"You okay? You look tensed, Louise. Are you feeling sick?" Sam worriedly ask beside me as we are eating. It's just the two of us in a table cause our parents are with their business partners. 

Slowly chewing on my food, I put down my utensils and look at him. 

"He's here," I said and Sam look at me with squinted eyes. 

"Who? Who's here? Who's he?" he ask, I bit my lower lip and look around and glance at Inin's direction. 

"HIM." I said giving a stress, he stare at me with parted lips and confused expression for few seconds before his lips turning into an 'o' and slowly nodding. 

"Your boyfriend?" he ask and I hissed, "He's not my boyfriend, just a... friend." I said and he chuckle before slowly nodding. 

"Well do you want to check on him? Let's go." he stood up, holding my wrist and was about to walk away when I stopped him and pull him back. 

"What are you thinking?! What if my mom sees us?!" I sternly said, he tilted his head and smiled. 

"So what? You're with me, your mom likes me for you." he said, I rolled my eyes before looking at mom's direction who's with her amigas. 

I look back at Sam and nod before I stand up, I removed his hand from my wrist before I lead him to tito Ray and Inin's direction. 

Tito Ray is the first one to notice us and a huge smile prints on his face, "Lory! Sabi na nga ba at ikaw ang nakita ko kanina eh!" he happily said which made me smile. 

Inin look at me and his eyes widened, "Yun naman oh! Ganda mo naman ssob!" he said which made my smile grew wider. 

"Salamat po," I shyly said, 

"Good evening po," bati ni Sam sa tabi ko. 

"Magandang gabi rin hijo, boyfriend ka ba ni Lory?" tanong ni tito Ray at agad nanlaki ang mata ko. 

"Ahm... well--"

"No po tito, hindi po. He's just a friend." Putol ko kay Sam bago pa man makapag sabi ng kung ano-ano. 

Tumango-tango si tito, "Akala ko pa naman boyfriend mo, malulungkot si Inin niyan, lagi ka man din hinihintay." Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi ni tito at si Inin naman ay agad natakpan ang bibig ni tito.

"Di ah! Si papa ba!" Inin whined which made me and tito giggle. 

"Diba lagi mo siyang inaabangan kapag galing ka ng school?" tanong ni tito kay Inin at muli itong napasimangot. 

"Si papa eh!" Inin whined again while scratching the back of his head. 

"Hindi ko po kasi alam na lumipat po pala ulit kayo. Matagal-tagal na nga rin po na hindi kami nagkita. Hindi ko rin po kasi siya na co-contact dahil busy po ako sa school." I said and tito Ray smiled. 

"Ayos lang yun, ngayon nga ay wala pa kaming kasunod na trabaho kaya hindi ko pa alam kung saan muna kami maninirahan pero makakahanap din agad ako para makapag kape ulit kayo ni Inin." tito said and I smiled, 

"Sige po, hihintayin ko po iyan, miss ko na rin kasi ang kape na gawa ni Inin." I said before excusing me and Sam and going back to our table. 

"So... I see reasons why you like him---"

"I don't." I sternly said and Sam chuckled. 

"People tend to deny their true feelings. But anyways, he's nice, he's funny, he's cute and so is his father." he said before taking a bite of his food. 

"Maybe you two can get along." I said, he look at me with confused expression while I try to hold my smile and wait for him to realize what I said. 

He then get it, "Just eat, Louise." he said which made me smile and shake my head. 

We stayed there for another hour before people started leaving and so is me, mom, Theo and tito Thiago. 

After weeks of stressful school, we get to see Laura again and have a hang out in her house. We even get to meet her boyfriend that seems... okay. He's nice, he's fine looking actually, he's smart, he have humor and they look cute together. And Laura is happy with him. As long as our friend is happy, we're happy. And as days passes by, Laura starts to shine more in the modeling industry. She gets a lot of promotion and her face is in most posters of beauty products. 

"Walang pasok bukas?" My head snap at Ali who I just heard said that. 

She look at me with wide eyes and nod, "Yes bestie, why? " she ask, 

"UGH! Finally! A break! Thursday tomorrow diba?" I ask and she nods, 

"Yes, pahinga tayo, sa Friday naman ay may report lang ng presentation natin pero keri na namin ni Gwen yun. You did your part na." she replied and I slowly nod. 

"That's great." I said before taking a deep breath. 

After a day of Wednesday and I got home, I immediately grab a bag of cookies and bring it upstairs to my room. I grind and finished my assignments just to make sure that I have nothing too worry about tomorrow. I finished around 9PM in doing my assignments and that's the time I get to go downstairs and have my dinner. 

Since I don't want the Beef that they cooked for dinner, I go through the pantry and look for something good to eat. I saw some dumplings in the freezer so I steamed them while I look for more foods to eat. I found a box of sushi in the fridge and bring them out. I air-fried some chicken nuggets and grab two cup noodles and put some hot water. 

There are still maids around, cleaning and getting ready for their bed. 

"I'll clean this, you can head to bed." I said to the maid who seems waiting for me to finish.

"Sigurado po kayo ma'am? Hintayin ko na po kayo." she said and I shake my head. 

"I can wash the dishes myself, go to sleep." I said, she hesitantly nod and leave the dining and go to their maids rooms. 

I silently eat alone in the dining, the whole house isn't scary at all, it is huge and someone might be hiding somewhere around and can attack me but who cares? I'm enjoying my food. 

I scroll through my social media as I devour my foods. I am not scared that mom will caught me eating late because I know she's a sleepyhead like me. 

Enjoying my sushi's, I got a message notification that made me sigh. 

from Ponce: 

I'm going to Tagkawayan tomorrow, let's hangout? 

I sigh and let go of my chopsticks before typing a reply. 

to Ponce:

Please don't,  I have other plans for tomorrow. 

from Ponce:

Meeting him? 

I sigh as he replies quickly. He is starting to know how to read me and it terrifies me. 

to Ponce:

Just... just don't go. Wala kang mapapala, I have my plans for tomorrow. 

from Ponce:

Okay okay, I understand, take care and enjoy. 

I place down my phone on the table and pick up my chopstick before stuffing my mouth with foods. When I finished all the foods I prepared for myself, I bring everything in the kitchen near the sink. I also grab tissues to wipe the table and after that, I went back to the kitchen and washed the dishes same goes with the things I used to cook the foods. 

When I went upstairs to my room, I played some music and started dancing. I know mom and tito Thiago won't hear the music. Cause first of all my room and all the rooms here are soundproof and their bedroom is far from my room. 

After 2 hours of playing some music, I decided to take a shower and changes into pajamas and go to sleep. 

I woke up at 2PM, when I realized how late it is, I jumped out of bed and grab my phone. 

to Inin:

Hey, nasaan kayo ngayon? 

I waited for minutes, but he didn't replied. That's why I decided to take a shower first and change into some sweatpants and sweater. But as I check my phone, still no response. I head downstairs and look for food to eat. There's burgers, pizza, spaghetti and chicken on the table so I decided to eat them while waiting, I only take small bites since I want to bring Inin and tito Ray some foods and eat with them. 

Around 3:30PM, my phone beeped and finally, it's Inin. 

from Inin:

Nasa Aplaya kami, bakit? 

to Inin:

Pupunta ako diyan, kape tayo! 

I immediately stood up and didn't even bother waiting for his reply and just leave the foods on the table before running upstairs to my room. I grab a small bag and my essentials. I also grab an eco bag because I wanted to buy some foods in McDonalds before heading to Inin and tito Ray. 

I head back downstairs with my keys and went to the garage to get my motor and drive off. I went to McDonald's just like my plan. I ordered a bucket of chicken, spaghetti, burgers and fries. After few minutes, I have them with me and I drive to Aplaya where Inin said. 

As I arrive at the place, I immediately smell the stinky smell around the place. I went down my motor and grab the eco bag that contains the foods before looking around, where is he? 

I'm looking for a familiar looking hut since I know how it usually looks. Until I saw someone wave their hand, my eyes widened when I immediately recognize Inin. I run towards him, almost bumping to some running teenagers. 

"Ayan, Uro yari ka!" another teenager said to the guy who bumped to me, I just glared at the guy before continue walking towards Inin. 

"Nabangga ka pa." he said as he reach for the eco bag and went inside, with a frowning expression, I followed him inside and sat on a chair. 

"Nakakainis, takbo kasi nang takbo!" I said and I hear Inin chuckle. 

"Tagal natin hindi nagkita ssob, apat na buwan yata?" turan nito at nagkibit balikat ako. 

"I don't remember, the last time was still summer break, malapit na ulit magpasko." I said as I accept the burger he handed me. 

"Kape?" he ask and a smile grew on my face. 

"Of course, I missed that." I replied and he smiled before preparing the coffee while I look around. 

"So nakahanap agad ng trabaho si tito after nung sa McDo?" I ask and he nods, his back facing me. 

"Siyempre naman, baka papa ko 'yan!" he cheerfully said that made me smile. 

"How's school?" I ask when he place down two mugs on the table. 

"Munhigh? Ays lang, bagong mga mukha, bagong kaibigan, bagong kaklase." he said as he take a bite of a chicken leg. 

"So you made friends?" I ask before taking a bite out of my burger. 

He shrugged, "Awan, di ko rin alam kung friends ba talaga. Parang hindi naman, medyo... nakakailang din kasi transfer ako at dati na silang magkaklase." he replied wich made my brows furrowed. 

"Eh ano naman? You can still be friends with them kahit transferee ka." I seriously said but he chuckled. 

"Hayaan mo na yun ssob, at least natututo ako." he replied while eating. 

"You're on STEM, right? Engineering, you'll take be taking STEM, right?" tanong ko dito, maybe he can help me with my acads sometimes, if I ever need some help. 

He nods while eating, his face almost parallel to the table, "Bakit?" he ask, his mouth full with foods. 

"Well... wala naman, STEM din kasi ako, and what I remember you said magaling ka sa math? So maybe you can help me with math!" I excitedly said, he lift his head up and tilted his head a bit. 

"Sige ba, sabihan mo lang ako." he said and I nod. Few minutes later, tito Ray came in, I gave him spaghetti and a burger to eat. He started to ask me how my day is, how my weeks have been, how was I the past months. He also told some funny stories in the past sites and the current site he's working on. The house they're working on is a bit small so is their hut, it's the smallest hut I've been. 

Around 6PM, I bid goodbye to them and ride back to the house, mom and tito Thiago already here. 

"Where did you go?" Mom ask me as I enter the house, arms crosses together. 

I sigh, "I went to McDo, ordered tons of foods, went to my friend and ate it with her, Jax Gabriela to be exact." I replied with a straight face. Sorry Jax! Mom tilts her head and stare at me for few seconds before nodding. 

"Fine, go upstairs and change clothes, you smell odd." she said, without bidding goodbye, I walk pass by her and went upstairs. 

Before I change my clothes, I messaged Jax first and told her about what I said. 

to Gabbie!: 

Hey, wala ako sa bahay kanina, I told mom na ikaw ang kasama, remember the date, and time, we ate McDo together okay? 

from Gabbie!: 

Okie! No problem!

I sigh in relief, I put down my phone and go to my closet to grab a pair of pajama and took a shower. 

Weekend came and I decided to be a bit productive and do my projects. The whole Saturday I'm just doing things that a high school student who seems like they have their life together does. I worked on more assignments, school works and even projects. By Sunday, that's when I slept longer and took a rest. Around 3PM, I decided to go to the bookstore and get myself some school supplies and also grab an ice cream for myself. 

On my way back, I spotted a familiar face by the sidewalk, a guy to be exact. It's Jiro, Laura's boyfriend, and he's with a girl! Clinging on his arms?! What the hell?!?! 

I am pacing back and forth as I arrived home. Laura is in Manila, working and stuff and her boyfriend is here, with a random girl... or a... flirty girl who's clinging on his arm. What the hell is happening?! Did my eyes just played on me? What if that's not really Jiro? But what if that's him...?

When weekdays came and classes starts, once again. Each day I am waiting for Laura. I need to talk to her and told her what I saw. Maybe that's a friend of Jiro, right? Maybe Laura also knows about her... right? Or Jiro is cheating. 

"I saw your... boy the other day. Ahm, how do I say this. He's with, hindi ko siya sinisiraan okay? But he's with this girl, who is... clinging on his arm." I wasn't able to contain myself from saying it to Laura. I saw how she froze and look at me as if she's spacing out. 

"Uy, Laura okay ka lang?" Gwen slightly tapped her shoulder and shake Laura. 

I bit my lower lip as I examine Laura's face, "Hey... Lau?" I also tapped her finger. 

"Help me see Jiro." She napped out of nowhere which confused me and the others. That's why I explained to them what I saw, Laura wanted to see her boy but don't know how and where specially her career is blowing up so fast! 

It ended on me telling them to go to our house since it's Saturday tomorrow and mom and tito Thiago are not home, best part! 

I baked some cake and cookies for them since I know they love it. Specially Jax and Ali who are both a big fan of foods among us six. We planned on how Laura and Jiro can see each other.  Laura's life is starting to get creepy specially there's people waiting outside their house then following where she goes. Didn't know people here can be like that. Or maybe because Laura is the first one from here who get to be in the spotlight and get famous. They're proud of her but it's creepy to follow her around. 

And when I say the whole plan seems unreal, it is so unreal that I found myself shaking my head as we succeed on the plan and get the two of them here in our house without anyone following. Weird and still processing in my mind but I feel at ease that the two can finally talk and clear things out. 

"Cute nila together 'no?" I slowly glance at Ali as we are watching he two hug from afar. 

"Pag ako nagka-jowa kabogin ko pa kaharutan nila Laura!" Gwen said which made them snort and chuckle. 

"What if may jowa na pala talaga si Gwen 'no? Nang g-gatekeep lang sa atin." Tobi said that caught our attentions. 

"If si Laura naitago niya... what more si Gwen 'no?" Jax said that amde Tobi gasped dramatically. 

"Oh em G ka bestie! Huwag na tayo magtaguan! Ako talaga nasa UST jowa ko." Tobi said which made us all scoff. 

"Talaga lang ha?" I said and he look at me with a pout. 

"Mukha ba akong ma-sikretong tao sa inyo?" Gwen ask, her hand on her chest. 

"Yes," I shortly replied while looking at her with judging looks. 

"Oo bestie," Tobi replied, "Yes mamieh, mukha kang nagtatago ng maraming sikreto." Jax said while holding a cookie. 

Gwen's jaw dropped, "Puke niyo! Ang bad niyo sa akin! Malay niyo isa sa atin ikakasal na pala!" she said before standing up from the tall chair she's sitting at and going towards the fridge and grab a box of chocolate drink. 

I then caught Ali looking at me with a teasing grin. I immediately gets what her grin means and my jaw dropped. I gave her a death glare and she chuckled, and that chuckle caught the others. 

"Ay, ayan! Si Alejandra! May jowa na 'yan! 'Yang tawa na 'yan! May ibig sabihin 'yan!" Gwen exclaimed pointing at Ali while holding a glass of chocolate drink. 

"Gaga wala! Siraulo ka!" Ali said before taking a bite of her bread, looking at me and winking at me.