A week had passed since then. Kahit hindi pinag-uusapan sa bahay ang nangyaring gulo, hindi pa rin maiiwasan na mapag-usapan 'yon kung saan-saan. It astounded me how fast news can travel.

The day after it happened, kalat agad sa social media ang nangyari. Both teams were reprimanded heavily for what they did. Some members received backlash and wouldn't be allowed to play in a few games to reflect on their unruly behavior. Kuya included.

Now, medyo humupa na yung news dahil busy na rin ang mga tao sa upcoming activities sa school.

"Uy, Javee," Sandra called my attention, blockmate ko.

Katatapos lang ng social psychology class namin and we were currently waiting for our next professor.

I glanced at her and waited for her to speak.

"Start na ng practice natin this week, baka makalimutan mo. Malapit na foundation day," she informed.

Oo nga pala! Malapit na ang university festival. That meant magiging super busy na naman ang student council at kailangan ko na naman mag-isip ng bagong dance routine para sa performance ng troupe namin. Shucks.

"Buti na lang pinaalala mo." Tumawa ako. "Sige, kausapin ko na lang si Kuya Jim."

"Sabi na e. Kayo na lang mag-usap, a." Ngumiti siya at bumalik na sa upuan.

I fished out my phone to text Kuya Jim when I saw a new text message. From Ahron.

Ahron:
Meeting later @ 1 PM.

I quickly sent my reply. Malamang para sa foundation week din 'to.

Binulsa ko na ulit yung phone ko kasi dumating na ang prof namin. The class sped by in a blur. Recitation lang naman at seat work kaya no big deal.

After dismissal, dumiretso na kagad ako sa student council room. Mamaya na ako magla-lunch after nito para kasabay ko si Ahron.

Pagpasok ko sa room, nagulat ako nang si Ahron lang ang nakita kong nasa loob. Huh. Supposedly, dapat nandito na sina Camille at Joseph dahil hanggang noon lang naman ang schedule nila. But no one was here.

"What's up, doc?" bati ko, placing my bag on the table and sitting down beside her.

Ahron was busy jotting down some things. "You're here na," she said without looking at me.

"Where are the others?"

"Busy."

I was getting confused. "Tayo lang sa meeting?"

Her curved lips tugged up into a smile. "Actually, walang meeting."

My brows shot up as I grew even more confused.

Finally, she sighed, stopped writing, and looked at me. May kinuha siyang brown envelope sa bag niya at inabot sa 'kin.

"Sorry, Jan. Ikaw lang ang free, and we have to give this paper na today before 5 p.m. Can you do it for me?"

I looked at the envelope. Youth Development Camp.

"Sure. Kanino?"

"Kay Christelle Mendez. Student Council President ng Centrex."

Ahron stared at me expectantly while my mind processed the information.

Centrex.

That meant . . .

"Huh?!"

Napatitig ako sa kanya. Halos malaglag ang panga ko sa sahig. What the hell?

Hindi siya sumagot. Tumingin lang siya sa 'kin. Hindi man lang natinag sa gulat kong reaksyon.

"Babe, for real? Are you serious?"

She nodded her head.

Napasandal ako. Katatapos lang ng issue namin doon and now she was asking me to go there?

Napapikit ako. I bit the side of my lower lip, contemplating. What do I do? Baka mapaaway lang ako doon!

Huminga ako nang malalim, sinusubukan na kumalma.

Also, so what naman kung galit sila sa mga kapatid ko. It's not as if they can eat me alive, right?

I took another deep breath and glared at my friend. She planned this. Alam niyang hindi ako papayag kung 'yon ang sinabi niya kanina pa lang. Pinapunta niya muna ako dito para sure na hindi na ako makakatanggi.

"Sa president ko iaabot? Ito lang ba?"

"Yeah. Nag-text na ako na pupunta ka. Hihintayin ka niya sa student council room. I would've asked na sa ibang place na lang but she's busy too," sagot niya, stifling a laugh when she saw my face. "Be nice, Jan. She's a good friend."

"Council room? Why not at the gate? Papasok pa talaga ako?"

"Busy sila."

"Busy din ako."

"Jan . . ." She gave me a pleading look. "Nakikisuyo si Christelle."

I sighed. "What is this for anyway?"

"Confirmation for the Youth Camp invitation they sent. Kanina lang naaprubahan kaya ngayon lang din mabibigay sa kanila. May ibang documents din. Don't worry, Christelle is really nice."

Ngumuso ako. "Traitor."

Natawa siya. "Babawi ako. Come to my house after. Pizza party tayo."

"Why, may occasion ba?"

"Birthday ni Mama 'di ba? She wants you to come."

My eyes widened. "Ngayon na ba 'yon? Wala pa akong gift."

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Doesn't matter. Just come."

"Fine." Tumayo na ako at kinuha yung malas na envelope. "Alright, I'll text you later."

Dadaan na lang ako sa SM mamaya bago magpunta sa kanila. Saglit lang naman siguro ako doon sa Centrex.

"Hey. Don't start a fight, a," biglang paalala ni Ahron nang nasa pintuan na ako.

"You know I won't," pasimple kong sagot sabay kibit balikat. I wasn't into fights like the boys.

****

I ended up going alone, to an unfamiliar territory.

It took a few minutes bago ako makarating sa Centrex. I stared in awe when I saw how big and grand their campus was. Malawak 'yon, malinis, at prestigious din. Like our university, international university din ang Centrex kaya halos nandito ang mga anak ng politicians at celebrities. That was why may "rivalry" ang dalawang universities dahil pasok sila sa top four international universities sa bansa.

I was slightly antsy as I walked over to the guard. Some students were curiously watching me. So far, no angry eyes yet.

I gave my ID and presented a document from Intersci para papasukin ako. Nagtanong na rin ako kung saan yung student council room nila.

This had gotta be the most awkward day of my life. I had to cross past their quadrangle before I get to St. Camillus Hall. Since I was wearing the standard Intersci lanyard, several heads were turning to look at me. May ibang nakakakilala sa 'kin. I kept my head up, ignoring them, playing it cool. Pero ayoko talaga nang pinapanood ako. It unnerved me.

Sa wakas, nakarating na rin ako sa St. Camillus Hall. I took the escalators and walked to the left wing. Agad kong nakita yung council room kaya nagmadali na ako. I just wanted to get the hell out of here.

I knocked at the door twice but there was no answer. I tried entering but it was locked. I frowned. Akala ko ba dito kami magkikita?

I checked my watch. Maaga pa naman so I decided to wait.

To kill time, I idled by the hallway and browsed my emails. But when half an hour passed and wala pa rin, my lack of patience reared its ugly head.

Where was Christelle?

Damn. I was getting impatient. Hindi ko naman pwedeng i-ditch 'to. Mapapahiya ang Intersci pag ginawa ko 'yon but there's just no way na iikutin ko ang school grounds nila para lang hanapin siya.

I drew a deep, deep breath, trying to compose myself.

"Javee?"

I startled when I heard my name. When I turned to the guy who called me, my eyes widened in recognition.

Justin Mercedez was walking toward me, wearing the Centrex varsity jersey. A towel was draped around his neck.

"Hey, it is you! Tingnan mo nga naman oh!" he said and approached me, all smiles. He looked so bright and friendly just like how I remembered him to be. "What brings you here?"

Trying to be polite, I smiled and waved a hand as a greeting. Inangat ko sa paningin niya yung envelope.

Wait.

Pwede kayang iwan ko na lang sa kanya 'to? Could I trust him? "Need to deliver these documents sa president n'yo," sagot ko.

"Kay Christelle?"

"Yeah. Christelle Mendez?"

"Then what are you doing out here? You should wait inside."

"The room's locked."

"Ah, crap." Napailing siya. "Dinala nga pala sa clinic yung pinsan niya. She's probably in there right now." He raked a hand through his hair. "Do you know how to get there? C'mon. Samahan kita." His face suddenly soured na parang may naalala. "Damn."

I tilted my head in confusion.

Umiling siya, smiling to himself as if may inside joke siyang nalalaman.

"Let's just say I don't like that woman. Pain in the ass." He flashed me that easygoing smile again.

"Just give me directions siguro? I can go on my own," sabi ko.

Bukod sa ayokong makaistorbo, I felt awkward din na kasama ko siya. He was there that night so I didn't understand why he's suddenly acting as if nothing happened.

"'Di na. I can't let you wander around these halls alone. You'll get lost at mahirap na rin."

Napataas ang isa kong kilay.

"Never mind." He just shrugged and began walking down the hall. Sinundan ko siya. Papunta na kami sa escalator nang bigla siyang huminto. I almost hit his backside.

"Dude," sabi niya bigla.

Napatingin na rin ako sa nakasalubong namin.

Oh, shit.

Si Racel.

Bumalik na naman sa 'kin ang lahat ng kabang nararamdaman ko kanina.

"I was wondering what was taking you so long," sabi niya ni hindi man lang ako pinansin.

I shifted uncomfortably when his eyes momentarily flickered over to me.

Justin scratched his neck, oblivious to the discomfort I was feeling. "Hindi ko nakuha. Door's locked. But look kung sino nakita ko instead." Justin grinned at me and waggled his brows at Racel while he pointed a thumb at me.

In slow motion, tumingin ulit sa 'kin si Racel. Ewan ko kung bakit pero kumalabog ang dibdib ko. His eyes were scrutinizing. Sa malapitan, I confirmed na talagang may hitsura siya.

I became a little miffed when his eyes left me as soon as he looked at me like he couldn't care less about me. 'Di pa rin ako binati. Binalik niya ang tingin niya kay Justin, now frowning at him as if he was chastising him with his eyes.

Rude ass.

"We have a practice game in thirty," Racel told Justin tonelessly.

"About that. . . Listen. Javee's gotta deliver these papers to Christelle. Can you accompany her there? I don't wanna see that devil of a woman. Alam mo naman."

"You do it but don't be late," sabi lang ni Racel, then he walked away.

The way he left rubbed me wrong. Talk about rude. Okay, I wasn't really expecting a warm reception naman dahil nga sa nangyari but he didn't have to be such a dick about it.

Justin whistled. "Sungit. And here I was, thinking . . ." He shook his head. Lumingon siya sa 'kin. "Let's go."

"Never mind," malamig kong sabi. "Just show me the way, ako na lang."

"Nah, it's fine. Don't mind him. Besides, may itatanong din ako sa 'yo."

Hindi pa muna ako sumagot. Hinintay ko munang bumaba kami ng building bago ako magtanong.

"Tungkol saan?"

"Your friend," he said smoothly.

"What about her?"

"Does she have a guy?" diretso niyang tanong.

"Wala," mabilis kong sagot. When he grinned triumphantly, I added, "Don't get your hopes up. I don't think she's interested."

"We'll see about that?" He gave me that wide grin again.

Under the sun, his fair skin was almost flushed red. Kilala din talaga 'tong si Justin sa school nila dahil marami-rami ang bumabati sa kanya.

"And because you seem nice," Justin added suddenly, snatching the envelope from my hand, "ako na ang magbibigay nito kay Christelle."

I gave him a dubious stare. "Sure ka? Akala ko ba 'di kayo magkasundo?"

Hindi siya sumagot. Nagkibit-balikat lang siya. "You're going home na ba? Hatid na kita palabas."

Tinanggihan ko siya. Pinagtitinginan na rin kasi kami. But it didn't seem to matter to him.

"Just between you and I, I don't really like fights. It's stupid," bulong niya. "Sorry about that brawl."

"Ditto," I said, realizing something.

"Glad we're on the same page, then."

Justin seemed like a genuine guy after all, a big contrast to that ice block I saw minutes ago.

Pagdating ng gate, I faced him. "Thank you."

"Anytime and it's really nice to see you again." He waved a hand again matapos akong ihatid sa sundo ko.

After that, dumaan ako sa SM para bumili na ng gift para kay Tita Leana.

Naiinis pa rin ako sa ginawa ng Racel na 'yon. Hindi naman ako nag-expect ng kahit ano pero respeto man lang sana. I respect people kahit na may issues sila sa family ko. Ang ayoko pa naman sa lahat yung tinatrato akong parang wala lang.

An hour after, sinundo na ako ni Lhyle and then we went straight to Ahron's house as planned. Naiinis pa rin ako.

I greeted her mom and kissed her on the cheek. Then, we went upstairs to Ahron's bedroom. Wala yung iba, sayang. Anjo was still grounded dahil nalasing nang sobra. Maxxie had an appointment with her other friends. Meanwhile, si Hiro naman, busy sa pakikipag-bonding sa daddy niyang kauuwi lang galing Japan.

"Kamusta?" tanong ni Ahron, referring to the errand.

Nakaupo kami sa sofa niya sa room, eating pizzas and barbecues. Si Lhyle, umiinom ng beer habang may ka-text.

Sa tanong niya, napahinga ako nang malalim.

"Okay naman. Nakakairita lang yung titig nila kanina." 'Di ko na binanggit yung tungkol kay Racel kasi ayokong lalong mainis.

"No fight or anything?"

"Wala. I didn't stay long."

"What are you girls talking about?" sabat ni Lhyle.

"Nasa Centrex siya kanina."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Lhyle. "Anong ginawa mo do'n?"

"Nag-abot ng documents," I said.

"Ba't 'di mo ko sinabihan?"

"You were with someone kanina."

"Since when did that deter you? Alam mo namang may oras ako lagi para sa inyo."

"It's okay. I managed naman."

We discussed the Youth Camp afterward. Inter-school event pala 'yon na pinangungunahan ng Centrex. Sila lang ang nag-suggest ng seminar pero magiging collective effort 'yon ng iba't ibang university councils. Napaisip tuloy ako kung paano ko isasabay 'yon sa commitment ko sa dance troupe ko. Gosh, magiging sobrang busy pala ang September. Grabe.

Napag-usapan din namin 'yong committees na iha-handle ng Intersci. Marami-rami rin.

Sa kalagitnaan ng usapan, siniko ko si Lhyle na katatapos lang makipag-usap. "Hey, gusto mong mag-cover ng event?"

"Can't," sagot niya kagad. "May training kami sa mga araw na 'yan."

"Lahat kayo?"

"Yeah."

"Pano na?" I waited for Ahron's decision. Sa amin kasi nakatoka ang documentation. Pwede namang iba pero mas maganda pa rin kung galing sa photography club.

"Hayaan mo na. Bahala na si Joseph d'yan," sagot niya sabay dungaw sa phone nang may nag-text.

In-enjoy ko na lang yung music habang kumakain. Nag-iisip na rin ako kung pano pagsasabayin ang schedules ko. But then I suddenly remembered something.

I tapped Lhyle's arm.

"Uy. Kaibigan mo pala yung Racel?"

Halatang nagulat siya sa tanong ko. "Ha? Oo."

"Pano?"

Hindi ko lubos maisip na 'tong flirt na 'to, may kaibigang mas masungit pa sa babae.

He shrugged flippantly, leaning against the couch. Pinaglalaruan niya ang phone niya sa kamay. "Matagal ko nang kilala 'yon. Kakilala kasi ni Kuya yung pinsan niya kaya ayun."

"Does Kuya Jacob know?"

"Oo naman. Tagal na."

"Okay lang sa kanya?"

"We're not that petty, J."

Magtatanong pa sana ako nang biglang napamura si Ahron. She was frowning at her cellphone.

"Why?" I said, trying to check the name.

"That ass," she muttered irately.

"Ass?"

Hindi sumagot si Ahron. Humalakhak bigla si Lhyle. "Ah, I get it. Si Mercedez?"

"Ikaw ba ang nagbigay ng number ko?"

"What? Ayos, a. Ako kagad? Tamang bintang lang?" Lhyle raised his hands, laughing out loud.

"Then how did he get my digits?"

"Aba, malay ko d'yan."

"Teka, Mercedez? Justin Mercedez?" putol ko sa kanila.

Whoa. Nakuha na ni Justin yung number niya? Kailan pa?

"Yeah," iritadong sinabi ni Ahron. "He's frustrating."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Lhyle. Perfect definition of the word 'chill' kasi 'tong si Ahron kaya medyo nakakabigla na makita siyang riled up over one guy. She finally met her match.

Binato niya kami ng unan. "I know what you're thinking. It's not like that."

"Wala naman kaming sinabi, a," natatawang biro ko.

"Defensive," asar ni Lhyle.

"Pero kaya pala tinanong niya ako kanina about you. Textmate na pala kayo."

"You met?" She raised one fine eyebrow.

"Oo, saglit lang. Ayie, interested."

She glared at me before saying, "Ikaw na ang mag-handle ng Youth Camp. Aasikasuhin ko pa ang foundation week. Okay lang?" sabi niya bigla.

"Ayos lang naman pero sure ka? Si Zaira? Siya naman next-in-line."

"May gagawin din. Malaki ang prep natin this coming September."

"May choice pa ba ako?" I said helplessly.

I just hoped hindi ko na kailangan pang bumalik sa Centrex. Just the thought of seeing that ice block again was really setting me in a bad mood.