Hidden Identity [COMPLETED] #Wattys2017

48

It has been 2 years. The surgery went successfully and I thank God for that.

Everyone in my family stayed beside me especially Steifen. They prayed with me and offered me everything they could to help me. I mean.. when I needed something, they're just there, ready and just waiting for me to ask for it.

Pero isa lang naman talaga ang gusto ko at alam kong hindi ko naman pwedeng hingin iyon sa kanila. There are things I should give more importance than of asking what is certainly wouldn't come in my way.

And at last, I've stepped on this land again. Its been so long. I had myself a 4-month rest before I could actually go schooling again. I finished Business Management in America for 1 and half years. God made it possible for me.

Steifen refused to go back here in the Philippines that's why I made Ria come with me. She's my cousin afterall.

"Ready?" She asked. I just nodded and smiled at her.

Tomorrow's gonna be a big day for her friends and she wants to bring me with her. Graduation day daw nila and they're going to have a private celebration with their families and friends.

I just agreed. Wala rin naman na akong magagawa. When it comes to her, you just have to say yes or why not.

As soon as we arrived at our house, I looked around and wandered off. Its good to be home.

"Com'on Sandra! Let's get some sleep. We'll prepare for tomorrow first thing in the morning." Sinunod ko nalang siya at nagtungo na sa kwarto ko.

--

"Let's go! Excited na kong makita ulit sila. Its been a while." Sambit niya habang hindi magkanda ugaga sa pagbaba mula sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay.

Sinundan ko nalang siya hanggang sa makapasok kami sa loob ng kotse niya. She drove us up into a fine dining.

"Dito ba iyon?" I asked.

"Yes, unbuckle yourself now." She demanded. Bumaba narin ako at sumunod sa nilalakaran niya.

Nauna siyang pumasok sa loob habang ako naman ay parang nakaramdam ng kaba. Am I ready? I should be.

I composed myself and plastered my sweetest smile then procceeded inside the restaurant.

"Congratulations." Masaya kong bati. Lahat sila ay nakapaharap sa akin maliban sa isa. He's just there, standing up straight not minding I was here.

Una akong nilapitan ni Ralph. Of course. Sinong makakalimot sa lalaking to'? Ubod ng daldal at kalokohan sa katawan. I wonder if Alliana had answered him already.

Sumunod naman ang bestfriend kong ubod talaga ng pagka fashionista.

"I still can't believe I'm seeing you right now. Mas gumanda ka pa bestiee and I'm really glad you made it here." Sabi niya at niyakap ako ng sobrang higpit. I chuckled.

"I'm sorry it took so long. But nonetheless, I'm also happy seeing you again. I really missed you. So much." Sabi ko naman. Sumunod na lumapit ay si Aris. Boyfriend ni Ria. Yup. They ended being together. Torpe kasi itong si Aris kaya tumagal pa ng ilang taon bago naging sila ni Ria.

Imagine, they were loving each other for eight years now and they don't even know about it. Silly people.

Ako na ang naglakad patungo sa lalaking hanggang ngayon ay nakatalikod parin sa akin. He must be stunned with the food infront of him. Just kiddin'.

"Hey. Congratulations. Ria told me you graduated with thr highest honor. Your parents must be so proud of you." Bungad ko. Unti unti siyang humarap sa akin. He looked so shocked. What? Is there something on my face?

"And by the way, I'm Sandra." I greeted and hang my hand in the air for a shake. Wala sa sariling tinanggap niya iyon. Ako nalang ang gumalaw dahil parang hindi parin makapaniwala ang mukha niya.

He's not even speaking.

"You're Alexander, right?" I asked. I kept myself from releasing a huge grin. This is going to be fun.

"Y-Yes." He answered.

He's still holding my hand but I don't mind it either. I missed him though. Sobra.

"Y-You.. don't remember me?" He stammered. Of course I do.

"Silly. Tara kumain na tayo. Lahat sila nakaupo na oh." Para naman siyang nagising sa katotohanan at napalinga linga.

"Oh right. I'm sorry." Paumanhin niya. Bumitaw na ako nang lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya.

We stayed in one table together with his friends and mine.

Everyone is dearly happy. At natutuwa ako dahil after everything that happened, we still managed to end up here. Together. And its like our bad days have finally been over.

I'm fully aware of the gazes Alexander is giving me. Pero ngumiti parin ako sa mga kasama namin sa table.

"Nabusog ka ba Jace?" Makahulugang saad ni Ralph habang patawa tawa pa. Everyone bursted into laughters as Alexander's face turned really red.

"Ang epal mo talaga." Kantyaw ni Alliana kay Ralph. Oh no, ayan na naman sila.

Nagbangayan lang ang dalawa at hindi na talaga mapipigilan pa ang pagtawa namin. They looked like a couple arguing about silly things. I'm sure they'll also end up together. In-denial lang ang dalawang iyan.

I gazed at him for a second. I accidentally choked because I caught him staring at me. Agad naman silang nag abot ng tubig sa akin. Nakatingin parin pala siya. My mind was out thinking about how our friends would end up. Hindi ko namalayan na pati siya lumilipad din ang utak at talagang pinanindigan niya ang pagtitig sa akin.

"Are you okay?" Nag aalalang saad ni Alliana. I just nodded at bumalik na naman sila sa pagkain.

"Jace naman kasi eh. Kumain ka nalang diyan bro, mamaya mo na busugin ang mata mo sa katititig kay Sandra." Ralph shouted out. Hindi ko rin napigilan ang pamumula.

"Stop it." I said while giving him sharp glares.

Nag taas balikat lang siya at nginitian ako ng may nilalaman. Haist. I'm going to kill this man later. Swear. Kiddin'.

The party went off smoothly. We said our temporary goodbyes and headed home.

"Sweetheart, I missed you. Tara sa amin ka na sumabay." Tita Alein insisted. So ngayon, katabi ko si Alexander and pomise, ang awkward ng atmosphere.

They dropped me home safely. Pero nagulat ako nang bumaba din si Alexander at umalis na ang kotse ng mga magulang niya.

"Why did y--" I was cut off because he attacked me for a hug. It was tight and reassuring. I smirked. Just how I thought he'd do when we're alone together.

"I want to lock you up so bad right now. But you still have a lot of explaining to do." He finally spoke. Pinilit kong huwag mapangiti, instead gave him a questioned look. Kunot noo ko siyang hinarap nang matapos niya akong yakapin.

"What are you talking about? I just met you hours ago." I stated. I'll surely be awarded for being a good actress today.

"Com'on, you're not telling me you don't know me. Don't you?" Umaasa niyang saad. Dahan dahan kong iniling yung ulo ko. But a smile formed in my lips. Hindi ko na napigilan.

"But my heart knows who you are." I said and stared at his reaction. Priceless.