There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
~1 John 4:18
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : - ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ - : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .
Ika-Tatlumpu't Apat na Kabanata
"YOU look pretty!" Wenfree complimented me after I finished my make-up.
I placed down my hair brush and looked at her. "As always, kabahan ka na baka pagtaksilan ka ni Markien dahil sa akin," I joke and winked.
"Ang tanong papatulan ka ba ng fiance ko?" I laughed when I hear some annoyance in her voice.
Wenfree and Markien been together for almost seven years since senior high. Biruin mo ng dahil sa research, nagkatuluyan ang dalawa. Ang malupit pa nito, they will gonna marry next year. Sana all.
"Who knows?" Bwelta ko.
"If that's gonna happen, I'll kill you both!" she stated and rolled her eyes. "Kidding," she added.
"Mukhang malapit mo na akong mapatay," biro ko ulit sa kaniya.
Ibinaba ni Wenfree ang hawak niyang foundation at sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. Inis talo pa rin siya sa akin. Hindi na siya nasanay. I'm just joking.
"Let's change our topic. Baka agawin mo na talaga sa akin si Markien." I chuckled. Alam naman niyang hindi ko 'yun magagawa pero naaasar siya. Si Wen talaga!
"Are you ready to come back there?" she asked.
I just nodded as an answer while putting brown nude lipstick on my lips. I stared again my reflection in the mirror. I look so stunning with my gray high-neck jabot blouse and black slit skirt. Partnered with my pearl earrings and the silver heart pendant that my parents gave me.
We are here at her house, preparing for the seminar later at West Wood High. After seven freaking years, I will go back to my alma mater.
In the past seven years, many things happen. If I used to play chess before, now I used to play with blueprints. I already stop playing it since college, for some reason.
"Natawagan mo na ba si Sike? Baka hanapin niya tayo- ikaw lang pala sa site," she asked while combing her hair.
"He already knew. Alam mo naman siya, daig pa ang magulang ko. He always knew my schedule!"
Sike is my co-architect in the Construction Firm we're working, which his family owned it. He's also a great friend of mine since we're college. We already met on Private School Athletic Meet when I was in grade 11.
He's also a chess player. I remember him when he showed me a group picture of the chess player winners that time. We're both third placer. What a small world, right?
"Sagutin mo na kasi."
"Nanliligaw ba? And besides, I'm not his type, you know he's not already move on with his ex," tugon ko sabay lagay ng eyeliner sa mata ko.
"Reasons. Bagay naman kayong dalawa. Why you don't give a try?"
I shook my head. I never think that I and Sike will be in a relationship. He's like a brother to me because he is always there on my side every time I need him, like Stair.
Actually, we tried dating for weeks, but it turns out to be a disaster. So, we decided to be just friends. Sike was good with that.
"Zeah texted me, lets get to the site later before our dinner," she shifted the topic and I just nodded.
Si Zeah naman ay isa naming client na naging kaibigan na rin namin. We are making her cousin's house, siya ang nag-aasikaso nito.
We didn't really know her cousin's name. We just know that Zeah's cousin was the owner of the house that we are making. Since then, we have not seen any shadow of him. I just know that her cousin is a man.
Kahit sa contract namin, si Zeah ang nakapirma. Busy daw kasing tao ang pinsan niya kaya siya ang nag-aasikaso ng bahay nito.
"Done!" bulalas ni Wenfree na kakatapos lang mag-ayos ng sarili.
I get my phone on my bag and look what time is it.
"Sheez! The seminar is already starting within ten minutes!" I told her.
"Let's go!"
Dali-daling tumayo si Wenfree at binuksan ang pinto ng kaniyang kuwarto. Akma na siyang bababa subalit pinigilan ko siya.
"Wait! Do you think I can bring all of this? I only have one hand remember." Turo ko sa blueprints na nakakalat sa kama niya.
Bukod sa seminar ay mayroon pa kaming ibang sadya sa West Wood High.
"I forgot! Let's go."
Wenfree and I became best friends when I entered college. Since we are group mates on research for two years in senior high, naging madali na ang lahat. Magkaklase kami sa ibang subjects kaya mas napalapit kami sa isa't isa.
My friend Sixth of Ace? We're doing good. Nagba-vlog pa rin kami ngayon, but now we are focusing on adulting 101 contents. After we graduated senior high, our group faced many problems, but our relationship stays strong.
If I'm a successful architect here in Bulacan. My twin has a hacking company now- I mean he's a licensed programmer and an ICT teacher.
Coast achieved her dream to become a chef and she's now doing well with her restaurant. She's also settle down with her husband, they are both chef.
For Keist, I thought that he will pursue law, but all of a sudden, he takes a different track. I'm happy for him though. Kaming dalawa na lang ang walang love life sa aming magkakaibigan.
While our leader, Axti he became a famous artist and now a Pastor. I never think of that. Biruin mo namana kasi, ang isang moody, masungit at mainitin ang ulong si Axti magiging Pastor?
But sabi nga nila, expect the unexpected. Hindi natin alam ang mga susunod na mangyayari. Maaring mabago ang ating nais at pangarap sa buhay sa isang iglap.
And lastly, Aera, my cousin. Na-stock na siya sa pag-aaral like Aqui. They both taking med. Aqui is taking Cardio while Aera was taking vet.
Our t-shirt printing business is still operating. When Tito Nike left, Tita Aliza is the one who handles it. She even resigns to her work just to continue the business of his sister.
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"PLEASE welcome, Architect Alexeidrine Praise Monteasul!" The master of ceremony said.
I walk towards the stage and comes into the podium. I give the students a sweet smile and they give me a warm welcome.
"Good day siSTEMa of West Wood Academy!" I greeted.
Most of the students shocked when they saw me with just one arm. I hear some whispers, but I don't mind it. Sanay naman na ako.
"Senior High School is one of the most exciting yet challenging years for a student. Just like you, I am a STEM student back then and I was struggling in many subjects." I paused and look at the students.
"Just like Basic Calculus, basic daw, totoo naman. It was too basic to fail. Kidding." Most of the students laughed. "I remember that I also cannot even balance a simple chemical equation. Even if I'm struggling with many subjects, I don't give up to reach my dreams. Sana kayo rin."
I click the laser flicker to turn the page of the PowerPoint that I've made in this seminar. And on the screen pop-ups the different kinds of professions.
"You are all future doctors, engineers, architects, scientists, computer programmers, and the future of this world. There are no easy courses and fast forward to success. If you want to give up today because Calculus is hard, Science is not your vibe, or your English is so bad, what more in college?"
I hear some of the students agreed and I just continue my speech.
"If the people around you saying you cannot be an engineer because you're bad in math, you cannot be a doctor because you're afraid of blood, you cannot be an architect because your drawing is a disaster. Don't mind them. They. Are. Not. You." I emphasize my last words.
"Nasa kamay mo ang iyong pangarap. Hawak mo ito at walang sinuman ang makakapagdikta kung ano ang nararapat mong gawin dito."
After I said those words, memories flashed in my mind. It was my first day of being a college student that time...
"Bal, gusto mo ihatid na kita sa department mo?" Stair asked
Today is the day. We're finally college students. Four months have passed since the accident happens. Many things change.
"I'm okay Bal, don't worry about me. Besides, you're gonna be late."
"Are you sure?"
I gave him a nod. I know my twin, he's just worried about me. We bid goodbye to each other and I walk towards my department.
I can feel the gaze of people on me. Ngayon lang ba sila nakakita ng taong putol ang kamay? Or do they know me as a vlogger?
When I reached my department, I immediately find my room. It was on the third floor, nakakapagod umakyat! I open the door and most of the students look at me. Napayuko na lang ako dahil ang tatalim ng tingin ng iba sa akin.
Naglakad ako sa bakanteng upuan na nasa bandang likod. Mayroon akong narinig na nagbubulungan at mukhang ako ata ang kanilang pinag-uusapan.
"Siz, siya 'di ba vlogger 'yan? Anyare sa kamay?"
"Balita ko nag-break daw sila nu'ng rumored boyfriend niya. Tapos tinangkang magpakamatay upang magpapansin. Ayan ang napala niya, naputulan ng kamay imbes na mamatay."
"Dahil lang sa lalaki? Grabe naman."
"Tsaka may gana pa siyang kumuha ng architecture? Mukhang mali ang pinasok niya. Sana ay kinausap na lang niya ang camera buong maghapon at hindi na nag-aral pa."
Nang marinig ko iyon sa kanila, parang tinutusok ang ilang milyong karayom ang aking puso. Ano bang karapatan nila para pagsalitaan ako ng ganoon? They didn't even know the truth!
Naupo na lang ako sa isang sulok malapit sa bintana at hindi na lamang sila pinansin. Ayaw kong pumatol sa kanila, baka mapasama lamang ako.
Sa apat na buwang lumipas, madalang na kaming mag-vlog. Ang daming ganap at dumating sa mga buhay namin. Our fans and other people keep asking us what happened.
We just remained silent and the rumors sprout everywhere. Kesyo nagkaalitan daw kaming anim, si Axti ganito, si Keist may ano, si Aera ganiyan, si Coast ganire, si Stair ganoon, ako nag-kaano.
Hindi na lamang namin ito pinansin at hinayaan na lang ang mga tao na isipin ang gusto nilang isipin. Basta alam namin sa sarili namin na wala kaming ginawang mali. Hindi rin kami nagkaalitan, bagkus ay tumibay pa ang aming samahan.
Bukod doon, nagkaroon din kami ng problema sa pera. Dahil sa aking pagkaka-aksidente, kinailangan namin ng malaking pera. Mabuti na lamang at mayroong tumulong sa amin.
Maliban dito, mayroon din palang naipong pera si Bal sa kaniyang pagtatrabaho. Hindi ko alam ang tungkol dito at nalaman ko na lamang nang naaksidente ako.
Napangalumbaba na lamang ako nang maisip ko ang sinabi ng mga babae kanina. I want to be an architect, but I think they're right. Paano ko naman ito mapagtatagumpayan kung iisa lang ang kamay ko?
Napaitlag ako nang mayroong akong narinig na kalabog sa pwesto ng mga babae. I saw a man standing in front of them with his hands in his pocket.
The guy was wearing a button-down stripe three-fourth long sleeves and jeans. He has a perfect jawline, pouty red lips and shinning grayish eyes. He reminds me of Nash, pero ang isang 'to ay singkit.
Nakita ko na lamang na nakabusangot ang mga mukha ng mga babaeng chismosa. Mayroon pang binulong ang lalaki sa kanila at bigla na lamang silang nag-walk out.
Napataas ang aking kilay nang tumabi sa akin ang lalaki. He's smiling widely at me.
"Wazzup Xeidrine, I'm Sike!"
And that day, it's all started our friendship. I thought that I will not survive architecture, but thanks to Sike. He always defends me to the bullies and bashers. Also, he is always cheering me up and helping me with my things.
Because of Sike and my friends, my confidence boost and now, I am a successful architect. And take note, top notcher pa sa board exam!
"ALWAYS remember, your disability is not a hindrance to your dreams. It is a special ability given by God, you just need to know how to handle it," I continued my speech.
My ears filled of claps by the students. I can feel their happiness because of what I've said. I hope that I will give inspiration to them to pursue their career in the future.
"Again, this is Alexeidrine Praise Monteasul, the one-handed architect saying, 'No matter what happens do not give up on your dreams in life.' Have a great day siSTEMa!"
After my speech, I go down to the podium and I just wait for the seminar to be finished. Wenfree also gave a motivational speech to the students. We are really lucky that the school invited us to this seminar.
Parang dati lang tumatakas kami ni Aera sa seminar upang bumili ng pagkain. Ngayon, ako na ang nagsasalita sa harapan. Aww. I miss Aera.
We barely see each other these past few days. Busy ako ngayon sa site and siya sa pag-aaral. Makakalaya na rin ang pinsan ko next year sa paaralan after so many years.
When the seminar finished, we go to the principal's office. Ang pangalawang sadya namin dito. Nang buksan namin ang pinto, nag-aabang na rito ang principal at iba pang school admins.
"Thank you for giving us time, Ms. Monteasul and Ms. Soon," the head admin greeted.
We also express our gratitude to him for giving us the opportunity. Then, We immediately start the meeting. We talk some matter and discuss about the contract.
Napili rin kasi kami ng paaralan upang i-renovate ang mga building. Hindi ko akalain na after so many years, magkakaroon kami ng tsyansa na pagandahin ang eskwelahan na aming pinanggalingan. To
Two weeks from now, the renovation will start. I'm glad that they choose our team for this project. It's an honor.
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"ANG tagal mo naman Wen!" I hissed while sitting on the sink of the comfort room.
Magbabanyo lang daw siya pero sampung minuto na ang lumilipas hindi pa rin siya lumalabas! Kakatapos lang ng meeting namin ng principal, hinatak niya ako kaagad dito. Kanina pa raw siya nagpipigil.
"Wait! Nasira ata tiyan ko."
Napailing na lang ako. Kahit kailan talaga 'tong si Wen! Lagi na lang nasisiraan ng tiyan. Sa loob ng pitong taon, tuwing may lakad ata kami, sumasakit lagi ang tiyan niya.
Napatingin ako sa aking cellphone nang bigla itong nag-ring. "Lalabas lang ako. Sasagutin ko lang 'to." Paalam ko kay Wenfree.
Lumabas ako ng banyo sinagot kaagad ang tawag. Mabuti na lang at hindi pa break time ng mga estudyante at walang gaanong tao sa hallway.
"Hello, Sike?" Bungad ko.
[Ang tagal mong sagutin ha.]
Bakas sa kaniyang boses ang pagkairita. I rolled my eyes. I know Sike, matampuhin 'yan kapag hindi mo kaagad ang tawag niya. Maski nga sa text at chat magtatampo kaagad siya kapag hindi mo siya ni-replayan. Sike is a childish guy.
Akala mo jowa kung makapag-demand.
"Sorry ha. Para namang masasagot ko kaagad ang tawag mo." I sarcastically said. "Bakit ka ba napatawag?" I shifted.
[I'm just checking you.] he said huskily.
"Landi. Bababa ko na 'to," biro ko sa kaniya.
[Kinilig ka naman?] My forehead ceased. Assuming niya.
Mayroon akong narinig na tumawag sa kaniya sa kabilang linya. Mukhang nasa site ata siya ngayon. Nagawa pa niyang tumawag sa akin. Kakaiba talaga.
"Do you just called to pissed me?" hinaluan ko ng pagka-irita ang aking tono.
[Sort of, but I just want to know what happen to your seminar and meeting.]
"Both went smoothly. I'm happy because, in a short period of time, I've shared my experience and knowledge with the students. Also, I'm honored that my school trusts me about this project," pagkukwento ko sa kaniya.
[You're a great architect Xeidrine so, no wonder that your school chooses you.]
After he said that, someone calling him again. I hear that Sike saying on the other line 'Just one more minute.'
"You can drop the call now. Mukhang kailangan ka na riyang sa site. Bye." I said and iha-hang up ko na sana ang tawag ngunit pinigilan niya ako.
[Wait, may I remind you about the dinner later.]
"I will not ditch you this time promise," tugon ko.
[Siguraduhin mo 'yan dahil baka maging third wheel na naman ako sa mag-fiancée.]
I chuckled a bit. The last time that we have a dinner with Wenfree and Markien, I didn't come because there's an emergency with Stair that time. Naging asungot lang tuloy siya sa dalawa noon at inis na inis siya sa akin.
[Huwag kang tumawa riyan. I'm warning you Xeidrine.]
"Huwag ka nang magtampo baby." Pabiro kong saad. "See you Sike---"
Hindi ko na naituloy ang sasabihin ko nang bigla kong nabitawan ang cellphone ko dahil mayroong bumangga na estudyante sa akin. Mabuti na lang at mayroong nakasapo nito.
Muntik na rin akong matumba mabuti na lamang at nabalanse ko ang aking sarili.
"S-sorry Ma'am, Sir. Male-late na ako!" sigaw ng estudyanteng nakabunggo sa akin at dali-dali siyang tumakbo.
I just smiled at him. Bumaling ako sa lalaking nakasapo ng cellphone ko. The guy was inches taller than me. He has a masculine body, perfectly shape thick eyebrows, pinky lips and his veins keeps on showing.
He removed his shades and my jaw literally dropped. Am I dreaming or not? Is he real? After seven years, I saw him again...
"N-nash..." I uttered.
His brows furrowed and I saw his adams apple moving upside down.
"I'm sorry, Miss. Do I know you?"
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : - ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ - : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .
Somehow edited. There are still errors and incorrect words. Please bear with me.
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