I went home with disappointment. I don't know where the disappointment is coming from but I do feel disappointed that I didn't saw him there. I just want to give the umbrella back so I don't owe him anything anymore. So I don't have a reason to see him again. If I just already returned the umbrella to him, I no longer need to see him or find him in the next few days. I just want it done. Now I have to find him, ugh! 

I lay down on my bed after I keep the umbrella away, hands on my stomach and staring at the ceiling. 

"It's pretty boring here." I mumbled before shifting on my side and hugging a pillow. I sigh and closed my eyes until I didn't realized I have fell asleep. 

I woke up around 9PM, I slowly sat up on my bed while scratching my eyes. 

"Kakagising ko lang kanina tapos nakatulog ulit ako." I mumbled before getting on my feet and walking towards my closet to get changed into a more comfortable clothes. 

After changing, I went in front of my vanity table and brush my hair, I also applied a lip gloss before standing up, my phone in my hand and soon leaving my bedroom to go downstairs. 

"Ma'am kain na po kayo." I look at one of our maids and nods before taking my chair. 

There's chicken curry, fried pork belly, and sweet n sour fish fillet. 

"Ya, pakikuha naman po ng coleslaw salad sa ref." I asked our maid, she nods and immediately went to the kitchen and soon comeback with the container of coleslaw salad. 

I put some on my plate before reaching for the fish fillet and putting a piece on my plate. I used a different bowl to get chicken curry since I don't want the sauce of it on my salad. I also grab a small piece of the pork belly before peacefully eating my dinner. 

While chewing on my food, my phone caught my attention, I pick it up and checked my messesages where I saw Theo's sent ones, no more. He sent me pictures of him at the airport, the plane and the airport in US. He also sent pictures of him at the hotel, his foods, and views in US. It looks like he's making our private message a photo album of his pictures, I'm not complaining though, it looks cute. 

I'm glad my brother is enjoying their time there. I know he would enjoy it. And that's enough for me, siguro na kung sumama pa ako ay sirain ko lang ang trip nila. 

I'm peacefully scrolling through the pictures when Ali suddenly called me that I immediately answered. 

"Hello?" I answered, 

[Hey, how are you? Nakita ko post ng kapatid mo sa social media, they look like they're enjoying, okay ka lang ba diyan?] I pursed my lips and slowly nod. 

"I'm fine, don't worry." I replied and she hum. 

[Nag dinner kana?] She ask, 

"Yep, eating right now." I replied before taking a spoonful of salad. 

[Oh, 9PM, understandable. How's your day?] She ask and I hum, 

"Sleeping, all day." I replied while chewing on my food. 

[Oh, that's great, I'm sure you need rest, life is very stressing and tiring.] she said that made me chuckle a bit. 

"It is, iniisip ko palang ang mga gagawin ko nakakapagod na." I replied and she started laughing from the other line. 

[Indeed, by the way, I need to go na. I just checked on  you, I'll be home by 10PM, we can talk if you want. Bye muna! Labyu!] she said and I chuckled. 

"Sure sure, take care, bye." I said and she ended the call. 

A sigh escaped my lips before I continue eating. Once I'm done with my dinner. I ask a maid to bring out the ice cream cake from the freezer and I got myself a slice before grabbing a pack of chocolate chip cookies before heading up to my room. 

I brought the cake and cookies to my study table, I opened my laptop and grab my notebooks and pens before working on my assignments. I finished around 11PM, the cookies are not yet finished so I decided to watch a movie. 

It was a peacefully evening, when I finished the cookies, I stand up from my sofa and went to the trash bin, when I suddenly glanced at the clock and saw that it's 1 in the morning. That's when I also realized it's Monday and I have classes. 

"Fuck!" I said before rushing to the bathroom, brushing my teeth while the movie is still playing. Once I'm done brushing my teeth, I went back to my bedroom and turned off the TV. I tuck myself in my bed and soon fall asleep. 

6AM I woke up, I turned off my alarm but ended up falling asleep again. I woke up by 6:30AM and that's when I decided to get up and take a shower. I put on my uniform, fix my hair and applied some sunscreen and soon grab my bag and went downstairs. There's pancakes, waffles, croissant and French toast on the table. I grab a piece of French toast, a have croissant, waffles and pancakes before drizzling them with honey. I also ask the maids to pack 3 piece of French Toast and separate a honey on the side. While eating, I remember there's chocolate drinks inside our fridge so I grab one for myself and drink it with my breakfast. 

Once I'm done and so are the French Toast I asked them to prepare, I leave the house and took our van. 

When I arrived at the school, Ali, Tobi and Laura are already there. I silently sat on my chair before silently poke Ali's arm to get her attention. She look at me with confused expression and I signaled her to keep quiet before I pull out the container from my bag and handing it to her. A smile grew on her face and she even scrunch up her nose that made her look cute. She immediately slid it in her bag and before mouthing a 'thank you' and I just smiled at her. 

As time passes by, more students arrived and soon we are called for the flag ceremony. Gwen and Jax are late, we're already in a line for a flag ceremony when the two just arrived. 

"Late kana nagising 'no?" I hear Ali teases Gwen. 

"Oo gaga, alas dos na ako nakatulog kanina, nalimutan ko na Lunes na pala." Gwen replied and I snorted. 

"Same, ala una na ako natulog, nanoood pa ako ng movie." I said and a grin grew on Gwen's face. The exercise song came and as usual, it's only Ali who's dancing among us six. She already have the energy early in the morning. 

"Okay everyone, so kailangan natin ng representative mula sa klase natin para sa ating Mr. and Ms. OLLA Pageant. Ngayon sino ba ang napupusuan niyo na lumaban para sa section natin?" 

I controlled myself from raising my hand. A part of me wants to join, I like... modeling, I don't know how to explain it. I like the idea of being in front of a lot of people, I like walking with poise and elegance. 

But the whole class pointed at Laura so I also did. She suits to be the representative more than me. She's nice and kind, I might end up getting criticized because of my attitude. I would roll my eyes at anyone with no reason. 

When the dismissal came, they ask if we're gonna commute. But I already have plans for tonight, I mean... after class. Ali is at her band practice and our other friends started leaving. When our van arrived I immediately hop inside. As the van entered the gates of the house and another driver opened the door for me, I rush out the van, run inside the house, up to stairs and to my room. I grab a small body bag and put my wallet and phone inside before grabbing the umbrella and soon rushing down the house. 

"Kuya Therence, pahiram ng motor." I asked my cousin, he's wearing his white polo and looks like he just got home from work. He reach for his pocket and soon threw the keys to me. 

"I'll be home before 8PM." I said before riding his motorcycle, starting the engine and driving off. 

I stroll around the metro zone in town looking for him. Yes, I spent an hour just to  look for that curly haired guy. It's around 6:30PM and I decided to stop by a milktea shop and bought myself a macha flavored one. It's just the smallest cup so I was able to finish it in few minutes. I get back on the motorcycle and starts looking again. 

Pero wala, I didn't saw him. How am I gonna find that guy in this town? This town may be small but it's still big to find that guy. Whenever I would see a curly haired guy that almost has the same height as him, I thought the search is over. But no, it's not him. 

When I got tired, I stopped by the plaza where Ali and the band are taking practice. And Ali immediately saw me. A small smile grew on my lips as she run towards me with her baton. 

"Hey, anything wrong?" She ask when she sit beside me. 

I sigh, "I'm looking for a guy, curly haired, a bit dark skin, around 5'8 height, doesn't look like a full Filipino." I said, pouting a bit. I'm looking on the ground, playing a rock with my feet. 

I suddenly hear Ali gasp, "Gaga, sino ba 'yang guy na 'yan? Why mo siya hinahanap?" She ask and I look at her and sigh once again. 

"Nanghiram ako ng payong kasi inulan ako noong isang araw. Inabot ako ng ulan sa maliit na bahay nila na gawa sa plywood, tapos noong na-alala ko yung payong, wala na doon yung bahay nila." I replied and I saw her brows furrowed. 

"Huh? Nawawala yung bahay nila? Bilis naman nila maglipat, tsaka pati bahay nawala?! Baka hindi yun tao, Lory! Baka ikaw lang nakakakita sa kaniya!" I shut my eyes tight as she sounded scared and alarmed. 

Napamasahe ako sa aking noo bago bumuntong hininga, "Ali, he's real, even the guy sa tapat noong hotel kung nasaan yung bahay nila, alam na andon sila kaso umalis na." I said and her brows furrowed once again. 

"Huh? Bahay na gawa sa plywood? Gaga... iyon yung mga tinitirhan ng construction workers!" she exclaimed and this time I squinted my eyes. 

"Huh? Constructions workers?" I confusedly ask and she started nodding. 

"Sa may tapat ng hotel? Yung HnH hotel lang naman ang napansin ko na may ginagawa before. Ah oo, nakita ko yung maliit na bahay na yun, doon nakatira ang mga construction workers." She explained and I slowly nod while looking on the ground. 

So he's... a construction worker? But he looks so young for a construction worker or even to work. He's also a student cause I saw him working on a math problem. 

"Ano sis? Sino ba yung guy? Spill the name." She said and I sigh before looking at her. 

"I don't know, I didn't ask for his name cause he might think I'm interested at him. But he was nice, he gave me coffee, biscuits, he offered me their house nga to silong muna. Then he let me borrow his umbrella. But I don't know his name, only his face." I said and pouted, I felt her hand rubbing my back. 

"Okay, kalma sis, I know what you want, you get naman so I know you'll find that guy." She said and I nod. 

"Sana, so I don't owe him anything na." I replied and she look at me with confused expression. 

Ali's eyes widened, "Why? Nangutang ka? OH MY GOSHH!! Lory nangutang ka?! Wow, ikaw?! Mangutang?! Sis, ikaw at si Laura ang uutangan!" She exclaimed and I sigh in disbelief before pinching the bridge of  my nose. 

"Ali, listen, the umbrella, I borrowed his umbrella, at gusto ko lang ibalik. Hindi ako nangutang okay?" I said and that's when she stop looking so shocked. 

"Ah... edi ano... hindi ko na alam sis." She said pouting that made me chuckle. 

Silence filled the air for few seconds, just seconds, because she suddenly squealed. 

"Alam ko na! Ano... ano nga yun?" Napakamot siya sa batok niya at napangisi. 

"Ah... ano, i-describe mo siya kay Tobi tapos ipa-sketch mo!" she suggested, I tilt my head a bit. 

It's a bit good idea, except na malalaman pa ng mga kaibigan namin. It's something not so important. Baka ma curious lang sila at kung ano-ano pa ang isipin. 

I shake my head," Huwag na, okay na ako. I'll just look for him." I said and she slowly nod. Our attention are taken when their trainer whistled. 

"Una na ako ha, goodluck sa paghahanap, bye!" She said before running away. I waved back at her before leaving the bench and getting on the motorcycle once again. I decided to head home after and rest. 

Days passed and Laura officially became our class representative for the money contest. Her parents agreed for her to join and even her mom is excited for her. Our class also collected money to show support for her and her partner which is Franco, Ali's cousin. Someone... who I had a memory with. 

"Huy, tulala ka bestie." Napatingin ako kay Ali na kinalabit ako sa aking braso. 

"I'm not," I denied. 

Napa-ismid ito, "Sus, still thiking about the curly haired guy?" She ask and I scoffed. 

"Maybe, awan, I don't really care. Yung payong lang ang iniisip ko. Gusto ko lang ibalik sa kaniya." I replied and she slowly nod. 

"Or baka yung pinsan ko-- aray!!" She held her arm that I slapped. 

"Of course not! Why would I think of your cousin?!" I exclaimed and she chuckled. Gladly it's just me and her right now, Tobi was called by his father, Gwen and Jax were asked to go to the faculty to do something, while Laura is at her practice for the pageant. 

Ali burst out laughing, "Sus, ikaw pa! Elementary palang alam ko na crush mo yung pangit na yun!" She said and I pouted before rolling my eyes a bit. 

"Hindi na ngayon, I moved on." I said and her eyes widened before chuckling. 

"Wow ha, moved on, big word." She teased and I rolled my eyes again before looking by the direction of the mirror. 

Her cousin Franco was my classmate in kindergarten when I started studying in this town. He's very friendly and nice back then when we were kids. His kind acts started that puppy love in me. He was my crush until elementary. Even though he might be a bit cocky and arrogant as he grew older, that puppy love that started in kindergarten is still in here, just a small feelings but its still a feelings for him. 

When Tobi, Jax and gwen came back, during recess we decided to visit the covered court where Laura and the other candidates are practicing. Gwen is heavily supporting Laura and I can tell that Laura is embarrassed because of what Gwen is doing just based on her expressions. 

Tobi ask for a picture for Laura acting like she's a celebrity which made us burst out into laughter. I ask how Franco is doing as her partner, but I ended up getting exposed by Gwen. Ang bibig talaga! They also know about my small crush towards Franco. At sa tuwing mababanggit ang pangalan ng lalaking 'yon para silang mga sira na nakatingin sa akin. Why would I even ask about that guy nga naman!? It's like I'm putting my own self in danger. 

"Ano naman?! Sapakin ko 'yang lalaking 'yan Eh!" I threatened, aiming my fist in the air and they started laughing. 

I hear Laura chuckled, "Lory... ang bad. Kapag sinapak mo si Franco, magkakapasa siya sa mukha. Or worse black eyes. Edi pangit siya sa coronation?" Laura said and I pouted before putting down my fist. 

"Eh kasi naman 'yang lalaking 'yan! Napaka yabang! Kala mo ang gwapo!" I scoffed and they gave me a look. 

"Eh gwapo naman talaga siya ah." Laura said, my brows furrowed and hear Tobi, gasp. 

"Oo nga! Tingnan mo pati si Laura na ga-gwapuhan kay Franco! Ako rin!" Sabat ni Tobi, napatingin tuloy kaming lahat sa kaniya. 

"So crush mo na si Franco?" Jax teased, Tobi's eyes widened before making a disgusted face and pushing Jax.

"Yuck! Kadiri! Grrr! Hindi ah!" Sagot kaagad ni Tobi at muli kaming napatawa. 

"Tingnan mo! Pati ikaw nandidiri kay Franco." Gwen exclaimed,

"Hindi, hindi ako sa mukha niya nandidiri. Doon lang sa sinabi ni Jax." Sagot ni Tobi habang nakanguso. 

Laura and the other candidates are now free to have their recess. So we squished ourselves to the crowded canteen to get ourselves some snacks. Sayang hindi ko sila nadalhan ng pagkain. I ate cereals this morning because the breakfast wasn't that good. Well... hindi lang ako sanay kumain ng tuyo at tortang talong. Aksidente pa ngang nabubuan ng suka si Tobi and Jax is the one who did that. 

We had a good talk during recess. Naging topic namin si Ali na kung ano-ano ang binabasa sa mga e-books na meron siya. Her life is pretty complicated, pero kung iyon ang nagpapasaya sa kaniya, ang sama naman siguro kung sirain namin kasiyahan niya. 

Dismissal of morning classes came, sinundo ako ng driver at mabilis lang ako sa bahay. I only ate lunch, get changed and fix myself before going back to school. I'm afraid that if I stay longer at the house, I might end up falling asleep and missing class. 

I like our afternoon class more than our morning classes. I might be feeling sleepy at afternoon classes most of the time, it's better rather than having no energy for morning classes. Almost the same but maybe because we have less classes at the afternoon. And sometimes we get to have vacant during the afternoon cause teachers are busy specially when there's an event coming. 

The day ended and just like what has been my usual routine these past few days, I stroll around the town to look for that curly haired guy. I just pass by the railroad part in Magsaysay and approaching the Tagkawayan Highschool when I spot another curly haired guy. I didn't put my hopes up cause it has been happening for the passes days, spotting a curly haired but ends up its not him. 

I slowed down the motorcycle a bit cause he's facing his back at me. I squinted my eyes a bit to see his face. 

"Ahh!!" Napasigaw ang mga estudyante sa harap ko nang bigla akong huminto at muntikan na silang mabangga. 

"Its you!" I said looking and pointing at him. 

His eyes widened and smiled, "Uy! Miss blonde! Long time no see!" He exclaimed, I sigh in relief, finally, I see this curly haired again.