Loving HIM (A Forbidden Love)

Chapter 1

*Flashback: 6 years ago*

I got to school early since I still need to make my homework on Calculus. Nakatulog ako kagabi thinking na wala akong importanteng gagawin. Patay na naman ako nito kay Miss V pag nalaman n'yang wala akong assignment.

Sa kaka-dali ko hindi ko namalayan na meron na palang mas nauna sakin. For sure wala rin 'tong assignment. Pupuntahan ko na sana, nang lumingon ito. Oh shit. Si Vincent.

"Alexa! Wow, you got here early. Wala ka ring assignment no?"

"Yes. Nakatulog ako kagabi." I didn't want to make the conversation long.

If you're wondering, yes I'm avoiding Vincent. It's because he's trouble. It's not what you're thinking. He's a good guy, pero the trouble lies with what I'm feeling for him. It's not right to have these feelings. We're relatives, and that itself is a big no no. But then you can't dictate what your heart and mind wants. That's why it's better to distance myself.

"Ang gloomy mo naman today Alexa. It's too early for that, smile ka muna, dali na. Mag sa-smile na yaaan."

I couldn't help but smile a little. It's Vincent after all. Kaya, I turned my back at hindi na pinatulan ang iba pang sinabi niya. The day went on. Walang exciting happenings or any tsismis ang nangyari. Just the same old lecture, lecture, lecture. But, what I didn't realize is that on that same day my life is going to change forever.

As I was arranging my things, Kyle my other best friend noticed my actions.

"Hey Alexa, are you and Vincent okay? I noticed that you keep on ignoring him. Did you have a fight ba? Did he do something wrong?"

People will know when something is wrong. Sino bang hindi, na sa palagi naming pagsasama ni Vincent ay mag wo-wonder talaga ang iba 'pag wala ang isa.

"No, we didn't fight Kyle. Nakukulitan lang ako sa kanya, kanina pang umaga. I'm just distancing myself for now."

Nag-iba ang mukha ni Kyle nang sabihin ko 'yun. He knows I'm lying. But I have no other choice.

"Kailan ka pa ba nakukulitan kay Vincent eh parang hindi ka pa nasanay dun. Don't lie to me Alexa. Tell me what's been bugging you. You've been out of it since morning."

"Okay, I give in. You always know when I lie. I'm sorry. It's just I don't know what to do Kyle. I've been having this feelings which I can't explain. Feelings I know I shouldn't be feeling for Vincent."

Naging tahimik si Kyle. I can't look him in the eye. I feel ashamed and guilty.

"You've fallen for him. You did, right Alexa?"

Hindi ako nakaimik, at tumango nalang. Bumuntong hininga si Kyle.

"It's better if ilabas mo yung mga hinanakit mo. Tell him what you feel. Maybe it will be for the good. I'll keep this as a secret. I'll support you in this Alexa. Always know that whatever happens, I'll be here."

I almost cried. But then I felt comfort in Kyle's words. Niyakap ako ng sandali ni Kyle. He patted my head and led me to where Vincent is. As we got nearer, I know it's time. I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

I stopped. He wasn't alone. He was there standing with a girl. And that was when I knew I chose the wrong time.

"Babe, hanggang kalian ba tayo magtatago? I want to let people know that you're my boyfriend. That, I'm your girl. Bakit ba tayo kailangang magtago?"

"Baby, you know naman na nandito yung pinsan ko si Alexa. I don't want her to know."

"Bakit parang mas importante pa yung pinsan mo kesa sakin? Vincent it's been a year. Nagtataka na yung mga tao kung pinsan mo ba yang si Alexa o girlfriend mo."

"Andy baby, don't worry. Mas importante ka pa sakin kesa kay Alexa. Pinsan ko lang yun, she doesn't mean anything to me. She's a nobody."

I was shocked. One after another, my tears started to fall. Hindi ko na namalayan na nasa student lounge na kami ni Kyle. Ang sakit, ang sakit isipin na sa lagi naming pagsasama ay wala lang pala 'yun para sa kanya? I am just a nobody for him. My heart felt cold.

"Alexa, stop crying. Your tears are too precious para sa mga taong kagaya niya. Let's go home. It'll all get better."

Niyakap ako nang mahigpit ni Kyle. And slowly my tears stopped. It was during those moments that I promised I wouldn't let him break me again. Once is enough. This was after all a love that's forbidden.