Song: Di Sapat Pero Tapat- This Band

Worse

The last two months of my vacation was full of adventures. Kung hindi magtatravel para sa trabaho, kung saan-saan naman kami nagpupunta ni Dominic.

Everything that I do with him was just so fun and I enjoyed it so much! Tuwing wala kaming magawa, sa Batangas kami nagpupunta upang tingnan namin ang business niya. I'm still amazed with his work. Hanga rin ako sakanya dahil napapagsabay niya ang pag-rereview sa boards pati na rin ang pag-aasikaso niya ng business niya.

"When are you going to take your board exam?" I asked Dominic while we were on our way to the race track.

"On November hopefully. I'm a bit nervous about it though so I don't think much about it."

I turn to him with my forehead creased. "Why do you feel nervous? I know you're going to do well!"

"What if I don't? I don't want to disappoint my family and also you!"

I chuckled a bit. He's overthinking things. He's bright and I've seen him studying really hard for his board exam so I doubt that he's not going to do well. I know him and I believe in him. Baka nga mamaya siya pa ang mag-top sa exam, e!

"Since when did Dominic Donovan started to doubt himself?" nginisian ko siya. "As far as I can remember, you're one of the few people I know who believes in himself so much! You're not going to disappoint us, Dominic, because you're going to do well on you exams!"

He pouted and held my hand. He gave me a grateful smile.

"Napepressure lang siguro ako kaya ganito."

I held his hand tightly. Sandaling nawala ang tingin niya sa daan upang ibaling ang atensyon sa akin.

"Don't think about it. Malayo pa 'yon. Right now, you just have to enjoy. You've been studying too much lately and I think it's only right that we're going to race today!" I said excitedly.

We're on our way to the MotoGP track. I also informed the group I was always with every time that I race that I'll be here. Huling punta ko pa dito ay noong unang beses kaming nagkakilala ni Dominic. And since then, I wasn't able to come back because I was either busy with work or I was always with Dominic.

Halos bumagsak ang mga panga nila Ralph, Elisse, Cathy, Gian, at Van nang makita akong bumaba ng sasakyan ni Dominic. Their eyes immediately lingered towards him when he got out of his car. I laughed at their reaction. Gulat na gulat?

"Kayo na?!" hindi makapaniwalang tinanong ni Cathy.

Tumango lamang ako bilang sagot dahil abala ako sa pagbati sa iba naming kasama. Dominic followed me afterwards so I can introduce him to this group. Nilingon ko si Dominic na may tipid lang na ngiti sa kanyang labi.

"Uh, guys, this is Dominic. I know you probably met him or heard of him but I just want to formally introduce him to you as my... boyfriend."

Their eyes widened. Nagkatinginan ang mga lalaki habang sila Cathy naman ay tuluyan na ngang bumagsak ang panga. Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin nila sa aming dalawa ni Dominic.

"Oh my gosh! Since when?" tanong ni Elisse.

"Two months ago."

The girls started squealing like a high school-ers after I answered. Nagtatatalon pa sa tuwa. Natatawa nalang tuloy ako sa reaksyon nila. Hindi tuloy makapagintroduce ng maayos si Dominic dahil masyado silang masaya.

"Hi. Nice to meet you." Dominic said coolly.

Pagkatapos niyang makipagkilala isa-isa sakanila, bumalik siya sa tabi ko at ipinulupot ang braso sa aking baywang. Cathy bit her lip to stop herself from screaming while Elisse held her arm tightly to stop herself.

"This is so unexpected! Parang nung huling pagkikita natin galit pa si Serena sa'yo ah?" si Ralph.

"She couldn't resist me, man." Mayabang na sagot ni Dominic.

Ngumisi ako at umirap. Siniko ko siya. "Ang kapal talaga nito!"

"How did this happen? Paano kayo nagkadevelopan?" tanong naman ni Van.

"It was a long story. I don't have the time to explain it."

It's already enough that I told them about our relationship. No need to go into details. I value my privacy. Hindi naman na kailangan na pati ito ay i-share pa. It will just be between Dominic and I.

At isa pa, nandito ako para makipag-race! Hindi kami narito para makipagdaldalan!

Kasama ko si Dominic nang dumiretso kami ng pit stop. Nagkahiwalay lang nang pumunta ako kay Fred upang kumustahin ang motor ko habang siya naman ay dumiretso rin sa kung sino man ang nakaatas na mag-alaga ng motor niya.

I thanked Fred after he finished fixing my motorcycle. Ngumiti ako sakanya at hinintay nalang si Dominic na matapos. I'm already wearing my gear. Nakababa pa nga lang ang pang-itaas, kita ang white racer back na suot ko.

Nang marinig ko ang boses ni Dominic ay agad akong lumabas ng pit stop upang sabayan siya. He smiled when he saw me.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Bakit? May panibago ka na naman bang hamon?" nakangisi kong tanong sakanya.

I think that gave him an idea. Makahulugang ngisi ang iginawad niya sa akin at mapanghamon akong tinaasan ng kilay.

"Why? Are you willing to accept the challenge?"

"It depends. Ano ang kapalit?"

The last time we did a bet, he scammed me of my reward! I was clearly the winner but then he had to pull that freaking stunt so in the end no one was declared as the winner of that damn race! Kaya ngayon, ano naman kaya ang gagawin ng mokong na 'to?

"If you win, you'll get a reward from me. If I win, I'll get a reward from you. Ngayon palang mag-isip ka na ng premyo because I'll surely win this race."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes at him. Hindi ko na kailangang mag-isip ng reward para sakanya dahil ako ulit ang mananalo. Kung may kailangan mang mag-isip dito, siya na 'yon!

Pagkatapos namin sa pit stop ay dumiretso na kami sa track. Magkatabi lang ang motor namin ni Dominic habang hinihintay namin ang iba pang kalahok na dumating. I was fixing my gears when I felt him move closer to me and to my surprise, he pressed a kiss on my cheek.

I turn to him with a surprise look on my face. My eyes widened a bit.

"What was that for?" tanong ko.

Dominic smirked. "Good luck kiss."

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata at sabay ngumuso. I felt my cheeks heating up. Sa tingin ko may nakakita rin noong ginawa niya dahil may narinig akong naghahagikhikan sa gilid. Nilingon ko iyon at nakita sila Ralph na inaasar na ako ngayon. Nilingon ko naman muli si Dominic.

"Ang corny mo." Sabi ko.

"Pero kinilig ka naman."

Pairap ko nalang iniwas ang tingin sakanya dahil narinig na namin ang hudyat na magsisimula na ang race. I wore my helmet and pulled the grip of my motorcycle to make a sound. I turn to Dominic who's also doing the same. Gaya-gaya!

Ano naman kaya ang ibibigay na kapalit nito kapag nanalo ako? I just wish this isn't another scam! At kung sakaling manalo man siya, ano naman ang ibibigay ko? Umiling nalang ako at hindi na inisip pa iyon dahil matatalo naman siya. Siya ang dapat mamoblema sa kung anong ibibigay niya sa akin.

"I love you!" I heard Dominic shouted behind his helmet.

Natigilan ako dahil hindi ko naman inaasahan 'yon. Nang dahil din sa sinabi niyang iyon ay hindi ko namalayan na simula na pala! Nabigla nalang rin ako nang mabilis siyang nawala sa gilid ko!

"Fuck! Ang daya talaga!" sigaw ko sabay mabilis na pinaandar ang motor ko.

That jerk! He really plays dirty during race!

He won during the first lap because of what he did. But that doesn't mean I will not do my best! Sinikap ko paring mahabol siya sa second lap. In the end, I still won the race despite his dirty trick! Ha! Better luck next time, Dominic!

Dumiretso agad ako sakanya pagkatapos kong bumaba ng motorsiklo. He put his helmet on the grip while he waited for me to come nearer.

"Congrats! You won-"

Hindi na niya naituloy pa ang sinasabi dahil agad ko siyang pinaghahampas. He looked taken a back so it took him a while before he could shield himself from my attacks.

"Ang daya mo talaga kahit kailan! You really know how to keep me distracted!" pinandilatan ko siya ng mata. "But still! No matter how dirty you play, I will still keep on winning against you!"

Mayabang akong humalukipkip at ngumisi. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Nilahad ko ang palad ko sa harap niya.

"O? Asan na ang premyo ko?"

He tilted his head to the side as he smirked at me. Sinandal niya ang sarili sa kanyang motor at humalukipkip, nanatilig nakatitig sa akin.

"Hindi pa ba reward na boyfriend mo ako?" pang-aasar niya.

Tamad ko siyang tiningnan. Hindi ko naman inalis ang pagkakalahad ng kamay ko dahil hinihintay ko parin siyang ibigay ang magiging premyo ko. Natawa maman siya sa reaksyon ko.

Kinuha niya ang kamay ko. Sa halip na ibigay na niya sa akin ang kung anong reward man iyon ay hinila niya lang ako palapit sakanya. Muntikan na akong sumubsob sa dibdib niya dahil sa paghila niya sa akin. Mabuti nalang talaga at napiligan ko ang sarili.

Masyadong mabilis ang sumunod na nangyari. The only thing I know is that after Dominic grabbed my jaw, he quickly pressed a sweet kiss on my lips. Napapikit ako nang madama ang labi niya sa akin, isa na sa mga nakasanayan ko sa tuwing hinahalikan niya ako.

Mabilis lang ang halik na iyon at hindi ko maiwasang mabitin. I pouted after he pulled away. But it's fine though. We're in public. Our long and passionate kiss are done in private.

"What was that?" nakanguso kong tanong.

"Your reward."

Natawa ako. Seryoso siya diyan? Talagang hinamon niya ako para lang sa halik? Sana hindi nalang siya naghamon dahil pupwede ko naman siyang halikan ano mang oras niya gusto! Dami namang alam ng taong 'to, e.

"So, we raced for a damn kiss?"

"Bakit? Kung ako ba ang nanalo, ano ang ibibigay mo?"

"Hindi na ako nag-isip dahil alam ko namang hindi ka naman mananalo sa akin."

Tumawa siya nang dahil doon. That's a fact and of course he knows that!

Inalis niya ang sarili mula sa pagkakasandal sa kanyang motor. Ngumiti siya bago niya ako inakbayan. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niyang nakaakbay sa akin at tiningala siya.

"Let's go get dinner. I'll pay. That's your reward."

I nod my head and smiled back at him. Not bad. Paniguradong parehas kaming gutom pagkatapos ng race. Magandang reward na rin na siya ang magbabayad. At least hindi ako gagastos!

Dominic and I spent the last remaining weeks of my summer vacation doing some extreme sports car racing, equestrian, and the likes. The only extreme sport that I didn't do with him was motocross. I was never a fan so I never tried doing it.

Arthur and Joanna were here, too. Apparently this was their hobby during their free time. Kwento ni Arthur wala raw nakakatalo kay Dominic pagdating sa motocross. Tuwing sinusubukan niya raw, mission failed siya palagi.

Totoo nga ang sinabi ni Arthur na magaling si Dominic pagdating dito. Pagkatapos ng race ay siya ang tinanghal na panalo. I was so happy for him! Halos abutan na siya ng isang kalaban kung hindi niya lang talaga naibawi ang muntikan na niyang pagkakabagsak, baka natalo na talaga siya.

I waited for him at the end of the circuit. Nang makita siya ay agad akong tumakbo patungo sakanya at sinalubong siya ng mahigpit na yakap. He smiled.

"You were so good!" hindi ko napigilan ang sarili na purihin siya.

It was very obvious though! Halos hindi nawala ang tingin ko sakanya dahil sa pagkamagha. He was just so, so good! Plus, he really looked more attractive with his serious mode during the race.

Dumiretso kami sa sasakyan niya sa parking pagkatapos niyang mag-ayos. When he slid into the driver's seat, I immediately pulled him closer to me using the collar of his shirt to press a kiss on his lips. He smiled in between the kiss. He quickly closed the door so he could kiss me back.

It was sweet and gentle at the first minute but then it turns wild and hungry the next. Dominic pulled me up so I could sit on his lap. I straddled him, both legs are around his waist. I snaked my arms around his neck to deepened the kiss.

Dominic sucked on my lower lip which caused me to moan. We were so heated inside the car that I could help grinding against his crotch. His hands went to my waist to keep me in place. Dumilat ako at nakita ang namumugay niyang mata na nakatingin sa pantalon niya. His eyes went up to mine.

I bit my lip before I started kissing him on his jaw. Dominic keeps on getting me in place every time I'll try and grind against him. I don't know why I'm even doing that! It's just an automatic action especially now that we're getting heated.

Napadaing ako ng di oras nang maramdaman ko ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa dibdib ko.

"Ah..."

With one touch, I almost sounded like I was out of breath. This is crazy! I've always been curious about this world and now that I'm almost getting myself familiar with it, I don't want to stop.

Dominic caught my lips again. He started to give me those kisses that would totally make me pass out because it was so wild and... hot. Gosh! I never thought I would be lost like this! Hindi ko alam kung nasaan na ang wisyo ko. All I know is that my mind keeps on telling me not to stop.

His lips travelled down my neck. I cocked my head to the side to give him more access. I bit my lip again when I felt him lick it before sucking on it.

"Dominic..." I called sensually.

Nang dahil sa nakakabaliw na paghalik niya ay hindi ko namalayan na bumaba na pala ang strap ng suot kong blouse. I crouched a bit to give Dominic a hot neck kisses. I heard him groan while I was doing it. I smiled because it was like a victory for me. So, I wasn't the only one enjoying this huh?

His lips went to my now exposed shoulder blade. Napakagat nalang ako sa leeg niya nang maramdaman ko ang kakaibang sensation habang hinahalikan niya ako doon. I probably look like a mess now but that's the least of my concern. I was so lost in this moment and I'm not even complaining!

"I love you so much, Arielle..." Dominic whispered.

Tiningnan ko siya at ngumiti. "I love you, Dominic."

He smiled back at me before sealing my lips with his mind blowing kiss again. I gripped on his hair when his tongue started doing wonders inside my mouth. Naputol lang ang paghahalikan namin nang may malakas na kumatok mula sa labas.

His car was heavily tinted but we can still see who was outside. It was Arthur. Nakapamewang siya habang hinihintay si Dominic na buksan ang bintana para sakanya. He looked bothered and awkward.

Dominic fixed the strap of my blouse. Aalis na sana ako sa kandungan niya nang pigilan niya ako. Pinatakan niya akong muli ng halik sa labi bago niya pagbuksan ng bintana si Arthur. My smile is still plastered on my face when Arthur turns to look at us.

Napairap nalang siya ng makita kami. Dominic chuckled because of his best friend's reaction. I pressed my cheek against his.

"You do know that your car's shaking, right?" ani Arthur nang hindi tumitingin sa amin.

"So?" si Dominic.

"Have you two gone wild?! You're in a parking space! Have some privacy!"

"We're not even doing anything. We're just making out, Art. My car is heavily tinted. No one can see us."

I nod my head in agreement. Napangisi ako dahil masama na ang tingin ni Arthur sa amin ngayon.

"But your car says the otherwise. It was shaking, halatang may ginagawang kababalaghan sa loob." reklamo niya.

"Bakit ba? Wala namang nasaktan sa ginagawa namin ah?"

"Just stop it!" nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

"Why?" I asked.

Hindi naman kami dapat titigil kung hindi lang talaga siya kumatok. They should've left already! Kung ginawa niya sana 'yon hindi siya mabobother sa paggalaw ng sasakyan ni Dominic.

"Naiingit kami!"

Sabay kaming natawa ni Dominic nang dahil sa sinabi ni Arthur. Kahit siya ay natawa nalang rin. Napakamot nalang siya sa ulo dahil sa biglaan niyang pag-amin.

"Then make out with Joanna! Stop bothering us!" reklamo ni Dominic. Nilingon niya ako at makahulugang tiningnan.

I smirked.

Arthur made a face at us before Dominic closes his window. Pinagpatuloy namin ang paghahalikan.

Ilang linggo pagkatapos noon ay nagsimula rin naman agad ang klase. Maaga akong umalis ng condo para mahanap ko iyong classroom ko. I already texted Dominic that I'm already at school and he wished me luck.

The school was not as big and crowded as UST dahil fashion courses talaga ang specialization nila. Habang nasa hallway ay hindi ko inaasahang may tatawag sa akin.

"Oh my gosh, Serena! Dito ka rin?!" masaya akong sinalubong ni Hannah.

Hannah was one of the few models that I already worked with. Hindi kami gaanong close but given her approachable nature, hindi naman mahirap na pakisamahan siya.

"What course?"

"Uh, fashion marketing and management."

Hannah pouted her lips. Bumaba naman ang tingin ko nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko.

"Sayang! I'm taking up Fashion Design. But... I hope we can work together when we graduate! That will be amazing!" she said excitedly.

Tipid lang akong tumawa at ngumiti. Pagkatapos kong makipag-usap sakanya ay dumiretso na ako papasok sa classroom nang mahanap ko ito.

Maayos naman ang naging unang araw ng klase, bukod sa orientation, itinuro rin sa amin ang ibang facilities ang school. They told us that we will be given an opportunity to study abroad after we finished our 2 year stay here. Maganda iyon dahil Singapore based naman itong school at mas marami ngang magiging opportunity pagdating sa abroad.

But as for me, I would like to stay here. Ang focus ko ay nasa pag momodel parin. The only reason why I went to College despite having a good job is because I still wanted to have a bachelor's degree. Maganda parin na bukod sa may magandang trabaho ka, nakatapos ka pa ng tertiary education.

This school is actually diverse. There are gay students who are also taking the same course. Kaunti lang kami at halos puro babae rin. Sa tingin ko hindi rin naman magiging mahirap ang pananatili ko rito. Lalo na't wala na ang grupo ni Quenie na palagi nalang akong ginugulo noon.

Halos simple lang palagi ang tapos ng araw ko simula nang magsimula ang klase. As usual, Dominic and I are together all the damn time. Kulang nalang sa condo na siya tumira! Minsan ay hindi na ako nagugulat tuwing may biglang papasok sa loob ng condo dahil alam kong siya 'yon.

I was busy studying for my quiz for tomorrow when I felt Dominic staring at me. Gusto ko mang balewalain, hindi ko magawa dahil kanina pa siya ganyan.

We usually study together. Siya, para sa boards. Ako naman, para sa mga quiz. Every time he's taking a break from studying, lagi niya akong ginugulo.

"What?" medyo iritable ko nang tanong.

Hindi ako makapagfocus sa inaaral dahil ang atensyon ko napupunta sakanya. Hindi pa naman ako sanay nang mag-aral ng may kasama!

Ngumisi siya at umiling. Nakasandal siya sa upuan niya ngayon habang nakahalukipkip. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Pinasadahan ko naman ng tingin ang pwesto niya at nakita ang mga nakakalat na papel na may kung ano-anong nakasulat na numbers.

I looked away because I couldn't understand a thing.

"Wala lang." sagot niya. Napairap nalang ulit ako sa kawalan at itinuon ang atensyon sa binabasa.

Dominic's been studying hard these past few days since his board exam date is getting nearer now. Madalas ay nauuna na akong matulog sakanya dahil maaga pa ang klase ko. He likes staying up late dahil para sakanya, doon gumagana ng husto ang brain cells niya.

Pilit ko mang ibalik ang atensyon sa binabasa, hindi ko talaga magawa gayong ramdam kong titig na titig parin sa akin itong si Dominic. I sighed heavily and looked up to him again with a questioning look on my face.

"Stop staring." paki-usap ko.

His lips formed into a straight smile. "I couldn't help it."

Ngumuso ako at dismayado siyang tiningnan. This is why I'm still getting used to studying with him. Kung hindi nanggugulo, tumititig naman!

"Just focus on your books, Dominic. Someone's trying to study here."

"I'm trying. But I'm also trying to rest while looking at you."

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. Nagpakawala nalang ako ng malalim na hininga bago ko dinampot muli ang aking highlighter upang bumalik sa pag-aaral. Bahala nga siya diyan! Ayokong mababa ang grade na makuha bukas.

"Hindi na nga." Dismayado niyang sinabi bago bumalik na rin sa pag-aaral.

Later on that same evening, I saw him tagged me in his Instagram story. Kanina pa siya nakauwi kaya siguro ay may oras nang makapag-post. Kumunot ang noo ko habang hinihintay iyong lumabas sa screen ng telepono ko.

Napasinghap ako nang makitang kinuhanan niya pala ako ng litrato habang subsob ako sa pag-aaral. I groaned angrily when I saw his caption.

'Yan si @arielleserena subsob lagi sa pag-aaral. Mabuti siyang estudyante. Tularan si Arielle.

I immediately typed my reply.

@arielleserena: para ka talagang baliw

@domsdonovan: hehehe but you love me

@arielleserena: only when you're not disturbing me

@domsdonovan: I miss you

@arielleserena: but we were together like an hour ago

@domsdonovan: that's why I miss you

Umirap ako. Between us, he's the clingy one. Akala ko babae nalang palagi ang ganon, hindi pala. Kahit papano may iilang lalaki pang kagaya niya na clingy! I don't like clingy people because I'm not used to people doing sweet gestures.

But Dominic is an exception. Kahit gaano pa siya ka-clingy, hindi ako magrereklamo. I like it when he's like this. It always makes me feel wanted. Like I don't need to ask for an assurance because he's always making me feel loved everyday.

Naging madalas na rin ang pagtawag ni Tito Chad sa akin. He's been busy during the last two months because of his work. Inaayos na kasi nila ang magiging proseso noon at nag-dry run na rin sila noong isang linggo. He told me that it was fulfilling that some locals from Milan are getting curious about his app and each and every week, tumataas ang download nito.

Madalas rin ang pag-sundo ni Dominic sa akin sa school ilang buwan matapos magumpisa ang klase. Palagi siyang nasa Batangas ngayon dahil madami na ang naging ani nila at nag-simula na rin sila sa pag-gawa ng iba pang wine.

Nang dahil doon ay hindi na rin kami madalas na nagkakasama kaya naman sa tuwing pabalik siya ng Manila, lagi niya akong sinusundo para sabay kaming makakapaghapunan sa gabi.

I was walking towards our meeting place when I stopped in my tracks because I saw him talking to Hannah and her friends. Their back is on me kaya hindi ko makita ang mga reaksyon nila habang kausap si Dominic. I was never the jealous type but when I saw Hannah hit Dominic on his arm playfully, I couldn't help but crease my forehead.

Do they know each other? Kung gano'n, paano?

Nakita ko namang bumaling sa pwesto ko ang tingin ni Dominic kaya agad siyang nagpaalam sakanila. Nanatili naman ang tingin ko sakanila Hannah na naghahagikhikan nang makalayo si Dominic. Sa tingin ko hindi niya ako napansin dahil abala siya sa pagpantasya sa boyfriend ko.

"Hey..." Dominic greeted and pressed a kiss on my cheek.

Wala parin ang tingin ko sakanya at nanatiling nasa kanila Hannah na naglalakad na palayo ngayon.

"You know her?" hindi ko maiwasang itanong.

Tinuro ko ang kaninang pwesto nila kaya napabaling siya ng tingin doon.

"Yeah. He's Paul's sister."

My mouth parted. Oh! That explains it. Wala naman sigurong dapat ika-selos dahil kapatid lang naman pala ng kaibigan niya. But I can't help but overthink especially when I saw how Hannah hit him. Parang may kakaiba.

Agad niya naman akong inakbayan at giniya patungo sa sasakyan niya. I didn't bring my car today because I know he's going to pick me up. Umiling nalang ako at isinantabi na ang isip. I snaked my arms around his waist as we walk towards his car.

Mabilis na nagdaan ang mga buwan. Simula rin nang magpasa ako ng application para sa isang agency sa Milan, kabi-kabilang shoots na rin ang pinupuntahan ko. I am getting booked for shoot almost every day. Halos hindi ko na alam kung paano pagsasabayin ang pag-aaral at pagtatrabaho.

It was exhausting yet also very fulfilling.

I went home dead tired from a shoot with an international magazine. I won't be on the cover but I'll be in one of its pages so it was quite an achievement for me. Pakiramdam ko unti-unti ko nang natutupad ang pangarap ko.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto ay agad akong natigilan nang makita si Dominic na nakaupo sa sofa habang nanonood ng TV. Akala ko next week pa siya makakabalik? Bakit siya nandito ngayon?

"Hey," agad siyang napabaling ng tingin sa akin nang makapasok ako.

"Hi. Akala ko next week pa ang balik mo?"

Tumayo siya at agad na lumapit sa akin. Niyakap niya ako at pinatakan ng halik sa sentido.

"May kailangan akong asikasuhin sa opisina rito at may meeting rin kami kanina. I went here because I wanted to see you. Are you okay?"

I let out an exaggerated sigh. Ipinulupot ko ang braso ko sa baywang niya at bahagya siyang tiningala.

"Yeah. Pagod lang kasi galing ako ng shoot."

"Kumain ka na ba? I checked your fridge and there's no food."

Nang dahil sa sinabi niyang iyon ay tsaka ko lang narealize na ilang araw na pala akong hindi nakakapag-grocery. Sa dami ng ginagawa ko, nakalimutan ko nang mag-grocery! Napahawak ako sa aking noo at napapikit.

Halos puro sa labas na ako kumakain nitong nakaraang araw dahil wala na akong masyadong oras para makapagluto. I haven't eaten a proper meal! I was so focused with school and work that I've completely forgotten to take care of myself.

"Oh, shit. I forgot. Uh... di bale, pupwede naman tayong mag-order nalang-"

Natigil ako sa pagsasalita nang umiling si Dominic. He went back to the living room to grab his keys sinundan ko naman siya ng tingin habang kunot ang noo.

"Tell me all the things you need."

"Where are you going?" tanong ko.

"I'll do your groceries for you. Ako na rin ang magluluto ng hapunan. Just rest and wait for me."

"I can go with you."

Dominic smiled a little and shakes his head. He brushed some strands of my hair away from my face. I frowned.

"No. You look tired. Magpahinga ka nalang. You haven't been taking take of yourself, Arielle. That's not good."

"I'm sorry. I'm just really, really busy..." nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

"I know. But doesn't mean you're not going to take care of yourself anymore."

Sa huli ay hinayaan ko nga siyang gawin iyon.

Everything went back to normal months after. Naging abala nalang ulit dahil sa nalalapit na final exam. Hindi na rin kami masyadong nagkikita ni Dominic dahil mas naging abala na siya sa pagrereview for boards. He's been isolating himself and I understand that. Malapit na rin kasi iyon at kailangan niya talagang unahin.

Ngunit kahit gano'n ay hindi niya parin nakakalimutan na sunduin ako pagkatapos ng klase. Lately, I've been noticing that Hannah has been making advances on him. Even if I try to set it aside, I couldn't help but get bothered by it.

Kahit na nakikita ako ay hindi parin siya tumitigil. Doesn't she know that the person she's trying to flirt has a girlfriend?

I already asked Dominic about her but he told me that there is nothing to worry about since she's just his friend's sister. He told me that they're not even close!

Pagkatapos ng klase ay agad akong dumiretso sa pagkikitaan namin ni Dominic. Napagkasunduan kasi namin na magkita ngayon dahil gusto niya rin na samahan ako sa puntod ni Ariana. Today is her second death anniversary.

I know my family is going to be there kaya siguro mga mag-gagabi nalang ako pupunta doon para hindi ko na sila abutan. I didn't want any trouble. I've been living peacefully this past few months and I don't want my peace to be taken away from me.

Habang naghihintay ay napabaling ako ng tingin sa bagong dating. Grupo ito ni Hannah at mukhang may hinihintay rin. Kumunot ang noo ko nang marinig ko ang sinabi ng isa niyang kaibigan.

"Omg! Hannah, I have a feeling that he's going to be here!"

At sino namang tinutukoy nila? Boyfriend ko?

Nakita kong mayabang na ngumisi si Hannah. "I have a feeling, too. Kaya nga nandito tayo diba? If I only knew earlier that he has a thing on me, sana matagal na akong nakipagkaibigan."

Hinampas siya ng kaibigan. "Ikaw naman kasi, Hannah, e! Ang bagal mo!"

"Hindi naman kasi sinabi ng Kuya ko agad, e!" pairap niyang iniwas ang tingin sa kaibigan.

Kahit na nagkatinginan kami ay hindi naman nagbago ang itsura ko. I'm still looking at them with so much boredom. Kung si Dominic man ang tinutukoy nila ngayon, mukhang handa akong makipag-away.

Nakita kong sumilay ang ngisi sa kanyang labi. Kakaiba iyong tingin niya at wari ko ay may binabalak itong hindi maganda. Nagpaalam siya sa mga kaibigan bago lumapit sa akin. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay nang makalapit siya.

"Who are you waiting for?"

"That's none of your business." Simple kong sagot.

Mapang-insulto siyang tumawa at humalukipkip. She cocked her head to the side. Hindi parin nawawala ang ngisi sa labi niya.

"Si Dominic ba?"

"And that's still none of your business, Hannah."

"Why are you so rude? I was just asking!"

Umirap ako.

"I didn't know you two were close." Dagdag niya.

"Hindi pa ba obvious sa dalas niyang pag-sundo sa akin? Hindi rin ba obvious na may girlfriend 'yung tao? Bakit ka umaaligid sakanya sa tuwing nandito siya?"

She scoffs and flipped her hair. Tamad niya akong tiningnan.

"Well, I thought it was all just fun and games."

Kumunot ang noo ko, hindi agad nakuha ang ibig niyang ssabihin. Her mouth parted in amusement, mukhang natuwa sa pinakita kong reaksyon. Tumawa siya kalaunan at inipit ang takas na buhok sa likod ng kanyang tainga.

"Oh! You didn't know?!"

"What do I need to know, Hannah?" tamad kong tinanong.

"You see... I have a brother who's friends with Dominic. We're pretty close so he tells me everything—including the bet he was involved in."

My forehead creased more. Bet? What bet?

"I heard you became quite popular around your school when your sister died-"

"How dare you mention-"

"Let me finish, Serena. I thought you wanted to know how Dominic has been fooling you all this time?"

My mouth parted. Nagugulohan na ako at hindi ko na naiintindihan pa ang nangyayari. He's been fooling me? How is he fooling me when all of the things he's done for me are all pure and genuine?!

The audacity of this bitch to try and ruin us!

"If you just want to ruin our relationship-"

Hannah scoffs sarcastically to cut me off. My chest is heaving up and down because there's just too many emotions that's rushing through me right now. I didn't want to believe what she's saying but at the same time, I wanted to know.

"Honey, it was all just a bet. I can't believe you actually fell for it."

At that moment, I think my world has stopped. Maybe November 20 was really a cursed date for me. Kung walang nawawala, nasasaktan naman ako. Everything's going on so well between us. I've finally found my happiness again but then it was quickly ruined because of this stupid thing.

Umiling ako. Tumawa ako dahil ayokong paniwalaan iyon. Gusto kong malaman mismo kay Dominic kung totoo iyon. I don't want our relationship to be ruined just because I believed this crazy lady more than him. Mahal ko siya at mas paniniwalaan ko siya.

Kung meron mang dapat magsabi sa akin nito—kung sakaling totoo man ang pinaparatang ni Hannah—si Dominic na 'yon. I believe he's the only way for me to know the truth.

"My brother tells me everything, Serena. That's why he didn't fail to tell me about this bet. I can't believe you didn't know! I feel sorry for you, actually. You think he has a thing for you huh? Well... sorry to say, Serena, but my brother told me that it was me that he liked in the beginning. But my brother was quite protective of me so he didn't want to just give me away without him, getting something in return,"

Habang tumatagal, mas lalong sumisikip ang dibdib ko. I wanted to scream at her. To hurt her so bad because she was messing with mind! But I can't do that because I was frozen in place. I didn't know what to do so I just stopped.

Kahit gusto kong magsalita, hindi ko magawa dahil sa sakit na nararamdaman ko ngayon.

"Everyone became curious of you since the incident happen. Kahit ang grupo ng Kuya ko ay naging kuryoso rin sa'yo. My brother told me that you were known to be this cold and sassy lady that no one wants to be friends with. So, that gave them an idea. Befriend this cold and sassy lady, make her heart soften, make her fall in love, leave and tada! In return, papayagan na akong paligawan ni Kuya kay Dominic."

She looks behind me. Mas lalo siyang napangisi nang dahil doon. I clenched my fist. His friends knew about this and they dare to act nicely in front of me knowing that they're hiding something behind my back?!

How cruel are these people? Why can't they just fool around on their own without getting someone involved? Higit rin sa lahat... bakit hinayaan ni Dominic na masangkot siya rito?

"I'm sorry that you have to know about it this way. It was also just a punishment for him for missing almost all of their gimmicks. I just thought of letting you know kasi ako na rin ang naaawa sa'yo," she pouted her lips. "Anyways, if you want to know if I'm telling the truth... why don't you ask him? He's right behind you."

I immediately turn to whoever is behind me. It was really Dominic. He must've heard everything because his face now tells me a lot of things. He looked surprised, confused, scared, and hurt. I don't know... I'm not even sure.

The only thing I'm sure of right now is that it hurts. I couldn't describe what I was feeling. I just know that I was in pain.

My lips started to tremble at the sight of him. No matter how hard I try to stop myself from crying, I can't. Awtomatikong nangilid ang luha ko nang makita siya. I wanted so bad to know if it's true but I didn't have the strength to speak.

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin sa akin. He looked down on his shoes and sighed heavily, as if it was a confirmation that what Hannah is telling is true. Kasi kung hindi totoo ang sinasabi ng babaeng 'to, bakit hindi niya ako magawang tingnan sa mata ngayon?

He's scared of what I'm capable of doing to him once I find out. That didn't made anything better.

That only made it worse.