The first time RJ lies to Menggay is the first time he gets a girlfriend. He insists that Trish is just a classmate who goes with him everywhere in school. But at his birthday party, he brings his "classmate" over to meet his family and neighbors.
After Menggay blows the candles on RJ's cake, people line up with their gifts. Trish first gives him a classic rock band shirt and second, a peck on the lips. The guests whistle and RJ's ears turn red.
The neighbors look at Menggay to gauge her reaction, surprised that she is cool as a cucumber. It's her turn to hand him her gift.She carefully gives him her present.
"For your garden, RJ."
RJ opens the box and fishes out a potato. The guests laugh.
"Patatas? Patatas?" Trish laughs the loudest, her tonsils visible from ten feet away.
Menggay then takes RJ's face with both hands and kisses him on the lips, just like what his "friend" did.
People hoot. RJ scratches his head and looks sheepishly at Trish. He explains that Menggay is his good friend.
"Girl friend!" Menggay corrects. "RJ and I will get married when I turn 18."
The crowd laughs again, clapping their hands at the young girl's declaration.
"Duwa gali girlfriend mo, RJ."* Trish pinches him on his cheek.
Menggay stands still as a statue and absorbs just what RJ's classmate said. Slowly, she turns, walks out of the house and heads home.
She hears him call her name but he doesn't run after her. She shuts the gate and heads straight to her room.
She closes the door and sits on her bed.
She wishes her Nanay is here.
A/N The characters are Ilonggo and the story happens in Bacolod.
"Duwa gali girlfriend mo, RJ" translates to "Dalawa pala girlfriend mo, RJ."
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Love, Rameng (Completed)
FanfictionThe last time Menggay says "I Love You" is the day her mom dies. The only time RJ will say "I Love You" is if she says it first. Something happens over a bowl of ramen.
