CHAPTER 17

It was a sunny Saturday morning, and Luther had planned a simple date for the both of us. He had carefully arranged everything, from the place we will go and the foods we will eat. Today was all about creating special memories, he says.

I looked at my mirror while brushing my hair. I wore a simple white crop top and black 

I was currently looking at my full body size mirror, I'm wearing a simple plain crop top white shirt and a black flare pants. I also wore a pair of white sneakers since Luther told me to wear comfortable clothes. 

I got excited when I heard a car engine outside our house so I ran to my veranda to see who it was. Mula sa veranda, I can see Luther with excitement and the bouquet in his hand as he approaches our house. As he reached the front door, he took a deep breath and knocked.

Kaagad akong tumakbo pababa para salubungin siya. 

When I got there, my father stood in front of Luther with a protective expression on his face. He was known for his caring nature, especially when it came to me and today was no exception. As usual.

Hindi muna ako lumapit sa kanila. I was just standing and observing them.

Luther cleared his throat and tried to muster his most polite smile. "Good morning, Sir. I'm here to pick up Selenn for our…uh, date..."

My father's gaze fixed at Luther. "You're Luther, right?"

Luther nodded, a bit nervous. "Yes, sir. That's me."

My father crossed his arms, maintaining his protective stance. "I've heard about you."

Naiiling akong napasandal sa pader at humalukipkip.

Luther couldn't help but feel a little anxious. "I hope it's all about good things, sir."

My father smirked and he patted Luther on the shoulder. "Don't you worry, young man. I've heard plenty."

Luther was still unsure what my father meant when the door swung open behind him, and my mother appeared with an amused smile.

"Honey, stop teasing him," my mother said, shaking her head. She then turned to Luther and whispered, "My husband likes to play the overprotective father role."

Luther let out a shaky chuckle, somehow relieved that it was all in good fun. "I see."

My mother laughed and turned to my father. "Dear, you're scaring the poor boy."

My father grinned. "I'm just looking out for my girl."

But just as they were about to leave, my father couldn't resist one more teasing, threatening rather, remark, "Luther, remember, I know where you live."

Lumapit na ako sa pwesto nila. Baka mamaya kung ano pa ang magawa ni Daddy sa kanya. 

"Mom, Dad, we'll go na po." Paalam ko saka hinigit palayo si Luther. 

As Luther and I walked away from the house, I couldn't help but laugh. "My dad's always like this. He means well, though."

Luther smiled, thankful for the warm welcome. "Your family is lovely, Selenn."

As we left for our date, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the warm and playful nature of my family.

Ilang saglit lamang ay nakarating din kami sa isang malawak na parke. The park was bathed in warm, golden light. We strolled hand in hand along the winding paths, chatting about our dreams, hopes, and what the future held for us.

As we found a cozy spot under a towering oak tree, we spread out a picnic blanket. Luther had packed a basket filled with our favorite snacks and drinks. We settled in, sharing laughter and stories while indulging in delicious treats.

Luther reached for a piece of chocolate and held it out for me. "Selenn, care for a piece?"

I grinned and took the chocolate, savoring the sweetness. "Thanks, Luther. You really know my favorite!" I exclaimed in glee.

He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Well, I aim to make this day unforgettable so I brought all your favorite foods."

I took a bite of the chocolate and turned to Luther, curious about his dreams. "Luther, I know you've always wanted to be a teacher, but you took the STEM strand. Why?"

Luther smiled, his eyes filled with determination. "You're right, Selenn. I've always had a passion for teaching, but my family encouraged me to take the STEM strand for better career prospects. I decided to go along with it, but I've never given up on my dream. I believe I can still make a difference in the lives of others."

I nodded, impressed by his dedication. "That's incredible, Luther. I know you'll be an amazing teacher one day."

Luther then turned the conversation toward me. "And what about you, Iccen? You mentioned wanting to be a counselor. How did that dream come about?"

I took a moment to reflect on my aspirations. "Well, I've always enjoyed helping people and being there for my friends. I believe that being a counselor would allow me to make a positive impact on people's lives. I want to help them overcome challenges and find happiness."

Luther reached out to hold my hand, a tender smile on his face. "Icceb, you have a beautiful heart, and I have no doubt that you'll be an incredible counselor. We can chase our dreams together and support each other every step of the way."

As we shared our dreams and aspirations, the park became a place of hope and possibility, where our love could overcome any obstacles in our paths. Our future held a shared journey of pursuing our passions and creating a life filled with love and fulfillment.

Time seemed to melt away as we got lost in each other's company. Xyrex reached for my hand, his fingers gently intertwining with mine. He gazed into my eyes with a loving smile.

"Iccen, you have no idea how happy I am that you said yes," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity.

I returned his smile, feeling a warm glow in my heart. "Xyrex, I'm so grateful to have you in my life. You mean everything to me."

As we leaned in for a sweet kiss, a sudden rustling noise interrupted our moment. 

"Luther! Selenn!"

We pulled away, looking around to see our friends, Arjelyn, Diaxia, Tessia, Secret, and a few others, emerging from behind the trees, all wearing mischievous grins.

"Surprise!" they shouted in unison, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Arjelyn, the ringleader of this unexpected visit, winked at us. "We couldn't let you two lovebirds have all the fun without some company!"

Tessia chimed in, "We brought snacks, board games, and some music. It's party time people!"

Diaxia held up a portable speaker, ready to play some tunes. "Let's make this day even more memorable!"

Xyrex and I exchanged amused glances, realizing that our friends had decided to turn our romantic date into a group outing. As much as we had been looking forward to some alone time, we couldn't help but appreciate the love and support of our friends.

Kit, with a playful grin, added, "Don't worry, we promise not to disturb your lovey-dovey moments too much."

With that, our friends joined us on the picnic blanket, and the day turned into an unforgettable adventure. We played games, shared stories, and laughed until our sides ached. Xyrex and I might not have had the private date we initially planned, but the company of our friends made it all the more special.

As the sun began to set and cast a warm, orange glow over the park, we gathered around the picnic blanket, holding hands in a circle. We realized that the support and love of our friends were an essential part of our journey.

Tober, her eyes filled with gratitude, said, "I'm glad we have friends who accept and celebrate our happiness."

Secret nodded, her heartwarming smile lighting up her face. "And remember, we'll always be here to support you, no matter what."

With that, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset, knowing that our bonds with our friends were stronger than ever. The day may not have gone as planned, but it had turned into a memory we would cherish forever. 

While Xyrex and I enjoyed our picnic under the oak tree, our friends stealthily approached, trying to contain their mischievous grins. Romeo whispered, "I think it's time we give Xyrex a taste of his own medicine."

Kit nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed. Let's annoy him just like he always does to us."

Wence and Tarius exchanged knowing looks and joined in the plan. They crept closer to us, their intentions clear.

Just as I was about to take a sip of my drink, Kit suddenly leaned over and playfully messed up my hair. "Hey, Selenn, are you enjoying your time with Xyrex?"

I laughed, trying to fix my disheveled hair. "Kit, what are you up to now?"

Romeo chimed in, "You know, Selenn, Xyrex has been practicing his sweet talk for ages. What do you think about his latest pick-up lines?"

Wence added, "Yeah, and we heard he even rehearsed them in front of a mirror."

Tarius couldn't contain his laughter as he continued, "And he's been taking notes from those cheesy romantic movies!"

Xyrex, who had been trying to ignore the teasing, finally couldn't take it anymore. He turned to our friends with a mock stern expression. "Alright, you guys asked for it!"

With that, Xyrex leaped to his feet, chasing Kit, Romeo, Wence, and Tarius around the picnic area. Laughter filled the air as Xyrex chased them in circles, trying to playfully catch his tormentors.

Our friends ran in all directions, trying to escape Xyrex's playful wrath. "You can't catch us, Xyrex!" Romeo shouted, darting behind a tree.

Xyrex grinned and replied, "Oh, I think I can!"

The park became a hilarious battleground as our friends tried to evade Xyrex's playful pursuit. I couldn't help but join in the laughter, cheering them on as they ran around like mischievous children.

Eventually, Xyrex managed to catch Kit, grabbing him in a playful headlock. "Gotcha, Kit!"

Kit laughed, trying to wriggle free. "Tangina mo ang sakit! Bitaw!"

"Bobo kasi, Kit. Ba't ka kasi nagpahabol!" Tumatawang saad ni Wence. 

The other boys couldn't contain their laughter, and we all shared a good laugh at the playful chase. It was a moment of lighthearted fun and camaraderie, a memory we would cherish in our shared adventures.

As the day continued, our group of friends enjoyed the picnic and each other's company, strengthened by the bonds of friendship and the joy of moments like these.