Speaking Heartbeats

Heartbeat 3

Heartbeat 3

Eversince I started my studies, my parents had told me to study well. Hindi sila nakapagtapos sa pag-aaral kaya naman lagi nilang sinasabi sa amin ni Ate Lorelie na kailangan naming pagbutihin ang aming eskwela.

My parents are my inspiration in everything I do, as I have seen how they struggled and worked hard for our needs. Not to boast about it, but I have always been a consistent honor student since elementary. I excel even in my extra-curricular activities. My friends call me Miss Genius because I have been the top student of the batch since grade one.

Sa pag-aaral lamang nakasentro ang aking mundo... sa mga co-curricular activities na sinasalihan ko at mga awards na dapat kong maiuwi. Kontento na ako kapag pinararangalan ng With High Honors tuwing Recognition Day. Masaya na ako kapag nakakapasok ng Regional level sa mga kompetisyong sinasalihan ko.

I admit I am NBSB. I had crushes, but it never came to the point that I wanted to make them my boyfriend. Siguro dahil sa intimidation ay walang naglakas-loob na manligaw sa akin. All was simple and less complicated for me not until Andrei Teseryo came into the picture.

"Bakit?"

Sinuri ko ang kabuuan ng binata mula sa screen kaya't hindi nakalagpas sa aking paningin ang pagtaas-baba ng bukol sa kaniyang lalamunan.

"Bakit mo ako gustong ligawan?"

["Gusto kita, Alexis."]

The look of fortitude on his face never waivered. Hindi ko siya nakitaan ng takot at pangamba.

"Kailan pa?"

["I have waited long for this, miss. I'm being true, I like you, and I wanted a relationship with you."]

Napanguso ako. "Kakikilala lang natin, Andrei."

["That's why I wanted to court you. Gusto kong kilalanin muna natin ang isa't isa."]

"You can know me by being my friend."

Tumiim ang kaniyang titig. ["Binabasted mo na ba ako?"]

"Ha?"

Napakurap-kurap ako ngunit nanatili siyang seryoso. ["You're offering friendship, Alexis."]

I bit my lower lip and said nothing. Napako ang kaniyang mga mata sa aking labi bago dagling umiwas ng tingin. He returned his eyes on the screen, and this time, he stared right through me.

["Just to be clear, miss, I don't want to be your friend. I was so straightforward that I wanted to be your man."]

Hindi ko kayang salubungin ang kaniyang mga titig kaya't hindi mapirmi ang aking mga mata. Pinasadahan ko ang bawat kasuluksulukan ng aking kuwarto para makalma ang sarili at makapag-isip ng mabuti.

I took a short glance at the screen. "Can I think about this first?"

He gave me his assuring smile and nodded. ["Of course, miss. It's all on you."]

Pumailanlang ang katahimikan na tila ba dumaan ang mga anghel. Just when I thought it would remain that way for another three minutes, Andrei cleared his throat, waking me up from my deep thoughts.

"May tanong ako."

["Go on."]

Pinaglapat ko muna ang labi. "Why should I let you court me?"

He was taken aback by my question, but as seconds passed, the corner of his lips rose in amusement. ["Sandali, miss. Question and answer portion ba 'to?"]

"Sira."

Napanguso ako kaya't humalakhak ang gago. When his laughter died down, he shifted into his game face.