Ashton's P.O.V
The sun is up and bright still kahit na hapon na. May iilang estudyante na rin ang nagkalat sa tapat ng UC. Maaga siguro uwian ng iba. I was just waiting for the trio to come down. Nasa taas sila dahil hindi pa sila tapos sa group report. My group went first kaya naman maaga kaming pinalabas. Ako lang ang nahiwalay sa kanila and that was a relief. If ever that happens, I won't ever hear the end Cecilio's annoying complaints, Bethany's obnoxious tapping on her phone and Dex... well Dex is a good person to be teamed with.
I looked over my phone and saw no messages coming from the trio. I'm assuming it'll take them more time before they actually finish, so I decided to leave. Upon my way towards the exit of the main gate, there a certain bunny stands. She's not one of those who stood out in the crowd but she definitely catched my eye. Probably because she's hopping again. She's with her friend and it looks like they're waiting for somebody.
'Perhaps that Cyrus guy she's friends with? Why do I care?' Right, I don't. And I'm having this conversation in my head. Again.
I decided to walked over her. I feel like I played a big part in what happened. Hindi ko na alam kung bakit ibang Ashton ang naglalakad ngayon sa direksyon ni Gwyneth. Hindi ko alam kung anong kalokohan na naman yung pumasok sa ulo ko at naisipan kong dumaan sa pwesto nila.
"Ehem," I faked coughed. Nakahara siya sa dadaanan ko. A few days after the incident, I have been spending a lot of time looking out for her.
"Ou! Siomai!" She got startled and shouted, clutching her chest in shock. Tumingin siya sa likuran niya and she saw me, an amuse look painted my face.
'Did she seriously shouted Siomai?'
"Ikaw pala hahaha. Ginulat mo naman ako," She let out a relieved sigh and blinked a few times before standing up straight.
"You're blocking my way," Was my reply. I looked at her with such bored expression but inside, I was actually trying not to laugh at her expression. Napaka-epic naman kasi.
"Ang laki-laki ng space diyan, tapos dito mo pa napiling dumaan? Anya naman. Oks ka lang ba?" Sagot niya. Her friend continued watching us back and forth, not even bothering to say a word or two.
'Damn Ashton. Hindi mo naisip yun?' Hindi ako nakasagot sa tanong niya. Nanatili lang akong tahimik. Damn it.
"So... what's up?" Tanong ni Gwyneth, breaking the awkward atmosphere surrounding us.
"Uhh..." I cleared my throat. Hindi ko alam. Wala akong maisip na isasagot. I don't even know why the hell I even approached them. In the first place, wala naman talaga akong pupuntahan, just waiting for the trio na dumating.
"Ahh... Dadaan ka ba?" Tanong nung kaibigan niya. If I remember correctly, her name is Hera. Just like the Greek goddess.
'Yeah Ashton, aalis ka ba or what?' I asked my self the same question. Ano pa nga ba kase ang ginagawa ko dito?
"Eto naman nakabusangot na naman hahaha!" Natatawang sambit ni Gwyneth. She must've noticed my frown.
"Kuya baka gusto mo jumoin sa'min? Mag-fofoodtrip kami sa Harrison," Singit ni Hera. Gwyneth looked at her with a horrified face.
"Hera!" Hampas nito sa kaibigan. I squinted my eyes at them as they aggressively whispered to each other about something.
"Loka!" The two continued bickering, as if I wasn't waiting here.
'What's the point of waiting here anyways? Wala naman akong mabebenefit,'
"You don't have to join us, Ashton! Pinagtitripan ka lang neto!"
"Hoy! Gaga! Hindi, Kuya! Join ka na! Serious ako don!"
"Ano ba ginagawa mo, Hera?!" Gwyneth protested.
"Aarte ka pa?" Hera sassed back at her in response. And the argument between the two gals continued. Para tapos ang usapan, nagdesisyon akong magsalita.
'To hell with my ego. I'm actually starving from all the waiting I've been doing,'
"Yeah sure. I'll join you guys," And on cue, they both paused from talking and looked at me as if I have grown three heads right there and then.
"Oh eh sasama naman pala eh," Sinikuhan lang ni Gwyneth si Hera while her mouth is hanging low, still probably in disbelief.
"Unless... ayaw ako sumama ni Gwyneth?" I raised my eyebrow at Gwyneth and looked at her patiently. Sumingit na naman yung kaibigan ni Gwyneth.
"Ay hindi! Okay na okay lang sa kanya yan! Gwyneth pa ba?" Naunang naglakad si Hera, leaving a speechless Gwyneth with me.
"Hera naman!" After a few seconds of daydreaming, mukhang natauhan siya at tumakbo sa direksyon ni Hera para sundan ito. I followed them quietly from behind.
We walked down the streets of session towards the direction of Harrison Bazaar. It was such a busy day, every corners of the street and restaurants along the town are filled with people; both foreigners, locals, local tourists, students. It's a lovely afternoon, perfectly partnered with street snacks the food stalls has to offer. Hinayaan kong maglakad yung dalawa sa harapan ko, letting them lead the way. They were talking and chattering amongst themselves, laughing and smacking each other from time to time. Habang papalapit na kami sa Harrison, about a street a way, biglang nagsalita si Hera.
"Ah...guys alis na ako ha? I forgot pala, dadating pala si mama!" May halong pang-aasar ang tono niya. I even saw her winked at Gwyneth, indicating she's about to do something ridiculous.
"Ha?! Hera! Hoy! 'Wag mo kong iwan!" Gwyneth's eyes widened, like saucers. She pulled Hera's jacket, preventing her from going anywhere. But the petite girl has some strength hidden in her. She was able to detached herself from Gwyneth. Nothing I have never seen before. Ganyan na ganyan din si Cecilio kapag may kagaguhang gagawin.
"See you tomorrow sis! Ikaw na bahala jan kay Gwyneth, Kuya ha!" Hera started running away from the other direction.
"Gaga! Hindi naman dadating mama mo! Hoy! Shit!" Naiinis na sigaw ni Gwyneth sa kanya. Some people around us looked at her like she's mad. She continued cursing Hera underneath her breath, not minding other people.
Then there left us two.
"Why?" Tanong ko sa kanya.
"Ahh.... wala...." She only shook her head.
"Then let's go," I sighed and continued walking towards the direction of the Harrison. Malapit naman na kami and I'm starving. I could really use some newly cooked empanadas, maybe some barbecue too. Haven't had any of those for a long time.
"T-tuloy pa tayo?" Nauutal na tanong ni Gwyneth as she tries catching up to me.
"Yeah. Is there something wrong?"
"W-wala naman. Tara..."
"Takte. Ang haba-haba ng biyas mo. Antay naman," I heard her muttered angrily. That made me chuckled quietly. Hirap siyang makacatch up dahil mas malalaki ang hakbang ko kesa sa kanya.
"Pick one," Sabi ko sa kanya nang makarating kami sa mga food stalls. Ang daming tao, ang dami ding food stalls na pagpipilian.
"Pick---? Teka nga, sigurado ka bang okay lang sa'yo na dito tayo kumain? Okay lang naman sa'kin kahit ano eh pero ikaw baka ayaw mo niyan?" Paninigurado niya. Napairap na lang ako.
"Dami pang kuda. Pick one. My treat. Hindi ako maarte sa pagkain," Turo ko sa mga food stalls sa harapan namin. Damn, I could smell the hot corn and barbecue. Meron ring bagong lutong burger at butchi.
"Ano bang meron kasi? Tsaka libre mo?---" Ang dami pa niyang angal. That annoyed me.
"Bagal. I'll pick one for you," Nauna na akong pumunta sa isang stall na kanina ko pa minamata.
"Huy! Pick one daw--- huy! Ang dami naman niyan! Mauubos ko ba yan?" She looked at my hands in shock. Kuha lang ako ng kuha ng kung ano ang matipuhan kong kainin.
"Edi ako ang uubos. You got a problem with that?"
"W-wala po,"
"Then let's go," We made our way towards the crossing that leads to Melvin Jones. Its the nearest field and only few people are there as of the moment.
"San naman natin 'to kakainin?" Pagtatanong niya habang nakasunod lang sa'kin. I continued walking until I found a suitable and peaceful sit there is. We sat there in silence, well, I was actually munching on my empanada and taking a few sips of my buko juice time to time. Nakalilim kami sa ilalim ng isang maliit na puno kaya hindi ganon kainit. Hindi rin naman masyadong tirik ang araw at masarap yung simoy ng hangin.
"Eat," I said. Napansin ko kasi siyang hindi kumakain at nakatitig lang sa kawalan. She's deep in her thoughts, almost making her food go cold. Hindi na masarap ang barbecue at empanada kung malamig na iyon. Mayroon pa kaming kakainin na balut after.
"What? Eat. Want me to feed you?" Napatingin siya sa'kin at bakas ang gulat sa mga mata niya.
"Ang weird mo," She frowned.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" I asked back, savoring the taste of the empanada I bought.
"Ewan? Baka both? 'Di ko mawari eh," She shrugged then took a bite of her food. There was a moment of silence. Tanging tunog lang ng mga football players ang maririnig mo. They're probably preparing for the upcoming BBEAL. I'll start the intense training again soon too.
"So," Gwyneth started.
"Hmmm?"
"What made you do this? Is this because of what happened the other day?" She finally dropped that question. It was the elephant in the room that got me bothered.
"...Partly yes," I admitted. I still cannot fathom what had happened that day. I think I speak for everyone of us that day that we're all in shock.
"Hindi mo naman kasalanan yung eh..." She commented.
"I suppose. Still---" She cut me off with a softer voice.
"Can we just... forget it even happened?" It was as if she was begging me. But how can I ignore what happened? That wasn't a normal reaction. For all we know, that's already a symptom of some sort of trauma disorder. And what annoys me is that I don't have the full knowledge to assume so. That woukd be so unethical and not entirely legal.
"Are you... Are you embarrassed of what happened?" Kumunot ang aking noo sa aking narinig.
"...Yeah," Nahinto ako sa pagsubo ng empanada at sandaling natahimik. Hindi ko alam yung tamang mga salita na sasabihin ko na maaaring makatulong sa sitwasyon at sa nararamdaman ni Gwyneth.
"Don't be. I understand. You shouldn't be embarrassed over something like that," I sighed. Naiintindihan ko at gusto ko pa lalong maintidihan si Gwyneth. There's something about her that pulls my attention that no other girls have ever done before. Gwyneth has this aura that makes you dig deeper into who she is. She's not the one who brags about herself. She doesn't even talk much about her self and that makes me wonder what makes her different. What makes a Gwyneth so... mysteriously interesting?
"Nakita ako ng maraming tao na ganon eh. Sino ba naman ang hindi lalamunin ng hiya?" Red blush was evident across her pale cheeks from embarrassment. She hung her head lowly.
"We're not the one to judge. Hindi namin alam yung pinagdaanan mo that's why you reacted that way. So we don't have the rights to judge," I commented.
"Thanks..."
"So... yung majority ng reason bakit ang weird mo ngayon?" She cleared her through awkwardly before taking a bite of her own empanada.
"Isn't this what good friends do?"
"Ha?" Her eyes widened. Gulat?
"I said---" Pinutol niya yung sasabihin ko.
"Alam ko kung ano yung sinabi mo!" She exclaimed.
"Then what's with the 'ha?' thing?" Tanong ko, medyo confused.
"Hindi lang ako makapaniwala!" Napalakas ang boses niya at medyo pumiyok pa ito. Lalong namula yung mukha niya. Right there and then, gusto ko siyang tawanan.
"Hindi ka makapaniwala that a friend wants to cheer you up?" I said, humor hinting my tone.
~
"Nag-tatampo na ako sayo paps ha," Cecilio pouted, acting all cute when he's not. We're currently at the student lounge, just wasting time because our last class got canceled. Halos kakatapos lang din namin mag meryenda. Dex and I only ordered the sisig burger while Bethany and Cecilio got the infamous shawarma rice.
'What the hell is his problem?' I only shook my head and rolled my eyes. Pakialam ko ba sa kanya at sa feelings niya? Pati yan poproblemahin ko pa? Asa.
"Ano na naman?" I snapped back, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Niuuwan mo na kami lagi. I feel abandoneeeddd..." He stretched his arms up before hugging himself like a fool. Bakas pa rin sa mukha niya yung pacute na nalulungkot na expression which almost made me gagged. Disgusting. I'd feel bad to whoever girl that would date him, kakailanganin nilang tiisin ang mga patutsada nitong lokong 'to.
"Gross," "Stop that! Ew!" "Dugyot," Sabay na sagot naming tatlo sa kanya, of course with Bethany giving him a proper smack on the head.
"Ouch! Kelangan mamatok, Bal? Ha?" Napahawak si Cecilio sa ulo niya at tinignan ng masama si Bethany. Bethany only smirked which irked the other.
"Yes. Never do that again. God!"
"Nye nye nye!"
Hindi na nahiya 'tong dalawa. Ang daming taong nakakakita pero mukhang wala silang pakialam. Kaya laging napagkakamalang ini a relationship 'tong dalawa dahil sa bangayan nila eh. If it wasn't for that Tristan guy that hangs around time to time with Bethany, baka isipin ko na lang na magkakadevelopan si Cecilio at Bethany. They'd make an interesting couple for sure. One is a self-proclaimed play boy while the other is a diva.
"Napapansin na kasi namin that you're getting closer to a certain freshman. Is there something you want to share?" Nabaling ang atensyon ko kay Dex. He was hiding a playful smile and his eyes was telling me something that annoys me.
'I wanna smack that smirk off his face,'
"Umuusbong na ba ang love life ng woman hater namin?" Bethany cooed, patting my head like i'm a kid or something. Iniwas ko ang ulo ko mula sa kamay niya.
"What the hell are you guys talking about?" Kumunot ang noo ko sa choice of words ni Bethany.
"You and Gwyneth, Gwyneth and you. May idadagdag pa ba akong third party?" She added, raising an eyebrow.
'Gwyneth and I?' Now that I think about it, we do spend some time together quite often. But there's nothing weird going on between us. Just two acquaintances, bonding over some stuff. Stuff that includes video games and food. And that's all.
"We're friends. What about it?" I shrugged. Being 'friends' with a girl is not a big deal. I'm friends with Bethany, yet I am not hearing one single issue about it. So what makes Gwyneth different? Right?
"Friends daw. Hindi na uso yang 'friends' na yan sa college," Cecilio snorted.
'So what if we've been hanging around from time to time? I must say, she's okay to hang out with. Kesa naman sa mga 'to,' Eh sa totoo naman. When it gets too much around these guys, I usually (and coincidentally) spot Gwyneth and we'd end up hanging out. Aside from her 'crush' on me that she so believe, she's cool. Madaling pakisamahan, she knows how to control her self (at least, most of the time).
"Masyado ka na atang naattached kay Gwyneth after nung incident?" Napansin ni Dex. Looking back, I never really paid that much attention to Gwyneth. Not until that pool incident. It actually pushed me to be closer to her.
'I do admit that part,' I'm still curious as to what happened to her that causes her to react such way. Was it the embarrassment? Or was it something more than that? Ilang linggo na akong binabagabag sa bagay na iyon.
"Yeah so?" Walang gana ko na lang na sagot, not wanting them to give the wrong idea.
"Bilis maattached ampotchi. Kala mo mighty bond," Cecilio blabbled.
"If you guys have nothing nice to say, don't bother talking at all. I don't need your opinions about who I hang out with," Seryoso kong sambit. I busied myself with my phone.
"Kayo kasi eh. Mind your own business nga," Narinig kong sabi ni Dex.
"Kapal ng mukha mo, Dex. Ikaw rin naman curious ka sa nangyayari ah?"
"At least I'm not pushy about it,"
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Eclarita019
Thyron1989
grimaceee
Gwyn_Rory
IAmWilhelm
josephineesteves
_JadFilmore
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'Tell me again why am I staring at that bunny's username?' I was just casually scrolling through my profile. Napadpad ako sa messages ko and saw Gwyneth's user name. She was online. I don't now if she's free or what. I just stared at her username, contemplating whether I should chat her (because I'm bored and tired of listening to the trio) or not.
"Letche 'to,"
"Hoy Dex. Akala mo hindi ko kayo nakita ni Maddy ha? Ikaw ha, hindi mo naman sinabi na you're into bisexuals ha,"
Gwyn_Rory
'Okay, screw this. Its better to talk to her than these guys na laging nauuwi sa asaran nung dalawa. At least Gwyneth can control her self better than these monkeys,' I stared at her name a little bit more before choosing to sent her a quick message. Ayokong makiinteract sa tatlong 'to. I might end up slapping one of them if ever they pissed me off more.
Ashton.M: Hey
I hit the sent button and waited. I 'patiently' tapped my foot, blocking out the sound of the trio's booming voices. Nakatitig lang ako sa itim na screen ng phone ko.
'Why am I getting anxious about her response?' I have never done this before. Ni hindi nga ako nagmemessage ng una eh. But here I am, first to sent her a message, again. I kept wondering what's taking her so long to respond. Maybe she's in class?
Gwyn_Rory replied to your message.
'Okay, just chill, Ash. Its just Gwyneth, no need to over react. Breathe,' I shot up as soon as I saw the notification. In reflex, I opened it without second thinking.
Gwyn_Rory: eyoooo
Gwyn_Rory: miss mo na naman ako charrr
I cleared my throat before composing a reply.
Ashton.M: as if
Gwyn_Rory: awts gege
Gwyn_Rory: busy?
"Bi si Maddy?" I looked over at the trio and noticed them talking about Maddy, the varsity player from UP Baguio.
"Baliw duh! Matagal na! Ignorant ka?" Bethany sassed.
"Don't go around assuming people's gender identity," Dex looked at her with a poker face.
"Everyone knows she's head over heels for Stef. Unfortunately, taken na si Stef. Kinda sad for Maddy nung nalaman niya," Bethany answered back.
'Talking about other people's business again,' I sighed and looked down at my phone before typing another reply to Gwyneth.
Ashton.M: no
Ashton.M: not really
Ashton.M: Just with the three idiots
"Eh hindi ba may gf na si Stef?" Tanong ni Cecilio. Hindi ko na lang sila pinansin and continued my conversation with the enthusiastic bunny.
Gwyn_Rory: ah kaya pala
Gwyn_Rory: No classes today?
Ashton.M: Free cut
Ashton.M: You?
Gwyn_Rory: meron
Gwyn_Rory: actually in the middle of class hahaha
"That girl is a full lesbi. Nobody knew about it but it's not really a surprise. Ang ganda ba naman ng girl ni Stef," I rolled my eyes at how exaggerated Bethany said that. Suminghap ako at nagreply na lang ulit kay Gwyneth.
Ashton.M: oh shit sorry
Ashton.M: Magfocus ka na muna jan
Gwyn_Rory: Uy teka lang!
Ashton.M: What? You need something?
Gwyn_Rory: wala naman hahaha
Gwyn_Rory: kaantok eh
Gwyn_Rory: nakakaamaze balls pa rin na ikaw unang nangulit
Ashton.M: Lol
"Kung saan-saan mo nakukuha yang kwento mo," Dex muttered in annoyance. May mga linya na nanakaguhit sa noo nito.
"What? I just heard it. Besides, hindi ba ikaw ang maraming alam sa kanila? You hang out way too much with Maddy. But alam mo, bagay kayo. At least may tumapat na din jan sa straightforward mong bibig," I saw Bethany shrugged from my peripheral view.
Gwyn_Rory: Lots of love ba yan? HAHAHAH
Ashton.M: may klase ka di ba?
Gwyn_Rory: oo HAHAHA
Gwyn_Rory: wala din naman akong magets eh HAHAHA amboringggg
Gwyn_Rory: well I have you to entertain me naman HAHAHA
That made me chuckled quietly in my seat.
Ashton.M: focus on your lectures
Gwyn_Rory: Luh ikaw unang nag chat eh
Gwyn_Rory: You got my attention so take responsibility HAHAHA
Ashton.M: how about no?
Gwyn_Rory: nye nye nye
Childish. That reminded me of someone. Yung maingay sa tabi ko.
Ashton.M: You sound more like Cecilio habang tumatagal
Gwyn_Rory: Nakakahawa kasi yang kaibigan mo. Ang kwela masyado.
Ashton.M: Don't hang out with that guy
"Yan kase. Kaya ka nilalayuan ng mga chicks pre," Cecilio laughed at the pissed off Dex.
"You're the one to talk. Palibhasa, you can't even talk with that fine arts girl nang hindi nabubulol. Bakit ako maniniwala sa'yo?" Dex snorted back. Napasimangot si Cecilio nang mamention ni Dex yung fine arts student na sinet up sa kanya ng lola niya. Hindi kase makuntento sa isa, ngayon nakarma tuloy ang loko.
"Alam mo pre, tangina ka. Panira ka ng mood," Cecilio made face at Dex.
Ashton.M: Bad influence yan
Gwyn_Rory: So kanino ako makiki 'hang out'? Sayo? Ngiii
Ashton.M: I'm much better than him
Gwyn_Rory: kwento mo sa pagong
Ashton.M: sa kuneho na lang
Ashton.M: oh wait, that's you
Gwyn_Rory: luh
I laughed again, this time medyo napalakas kaya tinignan ako ng mga kasama ko na para bang tatlo yung ulo ko. I didn't bothered explaining myself. Maissue na naman ako ng tatlong 'to, and i'm not in the mood na ma-hot seat.
Ashton.M: now, focus on your lecture
Gwyn_Rory: I will, only if
Gwyn_Rory: pwede kitang maaya mag food trip?
Ashton.M: bakit kailangan ng kundisyon?
Kumunot ang noo ko sa reply ni Gwyneth. Food trip na naman? Hindi na yata 'to nabubusog. Bottomless pit ba 'to?
Gwyn_Rory: para ma inspire akong makinig sa lesson kasi alam kong may kadamay ako mamayang mag food trip
Gwyn_Rory: ano? G ba?
I sighed comfortably and thought about her deal. I guess another trip to somewhere this bunny would drag me wouldn't hurt. Besides, kung ano-ano yung nalalaman ko dahil sa kanya. Hindi siya nauubusan ng kwento and it's fine hearing about them. I actually prefer her stories because they all make sense. Kaysa naman sa makinig ako sa chismis ni Bethany all day, kalandian ni Cecilio at wala sa lugar na pagiging prangka ni Dex, I'd go with the bunny any time. She's not that annoying, I guess.
Ashton.M: depends
Gwyn_Rory: on what?
Ashton.M: if you focus on your lectures and do well
Gwyn_Rory: done deal!
Gwyn_Rory: patapos naman na kami eh HAHAHA
Ashton.M: ililibre mo ba ako?
Gwyn_Rory: luh yaman yaman mo tas papalibre ka pa?
Gwyn_Rory: Bery wrong ang pagiging buraot boss
Gwyn_Rory: wala pa ho akong sweldo
Gwyn_Rory: char walang crush crush dito pag dating sa pagkain
Gwyn_Rory: kkb lang ho tayo
Ashton.M: I was kidding. Dami mo pang sinabi.
Gwyn_Rory: ikaw kasi ihh
Gwyn_Rory: ay bye na muna aalis na yung prof HAHAHA
Gwyn_Rory: see ya!
'Mautak kang kuneho ka huh?' I chuckled one last time before turning off my phone and putting it on my jacket's pocket. I started collecting my modules and organizing them before picking up my trash. I stood up, making the trio to stop talking. They look up to me, confusion evident in their faces.
"Maiwan ko na kayo. See you guys later," Pagpapaalam ko sa kanila.
"San na naman lakad mo?" Tanong ni Dex.
"Eh kanino pa edi kay bebe girl niya," Cecilio sang.
"Shut up," Singhal ko sa kanya. I started walking away from them.
"Yie! Sabi na mahahanap mo din katapat mo eh! Wear protection!" He shouted which caught me off guard. Lumingon ako at tinignan ng masama ang nakakaasar niyang mukha. Hindi na siya nahiya, ang daming taong nakarinig nung sinabi niya and he's still grinning as if what he just said is not embarrassing at all.
"Fuck off!" I mouthed before walking away from them completely.
~
"Abooooo!!!" Maligayang salubong sa'kin ni Gwyneth habang inaantay niya ako sa main entrance ng N building. She was wearing her NSTP shirt covered with some dark blue hoodie. Inaya niya na naman ako for some meryenda. I just let her decide saan kami this time. Hera, her friend, was supposed to join us today but she suddenly had an emergency so we left without her. Since mamaya pa namang 4 ang training ko and I still have 3 hours to spare, I thought why not? Wala naman yung tatlo since they're 'busy', so I don't have to worry about them.
"Excited much?" I chuckled at her innocent expression. Ginulo ko ng marahan yung buhok niya. Goodness. Para siyang tuta. Nakakatuwa siyang asarin.
"Hoy naman yung buhok ko kuya!"I just gave her a small smile. We started walking towards the direction of Governor's pack road. I insisted of driving us there. Hassle maglakad dahil ang daming estudyanteng labasan ngayon. But she also insisted na mag-lakad kami. Sayang daw ang gas and hindi naman malayo yung mga kainan sa town. She won't back down so I had no choice but to comply. As we walked by the bus station, I noticed her glancing at me from time to time. May gusto na naman siyang sabihin pero hindi niya masabi.
'Ano ba ako? Manghuhula? Just 'cause I took Psychology?' Misconceptions about Psychology majors are kind of funny but its getting old and tiring to explain how its not 'reading one's mind'. It's more of understanding one's mind.
"What?" I broke the comfortable silence between us.
"Tsinelas ka ba?" She suddenly asked. I frowned at what game she's now playing at.
"Anong kalokohan na naman sasabihin mo?" I glanced at her before looking back at the way na nilalakaran namin. Siksikan dahil maraming bumabyahe ngayon.
"Kalokohan ampota... Sagot na daliiii..." She asked again, impatiently.
"Bakit?" I sighed and replied.
"Eto oh," All of a sudden, may sumulpot na pares ng tsinelas sa kamay niya.
'What in the world---?' Napanganga ako sa ginawa niya. Now that's so random.
"150 na lang. From Singapore yan. Fit for pambahay slippers kase malambot. Kuha ka na. I'll chose a good one for you," Gwyneth said as she puts the slippers back to her back. She started browsing through her phone.
"What the hell?"
"Offer mo na rin sa friends mo if bet nila. Eto oh, ang daming styles. It can suit any taste," She showed me her phone but I just turned her down.
"Gwyneth, we're walking. Sa gitna pa ng daanan. Do you really want me to be looking at your slippers right now?" I saw her mouth form an 'O' before nodding. Medyo nahirapan kaming lagpasan yung bus station but eventually, lumuwag na rin yung daan dahil palayo na kami doon.
"What's that for?" Tanong ko sa kanya.
"Side line ko. Nag-iipon kase ako for future purposes," Sagot niya as she puts the slippers back to her bag.
"Future purposes?" Kumunot noo ko. Not that starting very young, earning money for the future, is a bad thing. It's actually a great start to keep your future at steady pace. At least she's prepared for things like that to even worry about.Being street smart is not something that most schools teach.
"Secret ko na yun," She giggled.
"Okay? Then san na tayo? We're just strolling," She started thinking. Medyo matraffic ang daan ngayon dahil tanghali at maraming dumaraan na bus na galing byahe.
"Hmm sa ano na lang tayo, sa... Ah! Sa lower session na lang sa Bean Stalk," I noticed her smiling from my peripheral vision.
"Bean stalk it is..." Was all I said before turning to the direction towards session road. A few minutes of walking in silence, with the bright sun shining down on us and cool breeze keeping us fresh, I decided to make a small talk. Out of boredom, I guess.
"So why did Hera bailed on us?" I asked her, not giving her a glance as I try focusing my eyes at the busy road ahead of us. She let out a 'hm?' sound as she look at me. Its probably around 18 degrees outside. The sun was up again, the skies are clear and its a nice weather to begin the day with.
"Wala eh. Luluwas sila mamaya ni Kuya Zeus pauwing Pangasinan since birthday ng tita niya, eh biglaang event daw. Si Cyrus naman, nasa training. Eh ikaw? San mga friends mo?" Kwento niya.
'I didn't even asked about that guy yet she's telling me why he's not with us,'
"They're old enough to handle themselves," I muttered as I frowned a bit when another person cut me off in front. Asshole.
"So kamusta naman yung internship thing niyo?" Right. That stressful thing. I know internships are supposed to be full of experience. But not in my case. Ewan ko ba kung anong nakain nung supervisor and his blood is always boiling whenever he sees me. Ganon na siguro talaga kapag intern ka, you have to suffer from the wrath of you seniors and boss.
'Or maybe because I'm the only good looking guy in his care and he's jealous about it?'
"It was fine. Madami lang kailangan ayusin and all, that's why nasa school ako kanina. Wasn't even that interesting to talk about, just the usual 'your-supervisor-hates-you' segment of the day. Ikaw? How's your day?" Tanong ko pabalik sa kanya. Its always nice to hear something interesting about engineering from Gwyneth.
"Pft. Okay lang," She scoffed and huffed in her seat. Napansin ko yung pagbago ng mood niya and I can't but wonder why.
"You should be talkative about stuff like that," I pointed out.
"Well..." She started telling me about how bad their day was. Turns out, napaginitan na naman yung class nila ng isang professor. I don't understand why some professors are being over the top with their temper. That's so unprofessional of them.
"That's tough," I frowed.
"Sabi ko nga din ang hirap naman ganun tapos..." She continued telling her story until we arrived infront of the Bean Stalk. Nang makapasok na kami sa loob, sinalubong kami ng mabangong aroma ng kape at kung anuman pastry yung naaamoy namin. We settled down by the veranda of the shop kung saan kita ang kahabaan ng session road. It's still sunny pero ayos lang dahil mayroon namang silong.
"Pero alam mo," She said after ranting about her problems with her subjects.
"What?"
"Narealize ko talaga sa Engineering na mas mahirap pa dadanasin namin pagkagraduate. Mabuti na yung ganong hirap kami sa umpisa, at least makakapag-adjust kami sa totoong mundo nang hindi nawawarshock ng bongga," Realization dawned on her eyes habang nagsasalita siya.
"That's true," I nodded in agreement. It's true though, a few more years of suffering in college is nothing compared to what's waiting for us in the real world.
"Pero grabe pa rin yung struggle ngayon 'no? Para kase talaga kaming lalamunin ng buhay nung grades namin sa portal," I almost laughed out loud by what she just said but I refrained myself. Public etiqutte.
"You're doing good naman?" I asked her. Saktong dumating naman yung order namin. One matcha frappe for me and one coffee frappe for the bunny. We also got some small serving of nachos and a bowl of some type of choco mousse. The dishes here are worth the money plus the ambiance of the place is great for dates.
'I'm not saying Gwyneth and I are on a date. That's just wrong,' I immediately shove those thoughts at the very back of my head before I visibly cringe. Baka mapansin pa nitong kuneho sa harapan ko.
"Saks lang naman grades namin. Though nashock kami kase pumasa kami. Hindi mataas pero at least pasado. Hindi ko na ma-aaim yung mga latin honors na yun kasi hindi ko naman kaya. Ngayon pa nga lang na first year, gapang na gapang na grado ko," Nagkibit balikat lang siya while scrolling through her phone and sipping her frappe. I let out a 'hm' sound and started drinking my own frappe as well.
"Its fine. As long as you're actually learning something," I coughed awkwardly and replied. I don't know why i'm acting this way. Perhaps the drink has something to do with it? Sino ba naman kasing bobo ang mag-cocold drink sa malamig na lugar.
"Eh ikaw ba? Kamusta naman acads mo?" Tanong naman niya sa'kin, looking at me with those bambi brown eyes na akala mo namana niya sa manika. I cleared my throat before responding.
"Same as you. Psychology is not as easy as most people view it. Ang daming case analysis, researches na hindi matapos-tapos, sandamakmak na interviews and surveys. Masakit sa ulo but that's what we do,"
"Kung sabagay, may kanya-kanyang hardships naman talaga ang bawat courses," Her mouth formed an 'o' and nodded.
"Yeah, but its all interesting to learn anyways," I put a piece of nacho in my mouth and devoured the flavor. Gutom.
"Pwede magpa-diagnose sa'yo if ever?"
"No. We're not allowed to do that and that would be unethical. I'm still a student and marami pa akong hindi nalalaman," I explained. First year pa lang, we were always reminded that being in the psychology course doesn't give us the rights to just diagnose somebody, kahit na joke lang iyon. I did once joked about a disorder and used that diagnosis on Cecilio. Didn't end well because the bastard almost believed he has ADHD.
"Masaya rin naman siguro jan sa inyo 'no?"
"Sometimes. Most of the time, we're just stress about the activities piling up. But we can manage," I remembered all the activities we had to cram because of the limited time. Masyadong matipid sa oras ang mga profs dahil kailangan habulin ang mga nakatakdang activities and lectures according to the university's calendar. Tri-sem pa nga.
"Alam mo, nagtataka lang talaga ako jan sa tropa mo, si Cilio. Lagi ko kasing nakikitang walang dalang kahit ano. Parang hindi naman nag-aaral," She giggled. I chuckled as well as the thought of that guy.
'Ah. That twerp. Ni isang beses hindi ko yan nakitang nagkusang loob na magbasa,' Hindi ko rin akalain na nakapasa siya hanggang third year despite the very strict retention policies of our department.
"You're right. Manghihingi pa yan ng papel at hihiram ng ballpen. Onti na lang pati tuition niya, kami na mag-bayad. But surprisingly, he managed to pass the course kahit mataas ang passing rate namin compared to other departments. He made it through 3rd year after all," I rolled my eyes and took another sipped from my drink.
"Sana all. Ako kasi, pipikit lang ng 5 seconds, sandamakmak na requirements agad tatambak sa'kin. Makahingi nga ng advise sa kanya," Exaggerated na buntong hininga ni Gwyneth. She pouted and leaned on her seat. I snorted which made her glance at me in confusion.
"Huwag kang nagpapaniwala don. Fake news yun," Paglilinaw ko. I burped quietly and wiped my mouth with a piece of tissue.
"Ay weh? Ikaw ba hindi?" Sarkastikong niyang tanong, with matching make face pa. Napasimangot ako dahil don.
'I'm not fake news,' I was about to argue back with her when she burst out laughing. Nagulat ako sa inasal niya. Pati din yung kabilang table ay napatingin sa kanya na sige pa rin ang halakhak. She was giggling uncontrollably. I think it took her a minute or so to finally calm down.
"Joke hahaha ikaw talaga laging sineseryoso mga sinasabi ko," She said in between giggles. Everytime she laughs, parang tawang-tawa talaga siya. Like sobrang babaw ng kaligayahan ng babaeng 'to. But i'm not gonna tell her that. I don't want to offend her again or else baka hindi kayanin ng konsensya ko. Para gasgas sa pride ko bilang lalaki ang humingi ng tawad. So not like the old Ashton.
"So... What kind of part time were you doing?" I changed the topic. Naalala ko kasi yung binebenta niya sa akin kanina na slippers and I got curious about it.
"Curious ka?" She gave me a sly smile, the one she always does whenever she teases me. Brat.
"Nevermind," Singhal ko.
"Ayan na naman siya," She whined a bit.
"Sasabihin mo ba o hindi?"
"Yung kapit bahay namin, kakauwi lang galing singapore. Ayun, daming binili para makapagstart ng business. Naghahanap siya ng pwede din magbenta nung mga paninda niya which is mostly mga sandals, shirts ganern. So sabi ko..." Dere-deretso siyang nagsalita. I couldn't even get a word in so I just nodded along. Kunwaring may naintindihan ako.
"Kaya ayun, umoo na lang ako. May kita din naman ako kapag nakabenta ako eh. Pero siguro makikipart time na lang ako sa firm nila Papa after neto. Taga-ayos ng mga papeles or something. Tutal don din naman bagsak ko kapag engineer na ako eh," Dagdag pa niya. That caught me off guard. She sounded so determined to work part time that it made me wonder how she's going to handle all the stressed she ranted to me early if she's got her hands full from both school and work.
"You sure you can handle that and the school at the same time? Won't you feel pressured?" I pointed out. Hindi naman masamang magpart time and earn money habang nasa college. But the stress can get the best of her. And stress can get the best out of someone.
"Edi kung pressured, edi pressured. Kailangan ko na magstart mag-ipon. Hindi naman lagi kailangan yung mga gusto kong bilhin, sila Papa na lang lagi bibili for me. Masaya rin kaya yung may naipundar ka galing sa sariling sikap," She said nonchalantly and continued munching on the snacks. I just stared at her in disbelief.
'That's one independent brat,' As much as I want to scold her for being so careless with her physical and mental health, I still couldn't help but applaud her for being independent and determined.
END OF CHAPTER 21
A/N:
Will edit if 'di na tinatamad.
Word count: 6350
Peace out!