Three Steps To You ✔︎

Chapter 16

LIANAʼS KNIGHTS

It was passed five in the afternoon. The party has ended. Crystal sung before the party ends. One was dedicated to Calvin when they promised to each other again. The other one was performed on stage and it was dedicated for me as a gift. She havenʼt bought any material gift for me but she rehearsed last last night for her wonderful performance.

Calvin was smiling all the time. Akala niya siguro hindi ko nahahalata. ʼYung iba siguro ʼdi nila nahalata pero ako, kitang kita ko talaga at alam na alam kong masaya siya. Si Crystal ba naman ang makausap niya at nagkaayos pa sila, siyempre sasaya siya. Sumaya rin ako dahil naging tulay ako sa nalalapit na comeback nila. Sana may magaganap na comeback!

There was two special guests. Si Hazel at Frankie Denver. Ang magkapatid na Denver na kaibigan nina Andy at Adrian. I invited them because I am friends with them too. Nasa kabilang table nga lang sila.

Mom and Dad were busy talking to Ms. Smith—Jonasʼ mom, and Mr. Lopez who wasnʼt invited after all. But yeah, he is welcome here anytime.

Bumabait ka ata, self?

“Leonardo,” sambit ni Bliss. Inabot niya sa akin ang isang asul na kahon na may puting ribbon sa taas nito. “Happy 18th birthday.” she added.

“Thank you...” I ran out of words to tell her. I was so speechless because it was my first time receiving a gift from her. “Can I open it now?”

“Of course.” softly, she smiled at me.

We are alone now in my room. I know that I am not allowed to bring a girl in my room but I think itʼs fine. Wala naman kaming gagawing masama.

I opened the blue box with white ribbon on top. Bumungad ang isang kwintas na gold at hugis bituin. My jaw dropped, my reaction was priceless. Ang simple pero napakaganda.

“Is this really for me?” tanong ko. Nag-aalangan pa. “Masyadong maganda eh.”

“Oo naman. Ibibigay ko ba sa ʼyo ʼyan kung hindi para sa ʼyo?” mahinhin siyang natawa.

Sabi ko nga e. But honestly, the beauty of the necklace was stunning and jaw dropping. I felt something on my stomach. Grabe... Ito na ba ʼyung tinatawag nilang butterflies in my stomach? Kinikilig ba ako? Shit.

“Itʼs wonderful, Lorraine. Thank you.”

“Lumapit ka, isusuot ko sa ʼyo.” sinabi niya. Mas lalo akong napangiti. Kulang na lang ay mapunit ang labi ko sa lapad ng ngiti ko.

Nasa isang kama lang kami pero hindi kami magkatabi kanina, ngayon, lumapit ako sa kaniya.

Inalis niya mula sa kahon ang kwintas at isinuot sa akin iyon ng tahimik. Pati ang paghinga niya ay naririnig ko na sa sobrang tahimik.

Naramdaman kong bumitaw siya kaya napagtanto kong naikabit na niya. Hinawakan ko ang parehong kamay niya at ipinatong ko ito sa balikat. Gently, I pulled her hands down and slightly made her fingers intertwined as her arms were hugging me from the back.

I gently closed my eyes and started thinking of her face right now, I imagined her blushing as she was looking away. It automatically softens my heart. I smiled, “Iʼm falling in love with you, Lorraine...” I told her.

— TSTY —

“Leonardo, salamat sa drinks.” sabi ni Cyrus matapos niyang ubusin ang soda na binili ko para sa kaniya.

“And for the snacks.” Andy added. He was eating the potato chips Cyrus gave him because Cyrus felt full.

“Bakit kayo kumakain?” tanong ng isang lalaki na kakapasok lang sa cafeteria. Kasalukuyan kaming nakaupo at kumakain malapit sa pintuan kaya kami agad ang bumungad sa kanila.