Cliche (Love Series # 1)

t h i r t y - t w o

After

(adverb)

af·ter\ˈaf-tər\

: following in time
: at a later time

°°
It's been a month since our graduation and I've done nothing but just read Wattpad and go to wherever place with my friends and sometimes with my mom.

Sometimes my younger cousins would play with me and wreak havoc on our home. It's either my brother whose crying or the other, it's a mess but it had greatly lifted my boredom. My friends would still come over here as if they owned our house and watch movies and do foodtrip.

There's really nothing to do this month, after graduation we immediately celebrate in our home. It's just a simple feast with my parents and grandparents, my father also called, congratulating me as he celebrated along with us.

I swing my legs over the recliner as I munch on my oishi prawn snack, my right thumb continuously sliding my news feed which are filled with the 2016 elections. Then as if by habit, I went to Willmark's facebook page and frown everytime I saw a picture of him with a woman on his side. They have big grins on their faces, as if they finally got him, they even dared to tag him on their post.

I took my eyes off my phone and found that our dishes weren't cleaned, it's Jerimie's turn in washing dishes!

"Jerimie! Jerimie!" I shouted down the stairs and then a few seconds later, I heard foot steps from above.

"What is it ate?" She asks with her never ending frown, it's like the frown on her never left her face.

I pointed with my lips and she look behind her, her frown deepened but nonetheless, worked her way to the kitchen to wash the dishes. She's not someone whose heavy handed at all, she just needs someone to tell her to clean or do chores and is sometimes- well, at times ill tempered.

Joshua on the other hand was a bright young kid who is always conned by me into doing things such as bring me the remote or put your toys away things like that. My older brother was more of a shy person but his ability on getting girls makes me so confused. I mean he's my older brother so I really don't think he look that handsome- he's just so-so for me. All his exes were chaka in my opinion and I don't really like how he get girls without lifting a hand.

I brought my phone back to my face but of course I wasn't able to read another chapter when a notification message lit up my eyes and I was soon typing with unstable fingers and a crazy smile on my face.

Hey, can you come along with me? I'm going to take my NSO today so.. would you?

I didn't think for a second and just pressed my reply.

Yes.

My bottom lip was caught up on my teeth as I bit in contemplation at my response. It feels like I'm too desperate so I immediately responded with another message.

I'm free today, so yes.

I think that's fine now, it doesn't seem too desperate. My head was already thinking of what I should dress and where we should meet and- oh, he responded.

Nice! I'll be there in 10, thanks again!

I thinned my lips as I squeal like a boiling kettle and speed upstairs in a flash. I took my nicest shirt with a small road on the right corner and took my fitted jeans before putting my light blue sneakers on.

Mom was out straightening someone's hair from the neighborhood, I told Jerimie to watch over Joshua for a while since mom would arrive here before lunch.

Of course I didn't forgot to send a message to my mother before leaving the house. I walked to the narrow street of our neighborhood, taking turns whenever kids from this place run along with their friends. I reached just outside of the neighborhood, my eyes looking over the busy road.

Then I saw him getting off the tricycle, I stood straighter and smiled at him. He walked over me, his strides big and long as he finally reached my side.

"Ready to go?" He asked with a small smile on his face.

"Yep"

We waited till the Jeepney arrives, the barker shouts the destinations but I didn't heard it since I was too busy with the fact that it'll be our first date- wait, it's not a date Jamie! It's not! We're just friends okay- don't think too much!

Time seemed to slow down in my agreement, I watch the road blur in front of me, the whole ride was quiet only to be broken by the crying child. The smell of perfume permanates in the air mixing with the smell of smoke and gasoline.

Willmark pulled the strings indicating that we've reached our destination, my eyes wide as I took in the familiar church and immediately look at his side.

"Wh-why are we here?" My brows drawn into confusion, I thought were going to get his NSO, so why are we here?

"Um... uh- well, I mean your mother, tita... she uh.. she wanted me to get you here" he stammers while he continued to scratch the back of his neck.

I stifled a laugh at my mother's tactic, really mom, you really do know your daughter huh? Mom wanted me to become a Catholic so she had a plan with Willmark to bring me here. I'm glad that my mother and him get along but it's also scary that they can have a plan without my knowledge, seriously.

"Let's just get in" I muttered as we walk to the church.

Sacred heart parish in Tayuman, our steps echoed into the tranquil church as we sat on the seats. I looked at the majestic figure of Jesus and the paintings of Jesus journey that were placed in each corner of the church.

After praying, we decided to spend the day together and went to a mall, just strolling around and doing window shopping with a bit of a chat here and there. We even dined in Greenwich and made small talks about each other. It seems like my smile had been stretched out all day that it hurts but it doesn't matter, I'm really glad that I get to spend the day with him.

I'm an accomplished person who got on a date like day with her crush!

Notes:

• In 1974,  Oishi was brought to life and has become the much celebrated snack brand, with iconic products like Oishi Prawn Crackers which is a staple snack in the Philippines. It can be spicy and sweet with a very overwhelming smell of the sea and the taste of a prawn.
• May 9–10, All Philippine TV networks had its special coverage of the 2016 elections.
• Mabigat ang kamay describes someone who is lazy but is literally translated as "heavy-handed."
• Chaka meaning ugly, no-class, hideous, ill-favored, unsightly.
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Barangay Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal.
• Tayuman is a barangay in the municipality of Binangonan, province of Rizal, CALABARZON (Region IV-A), Philippines.

***
Fun fact: It's their first unofficial date, those really happened people!

Thank you for your support! My friends Jeline and Ange is planning to come here, goodbye sleep! It doesn't matter, it's been months since I saw them, sleep will come tonught but they won't just come every day.

Have a good day everyone! Stay safe and healthy as always okay?!

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Thank you!