Wynnona's Point of View
(The Day Later)

Early in the morning, I still have lots of time to spend before attending the acting workshop this afternoon.

Nagising ako sa ingay ni Gene na tumatahol sa kawalan. Hindi rin naman ako nakatulog matapos siyang suwayin kaya nagpasya na lang akong majogging kasama ang aso ko.

Wala akong paki kung anong isipin nila para sa isang babaeng tulad ko na may kasamang bloodhound sa pag-jog. Wala naman akong ginagawang masama eh.

Nakasuot din ako ng proper jogging attire: pink sleeveless sport tops, black running tights, at white rubber shoes. Inipit ko rin sa ponytail ang buhok ko para walang nakakaistorbo sa pagtakbo ko.

Umikot kami ni Gene sa mga walkways at pinasyal din namin ang mga garden ng residential condominium.

Wala pang alas-sais ay pabalik na kami sa unit upang makapagpahinga at mag-umagahan. Sa tingin ko, isasali ko na ang jogging sa daily routine ko.

Nang papasok sa building, saktong namataan ko ang lalaki 'di kalayuan sa akin na papasok rin sa entrance.

Napaawang ang aking bibig, at nanlaki ang mga mata. Napansin niya sigurong may nakatingin sa kanya, kaya napabaling ang tingin niya sa akin.

Nagtama ang mga mata namin ng ilang segundo, ngunit agad din niya iyong binawi. Nagulat lang siya nang kaunti, ngunit bumalik ang atensyon sa paglakad.

Nang mauna siyang maglakad, saka ko lang din napansin na siya ay nakasuot ng black shirt na hapit sa katawan niya, black running shorts, at white rubber shoes. Ang pogi!

Hila hila niya din ang isang brown and white na papillon, ibang iba sa asong kasama ko.

He's up to cute dogs? I didn't know that.

Siguro galing din siya sa jogging, at magkaiba kami ng ruta kaya hindi kami nagkita.

I didn't know how to act or what to say ngayong nagkita kami. Since mukhang dito rin siya nakatira, gaano naman kaya kadalas kaming magkikita ngayon?

Nang makapasok, tumungo ako para maghintay ng elevator. Sa kabilang gawi, malayo sa akin, nakita ko si Yamato na naghihintay ring magbukas ang elevator na nasa tapat niya.

Nauna siyang naghintay doon, pero naunang bumukas ang akin. Kahit siguro mahuling bumukas ang kanya, mauuna pa rin siguro siyang makarating sa unit niya dahil malayo pa ang lalakarin ko papunta sa unit ko.

Ano nga bang floor niya?

Hmm, why should I care though? Hindi ko pa naman siya gagambalain ngayon.

The elevator stopped on my floor, 18th floor. I immediately went out and look for my unit.

Nang malapit na sa unit, napansin kong papalapit si Yamato sa gawi ko.

Wait, so pareho kami ng floor?

Baka akalain niya stalker niya ako!

Nang mapatigil ako sa unit ko, saka ko lang narealize na hindi lang kami magka-floor kundi magkapitbahay pa!

He passed by me, and went exactly on the unit beside mine and unlocked its door.

Hindi pa rin ako pumapasok at tinitingnan lang siya. Bago siya pumasok roon, I saw him slid an eye to me.

I was shocked on what just happened. I told myself I don't even want to see him if I'm not going to ask forgiveness to whatever I've done, but now he's here and so near!

Siguro, nagtataka din siya kung bakit bigla na lang akong susulpot, at magpapakita bilang kapitbahay niya. Siguro iniisip niya ngayon na baka may masama na naman akong binabalak kaya ako lumipat dito.

Baka umalis siya bigla dito o kaya lumipat! I don't want that to happen, either!

As soon as I entered my unit, ibinagsak ko agad ang katawan ko sa kama. I decided na mag-online, and saw an unexpected direct message from the least person I expected to talk to.

It was Alex, and he clearly wants to go out with me. Why though?

I mean, there's no wrong in going out with him, but why... suddenly? What got into his nerves?

I immediately messaged him back.

ladywyn:
idk what u r up to but ok

After just seconds, my phone notified me that he replied.

alextofficial:
Great!

What time are you free?

Hmm... He's not that busy either huh? I heard may ginagawa silang pelikula ngayon ni Vicky. He's a responsible actor so I guess he wouldn't skip a taping just for me.

ladywyn:
lunch?

He started typing.

alextofficial
Okay. Should I fetch you?

ladywyn:
no i'm fine just give me the details

I ended our conversation quickly. I don't want to seem that I'm that interested on him again. Baka kasi mas lalong lumaki ang ulo, baka kung ano pang isipin.

By 11 am, I'm ready to meet Alex in an Italian Restaurant. I wore a striped turtle neck pencil dress that hugged my body, and white rubber shoes. I fixed my hair into a bun, and put just a minimal makeup.

I don't care kung ano man ang gusto niyang isipin dahil hindi na ganoon ka-bold ang hitsura ko ngayon. Malaking pagbabago ang nangyari sa style ko magmula noong hindi na red lipstick ang inilalagay ko.

Pagkarating ko roon, nalaman kong may reservation pala siya para sa amin. A woman who approached me guided me inside a private area.

Good to know he cares about his reputation. Ayaw ko rin namang ma-issue kami lalo na't may ka-love team siya at pareho silang sikat.

"Hi," simpleng bati niya sa akin habang nakangiti.

He wears a white button up long sleeve polo na nakatupi hanggang sa siko niya, at blue khaki pants. Hindi ko na nakita kung ano pa ang suot niyang sapatos, dahil nagtungo na ako sa upuan.

Nakatayo siya nang dumating ako, at siya ang humila ng upuan para sa akin. Gentleman... pa rin ba?

He has a different aura now. He screams richness and confidence. I don't know if it's too much, but I should be proud of him.

Magkasama kami noong first batch ko sa acting workshop three years ago, and I think he's the only one na talagang well-established ang career as an actor. Walang mangyayari if I'm only going to envy, so I think I'll be glad for him.

Nakangiti lang din ako sa kanya ng simple dahil hindi ko alam kung paano magsisimula ng conversation sa pagitan namin. Ni hindi ko nga alam kung anong pakay niya kung bakit niya ako pinapunta rito.

"So, uhm... why am I here?" Alanganing panimula ko.

He gave a sly smile and a chuckle.

"Honestly, I don't know too," Napataas ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya. "Maybe because I just want to see you?"

What's his point? The last time we saw each other he threw me hateful words, and I hate to remember but I know it also reached youtube community. It's just that... they don't know who I am talking about.

"For what though?"

Kumibit balikat siya bilang tugon.

Hindi pa talaga siya magsasalita.

"You know what, I think we should eat first."

He pointed the dishes in front of us and told me to eat whatever I want. While eating, we talk about random things, at nagkamustahan. He doesn't seem like he's bragging what he has now today too. What's up with his sleeves?

"How are you and Vicky?" I pointed out there on screen love team.

"Well, I think sobrang nagki-click kami sa fans namin," He answered easily.

"Wala na bang ile-level up 'yon? I mean, Vicky is a great woman, I can tell."

I'm very sincere with my words. I also want to know kung bakit mukhang hindi man lang niya nagugustuhan ang kapareha.

"She's nice. She's kind to everyone. Madali din niyang makuha ang loob ng marami, lalo na ng mga head sa network because of her skills."

"But?" I asked when he stopped talking there.

"But... hmm..." He stoppes eating, and tapped his fingers on the side of his forehead.

It is his mannerism. When he does this, he seems serious and a bit stressed. Why though?

"She's so naive," He told me that like it is a very negative trait Vicky has.

"That does make you not like her? Even though you already said that she is so nice?"

He glanced at me, and gave an amused smile.

"We can simply put it like that."

Simpleng sabi niya, bago ulit ako pinag-focus sa pagkain.

Although naging kami, I don't really understand what is his type. Is it really just like me? Ako lang naman ang alam kong naging jowa niya eh...

"Are you... hitting on me?" Kaswal kong tanong sa kanya.

Hindi ko hinayaang mautal ako para hindi ako magmukhang natatakot.

Actually, I'm not scared asking. I'm scared of hearing the answer.

Maybe he likes me, maybe he doesn't. Sana nga hindi.

I don't want to be connected with him romantically. I don't want to have that kind of a relationship again.

Three years ago, he wasn't this kind of guy. Everyone likes him. Everyone adores him. Everyone admires him.

They're all not just because of his looks nor acting skills, but because of his personality.

He's a very sweet, gentle, and humble person. The perfect idol, son, friend, crush, boyfriend, and even husband.

Siya lang din ang nag-iisang lumalapit at nangangamusta sa akin noon nang sincere. Meron kasing mga plastic na willing makipag-back-stabb-an sa akin, and well sila lang ang nakakausap ko noon.

I treated everyone like rags even him, but this one.... Alex.. he stayed and remained patient with my attitude.

I soften a little bit because of him, but when one time he confessed his feelings to me, I decided that I didn't want a serious relationship.

Alam niyo 'yon? I just can't think of having a great deal with him. I can't think na matitiis niya ang ugali ko forever,

so I played with him.

When he became my 'boyfriend', I treated him like a dog. Sinusunod niya lahat ng utos ko, because he loves me. Akala ko nga noong una, mag-gi-give up na siya, but he didn't.

Tumagal ng months ang pagiging 'kami' without the knowing of my father. Ang tulad ng relasyon na 'yon ay malayo sa mga naging relasyon ko pa noon.

Siguro hindi uso sa kanya ang mga salitang panggago at paglalaro noon.

Also, even though I knew he was virgin noong kami pa, I didn't care, and got him do THAT thing with me... not just once or twice and not just in one room or house.

I realized and regret it now. I shouldn't have done that to him... to ourselves I mean.

And now that I am waiting for his answer, I am really nervous because I am aware of what kind of man he is now because of me.

"Whoah," Napalingon siya sa akin nang marinig iyon. He chuckled and can't help but to smile widely.

"What?" I asked, obviously impatient.

"Yes, I am."

I am stunned by his words, completely speechless.

"Can't I? Bakit? Do you have a boyfriend?"

Sunod sunod na tanong niya habang nakakunot noo. Mukhang hindi siya sigurado.

"O-Of course... I'm single."

But I can't say that I want to be with someone. I'm not even sure what I'm feeling about Yamato, what I just know is that I must marry a guy like him--a rich Japanese with a good profile.

"Good then."

Alex smiled from ear to ear, but I can't.

What's his plan now? He wants to date me? He clearly knows about our tradition though.

"Ang tahimik mo naman. Please don't make it awkward," He gave me a smile and I gave it back, still awkward.

"What..." Binalik ni Alex ang tingin sa akin. "What are you trying to do with me?" I asked, scared.

"You mean, what exactly what I want you to do with me?"

I am getting nervous.

Nagulat ako nang hawakan niya ang kamay kong nakapatong sa mesa. Hindi ko iyon mabawi dahil sa kaba.

"Let's get back together, Wynnona."

Nagulat ako, at hindi ako kaagad nakasagot sa sinabi niya, lalo na nang itaas niya ang kamay ko upang mahalikan.

This is so... uncomfortable.

"What do you think?" He said while still holding my hand, slowly squeezing it.

This is getting out of hand.

"I-I... think we should finish our meals. Kailangan ko na rin kasing umuwi maya-maya," I awkwardly said.

Napansin kong mas lumaki ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. It isn't a sincere smile. It's not the one that I used to see. That smile is full of darkness now. I don't want it.

He insisted to give me a ride but I rejected his offer. Baka kasi kung ano pang mangyari once na sumama ako sa kanya.

Pagbalik ko sa condo, nagpahinga ako sandali, dahil mamaya ay mayroon na namang acting workshop.

Dumating ako sa klase, twenty minutes bago magsimula. I smiled to myself because of my improvement. Lagi kasi akong halos ma-late na 'pag mayroong mga appointment at lakad because of too much preparations.

As usual, Sheen greeted us before the class starts. She told us that she will give us another task, but it will be a little bit harder than the last one.

Dahil mas mahirap daw ang susunod na performance, two days ang presentation. Why though?

"Just like the last time, it would be an on-the-spot performance."

Ulit?

My past workshop years aren't like this. Maybe Sheen's taking us to her better ways.

"But, instead na by group ang presentation ninyo, this time it would be by..."

Don't tell me tama ang hula ko, please.

"...partner."

As soon as she dropped the last word, tumingin ako sa paligid, at napansing hindi lang pala ako ang may ayaw na mangyari iyon. Hindi naman kami bobo para isipin na magagawa namin ng maayos ang task kahit pa hindi naman kami lubos na magkakakilala.

"No more arguments, please. Let's start the draw lots."

She is so ready. Nilabas niya kaagad ang dalawang box na mayroong laman na papel na may corresponding numbers. One box is for the boys, and the other one is for girls.

Dahil hindi pa ako komportable sa paligid ko, pumila ako sa pinakadulo ng linya ng mga babae. Nasa harapan ko si Pinky na halatang gustong mapalapit sa akin. Kanina pa siya ngumingiti sa akin nang matamis na parang hindi kinakabahan sa task namin.

Nang makarating ako sa bunutan, ang papel na natira ay kaagad kong kinuha. Sumenyas si Sheen na sabay sabay namin iyong buksan.

Akala ko numero ang nasa loob niyon, ngunit hindi... letra.

"B," Basa ko sa nakalagay sa papel.

B? Ano namang meron sa b?

Nakirinig ako sa mga katabi ko, at narinig na puro letters din ang nakuha nila.

"Alright, so since you have your letters now, I want you to line separately. One line from boys and the other one for girls, starting from letter A-T. Go!"

Lahat ay nagmamadaling magpunta sa linya para malaman agad kung sino ang katapat. Siguro ako nga ang huling luminya.

Napansin kong si Franco ay nasa letter H. Si Pinky naman ay nasa letter N.

Nang pumuwesto sa linya, saka ko lang iniaangat ang paningin ko. Hindi ko maiwasang mapamulat ng mata nang makita kung sino ang makakapareha ko.

Dinouble check ko pa ang letrang hawak at ang hawak ng katabi ko.

"Ilang weeks na rin naman tayong nagkakasama, for sure kilala niyo na kung sino ang mga makaka-partner niyo."

Of course, freak. I know him for 5 years already!

"I want you to meet in the middle, and do a shake hand."

It was so stressful. Introduction lang naman for the incoming performance and nangyari sa whole session, but I got so freaked out.

Ni hindi pa nga ako nakakahingi ng tawad kay Yamato, magiging magpartner pa kami?!

"Wyn!" Tumingin ako sa babaeng tumawag sa akin.

I saw Pinky coming towards me. Inayos ko ang tayo ko at ngumii sa kanya ng kaunti.

I asked her what she's going to say, and she can't help but to stutter.

"A-Ano uhm... kasi..." She held my hands and cleared her throat, hopefully gaining her confidence. "Can you please come to my birthday party tomorrow?"

Alanganin siyang ngumiti sa akin, at hindi ko naman alam ang sasabihin ko.

"If you're worried na... baka magsama ako ng mga wild ganoon, don't worry, I won't kasi hindi naman ako ganoong type ng babae."

I arched my brow. How did she know na hindi ko rin gusto ang ganoon though?

"S-Sorry. May nasabi ba akong mali? If nagtataka or naguguluhan ka sa actions ko, sorry. I'm actually... psychology graduate kaya I know how to read a person's actions and preferences."

Tumango tango ako sa sinabi niya. She's not actually creepy.

She asked me again kung pupunta ba ako, and I just told her na pag-iisipan ko iyon. She hoped na makakasama talaga ako.

"Uhm, Pinky, wait!" I suddenly held her hand bago siya umalis.

She gave a confused smile.

"Can I ask you something... not personally though," I'm being nervous and shy right now.

Sabi niya kasi psychology graduate siya, and that she can get a hint what a person is like and their likes... that's why I want to consult her my problem.

"What do you think would be the best peace offering to a guy?"

--

After hours of preparation, from baking to putting it in a nice box, I'm finally done with my peace offering.

I'm going to give it to the guy next door, Yamato.

As for what Pinky told me hours ago, she asked me first who the guy am I going to ask forgiveness. She told me that despite of Yamato's gazes and looks, he seems to be a soft-hearted guy, that's why she thinks na magugustuhan niya kung magiging ma-effort ako sa peace offering ko.

I put the outside the box and tied a ribbon.

I am so nervous that I think I couldn't even get out of my unit...

but I must.

Tinapangan ko ang loob ko, at pinindot ang doorbell ng unit niya.

When he oppened it, I saw him wearing a black sleeveless shirt and simple shorts. He looks plain but so handsome.

Nawala tuloy ako sa pokus. Nang tingnan niya ang box na dala ko, saka lang ako natauhan.

"Hey, uhm.."

Gaya ng sa nakikita ko sa anime, yumuko ako at inilahad sa harapan niya ang box.

"I'm really really sorry sa lahat ng ginawa ko sa'yo, at kay Xyris. I also swear na hindi kita sinundan dito sa condo. Sumimasen... Please forgive me, please."

Binalik ko ang wastong tayo ko, bago inabot ang kamay niya at inilagay doon ang box ng cupcakes.

Napansin kong nakaawang pa rin ang bibig niya, at naguguluhan din ang kanyang mga mata.

"Bye," simpleng sabi ko bago tumalikod at nagmadaling umalis.

Pulang pula ang nag-iinit kong pisngi. First time kong gawin ang bagay na iyon, at pakiramdam ko... sobrang nakakahiya iyon.

--

A/N: If you this note, it means that you have survived the so far longest chapter in this story ^_^

I commend your effort if you make it this far.

Hope you Enjoy reading po! Votes and comments are highly appreciated ♥ God bless y'all!