Since Then, Till Now

18

Chapter 18

"Happy New Year!"

Pinanood ko si Manang na masayang nagtatatalon sa sala kasama ang ibang kasambahay. Sa bahay lang kami nag-celebrate ng New Year at kami lang din nila Mommy at Daddy because Tita, Tito, and Latch are celebrating abroad.

Pinagmasdan ko ang silver necklace na suot ko na may maliit na sun pendant.

Ano kayang ginagawa no'n ngayon? I went outside to watch the fireworks lighting up the night sky. I hope he's watching too.

"Lana, anak?"

Daddy walked towards me, "Why are you here alone, huh?" he kissed my forehead.

"Nanonood lang po ng fireworks, Dad." I gave him a small smile.

He stared at me with his gentle eyes, "I can't believe you're a lady now. Next thing I know you're a woman!"

"I still have a long way to go before I turn into a woman." That's true. I still have so many to learn and experience.

"Lana..." he called, "Please think about New Zealand, anak. You know I only want what's best for you... Ikaw lang ang baby ni Daddy."

"I'll think about it, Dad." I smiled.

That was my last wholesome talk with Dad that month since they became busy again. Kaunting panahon na lang ang meron ako para magdesisyon. Though, I've decided, I still want to make sure I'm making the right decision.

"How was your holiday?" Gab asked while I sipped on my shake.

"Fine," Not really, "Yours?"

"Grabe, dumaan ang madaming okasyon pero 'fine' lang ang naisip mong adjective?" he laughed, I shrugged.

Hindi ko naman kasi alam kung ano isasagot sa kaniya. One adjective is not enough to summarize it all. Noong una ay malungkot then surprising then malungkot ulit. How can I tell him that without him bombarding me with questions after?

Ever since school resumed, lagi na ulit ako niyayaya ni Gab kung saan-saan. He's still courting me. Hindi ko nga lang alam kung papatigil ko siya dahil sa inamin ni Latch. Hindi ko naman kasi sure.

Noong Sports Fest din ay dumadalaw si Gab kaya hindi kami nagkakasama lagi ni Latch. I would catch him staring but he would always look away. Nakikita ko namang lagi siyang nilalapitan ni Ashley kaya tinatawag siyang 'kabute' ni Favy.

"Ayan na naman si kabute," Favy whispered beside me while we were on the hallway.

"Hi, Ylana!" Ashley waved, "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Kapal, ha," I heard Favy whispered.

"What is it?" I can see her eyes twinkle with joy.

"Uh..." pinagdikit niya ang hintuturo niya, "I know you're best friends with Latch, I just... want to ask if you can set me a date with him?"

Aba! Bakit ako pa?! Ayos 'to ah!

She looked at me with her puppy eyes, "Why me?"

"You're close with him, so, maybe you can talk to him about it?" Bilib na ako sa kaniya.

"Uh," she waited for my answer like a dog asking for water, "Sure. Subukan ko."

She shrieked in excitement before she hugged me and waved goodbye. I'm probably going to hate myself for this but I have to remind myself that I'm doing this for our friendship.

"Bobo mo talaga." Inirapan ako ni Favy bago siya naglakad paalis.

I was left standing alone in the hallway. I know what I did was dumb, but I also think that maybe if I push Ashley to him, he'll stop liking me. I like Latch, I don't even know if it's just like anymore, but I value our friendship more.