Isabela
Boyfriend
I was trembling as I entered the house after Art Hervin sent me home . I was so ecstatic when he disclosed his interest in me. I felt I was floating in clouds with too much happiness. Hindi ko maiwasang mangiti na lamang.
In my room, I was even jumping on bed because of that. Liligawan nya ako? I was very excited to be his girlfriend. I was doubting what I felt ever since, but now it was clear with me when he asked first, it was clear that gusto ko rin sya.
"Isabela..." Early in the morning, I was eating breakfast with Kuya because the parents left early to go to Sorsogon. I was feeling awkward when Kuya Dahn just took his seat in front.
"Kuya?"
"Inupakan ko na 'yong Dustin na 'yon huwag kang mag-alala. Buti naman at inalis ka ni Art doon."
I was slowly eating at my food now. "Ah, I texted him, Kuya."
"Nanliligaw na pala 'yang kaibigan ko?"
It left me dumbfounded to hear that. "Sorry, Kuya. Pinigilan ko naman talaga, e. Pero hindi ko talaga napigilan. I'm sorry, Kuya."
He let out a chuckle. "Pag naging kayo huwag kang papahalik sa kanya ha? At mas lalo nang..."
My face was in sudden heat because of that. Nahiya ako sa sinabi nya. "Opo," I politely responded.
"Good, do not submit yourself right away, Isabela."
On weekends, I just thought of that all the time. If Art and I will become official, I think that would be part of the relationship to kiss? But I didn't know... I didn't know how. Why was I thinking about it when Kuya Dahn just reminded me not too?
Art would frequently contact me via phone calls and text messages during his leisure time. The majority of the time during lunch and in the evening. Listening to his handsome and sweet voice was a cherished part of my daily routine. I also went to the medical mission with my mom and Ate Thalia, and celebrated my Lola's birthday in Cebu before getting ready for the upcoming academic weeks.
Art and Kuya Inres were excused in our history subject because they had to do an exhibit. It was their Engineering week that's why they had to be present for it since their attendance would be checked. I was all alone in the seats while just listening to the presenters in front. Nothing really happened in the history subject, it was just a presentation, then after that I immediately got out since Art told me we'll eat lunch together.
I also told Ate Thalia about it, um-oo nalang sya. Wala naman syang choice dahil kagustohan ko naman 'to. While walking out of the gate, nakasalubong ko si Art na may kausap na kaklase. He was distracted when he saw me, and his smile even grew wider. He slapped his classmate's ass before he diverted me.
"Maria Isabela!" He fondly spoke my name as he stood in front of me. I was... nervous again.
I grabbed his wrist then we walked at the side to hide. "Nandyan kasi sila Kuya Dahn sa cafeteria, it kinda feels awkward when we're also there."
He looked at my hand holding his wrist, he was smiling at it that's why I let go. "Oh edi sakto doon na tayo sa cafe namin kumain lalo na't sinabihan ko si Lola na dadating ka. Don't worry, ihahatid naman kita pabalik dito para hindi ka ma-late."
I simply nodded at him and smiled widely. "Sige, pero nakakahiya naman sa inyo. Baka pagalitan ako!"
He let out a chuckle and titled his head. "Maria Isabela, bakit ka naman papagalitan?"
"Kasi nililigawan mo ako."
Mas lalo syang natawa. "Hay naku, Maria Isabela. Sinabi ko na nga kay lola na nanliligaw ako sayo kaya gusto nyang magpasyal ka lage sa amin."
