#CAC24

"So, how's the school?" my sister said from the other line.

"Better than what I expected," I answered

Since it's weekend, I decided to bake. Nag-fail yung ginawa kong brownies last time kaya sinubukan ko ulit siyang gawin ngayon. Magkavideo call ulit kami ni ate at medyo nahihirapan pa ako kausapin siya dahil sa ginagawa.

"Move on ka na ba sa UP?" aniya

Napahinto ako sa paghahalo. Tumingin ako sa phone ko na nakasandal sa counter.

I smiled weakly and continued to stir the batter. "Ganun talaga eh, baka hindi siya para sa'kin. I already accpeted it and to tell you, I am happy with my school. I realized that it didn't matter anyway. Natutunan kong makuntento sa kung anong binigay sa'kin ni God. I'm already blessed to be able to study and I think that what's important."

"Wow sis, you've matured! Nakakaiyak, wait."

I giggled. "I just accepted the things that are beyond my control. Besides, less gastos dahil hindi ko na kailangan magdorm pa."

Tumingin ako sa recipe ng brownies na sinulat ko sa papel. I checked the ingredients that i already added to the batter. Pagkatapos ay kumuha ako ng limang itlog sa ref. I went back to the counter while holding the eggs. I cracked one and put it in a seperate bowl.

"But seriously, I am proud of you. Basta mag-aral ka lang ng mabuti at makapagtapos," she said

I smiled. "I know."

"By the way, how's your business going?" she teased

The next step I did is I chopped the chocolate bars and put it in a medium sized measuring cup. I added one fourth cup of cocoa powder and one tablespoon espresso powder.

"Hindi pa ako nagbubusiness ate," I answered

"Really?" she asked, quite unsure

I nodded. "I'm still practicing how to make the perfect brownies before I start my business."

I went to the stove and saw that the butter started to melt. Hinalo ko iyon saglit at pinatay ang kalan. Bumalik ako sa counter at pinatong iyon doon. I carefully poured the unsalted melted butter to the chocolate batter I made. I grabbed a whisk and started to stir it slowly.

"Pero bakit napapadalas na nagbabake ka sa tuwing mag-kausap tayo?"

"Nagkataon lang," I replied

I set aside the melted chocolate and got myself another bowl. I added two cups of granulated sugar and one half cup dark brown sugar.

"Well to me it looks like you want to start business anytime soon."

Binaba ko ang hawak na measuring cup at tumingin sa phone. "Maybe but I'm still thinking about it."

"Okay lang naman na magbenta ka ng binabake mo sa mga kaklase mo para extra income nadin ganun pero sana hindi mo mapabayaan ang pag-aaral mo. Still, know your priorities Talliah."

Umiwas ako ng tingin at tinuon ang atensiyon sa ginagawa. Kinuha ko ang vanilla extract sa tabi at tinignan iyon saglit. I opened it and put some on my batter. I also added a pinch of salt.

"Alam ko naman yun ate. Like I've said, nagpapractice pa ako. Maunti palang ang alam kong ibake," I answered after a few seconds of silence

"Tapos ka na ba sa mga schoolworks mo at puro ka bake diyan. Kamusta pala pagiging business student? Mahirap ba?" sunod sunod niyang tanong

I scratched my forehead and nodded. "Of course, nagawa ko na mga assignments ko. Tsaka sa totoo lang, madali pa naman yung mga pinapagawa sa'min. Akala ko mahihirapan ako pero kaya ko pa naman. Hindi pa ako nagbebreak down. I also practiced how to manage my time wisely."

"That's good to hear pero sa umpisa lang talaga madali. Marami ka pang pagdadaanan especially pagdating mo ng fourth year."

"Kinabahan naman ako," I said

"I'm just reminding you silly," she giggled.

Kinuha ko ang isang bowl na naglalaman nung mga itlog. Sinaksak ko din ang electric mixer namin. I put one egg at a time at the bowl that was filled with the dry ingredients and started to mix it.

"Nga pala, sino pala nagastos ng mga ingredients mo sa pagbabake? Si Mama o ikaw?" she asked

Pinatay ko ang electric mixer at tinaktak iyon sa bowl. "Ako pero minsan si mama, tsaka meron naman ingredients dito eh kaya yung iba sarili kong gastos."

I lied. The truth is I have spent way to much money on baking.

Minsan kasi may mga ingredients na mahal at kakaiba na nasa recipe. Sometimes, mom would buy the common one's like sugar, milk, butter which are necessary for cooking and not just baking while I buy those that are more expensive. It really depends on what I'm baking. Ngayon ay brownies kaya mas mahirap at mas madami siyang ingredients.

I don't want to say to her that I'm the one who spend most on the ingredients. Baka kasi pagalitan ako at pati si mama. Sa ipon at sa binigay na baon niya ang kinuha kong pera pang gastos at unti-unti nadin iyong nauubos. Nahihiay din ako humingi kay ate ng pang gastos dahil alam kong may mas importante pang bagay ang paglalaanan niya ng pera.

Minsan ay palpak pa ang gawa ko kaya nasasayang kagaya nung gumawa ako ng brownies na nasunog ko lang. That's why whenever I bake something, I make sure that I put the right measurements and bake it at the right time.

Ayokong masayang yung ginastos ko kaya pinagdadasal ko lagi na hindi palpak ang gawa ko.

"But if ever you need anything, I'm here to help. Full support kita," she said

I smiled. "Thanks but I can manage. Salamat nalang din sa suporta."

"What are sisters for diba?" she chuckled

Marahan akong tumawa at pinagpatuloy nalang ang pagbabake.

****

Kinagabihan ay inisip ko ang sinabi ni ate. May pasok na kami bukas at eto ako pagulong gulong sa kama at hindi makatulog.

The truth is, I so badly want to start business now.

Tsaka ubos nadin talaga ipon ko at gusto ko magkapera para lumago ang magiging business ko kung sakali.

"Pero paano ako magsisimula?" I said to myself

Tumingin ako sa phone ko at nakitang magaalas-dose na ng gabi at hindi padin ako makatulog hanggang ngayon.

I sighed in frustration and groaned.

Niyakap ko ang unan ko at pumikit ng mariin ngunit kahit anong pikit ko ay salitang 'business' ang tumatakbo sa isip ko.

Bumangon ako at sumandal sa headboard ng kama. Nag-isip isip ako kung anong dapat gawin.

"Where to begin?" I continued to ask myself

Since I can't sleep, I browse on my phone instead. Pumunta ako sa instagram ko at naghanap ng business shops. Marami agad bumungad sa'kin na iba't ibang shops. Ang iba ay nagbebenta ng damit, pagkain, furnitures, artworks at iba pa.

I stumbled upon a shop called "Bake with Pat." I clicked and it automatically went to the page. Tumambad sa'kin ang iba't ibang deserts tulad ng cookies, mini cakes, brownies, red velvet crinckles and more. Mayroon ding maraming highlights sa baba ng profile niya.

Sa pictures palang ay nakakatakam na. Halata din na hindi tinipid ang ingredients maslalo na doon sa chocolate chip cookies niya.Pinakanagandahan ako sa red velvet crinkles niya na may palaman na cream cheese na hindi din tinipid.

I don't know how many hours I stalked her page. Maganda din ang feed niya at yung background sa mga pictures. Bawat shot ay may magandang anggulo. Napansin kong marami siyang post at mukhang matagal na siyang nagbabake base sa taon na nabasa ko. Ngayon ko lang din napansin na isa siyang pinoy dahil sa caption niya sa isang post.

Ilang sandali ay hindi ko namalayan na nasa dulo na pala ako. Nakita ko ang pinaka una niyang post. It was a logo of their shop. I noticed the date and it was the year 2016 when she posted it. Exactly four years ago. So apat na taon na pala siyang nagbubusiness.

Pinagmasdan ko ang kanyang logo. The colors were pink and white. May drawing na apron at whisk sa gitna. The name was printed in gold font. Not too fancy or anything. Simple but looks classy.

Stinalk ko pa siya saglit at maya-maya ay naghanap ng ibang shops. I was really attracted by the logo and the names. They're all creative and artistic when it comes to that.

"Paano kaya sila nakakagawa nito?" I asked myself

Then suddenly, inside my tiny brain. An idea popped up.

Agad kong hinanap ang account ni Cole sa instagram. We're already friends on facebook but since I'm on instagram right now, it would be faster.

Ilang sandali ay nahanap ko agad ang account niya. I made sure first if it was really him before I message him. Buti nalang ay hindi nakaprivate ang account niya. I was surprised because he literally has three posts.

Baka hindi ito ang main account niya? I mean dummy accounts are a thing nowadays. Also, maybe he isn't active on ig.

Pumunta ako sa chat box at nagtipa ng mensahe. Huminto ako saglit at nag-isip.

Baka hindi ako replyan kasi tulog na o kaya naman hindi niya ginagamit itong account.

"Stupid Talliah, gabing gabi na oh. Asa ka pang magreply."

But I still, I decided to message him. I hope he'll read it in the morning or maybe I'd just tell him directly tomorrow in school.

Kinagat ko ang labi ko at nag-isip ng sasabihin. And then I realized I have no idea how or what to tell him. Nahihiya ako humingi ng pabor sa kanya. Yes, we became close and comfortable with each other in a span of weeks but still, I know my limits.

Hindi naman makapal mukha ko.

Ako:

Hey Cole! Talliah here. I just want to ask you a small favor if it's okay with you. And I understand if you're too busy or have some other important things to do. I'm still...having second thoughts about it so no pressure...

Binasa ko ng paulit-ulit ang tinype ko.

"Do I sound awkward?"

I am an awkward person actually.

"Seems quite off," I said

This is why I don't engage in conversations, I sound a bit weird and dull or maybe I'm just overthinking things...which is one of my expertise.

You know what? Whatever, sabaw na utak ko ngayong late na ng gabi.

I sighed and pressed the send button. Naghintay ako ng ilang minuto at wala akong natanggap.

I knew it. Maybe he's already fast asleep. I mean it's literally almost 1AM. Bukas ko nalang sasabihin sa kanya.

Pinatay ko ang phone ko kasabay ng paghikab ko. Humiga na ako at naramdaman ko nalang na unti-unti na akong dinalaw ng antok.

****

The next day I saw Cole on the lockers. I waved my hand trying to call him only to realize that he's not alone. He was with a bunch of students. Lalaki sila at pinapalinutan nila si Cole. Noong una ay akala ko mga kaklase namin at kaibigan ni Cole pero nagulat ako noong tinulak ng isa si Cole sa locker.

I was stunned so I quickly marched my way towards them. "Hey!" pagtawag ko sa kanila ngunit hindi nila ako pinansin.

"Ano ha? Papalag ka sa'min?! Sa payat mong 'yan," pangaasar ng isa

"I like your glasses buddy," sabi ng isa sabay tanggal sa salamin ni Cole

They bursted in laughter when he wore the glasses and imitated Cole.

Meanwhile, nanatiling tahimik si Cole at inagaw ang salamin mula sa kanila.

"Matangkad ka lang pero mas malakas kami," the guy with a large frame said

Kumuyom ang kamao ko at hinawakan sa balikat ang lalaki. Hinarap ko siya sa'kin at kita ko ang gulat sa mukha niya.

"What the hell are you doing?!" I exclaimed

All of them faced me with mischievous grins plastered on their faces. "Hi! Ay kaklase mo ba sya? Pasensiya na akala ko kasi naligaw lang."

Nagtawanan silang lahat sa sinabi ng kaibigan. Hindi ko sila pinansin at nilapitan ang lalaki na suot ang salamin ni Cole.

"Give me the glasses," I firmly said

I hear them gasped. Nagkatinginan sila at hindi padin mawala ang ngisi sa kanilang labi.

"And why would I do that?" he said and went closer. Ngayon ay magkasing lebel na ang mukha namin.

They were indeed taller than me. Halos kasing tangkad lang nila si Cole. Sumulyap ako sa I.D. ng lalaki at naningkit ang mata ko sa nabasa. They were fourth year students. Umawang ang labi ko dahil akala ko kaklase lang namin o magkaibang course lang.

"Asaan na tapang mo?" he mocked

Umayos ako ng tayo at inangat ang tingin sa kanya. I yanked the glasses off his face and I heard him groaned. I felt my nails pierced on his skin.

"Tang ina mo ka!" he blurted

Namilog ang mata ko noong akma niya akong sasaktan kaya agad akong umiwas ng tingin. I was waiting for him to hit me but it didn't came.

"Tama na pre, babae 'yan."

Tumingin ulit ako sa kanila at nakitang pinigilan siya ng kasama niya. Hawak hawak siya sa dibdib at mabibigat ang bawat paghinga ng lalaki. Matalim ang titig niya sa'kin. I remained calm even if my knees are already weak.

I noticed a small cut on his nose bridge. There was a little blood on it. I swallowed hard and my grip tightened on the glasses. Hindi ko inalis ang tingin ko sa kanya.

"Leave or else I'll not hesitate to report this to the principal's office. Hindi ko palalampasin yung ginawa niyo," marrin kong sabi.

He chuckled. "A lady like you? A freshman?" he said and looked at me from head to foot.

Humakbang siya palapit at nilapit ang ulo sa'kin. "You'll fucking pay for this bitch," he whispehered in my ear

Nakita ko sa gilid ng mata ko na tumingin siya sa'kin pero nanatili akong nakatingin sa harap.

"Tara na pre!" sabi ng isa at nilayo siya sa'kin.

Akamang susugurin niya si Cole pero agad ko siyang hinarangan. Nakita kong masama ang tingin niya kay Cole at tumingin din sa'kin.

"Losers," he mouthed.

Tumalikod na sila pero nanatili ang mata niya sa'kin. Hindi ko din inalis ang tingin ko sa kanya hanggang sa tuluyan na silang nawala sa paningin ko.

Bumalik ang diwa ko at doon lang ako nakahinga ng maluwag. Huminga ako ng malalim tila kinakapos sa hangin. I swallowed hard and brushed my hair using my fingers. I closed my eyes and massaged my temple.

"Talliah."

Lumingon ako sa pagtawag sa'kin ni Cole. I smiled weakly and went to him. Binagay ko sa kanya ang salamin niya at bumagsak ang paningin niya doon.

"Okay ka lang?" I asked

He nodded and took the glasses. "Thanks, but you didn't have to do that."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "They bullied you and it's not right. I will report them to the principal's office now."

I turned around but he quickly grabbed my wrist. "Huwag na!"

I looked at him and frowned. "What? Are you just gonna let those men bully you again? Ayos ka lang?"

"I'll be careful next time," he explained

I chuckled bitterly. Is he being serious? I though it was an absurd and ridiculous statement. Did he just blame himself?

"Hindi mo kasalanan Cole, why are you blaming yourself?! It's their fault. You're the victim here at hindi ikaw yung kailangan mag-adjust," I firmly said

Inalis ko ang kamay ko na nakahawak sa kanya at humakbang palapit. "Kapag alam mong hindi tama yung ginagawa sa'yo, huwag kang manatiling tahimik at hayaan nalang silang saktan ka."

Binalot kami ng katahimikan. Umawang ang labi niya at agad iyong tinikom. His eyes remained on me. Bumuntong hininga ako at tumingin sa sahig.

"I'm sorry," he muttered

"You're not the one who should be sorry for," I said and looked at him

Nakita kong nagusot ang collar ng damit niya. Inayos ko iyon at ang neck tie niya.

"Nakakahiya, kalalaki kong tao, ako pa yung pinagtanggol," nahihiya niyang sabi at hindi makatingin sa'kin.

Hinanap ko ang mata niya. "Hindi naman kaming babae lang ang laging pinagtatanggol. Tsaka hindi yun yung punto ko. In general, we should stand up for each other especially from those kind of people."

"I know. Thank you for defending me, I appreciate it."

I smiled. "Basta hindi ko papalagpasin yung ginawa nila sa'yo. They should be reported for bullying kasi kung hindi, may posibilidad na gawin ulit nila sa'yo yun at yun din yung rason kung bakit may mga bullies padin hanggang ngayon. They should be punished or something."

"I know but," he said and looked away

I bit my bottom lip and sighed. "Okay, ganto. I'll let them pass this time but...if they bully you again, I will not hesitate to report them okay?"

He nodded. "Yes, thank you Lia."

Tinapik ko ang balikat niya at pumunta sa locker ko. Binuksan ko iyon at nakitang binuksan din niya ang kanya.

"Ano pala yung favor mo?" he asked

Napahinto ako sa tanong niya.

Shit, naseen niya? So meaning, may access pa siya sa ig niya, hindi nga lang sobrang active.

"Sorry, kaninang umaga ko lang nabasa yung chat mo."

Kumuha ako ng libro at sinara na ang locker. Nagulat ako noong kaharap ko na siya ngayon.

"Ano, ah wala yun," I chuckled nervously

He fixed his glasses and tilted his head. "Pero hindi mo pa sa'kin sinasabi kung ano yun."

Just because I'm still not sure. I'm such an indecisive person. I can't make up my mind. Nagdadalawang isip pa ako ngayon.

Magsasalita na sana ako pero narinig ko na may tumawag sa'min.

"Goodmorning guys!"

We both turned and saw Margo smiling widely. Her hair was in a bun and she's wearing specs. She looks fresh and blooming.

"Mukhang maganda gising mo ngayon ah," komento ni Cole

"Hindi ba pwedeng may sapat na tulog lang?" she said

"Kaya pala ang blooming mo today," I complimented her

Inilagay niya ang hibla ng buhok sa likod ng tainga niya. "Well, kaya nga freshman tayo eh so dapat fresh din."

"Oo fresh pa tayo ngayong freshman pero pagdating ng fourthyear, haggard na tayo," dagdag ko

She pouted. "You just ruined my morning Talliah. Mood breaker."

"I think it's mood maker," singit ni Cole

Tumingin si Margo sa kanya. "Yes but Talliah did the opposite."

I chuckled. "I'm just saying."

"Did something happen this morning? I mean you two seem off."

I was a bit stunned. Nagkatinginan kami ni Cole at siya ang unang umiwas ng tingin.

I shook my head. "No, nothing happened. Why do you think so?"

Naningkit ang mata niya habang pabalik balik ang tingin sa'min. "Kayo ah, may hindi kayo shineshare."

Umiling ako. "Wala nga sabi."

"Eh bakit nanahimik yung isa diyan? she said while pointing at Cole beside me.

"Ewan ko diyan," I murmured

"You both are terrible liars," she said

Ilang sandali ay biglang tumunong ang bell. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag at umiwas ng tingin.

Margo sure knows when something's up or maybe Cole and I are just too transparsent.

"Saved by the bell," bulong sa'kin ni Cole

"Please don't tell her what happened," he said

Magsasalita na sana ako pero nilapitan niya si Margo at hinila papunta sa room namin.

"I heard what you said Sanchez," wika ni Margo

"Tsk, guni guni mo lang yun. Tara na, baka malate pa tayo," sabi ni Cole

Pinagmasdan ko lang sila habang naglalakad palayo papunta sa aming classroom.

I smiled and soon followed them.

****

Pagkatapos ng unang klase ay may dalawang oras kaming vacant dahil absent ang prof namin.

I decided to tell Cole about my 'favor' because he keep on bugging me about it.

Margo, on the other hand, have some other business to take care of that's why she's not with us right now.

I'm still thinking about if I should tell her about what happened to Cole but it's none of my concerns right now.

Besides, Cole doesn't Margo to know which I don't understand why...but I respect Cole. Maybe he's still uncomfortable about the incident but I hope he can tell her about it too. I mean we're all friends anyway.

"So ano nga yun Talliah at bakit kailangan ko pang dalhin laptop ko?"

Agad akong tumingin sa kanya. Nandito kami sa field at nakaupo sa bleachers. Walang tao dito kundi kaming dalawa lang.

"May assignment ka ba na hindi nagawa? Pero magkaklase tayo at wala naman akong natatandaan na..." he paused and I saw his eyebrows furrowed

"Wait, may research ba?!" he exclaimed

I was startled by his sudden outburst. I gulped and shook my head.

"Kalma, wala pa tayong research...sa ngayon."

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag at nilagay pa ang kamay sa dibdib. "Buti nalang, akala ko may hindi ako may namiss ako."

"Pero yun nga, ano yung small favor?" he asked emphasizing the last word

I sighed and looked away. "Hindi pa ako sure dito pero, pwede bang gawan mo ako ng logo?"

There was a few moments of silence. Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakitang kumunot ang noo niya.

"Logo? For what?" he asked

"For uhm," I paused. "My small business?"

His eyes widened. "You have a business?"

"My soon to be business," I corrected him

He smiled. "Well then, that's great! Anong business mo? Ang aga mong magsimula ah pero maganda din yun na maaga nadin mag-start para mapractice."

I slowly nodded. "Yeah but it's just an idea. I still don't know when or how to start."

"So parang gusto mo magtayo ng business pagkagraduate?"

"Yeah, I guess you can say that," I chuckled awkwardly

"Pero matagal pa yun, I'm just preparing. You know, just finding some ideas," I added

Tumango-tango siya. "I see, so what's your business? Clothes? Food?"

I never thought he'd be so interested with it. I'm still thinking about it and searching for more ideas that I can get but he seems more excited than me.

"I bake," I said

"That's cool. Ano na mga binake mo?"

I looked away and played the hem of my skirt. "Maunti palang alam ko eh."

"Oh okay," he said

"So...pwede mo ba akong gawan?" tanong ko at tumingin sa kanya

He smiled. "I would love to."

Nilabas niya na ang laptop sa case nito at binuksan iyon.

"Salamat talaga," I said

"No problem. I'm just returning the favor because you also helped me with...what happened," he muttered

Pagkabukas ng laptop niya ay bigla siyang nag-stretching. He cracked the bones of his hands and glanced at me.

"I usually work with my ipad because it has an apple pencil but unfortunately, I didn't bring it today. Hindi ko naman kasi alam na yun pala yung favor mo. But I think this laptop would do, dito talaga ako nagsimula pero baka hindi ko na gamay," he chuckled

Lumapit ako sa kanya at nakita kong may binuksan siya na app.

"So, have you thought of a name for your business?" he asked

"Still thinking about it," I replied

He arched his brow. "Okay, then how about a theme? Or concept on what your logo is? Yung brand na tinatawag ganun."

Nag-isip ako saglit at hindi ko napansin na kanina pa pala ako nakatitig sa screen ng laptop.

"Talliah?" tawag niya sa'kin

"Ha?" I said

"Sabi ko kung may idea ka ba sa gusto mong magiging itsura ng logo mo," aniya

I scartched my head. "Ah, eh...basta gusto ko yung simple pero may dating."

Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakita kong inalis niya ang salamin at kinusot ang mata. Binalik niya din ito at huminga ng malalim.

"Para akong architect tapos sinabihan mo ko na gumawa ng bahay na maganda at malaki pero dapat pasok sa budget," he sternly said

"Be more detailed Talliah," he added

Napakurap-kurap ako sa sinabi niya. Yumuko ako at bumuntong hininga.

Dapat pala nagsearch ako sa google.

"I'm sorry, hindi ako prepared. Hindi ko kasi alam, parang ang hirap niya idescribe ganun," paliwanag ko

He sighed. "Teka, I'll try to find some of my old works but the thing is, it has to be authentic. Kailangan makita yung originality sa logo mo at yung nirerepresent ng business mo."

The way he talks is full of passion. Alam mong gustong gusto niya yung ginagawa niya hindi lang dahil bored siya at gusto niya akong tulungan.

He's really passionate in his craft.

"Eto try ko gumawa pero sample lang ito ah," he said while focusing on his laptop

"Sige," I replied

Habang gumagawa siya ay kumuha ako ng notebook at ballpen sa bag. I decided to try sketching design for my logo. Hindi pa naman ako magaling magdrawing pero kailangan.

Binuklat ko ang notebook ko at nagsimulang gumuhit doon.

"Bakit pala ako yung pinili mong magdesign ng logo mo? I mean this is a big deal, we're talking about your future business and to think that someone like me would design it. I don't consider myself as an expert or the most competent," he said

"Bigla tuloy akong napressure," dagdag niya

I chuckled while scribbling on my notebook. "Kung makapagsalita ka naman akala mo talaga sobrang lalago yung business ko."

"Siyempre, alam kong sa future, magiging successful yung business mo."

I just laugh at the thought. I feel like it will never happen not even in my wildest dreams.

"Tsaka wala akong ibang kilala na marunong sa ganyan, ikaw lang. And besides, nagustuhan ko talaga yung poster na design mo."

"Nuks naman, salamat." aniya

"First time mo bang may nagpagawa sa'yo ha?" I teased

He looked at me and his brow shot up. "Hindi. May nagpagawa nadin sa'kin pero puro school projects o kaya sa maliit lang na bagay."

"Maliit din 'yan na bagay ah," I said

Tipid siyang ngumiti at tinuon ulit ang atensiyon sa laptop. "For you but not for me. I consider this a big project and you are my client."

Marahan akong tumawa sa sinabi niya. Pinagmasdan ko siya at sobrang focus niya sa ginagawa. Umiwas ako ng tingin at pinaglaruan ang ballpen.

"Has this always been your passion?" I asked

Binalot kami ng katahimikan. Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakita kong huminto din siya.

"It still is," he murmured

I bit my lip and nodded. "Then why did you take up financial management?"

At first I thought maybe I got a bit to nosy but I somehow want to know the reason. Para kasing hindi niya gusto yung course niya.

"It's okay. You don't have to tell me-"

"My Dad wanted it," he said

Napahinto ako sa ginagawa at hinarap siya.

"He wanted me to work with our company someday."

My eyes widened. "You...you have a company?" I asked

He looked at me and smiled weakly. "Surprised? Hindi halata sa'kin noh?"

I let out a nervous laugh. "Hindi naman sa ganun-"

"It's fine. I get that a lot."

There was a hint of sadness in his voice.

Binalik niya ang atensiyon sa laptop habang ako ay nanatiling nakatingin sa kanya.

I already get the idea that maybe his father didn't support him with his passion. Baka mas gusto nga ng papa niya na mapunta siya sa business world.

"What did you feel about that?"

"If you're thinking if I hate the course. Nagkakamali ka. Sa umpisa oo, ayoko nitong course ko kasi wala naman akong choice eh...pero habang tumatagal, natutunan ko nadin siyang mahalin. I mean I'm happy because I got to learn new things that I never expected that I'd love too," he explained

"No regrets?" I asked

He smiled weakly. "No regrets. I learned to love what I'm doing and I'm forever thankful for that kasi kung hindi, baka hindi sa'kin proud si papa ngayon. Still, I have to prove myself to him."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He sighed. Tumigil siya sa ginagawa at nilagay ang laptop sa tabi niya. Umiwas siya ng tingin na para bang pinag-iisipan niya kung dapat ba siyang mag-open up sa'kin.

"You know that incident this morning, it wasn't my first."

Maslalong kumunot ang noo ko. "You mean to say that you are used to being bullied?"

He nodded. "Since my highschool days."

My lips parted. He fixed his glasses and leaned on the bleachers.

"I was a nerd as you can see," he chuckled bitterly.

"Bata palang ako ay nabubully na ako. Wether it be older than me or younger than me. No one ever defended me. I was a loner back then, I eat alone during lunch. I barely had any friends. Nabully ako dahil sa istura ko, puro kasi pimples mukha ko dati tapos sobrang payat ko pa. Buti nga kuminis na mukha ko at medyo nagkalaman," paliwanag niya

Tahimik lang akong nakikinig sa kanya.

"It was like that until I reach fourth year. I was depressed back then," he murmured

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought up the topic-

"Hindi, ayos lang. Nakamove na ako," he assured me

I bit my bottom lip and nodded.

"Tapos yun, naalala ko binilhan ako ni mama ng sketchpad. Dun nagsimula ang lahat, I learned how to draw and discovered I have a talent in art. I was happy, it was my only source of happiness. Hindi na ako naapektuhan sa pambubully nila sa'kin kasi may iba na akong pinagtutunan ng pansin."

I'm glad that he found something that he can be proud of and most especially when he overcome depression.

Para sa'kin ay isa yung bagay na mahirap lagpasan at hindi dapat minamaliit na problema ng mga tao.

Depression is a mental illness that should be treated.

I can't believe he was once a victim back then.

Sobrang lala siguro ng sitwasyon niya. I can't even imagine what he has gone through.

"Sometimes, you don't neccesarily need a person to make you happy. And you don't need to depend on them to make you happy. Hindi sila lagi ang source of happiness mo. Sometimes, you'd find genuine happiness to a thing that I would like to call, my passion."

Tipid akong ngumiti habang nagkwekwento siya.

He sighed."Pero sabi nga, may mga bagay na pansamantala lang. Bago ako magcollege, sabi sa'kin ni papa na magbusiness nalang daw ako kahit na hindi ko naman iyon gusto. Long story short, now I'm here taking up business."

"It must have been really hard. Sorry, I don't know what to say or how to comfort you," I muttered

"That's alright. Sorry kung medyo madrama. I just want to make him proud and to prove myself to him and to the people who have hurt me before, na hindi na ako yung dating tao na nakilala nila. Kasi noon ang tahimik kong tao, walang kaibigan, nerd pa, diba parang ang layo sa kinuha kong course? Kasi dito dapat confident ka, magaling kang mag-salita, hindi ka takot mag-public speaking which are all my weaknesses."

"I'm sure your Dad is proud of you. Gusto ko lang din sabihin sa'yo na may karamay ka. We're the same, we have the same weakness but still, we took the risk and it is something to be proud of."

He looked at me and smiled. "Thank you Talliah. Salamat kasi nakilala kita at pinagtanggol pa. Kagaya ng sinabi ko, walang nagtanggol sa'kin nun kaya malaki ang utang na loob ko sa'yo."

"No problem. Naalala ko lang din yung sarili ko sa'yo at naalala ko kung sino yung tumulong sa'kin nun. I also learned an important lesson," I said while reminiscing the past

"Sino naman yung tumulong sa'yo?"

"Sino talaga?" I chuckled.

I looked away and sighed. "From a friend of mine."

"Okay, I won't go into details of that special someone," he teased

Mahina ko siyang hinampas sa braso. "Baliw, kaibigan ko lang yun."

"Then I also thank him too. You must have amazing friends. Malaki siguro ang naging epekto nila sa'yo."

"Yeah, I will also never forget that day and what it taught me."

Bibalot kami ng katahimikan. Ilang sandali ay humarap ako sa kanya at nakita ko siyang nakatingin sa kalangitan.

"Huy! Tapos ka na ba sa ginagawa mo?" I snapped my fingers near his face

Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko. "Ay! Oo nga pala, sorry nawala sa isip ko. Nagdaldalan nalang kasi tayo eh."

"Wala na, ubos na oras natin," I said

"Hindi yan, matatapos na ko wait lang."

Agad niyang kinuha ang laptop at pinatong sa hita niya.

"Can I see it?" sabi ko sabay dungaw sa laptop.

He turned the screen away from me. "Just wait for the finished product."

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Arte naman."

In short, hindi ko nakita ang gawa niya.

Naghalumbaba nalang ako at pinagmasdan siya.

I'm glad we get to talk about our sentiments and that he willingly opened up to me about his past and his problems without being awkward with each other.

Kaya minsan naiisip ko kung bakit siya sa'kin nag-open up? Bakit niya sinabi lahat ng yun sa'kin? Ano bang meron sa'kin? O baka naman wala lang para sa kanya na mag-open up. Maybe the topic didn't affect him anymore.

Sometimes, those are the questions that I often ask myself.

He isn't afraid to show his weakness or to be vulnerable which I think is something that takes a lot of courage to do.

It was something that I, myself is afraid to discuss. Sa piling tao lang ako nagoopen up. And until now, it's still a problem to me.

I wish I could learn to open up more and break the walls that I built.