Graded Hearts

Chapter 23: Encounter

Gabriella's PoV

"You said no?!" Jefferson asked in disbelief. Kinuwento ko kasi sa kanya ang nangyari kanina, at ito namang isa tuwang-tuwa pa.

"Do I have to say it again?"

"The heck! Gabriella Aquino declined the Chancellor's grandson? I must say I am greatly impressed!" pumalakpak pa ito para mas lalong asarin ako. This man is a double-edged blade, he can be serious and playful. I enjoy both sides though, but not all the time.

"Oh shut up bud!" I hissed.

"Hayes must be broken right now. I pity that man, but he deserves it." He smiled playfully. I gave him a death glare. Minsan talaga ang pangit ng ugali nito.

"Anyways. What's stoping you from saying yes to him bud? I mean, he's a prince for most girls." he commented. Okay, I get it. They're trying to assess what's wrong with me for denying that 'real-catch' man. The question is, what's wrong with the fact that I can't be with him? I don't want to get wrapped up in a relationship with someone who isn't actually right for me.

"I can't marry him, simple as that." I took my book out. I love talking to Jefferson, but not now. Not with this freaking unending topic.

"But you know what bud?" his voice was kinda serious and way nicer as he reached for my hand. "I am actually happy that you said no bud. At least you're not leaving me anytime soon."

"I'm not leaving you idiot!" Lumingo-lingo ako habang nakangisi. This man's really insane, kahit kailan talaga. Paano ko naman siya maiiwan eh hindi ko nga kayang magluto para sa sarili ko.

Binalik ko nalang ulit ang aking pokus sa libro na dala ko. I have to be familar with the equipments and alternatives at the Philippine Hospital. There are tools that aren't visible in Germany, I have to study to combat culture shock.

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"Are you ready?" Jefferson looks worried asking me. Ilang ulit ko ng sinabi sa kanya na okay lang ako. Philippines is a good country, just like Germany. Mas siya pa ata ang naapektuhan kaysa sa akin eh.

"Let's go bud, I need to buy clothes pa." Kaunti lang kasi ang damit na dala ko. Puro kasi iyon pangmalamig eh ang init-init dito sa Pilipinas, paniguradong hindi ko rin magagamit ang mga iyon.

Jefferson brought most of the bags for me as he insisted. May sumundo sa amin, si Mang Bert, ang driver ni Tita Elizabeth, sinabi niyang hindi raw nakasama si Tita dahil pagod ito at nagpapahinga.

Dumaan kami sa mall para bumili ng damit. I had to admit, I kinda miss Philippines and the culture. I miss Filipino foods and all the stuffs.

We entered over a shop selling formal clothes for my work. I had to ask Jefferson in every stuff I get. I've been used on the fact that Jefferson has way nicer sense in terms of my fashion. He's always with me in every shopping I do, I can't buy clothes without him really.

"I bought some clinical shoes." he raised his hand with the paper bag. He left earlier while I was searching for some pants on the same shop. I almost forgot the shoes, thanks to his good memory.

"Oh right. Thanks bud." I smiled at him. "Anyways, please check these for me." I handed seven pants that I picked earlier. The saleslady told me that those were fit for me, however I don't trust her that much. I only trust my side kick, him alone.

"Hindi ba bagay po sa kanya lahat?" the saleslady said, trying to convince him.

"I think these look fine on you bud." he commented.

"Sabi ko na eh, approve sa asawa ninyo." the saleslady giggled, I shooked my head while smirking as I heard her, staring at Jefferson's reaction na gaya ko ay natatawa rin.