It Started in the Library (Completed and Editing)

Chapter 17: Complexities

"Bakit nagseselos?" I sat down next to her and plucked a strawberry.

"Ewan ko, girls can be weird," she wrinkled her nose. I polished the strawberry on my pants before I took a bite.

"Kung maka-weird ka naman parang di ka girl," I chucked her on the chin and offered her half of the strawberry. She eagerly accepted the fruit and licked the side of her lips where some of the juice escaped.

"Hindi naman kasi ako selosa as a kid saka I never really acted like a girl," she looked up to me with a smile, "first time ko magselos dun kay Mel." Ouch!

"Sorry," I pulled her in a hug. "Okay, so anong nangyari?"

"Nagyaya yung girlfriend niya na mag-skating sila sa SM. Sinama naman nila ako pero iniwan ako dun sa tabi kasi hindi naman ako marunong. Na-bore ako kaya lumabas ako ng rink tapos may lalakeng humablot sa akin." She frowned at the bad memory, "tinakpan niya yung bibig ko ng basahan kaya di ako nakasigaw pero may ale na nakakita at siya yung sumigaw na may kidnapper. Sobrang galit na galit si Kuya. Sinapak saka tinadyakan niya yung lalaki. Kahit madaming umawat nagwala pa rin siya. Nahihilo ako nun pero naalala ko nagalit ako kay Kuya Alfred at sinabi ko na ayoko na sa kanya at sana nawala na lang ako. Hindi ko na maalala yung ibang nangyari kasi nung nagising ako nasa ospital na kami."

"Eversince that time naging sobrang paranoid na si Kuya Alfredo. Lagi na siyang nakabantay sa akin. Nagagalit nga yung girlfriends niya kasi inuuna niya ako lagi kahit di ko naman siya tinatawag. Sabi niya, 'yung girlfriends daw kasi pwedeng palitan pero yung sister niya hindi'. "

"Wow Aya. Promise di ko na aasarin si Kuya. I had no idea." Nag-skyrocket bigla yung tingin ko kay Kuya Alfredo. Darn, wala akong kapatid na babae and I never thought of giving up anything for my younger brother ever.

"Mahal ako ng mga kapatid ko Prince, they practically raised me kasi yung parents ko sobrang naging magulo. Before I was born, malabo na sila dahil nga may mga anak sa labas si Daddy. Si Kuya Aidan at Adam. While I was growing up, I had a phase na galit ako sa parents ko dahil feeling ko dapat hindi na lang ako pinanganak kasi wala naman silang time sa akin at hindi na rin nila mahal ang isa't-isa. I always felt like I was just a mistake." Her voice got really soft and I could see the tell-tale signs of tears. Shit, wag kang iiyak.

"Don't cry Goddess," I pulled her tighter, "Walang batang pinanganak na isang pagkakamali. If you weren't born, then how would I be able to meet the half of my soul and the whole of my heart?"

"Kainis ka naman pinapa-in-love mo ako lalo eh," she tried to hide the smile lurking at the corners of her mouth.

"Kinilig ka naman," I teased her and she slapped my arm. "Paano ba yan? Sadyang loveable ako eh." I said as I kissed her forehead.

"Kapal!"

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Nag-stop over muna kami sa Halsema at nagcustomary group-pic sa highest road in the Philippines. Everybody milled excitedly around taking photos, drinking coffee or hot choco.

"Goddess, gusto mo ulit mag-Instagram?" I pulled her towards me as we stood by the sign that said 'Highest Point in Philippine Highway System.'

"Hala walang signal dito, mamaya na natin i-upload," she tilted her face to mine and kissed me just as her camera phone clicked.

"Aya picturan mo naman kami ni Sab," Kiko handed his I-phone to us.

"Teka isama natin si Aya!" Sab complained and Kiko pouted.

"Tayo munang dalawa tapos kasama si Aya!" he put his arm around her shoulders and tilted his head towards her. Sab had no choice but to smile at the camera.