Sakaling Maging Tayo|√

final chapter p. 2/3

"Donny, can you collect the final requirements of all the grade 12 students? Just tell the representatives of each class to send their compiled activities to you so you can just forward it to me." Prof. Arandia told me after class.

I mentally groaned. "Okay, Ma'am." I said with a forced smile. Bakit ba kasi ako ang naging president ng buong grade 12? Ugh.

Unang pumasok sa isip ko si Kirsten. Magtatapos na ang huling taon namin sa senior high, pero heto, natatanga pa rin ako kapag involved siya sa usapan.

"Pangilinan, pwede bang ikaw muna ang mag-test run ng program?" Tanong ni Prof. Alcheibad also known as Prof. Genius. Ewan ko ba naman kay Prof. kung ano ang naisipan para gumawa ng dating app para sa 'ming mga Grade 12 students. Was that even allowed?

"Ang corny, Prof!" Angal ko.

Umamba siya na tila kukutusan ako. "Baka dyan ka nga makahanap ng forever mo."

Isa ito sa mga rason kung bakit nagtataka ako sa binansag dito kay Prof Alcheibad, eh. Surely, he's a genius. Crazy level genius, I guess?

Pumatok ang program ni Prof Alcheibad sa mga estudyante. I always wonder if Kirsten is using that dating app, too? I hope not. I can't imagine her spending her time for another guy.

I send her a message thru messenger. Beads of sweat are forming on my forehead as I see the typing bubble. To my dismay, she's so cold and distant even thru chat. Naikwento ko 'yun kay Marco. Nagkaayos na rin kasi kami dahil magkaibigan kami. Hindi naman basta-basta masisira 'yun.

But if it's Kirsten... Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ko kayang isaalang-alang ang pagkakaibigan namin ni Marco.

Days passed and we were tasked to monitor the program. I didn't expect to find friendship in that app, too. I'm not a chatty person. But there's something about kissmyflaws that always makes me want to talk to her.

"Para kanino 'yan?" Tanong nila Cris nang makita akong nag-order ng pagkain for take out.

"Sa kaibigan ko." Sagot ko at sinukbit na ang bag ko.

They gave me a teasing smile kaya agad na akong umalis. Napag-usapan kasi namin ni kissmyflaws na dadalhan ko siya ng pagkain. I got bothered and worried nang malaman ko na wala siyang plano na mag-lunch because of some assholes.

She told me to leave the food at the history section in the library. I suddenly remembered Kirsten. Dito ang paborito nitong spot sa library.

I sighed and just placed the lunchbox on one of the tables. Bawal magdala ng pagkain dito pero bahala na? Kung sana hinayaan na lang niya na magkita kami, then I can give the food to her personally. But I respect her decision. 'Di ko naman siya masisisi. I'm just a stranger to her.

Lumipas ang mga panahon at pakiramdam ko ay naibabaling ko ang atensyon ko sa babaeng nakakausap ko sa app. I'm always nervous when Kirsten's around yet I'm excited to talk to kissmyflaws, too. Was that even possible? I feel guilty. I don't know whom was this guilt for.

Until...

"Happy birthday, girlfriend!"

Napabaling ako sa pamilyar na boses na 'yun. Muntik na akong masamid nang makita ko si Kirsten. I'm expecting her to come also since it's Ylona's birthday, one her bestfriends. Pansin kong nakatingin din sa kanya ang ilan sa mga kaibigan ko. I cleared my throat and tried to create a topic to get their attention. Hilaw ang mga ngisi ko habang nakikipagtawanan sa mga kaibigan. My mind is filled with Kirsten, who's looking so gorgeous, and just tables away from me.

I need to talk to her.

I thought my feelings for her will fade as time pass by. But no. Every time I see her, I feel like I was punched by the reality that I'm so in love with her.

I can't be a coward. She's more than worth all the braveness I have in me.

"Hi..." Bati ko kay Kirsten. Umalis kasi sandali ang birthday girl kaya napag-isa siya.

"Uh, hello." She replied politely. Pero hindi nakatakas sa 'kin ang pag-irap niya.

She doesn't like me? We'll see. I'll make you like me so much. Para patas. Hindi pwedeng sobrang gusto kita pero ayaw mo sa 'kin. Kahit gusto bilang kaibigan lang... o bilang tao...

"What's up?" I asked her as I took the seat beside her. Medyo malayo kami sa iba dahil na rin siguro hindi niya masyadong gusto ang ingay.

"What do you need from me?" Biglang tanong niya ng hindi tumitingin sa 'kin.

I frowned. "What?"

"You already made me a fool once. I won't let you fool me again." She seethed.

I was taken aback by her anger. What did I do? I didn't even trying to make a move until now... And I made her a fool? I'm the one who's loving her foolishly!

I ran a hand through my hair. "I... I don't understand you."

Halos mahulog ako mula sa aking upuan dahil sa talim ng tingin niya sa 'kin. "You told me to meet you almost a week ago kasi nga hindi mo mabuksan 'yung attachment na in-email ko. Tapos ano? You set me up with Marco!"

"I... uh... wha -..." I licked my lower lip because of confusion. "Wala akong ginagawa na ganon..."

She narrowed her eyes at me. Her beautiful chinky eyes sent shivers down my spine. It was like she could kill me by one look and I'd gladly let her. Damn, feelings.

"'Wag ka na mag-deny!" Aniya at saka nagpipindot sa cellphone niya. "Here's our conversation!"

With a deep frown, binasa ko ang sinasabi niyang naging pag-uusap namin. I clenched my fist when I realized what happened. There was a time when Marco borrowed my phone. I didn't expect he will do this. What the heck.

At nung oras din na 'yun, ay napagtanto ko na iisa si Kirsten at ang babaeng nakakausap ko sa app.

I got closer with Kirsten and I'm just so happy every time I'm with her. Being able to drive her home, buy her lunch, and talk to her... was like a purpose of my life.

Akala ko okay na ang lahat. Akala ko may pag-asa na. Tuluy-tuloy na ang pag-ba-baka sakali ko. But shits came and it attacked us so bad.

"Hindi niya po 'yun magagawa, Ma'am." Frustrated kong sabi kay Prof. Alvarez.

She sighed. "I know that, Mr. Pangilinan. The school board is investigating about it thoroughly. Don't worry too much."

I want to scream out my frustration. How can I calm down? Kirsten's being framed up! She's so pure and innocent and kind... She doesn't deserve any of this bullshit!

"Dude, I'm gonna do my best to be of help." Nathan told me.

"Thanks, man. I... I'll try to find proof na makakasira sa letseng ebidensya na sinasabi nila." I seethed. Damn. I haven't talked to Kirsten for days and it's making me insane. I just need to pull my shit together for her.

I did my best and everything paid off. She was now okay. I just need to find the real culprit behind what happened. I can't forgive whoever tried to hurt Kirsten. I just... can't.

"Good job, Mr. Pangilinan. I'm sure Ms. Delavin is very grateful to you." Prof. Alvarez said.

I actually don't care about that much. As long as she's okay, that's more than enough.

But why am I seeing her with Nathan right now?

Okay pa rin ba 'yun?