Richard's Standard

Chapter 10 - Perfectionist No More ( First Kiss)

When I woke up, I reminisced about Dona's face before we parted ways last night. She's really beautiful without any makeup on. Her smile is innocent and she's charming. I was hit by her natural charisma.

I shook my head. Am I really into her already?

I looked at Dad's picture. "You think I love her?"

I suddenly remembered my plan to put Dad's picture in Mom's office. I put it in my bag, and before getting out of bed, I closed my eyes and prayed. It was my second time talking to God, and it felt nice.

Mommy was not around when I went downstairs, but the breakfast was ready. I decided not to use my motorcycle because I just wasn't feeling it today. I would just ride a tricycle.

As I reached the school, I gave the driver a fifty-peso bill and he handed me the change. My left hand naturally accepted it, and my system froze in shock. Did I just accept money from someone's hand?

Am I really a changed man now? Is it because of Dona's profound effect on me?

While walking through the hallway, I practiced the Bisaya words that I would say to Dona. I was just excited to see her again.

But the leche flan girl approached and laughed at me. "Is it true?"

I looked at her but didn't mind her. I just kept walking.

She followed me. "What makes you like that girl? She's nothing."

Still, I didn't listen to her, but she grabbed my hand. "No one dares to ignore me."

I pushed her hand away. "Just mind your bakery shop. Dona won't be working there anymore."

She laughed again. "She still has a debt to pay."

"How much? I'll pay for it.." I was completely determined as I said that, because I would really force Dona to stop working there.

Leche flan girl was shocked "Have you gone crazy?"

"I haven't. I'm just being a friend."

She shook her head. "She really did fool you."

I didn't answer her and just walked away, when suddenly, our paths crossed and I ran into Dona.

She was smiling at me. Dona is easy to look at..... I mean, right now, she's so beautiful. She had told me about the scars in her life, but I didn't see anything wrong with them. I just wanted to help her reach her dreams.

"Chad? Saan ka?" 

I was still awed by her presence, and I didn't even know if I was already smiling. I was about to answer her when the leche flan girl interrupted us.

"Hep, Dona. Congrats, dzae.." she said while clapping her hands. "You won against me." She added a smirk.

"Hah?" Dona asked confusedly.

"Abtika jud nimo dzae oi. Nadaya man jud nimog ilad si Richard." And she went closer to Dona. "You're still a trash," and walked away.

"Anong sabi niya?" I asked.

Dona smiled. "Nagseselos lang 'yon. Halata namang crush ka nun."

"Pero, pwede mo bang i-translate iyong Bisaya words for me? I mean, part na lang sa tutorial ko."

"Okay... Sabi niya, ang galing ko raw talaga kasi nakuha kong lokohin ka."

I just laughed. "Ang bitter niya talaga. Alam niya siguro na talagang ikaw ang pinakamaganda."

She just looked at me. "Para sa iyo rin ba?"

I met her eyes and smiled. "Hmmmm... para sa akin, sobra mong ganda. Kalago mo, Dona."