hello hello!
did you guys see blissbooksph's newest announcement? 😍 so excited na makita n'yo ang cover and layout ng buong book! the physical version of the book is super unique! and I'm so happy to let u know na maraming special chapters ang book version ng Ango. (kasi 'di pa nare-reveal ang buong title hahahahaha! chour!)
Napasinghal ako habang nakatitig sa cell phone ko. "Ayaw mong mag-reply? Fine! Marami naman akong crush!"
Tumayo ako mula sa kama at dumiretso na lamang sa banyo para maligo. Parang napakabigat ng ulo ko at ang likod ko naman ay parang nanlalamig. Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba 'to sa pangingisay ko sa kama dala ng sobrang kahihiyan o dahil lang sa kakapusan ng tulog.
Pagbaba ko sa kusina, naabutan ko si kuya na nag-aagahan nang mag-isa.
"Mom and Dad's sleeping in?" I asked.
Kuya shook his head, still chewing his food. He swallowed hard and flinched a little. "They didn't come home."
"Date night?" I tried to hold back my smile. Deep down, I'm still hoping that they would somehow go back to the disgustingly-sweet couple they once were. I miss seeing them as actual husband and wife, not just Lorenzo and Joana's Mom and Dad.
May pag-asa pa kaya talaga? Sana meron pa.
"Ba't ganyan 'chura mo?" tanong ni Kuya at nagpatuloy sa paglamon. "Mag-ayos ka, darating si Sawyer. Nakakahiya."
I looked at Kuya flatly. "You sound like Mom, Kuya. Do you want some wig and Gucci to look the part?"
Kuya paused and instantly shivered. "Magsuot ka ng sako. Wala akong pake sa 'yo."
"That's what I heard," I smirked and quickly ran to the table, grabbing and munching down the food as fast as I could.
"Ba't ka nagmamadali? Maya-maya pa 'yon darating?" Kuya looked up at me, confused.
My Gosh! May isang butil pa ng kanin sa gilid ng bibig niya! It will always be a mystery to me why girls fall for him! Bakit ba ang dami niyang nauuto?!
***
"Pucha, bakit ba puro tayo group projects? Sawang-sawa na ako sa mga mukha ninyo," paghihimutok ni Chewy habang lumalamon. Kung maka-tantrums, akala mo kami lang ang mga tao sa cafeteria.
"Sa tingin mo may chance kang pumasa kung individual 'to?" As usual, Argentina was quick to fight back. Taas-kilay at parang handang-handa nang manapak.
"Anong akala mo sa akin? Ikaw?" singhal naman ni Chewy, ayaw magpatalo.
Sa talim ng tinginan pa lang nila, para na akong nanonood ng swordfight sa isang saeguk k-drama. Sapakan man o swordfight, ayaw naming madamay kaya sila ang lagi naming pinagtatabi.
"'Wag n'yo na lang pansinin si Chewy. Inis lang 'yan kasi humopya na naman kay hopia. Akala niya sila ang groupmate," sabi naman ni Goose na chill lang na nakaupo sa tabi ko. Nakuha niya pa talagang sagutan ang homework namin habang kumakain. The deadline isn't even until tomorrow!
"If you want her to be your groupmate, why won't you just ask her?" Izzy asked from my other side.
"He can't even ask her for a yellow piece of paper." Napangiwi ako.
"Hoy, Joana." Chewy cocked his head in my direction, looking at me with a blank expression. "Gusto mo ba akong magmukhang hampaslupa?"
"Nanghihingi lang ng papel, hampaslupa agad? Ang sakit no'n, Chew." Izzy said, jokingly clutching her chest.
"He can't even ask her what time it is," Argentina said and chugged from her soda cup.
Chewy sighed and raised his right hand, showing us his wristwatch.
Goose looked up from his notebook and smirked. "He can't even look at her in the eyes and smile."
"Anong akala mo sa 'kin? 'Yong baliw sa kanto na bigla ka na lang lalapitan at ngingitian?!" Chewy slammed his hand on the table, nostrils already flaring.
"Then just go ask her to watch one of your gigs, Chewy!" I suggested, pointing Hope who's just standing right in front of the ice cream freezer. "Go buy an ice cream for her din!"
"Nababaliw ka na ba?" Pinanlisikan ako ni Chewy sabay singhal.
"Ba't ka galit?" Pabiro ko rin siyan pinanlisikan, taas-noo habang nagpipigil ng tawa.
"Hindi siya galit, hindi niya lang talaga kayang gawin." Argentina flashed her ever so mischievous grin.
"Ako?!" Pagak na tumawa si Chewy. Kulang na lang hawakan niya ang dibdib niya at magmumukha na siyang isang meme material.
"Sino pa ba?" Humalakhak naman si Goose. "Duwag mo, Choy. Talo ka ni Mojoe na ang tapang mangbasted."
"Gago, bakit biglang ako?!" I cried out, facing Goose with a frown.
"Hindi ako duwag!" giit ni Chewy kaya muling napunta sa kanya ang atensyon ko.
Pulang-pula na ang mukha ni Chewy at lumalabas na ang litid sa leeg niya. Isang milagro na hindi niya pa kami binabato ng kubyertos at pinggan.
"Then why haven't you made a move yet? Sige ka, mauunahan ka." Izzy said, smirking.
Sa isang iglap, bigla kong nakita si Haji na naglalakad malapit kay Hope. He's just casually walking with his one hand holding up a tray, his other hand inside his pocket. Looking at the subtle smile on his face, I'm pretty sure walang ibang laman ang isip niya kundi ang magpa-pogi sa mga tao. I bet he's even calculating his moves while playing a cool background song in his mind. Ganyan 'yan si Haji eh. Akala mo nasa runway palagi.
"Speaking of! Looks like someone's gonna make a move on, Hope na!" I joked in between my giggling.
Binalik ko ang tingin kay Chewy at laking gulat ko nang makita siyang tumayo, walang kaemo-emosyon ang mukha at nakakuyom na ang kamao. Pare-pareho kaming hindi nakapagsalita, lalo na nang dire-diretsong naglakad si Chewy patungo sa direksyon ni Haji.
"W-Wait! Nagbibiro lang ako!" I cried out, paralyzed with fear.
Haji's already into some girl named Lilly Emanuel! Alam ko kasi isa ito sa chinismis sa akin ni Ate Reika!
Tumayo ako, handang-handa nang tumakbo lalo na nang makita kong tumakbo na si Chewy patungo kay Haji. Sa sobrang takot ko ay napapikit ako at napatakip na lamang ng mukha.
Seconds felt like an eternity. My heart felt like it was about to burst. "Haji, No!"
"My boy! I'm so proud of my boy!"
"He better not mess up."
"Come on guys, don't look at them. Baka ma-conscious si Chewy."
Slowly, I slid down my hands from my face. I opened my eyes and, to my utter relief, saw Haji walking toward our direction with a confused look on his face.
"Problema mo?" He mouthed the moment our eyes met.
Umiling ako at tumawa na lang, kunware hindi siya muntik mapahamak dahil sa kadaldalan ko.
Akala ko dadaan lang si Haji sa mesa namin, pero bigla siyang huminto sa harap ko, kunot-noo pa rin.
"Bakit?" tanong ko sabay sulyap sa direksyon nina Chewy at Hope na nag-uusap sa harapan ng ice cream freezer. Nakakainis si Haji! Hindi tuloy ako makasagap ng chismis!
"Anong ginawa mo kay Sawyer at gano'n ang tweets no'n?"
Mabilis akong napaharap ulit kay Haji kasabay ng tuluyang paglaho ng ngiti ko.
"His tweets?" I blinked rapidly, worry and guilt slowly rising up my heart. "B-Bakit ano ba ang tweets niya?"
"Wait, did you mute his account?" aniya pa sabay tawa.
Dali-dali akong umiling. "I'm not even following him!"
"Aray!" Tawa nang tawa si Haji sabay sapo ng dibdib. "Para pala 'yong tanga na nagpaparinig sa wala!"
I could only stare at Haji. Hindi ko magawang tumawa nang pilit o ngumiti man lang.
Is Sawyer mad at me for avoiding him? Are they all mad at me? Am I a horrible person?
"Just give him a chance, Joey. Para naman kayong walang pinagsamahan," Haji said jokingly, but I'm not sure if he's joking anymore. Baka nga galit na siya at sobrang sama na ng tingin sa akin.
"If you like him that much, ikaw na lang kaya ang jumowa sa kanya?
Pareho kaming nagulat ni Haji at napalingon.
Nakatingin sa amin si Argentina habang may ngisi sa kanyang mukha, nakataas pa ang isang kilay. Gusto ko biglang umiyak at yumakap sa kanya.
"Ako ba ang kausap mo?" Haji tried to laugh it off, but I could tell he felt uncomfortable with Argentina's gaze.
"Yup!" Argentina said. This time she smiled widely, eyes turning into slits while looking at Haji.
"Close ba tayo?" Haji retorted, smiling back widely at her.
"Hell no. Never in a million years." Argentina giggled, shaking her head.
"What a crazy bitch," sabi naman ni Haji. Halata ang panggigigil kahit tumatawa.
I covered my mouth at Haji's words. I've never heard him call someone the 'b' word before.
"You son of a bitch," ganti naman ni Argentina, ngiti kung ngiti at walang bahid ng pagkapikon!
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Hindi ako makapaniwalang may tumawag na bitch kay Dra. Kazemi! Isa 'yong santa kumpara sa mga Haji sa buhay niya!
"Nandito ka na naman sa mga mesa ng mas bata." Magno suddenly appeared out of nowhere and yanked Haji by the neck. "Bye Joe! Doon muna kami sa mesa namin!"
I nodded at Magno, but I was too shaken up to even smile at him.
While he was being dragged away, Haji turned to look at Argentina, glaring. "May araw ka rin sa 'kin."
"Make a reservation! I'm busy!" Argentina chuckled, clearly unfazed.
"Tama na! Lilingon pa eh!" Magno could only grab Haji's head away from our direction.
I fell to my seat and heaved a sigh of relief the moment my brothers' friends were out of sight.
"Tangina, akala ko magsasapakan na kayo." Goose commented, looking at us in awe.
"Joe, hindi naman siguro 'yon bayolente 'di ba?" Izzy asked. "Baka kung ano'ng gawin no'n kay Argentina."
"Seryoso? Natatakot kayo sa pakboy ngayon?" Pagak na humalakhak si Argentina at lumingon sa direksyon nina Hope at Chewy na nag-uusap pa rin, this time ay nagtatawanan na. "Anong update sa dalawa? Positive sign ba 'yang tawanan nila?"
"Malay ko, 'di ako maka-spy sa kanila kasi akala ko iiyak na si Mojoe," Goose said. Sa amin pala natuon ang atensyon nila.
"Hey, don't mind what that guy said okay? Don't give someone a chance if you don't want to," sabi naman ni Izzy sa 'kin.
"Yeah, Joey." Humalakhak si Argentina. "Mas malaking problema kung magpapadala ka sa mga sinasabi nila."
Tumango na lamang ako at nagbaba ng tingin sa pagkain ko.
***
"Come on, Mojoejoejoe. 'Wag mo ngang dibdibin ang sinabi ng kulugong 'yon!" sita sa akin ni Argentina nang mahuli niya akong nakatulala at malalim ang iniisip.
"She's right. Don't mind him." Izzy smiled at me reassuringly.
"Nandito tayo para sa victory party ni Chewy. Kalimutan natin ang ating mga problema, my friends!" Halakhak naman ni Goose na halatang enjoy na enjoy sa paglalagay ng hot sauce sa pizza niya. Nilalagyan niya pa ng iba't ibang design.
Napalunok si Chewy sa kinakain niya. "Tangina, anong victory party?"
"Dude, Hopie just agreed to watch your gig! You even made a good impression on your earlier conversation!" I reminded him.
I couldn't be happier for Chewy because it seems like Hopie's really comfortable around him. I hope she likes him the same way. Or kung hindi man, I hope Chewy can accept her decision without crossing any lines.
"Anong victory? Manonood lang naman 'yon ng gig," Chewy said while pressing his lips, trying to suppress his smile but failing miserably.
Narinig ko ang biglang pagbukas ng pinto malapit sa kinauupuan namin. It was hard not to turn around lalo't sobrang ingay ng mga customers na kadarating lang. Parang kaming lima lang 'din, pero parang mas maingay talaga ang mga bagong dating.
"Kuya Warren!" Agad akong napangiti nang makita ang isa sa mga kababata ni Kuya Lorenzo.
Kuya Warren is one of the nicest guys in Filimon Heights. He is also, arguably, the best-looking guy in the city. Wala pa yata akong nakikilalang babae na hindi nagkaroon ng crush sa kanya at some point ng buhay nila. I know because I had a huge crush on him back then too! Nag-uncrush lang ako kasi sobrang dami nang may crush sa kanya. Some girls would even fight kahit pare-pareho naman silang walang right. It was wild and I didn't want to be part of it!
"Joana!" Kuya Warren walked up to me with the sweetest smile, dimples in full show. I couldn't help but stare at him in awe. He looks so good even if he's just wearing faded jeans and a simple white shirt.
"Mga kaibigan ko pala," he said at doon ko lang ulit naalala na may mga kasama nga pala siya. His friends—two boys, one dressed in pink polo while the other is wearing a yellow pikachu sweatshirt, and two girls, one wearing a blue dress while the other is dressed in a red romper—all waved at me as they occupied the table far from us. Kumaway naman ako at ngumiti pabalik.
Binalik ko ang tingin kay Kuya Warren, para nang matutunaw sa kilig. "Kuya, friends ko rin pala. This is Chewy, Goose, Izzy, and Argentina."
Naramdaman kong ginagalaw nila ang kamay ko—tinatama kung kanino ako nakaturo. Palibhasa hindi ko maalis ang tingin kay Kuya Warren.
"Teka, nasaan si Argentina?" Narinig kong tanong ni Goose kaya sa puntong 'yon ay parang nawasak ang Warren Magic na bumalot sa akin.
Napatingin ako sa kaninang kinauupuan ni Argentina at nakita itong bakante. Sumilip pa kami sa ilalim ng mesa, pero kahit dito ay wala rin siya.
"Baka nag-CR." Tumawa si Kuya Warren at tinuro ang mesa ng mga kaibigan niya. "Doon muna ako. Ikumusta mo ako sa kuya mo, Joe."
Tumango na lamang ako at ngumiti. "Sige, Kuya! Enjoy your meal!"
"Enjoy your meal!" Narinig kong tumawa si Goose nang tuluyang makalayo si Kuya Warren. Ginaya pa niya an boses ko!
"Hingin mo na rin kaya ang order nila?" sabi naman ni Chewy.
"Teka, I'll check the CR. Baka nando'n si Argentina," Izzy said in between her laughter.
Nang kaming tatlo na lang ang natira sa mesa, nagpatuloy sina Chewy at Goose sa pang-aasar sa akin. Gumaganti ako sa abo't ng makakaya, pero iba talaga ang epekto kapag pinagsanib ang pwersa nilang dalawa.
"Crush mo 'yon no?" bulong ni Chewy. Pangisi-ngisi na sabay nguso sa direksyon ni Warren.
"Hindi ah!" Hindi ko napigilang ngumuso.
"Mamatay man?" Goose giggled.
"Matagal na akong nag-uncrush!" pagtatama ko. Ayoko pang maatay uy. Marami pa akong concert na gustong daluhan.
Kalaunan, napansin kong hindi pa rin lumalabas sina Argentina at Izzy mula sa CR kaya naman nag-alala ako at sumunod na sa kanila.
Pagbukas ko ng pinto, nagulat ako nang makitang halos sakyan na ni Argentina ang pinto ng isa sa mga nakabukas na cubicle. Pilit siyang kumakapit, panay ang iling habang hinihila ni Izzy.
"Argentina, come on! You can't stay in this comfort room forever!"
"I can and I will! Magkamatayan na, hindi ako lalabas na ganito ang hitsura!"
Napatingin ako sa outfit ni Argentina. She's wearing ripped jeans, an oversized intramurals shirt, and high-heeled boots—Her fashion choices aren't my cup of tea, but it's not bad naman. I guess she's conscious about not having makeup on her face?
"Argentina, there's literally a huge mirror here. Can't you see how beautiful you are?" I asked.
"Don't you spit out some cheesy lines on me, Joana Cohen! This is serious!" Argentina said. Para na namang nasasapian ng demonyo.
Izzy turned her head, looking at me like she was begging for help.
I blinked rapidly, unsure of what to do. "Do you want me to ask Yaya Shakira to get some clothes from my wardrobe? I also have makeup on my bag--"
"I want to get the hell out of here!" Argentina yelled, agitated and desperate. "But I can't fit in the window, so let me just stay here until everyone leaves!"
"Everyone?" Nakunot ang noo ko.
"Nakita niya raw kasi ang crush niya sa labas," Izzy said, filling up the lines for me. "Nahihiya siyang lumabas kasi wala siyang ligo at hindi rin siya naglagay ng pabango."
"In my defense, I slept in and I was already running late for class!" Nagpapadyak agad si Argentina. "Bakit ba siya nandito?! My hair is so greasy and I didn't even put on any makeup! I even forgot to put a patch on my zit!"
And just like that, I was able to connect the dots.
"Of course you have a crush on him!" Hindi ko napigilang mamangha at matawa. "What a small world we have nga naman talaga!"
"'Wag mo akong ma-ganyan ganyan, Joana!" asik pa ni Argentina kaya mas lalo pa akong natawa.
"No, it's okay. It's nothing to be shy about—"
"Nothing to be shy about?!" Bumitiw si Argentina sa pinto at napamewang. "Can't you see how perfect he is?"
I couldn't help but smile. Kuya Warren is indeed the epitome of perfection.
Tanga lang ang hindi magkakagusto kay Clint Warren Vasquez.
Argentina looked up at the ceiling and let out a pained sigh. Despite the frustrated look on her face, I noticed the ghost of a smile on her lips. "My God! He looks so adorable in his Pikachu sweater!"
"Pikachu sweater?" Pareho kaming nagkatinginan ni Izzy, kunot-noo.
"I think you're confused?" I let out a confused chuckle as I took a few steps towards Argentina. "He's wearing a plain white shirt, Arge."
"Yeah, and I think baliktad pa nga ang white t-shirt na suot niya," sabi naman ni Izzy.
Argentina looked at us like we just said the stupidest thing. "No, my crush is wearing a Pikachu sweater."
"Sure ka?" Hindi ko na napigilang magtanong. "I could have sworn he was wearing—"
"Wait . . . are you talking about that basketball dude from Filimon Heights? Clint Warren something?" She asked. This time, siya naman ang kunot-noo.
"Wait . . . are you not talking that basketball dude from Filimon Heights named Clint Warren Vasquez?" Ako naman ang nagtanong.
"Hell No!" Mabilis na sagot ni Argentina, para pang nandiri. "I'm talking about his friend! Luciano Pocholo Masipag!"
"Sure ka?!" Pareho naming bulalas ni Izzy.
Argentina's eyes turned into slits as she glared at us. "Are you guys insulting my crush?"
"Hindi!" Kapwa kami mabilis na umiling ni Izzy.
Hindi ko na napigilan pa ang sarili ko at lumapit na ako sa main door ng CR. Dahan-dahan ko itong binuksan upang silipin ang mesa na kinauupuan nina Kuya Warren.
I focused my attention on the guy wearing a yellow Pikachu sweater. Lamon ito kung lamon at kumukuha pa ng pagkain mula sa plato ng kaibigan niyang babae.
"Gosh, he's so cute!"
I flinched when I realized that Argentina was already standing behind me, also taking a peek through the door's small opening.
***
"Yaya! Thank you! Thank you talaga! I love you so much! Mwa! Mwa! Mwa!"
I felt over the moon after my phone call with Yaya Shakira. Nahiga agad ako sa kama ni Argentina, abot-tenga ang ngiti.
"Ano raw? Pinayagan ka bang mag-sleepver dito?" Izzy asked, her face hovering above mine.
"She said she'll cover for me since hindi rin daw sure kung uuwi ba ang parents ko tonight," I said, raising my hand for a high five with Izzy.
"Ugh. I hate you guys. Bakit ba bigla n'yong gustong mag-sleepover dito ngayon?" tanong ni Argentina habang nakaupo sa kanyang vanity table, seryosong-seryoso sa paglalagay skincare products.
Izzy and I looked at each other before grinning.
"Interrogation of course! Alam na namin kung sino ang crush mo eh!" Izzy said.
"I promise, wala 'tong ulterior motives." I smiled sheepishly, crossing my fingers underneath the pile of pillows. Good thing Izzy suggested having a sleepover!
"Nga pala, Arge." Dahan-dahan akong naupo, pilit kino-control ang ngiti sa mukha. "Nasaan si Cyprus? Parang 'di ko siya nakita nang dumating tayo kanina?"
"On duty. Teka—" Umikot si Argentina at humarap sa dirkesyon ko, seryoso ang ekpresyon sa mukha.
"B-Bakit?" My breathing hitched.
"Alam mo na bang aalis siya sa Filimon Heights?" she asked.
Para akong nakahinga nang maluwag. Tumango ako at ngumiti. "Oo, nag-resign na rin siya."
"Kaya pala nag-bike ka lang no'ng isang araw!" komento naman ni Izzy. "By the way, Arge. Saan pupunta si Cyprus?"
"He'll go back to our hometown. Nakakuha kasi siya ulit ng scholarship kaya tatapusin na niya ang pag-aaral niya. Sobrang nagulat nga ako kasi out of the blue ng offer, tapos full scholarship pa! Hindi 'to kasali doon sa ni-research natin!" kwento pa ni Argentina.
Dahil sa sinabi ni Argentina, hindi ko napigilang magtaka.
Full scholarship tapos out of the blue ang offer? Wala akong masyadong alam sa scholarship grants, but I think this is hard to attain without good connections.
Sino kaya ang tumulong sa kanya?
"I'm hungry. Should we order food?" tanong bigla ni Argentina kaya walang pagdadalawang-isip kaming nagtanguan ni Izzy.
All of us are hungry. Palibhasa, we had to sneak out of the restaurant early. Who were we to ignore Argentina's pleas . . . and threats? Tuloy, sina Chewy at Goose na ang kumain sa lahat ng in-order namin.
"Doon tayo sa restaurant na pinagta-trabahuan ng crush ni Joe," Izzy suggested kaya natawa na lamang ako.
Kung alam lang nila sino na ang crush ko ngayon.
"Tatawag na ako—" Natigilan ako nang makakita ako ng isang unread message sa inbox ko. There were instant butterflies in my stomach the moment I realized it was from Cyprus.
How the hell did I miss his message?!
Pasimple akong tumayo at dumiretso sa pinto.
"Lalabas ka talaga para tumawag?" Humalakhak si Argentina.
"Yeah." I laughed shakily and opened the door, closing it shut the moment I stepped out.
All alone in the dimly lit hallway, I took a deep breath and slowly opened the message I received this afternoon.
9:03 PM
Joe:
You'll come back to Filimon Heights, right?
3:08 PM
Cyp:
Will you still be in Filimon Heights?
All of a sudden, the door right in front of me opened. I froze when I saw Cyprus come out of the room, hair disheveled and eyes red as hell.
Both of our eyes widened the moment we saw each other's faces.
Mabilis siyang umatras pabalik sa loob ng kanyang kwarto at marahas na sinara ang pinto.
"Pay up, Argentina! Told you hindi na niya pagbibintangang multo si Cyprus!"
"Hindi pagbibintangang multo? Look at her face! Parang nakakita ng multo oh?"
Napalingon ako sa direksyon ng kwarto ni Argentina at nakita ang ulo nila ni Izzy na nakasilip mula sa pintong bahagyang nakabukas.
Gusto ko biglang magwala.
//