If only he had stayed

CHAPTER 1

There was a boy named Josh. He's smart, but he always misbehaves, and he is always lazy. Josh is a very naughty boy inside their family home; he gets scolded by his parents due to his behavior at school. He loves to play basketball, as it has been his whole life. When he has the chance to play, he always gets that chance, no matter what. His parents are very religious and go to mass every Sunday, while Josh is not. He always finds reasons not to attend mass on Sunday since he thinks it is a waste of time. On the other hand, there was this girl whom we can call Katherine. She is very kind, and she never bullies. She is also compassionate to others, for instance, when she gave money to a poor person after attending mass on Sunday. She is also focused on academics because she believes that studies help you to become successful in life, and for that, she is at the top of her class.

Both of them studied in the same elementary school in Pangasinan. While they are studying in Elementary, Katherine always makes J. take out the trash when they are the cleaners for today. "Oo na sige, bat ako kasi palagi ang basurero?"

"Mag-basura ka nga Josh! Ang tamad mo ah, hindi ka pwedeng umuwi kung hindi ka tumulong!"

 She stared at him intently with furious eyes. Over the years, they only just minded their own business; they rarely talk to each other.

As they graduated from elementary, Josh. wanted to continue his studies in his province, but his parents refused.

"Nak, you will be going to Pasig to study High School ah?" her mom smiled.

"Bakit ako doon ma?! Dapat sa College nalang ako pumunta doon 'di pa ako sanay sa out of province na mag-study!" Josh was annoyed that he was going to Pasig for his studies. "

Don't worry, anak, your Tita Julie will provide anything you need, and I will also give you an allowance every month sa GCash. Para maging Independent ka as early as your age."

 Josh sighed and accepted. "Sige ma..." 

"You will go to Manila in 5 days. Kaya mag-ayos ka na ng gamit mo."

After 5 days, all of his family went to the Bus Terminal to say goodbye to Josh. He boarded the bus and slept. After the 6-hour travel to Pasig, he arrived at the home of his Auntie to reside there until College. Fast forward and it is the start of classes, J. prepared all of his things and walked to his new school. He expected fresh and new faces in his new school but he unexpectedly met Katherine at the entrance of the school.

"Hi Katherine! Nandito ka pala." He approached her.

"Hi Josh! Hindi ko alam na dito ka pala nag-aaral, kamusta?" Katherine smiled at him. "I am fine, anyway, bakit ka dito nag-aral sa Pasig?" he asked.

Katherine explained that her aunt encouraged her parents to study in Pasig City, and they placed her in Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School. "Buti nalang dito ka na aral, 'no? What a coincidence," Katherine said, relieved that she found a familiar face.

"Tara na sa loob ng classroom," she smiled at him. "Huh? Classmate ba kita?" He was confused. "Oo baliw, tignan mo kasi ng Mabuti ang Classroom Roster." She laughed while Josh looked carefully at the classroom assignment posted near the entrance. "Oo ikaw na yung magaling, sorry na."

During noontime, Josh invited Katherine to eat lunch:

 "Tara Kath, mag-lunch tayo sa cafeteria." He asked Katherine while he was fixing his stuff. "O sige, basta libre mo ako ah?" She laughed. "

Sige. Basta may kasama ako, wala naman akong kasamang kumain eh." 

They went to the cafeteria to eat lunch, and some of their classmates also entered the cafeteria to eat lunch, and they noticed that they were both eating together. "Ang sweet mo naman, sana all." 

K. lowered her head because she was embarrassed. Josh got irritated and replied to them, "Hindi kami boyfriend girlfriend ah. Mag-kaibigan lang kami!"

Over the years they soon became best friends, and would wait for each other going home after classes in the afternoon.