerwin: Venice! Are you ok?!?!


Ikaw kaya ang lunurin ko sa tubig dyan sa parking lot?!


I pulled myself up and looked at the basang-basa na ako.. Well, there goes my chances of getting home dry.. -___-


Ako: Buo pa naman ako.. -__- (biglang tingin kay Jerwin) At hindi ako natutunaw!


Jerwin blinked about once or twice -- I don't know kung dahil ba ang lakas at ang laki ng mga raindrops... and then.. ang kapal ng mukha, bigla ba namang humagakhak ng tawa!
Pinagtawanan pa ko, eh ako na nga tohng basang-basa na ng ulan?!?!


Ako: (stands up) Oh, so you think this is funny ha.. Tatawa tawa ka pa dyan..
Jerwin: Eh kaseh naman.. nakita mo nang malakas ang ulan, and there's a lot of puddles around, talagang nag-swimming ka pa sa isa..


-__- Is he the devil?!  Nadapa na nga ako't lahat?!?


I walked over behind him, at dahel busy sya sa kakatawa nya, ehwan ko lang kung napansin nya ko, o pinili nya lang na hinde ako pansinin.. And thennnn.. with all my willpower and arm muscles, tinulak ko sya nang makapag-swimming rin sya sa maputik na puddle.

Yes.. nanunulak ako..


Splash!


And down down down Jerwin fell, right in the middle of the puddle na pinagbagsakan ko.. And dahil malakas ung hangin, ung payong na dala nya eh nag-fly fly fly away..


Ako: Not so funny now, ha?


Jerwin slowly picked himself up, and then he very slowly turned and looked at me.. Nakakakilabot nga eh.. Akala ko sya ung biglang mag-mmelt.. O_O


Jerwin: You pushed me.


o__o

>__<

o__o


Ako: Yea.
Jerwin: You.. pushed me.


*gulp* Teka, may law bang nakasulat na bawal manulak ng mga artista?!? O___O


Ako: I'm sorry.. Ok ka lang ba? Hindi naman ganun kalakas ung tulak ko--


SPLASH!



O__O

>__<


Oh no he did-int!!! Yes he did!!!! O_oO


Ang mokong!!! Nangolekta ng tubig nung puddle sa kamay nya, and he actually had the nerve to throw the water at my face!!! Paliguan ba ko!??!?!


And then he got up and started running away, all the while laughing at perhaps my very surprised expression.. @__@


Ako: Jerwin Santos! Porket hinde ako nag-shower after the show, mabango naman ako!! Bahket mo ko pinapaliguan?!!?


I kicked a puddle of water towards him.. which he gladly responded with his own splash of water towards me..


And yes.. dun nagsimula ang late night pagtatampisaw namen sa malakas na ulan, sa maduming mga puddles ng water, at sa paghahabulan sa halos empty na parking lot ng arena..


We didn't stop hanggang sa nahuli na kami ng mga pauwi nang mga stage workers.. nung pinagtitinginan lang nila kame -- dry and safe under their umbrellas -- kame biglang na-conscious ni Jerwin and we silently trudged towards his truck..


Jerwin: Geez.. Sana pala hinde na ko nag-shower kanina.. mababasa lang din pala ako ng ulan..
Ako: Hey you started it!
Jerwin: Ako ba ang nadapa?
Ako: Shut up.
Jerwin: I wish I brought some bath towels with me.. Mukhang magbabaha pa sa loob ng truck ko nito..
Ako: Oh I'll help you clean it tomorrow.


And finally, we pulled out of the parking lot, on to the night as he drove me back to my house.. Him, singing along with the radio; Me trying to get water out of my hair -- and both of us still dripping wet from our little playtime under the rain.



_______________________
To Be Continued.

[ladyjang33]

I missed this story so much! 

I thought that the author won't finish this. Just glad there are updates lately. Thanks! 

[ayreezh]

ladyjang33
hello!!! long time no see?   i remember your username, pero parang di ko maalala ung name mo.. -__-
i'm gonna finish this, don't worry.. thank you for dropping by!

::Chapter 11::
Fever
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

"SOOO... may tweet-tweet akong narinig kanina tungkol sa most awaited announcement kagabi ah.. "


I slowly looked up from my Psychology assigned reading, half-dreading kung sinong makikita ko, pero half-knowing na si Sheena lang naman un..

The day after the major concert is a school day.. Himala nga na kahit anong late ko na natulog, nagising pa rin ako nang maaga.. At lalo pang himala dahel after kong mag-ready, imbis na ung truck ni Jerwin ang nasa harap ng bahay, ung family van nila at si Manong Ponce ang naghatid sa'kin sa school.. Tulog pa raw kaseh si Jerwin..


The whole day had been a buzz.. Papers are printing out Jerwin's public announcement of our "engagement".. The little duet clip is played by various TV talk shows.. In other words, nawindang sila..

Just like Mr. Santos hoped they would be.. Jerwin's popularity is rising through the roof..


Anyway, back to the current time, nagtatago ako sa library to avoid the people who seem to suddenly "appear" out of nowhere to ask for pictures o kaya naman makipagchikkahan -- kahit di ko naman sila kilala.. As usual, kahit anong tago ko, nakita pa rin ako ni Sheena..


Ako: And anoh naman sinabi ng tweet-tweet mo?
Sheena: (sits next to me) Shosyal ka na..
Ako: Loka.
Sheena: (natawa) So anong reaction ni fafa Jerwin?


Biglang nag-flash sa utak ko ung events after the concert.. with all the rain and the puddles and the habulan.... ang landi.. And mukha naman masaya si Jerwin..


Sheena: Ay.. ay.. ang smile??! Anong meron?


Biglang napalipad ung kamay ko sa face ko to hide the blush na nag-ccreep papunta sa cheeks ko.. O_O Anoh ba namang kalandian itoh?? Kung anu-ano kaseng iniisip!


Sheena: (pressed herself closer to me) Uyyyy...... may tinatago.. Anoh yan?? May happening ba kagabi? Ay, can this be love?!?
Ako: Anong "love" ka dyan?!?! Sinoh naman ma-iinlove dun sa taong un noh?! Haller!? Ka-love-love ba un?! Hahaha!
Sheena: Defensive much?


Napa-shrink ako sa upuan ko, my mind racing to find a neutral answer na walang kahit anong bahid ng chikka..

Just then biglang nagskandalo ung cellphone sa bulsa nung uniform ko.. And you know naman ang nangyayari pag biglang may nag-vvibrate-vibrate sa pocket mo.. Napatalon akong bigla at madaliang inisda ng cellphone..


Si Jean?


Tumingin muna ako sa paligid to make sure na hinde malapit ung librarian, then I buried my face sa libro to somehow muffle the sound..


Ako: Hello?
Jean: ATEEEEE!!!!!



O_O Ai josko! Sigawan ang cellphone!?!??!


Ako: Jean, anoh ba? Wag kang sumigaw..
Jean: Ay, sorry.. Bakit ka bumubulong?
Ako: Nasa library ako.. Bakit ka tumawag?
Jean: Ay, oo nga pala! Kaseh, ate, ganito yan eh.. May pupuntahan kami ni mommy mamaya after school na social gathering.. Baka bukas na ng umaga kami makabalik.. Si dad naman, hay nako, lagi namang early morning na kung umuwi un..
Ako: Uh-huh?
Jean: Ate, baka naman gusto mo dumaan sa bahay after ng school mo? Bantayan mo lang si kuya..
Ako: Bantayan?


Watchdog na ko ngayon??!


Jean: Oo, ate.. Ehwan ko ba dun.. Gumising kaninang umaga, masama ang pakiramdam.. Na-cancel tuloy ung mga lakad nya today.. Ehhh walang mag-aalaga.. Baka pag-uwi namen, malamig na corpse na sya.. Eh di ba mabuti nang nandun ka, at least matatawagan mo kame pag hinde na sya humihinga?
Ako: Iha, kapatid mo tohng pinag-uusapan naten di ba? -___-


Patayin ba?!?


Jean: Yes, ate. Relax ka lang, kaseh sabihin ko man un, I doubt naman na talagang ma-ddead si kuya.. Di ba nga, matagal mamatay ang masamang damo? So dadaan ka mamaya ha! Papasundo kita kay Manong Ponce! Ok? Byeeee!!!
Ako: What?! Wait--!


Binabaan ako.... -___-

Pano ka ba naman makakakontra sa bilis ng bibig nung batang un?!? Tumutungga yata ng isang litro ng kape sa sobrang pagkahyper!


Sheena: Anoh un?
Ako: Kapatid ni Jerwin.. Apparently, magiging asong bantay ako mamaya.




After school, umuwi kagad ako.
Charing! Inuwi muna ako ni Manong Ponce para naman makapagbihis ako into something more comfortable than my school uniform noh.. Kaya ahyun, naka-cotton shorts ako, at red t-shirt.. at flip-flops.. di vah.. casual na casual..


Mom: Oh, san ka pupunta?
Ako: Sisilipin ung son-in-law mo kung humihinga pa.
Mom: Awww.. ang sweet nyo namang dalawa, nagsisilipan na kayo.. Napagod ba sya dahel dun sa concert kagabi?
Ako: (shrugs) Siguro.. And apparently, his family is too busy to take care of him just for one night.
Mom: Walang tao sa bahay nila?
Ako: Late na raw umuuwi si Tito Ray.. So until then, walang tao sa bahay nila kundi sya.. at ako.


Natahimik sandali si mommy, then she slowly walked up to me and grabbed my shoulders gently, but firmly. O_O


Mom: Remember, Venice, I trust you.
Ako: Eh??
Mom: I know you're still somewhat of a teenager.. and I know may mga natural hormones na mahirap ma-control.. But just remember, I trust you.


..
....



Ai my golay.. -___-


Ako: Anoh ba naman yang mga pinag-iisip mo, mommy?! Magpapaka-watchdog lang ako dun noh! Geez!


I wriggled out of her grasp and started to walk out of the house.. Pero dahel may pagka-stubborn ang nanay ko, talagang hinabol nya pa ko hanggang sa pinto, at talagang pinahabulan pa ng isang nakakawindang na paalala:


Mom: I trust you, okay, Venice?!


Nanay ko talaga.. Pinasok-pasok ako sa ganitong sitwasyon, tapos magugulantang bigla..
Sumakay na ko dun sa family van ng mga Santos, and Manong Ponce drove me to the Santos' residence.. Pinapaliwanag nya na nakaalis na nga raw sina Tita Merryl at si Jean papuntang Subic for a social party chuchu.. Si Tito Ray daw, late at night pa dadating dahil na rin sa work.. Ung housekeeper daw, nasa bahay, pero hanggang 8:00 PM lang..


Di ko nga alam kung parang gusto nya ring sabihin na: "I trust you, Venice! I trust you!"


When we reached the house, totoo nga.. Wala nang tao.. Well si Aling Ligaya, ung housekeeper, nandun sa kitchen, as usual.. Pero other than her, wala na nga talaga ung maingay na si Jean.. Binati ko lang si Aling Ligaya sandali, para naman malaman nya bago sya magluto ng dinner na nandito ako at malamang eh dito ako kakain..

Then I took the stairs up to Jerwin's room..


Ako: (gently katok sa door) Knock knock knock.. I'm coming in~


Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ung pinto.. It's dark.. nakasarado ung curtains nung bintana kaya hindi makapasok ang afternoon sun.. at ni isang lampshade o ilaw, walang nakabukas..
I tiptoed over to the bed where I can hear ragged breathing, and then sinilip ko ung supposedly sleeping Jerwin, who has his back turned from me..


Ganito ba sya huminga nung last time na natutulog sya?


Binuksan ko ung lampshade na nandun sa bedside table nya (let there be light!), and then umupo ako dun sa kama and gently tugged the blanket off of his face..

I guess may pagka-light sleeper si kuya, kaseh bigla syang nagising.. @_@


Jerwin: What? Venice?
Ako: Hi.. Binibisita lang kita.. Ok ka lang ba?


Now na nakaharap sya sa'kin, I suddenly noticed how pale he looks, and well, ang lamig-lamig dun sa kwarto, pinagpapawisan si kuya..?


Jerwin: Yea.. I'm okay.. Don't you have class?
Ako: I'm done for the day.
Jerwin: Oh. Sorry I couldn't pick you up..
Ako: Ai suz naman, ok lang un noh.. Teka nga..


Sa sobrang pagka-bother ko dahel sa unusual appearance nya, I cautiously reached out my hand, and then hinawakan ko ung noo nya.....


O___O


Ako: Oh my gosh, Jerwin! You're burning up!
Jerwin: Weird.. I actually feel kinda cold.


Ai josko! Ang taas ng lagnat ni kuya!!!


Napatayo akong bigla.. di ko alam kung anong uunahin ko: kukuha ba muna ako ng face towel at tubig, o dapat ko bang i-adjust ung room temperature, o--


Jerwin: (smiled weakly) Hey, don't panic.. Nobody dies from a slight fever..


-___-

Ako: Stupid... You never know when somebody could die.


I turned around and went out of the room.. Bumaba ako nung hagdan to ask Aling Ligaya for a face towel to mop up Jerwin's sweat and another one to cool down his forehead.. at isa na ring maliit na basin ng tubig..


It seems like hinde pala ako asong bantay tonight, instant nurse pala..

[ayreezh]

::Chapter 12::
You Are My Sunshine
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Jerwin's POV)
---------------- ♥

Naalimpungatan ako after what seems to be the longest sleep I've ever, ever had.. It's dark outside, and the only source of light in my room is the one lampshade at the other side of my bed.. I gazed at the digital alarm clock on my nightstand: 11:36 PM.. So, from the time Venice woke me up for a soup dinner up to now, I've been sleeping for about almost five hours..


I turned to my other side, and almost jumped (if only I wasn't feeling so weak) nung nakita ko si Venice.. She pulled up the office chair from the corner of the room, and positioned it beside the bed.. I can't imagine how she managed to sleep on such tight space.. @_@


I wonder how long she's been there...


Tumingin-tingin pa ko sa paligid ko.. There's a small basin of water on a small stool right beside the night table.. It was then that I felt the warm, moist towel sliding off of my forehead..
She's been taking care of me all this time...

Silly girl.. Dapat sa kama na lang din sya natulog..


I carefully sat myself up -- very much aware of the spots appearing right before my eyes.. -__- Pero at least, I don't feel as hellish as I was feeling earlier.. I just managed to get my legs out of the bed when Venice suddenly stirred and then glanced at me under droopy eyelids..


Ako: Hey...


Na-realize nya yata bigla na gumagalaw-galaw na ko, coz she suddenly perked up and before I knew it, she was on her feet trying to make me lie down again.


Venice: Jerwin! What do you think are you doing?!?
Ako: Well, ililipat sana kita sa kama.. That chair doesn't look very comfortable.
Venice: Abno ka ba? As if naman kaya mo kong buhatin nang ganyan ang condition mo.. (tried to push me gently back to bed) Pwede ba mahiga ka na uhlet?
Ako: Will you lie down with me, then?
Venice: O__O Sabi ng nanay ko, she trusts me raw.


*blink*


*blink*





Ako: Ha?


Venice abruptly stopped with her pushing, and her face suddenly turned a color of pale pink.. If I wasn't kinda dizzy, and if I only knew what was going on, it would have seemed cute..


Venice: N-Nothing! Anoh ba! Matulog ka na nga!
Ako: I'm not going back to sleep until you leave that chair and just accept my proposal of sleeping in this same bed. It's not like we didn't do it before..
Venice: H-H-Hoy! It's not like I had a choice noh! O__O
Ako: Oh, don't tell me na ngayon ka pa nahiya.. It's almost midnight and you're still in my room, you know?


Napatingin bigla sya dun sa orasan, and she groaned.. I guess she didn't mean to stay this late.. I creeped to one side of the bed, and then pulled the covers off the other side to invite her in..


Ako: Now, c'mon, Miss Pure.. I'm not gonna do anything to you.


Venice looked at me first, and then at the empty side of the bed again.. She pouts her lips as if debating in her mind and continued to stare at the warm~ inviting~ soft~ comfortable~ bed. Then she let out a huge sigh, and finally climbed up..


Venice: Oh well.. It's not like you have the energy to do anything weird..


Yeaaa.. okay... As if I'll really do anything weird to her..


I shifted myself, and watched as Venice take the towel that slid off my forehead from the pillow.. Binabad nya uhlet ung towel dun sa basin, squeezed out most of the water, then turned to put it back on my forehead.


Ako: Ehhhh.....
Venice: What?
Ako: Do I still need that?
Venice: Well, you have a fever, right?
Ako: But I don't feel so warm anymore. And it feels weird having something wet on my forehead while I'm sleeping..
Venice: You weren't having any problem with it earlier..


Pinatong ni Venice ung kamay nya sa noo ko to feel my temperature.. She looked at me, tapos parang nag-pause to think sandali.. She lowered her hand and frowned at me..


Venice: Are you sure?
Ako: Yea.. I think the fever went down.. I just need a good night's sleep, and I'll be back on my feet.


Venice just looked at me again, hesitating, but then she eventually turned and hang the towel on the side of the basin.. Of course, patients have rights too.


Venice: Okay.. Lie down, and go to sleep then..


She carefully slid under the covers, and tried to make herself comfortable.. After she stopped squirming, I laid down and closed my eyes too..


Venice: Jerwin?
Ako: Hm?
Venice: .... Uhmm.. Di ko na pinatay ung ilaw ha..
Ako: I don't mind.


.....


Venice: Jerwin?
Ako: Yea?



I heard her take a deep breath, kaya napabukas tuloy ung mata ko, curious to what's bothering her.. She was playing with a loose thread nung kumot..


Venice: Anoh.. You said we're partners now, right?
Ako: Uh-huh?
Venice: And partners don't really keep secrets from each other, right?
Ako: Uh, sure..?


She glanced at me quickly, and when she saw I was staring at her, she went back to staring at the thread.. Mas gusto nya pang tignan ung sinulid kesa sa'kin..


Ako: You can ask me anything, Venice.
Venice: (took a deep breath) Okay.. Georgina Schmitz. What is she to you?


I blinked in surprise, not just because of her question, but mostly because of the mention of the other girl's name.. Georgina..


Ako: Why are you asking me this?
Venice: Well... Kaseh anoh...


She started to twirl the thread around her fingers faster..


Venice: Kenny mentioned before about constant rumors about you and Georgina Schmitz, ung model, I heard she's really successful.. Anyway, sabi ni Kenny wala naman daw na-confirm kahit isa dun sa mga rumors tungkol snyo.. just a few sightings na madalas kayong magkasama.. (took a deep breath) and then.. kanina, I was just looking around in your room.. and.. anoh.. There's a picture on your desk of you and her.. and, well, you two look.... close..


I see.. So it's because of that picture..


Venice: I didn't mean to pry! Promise! I'm just curious.. and, anoh, if people asks or if I see her.. I just want to know kung anong sasabihin ko. *sigh* I'm sorry.. This is probably a bad time to ask such a question..


Tell me about it.. It's the middle of the night, my fever just went down.. and you're asking me a very stressful question.

I shifted my gaze up the ceiling, thinking to myself.. I guess, she kinda needs to know.. I don't really know how to answer though.. Geena and I.. I never really knew what we really were..


Ako: Geena was my very first friend here.
Venice: First friend?
Ako: Yea.. I spent almost all my whole life in the States, so I didn't really know any people when I arrived. I met her in a party my mom threw for me. She was.. the same as me back then.
Venice: Same as you?
Ako: Yea.. She was thrust in the fashion industry out of nowhere, and.. She was all alone.
Venice: Oh..


I caught myself to telling the whole story -- and I don't think I want that..I turned to face Venice who has her face up to me, listening intently.. How can she be so curious about something that doesn't really concern her?
I turned to my side to face her, and then smiled..


Ako: She's special to me. But we're just friends. Okay, my fiancée?


She jumped from the sound of my little endearment, and her face turned pink again.. Now that's cute.


Venice: "M-My fiancée" ka dyan! Geez, and akoh tong all serious sa pakikinig.. Hay nako..
Ako: (natawa) Has anyone ever told you how fun it is to tease you?


She suddenly froze and seems to blink in surprise.. Then she slowly lowered her gaze and moved a little bit away from me.. What kind of reaction is that?


Venice: Yes, actually.. Someone has told me that before.


What's up with the solemn atmosphere?


Ako: Well, then, that means may nag-second the motion na.. How about you sing me to sleep now? You don't want me to still be sick tomorrow, right?
Venice: (turned to me again) Sing you to sleep?? Anoh ka, baby??!
Ako: I can be your babe.
Venice: Kilabutan ka nga dyan sa pinagsasabi mo.. @__@


I laughed again, and then for some effect, started to massage the side of my head..
Truth is, I just really like hearing her voice.. and maybe, the singing will wipe off the solemn look off her face..


Ako: Don't you know that lullabies can bring relaxing sleep to someone? And since I'm sick, I need a relaxing sleep right?
Venice: Suz naman.. Parang naman ang taas pa rin ng lagnat mo, noh?
Ako: A fever is still a fever. Sige naaa... And next time that you are not feeling well, I'll be the one to sing you a lullabye, okay?
Venice: Hay nako, asa ka pa.. Hinde ako katulad mo na naulanan lang, inatake na ng lagnat noh..


Kokontra pa toh, pero she propped herself up naman.. Bibigay rin pala..
I turned towards her again and closed my eyes, just as she turned to face me as well..
Then, she started singing....


Venice: (sings) Di kita malilimutan..
Di kita pababayaan...


O___O


Napabukas ung mata ko, and I stared at her..


Venice: What?
Ako: May sakit lang ako, hindi pa ko patay.


She laughed and then she pulled herself up.. She propped the pillow behind her and then gently put a hand on top of my head..


Venice: Okay, okay.. Just kidding.. Close your eyes, and go to sleep now.. I'll sing you something na matino..


I smiled inspite of myself and, just like she said, closed my eyes.. I was actually kinda feeling tired..


Ako: Hey, Venice..
Venice: Yea?
Ako: Are you still gonna be here when I wake up?
Venice: Hm? Uh, siguro..?
Ako: *yawwnnn* I hope you are...


I felt her fingers gently twirling my hair.. and then the real lullabye started..


{song: You Are My Sunshine}
Venice: (sings) You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine
You make me happy,
when skies are gray
You never know, dear,
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away...


I never realized how pretty that song is, until now.. In less than five minutes, I felt myself drift off to sleep..



________________________
To Be Continued.

[TwilightZone817]

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

WAAAA~! Bukas is da DAY~! >_<
Ako'y kinakabahan na.
HAHA~! HEHE~! HIHI~! HOHO~! 'wag sanang HUHU~! bukas. : ) )

Course? hmmmm. Mechanical Eng. nasa isip ko ngaun eh.
Pero parang gusto ko rin ng Med. Tech.
And. And. BS Chemistry din.
At. At. Psychology pati.
EWAN~! ako'y nagugulumihanan pa.
HAHA~!

-15-15-15-15-NA~! HOHO~!

*rebyu ulit ng konti*
...then...
*faints*
[/quote]

[ljchan]

"This is the continuation of the world's turning" ? there is something wrong with that phrase.

and with this one, "My parents should have known better than let me get out of the airport unaccompanied." but doing the conversation of Jerwin and her mother, she said "You should have let us pick you up! Where are you? Ipapasundo na lang kita sa driver." clearly not congruent. that's just chapter one but you already lost me

[ayreezh]

Justin
  ai nag-faint!??! ai nag-faint!??!?!?!  ok ka lang?!?! O___O
hahaha ang dami mong course! wahahaha fyi lang, Psychology ang course ko.. kaya kung may doubts ka sa pagka-interesting nung course na un, i can assure you, interesting sya -- in a twisted kind of way.. nyahahaha  sooo kamustah ang D-Day mo?


ljchan
  Hi!! thanks for pointing those things out..
sa 2nd one, it's kinda contradicting nga.. coz Jerwin is the kind of person that would rather blame others than admit mistake.. ung type ng tao na magunaw man ang mundo, hinde pa rin sya aamin na nagkamali sya..

so when he said that his parents should've known better.. even though his parents offered to pick him up and even though he knows he refused, nung nawala sya, instead of admitting that he could've accepted the offer, he chose to put the blame on the fact na hindi namilit ung parents nya na sunduin sya....  gets?

as for the "This is the continuation of the world's turning"...
uhmm.. can you elaborate on the mistake a little further so that I can correct it?

::Chapter 13::
Fly Away
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

Bzzztttt Bzzzzzzztttt


What? What? -___-


With eyes still closed, kinapa-kapa ko ung nightstand para hablutin ung cellphone kong malamang eh nag-aalarm na kaya ganyan na lang kung makapag-vibrate....


Where is it?!?!


Kapa-kapa uhlet--


Whoopsss! o_o


Dahil sa sobrang kaka-reach out ko for my phone, I literally rolled out of bed and bumagsak sa sabig with a BOOG!


Ako: Awww... -___-


Nahablot ko na rin sa wakas ung cellphone ko, and finally turned the alarm off.. Then, sumandal ako dun sa kama, trying to wake myself up..


"Hey.. You're still here.."


I turned my head and saw Jerwin peering at me from the bed.. He looks a lot better now.. Thank God..


Ako: Yea, I'm still here.. Good morning, Sunshine.. -__-
Jerwin: (smiles) Good morning.. Nice to see you're not suffocating me with a pillow this time..


He rolled over and managed to barely miss me when he swung his legs out of the bed..
Pinanood ko lang sya as he stretches for a little bit.. Energetic na si kuya uhlet.. I yawned, feeling my brain cells wake up one by one.. Yes, one by one..


Jerwin: Was that you who fell earlier?
Ako: Yea.. Di mo ba alam, the best na panggising ang mahulog sa kama..
Jerwin: So you do that everyday?
Ako: Do you think I fall off the bed every single day?!?
Jerwin: Well.. if it's you, I don't think I'd be surprised..
Ako: What's that supposed to mean?!??


He just laughed and picked up the basin of water dun sa stool na katabi nung nightstand.. Sumunod ako palabas nung kwarto, combing my hair with my fingers, and trying to fix myself para kung sinoh man makasalubong namen, kahit papano, mukha naman akong tao kahit bagong gising..


Just before we turned to go to the kitchen, we suddenly heard two voices talking.. Napatigil kaming bigla kaseh, aside from Jerwin's mom's voice, nagulantang ako dun sa isa pang boses..
Ang nanay ko!!!


Ako: What's she doing here!??
Jerwin: My mom lives here...
Ako: I don't mean your mom, I meant my mom!
Jerwin: I don't know, let's go ask.


"Ay, oo, Merryl.. Kausap ko nga si Remy kagabi.. Nasabi kong gusto ko nang bumalik ng States, at sabi naman nya, handa naman raw ung bahay na tutuluyan namen dun.."


I suddenly grabbed Jerwin, na muntik-muntikan nang matapon ung tubig na dala nya sa bigla kong paghaltak pabalik sa katawan nya..


Jerwin: What are you doing?!?
Ako: Ssshhh!


I turned my ear towards the kitchen again.. Busy na tinatago si Jerwin with me dun sa likod nung wall separating the formal dining room and the kitchen..


Tita Merryl: Aba, bakit hindi ka pa lumipad pabalik?
Mom: I would love to go back to the States..



She wants to go back to the States?


Ilang taon na ring nakatira and nagttrabaho si Mommy sa Amerika.. Ilang beses nya na rin akong pinipilit isama, pero dahel mabait akong anak, I refused. Palusot ko na lang, gusto ko matapos muna ung schooling ko chuchu.. Kaya sige, nandun si mommy, nandito ako sa Pinas.. Patawag-tawag na lang sya.. At sa sobrang tagal nya na dun, nakilala nya si Tito Remy, matandang binata na nain-love kay mother.. at ahyan, parang silang teenager na palovey-dovey.. nakakakilabot mang isipin..


It was about one and half year ago nung umuwi si mom at si Tito Remy dito sa Pinas.. Totoo lang, di ko rin alam kung bahket sila biglang napadpad dito.. Pero ahyan na nga sila.. Nagkasundo naman kame ni Tito Remy.. A real father figure, lalo na't di ko naman nakilala ang father ko.. After 6 months, he had to go back to the States para kumayod na uhlet.. Naiwan si mommy..

And now.. she's saying na she wants to go back there....


Mom: Pero, I'm worried about Venice. Nako, kumare, kung alam mo lang, nung una kong uwi two years ago, lantutay yang batang yan!
Tita Merryl: Really? Venice?
Mom: Oo.. Alam kong loka-loka at daig nya pa ang may sugar rush na bata ngayon, pero dati, parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa! Buti na nga lang at matino na uhlet sya ngayon..


"Parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa".... Kung alam nya lang...


Mom: Kaya nga nagdadalawang isip tuloy ako bumalik ng States. Ayoko naman kaseh maiwan nanaman syang mag-isa.. Pero, kumare, ang tagal na kong hinihintay ng boyfriend ko dun! Ay! Sana makilala mo si Remy minsan!


Nalipat ung topic nung dalawang nanay sa boyprend ni mother.. Oh di vah? Ang landi! Feeling teenager talaga si mother.. Kinikilig pa habang nag-kkwento tungkol sa fafa nya..


Jerwin: Wow.. alagang-alaga ka ng nanay mo ah..
Ako: Oh shut up.
Jerwin: Kaw naman.. Is that how you talk to your sunshine?
Ako: Anoh?!?
Jerwin: (sings) I am your sunshine
Your only sunshine--


Pak!


Jerwin: Kidding. -__-


I took a deep breath and then grabbed Jerwin para pumasok na dun sa kitchen kasama ko.. Kunwari bagong dating lang kami, bagong gising, walang narinig, chuchu..


Ako: Mom!?? Anong ginagawa mo dito??
Mom: Ay nako, hinde ka na umuwi kagabi kaya I brought you a change of clothes para dito ka na manggaling papasok ng school. (tingin kay Jerwin) Good morning, Jerwin~
Jerwin: Good morning po, tita. (looked at his mom) Good morning, mom. What time did you guys arrive?
Tita Merryl: Around 3 AM..
Ako: 3 AM? Then, where's Jean?
Tita Merryl: Ay, nakapasok na. Bakit?


Pumasok na?!?! Hinde man lang pinatulog?!?


Nakatingin sa'kin si Tita Merryl at si Jerwin, as if they're really wondering kung bakit ko hinahanap si Jean.. As if normal lang na pumasok na talaga sya, wala nang tulog-tulog.....
Kawawang bata...


Ako: Uh, just wondering lang poh.. Anoh, pwede poh ba makigamit ng bathroom?
Tita Merryl: Ay sure! Jerwin, give Venice a fresh bath towel, at pakita mo na rin kung nasan ung banyo..


Jerwin, who just finished pouring the water from the basin dun sa sink, looked at me and then frowned..


Jerwin: Can't you just use my towel?
Ako: Abno ka ba?!? Anoh pang virus makuha ko syo noh! (tingin kay Tita Merryl) No offense.
Jerwin: Hoy, buti nga pinapagamit ko ung tuwalya ko syo!
Ako: No, thanks. I'd rather use a fresh one.


Kinuha ko ung bag ng damit na dala ng nanay ko, smiled at the older ladies, and then stomped pabalik sa taas.. I heard Jerwin putting the basin sa sink, and then following me up the stairs..
We went in his room again, and he walked straight to the closet, looking for a bath towel..


Jerwin: Hey..
Ako: Yea?
Jerwin: I'll take you to school today.
Ako: Okay.


After that, he handed me the towel.. Then he walked me to the bathroom at the other side of the hallway, opened the medicine cabinet, and gave me a new toothbrush..


Jerwin: You can use this one. Siguro, you should just put it with our toothbrushes since parang napapadalas na ang overnight mo dito..
Ako: Che! It's not like I drop by and make plans to spend the night here noh!


He laughed at me again, and walked out of the bathroom to eat breakfast while I closed the door to start my morning rituals..




I don't know how, and I'm not sure what he did, pero by some miracle, Jerwin managed to finish his shower, get dressed, and all that in less than 20 minutes.. Oh the luck of being a man.. -___-

Kaya when we left the house, we even had time to drop off my mom sa bahay, and pagdating sa harap ng school, I have enough time before my first class.
He parked on the curb again.. and I'm kinda thankful for the tinted windows, kaseh ganitong oras pala nag-ppour in ang sandamakmak na students.. Maaga silang gumigising..


Ako: Okie.. Thanks for the ride..
Jerwin: Venice, wait.


My hand stopped dun sa door handle, and I turned to look at Jerwin.. Anoh nanaman kaya ang hirit ni kuya?


Jerwin: You know, I was just thinking about your mom going to the States and all that.. If it gets to the point that she really wants to go and live her life.... You-- You can live with me.


-__-

>__<

O__O


Ako: ANOH?!? Live with you?!? May lagnat ka pa ba o naluto na yang mga brain cells mo kagabi?!?!
Jerwin: Anoh ba, seryoso ako. Didn't I tell you before? I'll take care of you..
Ako: Awww.. how sweet... Ulol. -__- At san mo naman ako papatulugin snyo ha?!? Geez..
Jerwin: (smiles) Well, if that's the only thing stopping you, then don't worry.. I'll find a way.


Tinitigan ko si Jerwin.. Ehwan ko ba kung seryoso toh, kulang sa tulog, na-over sa tulog, o talagang nag-evaporate ung utak nya kagabi sa sobrang taas nung lagnat nya.. Tinotopak yatang bigla....


Ako: *sigh* Bahala ka.. I'm gonna go to my class now.. Ikaw, magtrabaho ka na..
Jerwin: Okay. I'll see you later.


Bumaba na ko nung pick-up truck ni Jerwin, somewhat oblivious of the stares ng mga nakakita sa'kin get out of the shiny truck.. Anoh nga bang gagawin ko eh sa gusto na lumipad pabalik ng nanay ko sa States?

I can just tell her to go, pero I doubt na ganun-ganun lang un.. After nga naman ng mala-zombie kong aura two years ago, eh good luck na lang kung iwanan nya ko uhlet mag-isa...


Haayyyy na koooo...

[ljchan]

ljchan
  Hi!! thanks for pointing those things out..
sa 2nd one, it's kinda contradicting nga.. coz Jerwin is the kind of person that would rather blame others than admit mistake.. ung type ng tao na magunaw man ang mundo, hinde pa rin sya aamin na nagkamali sya..

so when he said that his parents should've known better.. even though his parents offered to pick him up and even though he knows he refused, nung nawala sya, instead of admitting that he could've accepted the offer, he chose to put the blame on the fact na hindi namilit ung parents nya na sunduin sya....  gets?

as for the "This is the continuation of the world's turning"...
uhmm.. can you elaborate on the mistake a little further so that I can correct it?

then why did you have to make it so complicated? you could've just said that 'he refused because he knows his parents are just offering out of courteousness but they won't have the time anyway'. well, unless you want to explain the situation to every reader of course.

"This is the continuation of the world's turning" is just grammatically incorrect no matter which angle you try to look at it. even if the 's means is, it's still wrong. why not write this in the simplest way instead, "This is the continuation of Venice's story" or something like that.

[ayreezh]

ljchan
  i have to make it a bit complicated coz that attitude is going to play out in a somewhat major scene in the latter parts of the story..  so i felt that i had to drop hints of that personality in some chapters.. i don't really want to simplify it.... errr it's kinda difficult to explain without giving out the entire plot of the story.. -__-

hmm.. but what if it's not just Venice's story that goes on?  uhmmm.... lol lemme try to think of something more appropriate for that phrase, ok?   thanks!

::Chapter 14::
One Moment In Time
♫.~*~..~*~.♫


(Venice's POV)
---------------- ♥

I stared at Kenny and Sheena who are busy sa pag-ppreach nila kay Anthony, na,who would've thought, eh may pagkatorpe pala.. Di ko na maalala kung anong pinag-uusapan namen, bastah, bigla na lang nilang nahuli na may unspoken infatuation pala itong si Anton sa isang girl na ayaw nya naman sabihin ang name..


Kaya ahyan, naulan tuloy sya ng "You should tell her!", "Maganda ba?", "Kilala ko ba?", at "Bakit ayaw mo sabihin kung sinoh?!"


Kawawa naman..


Anthony: Ay nako! Tigilan nyo na nga ako!
Sheena: Eh sabihin mo na kaseh kung sinoh! At bakit ba ayaw mo pang ligawan?


Anthony suddenly blushed at napatingin dun sa sapatos nya.. At dahil dyan sa reaction na yan, naintriga na rin ako.. Abah, ang loko! May pa-blush-blush pang nalalaman!


Ako: Avah, Anton! Kilala namen toh noh?!? Sino ang girl na itoh?!? Kailangan nang interviewhin!
Anthony: She's.. You know her quite well... already.


Nagkatinginan kami nina Kenny.. Sinoh ba ang kilala nameng tatlo na pwedeng maging prospect ni Anthony?


Kenny: As in, know KNOW?
Sheena: Gusto mo ligawan na namen para syo?
Anthony: NO!


Ay?!? Napaatras kaming bigla sa sudden outburst ng usually la-la-la na si Anthony.. O___O Bihira lang yan magkaganyang may pinaninindigan.. Kaya nakakawindang pag lumalabas ang pagka-lalake nya..


Anthony: I mean, it's alright.. She doesn't have to know.
Ako: Oh ba't why?
Anthony: (smiles) Coz I know na kaibigan lang naman ang tingin nya sa'kin.. Nothing more, nothing less..


Lalo kaming nagkatinginan nina Sheena at Kenny.. Avah, pusong sawi pala itong case na toh.. O__O




That afternoon, like always, paglabas ko, nandun na si Jerwin sa pick-up nya, naghihintay.. at nababawasan na rin ung mga paparazzi na umaasang makakuha ng stolen shot naming dalawa.. I jumped in the passenger seat and gave Jerwin a quick smile as he pulls out of the curb..


Ako: Hey, Jerwin.
Jerwin: Yep?
Ako: Have you ever been in a situation na hindi mo masabi sa isang tao na may gusto ka sa kanya?


Napatingin bigla si Jerwin sa'kin, but then he immediately turned to his driving again.. And I swear, startled na startled ang expression ni kuya.. O_O Weird.. Affected much?


Jerwin: Why are you asking? (smirks) May gusto ka na sa'kin noh? Okay lang naman kung gusto mong sabihin eh.. I understand na it's inevitable na magkakagusto ka sa'kin..
Ako: Hoy. Umiral nanaman yang pagka-electric fan mo. -__-


Tumawa lang sya and he lowered the volume nung radio before glancing at me again to smile.. Parang adik..


Jerwin: So why are you asking?
Ako: Well, you know Anthony, ung friend ko? Sabi nya he likes this girl daw, pero hindi nya masabi kaseh friend lang ung tingin sa kanya nung girl.
Jerwin: Who's the girl?
Ako: Ayaw nga sabihin eh..
Jerwin: Baka ikaw ung girl.
Ako: Tange. Mamamatay muna un bago nya ko pag-interesan noh.
Jerwin: Eh? Really? Ganon ka na lang ba ang level ng pagka-unlikable mo?
Ako: Hay nako. Nevermind na nga lang. Bahket ba ikaw pa ang tinatanong ko?
Jerwin: Coz I'm your sunshine, and I light up the truth.
Ako: Tignan mo lang kung may sense ung sinabi mo ha..


We moved to less serious subjects -- his hair, my hair, his snoring, my falling off the bed -- and eventually, we finally reached my neighborhood. Lumiko sya dun sa street and I started to strap my book bag around me, when I realize na nag-ppark sya sa side nung bahay namen..


Ako: What are you doing?
Jerwin: Parking.
Ako: Bababa ka?
Jerwin: Why, of course. Isn't it rude not to say hello to my mother-in-law?
Ako: Never stopped you before.


He smiled, and then talagang bumaba sya ng sasakyan. He went around to my side, and opened the door for me.
Pa-gentleman effect?? Na-food poisoning kaya toh?

Nung bumababa na ko dahan-dahan, he suddenly leaned over -- pasimple lang naman -- and pretended to take my bag, pero in reality, he was whispering something..


Jerwin: Be careful. There's about one or two tabloid reporters who followed us.
Ako: Whe?!? Nasaan!?!


He closed the door behind me, and just in time to answer my question, two men approached us, one carrying a camera, and the other a notebook and a pen.


Kaya pala nagpaka-gentleman effect si kuya.. may audience pala...


Kuya Reporter: Sorry to intrude on your private time, Mr. Santos. But can we take one or two quick picture for tomorrow's paper?
Jerwin: For what story?
Kuya Reporter: No story poh, sir. One page lay-out lang poh na nagpapakita sa mga celebrities in their everyday lives.


That doesn't sound so bad.. or harmful. Nagkatinginan kami ni Jerwin, trying to think kung papayag ba dahel it's nothing naman talaga.. or mag-rrefuse dahil nasa harap kami ng bahay ko..
In the end, I just shrugged at Jerwin.. bahala na sya.. Sya naman tohng professional pagdating sa mga ganyan..


Jerwin: (still looking at me) Well.. okay...
Mr. Reporter: Thank you poh, sir! I promise, walang skandalo o kahit anong nakadikit sa picture na toh!
Jerwin: Okay.. But can you make sure na walang makikitang significant sa background? I don't want other reporters loitering around my fiancée's house..
Mr. Photographer: Yes sir.


Jerwin took off his langaw-sunglasses, and followed the photographer to the white wall dun sa side nung bahay namen.. Pinaupo sya dun sa sidewalk, kunwari nag-rrelax.. Although I can't imagine sitting on the sidewalk as part of his "everyday life"..


Mr. Reporter: Miss Venice, umupo na rin poh kayo.
Ako: Eh? Kasama ako?
Mr. Reporter: Opo.


Hinila ako nung photographer, tapos inupo na rin dun sa tabi ni Jerwin.. Sabi nya, mag-appear daw na nag-uusap lang kame, kwentuhan ba.. Isip-isip ko lang, kwentuhan sa kalye? Di kaya madumog kami ng mga tao kung araw-araw naming gawin toh?


After a while na mukha na siguro kaming natural, nag-stepback na ung photographer and took a picture. Just pretend lang raw na wala ung camera, just act naturally.. Kung alam nya lang kung pano ang "act naturally" sa'min ni Jerwin.. Ung mga tipong nagbabatukan ba...


Jerwin: Hey.. Come here, may bubulong ako syo.
Ako: Eh? Now na?
Jerwin: Yea.


He leaned forward na tipong may ibubulong talaga, and syempre, nag-lean forward din ako para makinig kung anoh naman tohng topak nya at ngayon pa sya may ibubulong..


Mr. Photographer: Okay, last one!


Just then, Jerwin tilted my face up, and planted a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.... and the camera flashed. O.O


Mr. Reporter: That was perfect! Thank you for your time, Mr. Santos, Ms. Venice.


I watched as the two reporters walked away, probably ecstatic to have such an "intimate" and "cute" moment in their film. Tumayo na rin si Jerwin and started to dust off his jeans.. I stared at him, wide-eyed..


Jerwin: What?
Ako: What was that?
Jerwin: A kiss on the nose.
Ako: And you had to do that??!
Jerwin: (smiles) Don't you know what a kiss on the nose means?
Ako: May meaning pa ba un?!?


Jerwin laughed and helped me up to my feet, then he walked me papasok dun sa gate nung bahay namen.. kasi dumadami na ung mga tao sa paligid.. Ako naman si shocked, sumunod na lang, still rambling what a kiss on the nose means..


"Oh, Jerwin? Napadaan ka.."


I stopped my nagging and looked at my mom na picture perfect na housewife ang itsura: uncombed hair, oversized t-shirt, and long shorts. Oh di vah, bahay na bahay..


Jerwin: Yes, tita.. I'm just here to say hello.
Ako: Oh ahyan, nakapag-hello ka na, sige na, uwi ka na.
Mom: Venice! Anoh ka ba? Hindi pa nga nakakapasok ng bahay si Jerwin eh.


I turned to look at Jerwin, na nginitian ako pa-innocent effect chuchu.. Natutuwa talaga si kuya sa pang-aasar sa'kin... -___-
Pumasok kaming dalawa, my mom trying to un-puff her puffy short hair.. si Jerwin, nagtatanggal ng mamahalin nyang rubber shoes.... O_O


Ako: Oh, tatanggalin mo pa ung sapatos mo?!?
Jerwin: What? Isn't it proper to remove my shoes before going inside?
Ako: Magtatagal ka ba dito?!?
Jerwin: Yes, sweetheart.


Eew. O_O


PAK!


Ako: Ouch! What??!


Napaikot ako sa nanay kong nakapamewang sa likod ko.. Tama ba namang batukan ako sa harap ng others?!?


Mom: Anoh ba't kakarating nyo pa lang, eh inaaway mo na si Jerwin?! Umakyat ka na nga at magbihis ka na! Kakain na tayo sandali.


I heard na natawa si Jerwin sa likod ko.. He probably thinks it's amusing na binabatukan ako at pinapagalitan pa ng nanay ko sa edad kong toh.. -___- Pahamak talaga.. I glared at him, and then stomped up the stairs para nga magbihis na..

Lokong un.. Dadaan-daan dito para lang mang-trip!

--- ♥♥ ---


(Jerwin's POV)
---------------- ♥

I watched as Venice stalked off to her room. Parang bata talaga..


Tita Mel: Oh, pumasok ka muna sa loob, Jerwin.. Nagluluto pa kaseh ako.. Mabilis na lang toh..
Ako: It's okay, tita. I'm not in a hurry.. Actually, I'm here to talk to you.
Tita Mel: Sa'kin?
Ako: Opo.. And I was hoping na makausap kayo habang wala pa poh si Venice..


Tita Mel looked at me all curious, but she led me to the kitchen anyways -- where it smells like beef steak everywhere. Makikain na rin kaya ako mamaya?


Tita Mel: Oh, anoh ba toh? May ginawa ba si Venice?
Ako: Nako, wala poh.. It's just that.. I overheard you and my mom talking.. You want to go back to the States, right?


Napatigil si Tita Mel sandali, looked at me, and then smiled.. Bumalik sya dun sa niluluto nya.. So I guess it's not a big deal whether I heard or not.


Tita Mel: To be honest, yes, I do want to go back.. Alam mo, pumunta lang ako sa States para magtrabaho. Pero dati, iniisip ko na, as soon as possible, gusto ko na sana umuwi dito and spend time with Venice.
Ako: Like now?
Tita Mel: Oo, siguro nga, like now.. Pero alam mo, Jerwin.. Tumanda na si Venice without me.. At minsan sa buhay mo, dadating ung pagkakataon na ma-rrealize mo na ung isang lugar na dapat mong puntahan at ung lugar na sasaya ka, eh dalawang magkaibang lugar pala.
Ako: So... Ung lugar na gusto nyong puntahan eh sa Amerika?
Tita Mel: Well.. not really..


Eh??
She blushed.. O__O I guess totoo ung sinabi ni Venice na may pagka-"young at heart" pa ang nanay nya..


Tita Mel: Nagkataon lang na nasa Amerika ung "person" na gusto kong puntahan.. and as much as I want him to come here, hindi nya naman maiiwan ung trabaho at buhay nya dun.
Ako: So you're going to him instead?
Tita Mel: (smiles) I know it sounds somewhat selfish, lalo na't may anak ako..


Tinakpan ni Tita Mel ung niluluto nya, then walked over to where I was sitting.. She smiled at me gently, cautiously pa nga.. as if telling me to listen carefully..


Tita Mel: Jerwin, alam kong hindi kayo magkakilala ng anak ko.. Siguro ngayon, dahel sa mga nangyayari, naging magkaibigan na kayo -- pero magkaibigan lang.. Jerwin, maybe someday you'll find out ung mga reasons namin ng nanay mo kung bakit namin kayo pinagsama.. Maybe you two will eventually break up, maybe you two will work it out.


Where is this going?


Tita Mel: Pero Jerwin, I can tell you're an amazing guy. Dadating ang araw na may makikilala ka, may mamahalin ka na, katulad ko, handa mong i-sacrifice ang lahat para dun sa taong un. It will happen for just one moment in your life, so when you get it, don't let it go. Maybe you won't understand my reasons for now, pero I hope someday, you'll think back on this instant and tell yourself, "Oh, so that's what she meant when she said to give up everything for that one person."


I stared at her.. Ehto ba eh isa sa mga pamana ng older generation? It feels... odd.. coming from someone else's mom..
But.. I smiled.. I guess she really, really, really wants to go back to her man...


Ako: Tita, when the time comes na kailangan mo na talagang umalis, don't worry about Venice.. I'll take her in.
Tita Mel: Take her in?
Ako: Yes, tita. I'll take care of her as if she's that person I'd be willing to sacrifice everything for. So, do what you must, tita. Venice should be the least of your problems.

[hugz_n_kissez]

waaahh.. hindi pala ako nakapagreply sa mga naunang post.. kahit nah nabasa ko.. nice.. love chapter 14!! ahihihi.. grabeh nakarelate ako.. kaso wala ehh.. nauwi sa wala ang pag give up sa everything.. ahihi.. andito ulit ako miss author.. ahihi.. ang atat nah reader:)

[jamielle]

oh, well, haven't start reading it yet. ang tagal kong hinanap to. maybe when i woke up, i'll start reading it. i need some sleep for now. geeesh, ngayon ko lang narealize, i've read all your stories. i love them all... errr, but not the ending of terminal. maka-G talaga ako! i noticed that you almost revised the whole thing... anyway, i'll still support this one.

guess I need to introduce myself again.
hi, i am riel, an avid reader of all your stories.