Say You Won't Let Go (Donny Pangilinan)

Chapter 16

Donny

5:18 PM

"Ayun, nakauwi na din ang mga bata!", Mom said as she saw me, Solana, and Sophie entered the house. "Sakto, it's time for dinner.", Mom gestured us then Sophie walked beside Tita Chelle, then we all went to the dining area.

We all ate our dinner with endless chikahan and laughter, which made our evening a delightful one. Especially with two beautiful ladies, Sophie and Tita Chelle.

"So, Sophie, I heard that you're the Student Body President and you're a good leader as well.", Dad says, we all turned our attention to Sophie, then she gave out a shy smile. "Yes po, Tito. Uhm, I don't find myself good, kasi you know naman po, there'll always be people trying to bring you down.", Sophie said. "I don't find you good lang, ate Sophie. You're great kaya! I've been rooting for you ever since the campaign started.", Hannah compliments Sophie as she gave her a soft squeeze on her hand. "Aw, thank you, Hannah!", Sophie cheerfully spoke. "Dad always leaves us a lesson, and I want to share it with you, Sophie. Of course, you won't be able to make it out alive without Tita Chelle's help as you go on through your journey as the Student Body President.", ate Ella starts, then we all listened while eating, "Those who try to bring you down are pulling you with them since they've noticed that you're already above them. Make them your motivation. Surprise them, prove them that they're messing with the wrong person. And you'll see later on that you're doing great.", then after ate Ella spoke, the room was filled with positive vibes, and I see that Sophie has been motivated. "Since you and Donny are classmates, you can help each other out.", Tita Chelle said then I looked at Sophie as she did the same, and I gave her a wink.

"Oh, ikaw nga pala yung nakakita kay Solana sa school! Thank you talaga ha?", Dad said before I escorted Sophie and Tita Chelle outside. "No problem po! Thank you din po for letting me stay for the weekend, Tita Maricel and Tito.. Uhm..", Sophie said, while playing with her hands. "No problem! You can call me Dad nalang din, hija.", Dad said with a smile. "You're welcome! Thank you din Chelle and Max, come by anytime.", Mom happily said as she made beso with Sophie and Tita Chelle. "We'll see you at school, ate Max! Thank you for spending time with us. See you din po around, Tita Chelle!", Hannah said. "See you! Thank you again.", Sophie last said before we left the house. I offered them a ride home since ilang houses pa ang layo namin sa isa't isa.

The whole ride was silent since Tita Chelle and Max were asleep sa likod when I looked at the rear view mirror. Alam na kung kanino nagmana si Sophie. I smiled again with just the thought of her. I stopped the car when we reached their house, then Tita woke up na. I helped them with their bags as I opened the door for them. "Una na po ako, Ma. Antok na po ako. Thank you, Donny.", she gave me a smile before she disappeared on their front door. Then I was left outside with Tita.

"Hijo, thank you for letting Sophie stay sa inyo ah. From what I hear galing sa Mom mo, you really are a good kid. Napaka-generous.", Tita Chelle said with a laugh and I laughed as well. "No problem po, Tita. You guys are always welcome po sa amin.", I said. "I really do hope na someday again soon, may mag-aalaga kay Sophie at hindi siya iiwan kahit ano man ang mangyari.", nag-iba ata ng topic pero anyways, with what I just heard, made my heart beat faster twice than it should. Tita Chelle looked at me and said, "Sana isang katulad mo ang magbabalik ngiti kay Sophie, hijo. Thank you ulit, good night. Ingat ka sa pagbalik mo.", then nakipag-beso ako kay Tita before I left. "You're welcome po, Tita! Goodnight.", I bid my last goodbye as I helped her with their bags then went back to my car to drive back home.

I took a deep breath and said to myself, "I'll take care of her, Tita. I won't leave her no matter what happens."

As I got home, I directly changed my clothes then brushed my teeth before heading to bed. After doing so, my phone vibrated, then I saw a text from Sophie.

Sophie M.

Thank you for the weekend, Donny! I really had a great time with you guys :)

Me

Wanna thank you as well, Sophie! But really, Daniel made Shayne forget that Jacob exists? Haha

Sophie M.

Hmm kinda, sorta haha I ran out of words to say na kanina sa story-telling but eh, goodnight :)

Me

Haha okay whatever, goodnight! see ya tmrw x

It was already around 8 pm and I started to feel sleepy, plus it's Monday again tomorrow. As I lied down, I wasn't able to fall asleep agad. The story time kanina sa Mcdo with Sophie and Solana kept me up. But whatever, I still shrugged it off kasi baka nagloloko lang si Max. Pero bakit, why do I feel something about what she said?

"Kuya, go to sleep. I know you're thinking about her.", Benj says as he turned on the night light. "Yeah, I will. You too.", I mumbled. "Kuya, I hate to mention this but, I find her better than ate Danes.", I sighed with what I heard then Benj spoke again. "I know she'll make you smile again like there's no tomorrow. Wait, wait. Do you like ate Max ba?", I don't know kung paano ko sasabihin so na-shut up ako ng one minute. "Silence means yes. Goodnight!", uhm.

Sophie

Donny offered us a ride home from their place since we are 3 streets away from each other. The whole ride was silent all the way home, but I didn't bother. It was really a fun time with Donny's family. I wonder how lucky Danielle was when they were together. Oh well, whatever. Stop it, Sophie. Don't compare yourself. Inaliw ko muna sarili ko before heading to bed. Nagulat nalang din ako sa mga sinabi ko kanina habang nagkkwneto kay Solana, nadulas ako agad. Then Donny asked me sa text if totoo ba yung huli kong sinabi then I made up an excuse nalang. Halata na ba ako? Do I have feelings for him na ba? Crush lang, 'to. Lilipas din.

I went to Twitter then saw tweets from my schoolmates who are still up. I was just scrolling through my timeline then I saw a tweet that was liked by my followers kaya nagpop up dun.

@donatoxantonio "it may seem fast but it's on you if you trust your instincts if you start to feel something"

This was what I said kanina.

I don't know anymore.

-

Hey guys, oks pa ba yung flow? Naka-base sa inyo yung reactions kaya ako naguupdate hihi. I'll make it up for chap 17!! Still hoping you guys will read till the end, that would be amazeballs! Tweet me @donatomacchiato with the words say you won't let go with the flower emoji if ya want to keep me going. If not, then whatever floats your boat. :) Thank youuu, sending hugs to ya'll!

Love,

Cath Teo