"Babe, I can't believe this!"
Aj walked towards me holding his phone. I was working on our short film today, I was the one who volunteered to edit our film. Good thing, I wasn't on the casting, I was one of the directors and script writers. That's really what I want when I graduated college! That's my dream, behind the camera worker!
"What is it?" I lowered the screen of my laptop and leaned on the study table while looking at him.
"We're having a gig in Batangas!" He showed me his phone with their gig schedule on it. I'm a bit sad because I still don't know if he was still having his rest, sa dami ba naman ng gigs nila. Ang hirap pagsabayin ng career, together with acads no!
"I'm proud of you," I looked up to him, as I leaned my cheek on the back of my hand.
"Thank you." He gave me a warm smile. "Hindi ko rin alam kung paano namin 'to naabot, ang bilis lang ng lahat e! Isipin mo 'yon, may mga guards na binabantayan kami. Grabe!" He said.
"Grabe! Handa na 'ko maging non-showbiz girlfriend!" I laughed.
"Hmp! Nga pala, kamusta libro mo?" He asked.
"Everyday pa rin naman tumataas reads niya. I'm planning to publish the book 2, since tapos ko na rin naman 'yon. Matagal na." I told him.
"Ay, teka." He walked into our room at lumabas nang may hawak na notebook at marker. My brows met after I saw him, curious.
"Ano 'yan?" Tanong ko sa kaniya.
"Pirmahan mo." He smiled at me while giving me the notebook and the marker. Kinuha ko 'yon at pumirma sa cover ng notebook. It was a plain blue notebook, siguro nanduon ang iba niyang kanta. "Ayan, ako kaya ang unang una mong fan! Alam mo 'yan! It's a reminder for me na lagi kang nandiyan." He waved his eyesbrows. He was the first one who believed in me, kahit ako, hindi ako naniniwala sa sarili ko. Pero andyan siya, para sabihing kaya ko at tinuruan niya 'kong maniwala sa sarili ko.
"Ang sweet naman niyan!" I pouted. "I love you," I nod.
"I love you," He nod too at binalik ang notebook pati marker sa luob ng kwarto namin. "Baka hindi ka busy sa araw ng gig namin? Baka pwede kang sumama. Saturday at sunday 'yon. Babalik din tayo sunday nang gabi." He pouted.
"I'm free. Promise! Ang tagal ko nang hindi nakaattend ng gig mo no! I miss being there! Sure akong pupunta ako!" I smiled at him. Sigurado akong pupunta ako!
Weeks have passed. I've became more busy editing our short film, alam kong mataas expectations ng mga groupmates ko sa pag-edit ko. Buti na lang andiyan si Grey para tulungan ako. He was creative too! Grabe! Lahat ng batchmates ko, maangas at magagaling! Ngayon, nasa coffee shop lang ako kasama si Grey. We're polishing the film already, bukas na kasi pasahan nito.
"That's.. very good! Galing ah! The transition was lit!" Grey waved his eyebrows. "Malayo talaga mararating mo sa Florida!" He tapped my shoulders. Oh right, nakwento ko pala sa kanila na magmamasteral ako sa Film school sa Florida. Gusto rin daw nila, nakakatuwa.
"Salamat, Grey! Iba talaga kapag mahal mo ginagawa mo. Enjoy lang." I smiled a bit. I felt a bit of pain in my heart. I'm not ready to leave everything behind especially Aj. I'm not ready. I will never be ready but I'm sure with this ever since because this is my dream.
After polishing the short film, Grey sent me home. Buti na lang may kotse siyang dala, anong oras na rin kasi kami natapos. Pagkapasok ko ng condo, halos kakarating lang din ni Aj. He looked really tired and frustrated. He sat on the couch at tinabihan ko naman siya.
"Are you okay? Kwento ka, makikinig ako." I held his hand and massage it with my thumb.
"Hindi ako makausad sa ginagawa kong paper. Nakakastress. Ang daming idea pero hindi ko matapos." He sighed. He placed his hand on the back of his head. He closed his eyes and looked at the ceiling. "Ang hirap na bigla," He swallowed hard, that made his adam's apple move.
"What is it? English?" I asked.
"Uhm.." He nods. " Nagagawa ko naman pero hindi ako satisfy sa sagot ko. Don't worry, matatapos ko rin 'yon maya maya, bukas na rin kasi pasahan." Dagdag niya.
"Get some rest, first, Sige na." I stood up and offered him a hand. He held my hand and I pulled him up, para tumayo siya. He walked towards our room. I went to our kitchen and make some coffee for myself.
I sat on the chair first thinking about Aj's paper. After I finished my coffee, sumilip muna ako sa kwarto. I saw Aj sleeping already, lumapit ako sa kaniya. He was holding a notebook, nagbabasa ata siya ng notes. Kinuha ko 'yon sa kamay niya at nilapag sa side table. Inayos ko ang kumot sa kaniya. I changed my clothes first, pagtapos, dumeretso na 'ko sa may study place namin, duon tag-isa kami ng lamesa. I opened his laptop at hinanap ang file agad, buti nahanap ko.
"Wow, this is really good. Bakit hindi siya satisfy?" I talked to myself while reading Aj's work. Ang galing niya mag-english, infairness! Ang lalim! "What should I do?" I asked myself. Wala akong ibang ginawa kung hindi tapusin ang nasimulan ni Aj, para kahit papaano tapos niya 'to.
It was already midnight when I finished doing his paper. I looked at the clock and it was already 2 am! Kailangan kong bumawi ng tulog, kung hindi lutang ako sa classes tomorrow! After I did Aj's paper, I turned off his laptop and went inside our bedroom to sleep with him. Basta makapagpahinga siya okay na 'ko.
The next day, nagising ako dahil narinig kong may pumapalo ng kawali. I opened my eyes and I saw Aj was the one who's doing it! Anong trip niya? Parang katutulog ko lang! Ang bilis ng oras. I looked at Aj, nakabihis na siya for school. I looked on the clock also and It's already 6:30! My eyes widened and I stood up fast and went inside the bathroom. Kaya pala ginawa ni Aj 'yon kasi anong oras na.
"Thank you," Aj followed me as I walk towards the walk-in closet with my bathroom. He wrapped his arms around my waist while I'm choosing what outfit should I wear today.
"For?" I asked.
"For finishing my paper. Kaya pala late ka na natulog kagabi." He whispered on my ear. He leaned his chin on my shoulder. "Sorry," He chuckled.
"It's okay, basta may mapasa ka. I understand you naman, lagi kang pagod dahil sa banda tapos pagod ka rin sa studies. I understand, mahal." I held his cheek. Bumitaw din naman ako nang makapili ako ng susuotin.
"After mo magbihis, kain na tayo." He kissed me on my cheek before letting me go. Lumabas na rin naman agad siya at pumunta ng kitchen.
We attended our class. Hindi na rin kami masiyadong nagsasabay umuwi dahil minsan may kailangan pa kaming gawin sa Univ. Nakakamiss din pala na dati, sabay kayo umuwi ganon. Pero, naiintindihan ko naman. The night that day, we started packing our things para sa gig nila sa Batangas.
The next day, we woke up early because we will leave Manila at exactly 6 am. Para makapagpahinga pa sila pag dating namin ng Batangas. Gabi pa naman gig nila duon, kaya ayos lang. I woke up wearing Aj's shirt and my panties underneath, so it happened yesterday night again? Anyways, I took a bath and wear my clothes.
I decided to wear a simple T-shirt and a maong shorts partnered with a white shoes. Keeping it simple lang. After ko magbihis, dumeretso ako sa kitchen. I toasted breads for Aj and I. I also fried some eggs and hotdogs, para naman may breakfast kami before umalis ng condo.
"Good morning," Aj appeared in fron of me. He sat on the chair at the breakfast table. I placed the plates on the table and placed the pitcher of water together with our glass.
I looked at him. He was wearing a beach polo with a sando underneath partnered with a maong shorts and a white shoes. His hair was pushed back with wax too and he was also wearing some accessories like watch and of course, lagi niya namang suot, his silver necklace with a cross pendant.
"Morning," I sat in front of him.
"How's your sleep? Does it... still hurt?" He asked. He was pertaining on my thighs now.
"I'm okay." I gave him a convincing smile.
"Sabi ko sayo e! I don't want to do it yesterday, parehas tayong pagod from school tapos.." He let out a heavy sighed! He was even teasing me with his smile! "Pinilit mo pa kasi ako!" He shook his head. Wow, confident!
"Hoy!" I bite on my bread. "Ang kapal mo ah," I nod while my lips parted. "Anong pilit? Sapakin kaya kita! Ikaw 'tong ano nang ano kagabi!" I rolled my eyes.
"Parehas lang tayo! Ginusto naman natin! Okay lang 'yon!" He put his tongue on the insides of his cheek.
"See?" I shook my eyes.
"Let's do it later." He waved his eyebrows. "I'll practice some new positions."
"Aj, shut up! Jusko ka! Malala ka na!" I dramatically covered my ears.
"Hahaha! Ewan ko sayo!" He laughed.
After we ate breakfast, Aj was the one who wash the dishes. Ako, nandito lang sa sala, nagaantay lang. Aj offered me a hand, tumayo na rin ako dahil andiyan na raw. He was the one who's holding our luggage, iisang bag lang kami, 2 days lang naman kasi duon. Sumakay na rin kami sa van nila, andon silang lahat. Sila Sean, Kim, Marcus and si Kit. Tapos driver and wait, who's that?
"Who's she?" I whispered on Aj's ear.
"Oh, si Tita Mae, minamanage niya kami. Mommy siya ni Marcus." Aj replied back. "She's nice and sinasamahan niya kami sa gigs. Temporary manager pa lang naman." He nods.
"Oh, okay." I nod too.
I slept during the trip, bumawi lang ako ng tulog. When we arrived at the hotel, my eyes widened when I saw some teenagers waiting at the entrance of the hotel. May mga banners pa silang hawak, band photo nila Aj 'to. Inayos ko muna sarili ko at nag-antay lang bago bumaba.
"Tita, ang daming tao." Sabi ni Kit.
"Oo nga e! I didn't expect na ganito. Hindi ko rin alam kung paano nila nalamang dito kayo magsstay. Teka, I'll just call the manager of the hotel." Tita Mae said. Kinuha niya ang phone niya at nagsimulang tumawag.
Aj intertwined our hands together. I placed my hand on his biceps and leaned my head on his shoulders. "Are you okay? Pagod?" He asked while tracing his thumb on my hand.
"Uhm.." I slightly nod. "You have fans na, mahal." I chuckled.
"Nagugulat na lang din ako," He laughed a bit. "We've come this far!"
"I'm so proud of you," I whispered.
"I'm so proud of you too." He whispered back.
When we saw some guards opening the door of the van, umayos na kami ng upo at naghanda para bumaba. Aj wore his sunglasses, that made him more hotter. "Kanina pa po sila nandiyan," Sabi ni Kuya Guard.
"Hala, totoo ba? Tita, baka naman.. pwede natin sila lapitan? Kanina pa raw nag-aantay e." Aj asked Tita Mae.
"Okay, sure. I'll tell the securities na mag-crowd control." Tita Mae answered and started talking to the securities.
Aj and his bandmates goes down of the car. Inantay ako ni Aj makababa at hinawakan ang kamay ko. Natatawa ako dahil nagtitilian ang mga tao, parang artista lang ang peg! The securities made sure na hindi kami magugulo.
"Bees on bass! Hi naman po!"
"Aj, ang pogi mo! Kailan next single niyo?"
"Kit, kailan ka magkakagirlfriend?"
"Marcus, papalo naman!"
"Sean, girlfriend mo ba 'yan?"
"Bees on bass! Hanggang kailan kayo dito?"
"Papicture naman po!"
By looking at them, kitang kita sa mga mata nila na makita lang nila sila Aj at ay masaya na sila. Grabe, fangirls nga naman! They will sacrifice their time just to see their idols. Nakakatuwa. Kim and I stood up at the side first, they will have a group picture kasi. After the group picture, isa isa sila nagpapicture duon sa apat.
"Ang hirap maging non-showbiz girlfriend!" Nicole chuckled.
"Hindi naman, nakakatuwa kaya! Nakikita mo kung gaano sila pagkaguluhan ng tao. Paonti-onti na silang umaangat. Nakakaproud!" I told Nicole.
May nagpapicture rin samin ni Kim, nagulat lang din kami dahil kilala rin pala kami. After that happening, pumasok na rin kami ng hotel at umakyat sa room namin. Dalawang room lang ang nakuha. Aj, me, Sean and Nicole are in one room, tapos the rest duon na sa kabilang room. Aj lie down on the bed, pagod na pagod. Ganon din si Sean.
"They're wild!" Sean let out a heavy sighed.
"Nakakatuwa e!" Aj laughed a bit.
"They waited for almost 5 hours, grabe! Solid!" Sean smiled.
"Grabe supporta nila, pre! Nakakatuwa silang lahat! Kailangan nating galingan mamaya sa stage, lahat sila manunuod at paniguradong may mga iba pang pupunta." Sabi ni Aj.
"Oo, pre! Pahinga na muna tayo!" Sagot ni Sean.
"Sky, beach tayo?" Nicole excitedly asked me.
"Ah, anong oras na ba? Maglulunch na e! After lunch na lang!" Sagot ko sa kaniya.
Tumabi muna ako kay Aj sa kama at yumakap sa kaniya. I leaned my head on his chest. He started caressing my hair and that made me feel sleepy. Umiglip muna ako, nagising na lang ako nang may kumakatok na sa pinto. Aj tapped my shoulders. I sat on the bed and Aj opened the door. Tulog din pala si Sean at Nicole.
"Dude, lunch." Sabi ni Marcus. "Mauuna na kami sa buffet. Bumaba na lang kayo." Marcus waved his eyebrows before leaving. Aj closed the door at ginising niya si Sean.
"Gising! Lunch na!" Tapik niya sa paa ni Sean, hindi rin naman nagtagal nagising na rin sila ni Nicole.
We fixed ourselves and went down to the buffet. May mga iilang tao rin na tumitingin samin, kilala ba nila kami? Some are taking pictures of us, nakakailang tuloy medyo gumalaw. After eating lunch, may lumapit ulit kela Aj para magpapicture kaya nauna na kami sa room.
"Bukas na tayo makakapagbeach." I told Nicole.
"Oo, maya maya aalis na tayo papunta na duon sa venue." She answered.
"Sayang! Bukas na lang! Gabi naman ata tayo babalik Manila e!" I chuckled a bit.
When we arrived at the venue, ang dami na agad nakapila sa labas. We parked near the backstage, para hindi makita o pagkaguluhan ang artists. Aj and his bandmates are wearing all black, they're all cute and hot at the same time! Nagsisimula na ang ibang banda nung dumating kami, medyo na-late lang dahil nag-ayos pa kami sa hotel kanina.
"Goodluck later, babe." I pushed back his hair.
"Thank you." He smiled at me. "Bababa ka na ba? Pwede naman mamaya na, bago kami magstart."
"Okay lang, I want to watch the other bands din. Nakakamiss." I smiled at him.
Sumabay na kami nang pagbaba sa kanila. I heard the crowd's voice and cheer, the band who's on the stage and more. May tumatawag samin kaya kinakawayan na lang din namin pati ngiti. Nang makapasok kami ng backstage, lumapit agad ang staff, susunod na raw sila Aj. We started praying, after one song of the band, tinawag na sila Aj.
"Goodluck, babe. Nandon lang ako sa crowd, manunuod." I smiled at him.
"Kinakabahan pa rin ako, ang daming tao e!" Aj sighed.
"Ganon sila karaming nag-aantay at nagmamahal sa inyo! Goodluck!" I kissed him on his cheek.
They started wearing the straps together with the guitar on their shoulders. Lumabas na rin kami ni Kim at pumwesto sa may barrier. Nang tawagin sila Aj, we cheered as loud as we could. Naaalala ko 'yong mga football game nila nuon. What a memory.
"Hi, ate Sky." The girl tapped my back. Humarap din naman ako agad. "Pwede po pa-hug? Pati papicture?" She asked.
"Sure!" I opened my arms and gave her a hug. After that, we took a selfie. Tapos, umalis na siya.
Nagsimula na magperform sila Aj. Grabe, they've come this far! From jamming sa classroom to this, nasa stage na sila. They're even producing their own songs on different Music Platforms already, nakakaproud.
"Sa lahat ng umasa, de joke." Aj announced on the mic. "Para sa lahat ng nagmamahal at patuloy pa ring nagmamahal kahit nasasaktan na!" They started playing a new song. Bago nga ata nilang kanta. Wala akong ibang ginawa kung hindi panuorin siya at videohan, pang IG story at memory na lang din.
After their performance, pumasok na rin ulit kami sa backstage. I hugged Aj when I saw him, mukhang kinakabahan pa rin siya. "Hey, you did well! I'm so proud!" I leaned my head on his chest.
"Thanks, love. Nakakakaba sobra. Pero, maayos naman diba?" He asked while caressing my hair.
"Yes, always." I gave him a warm smile.
We went back to our hotel after the event, anong oras na rin natapos. The next day, I woke up when I felt someone was caressing my hair. I opened my eyes and I saw Aj smiling at me. Pumikit na lang ulit ako at pinilit bumalik sa tulog. Pero, ginigising niya na 'ko.
"Wala sila Sean at Nicole, nasa beach na. Anong oras tayo susunod?" He asked with his soft voice.
"Later," I answered, still half-sleep.
"Okay," Sagot niya sakin, he kissed my head.
I stood up and went inside the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Bumalik ako sa kama at humiga ulit. I leaned my head on Aj's chest again, hugging him. Gusto ko pa ulit matulog. Pero, gusto ko rin mag beach, ano ba 'yan?
"Beach na tayo. Bumangon ka na tapos humiga ka ulit." He caressed my hair. "Don't cut your hair, ganda niya pag mahaba." Dagdag niya.
"Wala akong balak. Papagupitan ko 'yan pag naghiwalay tayo." I chuckled.
"Hindi naman mangyayari kaya goods lang!" He answered.
"I love you." I looked up to him and whispered that.
"I love you more." He kissed my forehead.
He leaned a bit and planted a soft kiss on my lips. Our kiss became passionate pero tumigil din kami bigla nang may kumatok. Aj let out a heavy sigh and stood up to open the door. It was Sean and Nicole.
"Tapos na kayo?" Aj asked.
"Ang init na e. Anong oras na oh." Sean answered. "Mag lunch na raw kayo. Anong oras na, mag 3 na!" Dagdag ni Sean.
"Inantay ko lang magising si Sky." Sagot ni Aj. "Sky, tara na. Baba na tayo."
We down and find something to eat, buti meron. After we eat, umakyat na ulit kami para magpalit ng damit. Kami naman ni Aj ang magbebeach, bago bumalik ng Manila. I was wearing a swimming bra and a sports shorts. Aj was wearing a sando and a board shorts. Bumaba na rin kami agad, naiwan si Sean at Kim sa room.
Aj and I swim first, nang mapansin naming palubog na ang araw, umahon din kami. We sat on the sand and watch the sun and how the sky change its color. I hugged my legs and leaned my head on Aj's shoulder.
"I'm so proud of us." I smiled.
"Sobrang nakakaproud,"
"Nakakaya natin lahat." I nod once. "We're growing into better persons each day. Kung wala ka, hindi ako ganito e."
"We have each other until our last days, mahal. I'm sure with it." He assured, he raised his fingers and started enumerating. "Isipin mo, condo tapos ibang bayarin tayo na nagbabayad, UP, career ko tapos career mo. We will achieve more, together." He nod, naniniwala talaga siya.
"And then, we will grow old together!" I smiled at him with hopeful eyes. "Hindi ko nga akalaing aabot tayo ng ganitong katagal."
"Grabe ka naman, Sky! Ako nga alam ko nang aabot tayo hanggang 60 years!" He laughed a bit. "Ikaw nga lang 'yong nakikita kong mapapangasawa ko. Kung hindi ikaw, ayoko." He smiled.
And the night that day, nakabalik na rin kami sa condo. Natulog din kami agad dahil may classes tomorrow. The month went fast, we had our break before our 2nd year started. During our break, I went to Florida with my parents. Si Aj ang naiwan sa Manila. 1 week lang naman kami dito sa Florida. May business trip lang sila Mama at bibisitahin ko lang din ang bahay namin dito, soon, dito na rin ako e. Sasama sana si Aj, kaso tambak gigs nila lalo na't bakasyon.
Ngayon, we're out for a dinner. My parents decided to eat in a italian restaurant here in Florida. I went out for a minute dahil naghahanap ako ng signal. My brows met when I saw a familiar guy standing beside me. He looked familiar and really handsome. He was wearing a specs too. His hands are in his pockets.
"Hi, excuse me. Filipino ka? You look familiar." I looked at him. He looked at me first, trying to remember who I am. "Wait, Uh- sorry. Okay, maybe you don't know me. Pero familiar ka talaga." Sabi ko sa kaniya.
"Sky." He mentioned my name. My eyes widened after I heard that.
"Yeah. Yeah. Wait, I'm trying to remember your name. Claude? Ace?"
"Yes. Just call me Ace." He nods.
"Nandito ka pala sa Florida. Since when?" I asked.
"Nung kailan lang. Ashanti didn't know. Wag mo na lang sabihin. I felt bad for not saying this to her." He shook his head.
"Oh, right. Oo nga, si Ashanti pala. So, diba? Piloto ka?" I asked.
"Papunta pa lang don." He answered in monotone.
"Goods goods!" I nod. "Sige na, I got to go! See you sa Manila if ever na umuwi ka." I smiled at him and waved my hands right after.
Pumasok na ulit ako sa restaurant and started to eat with my parents. The next day, bumalik na rin kami sa Pilipinas. Busy na rin ako pagkauwi ko ng Manila dahil inasikaso ko 'yong enrollment. Hindi rin nagtagal, ang bilis lang din, our 2nd year started. Nothing new.
Mas naging busy kami ni Aj at minsan na lang din talaga kami mag-usap. Pero kahit ganon, nalulutuan pa rin niya 'ko ng food for breakfast and for school. Hindi niya kinakalimutan. Minsan pag may oras siya, sinusundo niya pa rin ako. Pero, kadalasan, mag-isa ako dahil busy siya at minsan sobrang gabi na rin ako umuuwi.
"Our 2nd anniversary is near. What are your plans?" I asked him. We're having our dinner tonight, ngayon na lang ulit.
"I don't know, e. I'm sorry. Hindi pa 'ko makapag-isip ngayon." He tiredly answered.
"Oh, okay." I answered. We stayed quiet until we finished our food.
I went to our bedroom after that, humiga na rin ako. I felt really tired today, basta talaga mga 1st month ng sem nakakapagod, parang tambak lagi. I felt Aj's arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
"I'm sorry a while ago. Saan mo ba gusto magcelebrate?" He whispered on my ear.
"I don't know. Kung saan mo gusto, duon din ako." I answered while my eyes are closed.
"May naisip ako. Star gazing sa Rizal."
"Gusto ko rin." I nod.
"Sige, duon tayo." He assured.
During our 2nd anniversary, we decided to watch the stars in Rizal. It was one of my bucketlists! Buti na lang, tinupad ni Aj. It was special dahil siya ang kasama ko. Umalis kami ng mga hapon sa condo at dumating rin nang mga 6 pm sa Rizal.
We placed a mat on the grass at umupo na rin kami duon. He wrapped his arm on my shoulders. I leaned my head on his shoulders as we looked at the sky, watching the stars.
"Happy 2nd anniversay, ang tagal na natin, grabe!" I greeted him.
"Happy 2nd, love. Sinong mag-aakalang ganito?" He laughed a bit. "Lugi ako sayo."
"Hoy, ako ang lugi!" I teased.
"I can see you there." Aj pointed the sky, ang daming stars.
"Parehas tayong nandon." I reached for his hand and intertwined it with my hand.
"Parehas tayong bituin." He said. "Parehas tayong hinahangad ng mga tao. Dati, wala lang tayo. Pero, parehas na rin tayong nakikila dahil sa mga gawa natin. Sobrang sarap sa puso."
"Totoo. I'm so proud of you. As in, sobra!" I smiled.
"Nakakaproud tayong dalawa. Hindi nating inakalang magtatagal tayo nang ganito. Pero, pakiramdam ko talaga na hanggang dulo na 'to."
"Sana." I sighed. "Ikaw lang gusto ko."
"Ako rin."
"I always pray for our future."
"Ako rin. Mahal kita sobra, Sky. Ayokong mahiwalay ka sakin o mawala ka. Please."
"I won't leave."
"Pangako ko sayong araw-araw kong pipiliin na mahalin ka." He kissed the top of my head.