Mr. Wrong (Mr. Series #1)

Chapter 21

"Anne, may assignment ka na sa literature?" tanong ko. We have two hours vacant before another class resumes, and it's a good thing since I almost forgot to do my assignment.

"Yes, gusto mong mangopya?" Natawa ako sa tnaong niya. I immediately copied her assignment in secrecy because my classmates are so judgmental. They will definitely question my intelligence if they see me copying others' work. Did they even know the difference between being smart and hardworking? Anyway, I just sit in the corner of the room and focus on rephrasing my best friend's work. This is the hidden technique that most students use when in a desperate situation. I managed to finish my homework immediately.

Tinatawanan naman ako ni Anne dahil sa ginawa ko.

"Hey, why do you look so blooming today?" hirit niya. Himala. Hindi yata siya busy ngayon at may oras kaming magchikahan.

"What do you mean by blooming? I felt so haggard today since I did illegal, copying of your work."

"That's not illegal because I gave you my permission to do so."

Napangiti ako. "You're such an angel."

"I know, right? But really, you seem so different today. May hindi ba ako alam kung bakit parang mukha kang masaya at glowing? Come one, what is it?" She smiles, looking excited about what I was about to say.

Bigla kong naalala 'yong pag-uusap namin ni Jhon Rey at hindi ko na naiwasang mapangiting muli. "Look! Ngumingiti ka na naman!"

I scratched the back of my ear. "Wala naman. It was just Jhon Rey invited me to his birthday party," I announced.

Her expression changes. "Really? He did? And what did you say? Umoo ka?"

"Oo. Okay lang naman 'di ba? Na pumunta ako?"

Nagkaroon ako ng pag-aalangan sa naging reaksyon at mga tanong niya.

"Hmm... nasa sa iyo naman. You said you were invited, mas makabubuti ngang pumunta ka, but let me remind you what you told me before: that you were going to ignore him after the sociology project. And since it was canceled, that must be a sign from the universe that you should start ignoring him now so you can live peacefully without thinking about your father when he learned about this... Hindi ka ba natatakot sa papa mo?"

"Natatakot but this might be the last, Anne. Besides, my things are still in his unit, and I should also use this opportunity to get the things I left."

"Huwag mo na akong kumbinsihin. I know who you are, Sheen. You're just using that as an excuse. Gusto mo talagang pumunta, 'no? Pero duda ako sa sinasabi mong last na 'to dahil kapag ikaw na-fall, hindi ka na titigil."

"Then, should I not go?"

"You already have your answer, bakit mo pa ako tiantanong? Kahit sabihin kong huwag, pupunta ka pa rin. Siguro nga okay lang since ikakasal ka na rin naman sa ex mo. Baka nga mas mabuting sulitin mo na," saad niya. "Kailan ba?"

"This weekend," I responded.

"I see." Tumango-tango siya. "Sana lang ay hindi malaman ng dad mo ang tungkol dito at sana walang mangyaring masama. If coming to that party will make you at ease, then so be it. Who knows? If he can change your fate and sabotage your wedding," nakangisi niyang sabi. Mas lalo ko tuloy gustong pumunta kay Jhon Rey pero alam ko namang kahit gustuhin niyang tulungan ako, hindi niya ako matutulungan pagdating dito.

"No one can change my fate without my father's permission."

Remembering my marriage suddenly made me feel bad. Every time I get to remember my ending being with the guy I don't like, it feels like I'm dying.