I'll Remember

Third Week

Kapag narealize mo yung nararamdaman mo sa isang tao, what will you do? As for me, it's either you confess or avoid. Take a leap of faith to say what you truly feel and be ready to be dumped or liked back. You can also take the easy way out. Iwasan mo siya.

Too bad though, I thought it was easy. I'm sorry for the word but you're like a dog Skandar. You followed me wherever I go. Your mom even convinced my mom to send me to your school. Pinilit niya si mommy na itigil ang paghomeschool sa akin.

"You look really grumpy." Your eyes have that clear glint of amusement and satisfaction whenever you annoy the shiz out of me.

It was fifth grade. It's been three years since I attended regular school. Magkaklase na naman tayo. Ano bang bago hindi ba? It's like you pulled strings so the universe will conspire and let us be together. Every year, lahat ng sections nagrereshuffle. Pero every year, magkaklase tayo. And what's really weird is that, never nating naging kaklase si Heaven. Bakit kaya? Tandang tanda ko yung fake reaction mo tuwing first day of class.

"We're classmates? Again? Now, isn't that work of fate, Troian?"

I realize you're that manipulative. You charmed people so they can pull strings for you. I mean, they don't have a choice. You're Skandar Amos Cervantes Saavedra.

"I really hate you, Skandar." I declared.

Tandang tanda ko yung reaction mo. You clenched your jaw and slightly fisted your palm. You got hurt and irritated. Akala ko you'll finally snap out. You were always patient sa pagtataray ko.

"You don't mean that." The hurt in your eyes was gone.

"I do."

"Hmm...why do you hate me then?"

"You're annoying, arrogant and self-centered! You like people's attention so much! Tuwang tuwa ka sa attention na binibigay sayo especially from girls!"

You're really popular. Lahat naman kayong magpipinsan. Everyone would die to be your friend. Lalo na yung mga babae sa school. Even yung mga nasa junior high school department!

You smiled like an idiot after I bursted out. Mas lalo lang akong nainis sayo. Itinaas mo ang kamay mo para abutin yung dalawang kilay kong magkasalubong. Then you straightened them out before lightly ruffling my hair.

"I don't like other people's attention."

"Now that's a lie!"

"I only need yours." You looked at me softly. "I'm just waiting for the time you will finally look at my way. Ako naman ang pansinin mo, Troian."

And like a puzzle, nabuo na yung conclusion ko. That statement explained your every action. The reason of your persistence to be always with me. Kung bakit gustong gusto mong inaasar ako. The reason why you're always patient even though I was giving you a hard time. The reason why you rejected other girls who have a huge crush on you. The reason why you always talk about me sa mga kapatid mo at pati sa parents mo. Everything was cleared on that fine sunny lunch time when we were fifth grade.

"You don't mean that!" I just can't accept it.

"It doesn't take a genius to figure it out." He shrugged. "I like you and you can't do anything about it."

I blushed like a tomato. Sinabi mo iyon ng parang hindi siya big deal. Like confessing is such an easy thing. You were always like that. Kapag may gusto ka, you will claim it no matter what. At hindi ka natatakot sa consequences ng actions mo. It's like you know every possibilities and you know you'll win. You gamble because in the end you'll be the winner.

"And I'm not pressuring you about it, Ian. Just be my friend. It's been four years na we know each other. Tapos ayaw mo pa rin akong friend." You pouted.

You already are, dummy! I wanted to say that to you. But my pride won't let me. Ang tanga mo na lang kasi para hindi marealize na kahit annoying ka nung bata pa tayo, I still consider you as a friend. Walang ibang batang nagtiyaga sa kasungitan ko. Ikaw lang.

That's why I felt bad sa pag-iwas ko sayo. I realized that day na hindi maganda yung ginawa ko. Your confession created an uproar to my system. My heart's skipping a beat. The butterflies in my stomach are in chaos. Like they know what's happening. Na ikaw ang owner nila. It's like they know you.

So even though my pride's eating me up, I still puffed up air to gain a little confidence before holding out my hand. Kitang kita ko yung gulat sa mga mata mo. I bet you didn't expect that.

"H-Hi I'm Troian Allysandri Nevarez."

I thank God you're quick witted. Akala ko hindi mo magegets agad yung ginagawa ko. But you accepted my hand and you flashed me your handsome smile.

"Skandar Amos Saavedra." You raised up your brows. "So...friends?"

I rolled my eyes before nodding.
"You can now let go of my hand."

"Sure thing, friend." Tapos humalakhak ka. Asar.

As I've said there are two things you can do if you like a person. Either you confess or avoid. I chose to avoid you...but you confessed.

What do you expect me to do?

That I would tell you I like you too?

You're brave and I'm not

I wish I had the heart to tell you that.

I avoided you

But you confessed and chased me too.

How can I ran away now?

When you told me you'll catch me and made it your vow.

I'll remember

-T.A