Pinunasan ko ang luha ko at saka huminga ako ng malalim. I have to say a word this time. Ang bigat na kasi sa dibdib.
"Is this still a part of that small favor?"
Parang awa mo na. Wag mo na akong paasahin pa. Naramdaman ko ang titig niya sa akin.
"I don't know how to start..."
He took a deep breath. I can't cut him down. He's telling his side. I should listen.
"The day that Niña and Marichu asked me to be your scripted valentine, I was the happiest guy on earth. I wasn't acting as one, I felt like your real date..."
Tumulo ulit ang luha ko. I felt like that too.
"I meant everything I say to you. No scripts. No favor. I love you, Chloe Aquino."
He cupped my face and looked me in my eyes. I looked at him fighting back his stares. I can see the truth in his eyes. And I can also see reality behind those truths.
Hinawakan niya ang mga kamay ko at dahan dahang lumuhod sa harap ko. Kinurap ko ang mga mata ko. I must be dreaming. This man only exists in my dream.
"I can't hold this feeling anymore...
Can I court you, Chloe Aquino?"
Hindi ko magawang punasan ang mga luhang dumadaloy sa mukha ko kasi hawak hawak niya ang mga kamay ko.
Ngumiti ako sa gitna ng hikbi ko. Inaalalayan ko siya sa pagtayo. Hindi ko na hinantay na makatayo siya ng maayos. I hugged him and whispered my sweetest yes.
It's been half a year since he started courting me. Everyday he sents me sweet messages, flowers and chocolates. For almost seven months of having him in my life, I already know his different sides. His serious and mysterious side, his cute and funny side and most especially his beast side.
Naglalakad ako sa hallway nang biglang tumunog ang alarm para sa mga announcements. Tumigil ako sa paglakad para marinig ko ng malinaw ang mga sinasabi.
"Attention to all the students, please be reminded to get a ticket for our school concert this coming friday evening. The celebration of the foundation day of our school is said to be grand. Hoping to see you all. Good morning... Again..."
Hindi ko na pinakinggan ang pag-ulit sa sinabi niya. I get it, we must buy a ticket. Inilabas ko ang phone ko at nagtipa ng mensahe.
To Marichu:
Where are you? Sabay tayong kumuha ng ticket.
I pressed send and put my phone on my bag. Niña is definitely busy today. Oras oras ang practice nila for the concert. Of course, Echo Band will be the star of the night. Hindi ko muna iistorbohin ang babaeng 'yon.
Tiningnan ko ang reply ni Marichu sa mensahe ko.
From Marichu:
Nasa study lounge ako. Punta ka dali!
I smiled at her message. Kelan pa 'to natutong mag-aral?
Hindi na ako nagreply sa kanya.
Agad agad akong nagmartsa papunta sa study lounge.
Marichu waved at me as she saw me coming along. Kaya pala nag aaral to, Israel is sitting next to her.
Lumapit ako sa kanila at nakipagbeso.
"May ticket ka na? I bought one for you."
Inaabot niya sa akin ang concert ticket. Kinuha ko ito kaagad, baka magbago pa ang isip nito.
Days passed at dumating na ang pinakahihintay na party ng lahat na estudyante sa school. Umikot ang paningin ko sa nakakahilong disco lights.
