Why Can't You Love Me?

Prolouge

"Izumi, nandito na tayo." I was lost in deep thoughts when our family driver spoke.

I left leaning on the window and looked outside. We're already here. . .to my new school.

I looked at my wristwatch. I'm not late but I'm nervous getting out of the car. I don't know anyone here and I don't know the ins and outs here.

"Anong oras kita susunduin, Izumi?" 

I looked at Kuya Aldo na lumabas din ng kotse, he was only a few years older than my father. He used to be my grandfather's driver, my mother's dad, but since I'm going to study here in the Philippines, he's been assigned to me.

"I'll just text you na lang po, Kuya Aldo. Ingat po sa pagdrive." Ngumiti ako sa kaniya. He just nodded at pumasok ulit ng sasakyan.

I took my headset from my bag before getting out of the car. Nanuot ang malamig na hangin sa balat ko. I thought I would be greeted by a hot climate when I arrived here in the Philippines, pero sabi ni mama na maswerte ako dahil natiyempuhan kong malamig ang klima ngayon.

"Izumi, pinaalam ko na pala sa anak kong si Bela na nandito ka na. Siya na lang ang magga-guide sa'yo." Sabi ni Kuya Aldo na nakasilip sa bintana.

"Okay po." Kumaway pa ako at pinanuod ang sasakyang papalayo.

Oo nga pala, may anak pala siyang nag-aaral dito. Fortunately, there is someone to guide me here, but I hope Kuya Aldo' daughter is kind. Siguro naman mabait 'yon dahil mabait ang tatay niya.

I put my headphone on my ear and played my favorite song.

Futari no aida toorisugita kaze wa (the wind that passed between us two)
Doko kara sabishisa wo hakonde kita no (where did it carry that sadness from?)

I noticed that many eyes were looking at me. They may be wondering because the school year started more than five months ago, pero heto at may student na papasok pa lang.

Naitari shita sono ato no sora ha (the sky after I cried)
Yaki ni sukitootte itari shitanda (was awfully transparent)

I tapped my ID first before going inside. I was amazed to see the spacious field. I think this school is bigger than the previous school I attended in Japan.

I turned the volume down so I could at least hear the surroundings. Gusto kong marinig ang mga sinasabi ng mga taong nakatingin sa'kin, not because I'm curious. Because I want to know kung ayos lang ba ako dito sa school na 'to.

"New student? Ngayon ko lang siya nakita dito."

"Guess her nationality."

"Hmm, is it korean? chinese? or maybe japanese?"

"Magkakamukha naman sila eh."

"I can't guess."

Natawa ako sa reaksyon ng babae na may hawak na tennis racket. Nahihirapan ito sa paghula. I looked at them and they immediately looked away from me.

"Izumi-chan!"

Napahinto ako sa paglalakad when someone suddenly shouted not far away. I looked around to find who it was.

Nakita ko ang isang babae na naka-PE uniform at tumatakbo papalapit sa'kin, kumakaway pa ito. A pretty girl in high ponytail, fair skin and looks like Kuya Aldo.