" Happy 1st Anniversary!" He said to me.  "Do you remember this place? Natasha?"

" Omg! You're making me cry," I said punching him in his arms as I remember those moments with him.

" Remember, dito ko nakuha yung sagot na hinihintay ko? By the way I ordered McBundle like what we ordered last time." He winked.

" Thank you so much! I'll get back someday!" I promised.

"Kahit hindi na, darling. Basta you're there. You're supporting me, You're making me happy, and you're making my dreams come true. Promise Natasha, I already plan my future with you," He mentioned

"R-Really? I-I don't deserve your k-kindness." I stuttered. 

"Like, we're entering the same university. You want to be a flight attendant someday, right? FA Natasha Shane De Verra-Villaflor." He was holding my hand now, smiling.

" Yeah! And you're what? Lawyer Villaflor? That's more nice!" I pinched his cheeks.

" Yup! Just stay with me until the end, I'll promise you everything. I know it's too early to plan, but making sure is the best." He winked, again.

" It's like i'm living in my dream, the person I created in my head is now... alive. In front of me," I said, chuckled.

" Huh?" He asked, curious. "What do you mean?"

" Nothing, just daydreaming with the person." 

" And that's me... right?" He asked

" Yeah... maybe," I nodded.

"Sir! Ma'am! Here's your order. Can I have the receipt para kung may kulang pa po. Thank you." The server said out of nowhere.

We're now walking in the garden. Lights are everywhere. I can saw couples also sitting, reading, doing some romantic stuffs too.

" Where will you celebrate Christmas?" I asked.

" Lagi naman kaming pumupunta kila Lolo, my cousins are there that's why. Mini-reunion," he said.

"How about you?" He asked

" Oh, maybe sa States.  My parents need to do their work even Christmas," I said.

" Work? Hindi ba sila napapagod?" He laughed.

" I don't think so, pero I can feel they're tired. They're just so busy with business and business and business." I said slowly.

" Make sure that you will use the time surely if they're around you, Natasha. Like this, I want every single second spending moments worth it with you." He lessoned.

" By the way, make sure that you will make me a calligraphy with that pens." I ordered

" Hala! Pang-drawing ko nga 'to. Pero 'ge 'ge, pa-laminate ko pa eh." He said.

" You said that. Laminate is the key." I smiled.

" U-uhm! Here's my anniversary gift for you." I replied.

It's like a thesis where we first met until I answer him at McDonalds. It's kind of a fulfillment.

It has a title " Natasha loving Gilbert: A study based on how two people met and why Natasha loves Gilbert so much. In partial fulfillment of their 1st Monthsary as a gift for Gilbert's sassy girlfriend with a class, Natasha

Chapter 1

Background of the study

Background of the Study

Back in June, a girl named Natasha Shane De Verra was sipping on the water bottle in the hall of Science Technology Engineering (STE) and a boy by the name of Gilbert Anche Villaflor had a bump with. This was their first close meet-up. Angry is the emotion felt by the researcher.

As weeks passed, they became closer to that stupid interview. Thanks to your Science Teacher who was the reason why we end up together.

Today, their beautiful, immature, supportive relationship has already reached 1 year, and looking forward to more years. This study will focus on why the sassy girlfriend fell in love with a devil peasant.

Statement of the Problem

      In this research, the goal of the researcher is to understand the beauty of the first meeting. The study's goal is to answer the following questions stated below:

" Can't you just read it when you got home? My god!" I suddenly asked him because his voice was that loud.

" Yeah! Yeah! Fine. You're good in making research, needs a lot of improvement." He replied and licked his lip while his hand was holding the papers.

" Whatever. I tried my best." I made face.

" I know that! I appreciate. Thank you! So so much!" He replied kissed my forehead.

I went home. I'm tired but I enjoyed it that made me slept early.

"Good morning, Natasha!" My mom greeted me.

"Morning... too," I stuttered. I don't know why, because of the issues lately with the company. And this upcoming Christmas is we're going to the States to fix some issues there.

"Baby!" My dad put his hand to mine. " Since you're a grown-up, we need you to... to be the one who will inherit the company."

"What?!" I asked which made my eyebrows met. 

" You will take Accountancy kapag college ka. Don't worry you can take whatever university you want." My dad replied while having his tea.

" I-I don't want to." I replied, disappointed.

" Whatever, Natasha. Wala ka nang magagawa. You're brother is in States, taking a flying school. Ikaw na lang ang maaasahan namin." He added. 

" Dad! I want to be a flight attendant. C'mon!" I shouted. Angry with them. Bakit pagdating kay kuya walang pigil-pigil? Pagdating sa akin... UGH! nevermind.

" Remember! Kami pa ang nagpapaaral sa 'yo." He replied getting mad.

" Dad! Don't pressure our baby," My mom interrupted.

" Kaya 'yan na-iispoiled, mama, eh." My dad pointed at me. He went upstairs after pointing out my future. It left me in shock.

He changed. He is not my dad anymore. 'Yung dad na nakilala ko sinusuportahan ako sa lahat ng mga bagay. Ugh!

" Hey! Baby! Just remember you don't need to take things fastly. Think! We will support you." My mum guided me

" I love you, mum." I hugged her

~

Ladies and Gentleman, this is KN 509 and we are departing for United States. In command of this aircraft is Captain Morales with First-Officer Rodriguez. This is your flight or surgeon and our flying time is approximately 16 hours and 44 minutes. The Vishal cruise and an altitude of 36,000 feet. A warm welcome to our mabuhay milers. On board!

I amazed how the 'flight/ surgeon' said those greetings. I'm amazed. Ever since this job is my dream. Unfortunately, my dad wants me to become an Accountant.

"We shall now be showing you the safety features of this aircraft. The Airbus 143."

I just looked at them. Looking how the safety features work. Like fastening the seat belts and stuffs. After they did that the plane is taking over. I just wear the headset and watched some movies there. Luckily, my all-time favorite movie was there. V for Vendetta! Or uhm the white chicks. Hours passed I felt sleepy. So yeah.

Ladies and Gentleman, we jave just landed at Los Angeles International Airport. We welcome you to United States. On behalf of your flight crew headed by Captain Veloso with First-Officer Quizon and the rest of the team, we thank you for choosing this airline.

It's cold because it's winter season... obviously. I wear cute sweaters and cardigans, leggings and comfortable boots. Uhm, I'm wearing winter gloves and winter hats too!

A car dropped us in the Hotel that we will stay here for at least days. I don't know, mas gusto ko pang magbakasyon sa Philippines at makasama si Gilbert than here. For sure my parents will not use this freaking hotel because they will overtime outside doing work and work.

I went to the balcony and took some pictures there. Instagram story worthy. The moon was full and the stars were blinking. I can see some peoples down, some are drinking hot coffee, with their family and a random man playing his guitar.

37 hours before C-day

" Morning States!" I greeted while waking up. I saw a note in the television.

Dear Natasha, we're going to **** for an important matter. Kumain ng breakfast. You're growing up and ikaw na muna bahala dito.

" They're so predicted." I rolled my eyes. Since I have Waze maybe I can use that as my map, so I can shop later for my BFs.

LM

natashane: hi guys! What's up?

I think they're busy since it's morning here. 12 hours interval from them.

LM

Piya: Yuh! Hru? U still wake?

natashane: yeah? I'm in states with fam

Piya: k tho

emma: hallo

emma: nasaan ka ulit @natashane

Piya: States daw, gurl!

emma: ehem,, pasalubong naman bieh

natashane: yea! Sure sure

leigh: an0ng naNgyAyari d2?

leigh: nasa states ka BiEh?

natashane: ye

leigh: pasalubong ha bye na mwah

emma: hoy @leigh

leigh: bak8 biEh?

emma: sino yung nakita kong lalaki na kasama mo na naman kahapon?

Piya: miss leigh is not chilling °~°

natashane: guys ! Bye. Take care there

leigh: ...

I turned off my cellphone and I took a bath.

30 hours left before C-day

I'm watching Netflix on the Television...

" Dad!" He's back with some stuffs.

" Hi! Baby, What's up?" He asked. Smiling. He's in good mood huh. My mum was missing.

" D-dad? Where's Mummy?" I asked, curious.

" Change your clothes. Let's go outside. Mum is waiting for us," He replied.

I'm wearing jumpers with stripes on them and also winter coat. I also put scarf around my neck. Added with black beanies and red mittens.

" Dad! I am cute here in my winter suit, Isn't it?" I asked, tilted my head.

" Of course, baby" he replied that made me giggled.

Since It's 6: 24 pm here, in Philippines is 6: 24 am. Maybe my friends were sleeping right now.

" Mummy!" I hugged her. She wore glasses huh. What now, winter?

" Hello, sweetie!" My mum kissed me in my cheeks.

" Let's go, dad. Evening shopping na tayo for our workers." My dad nodded.

" Can I shop for my friends too?" I asked, hoping they will agree.

" Yes! Of course, Natasha. Buy them... perfumes?" My dad suggested.

" Dad! Perfumes? Mga bata palang yung kaibigan nito maybe keychains will do." My mum battled

" key... chains? Really, Lynne?" My dad chuckled.

" Ikaw na bahala, Natasha for the gifts." My Dad fixed my hair. Wow! I hope that I'm the one who's in charge of my future as well as the other gifts.

" Yes, Sir!" I salute.

28 hours left before C-day

I saw my mun holding some shopping bags. She really loves Gucci, huh? We're now in Staples buying crayola for Gilbert. He loves to make portrait and stuffs. And I want to buy also ballpoints for Ashley 'cause she loves doodling. I just bought shoes for Leigh and Emma. Fashionable clothes for Sophia.

16 hours left before C-day

8:04 am

" Gising ka na pala, Natasha. Come, eat with me." My Mum replied.

" M-morning Mum."

" How's sleep?" She asked

" Super fine," I said with satisfaction in it.

" Did you call Ate Lita and Kuya Rolando at house? Are they safe?" I continually questioned.

She nodded, " You can call them."

" Oh-kay then. It's a privilege Mum!" I bowed.

" Hello po Ate Lita!" I greeted them.

[ Musta Ma'am Tash? Musta kayo riyan?]

" Okay po! How 'bout you with Kuya Roland po?"

[ A-eh, okay naman kami rito, Ma'am Tasha. Huwag mo na po kaming i-remember kung inaalala mo lang kami, ha] She laughed.

" Siyempre naman po! Sige po Ingat! Love you, mwah!"

"Ingat kayo riyan, Ma'am! I-enjoy niyo lang yung vacation."

I ended the call immediately and placed it on the table in front of me

" What is this, mum?" I asked.

" That's Ramen. Masarap yung soup niyan, sweetie." 

I tasted it and it's yummy! I felt a vibration and it's coming through my phone

INCOMING CALL

GILBERT

Uh oh! It can't be. 4 rings and it stopped that made me relief. I don't want to answer the call because my Mum was here.

INCOMING CALL

     GILBERT

Ugh! He's calling again. Such a wrong timing!

" Sweetie, Answer the phone call. Baka mahalaga 'yan. Tawag nang tawag. What's the name?" She glimpsed. "G-Gilbe--"

And after it rang for 5 times it ended again

" Who is Gilbe, sweetie?" She asked and pronounced it as Gilb.

" He's not Gilbe, it's Gilbe--" I stopped when I realized I am saying his whole freaking name!

" It's not Gilbe, but it's Gilbe? You're making my mind crazy, sweetie. Just eat your Ramen." She fired back.

Mum, It's Gilbert. UGH!

I finished eating and I'm in the sink putting the bowl on it.

INCOMING CALL

     GILBERT

" Can you stop call-"

[ Good Morning, Darling!] He greeted and my mum snatched my phone because she was so irritated.

"Natasha, my baby--?" My mum dazzled.

Okay, what now?!

" This is not my daughter answering your call, this is her Mum!" She shouted and ended it.

" Mum, Can I borrow my phone." I ordered. " Please?"

" Natasha! Look, You must thank god dahil hindi 'yung Dad mo nakasagot ng phone." She fired " Gaano na kayo katagal?"

" M-mum" I bowed my head, a tear falling from my eyes, "A year"

" Natasha? Really?" She sat in the chair. Frustrated.

" Mum! I-i'm so sorry. I didn't mean to." I hugged her

"Natasha, kailangan ko muna magpalamig or tell me about him."

I played with my hands. It is now or never. "He's u-uhm G-gilbert" My tears are falling again and again. I can't stop holding it. For pete's sake.

"And then?" She asked.

" Mum! I-I met him in the school." I replied

" I didn't ask you that kind of question. Tell me about him." Her hands are now on her forehead.

" He's good... I mean the greatest. He's always there for me when you're not around. He's taking care of me. Promise. He's kindest. In terms of academics he graduated Grade 7 and Grade 8 with High Honors." I continually replied

" I need to see him soon." She ordered me, wiping my tears.

" How about Dad? You're not allowing me, right?" I asked, pouted.

" I feel you, sweetie. Yeah It's too hard na ikulong lang kita base sa pananaw namin ng Dad mo. I can talk to him, but now it's just a secret for the two of us." She replied.

" R-Really, Mum? I don't deserve your kindness!" I kissed her on her cheeks and even hug.

"Of course! You're my baby!"

"Mum!" I sulked.

We laughed and talked about Gilbert. I'm so freaking happy. Maybe this is my the best Christmas gift ever. We're both legal in Mum's terms.

12 hours left until C-day

I can see some fireworks in the balcony. Wow! I decided to chat in the groupchat.

LM

emma: May ka vc na yan bebe

leigh: Gaga ka! Ang peyknews mo huhu

Piya: guys! MC! Luvyah

Ashley: hoy! Ayan na nag-seen na si bakasyonista!

leigh: halo mars muzta?

natashane: hello! Guys. I bought you sumn.

natashane: hoping you will all love it!

leigh: siyempz!

Piya: Yuh! Gurl. Thanks u

Ashley: OMG FREND! YAS!

emma: sana ol may ka-vc sa pasko @leigh

leigh: baka sana lahat may pasko @emma

Piya: So sabo!

leigh: biEh? Ano yung sabo?

Ashley: she meant sabotage ata beh

Piya: She just answered it na. Bye guys. We will eat pa. Lovelots. Merry Christmas!

leigh: merry christmas @emma

emma: bastos amp

natashane: Merry christmas. Xoxo

I already closed my phone. I can't stop my laugh when Emma and Leigh was fighting.

2 hours left until C-day

My Parents were not in the house. I'm sad. Hoping they will come before 12:00 am drops.

I decided to call Gilbert. I don't know. I want to call him after what happened earlier that sounds disrespectful.

"Hello! Gilbert. I-I'm sorry."

[hey] he replied

"You fine?" I asked

[nope]

"What happened? Tell me. I'm here to listen."

[You didn't greet me. And uhm you're mum answered the phone call kanina. I thought nilalayo ka na. Pero I'm great na. Don't worry.]

"Really? Open your cam, then. I'm only the one who opened, so duga"

[Huh? Wait, w-wala akong suot]

"Yikes! Faster, please."

[Done!]

"What's that? Is that a comforter?" I laughed.

[Kumot lang 'to. Comforter amp. Rich ko naman.] He replied

[Musta kayo riyan?]

"We're good. An hour and 30 minutes left and they're not coming back. So tampo," I sighed

[That's sad. Punta ako riyan.]

"You wish." I smirked

[Punta ako riyan... soon. Don't worry kasama kita with our son and daughter.]

"Oh god, Gilbert. Not now!" I put my hands on my face.

[Hehe. Wanna hear me? ]

"No!" I shouted.

[H-Huh? I mean wanna hear me playing guitar? Para hindi ka ma-bored]

"I t-thought you will moa--"

[What mind was that. HAHA! Wait kunin ko lang]

"I'm lit sorry"

That was a mess, Natasha. I hate myself.

"Akin ka sa aking imahinasyon
Sana nama'y hindi lang hanggang doon"

Here it is. His goddamn voice. It always soothes me.

"Kailan kaya ang aking pagkakataon,
Sa panaginip ko'y mahal mo ko 'ron"

Ugh! I'm so lucky I got a singer. What a treasure.

[So, Maganda ba?] I saw him doing thumbs-up.

"Of course! Your voice is great. Teach me some guitar skills someday." I replied and giggled.

[Medyo scripted, sis. ] He replied

" How dare you? Only Ashley can call me, sis!" I shouted, raised a brow

[Edi uhm, Darling? Medyo scripted po.] He laughed

"Bahala ka nga bye!" I grumped.

[Oy! Wait. Iniiwan mo na ba ako?] He made a sad face.

"No!"

[May joke nga sana ako eh.] He replied.

"Tell me." Curious. "Faster please."

['Wag kang tatawa, ha.]

"Huh? Is that even a joke kapag hindi ako tumawa?" I questioned

['Eto na.] He posed for a moment, [Uhm, What cheese cannot be yours?]

"What cheese can't be mine? Uh, I don't know. Tell me."

[Nacho Cheese?] He said in British Accent.

"So fun! Ha-ha" I sarcastically laughed

[But, Darling. You can still get that Nacho Cheese."]  He immediately replied.

"Freak! Tell me how! I'll get it now."

[By stealing? ]

"Stealing is bad--"

[Like how you stole my heart? Remember, It's not even yours. I mean my heart was not even yours, but you stole it]

Oh my god! Fucking fuck! Butterflies!

[ Why? Silence?]

[ Kinilig ka ba? Weh?]

" Fuck.. N.. Ye.. NO!" I shouted.

I heard a knocked on the door. It was my mum and dad!

"H-hello!" I excitedly greeted them. I thought I will never celebrate the Christmas without them.

"How are you, baby?" My Dad asked me and I saw my mum holding some branded paper bags.

"I thought I'll be lonely welcoming Santa." I said, frowned.

"Let's go in the balcony. We better some selfies and join them in the Christmas countdown." My Mum ordered.

"Yes!"

"Hey, Gilbert! Bye!" I whispered so my parents can't hear.

"Ehem! Sweetie, Gilbert?" My Mum whispered.

"Mum! Shh!" I put my finger in the mouth making a 'shh pose'.

"Your Dad is still in the comfort room, don't worry." She fixed my hair. I sighed. "Don't turn-off the phone, baby. I can talk to your Dad while you're talking with your boyfriend." 

Mum. I'm freaking shyyyyyy. I want to melt.

" O-okay, t-then!"

[ Hello po! Tita!] He shouted and waved on the camera.

" You fucker! Can you shut your shit please."

My Mum snatched my phone " Hello! Gilbe!"

" Mum! He's not Gilbe!!!! G-I-L-B-E-R-T. Gilbert, mum!" I fired back

I passed to CR to make sure my Dad is not listening. If he is, for sure I'll be dead so Gilbert. I trust my Mum with my phone.

" 5... 4... 3... 2...

1"

" Merry christmas! Gilbert"

[ Merry Christmas too, Darling.]

I rolled my eyes.

[ Wow! Sungit]

" Merry Christmas! Dad and Mum" I hugged them.

" Merry Christmas, baby! We have present for you." My dad gave me a shopping bag.

" Dad! This is awesome, omg!"

He gave me my favorite perfume ever! Sweet Like Candy and Moonlight. I'm freaking screaming.

" I love you Daddy and Mummy!" I hugged them.

" We love you too" They showered me with kisses.

" Sweetie, can I talk with you? " My mum asked me.

" Sure po, Mum!" I answered.

We went to the other side of the balcony.

" I'm so proud of you, sweetie. Gilbert is so nice. What an ideal man. Ganiyan din dad mo noon." She chuckled.

" Oh-kay?" I don't know kung saan 'to papunta.

" Just remember your studies! You can go back with Gilbert now. Merry Christmas again, baby." She kissed my forehead.

" Hoy! Gilbert! Ano sinabi mo kay Mummy?" I asked, whispered.

[Oh! Hello, you're back.]

"Obviously"

"So what it is?! Tell me? I'll bring fireworks there and papasabugin ko sa'yo if you don't tell me what you said earlier to my Mum!" Pagbabanta ko. He's so irritating. So help me god.

[I said...]

[I surely love your daughter Natasha. My life is not perfect, but it's worth it when I'm with her. I'm not making promises, Ma'am. But I'll make sure that our relationship will not be hindrance for our education. And I can prove you more that I'm deserving to be with her eternally.] He said that made me smile. Looking at the night skies with fireworks. [Was my speech, okay, Darling?]

I smiled. I'm sure now that I'm lucky because of him.

————————————————————————————————————
♡