Hi, crowns! Good morning. Sorry for not updating yesterday, and I hope you have a good day!

Sorry for all the errors, please leave some comments, and thank you so much!

This is the last week I'll update five times a week. Starting next week, I'll update 2-3 times, I'm starting to get busy again with online class. Sorry. Thank you so much for your constant support.

Always with you, Chantal.

***

#TCS66: Your Smiles, My Happiness

Solstice Snow's POV

Madaling araw pa lang kanina hindi na ako mapakali! I couldn't believe, I have a date with Akira today! Aaah! Party! Kulang na lang talaga ng lebel sa amin ni Akira eh. Bakit ba kasi late ako pinanganak ni Nanay, eh 'di sana pwede na kami agad-agad 'di ba?

Kasalanan ni Tatay at Nanay 'to, eh! Sana maaga sila lumandi!

No need to wait, no need to patangkad na! Ididiretso ko sa kasal 'yang si Akira, eh. Arte-arte minsan, ako na nga 'to. Si Biblee na nga 'to. 'Tapos dami-dami n'ya pang pakipot na-moves. Halos ako na nga nanliligaw.

Pero syempre, magpapabebe muna tayo. Panliligawin ko muna si Akira sa akin. Mga isang taon? Joke, isang araw! Char! Syempre joke ko lang 'yun. Baka naiuntog na ako ni Tatay at Nanay, mabait na bata pa naman ako.

"Biblee!" Napalingon kaagad ako no'ng tawagin ako ni Gabby. We were already at the car, we were both at the back. Psh! I wanted to sit on the passenger seat because Akira's the driver, syempre, dapat maalagaan ko s'ya 'di ba?

Like magbibigay ako ng water kapag need n'ya, help ko rin s'ya sa pagkain. Gano'n dapat! Kaso, panira 'tong si Akira! Hindi raw kami aalis kapag hindi ako pumunta sa likod katabi si Gabby!

Dahilan n'ya?

May height limit daw sa passenger seat! Hindi raw ako pwede ro'n. Baka kailanganin ko pa raw ng baby seat! Bwisit na 'yan! Umagang-umaga pinapausok ang ilong ko! Humanda s'ya sa akin mamaya!

Papakita ko sa kanya kung paano ang ideal date, at kung paano s'ya mahuhulog sa akin. Hindi n'ya ba alam na sasaluhin ko naman s'ya? Baka mamaya may parachute s'ya, talagang ako 'yung tatalon sa kanya.

"Drive thru muna tayo?" pangungulit ni Gabby kay Pierce.

Halos madaling araw kami umalis, kasi hindi naman malapit 'yung Wonderland na pupuntahan namin. At gusto namin, opening nando'n na kami, para hindi kami naghihintay sa pila. Tama na 'yong sa love life lang kami naghihintay ni Gabby 'no!

"Ano'ng gusto mo?" Pierce smiled at Gabby.

"I want you!" Gabby winked, and laughed in a really victorious manner.

"Talo ka, Solstice!" laughed Akira while changing lanes, so we could stop at the rest area, and go through the drive thru.

"Ayie, gusto mo rin makarinig ng mga banat ko 'no?" I teased him, and I heard him scoffed at me, and I could see his eyes rolling on the rear-view mirror.

While Pierce looked like he was turning red as a tomato. He was clicking his tongue, preventing a smile because of Gabby's banat! Ready rin palang bumanat ang isang 'to, grabe! Hindi pa naman ako nakapagbaon ngayon. Patay na!

"Seriously, what do you want?" Pierce repeated, smiling at Gabby. Of course, Gabby was star struck again! Hilig kasi sa mga gwapo eh. Balita ko, nagka-crush din 'yan kay Caerus, sino ba namang hindi? Swerte rin ni Art, eh!

Pero pinakaswerte talaga ako! Sa debut ko talaga, nako! Talaga!

"Burger, and fries!" Gabby told Pierce with a smile. Lumingon naman si Pierce sa akin, nagtatanong ang mga mata kung ano'ng gusto ko.

"Gusto kong lebel, gano'n." I wiggled my brows, and we entered the rest area.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo, Biblee." Pinanlakihan ko ng mga mata si Pierce kasi sobrang may favouritism s'ya! Kapag kay Gabby, simpleng tawa at simpleng tanong ulit, 'tapos ako, wala na kaagad? Grabe s'ya! Sa ganda kong 'to!

"You, Kuya Akira?" Gabby asked Akira.

"Sows, ang gusto lang naman nyan, 'yung mahalin ko s'ya!" I chuckled proudly, and Gabby and I high fived each other.

Pierce chuckled, and Akira maneuvered the car so we could go to the drive thru.

"Baka gusto mong ibaba na kita ngayon dito, Solstice?" banta ni Akira.

"Sorry na, Dade!" sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Sugar daddy!" Gabby teased Akira. "And sugar baby! What a cool endearment!" Ewan ko kung nang-aasar ba si Gabby o hindi eh. Pero tumatawa na kaagad si Pierce, si Akira naman pailing-iling sa narinig.

"Hoy, Pierce, pagsabihan mo 'yang bata mo." Irap ni Akira, 'tapos kasunod na kami sa linya.

Akira was the one who gave all the orders, pancakes, burger, fries, and some juice ang in-order n'ya. Ayiie! Alam na alam na gusto ko ng pancakes! Hinanap ko kasi kayna Nanay kanina 'yon, eh, kasi puro toast, egg, at bacon ang niluto! Kilig na ako nyan!

"Hindi naman kayo takot sa extreme rides 'di ba?" I asked Pierce and Akira. Gabby, for sure, walang kinatatakutan.

"May height limit sa extreme rides, baka tamang nuod ka na lang mamaya Solstice," laughed Akira with a smirk, halatang-halata na nang-aasar. Tawang-tawa naman si Gabby, kasi mas matangkad pa s'ya sa akin.

"Alam mo pasalamat ka nga maliit ako, eh. Alam mo bakit? Kasi madali akong magkakasya sa puso mo! BOOM!" Masayang palakpak ko, at halos hampasin na ako ni Gabby sa katatawa.

Pierce was shaking his head chuckling, looking back at us. Jusko! Magkaka-stiff neck s'ya kaka-check kay Gabby! Mga pahirap kasi sa buhay, pwede naman nasa passenger seat ako, daming arte! Wala tuloy 'yung expectation ko!

Expectation VS reality talaga panira!

I was imagining on how, I'd be sweet with Akira, and feed him, but they ruined everything with the seating arrangement! Sino ba kasi nagpatatag ng ganyan! Psh!

Akira took the orders from the window, and Pierce helped him. Inabot din sa amin ni Pierce 'yung amin ni Gabby. We helped them, and we were off the road again.

"Paano ka kakain, Kuya Akira?" tanong ni Gabby. We were already eating aside from him. Pierce was also eating.

"Ayan, arte kasi, ayaw pa akong katabi ha!" I told him, while munching pancake. Akira snorted, but continued driving.

"Susubuan mo, Pierce?" tanong ko kay Pierce. Pierce shrugged, it was okay with him to do it. Mabait kasi, kaso parang selos si Gabby.

"Me too!" Tinaas ni Gabby ang kamay at natigilan si Pierce no'ng gusto rin magpasubo ni Gabby. I was laughing at them so much because of the dilemma they created. In the end, Pierce just opened the wrapper of the burger for Akira.

And Akira used one hand on the steering wheel. I smirked because the drive was still so smooth although he was eating. After that he also took the juice with one hand, and Gabby, Pierce and I just ate while talking to each other about nonsense things we wanted to ride later.

After a little while, we finally arrived at the entrance of the amusement park. Wala pang gano'ng kotse, kaya naman do'n kami kaagad sa malapit nag-drive. We already brought online tickets yesterday night, so we only have to go inside, and scan our tickets.

I took my small backpack, and wore my shades. Gabby also have her small backpack, and her shades. She was so cute wearing the shorts, and her off shoulder whites. It was so cute in her, and her hair that was curled a little by the one and only me.

While I was in palda shorts, and sleeveless almost tube like top. I was also in half pony tail braid, and the two guys were in their summer polo and shorts. Mainit kasi at kahit umaga pa lang, medyo mataas na ang sikat ng araw.

"Let's go!" Masayang sabi namin ni Gabby. But Akira pulled me back to where they were through my small backpack.

Then he suddenly looked at me. "Baka mawala ka mamaya, maliit ka pa naman. H'wag kang malikot," he told me seriously. I nodded repeatedly like a child! I was just so excited to go inside. I crossed my arms at him.

"Lagi na lang 'yung height ko pinupuna mo! Partida, mahal mo na ako ganito pa lang height ko, paano na kapag tumangkad!" sigaw ko sa kanya, naningkit naman ang mga mata n'ya sa sinabi ko.

He clicked his tongue inside his mouth, and I swear! I stopped functioning! Paano ang gwapo! Kainis. Paano ako babanat kapag gano'n?

I just avoided his gaze, and he was now chuckling at me. Kilig naman ako nang slight do'n, improving hindi na n'ya kinontra 'yung sinabi ko. Oh, my gosh! Super effective talaga ng mga kalokohan ko sa kanya!

Pierce and Gabby were also talking. Nagpapaalala si Pierce tungkol sa safety at kung ano-ano pa. Jusko! Sana nagtrabaho s'ya bilang employee sa loob! Bagay pa! Ang kulit nila ni Akira!

Baka mamaya sila pa yumakap sa amin ni Gabby sa mga rides, eh! Syempre, pabor sa akin 'yun! Walang aawat do'n!

Kaya naman matapos no'n naglakad na kaming apat papasok sa lugar. I anchored my arms to Akira, and he flicked a brow at me. "Bitaw." Napasimangot naman kaagad ako sa sinabi n'ya kaya nagmartsa ako para i-scan na ang ticket ko.

I was the first one to go inside, and Gabby followed me. I was already smiling looking at the place, especially when I saw bubbles on the side, balloons, and all those colourful mascots! Oh, my gosh! This is going to be fun!

I also looked at Gabby who was jumping up and down looking like a kid beside me.

"Biblee! Sakay tayo ro'n! Saka ro'n!" she pointed out those rides that can be seen from afar. I chuckled and nodded. Wala na! Mag-eenjoy talaga kami ni Gabby rito, bahala na sina Akira. Pagpapalit ko muna s'ya ng one day.

I held Gabby's wrist, and we went to a store. I smiled immediately when I saw headbands in there! Kaagad akong lumapit do'n. I tried the crocodile one, and I chuckled when Gabby was wearing the deer one.

"Bagay!" we exclaimed and high fived each other.

We took cute pictures of the animal headbands, and we saw Akira and Pierce following the two of us. Pierce was smiling and cackling looking at Gabby, and Akira's face was already screaming his bored expression.

"Pierce! Let's take a picture, please?" Gabby asked Pierce and smiled widely.

Pierce scratched the back of his head, but took out his phone to take pictures of Gabby. Pierce looked more at ease now, that Gabby was looking so cute, and like a child while he was taking cute photographs of her.

"Cute!" Pierce hollered with his cute grin.

Gabby took a cat's ears headband and placed it on Pierce's head. Natigilan naman si Pierce, but he automatically beamed when Gabby took a picture of him using her phone. Gabby and Pierce also snapped pictures of them together.

Kinuha rin ni Gabby ang polaroid sa bag n'ya at 'yun ang ginamit nila. I didn't even notice that I was watching them intently because they were just so pure.

Then suddenly I felt someone took the headband out of my head. "Aray ko naman!" reklamo ko! Pakiramdam ko nadala 'yung anit ko!

"Grabe! Na sa 'yo na nga 'yung puso ko, bati ba naman ulo ko kukunin mo?" I pouted at Akira, and he scoffed at me unbelievably while shaking his head.

He grabbed a bunny headband, and he suddenly fixed my hair a little, and I gulped. I was suddenly so conscious because he was so careful in doing it! Then after that, he was the one who placed the bunny ears on me.

"Suits you better." He smirked mischievously. "Smile." Napangiti tuloy ako bigla sa sinabi n'ya.

And my eyes widened when he suddenly clicked a snap of me! I wasn't even ready! Then he laughed like he was successful in playing a prank on me! Kaagad kong inagaw 'yung cell phone n'ya, pero bago ko pa makita 'yun nakuha n'ya pabalik.

"A rabbit must have rabbit ears," he joked while chuckling. Natigilan naman ako ro'n at tiningnan ang sarili ko sa salamin! Grabe s'ya! Tunay nga naman!

I rolled my eyes at him, and took another bunny headband, and put it on his head. Kahit matangkad s'ya nagawa ko pa rin! Huh! Akala n'ya ha? Malakas kaya ako dumamoves! Nahulog nga s'ya sa gano'n ko eh!

Tatanggalin n'ya sana 'yung ginawa ko pero, kaagad ko s'yang sinakal at pinababa para magka-height kami. Then I took a selfie. And he was looking at me with knotted forehead that moment, while I was smiling widely at the camera.

I took multiple pictures, while chuckling.

"Pierce!" he called Pierce who was now in a mickey mouse ears, and Gabby was in a minnie mouse ears. They both looked so godly! Grabe 'yung visuals! Pakiramdam ko pagtitinginan sila mamaya kasi bagay na bagay!

Akira threw my phone at Pierce. "Oh my gosh!" I shrieked! Luckily, Pierce caught it effortlessly while giggling.

"You should make it look like this." Then he smirked and pulled me close to him.

My eyes widened that moment, and I was looking at him in shocked, because he draped his arms around me, and he was smiling! There was literally no space in between us.

"Biblee, you looked so shock!" Pointed out Gabby, laughing at my reaction.

"Hala s'ya! Walang pasabi! More!" masayang utos ko at ako na mismo ang yumakap sa baiwang ni Akira, na s'ya namang kinagulat n'ya kaya natanggal n'ya ang kamay sa balikat ko.

"Hinahamon mo ako, ha, Akira. Hindi nagpapatalo 'to!" One side of my lips curled evilly at him, and I leaned on his chest, and my other hand formed a finger heart!

Kinuha ko pa ng sapilitan ang kamay n'ya at saka s'ya pinilit na mag-heart hand kaming dalawa! Hindi pwedeng hindi! I also posed shooting hearts at him, and he acted disgusted. Ay sus, sa loob loob n'ya naman kilig na kilig s'ya eh!

Ako pa ba? Winner ako sa mga ganyan, top one ako dyan!

After that Gabby even took a polaroid of us. I happily accepted the film, and we walked to the counter to pay for the headbands. The cashier lady even gave us thumbs up, and Akira was the one who payed.

While I was waiting for the film to show our picture. Naglakad kaming apat palabas sa lugar, at gusto ko nang tumakbo para humanap ng ride na pwedeng sakyan kaagad. The film finally revealed the picture, and my eyes circled, because it was so good!

We were both facing at each other laughing. Paano kasi tinatawanan n'ya 'yung mga banat ko sa kanya. Sabi ko eh, huling-huli na masayang-masaya s'ya sa mga pictures namin! Huli pero hindi kulong!

"Gabby, why did you take a picture of us using that? She might consult some kind of shaman." Iiling-iling na sambit ni Akira, kaagad ko namang siniko ang tyan n'ya.

Pierce was cackling at us, holding Gabby's arm. Talon kasi nang talon at naglalakad papunta sa kung saan! My gosh! Kailangan talaga ni Pierce itali si Gabby sa kanya, kasi baka mawala 'yan! Ang kulit pa naman.

Baka takutin o gawan ng pranks 'yung mga bata, para mauna s'ya sa line! My gulay! Hindi imposible na hindi n'ya gawin 'yun!

"Hoy! Shaman ka dyan? Hindi na kailangan ng gayuma. Kindat ko pa lang sa 'yo! Wala na uwian na! Panalo na ang pinakamagandang si Biblee!" I laughed and spread my arms like I won something.

Akira started to walk faster, and Gabby ran, so Pierce ran with her going to the Vikings.

Hinabol ko kaagad si Akira. "Sino ka?" Biglang sabi nito no'ng inangkla ko sa kanya braso ko. Akala ko talaga ako 'yung best actor sa aming dalawa! Kaso grabe pala s'ya, parang tunay!

Pierce and Gabby lined up on the Vikings, and we followed, bickering.

"Hindi ako sinuka, inire ako," pilosopong sagot ko kay Akira. He rolled his eyes, and removed my hand on his arms. Napakadamot nito.

Akira was about to retort but Gabby suddenly tapped the shoulder of the person in front of us in the line. Pierce wanted to stop Gabby, but it was too late. The guy and his group looked back at us, and stopped talking.

"Kuya 'yung girlfriend mo, nakita kong may kasama na iba." I was suddenly jaw dropped when Gabby stated that! Oh my gosh!

"What?!" the guy yelled in surprise.

Gabby nodded seriously, Pierce wanted to interfere in their conversation, but Gabby was not going to let it happen. "Wait, how did you know?" nalilitong tanong no'ng lalaki.

Gabby shrugged. "She's wearing a yellow top right? And often jealous of your barkada?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata no'ng lalaki at tumango! What the heck?! How did she know about it? Nagkatinginan kami ni Akira, lalong-lalo na no'ng umalis 'yung grupo nila sa pila. Ang resulta? Kami na ang papasok sa ride!

"How did you know?!" I asked Gabby, she chuckled like she did something so good, because now, we didn't need another minute in line! Jusko! Bawal yata paghintayin 'tong si Gabby, kung ano-ano kalokohan ginagawa!

"Yellow rin suot no'ng lalaki, and he seemed more invested with his troop." Kibit-balikat na sambit nito, tapos biglang tumawa si Akira. Pierce looked so guilty while shaking his head, but chuckling because of amusement with Gabby.

Umupo kaagad ako sa may dulong part, para ramdam na ramdam talaga 'yung taas-baba sa ere!

Gabby also choose the seat near me. Kaya pinaggigitnaan kami ni Pierce at Akira. Syempre katabi ko si Akira, hindi pwedeng hindi.

"Sabihin mo lang kapag takot ka ha, love?" I told Akira, and he tsked after he heard what I stated. Humagalpak naman ako ng tawa sa kanya.

"You might be the one who ends up screaming my name," he smirked.

"Ano ka ba, matagal ng sinisigaw ng puso ko ang pangalan mo." I winked at him.

His jaw-dropped, and I laughed so hard because of his expression. "Boom Biblee!" I shouted in proudness. Pierce and Gabby laughed at me. Then the Viking was filled with people, and the person in-charge checked for one last safety.

"Aaaaah!" I yelled.

"Wala pa!" sabay na sabi ni Pierce at Akira sa akin.

"Aaaaah!" gaya ni Gabby sa akin, at napailing 'yung dalawa.

"Advance lang kami, kasi alam namin na late kayong dalawa kikilos." Tawa ko sa kanilang dalawa, at sabay akong nakakuha ng masamang tingin.

Then the ride finally started, it was okay at first, but with the swing going up, my eyes widened because of the funny feeling in my stomach.

"Oh, my gosssshhh!" Gabby and I yelled while laughing and raising our hands together, and it was so enjoyable!

"Shit!" I heard Akira, and he was holding the bars too tight. I looked at him and his expression was unexplainable! It looked like his soul left him!

"Pierce!" Gabby screamed joyfully, with hands in the air. Napatingin ako kay Pierce. I laughed so loudly, when I saw him gritting his teeth while smiling, and he looked constipated when we slowly swung down again!

Gabby being Gabby, didn't even care if Pierce was looking so afraid. She just took his hand that was immovable on the bars, and raised it with her.

"Aaaah!" Pierce roared, and Gabby and I were laughing to loud.

Kaagad kong ginaya ang ginawa ni Gabby, I took Akira's cold hand, and raised it in the air. His eyes widened, and he looked so conflicted, but then, another swing going down, and he clenched his teeth, and closed his eyes.

"Wooo! Akiraaaa!" I screamed, and he was just not having it.

"Sinasagot na kitaaaa!" dagdag ko pa. Napamulat s'ya at napanganga dahil do'n.

Even Gabby and Pierce looked and laughed at me. Pero saglit lang 'yung tawa ni Pierce, mukha na naman s'yang constipated after.

"Wala akong tinanong sa 'yo!" Akira managed to retort when we were going up in the air.

I laughed so hard at his reaction. Hindi talaga papayag kahit mukhang takot na sa ride na 'to! Ha! Asan na tapang nila ni Pierce!

"Pierce!" Gabby called. Pierce couldn't answer.

"Do you feel like you are in heaven?" Gabby asked laughingly. Her dimples showing. What a cutie pie!

"Yeees!" Pierce replied in a scream, and braced himself as we were going down again. Sumasakit ang tyan ko sa katatawa sa hitsura nila.

"You should be! I'm an angel, you know?" Gabby laughed.

"Boom!" I shouted and cheered because of Gabby's banat! Grabe talaga! Akala ko babanat kay Pierce, aba pinagmalaki lang ang sarili.

Pero hindi naman ako aangal do'n, tunay naman na mukha s'yang anghel. 'Tapos s'yempre ako, mukhang dyosa.

After that fun ride, Pierce and Akira looked lifeless! What the heck! That was just the first ride! Nakakaloka sila ha! Pwede naman kasi yumakap sa amin ni Gabby para hindi na sila matakot, ang arte pa.

"Let's go to the next one!" And the energetic Gabby was running to the next one. I chuckled when Pierce and Akira looked at each other, a little horrified.

Dinilaan ko lang sila, at syempre tumakbo na rin ako papunta kay Gabby at sinundan s'ya. The next ride she picked was the Dragon Fyre, it was like a mini roller coaster, with lots of hoops.

I clapped my hands and joined Gabby. We took pictures together while on the line, and polaroid, too. Nakapila na rin si Akira at Pierce sa likod namin. They looked like they didn't want to do it, but they needed to do it.

"Suko na?" I teased, and they both shook their heads.

Hindi gano'n karami ang pila sa ride na 'to kaya kaagad kaming nakapasok. I was smiling and excited. Syempre, si Akira ang tinabihan ko, at pabor na pabor din kay Gabby 'yun. She was giggling at Pierce.

They were talking and Pierce was answering while fixing her belt. Gabby was just so talkative to Pierce, and the saint was nothing but responsive but careful around her.

"Hindi ka takot dito, ha?" Baling ko kay Akira. He snorted, and shook his head.

"Mas nakakatakot 'yung mga sinasabi mo. Ang kapal mo mag-feeling." I laughed at him, and the operator announced that the ride will start, and we should have fun with it.

"The view's gonna be terrific, don't close your eyes!" I told him, and the ride slowly started.

"View?" Tinaas n'ya ang isang kilay sa akin.

"Yeah, 'yung top view, side view, down view, at syempre ang pinakamagandang tingnan sa lahat ng view ay si Biblee!" I clapped my hands at him, and gave him my bunny smile.

"I'd rather have another view." Nasa straight pa kami kaya naman pagak pa s'yang natawa.

"Oh, really, so you prefer... I love view?" I send him finger hearts, and he couldn't help but laughed out loud after hearing that from me.

"Alam mo, Solstice..." he trailed, excited naman akong napatingin sa kanya. Malapit na kami sa may mga thrilling na part. "Viewsit ka!" And he laughed, and I screamed when we were suddenly on the drop!

Bwisit! Kailan ba ako naging bwisit?! Ganda-ganda no'ng banat ko sa kanya eh!

"Aaaaah!" I raised my hands in the air again because of happiness! It was so fun! Akira still looked a little hesitant, but he was now smiling unlike the Vikings earlier.

We were both laughing enjoying the ride. Pakiramdam ko umikot din 'yung ulo ko no'ng sunod-sunod na hoop ang naramdaman namin! Nakakaloka! But it was so good! Just like how good I am in making Akira kilig!

I saw Gabby also holding Pierce's hand while they were raising it. Mukhang mas okay kay Pierce 'tong ride na 'to kaysa kanina. Kaya naman natawa na lang talaga ako.

"That was so fun!" Gabby and I said in unison after we went down at the ride. Akira and Pierce took our bags and headbands from the box that was assigned for our things.

We went out, and we weren't even done breathing and chuckling happily. Nakatakbo na si Gabby!

"Gabby! Wait!" And Pierce chased her, and held her hand tightly. Gabby looked victorious. I chuckled. That was probably just one of Gabby's countless trips to make Pierce follow unconsciously what she really wanted. Lakas, magaling, magaling!

Then we went to Drop Tower. It was so thrilling looking at it!

"Gabby please stop running here and there, okay?" mahina at mahinahong pakiusap ni Pierce kay Gabby. Tumango naman si Gabby, pero nasusulo yata sa init ng araw. The shades she has was in her backpack.

Imbis na kunin 'yun, kaagad itinaas ni Pierce ang kamay para hindi masulo si Gabby gawa no'ng anino n'ya.

"Are you enjoying?" Pierce asked with a genuine beam. Gabby nodded enthusiastically.

"You, too, right?" Gabby asked back. Pierce nodded. "As long as you are enjoying."

"Hungry? I have some chocolates," Pierce offered. Pero syempre kay Gabby lang. Nakalimutan n'ya yata nandito kami ni Akira kasi masyado s'yang tutok kay Gabby.

"Later!" Gabby excitedly replied. Pierce chuckled, and tousled her hair a little.

Lumingon ako kay Akira at nakitang nakaharang s'ya sa akin at pinagmamasdan ako. Syempre! Ako pa ba? Tititigan at tititigan ako nyan!

Nag-aabang yata 'to ng banat ko eh! Pero napansin ko nakaharang s'ya sa pinagmumulan ng araw para hindi ako mainitan.

Lihim akong napangisi dahil do'n. Akala n'ya hindi ko mapapansin 'yon ha?

I was about to tease him, but we were now allowed to enter the ride, kaya naman hinila ako ni Gabby, at umupo kami nang tabi-tabi. Akira and Pierce also grabbed our things to place it in the box.

Then we were all set with the help of a staff. After that, I was screaming at the top of my lungs with excitement, and nervousness! I saw how high it dropped earlier! It would really create a different sensation in my stomach!

I was holding tight on the bars, while we were going up.

"Hawak ka lang sa akin, kapag takot ka ah!" sabi ko kay Akira.

"You are the one who looked scared now." Ngisi n'ya sa akin habang pataas kami. I winced because I was a little nervous with it.

Then he suddenly offered his hand!

Syempre dahil si Biblee ako, tinanggap ko kaagad 'yun nang walang alinlangan! Chansing 'yun, hindi pinapalampas 'yun!

And when we reached the top, I closed my eyes, while holding Akira's hand tightly! "Oh, my gulaaay!" I screeched because it felt ticklish, and I felt like my soul left me with the sudden drop!

I even felt Akira's hand tightly held mine, too! Kung wala ako sa sitwasyong 'to, nagsasayaw na sana ako sa sobrang tuwa, pero biglang umangat ulit, at halos patigil-tigil kaming dina-drop! I was screaming so hard!

"Aaaah!" I could also hear Gabby's screams!

Para akong napaos sa sobrang pagsigaw sa ride na 'yun! Pakiramdam ko naiwan sa ere 'yung tyan ko! 'Tapos 'yung puso ko na naka'y Akira dapat, naiwan din yata sa itaas! My goodness! Hindi na ako uulit sa lugar na 'yan!

Nang makababa kami, pakiramdam ko nag-jelly 'yung tuhod ko! Mabuti na lang katabi ko si Akira, kaya kaagad n'ya akong nahawakan at naalalayan.

"Careful!" he snapped at me.

"Saglit, nakakapanghina pala 'yun. Pakikuha no'ng puso ko please, sa 'yo naman 'yun, kunin mo na, naiwan yata sa taas." Turo ko sa kanya sa taas no'ng Drop Tower.

He guffawed at me, but didn't say anything. He held me closer to him, and took my bag. S'ya na ang nagsuot ng bag sa braso n'ya.

Gabby was one of a heck! She was still jumping up and down, while Pierce was nodding at her, and holding her hand. Naglakad 'yung dalawa nang nauuna. Pierce was glancing to whatever Gabby's pointing at.

"You okay? You want water?" nagulat ako no'ng tinanong ako ni Akira.

I nodded at him, and he opened the tumbler we both earlier. I gulped the water, and I could feel his gaze on me. Nang tingnan ko s'ya nakita kong nag-aalala s'ya kaya itinaas ko ang kamay ko na okay lang ako.

After drinking, he took the tumbler from my hand, and he also drank from it.

"Oh my gosh! Level up!" I exclaimed looking at him drink from it. He just smirked at me after, and I felt like my cheeks heat up.

Naglakad na rin kami kaagad para maabutan si Pierce at si Gabby.

We went to ride the Leviathan, Behemoth, Carousel, Minebusters, Riptide, and Flight Deck. It was all extreme rides, and we were so tired from it! Grabe lang! Nakakaloka! Pero sobrang enjoy! Of course, bonus na ro'n 'yung simpleng holding hands, at yakap sa braso! 'Yun talaga 'yung highlight!

"Do you want to eat?" asked Pierce. He was still holding Gabby who wanted to go in another ride. Grabe s'ya walang kapaguran!

"Funnel cake!" I requested, and Gabby finally looked at me.

"Funnel cake!" she repeated while getting giddy.

"Let's go!" Akira told us, and we went to the food plaza in here.

May table na pabilog na bakante sa may field, malilong naman kasi may parasol s'ya, kaya naman umupo kami ni Gabby ro'n.

"You want some hotdogs, sausage, or corncob?" tanong ni Pierce kay Gabby.

"Lemonade, too!" Pierce smiled and nodded at her. "Wait for us, and stay her, huh?" paalala ni Pierce sa makulit na si Gabby.

"Yes, sir!" Natawa ako, kasi sumaludo pa talaga si Gabby kay Pierce. Hindi na maalis ang ngiti ni Pierce kay Gabby dahil do'n. Mukhang ayaw pang iwan ang cute na si Gabby!

"Hoy! Bilis order ka na!" Taboy ko sa kanya. He shook his head at me.

"Bantayan mo, ah?" sabi n'ya pa sa akin.

"Oo, pero may kapalit!" sagot ko sa kanya.

"Solstice, please, behave," sabat naman ni Akira na para bang may gagawin akong masama sa kapalit. Grabe s'ya ha! Lahat naman ng iniisip ko para sa future namin! Nakakaloka 'to!

Pierce's forehead knotted. Mukhang curious sa sasabihin ko. I simpered at him. 'Tapos lumapit ako sa kanya, para hilahin ko s'ya palayo ro'n. I saw how Gabby shifted from her seat, and Akira flicked a brow at me.

I gave Akira flying kiss and a wink, Gabby laughed at me.

"Bigyan mo kami ng solo time ni Akira mamaya!" I whispered at Pierce. He automatically laughed. "Fair tayo rito, masosolo mo rin si Gabby, oh 'di ba? Ang talino ko talaga!" proud na proud na dagdag ko pa.

Pierce shook his head at me laughingly. "Biblee, Gabby and you are too unpredictable. Baka mamaya mabalitaan ko na lang ikaw na 'yung nag-o-operate no'ng mga rides, kasi mas gusto mong thrilling."

Napasinghap ako sa kanya. "Hoy! Baka si Gabby ang gumawa no'n hindi ako! Kita mo naman kanina. May nag-away sa pila gawa ng pakuhit-kuhit n'ya tapos iba sinisi!" sigaw ko sa kanya.

"That's why I apologized for that, kaya magtino kayo ni Gabby. Kami ni Akira namromroblema sa inyo." Pierce looked at me calmly and smiled.

"Mabait kaya ako!" imik ko sa kanya.

"Talaga? Pinaiyak mo nga 'yung bata kanina, itinapon mo 'yung laruan, umalis tuloy sa pila. Parehas kayo ni Gabby!" Napanganga ako kasi s'ya rin talaga 'yung nag-sorry ro'n sa ginawa ko kanina.

Hindi ko naman sinasadya 'yon! Ang kulit kasi no'ng bata! Gusto magpabuhat kay Akira! Huh! Hindi pwede 'no! Hindi pa nga ako nakakapagpabuhat do'n nang feel na feel ko today, uunahan n'ya pa ako!

Kanina pa talaga napapa-face palm 'yung dalawa sa amin ni Gabby. Pierce was saying sorry and apologizing to all our mess.

And Akira? He was whistling and acting like he didn't know us! Baliw talaga 'yun! Future asawa n'ya kaya ako.

"Stay put. We'll buy foods." Seryoso ang tingin ni Pierce sa akin. Kaya napasimangot ako at walang nagawa at napaupo sa tabi ni Gabby.

"Don't move an inch, okay? H'wag ka ring mang-away ng bata, Solstice, ha," banta ni Akira sa akin. I pouted but nodded at him.

Binantaan pa ako ni Akira nang mata sa mata. Kaya itinaas ko ang kamay ko. "Oo nga, pramis, peksman, mamatay man!" I saw him smirk after I stated that, then he went to go get funnel cakes, and other foods.

"I'll be back, okay?" Pierce tapped Gabby's head, and Gabby nodded like a kid.

Umalis na rin at hinabol ng tingin ni Gabby si Pierce. "He's an angel," she murmured, starstruck.

Tuwang-tuwa s'ya kanina sa kabaitan ni Pierce, paano hindi s'ya marunong maging mabait.

We talked, and laughed with each other. We also took polaroid and pictures together with our headbands on our heads again. Hindi kasi namin s'ya nasusuot sa ibang extreme rides dahil baka mapalad ng hangin.

"Why do you like Pierce?" I asked Gabby while resting my one cheek on my palm.

"Hmmm... because he's Pierce?" Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Akala ko sasabihin n'ya kasi gwapo si Pierce, eh. Alam mo naman si Gabby.

"Really? Why?"

"He... protected me from those huge guys from the Hierarchy Tower from before. No one protects me, because I could handle them, but he still did. And he didn't even lift a finger, he just talked calmly." I gasped because I didn't know there was something like that!

"He also smiles at me every time. I didn't know why. I know I'm scary. But he still smiles at me. Even though I'm a bad person." Pakiramdam ko biglang nanlambot ang puso ko sa inosenteng sinabi ni Gabby.

"No one really smiles, protects, and makes me feel safe other than my family, especially my Ate Miracle..." She bowed her head a little.

"Then... he thought me how to play, too." She smiled, looked like remembering their secret but beautiful moments.

"He pushed a swing for me, he created a sandcastle with me at the sandbox, and he even made me a kite. I didn't know... those things could be enjoyable." Even Gabby's eyes were smiling so sincerely.

"Hindi ka nakipaglaro sa mga kapatid mo dati?" Gabby sadly shook her head.

"Ate... Ate was scary when we were kids, and the triplets...didn't want me." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa narinig sa kanya. Huh? What the heck? The triplets love her!

"They love you!" I told her. Kahit mukhang tinutulak at pinamimigay nina Rebel si Gabby kay Pierce, nakita kong binantaan at kinausap no'ng magkakapatid si Pierce no'n! Tinakot pa nga kasi baby raw nila si 'Pateh'!

"Yeah, I know... but when we were kids... I was just alone." The sides of her lips formed downwards.

"Didn't you play with other kids?" tanong ko. I'd gladly play with her! She's a sunshine, too! Kahit prankster talaga madalas.

"They... didn't want me to join them. Ayaw nila makipaglaro sa akin. Kapag lalapit ako, lalayo sila. O kaya babatuhin nila ako, kaya ayoko sa playground no'n..." malungkot na kwento n'ya habang pinapalad ng hangin ang buhok.

I stroked her hair a little. And pulled her close to hug her.

I thought Gabby was really scary, with her pranks, and her way of thinking, and her aura. I didn't know, she was scarred as a kid. It made me sad thinking about it. I thought it was just a simple attraction that made her so into Pierce.

I didn't know Pierce was healing her scar without him knowing. What a really kind soul he has. He was really meant to be with Gabby.

I swear, ako ang unang makakalaban kung sino ang magtatangkang magpaiyak kay Gabby, o 'yung eepal sa kanila ni Pierce!

"Laro tayo nito!" Then I showed her the hand clap game that we were used to play when we were kids. She was happily chuckling and I was also enjoying! Ang sarap ulit maglaro ng ganito! Nakakatuwa!

We were playing with each other, nagbabatukan din kapag natataya, no'ng dumating si Pierce dala-dala ang mga binili n'ya. He was carrying it in a box. Gabby immediately stood up to help him, and they brought the food together on the table.

Then I saw Akira holding two funnel cakes on his hand, with a plastic bag on his both wrist. Lumapit ako sa kanya at tinulungan s'ya.

"Thank you." He smiled at me.

"Dapat sinabi mo na lang na ang ganda mo talaga Biblee, gano'n, matutuwa pa ako." He rolled his eyes with what I stated. Natawa na lang kami parehas at dinala sa lugar 'yung pagkain.

We ate the sandwich first while talking to each other. It was so good!

"Where do you want to go next?" Pierce asked.

"A play! There will be a play, or some kind of musical show later!" Gabby informed him while dancing a little and munching her sandwich.

I nodded to agree at her, I wanted to watch it too! Meron sa theater mamaya!

Kumagat ako sa hotdog sandwich ko at kinain 'yun. "'Tapos may haunted house rin! Punta tayo mamaya ah?" Pagpapa-cute ko kay Akira na nasa harap ko.

"Tss!" Napakunot-noo ako sa kanya no'ng kumuha s'ya ng tissue. 'Tapos bigla na lang n'yang pinunasan ng padabog at halos mabura yata 'yung bibig ko sa diin ng pagkakapunas n'ya. Nakakaloka!

"Aw!" reklamo sa kanya.

"Ang amos mo kumain. Dandahan wala kang kalaban," he told me seriously. Tinabig ko 'yung kamay n'ya kasi parang sira s'ya magpunas sa labi ko eh!

I took another big bite, and just made a face at him.

"Careful!" Pierce exclaimed. Halos lumobo na kasi ang pisngi ni Gabby sa dami ng pinagsusubong pagkain! My gosh! Mas maamos si Gabby kumain!

Pati buhok n'ya kinakain n'ya na. Pierce hissed. "Gabby, we still have time. No need to rush," he reminded like he was talking to his child.

"Aray ko naman!" asar na sambit ko kay Akira kasi pinunasan na naman n'ya bibig ko.

He just snorted at me. Then also cleaned the table near mine. Halos tumutulo na rin 'yung sauce at 'yung ibang pagkain ko ro'n.

Pierce was now standing at the back of Gabby. He was carefully tying Gabby's hair in a braid.

"Marunong ka?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko! Hala! Ang galing ng pagkakabraid n'ya kay Gabby.

"Don't talk when your mouth's full!" saway ni Akira sa akin. Halos tumalsik-talsik na rin 'yung kinakain ko. Nilinis n'ya 'yung table at 'yung mukha ko. Kulit! Pwede naman mamaya na 'yun eh!

"Yeah, I always do this with Blithe," simpleng sagot ni Pierce, habang bini-braid ang buhok ni Gabby.

Gabby was smiling and enjoying her food. Sobrang kulit din, halos hindi matapos ni Pierce ang ginagawa.

"Ouch!" Gabby exclaimed, aabutin n'ya sana 'yung funnel cake, kaso hawak nga ni Pierce ang buhok n'ya.

"Sorry!" sagot ni Pierce. Gabby pouted, and let Pierce finished first.

Nang matapos naglinis ng kamay si Pierce, at nakita na napaka-amos din ni Gabby. He sighed, and grabbed a tissue to clean her face, lips, and cheeks delicately.

"Solstice." Napalingon ako no'ng bigla akong tawagin ni Akira. At nagulat ako no'ng kinuhanan n'ya ako ng picture sa cellphone n'ya. He showed it to me.

It was me with full cheeks, looking like I was caught in a crime with circled eyes, and shocked expression. Binato ko s'ya ng tissue. Mukha akong squirrel do'n!

"Asar ka!" Halos tumalsik na naman 'yung kinakain ko.

"You are so gross!" reklamo n'ya habang tatawa-tawa. I snorted at him, and continued eating my food.

Nang matapos 'yun, kaagad naming nilantakan ang funnel cake. Pierce and Akira kept cleaning our faces, and taking care of our things. Nag-aabot din sila ng tubig, at syempre kinakausap kami na h'wag magulo habang kumakain.

When we finished eating, they told us to change our tops. Because it was a mess. I nodded because it was true. Masyado kaming nag-enjoy ni Gabby sa pagkain.

We changed our tops and went out, and they were waiting for us while talking to each other. The moment they saw us, they both waved their hands, and we were off to another adventure!

Sumakay kami ng mga rides kasi hindi pa naman time para do'n sa may theater. Pumunta lang kami ro'n no'ng malapit na 'yung oras. May pila pero hindi naman gano'n katagal lalo na no'ng nagpapasok na.

I was so tired from being energetic from all the rides, that instead of watching, I ended up leaning on Akira's shoulder, and closed my eyes. Syempre! Chansing ko lang talaga 'yun pero napagod din ako.

Mabuti na lang hindi n'ya ako sinaway sa ginawa ko. Gabby and Pierce were just both peaceful watching it.

Hindi ko rin nasubaybayan kasi napagod talaga ako. I just took a nap. And when it finished, Akira just tapped my cheeks carefully, and held my hand, as we went out of the place. Ang sarap pa naman do'n, naka-air con kasi, sayang tapos na kaagad.

Instead of going to more extreme rides, we went to the parks, and the parade. We took tons of pictures and polaroid in the different parts of the amusement park.

Halos palubog na rin ang araw, at maggabi na. We played with bubbles, and of course, the games where you can get stuff toys earlier. Kaya naman tuwang-tuwa kami ni Gabby. Napilit namin si Akira at Pierce na maglaro para sa amin.

I got my own huge bunny toy, and Gabby with her cute dog toy!

Akira and Pierce took pictures of us with the prizes. It was so cute! Alagang-alaga kami ni Pierce at Akira ngayon. Taga-bitbit din namin sila.

Bumalik pa si Pierce sa kotse kasi dami nilang stuff toy at fluffy toy na nakuha sa mga game. They won a lot for us!

"Let's go to a haunted house, then the ferris wheel for the last?" suggested Pierce.

"Cool!" Akira retorted.

"Haunted house is gonna be easy and fun! This will be good!" Gabby clapped her hands.

Kaya naman naglakad na kami papunta ro'n. Pierce and Gabby were in front of us smiling endlessly at each other. Gabby was acting cute at Pierce, and the latter would throw his head back while chucking at her.

"Ey! I'd probably be the best in the haunted house! I'll scare them!" Gabby told us, and even made a face that was like scaring us with her hands.

Akira and I laughed because of her.

"Really?" Pierce teased.

"Yeah! You should follow me, I'll be the one guiding you, and I'll scare those who will scare you!" masayang sagot ni Gabby.

"Akira, yakap ka lang sa akin." I winked at him.

"You might be the one doing that," he answered with a shrugged. Yabang! Pero pwede rin, alam mo naman libre rin 'yun, mukha namang papayag s'ya.

I cleared my throat while we were on the line. Napalingon si Pierce at Gabby sa akin. I smiled at them with my eyes. Syempre, kailangan kong mag-practice, mukhang titili ako mamaya, eh. Maganda na 'yung prepared.

We talked randomly, and anything under the sun, then we were near the entrance. Rinig na rinig mo kaagad 'yung sound effects pati na rin 'yung sobrang malalakas na tilian. Gabby was laughing, and Pierce was reminding her things.

"Please don't run, or punch those inside." Akira cackled with what Pierce stated.

"Okay! But I'll go first, and I'll protect you from them!" Gabby told Pierce confidently. Pierce just smiled shyly.

"Protektahan mo ako, ah?" sambit ko kay Akira.

"Kaya mo na sarili, baka sila pang matakot sa 'yo." Kaagad kong nahampas si Akira nang malakas sa braso. Grabe talaga s'ya sa akin, hindi man lang tubuan ng sweetness sa katawan eh!

Akira chuckled at me, and pointed at my face. "You really look like a mad rabbit."

"Hmp!" I crossed my arms at him.

Tinawanan naman nila akong tatlo. Pagkatapos nagsimula nang pumasok 'yung mga nasa unahan namin. Kaya naman nagsimula na rin kaming lumakad, Gabby was leading us, and holding Pierce's hand.

"I'll show them!" Gabby excitedly giggled.

Pumunta naman ako sa likod ni Akira at hinawakan ang dulo ng damit n'ya. He looked at me with a snort, and I stuck my tongue out at him. Mag-aaway sana kami, kaso nando'n na kami sa mismong entrance no'ng lugar.

The moment we entered, my eyes widened, because the atmosphere suddenly changed. The loud sound effects, and smoke effects were overpowering. Idagdag mo pa 'yung nerbyos na sigaw ng mga tao sa lugar.

I gulped. I wasn't really afraid, but I suddenly feel nervous.

"Aaaaah!" I almost jumped, when someone yelled so loudly.

"Let's go!" Gabby marched like a cute little kid. Kinakabahan din ako kay Gabby, baka makasuntok 'yan no'ng nagtratrabahong multo rito, kawawa naman sila.

I saw how Gabby dragged Pierce after the group in front of us was out of the view. Kami na lang apat ang nandito sa part ng haunted house na 'to. Then chills suddenly crept up, when we heard growls and whispers, with the light effects.

Gabby walked like a soldier, and Akira was just nonchalant. I was walking while holding Akira's shirt, when suddenly—"Oh my gulay!" I yelled when I felt a hand on my feet!

Halos tumalon ako sa likod ni Akira, at muntik na s'yang masubsob sa lugar. Mabuti na lang mabilis s'yang kumilos. Naka-piggy back na tuloy ako sa kanya. Pierce seriously looked more afraid of my shout than the dark and creepy atmosphere.

Akira dropped me on the floor, but I felt like those hands would grab me again! "Nanay! Huhu!" sigaw ko.

Natawa si Akira kasi parang ang tapang-tapang ko kanina 'tapos biglang gano'n ang nangyari. I put both my hands on the sides of his shirt, almost hugged him from the back while we were walking together.

"Aaaaah!"

"Oh my gooosh!" I shouted after Gabby suddenly jumped and screamed so loud.

Bigla na lang s'yang sumigaw at nagulat ako kaya napagaya ako sa kanya.

I hugged Akira from the back, and clasped my hands together on the top of his stomach. He held my hand, and I could feel that he was also surprised with Gabby's yell.

"Gabby!" Pierce called in alarm, because Gabby was suddenly hugging him from the front.

"Ayoko na!" Gabby's voice suddenly quievered.

Sinong hindi matatakot? May bumagsak lang naman na katawan sa harap ni Gabby! Pinakalma ni Pierce si Gabby, at naglakad sila habang nakayakap lang si Gabby, pero bigla na lang may tumakbong multo sa harap ni Gabby at hinila s'ya!

"Aaaahhh! Dada!" cried Gabby.

She was now on the floor sitting down. Pierce also went on his knees to attend Gabby.

"Nanay!" I yelled so loud, when someone suddenly grabbed my hair from the jail like room on our side, then a wind blew! I hugged Akira tightly, but I could hear him chuckling. Inilayo n'ya ako at nando'n na kami sa gitna.

"Let's go fast, please? Please?" Gabby asked Pierce in a really really child like voice. Gone was the playful and absolute Gabby. She was now... Pateh.

Pierce helped Gabby stood up, and we walked through the next room. Nakayakap pa rin ako kay Akira, at hindi naman s'ya nagrereklamo. Napapikit na lang din ako ng mga mata at nagpadala sa kanya.

Ulit na lang kami sa roller coaster at sa mga extreme rides! Ayoko na rito!

Nang makapasok kami sa kasunod na lugar, maraming manika sa paligid, tapos red pa lahat ng ilaw, sobrang creepy pa no'ng tunog, may smoke, at may parang hangin din! Kabado na ako nang sobra!

"Pierce! Aaaah!" Gabby yelled when a doll suddenly grabbed her feet. She almost jumped on Pierce, mabuti na lang nasalo s'ya nito.

"Aaah!"

"Aaaah!" Mas lalong lumakas ang sigaw ko no'ng sumigaw si Akira! 'Tapos na-realize ko na joke lang pala n'ya 'yun sa akin!

Tinaggal ko ang pagkakayakap sa kanya at pinalo s'ya sa likod. "Just kidding!" he laughed, having all the fun in this place.

Then he took my hands back. I felt him put it like before. 'Yung nakayakap ako sa kanya mula sa likod at naka-clasp 'yung mga kamay ko sa unahan. I felt myself blushed. It was supposed to be a heart fluttering moment, but—

"Heeeelp!" I yelled, and I almost dragged Akira somewhere! A freaking spider dropped on my head! Pakiramdam ko aatakihin ako sa puso! Ayoko pa naman sa gagamba!

"Nanay! Tatay! Huhuhu!" I almost cried in fear, but Akira was just laughing at me. He guided me although I was still hugging him.

"Alis na tayo! Bilisan natin!" I could hear Gabby's voice cracking.

Pierce was tapping her head, and helping her walk. "It's okay, it's okay, I'm here," paulit-ulit na sambit n'ya pero parang hindi naiintindihan ni Gabby kasi takot na takot 'to, lalo na no'ng may panggulat na naman na lumabas.

"I'm Gabby! I'm Gabby! Don't hurt me! I'm not bad!" Gabby yelled repeatedly, my eyes widened when I heard her voice crying!

"Shh, shh, it's okay. Gabby, hold me tight, okay? They will not hurt you." Pierce held Gabby around him tightly, and guided her to the next part. It was a classroom-like area now.

A creepy piano playing, and a lot of spider webs, smoke, and eerie lights and sounds. Pakiramdam ko may susulpot at manghihigit na naman, kaya hindi na talaga ako humiwalay kay Akira sa matinding kaba.

Hindi naman talaga nakakatakot eh! Sobrang nakakagulat talaga! 'Tsaka bakit kasi ang realistic! Mas nakakatakot 'yung naiisip at napapakiramdaman ko, eh!

"Aaaaah!" Gabby almost stumbled on the floor again, although Pierce was holding her because of a hand from the ground that held her feet and didn't let her go! Bigla pang may lumabas sa may cabinet, at tumakbo papalapit kay Gabby para kunin s'ya.

"Noooo! Please!" she bawled, and Pierce blocked the hired multos.

"Aaaaah!" Halos tumalon ako sa gulat no'ng may kumuhit sa likod ko at sumalubong sa akin ang mukha ng isang multo na may ilaw pa!

Inikot ako ni Akira para s'ya na ngayon ang nakaharap sa multo at ako naman nakatago sa likod n'ya. Umalis 'yung multo habang tumatawa si Akira.

"Let's go, please! I don't want to be here anymore!" Gabby's voice kept echoing, and it was getting weaker and weaker.

Kaya naman lumakad kami nang mas mabilis sa pangunguna ni Pierce, at nang makapasok sa kasunod na lugar, laking pasasalamat ko nang matapos na s'ya! Grabe 'yung kaba at tibok ng puso ko!

"You okay?" Akira suddenly asked tapping the back of my hand that was around him. I was still hugging him tightly from the back. Hiding my face on his back.

"Kung hindi ako natakot, nachansingan pa sana kita nang mas bongga!" nanghihinang sagot ko.

"Hindi pa ba chansing 'yung mahigpit na yakap mo sa akin?" natatawang usal n'ya sa akin. I inhaled his scent, and made a sad face.

"Natakot talaga ako ah!" sabi ko sa kanya.

"Bitaw na." He was chuckling softly, but not removing my hug.

"Sandali, recharge muna ako." I cackled. Ito chansing na talaga. Kaya naman tinanggal n'ya 'yung kamay ko at pumunta kami para sundan sina Gabby at Pierce na nandon malapit sa bench sa tapat ng haunted house.

I clung my arms at Akira, and he didn't remove it. I bit the insides of my cheeks to avoid smiling.

Gabby was really crying! Oh, my gosh! Natigilan kami dahil mukhang hindi magkaintindihan si Pierce dahil sumisinghot at humihkbi si Gabby habang pinupunasan ang sariling luha. Her shoulders were moving up and down.

"That was so unfair! I thought they would hurt me! I didn't do anything to them!" she sobbed.

"No one will hurt you, okay? Shh, please stop crying, do you want water? Do you need anything?" Gabby just shook his head at Pierce, while he was looking so worried and guilty.

Masuyong kinuha ni Pierce ang siko ni Gabby hinila s'ya papalapit sa kanya. Gabby was still weeping, and looking so sad. Pierce sighed heavily, and peeked at Gabby's face. Hindi hinayaan ni Gabby na tingnan s'ya ni Pierce.

However, Pierce titled Gabby's chin so he could look at her face. Gabby's tears were streaming down, and she looked like a cute puppy who got her snack stolen. Pierce cackled sweetly looking at her.

"Do you want to get even at them? Should I scare them for you?" Pierce smiled at her, and Gabby nodded. Mas natawa si Pierce sa napaka-soft na paraan.

Then he slowly wiped Gabby's tears on her cheeks. "Really? I'm here now, no one's going to outcast, and harm you anymore..." Gabby looked sadder with Pierce's statement.

"They grabbed me... I thought they are going to... take me away. I was... so scared..." Hindi ko alam pero parang kumirot 'yung puso ko. It was like there was a deeper meaning of those words.

Pierce wiped her tears so delicately, and hugged her, tapping the back of her head like slowly telling her that no one could take her happiness now, and that she was now allowed to be just a child, to just become vulnerable.

I smiled. I didn't really know what the Evans had been through when they were away. But I knew it wasn't easy to all of them. They all carried different burdens, different traumatic experiences, different crowns... because they always looked so powerful and tough, and you'd rarely see them weak. But deep inside... they were all scarred by their cruel and ruthless fates.

"Do you still want to go to the Ferris Wheel?" Akira suddenly asked me while staring at Gabby and Pierce who looked glowing together.

"Can we...?" I trailed.

I felt Akira's gaze at me, and he held my hand dragging me to where the Ferris Wheel was. Sobrang liwanag at ganda na ng lugar ngayon. Gabi na rin, pero sobrang magical pa rin sa dami ng mga iba't ibang kulay ng ilaw.

"How about Gabby and Pierce?" I questioned him, we were going on the line. It wasn't that long.

The Ferris Wheel looked so colourful with its light! Sobrang magical tingnan. Sobrang nakakatuwa! Grabe! Parang sobrang romantic! Wala na akong maisip na kalokohan, sa ganda ng paligid. I just wanted the next moments to be pure, and serene.

"They sure can handle themselves, we'll see each other at the middle park for the fireworks anyway." Akira shrugged, and I smiled peacefully. He was just so good looking and breathtaking. I could feel the beats of my heart becoming more crazy for him.

"Did you enjoy, today?" tanong ko sa kanya.

He glanced at me, grin, and nodded before resting his gaze at the lights of the huge and magnificent Ferris Wheel.

"Sobrang enjoy lalo na 'yung pasigaw-sigaw mo sa Haunted House. Parang scripted." Nahampas ko s'ya gamit ang kamay kong hindi n'ya hawak.

"Sus! Maniwala, enjoy ka lang sa back hug ko sa 'yo!" Mas lalo s'yang natawa sa sinabi ko.

"Slight." He winked, and my jaw dropped.

I was looking at him unbelievably, and in so much amusement, like I couldn't believe he really said that but we were next to enter so he dragged me with him, and I was just still soulless.

Pumasok kami dalawa sa loob ng carriage ng Ferris Wheel, at magkatapatan kaming umupo. He let go of my hand, and the staff closed the door of the ride for the two of us. We were just looking at each other.

Me... looking in awe at his gleaming radiance, and him... smiling at me in a different way. Like he was so at peace, and he really had a good day. Kahit madalas, parang inalagaan lang talaga ako ni Akira.

He would help me in everything, and there was also a lot of face palm moments when I was doing some kalokohan to get his attention, and with my pick-up lines at him.

Nagsimula nang gumalaw ang Ferris Wheel, at marahan kaming umakyat, pero titigil din gawa no'ng ibang sasakay.

"Kailan mo nalaman na gusto kita?" Lakas loob na tanong ko sa kanya. He chuckled at my directness. He shrugged.

"When we were at the Empire? Then... that training from Rebel."

"Was it awkward? Did it make you feel... like... distancing yourself from me?"

"Parang papayag kang lumayo ako?" He flicked his brow at me, and I snorted at him. Grabe talaga 'tong taong 'to! Pasalamat s'ya si Akira s'ya eh!

"Sus! Baka nga mas nauna mo akong nagustuhan eh!" sagot ko sa kanya sabay cross arms. The Ferris wheel carriage slowly going up more.

"Kapal!" Singhap n'ya sa akin. I was cackling at him.

"Ganda ko kaya! Syempre, hindi imposible. Tamang kindat lang, tamang banat! Boom hulog! H'wag ka mag-alala sasaluhin naman kita. Talon na!" I laughed at him, and he was shaking his head giggling.

"Pero kailangan ng nagsimula?" pagpupumilit ko sa kanya.

"H'wag na lalaki lalo ulo mo." Sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin! Grabe alam na alam! Balak kong ipagkalat eh! Mang-iinggit sana ako. Kasing haba kasi ni Rapunzel ang hair ko! Huh, crush back si crush sa akin!

The Ferris Wheel slowly turned now, and didn't stop unlike earlier. I started looking out at the scenery, and I couldn't help but smile, and be amazed on how magical, and so heartwarming it looked like.

"Wow! Ang ganda!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah, the view's really beautiful." Lumingon ako kay Akira kasi akala ko nakatingin s'ya sa baba kagaya ko, pero napalunok ako no'ng makita ko s'yang nakangiti sa akin.

"Whipped!" I winked at him.

"Says Solstice."

"I know right!" And we both laughed at my answer.

Natahimik din kaming dalawa no'n, at nanatiling nakatingin sa buong lugar na sobrang daming ilaw at napakakulay. Akira was also looking at the view, but sometimes just at me. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach, and I was just so happy.

Ang gaan sa pakiramdam, sobrang saya lang.

After how many rounds the Ferris Wheel started unloading people from the carriage, kaya naman humarap na ako kay Akira at tiningnan s'ya, hindi na ako tumingin sa magandang paligid.

I saw shamelessly memorizing his mesmerizing face, while we were near the topmost part of the Ferris Wheel.

"Solstice Snow..." he suddenly called in a really deep but careful voice.

"Hmm?" I glanced at him with a huge smile on my face. Contented with everything. Waiting for the right timing. Kasi sisiguraduhin ko talagang akin s'ya kapag pwede na.

"Why did you have to be born so late?"

Natigilan ako. Bigla akong natulala. Pakiramdam ko lahat ng dugo umakyat sa mukha ko. I was staring at him so surprised. He looked solemn, shaking his head lightly, clicking his tongue.

Then he slowly took something from his pocket.

The Ferris Wheel slowly turned. We were now at the topmost, and it stopped there.

He reached for my hand, and he pulled me closer to him. Making me sit down beside him. Kaagad n'ya akong itinalikod mula sa kanya. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Parang akong kinukuryente. I was also deaf because of my crazy hammering heart inside my ears.

"Stop chasing me... I just wanted to hold you close, too. But please wait. Please wait. Don't make it so hard for me."

His voice was so delicate and soft. Nagulat ako no'ng bigla na lang akong may nakitang kwintas sa harap ko, at naramdaman ko ang pendant na tumama malapit sa may clavicle ko. Nahugot ko ang hininga sa kaba.

He was locking the necklace at my nape. And I slowly traced the pendant...

Snow. A snowflake.

I smiled. Then my head slowly looked up to see the fireworks suddenly exploding in the sky.

"Look!" I excitedly pointed out, but Akira never cared about the fireworks, and only stared at my face, that was reflecting the colours of the wonderful lights in the sky.

Making things more magical.

"I've always wanted this... I can't believe this is real... that you are real..." I told him in all seriousness, and mellowness.

He smiled at me, while the Ferris Wheel started moving again.

Sobrang magical lang nang lahat, at pakiramdam ko nasa ulap pa rin ako nang makababa kaming dalawa ni Akira. We went to the park, and we saw Gabby with Pierce. They were smiling at each other, and looking so blissful.

Bagay na bagay talaga 'yung dalawa. Hindi naman yakap ni Pierce si Gabby, hindi naman hawak ni Gabby si Pierce, magkatinginan lang naman sila sa isa't isa... pero sobrang lakas na ng dating. Parang may nagglo-glow na mga fireflies sa kanila.

"Let's go?" Akira asked with a smile, and I nodded.

The four of us went to the car and travelled again. Gabby and I were both in the back seat, tired from everything.

"The two of you should rest," sambit ni Pierce sa amin. We both nodded, Gabby yawned. Mukhang napagod. Ako rin napahikab, nakakaantok, sobrang nakakapagod din.

"I'm really really happy today! Thank you!" Gabby told Pierce with a smile. "Did you enjoy, too?"

"Your smiles... are my happiness," Pierce retorted softly with a genuine smile on his face.

I saw Akira smirked, and Gabby shrunk down on her sit.

"Ikaw, Akira?" gaya ko sa tanong ni Gabby. "Did you enjoy?" I looked at him teasingly. Nagkatawanan silang lahat sa sinabi ko.

Pero nang matahimik, biglang nagsalita si Akira.

"My happiness... is seeing you smile."

And I swear! Natahimik din ako sa sobrang kilig! Napaiwas ako ng tingin sa kanila no'ng magtawanan sila. Then we started travelling back home.

And it was so... light, happy, sweet, and magical. I couldn't wish for more.

Your smiles. My happiness. And one day... you'll be mine.

***