CHAPTER 17
NEW PATHS
Damian's POV
A month had passed by since I last visited the Philippines. Sobrang bilis ng panahon lalo na at naging busy na rin ako. Since Christmas break is just around the corner, everyone here became more occupied with school projects and extra curricular activities. Halos hindi na nga kami makalabas nila Silva dito sa bahay. After classes, we usually go straight home unlike before na nakakapag-party pa kami o 'di kaya nakakapunta sa mga bar. Nakaka-stress at sobrang nakakapagod pero wala naman kaming choice. We don't want to be undergraduates forever.
"Did you guys see that?" tanong ni Silva kaya napatingin kami ni Art sa kanya.
"See what?" I asked. I was reading a book for a recitation later.
"That girl."
Nilingon ko ang babaeng tinutukoy niya at napansing titingin tingin ito sa gawi namin. I rolled my eyes and playfully punched Silva's arm. "T*ngina mo, akala mo naman may oras ka pa diyan."
"A few minutes won't hurt right?"
Art chuckled loudly. "Tigang na tigang ka na ba, bro?"
"Can you guys blame me? We haven't had fun for weeks! Nakakaburyo na talaga! Nate-tempt na nga akong wag pumasok mamaya. Ano, game?"
I snorted and went back to reading my book. "Ikaw na lang. Ayokong bumagsak. Exam na next week. We can't afford to mess around right now. Sa bakasyon na lang."
"You're a lame cunt," He joked around, making Art laugh a little.
It's always like this with the three of us. Silva trying to lure us out into doing things we'll regret but I always turn him down.
Sa totoo lang, kaya lang naman ako masyadong nagfo-focus sa pagaaral ay upang hindi ko na maalala ang nangyari sa Pinas. I'm afraid I might look for Irene again if I had time. Ilang beses kong ginustong bumitaw pero hinahanap hanap ko pa rin siya. At night, I sometimes dream of her. Hindi ko nga maintindihan kung bakit parang mas lumala ngayon kumpara nung bigla na lang siyang hindi nagpakita sa Paris noon.
I guess I'm just seriously f*cked up.
"Hi." Art and Silva were in the middle of a conversation when the girl earlier showed up in front of us. Her almond blue eyes are looking straight to me. "You're Damian, right?"
"Shet pare, ikaw pala gusto," I heard Art whispered on my side.
"Ang ganda niyan ah," Silva added.
And I agree. Even at one glance, it's impossible not to see her beauty. Ang lakas pa ng sex appeal niya. She's wearing a white shirt inside her black leather jacket, black pants and black heels.
I just looked at her and waited for her to speak. "It's Nova," she sounded as if I should know who she is.
Kumunot ang noo ko. I'm not actually in the zone to meet new people but I don't think I can turn her down easily especially when most of the students here at the cafeteria are staring at us. Ayokong mamahiya.
"I see you're not much of a talker but that's fine with me." Bigla niyang hinablot ang ballpen na hawak ko at may isinulat sa papel ng notebook niya. She ripped the paper off and handed it to me. "That's my number. Call me when you're available. I have plans today so I don't think I can join you but I'm free for the rest of the week so..."
Ngumiti siya at tipong aalis na kaya naman nagsalita agad ako. "Wait what?"
Did she just asked me out? IN FRONT OF MY FRIENDS AND A BUNCH OF STUDENTS?
Tinitigan niya ko na para bang nagtataka siya sa reaskyon ko. "For our project," pagpapaliwanag niya. "Don't you remember who I am?"
F*ck!! Oo nga pala! Siya 'yung kaklase kong nakatabi ko kaninang umaga. I completely forgot about it.
"Right. Sorry! How about tomorrow after classes? I like finishing things up ahead of time." Next week pa ang deadline pero ayokong mag-procrastinate lalo na at alam kong matatambakan ako ng mga gawain.
The corner of her mouth tilted up. "Sure."
Wala naman akong sinabing nakakatawa kaya bakit napapangiti siya?
"Is there something funny?"
"I thought I was talking to myself." She chuckled. "I also like getting stuff done asap. Guess I got lucky to have you as my partner then."
Iris' POV
"My favorite month of the year! December!" Naomi happily shouted as she walked towards us. A few students at the hallway looked at her but they just laughed at her enthusiasm. Sanay na ang karamihan sa kanya.
"Nakapag-decorate na ba kayo ng house?" Tiff asked while she's busy fixing her books.
Sumandal si Caylee sa locker at ngumiti. "Of course. My parents have no time for that but our butler never fails to include that on his to-do list. We went for a white Christmas theme this year. There's polar bears design too! You girls should visit our home one of these days."
"That's cool," I commented. "Blue naman sa amin. Ate and Mama already bought ornaments yesterday." If there is one thing that could unite our family, that would be the Christmas season.
"Ugh. Our house manager sucks, ngayon pa lang sila nagpa-plano. Nagalit na nga si Mama," Ava shared. "Ikaw Naomi? Anong theme niyo?"
"I decided to go for Green since green-minded ako," biro niya kaya nagtawanan kami. "How 'bout you Tiffany?"
"Ah. Wala pa. As usual busy kasi parents ko and hindi naman makagalaw ang mga kasambahay namin ng walang go-signal nila. I'll call Mom later to remind her."
We all nodded while we waited for her to finish. Bigla namang dumating si Aaron kaya ngumisi agad si Caylee at sinalubong ito ng yakap.
"Mauna na kami. Bye girls!" She said as she clung to her boyfriend's arm.
"Ingat!" Tiff waved to her.
Pagalis ni Caylee ay dumikit sa akin si Naomi. "Narinig niyo na ba ang tsismis?"
"Tungkol kanino?"
"Kay Aaron. I heard some of my classmates gossiping this morning. Nakita daw nila si Aaron na may kasamang ibang babae sa mall."
I frowned but Tiff beat me into speaking. "Baka naman naninira lang sila dahil sobrang perfect nung dalawa. Everyone around the world is talking about them."
"I dunno," she mumbled.
"Wag naman sana. Di'ba legal na sila sa parents nila?" Ava worriedly said. "Tsaka sobrang invested na ni Caylee sa relationship nila. First boyfriend niya 'yon."
"Kawawa naman si Caylee kung totoo 'yon. She doesn't deserve that," sambit ko.
"I think it's just a rumor to break their bond. But let's just keep an eye on Aaron. For now, let's not mention this to Caylee. Baka maging paranoid lang, magaway pa sila palagi," Tiff suggested.
"Yeah, that's probably better," Naomi agreed.
Nawala ang atensyon ko sa kanila nang may mag-text sa phone ko.
From: Dash
4:12 pm
Hi. Tuloy ba tayo bukas? :)
Napangiti ako at agad nag-reply.
I almost forgot about it. Buti ay napaalala niya.
To: Dash
4:13 pm
Sure! Same time :)
Binalik ko na ang phone ko sa bag ko at sumama na sa mga kaibigan ko nang hilahin nila ako.
*****
"I'm so sorry!" I blurted out as soon as I got out of my car. "I forgot to set my alarm!"
Dash chuckled and shook his head a little bit. "Kakarating ko lang naman, ayos lang."
I know he's lying. He's an athlete and the captain of the varsity team. He's never late.
Nakakahiya dahil sigurado akong twenty minutes na siyang nandito. Kung hindi pa siya tumawag ay hindi ako magigising kanina.
I immediately began stretching so we could start jogging soon.
"How was your week?" He asked with a smile. "Mine was horrible."
"Why? What happened?"
"Homeworks." Natawa ako dahil halata sa mukha niyang umay na siya doon. "And yours?"
"Ayos naman. Medyo stressful lang talaga dahil ang daming pinapagawa ng mga professors ngayon."
"I'm glad you still agreed on joining me today. Most students would prefer staying at home on the weekends rather than waking up early just to exercise."
"That's true but I hate breaking my routine. And we already had a deal, remember?"
He smirked and nodded at me.
Nagkasundo kami ni Dashiell last week na sabay na kaming magja-jogging tuwing sabado ng umaga.
We have been accidentally seeing each other for the past two weeks whenever Ava turns my requests down to be my jogging partner. Antukin kasi talaga siya tuwing umaga kaya hirap siyang bumangon.
I don't mind being a loner but Dash offered so I accepted it. Atleast mas ma-motivate akong mag-exercise dahil masipag mag-workout ang kasabay ko.
We started walking around the area after a few minutes. Nag-decide kaming lumipat ng lugar para maiba naman. We went to Serenaville park since most people don't really go here at this kind of time. Usually sa town plaza or sa mall sila dumidiretso upang mag-breakfast.
Tahimik kaming dalawa nang magsimula na kaming mag-jogging pero ang nakakatuwa, hindi kami naiilang. We both like the silence.
After a few laps, we sat at the wooden bench in front of the lake.
Uminom ako ng tubig habang pinupunasan naman niya ng towel ang pawis sa leeg niya.
"How was Royce?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Okay naman. He's doing great lately. Lahat kami sa team todo bigay sa practice dahil malapit na ang end of the year campus game."
I just smiled while looking at some geese but then I got distracted when I felt Dashiell's eyes on me. I glanced at him and was surprised to see him staring so intently to me.
"Bakit ka nagtatanong tungkol kay Royce? You miss him?" Halata sa ngiti niya ang pangaasar.
"Kulang ka pa yata sa tulog, Dash."
Natawa siya sa pagkunot ng noo ko. "Nakakapagtaka lang kasi. I haven't heard his name from your mouth in weeks. What changed?"
I pouted. "Iniiwasan niya pa rin kasi ako. I saw him the other day but he pretended like I wasn't there a few feet away from him. I don't blame Royce for acting like that but I still feel sad. Pakiramdam ko galit pa rin siya."
"I don't think he's angry at you, Iris. It's not like you led him on. Simula pa lang naman nilinaw mo na sa kanyang hindi ka interesado na magkaroon ng manliligaw."
"Then why is he avoiding me?"
"Sa tingin ko, umiiwas siya para wag na siya malungkot. Hayaan mo na muna 'yon. Makakamove-on din 'yon."
He suddenly stood up and grabbed his small water jug. Nagtaka naman ako dahil akala ko tapos na kami mag-jogging. I didn't know he's still game.
"'Di ka ba napapagod?" natatawang tanong ko.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
I blinked a couple of times. "D-didn't you stand up because you'd like to go for another round?"
Humalakhak siya na siyang kinagulat ko. "No, of course not. I'm drained."
I scratched the back of my neck. "E bakit ka biglang tumayo?"
"It's almost eight in the morning. Let's grab some breakfast."
Inilahad niya pa ang kamay niya kaya napangiti ako. Pansin ko lang, gentleman itong si Dash.
"Okay." I blushed when I grabbed his hand but chuckled afterwards.
"What do you want to eat?" tanong niya habang inaayos ang buhok niya.
"Uhmmm, pancakes and bacon---AHH!"
Bigla akong napatid sa sintas ng sapatos ko kaya muntikan na akong sumalubsob. Dash quickly grabbed my wrist but when he pulled me, and my body turned towards him, I accidentally stepped on his shoe. We both lose balance and before I knew it, I hit the ground. Napahiga ako at nahila ko ang damit niya. He ended up on top of me, his left hand supporting my head while the other still gripping my wrist.
I groaned loudly. Masakit ang pagkakabagsak ko at nahigaan niya pa ako.
Dash looked at me because of that but I think he forgot his face is too close to mine.
Our noses touched and my breathing automatically stopped.
Nagkatitigan na lang kaming dalawa sa gulat.
Damian's POV
"I think that's it?" tanong ko nang wala na akong maisip na pwede pang idagdag para sa project namin.
For my convenience, I invited Nova at my house but she declined. She said she's not comfortable so we met at the library. Naiintindihan ko naman dahil tatlo kaming lalake sa bahay at naiisang babae siya. Hindi niya pa ako lubusang kilala kaya wala pa siyang tiwala sa akin.
"Yeah, thank God," she mumbled as she closes her laptop. "That was surprisingly fast."
I smiled and nodded as I picked up the papers on the table.
Nova's an intelligent woman. I didn't have to explain anything to her. Each time an idea enters my mind, I'd suggest it to her and she'd agree right away. She also gave a lot of recommendation that helped the both of us.
Tumayo na ako at tumingin sa kanya. "Are you going to print all of it or should I?"
"I'll do it." She looked at my bag and smirked. "In a hurry?"
Tapos na kami sa paggawa ng project kaya bakit pa ako mag-stay dito?
"No, not really---"
"So you've got time. Good, cause I'm hungry. Let's eat."
Napanganga ako sa gulat nang tumayo siya at naglakad na palayo.
I hurriedly followed her and grabbed her wrist. Nang tumingin siya dito ay binitawan ko rin naman agad.
"I don't think that's a great idea," I mumbled.
"Why? Do you have a girlfriend? Are we going to get in trouble if someone sees us together?"
"No---"
"Then what's the problem? It's not like we're going on a date. It's just food, Damian." She raised an eyebrow at me and sighed as if she's tired of what she's seeing. "You think I didn't notice how guarded you are with your actions the whole time we're together? It's pretty hilarious. It's as if you're worried I might like you once I see the real you."
I froze as I stare at her eyes. Matalino nga talaga siya upang ma-realize niya ang ginagawa ko kanina. I rarely look at her and I made sure to maintain a distance whenever she leans to point out something at her laptop.
Usually when I spend time alone with some ladies, they start having interest in me. It doesn't bother me before but ever since Irene happened, I've been doing my best not to get involved with other girls. Ayoko lang makasakit dahil alam ko sa sarili kong malabo pang magkagusto ako sa iba.
"I'm only inviting you over dinner so I can show you I'm not into you, and I don't think I'll ever will in the near future. You're not my type, okay? You're boring. A good boy, in short." Tumigil siya at ngumiti. "I meant no offense, Damian. You're decent and well educated. I favored people like you and it would be a shame if we ended up only as strangers. I'd rather have you as my friend."
Teka, ako? Boring? Good boy? 'Yan na ba ang image ko ngayon sa mga tao dito? Because I don't party anymore? I don't date or flirt with anyone for the past few months?
"I'm not who you think I am," I muttered, frowning at her. I just couldn't believe of what I heard.
"Oh I heard rumors. You're pretty famous for having the looks, the brain and well..." Tumingin siya sa pantalon ko at ngumisi.
Natawa ako dahil ang loko loko niya. "But you don't believe them. Why's that?"
"Two hours is enough for me to evaluate a person."
"I am far from being boring," I stated.
"If you're really the guy they say you are, we'll be kissing by now. But we're not. So just drop it." Tumalikod na ulit siya at naglakad ngunit humarap din sa akin bago siya makalabas ng pintuan. "Come along! I'll teach you not to be so stiff around people."
Napangiti na lang ako at umiling. She's just like Silva and Art, but a girl version of them.
Stiff? Really? If she knew what I can do in bed, she'll forget that word even existed.
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Grabe work shift ko guys huhu 4 pm until 3 am tapos may pasok din ako every Saturday. Pagod na pagod ako everyday kaya 'di ako makapagsulat. Gusto ko na lang mag-leave ng one month haha