Perennial Blooms (Ciudad de Escalante #2)

Phase 28

"How's Gigi?" Cassiel asked me on the other line.

"He's fine. Nanlalambing siya kanina at mukhang ayaw akong paalisin," I said and sat on one of the benches near their rehearsal studio.

Kakaalis ko lang galing sa clinic para bisitahin si Gigi kanina. I don't have anything to do and it's my second day of my suspension.

Cassiel and I decided to meet right now, so I'm waiting for him.

"Malapit na ako, nandiyan ka na ba?"

"Yup. I'm at the benches near the building. Hintayin nalang kita at sabay tayong pumasok sa studio niyo," I said before we bid our goodbyes.

I'm nervous while waiting.

Today is the most awaiting election and probably the results are out already. Hindi na ako umaasa na manalo bilang chairwoman o kabilang man lang sa apat na mananalo para sa posisyon.

Maybe my suspension is evidence that I cheated. But I don't care anymore. As if they cared about me anyway. They can think anything that they want to believe, and I don't mind it at all.

From now on, I won't let myself to be affected by other people's opinions at me. Magbibigay nalang ako ng atensyon sa mga naniniwala sa akin.

Cassiel, Daddy, and Gigi. Maybe Guiliana and Gaviana, too. Even though they're harsh to me, they still matter.

"Sorry medyo late. Hinatid ko muna si Quinssiel kina Sylvan dahil hinahanap ni Sylvester," si Cassiel at iginiya na ako papunta sa building kung nasaan ang rehearsal studio nila.

"It's okay. I didn't wait that long..." I said sincerely.

I hate the lack of punctuality, but he's my exception, so it's not a big deal.

"Ilang taon na kayong nagbabanda?" I asked when we reached inside.

"Since Grade seven," tipid niyang sagot at binuksan ang mga ilaw. Agad napaawang ang bibig ko ng makita ang makulay na balloons na nakadikit sa pader.

When did he prepare this?

"Siya nga pala. Congratulations, Gaviaja!" he stated cheerfully while getting something in the refrigerator.

It is my favourite mango bravo cake with a cute candle in the middle. Dahan-dahan siyang naglakad palapit sa akin habang sinisindihan ang kandila.

"What's the meaning of this, Cassiel?" I asked, and amusement is evident in my tone.

Hindi ko matanggal ang tingin sa cake at sa paligid. May mga nag-iilawang fairy lights pa na parang may celebration kahit kaming dalawa lang ang narito.

"For your victory and success, obviously," pamimilosopo niya at nilapit ang cake sa akin para hipan ko ang kandila.

"S-Success from what?" pangkukumpirma ko kahit may ideya na.

I'm sure I lost that's why he made this to make me happy. I don't care about it because I'm still excited because of his presence.

"You won, Gaviaja. Vice-chairwoman..." he announced happily.

Natigilan ako at prinoseso muna iyon.

I w-won?

I won!

I can't help to jump in happiness.

Tumigil ako sa pagkatuwa at tiningnan siya ng masama.

"You're pranking me! Bakit mananalo ako kung nalaman ng lahat yung issue ko?"

Students won't vote for a cheater!

He smiled, "Because your hardworks and great performance outweigh the issue. There are people like me out there who still believe in you."