My love's Blueprint

Chapter 1

Kelsey Pov

*“Bili na po kayo!”* A vendor's call echoed through the crowded streets of Manila as I maneuvered through the throngs of people. The air was thick with the scent of street food—*isaw*, *kwek-kwek*, and the ever-present aroma of *adobo* mingling in a harmonious blend that made my stomach growl.

I pulled my bag closer to my side, careful not to bump into the vendors' carts lining the sidewalk. I had a mission today: to buy everything I needed for my final year at university. The list was long, and I had a specific store in mind—an old, family-owned shop my mother had taken me to since I was a child. 

*“Ate, bili ka na ng sampaguita.”* A young girl, no older than ten, held out a small garland of the fragrant flowers. I smiled, handing over a few pesos before gently placing the sampaguita around my wrist. The familiar scent brought back memories of simpler times.

As I walked, my thoughts wandered to the coming school year. Final year at the School of Architecture—*grabe*, time flew fast. It felt like only yesterday I was a freshman, wide-eyed and nervous. Now, I was on the cusp of graduating, with only one more year standing between me and my dream of becoming an architect.

The sun was high in the sky by the time I reached the stationery store. The wooden sign above the door read *"Librado’s Supplies,"* the paint peeling slightly, giving it a rustic charm. I pushed the door open, and a small bell tinkled to announce my arrival.

“*Kelsey! Kamusta ka na?*” Mrs. Librado's voice was warm and welcoming. She emerged from behind the counter, her face lighting up with a genuine smile.

“*Mabuti po, Tita Celia. Here to get my supplies for the new school year,*” I replied, returning the smile.

Mrs. Librado nodded, already heading towards the back of the store. “*We have everything you need. Your mom called ahead and gave us the list.*”

I wandered through the aisles as I waited, my fingers brushing over the neatly stacked notebooks and pens. The store was small but well-organized, every shelf packed with the essentials. There was something comforting about the familiarity of it all—the creaky wooden floor, the faint smell of old books, the quiet hum of the ceiling fan.

I picked up a sketchbook, flipping through its blank pages. This would be my canvas for the year, the place where my ideas would take shape. The thought was both exciting and daunting. I knew this year would be challenging, with long nights and endless projects, but I was ready.

Mrs. Librado returned with a box full of supplies. “*Eto na, Kelsey. Everything you need for your final year.*”

“*Salamat po, Tita Celia.*” I took the box, feeling the weight of it in my arms. It was a tangible reminder of the year ahead, heavy with potential.

On my way back home, I decided to stop by the mall to pick up a few more items on my list. The air-conditioned space was a welcome relief from the heat outside. I navigated through the bustling shopping center, my eyes scanning for the bookstore.

As I reached the stationery section, I spotted the last pack of high-quality drawing pencils on the shelf. Just as I reached out to grab it, another hand brushed against mine. I looked up, surprised to see a woman around my age, her eyes narrowing as she looked at me.

“Excuse me, but I believe I saw these first,” she said, her tone cool and slightly condescending. gagi ang ganda niya, kaso suplada, tsk

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there,” I replied, taken aback by her sharpness. Masama din ugali ko pero parang hindi rin naman ako mananalo mas masama kasi to kahit mata niya lang kita, naka facemask kasi kala mo naman may virus ang paligid.