Time

Part 1

It's the middle of March. The sun is getting brighter as the nights are getting shorter. The much-anticipated summer season is really fast approaching. As early as now, you can already hear the summer jams blasting out from speakers. The city streets are becoming louder and livelier each day. Just a few more days until school ends and by then, most teens are going to have the time of their lives. The temperature is starting to rise as well, but tonight, a mildly cool breeze can be felt. A comforting gentle wind which is very much needed after a very long and tiring day.

Potato Squad just got home from an early summer trip since during the actual holidays, they're probably going to be very busy. Taping, photo shoots, mall shows, rehearsals, concerts...they're just around the corner, so they decided: "Hey since we're at it. Why don't we grab this chance and have the time of our lives". And so they did.

Ylona smiles as she reminisces about the moment they just shared. She closes her eyes and heaves out a sigh as she felt the cold breeze touch her skin. She was too busy enjoying the sensation that she didn't notice someone's presence join her.

"Hey, what are you doing out here all alone?" The person stated. Ylona, startled, abruptly opens her eyes and turns around. However, as soon as she realized who it was, a sigh of relief escapes her lips.

"Gosh, Darren! You have got to stop shocking people. Seriously, you can give someone a heart attack!"

"You lil' crazy. I wasn't even trying to scare you. What are you doing here, though? Isn't it a bit chilly today?" Darren asks, concern in his voice.

"Nah, it's okay. I kind of like it actually. It gives me peace and time to think." Ylona answers as she admiringly looks at the stars.

Darren slowly approaches her and embraces her from the back. "Care to share your thoughts?"

"You're being awfully sweet and clingy lately" Ylona admits, feigning irritation. However, the smile forming on her lips is betraying her.

"I know you like it when I'm being very romantic. Pakipot ka pa." Darren jokingly counterattacks.

Ylona shrugs her shoulders. "Well, that can be true. I mean once in a blue moon ka lang maglambing. Most of the times, puro ka pang-aasar at pangbu-bully. Come to think of it. I don't know why I'm still coping up with you."

"That makes me unique though."

"But sometimes very annoying too. Kanina nga inagawan mo ko ng balat ng chicken! I'm still mad about that. You can't just steal someone's chicken and expect to get away with it!" Ylona said with real irritation in her voice this time.

"You can't be that mad. Ok fine! Next time, bibigay ko sa'yo lahat ng balat ng chicken."

Ylona faced him. "Really?" She asks in a cute tone and with a pout and puppy dog eyes. If you're a girl gifted with charms, you need to learn how to use it.

Darren, clearly aware of the act Ylona is putting, playfully pinched her cheeks. "Affirmative. Besides, I don't really care about those. What's important is that I make my favorite chicken happy."

"Corny!"  Ylona stated, giggles escaping her lips.

"Sus! Gustong-gusto mo din naman. Seriously, though. What's bugging you?"

"Nothing important. Pasok na tayo. It's getting very cold na." Ylona said, dismissing the topic.

As soon as Ylona and Darren came in, AC approached them. "Ylona, Tito Peter's downstairs daw. Sinusundo ka na daw."

"Oh? You're not staying late tonight?" Kyle asked curiously. Ylona simply shook her head "no" as a response.

They all proceeded downstairs where Ylona's father was waiting. Upon seeing her dad, Ylona greeted him good evening and kissed his cheek.

"It's too bad you can't be with us tonight. But I guess we'll see you tomorrow?" AC asked.

Ylona just smiled at her and went to give each one of them a good night hug. A long one at that.

"Grabe naman 'tong maka-hu! Miss mo na agad kami?" Kyle jokingly said when it was his turn.

Again, Ylona didn't say anything she just laughed at his statement.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Darren asks as Ylona hugs him. Ylona gives him a simple nod.

He was about to give her a hug of his own but he noticed Tito's eyes on them. Even though Tito Peter approves of him, it doesn't mean he has forgotten that the man is still Ylona's father. So, instead of a hug, Darren gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

They proceeded to escort her outside.

"Goodbye guys." Ylona said before she hopped in the car. When the car was no longer in sight, the squad headed back in and continued with their plans for the night.

"So, you didn't tell them, huh?"

"I just can't, dad. Hindi ko kaya. It breaks my heart."

"Well, you'll be breaking their heart. Sure ka na ba?"

"I have to do this for me. I hope they understand." Ylona answered.

She looks at the starry night once more, as the car takes her to the very familiar roads going to the airport.