Before Aiah could react, Jhoanna quickly brushed a fast kiss against her cheek, subtle enough that no one would notice—except Sheena, of course.
Sheena’s jaw dropped slightly, then she quickly smacked Jhoanna’s shoulder lightly. “Hoy, ang aga aga anlalandi niyo"
Jhoanna just chuckle, stepping back. “Goodluck, Queen,” she said before turning to walk with Sheena.
Aiah stood frozen in place for a few seconds, her hand brushing the spot on her cheek where Jhoanna kissed her, completely forgetting the fact that she was in the middle of the hallway.
Sheena glanced back at her and laughed. “See you later, Ate Aiah!"
Aiah finally snapped out of it, shaking her head with a small smile—already counting down the minutes until recess.
---
When Aiah entered their classroom that Monday, she immediately felt the strange atmosphere. The noise was normal—students talking, chairs moving, papers flipping—but there was something different. Like everyone knew something about her.
She didn’t need to ask why.
It was only last Friday, Valentine’s Day, when Jeremy confessed to her in front of a lot of students. And Aiah walked away. She was sure many classmates saw or heard about it.
Her eyes scanned the room for an empty seat. Then, by accident, her eyes met Jeremy’s. He was sitting normally, but his face was unreadable.
Aiah quickly looked away.
She continued walking until she saw Marco raising his hand, signaling to the empty seat beside him. Aiah smiled a little and walked toward him.
“Thanks,” she said as she sat down.
Marco leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Good decision ginawa mo.”
Aiah looked at him, confused. “Good decision? Diba friends kayo ni Jeremy?”
Marco chuckled a bit but without humor. “Were. Hindi na masyado ngayon.”
Aiah raised her eyebrows. “Bakit?”
Marco looked serious now. “’Yung jail booth last Friday. Si Jeremy ‘yung nagbayad para makulong si Taneo at Jhoanna.”
Aiah didn’t look surprised. Jhoanna already told her this over the weekend.
Marco continued. “Plano daw niya para… ewan, makagawa ng moment or para masira si Taneo. Honestly, desperate move ‘yon. Si Taneo mismo hindi natuwa. Ako rin, hindi okay sa akin ‘yon.”
Aiah stayed quiet for a moment. Hearing it from Marco made her more sure that she was right to ignore Jeremy.
Marco patted her back lightly. “Kaya sinasabi ko lang, Aiah. Tama ‘yung ginawa mo nung Friday.”
Aiah smiled a little. “Thanks, Marco. Appreciated”
Marco nodded before leaning back as the bell rang.
Aiah sat there, pretending to focus on her bag, but her thoughts went to Jhoanna. She could still remember how Jhoanna told her everything—calm, honest, and reassuring. Aiah knew exactly where her loyalty was.
Chapter 22
Start from the beginning
