Stand Up

Sweet Moments with AJ

AJ and I are entering the room. He is so close to me. It feels great hearing no negative commentaries about me, or maybe because I'm with AJ?

Is that AJ?
OMG! OMG! Girlsss!
Damn, he's really like a god!
How lucky the new student is.
Yeah, I hope I'm in his position.
They really look good together, so cute.

AJ smiles to everybody who's trying to catch his attention. And I am all in wonder how he excites everyone in the room, knowing that he is also a gay. He took my bag and offered me a chair. I think I know now why everyone likes him. He's such a gentleman. And I can't deny that he's so damned cute, sweet and, "He's hot!" a boy said who's completely mesmerized with him.

Good morning everyone! I am Ms. Lyda Morgan. Ahmm, before we start the discussion, I would like to inform all of you that the school organization is looking for students who have skills and passion for writing. You can join the school newspaper team. If anyone is interested, you can check all the details that are posted on the school bulletin.

I looked at AJ with excitement. "Why," he asked, "do you like to join?"
"I think so" and I smiled.

I am listening attentively at the beginning of the discussion. But AJ said something that made me more interested.

"Remember that guy in grey who was bullied a while ago," he said "his name is Kevin" I looked at him. It really got my attention and I think he felt it, so he continued. "He is a heartthrob" He added.
"But he was still bullied."
"Kim, he's never been bullied here."
"So what happened a while ago?"
"Yeah, Except Shawn."
"And who is Shawn?"
"The guy who poured him a juice."
"And the guy who bumped me, and pushed me a while ago," I said irritatedly.
"What?"
"Yeah, right, they are trying to bully me like everyone else."
"Why you didn't tell me?"
"I can handle myself," I said while smiling.
"That smile, what does it mean?"
"AJ, you know me, I am a very patient person, but my being stoic have limitations too, I'm just counting on them."
"So you are waiting for it?"
"Not totally but I pray it won't happen?"
"You pray?" he worriedly asked, "are you scared?"
I smiled "I pray for them, I don't know what can I do."

"Hey! What are you smiling at? Ms. Morgan asked and everyone looked at me. I am shocked. I have to say something. I stood up and scratched the back of my head. "Ah, Ma'am I don't understand the lesson," she raised her brow and gave me a fierce look "coz you speak so fast, I-I think," I added. Everyone agreed and complaint to her. "Oh yeah, sorry class, sometimes I really can't control myself when I put myself into the topic," she smiled "I' ll try to speak calm now." I sat and sighed. AJ looked at me nervously. "Nice," he said.

We both decided to listen for the rest of the discussion. After that, Ms. Lyda gave us a summary test. While I am answering, I sneeze so loud, and everyone looked at me. It is so embarrassing. AJ stood up and took off his jacket. He put it on me and that break the silence. Everyone is teasing us even Ms. Lyda. "Are you boyfriends?" She asked. "Ma'am, they are so sweet, is that friendship?" Everyone laughed as they agreed to our classmate. AJ and I both smiled. "You are not feeling cold huh" AJ said and I just smiled.

After the class, I asked AJ to see the post on the bulletin."Come on AJ, let's go!" I'm like running while holding AJ's hand. AJ stop walking caused me to look at him. I saw the smile he gave me when in the canteen. He is so adorable. I didn't notice that many students are looking at us. Everyone teases us and it made me blush. "AJ I'm shy," I told him in a very soft voice. We walk together and both holding each other's hand. I don't know but AJ's smile never faded in his face. No wonder why everyone likes him.

There are lots of students reading the post. AJ pulled me so we can get to the front.

"I-I don't think I can join this" I feel disappointed after reading the instruction.
"What do you mean?"
"I think, I can't make a beautiful piece in just a half day."
"Yes you can," Aj persuades me "I'll help you."
"You think students will vote for me?"
"Why not," face to face, he holds my cheeks "I know how talented you are in writing, Kim."

All interested students will have to mail their freestyle article or piece to the admin. Then it will be posted on the school page where the students can vote. Once an article reaches the minimum vote required, they have to report on the organization to officially become one of the school writers.

"You said you're gonna help me, right?"
"Did I?" he laugh "Of course."
"So, whose place?"
"I am just thinking, maybe in the cafeteria near here"
"No, I can't....we can't focus there"
"So, where?"
"In my house, I guess, if that will be fine for you."
"Unless you will cook for me?"
"Yes, of course, we will be eating lunch at home," I feel so happy and excited "I'll cook Filipino food for you, my favorite Adobo," I smile with a crave on my face " I'm gonna teach you too."
"So let's go!"

It is the first time we meet, yet we both feel so comfortable with each other. AJ is such a sweet friend and I feel so shy all the time I am with him for he catches everyone's attention.

"So, this is where you live," he asked while observing the whole house "alone?"
"Hahaha, yes, alone but not lonely."
"I see and it's beautiful"

The house is big enough for me and my dad. Well, what is a very big house for if no one lives in it? I immediately went to the kitchen so I can start cooking and we can eat. I feel hungry and I guess AJ too.

"Ah, Kim can we play some music?" he still asked even he's already setting the sound system.
"I guess I don't have choice." I shouted from the kitchen and laugh.

The music played and he sings with it. I am amazed he has a great voice. He went here in the kitchen and watch me cooking. I am ready to sauté the garlic and onion. I take a deep breath and I know he is looking at me. I put the onions on the pan and I run so fast away from it. It hurts when a hot cooking oil sears my skin. He laughs so hard and it made me blush.

"What? I looked at him "What's funny AJ huh?"
"Nothing," he keeps on laughing "you are so cute, Kim."
"I know, ok, please?" I feel so ashamed.
"You want some help? he insisted "I think the onions are burnt now."
"No, I think it really smells like that."
"You think huh"
"Yeah, maybe."
"You're gonna teach me, right? So I'll do it. Just tell me what to do. Ok?"
"Hmm, Ok, but make sure that will taste so good as I cook."
"Okay, sir." AJ laugh so hard and I really feel so embarrassed.
"Where are you going, Kim?"
"I am mad," he still laughing "with you."
"Ok ok I'll stop," he shut his mouth but the cute smile on his face still remains "just teach me ok?"
"Good, but beg for it."
"Pleaseeee" he said with a big smile.
"You're not sincere. It should be like this" I looked at him "Pleaseee Kim" I said in my very serious and sad like face.
"Ok, Pleaseeee" he said as what I told him.
"Ok" I said and come near him.
He messed up my hair and hugged me.
"You're like a kid, so cute."
"Learn from the expert like ME!" AJ just laugh.

AJ and I are sitting on the sofa face to face. We are waiting for the Adobo to boil and dry a little.

"So you know now how to cook delicious Adobo?" I asked him proudly.
Yes," he answered like remembering everything " Sauté Onion then garlic, not burnt as you did. Put the chicken and cover for a minute. Add soy sauce, a half cup of water, a little amount of sugar and pepper. Mix then add vinegar and laurel leaves, cover and wait to boil or dry if you want a dry one."
"Great AJ, I told you to listen to the expert."
"I-I think it-it's burnt, Kim!!!"
"Well, I think it should just smell like that" I want a dry Adobo so I guess it's normal.
"Well, I think I don't trust your 'I think's', Kim, sooo," AJ run to the kitchen and turn off the stove.

I prepared the table and AJ made a cold orange juice. He is sitting and waiting for me to serve what we cooked. I guess it still looks nice but just darker than usual. I look at AJ as I put it on the table. I smiled with embarrassment. AJ tasted it and "Mmm, Kim it's good." I put some on my plate and eat it with rice. "I told you, It's normal to smell like that if you want a tasty and oh so delicious dry style Adobo." He gets more rice and enjoys the food. "But not if I let it totally burnt." He laughs so hard again. We continue eating and enjoy the food so much.