I'm Getting Older While He's Not (Unconditional Love Trilogy #1)

Kabanata 1: Ang Paglalapit

"Alam mo na ba ang kasabihan?" she raised an eyebrow and gave me that mischievous smile—it could only mean trouble. "The more you hate, the more you love, gaga!" she teased, giving my arm a playful slap before bursting into laughter, na parang elephante.

The crowd went silent. Gulat akong napatingin sa kaniya, halos lahat kami nagulat sa tawa niya and even our boring professor caught her attention.

"Miss. Adelaide Prillene Bergonia, tawa nang tawa parang kinukurot ang puke!" sigaw ni Sir Mani habang naka kunot ang noo. He's the type of teacher na laging galit. Instead of being calm, lagi niyang dinadaan sa sigaw at pagpapahiya.

I admit, it was April's fault, but he had no right to embarrass her in front of the entire class. What made it even more infuriating was that he chose to use some inappropriate words while doing it.

April has this incredibly loud and infectious laugh, so even the corniest joke ends up being funny. Honestly, sometimes her laughter is way more entertaining than the joke itself. It’s hard not to smile when she gets going, but that doesn’t mean he should have treated her like that.

"Kung tatawa ka lang sa klase ko. Much better na lumabas ka na lang," dagdag ni Sir Belindo. Nakita kong napaurong bibig ni April at bakas sa mata niya ang pagkagulat. I felt bad for her.

"So-sorry po, Sir Belindo," April looked down at the floor as she spoke, her voice trembling. It was clear she didn’t expect that kind of reaction. Who would be happy na mapahiya, right? I could see the embarrassment on her face, and it made me feel frustrated for her. It’s tough to see your friend hurt like that, especially when she didn’t deserve it.

Sir Belindo was about to say something when his cellphone suddenly rang. He quickly answered it, and I could see him grinning like a fool at whoever was on the other end. It was almost amusing how happy he looked. A moment later, after they finished their conversation, he took a deep breath, and his stomach seemed to round out even more. It was clear he was in a good mood, but I couldn’t help but wonder what could make him so happy in the middle of class.

"Okay class, I have an urgent meeting. it means we have an early dismissal. Next group. Review your reports. Kayo next na mag de-debate," saad ni Sir Mani sabay ayos ng gamit niya at dali-daling umalis.

"Hey, Miss Carter," I was jolted back to reality by a comment from the guy behind me. I turned to look at him, my brow furrowed in confusion. But Ethan just smiled at me, so I rolled my eyes in response.

"Yes? Do you need something? And how can I help you?" I asked, sarcastically and I raised my eyebrow to look superior.

I know that’s not really me; I’m not the type to be mean or snobby. I just don’t like their approach. Just because he’s the SSG president, does he think he can act that way? Sure, he’s good-looking—definitely one of my types! But the way he treated me earlier? That’s a huge no for me. And isama mo pa ang the guy from earlier. Grabe. Mga lalaki talaga. Wala nang ginawang tama!

"Bukas na po kasi 'yong gate, alam kong uwing-uwi ka na po," biro niya sabay tawa nang mahina na lalong nagpataas ng kilay ko.

See? Insensitive jokes? Sino naman ang mahuhulog sa lalaking 'to? He's not even worth it to chase.