A Twist Of Misfortune

A Prologue

Today's the Campus Night at the Academy. Ngayong araw ia-announce ang panalo sa songwriting contest; ngayon din matatapos ang deal namin ni Lucas. I sighed at the fact na after this school year, magkakanya-kanya na kami, and today's the last day of the school year. Pero syempre, a fact's a fact. Ngumiti na lang ako habang tinitignan ang sarili ko sa salamin. Black turtleneck shirt, skinny jeans, and high cut sneakers, so far so good. Hindi ko na masyadong inayos mukha ko, konting eyeliner, foundation, tsaka lip balm lang ayos na. I tied my violet hair in a messy bun, took my phone and wallet, and voila, I'm good to go.

Lumabas na ako sa tinitirhan kong apartment nang may humintong black na motor sa tapat ko. It was a sleek black Ducati, the rider wearing a white v-neck shirt beneath a black leather jacket, jeans, and black top-siders. His messy jet black hair and oakmoss scent tells me that he's Primo Lucas Fuentes. {Anong ginagawa nya dito?} He looked at me through his expressionless eyes before getting off the motorcycle. May kinuha sya sa compartment ng Ducati nya bago lumapit sa'kin.

"Here take this", sabi niya pagkalapit sa akin sabay abot ng isang black na helmet. Hindi naman siya galit sa black no?

"Ah, salamat", sagot ko, pero nakatalikod na siya at pabalik na sa motor nya. Nanatili pa akong nakatayo at nakatingin lang sa helmet na inabot nya sa akin nang bumalik ako sa katinuan dahil binuhay na nya ulit ang makina ng motor nya.

"Hop in", utos niya sa akin. Utusan ba ako? Ang ganda ganda ko tapos ganyan? Pero lumapit pa din ako. Sasakay na sana ako nang pinahinto nya ako. Problema nito?

Kinuha nya ang helmet na hawak ko at sinuot 'yon sa'kin. "Safety first", sabi niya bago tumalikod ulit sa akin. Natulala lang ako sa ginawa nya pero parang sasabog na ata ako. Why does he need to be like that? Bakit ganito epekto niya sa akin?

"Alright, you can now hop in", muling sabi niya. Sumakay na ako at binuhay nya ulit ang makina. Teka lang, saan ako kakapit? Huhu.

As if reading my mind, he suddenly blurted out. "Wala akong sakit". He then placed both of my arms around his midsection. Parang tumalon ata ang puso ko nung ginawa niya yun. I felt safe.

And it was then that I conceded to the fact that, I'm in love with Lucas.

But today's the last day ng aming deal.

The trip towards the Academy was an uneventful one, or baka dahil sa sobrang bilis lang niya na magpaandar kaya nakatago lang yung mukha ko sa likod nya. I can feel

his uneven breathing na parang natatawa sya.

Pagdating namin sa Academy, bumaba agad ako at tinanggal ang helmet na pinahiram nya. He chuckled upon seeing me and I threw him a sharp glare in return.

"'Wag mo akong irapan dyan. Let's go", he amusedly said as he took me by the wrist and we entered the school grounds.

Wow, dito ba talaga ako nagaaral?This was my first thought as I entered the campus. Sobrang ganda ng decorations, ang effort ng mga booth, and sobrang sarap ng mga pagkain sa stalls. People who are strolling added to the aesthetic vibe ng campus. I took several photos and was about to take the next one when Lucas tugged my shirt.

"Dun tayo", he pointed at the quadrangle where the school band, The Migrants, were performing the song 'Make it With You'.

Hey have you ever tried

Really reaching out for the other side

Napansin ko na ang daming couples na naroon din sa quad at ine-enjoy ang kanta. I looked at Lucas, and he is watching the band perform with amusement on his face. What is he thinking? Siguro ine-enjoy na din nya 'to, last na kasi.

I may be climbing on rainbows, but baby here goes

Dreams they're for those who sleep

Life it's for us to keep

And if I chose the one I'd like to help me through

I want to make it with you

I really think that we could make it girl

"I really admire how you made it 'til the last day of this deal", he suddenly said. Napatingin ako sa kanya, but he's still looking at the band.

"Ha? Bakit naman", I asked . He just shrugged as the song continued.

No, you don't know me well

Every little thing, only time will tell

If you believe the things that I do, and we'll see it through

"I just felt that I made life miserable for you", muli niyang sabi. I pursed my lips at his words. If it means being with you, I'll be happy to do it again and again.

Life is short or long, love can be right or wrong

And if I chose the one I'd like to help me through

I'd like to make it with you

I really think that we could make it girl

I felt him looking intently at me. Grabe nagba-blush ba ako? Please 'wag.

"Thanks for seeing me through this year, Sera", he sincerely said. I felt my knees wobble upon hearing those.

"Ah, eh, hehe wala yun. At least, tapos na yung deal today", I cheerfully said, but his expression mirrored my feelings. Malungkot ba siya?

Baby you know that, dreams

They're for those who sleep

Life, it's for us to keep

And if I chose the one I'd like to help me through

I'd like to make it with you

"I really think that we could make it, girl", he sang the last part while looking at me. Nakatingin din ako sa kanya pero parang bibigay na ata ako dito.

"Seraphine, let's cut the deal. I want to be with you, so let's be real", he declared.

And his lips claimed mine.