CHAPTER TWELVE

All night

"I'M sorry, but do you have any ice cream here? Can't see one," I asked the lady in the counter.

"Ay, sorry. Wala eh."

I frowned and immediately left the store.

This was the worst 4th birthday a kid could ever had.

My Mom and Dad were busy working and my twin was playing computer games the whole day!

Seriously, do they even care about me or my birthday?

I sat on our porch and saw a little boy in front of the house next to us.

May nakatira na pala doon?

That house was abandoned a long time ago. I never thought that there would be someone interested to live in that house again.

In the middle of thinking, a ball suddenly hit my face.

I closed my eyes in irritation and pain before I opened them again.

Napahawak ako sa ilong ko at nagitla ako nang makita kong may dugo 'yong kamay ko. "I'm bleeding! My nose is bleeding! Wahhhh!" I cried out loud.

I heard footsteps coming nearer and nearer. I looked up and saw that little boy from next door now standing in front of me.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!" he said, nervousness crossing his face.

I glared at him and continued to cry.

"This is the worst birthday ever!" I complained.

Napatitig siya sa 'kin. "It's your birthday?"

"Why do you care? Just go away!" I pushed him away from me but then he handed me a face towel. "Here. Use this," he said politely.

"I'm really sorry. It's the least I can do for you. I still don't have a job, I can't buy you a gift." He let out a long sigh, like it was a sin for not giving me a present for my birthday.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Why do you feel sorry for me? You don't even know me."

"Oh. Right. I'm Gonz. What's your name?"

"I'm Rara."

"Cute name, huh."

I frowned when he said that. I hate it when someone calls me cute.

"Uhm. Hey, Ra. Would you like to join us for dinner? My Dad cooked for me," he offered politely.

Napatitig ako sa kanya. That was actually thoughtful and sweet.

"Bakit Dad mo 'yong nagluto? Isn't it your Mom's duty?"

Ngumiti lang siya nang tipid. "I don't have a Mom. She left us one month ago that's why my Dad and I had to move here in Belle Ville. To start a new life without her."

"Sorry," napapahiyang sabi ko.

He's just a kid like me. How did he manage to stay calm in a situation like that?

"Come on, join us," he repeated, offering his hand to me.

That moment he offered his hand to me, I knew that once I hold it, it would be hard for me to let go.

Flashing him a genuine smile, I accepted his hand and stood up.

"THANKS, Dr. Andy and Dr. Ternie," Bell said, shaking their hands before leaving the room.

"Thankfully, the damage wasn't that serious. You can rest for two days, you heard them. And then you can train again," Bell said in a stern voice.

Napakunot ang noo ko nang maalala ko na naman bigla na halos isang linggo kaming hindi nagkita at nag-usap.

"Where have you been? Hindi mo ako ni-re-reply-an ilang araw na." I finally got the chance to open it up.

He clenched his jaw and looked away.

"Kaninang umaga ko lang nabasa. I was on a camp since that night I left your dorm. Pagkabalik ko sa dorm, nando'n sila Coach. He told us to pack our things and he even confiscated our phones to focus on our training. Sobrang biglaan kaya hindi na ko nakapagsabi sa 'yo."

"O-Oh."

"Yeah. I'm sorry."

Napatitig ako sa kanya. "You don't have to."

I feel stupid for thinking the worst about him. I thought he was intentionally ignoring me because of another girl.

"I'm sorry for reading your messages too late. If only I was there to stop you from joining that sports festival, you wouldn't have to get hurt."

I tried to stop myself from feeling this way, but I can't help it. I felt so happy hearing those words coming from him.

I literally have no idea why I feel this way about him.

Maybe I'm just missing Gonz too much because he hasn't been on my side lately.

"Buy me food then," I demanded, raising a brow at him.

"What?"

"I said, buy me food," I repeated.

He chuckled. "You seriously have to bring that up in the middle of this. You really are un-f*ckin'-believable."

Ngumiwi ako. "What? You said you were sorry! Buy me food then!"

He burst out in laughter, shaking his head in disbelief. "Alright, alright. What do you want?"

"Pesto and wings."

He rolled his eyes. "I hate that crap."

"Huh? Sarap kaya no'n!"

"I'll buy you lasagna and legs instead." He gave me a silly smile.

"Gross."

He chuckled. "Dumi mo mag-isip. Legs ng manok, Keen."

"Whatever. Just buy me food already."

He was laughing his ass out even when he left the room. Napangiti na lang ako bigla.

I pulled out my phone from my bag and sent Trev a text.

Hey. Aren't you going to visit me here? I'll be staying at the hospital for two days. Boring.

Bumukas bigla 'yong pinto kaya mabilis akong nag-angat ng tingin.

Natigilan ako nang makita ko si Gonz.

He's breathing heavily as if he ran so fast to be here.

He marched towards me and suddenly hugged me like a bear.

"How did you know? I just sent a message to Trev few seconds ago," nagtataka kong sabi.

I was so confused with his sudden appearance. He's in De Grande and no one there knows about what happened to me so how did the news spread so fast?

"Dith called me," he replied.

My eyes widened and pushed him a little, flashing him a mischievous smile. "You guys talk?" pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

Sumeryoso bigla 'yong mukha niya. "I left her my number the first time I met her when you introduced us to each other. I told her to call me if anything happens to you."

Natahimik ako bigla.

I didn't know what to say.

Gonz really cares about me. Until now.

To be honest, I really liked him since that day he offered his hand to me on my 4th birthday. Then I realized that I love him more than a friend when I was thirteen. But I knew he'd never see me as a woman because to him, I was like a sister. He's like a brother to me too. He's my other half. I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. So, when I realized that I was in love with him, I tried my best to forget my feelings for him. I started dating his friends.

He never knew that I had feelings for him. Walang nakakaalam na kahit sino. Kahit sina Trev at Feem, hindi nila alam. Kahit si Lumi, hindi niya alam.

I never told anyone.

It was just me and my little heart.

And I really had a hard time forgetting my feelings for him but when he introduced his first girlfriend to me, nakatulong talaga 'yon sa 'kin.

"Sorry for leaving you like that last time," he apologized.

I flashed him a sly smile. "It's nothing."

"Who brought you here by the way?"

"Bellamy."

Napaangat ang kilay niya. "Why are you always with him? You know he's a Creos."

"Don't judge him."

"Ah, ngayon kinakampihan mo na siya?" reklamo niya.

"I'm not taking sides. I'm not siding with anyone. I'm just saying that you should not judge him." I paused and smiled. "He's not the person we thought he was."

He scoffed in disbelief. "Really, Ra? You're already falling for his charms?" He sounded a little bit disappointed.

"I didn't say that."

"But it's obvious."

"I'm not falling for him, alright? And I never will. I know he's not good for me. It's just that . . . he's been so nice to me lately and it's confusing me."

"He's nice to everyone, especially girls," he enunciated, emphasizing the last word.

Right.

I suddenly remembered that message from Maica. She was also asking him for a reviewer and I felt special for nothing.

"I'll take a break and stay here with you until you get discharged," he insisted.

Mabilis akong umiling. "No," I said sternly.

I didn't like the idea that he'll be skipping his classes and trainings again because of me.

He did more than enough for me already.

"I'm a big girl now, Gonz. I can handle myself."

He patted my head like a kid and hugged me again.

"I know. But you're still my Rara."

A smile formed on my lips when he said that.

"And you're still my Gonz," I said, finally hugging him back.

I really missed him.

We were always glued to each other since we were four. We were literally partners in everything. So, when we got in College, I wasn't ready for the sudden change.

He was far away from me. He started to become happy without me.

It's like . . . I'm not a part of his daily routine anymore.

Nasanay akong laging na sa 'kin ang atensyon niya. Nasanay akong kaming dalawa lagi ang magkasama. And being with him like this brought back so many memories.

"You know I love you, right?" he whispered.

I smiled and nodded.

I know that, Gonz. You always loved me as your best friend. You always looked out for me like a sibling. You always protected me as if you're my Dad.

"I'm sorry for not paying attention to you like I usually did. You know I'm still adjusting. And I know that you are too. Babawi ako, Ra. I promise."

Napangiti ako at marahang tumango. "I love you too, Gonz," I said from the bottom of my heart.

I love him as much as I love my twin, Trevor.

I was confused these past few months about my feelings for Gonz. I thought my feelings for him was coming back, but I was wrong. I was just sad and impatient because he's not always with me anymore. I was just having a hard time accepting that my best friend and I are no longer glued to each other like we used to. I had a hard time accepting the fact that Gonz and I have to grow separately.

Tulad ng sabi niya, nanatili siya sa tabi ko para maasikaso at maalagaan niya ako kahit nakakalakad naman ako nang maayos. I just needed to be admitted here in the hospital para ma-monitor nila Dr. Andy 'yong activities ko. Pasaway daw kasi ako kaya hindi kampante si Dr. Andy.

"You did that for real?" I questioned in disbelief.

He was telling me how he begged Kiella to understand him and not leave him.

"Did you really have to beg? I mean . . . come on. You weren't like that."

He shrugged and flashed me a small smile.

"I don't know." He sighed. "It's just that . . . she was always there for me when I was having a hard time adjusting in college. As an athlete, my sched was tight. But she was there for me. She's actually the first person who does everything for me. Nasanay lang siguro ako na ako 'yong laging gumagawa no'n para sa iba."

That caught me off guard.

Did he really think like that?

So, what am I? A baggage that he carries with him all the time?

I was offended with what he said, but I chose to stay silent. I couldn't blame him for feeling that way.

I was and will always be willing to do everything for you, you idiot. I'm your best friend!

I wanted to say that to his face, but I chose not to.

"Tagal naman ni Bell?" bigla kong sabi nang mapansin ko ang oras.

Kanina pa siya umalis, eh. What's taking him so long?

Lumipas ang ilang oras, dumating na si Trev kasama si Feem. They brought stuff for Gonz because he's going to stay here with me.

The three of us talked, talked and talked. All we did was talk. Ganito talaga kami tuwing magkakasama. We catch up no matter how long the conversation takes.

I missed my twin so much. And I really missed Feem.

We're the squad we never knew that existed. Sobrang dami naming pinagdaanan, but look at where we are now.

We're stronger than ever.

"Bili lang ako ng pagkain natin," paalam ni Feem. Trev was about to follow her but Gonz insisted to follow her instead. Hinayaan lang ni Trev si Gonz.

Speaking of food, where the hell is Bellamy?

Now it's just me, and my twin.

"Gonz told me you're always hanging out with Bell," biglang sabi ni Trev.

"He told you that?"

"Yeah. And he sounded jealous."

Natigilan ako. "Bakit naman?"

"Because you guys don't have time for each other like you used to."

Natawa ako bigla dahil pareho pala kami ni Gonz ng nararamdaman. "That's normal. We're in college now," kibitbalikat kong sabi.

"And he's jealous that Bell might have already replaced him as your bestfriend."

"God. I would never replace him! He will always be my one and only guy bestfriend."

Trev smiled and kissed me on my cheek. "I know that," he agreed.

"Just . . . always keep in mind that Gonz's having a hard time too when he's not with you," he reminded me.

"He already has Kiella. He said she does everything for him. The way he talks about her, it's different with how he used to talk about his past girlfriends. I think if someone should get jealous, it must be me, right? He found a bestfriend and a girlfriend in the same person. He must be really lucky and happy."

"Kiella's a nice girl. You don't have to worry about Gonz."

I nodded in agreement. "And that's actually the problem. I don't have to worry about him anymore because he already found the right one. And I'm not jealous with the person he's with right now. I'm genuinely happy for him." Napayuko ako at napakagat sa labi. "What's making me jealous is the fact that he already found the right one for him while I'm just here, trying to fix the shattered parts of me because I want to be whole again."

"You really are a big girl now, Ra. I'm proud of you." He patted my head like a kid, grinning ear to ear. Why does he always do that? Gonz always do that to me too! Ano bang meron sa ulo ko?

"You used to have a bad temper when he's not paying attention to you."

My eyes widened. "Really? I was like that?" I had no idea! I thought I was just . . . trying to be cute.

Gross.

"Yeah. That's why Gonz always had to break up with his girlfriends. It was always because of you. You and your temper." Humalakhak siya.

"Now it's my fault?" I rolled my eyes.

"Gonz was always nice to you whenever you date anyone you want to date. He tried to see the good in whoever you choose to date. He didn't get mad at you when you were not paying attention to him."

"Well, that sucks. Because right now, he's really against me and Bellamy." That slipped from my tongue uncontrollably.

"You're dating Bell?!"

"What? No! What I meant was . . . he was always against me hanging out with Bell. Bell is such a good guy if only you guys could get to know him."

"Well, I agree."

"You do?" I asked. I didn't expect that he'd say that.

He nodded. "I've seen how much he cared for Feem and his Mom. To them, he's a protector and a happy pill."

Napangiti ako. "See? He's not that bad."

"He actually visits Feem in De Grande twice a week just to hang out with her," he added.

"So, no. I'm not against you and him hanging out. I'm actually glad you guys are spending time together."

"Really?" I told him, my voice full of triumph.

"Yeah. I like him better than Denver. Denver's a jerk."

I immediately shook my head. Denver's not a jerk. Trev's just saying that because Denver was Feem's first love.

How childish, Trev. Jelly jelly!

"But please don't date a Creos. You've already dated his cousin so it's really going to be weird if you date another one."

"As if I'd date him!" I retorted.

But then I suddenly remembered our moments together. A smile escaped my lips. "To be honest, I love his presence. I hate him most of the time because he's annoying the hell out of me, though. But yeah, I love his presence. Nothing more than that."

Sigurado ako, hindi na hihigit pa roon ang nararamdaman ko.

"Good."

We changed the subject when Feem and Gonz entered the room, holding a bucket of KFC.

We had fun the whole night. I never thought that getting admitted to the hospital would be this good.

I wish this never ends. But that's not possible because everything's going back to normal once they come back to De Grande.

At ngayon ko lang na-realize na ako lang ang hindi nag-aral sa De Grande sa 'ming apat. Na-te-tempt tuloy ako mag-transfer para lagi ko na lang ulit silang kasama.

I really miss our high school days.

Feem and Trev left the hospital at 10PM. Actually, the visiting hours was until 8PM only but because they always find ways, they made it until 10.

I shot Gonz a death glare when he suddenly pushed me while I'm on the bed.

"You seriously got the nerve to push me while I'm badly injured here, huh," I complained.

"You're not badly injured. You're just exaggerating."

Natahimik ako saglit.

"I really hope I was only exaggerating so I can get back already on court and play again," I said in a wistful voice.

He pursed his lips, lying down next to me.

Wait.

What?

"Sleep on the couch!" I yelled.

"What the? We used to sleep next to each other since we were four!"

"Yeah, that's actually true," wala sa sariling sabi ko. "But I'm not in the mood right now you moron!"

"That's actually a better reason why I should sleep with you."

My eyes widened.

What the hell?

"Don't look at me like that. You know what I meant."

"Right." I gave up and nodded, letting him sleep beside me.

He's always like this whenever I feel sad or tired, he insists to sleep beside me.

"Can you hand me my phone?" I requested.

"If you're going to text that womanizer, hell no."

"Gonz!" inis na sigaw ko. Bakit ba panay ang kontra niya?

"Fine, fine. Just let me read what you would send him."

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "Aren't you being too clingy?" I complained.

He chuckled. "I'm just looking out for you."

I didn't answer. Wala na rin akong lakas para makipagtalo pa sa kanya.

I started typing my message the moment he handed me my phone.

Hey, Bell. Where are you? At least update me if you're not coming back.

I waited for his reply, and it took almost ten minutes before he did.

Sorry.

I blinked at his reply.

Okay? What was that?

It's just one word, but it kept me up all night.

______

Tiana:

Oops. Para saan kaya yung sorry ni Bell? What are your thoughts about Gonz and Rara? And about Rara and Bell? Don't forget to leave your comments for this chapter! It really motivates me to write! :D Guys! Help me promote this story thru posting this story on your social media accounts. You can also mention me on your posts. Thank you so much in advance! It would really mean a lot!