The End of Daylight

Almost There

—

"I said I don't want to hear it."

Nakakunot ang noo ko habang mariing nakatitig sa kanya. Now, I knew it. I heard the words I hate the most again and it even came from the unexpected person. Ayaw na ayaw kong naririnig ang salitang iyon dahil mas malinaw pa sa langit ang kahihinatnat ng lahat. I will just reject them and then boom, we're back to being strangers. Ayokong maging ganoon ang kahahantungan namin. He's more than a friend to me now.

"Why?" He asked, brows a bit furrowed. "Is there something wrong with that?" I could feel his grip on my hand, getting tighter. Kumabog ang dibdib ko higit pa sa normal nitong ritmo.

I laughed awkwardly. "Nice joke but I've already heard that countless of times though you made me laugh. Nice try bruh." I tapped his shoulders, trying to ease the tension between us.

Binitawan niya ang kamay ko kaya nakahinga ako ng maluwag. My heart was still beating rapidly. I know that he was hell serious earlier but I just couldn't accept what he had confessed. Geez. He must be kidding me. No way. Not from him. Not Jieven.

"I'm not even cracking a joke." He looked away and pouted like a kid. "Was this your first time hearing someone confessing his feelings?" He looked at me again directly to my eyes.

"Of course not!" I hissed. "I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend but it wasn't my first time. I had experienced it thrice actually. Do you really think of me that way?" I chuckled in disbelief.

"I said I like you." He snorted out.

Nakagat ko ang ibabang labi nang makaramdam ng kiliti sa aking tyan. I tried so bad to stifle a smile and forced myself to frown. "What do you want me to do then?" That question suddenly came out from my mouth unknowingly.

The side of his lips rose, I think he's thinking of something playful. "You really want to know?" He provoked.

I rolled my eyes and looked away. "Nevermind."

"I like you." He repeated, obviously teasing me.

Geez. I think my heart is going to explode now. "I said I don't want to hear it." Sumandal ako sa railings patalikod.

I crossed my arms over my chest while puffing a heavy breath, hoping that it could help me to compose myself. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being selfish, I'm being considerate. It's not that I don't want him confessing, actually it was a good thing but I just don't want to hear it because I might end up feeling the same way or worst, I might end up hurting him.

"Why?" Humakbang siya papalapit sa akin. Kagaya ko ay sumandal din siya sa railings habang nakasuksok ang dalawang kamay sa bulsa niya. He looked so calm and dignified.

"You know everything Jieven, don't act innocent." I looked away.

"What everything, Tammy?" I could sense the hint of teasing in his voice.

"Forget about it." Tumayo ako ng tuwid at hinarap siya. I couldn't look directly to his eyes anymore without thinking what happened earlier. Freak, he just confessed. It was so easy for me to reject him but I just couldn't do it. I don't want to speak for now, kailangan kong mag-isip. Ayokong magpadalos dalos. Things are too complicated, I need to sort out my feelings first.

"Forget about what, Tammy?" The side of his lips rose, obviously teasing me.

"Bakit nagustuhan mo ako?" Instead of answering him, I threw a random question.

He was surprised by my sudden action but he just shrugged afterwards. "You don't really know why you like a certain person so don't ask me that." Tinulak niya ang buhok niya ng humangin ng malakas at nagulo iyon.

I mumbled a curse before letting out a heavy sigh. "I should go. See you around." I even managed to give him a small smile after what happened between us. Sana pala hindi ko nalang siya nilapitan kanina, mas lalo ko lang pinagulo ang lahat.

"Magpapasundo nalang ako. Just stay here." I said to Maegan before walking out when I saw her in our table with Hero. She called my name thrice but I was too pre-occupied to look back. I need to think, I need to sort out things.

Pagdating sa bahay ay naligo lang ako at mabilis na nagbihis bago humiga sa kama. I stared at the ceiling while trying to remember how did we ended up like this.

I don't regret anything, I'm just scared. Scared that I might kill my own happiness for the sake of my dream. Why does it have to be this complicated? When you like someone but you can't voice them out because it could be the end of something. I'm scared. I'm scared that I might disappoint my Dad. He see me as the perfect daughter and I don't wish to ruin that image but then, I would definitely sacrifice my own happiness, I will be against my own will if I would continue obeying my father.

I suddenly remembered Jieven's question to me last time. I didn't give him the exact answer kasi kahit ako ay hindi ko alam ang sagot. Ang daming problema. I don't want to disappoint my father but I don't want to turn down Jieven either. I want them both to stay with me. They are both important to my life.

"Don't let anyone stole your happiness, anak."

Mom's words suddenly lingered inside my mind as if she is here, comforting me. I sighed heavily and closed my eyes while trying to sort things out.

After a moment of talking and debating with myself, I came up with a conclusion. Right, mom is right. I shouldn't let anyone stole my happiness. Kung gusto ko ay gagawa ako ng paraan. If you really want it to happen, create your own way to make it possible.

I was about to sleep but my phone suddenly beeped. Kumunot ang noo ko dahil halos madaling araw na rin pero may nagchat pa sa akin. When I looked at it, I almost dropped my phone in my face.

acostajieven: 9-12-9-11-5-25-15-21

I shot up a brow. What the freak is this? I typed my reply while trying to think what's up with these number. Teka, itataya ko ba 'to sa lotto?

TammyXR: What is this?

I recieved his reply after a minute.

acostajieven: In case you forgot about it already. Convert it to letters. A being the number 1. Good night :)

Sinunod ko ang sinabi niya hanggang sa nabuo ko ang salitang I like you. My lips parted in surprise. Oh my gosh.

The next day, the time flew like a wind. Right after class ay dumiretso na kami ni Claudine sa cafeteria. I want to inform them about Jieven's feelings for me pero pinili ko munang hindi magsalita. Siguro saka ko nalang sasabihin kapag maayos na ang lahat.

"Ano? Katanga mo naman." Claudine teased. She reached for her mango shake and sipped on it, eyes still pierced to Maegan.

"Makatanga 'to, lasing nga ako, lasing ako okay? Kapag ikaw nga lasing nakikipagharutan ka kung kani-kanino. Iss! Kainis!" Maegan pulled her own hair out of frustration. I wanted to comfort her because at some point I feel guilty.

"What are your plans now?" I asked softly. I tapped her shoulder since she was just seating beside me.

"Hindi ko alam. Hindi ko pa sinasabi kila Mama, syempre magagalit 'yon, regalo niya sa'kin 'yon bro tapos nasira ko!" Napahilamos si Maegan sa mukha niya at muling sinabunutan ang sarili. Napangiwi ako dahil ako ang nasasaktan sa ginagawa niya.

"Girl, who told you to drive kase when you're drunk? Alam mo ng lasing ka but you still insist na magdrive. 'Yan tuloy, wala ka ng car." Kendra chuckled.

"Hey." I poked Meagan's shoulder, she looked up to me. "What do you want me to do? I can lend you some money. I can pay for the damages. Sorry, iniwan kita kagabi, nilasing ka tuloy nila."  I bit my bottom lip and tried to smile.

Meagan broke her own car, she told us that she bumped into Hero's car when she tried to drive after the celebration last night. Geez, I feel guilty. I wanted to help her at some point but she keep on refusing.

"Huwag na, kasalanan ko naman. Hahanap nalang ako ng tyempo para masabi ko kila mama." Maegan tried to smile before snatching Kendra's burger.

"Hey, akin 'yan eh!" Kendra hissed.

We still have thirty minutes before the time so we decided to stay in the cafeteria. They were busy playing card games when I stood up to pee. I walked out and went to the restroom nearby without them noticing me.

Naglalakad na ako pabalik galing sa restroom ng mahagip ng mata ko si Jieven at Kalen na papasok sa cafeteria. I paused and wait for them to get inside before I continued walking. Kakaunti nalang ang tao sa cafeteria kaya mabilis na nahanap ko ang pwesto nila Jieven. I looked away and walked towards our table when he looked up. Fortunately, our gaze didn't meet. I swallowed hard before joining my friends to keep my mind distracted.

After twenty minutes, we went out and bid our goodbyes. Nauna na sa akin si Claudine dahil may dadaanan pa raw siya sa clinic. Sumasakit daw ulo niya kaya hihingi ng gamot. I was walking in the covered walk while slowly swaying my royal blue handbag and humming a certain song when I saw Jieven walking towards my direction at the different side. He was busy looking at his phone, searching for something. He was also wearing specs while brows a bit furrowed. I immediately turned my back when he looked up. Bumalik ako sa nilakaran ko na parang tangang nakakita ng multo.

My heart started beating so fast when I realized what the freak I've done. I looked like I'm ignoring him. Geez. Muli akong humarap at sa pagharap ko ay sakto namang nasa harapan ko na siya. I held my chest to stop myself from shouting. Nakakagulat naman siya!

Jieven slowly removed his specs and looked at me with puzzlement visible on his alluring face. "Are you ignoring me?" He asked.

"No." I shook my head and swallowed hard.

He tilted his head on the side a little, brows still furrowed while looking at me. Akala ko ay magtatanong pa siya pero nagkibit balikat lang siya at muling sinuot ang specs niya. I must say, he looks good on it.

"Okay, see you around." My eyes widened when he playfully winked at me before walking away. Wait, what? Did he just winked at me?

On the following days, nothing serious really happened. Hindi na ulit kami nakapag-usap ni Jieven dahil pareho kaming busy but then before the day ends, he will leave a simple message like 'goodnight' or 'sweet dreams'. I think that was enough to complete my day and have a good night sleep.

"Tammy, can you please check your sister upstairs? Susunod ako kapag naluto ko na 'tong soup." Mommy asked while I was busy searching for some fruits in the fridge.

"Okay, Mom." I closed the fridge and sighed when I found nothing to eat. Kakauwi ko lang din at katatapos magshower nang makaramdam ako ng gutom. It was already 8pm and Mom cancelled all her meetings for today so she could take care of my little sister. Unfortunately, may lagnat at ubo si Tamara, hindi naman makaalis si Mommy dahil ayaw niyang iwan ang kapatid ko habang may sakit.

I slowly opened her door, trying not to make any noise that might disturb her peaceful sleep. Tamara's room is dim so I opened the lights and it invaded her whole room. I tiptoed while walking towards her bed.

"Mommy?" She's awake!

"It's your Ate, Tamara." I corrected her.

I sighed heavily before sitting down on her bed. She removed her comforter and turned around to face me. She looked very pale, her cheeks were swollen and her lips were a bit trembling when she's trying to speak. Mommy closed the aircon earlier but Tamara is still shaking out of coldness.

"Where's Mommy?" She weakly asked me and rubbed her eyes.

"She's finishing your food, Tamara. She'll be here any minute from now." I caressed her hair so I could somewhat ease her pain for a little bit.

"I don't want to eat.." she shook her head and pouted. She coughed twice and groaned afterwards. Ako ang naaawa sa kalagayan niya.

"Tamara, don't be hard headed okay? You need to eat so you could go out again. You want that right? You want to play outside right?" I softly convinced her and I smiled when she nodded twice. "So you better eat." I mumbled.

Mom brought the soup but she wasn't able to feed Tamara since someone called her. Ako na ang nagpakain sa kapatid ko dahil mukhang matatagalan pa si Mommy. Tamara didn't protest though but she wasn't able to finish her food. Pinainom ko nalang din siya ng gamot pagkatapos. I checked her temperature and there were no progress. 38.7.

"Thank you, Ate." She whispered before closing her eyes so she could sleep. I just kissed her forehead before walking out, holding the tray.

"Tammy! Come here, anak!" Mommy shouted from the garden. She sounded so excited so I immediately went to her after placing the tray in the kitchen.

"Why, Mom? What's the matter?" I asked, sounding confused. Mukhang ang saya saya niya, anong meron? Nanalo ba kami sa lotto?

She smiled when she saw me. Hinila niya ako papasok at pinaupo sa sofa sa sala. She was smiling from ear to ear while marching back and forth in front of me. My forehead creased while looking at her. What's happening?

"I was talking to an organizer in the phone, anak." She excitedly said. Okay? Why do we need an organizer? I was just about to ask but she spoke as if she heard the question in my mind.

"I hired an organizer so we can start preparing for you birthday party, Tammy. And you should start giving your invitations next week, what do you think?" She asked and looked at me, patiently waiting for my answer.

Shoot! I almost forgot about my birthday.

"Mom, I don't want a grand celebration for my birthday. A family dinner will do—"

"No, no, no!" She shook her head. "Your Daddy will not agree with that suggestion of yours, anak. We want it grand, we want the best for our beautiful daughter. And you're turning 20 right?"

I nodded and she smiled widely. "Yes, that's good, you really deserve an amazing party, Tammy." She clapped her hands after saying that. I massaged the side of my head, trying to register what was happening.

"Hey, Xyryl."

I almost had an heart attack when someone called my second name. I was busy searching for my cellphone in my bag while walking towards my building. Kakapasok ko pa lang pero biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko pero freak, hindi ko mahanap. Nilagay ko naman 'yon sa bag ko ah?

My forehead creased and turned around, only to see Jieven smiling behind me. Those hazelnut eyes met mine again, giving me some electrifying sensation.

"I thought you wouldn't like to be called by your second name." He teased, both of his hands were placed inside his pocket. He looked so fresh this morning that I could even smell his manly perfume. His hair was fixedly neat in a pushed up style and he was wearing specs again. Our uniform is good but it looked better when Jieven was already wearing it. How could that be?

"Whatever, Finlay." I rolled my eyes before pulling out my freaking phone. Sa wakas ay nahanap ko na! Nang tignan ko iyon ay tadtad na ako ng message galing kay Claudine. Ano na namang problema niya?

I paused midway when I heard his soft laugh. When I glance at him, he was smiling like an idiot. "My second name looks so damn good when you're uttering it. Call me Finlay again." He mumbled, making me stop from walking.

Huminto rin siya pero hindi nawawala ang ngiti sa labi. I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to stifle a smile. He looked so happy today na pati ako ay nahahawa na ang mood niya.

"Stop staring. Kinikilig ako." Bulong niya sa akin maya maya. His cheeks turned to red so he looked away with a serious expression. Pinipigilan niya ang pagngiti.

Natawa ako bigla. Siguro kung may kinakain ako ay nasamid na ako dahil sa sinabi niya. I just chuckled and punched his shoulders lightly.

"Let's see each other at the garden after class." I said after a moment, we continued walking and he was just beside me. People are even looking at our direction with confusion visible on their faces while some are stealing glances on Jieven. Napailing nalang ako.

"Why? Are we going out on a date?" He smirked.

I tsked. "See for yourself." I mimicked and winked at him before walking out, leaving him dumbfounded.

Just like what my Mom said, I started giving my invitations for my birthday party. Claudine and Kendra both looked so excited while Maegan just shrugged. I also invited my council family, my lawn tennis team and some of my professors. They are free to come as long as they have my invitation.

"Uy, long time no see!" I playfully punched Joshua's shoulder when I asked him to see me at the students lounge so I could give him his invitation. Ngayon lang kasi ang vacant ko at sakto namang vacant din nila.

"Long time no see talaga! Musta? Congrats pala, galing natin!" He pinched both of my cheeks. My smile faded away instantly when he let go of me. I glared at him furiously and pouted while massaging my cheeks.

"Kainis, bakit may ganon?" I asked like a kid.

"Cute mo eh." He winked at me before snatching the gold envelope from my grip and looked at it as if it was a gift from the other side. "Ano 'to?" He asked before opening the envelope. Nanlaki ang mata niya maya maya.

"Come next week okay? I'm hoping to see you." I said with a wide smile.

He looked up to me and smiled genuinely. "Oo naman, ako pa? Kailan ba kita binigo?" Nagtaas baba ang kilay niya.

"Stop it." I laughed and pushed his face so he could stop annoying me. We talked for a bit before we bid our goodbyes.

Nang matapos ang klase ay mabilis akong nagpunta sa garden of life. And Jieven was already there, he was sitting in the cemented bench while holding his phone, I think he's talking to someone.

I started walking towards him and when he saw me, he immediately put down his phone and hid it inside his pocket. He smiled sweetly before walking to meet me.

"Hey, Xyryl." He greeted, sounding teasing.

"I think I just disturbed your call with someone. Who are you talking with, Finlay?" I teased and he laughed while shaking his head in disbelief.

"Don't mind it." He said. "So, why do you want to see me?" The smile on his face are somewhat making me anxious, simula kaninang umaga ay hindi na nawala ang ngiti niyang 'yan and it's creeping me out.

"I will give something—"

"Let's go somewhere. This is not a good place to talk. Too much memories." He uttered before holding my hand. He dragged me somewhere and I wasn't able to protest. I was just looking at our hands, he was holding me tight and I don't know why but my heart feels like it's about to explode.

"Wait, where are we going?" I asked when we reached the parking lot. Pinagbuksan niya ako ng kotse at binitawan ang kamay ko. Freak, pinagbubuksan na niya ako ng kotse. Improving!

"Somewhere nearby." He winked before gesturing me to get in. I just shrugged and went inside. He closed the shotgun door before opening the driver's seat. Mabilis niyang pinaandar ang kotse at hinayaan ko lang siya. He won't harm me anyway.

After a moment, I just found myself sitting across him in a cafe. We were seated on the second floor and I just ordered a cup of cappuccino while he ordered a black forest frappe for himself. He even treated me and bought a two blueberry slice cake.

"Here." I handed him my birthday invitation. He accepted it with brows a bit furrowed. Binuksan niya iyon at sandaling binasa ang nasa loob bago niya ako tinignan.

"You're turning 20 next week?" He asked, amusement was written on his dazzling face.

"Yeah and you're invited." I simply replied. I reached for my cappuccino and sipped on it, eyes still pierced to him. Ang gwapo gwapo niya. Ang sarap panggigilan.

"Alright. I'll go." He put down the invitation in the table.

"Oh, before I forgot." Nilabas ko ang dalawa pang invitation sa bag ko at inabot sa kanya.

His forehead creased while looking at the two invitations but later on, he accepted it. "What? Are you planning to invite my whole family?" He asked confusedly. I don't know if that was a joke or not so I just tsked.

"You can bring your family with you." I smiled. "Please give the two invitations to Czoren at Kalen, I want them to come too."

He let out a soft laugh before nodding. "Alright."

Silence invaded the whole second floor. There are few people talking but you couldn't hear their voices because of our distances. Jieven was busy eating the blueberry cake while I was just looking at the glass window.

"I saw you in my dream." He finally spoke.

I looked at him with brows a bit furrowed. Wait, sinabi ba niyang nakita niya ako sa panaginip niya or imagination ko lang 'yon?

He glanced at me and put down the fork so he could lean on his seat. He chuckled playfully before crossing his arms over his chest.

"And you were with a man." He added, making me more confused.

Shoot. Totoo nga ang narinig ko.

"Man? Who? Have you seen his face?" I asked. I sounded so excited instead of being scared. Gusto ko tuloy sampalin ang sarili ko.

He played with the inside of his cheeks using his tounge. "I don't know him." He shrugged and continued eating. "You were talking and playing in the playground. I woke up so I wasn't able to see his face anymore."

"What? Bakit ka nagising?" I tsked and rolled my eyes in disappointment. Bigla tuloy akong nacurious dahil sa panaginip niya but then I feel so precious that he even dreamt of me.

The smile on his face faded instantly because of my reaction. He pouted like a kid and put down the fork in disbelief. "Can't you just pretend that you're not interested to that man I saw you with in my dream?" He asked, starting to get annoyed.

He looked so adorable, geez. It makes me want to pinch his cheeks until it gets swollen.

"What if it was you?" I asked, trying to ease his anger.

"Hindi ako 'yon." Pagsusungit niya at saka humigop sa frappe niya.

"Alright, alright." I raised both of my hands as a surrender. I never thought that he could be this possessive. Geez, this is not him or should I say this is the real him?

"Anyway, I want to confess something." Naging alerto siya bigla at nanlaki ang mata. I laughed secretly upon realizing that he got the wrong idea. "I'm not confessing my feelings, okay? Chill." I bit my bottom lip to supress my smile when he frowned.

"What is it then?" He asked, looking serious.

I swallowed hard before talking. "Don't be mad okay?" He nodded. "I saw your tragic break up with Natasja in the garden." I looked away after confessing, scared of his reaction.

He did not talk for a minute but I could feel his stares. I sighed heavily before looking back at him. I was expecting him to be surprise but he was not.

"Why are you smirking?" I asked with my forehead creased.

"I don't care if you witnessed it or not so don't be terrified." He chuckled.

I just rolled my eyes. Mukha ngang wala siya pakielam kahit nakita ko dahil wala man lang siyang reaksyon sa mukha niya.

"Lol." I mumbled.

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Lol? Anong lol?"

"Laugh out loud. Well, it's an expression. Hindi mo alam?" Nagtataka kong tanong sa kanya.

He shook his head. "Lol." Bigkas niya at napatango nalang. Jusme, hindi niya pala alam 'yon.

After a moment of silence, I looked at my wrist watch and I learned that it's already 7 pm, it's okay though, it's not a big deal.

"Jieven Finlay." I called him again when no one of us dared to talk. He looked up to me and shot up a brow. I puffed a breath, getting all of my strength before speaking.

"Do you really like me?"

He looked surprised by my sudden question but then he smiled like an idiot. "I like you." Diretsong sagot niya.

I think my heart is going to burst any minute from now. I'm still not used to him even though he already confessed it thrice. Sobrang bilis nang kabog ng dibdib ko.

"How about Natasja?"

"Natasja?" He scoffed. "Natasja is my ex." He simply answered as if I just asked him what is 1 plus 1.

"You still love her right? How can—" he cut me off intentionally.

"When did I say that?" He chuckled in disbelief.

"Aren't you? It's too impossible for someone to forget his lover for a short—" he cut me off again, looking annoyed now.

"It's possible if you'll make it possible, Tammy." Seryosong sagot niya sa akin.

It made me shut my mouth and looked away. I don't know what to say next so I just ignored his gaze.

I heard him sighed heavily. "Hey look." He caught my attention and when I looked at him, he licked his lower lip before speaking. "No pressure. I don't expect you to like me back, I just want you to know." He smiled sweetly then his smile turned to smirk afterwards. "But if you do feel the same then we're good." He shrugged his shoulders and fixed his hair before sipping on his frappe.

Hindi ko napigilang mapangiti dahil sa sinabi niya kaya sa inis ko ay binato ko sa kanya ang isang crumpled na tissue. He just laughed at me and tsked. I think it's a good thing that I don't feel awkward anymore, I'm starting to get comfortable around him.

Pasado alas otso na nang magdesisyon kaming umuwi. I texted Manong Adrian so he could fetch me. Jieven insisted to drive me home but I refused, I explained to him my situation and he understood every bit of it.

We were just standing in front of his car while waiting for my personal driver when I randomly saw an old lady, pushing a cart full of plastic bottles, cans, cartons and some stuffs. Nahulog ang iba kaya naman nagkalat ito sa kalsada. The people who saw that incident does not even bother helping her. I gritted my teeth before lending my hand bag to Jieven. He confusedly reached for it, brows a bit furrowed. He was about to ask me but I marched immediately towards the old lady.

I helped her picked the plastic bottles. She was struggling to pick up those because she wasn't able to bend her back anymore. I also noticed that Jieven helped us and I unconsciously smiled.

"Hey, excuse me." Hinarap ko ang babaeng sumipa sa plastic bottle na dapat pupulutin ko. Our gaze met but she just shrugged before continued walking like nothing happened. I just shook my head in disbelief before picking the bottle.

When I turned my back to the old lady, she was already talking to Jieven. I put the plastic bottles in her cart before facing them.

"Naku, maraming salamat ijo, ija." She bowed her head. She looked tired and old, I suddenly felt the urge of asking her if she already ate or not but Jieven asked first.

"Kumain na po kayo?" He softly asked.

She slowly nodded. "Kumain na ako ijo, maraming salamat nalang." She smiled at us before looking at her cart. "Kailangan ko ng umalis at baka mahuli pa ako dito sa kalsada eh. Maraming salamat ulit, napakabait niyo, pagpalain sana kayo nawa ng ating Diyos."

"Walang anuman po. Mag-iingat po kayo." I smiled sweetly. We watched her as she started pushing her cart again in a certain directions. Jieven and I both laughed softly when our gaze met. I handed him my wet wipes afterwards so we could clean our hands.

I glanced at him and he was smiling from ear to ear while cleaning his hand and it made me curious. What was the reason behind that smile?

"Why are you smiling? Are you happy?"

I bit my bottom lip when he glanced at me. Tumango siya ng dalawang beses bago sumagot. "More than happy."

"Why is that?" I reached for my cellphone in my bag when I heard it beeped.

"I don't know how to explain. I just couldn't refrain myself from smiling." He simply replied.

I looked up and shook my head while trying to supress a smile. "You should smile more often, it makes you look good."

"Bumabanat ka ba?" He tsked.

Natawa ako bigla at inirapan siya. "I'm stating a fact, geez."

But instead of answering, he just let out a soft laugh. Wala sa sarili nalang din akong natawa habang nakikita ko siyang tumatawa. At last, I saw him smiled again, the genuine one and I think that was the best thing I saw today.

Days had passed until saturday strikes, hindi ako nakapagjogging ngayon dahil tinakbo namin si Tamara sa hospital. We thought she was already okay since she lost her fever a few days ago but it came back after two days. She even vomit countless of times this morning and she got rashes so we got worried. And when we recieved her results, it says that she has a dengue virus.

"Come on Tamara, drink this." Pamimilit ko sa kanya. Ayaw niyang uminom ng gamot dahil mapait daw pero pinilit pilit ko siya hanggang sa pumayag nalang siya. Mom and Dad are both busy so I have no choice but to take care of my hard headed little sister.

I stayed beside her until she lost consciousness and went to her dreamland. I just closed my phone after playing wordscapes and shut down the tv so I could go outside to breathe. I went out of her private room and started walking towards the hospital garden.

"Oh my." I silently uttered when I saw a Dra. dropped the two folders she was holding on the floor. She was busy talking someone to the phone so I helped her to picked it up since she was wearing a dark blue skirt.

"Here po." I handed her the folders after she ended the call. My eyes went to her coat and my forehead creased when I saw her ID in the right upper pocket of her coat.

Dra. Francess Z. Acosta M.D
Neurosurgeon

"Thank you, dear." She smiled at me and I was stunned by her beauty even if she has the same age like my Mom. She was somewhat looked familiar to me.

My vacant time was supposed to be my library time since I'm still rushing my missed activities when I was in game but Alyza called out for an urgent meeting so I have no choice but to attend.

"We'll start collecting the notebooks, books and whatsoever school supplies from the students starting from this day. We need to complete them as much as possible so we could start giving them next week. Voluntarily naman ang pagbibigay kaya huwag pilitin ang mga estudyante." Alyza explained to us briefly.

"Paano kapag hindi kasya ang mga nakuha natin?" Gabriel asked.

"Then, we'll buy using our extra fund." Alyza replied confidently.

We were just silent and nodding our heads while listening to her explanations. We, the council decided to help those public elementary school in a certain province since the students and the school suffered because of the previous typhoon. It was suggested by the administration and they assigned us to lead the plan.

Sir Darwin was busy presenting in front when suddenly my phone rang. My eyes widened in shock when they all looked at my direction. Joshua laughed beside me and before I could even reach for my phone placed above the table, he did it for me.

"Oh." Aniya at binigay sa akin pagkatapos niyang tignan kung sino ang tumatawag.

Jieven is calling. I cursed inside my mind upon remembering that he asked for my number last monday. I immediately ended the call and apologized to them. I will just message him afterwards, for sure he was obviously confused because I dropped his call.

After thirty minutes of finalizing the plan, the meeting ended. Palabas na ako ng office nang harangan ako ni Joshua. He smiled and scratched the back of his head while shyly looking at me.

"Pwede ako magtanong?"

"Of course." I answered. I don't know why but I suddenly feel nervous.

He massaged his brows before looking directly to my eyes. "Anong meron sa inyo ni Jieven?"

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