Reaching You

seis

ALIANNA

The bell rang, echoing through the corridors of Ateneo. Waded through a sea of eager faces, my heart thudding with unspoken thoughts about Maven lalo na yung nangyari kahapon sa cafeteria.

To everyone else, I was the unwavering school council president, the girl who balanced a hundred responsibilities, but in the quiet corners of my mind, I found myself entangled in a complex web of secret dates and forbidden feelings.

Then there was Maloi, my bestfriend and, often, my reality check. One day, with a teasing smile, she had asked if Maven was more than just a friend. I laughed it off, a tight knot forming in my stomach. "It's nothing!" I proclaimed with a feigned lightness, knowing all the while that denying my feelings didn't diminish their weight. 

Navigating my feelings for Maven was like walking a tightrope—the thrill of the challenge only intensified the way my heart raced. Our secret rendezvous became more than just meetings; they were cherished sanctuaries, places where the world melted away. I'd find myself leaning into Maven's shoulder, warmth radiating between us, and our hands would brush against each other when we shared a drink at the café down the street, making me yearn to step closer, to pull her into my space entirely. Yet with each passing day, fear loomed large. Every laugh, every shared secret felt like it was puffing smoke around us, creating an escape that we both might have been too afraid to acknowledge.

But then things shifted. As autumn slipped into winter, a surge of warmth arrived with Jeremy—my boyfriend. The responsibility I carried as school council president weighed heavily on my ability to juggle these competing emotions. I could see my time with Maven subtly fumbling, shifting from warmth to distance. 

Jeremy and I really not that in good term, we lost communication for almost a year. We also have a private relationship, knowing my Dad. Ayaw niya muna ako magkapartner. Kaya naman hindi ko sinasabi kila Maloi. Till now I don't know what was the reason kung bakit siya biglang nawala and now he's here, transferring to our school. Nagulat din ako kahapon nang bigla ko siyang nakita. Mixed emotion ang naramdaman ko dahil after a year, I saw him again.

While reviewing the guest list for the ball, Maven stepped into my office—her nervous energy practically glowing. I always found her vibrant spirit infectious, though the shy girl still struggled to find her words. She shuffled closer and finally blurted, "Hey, Ali." 

"Can we talk??" I nodded.

"Ali..." nakatingin lang ako sa kaniya, hinihintay matapos kung ano man ang sasabihin niya.

"I was wondering if I can be your partner for the Grand Ball?" saad niya na walang hinga-hinga. A spark ignited within me, a mixture of flattery and warmth. The thought of letting Maven down twisted painfully in my gut.

"I-" naputol ang sasabihin ko ng biglang pumasok si Jeremy at inakbayan si Maven.

"She can't, bro. My girlfriend already have me for that. right, babe?" Tingin naman nito sa akin at dahan-dahan lumapit patungo sa kinaroroonan ko upang bigyan ako ng halik.

"I'm sorry, Maven." I said gently, "as what Jeremy said, I already have a date." Her face fell, a heartbreaking sight that made my heart ache. I desperately wanted to lift her spirits, yet I also knew how important it was to be honest.

"Oh okay! See you guys later!" dali-dali siyang lumabas ng office ko.  

I'm so sorry, Mavs.

Jeremy was about to kiss me again, I pushed him. "Why are you here?" tanong ko dito.

"I miss my girlfriend. Bakit? masama ba bisitahin ka dito sa office mo?" may halong inis sa tono nito and when he was about to kiss me again, lumayo ako para kunin ang mga files sa drawer.