#TD08

Dear Diary,

Eversince I shift my course from Architecture to legal management, and I often get asked is, "Why did you shift?"

"Ate Beatrice?"

I turned around when someone called me and even so, I didn't recognize the student in front of me.

"Ikaw nga!" he said, surprised. "What are you doing here sa law department?"

My brow shot up. "And you are?"

He flashed a smile. "Mark. Don't you recognize me?"

I frowned. "Mark?"

"Yeah. We were schoolmates before noong highschool. Two years pagitan natin. You were quite popular back then."

"Oh, really? Sorry pero bakit wala akong-"

"Trisha?"

His eyes widened in surprise when Keith appeared behind me. He looked like had seen a celebrity.

"Kuya Keith!"

Keith startled by his energy so he looked at him, confused. "Hello."

Mark looked at the both of us completely bewildered. Keith and I exhanged looks. This guy must be a weirdo.

"You guys are in law school? Wait, I thought you were in med," he pointed at Keith then to me. "And you're taking up Architecture. This is surprising! Nag-shift ba kayo?"

"You know what's more surprising? Is the fact you know our courses."

Keith held the back of his neck. "Uh, yeah. We're law students now."

Mark's eyes twinkled in astonishment. "Wow! How cool is that! Parehas na pala tayong tatlo. I'm glad that I have an older Kuya and Ate that can guide me in law."

"I had no idea you took law," I said

"I'm still curious. Why did you both shift? Akala niyo ba madali lang ang law? Nakakamatay. Baka ako pa ang mauna," he said and knocked on the wooden table

"Personal reasons," I replied. It was true. If we had told him then he probably wouldn't talk to us anymore

"Kuya Keith.." he called him to fish some answers. He was being nosy.

"Uh, it's a bit complicated."

And I don't think Keith would want to open it to him.

All of a sudden, the bell rang and the students all stood up to go back to their classrooms.

"We'll get going now," I said. I was the first one to leave since I was nervous he might ask us more questions. Keith bid goodbye to him and eventually followed me

Then I heard Mark's last words before we turned to the hallway.

"See you in law school friends!"

More like, see you in hell school.

"Oh, hi Trisha!" one of my classmates in Archi greeted me when we saw each other around the campus

I smiled. "Hi Penelope!"

"I heard nagshift ka ng course. Iniwan mo naman ako ng walang pasabi," she pouted. "Iba na tuloy seatmate ko. Ayoko pa sa kanya."

I chuckled.

"So why did you suddenly shift?"

"Uh, law talaga ang gusto kong kunin."

She beamed. "Sabi na e, kaya nga may law books ka na bitbit sa klase natin noon. Hindi ko akalain na magshishift ka talaga."

"Hmm, yeah. I've made up my mind. I admit, nakakamiss din mag-aral about Archi. I miss our classmates. I feel like it's a new start for me but I'm ready for it!" I said enthusiastically

"I love your energy girl!" she praised. "Kamusta naman so far?"

"Medyo kinakabahan lang. Syempre isang sem akong nag Archi tapos ngayon, back to square one. Kailangan kong maghabol. I don't want to get left behind."

"You can do it! Marami din akong kakilala na nagshift ng course. Mahirap nga raw sa umpisa pero worth it naman. Support din ang kailangan. Buti pumayag naman ang parents mo."

I nodded. "Yes and I'm very lucky that my mom supports me. I'll do my best!"

"I'm happy for you Trisha. Goodluck girl!"

"Thank you Penelope. Ikaw din! See you around the campus."

***

The next morning, I payed a visit to Keith's condo. I knocked first then waited for him to open the door. While waiting, I looked at the breakfast I cooked for him.

"Goodmorning!" I greeted. My jaw dropped when I saw him topless. I panicked and immediately looked away awkwardly. "Keith? Seriously?! Put your shirt on for God's sake!"

A soft chuckle escape his lips. "Goodmorning to you too," he said. "Ooh! Is that for me? I'm famished. Come inside."

He then opened the door wide. I tried my best to avoid staring at his perfect sculpted body and stepped inside. I went straight to his kitchen, placing the tupperware on top of the counter. I looked at him and he still hasn't worn his shirt yet.

"I was working out a while ago. The gym was closed," he said and walked towards me. My heart raised inside my chest. His chest brushed against my skin when he reached over the tupperware. It felt like I was running out of air

I cleared my throat. "Where's Kate?"

"Oh, she went to her classmate's house for a group project." He opened the tupperware then took a bite of the grilled cheese sandwhich. He looked calm while I feel awkward at our close proximity. He shifted his gaze on me. "It's scrumptious. Thank you," he smiled

I returned the smile. "You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it."

"Kumain ka na rin ba?"

"Yup!"

He noticed my uneasiness and I couldn't look at him in the eye. He cocked his head, searching for my eyes. "What's wrong? Do I smell?" he asked then smelled himself

"Tsk! Why are you topless when you opened the door? Paano kung ibang tao pala yung nasa labas?" I asked, annoyed

There was an amused expression on his face. He placed his toned arm on the counter then moved closer to me. "I'm not expecting anyone today, well, except you."

"Pano kung shopee delivery?"

He snickered. "Wala akong delivery."

My gaze traveled down his body again. I couldn't help it. I felt like he was teasing me and he's in fact, enjoying it.

"Totoo ba 'yan?" I asked and instinctively, touched his abs. It was hard. I brushed my finger up and down. "Parang pwede kang maglaba dito ah."

He burst in laughter. I quickly removed my hand, embarrassment gushed through me.

"You're so cute."

"Your butt cheeks are cuter," I shot back then took a quick glance at his butt. He didn't got shy and awkward instead there's a proud look on his face. "Mag damit ka na nga," I ordered

"Nabobother ka ba?"

I gulped. My cheeks heated up at my inappropriate thoughts. "Hindi."

He didn't respond, instead, he just stared at my face. His gaze lowered down to my lips. Our faces were just inches away. I can feel my heart beating wildly inside my chest. My body froze on the ground and my eyes were fixed only to him.

He licked his lips that sent shivers down my spine. I can feel his warm breath on mine. Slowly, I closed my eyes. His lips brushed the corner of my lips and before we could kiss, we heard a knock on the door. I opened my eyes in an instant.

"Tat must be Kate," he said then took a step back. He turned around and went to the door. When he opened it, I saw his sister went inside

"I'm home Kuya!" she cheered

"Yeah. Great timing Kate," Keith replied sarcastically. I covered my mouth, trying not to smile

Kate then found me. Her eyes sparked in delight. "Oh! Ate Trisha is here pala. Hi ate!"

"Hi Kate!"

I can feel Keith's eyes on me. He was too obvious that Kate was smart to notice. She looked at the both of us. "Why? Na-distorbo ko ba kayo?" she teased

Keith and I exchanged looks. My stomach turned upside down. Shyly, I quickly avoided her gaze.

"Nothing. I'll go take a shower." I heard him say. He gave me one last look before he turned around and went to the bathroom

I sighed in relief. Kate walked towards me. I startled. She chortled. There's a sly smile on her face.

"What? Uh, kumain ka na ba? May dala akong breakfast," I said and pulled the tupperware. Keith left his half bitten sandwhich

"Ooh! Did you make this ate? It looks appetizing."

I nodded. She took another slice and took a bite. A soft moan escape her lips by the tase of it. She gave me a thumbs up after.

I smiled. "Glad you liked it."

"I know you like my Kuya, ate."

I almost choked on my own saliva by her bluntness. She takes after her own brother. Both straightforward.

"Ha?"

She giggled. "Nahahalata ko na umpisa palang. It's pretty obvious. You two look so sweet."

"We're just uhm, really close. Binibigyan mo naman ata ng malisya."

She pouted. "You can't deny it. I know I'm right. Natatakot ka lang siguro na umamin. I can relate to you. May crush din ako sa school e. Ako pa nga umamin."

Keith is more than a crush. My love for him got deeper the longer we spend time together but instead of feeling scared of rejection, I know my heart is safe with him.

"But I know Kuya likes you too. Natatakot lang din siguro umamin o kaya hindi pa siya ready. I keep on asking him if he likes you but he'd say only a friend but I don't believe it," she continued. "Sana lang hindi siya magsisi sa huli. A lot of girls like him but he only has one woman that owns his heart."

Somehow, that got my hopes up but I wasn't really expecting anything.

"I'm happy with our friendship. The both of you are like family to me."

"Welcome to the family then."

I shook my head. "Silly," I said. "Ano pa bang ikinikwento niya sa'yo?"

"Do you want to know a secret?" she asked, her eyelids slightly closed

I looked at her suspiciously. The curiosity in my voice was evident. "What?"

"Kuya told me something."

"Ano yun?"

"Kuya said that-"

But before the words came out of her mouth, Keith first came out of the bathroom. He's looks fresh like a baby. His hair is slightly damp. His perfume smelled nice. Even if he's just wearing a black shirt and white shorts, he still looked dashing.

He looked at us innocently. "What?"

Kate and I exchange looks then she giggled. She moved closer to my ear and whispered. "Let's talk next time kapag wala si Kuya."

My lips curved into a smile. I winked at her. "Okay."

For Keith, it might look like we're scheming something but it was just a secret between his sister and I. Keith frowned then shook his head and dried his hair using the towel over his shoulder. I watch him over the counter while Kate was busy eating.

My cheeks heated up when I suddenly remember how our lips barely touched. It lasted just a split second yet it remained inside my mind. I didn't realize I was smiling a little. And I caught Keith smiling too.

***

"Mama! I'm home!" I happily greeted my mom as soon as I came home

"Trisha. How are you anak? I missed you so much."

We then hugged each other. I closed my eyes so I could feel the warmth of it. Oh, that felt nice...being able to hug my mom again after stressful weeks in law school.

"I'm happy now to be back home. It's been months since I last visited," I said. "Ikaw ma, kamusta?" I looked around the house and noticed she was cleaning

"I'm doing well. Nakakabagot lang kaya eto, naglilinis ako. Good thing that Ginger is here to keep me company."

My face lit up in delight when I heard our dog barked. I saw him ran towards us. I knelt down and hugged him. "I miss you Gigi! Oh you little cutie!"

He started to lick my face. I giggled and caressed his soft golden brown fur. He was hyper. He kept on biting my hand while his tail wags playfully.

"How are you Gigi? Did you miss mommy? Of course you do."

"Ikaw nagadopt ka pa ng aso para lang ako ang mag-alaga," mom complained

My smile grew wider. "Thank you for taking care of Gigi mom! Love you."

Our dog barked then started to ran around us. He wanted to play so I reached for his toy ball and threw it. He quickly ran to it to catch it. He returned right away. He sat down. I patted his head, massaging his face.

"Gigi is a trained dog. I'm sure he's doing well at guarding our house," I said

"Oo. Noong isang araw ay tahol 'yan ng tahol sa labas noong nakakita ng aso ng kapitbahay."

"Do you walk him everyday po?"

"Oo naman. I take him out for a walk every afternoon. And everytime we pass by the other dogs, he'd play with them."

"Such a friendly doggo. I think he needs a playmate mama. How about we adopt another dog?" I suggested then looked at her, thrilled to hear her answer

She frowned. "Ano ka? Ang hirap na nga alagaan ni Ginger, gusto mo pa ng isa? Tsaka mahal ang dog food 'no."

I pouted. I heard Gigi whimpered, looking at me innocently. I gently caressed his fur.

Mom turned around then went back to cleaning. I stood up and helped her. I noticed the pile of papers stacked on the table. It's covered in dust. I realized they were my architecture projects and plates. She picked it up.

"Ma. Anong gagawin mo diyan?"

"E 'di itatapon ko na tutal hindi ka na architecture student. Ang dami nito at nakatambak lang sa bahay."

I blinked a couple of times. "But mom. Don't throw it. Sayang!" I protested and tried to get it from her but she moved it away. "Ayokong itapon po 'yan."

She frowned. "Bakit naman? You're not going to use this anymore. You're a law student now. All you need are law books."

"Alam ko po pero kahit na isang taon lang ako nag-aral ng architecture, nagustuhan ko na rin po. I grew fond of it. Pinaghirapan ko 'yang mga plates ko. Ilang gabi akong puyat para lang matapos 'yan e," I complained

She looked at me lazily. "Beatrice. Ano gusto mong gawin dito?"

I pursed my lips. "Uh, sa kwarto ko nalang ma kasama noong ibang gamit ko."

"Ang dami mo na nga abubot sa kwarto mo e kaya ang dumi dumi noong nilinis ko."

My jaw dropped. "Mommy! I'm not that messy."

"Baka ma-turn off si Keith kapag nalaman-"

I lightly hit her arm. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Mama naman..."

"E basta, I'll throw these away."

"No mama please!"

She was about to walk away to the door but then Gigi blocked her and she almost tripped. She muttered a curse.

I covered my mouth, holding back my laughter. I looked at Gigi who's busy finding his ball under the table. I took the chance and got my projects from mom.

"Beatrice!"

"I'll take these. Thank you very much," I said proudly. Since they were thick, it was a bit heavy so some fell on the floor. Mom groaned.

"Naku kang bata ka. Pulutin mo 'yan," she ordered

I crouched on the floor and quickly picked up my plates. I gasped when I noticed that the corner of it were ripped. "What happened to this mom? Ito lang po ba yung plates ko or may iba pa?"

"Iyan nalang ang nasalba ko. Si Gigi ang salarin. He chewed your plates."

My mouth gaped open in shock. I looked at Gigi who seemed mortified. He sat there, frozen while his eyes were fixed on my plates. I saw guilt in them. Before I could scold him, he ran away as fast as he could.

"Hey Gigi! Lagot ka sa'kin!"

Mom let out a sigh. I shifted my attention back to my plates. Suddenly, I felt tears forming in the corner of my eyes. I sniffed and slowly lifted my eyes on mom. "What do I do with this ma? Puro punit na. I don't want to throw these away."

She looked at me as if I was being overdramatic. "H'wag ka nang mag-inarte diyan."

"Would you let me keep it? Please po."

"Fine fine. I'll let you keep it. Basta itago mo lang kung saan hindi mapapaglaruan ni Ginger."

Somehow, that made me feel better. Umurong ang luha sa mata ko. My lips curved into a smile while I try to save my plates. If only I can drew them again, but I lack the time.

After cleaning it, I stood up and placed it first on the side then decided to help mom clean the house. An hour has passed and we're done. We sat down on the dinner table to have merienda. Mom was having tea while I had coffee.

"Mom.." I spoke after minutes of silence

She lifted her eyes on me. "Yes?"

"Are you mad at me?"

Her brows furrowed. "Mad? Why would I be mad?"

I licked my lips. My hands felt warm holding my cup. "Noong biglaan akong nagshift sa law. I'm sorry. I'm sure you were shocked too."

At first, I thought we'd fight about it. I remember crying to her when I told her about it. She comforted me and asked why. I wasn't sure if she'd accept my explanation but I spoke my heart out. I simply said that law is what I truly wanted. She just hugged me and the next thing I knew, I'm now a law student.

"I'm not mad you Beatrice. You're my daughter. I love and support you. I admit, nabigla din ako," she said. "Alam ko na naman na umpisa palang ay iyon na ang gusto mo. Your dad and I were already saving up money as early so we can enroll you in law school. Ang papa mo ang mas excited para sa'yo."

I smiled weakly. "Papa.."

"I should be the one apologizing. I'm sorry for depriving you from your dream. I'm sorry for making you choose. You must have thought I was not supportive of you. Sana hindi ka nagalit sa'kin.." her voice filled with sadness and guilt

My heart ached. I reached out for her hand. "I'm not mom. I was just lost that time. I also considered what you said to me. Kahit ako, hindi ako sigurado if I should pursue it but I didn't want to regret anything. I know dad wants this for me too as much as I do."

She slowly nodded. "It was hard for me to raise you alone noong bigla nalang nawala ang daddy mo. Alam kong lumaki ka sa kanya. Mas nakasama mo siya ng matagal. He raised you as a strong girl. A bit hard headed but," she chuckled softly. "You know what you want. I want the best for you."

My vision became blurry from the tears in the corner of my eyes. Until now, I always get emotional when someone mentions my dad.

"Thank you mommy."

She gave me a small smile. "Panatag naman din ang loob ko dahil andyan si Keith para sa'yo. Talagang hindi kayo mapaghiwalay. Bakit nga ba nag-shift din siya? I thought that he wants to be a doctor? Matalinong bata si Keith kaya sigurado akong mapapasa niya ang exam do'n."

My lips parted. "I, uh.."

"Did the both of you plan this?"

"No!" I blurted. "I mean, yes he wants to be a doctor. Gusto niya pong maging Juris Doctor o kaya Medical lawyer."

She took a sip from her tea. "Really? Parang ang hirap no'n. Both law and med combined?"

I chuckled awkwardly. "Oo nga po e. Ewan ko ba sakanya. Sa sobrang talino po ata, parang lahat gusto niyang subukan."

"Well if that's what he wants then..good luck to him. Sana hindi siya ma-burn out o masiraan ng ulo," she jokingly said

"He knows what he's doing ma. Don't worry."

***

"I don't know what the fuck I'm doing Tris."

I startled at his sudden outburst. We were in the middle of studying in the library for our midterms. We were quiet and focused then he spoke.

He ran his fingers through his hair and let out an exasperated sigh. He looked like he's fighting with all the books in front of him. I couldn't help but to smile.

"You think this is funny?" he asked, irritated

I bit my lip then fixed his hair. It looked messy and hot at the same time. The fact that he's wearing glasses too. He's giving me inspiration to study. Law became easier with him by my side.

"Aww poor Kai. You're doing well okay?" I softly said then patted his head. At first, I thought he would get mad when I treated him like a child but he seem to not mind. I'd let him blew his steam off

"My head fucking hurts," he hissed

"Shh! Nasa library tayo," I whispered. "Take a break Keith. H'wag mong pilitin saksakin lahat ng information sa utak mo. Hindi ka anak ni Einstein."

He shut his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. I find it cute now that he's impatient.

"Gusto mo bang sa cafe nalang ulit tayo mag-aral? It seems like you can't focus here." I roamed my eyes around the library and there were more students studying than yesterday

"I can't focus cause you're here."

Our eyes met again. I blink twice, shocked by the sterness of his voice.

"Why? Did I do something? Do you want me to go?"

He avoided my gaze. My forehead creased, confused by his weird actions. He's not always like this. I was about to speak but then he suddenly stood up and walked towards the second aisle. I followed him.

"What's the problem Keith? Is it because of your..dad?" I whispered upon mentioning his dad cause I didn't want anyone to hear about him. He didn't respond. He was busy finding books.

I held his arm and turned him to face me. We were between two tall bookshelves. It's in the far end corner of the library where no one could see us.

"Ano ba kasi yun?" I asked, irritation filled my voice

"Nothing," he firmly said

I placed my hand on my hips. "Liar. What is it so I can help you."

I admit, I was scared of the thought that he might do something bad to himself given all the things he's gping through right now.

"Hindi naman lahat kailangan kong sabihin sa'yo."

I scoffed. "Hey! You stole my line."

He shook his head impatiently. "I think I'm going crazy."

I sighed and held his arm. He flinched. I looked at our surroundings to see if the librarian was roaming around. I was nervous she might catch us here. But when I diverted my attention at Keith, I almost let out a scream when he's standing too close to me.

"Keith. What-"

He then brought his hand to my cheek. I felt the warmth of his palm. His thumb gently brushed the corner of my lips. My heart raised. I swallowed hard while looking at him. He remained a blank expression on his face.

This felt like de ja vu. The day when our lips almost touched crossed my mind once again and this time, my body heated more.

"Ask me a question that might appear sa exam," he said

"Ha? Right here?"

He nodded.

I looked away and tried my best to think of a question but it was harder than I thought, maybe because of our close distance and his hand on my face!

Mental block. Out all the questions I've reviewed, I can't think of one. I guess we all know who among us is going to fail and pass the exam.

"I, uh, okay I got one," I finally said after a few minutes. "The Roman Catholic Church accepted a d-donation of a real p-property located in Lipa City. A deed of donation was e-executed, signed by the donor, Don Mariano, a-and the donee, the church as r-represented by Fr. Damian. Before the deed could be n-notarized, Don Mariano died. Is the donation valid?" I stuttered in between

He didn't give me an answer right away. He continued to study my face as if he could get the answer by then. My knees turned weak. He has a face of an angel and I didn't know if I can remain as innocent like him.

He licked his lips and finally, answered.

"The donation is void. The donation of an immovable property must be in a public instrument in order for it to be valid. In this case, the donor died even before the notarization of the deed of donation. Hence, it does not satisfy the requirement of being in a public instrument for the donation to be valid."

The way he answered it was confident and precise. Frankly speaking, I didn't know the exact answer to my question but I know he's right.

My gaze lowered down the floor. I felt awkward by his stare. "Uhm, I guess you're right. Mapapasa mo naman siguro ang exam."

He lifted my chin and we're face to face again. There was a ghost of a smile on his lips. I pressed mine together. He moved closer to me but then his phone vibrated inside his pocket. My back leaned against the shelf for support. He took his phone out and checked the text message.

"It's Kate. I'm going to pick her up later sa dentist."

I sighed in relief. That was close...but at the same time, disappointed.

"Oh, okay..." I croaked

He returned his phone inside his pocket and diverted his attention on me. He leaned forward, placing his arm behind the bookshelf behind me, trapping me, his knees slightly bending down.

"Where were we?" he asked, his voice turned deep and husky. "It's my turn to ask you a question."

The way he's staring at me like he's traveling deep inside my soul. I didn't know if he was teasing me or threatening me but both gave me goosebumps. He definately looked like a terror prof in one of our subects, and I came unprepared for the recitation.

Suddenly, I got mental block. And my heart can't seem to calm down.

"Uh, magrereview muna ako!" I spat out and before he can stop me, I quickly turned around and walked away as silently and fast as I can. Luckily, I managed to escape!

Dear Diary,

Is it just me who noticed that Keith got crazier and wilder eversince he entered law school? Oh boy, pati ako nahahawa na!