I Fell In Love with a GUERRERO

Prologue

EPHEMERAL

e·phem·er·al (adjective)
-lasting for a very short time.

Every aspect of our existence on this Earth is ephemeral and fleeting, never meant to last forever. However, there is one universal truth that remains unchanging in this ever-evolving world—change itself is the only constant. 

Time passes

Seasons shift

Human dies

And of course, feelings change.

Nothing stays the same, and yet in its impermanence, there is a beauty to this very transience.

×××

"Hindi ko na siya crush, na turn off ako eh." 

I laughed, "Edi e turn on mo ulit. Basic." 

Sinamaan niya naman ako ng tingin. Ito naman, halatang ayaw niya talaga kay ate Jezel. She's pretty, yet I can't blame Kuya for breaking her up because of her kaartehan. 

Nakasakay kami sa kotse namin, papuntang school ko. Hatid kami ni dad since grounded si kuya dahil noong nakaraan ay naibangga niya ang motor ni dad. Si kuya talaga ang palaging humahatid sakin sa school, pero dahil nga doon, one month kaming hatid at sundo ni dad. Magka iba ang school namin ni kuya, 2nd year college na kasi siya at ako naman ay kaka-high school ko lang this year. 

"Zander, baka hindi kita masusundo mamayang gabi. May aasikasuhin pa kasi ako sa opisina," Dad informed my brother. He just nodded as he hummed his answer. Sanay naman kasing mag commute si kuya, he's big enough to take care of himself. 

I smiled widely and sat straight, nang marinig yon. Busy si dad? It means hindi niya rin ako masusundo—"As for you, Zariah. I'll pick you up at exactly 5 PM. Idadaan lang kita sa bahay tapos aalis rin ako." My bubbles instantly burst. 

Ano ba yan? Akala ko makakagala ako with my BF. 

Rinig ko naman ang paghagigik ni kuya sa shotgun seat. Halatang alam niya ang iniisip ko kanina kanina lang. 

My face cracked. "May oras ka rin," I mumbled, enough for Kuya to hear. 

"Yan kasi...puro gala nasa utak mo. Next kana, samahan ko kayo ni Alestair." 

I scoffed and showed him my sarcastic smile.Yup, I'd love that idea of yours, my dearest Kuya." 

I would never ever bring him with my gala again with Alestair. The last time he joined us was totally boring. Napaka over protective, eh. Too much 'bawal'. 

"Stop now, we're here." Hinto ni dad sa sasakyan. I look outside the window at Tinanaw Ko sa Malapitan ang Gate. I told Alestair to wait for me outside the gate dahil ililibre ko siya ng milk tea. Nang masagap ko siya ay kaagad akong humalik sa pisngi ni kuya at daddy. 

"Don't silent your phone, Zariah. I'll call you this lunch if kumain kaba nang tama." Paalala ni daddy sakin. 

"No worries, dad. I love you!" I said then faced Kuya, "love you, Kuya. Alis na ako!" Pahayag ko bago lumabas ng kotse. Pagka sira ko ay mabilis akong pumunta sa trunk ng kotse at binuksan iyon. Kukunin ko lang ang dala kong paperbag at speaker. 

"Let me help you with that." Hindi ko namnalayan na bumaba pala si kuya sa kotse upang tulungan ako sa mga dala ko. 

"Thanks!"