Two Hearts, One Rhythm

Chapter 1

"Putangina, finally!"

Crim exclaimed as we excused ourselves from our graduation after party. We graduated from college earlier and our parents held a party to celebrate. Ngayon nga lang kami nakatakas sa mga bumabati sa aming tatlo.

"Nakatakas na rin tayo sa wakas. Akala ko hindi na tayo makakalabas sa lugar na 'yon! Daming tao, amputa!" Crim continued her rant that made me roll my eyes and Bella giggle.

The party was held inside a party hall located inside the village of our childhood homes. Mansions, to be exact.

We are now here in the garden, lying on the grass. It's so dirty but Crim would never stop reprimanding me if I don't do this with them! Imagine three women wearing elegant graduation dresses, lying on carabao grass. Hindi ko rin talaga alam kung bakit ganito si Crim. Such an ewan.

"So, what's our plan now?" I asked as we all looked at the stars shining from above.

"Matulog." Crim answered.

"Maybe, start studying for the upcoming board exams?" Bella, in her usual soft voice, answered.

"Ikaw na lang mag isa, Bella." Crim replied. I laughed and Bella pouted.

"As much as we love you, Bella, I need a break from studying. We have a lot of time to study for that, don't worry." I replied.

We continued to look above the stars in silence. Lying in the grass with my girls isn't bad at all. Wala lang sana dumapo sa aming insects because all hell will break loose!

"It's crazy to think we're onto the next level of our lives. Ano kaya ang naghihintay sa atin sa Optimum Pharmart Inc.? As much as I am excited to work for that company, I'm fucking anxious." Crim said, breaking the silent atmosphere. I looked at her because I was nervous too. If both of us are nervous, what more kay Bella?

"I still am shaky talking to people, but I'm learning to overcome it! I'm getting there, guys! Aren't you both proud of me?" Bella asked in a hopeful voice.

Umupo ako and I looked over at Bella, still lying on the ground. I pinched her cheeks because she's such a cutie.

"Yes, we're so proud of you. You have come so far."

Umupo na rin si Crim at hinatak ang mga braso ni Bella para umupo na rin. I laughed and Bella giggled. Crim hugged us both. "I'm so proud of us. I love you guys so much." She whispered.

It's a Monday morning and I'm inside some coffee shop for my daily caffeine fix. Hindi talaga ako mapalagay if I don't drink coffee for a day!

Buti na lang onti lang ang people since it's the start of the week. I'm beside the window, looking at the people passing by. I'm still waiting for my two girls to arrive. Natutulog pa kasi sila at late gumising, habang ako dakilang early bird.

My phone kept on beeping because of the notifications coming through. I checked it, hoping it would be a message from either Crim and Bella, but it was just congratulatory messages from some people. Noong Friday lang naman kami nag graduate, so people still give us their congratulations.

I looked through the messages and thanked all of them. I continue to scroll along the list of people sending their messages, pero bakit parang kulang?

Where's his message?

I was actually waiting for his congratulations! How dare he forget about this?!

Kulang pa ba pagpapapansin ko sa kanya para kalimutan niya na naka graduate na ako?

I was actually considering messaging him first, para magpapansin! But, stopped myself because I would appear desperada. Ugh! Where's his message ba?