His Imperfect Halo (COMPLETED)

Chapter 17

NAPATILI na lamang si Ashley nang ikwento ko ang nangyari kagabi sa'min ni Kenzo. Nakahawak naman si Avery sa magkabilang balikat nito habang ngiting-ngiti na nakatingin sa'kin. Nakapabilog kami dahil wala pang teacher na dumarating.

"I knew it." Medyo hininaan na ni Ashley ang boses dahil sa mga nagsitinginan na kaklase namin. "Deny ka pa, ah," dagdag pa niya.

Hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko ang kaganapan kagabi. I couldn't and didn't want to erase it in my mind. Akala ko, aamin lang ako at tapos na. Pero hindi ko inaasahang pati siya ay may ganoon ding nararamdaman. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala.

Pagkatapos ng yakapang 'yon ay umuwi na agad ako. Sinamahan niya ako sa labas at hinintay akong tuluyang makaalis. While I was driving, I couldn't help but to scream because of so much joy going on inside my head. I felt like I was going crazy with happiness. Ngayon na lang ulit ako nakaramdam ng kakaibang pintig sa dibdib ko.

"You're in the right guy. I don't want to conclude anything," si Avery. Tinanggal na niya ang mga kamay sa balikat ni Ashley. "It's just that, I know you're in the right person," nakangiting usal niya.

"Medyo nabawasan ng slight ang pag-aalala namin na masasaktan ka lang ulit. Baka ikaw pa yata 'yung makasakit e," biro ni Ashley. Umirap ako at pailing-iling siyang binalingan.

"You already experienced hurting like hell, Francine. So don't make him feel the same thing. He's such a precious guy," Avery whispered.

"I know. I love him," I assured her. Saktong dumating na si Mrs. Balaan kaya inayos na namin ang mga upuan namin.  Nag-ngitian kami sa isa't-isa bago tumingin sa nasa harapang si Mrs. Balaan.

"Okay, before I start the class, I have a very special announcement. And I'm sure you guys are just as excited about this as I am." I furrowed my brow, wondering what she was about to say. But when she suddenly broke into a wide smile, it hit me, "It's the school camping!" she exclaimed, causing everyone to cheer with excitement.

"Oh, my gosh! I've been waiting for this!" sigaw ni Ashley.

The school camping at our university was canceled last year due to a huge storm. Naghintay kami ng napaka-tagal para lang doon, pero kinansela dahil sa kaligtasan daw namin. We understood the situation, pero sayang pa rin.

But now, it was time for us to enjoy it. Tirik na tirik ang araw, there was no way that they would also cancel this.

"It will be held this Saturday, so better pack your things up and get ready for a one-night vacation at a resort in Palawan," sambit pa ni Mrs. Balaan dahilan para mas magsigawan pa ang mga kaklase namin.

"I'm so excited! This is our chance!" ngiting-ngiti kong wika tsaka tumingin sa tabi kong si Avery, na nakabusangot ngayon at nakakrus ang mga kamay.

"Why? What's wrong?" kunot-noo kong tanong.

Umiling ito. "Hindi ako pinayagan e."

Narinig ito ni Ashley kaya agad itong bumaling kay Avery.

"What?! Seryoso ka?!"

"My parents didn't approve this. For safety daw. They must have seen too many tragic scenes in movies related to field trips. Na-trauma yata kaya hindi na ako pinapasama."

I sighed. Although I was disappointed, tumango-tango na lamang ako. "I understand. Para rin naman sa kapakanan mo 'yun."

"Hindi na tayo makakapag-picture tatlo ng naka-bikini. Sayang, pangpalit ko pa naman sana ng header," nakabusangot na usal ni Ashley.

"Just have some fun, okay? Ayos lang ako rito. Mag-milk tea na lang ako d'yan sa tabi. Palagyan ko ng boba," si Avery. Natawa ako sa huli niyang pangungusap, mukhang nakuha ni Ashley ang sinabi ni Avery kaya napairap siya.