PRANKED BOOK 1 (published with BOOK OF LIFE PUBLICATION)

Chapter 10

"I want to be part of the Philippine Army."

I harshly flicked my eyes open. "What?" I asked.

"I just signed up with the Army. I passed the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Service Aptitude Test."

"Ilan ang score ang nakuha mo?" 

"I got 98.20."

"Aliza..." I mutter in disbelief. I know Aliza is intelligent but I don't know she could get that high score. 

"Harold, I need your help, and with Marvin." I can't clearly see her but I know she's about to cry. "Pangarap ko ang maging Army, matagal na. Kaya nga nandito ako sa organisasyong ito... to create connections and experiences para sa tatahakin kong buhay." Her voice cracked.

"Kailangang mawala ang bisa ng kasal natin." She added.

"Aliza, masyado na akong pagod para sa lokohan." I said tiredly.

"Hindi kita niloloko, Christian Harold Molinari." Hearing my full name from her is a sign that she's serious. "That was in the past. Iba na ngayon, please maniwala ka naman." her voice is persuasive -- like a sweet child begging for sweets.

"I believe in you but I can't help you with that. Ginawa mo 'yan kaya lusutan mo. I have so many people to support to."

I heard her sob in my chest. "I'm sorry. Just help me with this one."

I hugged her tight and expelled a heavy breath. "I hope this is not a prank anymore." 

Bigla siyang kumawala sa pagkakayakap ko at tumingala sa'kin. "Hindi na. Totoo na ito." then, she touched my cheek. I feel every tip of her finger rubbing to my skin.

"Tama na ang pag-iyak at bukas ng umaga tatawagan ko ang recruitment office para matulungan kita." I hold her hand and hugged her again.

"Please." she said begging.

"Stop crying and let's sleep. It's already late." She nodded as a response and hugged me back. Siniksik niya ang mukha niya sa dibdib ko na nagpangiti sa'kin.

"SIR, good morning."

"Sir, good morning po. Hinahanap po kayo ni Captain Vilbare."

"Sir?" I heard a man's voice outside. "Sir Molinari, Sir. Pinapatawag po kayo ni Captain Vilbare." I am about to get up when there's someone lying beside me.

"Good morning, angel." I whispered and smiled. I put peck on her cheek and slowly pulling my arm. "Christian..." she mumbled sleepily. "Shh... 'wag kang maingay, may tao sa labas."

"What? Wait, ano'ng oras na?"

"Sir, good morning. Hello? Sir?" I heard someone call again.

"Pasukin mo na lang sa loob. Baka napalalim ang tulog." another man spoke.

"Gising na'ko. Maghahanda lang ako at pupunta na'ko kay Sir Vilbare." I answered.

"Iiwan mo'ko rito?" Aliza whispered.

"Hindi, maghintay ka lang sandali at i-uuwi kita sa tulugan niyo." I said with assurance.

"Paano? May makakakita sa'kin baka i-chismis ako nito na nakikitulog ako sa duyan ng mga sundalo. Naku, Harold, hindi magandang ideya ito."  Aliza seems to panic.

"Relax ka lang, I got your back, okay?" 

"Siguraduhin mo, Harold, malaking eskandalo 'to." 

I got off the hammock but the panicked Aliza pulled my shirt that got me fell down with my butt first. "Aray."