TW: Mention of Child Abuse

˚ ༘✎┊Kabanata 1ˎˊ˗⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 

─── A Commence That Could've Been Ceased

"Good morning, Manong Ram! Kamusta?" I asked with a smile on my face.

My fingers traveled to the tips of my hair and brushed it. It was soft and delicate- like me. I caught a whiff of feminine and misty fragrance. 

With the enthusiasm I had- nervousness overflowed. 

"Morning, prinsesa namin!" nakangiti ngunit pagod na tugon ni Manong. He tilted his head to look at me, "Pagod pero okay lang... Ikaw ba?" nagaalalalang wika ni Manong.

"I'm okay naman Manong," I gave a quick thumbs up, "still adjusting sa environment," dagdag ko.

He nodded, "Same sis!" I giggled. 

"Manong, if you need help sa paglilipat, tell me? okay?" suhestiyon ko. Manong instantly shook his head.

We just moved our things last month sa bahay nila Lolo at Lola. It was old and dilapidated. It was in despair of help. Prior to the time I first saw it, the air of Melancholy surrounded it.

Tumawa ng bahagya si Manong Ram pagkatapos nito umiling. "Kaya na namin 'to ni Roel, 'tsaka malakas kaya mga muscles namin!" sabay pakita nito na nagpatawa muli sa'kin.

Bahagyang kumunot ang aking noo, Oo nga pala asan na si Mang Roel?

Manong Ram and Manong Ram are both my driver and guard- No, erase that! They're my best friends. With them, I'm free and satisfied. They never fail to give me the glee in my lips. Euphoric- perfect elucidation. 

"Manong, Sa'n na po pala si Mang Roel?" sabay tingin sa aking relo, the minute hand moved. I gasped a calm air when I saw that I wasn't behind time. With my First Day in school, I don't think it'll be ethical for a first impression.

"Alam mo naman, Sapphire. Masyadong napasarap sa tulog 'yang Roel na 'yan," sanay na sambit ni Manong Ram. I shrugged my shoulders, It's normal for Mang Roel to always be behindhand.

"Manong, tawagan mo na po siya at sabihing matulog na lang. Baka napagod kagabi kakaayos ng mga gamit..." a light smile beamed my lips.

The decision to move here to Nueva Vizcaya was unexpected, so it's normal to feel weary and drained.

"Naku, naku, naku, Sapphire! Mukhang may favoritism na nagaganap ha?" pabirong angat ng tingin sa'kin ni Manong Ram.

I burst out laughing as I looked at Manong, he returned irritating yet jokingly eyes. 

"You, see, maybe you're right!" I paused and looked at him, he crossed his arms, lumapit ako sa kanya at sinabing, "Just kidding!"

Huminga naman ng malalim si Manong Ram, "Hay! Akala ko naman!"

"But really, okay lang, Sapphire, trabaho namin 'to ni Roel," ngumiti si Mang Ram.

"But, it's not good to tire yourself every day, ask for help, 'kay?" wika kong nakangiti. Manong Ram nodded.

"'Tsaka alam naman natin na talagang expert si Mang Ram sa pagiging-" napatingin ako kay Manong.

"Late," tawa namin habang nakaturo sa isa't isa.

"Aantayin pa ba natin s'ya?" He asked after a while. I nodded with no dithering.

I fished my phone inside my small bag, I then dialed my best friends.

"Ay, Gagi, Goodmorning Sapphie," she greeted.

"Morning din, Louisse! May klase na?" sagot ko.

Si Louisse ang pinaka kalog sa aming tatlo, and 'yun ang isa sa mga madaming rason kung bakit ko siya naging kaibigan. She's very loquacious. Jessa, on the other hand is pretentious, maarte s'ya.

Napasinghap siya ng malakas, "Wala pa... pero gutom na ako, akala ko nga lunch na, eh! Tagal tagal kasi, dami pang speeches na nagaganap!" she hollered. I then percieved Louisse pouting.

"I think programme na muna. Dean is having his speeches, so bilisan mo, Sapph. You know naman na I miss you..." pagmamadali sa'kin ni Jessa.

This is the first time we'll see each other again after what felt like years. They've crossed my mind multiple times when we moved here, but never got time to visit them, vice versa. 

"Please say hi to Manong Ram and Mang Roel for me..." dagdag pa nito. And... I know what's next mag ra-rant nanaman siya. Jessa isn't Jessa when she's not ranting. It's built in to her.

"It's so mainit dito, I don't know why Dad didn't donate aircons here. Like I've been telling him to just buy, kahit in our classroom-" Jessa never got to finish her sentence when Louise spoke.

"Hoy! Gaga ka Ms. Mendez! Aircon? Pang Milktea nalang! parehas lang 'yun na malamig, eh!" sinipat ni Louisse si Jessa.

"Private School, pero walang Aircons?" panlalait ni Jessa sa school namin.

"And, you know what Ms. Louisse Vergara? you should shut up about those milkteas!" dagdag n'ya, "See, you have belly fats na! I mean I've been telling you to do some workouts! pero first day in school I see you chubby?!" sigaw ni Jessa.

"Kayo ha, away nanaman. You should stop that..." pangaral ko sa kanila. "I'll go now, please h'wag kayo mag away ha? lalo na't wala ako sa tabi niyo..." pagpapaalam ko ng makita ko si Mang Roel.

"Bye, Sapphire! Bilisan mo!" agap ni Jessa bago kunin ni Louisse ang selpon.

"Bye, marecakes! love you!" sabi ni Louisse.

"I'll be there... Love you!" at agad naman nilang pinutol ang linya.

Every summer, I always visit here in Nueva Vizcaya, I know very cliché, but that's the main reason why I met my soulmates- Louisse and Jessa.

"Sorry, Sapphire, napasarap sa tulog, eh," pagpa-paumanhin ni Mang Roel, "Ganda kasi napaginipan!" sabay tawa nito.

I politely nodded, "Ikaw talaga Mang Roel, you could've told me para nakatulog ka ng maayos. 'Tsaka sanay na ako 'no!" tumawa ako ng bahagya, lumapit s'ya at pinindot bigla ang aking ilong.

Living in a city then moving to a province is a big twist to my daily-does. My Papa's parents are part of the government here before, well it's mostly my Lolo. My Papa once told me that it's his adoptive parents' wish for us to live here, and for him to run as mayor as well. I never met them, but with Papa's stories about them, I think I will surely be close to them. And for their desire, Papa running for Mayor here in Nueva Vizcaya is not as possible because Papa's busy with our company- Merritt Architecture and Engineering Services or what it's usually called for- MAES.

Coincidentally, Jessa's and Louisse's family owns a company in the same industry as ours. Although, the Vergara's had their company for over a century. They're the most-trusted company globally when it comes to rotor dynamics. However, Jessa's family started a decade ago, nearly the same as us. Even though we are avowed as the children of Engineers and Architects, we scarcely discourse that topic. We are by no means solicitous about it.

Every summer, I always visit here in Nueva Vizcaya, I know very cliché, but that's the main reason why I met my soulmates- Louisse and Jessa. With the deep rumination, My eyes lifted to the University of Nueva Vizcaya Junior High School. It was ravishingly beautiful engraved at the entrance.

My Mom, Amethyst, departed her almost picturesque life, because of her daughter- me. My Mom perished because of arising complications when I was in her tummy. With that intricacy- she obdurately continued having me. My Papa was busy with the downfall of our company before so he wasn't able to do his Father and Husband's tutelages, and all else led to this.  

I'm not as analogous with my best friends when it comes to money. They're far prosperous than us, but my Papa never fails to give me a comfortable life. I once liaised my concerns to my Step-Mom, Bethany, a former supermodel, on how Papa would often leave to different countries. It wasn't like this before, Mama Beth told me Papa got more projects which definitely gave a surge of cathartic and a delight in my heart.

"Malapit na tayo sa school mo, Sapph..." Mang Roel informed me. I nodded as I looked around.

My Papa was a victim of child abuse from his biological father. He subsequently became an orphan and was then adopted by a kind-hearted people, my Lolo and Lola.

With the deep rumination, My eyes lifted to the University of Nueva Vizcaya Junior High School. It was ravishingly beautiful engraved at the entrance. The dark blue hue skies and effortlessly fluffy clouds looked artistic.

Bumaba si Mang Roel at binuksan ang malaking payong. I slowly stepped down and was surprised when I felt drops of rain kissing my skin. 

"Oops!" Mang Roel chuckled.

"Mang Roel..." galit na may halong pagbibirong wika ko.

Mang Roel walked me to the gate. I greeted the Manong guard with my brightest smile, it's indeed good to begin the first day. I looked around innocently when I felt the eyes on me, I smiled in return. It was a good thing I knew Louisse and Jessa, without them I'm a mere potato here.

I wrung my hands in agitation.

Sinenyasan ko si Mang Roel na sa baba na ako antayin at agad naman itong sumunod. My knees were trembling as I saw people running to their own respective areas. My eyes widened when I had a glimpse of Louisse and Jessa, I ran to them- and together we paved ourselves to our classroom.

"Hi everyone! mga marecakes, mga lodicakes, mga everyonecakes!" Louisse made a cute peace sign. For a second all and sundry surveyed their eyes to Louisse.

"Hay! buti nalang first day, kung hindi late ka ng Gaga ka," agad na tumikhim si Louisse sa pagkain niya.

"That's true," tumatango-tangong sagot ni Jessa.

"Hoy! Bawal pagkain dito, Louisse! Shuta ka!" a classmate interfered Louisse' eating.

"Tara na! punta na tayo sa seats natin, I also think they canceled the programme due to raining. Dapat sa Gym nalang!" tuloy-tuloy na sambit ni Jessa. Iniwan nilang nagsasalita ang kaklase namin.

"Sapph! lika na! Iwan mo na 'yang Damien na 'yan!"

"I'm sorry!" I bowed at him. Humagalpak naman ang tawa nito.

Louisse sat beside the window, at agad in-enjoy ang mahalumigmig na hangin. I looked outside to see that It was still raining with pearls. After that, I met my chair together with Jessa who was in my right.

After a few minutes of chatting and murmuring everyone settled down as a teacher introduced herself with etiquette and decorum. Her name is Sam, a fresh and young name, just like her. And of course, we were gathered to introduce ourselves as well- the typical. 

"Hello po, classmates my name is Alison Sage Andres. You can call me Sunny!" in her alluring smile- braces were conveyed, "I'm happy to be part of this class. That's all po Miss," dagdag nito, quickly fixed her glasses.

Pumalakpak naman si Louisse at isinigaw na, "Sunny lang sakalam!" 

"Hi everyone! I know you guys know me na, but I'm still gonna introduce myself," bungad ni Jessa, my classmates instantly clapped their hands out, "My name is Isla Jessa Daphne Mendez. I'm your Miss Campus and Miss Intramurals before, Big thanks to Ate Serene," huminga s'ya nang malalim, "I'm kinda sad I'm not allowed to join anymore, but anyway, I hope you learned more about me," wika ni Jessa, pagkatapos ay may malaking iginawad na ngiti.

"Let's call on our new student for this school year," Miss Sam smiled as she looked at me.

Tumayo naman ako at agad na nagpakilala. "Good morning, everyone! I'm a new student here. My name is Amara Althaia Sapphire Merritt, but you can call me either Sapphie or Sapphire. More things about me is I love animals, mostly pandas. I also want to pursue modeling. Don't be shy to ask for help, I am always here! That's all Mariners, I hope we'll get along!"

With their eyes scrutinizing me with a simple introduction, they left and traveled to the man leaning on our door, he's holding a paper and a pen. I sat on my seat with no hesitation. I looked around and was directly weirded out by those girls.

I tapped my finger to Jessa- who was staring at the man, I tapped again with query eyes at agad lumapat ang mata n'ya sa'kin, "That's a very normal scene here," bulong n'ya sa'kin.

Miss Sam called Louisse, I don't think she descried the man on our door. I was about to raise my hand on the matter but Louisse spoke.

"Hi, classmates! My name is Marianne Louisse Lara Vergara! I'm happy to know each and every one of you! Let's make this year memorable Mariners!" sobrang sayang pagpapakilala ni Louisse.

"Kilala ka na namin, Oy!" A classmate replied. Louisse rolled her eyes.

A thump was heard on the door, Miss Sam examined the noise- it was the man.

"Late..." sambit ni Miss Sam.

He's our classmate? I deemed him as a senior.

"I'm sorry, Miss," mababang boses ang umalingawngaw sa classroom, na mas nagpatili sa mga babae.

"OMG! Seus notice me babes!" Sigaw nung babae.

"Dito ka na, oh! Sa tabi ko!" sabay turo sa upuang tabi nito.

"Mas maganda dito! may bintana sa tabi! Mas mahahanginan ka!" angal naman nung isa.

A wink and a smirk were present in his eyes. Reminds me of someone...

"Class... Calm down. Alam kong crush na crush niyo si Mr. Vergara, pero no need to make a noise. You can talk to him after class, diba't sabay-sabay naman ka'yong naglu-lunch?"

"Vergara?" tanong ko sa sarili, naguguluhan.

"Yes, Miss Sam!" parang batang sagot nila.

"Mr. Vergara, why are you late?" tanong ni Miss Sam, hindi naman siya umimik, mukhang kina-career ang pagtingin sa'kin.

Nang mapansin ni Miss na nakatingin siya sa'kin, siya'y ngumiti at sinabing "You can now sit, Mr. Vergara, wherever you want."

"Hi, girls," he fixed his backpack on his shoulder.

"Dito ka na, oh!" sabay pagpag sa upuang mukhang malinis at bago pa naman.

I put my gaze on him, He was busy rejecting the girls. I can't believe things like these happen here too! His fingers brushed his hair- which made it messier. A scent traveled to my nose, smells very manly and expensive.

"Hoy, cute kong pinsan, tabi ka nga," baritonong saad n'ya. I raised my eyebrow in confusion. 

"Anong tabi? dito ako 'no!" sabi agad ni Louisse na parang gustong makipag away. Ngumiti ako ng makita ang cute niyang pout.

"Gusto kong maka tabi si Amara," seryosong aniya habang nakatingin sa'kin.

"At bakit naman aber?" tumatawang tanong ni Louisse.

He just stared at me with a ghost smile. I returned his stares and smiled. The sun came up once more after heavy rain- horizons were present in its aglow. It illuminated his intense hazel eyes- a spark was shown. An expressive eyes and its dreamy narrow nose. It was adroitly shaped in its upturn by gods and goddesses. He softly licked his lips- rosy and sweet. His thick eyebrows caught me the most. It was furrowing despite the warmth. 

He showed his smirk, "Oh, Amara kanina ka pa nakatingin sakin, crush mo 'ko 'no? Alam ko na cute lang talaga ako," pa-cool n'yang saad. Ngumiti pa s'ya, mukhang naaaliw sa'kin.

"Sorry po, but don't get offended, I just..." bumuntong hininga ako. 

I gave him my gaze- unsure of what's I'm going to say next. He raised his eyebrows and flashed his killer smile- as if he could get me by those. 

"I just..." I repeated, "don't like people like you," pagpapatuloy ko. He took a quick scan of what I said- shocked expression was evident. I made a peace sign, "Sorry..." I smiled and looked at Louisse- asking for help.

"Amara, basted agad?" habang hinahawakan ang puso na para bang nasaktan.

I knew it! He's just joking!   

Nang makita ni Louisse ang tingin ko ay agad siyang nagsalita. "'Yan ka nanaman pangit kong pinsan! H'wag na h'wag ang bestfriend ko ha!"

"Jessa, kung okay lang sa'yo, pwede bang tumabi ka sa kabilang upuan?" sabay turo n'ya sa kabilang upuan, Jessa was left with no choice but to move.

"Seus, Stop it with Sapphire," Umirap si Jessa. With the faintest idea of Jessa moving to another chair- why would she do that?

"'Yown! The Best ka talaga sismars!" saad ni Seus, bina-balewala ang sinabi ni Jessa.

He stole a glance at me, "Amara-" I cut him.

"Call me Sapphie, or Sapphire," wika ko. I raised my chin up habang nakatingin sa mga nagpapakilala sa harap.

"Ganda kaya ng name mo Amara, ba't ayaw mo?" usisa n'ya sa'kin.

"I never said it was ugly," I crossed my arms.

"Oy, Sorry na!" sabay kalkal n'ya sa bag n'ya, dali-dali nitong inabot ang isang pirasong papel. I opened it to see a drawing of me- introducing myself. I was taken aback- it's as pretty as a picture.

"Sorry 'yan lang nagawa ko. Grabe ang kapangitan n'yan, tulad ko. Alam kong 'di papatol ang tulad mong magan-" he was cutted by Louisse who was laughing.

"Boba! Sad boi ka na?!" 

"Shunga! Hindi, ah! Pinapatawa ko lang si Amara," depensa nito.

He placed his left arm atsaka pinatong ang ulo nito. He was looking at me the whole time. 

After that, a student came in and excused Seus.

"Hi, miss, may we excuse Mr. Perseus Amiel Vergara," she fixed her hair.

"For the upcoming Math competition?" Miss asked, she nodded as a confirmation.

"Ganda mo talaga Ate Rein!" Damien whistled, she rolled her eyes in return.

"Baka Serene Ivy 'yan!" sigaw pa nang iba.

"Seus!" tawag ni Miss.

"Balik ako, ha? h'wag n'yo pamimigay upuan ko!" 

"Tseh!" umirap si Louisse.

The class was adjourned and Seus never returned. Agad din kaming umalis at pumunta sa labas ng school, In a blink of an eye I saw group of vendors- with the succulent and appetizing smell- my feet drove me there. Louisse and I consume Street foods for alleviation, conversely, Jessa doesn't fancy it. She's missing out a lot, but I understand her stand. 

I blew my hot and well-cooked fishballs, kikiam, cheese sticks and kwek-kwek.

"Louisse, pinsan mo ba talaga si Seus?" tanong ko.

"Gaga ka! wag mo pansinin ang mokong kong pinsan! don't entertain him. He's just going to play you," saad ni Louisse na para bang sanay na.

"That's true, Sapph, he's mapaglaro," Jessa nodded while drinking her milktea.

"I thought you didn't like milkteas?" tanong ko.

"Well It's good naman for me, but not for Louisse," nakapemewang saad ni Jessa. She then glared at Louisse.

"I'll libre you, Sapphire," she said smiling. A tease on her face.

"Ako ay? Gagi! nakalimutan mo ata pangalan ko," Louisse showed her puppy eyes- which wasn't as compelling as she thought it would.

"Nope, Loui, you should diet na! you said you'll be a singer-" agad namang tinakpan ni Louisse ang bibig ni Jessa.

"Oo na!" Louisse agreed.

"-Basta yung Milktea pa-libre" Louisse added.

"I have a question," a smile formed my lips.

"H'wag 'yung mahirap! Ayoko Math! Ayoko lahat! h'wag sa school!" dire-diretsong wika ni Louisse.

"Nope! I just want to ask about how Seus-" I was cut. 

"Gaga kang bata ka! Grade 10 palang tayo! wag mong sabihin gusto mo siya!?" gulat na ani Louisse.

"No, no, I'm just curious about-" I was cut anew. 

"Curious ka teh? so interested ka? so crush mo siya? So mahal mo siya? So gusto mo siyang maging boyfriend? So gusto mo asawa m-" agad ko naman siyang pinutol, at sinabing 'di ko siya gusto.

"Ay talagang hindi! mag si-sixteen ka palang! H'wag muna jowa!" Louisse exclaimed.

"What jowa jowa? I don't like him, okay?" I smiled, Louisse and Jessa were not contented.

"Siguraduhin mo lang ha? I've been a witness on how he plays with girls." Jessa looked at me sharply.

"I don't like him! Not ever in my entire life! even sa after life ko!" dagdag na ani ko. A smirk was forming in their face- a triumphant feeling.

"Anyways his name is Perseus Amiel Vergara, my cousin," Louisse mumbled.

Louisse babbled innumerable things about Seus. We were getting dreary as she goes on.

"Gaga! andaming girls ang nagkakandarapa sa akin dahil dyan sa mokong kong pinsan na 'yan 'di nila ako maloloko no!" giggled Louisse.

"Buti pa ang kapatid niya... Hay! talikwas sa Seus na 'yan!" nakasimangot na saad ni Louisse na para bang namromroblema.

Buti at bumalik kami dito, I feel like I belong here... It was nice being back again in Nueva Vizcaya.

Dinner with Papa and Mama is few and far between. Of course, they asked about my first day, I said it was normal. 

He took a sip of the soup, "May natipuhan ka ba?" I rolled my eyes as a rejoinder.

He laughed from what I said at s'ya'y agad nabilaukan. I straightened my back and stood up to grab Papa's water. My mama was busy caressing his back.

"'Yan kasi Donato!" galit na untag ni Mama.

"Sorry na, mahal..."

"Tubig, Pa," I bestowed it- like a gift.

"Thanks, 'nak," agad n'ya itong ininom.

We sat down again to eat. 

"Anak, i-enjoy mo teenage life mo," sabay tingin ni Papa ng makahulugan sa akin.

"Donato! put that in an end!" Mama crossed her arms.

Papa touched my Mom's chin and kissed her- I lifted my eyes to the ceiling while touching my neck.

"Donato..." sabay sundot ni Mama sa tagiliran ni Papa.  

"You should stop that," at bumalik uli sa pagiging prim and proper.

"'Yung pagmamahal ko sa'yo?" Papa chuckled.

"Heh!" Mama smiled in a phantom way.

"Anyways..." Papa squirted his eyes on me.

"Pa, how many times do I have to tell you almost all boys are eh," I made a face at the end.

"Kasalanan 'yan ni Vance," humagalpak ang tawa ni Papa. Tinignan ko s'ya ng matalim.

I strolled myself to Lolo and Lola's house and was surprised to see myself back in my own private space. My room is a Latter-day- talikwas sa bahay naming medieval. I jumped my body to my bed, it was as soft as a cloud. I picked my Panda and tilted my head to examine my stuffed toy.

"Buti nalang talaga baby, binalik ka sa akin!" 

The biggest predicament happened when I was six-year-old when I lost my Panda because of an exasperating boy. It was a good thing that a knight in shining armor helped me. It was one of the momentous and highlights of my childhood. He's indeed my prince charming. 

This stuffed toy means a lot to me. My Mom, Amethyst, got this for me. This is the only thing that reminds me of her.

Napabuntong hininga ako.

"First day finished!" I stated.

I unlocked my phone. Millions of notifications popped. The usernames were familiar- probably my classmates.

"Seus' comments are taking over me..." I laughed at his comments.

"I mean why would he comment those?" tumawa pa ako lalo.

perseusverg_: 𝐧𝔸ⓟΔⓚ❹ģ𝓪η∂ａ ϻ𝓞 几𝒶𝓶❹ⓝ 乃𝑒ᗷ𝓨 Ꮆ❶Řㄥ#𝕓𝕖𝕓𝕪𝕘𝕚𝕣𝕝 #𝕔𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕕𝕤 #𝕜𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕞𝕖𝕕𝕪𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕤𝕦𝕟𝕘𝕚𝕥

perseusverg_: ⓟⓐⓝⓞⓣⓘⓒⓔ ŋąɱąŋ Ɩơɖʂ🅼🅰🆃🅰🅶🅰🅻 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓵 𝓷𝓪 𝓪𝓴𝓸𝓷𝓰 ⓕⓐⓝ ⓝⓐ ⓕⓐⓝ ⓜⓞ

perseusverg_: 𝕟𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣 𝟙 𝕗𝕒𝕟 𝕞𝕠 𝕡𝕠 𝕒𝕜𝕠! ᴋᴀʏᴀ ᴘᴀᴋɪ ʟɪᴋᴇ 🆃🅾🅽🅶 🅲🅾🅼🅼🅴🅽🆃 🅺🅾 #𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘪 #𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘮𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢 #𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 #𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘰𝘭

With the idiosyncrasy, my finger clicked his account. I saw in surprise that his account was active and has thousands of followers. His feed was congruously done. Aesthetically pleasing, but then his comments were jeje.

I've walked on a runway when I was young, and gained a few thousand followers. I didn't expect him to be this famous too. Of course! Yes! A Vergara!

I scrolled my phone to see his older posts.

"A playboy has a good taste," tango-tango ko sa kan'yang fashion.

I zoomed in when I saw a girl clinging in his elbow. 

Sabi ko na nga ba! He plays girls! 

Ti-tignan ko na sana kung sino ang babae dahil bahagyang natakpan ang mukha nito ngunit nagkamali ako ng pindot kaya naman ay hindi ko sinasadyang ma-i-like ang picture.

"Shems! Sapph! An old picture! from a year ago!" 

I took my reaction away from that post. For a second I thought I was safe but then a message was delivered to my account. I closed my eyes- nearly peeking and clicked it. I was not erroneous to see his username.

7:18 pm
perseusverg_
Ako lang ba? Parang may nakita akong nag stalk sa'king account? at aksidente nitong ni-like? Hm?  

7:19 pm
ms_sapphiremerritt
Sorry! I accidentally liked it :) 

7:19 pm
perseusverg_
Amara, okay lang naman! Ano ka ba... Like mo na lahat mas maganda pa 'yun.

7:20 pm
ms_sapphiremerritt
I'd go now... Sorry for the trouble.

7:20 pm
perseusverg_
Sige, good night! Sana mapanaginipan mo ang tulad kong gwapo ;)

Ngumuwi ako sa text niya at hindi na nireplayan. A sound of notification traveled to my ears, I picked it up expecting more of Seus' kakulitan, but I saw Louisse post instead. She sings and posts it in this account- which was surreptitious. No one knows it besides Jessa and me. 

It was a cover of the song "The Only Exception" by Paramore. Believe it or not, Louisse has that soft, sweet, and alluring voice. She also can hit high notes, which I probably can't do. I really do envy her euphonious voice!

"Class! Intramurals will be there soon, I hope that all of you are prepared," Miss Sam announced.

"We will be picking our contestant for Miss Intramurals randomly."

All of my classmates gushed their mouths over the Intramurals. Excitement ruled their faces. 

"I'll be giving you forms if you want to join competitions, " sabay lahad ng dose-dosenang papel.

Jessa and I stood up, we'll be joining the volleyball competition. I filled up the form when I realized heavy breathing was on my shoulders. I tilted my head to see Seus looking at my paper.

I was about to utter some words when he spoke, "Wow, Amara! Volleyball player ka pala?" 

"And so?" I asked sarcastically. 

"Wala lang," sabay ngiti niya.

"Ma-epal ka talaga!" sabay pingot ko sa ilong niya. Making up for what I did earlier.

"Asungot!" sigaw ni Andre, ang kaibigan ni Seus.

"Kumuha ka na ng form natin!" utos ni Andre sa kaibigan.

"Anak ng! inuutusan mo pa talaga ako!" kahit na mukhang nairita si Seus, kinuha pa din niya ang form.

"Naks naman! sasali ka sa basketball?" sabat ni Louisse.

Tumango naman si Seus- I was evoked. He's a basketball player like him.

"How about you, Louisse? sali ka sa singing contest natin," I whispered to ease my mind.

"Tungeks! papagalitan ako!" agad na sipat ni Louisse sa aking sinabi.

"Good afternoon, Nanay!" I kissed her cheeks. Nanay Denis is our cook.

"Magandang hapon, 'nak." yinakap niya ako at nagpatuloy sa pagluluto.

"Si Mang Roel? 'di niya po ako sinamahan kanina, Nay," pagtataka ko.

"Naku, alam mo naman 'yan, tulog ng tulog," sabat ni Manang Elda, umiiling iling.

After eating our early dinner, napagpasiyahan kong maghugas ng pinggan at magwalis.

"Oh, 'nak, kailangan mo tulong?" tanong ni Manang Elda agad akong umiling, "Ako na po muna dito Manang, 'tsaka kaya ko naman po."

"Ah! Oo nga pala, Manang... lumabas na po pala 'yung episode 7 ng pinapanood niyong K-drama. Baka gusto niyong panoodin?" naalala kong sambit. Agad tumango si Manang Elda, mukhang masaya. 

"Magpatulong ka muna Manang kay Manong Boyet. Naturuan ko po siya kung paano mag operate ng TV." Mabilis din natapos ang huhugasin at mga wawalisin. Umakyat na ako sa aking kwarto.

Humikab ako from my exhaustion. "Baby, let's sleep..." I gave out a long weary sigh to my panda.

I was roused from my hunger, I picked up my phone to see that it was 11 o'clock. 

Ha-hagilapin ko na sana ang intercom sa aking kuwarto upang utusan si Manang para sa gatas ko kaya lang napaisip isip ako... "Manang might be tired, ako nakukuha."

Bumaba ako nang hagdan ng hindi gumagawa nang ingay. "I look like a burgler," iling iling ko, bahagyang natawa. 

I drank my milk. It was serene and conscientiously, however, I felt discombobulated. I woke up again not from hunger- but a noise. It was in Papa's office. I obstinately believe it's Papa's documents. 

Bumuntong hinga ako. "Bakit ngayon lang mag wo-work si Papa?" inosente kong tanong.

"I feel so bad for Papa... Hating gabi na and He's... Working?" wika ko, mahinang boses ngunit mariin. 

"Should I cook for him?" I asked my Baby Panda.

I stretched my physique at ginising ang sarili upang lutuan si Papa. When I realized, Papa's not here. I am sure of that! Nagpaalam siya sa akin!

"T-Then who is that? No one has the keys to the O-Office." My heart pounded from the discerned situation. 

"Maybe, Papa came back?" I said in a buoyant tone. I gave my gaze to my baby Panda, I hugged her.

I hoisted my eyes to the wall clock, It was 2 in the morning. 

I took my phone and opened it. Punong puno ng username ni Seus ang notifications ko.

"perseusverg... perseusverg... perseusverg... perseusverg..." pagbabasa ko sa username niya. "at! perseusverg ulit!" suminghap ako.

"Seus' account is taking over my social medias!" saad ko. 

Muntikan ko nang sagutin 'yung mga comments niyang jejemon. "Sapphire! stop getting distracted!" pinalo ko ang aking sarili.

"Hindi instagram! kung hindi 'yung recorder na app!" pinalo ko muli ang aking sarili. 

I then used it to record in case I'll hear something again. In an ascertain way.

Forthwith, I put an end to everything that I was doing. With no presupposition, my heartbeat throbbed even faster.

I froze when a man, a mysterious man uttered, "Wala dito 'yung papeles."

〰〰〰〰『𖤣𖥧𖡼..✎ ..𖡼𖥧𖤣』〰〰〰〰

With love, Sofia