CHAPTER 16

Weeks passed, and we had managed to come to terms with the truth about Diaxia and Diancia's secret. It wasn't easy, but we understood the reasons behind their choices. Kit and Xyrex agreed to keep their secret and support them in reconciling with their family.

"Selenn, paano kapag nagalit sila?" Kinakabahang tanong ni Diaxia.

I frowned. "And why is that?" I asked.

"You know...I lied." Ngiwing sagot niya.

Napairap ako sabay sabing, "Diaxia, if they really consider you as their friend, they will understand you gaya nang pag-intindi ko sa'yo. You just need to explain to them everything."

Napailing naman siya. "Not everyone is like you, Selenn. Not everyone is understanding like you." Mahinang saad niya.

I gave her a warm smile. "They might not be like me, but I'm sure they'll understand you. Just trust yourself, Diaxia. You're amazing." I encouraged her.

Huminga siya ng malalim saka maliit na napangiti at tumango. "Yeah, you're right..."

Diaxia decided it was time to reveal the truth to our other friends, with my help, of course. We gathered at the oval after our classes.

"Ano na naman bang ginagawa natin dito? I want to go home already!" Reklamo ni Tessia na may masamang tingin kay Diaxia.

I smiled at Tessia. "We'll talk." Maikling saad ko na ikinaingos niya.

Nabaling ang tingin ko kay Arjelyn nang padabog itong tumayo. "Talk? With who? With that wench?! Have you lost your mind?! She betrayed you! Same with that bastard!" She pointed at Xyrex, who was silently sitting beside Kit.

Xyrex groaned when he heard Arjelyn's complaint. "I already told you, I didn't mean it! I was lost in thoughts by that time!" Xyrex uttered, gritting his teeth.

Actually, I was mad and jealous because of what happened on Valentine's Day but after knowing Diaxia's secret, the anger and jealousy I felt that time melted. And besides, wala akong karapatan na magselos kasi nililigawan pa lang naman niya ako...right?

"Wala naman kasi talagang kasalanan si Luther!" Pagdedepensa ni Tarius.

Masama ang tingin naman na nilingon siya ni Arjelyn kaya kaagad siyang tumahimik.

Wence was about to utter a word too when Arjelyn shushed him too. "Don't you dare utter any words coming from that filthy mouth of yours! I know you tricks, you're just saving that dumbass friend of yours but let me remind you that you're Selenn's friend too. You were there when you witnessed this wench kiss that bastard!" Arjelyn exclaimed with gritted teeth.

Bumalot ang katahimikan matapos magsalita ni Arjelyn. On my peripheral view, I saw Diaxia secretly wiping her tears.

I sighed. "Okay, enough is enough. Let's all calm down and forget what happened in the past." Hindi naman sila sumagot.

Tumaas ang kilay ko nang magtaas ng kamay si Secret.

"Yes?"

"Can I go to the canteen? I'm hungry." Nakangusong aniya.

Arjelyn scowled. "Kakakain mo lang kanina! Anong klaseng halimaw ba 'yang nasa t'yan mo?"

Tober, on the other hand, gave Secret a bar of chocolate. "Will this do?" Tanong niya.

Kaagad na nagningning ang mga mata ni Secret at masayang tinanggao ang chocolate. "Thank you!"

Diaxia took a deep breath before starting the conversation.

"Guys, there's something important I n-need to tell you," Diaxia began. "I know you've been through a lot of confusion and deceit, and I-I'm truly sorry for that."

Kumunot ang noo ng lahat, except for Kit and Xyrex who witnessed the happenings then.

"The truth is, I have a twin, but we've been switching places for years." Pagpapatuloy ni Diaxia.

"What do you mean by that?" Wence asked.

"To make the story short, I, most of the time, switch places with my twin, Diancia. I'm not the real Diancia...I'm Diaxia. And yes, we are identical. Minsan siya ang humaharap sa inyo, minsan ako. Haven't you noticed that sometimes ang nakakasama ninyong Diancia ay rude at masungit? Well, that's the real Diancia. And I'm Diaxia, the goody two shoes. In short, I'm the responsible one, and she's the rebellious one."

Arjelyn, Tessia, Secret, and the others exchanged glances, clearly shocked by the revelation.

Kit was the first to break the silence. "So, you mean to say you've both been pretending to be each other?"

Diaxia nodded. "Yes, but we did it to protect each other from our family's expectations and pressure."

Xyrex, who had been silent, added, "Diaxia had been away for some time, and Diancia stepped in for her. I hope you can all understand the complexity of their situation."

Arjelyn finally spoke up. "It's a lot to take in, but we're your friends, and we support you no matter what. But still...I hate your sister for hurting my sweet Selenn's feelings! Halata naman na 'yung gaga mong kapatid ang humalik kay Xyrex."

Tarius, Wence, and Romeo agreed, and the tension in the room began to dissipate. It was clear that our friends wanted to move forward and mend the relationships that had been strained by the secret.

"Thank you..." Naiiyak na saad ni Diancia.

"For what?" Tessia asked.

"F-For understanding me..."

"Tanga ka ba? Syempre kaibigan ka namin! I mean, 'yung mabait na Diancia, which is ikaw. It's a no biggie." Turan naman ni Arjelyn.

Diaxia looked at me with gratitude. I smiled at her then mouthed, "I told you."

As the weeks turned into months, Diaxia made an effort to be herself, she's no longer switching places with her twin sister, Diancia. It was a process of self-discovery for her, and our group of friends grew even closer through the experience.

I was on my way to my classroom when suddenly, Arjelyn, Diaxia, Tessia, and Secret showed up. Before I could ask them, the next thing that I knew, they were pulling me towards the school's oval, their expressions filled with excitement and anticipation. I stumbled along, trying to keep up with their eager pace.

"T-Teka! Saan tayo pupunta?" I asked, slightly panicking.

"Come on, Selenn, you won't believe what's happening!" Arjelyn exclaimed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, we have a surprise for you!" Tessia chimed in, her grin infectious.

Secret leaned in closer and whispered, "It's going to be epic, trust us."

"Ha? You're all weird!" Komento ko. They all just giggled.

We finally reached the oval, where a small crowd had gathered. I looked around, my curiosity piqued. Something big was definitely going on.

Diaxia took my hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze. "You're going to love this, Selenn."

Before I could even ask what was happening, the crowd suddenly parted, and there stood Xyrex at the center of it all, holding a bouquet of roses. He had a determined look on his face, and the happiness and excitement on my friends' faces made it clear that they were expecting this.

My heart began to race as I realized what was happening. Xyrex was about to make a declaration, and it seemed like even my closest friends knew everything about it.

The scene was set for a moment that would change everything, and I couldn't wait to find out what Xyrex had in store.

As Xyrex stood there in the center of the oval, his gaze locked onto mine, I could feel the tension building in the air. My friends exchanged surprised glances, and it was clear that they were just as intrigued as I was.

Xyrex took a deep breath, his eyes unwavering. He cleared his throat and began to speak, "Selenn, I've been through a lot with you, and I've seen you at your best and your worst. I want you to know that you mean the world to me, and I can't imagine my life without you."

My heart was racing, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. What was happening? What was he about to say?

He continued, "I don't want to keep any secrets from you, and I want to be completely honest. Selenn, I love you. I love everything about you, even your glitches and quirks. You are the one who makes my world brighter and better."

Tears welled up in my eyes as the weight of his words sunk in. It was a declaration of love, so unexpected and genuine.

Xyrex's voice was filled with sincerity as he got down on one knee, holding out the bouquet of roses. "So, I have just one question for you, in front of everyone here..."

The entire oval had fallen silent, and all eyes were on us. My friends were holding their breath, waiting for my response.

Xyrex looked deep into my eyes, his voice trembling with emotion, "Selenn, will you be my girlfriend?"

Time seemed to stand still as I gazed into Xyrex's eyes, overwhelmed by his heartfelt confession. The oval was filled with anticipation, and I could hear my friends holding their breath in the background.

With a quivering voice and tears of happiness streaming down my cheeks, I managed to say, "Yes, Xyrex, a thousand times yes."

A cheer erupted from our friends, and Xyrex stood up, his eyes filled with joy, slipping the bouquet of roses into my hand before taking me into a warm, loving embrace.

As we hugged, I couldn't help but feel that, despite the trials and tribulations we had faced, our love had grown stronger, and the future held a promise of happiness and shared secrets. This unexpected declaration of love had brought us closer together, and I couldn't wait to see where our journey would lead us next.