My Perfect Stranger

-Confessions of a Broken Heart-

No one dared to speak for a few seconds. Nakatingin lang kaming lahat sa kanya especially Harold and Aidan. It's like we've all seen an apparition at the moment. I must say, she's the definition of sophistication and classic beauty. As far as I remember, I've only seen her twice. One is the birthday of kuya and the other is on the birthday of Harold. Gumanda siya lalo compared to the last time I saw her years ago.

I could feel the beat of my heart inside my chest and it feels like my heart is going to rip off of my ribcage. I am having this fear of something. I don't know why do I feel this way but it feels like a bad omen is about to commence. I looked at Harold again and his face is a bit calmer now but I could tell that he's a little upset, I wonder why. Ate Nikola advances towards our place. She stopped at the table of Romi, which is katabi namin.

"Oh, Nikola nandito ka na pala ang bilis mo naman. Hey guys? Aren't you gonna welcome her back? She's been gone for a while." We looked at ate Carla who is approaching us too. When she said that, she was looking at Harold intently like telling a secret message.

"I guess they didn't miss me at all. How sad! Excited pa naman akong makita kayong lahat especially Miguel and Harold tapos titignan nyo lang ako ng ganyan. I thought you'll like my surprise." she frowned and pouted.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Aidan came near her and his tone is a bit harsh.

She smiled wryly. "Same old Miguel. Ice cold prince as ever. Hey honey, aren't you gonna give me a welcome home kiss or hug? Sobrang namiss kaya kita."

"You told me you'll be back next month, why did you cut your trip short?" he asked non-chalantly. His face somewhat annoyed.

A wry grin was formed on her lips. "I thought so. Mukhang kulang pa talaga yung time na binigay ko sa'yo. Anyway, where's your room? I want to sleep first."

"Alam ba nila mommy na nandito ka na?" he disregard ate Nikola's question.

"Nope. They don't know that I'm back. Ang alam din nila next month pa ako babalik but you know me Miguel, I like surprising you all. And I guess, nasurprise ko talaga kayo especially Harold. Hindi niya nga ako nilalapitan eh." she moved her gaze at us. I shot Harold a quick glance. He still holds the same facial expression.

"Oo nga pala Nikola, Dax already have a girlfriend. I supposed you already know her. Si Anna Elise, kapatid ni Keith." Ate Carla came near me and she introduced me like a new student in front of the class.

She shot me a meaningful glance that sends electricity down my system. "What's new? Lagi naman siyang may girlfriend eh. Of course, I do know her. I know her so well. I think I saw her twice, nung birthdays yata nina Keith at Harold? By the way, where are Keith and Rod?" She knows me so well?? She put stress on those words.

"No, you're wrong, Nikola. This is different because I can see that my brother is starting to have a life. I mean, I can see that he's serious with her. In fact, she's good for him unlike some other girl around. What you think?" ate Carla ignored her question and accentuated the word girl.

Other girl? Sino naman kaya yun? Baka isa sa mga ex niya. Hindi pa din nagsasalita si Harold. I think he's somewhat solidified on his seat. Ano bang nangyayari sa katabi ko? Parang nilayasan yata ng kaluluwa.

"Oh, really?! That's interesting. It's nice to hear that he's finally found someone. Harold, aren't you going to introduce me to your new girlfriend. You know, like the old times." she emphasized the word girlfriend. Harold still doesn't move or even react.

"So, I guess I'm not your favorite girl anymore." she added as she looked at Harold intently. Siguro kung ibang babae ang girlfriend ni Harold, baka nagwala na yun dahil sa mga naririnig nya ngayon at sa reaksyon nitong si Harold. May karapatan naman akong gawin yun di ba? But like Harold, I was too petrified to react. I noticed the stare of Aidan at me and to Harold. Hindi ko ma-gets yung tingin nya, parang concern siyang naiinis.