Lana's List

First Tagalog story I've ever made (Taglish, actually). Haha.

To my foreign readers, I'm sorry that you won't be able to read this because the
language is set in Filipino (my mother tongue). But I really just wanted to try it,
writing (informally) in Tagalog, using the Tagalog slang words, writing the
Filipino lifestyle in this way. Turning Point and WIZE Club are both set in the
Philippines, as well. But this is the the first Philippine setting that I'm going
to write in my mother tongue.
Filipinos, I hope you enjoy this as I much as I do writing it. :)
This story is purely fictional.
The rules indicated in this story may or may not work.
Read at your own risk.
Mwahaha!

Lana's List (1)

The song's cool with this chapter, so make sure to listen to it while you're
reading. :)
_____________

Naliligaw yata ako.

Oh, no. I'm already late.
Well, may five minutes pa naman. Pero kahit na, nakakahiya pa din yun.
Naglakad ako sa corridor malapit sa parang quadrangle. I looked around and couldn't
help but admire this place. Ang ganda talaga dito sa De La Soledad University.
Andami pang gwapo. Yung tipong, gwapo talaga. Unlike yung 'gwapo' sa Tagaytay. May
difference yun ah.
I picked up my pace, almost bumping into someone. Ito yung moment na parati kong
nababasa sa novels at napapanuod sa movies at sa mga tv series. Yung you bumped
into a cute dude, tapos he'd smile at you and you would smile back. Tapos, he would
ask for your number and boom! May potential boyfriend ka na.
True to its tale, ang cute nung nakabunggo ko. Medyo matangkad, may pagka-buff ng
onti, maputi, tapos chinito. May pagka-broody look din siya. Type ko . . . ng
konti.
"Sorry!" I said.
He nodded and passed me. Walang ngiti-ngiti. Taray ni kuya.
I sighed. Okay, kapalan na ng mukha. I'm lost and I need help.
So I cleared my throat and loudly said, "Excuse me!" I smiled nung lumingon siya.
"Pakituro naman yung Aguinaldo Hall oh. Please, late na 'ko e."
"Kanan ka lang dyan, tas dire-diretsuhin mo," he answered, pointing to the corner,
without giving any expression at all. "You'll see it right away."
Nilingon ko yung tinuturo niya. When it sunk in, I nodded.
"Okay, thanks!"
"No problem," he shrugged, then walked away.
Habang nagmamadali sa paglalakad, I couldn't stop thinking about the chinito guy.
Alam kong hindi ako sobrang kagandahan, pero kahit papano naman may mga
napapalingon din ako. Kaya medyo unsettled ako na hindi man lang siya natinag ng
beauty ko?
The big glamorous building that came to view removed all my insecurities about how
I looked. I just stared at what was in front of me. It looked cool. Ito na siguro
yung Aguinaldo Hall. Ang astig!
"Lana Lopez?"
I looked at the person who called my name. She seemed like she was about my age,
but with a kinder expression. Yeah, mukha kasi akong bitch e. Kahit 'di naman, at
least not most of the time.
"Yes po?" sagot ko, smiling all the same.
"Hi! I'm Bea." She pulled out her hand for a shake, which I accepted. It was quick
and firm, indicating na she was taught well for these kinds of things. "I was asked
to usher you inside. You're from Liberty University - Tagaytay Campus, right?"
"Ah, yeah. Um, late na ba 'ko?" tanong ko, kinakabahan din ng konti habang
naglalakad kami.
"Not really," she laughed. "Sa totoo lang, may mga kulang pa."
I nodded. Sinundan ko siya sa escalator. Sabi sa'kin ng prof ko may unwritten rule
daw sa De La Soledad na the students should always keep right. Napansin ko yun kay
Bea nang habang nasa escalator siya ay pumunta agad sa right side. Papantayan ko
sana siya, but then I remembered the rule. So I followed it nalang.
Nung nakarating na kami sa 3rd floor, she faced me.
"We're here," she said in a singsong voice, sabay turo sa pintuan that led to the
conference room.
Napahawak agad ako sa buhok ko. I quickly combed it with the use of my fingers,
para man lang kahit papano presentable. Pag pasok namin, na-feel ko na naman ang
kaba ko.
Andaming tao!
Bawat isa sa'min, galing sa isang university. Syempre, may mga university na iba-
iba branch pero kahit na. Oh, my.
Sa three thousand students sa University namin, ako ang pinili to be the
representative for this psychological research na ginagawa ng De La Soledad
University. Feeling ko tuloy, umaapaw ang kaweirdohan ko kaya pinili ako ng school
namin for this. Pero ang totoo niyan, Vice President of Internal Affairs kasi ako
ng student council. And since halos wala akong ginagawa dahil mas masipag yung
isang VP sa school activities kaya siya parati kinakausap ng President, ako yung
vinolunteer dito.
No complaints, though. May excuse letters ako for the subjects that I didn't get to
attend today. Plus, nakapunta ko dito sa De La Soledad kung san umuulan ng mga
gwapo.
Bwahaha!
"Hey, Lana."
Tumingin ako kay Bea.
"I'll join you with the other Liberty U representatives, okay?"
"Sure."
She led me to a table of students. But one of them instantly looked familiar.
Lumaki mata ko habang papalapit kami ni Bea sa table. I smiled. She introduced me
to everyone at nakita kong lumaki din ang mga mata ng kakilala ko.
"Lana!"
I smiled wider.
"Jordan," I greeted.
Nagulat si Bea, pero tumango lang. "See you guys later, then. Good luck!" With
that, she left. Nagkatinginan kaming lahat sa table.
Tumayo si Jordan agad at niyakap ako. "Musta na?! Gumaganda ka lalo ah."
Napatawa ko. Parang hindi siya makapaniwala. Well, two years na kaming hindi
nagkita. The last time was when the student council invited its fellow leaders from
other branches of Liberty during a school event. Sa Laguna Campus si Jordan.
Chairperson palang ako nun, so ako nautusang mag-entertain sa kanya. Naging friends
kami.
Sa loob ng dalawang taon na yun, natuto akong mag-ayos ng sarili ko. Sabi nila, may
natural beauty na daw ako na na-enhance ko pa lalo sa pagaayos ko. Gumanda at
humaba ang buhok ko, at pumuti ako. Nagkaron pa ako ng confidence lalo sa sarili ko
ever since.
"Nagpa-Belo ka noh?" he laughed out loud.
"Kapal mo ah. Inner beauty ko yan," biro ko.
Mas lalo pa siyang tumawa.
"Tumangkad ka," I commented, while looking at his lanky figure. Hindi gwapo si
Jordan, pero may itsura na siya kung sa probinsya. Mukha siyang ordinary dito sa
Manila. Payat pa. Pero pala-ngiti. Tsaka, likable siya. Kaya nga student leader e.
Napakamot siya na batok niya. "Talaga?" Para siyang nahihiya nung tumingin sa'kin.
Uh-oh. I know that look.
Hindi naman sa assuming ako, malakas lang talaga radar ko sa mga ganyan. Sa
dinadami ng mga nanligaw sa'king playboy, naging predictable na ang mga lalaki for
me. Not to mention, andami ko ring pinsan na mga ganun.
To divert his attention, ngumuso ako sa table.
"Mukha tayong eng-eng, upo na tayo," yaya ko.
He nodded and followed me. Umupo siya sa upuan niya kanina, at umupo naman ako sa
harapan niya. Nakipag-kilala sa'kin yung mga nasa table na co-Libertians ko. Merong
taga-Manila Campus. Meron din na sa Batangas Campus pa galing.
Friendly naman akong nakipagusap, hanggang sa tumahimik yung conference room.
Biglang nagbulungan yung mga tao. Syempre, napalingon kami kung bakit. Suddenly,
the girl beside me gasped.
"Oh, em gee!"
Napatingin ako sa kanya. Muntik na akong mapatawa sa reaksyon niya. Sinundan namin
ang tingin niya sa may pintuan. May kakapasok lang na lalaki, kinakausap ng mga
operators. Parang pinipilit nilang suyuin siya or something, which is odd.
The first thing that came to my mind was: Ang pogi niya.
Ang tangkad niya, mestizo pa! Halatang defined ang muscles niya from his green t-
shirt. Kahit from afar, kitang kita ko na yung jaw-line niya. Wow. Ang cool niyang
tignan. Nung tumawa siya, may nahuli akong dimples.
Sino siya?
Mukhang magkasing tanda lang naman kami, pero 'di ako sure. Napatingin ako sa
paligid, at nakitang andaming sumusulyap sa kanya habang nagbubulungan.
I frowned. OA naman makapag-react ng mga tao dito. Sino ba yan?
"Ang cute niya sa personal!" hissed the girl from Batangas.
"May picture akong kasama siya nung championship last year," boasted the girl from
the Manila Campus.
Championship? Hmm. Basketball championship ba ibig niyang sabihin?
"Iba talaga dating ni Zeo Alcante sa mga babae, 'tol," patawang bulong nung
lalaking taga Makati kay Jordan. "Buti nalang magaling siyang mag-basketball, 'di
lang siya puro mukha. Hahaha."
My jaw dropped. Slowly, I returned my eyes dun sa sobrang gwapong nilalang who
caught almost everyone's attention.
Zeo Alcante? Siya si ZEO Alcante?!
Huh. Now I know why pinagkakabaliwan siya nung mga kaibigan ko sa school. Wala
akong idea sa itsura niya kasi hindi naman ako nanunuod ng UAAP. Mi hindi nga ako
lumalabas ng kwarto ko e. Puro books and movies and tv series lang inaatupag ko.
Pag hindi yon ang ginagawa ko, nasa labas ako with friends. Drive-drive lang sa
Tagaytay, minsan nagba-bar na rin dun.
Hindi ko naman siya ginu-google kasi hindi ako interasadong malaman itsura niya.
Pero I've heard of his name many times before. Medyo sikat siya sa mga college
students across Luzon. Magaling daw mag-basketball, tapos star player pa ng De La
Soledad University.
Long story short, madaming nagkakagusto sa kanya.
And I refuse to be one of them. Ayoko nga, sayang lang panahon ko sa mga
unreachable na tulad niya. No, thanks.

Rule #1: Define his status. There are two kinds of guys, one is unreachable (out of
your league) and the other is reachable (kaya pang pantayan kahit papaano). Alamin
mo kung nasaang category yung gusto mong guy. Kapag nasa unreachable siya, stop
fussing over him. Kalimutan mo na. Hanggang pangarap nalang 'yan, girl. Pero kapag
nasa reachable siya, malaki pa ang pagasa mo.

Sinimulan na yung program (thank goodness). Ang simple lang pala. We just had to
answer some sort of exam with very strange questions, pang psychological talaga.
Mahigit two hours din kaming nagsasagot. Gutom na gutom na 'ko. Buti nalang, tapos
na.
They told us na they'll email us for the results by the end of the month. Matagal-
tagal pa yun, pero ayos lang. May pipiliin daw sila, and those na mapipili nila
will continue on with the project for another month. After that, tapos na talaga.
'Di nila binanggit ng diretsahan pero parang mag babayad sila dun sa mga mapipili.
Torn ako kasi baka kung anong gawin nila dun sa mga mapipili nila, pero at the same
time gusto ko din for the money. Duh. Pera din yun! Kahit na may 15k allowance ako
every month, mas masaya kung makakaipon pa 'ko noh. Matatanggap kaya ako?

Lana's List (2)

Dalawang linggo na ang nakalipas. Kakasimula palang ng August. Parati kong
tinitignan yung phone ko. Baka kasi nag-email na. May 3G naman ako, kaya anytime
pwede akong makakuha ng emails.
Habang naglalakad ako sa corridor ng Liberty, madaming bumabati sakin. Ngumingiti
nalang ako kahit 'di ko sila kilala. VP ako e, of course I'm slightly well-known. I
went to my locker to put away my books when my phone beeped.
1 email received
Nanlaki mata ko. Madali kong binuksan yung lock to see the content of the email.
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko when I saw that it was from De La Soledad University
research team. I quickly read the email and saw . . . Oh, my God! Holy shiz!
Napanganga ko habang tumatalon sa saya sa gitna ng hallway. I don't care kung may
makakita sa'kin! Pake ba nila? Napili AKO! WOOHOO!!!
"Huy, Lana! Okay ka lang?"
I turned around and saw a girl with a shoulder length light brown hair. Agad ko
siyang niyakap sa sobrang tuwa. 'Di ako nakapagsalita pa muna, niyakap ko lang siya
ng mahigpit.
"Ano ba'ng nangyayari sayo, babe?" tanong ni Kylee.
I pulled away and grinned at her. "Napili ako sa mga volunteers sa DLSU!"
"HA?" she asked in disbelief. Tinaas niya yung salamin niya, as if to look at me
better. "For real?! Yung pinuntahan mo nung nakaraan, pumasa ka?"
"Yeah!" I beamed, biting my lip in excitement.
"Ayeeeee! Congrats!" Niyakap niya at nagtatatalon.
"Thank you!"
Oh, my God. Pupunta uli ako sa De La Soledad! YAY!
***
"Ilan daw kayong pipiliin?" tanong ni Kylee, still grinning. "Ayeee!"
Naglalakad kami ni Kylee papuntang gate. The news wasn't really a big deal to
others, lalo na't research naman ng De La Soledad at hindi naman ng Liberty. Kaya
ako lang ang talagang excited, tsaka yung ibang studyante. Hindi yung
administration.
"Tatlo," sagot ko.
"Sino kaya yung iba?" she wondered.
Oo nga noh. Sino kaya mga kasama ko? Tsaka, ano kayang ipapagawa sa'min?
Psychological research naman. So mentally at emotionally yung pagaaralan nila?
Hala. Hindi naman siguro ko mababaliw in the process niyan? Sayang naman ikinaganda
ko kung mapupunta lang din naman pala sa wala dahil nasira dahil dito.
Hmm. 'Di naman siguro. Paranoid lang ako.
"Kelan ka pinapapunta?" tanong uli ni Kylee.
"Bukas na," sagot ko. "Friday naman, buti nalang wala akong pasok tuwing Friday."
"Woo. Samantalang dati, gustong gusto mong magkaron ng klase tuwing Friday kasi
ayaw mong mag-uniform."
Totoo yun. Bukod sa uncomfortable yung uniform namin dahil sa masikip at pencil cut
na palda, required din kaming mag-heels ng at least 3 inches. 5'7" na nga ako,
maghi-heels pa ba 'ko? Kokonti pa lalo mga mas matatangkad sakin na lalaki dito sa
school. Ang awkward.
Plus, may pagka-fashionista 'ko. I like dressing up. Not necessarily bongga naman.
Pero yung simple lang, sabay ang lakas ng dating. Yun gusto ko. Yung mukhang
effortless. Kaya gustong gusto ko tuwing Friday at Saturday sa school, nakakaporma
ako.
"Balitaan mo 'ko ah?" Kylee reminded me.
I nodded. "Oo naman. Sana may gwapo 'kong makasama."
"Puro ka gwapo," suway niya sa'kin nang tumatawa. "Kahit san ka magpunta,
naghahanap ka ng gwapo. 'Di mo naman pinapatulan."
My mouth dropped open at what she said. I scoffed in amusement - and because she
was sort of right. Sort of, kasi may mali pa din siya.
"FYI, hindi AKO pinapatulan ng mga gwapo. Mi wala ngang nanliligaw sa'kin e."
She burst out laughing, na napalingon ibang tao sa'min.
"Natural, walang manliligaw sa'yo! Hanggang tanong lang kasi sila!" Pagkasabi niya
non, tumawa uli siya.
"Psh. 'Di kaya ganun kadaling sumagot."
"Choosy ka kasi."
"At least may standards."
She shrugged. "Sa bagay."
Pero sa totoo lang, wala talagang nanliligaw sa'kin na yung masasabi mong good-
looking talaga. Well . . . merong isa. Si Calvin.
Actually, ex-boyfriend ko siya. Varsity soccer player ng Silvestre University,
mortal enemy ng De La Soledad. First boyfriend ko, a lot of firsts. Syempre, first
heartbreak din. Pero ibang storya naman yun. Storya na ayaw ko nang isipin pa.
"Si Cass nga pala?" I suddenly asked, lumilingon sa paligid.
"Ayeee! Kasama si Ryan," kinikilig na sinabi ni Kylee.
Grabe talaga 'to kiligin. Minsan nga, nahahawa na ko sa pag 'Ayeee' niya e. Buti
nalang napipigilan ko pa. Trademark niya na kasi yung expression na yun e.
Natatawa kong isipin. Hahaha!
"Ay, nandyan na si papa," sabi ni Kylee, habang pumara ang papa niya sa harap
namin. "Text mo ko bukas ah!"
I smiled. "Oo naman, pag hindi ako tinamad." Dinilaan ko siya.
Nginitian niya 'ko habang sumasakay sa passenger seat ng sasakyan nila. Tumango
sa'kin papa niya in greeting. Yumuko ako sa respeto at kinawayan sila paalis.
***
Late na naman ako! Parati nalang! Nakakainis!
I hurried papuntang Aguinaldo Hall. Dun ulit sa conference room. Andaming
timutingin sa'kin pero I didn't care. Tumingin ako sa relo ko pagkadating ko sa
escalator.
10:17am
Shiz! 17 minutes late! Nakakahiya!
Hinakbangan ko na yung ibang steps hanggang sa makarating ako ng 3rd floor. I tried
to catch my breath bago pumasok para 'di mukhang haggard masyado. I knocked, pero
hindi ata ako narinig. Inayos ko buhok ko at tuluyang pumasok.
A cold breeze met me.
Seven silang nasa loob. Five yung naka-formal attire sa harapan, dalawa yung
nakaupo sa magkabilang side ng table. Nakatutok ang mga mata ko sa limang nakatayo.
I smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm late po."
Nginitian naman ako nila ako. Okay, mukhang mababait sila. Friendly. Nawala ng
konti ang kaba ko at nakahinga ko ng malalim.
"Lana Lopez?" tanong nung nasa pinaka-gitna na mid-thirties na lalaki. He looked
like the nice professor that would let you get away with anything.
"Opo."
"We understand," sabi niya, still smiling warmly at me. "You're three hours away,
so thank you for still participating today. Please take your seat at the head of
the table."
Sinunod ko siya. I tried my best not to make any noise as I took a seat, kaya hindi
ko natignan kung sino mga kasama ko. Kahit gusto ko silang tignan, hindi ko rin
makikita mga mukha nila dahil tall chairs yung mga umupan dito. Tapos, nakaharap pa
sila sa harapan, so hindi ko talaga sila masusulyapan man lang.
"As I said earlier, we thank the three of you for participating today and agreeing
to this," continued the mid-thirties man nung nakaupo na ako. "I'm Daniel Chavez,
but you can just call me 'Danny.' This research is mostly about interaction among
people with very different personalities, yet have the same amount of will power
and drive within them."
Basically, in-explain niya samin na hindi lang daw kami yung tatlong napili niya.
There were five groups, each containing three people. One month yung time slot per
group. Kami bale yung first. Vi-videohan daw namin sarili namin individually after
every 'hang-out' na gagawin namin. Then, ipapasa namin yun sa kanila every week.
Tama nga rin pala hula ko. May bayad 'to. They'll give us 20k after the month has
ended daw, hindi pa kasama yung expenses na ilalagay nila sa personal bank accounts
namin for the said 'hang-outs' para covered na raw yung mga lakad namin.
They based our groups on our answers dun sa exam. Dun palang daw, makikita na yung
ugali at kung anu-anong psychological shiz na meron kami. And from that, nakita
nila na kaming tatlo ang perfect fit for one another. We were all very different
from one another daw, pero pare-pareha kaming may leadership chuchu kaya we all
have strong personalities. Either we could clash and this could end badly, or we
could be long time friends daw.
"This project requires the three of you to spend time with each other every week
for a month. So I advise you to familiarize yourselves with one another."
At that, the chairs finally turned to face the table. And I saw the people I was
going to spend time with for a month.
No. Effing. Way.
Abot sahig ata ang nganga ko sa sobrang gulat. I even felt like my eyes were about
to pop out from it sockets sa sobrang . . . Oh, my God! Holy shiz talaga!
Yung chinito na nakabangga ko two weeks ago! Yung . . . Yung may pagka-masungit
(pero cute pa din)! Nandito siya! I'm gonna be friends with him! FOR A MONTH!
Pero wait, paalis na siya nung parating palang ako nun ah. Paano niya na-take yung
exam e wrong direction siya? Naituro naman niya sa'kin ng maayos kung san. Ah, baka
bumalik din siya kaagad. Madami din namang sobrang late e.
Tapos, nandito din si . . . oh, my . . . Hindi ko talaga aakalain. Of all the
people na pwedeng mapasama sa group of three namin . . . Bakit andito din siya?!
Pero kahit ganun pa man, thank you po, Lord. Thank you po talaga. Ang bait bait
niyo po sa'kin kahit medyo may pagka-bitch ako minsan sa ibang tao.
"So we have a representative from Liberty University, Miss Lana Lopez," announced
Sir Danny. Tinignan ako nung dalawang lalaki sa magkabilang tabi ko. "We also have
one from Silvestre University, Mister Oliver Cojuangco."
Oh. Oliver name nung chinito.
"And of course we have one from De La Soledad University, Mister Zeo Alcante."
Yup. Si Zeo Alcante, ang kinababaliwan nila dito sa conference room mismong two
weeks ago. Si Zeo, na kahit mga lalaki hinahangaan parin siya. Si Zeo, na
binansagang 'Lion King' ng mga schoolmates niya. Get it? Kasi DLSU Lions sila.
Tinitigan ni Oliver si Zeo, while si Zeo naman naka-smirk habang binabalik ang
tingin ni Oliver. Ako, pinapanuod lang sila nang hindi alam ang gagawin.
Hala. Paano na 'to? Mortal enemies yung dalawang kasama ko sa group. How could this
possibly work?
I glanced at Sir Danny and saw na parang nage-enjoy pa siya sa nakikita niya.
Pakana niya siguro 'to? Sumimangot ako. Psh.
"All right, I'll leave you kids to it," said Sir Danny, while he was wearing that
meaningful smile like everything was going as planned. Kinuha niya sa'min yung
waivers na pinirmahan namin for this, tapos tuluyan na siyang umalis.
Nasa pintuan na siya when he stopped at nilingun kami. Nauna na yung mga kasama
niya sa escalator. "I almost forgot to tell you that you are not limited to seeing
each other only once a week. If you want, you can meet up and get together for as
much as you like."
Nahuli kong sumimangot si Oliver.
"That is, only if you want to." Nginitian kami ni Sir Danny before finally leaving.
Several seconds passed, wala pa ding nagsasalita. It began to be awkward, hanggang
sa naging sobrang awkward. Walang nagtitinginan sa'min.
"So you're three hours away?" asked Zeo.
Nagulat ako na siya yung unang nangsalita. He was the one who broke the ice.
Lumingon din sa'kin si Oliver, as if waiting for my answer.
Rule #2: Keep your cool. 'Wag kang masyadong pahalata na naapektuhan ka or
nasasabik ka, kahit na sobra sobra na. Hindi porke't madaming nagpapaka-gaga sa
kanya means okay na yun. No! Don't be like that. Be different. Not necessarily
tarayan. Just treat him like he's an ordinary person. Be friendly, but don't overdo
it. Cool ka lang. Tao lang siya.
I nodded casually. "From Tagaytay pa 'ko."
Sumipol siya. "Whoa. Ang layo. No wonder you were late."
"Malapit-lapit na din, actually," sabi ko. "Ang problema, yung traffic."
"Not if alam mo how to avoid it." He winked, while he grinned. Lumabas yung dimples
niya. Napatitig ako without meaning to.
I blinked, but quickly composed myself.
"May kotse ka siguro kaya ganun," irap ko.
"Meron nga," diretsong sagot ni Zeo.
Yabaaaaang.
"I'm gonna go," biglang sinabi ni Oliver, patayo sa upuan niya.
Zeo and I stared at him. Sungit niya ah. Yung isa mayabang, heto naman masungit.
Ano ako, mataray? Parang 'di naman.
"Took you long enough," muttered Zeo, habang sumandal sa tall chair.
"You wanna say something, Alcante?" dared Oliver, pero bored yung boses niya kahit
parang hamon yung sinabi niya.
Zeo sneered. "This isn't your territory, Cojuangco. Tama lang na you're leaving
already. It's good that you know your place."
Grabe. Ganyan ba talaga yung tension between De La Soledad and Silvestre? Over
naman. Kahit yung mga studyante, hindi pwedeng maging friends dahil sa what -
school honor? Harsh . . . and unreasonable.
Akala ko magagalit na si Oliver sa sinabi ni Zeo, but no. Hindi na bored ang
expression ng face niya. Seryoso na siya, pero hindi pa rin siya mukhang galit.
"As always, you Soledarians prove how much of a talker you are," replied Oliver
simply. Tinalikuran na niya kami. At habang naglalakad siya palayo, dinagdagan niya
ng, "Ikaw maghahatid diyan."
Nanlaki mata ko sa sinabi niya. Nagkatinginan kaagad kami ni Zeo. Ganun din
expression niya sa mukha niya: gulat at 'di makapaniwala. Parang ayaw pa niya.
Ako, hindi ako makapaniwalang tinukoy ako ni Oliver na 'diyan.' Hindi man lang 'si
Lana' or 'sa kanya.' Hindi e. Talagang 'diyan.' Wow. Bagay na pala ako ngayon. Ang
kapal ah. Sarap niyang upakan.
I glanced at Zeo and saw that he was looking at me warily. Hindi ko mapigilan
sarili ko. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Hindi mo na ako kailangang ihatid," nilinaw ko sa kanya. Mukhang ayaw niya talaga
'kong ihatid. Hindi ko din naman siya pinipilit noh. Ayos lang sa'kin. "Marunong
akong mag-commute." I grabbed my bag and got up to leave.
*stomach growls*
Napahinto ako. Na-feel kong napatingin sa'kin si Zeo. Pumikit ako at kinagat ko ang
labi ko. Ayoko siyang tignan. Nakakahiya. Kailangan ba talagang kumulo ang tiyan ko
sa gitna ng katahimikan? Shiz naman.
"You're hungry?" asked Zeo.
Ay, hindeee! Hindi ako gutom, Zeo. Kahit na obvious at rinig ang kulo ng tiyan ko,
hindi ako gutom. Guni-guni mo lang yun.
"You think?" I replied, with a raised eyebrow. Ayan, 'di ko na mapigilan sarili ko
sa pagtataray. Kapag gutom talaga ang isang tao, ang hirap control-in ng mood.
He chuckled. "Easy ka lang. Tara, kain ka muna bago ka umuwi."
Tumayo na siya agad kaya napasunod nalang ako. Wala nang time para i-process yung
pagkagulat ko sa sudden change of mood niya. Parang kanina lang, inaaway niya si
Oliver. Ngayon, friendly siya bigla sa'kin.
Tsaka, gutom na gutom na rin ako e. Hindi na 'ko makatanggi. Hala. Magkano kaya
pagkain dito school nila? Buti nalang nagdala 'ko ng extra money. Nung nakababa na
kami sa escalator, tsaka lang siya nagsalita ulit.
Napatigil ako kasi bigla siyang humarap sa'kin. Medyo nagulat din ako, na-caught
off guard ng konti sa sobrang gwapo niya. Mas matindi pala kapag sa malapitan. May
mga gwapong kinaiinisan ko kasi parang mas maganda pa siya sa'kin, ayoko ng ganun.
At hindi ganun si Zeo. Siya yung tipong gwapo na makisig. Alam mong lalaki.
Lalaking lalaki. Rugged, kumbaga.
To be honest, na-starstruck ako. Hindi pa 'ko nasa-starstruck sa tana ng buhay ko.
Oo, gwapo din si Calvin (ugh). Pero iba dating ni Zeo. His dark brown hair was
trimmed on its sides, while the top was styled to stick up but not in a spiky kind
of way. It was like his hair softly points in every direction. Parang ang lambot
kapag hinawakan.
Mas defined at smooth yung features niya, lalo na yung jaw-line. Ang tangos pa ng
ilong. Shucks, konting freckles ba yun sa may baba ng mata niya? Umabot yung tingin
ko sa mata niya. I couldn't help but stare at his eyes. Brown na brown pala ang mga
mata niya? Wow. Ang ganda! Half-someting siguro siya.
Lahat ng yun, naisip ko habang tinatanong niya ko kung saan ko gusto kumain.
Syempre, while I was studying yung naka close up niyang mukha, naka-poker face ako.
Magaling na ko sa ganun. Andami ko nang practice e. Haha!
"Saan ba masarap?" tanong ko.
He grinned suggestively, leaned down closer to me, tapos binulong niya sa'kin in a
husky voice, "Madaming lugar na masarap."
What the?!
Napanganga ko, which caused him to laugh out loud. I shook my head and scowled at
him. That wasn't funny at all! Kinilabutan kaya ako sa pagka-bulong niya sa tainga
ko bigla bigla! Tapos ganun pa yung boses niya! Tapos ganun pa itsura niya! Tapos
gwapo pa siya!
Andaya!
"Gutom na talaga 'ko, Zeo," I told him seriously, na parang wala lang yung ginawa
niya kahit ka ramdam ko pa rin bilis ng tibok ng puso ko.
"Where do you wanna eat nga?" tanong niya, still amused.
"Duh. Ikaw kaya taga rito." Tas, split second decision! "Alis na nga 'ko. Sa bus
nalang ako kakain. Bye!"
Badtrip na talaga 'ko. Gutom na gutom na 'ko tapos ang tagal pa mag-decide na
parang pinaglalaruan pa 'ko ng mokong na yun? 'Di bale nalang! I could take care of
myself. Bakit kasi ako pumayag?
Hello? Siya si Zeo Alcante, makakasama mo siya every week for a month. Natural
feeling mo, parang ang astig kasi nagkaron ka ng kaibigan na kagaya niya. Tapos,
niyaya ka pang mag-lunch. Ikaw naman 'tong pumayag basta basta. The rules, Lana!
Remember the RULES!Remember the list you made to prevent getting your heart broken
again. The list that guides you to take a step back and let the man chase you.
Oo nga pala. Muntik ko nang makalimutan yung list ko ng rules.
Tumigil ako sa paglalakad habang inaalala yung listahan, which gave enough time
naman for Zeo to catch up with me. But he didn't. He didn't come after me.
Geez, Lana. What did you expect? You barely know the guy. Plus, busy siguro yun.
Sino ka para habulin niya? Reality check please!
I sighed. This isn't healthy. I should draw a line between me and Zeo. Tama, yun
ang gagawin ko. I shouldn't get too caught up with that kumag.
Nilabas ko yung phone ko galing sa bulsa at tinawagan ang isa sa mga pinaka-close
kong pinsan na si Benjo na nag-aaral dito sa De La Soledad. Sumagot naman siya
agad, buti nalang.
"San ka?" tanong ko.
"Condo. Napatawag ka?"
"Nasa school mo ako."
"HA? Bakit?"
In-explain ko sa kanya. Hindi lahat, syempre. Yung part lang na representative ako
ng Liberty para sa research na ginagawa ng De La Soledad. Hindi ko sinabi kung sino
mga ka-grupo sa project na 'to.
"Uwi na rin ako sa Tagaytay mamaya," banggit niya. "Gusto mo, sabay na tayo?"
YES! Alam ko, may kotse siya e. Ligtas! Hahatid niya ko mismo sa bahay, malamang.
Ang sarap talaga kapag may mga taong nakapaligid sayo mabait at mahal ka. Bwahaha!
"Sige! Payag ako dyan, basta pakainin mo muna ko dahil gutom na gutom na gutom na
gutom na gutom na 'ko, Benjo! As in, sobra!"
Narinig kong tumawa siya. "Pumunta ka nalang dito, I'll buzz you up."
"All right. See you later."
"See you."
I was smiling as I walked out of De La Soledad. 'Di ko naman kailangan ng bagong
mga kaibigan e. Kontento na ako sa mga kaibigan at pinsan ko ngayon. Hindi ko
kailangang makisama sa kanila, kasi natural nang lumalabas yun. Hindi ko rin
kailangang ipagpilitan sarili ko sa kanila, kasi tanggap na nila ako. Tulad nitong
si Benjo. Mukha palang akong gusgusing bata, magkakilala na kami - close na kami.
Kaya iniisip ko ngayon kung paano magwo-work yung gustong mangyari ni Sir Danny.
May kanya-kanya kaming buhay nila Oliver at Zeo. He can't possibly expect us to be
undeniably close after this? Or rather, he can't possibly expect us to get out of
this unscathed? Kasi for sure, hindi kaming tatlo magtatagal na magkakasama. Our
worlds are far too different from one another to get along.
Then again, sabi naman niya na go with the flow lang kami. Edi okay. 'Di ko talaga
pipilitin sarili ko sa kanila. Naiinis na naman ako sa sarili ko tuwing naaalala ko
yung pagpayag ko sa yaya ni Zeo kumain. Feeling ko talaga ang tanga-tanga ko.
Feeling ko talaga napahiya ako ng bongga. Nakakainis.
Hinding hindi na yun mauulit. Hindi na ulit ako magpapadala sa kagwapuhan ni Zeo
Alcante. Bwisit na kumag yun.
_____________
Dedicated to ilurvbooks (Kim) because she's Kylee. Haha!
Any recommendations na OPM for this chapter? :)
Zeo or Oliver? ;)

Lana's List (3)

Ah! My favorite day of the week: Saturday!

Kahit na nasa school ako ngayon, it doesn't matter. Isa lang subject namin tuwing
Saturday. Tapos, favorite subject ko pa! Hoorah! 'Di lang yon, nakaporma ko today.
Nilubos ko talaga ngayon dahil masyadong naubos self-esteem ko kahapon.

Kung dati, gustong gusto kong nagpupunta sa De La Soledad . . . Ngayon, ayoko na.
Na-realize kong overrated yung place. 'Di ako belong dun. Masyadong high
maintenance mga tao. Hindi peaceful. Buti pa dito. Kahit may pagka-probinsya,
masarap simoy ng hangin.

I breathed in and exhaled happily.

Ahh. Nakaka-relaaax.

Buti nalang hindi ako nagaral dun. Muntik na din ah. Pero mas gusto nila mommy na
dito ko sa Tagaytay, kung saan ako nag high school. Since mag-isa lang akong
nakatira sa bahay, si Manang Judith lang ang kasama ko, ayaw nila na sa Manila ako.
Madami daw tukso.

Where are my parents? They're divorced. Halos buong high school ko inatupag nila
ang pagdi-divorce, hindi kasi pwede dito sa Pilipinas. Naayos lang nila dahil si
mommy, naging citizen na sa UK. Nasa England na siya ngayon, living with her
boyfriend. Si daddy naman nasa Cebu, with a new family. Gusto pa nga ni daddy na
dun ako tumira e. Buti nalang napilit namin ni mommy na 'wag.

Besides, I sort of like living alone. It gives me peace. Hindi katulad dati, puro
sigawan naririnig ko sa bahay.

"Pero hunk talaga si Zeo sa personal?" biglang tanong si Cass.

Tumingin ako sa kanya. Ang ganda talaga nito. Hindi lang nagaayos. Buti nalang
nakita ni Ryan yung ganda niya. Ang ganda pa ng buhok, parang silk sa lambot. Pero
mukhang mataray. Mas mataray actually siya kaysa sa'kin.

I rolled my eyes at her question. "Oo. Naguumapaw hotness ng kumag na yun."

"Ayeeee!" tili ni Kylee.

"Nakakalaglag panty?" diretsong tanong ni Cass.

Pumikit ako. Oh, my God. Kung alam niyo lang. Pero hindi e, ayaw ko sa kanya.
Unreachable siya. Hindi pwede. So I just shrugged.

"Share naman," pouted Cass. "Ang damot mo."

"May boyfriend ka na," I reminded her.

Ang morenong heartthrob ng school na si Ryan ang boyfriend niya. Oha, kaya hindi
talaga dapat minamaliit mga kaibigan ko. Malakas din kamandag nila sa lalaki.

"Hindi naman ako naghahanap ng iba e," sagot ni Cass. "Tinatanong ko lang kung
totoo lahat ng sinasabi nila kay Zeo."

"Mayabang siya, Cass."

"Ikaw naman, Lana," said Kylee. "Isang beses palang naman kayo naguusap. Malay mo,
diba? Ayeee!"

Pepektosan ko na talaga si Kylee sa kaka-ayeee niya.

"Gusto mo lang ata na si Oliver ang pag-usapan e," asar ni Cass.

I frowned. "Ayoko dun. Tinawag ba naman akong 'diyan'? Kapal ng mukha. Akala mo
kung sino."

"So ayaw mo sa kanila?"

"Ayoko," mariin kong sinabi.

"Woo," sabi ni Kylee. "Samantalang kahapon, nagwi-wish ka na sana may gwapo kang
maka-group. Oh, ayan na. Wish granted. Doble pa."

"Badtrip," bulong ko.

Totoo talaga yung sinasabi nilang, 'Be careful what you wish for. Because you just
might get it, and more.'

"Pwede ba?" I said. "Ang ganda ganda ng araw oh. 'Wag naman nating sirain dahil sa
dalawang ewan na yun."

"Taraaay."

"Bitch-mode Lana is on."

Hindi ko sila pinansin. Pumikit nalang ako.

A few minutes siguro ang lumipas nang may dumaang dalawang babae.

"Ang gwapo. Sino kaya yun?"

"Mukhang may inaantay e. Baka may girlfriend na."

"Ay, sayang naman. Ang ganda ng kotse niya noh? Halatang mayaman. Ang swerte naman
nung babae."
"'Di bale. Magb-break din sila."

Dumilat ako. Ang harsh naman nila. Pwede namang mangarap nalang sila ah. Kailangan
talagang nega mag-isip? Inggit lang sila dun sa girl e. Mga inggitera.

Nang makita nila ako, sabay silang ngumiti.

"Hi, Lana!"

Gusto ko silang irapan. Kaya lang VP ako e, kaya I still had to set a good example.
So I smiled na rin kahit ayaw ko.

"Hi!" bati ko sa kanila.

Kumaway sila at umalis. Sa wakas.

"Ang plastik mo, girl."

Tumawa si Kylee. "Oo nga. Pero kapag kami, damang dama namin ang pagtataray mo."

"Dapat ganyan ka din kay Zeo at Oliver e," sabi ni Cass.

"Oo nga," agreed Kylee. "Baka kinakaya-kaya ka nila kasi tingin nila hindi ka
papatol."

Tama sila. Naisip ko na din yan. Thankful ako sa tough high school life ko. Dahil
sa mga nang-bully sa'kin noon, natuto akong lumaban at mangbara. Natutunan din nila
akong respetuhin simula nung lumaban ako sa kanila. Ngayon, friends na kami.

Naglakad kami palabas ng gate dahil tapos na kaming tumambay sa school. Madami nang
tao na nakakalat sa gate, uwian na kasi e. As usual, madaming bumabati sa'kin.
Binati ko din sila.

"Hindi ka ba makikipagkita kay Ryan, Cass?" tanong ni Kylee.

"Hindi e. May klase pa kasi siya," malungkot na sinabi ni Cass, pero agad nawala
ang bakas ng lungkot sa mukha niya sa pagtingin niya sa malayo.

Sinundan namin ni Kylee ang tingin niya. Lumaki ang mga mata ko. Ang ganda ng
kotse! Heto siguro yung sinasabi nung dalawang babae kanina. 2011 Dodge Challenger,
with blue paint and white stripes sa gitna. Hinding hindi ako magkakamali kasi
madalas akong manuod ng street races noong kami pa ni Calvin. Hindi naman racer si
Calvin, malakas lang siyang pumusta sa mga ganun.

At madalas akong makakita ng ganyang mismong kotse doon. Paminsan-minsan lang siya
sumali pero parating nanalo yun sa race.

It . . . It couldn't possibly be the same car, could it?

My eyes wandered to the owner of the car. Nakasandal siya sa pintuan sa may
passenger side. Lalong lumaki ang mga mata ko.

Oliver?!

Nang makita niya ako, he straightened up. He uncrossed his arms and it looked as if
he was waiting for me to come over to him.
Rule #3: Never assume. Sabihin na niyang manhid ka, pero mas nakakahiya pa rin kung
maga-assume ka tapos mali pala. That's the problem with guys. Gusto nilang magets
mo agad without saying anything or their part. Unfair, diba? So make him SAY it.
Kapag na-frustrate ka na, tanungin mo nalang siya ng pabiro. Kapag di siya umamin,
edi hindi.

Hindi ko siya nilapitan. Kung ako talaga pinunta niya dito, siya ang lalapit. So
patuloy kami sa paglalakad - actually, hinihila ko sina Kylee at Cass paalis. I
briefly glanced at Oliver and saw him sigh . . . in exasperation, maybe?

"Ayeee!" tili ni Kylee. "Tumitingin siya dito!"

"Oo nga! Pero bakit . . ." Lumingon si Cass sa'kin nang dahan-dahan. Lumaki bigla
ang mga mata niya sa pagkakaintindi. "Siya si Oliver?!"

Pumikit ako sa kahihiyan.

"Damn it, Cass."

Pagdilat ko, nakita kong tumaas ang kilay ni Oliver sa'min. Fudge. Narinig niya.

"Oh, my . . . Siya si . . ." Ngumiti ng nangaasar na ngiti si Kylee. Alam ko na

susunod nito. Oh, my God. Please, no. "Ayeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Yumuko ako. I covered my face with my hands. Anak ng gulay.

"Hey."

I removed my hands from my face and looked up to
realized that he was paler compared to Zeo. Para
his eyes were almost black, contrasting with his
bit long, enough for it to be swept to the side.
look.
see Oliver right in front of me. I
ngang mas maputi pa sa'kin e. And
white skin. His black hair was a
It added more edge to his broody

Naka blue shirt siya at naka leather jacket. Mukha na sana siyang bad boy, kaso
gentle yung mukha niya e. He still looks good, though.

"What?" tanong ko. Bakit ba siya nandito?

"I'm here to pick you up for the you-know-what."

Pasimple siyang tumingin sa paligid. Napatingin na rin ako. Andaming nanunuod

sa'min. Binalik ko ang mga mata ko sa pagtingin sa kanya. Halatang hindi siya
komportable sa atensyon. Nahihiya ata 'tong makita na nakikipag-usap sa'kin.

"No, thank you," sagot ko, suot ang fake smile. "Sabihin mo nalang sa'kin ang time
and place. Susunod nalang ako kung nasaan kayo."

Tinitigan niya ako. "Why are you being stubborn?"

"Am I?"

"Oo."

Hallelujah! Nag-Tagalog din!

"Hindi ko naman kasi alam kung saan tayo pupunta. Am I dressed for the occasion ba
or should I change? Bigla ka nalang kayang sumipot dito nang walang pasabi."

"Ang dami mong sinabi," bulong niya sa sarili. "Okay na yang suot mo. Tara na."

Nakakabanas na 'tong lalaking 'to ah. Makakatikim 'to sa'kin e. Malaking pasalamat
niya at maganda kotse niya at cute siya.

"'Di mo pa kami pinapakilala," bulong ni Cass sa'kin.

Ay, oo nga pala. "Oliver, mga kaibigan ko; Cass and Kylee." Sabay tinuro ko sila.
Kumaway sila kay Oliver. "Cass, Kylee, si Oliver."

Tumango si Oliver at ngumiti in a polite way, hindi labas yung ngipin.

"Sige, una na kami," paalam niya sa mga kaibigan ko.

"Ayeee! Okay!" sabi ni Kylee, todo ngiti.

"Ingatan mo yan ah," sabi naman si Cass.

What the hell, Cass? Binigyan ko siya ng masamang tingin pero hindi siya natinag.
Nginitian niya lang ako. Ang tibay talaga nito.

"Bye," sabi ko sa kanila.

Sinundan ko si Oliver sa sasakyan niya. Nagulat ako nang pinagbuksan niya ako ng
pinto. Huh. May manners din naman pala siya.

"San tayo pupunta?" tanong ko nang nakaalis na kami sa Liberty.

Tahimik lang siyang nagmamaneho. To be honest, na-impress ako sa taste niya sa

music. Nakikinig din pala siya sa Imagine Dragons.

"MOA," maikling sagot niya.

Ah, malapit-lapit lang yun. One hour and a half away lang yun if we're gonna take
Cavitex, at kung mabilis siyang mag-drive. Kaso, alam ba niya yung shortcut na yun?

"San ka dumaan papuntang Liberty?"

"Cavitex, then Amadeo."

I was slightly confused. "Pano mo nalaman daan na yun, e hindi ka naman taga dito?"

"GPS."

Grabe. Ang tipid niyang sumagot. Mukhang hindi naman siya bored, hindi rin galit.
Sadyang tahimik lang talaga. Mababaliw ako pag ganto kaibigan ko.

Hinayaan ko na siyang mag-drive. Nakinig nalang ako sa music at sumabay sa mahinang

pagkanta ng lyrics.

"It's where my demons hide, it's where my demons hide . . ."

I even drummed my fingers on lap, going with the beat.

"Alam mo Imagine Dragons?"

Napatingin ako sa kanya sa bigla niyang pagsasalita. Traffic, kaya nakatingin siya
sa'kin. Nakatingin siya sa'kin na para bang first time niya 'kong makita.

Tumango ako. "Oo. Underrated sila noh?"

"Yeah," sabi niya. Akala ko tapos na nang biglang dagdag niya, "Ano favorite mong
kanta nila?"

Okay, we're having a normal conversation like normal people who just met. This is a
good sign, right?

"Madami e," mahinang sagot ko, habang nagiisip. "Hmm. Mga nangingibabaw yung
Radioactive, America, at Demons. Pero gustong gusto ko talaga yung It's Time.
Maganda din kasi yung meaning pati yung beat."

"Oo nga. Maganda yung It's Time."

As if on cue, biglang tumugtog yung It's Time. Nagkatinginan kami, at sabay kaming
tumawa. Umandar na yung sasakyan sa harapan namin kaya nag-drive na uli si Oliver,
pero nakangiti pa rin siya. In fairness, ang ganda ng ngiti niya ah. Syempre, dulot
ng straight at maputing ngipin.

Nung nag-chorus na yung kanta, nahuli ko siyang sumasabay sa lyrics. Walang sounds,
pero nagmu-move yung lips niya. Tapos, yung mga daliri niya gumagalaw sa manibela
sabay dun sa beat ng music.

"Ano pang mga pinapakinggan mo?" Ayokong sirain yung moment niya, kaso curious
talaga ko e. "Any genres?"

"Acoustic, RnB, slow rock, classic rock . . . yung mga chill lang."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Chill ang classic rock?"

He chuckled. "Well, not really. Pero it sounds smooth to me. Ikaw ba?"

"Hmm. Eclectic ako, so anything goes."

He nodded. "So you probably know YouTube Narnia."

I gasped, my eyes widening. "Alam mo YouTube Narnina?"

"Oo naman. Napapadpad nalang ako bigla dun."

Napatawa ako. "Ako din. Kapag nag-out ka, ang hirap nang makabalik."

"Hindi mo binu-bookmark?"

"Nope. Wala nang thrill kapag may susi ka papunta dun."

Hindi siya sumagot. Patuloy lang siya sa drive. Napatingin ako kung nasaan na kami.
Malapit na kami sa toll gate sa papasok ng Cavitex. Naalala ko yung Largo Avenue,
kung san parating may street racing. At naalala ko 'tong sasakyan niya.

"Madalas ka ba sa Largo Ave?" I asked.

"Medyo."

"Sa gabi?"
Tumingin siya sa'kin, nakapila na kami sa toll gate. Umandar yung sasakyan sa
harapan namin. Inalis niya ang tingin niya sa'kin at inandar ang sasakyan. Nung
nakalagpas na kami sa toll gate, tsaka lang siya nagsalita ulit.

"Double O Seven?"

Holy shiz. Siya nga. Heto nga yung sasakyang nakikita ko dun. Oh, my God. Nasa loob
ako ng sasakyan . . . Napatingin ako sa loob ng kotse niya. Ang linis. Hindi mo
aakalain na may pagka-legendary nito sa street racing.

"Double O Seven," I confirmed.

After hearing that, he nodded in understanding.

'Double O Seven' yung code word para sa street racing sa Largo Avenue. Illegal pa
rin naman kasi yun, kaya may nagimbento ng word para kapag pinaguusapan medyo safe.

"Ang cool," I couldn't help but say. "Ikaw si Blue Blur?"

He smiled. "'Di ba si Sonic The Hedgehog yun?"

"Psh. You know what I mean."

"Yeah, I do," inamin niya. "And I gotta be honest, I didn't peg you as someone na
nanunuod ng Double O Seven."

I bit my lip. Sasabihin ko ba? Oh, well. Wala namang mawawala sa'kin pag sinabi ko.
Hindi na naman big deal yun.

"Yung ex-boyfriend ko, dinadala ko dun nung kami pa dati," I admitted. "Plus, I'm a
huge fan of the Fast and Furious series. Kaya ayos lang sa'kin. Ang astig nga e."

"Hindi naman ako parating sumasali ah," sabi niya.

"Kahit na, kilala ka pa din dun."

Hindi siya nagsalita. Tinignan ko siya. Parang may pinagiisipan. Nilipat ko tingin
ko sa bintana. Pinanuod kong lumagpas kami kung saan saan. Hanggang sa nasa may
Coastal Mall na kami. Ang traffic talaga dito. Lalo na't ginawa nang terminal ito.

Habang nagiintay kami sa greenlight, nagsalita siya.

"May Double O Seven mamayang gabi, pupunta 'ko."

I waited for him to continue.

"Gusto mo'ng sumama?"

Napalingon ako sa kanya. Seryoso ba siya? At nakita kong seryoso nga siya. Hala.
Papayag ba ako? I barely know him. Then again, hindi ba ito yung whole point ng
ginagawa namin? Getting to know each other and whatnot?

"Uh, sure," I shrugged.

Wala naman akong gagawin mamayang gabi e. Itetext ko nalang si Manang Judith na
huwag akong antayin sa paguwi ko. Buti nalang nakaporma ako ngayon. Pwede na 'to
hanggang mamaya.

"Wait, sigurado ka bang isasama mo 'ko?"

"Yeah, why not?"

"O - Okay."

"Ayaw mo ba?"

Bigla ko lang kasi naisip na baka nandun si Calvin. Parati pa naman yun nandun sa
mga ganun. Ayokong makita pagmumukha niya, sa totoo lang. Pero kasama ko naman si
Oliver e. Wala naman sigurong mangyayaring masama.

"Pumayag na nga ako, diba?" pabiro kong sinabi.

Ngumiti lang siya. Nag-greenlight na sa wakas, at umandar na din ang sasakyan. In

no time, nasa MOA na kami. He parked the car and we walked together close to the
bay side. Sinundan ko lang siya, tinitignan kung san kami pupunta.

_____________

Dedicated to seeyara (C) because she's Cass. Haha.

Now, Zeo or Oliver? :)

Lana's List (4)

Nagugutom na 'ko. Sana kumain na kami.

Nagdiwang ang tiyan ko nang makitang papasok kami sa Charmuel's Cuisine. Wow. Hindi
ba pang mayayaman lang 'tong restaurant na 'to? International ang franchise nila,
sa pagkakalam ko. Atsaka, nagpupunta lang kami dito kapag may occasion. Like nung
high school graduation ko, dito kami kumain kinagabihan nun.

Wow. So para kina Oliver, pang-dinner lang itong restaurant na ito? Anong tawag
nila sa Jollibee at McDo?

Pumasok kami at nakita kong mala fine dining ang peg dito. Nakalimutan ko na din
kasi. Pero wala namang dress code, so hindi full on fine dining. Buti nalang. Wala
kasi ako sa mood na mag paka prim and proper ngayon.

May kumaway sa'min sa may bandang bintana. Umirap ako nang makita kong si Zeo. Naka
green letterman jacket siya over a white shirt, with the sleeves pulled up by the
elbows. Ang cool talaga niyang tignan kahit kailan.

Kahit ayaw ko, nagpunta kami papalapit sa kanya. Hindi ako tumitingin sa kanya. I
refuse to look at him unless it's necessary. Umupo na kami at nag-order. Three
course meal ang in-order ni Zeo, kaya ganun din kami ni Oliver.

I inwardly thanked my parents sa allowance ko. Pati na rin ang kakayahan kong
magipon ng malaki. Yakang yaka ko mga price dito. Phew!

Pagtapos naming um-order, nararamdaman ko mga mata ni Zeo na nakatingin sa'kin. Ba

naman, nasa harapan ko siya. Hindi talaga maiiwasan yun. Pero hindi pa rin ako
tumutingin sa kanya. Medyo nahihiya pa 'ko sa walk out ko kahapon na hindi naman
niya sinundan.

"Ang tagal niyo," commented Zeo. "San ba kayo galing, sa bundok?" Natatawa niyang
sinabi. "Or sa gubat, with that look?"
Nakooo. Pasalamat ka ayaw kitang kausapin, kundi mumurahin talaga kita. For your
information, madami akong napalingon sa school sa simpleng porma kong plain black
fitted top, skinny jeans, and black combat boots. I kept my long dark hair loose
and curly. Konting silver accessories here and there and voila! Head turner na.
Kaya 'wag mong masabi-sabi sa akin na mala-gubat ang porma ko.

"Oh, bakit hindi ka makatingin sa'kin?" tanong ni Zeo sa'kin nang tumingin ako sa
labas, anywhere but his unf5\air good looks. "Don't tell me, na in love ka sa'kin
ah? Ang easy mo naman."

Hindi ko na talaga mapigilan. Tumingin ako sa kanya, pulling on my well-known poker

face. Makakatikim itong kumag na 'to sa akin kapag pinagtuloy niya yung insulto
niya. Sarap upakan e.

"Wala ka nang maisip na sabihin to get my attention kung hindi yan?" I said. "Ang
desperate mo naman," I added in a patronizing tone.

I heard Oliver chuckle quietly at what I said. Napalingon si Zeo sa kanya, at

binalik uli at tingin sa'kin. Zeo smirked.

"I got you to talk, didn't I?" mayabang niyang sinabi.

Grr. Antipatiko. Mokong. Kumag. Lahat na!

Pero kahit na sobrang badtrip ko sa kanya, hindi ko maiwasang i-admire yung

kagwapuhan niya, yung jaw-line niya. Kaya mas lalo akong naiinis. Sa sarili ko,
even more so. Bakit ba kasi ang haba ng eyelashes niya? Bakit ba kasi ng
napapatitig ako sa lips niya? Bakit ba kasi ang gwapo gwapo niya? Napaka unfair
talaga.

"And why do you want me to talk so bad?" I asked him, with a raised eyebrow.

Dumating na yung appetizers kaya hindi siya naka sagot pa muna. Kinuha niya yung
baso ng juice sa harapan niya at uminom. He took his time, too. Nung tapos na siya,
tsaka lang siya nagsalita.

"Because you amuse me," he said simply.

Grabe. Entertainment na pala ako sa kanya ngayon? Wala bang TV sa kanila, or

internet man lang? Pumunta kaya siya sa comedy bar. O, ayun. Puno yun ng amusement.
Asar ah.

"Can we focus on more important matters?" asked Oliver.

Tumingin kami parehas ni Zeo kay Oliver. He's right. We have to focus. Kailangan
naming pagusapan itong sort of project namin for this month. We have to work around
everyone's schedule. Tapos, yung issue pa na ang layo ko sa kanila.

"Fine," said Zeo, grabbing the napkin and spreading it on his lap. After grabbing
his spoon, nagsalita siya ulit, "So pano, every Saturday tayo magmi-meet?"

I shrugged, while I placed the napkin on my lap. Ayokong magsalita na payag ako,
kahit na payag naman talaga ako. Ayoko lang mag-agree sa kanya. Tapos.

"Sounds good," nodded Oliver, after niyang lunukin yung sinubo niyang cream soup.
Tinignan niya kami. "Whole day Saturday?"

"Ah, may morning class ako," I mentioned, biting my lip.

"I have basketball practice every Saturday morning," dagdag ni Zeo.

Oliver considered it. "Start tayo ng hapon, then."

"Kailangan bang whole day?" tanong ni Zeo.

"Dude, hapon na nga tayo mags-start e."

"Hanggang gabi yun, diba?"

"Yeah."

"Tapos kailangan pa natin siyang ihatid?"

Napatingin silang dalawa sa'kin. Habang naguusap sila kanina, kumakain lang ako
nang kumakain. At dahil diyan, linunok ko muna yung kakasubo ko lang na cream soup.

"Kaya kong magisa," I assured them.

Mukhang hindi sila naniniwala sa'kin from their expressions.

I rolled my eyes. "I can crash sa isa sa mga kakilala ko in the city."

Nagbago yung facial expression ni Zeo. From his look, parang sinasabi niyang he
knew my secret . . . and he didn't know what to do with it.

Ano naman kayang secret yun?

"Sure ka?" tanong ni Oliver sa'kin, skeptical pa rin siya.

"Oo naman."

Actually, hindi. Kasi naalala ko, umuuwi pala si Benjo tuwing Friday sa Tagaytay.
So wala siya sa condo niya tuwing Saturday night. May isa pa akong kakilala, pero
no way akong makiki-crash sa place ng ex ko. No effing way.

"She's lying."

Napanganga ako. Of all the people who would say that, si Zeo pa? Sinarado ko agad
ang bibig ko at tinignan siya.

"You brushed your hair with your fingers," Zeo explained, "to divert your attention
while you're lying, diba?"

Hmm. Tama siya. Para hindi ako nakatutok sa pagsisinungaling ko, I busied my hands
para natural na lumabas ang words at hindi kabado.

Kumunot noo ni Oliver. "Nakatingin ako straight in her eyes."

"She's a good liar, I'll give her that," impressed na sinabi ni Zeo, giving me a
smirk. "Pero not good enough to get past me. I'm a good liar, too."

"It comes with being a playboy ba?" tanong ko, pero cold yung boses ko.

"As a matter of fact, yes." Abot tenga ngiti niya.

Hala sige, i-flash mo yang straight white teeth mo sa'kin. Meron din ako niyan noh.
"I don't like dishonesty," sabi ni Oliver. Balik seryoso na naman mukha niya.

Hay. And to think, okay okay na kami mula nung nasa sasakyan niya kami. Back to
zero na naman. Badtrip kasi si Zeo e. Ang ingay. Ayan tuloy.

"Geez, white lie lang naman," sabi ko.

"Kahit na," sagot ni Oliver.

Ayoko to talaga ng pinagsasabihan ako na parang akong bata. Naiinis ako sa ganun.
Kaya ayaw ko ng authority e. Hindi ako napapalagay kapag inuutusan ako. Gusto ko,
kusa ako.

"O, narinig mo yun," sabat ni Zeo. "No lying policy na tayo." He smiled crookedly,
yung tipong uber sexy.

Wait lang, bakit ang sexy niya kapag ginagawa niya yun? At bakit ako nasesexihan?!
Galit dapat ako sa kanya! Anak ng tokwa naman oh.

"Okay, fine." I sighed. "Ayokong nagco-commute sa gabi. Makikitulog nalang sana ako
sa kakilala ko, but then I remembered wala siya sa condo niya every weekend."

Walang umimik. Dumating na yung main course, and we started eating quietly. Parang
kanya kanya kaming nagiisip ng paraan kung paano ba ako makakauwi every time na may
lakad kami. Na-touch naman ako kahit papaano at pinoproblema din nila yun. Akala
ko, sobrang sama nila na wala silang pakialam.

Almost done na ako sa pagkain when Oliver spoke again.

"Salitan tayo," he told Zeo.

Zeo groaned. "Ang layo. Baka maligaw ako."

"Hinatid mo naman siya kahapon ah."

Hindi nagsalita si Zeo. Ha! Busted.

Tumingin sa'kin si Oliver, balik kay Zeo. Tapos, balik ulit sa'kin. Tumaas ang
kilay niya. Tinatanong niya kung hinatid ba ko ng kumag. I shook my head in answer.
Napasandal siya sa upuan niya. He didn't say anything.

Tumahimik uli sa table namin.

"Gaano ba kalayo?"

Napatingin agad kami ni Oliver kay Zeo. He was frowning as if he didn't like where
the conversation was getting at. Mukha siyang spoiled brat, which he probably was.

"Two hours away, if you're gonna take the shortcut," answered Oliver.

Zeo pouted.

I grew tired of this shiz. Kung ayaw niya, edi 'wag. Like I said, hindi ko
ipagpipilitan sarili ko sa kanila. May mga friends naman akong mas willing na
makasama ako at tumulong sa'kin. Ayoko rin naman na feeling nila ay responsibilidad
nila ako. Sino ba ako?

"Look, hihingan ko nalang yung pinsan ko ng susi sa condo niya," I told them.
"Kahit hindi niya 'ko mabigyan, may roommate naman siyang kilala ako at pwede akong
papasukin dun e."

Naalala ko bigla yung roommate ni Benjo na si Dex. He never admitted it, pero
nakwento ni Benjo na may crush daw sa'kin yun. 'Di naman siguro ako
pagsasamantalahan nun. Takot lang niya kay Benjo.

Zeo looked at me after hearing what I said. Hindi ko mabasa yung iniisip niya.

"Tapos, you'll leave in the morning nalang?" tanong ni Oliver.

"Yeah," I shrugged. "I prefer to commute kapag may araw."

"Pinsan?" biglang sabat ni Zeo.

I frowned. "Oo."

"Pinsan mo yung tinawagan mo kahapon?"

I looked at him suspiciously. Paano niya nalaman na tumawag ako kay Benjo kahapon?
Unless . . . sinundan niya ko . . . ?

Obvious sa mukha niya na parehas kami ng iniisip because he suddenly cleared his
throat and looked away from me.

So what, akala niya boylet ko yung tinawagan ko kahapon? Si Benjo, boylet? YUCK!
Incest! Ew! Kaya pala yung ngiti niya kanina kala mo may alam siyang nililihim ko.
HA! Pahiya ang kumag. Akala niya ah?

Pero wait, sinundan niya nga ako?

"Anyway, settled na yan," said Zeo. "Hindi ka na namin kailangang ihatid?"

Grabe. Feeling ko talaga pasakit ako sa buhay nila.

"Yeah," irap ko.

"Sa pagsundo nalang tayo magsalitan," suggested Oliver.

"Fine, ako na next week," sabi ni Zeo na parang napipilitan lang talaga.

I'm not forcing you into anything, asshole!

NAKAKAINIS. Parang napaka pain-in-the-ass ko sa buhay ni Zeo. Buti pa si Oliver,

kahit may pagka-masungit, mabait pa rin.

"Text niyo nalang kaya ako kung saan tayong place," mataray kong sinabi. Hindi ko
na ma-contain pagka-badtrip ko. "Tas, magkita-kita nalang tayo."

"'Di na," agad na sinabi ni Zeo. "Baka sabihin mo pa kung anong klaseng lalaki
kami."

Grr. Nanggigigil ako sa kanya. Sobrang nakakabanas siya. ARGH.

"The fact na sinabi mo yan proves kung gaano ka ka-spoiled brat."

Gusto ko siyang inisin tulad ng pangiinis niya sa'kin.

"So what if I am?" Tumawa si Zeo. "You can't do anything about it."
Hindi ko na kaya. Sinipa ko siya sa tuhod sa ilalim ng table.

Oo, sinipa ko ang kinababaliwan ng mga college-age girls sa buong Luzon. Sinipa ko
si Zeo Alcante sa tuhod, ang Lion King ng DLSU. Nagsisi ako agad kasi baka
napalakas, hindi naman siguro siya mai-injure dahil lang sa - Stop, Lana. Pake mo
ba?

Napamura si Zeo ng malakas. Ha. Buti nga sayo.

Lumingon mga tao sa'min, pero hindi din nagtagal. They went on to mind their own
business. Nakita kong minamasahe ni Oliver ang ulo niya. Si Zeo naman, nakahawak sa
tuhod niya. Pero hindi pa rin siya galit. In fact, he looked quite amused.

"Touchy."

"Just shut up, Zeo," sabi ko.

"Or what? Sasaktan mo ulit ako?"

"Gusto mo?"

"'Wag na. Baka isunod mo pa ang handsome face ko."

I scoffed. "Handsome? Bulag ka ba?" Yes, ginamit ko ang overused na tactic ng mga
babae when it comes to cute guys.

He sneered. "Yeah, right. And I'm supposed to believe that you honestly don't think
I'm good-looking?"

Shiz. He's good. Overconfident, but good.

I was about to answer him when the waiter came. Niligpit niya ang mga main course
namin, at pinalitan ng dessert. When the waiter left, Oliver leaned his elbows sa
table. Para siyang referee kasi siya yung nasa gitna namin ni Zeo.

"Can't we get along for five days?" asked Oliver. "Five days lang. Ang ingay niyong
dalawa e. I don't think I can take too much noise and banter every time magkikita
tayo."

Natahimik ako. First time ko ata siyang narinig na magsalita ng ganun kahaba. Medyo
na-guilty tuloy ako ng konti kasi hindi ko namamalayan na nakikipagbangayan na pala
ko kay Zeo. Pero he started it from being such a kumag e!

"Whatever," bulong ni Zeo, before eating his dessert.

"Alright," I said, rolling my eyes.

Patuloy kaming kumain. Tahimik uli sa table. Para bang, we were energizing
ourselves to start over. May point din naman kasi si Oliver e. Walang mangyayari
sa'min if we wouldn't at least try to be civil and get along. We had to put our
differences aside muna.

Like yung De La Soledad - Silvestre rivalry, yung kayabangan ni Zeo, yung katarayan
ko, yung kasungitan ni Oliver, yung mga pride namin. Lahat yun, i-set aside muna.

"Peace," sabi ko kay Zeo.

Tinignan niya ko ng matagal, hanggang sa tumango siya.

"Peace."

_____________

Dedicated to Bonitababyy! :) x

A lot of you guys like Oliver. As in, halos lahat bumoto sa kanya last chapter.

Now I ask again, Zeo or Oliver? :)

Lana's List (5)

"Double O Seven," Oliver told Zeo. "You in?"

Ngumiti si Zeo. "Sige ba!"

"Siya si Blue Blur," singit ko, pagkainom ko ng juice.

Tumingin sa'kin bigla si Oliver, nginitian ko lang siya. He shook his head in turn.

Nanlaki mga mata ni Zeo at napanganga. Tumingin siya ng dahan dahan kay Oliver. May
bago akong napansin sa kanya. Kung kahapon, medyo superior yung asta niya kay
Oliver, ngayon medyo parang may nakita akong respeto na.

Zeo composed himself and smiled. He was nodding, seeming impressed sa nalaman
niyang news. Nasa itsura niya ang parang pagkatalo, tapos he was still being a good
sport? Para bang nakahanap na siya ng kapantay. Yun yung itsura niya.

"You gonna race tonight?" Zeo asked Oliver.

"Baka," shrugged Oliver.

"Pusta 'ko sayo."

"Nako, mapipilitan akong magpatalo niyan."

Nagulat ako sa tono ng pagsasalita nila. Parang nage-enjoy sila sa conversation.

Parang long time friends na sila. Nakangiti pa sila ng pabiro habang naguusap.

Huh. So this is setting aside our differences and starting over . . . I like it.

Hindi ko namalayan, nakangiti na rin ako. Pinakinggan ko lang sila magusap, nagco-
comment din ako paminsan-minsan. Hanggang sa pinakuha na yung bill. Magbibigay na
sana ako ng share ko nang sinabi ni Oliver na sagot na niya 'to.

Aba, no problem sa'kin. Pero natapakan ata ng konti yung ego ni Zeo.

"Sige, basta ako bahala sa club later," declared Zeo.

Club? Napatingin ako sa kanila bago ko naalala. Ay, oo nga pala. Mamaya pang 3am
yung Double O Seven. So madami pang hours to kill before then.

Paglabas namin sa Charmuel's Cuisine, niyaya ko sila sa Bowling Alley. Wala namang
problema sa kanila kaya sabay sabay kaming naglakad papunta doon.

Napansin kong madaming tumitingin sa'min. Well, hindi ko sila masisisi. Ang gagwapo
ng mga kasama ko. Tapos, sikat pa si Zeo. Wala pa namang nagpapa-picture sa kanya,
pero halatang namumukhaan siya.

Pagpasok namin sa Bowling Alley, pinigilan ko silang pumila sa cashier.

"Ako na magbabayad ah," dineclare ko, pumila na rin ako. "Sinagot niyo na lahat e,"
natatawa kong dagdag.

Skeptical na naman expressions nila. Minsan, napaghahalataan kong pinagkakaisahan

nila 'ko pagdating sa mga ganitong bagay.

Tumaas kilay ni Oliver.

"Ows?" banat ni Zeo.

"'Di naman ako pulubi noh," sabi ko sa kanila.

"May sinabi ba 'ko?" Tumawa si Zeo. "Easy ka nga lang. Babae ka pa rin kaya. 'Di
ako nagpapabayad sa babae."

"Same here," added Oliver.

"Ang aarte niyo," sambat ko. "Mga sexist!"

"Sexist na kung sexist," sagot ni Zeo, hinila ako paalis ng pila para siya ang
pumalit sa'kin. "Alis! Dun ka."

Napanganga ko. Ayoko ng inuutusan ako, diba? Hindi ako napapalagay. Aalma na sana
ko kaso nagsalita ulit si Zeo.

"Bro, hawakan mo yan," sabi niya kay Oliver.

Bro? 'Bro' na sila ngayon?

Zeo laughed out loud. "Baka sapakin ako bigla. Mahirap na."

Napatawa na rin si Oliver.

Oh, my God. Pinagkakaisahan talaga nila ako. Hindi ko maintindihan mga lalaki.
Bakit ganun silang mga nilalang? Parang kahapon lang, ang tindi ng tension nila sa
katawan. Tapos ngayon, kala mo ang tagal tagal na nilang magkaibigan e. May pa
'bro' 'bro' pa silang nalalaman. Brohugin ko mga mukha nila e.

I scoffed. "Hindi kita sasapakin noh. Ayokong sugurin ng mga fans mo."

Ngumiti si Zeo dun. "You mean you're not one of them?"

Hindi na ako nakasagot dahil siya na yung susunod sa cashier. Habang nagbabayad
siya, bumuntong hininga ako. Lumingon sa'kin si Oliver sa tabi ko.

"Anong course mo?" he asked.

"Marketing," I answered, habang nakatingin kay Zeo na papalapit na sa'min. May

nginitian siyang grupo ng mga babae. "Ikaw ba?"

"Architecture," simple niyang sagot.

Napatingin ako sa kanya. "Astig."

"Minsan. Madalas, masakit sa ulo."

"Dulong lane tayo," singit ni Zeo nang makalapit na sa'min. "Mine's Business Ad, by
the way. Yung course ko." Tumango siya sa'kin. "Kaya ka pala magaling
magsinungaling. You plan to be an advertiser."

"Not exactly an advertiser, per se," I replied. Kumuha ako ng bowling shoes na nasa
size ko at umupo sa malapit na upuan. "More like, public relations officer."

"It's the same thing," said Oliver, after getting his bowling shoes.

"Oo nga," agreed Zeo. "Pinaganda mo lang e."

And that was how the first half of the evening went. Nagkwentuhan lang kami. We
talked about ourselves and everything else. We shared stories and laughed. Syempre,
nag-asaran din kami kasi kulelat si Oliver sa scoreboard. At ako ang may pinaka-
mataas na score! Yay!

After that, nag-arcade kami. Nag-race kaming tatlo (obvious naman siguro kung sino
nagtagumpay dun), nag-shoot ng hoops (halata ulit kung sino nanalo dun), at nag-
barilan.

Todo bonding na ata kami ngayon e. Wala kaming ginawa kundi magkwentuhan at
magtawanan. Ang weird nga kasi kahapon, ang sama talaga ng umpisa namin. Pati
kanina. Tapos, nung nag start over na kami, dun na nagbago.

I mean, nandyan pa rin yung yabang ni Zeo. Hindi na ata mawawala yun. Pero more on
carefree siya, pala biro, pala ngiti. Okay naman pala siyang maging kaibigan.

Si Oliver naman, unti-unting nago-open up ng sarili. Tahimik pa rin siya, may

pagka-masungit pa din. Pero 'di na katulad ng kahapon.

Madami akong nalaman tungkol sa kanila.

Like si Zeo hindi voluntary yung pagsali niya sa research na 'to. Napilitan lang
siya kasi bumabagsak siya sa isa sa mga major subjects niya. Malaking credits pala
para sa mga Soledarians kapag sumali dito.

Si Oliver naman, bored lang daw siya kaya he volunteered. Tsaka, iniiwasan niya
yung mga teammates niya. He quit being a varsity soccer player at Silverstre just
last summer.

Napaisip tuloy ako. For sure, kilala niya yung ex ko kung naging soccer player siya
dun. Medyo kinabahan nga ako e. Close kaya sila? Pero parang 'di naman. Ang lalayo
ng ugali nila e. Then again, heto kami ngayon nila Zeo at Oliver. Nagkakasundo
kahit iba't iba ugali namin.

Ang weird talaga.

***

Napaka-nostalgic dito.

Nasa Haut kami nina Zeo at Oliver, ang pinaka-sikat na club sa Manila.

Dito sa mismong club na 'to parati akong dinadala ni Calvin dati. Dito rin ako
tinatakas ng mga pinsan ko nung fifteen palang kami ni Benjo. Party girls and boys
kasi lahi namin. Kaya ayun, maaga kaming namulat sa mga ganito.

Kaya ang nostalgic talaga dito. Both good and bad memories, naghalo.
10pm palang nang pumasok kami, subalit andami nang tao. Nahirapan kami ng konti sa
paghahanap ng table. Pero dahil maimpluwensya ang dalawang kasama kong lalaki,
hindi kami nagtagal na nakatayo.

Medyo nagulat nga ako nung may mga bumati din kay Oliver e. Mukhang kilala siya,
hindi lang as 'Blue Blur.' Si Zeo naman . . . Well, siya si Zeo Alcante.

Pag-upo namin, hindi ko mapigilang lumingon lingon sa paligid ko. Hindi ko alam
kung nandito ang ex-boyfriend ko. Ayoko sana siyang makita kaso maliit lang ang
mundo. At mas lalong maliit ang Manila.

"Okay ka lang?"

Tumingin ako kay Oliver na nasa kanan ko. Ngumiti at tumango lang ako. Nasa booth
kaming tatlo ngayon. Pinag-gigitnaan ako nung dalawa.

"Shots tayo ah," said Zeo, sumisignal sa waiter. Nung lumapit sa kanya, binulongan
niya ito. Nahuli kong nag sign language siya ng 'two.'

Ano kaya yung 'two' na yun? Hala. Two bottles? Of what?

Pagalis ng waiter, he was all smiles. Parang he really liked it here. Pati si
Oliver, chill lang. Pinapanuod namin yung mga tao na nagsasayaw sa dance floor.
Nakaka-miss din night life dito sa Manila.

It's been a while.

"First time mo dito, girly?"

Napatingin ako kay Zeo. Hindi ako sigurado kung ako yung kausap niya kasi . . .
Tinawag ba niya 'kong 'girly'? What the shiz?

Rule #4: Create a nickname for him. Yung nickname na pipiliin mo, hindi dapat
compliment. Dapat kakaiba pa rin. That way, dagdag familiarity and closeness. Pag
nagtext ka or tumawag or nagchat, tas tinawag mo siya by that nickname, ikaw kaagad
ang papasok sa isip niya. Kahit marinig niya lang yun sa ibang tao or mabasa kung
saan, maaalala niya ikaw.

Zeo's uber sexy smile was back on his face.

"Girly?" Lumingon ako sa likuran ko. Wala namang ibang tao, puro lalaki na yung
nasa kabilang booth. Binalik ko tingin ko kay Zeo. "Ako ba kinakausap mo?"

He snorted. "Who else?"

"Yuck. Bakit 'girly'? Iba nalang."

Tumawa si Oliver.

"At dahil diyan, yan na talaga itatawag ko sayo," grinned Zeo.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, Mufasa."

Tumawa pa lalo si Oliver, na sinabayan naman ni Zeo. Tawa sila ng tawa sa sinabi
ko. Halatang 'di nila ine-expect. Mukha ba akong walang sense of humor?

"Touche, girly," natatawa pa ring sinabi ni Zeo.

"'Di ko first time," sagot ko sa tanong niya kanina. "Madalas ako dati dito."

"'Cause of the ex?" asked Oliver.

Bigla kong naalala yung pinagusapan namin kanina nung papunta palang kami ng MOA.
Napagusapan nga pala namin nun ng bahagya sa kotse niya.

"Yeah," cold kong sinagot.

"What ex?" tanong ni Zeo, nakakunot ang noo.

"The ex that always brought her to Double O Seven," replied Oliver.

"Ah."

"Pero no," madali kong dagdag. "Yung mga pinsan ko din kasi mahilig mag-party.
Since fifteen years old palang ako, dinadala na 'ko dito."

"Cool bunch of cousins you have there," complimented Zeo.

Napangiti ako. "I know."

Sakto, dumating na ang mga in-order ni Zeo. Tama nga ang hinala ko. Two bottles
nga. Yung isa Tequila, yung isa naman Patron. He also ordered some nachos and
fries. Tapos, may isang pitsel ng tubig.

Naghanap ako ng lemon and salt, pero wala akong makita. Napansin ni Oliver na may
hinahanap ako, kaya naman tumingin siya kay Zeo na naglalagay na ng shots.

"Dude, lemon and salt."

Zeo waved his hand dismissively. "That's for sissies."

Oliver snapped his fingers, making Zeo look at him. Sabay tinuro ako ni Oliver.
Tumaas ang kilay ko. Tsaka lang naintindihan ni Zeo yung pinaparating ni Oliver.

"Shit, sorry."

Zeo straightened up and looked at the table. He narrowed his eyes, tapos parang may
light bulb na umilaw sa ulo niya at bigla siyang ngumiti. Tumingin siya sa'kin.

"Try it with some fries," sabi niya, habang inabutan ako ng shot.

Sinunod ko siya. I took the shot, sabay kuha ng fries and water. Ooh. Kinilabutan
ako. Biglang naginit katawan ko, umakyat sa lalamunan. Antagal ko nang 'di
nakakainom nito.

"How is it?" tanong ni Oliver.

Inaabangan pala ko nung dalawa.

"Mas masarap pa din with lemon and salt," sabi ko.

The two boys chuckled. O-order na dapat si Zeo pero pinigilan ko siya.
"Gusto kong uminom ng bare."

"Whoa, you sure?" asked Zeo.

It probably wasn't a good idea. Pero hindi naman ako magpapakalasing e. Alam ko pa
din limitations ko. I'd know when to stop. Kahit na may feeling akong hindi naman
ako papabayaan ng dalawang 'to, I still had to watch out for myself.

After all, wala pang isang araw kaming nagkakasama.

"Yup," padighay kong sinabi.

Na-feel ko agad na gumaang yung pakiramdam ko. Wow. Ang bilis naman mag kick in ng
alcohol sa system ko. Tagal na rin kasi e.

Nagtinginan sina Zeo at Oliver. Tumango nalang si Oliver.

"Hatid ko nalang siya mamaya," sabi ni Oliver, na ikinagulat ko ng konti.

Si Zeo din nabigla. "Sa condo ng pinsan niya?"

Oliver shook his head. "Sa Tagaytay."

Hindi nagsalita si Zeo. Tumango lang siya at nag-shot. Umasim saglit yung mukha
niya pero agad itong nawala.

Bakit ganun? Ang gwapo pa rin niya kahit na maasim yung expression ng mukha niya?
Para bang he made it attractive. He made it hot, even.

Ang daya. Hmp. Maka-shot na nga lang.

Nilagyan ko ng Tequila yung shot glass ko. After nun, kinuha ko ito at nilunok ng
mabilisan. Hindi ko na masyadong pinadaan sa dila ko, para hindi ko malasahan.

"Bleah." AMPAIT.

Kinilabutan ulit ako, naginit katawan ko sandali at nawala din agad. Whoo. Umikot
ng konti yung paningin ko, kaya sumandal muna ako sa upuan.

Nakita kong tumingin ulit si Zeo kay Oliver.

"Sama 'ko."

I blinked after hearing what he said. Totoo ba narinig ko? Seryoso? Gusto niyang
sumama sa tinawag niyang 'bundok' just a few hours ago?

Lumingon ako kay Oliver at nakitang napapangiti siya pero pinipigilan niya.

Bakit siya napapangiti? At bakit niya pinipigilan? Shucks. Ang sabaw na ng utak ko.
Konti palang naman naiinom ko.

"Ikaw bahala," sabi ni Oliver, habang kinukuha niya ang shot niya.

After ng ilang shots, tipsy na ako. Feeling ko nga, kanina pa ako tipsy. 'Di ko
lang nahahalata. Ewan ko. Basta na-sure akong tipsy na talaga 'ko nang gusto ko
nang magsayaw.

"Sayaw lang ako," dineklara ko sa kanila.

Tumango lang si Zeo, may tinitignan siyang babae kanina pa. Si Oliver naman, umalis
muna ng booth para makalabas ako.

"Teka," natatawang sinabi ni Zeo. "Nakaboots kang ganyan, magsasayaw ka?"

Tumingin ako sa boots ko. Shiz. Oo nga pala. Humawak ako sa balikat ni Oliver at
inalis ang boots ko. Magpapaa nalang ako. Nakaitim na medyas naman ako e. Buti
nalang.

"Sure ka?" tanong ni Oliver, his eyes on my feet na parang natatakot siya sa
pwedeng mangyayari sa mga paa ko.

"Yup," I replied, habang nilalagay ko ang boots ko sa ilalim ng mesa namin.

"You're crazy," sabi ni Zeo na parang hindi makapaniwala.

Ngumiti lang ako kay Zeo. Oo nga, tipsy na nga talaga ako para ngumiti sa kanya ng
hindi sarcastic.

"No, I'm tipsy," sagot ko. With that, tinalikuran ko sila at dumeretso sa dance
floor.

Actually, tama naman yung concern nila e. Meron kasing 90% chance na maapak-apakan
ang mga paa ko ng stilettos ng ibang babae. Kaso, I'm 100% past caring. I just want
to get loose and dance.

And so I did.

_____________

Madaming loyal supporters si Oliver. Good. Haha.

Get ready for the next chapter. #kiligtothemax

Lana's List (6)

WARNING: IT IS IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO NINA'S VERSION OF FOOLISH HEART WHILE READING
THIS. YOU'LL REGRET IT IF YOU DON'T.

Let's play a GAME! Before reading, comment mo muna kung kanino ka boto between Zeo
and Oliver. After reading, tell me kung yung binoto mo pa rin yung gusto mo
still. ;)

_____________

Nasusuka ako.

"Stop mo muna, Oliver."

Oliver parked the car by the side of the quiet road. As soon as it stopped, lumabas
ako at tumakbo sa bushes. Sinuka ko yung acid ng alcohol. My cousins taught me how
to properly get the alcohol out of your system, para hindi ako mahilo at feeling ko
gusto kong sumuka all the time. Acid lang talaga sinuka ko, kaya hindi naman
nakakadiri. Parang laway lang.
"What's the hold up?" narinig ko boses ni Zeo, at ang sarado ng pintuan ng kotse.

On the way na kami sa Largo Avenue from Haut. Sa bilis magpatakbo ni Oliver ng
sasakyan, na-feel kong umaakyat yung mga ininom at kinain ko. Kaya pinatigil ko
muna siya.

"Nasusuka si Lana," sagot ni Oliver kay Zeo.

Zeo laughed. "Sa dami niyang nainom at bilis mong mag-drive, it isn't surprising."

"Sorry, Lana," concerned na sabi ni Oliver.

I just waved him off from behind. Hindi pa 'ko makapagsalita at makaharap sa kanila
e. Pinilit ko pang sumuka. Tumingala ako at huminga ng malalim. Maluha-luha na rin
ako.

Nahihiya na nga rin ako kasi naririnig nila. Kadiri kaya ginagawa ko. Tapos may
kasama pa kong naggagwapuhang mga lalaki. Ugh. Sobrang nakakahiya. Pero kailangang
gawin kung gusto kong tumagal ngayong gabi.

"Una ka na, bro," Zeo suddenly said. "Sabay na kami. I'll drive slow nalang."

'Di ako lumingon kaya hindi ko nakita expressions nila sa mukha. Naririnig ko lang
sila from where I was. Gustong gusto ko pa naman makita expression ni Zeo. Never in
a million years ko siyang ine-expect na mag-volunteer.

"Sigurado ka?" tanong ni Oliver.

Oo nga, Zeo. Sigurado ka?

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay. Heto bag niya. Lana, binigay ko bag mo kay Zeo ah."

Kumaway nalang ako uli. Malapit na akong matapos. Konti nalang. Nawawala-wala na
rin yung hilo ko e.

"See you guys there," I heard Oliver say, before I heard him climb inside his car.
He beeped before fully driving away.

Hindi pa muna nagsalita si Zeo. Bigla ko nalang naramdaman yung kamay niya napunta
sa likod ko. Napatalon ako ng konti sa gulat. Tumawa naman siya.

Grabe. Ang lapit niya sa'kin. Naamoy ko na siya. At ang bango niya ah. Kahit galing
kami sa Haut, mabango pa rin siya. Iisipin mong bagong ligo. Nagkaroon tuloy ako ng
sudden urge na sumandal sa kanya. Pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko.

"Yan kasi," he scolded, chuckling. "Inom ng inom, 'di naman pala kaya."

Hindi ko siya masagot kasi baka bad breath ako. Actually, hindi baka. Talagang bad
breath ako. Tapos ang lapit pa niya. Ayoko nga. Baka ma-turn off pa siya sa'kin.

N - Not that I care kung ma-turn off siya. Unreachable siya, kaya there's no way.

So tinignan ko nalang siya ng masama, na lalo niyang ikinatawa.

"Kahit lasing, mataray pa rin."

Gusto ko siyang sagutin. Kaso nare-relax na ako sa ginagawa niya e. Naco-comfort

ako. He was softly patting my back. Yung mga ginagawa ng mga kaibigan kapag
nagsusuka yung kapwa kaibigan mo? Yun yung ginagawa niya. Pero instead of wearing a
pitiful look, he was grinning in amusement.

Typical Zeo, walang sineseryoso.

Uh-oh. May paparating na acid. 'Di ko na napigilan, nilabas ko na. Buti nalang
parang dura lang, kaya I didn't make much mortifying sounds like before.

I breathed deeply.

Okay. Tapos na. Sa wakas.

"Here."

I saw him handing me a bottle of water. Tinanggap ko at uminom. Yuck. Nalalasahan

ko pa yung alak sa dila ko. Pagtapos kong uminom, inabutan niya naman ako ng breath
mints. Without saying anything, kinuha ko agad at nilagay sa bibig ko.

"Thanks," I murmured.

"Don't sweat it."

Sabay kami ni Zeo na pumunta sa kotse niya. Ang gara ng sasakyan niya, in fairness
talaga. Kulang dark gray na Mercedes Benz GL Class daw, sabi niya kanina nung nasa
parking lot kami ng Haut. SUV na pagka-lakilaki. Ang cool tignan. Bagay na bagay sa
kanya.

Inabot ni Zeo yung bag ko at binuksan ang pintuan ng passenger side.

My jaw dropped, and I stared at him with a shocked face. Nabasa niya agad ang nasa
isip ko, because he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I can be a gentleman," sabi niya, like he was answering the unspoken
question in my mind. "It's not that shocking."

Nagising ako dun. I composed myself and cleared my throat.

"It is for me," I snorted, before finally going inside his vehicle.

Wow. Ang linis dito sa loob. Again, hindi ko ine-expect yun. Napaka maalaga naman
nila Zeo at Oliver sa mga sasakyan nila. Pati kaya sa babae ganun din sila?

Like Zeo said, hindi mabilis ang pag-drive niya. It was as if we were cruising
around the city sa speed namin. Ayos lang. Feel ko din namang tumingin lang sa city
lights, sa paligid na walang katao-tao. Kami lang ata ang nandito sa road na 'to.

"Anong name nung cousin mo?"

Napatingin ako kay Zeo. I couldn't help but sneer.

"Sinundan mo ba 'ko kahapon pagka-alis ko?" diretsahan kong tanong.

He pouted, hesitating. Madaming minuto ang lumipas bago siya sumagot.

"Oo."

Bigla akong may naramdaman sa tiyan ko. Yung tibok ng puso ko naman, bumilis ang
beat. Oh, no. Holy shiz. I know this feeling. Bakit ganito? Hindi pwedeee!
Bakit . . . ako . . . kinikilig?!

"Babae ka pa rin e," dugtong ni Zeo. "I can't just leave you in the city by
yourself. May konsensya din naman ako . . . 'di lang halata." Nakangiti siya nang
dinagdag niya yung huling sinabi niya. Damn his uber sexy smile.

Inalis ko ang mga mata ko sa pagtitig sa kanya - particularly, sa dimples niya.

Tumingin ako sa mga establishments na dinadaanan namin.

"Benjamin Lopez," I finally said. "Yun ang pangalan ng pinsan ko."

"Benjo Lopez?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Zeo. "That Benjo?"

Lumingon ako sa kanya. Anong problema niya?

"Oo."

Tumawa siya, then he shook his head. "Small world."

"Kilala mo siya?" tanong ko, medyo hindi rin makapaniwala.

"Of course. Party animal yun e."

Oo nga naman. Paanong hindi sila magkakakilala, e parehas sila ng night life? Pero
wait lang, parating umuuwi si Benjo sa Tagaytay every weekend ah? Unless yung night
life niya ay tuwing Friday night. Tapos, ang uwi niya ay Saturday. That made sense.

"Close kayo?" I asked. Wala naman kasing naku-kwento si Benjo na kaibigan niya si
Zeo, o nakakasama man lang kung saan man.

Zeo shrugged. "Sakto lang. He's cool."

I nodded in agreement.

"'Di ka niya nababanggit," sabi niya.

"Ditto," simple kong sagot.

Tumawa siya.

Ang hilig tumawa ni Zeo. Pero okay lang. Ang sarap naman pakinggan e. Napaka
natural at carefree ng tawa niya. Tsaka, ang cute niya pag tumatawa. May pagka-
boyish yung itsura niya, kaya mapapangiti ka nalang din.

"He knows me well," he said quietly.

I frowned. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

He flashed me a crooked smile (yeah, the uber sexy one). "He knows popormahan kita
kapag nalaman ko existence mo."

Nabigla ako sa sinabi niya. Bigla akong kinabahan. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko.
Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Seryoso ba siya?

Focus, Lana. Si Zeo Alcante ang kausap mo. He's a certified chickboy, remember?
'Wag kang magpadala sa charm niya. Remember your list! Ano yung rule #2?

Keep your cool.

"Buti nalang pala hindi," sabi ko, natatawa ng konti. "Baka mapahiya ka lang. Hindi
kasi effective ang charm mo sa'kin e." I smiled at him sweetly.

He burst out laughing. "'Di lang ikaw ang babaeng narinig kong nagsabi niyan. In
the end, kinain din nila the things they said."

Bago pa ako makasagot, lumiko na kami. Bumulaga sa'min ang napaka-liwanag na

street. Punong puno ng mga magagarang sasakyan.

We're here . . . Largo Avenue . . . Double O Seven.

A very familiar car caught my eye. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Tinignan ko kaagad ang
plate number ng kotse na yun. I gasped.

Shiz! Holy. Effing. Shiz!

I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to breathe. Mabilis ang tibok ng puso ko, pero
hindi na in a good way katulad ng kanina.

This is bad. Ayoko siyang makita.

"Huy! Ayos ka lang?"

Napalingon ako kay Zeo. Nakakunot ng konti ang noo niya. Nagkatinginan kami sa mga
mata. Nakita niya ata ang pagpa-panic ko dahil sumeryoso facial expression niya.
Iniwas ko ang tingin ko at na-realize kong naka-park na pala kami. 'Di ko man lang
napansin.

"Lana."

Napatalon ako sa upuan ko. I whipped my head so fast kay Zeo. First time kong
narinig na sinabi niya pangalan ko. Tapos, mababa at seryoso pa ang boses niya.

Oh, my God. Bakit ang hot niya? Umubod ang gwapo niya kapag galit. Unfair talaga.
Kapag galit ako, mukha akong aso e.

"What's up?" seryoso niyang tanong.

Napakagat ako sa labi ko, na sinundan naman ng mga mata niya. Fudge. Bakit parang
uminit dito sa sasakyan?

"Y - Yung . . ." Huminga ako ng malalim at diretsong sinabi, "Yung ex-boyfriend ko,
nandito. Nakita ko yung kotse niya."

"And that's a big deal because . . . ?"

Sumimangot ako kay Zeo. "I don't want to see him."

"Why'd you guys break ba?"

Iniwas ko ulit yung tingin ko sa kanya. Masyadong personal yun. Sasabihin ko ba?
There were two reasons why I broke up with Calvin. One was worse than the other. So
sinabi ko muna yung hindi mas mabigat na dahilan.

"He cheated on me."

Sumipol si Zeo. "Kaya hanggang fling lang ako e."

Tumingin ako sa kanya ng masama. He raised his hands quickly in defeat.

"Just saying."

I sighed.

"You still love him?"

Umiling ako. "Of course not."

"Bakit ka affected?"

Dahil sa isang mas mabigat na dahilan - literally and figuratively. Nakaka-trauma

kaya yung ginawa niya sa'kin. Kahit isang beses lang yun, malakas pa rin.

Pumikit ako at kinalma ang sarili ko. Calvin couldn't touch me now. He had no
right. He never had a right. I could take him. Hindi dapat ako matakot sa walang
modong lalaking iyon. He wasn't worth it. He never was.

"Tara na," yaya ko kay Zeo, pagkadilat ko.

Napansin niya ang pagbago ko ng usapan. He accepted it, nodded, and unlocked the
doors. Sabay kaming bumaba at pinuntahan ang kalagitnaan ng event. Habang
naglalakad kami, bumulong siya sa'kin.

"Turo mo sa'kin yung ex mo."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Bakit?"

He shrugged. "Curious lang."

Hindi naman niya siguro susugurin. Sino ba ako? Tsaka, nabugbog na rin naman ni
Benjo si Calvin e. Syempre, yung pinsan ko na yun ang tinakbuhan ko after mangyari
ng mangyari. Medyo nagwala pa nga si Benjo nun e.

Pagkadating namin sa may bandang gitna, madaming namukhaan si Zeo. Madaming bumati
at kumaway sa kanya. Lumapit si Oliver sa'min mula sa gitna. Sinundan siya ng
tingin ng mga tao. May mga taong nag-pat sa shoulder niya para i-wish siya ng good
luck. May mga nagbulungan naman habang pinapanuod siyang papalapit sa'min.

"Okay ka na?" Oliver asked me.

"Yup," sagot ko nang nakangiti.

Tumango siya.

"Bro," sabi ni Zeo. Sumignal siyang lumapit pa si Oliver. Nang mas malapit na si
Oliver, bumulong si Zeo sa kanya.

Ang daya talaga ng dalawang 'to. Parati nalang akong pinagkakaisahan. Hindi ako
magugulat kung next week, may bromance na sila. Ano kayang pinagbubulungan nila? At
bakit feeling ko, ako yun?

Tumingin sila sa'kin ng sabay.

Confirmed. Ako nga yun. For sure, kinu-kwento ni Zeo yung ex-boyfriend ko na
nandito lang sa paligid. For sure din, nakikita ako ng ex ko na yun ngayon. Nasa
bandang gitna kami ng crowd e, sa may likod ng starting line.
Napalingon si Oliver sa paligid, parang may hinahanap. Natigilan siya ng sandali,
bago humarap ulit kay Zeo. Makalipas ng ilang saglit, lumapit yung dalawa sa'kin.
Hindi naman seryoso ang mga mukha nila. Chill lang, pero I noticed the curiosity in
their eyes.

"Name ng ex mo?" tanong ni Zeo.

Oliver stared at me, waiting for my answer.

I bit my lip in hesitation.

"Calvin Madrigal ba?" tanong ni Oliver.

Natunganga ako kay Oliver. Paano niya nalaman? Nabasa niya ang expression sa mukha
ko at tumango. Humarap siya kay Zeo.

"Siya nga yun, bro," sabi ni Oliver kay Zeo.

Napangiti si Zeo. "Ang liit talaga ng mundo."

"Bakit, anong meron?" tanong ko. Andaya nila. Share naman!

"Wait, race muna." Oliver nodded towards the guy handling all the bets, the guy
saluted him in some sort of signal. "Later na namin iku-kwento."

"A'ight," said Zeo.

"Good luck!" sabi ko nalang, kahit na gustong gusto kong malaman kung anong meron.
Bakit small world ulit?

Oliver went to his car and got in. Naghiyawan ang mga tao. Apat silang magre-race.
Aakalain mo nga, color-coded e. Blue, red, green, at yellow ang mga kulay ng mga
kotse na hahataw ngayong gabi. Power rangers lang ang peg.

May pumuntang sexy at showy na babae sa harapan. Parating sexy nalang ang mga
nagpupunta dun, pansin ko. This time, agaw pansin ang naglalakihan niyang mga
pakwan.

Nako, girl. Mahiya ka naman. Halos kita na buo mong pagkatao.

Lumingon ako kay Zeo at nakita na he was smiling crookedly, obviously checking out
Ms. Pakwan. Tumingin ako uli dun sa babae. Maganda din naman, pero may pagka-trashy
yung dating niya e. 'Di tulad ko, classy. Sorry to say, pero totoo.

Ms. Pakwan raised her arms, tumunog ng malalakas yung mga kotse. She counted to
three and she quickly put her arms down. Lumarga ang mga kotse.

Simple lang naman ang route. Balikan lang. Pero sobrang haba ng avenue na ito. Kaya
madaming nagdadala talaga ng binoculars kasi matatagalan ng konti.

"Akala ko ba pupusta ka?" tanong ko kay Zeo.

"Next time na," sabi niya, habang nakatingin sa malayo. I noticed something caught
his eye, though. Napalingon kasi siya sa gilid ng crowd. Bumalik ang uber sexy
smile niya sa mukha niya.

Sinundan ko ang tingin niya at nakita si Ms. Pakwan. Nakatingin din siya kay Zeo,
wearing a flirty smile. Eh.
"Wait lang, I'll be back," sabi sa'kin ni Zeo, habang tinititigan pa rin si Ms.
Pakwan.

Aaaaand iniwan niya ko dito. Keri lang. It's not like may responsibilidad siya
sa'kin. He's single and very free to mingle. I'm just some girl he's forced to hang
out with for a month.

Nilabas ko ang phone ko at napansing maraming text messages galing kina Cass at
Kylee. Oops. Nakalimutan ko silang i-text buong gabi. Masyado ata akong nag-enjoy
kasama yung dalawang lalaki.

Nireplyan ko agad ang dalawa kong girlfriends. In-update ko din sila na medyo okay
naman na yung dalawang kumag. We were surprisingly getting along.

Tinext ko na din si Benjo.

Me: Langya ka, cuz. Kilala mo pala si Zeo Alcante?!

Sent. Ayan. Bago ko pa mai-angat ang ulo ko, nag-reply na siya agad. Aba, gising pa
siya. Hmm. Ah, I bet nasa Dionysus 'to ngayon. Isang bar na mala-pub ang dating sa
Tagaytay na paborito naming puntahan kapag gusto lang naming uminom at mag-chill.

Benjo: Oo. Pno mo nalaman?

Me: Groupm8 ko siya dun sa cnasabi ko saung research ng DLSU! San k?

Benjo: Ah. Ayos siya. Nsa Dionysus, san p? :P

Me: Bkit d mo cnabi sakin na u know him? Magisa k?

Benjo: D ko nman lam n big deal. Crush mo? D, ksama ko cna Ryan.

Me: Crush? ASA! Ksama mo dn cna Cass & Kylee?

Benjo: Uiii, defensive! LOL! Wag k dun, playboy un. D e, knina p cla umuwi.

Defensive? Ha! No way noh. Tsaka, kahit na hindi naman niya sabihin na 'wag ako kay
Zeo e alam ko na yun sa sarili ko palang. Ang mga type ni Zeo, mala Ms. Pakwan.
Hindi ako ganun, at hinding hindi ako magiging ganun.

Bago pa man ako makapag-reply sa pinsan ko, na-feel ko na kaagad ang evil presence
ng ex-boyfriend ko. Natigilan ako at tumingala. Tama nga ang hinala ko.

"Long time no see, Lana."

Kinilabutan ako - in a bad way.

Ganun pa rin siya. Moreno, matangkad, malaki ang katawan, at naka-gel ang buhok.
Mukha siyang half-Brazilian sa kisig ng mukha niya. Pero unlike dati, wala nang
epekto sa'kin ang itsura niya. Lahat yun, nasira sa mga kawalang-hiyaang ginawa
niya.
Naramdaman ko ang panic sa loob ko, pero hindi ko yun pinakita sa kanya. Instead, I
kept my well-known poker face na may halong katarayan.

Bitch-mode: ON.

"Do I know you?" I asked tonelessly.

I saw the corner of his mouth twitch. Nagtinginan yung mga kaibigan niya na nasa
likod niya. Namumukhaan ko pa sila, kahit na it's been more than six months
already.

Humakbang papalapit si Calvin sa'kin. He was wearing a soft expression on his face,
parang nagpapaawa sabay nangaakit. Pero manhid na 'ko sa kanya.

Useless.

"Don't be like that, babe," sabi niya nang makalapit na.

Hindi na ako nakapagtimpi.

I slapped him hard on his face. Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko, kumunot ang noo niya.
Akala ko magagalit siya, pero parang nasaktan ang facial expression niya. Good.

Malapit na ata matapos ang race dahil nagsigawan at nagtakbuhan ang mga tao. Hindi
nila alam ang nangyayari dahil naiwan kaming nasa likod ng crowd.

"Just returning the favor," sinabi ko sa kanya in a very cold voice.

"'Di ko yun sinasadya," mariin niyang sinabi.

Tumawa ako without any humor. "Is that what you tell yourself tuwing naiisip mong
literal kang nanakit ng babae?"

Yes, sinaktan niya ko noon. Pumunta ako ng condo niya at nahuli siya doing the deed
with somebody else. Nagaway kami sa living room niya kung saan nandun ang buong
tropa niya. Instead na mag-sorry siya, sinampal niya ako sa harap ng mga kaibigan
niya. Sinumbat niya sa'kin yung lalaking kinakausap ko sa club the night before.

Kahit anong explain ko na high school friend ko lang yun, hindi siya nakinig.
Sobrang nagselos siya nun na nagawa niya kong gamitan ng kamay sa harap ng mga
kaibigan niya. Ang tropa naman niya, nanuod lang. Walang umawat.

Isang sampal lang yun. Pero sobrang lakas. Nag-bruise pa nga ng ilang araw e. Hindi
ako nakapasok ng school. Si Benjo lang ang nakakaalam sa buong pamilya namin.
Because pag nalaman ng angkan namin, baka ipapatay nila si Calvin.

Oo. Ganun ka-grabe ang family namin. Madaming connections, kung saan-saan. At ayaw
na ayaw nila ang pinagbubuhatan ng kamay ang mga babae, lalo na sa pamilya namin.

"Hindi pa ba enough na nakaganti yung lasinggero mong pinsan?"

Nanlisik mga mata ko. "Hindi ka niya bubugbugin if you didn't do anything wrong." I
smiled sweetly at him, mocking pity. "I heard wala ka daw sa lasinggero kong
pinsan. And here I thought you were tough. You're just a pussy kapag lalaki na ang
kaharap."

Of course, that wasn't entirely true. Kayang lumaban ni Calvin kung sa ibang
lalaki. Nataon lang na si Benjo nakaharap niya. Bata palang kami, tinuturuan na si
Benjo ng mga basagulero naming pinsan na lumaban e.

At that, nakita kong unti-unti nang nagagalit si Calvin. Lalo akong napangiti. I
want him angry. Nage-enjoy akong makita siyang napapahiya. Tulad ng pagpapahiya
niya sa'kin noon.

"Nakita kitang dumating with that Soledarian," spat Calvin. "What happened to your
taste, Lana? Bumaba na ata standards mo."

"Kung nanggaling siya sayo, I'd say it's a huge improvement4."

Napalingon kaming lahat sa nagsalita. He looked relaxed and confident. He was also
smirking. Para bang Calvin ang his friends weren't a threat at all.

Ang lakas ng dating niya talaga.

Lumapit si Zeo at inakbayan ako. "Grabe, girly," tumatawang sinabi niya sa'kin. "I
didn't know you used to date losers."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, kaya nilapit niya ang mukha niya sa tainga ko.

"Sakay ka lang," bulong niya.

Ngumiti ako ng malambing sa kanya when he pulled away, na para bang may binulong
siyang napaka-sweet sa'kin.

"I learned from my mistakes," sabi ko.

He flashed me his uber sexy smile.

Oh, my God. Nanghina ang mga tuhod ko. Paano ba namang hindi, e nakita ko nang
malapitan ang uber sexy smile ni Zeo? Kahit sino, manghihina. Holy shiz.

"That's my girl," said Zeo in a soft voice.

Bumilis tibok ng puso ko. Hala. Alam ko 'to. Oh, no. Alam na alam ko 'to. May part
sa sarili ko na gustong ulit-ulitin ang sinabi niya. May part sa'kin na humihiling
na sana totoo ang sinabi ni Zeo. May part sa'kin na . . . na nagkakagusto kay . . .
Zeo.

NOOOOOOOOOO!

Hindi pwede! Hindi talaga pwede!!! Unreachable siya! How could this be?!

Nagwawala na ang puso't isipan ko, pero poker face pa din ako. Shucks. Ang galing
ko talagang magtago ng nararamdaman.

Nakakainis. Unreachable siya e! Dapat off limits siya! Bakit ako nagkakagusto sa
kanya?! Isang araw palang naman kaming magkakilala. Hindi dapat applicable yun e.
Ang daya talaga ni Tadhana.

"Anong sabi mo, Alcante?" hamon ni Calvin, taking a step closer. Galit na galit na
siya. It was written all over his face.

"Which one?" asked Zeo nonchalantly. "Madami akong sinabi e."

I couldn't help but smile. Pati yung mga babaeng kasama nila Calvin, napangiti rin.
May pagka-mayabang talaga si Zeo, pero lumalabas na confidence yun. Nadadala niya
kasi e. Hence, nagiging isa sa mga charms niya na pinagkakaguluhan ng mga babae.
"You don't wanna go there, man," warned Calvin. "It's not a place you wanna be."

"Kita mo 'to," sagot ni Zeo, na parang nakarinig ng joke. "You asked, I answered,
tas magagalit ka? Dude, I think you're PMS-ing. May vag!na ka ba?"

Nagtawanan yung mga babae. Namumula na si Calvin sa galit. Yung mga kaibigan niya
naman, uneasy na. Nakikinita na nila ang pwedeng mangyari.

Humakbang papalapit si Calvin sa'min. Bigla akong hinila ni Zeo papunta sa likod
niya. Tinakpan niya ako from Calvin, obviously protecting me.

Okay, I admit. Kinilig ako ng bongga sa ginawa niya.

Heehee!

Napatigil si Calvin sa paglapit nang napansin niya ang ginawa ni Zeo. Tumingin siya
sa'kin, bago kay Zeo. His scowl deepened.

"Zeo Alcante, nagseseryoso na sa babae?" tanong ni Calvin kay Zeo.

"Bakit, selos ka?" reply ni Zeo. Sumipol siya. "Sorry, pare. 'Di tayo talo."

At that, naghalakhakan yung mga babae pati yung mga tao na nakarinig sa paligid.
Napalingon kami. May namuo na pala kaming audience, hindi namin namalayan. At dahil
nakatingin kami sa mga tao, Zeo didn't see the fist that landed on his face.

"Zeo!" sigaw ko.

Zeo immediately retaliated. Then, it all happened so fast. Pagkasuntok ni Zeo kay
Calvin, agad naman siyang sinugod ng mga kaibigan nito. Zeo being Zeo, a lot of
guys came to his aid. Basically, nagkaron ng rambulan.

"Lana!"

Hinanap ko ang sumigaw ng pangalan ko. Nakita ko sa malayo si Oliver, sumi-signal

na tumakas na kami.

"Police!" sigaw niya.

Nanlaki mga mata ko. Holy shiz! Agad akong sumugod sa nangyayaring rambulan. Yeah,
may pagka-stupid yung ginawa ko. Pero may purpose ako noh. Nakita ko agad si Zeo na
nasa ibabaw ni Calvin. Bago pa siya maka-suntok ulit, hinila ko braso niya.

Napatigil ako saglit.

Oh. My. God.

Ang tigas ng muscles niya. Gusto kong maglaway . . .

I quickly shook my head. Mamaya na ako magpapantasya. Focus muna. Patuloy ko siyang
hinila palayo. Buti nalang at nagpahila naman siya.

"Dalian mo!" madali ko sa kanya. "May police daw!"

Dun lang ata siya natauhan. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at tumakbo kami papuntang
sasakyan niya.

Hindi naman necessary for him to hold my hand. Pero hindi ako magrereklamo. Ayoko
mang aminin, nakaka-comfort yung paghawak niya sa kamay ko e. Mainit, malambot, at
malaki ang kamay niya. Feeling ko tuloy, secure na secure na ako.

Kamay lang yun ah. Paano pa kaya kapag niyakap niya 'ko?

Badtrip. May crush na ata talaga ako kay Zeo. Tsk.

_____________

*evil laugh*

Whoever you voted for kanina, siya pa rin ba? ;)

Lana's List (7)

Advice: Play Foolish Heart again while reading this. Haha ;)

_____________

"San tayo?" asked Zeo.

Nasa Bacoor, Cavite na kami. Yeah, mabilis lang talaga kapag madaling araw kaya
hindi na namin kailangang dumaan ng Cavitex. Halos wala ba namang sasakyan.

"Sa Statique Cafe," I answered. "Tagaytay."

Zeo nodded and grabbed his phone. May tinawagan.

"Statique Cafe daw tayo, bro," sabi ni Zeo sa kausap niya.

Napalingon ako sa kanya. Si Oliver ba kausap niya? Tumingin ako sa side mirror at
nakitang nasa likod na namin ang sasakyan ni Oliver. Muntik na kasing mahuli ng
police car. Ayun, nakatakas naman.

"Tagaytay, yeah," continued Zeo. He glanced at me and said, "Turo mo nalang daw
sa'kin, susunod lang satin si Oliver sa likod. Wala na ata sa mood humataw. Haha."

Nasa phone pa siya, kaya narinig ni Oliver. Mukhang may sinabi kasi lalo pang
tumawa si Zeo. Napangiti naman ako. Damn. Nakakahawa talaga 'tong kumag na 'to.

When he hung up, I told him, "Dire-diretso lang. Mga forty-five minutes to one
hour, nandun na tayo."

He looked at me in disbelief, making me chuckle.

"Oo kaya, walang traffic oh."

"So traffic lang talaga ang nagpapatagal?"

"Yup."

Lumipas ang ilang minuto ng katahimikan. Unlike ng kay Oliver, radio ang source of
music sa kotse ni Zeo. Ang music?

Foolish Heart by Nina

Hindi ko alam kung nangaasar si Tadhana at yun pa talaga ang pinatugtog sa radio.
Buti nalang, mukhang hindi napapansin ni Zeo.

"Salamat kanina ah," mahina kong sinabi.

"Anytime," sagot niya. "You owe me, though."

I was expecting him to say that.

"Alam ko namang hindi ka gagawa ng kahit anong kabaitan kapag walang kapalit e."

Ngumiti siya. "Then, you're getting to know me quite well."

Am I? Kaya ba parang nagkakagusto na ako sayo, dahil unti-unti kong nalalaman totoo
mong pagkatao? At habang papalapit ako sayo, parang lalo kang gumagwapo?

If so, hindi ako sure kung gusto ko pa siyang makilala. Hindi ako pwedeng ma in
love sa unreachable. Ako lang din masasaktan in the end. Nangangarap sa wala.

Hmp. Crush palang naman e. 'Wag ka ngang ma-carried away, Lana.

"Ang gago ng ex mo, girly."

Bigla akong natawa sa sinabi niya. Seryoso pa yung pagkakasabi niya kaya mas lalong
amusing. Mas cute yung itsura niya ng ganito.

"I know," simpleng sagot ko.

"What the hell did you like about that guy?"

"Same old story," I sighed, looking at the road. "Hindi siya ganun nung umpisa."

"And totoo yung narinig ko -"

"Habit mong mag-eavesdrop noh?" singit ko.

"- na he hurt you, physically?" patuloy niyang sinabi na parang wala akong
siningit.

Hindi muna ako sumagot. Tinignan ko muna kung nasaan na kami. Dasmarinas, Cavite na
kami. Ang bilis talaga kapag ganitong oras.

"Oo, totoo yun."

From the corner of my eye, nakita kong ginrip niya yung steering wheel. His
knuckles turned white, pero saglit lang because he loosened his grip na din.

"Kaya pala," bulong niya, more to himself.

"Kaya pala what?" Lumingon na ako sa kanya.

His jaw clenched. Ang seryoso ng mukha niya, na medyo may pagka-galit. Pero imbes
na matakot ako, mas lalo talaga akong napopogian sa kanya. Anak ng tokwa naman oh.
Kailan ba 'to matitigil? Habambuhay ko nalang bang ia-admire yung features niya?

"Kaya pala you panicked earlier when you saw his car."

Oh. "Sorry, nadamay ka pa."

"Nah. Ayos lang. It's been a while na din naman since I've been in a fight. Good
exercise na din yun. The last time was . . ."

I waited for him to continue. Parang may naalala siyang bigla because he suddenly
smiled and shook his head, as though in amusement.

"Nevermind," sabi niya.

What? Psh. Bitinin daw ba ako ng ganun?

Walanjo.

"Andaya mo, Mufasa," sabi ko sa kanya.

He grinned. "Yan na talaga tawag mo sa'kin, girly?"

"Bakit, suitable naman ah? Lion King ka daw e."

"Ayaw mo ng 'Simba'?"

"Simbaaaaa," I said in a very low voice before I could stop myself, imitating the
voice in the movie. Automatic reaction ko nang sabihin yun e.

Zeo burst out laughing. Namula naman ako. Shiz. Hindi ko talaga napigilan sarili
ko. May mga tendency nalang akong magsalita without thinking about it first.

Tawa pa rin ng tawa si Zeo. Hoy, tama na! May bukas pa!

"Fck, yan na itawawag ko sayo from now on," tumatawa niyang sinabi.

At talagang napamura pa siya sa sobrang saya ah?

"What, 'Simba'?" I asked incredulously.

"Yeah."

Teka lang . . . Lalaki yun ah! Anak pa ni Mufasa! What the shiz?

"Lalaki yun e!" protesta ko kay Zeo.

"So?"

Inirapan ko siya.

"Yan, wag nang pumalag."

Holy shiz. Bigla akong may naramdaman na butterflies sa tiyan ko! Diba usually,
ayaw ko ng inuutusan ako? Naiinis ako sa ganun. Sa sinabi ni Zeo, normally I'd snap
after hearing him say that. Pero bakit ngayon, parang mas kinikilig pa ako? Bakit
ngayon, parang gusto ko na yung bossy tone sa boses niya?

Oh, my God. Seriously, what's happening to me? Ayoko ng ganito. Ayoko talaga.

Buti nalang malapit na kami sa Tagaytay. Konting kembot nalang, nandun na kami. At
pag nandun na kami, sobrang lapit na namin sa Statique. Good. Baka mabuhayan ako sa
kape. Baka sakaling kape lang ang katapat nito.

Tinuro ko kay Zeo yung malaking sign na 'Statique Cafe'. Kumaliwa kami at pinasok
niya ang sasakyan sa entrance. Nasa likuran lang namin si Oliver. They parked side
by side sa deserted na parking lot.

Buti nalang at 24/7 itong Statique. Pwede muna kami ditong kumain at mag-kape,
pangpagising ng diwa.

Sabay sabay kaming bumababa ng sasakyan at pumunta sa entrance. Napansin kong medyo
nagliliwanag na. Blue na ang kalangitan e. Pumasok kami sa Statique. Napaka-cozy
talaga dito kahit kailan.

Um-order kami ng drinks at umakyat sa second floor. May malaking veranda dun. Feel
na feel mo ang lamig ng simoy ng hangin, kitang kita mo din ang Taal Volcano na
medyo nakikita na sa konting liwanag.

"Nga pala, nanalo ka?" tinanong ko si Oliver. Muntik ko nang makalimutan yung race.
Pero kahit hindi ko naman tanungin, alam ko na ang sagot e. Gusto ko lang
makasigurado.

Oliver just smiled and nodded.

A man with few words, that's totally him. Grabe. Mababaliw talaga ako kapag ganyan
siya parati. In fairness naman, napapadaldal siya ni Zeo tuwing magkausap sila.
Pero pinaka-madaldal pa rin si Zeo.

"Congrats!"

"Thanks."

"Sorry, 'di ko napanuod yung win mo."

"Okay lang." Ngumiti si Oliver na parang may inside joke siya. "Nakita ko naman na
you guys were preoccupied."

Umubo si Zeo. Sumimangot naman ako kay Oliver. Yung pagkakasabi niya kasi e.
Aakalain mo, Zeo and I did something . . . basta something.

"Later na ah," banggit ko, changing the subject. "Ano na yung sasabihin niyo
sa'kin?"

Nagtinginan si Zeo at Oliver. Anak ng . . . Bromance na naman?

"A few months back," simula ni Zeo. "May sinugod si Benjo sa Haut. He was so
pissed. I've never seen him that furious. Syempre, pare ko kaya tinulungan ko kahit
'di ko alam what was up. Grupo pala ng mga soccer player sa Silvestre." Tumingin
siya kay Oliver.

Tinaas ni Oliver kamay niya. "Isa 'ko dun."

Nalaglag ang panga ko. Wow.

"That's why I said na ang liit talaga ng mundo," dagdag ni Zeo, bago uminom ng
coffee niya. "And it is."

Yeah . . . it is.

Tumahimik kami. Pero hindi awkward yung silence. It was actually very comforting.
Chill lang kami, drinking in the view and the coffee. Nakatingin kami sa Taal
Volcano. Malapit na ang sunrise. Hay. Ang ganda talaga dito. That's why I love it
here.
Naisip ko yung first meeting naming tatlo nina Zeo at Oliver nung Friday. Hindi
kami nagkasundo. Puro bad impressions kami sa isa't isa. Kahit yung simula namin
last night, hindi rin ganun kaganda. Lalo na kami ni Zeo. Hindi ko nga alam kung
paano pa kami naging okay ng kumag na yun. I wasn't expecting that at all.

Tapos, simula ng nag-lecture si Oliver sa'min, nagbago lahat. Naging maayos na

pakikitungo namin sa isa't isa. Aakalain mo nga, we've known each other for so long
e wala pa ngang forty-eight hours kaming magkakakilala.

Then I found out, nag-krus na pala mga landas namin a few months ago. Hindi ko
binanggit sa kanila pero . . . nasa labas ako ng Haut nung gabing sinugod ni Benjo
si Calvin. Nasa kotse lang ako, sa parking lot. Nakita ko from afar na pinalabas ng
bouncer ang two groups of boys. Biruin mo, two of them were Zeo and Oliver.

And now, here we are. Hanging out because of a research project, kasi napili ang
names namin at pinagsama-sama.

Ang weird talaga ni Tadhana. Parang pinagplanuhan niya ang lahat. Hindi ko alam
kung hahangan ko siya at matutuwa e.

"Ang eventful ng first hang-out natin," I mentioned. Tinignan ko silang dalawa.

"Next week uli?" Sabay ngiti.

Tumawa sila.

"Easy ka lang, Simba." Zeo grinned, leaning back on his chair. "You weren't the one
who was in a brawl."

"'Simba'?" tanong ni Oliver. Bago pa ako makasagot, he suddenly laughed and nodded
in understanding. "Ah, I get it. Simba," he said, while pointing at me. Then, he
pointed at Zeo and added, "Mufasa."

Oliver was wearing a meaningful smile. Yung tipong, parang nagaasar. Nako, please
lang. 'Wag naman. Baka umasa akong may something kahit wala naman. Pero I knew
better noh. Of course, wala lang yon.

"What, you wanna be the baboon?" biro ni Zeo kay Oliver.

I didn't mean to laugh, pero natawa ako dun. Na-imagine ko yung mukha ni Oliver na
nasa katawan ni Rafiki (yung baboon sa The Lion King na cartoons). Tapos sumasayaw
siya kung saan-saan. Si Oliver, sumasayaw ng ganun? Oh, my God. That's hilarious!

Hahahaha!

"That's the first time na tumawa siya ng ganyan sa joke ko," narinig kong binulong
ni Zeo kay Oliver.

Bigla akong tumigil sa pagtawa at tinignan si Zeo ng walang expression sa mukha. Si

Oliver naman ang nag-chuckle.

"Damn, me and my big mouth," muttered Zeo na parang nagsisisi, pero nakangiti naman
siya sa'kin. Yung smile na . . . Yes, his oh so uber sexy smile.

Nang tinitigan ko siya ng matagal, dun lang nag-register sa'kin na namumula yung
kaliwang pisngi niya. And no, hindi siya nagbu-blush. Duh. Isang pisngi lang e.
Namumula, as in dahil nasapak siya kanina.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. D - Dahil yan sa'kin . . . ?

Bigla akong nalungkot.

"M - May bruise ka," sabi ko sa kanya, sabay turo sa pisngi niya.

"Oo nga, bro," dagdag ni Oliver.

"Huh?" Hinawakan ni Zeo ang left cheek niya and he winced from the contact. "Shit,
oo nga."

Umalis ako sa upuan ko at pumunta sa counter sa baba. Humingi ako ng madaming ice
na nilagay naman nila sa empty cup. Umakyat agad ako pagkakuha ko. Pinapanuod lang
ako nina Zeo at Oliver pero hindi ko sila pinansin. Kinuha ko yung extra face towel
ko sa bag.

Ha. Girl scout ata 'to.

Nilagay ko sa towel yung mga ice at binalot ito. Pagtapos, inabot ko kay Zeo ang
ngayong ice pack na.

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.

"Anong gagawin ko diyan?"

Seriously?

I rolled my eyes and moved my chair closer to him. Dahan-dahan kong nilagay ang ice
pack sa left cheek niya kung saan may bruise. Nagkatinginan kami. Ang lapit ng
mukha namin sa isa't isa. Lumakas na naman ang tibok ng puso ko, while my stomach
was going in knots.

Na-confirm ko sa sarili ko na may konting freckles nga siya sa may bandang taas ng
cheeks niya pati sa ilong. Ilong niyang pagkatangos-tangos.

Umabot ang tingin ko sa mga mata niya.

Shucks. Ang ganda talaga ng mga mata niyang chocolate brown. Ang warm ng dating. It
was as if I want to melt in them then and there. Ang haba pa ng eyelashes niya.
Parang baby eyes sa makisig niyang mukha.

"You in love yet, Simba?" asked a deep husky voice.

Natauhan ako. Zeo was showing off his uber sexy smile again. Diniinan ko yung lagay
ng ice pack sa pisngi niya. He yelped.

"Dahan-dahan naman," sabi niya, at tuluyan na niyang kinuha ang ice pack mula sa
kamay ko. "Nagjo-joke lang e."

"Mukha mo."

"Makinis," he quickly replied, smiling broadly.

Inirapan ko siya at umatras ako agad, binalik ko ang ayos ng upuan ko. Napalingon
ako kay Oliver na hawak ang phone niya. Nakangiti na naman siya na parang may
inside joke siya. Inangat niya ang mukha niya at ngumiti pa lalo sa nakita.
Sinundan ko ang tingin niya at nakitang sunrise na. From the corner of my eye,
napansin kong nakatitig na din si Zeo dun.

We were quiet as we watched the sunrise. It was so peaceful, being with my new
friends as we watched a beautiful thing happen together.

Girlfriends ko sina Cass and Kylee. No doubt that I trusted them more than
anything. I also have guy friends around from high school pero pang barkada lang
tratuhan namin. And then, I have my cousins who I loved so much.

But my friendship with these boys, Zeo and Oliver . . . I felt like it was some
sort of unique bond. We might go back to our own different lives after this. We
might not keep in touch. We might not become friends. Pero there was no doubt na
after this, we wouldn't forget this experience - this particular moment.

Because this feeling? Right now?

It's some sort of calmness that's neither describable . . .

Nor forgettable.

_____________

The thing I noticed about Filipinos is, you guys do long comments. As a writer,
masaya magbasa ng mahahabang comments. Kaya thank you, dudes! :)

Anyhow, what do you guys think of this chappie? :)

Lana's List (8)

More than a month later . . .

Grabe. Sobrang bored na 'ko. Tigil na, please.

I looked at my watch impatiently. Ten minutes pa. Ugh. Bakit kasi ayaw pa kaming
palabasin ng prof na 'to e? Andami nang tapos mag-exam oh. Nakakainis. Gusto niya
lang kaming pahirapan kasi wala siyang magawa sa buhay niya.

Okay, masyadong harsh. E kasi! Nagugutom na ako . . .

While waiting in this torture, nagmuni-muni nalang muna ako. Para maalis din muna
isipan ko sa nagugutom kong tiyan. Pagkatapos ng exam na 'to, SEMBREAK NA! YESH!

Hindi naman obvious na excited ako sa sembreak. I was too stressed these past
couple of weeks because of the finals, school projects, and then the last-minute
school activities. Sa totoo lang, gusto ko nang mag-quit sa student council. Pero I
couldn't. The students voted for me and trusted me. I couldn't just disappoint
them.

Hay.

Pero hindi bali, sembreak na naman e. Makakapag-relax na ulit ako. Kahit na it's
only for a month, susulitin ko. Shucks. Bigla kong naalala yung mga nangyari nung
August, last month lang. So many things happened. So many unforgettable things.

Napangiti ako, remembering our first time together at Statique. Tuwing pupunta ako
dun ngayon, maaalala ko yung dalawang Manila boys na yun. Shiz, nami-miss ko na
sila.
"Pupunta ka next week?"

"Gusto ko! Kaso sold out na raw e."

Lumingon ako sa dalawa kong mga babaeng classmate na nagsasalita ng pabulong sa

gilid ko. Bigla namang sumingit yung lalaking nasa likod nila.

"Meron akong ticket," he boasted.

"Ikaw na," irap nung isang girl.

"Talagang ako na, VIP 'tong binili ko e."

Ano bang pinaguusapan nila? Ang ingay nila ah, para silang nasa palengke. Grabe.
Ang moody ko talaga ngayon.

Nang sa wakas ay pinalabas na kami, dali akong pumunta sa cafeteria. Nakabili naman
ako kaagad ng waffles (thank goodness). Kilala kasi ako ni ateng lunch lady.
Masungit siya sa iba, pero mabait siya sa'kin. Ganun talaga kapag charismatic.

Bwahaha!

I opened my phone habang kinakain ang waffle ko, looking through the messages.
Halos lahat from Cass and Kylee, saying na they were finished with their finals at
nagaantay sila sa usual tambayan namin.

Pinuntahan ko sila dun, nakatingin pa rin sa phone ko habang kumakain. Multi-

tasking din ang peg ko. Sanay na e.

Napatigil ako nang makita kong may message si Oliver sa'kin. It's been a while na
din ah. Okay, not really. It's been only five days since last kaming nagka-text.
Finals din kasi sa kanila, kaya parehas kaming busy.

Ollie: Hey, Lan. Wanna meet up?

Nanlaki mga mata ko. Shiz. Ang tagal na naming hindi nagkita. The last time na
nagkita kami, last day of August ata. Basta yun yung huling 'hang-out' namin na
pinapunta kami sa De La Soledad for the conclusion naming tatlo. Middle of October
na ngayon.

Despite that, we all managed to stay friends. In-add namin ang isa't isa sa
Facebook, finollow din namin ang isa't isa sa Twitter and Instagram. Medyo nag-
fangirl nga ng konti sina Cass at Kylee kasi syempre big time pa rin si Zeo, tapos
finofollow ako sa Twitter at IG.

Pinigilan ko sarili kong kiligin kasi we're only friends. I shouldn't put any
meaning to that. My gulay, finollow lang sa mga social networks may meaning agad?
Over.

Nagkaka-text pa rin naman kami ni Oliver. Si Zeo naman, hindi hinihingi yung number
ko. At hinding hindi ko kukunin yung sa kanya noh. No way.

Rule #5: Never ask for his number. Magka-tigasan na kayo, pero huwag na huwag mong
kukunin ang number niya. Hayaan mo na siya ang humingi. Kapag binigay niya naman
sayo, huwag ikaw ang unang magte-text. (But that's a different rule) Kung hindi mo
matiis, sige at kunin mo. Pero huwag mo siyang itetext. Kaya mas mabuti na ring
huwag mong kunin para walang temptation.

It's a matter of self-control.

Yun talaga ang kailangan para masundan lahat ng rules sa list ko. It took me a
while to manage it, pero nakakaya ko naman. Buti nalang. Kahit na I'm itching SO
bad na hingin yung number ni Zeo kay Oliver, pinipigilan ko pa rin ang sarili ko.

Mi hindi nga nagpaparamdam ang kumag na yun e. Hindi naman sa nami-miss ko siya.
Kahit na dalawang linggo na kaming hindi naguusap pati sa Facebook, hindi ko siya
nami-miss noh. Sobrang busy daw siya sa upcoming championship nila, sabi ni Oliver.

Ah! Baka yun yung pinaguusapan ng mga classmates ko kanina? Hala. Next week na pala
yun. Hindi rin naman ako makakapanuod e. Tinatamad ako. Tsaka, walang nagyayaya.
Ayokong namang pumunta mag-isa. Ano ako, loner?

Nag-vibrate yung phone ko, bringing me back to reality. Ay, shiz. Hindi pa pala ako
nagre-reply kay Oliver. Na-tempt akong itanong kung kasama si Zeo. Pero if
championship na nga next week, I'm sure hindi yun makakasama. Kaya hindi ko nalang
tinanong.

Me: Sure! Kelan? :)

Ollie: 5pm, 2day?

Tumingin ako sa relo ko. Thirty minutes nalang before five o'clock.

Me: Ollie, that's half an hour away!

Ollie: Is there a problem with that?

Me: Wala. Haha! I'm at school.

Ollie: OK. I'll be there in 30.

Nung natatanaw ko na sina Cass at Kylee, tsaka ko lang na-realize na nagte-text

pala si Oliver while driving! Loko talaga yun. Walang pakialam sa rules when
driving.

Kumaway ang girlfriends ko nang makalapit na ako. Ubos na yung kinakain kong waffle
kaya tinapon ko yung wrapper sa basurahan, bago umupo sa bench kung saan tanaw na
tanaw ang Taal Volcano.

Ahh. Nakaka-relax talagaaa.

"Nga pala, magkikita kami ni Ollie," I told them.

"Oh? Kelan? Ayeeeee!" giggled Kylee.

"Mamayang five," I answered, laughing at Kylee's reaction. Alam naman niyang

friends lang kami ni Oliver, kinikilig pa din siya.

"'Di kasama si Zeo?" asked Cass.

I could see the disappointment from her expression. Malinaw na malinaw, kasi yun
din ang nararamdaman ko. And I know na disappointed siya para sa'kin. Alam kasi
nila na . . . I sort of somewhat slightly like Zeo.

"Championship na next week e," I sighed. "Busy yun."

"'Di niya talaga hinihingi number mo?"

"Nope."

"Ay, ang tibay naman niya," malungkot na sinabi ni Kylee. "Baka nagpapa-miss?"

Huminga ako ng malalim. "Hindi na 'ko umaasa. Unreachable siya noh. Mas mabuti na
rin na ganito. Baka mawala na 'tong feelings kapag nilagyan ng distance."

"I don't think na unreachable pa rin siya," said Cass, as though she really
believed that.

"Ako diiin," added Kylee. "Kasi, hello? Friend mo siya sa FB, finofollow ka niya sa
twitter pati sa IG. Ilang beses ka na ring nakasakay sa kotse niya. Ayeee!"

"Agree ako kay Kylee," said Cass. "Imagine, nasa five or six hundred thousand
followers niya. Tapos, isa ka sa one-fifty na finofollow back niya. Ano pa ba,
babe?"

Hindi ako nagsalita. Naman e. Ayokong umasa. Kapag napunta siya sa reachable na
category, baka tuluyan akong mahulog sa kanya. Nakakatakot.

"Do I have to mention the part na may tawagan kayo?" asked Cass, smiling evilly
with a raised eyebrow. Nakakaloka yung tingin niya.

"Ay, oo nga pala!" beamed Kylee, sabay turo sa'kin.

Sa expression ng mukha niya, alam ko na ang susunod. Oh, my God. 'Wag masyadong
malakas. Please lang. Pero malakas at matining ang tili ni Kylee.

"AYEEEEEEEEE! MUFAMBA, FOR THE WIN!"

Tumawa si Cass. I rolled my eyes at them in turn.

Ever since nalaman nila yung nicknames namin ni Zeo for each other, pinagsama nila
yung nicknames at gumawa ng sarili nilang OTP. Ang lalakas ng trip.

"What, then?" tanong ko sa kanila. "Sundin ko yung list?"

"Sinusunod mo na naman, diba? Go with the flow lang."

Go with the flow. Yang letseng line na yan ang parati kong nariring last month kay
Sir Danny e, na sinundan ko naman. O, ano 'ko ngayon? May gusto ako kay Zeo
freaking Alcante. Like the rest of the college-age girl population. Effing shiz.
"Yan din ba sinabi mo sarili mo nung may gusto ka palang kay Ryan?" tanong ko kay
Cass ng nakataas ang kilay ko.

Cass shrugged. "Oo."

"E kasi naman," dagdag ni Kylee, "walang mangyayari kapag nag-over think ka. Basta
think positive lang." She was smiling broadly.

Optimistic talaga 'tong si Kylee kahit kailan. Hindi ako ganun e. Realistic ako.
Inaalam ko muna kung may pag-asa ako, bago ako sumugod sa isang bagay. Ayoko kasing
umasa sa wala. Ayokong ma-disappoint ng bongga in the end.

Nag-decide akong baguhin na ang usapan.

"Hindi ko talaga kayo makikita this sembreak?" I asked them, pouting. Aalis kasi
sila ng Tagaytay e. May mga kanya-kanyang lakad.

"Oo e," sagot ni Kylee. "Pupunta kaming Hong Kong nila papa't mama."

"Out of town naman kami ni Ryan," sabi ni Cass. "Buti nga pinayagan. Akala ko wala
nang pag-asa. Tapos, kinausap niya. Ayun. Malakas siya sa mga magulang ko e."

I smiled. Happy ako for her. Ang tagal din niyang nagka-crush kay Ryan ah. Hanggang
sa finally, one drunk night in Dionysus, umamin sa kanya si Ryan. Next day, akala
ni Cass wala lang iyon. Tapos, inulit ni Ryan yung confession. Boom.

"San kayo punta?" tanong ni Kylee sa kanya. "Ayeee!"

Mami-miss ko ang pag 'Ayeee' ni Kylee, even if I don't want to say it out loud.

"Baguio," sagot ni Cass. Halatang pinipigilan niya yung kilig, pero fail. Obvious
na obvious ang kilig to the bones niyang mukha.

"Mahaba-habang road trip yan," I teased, wiggling my eyebrows.

Na-gets naman naman niya.

"Oo nga e. Balak ko pa namang pagurin siya sa kwarto, hindi sa daan."

Nanlaki ang mga mata namin ni Kylee sa sinabi ni Cass.

"Oh, my God!" I laughed my ass off.

Pati si Kylee, tawa ng tawa. "Hala! Loka ka!"

"Baka pagbalik niyo, hindi na kayo makalakad ah," biro ko.

Lalo kaming nagtawanan.

Fudge naman. Ilang linggo ko silang hindi makakasama. Ilang linggo kaming hindi
makakapag-chill lang ng ganito. Ilang linggo ko silang hindi makakausap. Okay, OA.
Pwede ko naman silang makausap sa phone. Pero syempre, iba pa rin yung sa personal.

Awww. Mami-miss ko talaga silang dalawa.

***

Hindi ko na kailangang sabihin pa kay Oliver kung anong order ko pagdating namin sa
Statique. In fairness, even after almost three weeks (tinignan ko kanina sa
calendar), naaalala pa rin niya usual order ko.

After kasi ng first mornight namin nila Zeo at Oliver dito sa Statique, napapadalas
na kami dito. Either hapon or gabi tuwing nandito kami. Ewan ko, pero sinipag na
silang magpunta dito after that mornight.

Naalala ko tuloy tuwing si Zeo ang susundo sa'kin sa school. Hindi siya lumalabas
ng sasakyan niya. Hindi ko alam kung pagod ba siya galing sa drive or what. Now
that I think about it, galing siya sa basketball practice parati nung mga times na
yun. Nakikita ko din yung gym bag niya sa back seat e.

"'Musta exams?" I asked Oliver the moment we took our seats sa usual table namin at
the corner of the veranda.

He shrugged. "Just glad na tapos na."

Natawa ako ng konti. "True," I said, before taking a sip of my coffee.

Wala munang nagsalita sa'min. It wasn't awkward, though.

"It's been a while, huh?"

Lumingon ako sa kanya. He was gazing at the landscape in front of us with a small
smile on his lips. In the weeks na hindi kami nagkita, nagpagupit siya. Trim lang
naman, pero mas naging neat yung itsura niya. Medyo mahaba pa rin naman, enough
para magkaroon pa rin siya ng bangs.

Naalala ko nung first time ko siyang makita. I thought he was boyishly cute. Hindi
siya pangahan katulad ni Zeo, pero Oliver carried his cuteness naman in a manly way
pa rin.

Gaganyan-ganyan lang yang si Oliver pero hindi mo aakalain na sobrang lakas ng

kamandag niya sa babae. Once, nung fourth 'hang-out' namin, nalasing siya ng bongga
sa Haut. May bigla siyang hinila na babae at dinala sa table namin. Binulongan niya
ng matagal. And after a little while, umalis siya with the same girl.

Simpleng "Later" lang ang sinabi niya sa'min ni Zeo bago siya umalis ng tuluyan.
Hindi na siya bumalik that night. Nag-sorry naman siya the next day. In-explain
niya na bihira lang daw siya malasing ng ganun. He just couldn't take the . . . um,
you know . . . urge.

"Ine-expect mo ba na mags-stay tayong friends after that?" tanong ko kay Oliver.

"Truth be told, hindi," sagot niya. "Tas, we spent that morning here nung first
hang-out natin. Something changed."

I nodded. I couldn't agree more.

"I have friends," dagdag niya, na ikinagulat ko. He doesn't usually open up like
this. And I'm not about to stop him. "But there's just some sense of calm kapag
kasama ko kayo e."

Again, I couldn't agree more. Hindi ko ma-explain e. Basta iba kapag kasama ko
sila. It was as if they were my soul brothers or something.

"Nagkikita pa ba kayo ni Zeo?" tanong ko.

"Once. We played pool sa MOA, remember?"

Ah, oo nga. Naalala ko yun. Niyaya nila ko but I couldn't come kasi may even sa
school noon. I had to be at school kasi VP ako at isa ako sa mga organizers.

"Nagyayaya nga pala siya next week," mentioned Oliver.

"Championships," I said. It wasn't a question.

Tumango lang si Oliver. We were quiet for a moment, then may bigla akong naalala na
gusto kong sabihin sa kanya.

"Hey, may bagong labas na album ang One Republic ah?"

Napangiti siya. "Yeah, yung Native?"

"Oo," I beamed animatedly. "By far na favorite album ko na gawa nila."

"Same. Counting Stars, Feel Again or Burning Bridges?"

Oh, my God. Parehas talaga kami ng taste sa music. Right down to the specific songs
na pinaka-favorite ko sa bagong album ng One Republic.

"Ooh. Ang hirap." I bit my lip. "Shucks. Um, Feel Again siguro."

He nodded and smiled, mukhang impressed. He reached out his fist for a knuckle
bump. Natawa ako habang I bumped my fist with his. Tuwing may sinasabi ako about
music na agree siya, ginagawa niya yun.

Nagpatuloy kami sa kwentuhan about music and school like old times nang nag-ring
yung phone niya all of a sudden.

*Krrriiinggg*

Nilabas ni Oliver ang phone niya at sinagot.

"What's up, bro?"

I took a sip of my coffee and looked away. Ang akward naman kung papanuorin ko siya
habang may kausap siya sa phone. Not to mention, ang creepy nun. Pa-simple nalang
akong tumingin sa malayo, kahit na naririnig ko yung mga sagot niya sa kausap niya.

"Statique . . . 'Di ka makakahabol?"

At that, napatingin ako kay Oliver. Holy shiz. Si ano ba ang kausap niya . . . ?
When he saw me looking, ngumiti siya ng meaningful. Confirmed. Si Zeo nga ang
kausap niya. Ngumingiti lang ng meaningful si Oliver kapag related sa'min ni Zeo.

Oliver and his private jokes. Psh.

"Katabi ko."

Kinabahan ako bigla. Holy shiz. Tinanong ako ni Zeo?

Geez, Lana. Don't freak out just because of that. Ang babaw mo.

"Kausapin mo?"

Poker face, Lana. Poker face.

"Sigurado ka?"
Bakit? Ano daw?!

"Okay. Ingat," pagkasabi ni Oliver nun, binaba na niya yung phone.

What the? What the fudging shiz? Ayaw akong kausapin ni Zeo? Walang hiyang Mufasa
talaga yun. Nakakapang-init ng ulo. Nakakainis. Pa-importante ang kumag. Bahala
siya sa buhay niya. Akala niya nami-miss ko siya? ASA!

"Hinihingi ni Zeo number mo."

Napatigil ako. Nakatitig lang ako kay Oliver siya sa sinabi niya.

Hinihingi ni Zeo . . . ang number . . . ko . . . ?

. . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . .

OH, MY GOD!

Hinihingi ni Zeo ang number kooooo! Asdfghjkl!

WAIT!

Wait lang, bakit ako nagpa-panic?! Anak ng tokwa naman oh. Hiningi lang niya number
ko. Hindi naman niya ako tinatanong ng kasal or other na nakakagulat na mga bagay.
Grabe. Anong nangyayari sa'kin? Hindi naman ako ganito dati e.

Maybe it's because unreachable siya, tapos parang nagiging hindi na kaya medyo
unsettled ako sa mga nangyayari. I mean, come on! He's Zeo Alcante. Can we just
pause for a moment and think about that little fact? Allowed naman siguro ako
kiligin ng kahit konti.

At least, I should I allow myself to. Kahit konti lang.

"Okay ka lang, Lan?"

Nagising ako sa boses ni Oliver. Nakita ko siyang natatawa, most probably nahuli
niya akong nakatunganga. Fudge.

I snorted. "Duh. Bakit naman ako hindi magiging okay?"

"Bigay ko, then?"

I shrugged, with just the right amount of walang pakialam.

"Go lang."

I caught Oliver shaking his head in amusement, as he typed on his phone. Kung pwede
lang burahin yung meaningful smile sa mukha niya, ginawa ko na.

Halata namang nakakaramdam na 'to e. 'Di lang nagsasalita. Ayoko namang i-confront
noh. I won't give him the satisfaction of confirming his assumptions. Without my
confirmation, assumptions palang yun.

"Who are you gonna root for next week?" I asked Oliver, changing the subject.
Ang kalaban kasi ng De La Soledad next week ay Silvestre University. Hindi na
actually nakakagulat na sila ang nasa finals dahil matagal na talaga ang rivalry ng
dalawang university na yun. Kaya matindi ang competitive spirits nila.

"Silvestre, of course," Oliver answered, as if it was the most obvious thing.

"Of course," natatawa kong sinabi.

"Ang tanong, who are you gonna root for?"

Tumigil ako sa pagtawa at uminom ng kape. Nagaantay pa rin si Oliver sa sagot ko

when I put the coffee mug down on the table.

"I've always been on DLSU's side," I told him casually. "Sorry."

"I knew it. Your cousin's a Soledarian too, diba?"

"Yup. Alumni din si mama dun, but papa's a Silvestrian."

"Tas, Libertian ka?"

Napatawa ako. "I know."

Natahimik kami. Parang may dumaang anghel. It's comfortable naman, as always. Not
awkward at all. And no, I'm not being sarcastic.

"He wants you to come, you know."

I looked at Oliver. "Zeo?" I asked incredulously. "Sa game next week?"

Tumango siya.

"'Di ako nanunuod ng UAAP."

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay, making me laugh.

"Oo, 'di kapani-paniwala. Pero totoo."

"C'mon, pagbigyan mo na."

Sumimangot ako at what he said. He made it sound as if naghahabol sa'kin si Zeo

when it's really far from it. Very far-fetched kaya ang scenario na yun. Duh. Sino
ba ako?

"Think about it," sabi niya.

I sighed.

Yes, I will. Kahit ayaw ko, I'll definitely think about kasi yung pagkakasabi ni
Oliver aakalain mo talagang meron kahit wala naman. Kahit ayaw ko, hindi ko
mapipigilang mag over-analyze mamaya. Badtrip. Ang galing talaga ni Oliver
magpaisip ng tao.

Kapag hindi ako nakatulog mamayang gabi, siya sisisihin ko.

_____________
Thank you to the person who commented the "Mufamba" thing last chappie. Nadagdag ko
pa dito. Hahaha! :D

Sabi nung friends ko: Yung mga ayaw pa rin daw kay Zeo, in denial lang daw.
Hahahaha! Totoo ba? ;)

Lana's List (9)

Kailan ba yun magte-text?

Grabe ah. More than one week na simula nung kinuha ni Zeo number ko kay Oliver,
pero hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin nagte-text yung Mufasa na yun. Mi hindi man lang
niya sinundan yung three-day-rule. Hindi e. Gumawa pa talaga siya ng sarili niyang
rule.

Eight-day-rule pa yung kanya.

Tuwing may magte-text, kahit ano pang ginagawa ko, pupuntahan ko kaagad yung phone
ko para lang tignan kung siya na. Nung naliligo ako, dali-dali pa akong lumabas ng
banyo para lang tignan kung siya yung nag-text. Nung nagluluto ako, tumakbo to the
other side of the kitchen para lang i-check kung siya na. Nasunog pa nga yung Pesto
e.

Peste.

Saturday pa naman na bukas. Championships na. Hindi ko alam kung pupunta ba ako or
what. Oliver's letting me take my time to decide. Kaso nakakahiya naman kung bukas
pa ako magte-text para lang sabihin na hindi ako makakasama.

ARGH. Nakakainis talaga si Zeo! Masyadong pa-importante! Badtrip siya. Nakikita ko

yung mga tweets at posts niya sa Instragram. Hindi naman siya busy. Kung ano-ano
lang mga pinag-gagagawa niya.

I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself. Deep breaths lang.

Hindi naman kasi porke't kinuha niya ang number ko, e ibig sabihin magte-text na
siya agad. Pwede namang kinuha lang niya. End of story. I shouldn't put meaning
into things. Ayan tuloy. Nag-expect ako when I shouldn't have. Nasayang pa tuloy
ang eight days ko na kakamukmok sa wala.

Fudge. Ayoko ng ganito. Nagiging pathetic ako over a guy. I swore I'd never be like
this again. Tapos, kay Zeo pa? Holy shiz. No way.

So I stopped moping and sulking. Kinuha ko ang DVD copy ko ng Grease at nanuod sa
kwarto ko. Nagpaluto ako kay Manang Judith ng fried chicken, para habang nanunuod
ay may nangangatngat ako.

I was already at the part when Zuco and Sandy met unexpectedly at their school pep
rally when my phone vibrated. Napatingin ako dun. Nagkaron ako ng urge na tignan
kung sino, pero I stopped myself.

Baka sina Kylee lang, araw-araw kong katext yung mga yun e. So I just shrugged and
returned to watching the movie. Pero all through out the film, tingin ako ng tingin
sa phone ko. Hindi ko mapigilang i-wonder kung si ano na yung nag-text.

Ano ba? Tignan ko na?

E kasi, pano kung hindi siya? Madi-disappoint ka na naman.

Pero at least I checked, diba? Paano kung importante na pala yun, hindi ko man lang
alam kasi stubborn ako?

Expect the unexpected nalang.

Before I change my mind, hinablot ko na yung phone ko at tinignan kung sino ang
nag-text. Pinilit kong i-expect na sina Cass lang ang nag-text, o kaya si Benjo.

E kaso hindi.

Bumilis tibok ng puso ko pagkakita ko kung sino.

Unknown number: Yo, Simba! :) -Zeo

Holy mother of shizness! Nag-text na siya sa wakaaaaas! At may smiley pa!

Huminga ako ng malalim. Okay, chill. Text lang yan. I tried to calm my abnormally
beating heart. Sa sobrang excitement ko, nanginginig ang mga kamay ko. What the
shiz? Nakakainis yung reaction na nailalabas niya sa'kin ah.

Hindi ko muna siya ni-replyan, though.

Rule #6: Never reply too quickly nor too long. Kapag nag-text ka kaagad, halatang
sabik ka masyado. Kapag nag-text ka ng masyadong matagal, nakakatamad kang maging
ka-text. Dapat tama lang. 4-8 minutes, para hindi halata. Edi mukhang may pagka-
busy ka or hindi lang siya ang ka-text mo. *exception: Kapag nag-reply siya after
30 minutes, mag-reply ka din after 30 minutes. Kapag 1 hour, after 1 hour din.
Tiisin mo.

I waited for another six minutes bago ako nag-text sa kanya. Inalala ko din yun
Rule #2 (Keep your cool) para kalmado lang ako sa pag-reply. Hindi halatang
inaantay ko text niya all week. I'll keep that secret to myself.

Me: What's up, Mufasa? :P

Rule #7: Lessen the smiley face and 'haha'. Whenever you're chatting with him,
bawasan ang smiley face at pagtawa. Magmu-mukha kang fangirl. Pwera nalang syempre
kung nakakatawa talaga ang pinaguusapan niyo. You can also use 'XD' pero huwag
masyado.

Nag-reply si Zeo after fifteen minutes. See? Sinusunod din niya ang rules. Or
sadyang busy lang talaga siya at assuming ako.
Zeo: U coming tomorrow?

Me: Anong meron bukas?

Yes, I'm very well aware kung anong meron bukas. Pero he doesn't know that.

That's another rule. Oo, madaming rules pagdating sa chats and texts. Dito kasi
yung may pinaka-madaming nagkakamali na girls. Communication lang kasi ang basehan
dito. Kaya dapat very careful kapag katext or kachat yung gustong guy.

Rule #8: Appear indifferent. Don't let him find out na you know almost everything
about him. Kapag may sinabi siya once at tumatak sa isip mo, huwag mong ipapaalam
na naaalala mo pa. First of all, creepy yun for guys. Kahit na sweet for us girls
when it's the other way around. Sa mga lalaki, hindi. Obvious na agad na may
something ka para sa kanya. Second of all, he will be baffled by your indifference
making him more interested.

This time, agad nag-reply si Zeo.

Zeo: 4 real? Championships na, Simba! U won't even come 2 support me? :(

Me: Oh, yeah! Well, u won't need me there. Dmi mong supporters kaya. Haha :P

At that, hindi siya madaling nag-reply. Napaisip tuloy ako. Hala. Tama ba yung
sinabi ko? Masyado ba akong naging harsh? Parang hindi naman ah.

Binasa ko ulit yung text ko. Ayos lang naman. Kung ganun, bakit ang tagal niyang
mag-reply? Okay, now I feel stupid. I should re-direct my attention muna while
waiting, para hindi ako nagpa-panic. Parati nalang ganto kapag nagte-text sa'kin
yung crush ko.

After twenty-four minutes, tsaka lang ulit nag-reply ang kumag.

Zeo: But they're not u. :P

Napatigil ako sa nabasa ko.

Shiz naman, Zeo oh. Kailangan talagang magpakilig? Bakit ang landi mo? Sa'kin ka
lang ba ganyan, or sa iba din ganyan ka? Of course, sa iba din ganito siya. Duh. He
wouldn't be a chickboy if he wasn't.

Still, 'di ko mapigilan ang puso kong bumilis ang pagtibok. Naks. Gumaganon.
Badtrip kasi 'tong kumag na 'to e. Napapadrama ako ng 'di oras. Fudge.
Me: Landi mo, Mufasa.

Zeo: Kinikilig k ba? Haha

Anak ng gulay. Nakaka-stress itong mixed emotions na nafi-feel ko ngayon.

Kikiligin, tapos maiinis dahil tama ang hinala niya. Pinamukha pa niya sa'kin.

Nako. Kung alam mo lang, Zeo. Kung alam mo lang talaga. Pero buti nalang at hindi
mo alam. O, diba? Mixed emotions talaga e.

Alam mo yun? Hindi siya nagparamdam ng matagal, tapos - Boom! - ito ang bubulaga
sa'kin? Okay, fine. Merong mga moments sa FB, pero asaran lang yun. Like, may
picture siya na nasa tarpaulin and I'd comment na his hands look weird or
something. Tapos, he'd reply a quick comeback. Mga ganun lang.

I sighed. Okay, time to divert the attention.

Me: Asa! Anyway, sold out n raw yung tickets e.

Zeo: Do u want 2 go ba?

Me: Yeah, y not?

Zeo: I gave Ollie ur tickets last week pa. Haha

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

OLLIE!!!

Hindi man lang niya sinabi sa'kin?! For more than one week, he kept that little
information to himself? Edi sana pumayag na ako last week pa! If only I'd known . .
. Ugh.

Pero teka, baka gusto nila that I come in my own will at hindi mapipilitan dahil
lang sa nandyan na yung tickets? Knowing these Manila boys, malamang na yun nga.

Fudge. Ang babait talaga nila, kahit papaano. Parang tuloy ang sama kong kaibigan.
Friend ko pa rin naman si Zeo kahit na may gusto ako sa kanya e. Bakit ba ayaw kong
pumayag? Ngayon ko lang na-realize na ang arte ko pala. Wala namang dahilan para
tumanggi ako. Ayan na nga oh, may ticket na. Tapos, may kasama pa akong manunuod.

Si Zeo na star player ng De La Soledad, siya na mismo ang may gustong pumunta ako
dun. Kahit pa sabihin nating gusto niya akong pumunta dun as a friend, I still have
to support him. Actually, no. I want to support him.

So I set my deliriously maarteng part aside. I won't let that part of me cloud my
decisions. Time to act as a friend that I am.

Me: Cge, I'll be there. :)

Zeo: Yun oh! Wala nang bawian yan ah? :)

Me: Oo na. Hahaha!

Zeo: I knew n di mo ko matitiis. ;)

I laughed out loud. Sabay banat ng ganun. Typical Zeo act talaga. So I decided na
sakyan ko nalang siya.

Me: Crush kasi kita e. LOL!

Hindi siya nag-reply. Dumaan ang ten minutes . . . twenty . . . thirty . . .

Hanggang sa naging forty minutes na siyang hindi nagre-reply.

I did the only thing I could do.

I panicked.

Oh, my God! Bakit ko yun sinend? Ang stupid ko. Wala yun sa list e. (Huwag niyo
akong gayahin.) Holy shiz talaga. Ano kayang iniisip niya ngayon? Patay ako.
Ayokong maging awkward bukas! Nakakainis. Anong gagawin ko?

Tinititigan ko lang yung text ko. Oh, my God. Kailangan kong linawin sa kanya na
biro ko lang yun. I couldn't bare the thought na isipin niyang may crush talaga ako
sa kanya.

Me: Ui, joke lang. Baka seryosohin mo. Hahaha!

Pumikit na ako sa kahihiyan.

Grabe. Nakakahiya yung sinabi ko. Bakit ko pa kasi yun sinabi e? Bakit pa kasi ako
nag-joke ng ganun? Baka seryosohin niya. Hala. Paano na yun?

Hindi ko na kaya. I deleted the text. Magkukunwari nalang ako ng hindi ko yun
tinext sa kanya. Tama. I'll just pretend wala akong sinabing ganun sa kanya.

Ignorance is bliss.

Not long after I deleted the text, he finally replied. Dali-dali ako sa phone ko.
Binuksan ko kaagad yung message. Napakagat pa ako sa labi in anxiety.

Shucks. Ano kayang reply niya?

Nung lumabas na yung message, napanganga ako. As in, abot sahig siguro na nganga.
Sabay pa na yung heart ko was beating so fast and hard, while my stomach was going
crazy in knots. I could only stare at his text.
Zeo: Joke my ass. Haha. Now I know u like me, too. ;)

Nakatitig pa rin ako sa nagi-isang word na yun. I couldn't remove my eyes from that
word na nakapag-bagabag ng buong isipan ko.

'Too.' . . . 'Now I know u like me, TOO.'

What the effing shiz did he mean?!

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: She likes me. #speechless

_____________

Naka-relate ka ba kay Lana? Haha!

Follow my twitter @LouisseCarreon. I might retweet something interesting. ;)

Lana's List (10)

Holy shiz. Ang daming tao. Punong puno yung stadium. Wow. Ganto ang hatak ng mga
Soledarians at Silvestrians. Meron pang standing sa may pinaka-dulo. Grabe. Buti
nalang nasa may bandang harapan kami, medyo malapit sa court.

Andami ring mga nakakulay green at blue. Hating hati nga e.

Lumingon ako kay Oliver. Nasa kabilang side siya ng VIP section. Kasama niya yung
mga co-Silvestrians niya. Ako naman, kasama ko si Benjo. Hindi ko ine-expect na
nandito siya kasi hindi naman siya uma-attend ng mga ganto.

"Finals na, cuz! We have to beat those Silvestrians into pulp!" determined niyang
sinabi kanina nung nagkagulatan kami dito.

Actually, ayos na rin na nandito siya para may kasama ako. Si Oliver kasi nakakulay
blue na long-sleeves. Halatang Silvestrian Dragons ang bet niya. Kaya nag-decide
kaming magkita nalang after the game.

For now, galit galit muna.

Kanina pa nagwa-warm up yung players. Sa totoo lang, I couldn't take my eyes off of
that kumag. Ito ang first time na nakita ko siya wearing his jersey uniform in
person. Mas lalo ata akong nagkagusto sa kanya.
Let's just say I have a thing for athletes. But yung totoo, diba lahat naman tayo
merong 'thing' for athletes? Lalo na't gwapo, has great build, and skilled in his
sport. There's just something enchanting about a guy and his sport.

Zeo laughed with his teammates. Hanggang dito, tanaw na tanaw ko yung dimples niya.
Ang gwapo niya talaga. As usual, I couldn't help but smile while I watched him
laugh. But I quickly caught myself (thank goodness) bago pa may makakita sa'kin.

Tumingin ako sa paligid. Mukhang wala namang nakakita. Phew! That would be
mortifying kapag may nakakita sa'king nakatunganga habang nakatitig kay Zeo from
across the court. Shiz. Buti nalang naagapan ko.

I returned my eyes to Zeo and caught him looking at me. Tumingin ako sa likod ko,
just to make sure na ako nga ang tinitignan niya. Yup, ako nga.

Tinignan ko siya uli. He grinned boyishly at me, and I couldn't help but smile
back. Nakaka-miss talaga 'tong si Mufasa. He suddenly raised an eyebrow and pouted.
Hala. Bakit? Tapos, hinawakan niya yung damit niya sabay turo sa'kin.

Napatingin ako sa suot ko.

Ah, I wasn't wearing green today. I chose to wear a white sleeveless 90's kid
shirt, para neutral. And he was clearly asking bakit hindi ako nag-green.

Tinuro ko si Oliver sa kanya. Sinundan naman ng mata niya. Tinignan namin si Oliver
na naka blue at mukhang kanina pa pala kami pinapanuod. Oh, my God. Naka-meaningful
smile na naman siya.

Zeo looked at me again. He was frowning. Basang basa ko na expression ng mukha

niya. Confirming my assumption, he mouthed, "So?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Lana!"

Napalingon ako bigla sa kanan, pagkarinig ng pangalan ko. Nakita ko kung sino ang
tumawag sa'kin at namukhaan ko siya. Yung lalaking nagyayabang last week sa
classroom, nandito nga rin pala. Shiz. Ayoko sa kanya. Ang yabang masyado e.

Okay, mayabang din si Zeo. Pero kaibigan ko yun e. Itong lalaki na lumipat sa tabi
ko, hindi ko kaibigan. Tawagin na niya akong snob and unfriendly, pero hindi ko
talaga siya feel.

"Nandito ka rin pala?" taas baba niyang sinabi, naka-smirk din siya.

Ay, wala. Imagination mo lang ako, kuya.

"Sino yan?"

Tumingin ako sa tall figure ni Benjo sa left side ko. He was wearing a green raglan
shirt and jeans, while his hair was in its usual curly disarray (a Lopez trait).
Parehas kaming maputi, at namana din niya ang big dark brown eyes ng pamilya tulad
ko.

Friendly naman ang pinsan ko. Pero parang may na-sense din siya na hindi maganda
kay . . . uh, hindi ko alam pangalan nung classmate kong lalaki.

I shrugged. "'Di ko alam."

Yung mayabang na lalaki, napanganga sa'kin. Hindi niya ata ine-expect na hindi ko
siya kilala. Lumabas tuloy siyang stalker.

Hindi siya gwapo. Nagfi-feeling lang. Halatang trying hard sa ubod ng daming gel
niya sa buhok. Obvious din na nagpupulbos siya sa sobrang puti ng mukha niya.
Aakalain mong binabaran ng espasol. Actually, kung hindi siya mukhang bakla, may
itsura na sana siya e . . . sa probinsya.

Grabe. Ang laitera ko talaga. Pero sadyang nagsasabi lang ng totoo.

"Sean," sabi ni Mr. Espasol, nang nakalahad ang kamay towards Benjo for a
handshake. Tinanggap naman ni Benjo at tumango nalang sabay sagot ng, "Benjo."

"Classmates tayo sa International Trade," dugtong ni Sean sa'kin.

"Ah," sabi ko nalang.

I looked away, hoping to end the conversation. Harsh na kung harsh. May something
na hindi ko talaga gusto sa lalaki na 'to e. Hindi ako mapalagay. It was as if my
instincts were screaming at me to get away from him.

"Gusto mo paalisin ko?" bulong sa'kin ni Benjo. "Stiff mo e."

Na-guilty naman ako bigla.

"'Wag na," I whispered back to Benjo. "Focus nalang tayo sa game."

My cousin didn't look too sure, but he nodded all the same.

"Kalabit ka lang 'pag hinipuan ka ah," seryoso niyang sinabi.

Natawa naman ako. "Masasapak ko muna siya bago kita makalabit."

Napangiti siya. Alam niyang tama ako.

Tumingin ako uli kay Zeo pero kinakausap na siya ng mga teammates nila ulit. Oh,
well. Makakausap ko naman siya mamaya after the game e. May usapan na kaming tatlo
nila Oliver na magkikita-kita kami sa Haut ng mga 10pm.

Finally, the game started.

Habang pinapakilala yung mga starting lineup, may nagpunta sa harapan ko na

lalaking player. Mukhang isa siya sa mga De La Soledad reserve players. Namumula
siya na parang he was about to say something really embarrasing.

"S - Simba?" he stuttered as he asked me.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I automatically looked at Zeo. Pero hindi siya nakatingin
sa'kin. Nasa gitna pa rin sila ng court e. Tumingin ako dun sa lalaki sa harapan
ko.

"Uh, yeah," I said quietly, pasimpleng tumitingin sa paligid kung may mga
nakatingin. I noticed there were only three people looking in this direction; si
Benjo, Sean, at Oliver.

"Here," sabi nung lalaki, kaya napatingin ako sa kanya. "Pinabibigay ni . . ." The
blushing reserve player paused to clear his throat, habang inaabot sa'kin what
looked like a green letterman jacket. ". . . ni um, M - Mufasa. Wear it daw."
Napa-ubo ako. Wala naman akong kinakain or iniinom. Basta na-ubo nalang ako bigla
sa sinabi niya. Na-feel kong naginit yung cheeks ko, while my heartbeat accelerated
naman.

I slowly took the familiar green letterman jacket from him. Hindi na ako nakapag
thank you dahil umalis na siya agad.

I looked at what I was holding. May malaking 'Soledarian' na naka-engrave sa likod.

Iba pa 'to sa suot ng mga players na mga jersey jacket ngayon, mala track suit kasi
yung pang games nila e. Ito yung pang-lakad nila na letterman jacket, yung tipong
they pair it with their casual clothes. I turned it and saw the curved surname of
this jacket's owner.

Z. Alcante

I heard Sean gasp. Hindi niya nga pala alam na close kami ni Zeo.

There was suddenly a loud buzzing noise, indicating na simula na ang mismong game.
Pumwesto si Zeo sa may harapan ng VIP section. Basically, sa harapan namin. He
swiftly signaled me to wear the jacket, before facing the court again.

"Suotin mo daw, cuz," natatawang sinabi ni Benjo.

Tinignan ko siya ng masama at sinuntok ang braso niya.

"Aray! Kinikilig ka lang e, nangdadamay ka pa."

Napanganga ako sa sinabi niya. Ang lakas ng boses niya! Holy shiz.

Inirapan ko nalang si Benjo at sinuot ang jacket. Ayoko nang mag-inarte. Wala rin
naman akong mapapala kapag gumanon pa ako.

Napansin kong pinapanuod lang ako ni Sean, kaya tumingin ako sa kanya. Inalis din
naman niya agad yung tingin niya sa'kin. Good.

We watched the game na. When Zeo ran past us while dribbling the ball, he saw me
wearing his jacket. He raised his head and our eyes met. He flashed his uber sexy
smile at me, before turning around and making a three point shot.

The crowd cheered when he scored.

He was smiling confidently. And for the briefest moment, I could swear that he
glanced at me again. Tapos nun, hindi na siya tumingin ulit sa'kin for the rest of
the game.

***

After the game, Benjo and I ate dinner first before going to Haut. Si Oliver,
makikipag-dinner sa other friends niya. While si Zeo naman, meron silang victory
dinner sa bahay ng coach nila sa Greenhills.

Yes, De La Soledad won.

Akala nga namin, mago-overtime. Buti nalang, hindi na-shoot nung Silvestre player
yung last shot before the game ended. Grabe, tuwang tuwa kami at nagtatatalon dun
na parang mga ewan so sobrang saya.

Sa totoo lang, gusto kong puntahan si Zeo. Pero duh. Alam ko namang he was too busy
pa with his family, friends, teammates, and schoolmates na nagsuguran dun sa court
when the buzzer went off. May interview pa din siya with the press and everything.
Kaya I decided not to go nalang.

Yun nga lang, hindi ko alam gagawin sa jacket niya. Hinubad ko na rin yun nung
palabas na kami sa stadium. Baka kasi makita ng mga tao at baka rin gumawa sila ng
assumptions. Mahirap na.

To our surprise, sumunod at sumama sa'min ni Benjo si Sean sa dinner. Feeling close
si kuya ah. Shiz naman. Buti nalang, madami-dami yung mga nag-text sa'kin kaya
distracted ako sa pagre-reply. Hindi ako mapipilitang kausapin siya.

Cass: HOY! Nkita kita sa TV! Knin yung suot mong jacket ha? Details!!!

Cass: Anyway, congrats sa DLSU! Paki-kiss ako kay Zeo. Hahahahaha! JK.

Kylee: Ayeeeee! Nanalo cla! Congratulations kmo! :D

Oliver: C u later at Haut, Lan. :)

Zeo: My jacket looks good on u, Simba. :)

Pinigilan kong ngumiti sa huling text na nabasa ko. Pinilit kong maging poker face
para hindi mapansin nga mga kasama ko ang kilig ko deep inside.

Badtrip ka, Zeo. Nakakainis yung charm mo. Fudge.

Inuna ko munang replyan sina Cass at Kylee, giving them all the details. No doubt
magde-demand 'tong mga ito na mag-skype kami bukas na bukas. Wala na kasi si Kylee
e, nasa Hong Kong na. Si Cass nalang ang nasa Tagaytay. Sa Monday pa ang alis nila
ni Ryan.

Yung kay Oliver, simpleng text lang na I'll see him later din - with a smiley face.

Heto na. Magre-reply na 'ko sa kumag.

Me: Nsa nagdadala kasi yan. Haha! :P

There. Natatawa na 'kong isipin kung anong reply niya.

While waiting, nakipagusap muna ako kina Benjo. I regretted it immediately. Sean
was boasting about his trip to Palawan last summer. Ugh. Sarap kutusan nitong
espasol na 'to.

We don't care, dude! Shut the shiz up!

My phone vibrated. Taking the opportunity not to listen to this douche, kinuha ko
kaagad yung phone ko and saw na nag-reply na yung inaantay ko.
Zeo: Buti nlang pla maganda jacket ko and it carried u. Haha

Napanganga ako. Ha! Kapal talaga ng mukha nitong Mufasa na 'to.

Me: Yeah, pero mas maganda yun kung blue...

Zeo: Ouch!

Me: Joke! Hahaha!

Zeo: So who's d guy beside u kanina?

Me: Classm8. Nakakainis nga e. Sumama p samin ni Benjo dito sa YakiMix.

Zeo: U don't like him? Haha

Me: Sobrang yabaaang. Parang ikaw lng. Hahaha!

Zeo: What the? D hamak naman na mas gwapo ako dun!

Me: That's why I put up with u. Pogi mo e. XD

Zeo: Buti inamin mo. ;)

Me: I was being sarcastic!

Zeo: Dude's still not leaving?

Ano daw? Sabay banat ng ganun? And is he referring to . . . No way. Si Sean ba ang
tinutukoy niya? Bakit ang interesado naman ata ni Zeo kay Sean? At bakit parang may
nafi-feel akong something sa stomach ko? Parang nae-excite na kinikilig? Nae-emote
lang ata ako. Pero hindi e. Iba ito.

Nag . . . Nagseselos ba si Zeo?

Rule #3, Lana. Never assume.

Me: Nope. Prang gusto p atang sumama sa Haut. -_-

Zeo: Bka nagpapa-impress sayo.

Me: Prang d nman. FC lng talaga.

Zeo: D tinatablan ng katarayan mo? Haha

Me: D nga e. Ang tibay.

Zeo: Wear my jacket. He'll back off.

Me: U really think so?

Zeo: I know so. ;)

Hmm. Sa bagay. Nung suot ko kanina during the game, hindi siya annoying e. Hindi
din niya ako masyadong kinausap. Para bang, he stepped away.

So ginawa ko ang sinuggest ni Zeo at sinuot ang letterman jacket niya. Buti nalang
pala dinala ko dito sa loob. Wala lang. Gusto ko lang amuyin kapag walang
nakatingin.

Oh, my God. I'm turning into a obsessive fan girl! Holy shiz. Pero I can't help it
e. Ang bango bango talaga ng amoy niya. I don't think magsasawa ako sa scent na
yun.

Nang tumingala ako, napansin kong nakatingin sa'kin si Sean. Blank yung expression
ng mukha niya. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Mukhang natauhan siya dun kasi binaba
niya ang tingin niya at kumain na.

Wow. Effective nga!

Tumingin ako kay Benjo na parang may ka-text ata sa phone niya. Baka pinapapunta na
siya ng friends niya sa Haut. Magkikita-kita din kasi sila dun e.

I decided to text Zeo and thank him for his suggestion about the jacket. Perks of
being one of his close friends. Bwahaha!

Me: It worked! :D

Zeo: Good 2 know. Haha

Me: Congrats on ur win, Mufasa. C u at Haut. :)

Zeo: Thanks. C u there, Simba. :) x

When I felt so full, nagyaya na ako kay Benjo na umalis na kami. Hindi na naman
masyadong nagyabang si Sean kaya um-okay na rin yung dinner.

"Wait, fifteen minutes pa," awat ni Benjo. "Magpapababa muna ako ng kinain."

I sighed. Tumahimik sa table. Unlike yung silence kapag kasama ko sina Oliver at
Zeo na peaceful, dito ang awkward. I settled my eyes on the plates on the table to
distract myself. But then, someone broke the ice.

"Kayo ba ni Zeo Alcante?"

Sabay kami ni Benjo na lumingon kay Sean. His expression was full of curiosity,
pero not in a good way. It was as if he was digging dirt on me.

Wow ah. Feeling close na nga, tsismoso pa? Kapal din nito ah. Gusto ko siyang pag-
sabihan na it was none of his business. Pero I knew better. One wrong move, and he
could spread rumors about me in school that was anything but pretty.
VP ako sa school. I knew his kind of guy.

"Hindi," I answered casually.

"Friends?" dagdag na tanong ni Sean.

"Yup."

"Close?"

Grr. "Uh-huh."

"'Di ka niya nililigawan?"

What the fudge?! Seryoso ba siya? Nakakagigil na siya ah. Langya.

"Pare, that's personal," Benjo said. "Back off lang ng konti, will you?"

Thank you, Benjo.

Tinaas ni Sean ang mga kamay niya in a defensive way. He smiled sheepishly at us,
but I didn't believe it for a second.

Tinignan ko si Benjo, asking him with the use of my eyes.

Can we leave now?

He seemed to get it because he nodded and asked for the bill. Mabilis namang
naibigay sa'min yung bill kaya nakaalis din kami agad. Tinanong pa kami ni Sean
kung saan kami pupuntang mag pinsan. Buti nalang sinagot ni Benjo na sa condo muna
niya, when really pupunta na kami sa Haut.

We tried to keep our cool, pero may pagka-obvious na nagmamadali kami ni Benjo sa
pagpunta sa black na Jeep Wrangler niya. Kumaway nalang kami kay Sean sa kotse niya
nang dumaan kami. When we were out of sight, tsaka na humataw si Benjo.

"Tapatin mo nga 'ko, cuz," said Benjo suddenly.

Half-way na kami sa Haut nang nagsalita siya. Walang nagsasalita dahil dinadamdam
namin ang katahimikang hindi namin nakuha nung dinner.

I waited for him to continue while I stared outside the window.

"May gusto ka ba kay Zeo?" diretsahang tanong niya.

Madali akong lumingon sa kanya after hearing what he said. Seryoso ang mukha niya.
Para siyang si Zeo e. Palabiro most of the time. Pero kapag nagseryoso, seryoso
talaga. No bullshits around.

"Wala noh," natatawa kong sinabi.

Rule #9: Never spill on someone he knows. Kahit pa anong pilit sayo, kahit pa
sobrang close mo, kahit pa trusted mo talaga, huwag na huwag mong ipapaalam na
gusto mo siya sa kakilala niya (unless gusto mong iparating dun sa taong gusto mo).
You can never be too sure. And always remember, DO NOT underestimate the Bro Code
(Google it, kung hindi mo alam).
Si Zeo lang ang nakahuli sa'king magsinulang - ever. Yes, ganun ako kagaling. Kaya
no worries ako dito kay Benjo.

"Weh?" tanong niya.

Nakangiti ako. "Oo nga." Hindi ko na dinagdagan. Magiging suspicious na kasi kapag
dinagdagan ko pa e.

"Pano pag nalaman mong may gusto siya sayo, anong gagawin mo?"

Napatigil ako dun. Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Medyo na-mental block ako
sa sinabi niya. But I quickly caught myself, bago ako mahuli ni Benjo.

"Kakain ako ng polboron, yun ang gagawin ko," sagot ko.

"Seriously?" nakangiti niyang sinabi.

Tumawa ako. "E anong gusto mong gawin ko? Magtatatalon sa saya? I'm not that kind
of girl, cuz." Syempre, hindi sa harapan niya ako tatalon noh. Pupunta ako ng banyo
at dun ko ilalabas ang kasiyahan ko. Duh. "Tsaka, pwede ba? Friends kami ni Zeo. I
value that friendship. Kaya please lang, 'wag niyong lagyan ng malisya."

Obvious na narinig ni Benjo ang katarayan sa boses ko dun sa huli kong sinabi. That
seemed to have made him shut up.

Good. I didn't want to talk about it. Ayokong nagiisip yung ibang tao ng mga ganung
bagay. Ayokong umasa from their words. Okay lang kung sa sarili ko lang yung
assumptions e.

At least, matatawag ko pa ang sarili kong delusional.

_____________

Too cheesy ba? Be honest!

Lana's List (11)

In no time, nakarating na kami sa Haut. Sa wakas. Gusto ko nang uminom. Nasa mood
akong mag paka-tipsy tonight. Kung yung iba laughing trip or crying trip kapag
nalalasing sila, ako hindi. Kapag ako ang nalalasing, flirting trip ako.

"Later, cuz," paalam sa'kin ni Benjo before going off to find his friends.

The dim-lighted and loud club welcomed me. I looked around. Holy shiz. Ang daming
tao. More than the usual. Mukhang galing din yung mga nandito from the stadium ah.

Naghanap ako ng familiar face and saw Oliver
quickly made my way towards him through this
realize na nagtitinginan na pala sa'kin yung
bongga yung babae sa harapan ko. Nanlaki ang
chest ko.
sitting by himself sa dulong booth. I
thick crowd. Hindi ko man lang na-
mga tao kung hindi pa napatigil ng
mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa

Grabe naman. Alam ko namang hindi ganun kalaki ang chest ko. Pero hindi naman siya
masyadong flat para pagtinginan ng mga tao. Napatingin tuloy ako sa dibdib ko.
Ay, shunga. Hindi naman pala yung dibdib ko yung tinitignan nila e. Yung pangalan.
Specifically, yung apelyido na nasa letterman jacket na suot ko ngayon. Nakalimutan
kong suot ko pala ito.

Naramdaman kong naginit ang mga pisngi ko. Shucks. Nakakahiya. Ito yung iniiwasan
ko e. Ayokong ma-tsismis. Friends lang kami ni Zeo! Baka kasi kapag may kumalat na
tsismis, layuan ako ni Zeo. Ayokong masira friendship namin.

Pero wait lang, hindi ba siya yung nagpasuot nito sa'kin? Hindi naman siya bobo.
For sure, alam niyang may tendency na matsi-tsismis at matsi-tsismis kami kapag may
mga taong nakitang suot ko 'to.

Conclusion: Okay lang sa kanya, kaya dapat okay lang din sa'kin.

Magpapatuloy na dapat ako sa paglakad when I felt someone put his arm around my
shoulders. Sa amoy palang, kilala ko na kung sino.

"Don't take it off muna," bulong niya sa tainga ko.

Nagkaron ako ng goosebumps from what he did. Oh, my God. Buti nalang at naka-jacket
ako. Hindi kita yung epekto ng boses niya sa'kin. Phew!

"May gustong um-arbor niyan," patuloy niya in his deep husky voice. "Better it be
with you than her."

Na-curious naman ako dun. Sino kaya yun?

Tumingin ako sa kanya. Shiz! Wrong move! Naka-close up yung face niya. Kitang kita
ko yung brown eyes niya kahit may pagka-madilim dito sa club.

Napatingin ako sa labi niya. Shucks. Natural pink, may pagka-kissable pa. Halatang
he doesn't smoke. Oh, my God. Nate-tempt akong . . . Nevermind. Parang tuloy gusto
kong umiyak sa gwapo niya. Ang unfair talaga.

I smiled and teased him, "Andami mo kasing babae."

"I'm getting rid of them na nga e," Zeo chuckled.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Yeah, right," I snorted.

Naglakad na ulit ako papunta sa booth kung nasaan si Oliver. Sure akong sumunod si
Zeo sa'kin kasi ang daming kumakaway at bumabati sa likod ko. Actually, nasanay na
'kong madaming bumabati at nagpapa-picture sa kanya tuwing lalabas kami nila
Oliver. Keri lang.

When I neared the booth, tumayo si Oliver at sinalubong ako. We briefly hugged. And
when he pulled away, umupo na ako sa booth. While nag 'bro hug' naman sila ni Zeo
saglit - yung with the pat on the back like boys do.

"Sorry, bro," nakangiting sabi ni Zeo kay Oliver. "We're just that good."

I shook my head in amusement. Ang yabang niya talaga. But the thing is, sanay na
kami ni Oliver sa kanya. And without his overconfident side, he wouldn't be the Zeo
we came to love as a friend.

Oliver shrugged. "Or maybe ganun ka lang ka-inspired." Sabay tingin sa'kin with a
meaningful smile, habang bumalik siya sa upuan niya sa harapan ko.
What the? Is he implying something that I shouldn't think about because my
delusional side would be rejoicing if so? Fudge. Oliver naman kasi e. 'Wag ganyan.

I laughed, habang Zeo took a seat beside me. Syempre, hindi pwedeng magpahalatang
affected ako noh. Kailangan cool lang.

"Inspired kasi alam niyang napuno yung stadium dahil sa kanya?" biro ko.

"Grabe, you really think I'm that conceited huh?" tanong ni Zeo sa'kin ng tumatawa.
He looked quite amused.

"Aren't you?" hamon ko.

He stopped laughing. His infamous uber sexy smile was now plastered on his face.

"I am," he admitted. "Pero maybe Oliver's right. Maybe I was inspired, but not for
the reasons you think."

Hindi ako sumagot. Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay, waiting for him to continue.
Pero deep inside, kinakabahan ako. Hindi ko alam kung dahil sa excitement or fear.
Maybe both.

Pwedeng guni-guni ko lang. Pero may nagbago sa mata niya. I mean, the way he looked
at me. Parang . . . intense. Tapos, his gaze fell down to his jacket that I was
wearing. I caught the corner of his lips twitch, as if pinipigilan niyang ngumiti
ng malaki.

Then, our eyes met again.

"I'm glad you came, Simba."

Holy shiz. KINIKILIG AKO.

Tumango lang ako. "Worth it naman e." Ang galing ko talagang umarte.

Nagtitigan pa muna kami ni Zeo, neither of us speaking. Buti nalang at in-interrupt

kami ni Oliver kasi dumating na yung Tequila at Patron. Heto na yung mga naging
usual drinks naming tatlo tuwing nandito kami.

We did shots. Inom ako ng inom hanggang sa I felt myself starting to get loose.
Gusto ko lang kalimutan yung pagka-miss ko kina mommy at daddy. Ilang araw na
silang hindi tumatawag to check on me. Baka busy. Either way, I wanted not to care.
Plus, gusto ko ring kalimutan 'tong unreachable na katabi ko even just for a night.
I swore I'd never like an unreachable. O, ano 'ko ngayon? Kinain ko rin mga sinabi
ko? Psh.

I know naman na hindi solusyon ang pag-inom. Duh. Pero I just want to have fun
tonight. Isang gabi lang, to forget everything else and focus on having fun.

Hindi naman masama yun diba?

Napansin ata nila Zeo at Oliver ang goal ko dahil at some point pinanuod nila akong
inumin yung pang seven or eight na shot ng Tequila? 'Di ko na sure. Haha.

"Take it easy," sabi sa'kin ni Zeo.

"Pft!" I waved my hand dismissively.

"May problema ba 'to?" I heard him ask Oliver.

Tinignan ko si Oliver. He only shrugged in utter loss.

"Tipsy na 'ko," I giggled.

Napatingin ako sa dance floor. Ooh! I wanna dance! So I got up from my seat at
tinulak si Zeo palabas so that I could get out also. Pero he wouldn't budge.

"Sayaw ako," I pouted.

Tumawa siya. "In that state? Uh, no."

"Sige na, Mufasa," I pleaded him. Hinawakan ko ang braso niya, at napatigil ako
saglit. I glanced where my hands were at before going back to look him in the eyes.
"Ang tigas talaga ng braso mo," bulong ko. Napakagat ako sa labi ko.

He froze. Napatingin din siya sa labi ko. He wasn't smiling anymore. Hmm.
Distracted siya. My hands went to his broad shoulders, while I slowly straddled him
on his lap. Huminga siya ng malalim sa ginawa ko, making me smirk. I took off his
jacket and placed it on his side. I leaned closer until my lips were right beside
his right ear.

"See yah," bulong ko, sabay alis sa lap niya at tumakbo sa dance floor.

I even faintly heard Oliver's laugh.

HA! Zeo fell for it! Kahit tipsy ako, kaya ko pa rin namang mag-isip noh. At kapag
may gusto akong gawin, nobody can stop me from doing it. Not even a kumag with the
most handsome face I've seen in person.

Sayang nga lang hindi ko na nakita yung reaction niya sa pagmamadali kong makaalis
dun bago pa nila ako mapigilan.

Pumwesto ako sa bandang gitna. Shiz. Ang init. Buti nalang hinubad ko yung jacket
ni Zeo. Kung hindi, lusaw ako dito ngayon. Kadiri kaya yun. Ayokong masira ng pawis
ko yung amoy ng jacket niya.

Biglang narinig kong pinatugtog ang isa sa mga favorite kong Maroon 5 songs na
mukhang ginawan ng remix nung DJ. Nice one, DJ!

One More Night - Maroon 5

I cheered along with the crowd, raised my hands, and started to dance with the
beat. Ngumiti ako sa sarap ng feeling of being free . . . Free of thoughts. Free of
feelings. Free of everything but the music and the moment.

Nasa bandang gitna na ng kanta when I felt a random stranger's hands on my waist.
What the shiz? Sisikuhin ko na sana pero bigla akong binulungan.

"You shouldn't have done that, Simba."

I froze for a moment but I loosened up just as quickly. Must be the alcohol.

I felt Zeo pull me into him, hanggang sa naramdaman ko na ang chest niya sa likod
ko. Dahil nga flirty ako kapag tipsy or lasing, I leaned my back pa into him.
Masyado akong brave ngayon kaya hindi ako natatakot to get flirty with him.

We started dancing. I could feel his breath on my neck, making me tilt my head
sideways. Yung isa kong kamay, napunta na sa ibabaw ng kamay niya. The other one
naman reached around his neck. Then, one of his hands traveled to my stomach. Sa
totoo lang, Unti-unti akong nagiinit sa ginagawa namin.

The song changed. Zeo turned me around to face him.

Holy shiz. The look on his face! Napaka-serious ng expression niya. Hindi naman
siya galit. Pero sobrang intense ng titig niya sa'kin na napanganga ako ng konti.

His gaze wandered to my lips. In a swift motion, nilagay niya ang kamay niya sa
likod ng leeg ko at nilapit ang mukha namin sa isa't isa - obviously aiming for a
kiss.

OH, MY GOD!

Pero bigla siyang tumigil. Isang inch nalang ang layo ng mga labi namin from one
another. No! Don't stop now! Pero he did. Huminga siya ng malalim at kinuha ang
kamay ko. He led me back to the booth, kung san nandun pa rin si Oliver na
nakangiti.

Sa sobrang high ko from what happened, hindi ko ma-determine kung meaningful ba

yung smile ni Oliver or normal lang.

"Bakit, Ollie?" tanong ko pagka-upo ko.

Tumaas ang kilay niya in question. I rolled my eyes.

"Parati ka nalang nakangiti ng meaningful when it comes to me and Zeo," I

explained. Grabe. Ang brave ko talaga ngayon. "Bakit?" tanong ko ulit.

Speechless siya. Tumingin siya kay Zeo, tapos sa'kin uli.

"You and your meaningful smiles," I muttered, habang inaabot ko yung tubig na
binigay naman sa'kin ni Zeo. Kinuha ko sa kanya at uminom. "Psh."

Napatawa si Zeo. Tinignan ko siya ng masama.

"And don't get me started sa ngiti mong kumag ka," sabi ko kay Zeo. Hindi ko na
mapigilan ang sarili ko. I wanted it all out. Pake ko ba kung malaman nila iniisip
ko? Mas okay nga yun e. Wala nang secrets.

"Bakit, what's up with my smile ba?" tinanong ni Zeo, sabay flash niya sa'kin ng
uber sexy smile niya. At tinatanong pa talaga niya ah? Langyang lalaki talaga 'to.

"That!" Tinuro ko yung ngiti niya. "Yan mismo! Nakakainis kaya yang uber sexy smile
mo. Nakakapanghina! Like, hello? Alam mo bang hindi ganun kadaling mag-poker face?
Duh!"

Oliver burst out laughing. Napatalon ako, sabay tingin sa kanya. Nagulat naman ako
dun. 'Di ko pa siya nakikitang tumawa ng ganyan ka-jolly. Hala. Anong nangyari sa
kanya?

Binalik ko ang tingin ko Zeo. Parang natatawa rin siya, like Oliver. Pero
pinipigilan niya. Hala. Bakit niya pinipigilan tawa niya? Mukhang ewan lang.

Anong problema ng dalawang Manila boys?

Iirapan ko na sana sila when Zeo caught my chin between his fingers. Nagkatinginan
kami. His intense gaze was back. I gulped. Carefully, he leaned his face closer to
mine.
Sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko na hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko habang
pinanuod ang mukha niyang papalapit. Napatigil ako sa paghinga. Oh, my God. I can
clearly see every detail of his face.

Tapos, I felt him brush his lips against mine.

OH, MY GOD.

Pero hindi na siya gumalaw.

I knew what he was doing; he was letting me decide kung hahalikan ko ba siya ng
tuluyan. But like I said, nakainom na ako. At kapag ganto ang state ko, malakas
talaga ang loob ko. Not to mention, I'm such a flirt when there's alcohol in my
system.

Tapos, may feelings pa ako sa kanya? Patay na.

So I did kung anong sinisigaw ng guts ko.

I leaned to Zeo, closed my eyes, and pressed my lips to his.

. . .

I'm kissing the kumag.

. . .

I'm kissing Mufasa.

. . .

I'm kissing Zeo Alcante.

. . .

Oh, my God. Ang lambot ng lips niyaaaaa.

Gently, I pulled away and opened my eyes. Feeling ko, ang high ko sa nangyari. For
a moment, I saw na mukhang dazed si Zeo. Tinitigan niya ako as if trying to figure
me out.

Hindi ko alam kung paano, pero it was like the alcohol suddenly left my system at
naging sober na ako uli. Like, POOF! Sober na, hindi na tipsy. Kaya naman na-
realize ko kung anong ginawa ko. And of course, I panicked.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at tinakpan ng kamay ko ang bibig ko.

HOLY MOTHER OF SHIZNESS! WHAT DID I JUST DO?! DID I JUST KISS ZEO?! WHY THE FUDGE
DID I KISS HIM?! OH, NO! OH, NO! OH, NO!

Gusto kong magsalita. Gusto kong i-justify yung actions ko. Gusto kong bawiin yung
kiss. Okay, well not really bawiin kung kiss kasi . . . basta worth it yung kiss.
Pero ayokong lang mag-isip ng kung ano si Zeo! Baka masira friendship namin! 'Wag
naman sana please.

Magsasalita na dapat ako when Benjo stumbled on our table. Oliver and Zeo caught
him naman. Tawa siya ng tawa. Halatang wasted na. Pinaupo siya nung dalawa sa tabi
ni Oliver. Abot tenga yung ngiti niya.
"Tara road trip!" yaya niya.

Tumawa naman si Zeo. "Dude, you're wasted."

"'Di naman ngayon e. Sa Monday pa."

Napatingin ako kay Benjo ng matagal. Parang nakikinita ko na kung anong gusto
niyang sabihin. Sa Monday ang alis nina Cass at Ryan papuntang Baguio e.

"Bahala kayo, basta I'll go on a road trip. It's all settled. Nakausap ko na sina
Ryan. Naghahanap nalang ako ng mga kasama."

Fudge. Yun nga.

"Sina Sev ba, have you asked them na?" tanong ni Zeo.

"Oo," sagot ni Benjo, papikit-pikit. "Punta raw silang Europe nila Filipina e." His
eyes found me. Uh-oh. "Cuz! Samahan mo 'ko! Sige na, please!"

Napatingin sa'kin sina Zeo at Oliver. I bit my lip. Wrong move. Sinundan ni Zeo
yung labi ko. Inalis ko agad ang pagka-kagat and I cleared my throat.

"Solo trip yun nila Cass ah," I reminded Benjo. "'Wag mo na silang istorbohin."

"Yun na nga e," sagot niya. "Natatakot si Ryan na magmaneho ng ganun kalayo. Baka
daw 'di niya kayanin. Tsaka, ano ka ba? The more, the merrier!"

Zeo laughed. "Oo nga naman."

I sent him a dark look. Kinukunsinte pa e.

"Just saying," he chuckled when he saw my frown.

Medyo gumaang ang loob ko. May pagasa pa yung friendship namin kung normal na ang
trato namin sa isa't isa kahit papaano. Pero nalungkot din ako ng konti. Kasi if he
could act as if nothing happened, ibig sabihin talagang sanay na siya sa mga ganun
and then act indifferent afterward.

Parang feeling ko tuloy, isa 'ko sa mga babae niya. Nakakainis.

"Pare, sama ka ah? I heard ikaw daw si Blue Bur."

Lumingon ako agad kay Benjo na kinakausap si Oliver na akala mo e close na sila.
Shiz. Nakakahiya naman talaga 'tong si Benjo kapag lasing.

"Ayos yan. Tatagal ka sa biyahe." Sabay ngisi ni Benjo.

Oh, my God. Seriously? Anak ng gulay talaga 'tong si Benjo. But then again, I think
mas mabuti nang sina Oliver yung niyayaya niya kaysa sa complete stranger.

"Ano, game?" tanong ni Benjo sa'min.

Nagkatinginan kaming tatlo. We were asking one another the same question with the
use of our eyes. Natuto na kaming mag-converse from just an eye contact dati pa e.

Tinaas ni Zeo ang kamay niya. "I'm game," he said, grinning.

Oliver shrugged. "Oo ba."

Tumingin silang tatlo sa'kin. Si Benjo, kahit na mukhang sobrang antok, pinilit ang
sariling mag-pout sa'kin. Si Oliver naman, usual quiet self na nagaantay ng sagot
ko. At si Zeo, nakangiting nagha-hamon. Napataas ang kilay ko sa kanya. Lalo siyang
ngumiti ng smug.

Inirapan ko siya at tumango kay Benjo.

"Sige. Basta ikaw ang magpapaalam sa'kin."

"YES!!!" sigaw ni Benjo na nag-fist pa sa ere sa sobrang saya. "Akong bahala sayo
kina Tito. No problem!"

Pagkasabing pagkasabi niya nun, knock out siya sa lap ni Oliver. Kawawa naman si
Oliver. Nag-panic siya sa gulat. Paano ba naman, lalaki yung bumagsak at natulog sa
lap niya? Hindi lang yun, face head on sa . . . um, ano niya. Tapos, nasa club pa
kami.

Hindi namin napigilang tumawa ni Zeo. Oliver doesn't make faces very often. Kaya
priceless yung itsura niya sa nangyari. Imbes na tulungan namin siya, tumawa pa
muna kami. When he glared at us, dun lang kami kumilos ni Zeo at inayos si Benjo.
Agad namang lumayo si Oliver at umupo sa kabilang side ng booth. Halatang
kinilabutan siya.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Zeo. We burst out laughing again.

It felt nice. Hindi naman pala magiging awkward e. The usual pa rin ang pakikitungo
namin sa isa't isa. The kiss was . . . a sudden urge. And I was glad na hindi
nagbago pagtrato sa'kin ni Zeo. I just hope 'wag niyang isipin na meron akong
feelings sa kanya, kahit na meron naman talaga. Ayoko pa ring ipaalam.

"I think we should take Benjo home," suggested Zeo.

Tumango ako in agreement.

"I want to help," said Oliver, looking very sorry. "Pero may lakad ako tonight."

"Another race?" asked Zeo.

"Yeah."

"Sige, bro. You go ahead na."

"Oo nga, kaya na namin 'to," dagdag ko.

Oliver hesitated.

"Go," sabay pa naming sinabi si Zeo sa kanya.

He nodded. "Okay, text me when you guys get home."

He grabbed his leather jacket and made a move to leave. Naglalakad na siya palayo
when he suddenly stopped. He looked over his shoulder at tinignan niya kami ni Zeo.
Then, he smiled. Oh, my God. Not that damn meaningful smile of his again! Ugh.

"Use protection, kids."

After the last word, that cute chinito left with a facial expression na halatang
nagpipigil ng tawa. Holy shiz! Nako, lagot yung Oliver na yun sa'kin bukas.
Tatadtaran ko siya ng spam messages! Nakakainis siya! Bakit pa niya kailangang
sabihin yun? Shiz talaga.

Nagulat ako nang marinig kong tumawa si Zeo. He was laughing wholeheartedly that I
almost smiled. Almost, kasi nakakahiya pa rin yung reason kung bakit siya tumatawa.

"As if naman, diba?" Zeo asked me. Tapos, inalis niya ang tingin niya sa'kin.

Wow. Nasaktan ako dun ah. Para na rin niyang sinabi na wala talaga akong pagasa sa
kanya. Para na rin niyang pinaalala kung gaano siya ka-unreachable. It stung.

Kinuha ni Zeo yung natitirang shot glass na may laman sa table. Habang nakatingin
sa crowd sa dance floor, tinungga niya yung shot. He briefly made a sour face, bago
niya binalik yung shot glass sa table. Tinignan niya ako. Then, he smiled his uber
sexy smile at me.

"As if naman na makaka-tsansing ulit ako sayo, e you're sober na."

_____________

Surprised? Ako din. Hahaha!

Bet you didn't expect that, though. ;)

Lana's List (12)

Hindi pa rin ako maka-get over sa sinabi ni Zeo.

Siya daw yung nanantsing? Sa pagkakaalala ko, ako yung pumayag at dumiin nung kiss
namin. So how could he say that? Hmm. Was that . . . Was him saying that his way of
being a gentleman?

Tumingin ako sa closed establishments na dinadaanan namin. Nasa backseat si Benjo

ng sasakyan ni Zeo. We were on our way to Benjo's condo sa The Fort. Hindi ko na
kailangang sabihin kay Zeo kung saan kasi nahatid na naman niya ako dun before.

"What's up with you?" Zeo suddenly asked.

Tumingin ako sa kanya. Hindi ko alam yung ibig niyang sabihin. He glanced at me and
saw my expression. Tapos, nagsalita ulit siya.

"Ba't ka naglasing?"

Ah. I looked down on my hands na nasa lap ko. Nag-hesitate ako kung sasabihin ko.
Tapos, I remembered na isa siya sa mga pinaka-close kong kaibigan. Pwede kong
sabihin sa kanya what was troubling me.

"Na-miss ko lang sina mommy't daddy," I said quietly. "Almost a week na silang
hindi nagpaparamdam e. It happened many times before na naman. Nakakalungkot lang
minsan."

'Di ko na babanggitin yung part na isa siya sa mga reasons why I wanted to be brave
and flirty tonight. Hindi ko lang ine-expect na siya pala yung magiging ka-flirt
ko. Suddenly, I felt like I should say something. Hindi pu-pwedeng akuhin niya yung
kiss kanina. It was partly my fault, too.

"I'm sorry if I kissed you," bulong ko, biting my lip. "Kapag naka-inom lang talaga
'ko nagiging ganun ka-minx. 'Di ako iyakin or laugh trip kapag nakakainom. Instead,
I'm very flirtatious to the point na sobrang lakas ng loob ko."

Zeo laughed. "'Di ka pala pwedeng malasing e."

"Bakit naman?"

"You might lose your V-card ng 'di oras."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "And what makes you think na virgin pa 'ko?"

He instantly stopped laughing. Tumingin siya sa'kin with a shocked face. Buti
nalang, red light at nakahinto kami sa tagal ng titig niya sa'kin. His shocked face
turned serious and curious, while he was studying me. Nang nag-green light na,
nakatingin pa rin siya sa'kin. It took all my will power para naka-poker face pa
rin ako. Siya naman, seryoso pa rin yung mukha. Hindi naman mukhang galit. Sayang.

"First mo yung gago mong ex?" tanong niya sa'kin na parang hindi makapaniwala.

Pinilit kong pakinggan yung selos sa tono ng boses niya. Kaso parang wala naman.
Mukhang disappointed lang siya. Sobrang disappointed.

"Shucks, joke lang!" inamin ko kaagad ng tumatawa. Ayokong magbago yung tingin niya
sa'kin kaya I gave in. "Virgin pa 'ko noh. Kaya nga naghanap yun ng iba e."

"'Di nga?" tanong ni Zeo, parang bata.

Napangiti ako sa hopeful expression niya.

"Oo nga."

I caught a ghost of a smile from his lips, bago pa niya inalis ang tingin niya
sa'kin at ini-larga ang sasakyan. Maaaring guni-guni ko lang. Pero kinikilig pa rin
akong isipin.

"Good," he mumbled.

Lumaki ang ngiti ko sa mukha. Naks. Concerned siyaaaaa. Haba ng hair ko. Ayos lang.
Minsan lang naman e. Tsaka, it's not like ipagyayabang ko. Itatago ko lang 'to sa
sarili ko.

"Basta don't drink without me or Ollie around," dagdag niya. Sa tono ng boses niya,
it was more like an order.

"Opo, Mufasa," natatawa kong sinabi.

E bakit ba? Hindi ko na mapigilan yung ngiti ko e. Tsaka, nakakatawa naman talaga
si Zeo kapag seryoso. Parang out of character. Haha!

Tumahimik na sa kotse hanggang sa makarating na kami sa Magnifico Tower, yung name

ng condominium where Benjo resides for the time being. Zeo parked sa malapit para
hindi kami masyadong mahirapan sa pagbuhat kay Benjo.

Grabe 'tong pinsan ko. Naglalasing talaga ng bongga kapag may celebration. At dahil
nag-champion nga ang De La Soledad kanina, he made it an excuse to get wasted.
Sheesh.

Si Zeo mostly ang nagbuhat kay Benjo. Wala namang masyadong tao sa lobby kaya wala
masyadong nagtinginan sa'min. Taga-pindot lang ako ng elevator at taga-bukas ng
pintuan sa condo unit.

Naalala ko bigla si Dex nung napatingin ako sa door ng kwarto niya. I also
remembered na baka tulog na yun. Unlike Benjo, Dex is a good boy. Puro aral ang
inaatupag. Hindi naman siya mukhang nerd. Actually, he looks decent enough. Alam mo
nga alang talaga na seryoso sa studies niya.

"Dito nalang," sabi ko kay Zeo, pumasok ako sa kwarto ni Benjo at tinuturo ang
queen-sized bed niya.

Zeo placed my cousin on the bed gently. He straightened up at nag-inat. I can't

blame him, malayo-layo din nilakad namin e.

"Where ka matutulog?" Zeo asked me.

First time niya kasing maka-akyat dito sa condo ni Benjo. Usually, hinahatid lang
nila ako ni Oliver hanggang sa entrance ng Magnifico Tower. Plus, hindi tumatambay
dito si Benjo. Kaya kahit friends silang dalawa, sa mga bar at clubs sila nagbo-
bonding.

"Dyan," nguso ko sa kama na hinihigaan ni Benjo. "Cousins naman kami e, parehas

pang only child. Kaya parang siblings na rin turingan namin. Walang malisya ah,
kaya don't even think about incest things. Kadiri!"

Ugh. Kinikilabutan ako just thinking about it. Yuck!

Zeo laughed out loud. "I wasn't gonna say anything. Defensive mo."

Dinilaan ko siya, making him laugh even harder.

"Umalis ka na nga," sabi ko, while pushing him out of the condo.

"Wala man lang 'thank you'?" biro niya.

"Thank you."

"Wait."

He planted his feet on the ground bigla kaya hindi ko na siya natulak. I looked at
him, wondering what made him stop all of a sudden. Tapos, nakita kong nakatingin
siya sa pintuan ng kwarto ni Dex.

"Ba't ka sa bed ni Benjo when there's a spare room?" he asked.

Ay, hindi niya pala alam.

"Kwarto yan ni Dex," I explained.

Zeo frowned in confusion. "Dex?"

Tumango ako. "Dex, yung roommate ni Benjo."

Lumaki ang brown niyang mga mata. "Roommate?"

And as if on cue, lumabas si Dex sa kwarto niya na kinakamot ang mata. Napatigil
siya nang makita niya kami ni Zeo. Naka boxer shorts lang siya and white shirt.
Maputi siya at baby face ang itsura kaya medyo cute din.

Dex blinked. "Z - Zeo Alcante?" he stuttered, hindi makapaniwala.

Tumango si Zeo at nginitian siya. Pero binalik niya agad ang tingin niya sa'kin.

"All this time may roommate si Benjo?"

"Yup," sabi ko, habang tinitignang mabuti ang reaksyon niya.

"A dude roommate?"

"Oo."

"A straight dude roommate?"

I bit my lip, pinipigilan ang tawa ko. Yung expression ng mukha niya ay priceless.
Hindi ko ine-expect na ganto magiging reaction niya over this. Akala ko, magiging
wala lang sa kanya na may nakatira pa ditong lalaki bukod sa pinsan ko. Pero now na
nakikita ko yung expression niya, let's just say na kinikilig ako na he's sort of
freaking out.

"Mm-hmm," I hummed nalang, preventing myself from laughing out loud.

Napanganga ng konti yung bibig ni Zeo. He looked at Dex who was still watching us,
and then back at me. Sinarado niya ang bibig niya at tinignan ako with a suspicious
look.

"Why do you find this funny?" he asked curiously.

"Why do you find this shocking?" I replied, with a raised eyebrow.

"Lalaki siya, Simba," sagot ni Zeo, as if that explained everything. "Okay lang
sana kung bakla siya. No offense, man," dagdag niya kay Dex na pinapanuod pa rin
kami.

"Lalaki din naman si Benjo ah."

"That's different. Cousin mo si Benjo."

"What's the big deal? Gentleman naman si Dex kahit na may cr -"

I didn't continue. Parang ang kapal naman ng mukha ko kapag sinabi kong, 'kahit na
may crush siya sa'kin.' Even though it's true, 'di ko pa rin dapat sabihin yun.
Lalo na't nandyan lang siya sa tabi.

Tsaka, malakas ang kutob ko na bakla siya kahit ayaw niyang aminin e. Feeling ko
talaga si Benjo yung crush niya at dinadahilan lang niya dun na ako daw. 'Di lang
ako nagsasalita kasi baka paalisin siya dito ni Benjo kapag nalaman. Kawawa naman.

Mukhang na-gets ni Zeo yung muntik ko nang sabihin, kasi understanding crossed his
features. Ang bilis talaga niya maka-gets. Nakakainis. Buti nalang hindi pa niya
nage-gets yung feelings ko. Phew!

Sa totoo lang, ine-expect kong magagalit si Zeo. Or at least, I was hoping. I mean,
obvious namang nag-freak out siya after finding out all about Dex. Pero hinding
hindi ko ine-expect na he would look smug. Kasi yun yung naging expression niya e.

Zeo smirked. Lumingon siya kay Dex.

"Hey, man. Thanks for looking out for my girl ah." Sabay akbay sa'kin ni Zeo.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at napanganga ako habang tinititigan ko siya. Tung tibok ng
puso ko, nagwawala na naman.

WHAT?

"Uh." Dex glanced at me. "Sure, Zeo." Tinalikuran niya kami para kumuha ng bottle
of water sa fridge. When he faced us again, he said, "Um, good night."

Inantay ko munang makapasok si Dex sa kwarto niya bago ko tinulak si Zeo palayo
sa'kin. Pero mukhang inaasahan na niyang gagawin ko yun, kasi he was able to dodge
my shove and step away from me.

Tumatawa na siya.

"Bakit mo yun sinabi?" I demanded. Namumula ako, pero hindi dahil sa galit. More
like, kinikilig ng bonggang bongga.

"Ayaw mo nun? He won't make a move on you na." He flashed me his uber sexy smile
after saying that.

Oh, my God. Bakit parang dumadami yung kilig moments ko with him? At bakit parang
lumalala yung pagkakilig ko sa kanya habang tumatagal? Oh, no. Please, no. I don't
want to fall for him. 'Wag muna noh. Masyado pa kayang maaga.

"'Di naman siya pumoporma sa'kin e," I said.

Kasi kay Benjo siya may something. Bwahaha!

"Edi hindi na rin siya magbabalak pa," he shrugged.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "And so what naman ba kung pumorma siya sa'kin? Single
naman ako ah."

"What, gusto mo yung ganung lalaki?" snorted Zeo, amused. "Mukhang bading?"

Holy shiz. Napansin din niya. Fudge. Natatawa ako!

"Inggit ka lang, light brown eyes kasi siya," asar ko kay Zeo.

"Contact lens lang yun. Mine's the real thing," he added smugly.

I pressed my lips together. Pinipigilan ko talagang tumawa. Parang nagseselos siya,

pero I couldn't tell kasi confident pa din ang dating niya.

"Kapal ng mukhaaa," natatawa kong sinabi.

"Gwapo naman."

I rolled my eyes, pero nakangiti pa rin ako. Typical Zeo.

"Umuwi ka na nga, Mufasa." I motioned for him to go to the door.

Ngumuso siya na parang nagiisip.

"Hatid na kita."

Napatigil ako sa sinabi niya. Did he just . . . ? Holy shiz. No way.

"Sa Tagaytay?" I asked, making sure.

"Oo."

"Seryoso ka?" tanong ko, hindi makapaniwala.

"Yeah," he grinned.

I frowned at him. Anong nakain nito?

"Ang layo kaya nun. 'Wag na."

"Minsan na nga lang mag kusang loob, you'll reject me pa. Wala 'to."

Aw. Sobrang cute niyang mag tampo na hindi ko tuloy napigilang ngumiti ng abot
tenga. Shiz. Ang galing talaga niyang magpa-kilig. My gulay. Pero teka lang, the
list! Rule #2!

Keep your cool.

Inalis ko agad ang ngiti ko bago pa man niya makita. Buti nalang at hindi siya
nakatingin. Dapat cool lang. Dapat hindi niya makitang nasasabik ako ng bongga. Oh,
my God naman kasi e. Nakakakilig na magyaya siya.

"Okay, fine," I gave in, with a since-I-got-nothing-better-to-do tone in my voice.

Zeo grinned. "Yan, pakipot ka pa e."

Nawala ang kilig ko sa katawan nang sinabi niya yun. Tinignan ko siya ng masama,
giving him my best evil look. Yung evil look na pati angry bears e magmu-mukhang
cute.

"You did not just say that," sabi ko venomously.

Hindi siya natinag ng evil look ko kasi nakangiti pa rin siya. Actually, nag-smirk
pa siya lalo. Kailan ba siya natinag? Badtrip siyang kumag siya ah. Ang tibay
tibay. Parang never pa siyang natakot sa tana ng buhay niya. Langya.

"Oh, but I did," chuckled Zeo.

Sinuntok ko ang braso niya. Gusto kong sabihin na nasaktan ko siya sa ginawa ko.
Gusto kong sabihin na napaluhod siya sa sakit. Gusto kong sabihin na I walked off
with my chin held high. Kaso, hindi yun ang nangyari e.

Nakakahiya mang aminin, nasaktan ng sobra ang kamao ko sa pagka suntok ko sa mala
posteng braso ni Zeo. Pinigilan ko namang hindi mag make ng face. Kaso talagang
masakit e. Lumaki na nga butas ng ilong ko sa pag hinga ng malalim na hindi naman
effective.

Bakit kasi may muscles pa siya? Anak ng tokwa naman oh.

Syempre, tumawa ng bonggang bongga si Zeo. Obvious naman kasi sa namumulupot kong
mukha na ako yung nasaktan sa ginawa ko e. Hindi pa nakuntento si Zeo. Hinawakan pa
niya ang tiyan niya sa kakatawa. Mala LMAO lang.

Hala, sige! Tawa pa! Hindi pa abot sa lobby yang halakhak mo.

"Yan kasi e," natatawa pa rin niyang sinabi. He straightened up and looked at me
with the biggest grin I've ever seen him wear. Tinaas niya ang braso niyang
sinuntok ko at nag-flex ng biceps sa harapan ko.
Aaah! My eyesss!

"Never underestimate this, Simba," he added.

Ang yabang talaga nitong kumag na 'to. Fudge. Nakakapanggigil. Argh. Siya na gwapo.
Siya na may dimples. Siya na magaling mag basketball. Siya na magaling magpakilig.
Siya na may uber sexy smile. Siya na may drool-worthy hot bod. SIYA NA!

Ubod naman ng yabang. My gulay.

"Sarap putukin ng ego mo," irap ko. Then, I mocked a sad look. "Kaso 'di kakayanin
ng needle e, kailangan ko pa ng drill."

Napatawa siya sa sinabi ko. Bago pa siya makasagot, tinalikuran ko na siya at

kinuha ang bag ko sa sofa. Nag-iwan ako ng note kay Benjo na hahatid ako ni Zeo sa
Tagaytay para hindi siya mag-worry. Pinuntahan ko si Zeo na nagaantay sa'kin by the
front door.

"Taralets," yaya ko, pagka-sara ng pinto.

Zeo stared at me blankly for a moment.

May dumi ba sa mukha ko? Shiz. Baka may pimple ako? Hinawakan ko yung mukha ko.
Wala namang masakit.

I frowned. "What?"

Nagising siya. He shook his head lightly and smiled at me, flashing his dimples in
the process. Amused siyang sumagot ng, "Wala." Pagka-sabi niya nun, nauna na siyang
naglakad papuntang elevator.

Hala. Anong problema nun?

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: I'm in deep shit. #freakingout

_____________

Dedicated to purple-ish (Gaile). Loved her comment on Lana. :)

Ano sa tingin niyo problema ni Zeo? Hahaha!

Lana's List (13)

Pinanuod ko silang ilagay ang mga gamit namin sa mga sasakyan. Nasa tabi ko si Cass
na pinapanuod naman sina Ryan na ilagay ang gamit nila sa shiny white Mitsubishi
Montero Sport (2012) na sasakyan nila.

"Nasan Mustang ni Ryan?" I asked Cass under my breath.

"Nasa bahay nila," she answered. "Mas convenient kasi 'tong Montero kaysa dun sa
Mustang e. Lalo na't road trip 'to." Ngumiti ng malaki sa'kin si Cass.

I returned her grin. Nakaka-excite naman kasi talaga itong gagawin namin. At first,
I thought magrereklamo si Cass na hindi niya maso-solo si Ryan. Pero mukhang mas
na-excite siya when she found out na kasama ako. Oha.

Too bad nga lang na Kylee couldn't come with us here. We Skyped with her last
night, sobrang lungkot niya na hindi siya makakasama sa'min. Mamayang madaling araw
pa kasi uwi nila. Hindi siya aabot.

"You got one helluva luggage, Lan," chuckled Oliver, shaking his head in amusement.

"Damn," breathed out Zeo, after arranging our bags sa likod ng SUV niya. "You're
such a girl, Simba."

Duh. Four days and three nights kami sa Baguio noh. Not to mention, magba-bar kami
for sure. Tapos, baka mag swimming pa kami sa may falls dun. Kung saan saan kami
pupunta, kaya kailangan prepared. Yung beauty essentials pa, hindi pwedeng
kalimutan.

Ay, dinala ko nga rin pala yung favorite books and DVDs ko. Hindi naman kasi
pwedeng iwan ko sila sa bahay. Baka malungkot.

"Just shut up and drive, Mufasa," irap ko sa kanya.

"Let's go?" yaya ni Ryan, tinitignan kaming lahat.

Tumango kaming lahat at sumakay na. Ako, Oliver, at Zeo sa Mercedes Benz na SUV ni
Zeo. While sina Cass, Ryan, at Benjo naman ay sa Mitsubishi Montero Sport ni Ryan.
Nag eye-contact kami ni Cass saglit bago kami sumakay sa kanya-kanyang mga
sasakyan.

Sa backseat ako, while the Manila boys took up the front. Sa kabila naman, I saw na
si Benjo yung nasa backseat.

"Akong bahala sa music," declared Oliver, habang kinakalikot na yung audio system
ng kotse ni Zeo. Nagpatugtog siya ng Parokya Ni Edgar.

Hindi na kami umangal ni Zeo. Ever since naman kasi, si Oliver na talaga and nagha-
handle sa music tuwing magkakasama kami sa iisang sasakyan e. Nasanay na kami. Ayos
naman taste ni Zeo sa music, kaso puro old school hip hop. Wala namang masama dun.
Puro yun nga lang.

"Excited?" tinanong sa'kin ni Zeo from the rear view mirror. From here, kitang kita
ko yung ngiti niyang nakakaloko.

"Impatient," sagot ko. "I wanna be on the road. Drive ka na dali."

Zeo laughed and put the car on gear. Nauna sina Ryan sa'min. Dadaan pa naman kami
sa Statique before fully hitting the road e. Bili ng kape, pang pagising. I glanced
at my watch.

04:23am
Dumaan kami sa Statique para mag-takeout ng coffee and bagels. Medyo na-shock ako
na hindi lang pala si Oliver ang hindi pa nakakalimot. Pati si Zeo alam pa rin ang
usual order namin ni Oliver nung siya yung nag-order for us.

Mukhang hindi naman nagulat si Oliver. Malamang, hindi naman big deal sa kanya yung
little things na yun e. He's a guy. Pero sa'kin, oo. Kaya na-touch kaya ako ng
konti.

That's the thing kasi e. When it comes to girls remembering details about a guy,
creepy ang dating for the males. Pero kapag boy naman ang nakakaalala ng
information about a girl, it's very sweet. Ang labas ay they pay attention. Not for
girls, though. Sa babae kasi, ang tingin nila ay may pagka-obsessed dun sa dude
kapag naalala niya.

Unfair, diba?

Something caught my attention, pulling me out of my thinking. I saw the female

bartender flirting with Zeo. Grabe. Hindi pa kami nakakaalis ng Tagaytay, may
lumalandi na sa kanya? My gulay. Kakapanalo lang kasi nila nung Saturday e. Kaya
yung kasikatan ni Zeo nag-boost pa lalo simula nun.

"Lapitan mo na," sabi sa'kin ni Oliver.

Lumingon ako sa kanya. He looked bored and impatient. Well, hindi ko siya
masisisisi. Nagugutom na 'ko e. I sighed and went over to the counter.

"Hi, follow up po ng order namin," I smiled at the female who was flirting with
Zeo.

Shucks. Ang plastik ko talaga.

"Wait lang po ng ilan pang minutes, ma'am," sagot sa'kin nung babae, sabay tingin
ulit sa kumag na naka-smirk sa tabi ko.

Kung hindi lang ako natatakot na baka duraan nung babae yung inumin ko, tinarayan
ko na siya ng abot langit ngayon. Kaso baka kung ano pang kababalaghan ang ilagay
niya dun ng wala akong kamalay-malay kaya 'wag nalang.

I have to admit, though. I'm pissed.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero parang nage-enjoy si Zeo sa attention that he's
getting from the female bartender. And I'm also getting this feeling na alam niyang
badtrip na ako, pero natutuwa siya sa pagkainis ko.

Aba, ang kapal ng mukha. Pinatulan pa yung babae nang ngitian niya nung uber sexy
smile niya. Nakakainis siya! Akala ko ba nagbabawas na siya ng mga babae niya?
Bakit pa niya dinadagdagan? Shiz.

Someone authoritative-looking passed by. I caught a glimpse of his name tag, and
nag-rejoice ako nung makita kong 'Manager' ang nakalagay sa ilalim ng name niya.

Okay, time for some acting.

"Ay, ganun?" malungkot kong sinabi ng medyo malakas, with the sad face and
everything. "We've been waiting for a few minutes na kasi e. Ang layo pa ng
lalakbayin namin. Wala na bang ibang way para ma-rush yun, miss? Sige na naman oh.
Please?" Binuhos ko na ang puppy dog look ko dun.
Napalingon naman yun Manager. Kumunot ang noo niya at napatingin dun sa babaeng
lumalandi kay Zeo. Hindi makapag-salita yung babae. Ha. Ano ka ngayon, miss?

Tinignan ako uli nung Manager at nilapitan ako. He smiled warmly, as though gagawin
niya ang lahat ng hilingin ko. Pinigilan ko na mag mukhang smug.

"What's your order, ma'am?" the manager asked politely. Sinabi ko. He nodded and
said, "Right away, ma'am."

Wala pang isang minuto, naka-ready na yung takeout namin. See? Ganun lang naman ka-
simple e. Pinapatagal nung babae para makalandi siya. Psh. Desperada si ate.

"Finally," narinig kong sinabi ni Oliver. Yung boses niya sobrang bored, like that
first meeting namin as groupmates sa De La Soledad. Tapos, he gave the female
bartender a superior look nung dumaan kami sa counter. Parang irap, pero guy
version.

Wow. Mukhang sobrang nainip siya.

"Tagal niyo ah," said Cass, paglabas namin ng Statique.

She, Benjo, and Ryan were waiting by the Montero.

"May lumandi pa kasi kay Zeo e," I replied, before I could stop myself.

I bit my lip. Fudge. Dapat hindi ko yun sinabi. Lumalabas tuloy na parang -

"Selos ka naman," singit ni Benjo na nangaasar.

Napatawa silang lahat sa sinabi niya. Wala akong nagawa kundi tignan nalang siya ng
masama habang isinusumpa ko siya sa isip ko.

Anong klase kang pinsan?!

"Cute nga e," said Zeo, smiling confidently at me.

I looked at him suspiciously. "Nilalandi mo ba 'ko?" diretsong tanong ko sa kanya.

Zeo shrugged. "Maybe."

"Yuck. We're friends kaya," I reminded him, making a move towards his SUV.

"Friends don't kiss each other," he called out a-matter-of-factly.

Napatigil ako, my eyes widening. Lahat din sila napatigil sa sinabi ni Zeo. Holy
effing shiz. He did not just say it out loud, did he? Guni-guni ko lang yun, diba?
Diba?! Pero I looked at everyone's faces. Yup, sinabi nga talaga ni Zeo. Even
Oliver was surprised na that kumag just announced and acknowledged that kiss in
front of every-effing-body.

Kailangan kong maka-recover. Kailangang cool lang ako. Kaya ko 'to!

I turned around and smiled sweetly at Zeo.

"Mufasa," I started. "Kung may gusto ka sa'kin, just say so." Hindi pa ako
nakuntento. Kinindatan ko pa siya, bago tuluyang sumakay sa backseat ng SUV niya.

As soon as the door was closed, huminga ako ng malalim. Shiz. Nagha-hyperventilate
ata ako. Badtrip talaga yung Zeo na yun. I-announce daw ba bigla bigla yung
nangyari? 'Di man lang ako winarningan para makapag-handa man lang kahit papaano.
Holy shiz.

Not long after kong makasakay, sumakay na rin yung iba.

"Daya mo," Zeo told me. "Umalis ka na before I could reply."

"Magaling ako e."

He smirked. "We'll see about that."

Nag-vibrate yung phone ko. Thankful for the distraction, kinuha ko agad ito from my
pocket at nakitang nag-text si Cass. I rolled my eyes. Alam ko na 'to.

Cass: YOU KISSED ZEO FUCKING ALCANTEEEEEEE?!?!?!?!

As I expected. Nai-imagine ko na ang pagwawala niya. Hindi muna ako magre-reply sa

kanya. Ipapa-cool down ko muna yung energy niya. Masyado siyang nagulat e.

Nang umandar na ang sasakyan, biglang may tumugtog na kanta na para bang sakto sa
sitwasyon ngayon. What the?

Para Sa'yo by Parokya Ni Edgar

Natawa si Oliver. Tahimik lang kami ni Zeo. Nahalata din kaya niya? Hindi naman sa
awkward, nakakabigla lang na yun pa talaga yung kantang nag-play.

"This will be an interesting trip," said Oliver.

"Memorable, bro," replied Zeo. Hindi ko nakikita itsura niya, pero I know him well
enough to tell na nakangiti siya nung sinabi niya yun.

"Make the most of it ba?" asked Oliver.

"Definitely."

Ayan na naman sila sa bromance nilang dalawa. Sila lang talaga nagkakaintindihan
minsan. Sometimes lang naman, kaya no worries. Pero feeling ko may hindi sila
sinasabi sa'kin e, which is saying something kasi we're really tight.

Letseng Bro Code na yan. Kung tao lang yan, pinitik ko na yan sa noo e.

***

Nag-stop over kami somewhere in Bulacan, yung mga gas station with the restaurants
along the expressway. We had a heavy breakfast sa McDonald's. I thought
magrereklamo yung Manila boys, but they surprised me by appearing as if they were
used to it.

Tuwing magkakasama na kaming tatlo lang, hindi kami kumakain sa McDo or sa Jollibee
e. Then again, parati nila akong libre. Imagine how much I was able to save because
of that. Don't get me wrong, I've tried to treat them many times. Kaso sobrang
persistent talaga nila. Nasanay na tuloy ako.

Buti nalang, KKB kami ngayon.

"Daan lang akong Starbucks," announced Oliver, getting up from his seat.

Tapos na kaming kumain. Nagpapababa lang muna ng nakain before going on the road
again. Nasa CR sina Benjo at Zeo, while kaming apat natira dito sa McDo.

"You guys want anything?" Oliver asked.

"No," answered Cass and Ryan in unison.

"Sama 'ko, Ollie," sabi ko, standing up and following Oliver outside.

Pagtingin ko sa likuran ko, nakita kong naka-smirk si Cass sa'kin habang naka-akbay
sa kanya si Ryan. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. She still hadn't forgiven me for not
telling her the 'kiss' thing. I shook my head in amusement and went up to Oliver na
naghi-hintay sa'kin.

"Let me guess," said Oliver, pagka-lapit ko. "Magpapalibre ka."

Kung 'di ko pa siya close, baka binatukan ko na siya ngayon sa sinabi niya.
Assuming e, kahit na tama naman talaga siya. Pero dahil close na kami, tinawanan ko
nalang siya.

"Choco Frappe ah," pabiro kong sinabi.

He chuckled and walked ahead. Sumunod ako.

"Kayo kasi e," dagdag ko. "Sinanay niyo 'ko sa libre. Ayan tuloy."

"Okay lang. Nakakatuwa ka namang i-spoil e."

"Mag-girlfriend kasi kayo," I laughed.

Oliver looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "Dude," he began, "even if magka-

girlfriend kami ni Zeo, we wouldn't leave you hanging."

In fairness, na-touch ako dun. Kahit medyo doubtful din.

I snorted. "Bakit, hahanap niyo din ako ng boyfriend?"

He smirked before saying, "Question is, kailangan ka pa bang ihanap?" He didn't

wait for me to answer. Pumasok na siya sa Starbucks.

Shiz. He always liked having the last say. Daya.

I followed Oliver inside. A few heads turned to glance at me. Tumaas naman ng konti
yung confidence level ko habang naglalakad to where Oliver was.

Simple lang naman suot ko, with the plaid shirt, denim shorts, and Nike kicks. Pero
shiz. Ang galing ko talagang magdala ng damit.

I know. How conceited of me, right? Pero I can't deny the fact na may itsura ako
kahit papano. Kaya nga hindi ako nai-intimidate nung dalawang Manila boys e.

"What happened last Saturday night, pag-alis ko?" asked Oliver suddenly. Tinapos
muna niya yung tine-text niya before turning his eyes to me. As usual, hindi ko
mabasa yung expression ng mukha niya.

I was about to answer na wala naman, but then I remembered how Zeo reacted when he
found out about Benjo's male roommate Dex.

"Alam mo bang may roommate si Benjo na lalaki?" tanong ko.

Kumunot ang noo ni Oliver. "Dun sa condo niya?"

"Yup."

"No, I didn't know that."

"Pero . . . okay lang sayo, diba?"

He cocked his head to the side. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, okay lang sayo na dun ako mag-stay knowing the fact that there's another
male living there na hindi ko kaano-ano?"

Tinitigan ako ni Oliver. I could clearly see the curiosity in his eyes boring into
mine. But before he could say anything, siya na yung next sa cashier. Inantay ko
siya sa gilid.

"Lan, glazed donut?" tanong niya.

Lumaki mata ko ng konti sa excitement. Mahilig ako sa donut e, bakit ba?

"Oo, please!" excited kong sinabi.

He smiled and nodded. Dinagdag niya yun sa cashier, then paid everything. In a
couple of minutes, tinabihan niya ako sa may malapit sa receiving area.

"Zeo freaked out, didn't he?"

Napalingon ako agad kay Oliver. Nakita ko siyang nakangiti na parang natatawa.
Grabe. Ang cute niya talaga, especially when he's smiling. Nakaka-proud maging
kasama niya, sa totoo lang. Yung tipong, kapag may mga babaeng nago-ogle sa kanya
habang magkasama kami, mapapaisip ako na, 'Close ko yang cute na yan! Bleh!'

"Pano mo nalaman?" I asked him, a little bit in shock na he figured it out agad.

He shrugged. "It's Zeo."

Ngumuso ako. Oo nga. May point siya. Irrational sometimes si Zeo, pero that still
doesn't explain the reason why he freaked out. Fine, aaminin ko na. Gusto ko talaga
lagyan ng meaning until someone says na hindi big deal yung reaction ni Zeo.

"Hinatid pa niya ko sa Tagaytay, can you imagine?" I said incredulously.

At that, Oliver laughed out loud. Hindi basta basta tumatawa si Oliver ng ganito.
Bihira lang. Sa totoo lang, ang weird na makita siyang humahalakhak. Parang hindi
siya.

"Yeah, I can imagine," bulong niya, nang humina na ang pagtawa niya.

I frowned. "Pero bakit? 'Di ko talaga gets."

"'Di mo gets, or ayaw mo lang mag-assume?"

Napatigil ako dun. Effing shiz. Nakakainis 'tong ability ni Oliver to read minds.
Hindi ko alam kung may powers talaga siya or magaling lang talagang magbasa ng tao.
Sanay na naman ako. Pero 'di ko pa rin mapigilang mag-isip.

"There's nothing to assume," I shrugged indifferently. I couldn't let him see na

affected ako sa sinabi niya. Baka lalo lang ma-confirm assumptions niya sa feelings
ko kay Zeo.

"Isn't there?"

Anak ng gulay naman oh. Pinipigilan ko na ngang hndi mag-assume para hindi ako ma-
disappoint at masaktan sa huli e. Pero sa mga banat ni Oliver, sino ba namang hindi
mapapaisip? Nakakainis. Kahit sobrang simple lang nung sinabi niya, malaman e.
Shiz.

"Is there?" I asked back, with the same tone.

Ngumiti ng konti si Oliver and inalis ang tingin sa'kin.

Kitams? Babanat ng ganun, tapos bibitinin ako? Ang harsh! Torture kaya ang mag-isip
at pilit intindihin ang mga actions ng mga lalaki. Oh, my God. Nakaka-frustrate!

Tumayo si Oliver para kunin yung orders namin, iniwan ako with my mind going on
overdrive. Iniisip ko yung actions ni Zeo recently. From the texts last Friday
hanggang sa pag-blurt out ng 'kiss' in public kanina.

Pero kasi . . . Nanglalandi lang yun e! Hello? Hindi naman ako bobita. I'm well
aware of his girl conquests. Hindi yun nagco-commit. Hanggang fling lang yun. And
besides, paano naman siya magkakagusto sa'kin? That's like, next to impossible.
Why? Kasi unreachable siya! I don't care what Cass and Kylee said. Basta
unreachable si Zeo. Tapos.

There's no effing way na I'll fall for that kumag.

Paglapit sa'kin ni Oliver, nagkaroon ako ng spur-of-the-moment idea to finally stop

this over thinking dilemma. Bago pa magbago ang isip ko, nagsalita na ako.

"May gusto ba sa'kin si Zeo?" diretsahan kong tinanong kay Oliver.

Mukhang hindi naman nagulat si Oliver sa tanong ko. His facial expression remained
unreadable as he stared at me.

"Why ask me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Kasi you're close."

"You guys are close din naman ah."

"But you're closer."

"Are you implying something?"

Holy shiz. Since when did he know how to smoothly divert the conversation?! Oh, my
God. Nahahawa na siya kay Zeo. Paano ko siya mahuhuli ngayon?

"Just answer the question, Ollie."

"You haven't even answered mine."

What the? Bakit ba niya pilit na dina-divert yung topic? Ibig sabihin ba, meron nga
talagang something and he's helping to cover it up? Hmm.
"Nevermind na nga lang," I said, turning my back to him and heading to the exit.

Naiirita na ako e. Minsan na nga lang maging straightforward sa gantong bagay,

hindi pa matino yung mga sagot. Tsk. Basta obvious naman na may tinatago si Oliver
e. Halatang he was protecting Zeo. Pero bakit? Ang simple lang naman ng tanong ko
ah?

And they say having guy friends are easier. Psh. Hindi lagi noh.

Oliver caught up easily with me naman. Napatingin ako sa suot niya. Ngayon ko lang
napansin na naka blue plaid polo shirt siya over a white sando, tapos jeans. He
looked laid-back na may pagka boy-next-door ang dating.

"Try asking Zeo," simpleng sabi niya.

"Alam mong hindi ko yun pwedeng gawin."

"Why not?"

I looked at him as though seeing him for the first time.

"Pagtatawanan lang kaya ako nun!" Duh.

"Malay mo," he said, handing me my Choco Frappe and glazed donut.

Kinuha ko sa kanya yung mga inabot niya and murmured, "Thanks."

Tumango lang siya.

Bumalik kami sa McDo at nakitang nagaayos na yung iba palabas, kaya naman inantay
nalang namin ni Oliver silang makalabas.

"Ayokong tanunging siya, Ollie," I said. "Nakakahiya kaya."

"Since when ka pa nahiya?" biro niya.

Napanganga ako, causing him to chuckle.

"Just ask him, Lan."

Before I could reply, nagsi-labasan na ang mga kaibigan namin. Lumapit agad si Zeo
kay Oliver and nilahad ang kamay. Inabot naman ni Oliver yung Frappe kay Zeo.

"Caramel 'to, bro?" tanong ni Zeo kay Oliver.

"Yeah."

Zeo grinned. "Thanks." Nagkatinginan kami when he turned his eyes to me.

Ever since Saturday night, parang napansin ko na ang intense na tumingin ni Zeo
sa'kin. Hindi naman sa uncomfortable. May 'oomph' factor lang tuwing titingin siya
ng ganun.

Naka simple dark green shirt and jeans siya that fit him in all the right places.
He looked buff, but not in a scary 'I'm a wrestler' kind of way - it was more along
the lines of 'Hey, look at me! I'm drool-worthy' way. I noticed din na he had on a
thin silver chain necklace. All in all, he looked effing hot.
"Let's hit the road!" exclaimed Benjo.

Thankful for the distraction, I looked at Benjo and grinned.

"Tara!"

Oh, shiz. This is gonna be a long ride.

_____________

Anong gusto niyong mangyari sa Baguio? ;)

PS. I hope you're safe, dudes. Wherever you are. xx

Lana's List (14)

Ang cozy-looking nung bahay!

Kakababa palang namin ng sasakyan and we immediately stared at the house that we
were going to stay in for a few days. Mala mansion yung laki, pero at the same time
ang homey. Pang rest house talaga.

I looked around. Ang lalayo din ng agwat ng mga bahay dito sa village nila Ryan.
Pero obvious din naman na pang mga mayayaman yung mga may-ari ng mga bahay dito.

"Pasok nalang kayo," said Ryan. "Inayos na nila manang yung bahay para sa'tin. They
stocked it with food na rin. We're good for the next few days."

After a few moments, we started getting our things from the vehicles.

"Susunod daw sina Patrick," mentioned Ryan suddenly.

Tumingin kami sa kanya. He was focused on his phone, texting.

"Yun oh!" exclaimed Benjo from the front door ng bahay. "Sino sino?"

"Siya, tsaka si Mika," sagot ni Ryan, without looking up from his phone.

Cass and I groaned loudly.

Badtrip naman. Sa dinami-dami ng mga kaibigan namin na pwedeng sumunod at sumama,

si Mika pa? Nakakairita pa naman ang ugali nun. Napaka spoiled, napaka childish.
Kapag hindi niya nakuha ang gusto niya, she'd throw a tantrum and wouldn't stop
whining. Not that we care, to be honest. Masakit lang sa tenga. My gulay.

Kung hindi lang siya pinsan ni Ryan, hindi namin yun ito-tolerate.

"You better prepare, man," Benjo told Zeo, laughing. "Obsessed yun sayo."

Fudge. Yun pa pala. Mika has a major crush on Zeo since forever. Ugh.

Zeo nodded. "Thanks for the warning," he chuckled.

Tinitigan ko siya. For sure, mage-enjoy siya sa attention na makukuha niya from
that girl. No doubt about it. Na-feel ata niya na may nakitingin sa kanya because
he looked up from picking up his bag and his eyes landed straight on me.
He smirked at me. Obvious na nasa isip niyang magseselos ako about the fact na may
pupuntang girl na patay na patay sa kanya.

Ha! As if!

Kaya I smirked back at him while I got my heavy luggage from the back of his SUV.
Muntik ko na rin mahulog sa bigat. Shiz. Ang bigat nga. Pano ko nakaya 'to kaninang
umaga?

Narinig kong tumawa si Zeo. Without warning, he took my luggage from me. Sabay abot
sa'kin ng bag niya.

"Palit tayo," he said.

I inwardly smiled. He knew me well enough to know na I didn't like feeling useless,
kaya sinabi niyang palit nalang kami ng bubuhatin.

Kinuha ko agad yung inabot niya. Hindi kasing bigat nung akin. Actually, hindi
talaga mabigat. Grabe. Anong laman nito? Bakit ang gaang?

Sabay kaming pumasok sa bahay. Kahit yung loob, ang ganda pa rin. It was grand, but
at the same time very cozy. The place made you want to cuddle with someone.

We entered the living room where everyone was. Napanganga ako.

Oh, my God. Meron silang fireplace! Meron ding mga blankets and cushions sa harap.
Tapos, nakapaligid yung sofas and armchairs around it. Ang cute!

"Ah! What time alis nila Patrick dun?" asked Cass, right after binaba niya yung
maleta niya sa tabi ng sofa. Yup, naka-maleta si Cass.

"Bukas ng tanghali," sagot ni Ryan.

Cass and I exchanged looks. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko in realization of where she was
getting at. She quickly faced Ryan.

"Sabay na kamo nila si Kylee!"

I nodded eagerly. "Later tonight flight nila from Hong Kong e. Sakto uwi niya!"

Oh, my God! Makakasama namin si Kylee! YAAAY! May pag-asa pa 'tong vacation na ito
kung kasama siya! Woohoo!!!

"Sige," agreed Ryan, taking out his phone and texting again.

"Good," said Cass. "Pero please lang, 'wag mong i-expect na magiging friends kami
ng pinsan mong yan ah."

Ryan winced. "Ayaw niyo pa rin kay Mika?"

Tinaasan siya ng kilay ni Cass.

"Okay." Ryan raised his hands in defeat.

"Bakit, what's up with his cousin ba?" tanong ni Zeo.

I sighed. "Mika is . . . Well, she's . . ."

Pano ko ba pwedeng i-sum up yung ugali niya without sounding harsh?

"Maarte. Spoiled. Shallow. Whiner. Clingy."

Our heads turned to Cass nan nagsalita. She only shrugged.

"Pero sexy," added Benjo a-matter-of-factly.

"And she has a huge crush on you, Zeo," said Cass. Her expression suddenly turned
thoughtful. "Kaya siguro yun pupunta . . ."

Cass, Benjo, and I looked at Ryan. Nagbuntong hininga siya when he saw our faces.

"Okay, aaminin ko na," sabi ni Ryan. "Nag-post ako sa IG kanina. Nakita niyang
kasama si Zeo. Sakto din kasi susunod naman talaga si Patrick bukas. Ayun, sumama
na siya. Alam niyo namang 'di ko yun mapipigilan kapag may gusto."

"Is she that bad?" asked Oliver, who was sitting on one of the armchairs. "Grim
yung looks niyo e."

Hindi ko na matiis ang hindi mag-comment.

"Let's just say na we came here to have fun, not to listen to her whine."

"Oh," said Oliver and Zeo in unison.

Tumahimik bigla.

"Gala na nga tayo!" declared Benjo animatedly. "'Wag muna nating isipin kung paano
natin iha-handle si Mika. For now, let's party!"

"Teka, room assignments muna," singit ni Ryan.

"Pahinga na rin muna tayo for an hour," dagdag ni Cass, sabay upo sa lap ni Ryan.

"I agree," said Zeo, lounging on the sofa. "I'm dead tired. Chill muna tayo."

"We have all day naman, cuz," I told Benjo, settling myself beside Zeo sa sofa.

Benjo pouted. "KJ niyo."

"Hyper ka lang, dude," chuckled Zeo.

In defeat, umupo si Benjo sa tabi ko.

"Sige na," he gave in. "Room assignments, Ryan."

Tumango si Ryan. "Seven bedrooms ang meron sa bahay. Isa dito sa ground floor,
which is the master's bedroom. Tatlo sa 2nd floor, tatlo din sa 3rd floor. By twos
tayo; Benjo and Patrik; Zeo and Oliver; Lana and Kylee. May sariling kwarto si Mika
sa 3rd floor. Dun din kwarto namin ni Cass. Kayo nang bahala which room you guys
will take sa 2nd floor."

Nagtinginan kami nina Benjo at Zeo. After a beat, sabay sabay kaming tumakbo
papunta sa main hall, tapos takbo paakyat. Oo, para kaming mga bata kasi nagu-
unahan kami sa kwarto. Pero duh. Ayokong mapunta sa'min yung nakakatakot na itsura.

Since athlete si Zeo. Siya yung nauna sa taas. Nakuha niya yung gitnang kwarto,
with the view of the valley. Shiz! Sayang yun.
Nakita kong nauuna na si Benjo kaya hinila ko yung tuhod niya, causing him to trip.
Carpet naman na yung buong 2nd floor kaya hindi gaanong masakit.

Haha! Loserrr!

Madali ako sa unang kwarto na mapuntahan ko. Pagkakita ko, umalis ako kaagad at
dumiretso sa natitirang kwarto. Katabi nung kwarto nila Zeo.

Ah. This is it. Malaki yung kwarto. May window couch pa. Very nice. Also, maganda
din yung view. Maaliwalas din yung atmosphere. Yung isa kasi, yung village na puro
bahay ang view. Not like this one, merong landscape.

"Ang daya mo, cuz!" narining kong sigaw ni Benjo.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto at nakitang tumatawa si Zeo sa doorway ng kwarto nila ni

Oliver, while si Benjo naman ay naka-pout sa hallway.

"Don't be a sour loser, cuz," I told him sympathetically. "Loser ka na nga, sour
pa? 'Wag ganun."

Lalong tumawa si Zeo. Slowly but surely, ngumiti na rin si Benjo. He shook his head
in amusement. And as if may naalala siya, ngumiti siyang nangaasar.

"Ayos lang sa'kin," shrugged Benjo. "At least may sarili kaming CR. You guys have
to share yours." With that, sumipol siya at bumababa na para kunin ang gamit niya.

Nagtinginan kami ni Zeo. Dali dali kaming pumasok sa kanya-kanya naming mga kwarto
at pumasok sa CR. Sure enough, connected ang rooms namin through the bathroom.

Holy effing shiz.

Oliver suddenly showed up behind Zeo. Halatang sinabi ni Benjo sa kanya yung about
sa connected bathroom and he came here to see it for himself.

Oliver smiled. "Interesting," he commented.

"Yeah," agreed Zeo, smiling smugly.

I rolled my eyes. "'Di naman big deal ah."

"Kitang kita nga sa mukha mo na it's not a big deal," mocked Zeo.

Tinignan ko siya ng masama. He laughed.

Aba, natural na big deal! Pano kung madumi sila sa banyo? Pano kung makalimutan
kong i-lock? Pano kung makalimutan nilang i-lock? Andaming pumapasok na scenarios
sa isip ko na puno ng kahihiyan.

"Don't worry, Lan," said Oliver. "Magpapaalam muna sayo si Zeo, bago siya
mangboso," he added, laughing.

Napangiti ako, despite myself. It sounds like something Zeo would do nga. But I
quickly changed my smile to a devilish sweet one.

"Subukan mo lang, Zeo Alcante," I warned him. "Makakatikim ka sa'kin."

"Ng halik?" banat agad ni Zeo. "Nakatikim na 'ko, remember?"

Nahulog ang panga ko sa sinabi niya. He was wearing his confident uber sexy smile
when he said that. Argh. Nakakainis talaga yung smart mouth niya minsan. Anak ng
gulay. Bakit kasi napaka confident niya? Then again, isa yun sa mga charms niya.
Psh.

"Move on from the kiss, Mufasa," I snorted. "You make it sound as if you want
more."

Zeo stepped forward. "Who said I didn't?" hamon niya.

I blinked. Seryoso ba siya? I stood my ground, though.

"Who said I cared?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Hindi ba?"

"Dapat ba?"

"Hindi ba dapat?"

"Bakit dapat?"

Hindi ko namalayan, our faces were only a few inches apart nalang. Neither of one
us was backing down from this argument. I noticed na nahahawa na siya kay Oliver.
Some of their personalities and way of speaking e nagkakahalo-halo na.

Ooh. Mahirap yun.

We're all different in our own way. Our only similarity is our strong will. Kasama
na dun yung opinionated sides namin. Kaya kapag may pagtatalo kami, walang basta-
bastang nananalo. At kung nagkakahalo-halo na ang mga ugali namin . . . Wow. Never
ending discussion - unless someone stops it.

"Just admit you want each other."

Zeo and I froze. Dahan dahan kaming lumingon kay Oliver. His fingers were on his
temple, as if sumasakit ang ulo niya sa'min ni Zeo. It was nothing new since parati
naman niyang ginagawa yun tuwing may argument kami.

"Or not." Oliver shrugged and left.

There was a moment of silence. Binalik ko ang tingin ko kay Zeo. He stared back at
me with a blank expression.

"Kukunin ko na yung mga gamit ko," sabi ko.

Zeo snorted. "As if kaya mong buhatin yun mag-isa."

"Okay, fine," I said, giving in. "Buhatin mo yung bag ko, and I'll carry yours."

"Deal."

I made a move to leave, pero may naisip ako bigla. Yung 'issue' naming dalawa, I
want to get it over with. Para hindi na nabubulabog ang isipan ko. Gusto ko nang
maging in peace about it all. Para rin alam ko kung nasaan ba talaga kaming dalawa.
Hindi yung naghuhulaan.

"Let's make another deal," I told him. Tumingin ako sa kanya. Seryoso yung
expression ng mukha niya. No nonsense. Good. "Mag-usap tayo later. I want to talk
to you about something. Until then, walang ilangan between us ah?"
He studied me for a long moment, bago ngumiti siya. A genuine grin.

"Kailan ba tayo naging awkward, Simba?"

Hindi ko mapigilang hindi ngumiti.

"True," I agreed.

Kahit anong situation, never kong na-feel ang maging awkward around him. Sobrang
comfortable na kami sa isa't isa e.

He chuckled. "Tara na nga." Sabay umakbay siya sa'kin habang bumababa kami pabalik
sa living room. "Oh, and it's a deal nga pala. Pero . . ."

I looked up at him. He was wearing his uber sexy smile.

"Pero ano?" tanong ko, hindi na makapag-hintay.

"Hmm."

Pero ano?

Hindi siya nagsalita pa muna. He leaned his head closer until his lips were
directly by my ear. Kinilabutan ako sa warm breath niya.

"Just be prepared, Simba."

Then, he pulled away and winked at me.

Wha - ?

Ano yun?

Be prepared for whaaaaat?!

_____________

I wrote this on a whim. Haha.

Dedicated to my high school friend Kenncy. Dahil sa kanya, merong update ngayon.
She made me promise kasi e. Haha! XD

Lana's List (15)

Ang dami naming ginawa in such a short period of time.
Nagpunta kami sa Mines View Park, bumili rin kami ng mga souvenirs doon. We also
went to The Mansion na tinatawag. Hindi nga lang kami nakapasok kasi bawal.
Pinuntahan din namin yung Baguio Cathedral.
Basically, nag-sightseeing lang kami. Medyo pagod na rin kasi kami to do much more
than that. Balak namin, the next couple of days nalang kami gagawa ng mga
activities dito.
But for tonight, chill muna.
Around 9pm, after we were done eating dinner, we found out na merong malaking
jacuzzi sa likod ng bahay. Syempre, sugod kami doon.
I changed into my black bikini and put my hair in a high bun.
Kaya pala ako pilit na pinagdala ni Cass ng swimsuit when I was packing, for this
purpose pala. My gulay. 'Di nalang niya sinabi agad. Hindi naman ako magi-inarteng
tumanggi e. Duh. Confident ako sa katawan ko. I didn't beg my parents for my own
treadmill in the house for nothing.
I looked at myself in the mirror. Hmm. Nakapangiti ako.
I can't wait to see Zeo's reaction. Tignan natin kung sino ang prepared ngayon.
Bwahaha!
Speaking of the kumag . . . Distracted ako buong araw dahil sa kanya. Langya.
Pinilit ko namang kalimutan at hindi intindihin yung sinabi niyang maging prepared
ako. Kaso tuwing mapapadpad yung mga mata ko sa direction niya, maaalala ko yung
sinabi niya e. Nakakainis.
Tapos, the day is coming to an end. Malapit na kaming mag-usap. Shiz. Baka sa
jacuzzi pa kami mag-usap nito. Pero hindi naman siguro. We won't be able to talk
with the others around e.
I grabbed my towel and went downstairs na. Rinig na rinig ko yung mga boses nila
even before I went outside. Paglabas ko, they all turned their heads in my
direction.
Since hindi ito ang first time na makita ako nina Benjo, Ryan, and Cass na
nakaganito dahil we go to Batangas every summer, hindi sila masyadong nagulat sa
suot ko.
Zeo and Oliver, on the other hand . . . I caught na lumaki ng konti ang mga mata ni
Oliver, but he quickly composed himself and simply smiled.
Nilipat ko ang tingin ko kay Zeo. But instead of being shocked and dropping his jaw
like I expected, he smiled and shook his head na parang may inside joke siya sa
sarili niya.
What the? Fail. Tsk.
I quietly joined them sa jacuzzi, while they resumed their conversation. Syempre,
bruised ng konti yung ego ko. Mi hindi man lang siya natablan? Nakakalungkot.
"Anyway, quarterback ang strategist," said Zeo. "Siya yung nagi-isip ng next move
of offense. Kaya nga almost always, captain ang quarterback e."
"Pero without the linebacker or tacklers, clobbered yung quarterback," countered
Ryan. "At parating nakaka-score yung kalaban. Sila yung may pinaka mahirap na
trabaho kasi sila yung nagta-tackle. They're the protectors."
"Anong meron?" I asked Oliver na katabi ko.
"They're arguing about what the most vital position in American Football is," sagot
ni Oliver, sabay inom ng bote ng beer niya.
"I still think yung receivers ang pinaka importante," piped in Benjo, shrugging.
"Sila yung sumi-score. Sila gumagawa ng lahat."
"What?" demanded Zeo and Ryan at the same time.
"Sino ba yung may throwing arm?" asked Zeo. "The quarterbacks, dude. If they didn't
throw the ball and went for it every time, useless ang receivers."
"At sino ba ang pumipigil na maka-score yung opponent?" dagdag ni Ryan.
"Linebackers. Linebackers!"
Rule #10: Be impressive. If you don't know what he's talking about, pretend you do
then Google it later nalang. Ano ba ang number one favorite topic ng mga lalaki?
Sports. Know it and own it. Impressive sa mga lalaki kapag may alam ka, lalo na
kapag may alam ka sa sports. Hindi lang impressive, attractive din. Besides knowing
your own stuff, ipakita mo na hindi lang yun ang alam mo.
At first, pinilit ko lang ang sarili kong manuod ng sports. Yun lang din kasi ang
pinapanuod ng mga pinsan ko, kaya wala talaga akong choice. Nung nagsawa ako sa
Barbies, dun ako nagsimulang maengganyo na talaga manuod sa Sports Channel.
Not all the time, though.
"Walang nagde-defend sa runningbacks?" singit ko. "Daya ah."
Tumingin silang lahat sa'kin.
"You know the sport?" asked Oliver incredulously.
I nodded. "Oo."
"Mahilig manuod ng Sports Channel si Lana," explained Benjo.
"Weh?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Zeo.
I rolled my eyes at him.
"I know you're educated about Basketball. Pero American Football?"
"Quiz me, then," I challenged him.
We stared at each other. It took all my will power para hindi ko titigan ang bare
muscles niya. Gustong gusto ko nang tignan para makapag-laway na din, kaso
mahahalata ako masyado. Hindi pwede. Tsaka, kapag naka-sulyap ako baka hindi ko
mapigilan sarili kong lapitan siya and who knows what's next?
Oh, my God. Nagiging pervert na ako! Holy shiz!
"Positions?" tanong ni Zeo, pulling me out of my perverted thoughts.
I gave him my best bored look. "Quarterback, center, running back, fullback, wide
receiver, tight end, left and right guard, left and right tackle. Kailangan ko pa
bang sabihin yung mga nasa defense?"
Tinitigan ako ni Zeo with an unreadable face. Parang nacha-challenge yung
expression ng mukha niya, pero hindi ako sure.
"Difference ng guard sa tackle?" he asked.
"Inner two yung guards ng offensive line," I immediately answered. "Basically, sila
yung nagpo-protect sa quarterback. Yung left and right tackle, more on the outside
of the offensive line."
"How many downs is there?"
"Four."
"Special teams?"
"Kicking, snapping, returning, and tackling."
"Touchdown points?"
"Six." Before Zeo could speak, I lifted a hand. "Sa States, every Friday yung high
school football. College football is on Saturdays, while the pros play on Sundays.
Satisfied, Mufasa?"
Zeo nodded slowly, impressed.
"Atta, girl!" cheered Cass. "Speechless si Zeo oh." Tumawa siya.
"Nah," sabi ni Zeo ng nakangiti. "'Di ko lang expected."
Rule #11: Like Sports. Big points sa mga lalaki kapag mahilig ka sa sports. Kahit
hindi ka athletic, basta you like watching it. That's a turn on sa most guys.
"Your argument is pointless, you know," sabi ko sa kanila. Hindi ko na mapigilan
sarili ko. I like debates. Lalo na when it comes to things na I'm passionate about.
"Walang pinaka-importante sa sport that consists of a team. Kaya nga 'team' e. Each
position has a role to play. Each equally important as the other."
"That's hot," grinned Zeo.
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. He flashed his uber sexy smile at me in turn, causing me
to roll my eyes again. Pero sa totoo lang, kinikilig ako syempre. Obvious namang
impressed na siya e. I think my list is working, pero huwag munang mag paka
sigurado.
I need confirmation.
Benjo changed the topic soon afterward, thankfully. Puro kalokohan at tawanan na
ang sumunod. Syempre, may green jokes. Duh. Hindi na kami mga bata.
At some point, Cass and Ryan started making out sa hot tub. Being the mature people
the we are, we splashed them hard habang sinisigaw ang, "Get a room!"
Tawa lang kami ng tawa nila Benjo, Zeo, at Oliver. Pero mukhang hot na sila for
each other kasi they took our advice. They both said their good nights at pumunta
na sa kwarto nila. Nagtinginan kaming mga natira. After a moment of silence,
nagtawanan kami.
Biglang tumayo si Benjo.
"Tulog na 'ko," sabi niya. "Dead beat na 'ko e. Good night, mga pards." Kinuha niya
yung towel niya sa nearby chair. Lumingon siya sa'min na parang may naalala. He
added in a serious tone habang nakatingin at the back of Zeo's head, "Walang
gaguhan, Zeo."
I blinked. Ano daw?
Zeo smirked, but he didn't say anything. With that, umalis na si Benjo.
Kumunot ang noo ko. Anong ibig sabihin ng pinsan ko dun? My curiosity is itching so
bad. Gusto kong tanungin si Zeo, kaso malamang may Bro Code na namang kinalaman
yan.
I caught Oliver's eyes go from me to Zeo. With the use of his eyes, sinasabi niya
sa'king kausapin ko na daw si Zeo. Shiz. Bigla akong kinabahan. Kaming dalawa
nalang pala ang matitira kapag umalis si Oli -
What the shiz? Tumayo si Oliver, clearly making a move to leave na din! Talagang
this is it na? Maguusap na kami ni Zeo about that? Oh, my God. Hindi ako mentally
prepared!
"Mauna na 'ko sa shower, bro," Oliver told Zeo.
Tumingin si Zeo kay Oliver, tapos sa'kin. Mukhang nagets naman niya kaagad kasi
tumango siya in understanding.
"A'ight," said Zeo. "Take your time." Sinabi niya yun kay Oliver while looking
straight at me with a confident smile on his face.
Hindi ko mapigilang mag-init yung cheeks ko. Fudge. Ang gwapo niya kasi, tapos
half-naked pa siya. Babae din ako noh. Marunong din akong mag-appreciate. Beautiful
things deserve to be admired. Included na dun ang features and build ni Zeo. Parang
ang sarap halikan ng smooth chest niya . . .
Holy effing shiz! I can't believe I just imagined myself kissing Zeo's chest!
Nagiging pervert na talaga ako. Nahahawa ako sa kumag na 'to! Oh, no!
"G'night, Lan," sabi sa'kin ni Oliver, breaking me out of my reverie.
Kitams. Even I consider my perverted fantasy about a half-naked Zeo Alcante a
'reverie'. Shucks. Anong nangyayari sa'kin?
Bago pa ako maka pag-protest, Oliver gave me a look. That shut me up. Wala akong
nagawa kundi to pout. Psh.
Umalis na ng tuluyan si Oliver. Inalis ko ang tingin ko kay Zeo, baka kasi kung ano
pang maisip ko. Mahirap na. As though it wasn't enough, pumikit ako to calm myself.
Keep calm, Lana. 'Wag kang magpapaka-apekto sa mala Sex God na katawan ni Zeo.
Huwag, please. Cool ka lang. Hindi niya pwedeng mahalata na you're affected - very
much affected sa hot bod niya.
Grabe. Bakit ba kasi may ganyang katawan yan? Anak ng tokwa naman oh. Ang unfair!
Binayayaan na nga sa mukha, pati ba naman sa katawan? Kaya saksakan ng taas ng
confidence e. Tapos yung humbleness, wala. Nada! Kaput!
Na-feel kong gumalaw yung tubig. Pagdilat ko, nasa tabi ko na si Zeo. I gasped in
surprise. I quickly composed my facial expression, though.
"Game," he said. "Time for us to talk na, diba?"
I took a deep breath. "Yeah."
"What's up?"
Tinitigan ko siya. Hindi ko alam kung ano yung hinahanap ko sa mukha niya, basta
kung ano man yun ay hindi ko nahanap.
Tatanungin ko na ba siya? Agad agad? Pero para matapos na din. Kaso ang bilis.
Sumegway na muna kaya ako kahit konti, para light muna yung conversation. Besides,
this is Zeo. Walang awkward moment with him.
"Anong ibig sabihin ni Benjo sa sinabi niya kanina?" I asked instead. Mamaya ko na
didiretsahin si Zeo. Curious din naman ako about what my cousin meant nung sinabi
niya yun.
Zeo gently threw his head back. "Ah," he murmured, looking away from me. Ngumiti
siya, pero hindi ko maintindihan if it was an amused smile or a sad one. Parang
halo.
I waited for him to answer.
"Wala yun," he chuckled. "Just his way of being protective."
I stared at him. "Bakit?"
"Talaga bang you have no idea?" he asked skeptically.
Duh. Hindi ako bobo. Pero syempre, ayoko rin namang umasa.
"Ayokong mag-assume," I shrugged nonchalantly.
"Assume what?"
Napatigil ako dun. Hindi ako nagsalita.
"Assume what, Simba?" Zeo repeated, but his voice was lower this time. Yung face
niya, very earnest na na-speechless ako. Hindi pa siya nakuntento. Lumapit pa siya
sa'kin hanggang sa wala nang space na namamagitan sa'min.
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Sobrang lakas din na parang feeling ko sasabog na ako
sa kaba. Nag-blank din yung utak ko for a moment. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung
ano yung nangingibabaw; excitement or nervousness.
Heto na ba yun? Tatapatin ko na siya, once and for all?
Nakakaloko na kasi e. Hindi ako mapakali. Ayoko nang maguluhan. Kung wala siyang
gusto sa'kin, edi wala. At least, alam ko. Para hindi na rin ako umasa. Mahirap
kasi. Nandyan nga yung mga signs, kaso sure naman ba ako? Well, this is my chance
to know for sure.
Now or never.
I lifted my chin to show confidence, kahit fake lang.
"Na may gusto ka sa'kin," I said casually. At least, I hoped na casual yung
pagkakasabi ko. Buti nalang hindi nanginig at nag-crack yung voice ko. Phew!
Nag-twitch yung corner ng lips ni Zeo, na parang pinipigilan niyang ngumiti. Pano
ba namang hindi ko mahuhuli e sobrang lapit ng mga mukha namin sa isa't isa?
"Wala naman, diba?" tanong ko.
Hindi siya nagsasalita e. Might as well ask it.
"Curious ka?" he teased, wearing a crooked smile.
Ay, hindi! Nagtanong ako kasi hindi ako curious.
"So what if I am?" sabi ko, not backing down.
Bigla kong naalala na sinabi niya yung exact same words na yun when we first had
that hang-out sa MOA. That time, I thought of him as one heck of a prick. Grabe.
How time flew by so fast. 'Di ko aakalaing magkaka-gusto ako dito sa unreachable na
'to.
Pero I did. How sad.
"Bakit ka curious?" nangaasar pang tanong ni Zeo.
Okay. Pinaglalaruan na ako nitong kumag.
"Bakit ayaw mong sagutin?" hamon ko.
"Anong ayaw?" he laughed. "'Di ako pakipot tulad mo. You're so cute lang kasi kapag
inaasar. You're like an angry puppy."
Aba. Ikumpara daw ba ako sa aso? But before I could retort, nagsalita na siya.
"Why don't you ask me properly kasi?"
Tinignan ko siya ng matagal. Wala nang amusement sa mukha niya. Seryoso yung
expression niya, but at the same time at ease siya.
Ang weird. Biglang naging intense uli yung atmosphere. Parang may bumara sa throat
ko, kaya lumunok ako. Huminga ako ng malalim. Then, I remembered na si Zeo 'to.
Kaibigan ko siya. In fact, he's one of my best buds. Bakit ako uncomfortable?
With the thought na si Zeo ang nasa harapan ko - my Mufasa - naging relaxed na ako
kahit papaano. My mood got lighter instead of parang depressed.
"Do you like me? As in, more than a friend kind of like. Yung totoo. ah"
He gave me his infamous uber sexy smile.
"Oo," diretso niyang sagot. "I like you to the point na I want to make you mine."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko and my jaw dropped. I froze. Napaka straightforward at
napaka seryoso niyang sinabi na natameme ako. Yes. AKO, NATAMEME. Imagine that.
"Why do you think I gave you my jacket?" he added.
Zeo slowly leaned forward. Sa sobrang dazed ko, hindi talaga ako nakagalaw kahit na
his lips were literally brushing against mine. Nanghihina ako. Oh, my God.
"That's my way of marking you."
Holy shiz.
. . .
HOLY FUDGING EFFING SHIZ! ZEO ALCANTE LIKES ME.

Lana's List (16)

Listen to Jason Walker - Kiss Me while listening to this chapter. ;)

_____________

Bago pa ako ma-tempt ng tuluyan na halikan siya, I gently pushed him away. Pero
konti lang. At dahil pinush ko nga siya, obligado akong hawakan yung chest niya.
Shiz. Smooth and hard. Perfect combo.

"Bakit?" I asked, before I lose my rational thinking.

"What?"

"Bakit mo 'ko gusto?" linaw ko.

Naka get over na ako ng konti sa shock ko after hearing na he liked me. Now, I
wanted to know why - and how. Pano nangyari yun? Was it because of the list na I
worked hard to follow? Was it 'just because'? And what in the world did he like
about me?

Hindi naman sa dina-doubt ko ang sarili ko. It's just . . . It's just . . . He's an
unreachable. I wanted to know paano niya ako nagustuhan. Parang hindi kapani-
paniwala e.

"Damn, you're Lana nga pala," Zeo murmured in an amusing tone.

I gave him a questioning look.

"You're not the type kasi to believe easily without an explanation."

Wow. Kilalang kilala niya talaga ako.

"Pano ba . . ." Naging thoughtful yung expression niya. "I guess it's because hindi
ikaw yung typical na babae. Yeah, I know. It's cliché. Pero that's the truth e."

"Explain." Gusto ko ang naririnig ko.

"'Di mo ako hinahabol. I even had to ask for your number para lang magka-contact
ako sayo. The weeks before that were torture. It drove me crazy kasi I was waiting
for you, pero ang tibay mo." He chuckled, running a hand through his hair.

Napatitig ako sa dimples niya saglit.

"Truth is, you make me want to be committed." He shook his head, as though he
couldn't believe it himself. "It's scary as shit. Pero there it is."

Wow . . . Wow. Big deal yun ah, coming from him.

Wait. Nagsi-sink na ba itong mga information sa'kin? I mean, si Zeo Alcante may
gusto sa'kin. Oh, my God. Si Zeo freaking Alcante, may gusto sa'kin! Holy shiz! The
list worked!

My heart was pounding so hard and fast na I didn't think it was normal anymore.
Pero I couldn't help it. This was so surreal. Ganito ba ako kaswerte? 'Wag naman
sanang joke 'to please. Pero Zeo wouldn't joke about something like this.

Then, totoo nga ang lahat? Kaya umiiwas na siyang makipag-flirt sa iba? Pero ano
yung kaninang umaga sa Statique? It took me a moment, but I managed to got the
answer within me. Sinadya niya yun to get a reaction from me. Halata naman e,
actually.

If so, hindi rin siya sure sa nararamdaman ko? Kaya it drives him crazy kasi hindi
siya makasigurado. Lalo na kung umasta ako, hot this minute and cold the next.

I guess it was my turn to reassure him.

"Kiss me," bulong ko.

At first, na-shock siya. Pero he quickly recovered from it. He grinned.

"Gladly."

Zeo leaned forward and softly claimed my lips. Hindi ito yung kiss na katulad nung
nasa Haut kami. That was sort of innocent and sweet. This time was sweet naman din,
but it was also a little bit more intense.

Before I knew it, napunta na ang mga kamay ko sa leeg at buhok niya while his hand
naman was on my waist and the other was caressing my neck. He turned his head
sideways to make the kiss deeper somehow.

Kissing him sober was probably the best thing I've ever experienced. Grabe yung
sensation. Shucks. Napaka good kisser ni Zeo. Hands down ako.

Just from a kiss, feeling ko nasa Heaven na ako e.

"I . . ." I panted, as soon as we pulled away for air. I squeezed my eyes shut, at
huminga ng malalim.

This is it. Wala nang balikan kapag sinabi ko sa kanya. Tsaka, I didn't have to act
all lovey-dovey naman porket inamin ko sa kanya yung feelings ko, diba?

"I like you, too," I blurted out, bago pa magbago ang isip ko. Hindi ko siya
tinitignan. Sobrang kahihiyan ito. Natatakot din ako sa reaction niya.

"I know."

Pagkarinig ko nun, tumingala agad ako sa kanya. Zeo was wearing his uber sexy
smile. That confident one na I wanted to wipe off his face right now. Ang yabang
niya. Nakakagigil.

I raised my fist, susuntukin ko na sana siya. Kaso iniwasan ng kumag, tapos he was
able to catch my wrist pa. Bakit ba kasi athlete siya? Anak ng gulay.

"Ang kapal mo," irap ko.

"Yet you fell for me, anyway," replied Zeo smugly.

Grr. Kaya ayaw kong sabihin sa kanya e. Alam kong malakas mangasar 'tong si Zeo.
Abot langit ang aabutin kong pangaasar nito, no doubt. Badtrip.

Bumuntong hininga siya. Bigla niya akong hinila papalapit sa kanya at niyakap.
Hindi na ako nakagalaw. Nakakahiya mang aminin, satisfied na ako sa position namin.
Ayokong umalis dito sa arms niya.

"Wala nang bawian ah," he chuckled quietly in his deep husky voice.

May mga something na nangfa-flutter sa tiyan ko. Butterflies siguro. Shiz naman.
Kinikilig ako ng bonggang bongga. 'Di ko ma-take ang mga pangyayari.

I smiled, despite myself. Dahan dahan kong ni-return ang hug ni Zeo. Grabe. Parang
gusto kong umiyak sa sobrang saya.

I took a deep breath and said, "Fine."

***

Hindi ako makatulog.

Actually, natatakot din akong matulog. Baka kasi pagka-gising ko, panaginip lang
pala ang lahat. Although pinisil ko na ang pisngi ko ng ilang beses para lang
mapatunayan sa sarili ko na real life nga ito.

Bukod pa dun, medyo natatakot din akong mag-isa sa kwarto. Wala pa kasi si Kylee e,
kaya ako lang nasa kwarto namin.

Yes, takot ako sa multo. Sino ba namang hindi, diba?

I sighed. Wala talaga. Hindi na talaga ako makakatulog. Nagpatugtog na ako ng

music, pero wala pa rin. Might as well make myself a hot chocolate or something.

Bumababa ako wearing my red plaid pajamas. Dumeretso ako sa kitchen and made myself
a hot chocolate. Tapos, nag-proceed ako sa living room.

Muntik ko nang mabitawan yung mug na hawak ko when I saw na merong tao na nakaupo
sa isa sa mga cushions near the fireplace.

"Shiz, Ollie," I muttered, clutching my chest with my free hand. "Akala ko kung ano
na." Umupo ako sa lapag at sinandal ang likod ko sa may armchair.

"Ba't gising ka pa?" asked Oliver. Sinarado niya yung librong binabasa niya and he
put it down. Sumandal siya sa kabilang armchair naman.

"Can't sleep," simple kong sagot, pagka-sip ko sa mug.

He nodded. "Same."

Tumingin ako sa apoy, letting myself get lost in looking at them.

"So you followed my advice."

Lumingon agad ako kay Oliver. Naramdaman kong nag-init yung cheeks ko. Inalis ko
yung tingin ko kasi hindi ako makatingin ng diretso sa kanya.

"Zeo told you, huh?" nahihiya kong tanong sa kanya.

Syempre, sinabi ni Zeo kay Oliver. What did I expect? Mas matindi pa mag-gossip ang
mga lalaki kaysa sa mga babae. Kaya nga may Bro Code e. Para hindi halatang tsumi-
tsismis din sila. My gulay.

"Oo naman," natatawang sinabi ni Oliver.

Inantay kong ipagpatuloy niya ang sasabihin niya pero he didn't say anything more.
Umaasa pa naman akong sasabihin niya kung ano man lang yung reaction ni Zeo after
what happened. Pero I guess loyal si Oliver sa stupid Bro Code na yan.

Tinitignan lang ako ni Oliver. I rolled my eyes.

"Fine, you can say 'I told you so,'" sabi ko regretfully.

"I told you so."

Napapikit ako. At talagang sinabi niya nga? Adik talaga 'to. Huminga ako ng malalim
at idinilat ang mga mata ko. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari. Masaya ako
na Zeo feels the same for me. Pero I guess na hindi parating lahat ay perfect.

"Hindi kami official," I mumbled. Nag-sip ako sa mug pagka-sabi ko nun, while
tinutok ko ang mga mata ko sa flames.
Yup, hindi kami official. Hindi naman niya ako tinanong about being his girlfriend
or anything like that. Sinabi niya lang yung feelings niya, and the fact na he
wanted me. And since alam niyang I felt the same, understood na.

Kumbaga, may 'something' kami.

In other words, MU kami.

Fudge.

I know. Hindi rin ako makapaniwalang I'm settling for just that. Parang ang cheap
ko tuloy. Nakakainis. Nakaka-disappoint. Pero it's not like pinagusapan namin ng
maige and defined our relationship on the spot. It's not like he said, 'Hey, MU
lang tayo ah?' It doesn't work like that.

It just happened.

And we both understood it. No more explanations needed. Pero that's the thing nga
e. Kaya nakakalusot yung guys kadalasan. Dahil sa walang explanations na yan.
Tapos, kapag dinemand naman nung girl kung ano na ba talaga status nila, pwedeng
lumusot yung lalaki kasi nga they're not official in the first place.

Kaso, there were cases like Zeo who didn't ever commit. Yun ang nakakatakot. If I
fell too hard, ako ang kawawa. If I demanded naman, wala akong makukuha kahit ano.
Baka he'd stay away from me pa. At least if I went with the flow, na-enjoy ko pa
yung ride, diba?

All I needed to do was to have a strong self-discipline; not to fall in love him.
Basically, hanggang infatuation lang pwede. Anything more, a definite no-no.

Can I do that kaya?

Thinking about it, I believe I could. I created the list, after all. And yung
overall rule ng list was to have self-control. So even if MU kami, I still had to
follow the list.

That's to protect myself.

And my heart.

"Give him time, Lan," said Oliver.

Hindi na siya nagsalita, so I looked at him.

"Alam mong may phobia si Zeo sa commitment," he continued. "So just give him some
time. Bago yan sa kanya e."

"Ano, liking someone?" I snorted.

"No, actually wanting to commit to someone."

Napatigil ako dun.

"He's terrified as hell, pero he was still honest with you."

Inalis ko ang tingin ko kay Oliver. Hindi ko kinakaya ang mga sinabi niya. Pero I
had to trust him, diba? He wouldn't want me to get hurt. At kung sinasabi niya na I
should wait, ibig sabihin may patutunguhan talaga itong 'something' with Zeo.
"Ayokong masaktan, Ollie," I admitted.

I heard him sigh, causing me to turn to him.

"'Lika dito." Sabay gesture sa'kin na lumapit daw ako sa kanya.

Uhhh, okay.

Lumipat ako sa tabi niya. As soon as I got myself comfortable, kinuha niya yung mug
sa kamay ako at nilagay sa lamesa nearby. When he faced me ulit, niyakap niya ako
in a way na sobrang soothing.

"C'mon, iyak na."

I instantly pulled away. "What?"

He only raised an eyebrow in reply. Wala akong nagawa kundi bumalik sa yakap niya.
He started patting my back, the way Benjo did kapag tinatakbuhan ko siya tuwing
magaaway sina mommy't daddy nung high school.

Huminga ako ng malalim. Nung um-exhale ako, it was a shaky breath. Nagulat ako.
Tapos, my eyes started to sting. Oh, my God. Bakit parang paiyak na nga ako? SHIZ.

Napahawak ako sa t-shirt ni Oliver. Bakit ganun? Bakit ako umiiyak?!

Pero kahit ano mang pigil ko, tuloy tuloy pa rin yung pag-tulo ng mga luha ko.
Hindi naman ako humahagulgol. I wasn't making any crying noises din. Basta lumuluha
lang ako, tapos yung mukha ko hindi maipinta. Buti nalang hindi nakikita ni Oliver.

"You're terrified din," he mentioned quietly.

"No shiz, Sherlock," I managed to say between my silent sobs.

Tumawa siya ng mahina.

"Pero alam mo yung reason why you're crying, diba?"

Hindi ako sumagot. I squeezed my eyes shut, refusing to believe it myself.

Ayokong sabihin. Fudge, mi ayokong isipin.

First step kasi yun e. After that, no breaks na. No stopping it anymore. Tuloy
tuloy na yun. Nakasakay na ko for the whole ride. At ayokong sumakay dun. Not now.
Please, not now.

But then, Oliver confirmed my worst fear.

The very thing I prevented myself from doing with guys like Zeo.

"You're falling for him."

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: Already in too deep. #riskingit

Lana's List (17)

Kinikilig ako.

Seryoso. I woke up with a smile on my face kanina.

Napansin pa nga ni Cass yung happy mood ko nung pinuntahan niya ko dito sa kwarto
kanina e. And of course, she made me spill. Sa totoo lang, akala ko susugurin niya
si Zeo kasi napapayag niya ako na 'di kami official, pero she surprised me when
kinilig siya tapos she agreed with what Oliver said last night.

Give it time and go with the flow.

Yan dapat ang motto ko e. Sobrang applicable to everything that's happening to me,
especially to the part of my life na involved si Zeo.

Nakakatuwa lang din. Thinking about it kasi, I'm his special someone. He's Zeo
effing Alcante. He's the guy na tinitilian ng mga babae kahit san siya magpunta.
He's the guy na sobrang hot pag nasa court kasi yung game face niya 'nakaka-laglag
panty' (sabi nga ni Cass).

Tapos, I make him want to commit? Wow. Haba ng hair, Lana.

Kaya I wouldn't think about the complications. I wouldn't think about my fears. Ie-
enjoy ko nalang yung moment. Sabi nga nila, "Live in the now."

Tok! Tok!

Napalingon ako sa pintuan. It opened and in came Oliver.

"Ready, Lan?"

I smiled at him. "Yup. Tara." Tumayo na 'ko at sinundan siya pababa.

Nasa kalagitnaan kami ng stairs when Oliver's phone rang. Tinigan niya yung phone
niya at napatigil siya sa pagbaba. Tumigil din ako.

"Audrey."

'Audrey'? Ang sosyal naman ng name.

"Good. How've you been?"

Aaminin ko, nag-eavesdrop ako. Nakaka-curious e. Bihirang may tumatawag kay Oliver,
much less a girl. Usually, he was texting. Hmm. Must be an important call.

Ooh. Must be an important girl.

"I can't. I'm in Baguio . . . Sure . . . Okay, see you then," added Oliver, before
hanging up and continuing to climb down the stairs.

'Di ko mapigilan. "Sino yun?" I asked him. Tsismosa lang.

"Ex," tipid niyang sagot.

"Wow," sabi ko nalang. Na-shock ako ah. I didn't expect him to say that. I bet
maganda yun. Ganun naman parati e. "Detaaaaails," kulit ko.

Hindi siya sumagot. Pagdating namin sa bottom of the stairs, he faced me. I looked
at him expectantly. Tinitigan niya 'ko. Then, he sighed.

"She's my first love."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

Whuuuuut?

"Talaga?" I asked in disbelief. Holy gees! Hindi ako makapaniwala.

"Yeah," he chuckled quietly. "We're friends pa rin, though."

"Mukha nga." I could definitely imagine him being friends with his exes.

"She's back in town and wants to meet."

Tumango ako. Hanggang sa marinig namin ang boses ni Cass from the living room.

"'Wag nga muna tayo sa Camp John Hay," I heard her say in frustration. "Bukas
nalang tayo dun pag kumpleto na tayo."

Oliver and I exchanged looks tapos we entered the living room. Nakatayo na ang
lahat and ready to leave na, except nagtatalo pa sina Cass at Benjo kung san
pupunta. Na-feel kong tumingin sa'kin si Zeo, pero hindi ko pa muna siya titignan.
Para may thrill.

Naks. Taraaay.

"Wala na naman tayong pwedeng puntahan na just as fun e," reklamo ni Benjo.

Feel ko pa rin yung mga mata ni Zeo. Kinikilabutan ako.

"Burnham park, dre," suggested Ryan. "May mga boat dun."

'Di ko na mapigilan sarili ko. I glanced at Zeo. He was still staring. When our
eyes met, hindi ko alam kung bakit pero automatic na nagngitian kami. Yung ngiti na
parang may secret kaming dalawa? Yung ngiti na parang shy na kinikilig? Yung ngiti
na parang mga high school kids lang kami na nagpapasahan ng love notes?

Ang CHEESY! 'Di naman ako usually ganito. Actually, hindi kami usually ganito.
Parang ang weird na ewan. Ugh. 'Di ako sanay.

I had to admit, though. Ang gaang sa feeling. Nai-imagine ko na ako si Julie

Andrews na nagse-sway sway lang sa fields.

Heehee.

"O sige, dun tayo."

Without waiting for anyone, nauna na si Benjo lumabas.

Agad naman siyang sinundan ni Ryan. "Lunch muna tayo, huy!"

"Ayoko sa Jollibee!" Cass called out, running after them.

Oliver shook his head in amusement and followed them out of the house.

Oh, my God. Kaming dalawa ni Zeo ang natira. Pano ba to?! Nakalimutan ko nang
maging casual! Pano ba ulit maging casual? Shucks! Sabaw ang utak ko.

Zeo walked over to where I was.

"G'morning, Simba," he grinned, sabay kiss sa'kin sa cheeks.

Ay, sa cheeks lang.

"Good morning," bati ko, returning his smile.

Sabay kaming lumabas ng bahay. He locked the door and sinundan namin ang iba sa SUV
ni Zeo. Isang sasakyan lang ang gagamitin namin, of course. Hassle pang maghanap ng
parking space pag dalawa yung dinala namin, e kasyang kasya naman kami sa iisang
vehicle.

"How was your sleep?" he suddenly asked.

I looked at him suspiciously.

Bakit niya tinatanong yun? Oh, my God. Sinabi ba ni Oliver yung quality time namin
last night sa fireplace? Pero that's doubtful. 'Di naman ako ilalaglag ni Oliver ng
ganun. If so, bakit siya ganyan kung makatanong?

Wait nga. Kalma, Lana. Tinanong ka lang niya kung kamusta tulog mo, kung ano ano na
iniisip mo. 'Wag ka ngang OA.

Fudge. What's happening to me? Hindi naman ako ganito ka-paranoid dati. Goodness
gracious. I need to chill out.

Rule #12: Don't overthink. Madalas, napaka-simple lang naman ng intention nung guy
pero nilalagyan na natin ng mabigat na meaning. Madalas kasi, literal ang mga
lalaki. Natataon, walang meaning behind their words or their actions. Sinasabi or
ginagawa lang nila yun just because. Syempre, may mga exceptions (lalo na pag girly
yung attitude nung lalaki or yung mga lalaking may agenda). You NEED to know the
difference between a guy with an intent or a guy who's naturally nice.

For all I know, may sexual innuendo 'tong binabalak para mang-asar lang.

"Ayos lang," I answered him nonchalantly.

"You didn't make me laspag naman sa dreams mo?" he teased.

Holy shiz! Sabi na e! I totally saw it coming! Kilala ko na ata 'tong kumag na 'to.
Ha! Akala niya ah. Maasar nga rin.

I flashed him my sweet smile. "Mi hindi nga tumayo e." Pinigilan ko ng sobra yung
sarili ko na tumawa.

Zeo, on the other hand, didn't restrain himself. He laughed his ass off at what I
said. Kaya iniwan ko siya at sumakay na ng sasakyan. Tumabi ako kay Cass, sa
pinaka-likod naman sina Benjo at Ryan. Not long after, Zeo climbed inside. He was
still grinning while he revved the engine.

"What's up with you?" tanong ni Oliver kay Zeo.

"Found my equal, bro," nakangiting sagot ni Zeo, sabay sulyap sa rearview mirror
kung saan nagkatinginan ang mga mata namin saglit before he focused on the road
again.

Okay, kinilig ako dun. Duh. Obvious naman na ako yun. Nakakatuwang marinig yun, sa
totoo lang. Kasi at least 'di inferior yung tingin niya sa'kin, diba?

Equals. I like that.

_____________

I'll update this week. Swear! :)

Lana's List (18)

Nabanggit ko ba na suot ni Zeo yung green letterman jacket niya? Also, the fact na
sembreak season ngayon? Oh, yeah. Let's not forget na kalat na din ang mukha ni Zeo
sa mga magazines and tv ads sa buong Luzon, if not the whole country.

So imagine the faces of young teens and young adults that recognized him. Syempre,
maraming lumilingon at tumititig. Wala pa namang nagpapa-picture. Pero to be
honest, hindi ko ine-expect na aabot ng Baguio yung kasikatan niya. Buti nalang
hindi kasing grabe kapag nasa Manila kami.

We ate at Army Navy, SM Baguio. Sa labas kami para feel namin yung breeze pati yung
view of the city. It was incredible. Ang sarap sa feeling to be away on a vacation.
It felt nice to be problem-free, just enjoying the moment - the unfamiliar place.

It felt peaceful somehow.

My eyes wandered to Zeo na nasa tabi ko. I watched him eat for a moment, frowning
sa way ng pagkain niya nung burger and fries.

"Mas masarap kung kakagat ka muna sa burger, sabay subo ng fries," I told him.

Tinaasan niya ko ng kilay.

"Oo nga," sabi ko truthfully. I grabbed my burger, took a bite, tapos kumuha ako ng
fries at sinubo sa bibig ko while meron pang burger. Napapikit ako sa sobrang
sarap.

Mmmmm. Ang sarap talagaaaaa.

Rule #13: Have a healthy appetite. Hindi ito naga-apply sa lahat ng lalaki, pero
impressed sila sa mga babaeng malakas kumain and at the same time can carry
themselves. They appreciate a girl who can appreciate good food. Of course,
kailangan pa rin mag-diet ng mga hindi mabibilis ang metabolism. Diskartehan mo
nalang, girl.

Pagdilat ko, nakangiti sa'kin si Zeo. Lumunok ako.

"What?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"You just moaned," he said in a low voice, chuckling. "Music to my ears."

Natigilan ako for a moment. Nung nag-sink in na yung sinabi niya, I made a face.
Oh, my God! Mas naging manyak na siya ngayon! Kung dati, medyo discreet pa siya,
ngayon lantaran na. Sheesh.

"Ang horny mo!" I hissed, looking around the table kung may nakarinig. Buti nalang
at maingay si Benjo na nagku-kwento.

"You ba, hindi?" asar niya, flashing me his uber sexy smile.

Napanganga ako ng bongga bongga na abot sa paanan ng bundok. Mahina lang yung
pagkakasabi ni Zeo pero holy mother of shizness! Bakit siya ganyan?

So ginawa ko ang bagay na na-feel kong gawin sa moment na yun. I mustered all my
strength papunta sa paa ko at inapakan yung paa niya. He yelped, nabitawan niya
yung burger niya at napa-lean forward siya. Heads turned to his direction.

I patted Zeo's shoulder and told the others, "Ini-LBM siya."

Nagtawanan sila. Napangiti naman ako. Bwahaha!

"Yan kasi e," tawa ni Benjo. "You ordered two burgers pa ah."

"CR ka na muna, bro," added Oliver.

I pressed my lips together to stop myself from laughing hard.

Inangat ni Zeo yung ulo niya. Mukhang lumipas na yung sakit sa paa niya from my
apak kasi he grinned at everyone.

"Nah, I'm good," he assured us. "Simba's just making excuses kasi she wants to
steal my fries. So takaw."

"So kapal," I quickly retorted.

"So pakipot."

"So presko."

"So pikon."

"So -"

"Stop! So conyo! My ears!" cried Cass, covering her ears with her hands.

Nagtawanan kami.

"Study in Manila, Cass," biro ni Benjo. "You'll be masasanay din."

Tinignan siya ng masama ni Cass.

I saw a potentially never-ending match between them. Kaya before they could start,
I quickly said, "Tapusin na natin agad yung kinakain natin so we could go na."

And we did.
Pero of course, hindi papayag si Zeo na hindi siya ang last say. He leaned forward
para may ibulong sa tainga ko. With a deep husky voice, he whispered, "So mine."

Nako. It took ALL my will power to prevent myself from smiling. Kaso may nag-slip
pa rin na sobrang liit na ngiti. Nakakainis. Nakakakilig. Badtrip siya.

Pero sa totoo lang, nakakatuwa syempre.

Gaaah. Kenekeleg eke. Stahp, Lana.

. . .

After eating, dumiretso na kami sa Burnham Park. 'Di ganon kadami yung mga tao kasi
school day pa rin naman. Kaya nakapag-chill lang kami around.

We rode a boat. We ate dirty ice cream. We rode a bike. All the while, we were
having the time of our lives. Seryoso, ang saya.

May napansin din ako. Yung kamay ni Zeo, parating nakahawak sakin whenever he gets
the chance - whether sa kamay, sa tuhod, sa balikat, o sa elbow. Don't get me
wrong, he's still the same Zeo. He's still the same ubod ng confidence na kumag.
Mas ma-touch nga lang siya ngayon. And if I'm not mistaken, mas . . . showy?

Basically, he's acting like my boyfriend.

Then again, that's sort of what we are, diba? Yun nga lang, wala kaming labels. Not
official, but definitely acting like one.

Since hindi bobo yung mga kaibigan namin, na-gets nila agad what was going on. At
least, na-gets ni Ryan at Benjo kasi alam naman na ni Oliver at Cass e.

Nakaupo kami sa isa sa mga picnic tables sa park, when Benjo let out this big sigh.
All eyes landed on him. His eyes were trained on Zeo alone. Tapos, he shook his
head.

"Well, better you than total douches," shrugged Benjo.

"Is that a compliment?" asked Zeo cautiously, pero nakangiti siya.

"As if you care if it's a compliment or not," snorted my cousin.

Zeo considered and nodded. "True." He looked at me, before flashing me his uber
sexy smile of his that I adored so much. He didn't say anything. Nakatingin lang
siya sa'kin.

Shiz naman oh. Nakakapanghina yung titig niya. Hindi ko naman maalis yung tingin
ko. Parang kasi may magnet na nagho-hold sa'kin dun.

I didn't even realize that I was smiling at him.

"Guys, we're still here," narinig kong sinabi ni Oliver.

"Oo nga," agreed Benjo. "Please for the love of all that's holy, don't eye-fuck
each other sa harap namin."

At that, inalis ko na yung tingin ko kay Zeo. He was still gazing at me, though.
Pero pinigilan ko na yung sarili ko na lumingon sa kanya.
"Where to next?" I asked the others casually.

Cass gave me a look that said, "Mm-hmm." But I just rolled my eyes at her. Sigurado
akong I will never hear the end ng pangaasar niya.

"How about sa Grotto?" Ryan suggested.

At dahil sa wala naman kaming alam na pwedeng pang puntahan, pumunta kami sa Grotto
na sinasabi ni Ryan. Aakyat kami ng hundred or more steps ata tapos magaalay kami
ng flower dun sa shrine sa taas.

Pagdating namin dun, nag-backout yung mga lalaki. Kakain nalang daw sila ng toron.
Keri lang, kaming dalawa nalang ni Cass ang umakyat. Bumili na rin kami ng mga
kandila kasama nung mga flowers.

Girls being girls, pinagusapan namin yung mga boys habang paakyat kami.

"Si Ryan, babe!" shrieked Cass na todo ang kilig. "Mukhang pinaghandaan niya talaga
'tong bakasyon na 'to. Grabe yung mga ginawa namin kagabi, sobra. I'm weak in the
knees! Lalo na nung -"

"TMI!" sabi ko agad sa kanya before she could say anything else.

She laughed. "Sensya naman. 'Di ko nasabi sayo kanina kasi masyado 'kong na-windang
sa nangyari sa inyo ni Zeo kagabi."

Bago pa ako mawala sa wisyo, binalik ko ang usapan sa kanila ni Ryan. Syempre,
medyo censored na yung pagkwento niya. Nakakatuwa talaga kiligin si Cass. Nanggigil
kasi siya e.

Tumigil din kami sa kwentuhan sa kalagitnaan ng steps because we realized na mas

nakakahingal if we continued to talk while climbing all these steps. Kaya we saved
our kwento for later nalang.

When we got at the top, we paid our respects and prayed. After doing that, nag
strawberry-flavored taho kami sa may baba ng Grotto. Tsaka ulit kami nagkwentuhan.

"Over yung titigan niyo ni Zeo kanina ah," she remarked.

I looked away from her. May hiya din naman ako. Aminado akong nakakahiya yung
kanina. Pero 'di ko kasi mapigilan sarili ko e. There was this thing pulling me
towards him.

I explained this to Cass.

"Malala na yan," was her only reply.

"Tell me about it," I sighed. Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Pero 'lam mo, I'm happy."

She smirked. "Good. Sana lang talaga tumagal yan."

There was a moment of silence.

"Yeah," I breathed out, before finishing my taho.

Nakaupo lang kami sa tabi nung mga nagtitinda ng taho, letting the peace engulf us.
Pinanuod lang namin yung mga tao with their business. Until may group of guys na
lumapit para bumili ng taho. They looked about our age. Mukhang mga turista din.
I caught some of them eye me and Cass. Obvious naman na nagandahan sila sa'ming
dalawa, pero we played it cool as if wala kaming napapansin.

"Baba na tayo?" bulong ko kay Cass.

Without looking at me, Cass answered, "Mamaya na."

"May nagaantay sa'tin," I reminded her.

She raised an eyebrow. "Aba, kasalanan nila. 'Di sila umakyat e."

Sa bagay, may point siya dun.

"Uh, hi."

At the same time, lumingon kami ni Cass sa nagsalita. Tapos na yung group na um-
order ng taho. Now they were all looking at us. Yung naglakas loob na magsalita ang
pinaka malapit sa'min. In fairness, may itsura siya.

"Hi," I smiled politely. Nasanay na 'kong maging friendly to strangers, being in

the student council and all.

Si Cass naman, tumango lang with matching forced smile.

"I'm Matrix," pakilala niya, reaching out his hand for a handshake.

Tinanggap ko nalang, kesa naman mapahiya siya. Kawawa naman. Hindi kaya madaling
lumapit sa'min ni Cass. Lalo na't mukha kaming mataray. Kaya nakakabilib din yung
mga naglalakas loob.

Cass scoffed, halatang nagpipigil ng tawa. I gave her a look, which she returned as
if innocently saying, "What?"

Nginitian ko ulit si Matrix, but I didn't tell him my name. Pagkakuha ko ng kamay
ko, lumingon siya sa friends niya then turned back to me.

"And you are?" he urged.

Before I could speak, Cass raised a hand. "Not interested."

My lips twitched, daring to release a laugh. Pero pinigilan ko sarili ko. That
would be rude kasi e. Although, we barely knew them. Still.

Fortunately, one of Matrix's friends came to his rescue. Isang matangkad na lalaki.
The first thing that came to my mind was baka basketball player siya. If not, basta
athlete.

"Well, if you girls change your mind, meet us at Ox tonight."

Englishero.

I took another look at their group. Tsaka ko lang na-realize na hindi sila mukhang
mga basta basta lang. I'd bet my Louis Vuitton suitcase na mga rich kid ito.

I glanced briefly at Cass. She was studying them. It seemed like na-realize din
niya yung nasa isip ko. Pero I noticed na naging rigid siya. Nakatitig siya
intently dun sa matangkad.

"Ox?" I repeated to the tall guy. Not that I was interested. Curious lang ako sa
name.

"It's a club near Kennon Road," sagot niya with ease. It was like, he was talking
to an acquaintance rather than a total stranger. 'Di tulad ni Matrix na medyo
uneasy pa.

I nodded.

"See you tonight?" tanong ni Matrix.

I gave him a sad smile. "Doubtful."

Hinila na siya nung tall dude before pa siya makapagsalita ulit. Their group left
na rin sa wakas. When they were out of sight, nagtinginan kami ni Cass.

"Hindi mo namukhaan si Jesse noh?" sabi agad sa'kin ni Cass.

I frowned. "Who?"

"Yung matangkad."

"Ah, hindi." Sino ba yun?

"He's a UAAP player," she explained, "ng Silvestre."

I blinked. "Oh."

"Yeah, 'oh.'"

Wow. Grabe naman yung liit ng mundo. Sa dinami-dami ng pwede nilang puntahan,
Baguio din? What are you playing at, Tadhana?

"Players din yung mga kasama niya?" I asked curiously.

Alam ko na kakapanuod ko lang ng championships last week, pero naka-focus kasi ako
kay Zeo kaya hindi ko na napansin yung ibang players. Ang hot kaya ng game face
niya, sinong hindi mapapatitig?

"Si Matrix, rookie nila," sabi ni Cass. "'Di ko man lang namukhaan nung una."

"Busy ka kasi sa pagtataray," natatawa kong sinabi.

"Nasanay na e."

While we were laughing at our inside joke, nag-vibrate yung phone ko. I took it out
and saw Zeo calling. Nakita rin ni Cass.

"Don't tell him about our encounter."

But I did tell him. I tell him and Oliver everything. Kaya pagbalik namin sa bahay
na tinutuluyan namin, kinuwento ko sa kanila. Cass joined me sa pagkwento in the
end, kahit na siya yung nagsabi na 'wag daw ipaalam.

Wala namang kaso yun e. I mean, hindi naman war freak si Zeo. In fact, he looked
smug all throughout dinner. Hindi nga lang ako sure kung bakit. Kukulitin ko sana
siya kaso dumating na sina Kylee!

Syempre, nagtakbuhan kaming dalawa ni Cass palabas ng bahay para salubungin sila.
Si Kylee naman, agad bumababa ng sasakyan. She ran to us. Mukha kaming mga shunga
sa kakatalon pero wala kaming pakialam. Excited kami e, bakit ba?

"Uy, grabe," said Kylee. "Kamusta na kayo, ha?"

Cass rolled her eyes, smiling. "We were just on the phone not two hours ago."

"Kahit na ah, ang dami kong na-miss!"

"'Di naman," I laughed.

Oliver came up to us. "Need help?"

Tumingin kaming tatlo kay Kylee. Hindi siya nagsalita. She only nodded, tapos
ngumiti na parang kinikilig. Cass and I exchanged glances.

Gets. May crush si Kylee kay Oliver.

I bit my lip. Nako, patay. Yung ex-girlfriend slash first love ni Oliver kakabalik
lang from abroad. Hindi ako sure where, pero yun yung sabi.

Wrong timing naman.

Habang tinutulungan ni Oliver si Kylee sa mga gamit niya, bumaba na si Mika. Yup,
ngayon lang siya bumaba. With her look, it was obvious na nag-ayos muna talaga siya
bago siya bumaba ng sasakyan. Ever perfect yung bangs niya, while the rest of her
long hair ay kulot. Digital-perm, no doubt. Korean-style yung porma niya, which I
had to admit was cute - huwag lang siyang magsalita, okay na.

Dumaan sa harap namin si Patrick. He greeted us on the way, and we nodded in turn.
Ryan naman gave us the look that said, "Behave."

Ha! As if naman na kami ang kailangang mag-behave.

Palapit sa'min si Mika when she suddenly halted. Nakatingin siya sa malayo. It was
like she was seeing her biggest treat. Which, na-gets ko naman agad. I looked over
my shoulder and saw na tama ako. Nandun nga si Zeo sa may doorway.

"Shems," whispered Mika, while staring at Zeo like an awe-struck fan girl.

Naisip ko tuloy, buti nalang hindi ako ganyan. It was really a good thing na I knew
how to hide my kilig to the max moments with a straight face. Of course, may
konting slips. Pero bihira lang yun. Ewan ko. Parang nakakawala lang ng digninad.

Rule #2 nga, diba? Keep cool.

I felt Cass's hand on my arm. Mahigpit yung hawak niya, causing me to look at her.
She was preventing herself to laugh out loud.

Then, boom! Biglang nawala yung spell at dali dali si Mika na pumunta kay Zeo.

"Hi, Zeo!" she exclaimed.

He greeted her with his infamous grin na lalo namang ikinatuwa ni Mika. Ang weird.
Seeing her so bubbly like that . . . Hindi ako sanay. At mukhang hindi rin sanay
sina Kylee and Cass kasi they were also staring. Baka nagbago na siya?

"Lan, let your friend eat muna inside," Oliver told me, referring to Kylee.

"Yeah, okay," I agreed.

Namula si Kylee. Napa face palm ako inwardly. Masyadong halata. But either Oliver
didn't notice it or he didn't care. Nauna na siya sa loob, carrying Kylee's stuff.

Tinawanan namin ni Cass si Kylee habang papunta kami sa front door, kung nasaan
sina Zeo at Mika. Bakit hindi sila pumasok? Parang mga timang lang.

Hindi naman sa nagseselos ako. I know naman na he was just being friendly. Kaya
hahayaan ko silang mag-bonding. Gusto nila yan e.

Again, hindi ako nagseselos. Hello? Si Mika, pagseselosan ko? Yeah, right.

Dahil nakaharang si Zeo sa doorway, naunang pumasok sina Cass at Kylee kasunod ako.
But when I was about to enter the threshold, naramdaman ko bigla na may kamay sa
waist ko. I stopped and looked down. Kamay ni Zeo. I raised my head and turned to
him.

"Saan ka pupunta?"

Lumingon ako saglit kay Mika na pinandidilatan na ako. Took her long enough to show
her true colors. I returned my eyes to Zeo who was still waiting for my answer.

"Sa Jupiter, Mufasa," I replied sarcastically. "I'll go to Jupiter and feed my

comrade named 'Kylee' there."

He smirked. Hindi man lang tinablan ang kumag. Then again, when ba siya tinablan ng
comebacks ko sa kanya?

"Wanna go out tonight, Simba?" he asked with an odd expression on his face.

Holy shiz. Nagpapa-cute siya. Hindi na niya kailangan magpa-cute kasi ubod na siya
ng gwapo. But because he was doing that expression, he looked so adorable! Shucks.
Nasisilaw ako sa sobrang pagka-endearing ng itsura niya.

Sino ba naman makakatanggi sa ganyang itsura? My gulay.

"Just us?" I asked, glancing at Mika ulit and saw na nakasimangot na siya sa'kin.
Mukhang nare-realize na niya na may something kami ng crush niya. For a moment, I
actually felt sorry for her. Only for a moment.

"Just us," said Zeo.

Tumingin ako sa kanya. He had that twinkle in his eyes, like he couldn't wait for
me to agree and get the hell out of here.

"Depends," I said carefully. "San mo 'ko dadalhin?"

"Does it matter? You're with me naman e."

Oo nga naman.

"What about the others? We can't just leave them."

He shrugged. "They can follow us later, if they want."

"I want!" sabat ni Mika.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her.

"See?" grinned Zeo. "They'll just rest for while tapos we'll text them nalang where
we are."

I stared at him. He stared back. Gusto kong paalisin si Mika kasi I felt like she
was watching an intimate thing between me and Zeo. Pero biglang inalis ni Zeo yung
tingin niya sa'kin and looked at Mika.

"You go ahead and eat, Mika," he told her. "Ikaw rin, 'di ka makakasama sa'min
later."

Mika might've missed it, pero I could clearly detect his tone. Yung tono niya
parang ang kausap niya ay little girl instead of a seventeen-year-old. She fell for
it, though. She nodded wildly and left agad to go to the kitchen.

Zeo, on the other hand, grabbed my waist and pulled me towards him. Sumandal siya
sa doorway, positioning me between his legs. I placed both of my hands sa chest
niya para mas comfortable. This felt nice. Even more, this felt natural.

"Don't act as if ayaw mong i-parade ako as your date," biro niya.

I want to parade you as my boyfriend. But you're not.

"Kapal mo ah," sabi ko nalang. "Sino ka ba?"

As soon as I asked it, I regretted it. Alam ko na ang isasagot niya. One hundred
percent sure ako. And as I have predicted in my mind, his boyish grin turned smug.

"I'm Zeo Alcante," he said simply.

I laughed because of how right I am.

"You are so predictable, Mufasa," natatawa ko pa ring sinabi.

He raised an eyebrow. "Talaga lang ah."

Without a warning whatsoever, he leaned closer and kissed me full on the lips.

I froze, caught off guard. Shucks. Ang lambot talaga ng lips niya. Before I could
recover, he pulled away already. I could feel his warm breath on my cheeks. His
brown eyes looked fervent as he looked into mine.

Ang gwapo niya . . . I want to kiss him again.

"Who's predictable ulit?" he mocked.

Hindi ako sumagot. I just rolled my eyes, causing him to laugh.

Pano ba naman ako makakasagot e high pa 'ko sa ginawa niya. Kahit na ilang segundo
lang yun, it was still intoxicating. Addicting, even.

"Bitin ba?" he teased.

Nanggigigil ko siyang kinurot sa cheeks.

You had to ask? Really, Zeo? Really?!

"I'm guessing that's your way of saying you want more," he chuckled, holding my
hand na nasa cheeks niya. "Just ask, Simba."
I looked away, kasi naramdaman kong nag-init yung cheeks ko. Sobrang nakakahiya
kaya umamin ng ganun. Lalo na't babae ako. Duh.

"Alis na nga tayo," I declared. Hindi ko ma-take yung heat ng tingin niya e. "You
want to go out, diba?" I made a move na kumalas sa grasp niya pero he held me
there.

"Yeah, pero you made me realize na this is much better."

Huminga ako ng malalim. Oh, my goodness gracious. Bakit ba kasi ang hot niya? Bakit
ba kasi nakakapanghina yung boses at kilos niya? And to think, first day palang
namin as . . . whatever we are. Parang hindi ko yata kakayanin kapag tumagal 'to.

Mamatay ako sa kilig.

_____________

Bitin ba? LOL. I was looking through my music library, naghahanap ng maibabay dito
sa chapter na to, when I saw Fearless by Taylor Swift. I listened to it, tapos I
realized that it was PERFECT for this chapter. Yay! \(^_^)/

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Lana's List (19)

In the end, pumunta nalang kami sa tinatawag nilang "Night Market" dito. We took
that chance to buy some souvenirs and mga pasalubong. After going around for a
couple of hours, kumain kami ng street food.

Turned out, hindi naman pala ganun ka-hopeless yung mga Manila boys. They ate
street food din pala. Medyo na-guilty nga ako e. I was stereo-typing them, even
after knowing them for quite a while now. They looked like they enjoyed the food,
too.

After nun, umuwi na rin kami. We were done for the night.

The next day, nagising ako na sobrang gutom - at nilalamig. I looked at Kylee's
figure beside me on the bed. Tulog na tulog pa. Her mouth was open and she was
slightly snoring. I giggled. Kinuha ko agad yung phone ko and took a picture. Hehe.

After laughing to myself, I got up and took a hot shower. Nagmamadali na rin ako sa
sobrang gutom. Alam mo yung feeling na nagising ka nalang na kumukulo yung tiyan
mo?

Well, that's what I'm feeling right now. So I hurried in getting dressed. Simple
knitted sweater, skinny jeans, and my favorite kicks. That would do for today.

Bumababa ako and went straight to the kitchen. I opened the fridge, looking for
something to wolf down. I grabbed the carton of milk, along with a couple of eggs.

"Bakit ang landi mo?"

What the?

Muntik ko nang mabitawan yung mga hawak ko. I turned around and saw (who else?)
Mika. Naka blow dry na yung buhok niya into perfection.

"Excuse me?" I scoffed.

"Bakit ang landi mo?" she repeated.

Wow. Is she for real?

"Uh, seryoso ka?" I asked, kasi she has got to be kidding me. Ano 'to, teleserye?
Wake up, girl. This is real life.

"Mukha ba akong nagjo-joke?" irap niya.

I snorted. "Mukha kang joke," I muttered, placing the milk carton and eggs on the
counter. Baka bigla niya akong sunggaban e. Mahirap na. Ayokong masayang yung
pagkain.

"Anong sabi mo?" she demanded, with matching hands on hips.

"Kung mukha akong malandi, anong tawag mo sa sarili mo?"

Ding! Ding! Ding! Bitch-mode Lana is on the loose.

Hindi maipinta yung facial expression ni Mika. For a moment, naisip ko na baka
umiyak siya at tumakbo kay Ryan. But she should know better. Her cousin didn't get
involve in girl fights, especially hers.

"'Wag mo 'kong hamunin, Lana," she warned, taking a step towards me.

Duh. Mas matangkad naman ako sa kanya. Naka-heels na siya sa lagay na yan ah. As if
I'd be intimidated by her.

"Ito na yung chance ko na mapa in love si Zeo sa'kin," said Mika, parang may hint
of plead yung tono ng boses niya. "Don't be in my way."

Sa totoo lang, I almost felt sorry for her. I knew how it felt like to admire a
person from afar - to want that person to at least notice you, know you exist.

Almost. Natalo yung feeling of pity ko sa kanya with a feeling of hunger from my
stomach. Nagugutom na talaga 'ko.

I yawned genuinely. "Tapos ka na? Gusto ko nang kumain," I told her, getting a
glass from the cabinet.

"'Di ka ba nakinig sa sinabi ko?" snapped Mika.

Nagsalin ako ng milk sa glass. Hindi ko muna sinagot si Mika. I took a drink,
savored the moment, and made a satisfied sound. Sarap. Tapos, tumingin ako sa kanya
with an indifferent expression.

"Empty threats," I shrugged.

"Don't dare me."

I put the glass down in frustration. "No, don't dare me."

She faltered.

"In-interrupt mo ang pagkain ko just to warn me?" I asked in disbelief, shaking my

head. "Grabe, walang manners."

Hindi siya nagsalita. She only looked dumbstruck. Tama lang yan. I'm giving her my
coldest, bitchiest look ngayon.

Don't mess with a hungry person.

But then, I realized na nauubos lang ang energy ko sa kanya. Hindi worth it. So I
let it go. I just looked at her in a bored expression.

"Look," I sighed. "If you wanna seduce Zeo and make a fool of yourself, fine by me.
'Di naman ako yung mapapahiya. And honestly, I don't care." I really don't. Alam ko
namang hindi interesado sa kanya si Zeo e. Confident? Yes, I am. "Kaya please lang,
umalis ka na and let me eat in peace. Panira ka ng appetite e."

Tinitigan niya ako ng matagal. Pero she took my advice in the end. She left the
kitchen. Buti naman. Nakaka-stress siya. My gulay.

Nagluto na ako ng French Toast. Yun ang favorite breakfast ko kapag nasa malamig
ako na lugar. In a matter of minutes, kumakain na ako sa dining table. Mukhang ako
yung early bird. Tulog pa silang lahat e, pwera kay Mika.

Cass and Kylee entered. Nakita nila yung expression ng mukha ko. In an instant,
they knew. Medyo naiinis pa kasi ako ng konti sa little incident kanina sa kitchen.
Ne-delay ang pagkain ko e. Edi sana kanina pa ako busog. Sumasakit tuloy tiyan ko
ngayon.

"Problema mo?" tanong ni Cass, sitting across from me.

"Mika," I answered simply.

"O, bakit?" tanong naman ni Kylee, concerned. "Anong ginawa niya?"

I rolled my eyes. Nilunok ko muna yung iniinom kong gatas bago ako tumingin sa
kanila ulit. "Masyado siyang nanunuod ng mga teleserye, naga-astang kontrabida."

Tumawa si Cass. Si Kylee naman, ngumiti ng sobrang laki.

"Ayeee!" hiyaw ni Kylee. "Kayo kasi ni Zeo e!"

"Bakit kasi madaming nagkakagusto dun?" I complained. Ayan tuloy, nadadamay pa ako.
Psh. Nung makita kong sasagot sina Cass at Kyle, I added quickly, "Don't answer
that."

They both laughed.

"Sumakit ulo ko sa kanya kagabi," grumbled Cass. "Nagpupumilit na pumunta sa club,

diba? E wala namang pumipigil sa kanya. Gusto lang niyang may kasama e. Sorry siya,
walang gustong sumama sa kanya."

"Ay, grabe, noh?" sabi ni Kylee, making a face. "Bakit kaya siya ganun? Nakakaawa
siya pero hindi ko siya maintindihan. Tapos ayaw pa niyang kumain ng kwek-kwek. E
parati naman natin siyang nakikita na kumakain nun sa tapat ng school natin."

Cass smirked. "Ano pa, edi nagpapa-impress sa crush niya."

"That's where mali siya," I said. "Dapat hindi niya pinapaalam na nagpapa-impress
siya. She should always keep her cool, para hindi halata. Kaso lovestruck siya.
Ayan."

And we went on talking about the rules - my infamous List. After a while, kumain na
rin sila. Nagluto si Cass ng maraming bacon, ham, and hotdogs. Breakfast foods
talaga. In no time, they were eating with me.

"Oh, good. I'm starving."

Lumingon kaming tatlo sa bagong dating. He was wearing a gray long-sleeves with a
silver necklace around his neck. He held a leather jacket on one hand, looking all
neat and fresh. He looked like a bad boy, pero when you look closely sa face niya,
akala mo walang gagawing masama.

Lahat kami napatitig sa kanya. Minsan, yung effect ng chinito na 'to hindi mo ine-
expect. Parang - Boom! Titig! Maglaway! Deads.

It made me wonder why I didn't fall for him. Mas type ko naman siya kaysa kay Zeo.
We had more common interests pa. Ehem, hindi siya pervert.

Rule #14: Know the difference between friendship and romance. Sabi nga sa One Tree
Hill, "Sometimes, romance confuses friendship." That quote couldn't be more true.
Akala mo gusto mo na, nag-effort ka pa and everything, tapos hindi pala. Dapat alam
mo difference kasi nakakasira ng friendship yun. So here's what you do: Pumikit ka,
tapos imagine yourself with the guy doing sweet things (holding hands, kissing,
etc). Kapag kinilig ka, may feelings ka for him. Kapag kinilabutan or nandiri ka,
friend lang ang tingin mo sa kanya.

Kaso hindi ko ma-imagine na ginagawa namin yung landian namin ni Zeo. Parang
kinikilabutan ako. Ugh. Nope. Friends lang talaga. Phew. Holy shiz. Buti nalang. My
friendship with him was too precious for love to be involved in.

"May I?" tanong niya, positioning himself beside me.

Tumango agad kami.

"Nagtanong ka pa, Ollie," natatawa kong sinabi.

"Baka may girl talk kayo e," he replied, pouring himself a glass of water.

"Wow, ang considerate mo naman," asar ko sa kanya.

"Para fair," he teased back, smiling crookedly.

My eyes turned to slits. I knew he was talking about the stupid 'Bro Code'. Alam
niya kasing hindi ako masyadong natutuwa on the said code.

"Bakla ka ba, Oliver?" prangkang tanong ni Cass.

Nanlaki ang mga mata namin ni Kylee kay Cass, while Oliver almost spluttered his
drink in surprise. I briefly patted him on the back, shooting a look at Cass. Alam
naman niyang hindi bakla si Oliver. Sinabi ko na yun sa kanila.

He glanced at me, halatang nagtatanong what was up. I shrugged, loss for words.
Hindi ko din alam e. He turned to Cass and gave her a small smile.

"No," sagot niya casually.

Cass studied him ng matagal. Tapos, she nodded and let it go.
May awkward silence na pumapalibot samin, kaya I changed the topic to where kami
pupunta after everyone got ready. Napag-desisyonan kahapon na sa Camp John Hay
kami. Lahat kami excited about that.

Time flew fast after breakfast.

We all went to Camp John Hay. Pasyal pasyal, tapos dun kami kumain ng lunch. We
strolled around after ulit. We took pictures - a lot. Then, nag-horseback riding
kami for an hour. Pumunta din kami dun sa may creepy display house.

Hanggang sa may nakita kaming Paintball games. Of course, naglaro kami. Matitiis ba
namin na hindi maglaro, lalo na't nagpunta kami dito to have fun? Excited kaming
lahat. We were all grinning as we listened to the instructor.

Uneven yung division ng groups, but that didn't stop us. Nag-complain pa nga si Zeo
kasi ayaw niya sa 'Blue team'. Ang arte ng kumag. Sorry siya kasi walang kulay
green na team, panigurado dun yun pupunta if ever.

Blue team: Ako, Kylee, Oliver, Benjo, and Patrick.

Red team: Zeo, Cass, Ryan, and Mika (much to her delight).

Seemed fair enough, considering na nasa amin si Kylee. Alam naman naming lahat na
hindi siya violent. Namamalo lang siya kapag sobra yung kilig niya.

Medyo badtrip nga lang si Cass kasi nasa kanila si Mika. Competitive naman si Mika.
She always wanted to win kaya Cass shouldn't be worried. The problem was, ayaw lang
talaga niya kay Mika.

Long story short, nanalo ang Blue team. YEAH! Woohoo!

Nag one-on-one pa nga sina Zeo at Oliver e. Sila nalang kasi yung mga natira sa
field. Well, yun ang akala nila. Nakalimutan nila si Kylee na nagtatago lang all
throughout the game.

Ayun, sapul si Zeo. Head shot, baby! Bwahaha!

He wasn't a sour loser, though. He complimented on Kylee's skills pa nga e. But of

course, may bitter - Mika. Duh. Who else? We didn't mind her. Basta kami, masaya
kasi it was a good game.

Zeo kept smiling at me, or looking my way all day.

Oo, nakakakilig. Hello? Parati ka ba namang tignan ng gusto mong tao e, sinong
hindi kikiligin? Pero mixed feelings ako about that. Nakakatuwa na nakakailang.
Syempre, kailangan kasi parati akong cute. At hindi ganun kadali yun. Kaya iniisip
ko nalang kunwari hindi siya nakatingin sa'kin. Mind you, it was probably the
hardest thing I'd ever done.

When night came, nag-chill nalang kami. Sobrang nakakapagod yung paintball. Worth
it naman yung sakit ng tuhod ko kaya keri lang.

Lahat kami nakatambay sa malaking living room, surrounding the fireplace and
watching American Pie. Chill lang talaga, which was nice after the eventful day we
had.

"Punta tayong club!" yaya bigla ni Mika.

Nagtinginan kami nila Zeo at Oliver. Sawa na kami sa clubs. Yun ang parati naming
pinupuntahan sa Manila, hanggang dito ba naman?

My eyes wandered to Cass, who was sitting on Ryan's lap. She rolled her eyes, but
she didn't say anything as she continued to watch the movie. Obviously, kunwari
wala siyang narinig. Si Kylee naman, uminom lang ng hot choco niya na parang wala
siyang narinig. But her eyes shifted around us, waiting for someone to speak.
Patrick sighed, while Ryan looked at Mika with a tired expression.

"'Di ka ba pagod?"

"Magyayaya ba 'ko kung pagod ako?" Mika told Ryan in that annoying child-like
voice. Her eyes landed on Benjo, the known party boy. "Tara, Benjo. Masaya yun."

With his eyes locked on the screen, he said, "Nah. Sakit ng katawan ko. 'Di ako
makaka-party tonight." He glanced at her. "Sorry, Mika."

She pouted, and then went for Zeo. He made the same excuse. Hindi na nakakagulat na
hindi niya kami niyayaya nina Cass at Kylee. It was as though she was pretending we
weren't in the room. She was like that all day. We were more than happy to return
the favor.

Kaso she didn't stop. Tuloy tuloy yung reklamo niya. Pinipilit pa rin niya kami -
or silang boys. Tapos, she started going for the paawa effect. Hindi raw siya
nakakapunta sa mga ganun. She even went beside Zeo, with her hand on his arm,
trying to convince him.

Nakakairita na siya, sa totoo lang.

"Ang ingay," mumbled Oliver, standing up and quietly leaving the room.

Ooh. Umiral ang pagka-mataray niyang nilalang. Snob siya sa mga ayaw niyang tao, or
dun sa mga naiirita siya.

Nakatingin din si Zeo at the direction where Oliver went out of sight. We exchanged
glances. Nasira yung eye contact namin nung niyugyog siya ni Mika.

At dahil ayaw kong marinig at makita ang whines ng bratella na yun, tumayo ako at
sinundan si Oliver. I caught up with him easily.

In silence, we went to the garden overlooking the city of Baguio. It was so

beautiful. It was as if the stars were below us. Tahimik lang kaming nakatingin sa
view.

Maya-maya, Zeo joined us.

Nandito lang kaming tatlo, peaceful like old times. Even without speaking, I felt
like we were conversing through our breathing. I know, weird. Pero I guess that's
our connection.

We couldn't see it, but we could feel it. Naks. A Walk To Remember lang ang peg.

Pero hindi nga. I missed our little trio bonding moments. Shucks. Na-guilty tuloy
ako. Masyadong na-fill yung utak ko ng puro 'Zeo. Zeo. Zeo.' Shiz. That wasn't
good. I didn't want to be one of those girls who centers their world around a guy.

I refuse to be one of those girls.

So I made a vow not to let Zeo cloud my mind so much, minsan lang. Zeo, Oliver, and
I were the best of friends. They were my soul brothers.

Tuwing magkakasama kami, no third wheel, I promised myself. Just like old times.
The only difference now is Zeo and I have a thing.

"So, Ollie," started Zeo, looking over to Oliver. "Who's this Audrey?"

"She's my ex," simpleng sagot ni Oliver. Ever the man of few words.

"And she wants to meet up with you?"

Oliver shrugged. "We're friends. It's no big deal."

Zeo looked skeptical.

"Really," assured Oliver.

"Wala ka nang feelings for her?"

Oliver didn't answer right away. "She's special."

"Special child?"

Tinignan namin ni Oliver si Zeo, giving him a 'what the hell' look.

"Sorry," laughed Zeo. "Lame joke."

"Oh, my God," I gasped. "Umamin ka na lame ka?"

Tumawa si Oliver, while Zeo only smirked. As usual, hindi natatamaan ang kumag ng
mga banat ko. Walanjo. Ang tibay talaga.

"Bakit kayo nag-break, Ollie?" I asked. Echosera lang. Curious e.

"Mutual decision yun," he answered, anyway. "We both knew na it'd be better for us
to go back to being friends."

Tapos bumalik yung girl and she suddenly wanted to meet up with her first love.
Wow. Parang movie lang. Ano kayang ending?

"I can't imagine breaking up with someone," murmured Zeo, looking at a distance.

Now it was Oliver and I's turn to be skeptical.

"Bro, it's much like breaking a girl's heart," sabi ni Oliver.

"Which you've done countless of times," I added. Sana hindi ako mapabilang dun sa
mga broken-hearted.

Ouch. Reality's slapping me in the face. Anak ng tokwa naman oh. Ang saya saya na
e. Kailangan pa bang ipaalala sa'kin na hindi kami official ni Zeo? You're so mean,
Tadhana.

"That's different," countered Zeo, frowning a little. When his eyes turned to me,
the frown slowly disappeared. "Wala akong feelings for them."

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Parang may double meaning e. Parang sinasabi niya na
wala siyang feelings para dun sa mga past flings niya, pero this time meron.
With me, meron.

Napatingin ako ulit kay Oliver. He was wearing that damn meaningful smile of his.
It looked like it was back.

"We should hang out more often," sabi ko sa kanila.

"Look who's talking," said Zeo. "Ikaw kaya ang always busy."

"Whoa, teka lang," banat ni Oliver. "Both of you are the ones na parating busy. I'm
always free. Except at night, syempre."

Zeo grimaced. "Ew, bro! Too much information! I don't want to hear you admit that
you jack off at night."

Ack! Yung image! Yung image! 'Di maalis sa isip ko! Holy shiz! Oliver, with the
face close to his climax . . . Parang ang hot . . . OH, MY GOD. BAKIT KO NAISIP
YUN?! NO! YUCK! ERASE!

"Double O Seven, perv!" Oliver quickly said.

Inalis ko agad yung tingin ko sa kanya. Shiiiiiiiz. I couldn't look him in the eye
without that image popping in my head. Badtrip naman kasi si Zeo e!

"Bakit ka namumula, Simba?"

Iniwas ko yung tingin ko sa kanila. I focused my eyes on the city lights below us.
Gusto kong pumikit, kaso mas magiging malinaw yung image. Ugh.

"Okay ka lang, Lan?"

If it was possible, mas namula ako. Nakakainis.

This shouldn't be a big deal. I mean, I was used to my male cousins talking about
masturbation. Nakikitawa pa nga ako sa kanila e. Kaso kasi . . . si Oliver 'to.
Parang ang weird lang kasi I always pictured him as well composed. Tapos na-imagine
ko yung itsura niya pag . . . alam mo na? Tapos naisip ko na ang hot? What the
hell?

In my defense, kinilabutan naman ako for thinking that way.

"Tumatae si Ollie."

I blinked.

"Sa lake, where you're drinking the water from."

Slowly, as the words sunk in, my face morphed into an expression of disgust.
Tinignan ko yung dalawa. Hindi maipinta yung mukha ko, for sure.

They burst out laughing.

Just like that, the disturbing image was replaced by an even more disturbing one.
They clearly saw right through me. Buti nalang sinabi yun ni Zeo. Kahit na sobrang
nakakadiri.

Nag-ring bigla yung phone ni Oliver.

"I have to take this," he said, after seeing the caller ID. Pumunta siya sa malayo
to get some privacy.

"I panicked," sabi sa'kin ni Zeo.

"What?"

"I don't like it."

"Huh?"

"Don't ever do that again, Simba."

Okay, hindi ko siya maintindihan.

"Hindi kita maintindihan," I admitted.

Kinurot niya yung ilong ko ng mahigpit.

"Aray naman!"

"'Wag ka na uli magiisip like that, ha?" pa-joke na sinabi ni Zeo na may halong
gigil, without letting go of my nose. Yung gigil na ginagawa mo when you find
something so cute? Pero may halong warning yung sa kanya e.

Wait lang. Is he referring to my inappropriate thoughts of Oliver kanina? Thoughts

na hindi naman mangyayari kung hindi niya yun sinabi?

"Ikaw kaya may kasalanan nun," I accused.

"It was a joke," he defended. "'Di ko naman alam na you'd take it seriously."

"You're taking it seriously right now, Mufasa."

"I don't like it nga kasi."

Wow. I've never seen Zeo look so frustrated. Usually, napaka-carefree niya. It's
strange seeing him this way. This must be really bothering him. Kung ganun, edi . .
.

"Nagseselos ka ba?" I asked, just to be sure. Never assume nga, diba?

"So what if I am?" hamon niya.

Napangiti ako. Hindi ko mapigilan. My lips just stretched into a smile.

"You know what's not fair?" he continued. "I've never seen you jealous."

Lalong lumaki yung ngiti ko, abot tenga.

"Well, except that morning sa Statique," he laughed. "Taray, sobra."

Poof! My smile instantly vanished.

"Sabi ko na e. Pinagseselos mo lang ako that time!"

Zeo flashed his uber sexy smile. "It worked, didn't it?"

Inirapan ko siya, making him laugh harder. Sakto, bumalik na si Oliver. Natahimik
kami ni Zeo sa expression niya. He looked thoughtful as he leaned against the
railing.

"I guess ako naman ang busy this sembreak," he stated.

"Bakit?" tanong ko.

"What's up?" sabi naman ni Zeo.

Tumingin sa'min si Oliver. "Audrey. She came back for me."

. . .

None of us spoke pa rin.

As if on cue, lumabas si Kylee.

"Gumawa ng midnight snack si Cass," she informed us, smiling warmly.

Gusto ko siyang yakapin. Hindi ko alam pano ko sasabihin sa kanya yung tungkol kay
Audrey. Alam ko namang crush lang yun. Pero I was rooting for them to be together,
kahit na medyo malabo. Ayan, ngayon tuloy sobrang labo na kasi this Audrey girl
entered the picture.

"Sige, babe," I called over. "Pasok na kami in a bit."

Tumango si Kylee, her eyes lingering on Oliver for a moment before she went inside.

"Anong balak mo?" Zeo asked Oliver.

I looked at them again. Napatingin sa'kin si Oliver.

"Like I recently told someone," he smiled a little, "I'll just go with the flow."

Huh. Somehow, it all comes down to that phrase.

"We can still get together naman, diba?" natatawang sinabi ni Zeo. "It's not like
you'll be with her twenty-four seven."

"She's actually staying at my parents' house," replied Oliver a-matter-of-factly.

Sumipol si Zeo.

"Pano na little trio bonding moments natin?" I asked no one in particular.

They both looked at me oddly, tapos they laughed.

"We're anything but little, though," commented Zeo.

"We can still have those 'little trio bonding moments'," assured Oliver. "Not just
as often nang inaakala natin when the break started."

"All because of a girl." Zeo shook his head playfully.

Oliver snorted. "Please, you'll thank her for this."

"Why is that?"

Hindi sumagot si Oliver. He just stared at Zeo, conveying a message through his
eyes. Zeo seemed to get the message naman, kasi he nodded and smiled
appreciatively.

Ay, grabe. Ang bait. Hindi man lang ako sinali sa silent conversation nila. Parati
nalang. Nakakapikon na talaga.

"Ewan ko sa inyo," I snapped, turning away and heading back to the house.

I could hear them laughing.

"Sorry, Lan. It's a guy thing."

"Guy thing niyo mukha niyo," I retorted. Malapit na 'ko sa pinto. Naririnig ko ang
footsteps nila sa likod ko.

"'Wag ka nang magselos, Simba. You know naman na ikaw ang gusto ko."

Napatigil ako saglit sa pagbukas ng pintuan.

"Ouch, bro. And here I thought I'm the love of your life."

"Damn. Ang hirap ng pinagaagawan."

I shook my head sa kalokohan nila.

Bromance.

They laughed their asses off behind me.

Hindi nila nakita, but I was smiling on my way to the kitchen.

_____________

Barely edited. Sorry!

Lana's List (20)

Nananaginip ako ng mahimbing nang may biglang dumaganan sa'kin, pulling me out of
my dreams abruptly.

"Ow!" I yelped.

"Gising na, cuz!" sigaw ng napaka-bait kong pinsan.

"Ang bigat mo!" I tried to yell in a muffled voice.

Istorbo. Ang ganda na ng panaginip ko e. I was in the middle of a car chase.

Daughter daw ako ng mob boss sa Florida. It was so cool. Tapos, it got interrupted
by my oh so sweet cousin.

"Bago 'to ah," laughed Benjo. "Usually, morning person ka e."

May point siya dun. "Gisingin mo ba naman ako ng ganto, sinong magiging jolly?"
mataray kong sagot. It was true na I love mornings and breakfasts. Pero this was
one of those times na my dream was so good! Action! Bitin tuloy. Langya.

I tried getting up from his body on top of mine kaso ang bigat talaga ni Benjo.
With all that height and muscle, I really shouldn't be surprised. Besides, I was
used to this.

"Gising na 'ko!" I groaned. "Alis!"

"Wrestling muna," he said in a singsong voice.

Grr. Asaaar.

"BENJAMIN ARTURO LOPEZ!" I yelled on top of my lungs, before going at him.

"LANA NADINE LOPEZ!" natatawa niyang sinigaw, like some sort of cry bago niya ako
nilabanan.

So yeah, nag-wrestling kami.

I shoved his face with my right foot, while my left foot kicked his arm away. Wrong
move, kasi he was able to grab both of my feet. He pulled me toward him gamit ang
mga binti ko. I started kicking wildly, pero malakas ang grip niya.

Dinaganan niya ako ulit.

"Kailan ka ba nanalo sa'kin?" taunted Benjo. "Never, cuz!"

Medyo malapit yung mukha niya from mine. I took that opportunity. Huminga ako ng
malalim. Then, binugahan ko siya ng hininga ko na hindi pa nakakatikim ng
toothpaste ngayong umaga. His face made a scrunched up face. Tapos, he instantly
let go.

"What the fuck?! Ang bantot!" He coughed, making me laugh.

"You asked for it," I shrugged.

"May namatay ba na daga dyan? Mag-toothbrush ka na nga! Kababaeng tao e."

Lalo pa akong tumawa. "Hoy! Kayo kaya ang nagturo ng tactic na yan sa'kin. Just
returning years worth of that."

Ang OA kung maka-react. Mas malala pa nga sila e. Yung mga pinsan kong lalaki, they
fart on my face all the effing time. Hindi pa sila kuntento dun. They had to shove
their armpits sa mukha ko para amuyin ko daw. Hanggang ngayon, they still do it.

My gulay. Boys are so gross.

An evil grin appeared on Benjo's face.

"I'll tell everyone," he declared, dashing out of the room before I could say
anything.

For a moment, kinabahan ako. Baka kasi kung anong isipin ng iba. I've always been
careful about what people think about me. Then, I remembered I was with my friends
kaya okay lang. Although, I wouldn't exactly call Mika my 'friend'. Still, I didn't
care about what she thought of me. So I shrugged and let it go.

I suddenly remembered na uuwi na kami today. Vacation's over. We were going to

leave this safe saven. Nakakalungkot din pala. It was only for a few days, but it
honestly felt like some sort of paradise. I liked it here.

I guess it was time na to face the reality.

I took a hot shower. Gusto ko sanang i-take yung time ko, kaso feeling ko ako
nalang yung hindi pa ready. I dressed up and fixed myself. When I was satisfied
with how I looked, bumaba na 'ko to join everyone for breakfast.

"I didn't know you had it in you, Simba."

Yan ang unang sumalubong sa'kin the moment I stepped foot inside the dining room.
Nagsitawanan sila. Benjo flashed me a grin, which I rolled my eyes at.

"Be thankful nalang na hindi ko yun ginawa sayo," sabi ko kay Zeo.

"Thank you, Lan," said Oliver, na parang natatawa.

Of all the times na merong sense of humor si Oliver, he chose this time as one of
them. I humored him. Minsan lang siya ganto e.

"You're welcome," I told him, going to my seat between Cass and Kylee.

"Buti nalang hindi na-turn off sayo si Zeo," whispered Cass.

"Oo nga," added Kylee in a hushed tone. "Tawa pa nga siya ng tawa e."

Okay, medyo hindi ko ine-expect yun. Actually, I didn't even consider na baka nga
ma-turn off si Zeo sa unladylike behavior ko. Then again, we've been very good
friends first. Kaya siguro I didn't think it mattered.

Not all guys are like this, though. Hindi lahat nagto-tolerate ng ganung
klaseng . . . well, kadiring ugali ng babae. So as much as possible, better be
private about your gross activities until you're very sure na comfortable na kayo
sa isa't isa.

"Talaga?" I asked out of habit.

Cass and Kylee nodded.

"Tama na ang girl talk," Ryan piped up. "Kumain muna kayo."

"Bossy mo ah," I remarked. He wasn't usually that bossy.

Hindi sumagot si Ryan.

Cass glanced at me and mouthed, "Sinusumpong na naman si Mika."

Ah. Kaya pala. Come to think of it, tahimik lang si Mika habang kumakain. Baka
hindi na nakapagtimpi si Ryan at pinagalitan na siya.

Wow. I can't imagine Benjo scolding me. Nakakatawang isipin.

"Dadaan tayo ng Strawberry Farm ah," reminded Benjo.

Napangiti ako dun. Excited na 'ko! I brought my jar of Nutella kasi alam kong
dadaan kami para bumili ng strawberries for sure. 'Di na ako makapagantay!

Strawberry + Nutella = Heaven

After eating, everyone loaded their things sa mga sasakyan. Binilisan ko ang
pagaayos ng mga gamit ko so that I could take a picture of the house we stayed in.
I planned to post it on Instagram, syempre.
Pagkatapos kong kunan ng picture yung bahay, I stood outside staring at it. Buti
nalang at kaibigan ko si Ryan, aside from the fact na boyfriend siya ni Cass at
best friend siya ni Benjo. Pwede naming balik-balikan 'tong bahay kapag gusto namin
mag-weekend dito.

Oliver called me para sumakay na sa SUV ni Zeo. He was driving this time. I obeyed
and climbed in at the back.

Cass and Ryan got the Montero all to themselves. Mika wanted to ride with us sa
kotse ni Zeo, but Oliver didn't bother hiding the fact that he was against that
idea. That left Benjo, Kylee, and Mika in Patrick's car.

Ooh. Naawa naman ako kay Kylee, left seating right next to Mika for hours.

"Wait," I told the Manila boys, before Oliver could step on the accelerator. I
opened the car window and called over to my girlfriend. "Kylee! Sakay ka nalang
sa'min."

"Ha?!" she asked, dumbfounded.

"You cool with this, Ollie?" Hindi ko natanong si Zeo kasi busy siya sa phone niya.
And Oliver's the one na may issues with noisy and nosy people. I'm not saying na
ganun si Kylee . . . Okay, ganun si Kylee. But only to people na close na niya. So
I think she's safe.

"Yeah," he answered.

"Tara na, Kylee!" I motioned for her to get in. Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong tumawa
kasi it was pretty obvious na natataranta siya habang papalapit sa'min.

"She's pretty shy." Oliver observed, watching Kylee.

Akala mo lang yun, Ollie.

I opened the car door para makapasok si Kylee. I glanced behind her and saw from
afar na naka-pout si Mika. I waved at her and flashed her my winning smile.
Inirapan niya 'ko at pumasok na siya sa kotse ni Patrick.

"Thank you, ha," bulong sa'kin ni Kylee.

I smiled. "What are friends for, diba?"

She grinned and didn't say more. Tinitigan ko siya habang umandar na ang sasakyan.
Holy shiz. Parang hindi niya kayang magsalita sa harap ni Oliver. She needed a
girlfriend intervention. ASAP!

Nilabas ko ang phone ko to text Cass when she beat me to it.

Cass: CHECK YOUR IG NOW!

I frowned at little. Okay . . . ?

I tapped the Instagram app. Wala namang bago sa notifications ko. Likes here and
there, pero that was it. Anong tinutukoy ni Cass?
Kylee gasped beside me. Hinablot niya ang phone ko and scrolled through the news
feed. When she found what she was looking for, she handed my phone back to be.

Zeo just uploaded a photo.

Muntik ko nang mabitawan yung phone ko when I saw the picture. Tumingin ako kay
Kylee with a questioning look. She nodded excitedly. Binalik ko ang mga mata ko sa
screen.

Rustic yung effect ng photo, tapos may light leaks. It was an image of my
silhouette by the house. I was standing against the sun light, kaya outline ko lang
yun kita. It was during the time na pini-picturan ko yung bahay kanina before we
left.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. I had no idea that Zeo took a picture of me. Syempre,
kinilig din ako. Duh. Sinong hindi kikiligin? Ang ganda pa ng pagkakakuha. Gusto ko
tuloy gawing Display Picture sa facebook. Kaso hindi naman ako tinag ni Zeo, so I
guess he was keeping my identity a mystery.

Is he not ready to share me to the world yet kasi he didn't want unnecessary rumors
going around, lalo na't hindi naman kami official? Or is it because he didn't want
his fans to bash and hate me?

Sa totoo lang, mas gusto kong hindi pinapaalam ni Zeo kung sino yung girl sa
picture na yun. I didn't like negative attention. Mas okay nang hindi muna public
yung relationship namin ni Zeo until we were official - if we ever got official.

My eyes wandered around the caption.

♥ 3597 likes

TheZeoAlcante :)

view all 281 comments

Smiley face lang. Lakas talaga maka-intriga ng kumag na 'to. Tamo, 281 comments na
agad in 30 minutes. I didn't even want to view all those comments. Baka mawindang
lang ako. Kaya tinitigan ko nalang yung smiley face.

Is it weird kung para sa'kin, mas meaningful pa yung smiley face na yun than any
other words na he could put dun sa caption? It wasn't cheesy. It was simple. It
screamed of Zeo.

I didn't even realize na nakangiti na pala ako.

Shiz. I'm Zeofied na talaga.

***

Before I knew it, nasa Strawberry Farm na agad kami. Bumili kaming lahat ng mga
ipapasalubong namin sa Manila at Tagaytay. It took us longer than needed kasi
nagharutan pa yung mga lalaki sa pagtikim ng strawberries.

I didn't mind. I soaked up the serenity of the town as much as I can bago kami
tuluyang umalis ng Baguio. I even closed my eyes para feel na feel ko talaga.

Click!

Napadilat ako sa tunog ng camera shot. I caught Zeo with his iPhone directed
straight at me. Ha! Huli ka, balbon!

"I'd say 'take a picture, it lasts longer' kaso ginawa mo na," sabi ko, shaking my
head.

Pinilit kong hindi ipakita na natutuwa ako na ako yung napili niyang target na
picturan, kahit na sobrang daming magagandang landscapes dito.

Zeo studied me saglit before he grinned. "You saw the IG photo."

"Thousands of people saw it, Mufasa," I said a-matter-of-factly.

"Hindi naman abot sa 'net yung breath mo e. You're safe, Simba." Then, he winked.

WOW. Abot lupa ata ang nganga ko sa sinabi niya. I can't believe he brought that
up! Kung kanina, I could care less what he thought about it. Pero the way he said
it ngayon, nakakahiya! Yes, I admit it. Nahihiya ako sa kumag na 'to. Pinapamukha
niya e. Especially when we kiss occasionally.

Oh, my God. How could I kiss him na?

"Wait," he paused, unsure. "You did brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, did
you?"

Grabe. Ang kapal ng mukhaaa. Ang sarap upakan ng kumag. Nakakabwisit siya. Panira
ng peaceful atmosphere. At the same time, gusto kong matawa kasi we're still the
same old bickering us despite our so-called relationship now.

"Akala mo siya hindi nagkaka bad breath tuwing umaga."

Zeo laughed. "Minsan lang."

Wow ha. Selective morning breath?

"Don't worry," I sighed, mocking boredom. "'Di na kita hahalikan. Ever. Again."

Hindi nag-reply si Zeo. I took all my will para pigilan ang sarili ko na hindi
tumingin sa kanya to read his expression. Kaso hindi ko kaya e.

I looked at him sideways. He seemed to waiting for me to look at him because when I
did, his lips broke into his infamous uber sexy smile.

Shiz. I love that smile so much.

"As if naman you can keep yourself from doing it," he said confidently.

"I can try," I replied defensively.

"Like you tried not to look at me, but you did anyways?"

I bit my lip. I mentally groaned at the realization na sinadya niyang hindi sumagot
para tumingin ako sa kanya, with him knowing na hindi ko mapipigilan ang sarili ko.
Badtrip.
"Accept mo nalang the fact na you're Zeofied."

I blinked. Pano niya nalaman yung word na yun? Narinig ko lang yun kina Cass nung
inaasar nila ko one time e.

"Zeofied?" tanong ko.

"Yeah," he chuckled. "I saw it on twitter."

Oh. Sa twitter pala galing yun. Grabe naman maka-come up ng words yung fans ni Zeo.
In fairness, creative. Kahit nga ako ginagamit ko na rin.

"Uwian na!"

Our heads turned at the same time. Nagsisibalikan na ang mga friends namin sa mga
sasakyan. Zeo and I followed after them. Without warning, he took my hand and
intertwined our fingers together.

A small smile escaped my lips. Little things like this . . .

Swiftly, Zeo pulled me towards him and leaned his face closer to mine. "I wouldn't
care if you have the baddest breath every morning," he whispered against my ear.
"Even if I have to cover my nose, I'd still kiss you."

Tinitigan ko siya. Did he really just say that? Nang mag sink in na talagang sinabi
niya yun, I burst out laughing. It sounded sweet and ridiculous at the same time. I
liked it. I liked seeing this side of Zeo. I think I might even like it too much.

"Lanafied!" I teased him, still laughing.

Zeo pulled away with a pout. "Wala 'to. Panira ng moment."

Lalo akong natawa. "Ay, sorry! Hahaha!" Ang cute niyang mag-tampo kahit kailan.
Gwapo kasi e. Sobrang adorable tuloy ng itsura kapag naka-pout.

I keep asking myself how I managed to get him. Of all the girls na nakaka-mingle
and nakikilala niya, I was the one who made him want to be committed. Why? How did
I do that? Did I really do anything? Kung dahil sa list, grabe naman ka-effective
yung list ko.

I couldn't ask for anyone else, really. Gwapo na, makisig pa. Matangkad na,
athletic pa. Malakas na ang sense of humor, gentleman pa. Easy to be around with
na, never a dull moment with him pa. Most of all, I managed to get past the walls
he put up from everyone.

He let me in.

What more could I ask for? Well, that thing. The labels. The official thing.

But I'm giving him time. I won't rush this. It'll happen. Tiwala lang.

Zeo was still shaking his head when we got to his SUV. When he opened the car door
to the back seat, sabi niya, "Kylee, ikaw na sa front seat. I want to hold this
Moment Destroyer for the next few hours e."

Tumingin sa'kin si Kylee with a confused look, pero sumunod naman siya. Nahuli ko
pa nga yung cheeks niya na medyo namumula. Halata namang dahil yun sa makakatabi
niya si Oliver the whole way back. Oh, babe. Sisimulan ko na talaga yung girlfriend
intervention namin pagbalik sa Tagaytay.
Zeo didn't let go of my hand as he let me get in before him. Nang makaupo na siya
ng maayos, hinila niya ko closer hanggang sa nakasandal ako sa chest niya. It was
warm and hard.

Sa totoo lang, I felt safe. Then, he put his arms around me. At that, I felt
protected - owned. Weird na ma-feel ang stability sa situation namin, but I felt
it. This . . . What we have? If I ever doubted it before, hindi na ngayon.

I could feel it with the way he held me so gently but possessively, like he didn't
want to do anything else other than this; with the way his lips were against my
hair, like he found the most precious thing he'd treasure; with the way we seemed
to perfectly fit, like an energy transferring from his body to mine. I've never
been more certain in my life.

This is genuine.

When we were all set, lumingon sa'min si Oliver. He opened his mouth to say
something, but then he changed his mind and closed his mouth. He just shook his
head in amusement and faced the road again.

Yung meaningful smile? Yup, naka-plaster sa mukha niya.

For the first time, I didn't react.

I'm too blissful to care.

At twitter . . .

@LanaaaLopez: "I would rather have hope with you than certainty with anyone else."

Lana's List (21)

I'm at the most blissful I've ever been.

These past weeks passed by like a blur. Minsan nga, naiisip ko kung nangyari ba
talaga ang mga nangyari. But then, there were the videos and pictures in my phone
to prove it.

For the past couple of weeks, Zeo and I were always together. Kung saan-saan kami
nakakarating. We traveled wherever we felt like it. At some point, nakapunta kami
sa Puerto Galera ng kaming dalawa lang. That was the very highlight for me in those
two weeks.

For three days and two nights, we stayed there. Sobrang paradise nun. Away from it
all, tapos kaming dalawa lang ang magkasama. We strolled around the beach, went
scuba diving and kayaking, laid on the sand at night to stargaze . . . and we
talked. A lot.
Nag-kwento siya about all the pressures and high expectations he got from
Basketball, his carefree high school life, his closely watched life right now, his
family na he cared about so much kahit na they could be high maintenance most of
the time, the fact na he loved being the youngest sa kanilang tatlong magkakapatid
kasi wala sa kanya yung responsibilities, and the fact na siya daw yung favorite ng
mga grandparents at kamaganak nila (I playfully rolled my eyes at that one).

I also found out na their father left them when they were still young. Wala na raw
silang balita about him. Last they heard, nasa Singapore daw. That was it. Zeo and
his brothers didn't bother to find him. They were satisfied without him in their
lives. It was sad.

Na-realize ko nung kinwento niya yun sa'kin kung bakit siya masyadong unready sa
idea ng commitment. Now I get why Oliver said to be patient.

All this time, I always thought na I knew Zeo already. Pero those nights with him
sa Puerto Galera, I realized na in the time that I've known him, I only got to know
the parts na he allowed me to see. Spending that time with him changed that.

We connected. Now he fully let me in.

After niyang mag-share, he asked about my life. Syempre, I shared almost

everything. Pagkatapos niyang mag-kwento ng bongga about really personal stuff,
parang unfair naman kung hindi ko rin yun gagawin. Besides, I liked talking to him.
I liked telling him kung anong nangyayari sa buhay ko.

Hindi ko alam na possible pa, pero I felt even more comfortable with him na. Sa
totoo lang, parang he's the most wonderful part of my life right now. The one I
looked forward to talk to - to tell about my day.

Syempre, we had to step back to reality at some point.

When sembreak ended, I had to leave Benjo's condo. I stayed there tuwing gagala
kami ni Zeo kung saan man, which was practically everyday for the past two weeks.

I had to go back home sa Tagaytay. And I welcomed LDR into my life.

"Tulungan mo 'kong maghanap ng kakainan natin, Lana!" Kylee half pleaded and half
demanded, pulling me out of my deep thoughts. "Kanina ka pa out of this world ah."

"Sorry," I giggled, thinking about the girls with envious looks nung naglalakad
kami ni Zeo sa beach last week. A topless Zeo, mind you.

Yup, I got to touch the abs. Perks of those make-out sessions, baby.

"Ah, bahala ka," banta ni Kylee. "Pizza Hut tayo!"

Hmm. Ayos lang. You could never go wrong with pizza. So I followed Kylee papunta sa
Pizza Hut, doing my best to focus on what she was talking about.

Date namin ni Kylee today sa SM Dasma, yung closest mall from where we lived na may
actual cinema house.

Remember that girlfriend intervention thing? Hindi ko din nagawa with Cass kasi
busy ako traveling with Zeo. Failure as a girlfriend ako kina Kylee and Cass. My
gulay.

Kaya ngayon, bawi ako ng bawi kay Kylee. Si Cass naman ang MIA.
The new semester started nung Wednesday, kaya hindi pa masyadong hectic sa school.
May time pa kami para maging loose ng konti.

"Uy!" cried Kylee, running in to a DVD store just across Pizza Hut. "Sale ang High
School Musical DVD set oh! Sandali, bibili ako."

"Go lang," I told her.

Naglakad-lakad ako sa loob ng store habang nag-aantay kay Kylee na bilhin yung High
School Musical DVD set niya. Bigla akong nakakita ng The Lion King DVD.

Sino pa ba ang unang papasok sa isip ko?

Napangiti tuloy ako.

Rule #15: Never message first. Either chat, PM, email, or text, huwag ikaw ang
mauuna. The simplest explanation dito ay: Guys like the chase. Hindi ka niya
exactly hinahabol kung hindi ka magpapahabol. Kung ikaw ang unang maga-approach,
lumalabas ka nang easy sa kanya. And there's another issue na 'what if hindi siya
magreply'? Tapos, seenzoned ka pa. Pahiya ka na agad dun, girl. Hayaan mo siya ang
unang mag-message. That way, you have the upper hand. *exception: You can only
message him first IF random. Example nun ay kung may makita/mapanuod/marinig ka
that reminds you of him.

Since random naman 'to, I decided to text Zeo. I took a snapshot of the DVD, tapos
in-iMessage ko siya.

(image)

Me: Looking good with all those furs, Mufasa.

I chuckled sa caption na nilagay ko. Habang nagaantay sa reply niya, nakita kong
tapos na si Kylee magbayad sa counter. Lumapit na ako sa kanya at pumunta na kami
sa Pizza Hut.

Nag-vibrate yung phone ko. Hindi ko na napigilan yung ngiti ko nang makita ko yung
pangalan ng nag-text. Ano kaya reply niya?

Zeo: Au naturel, babe. ;)

Napatawa ako ng malakas pagkabasa ko. I automatically covered my mouth with my hand
kasi nagtinginan sa'kin yung mga tao habang papasok kami ni Kylee sa restaurant. I
pressed my lips together, ignoring Kylee's questionable look.

I knew for a fact na hindi mabuhok si Zeo sa katawan. Meron naman siyang buhok sa
binti, pero hindi masyadong halata kasi light brown hair. Kaya nga parang ang linis
linis niyang tignan e. Kahit ganun, hindi rin naman siya nagmu-mukhang bakla.
'Di pa muna ako nag-reply kay Zeo. Umupo muna kami ni Kylee in one of the booths,
at nag-scan ng io-order. Bago bumababa ang paningin ko sa menu, a familiar figure
from a distance caught my eye.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

Holy effing shiz! Dito nagtatrabaho si Tristan, yung dati kong crush! Siya yung
dahilan kung bakit ko ginawa yung List. Masyadong nasaktan yung ego ko nun, kaya I
swore I'd never be that pathetic over a guy ever again. And here I was, better than
ever.

Sa totoo lang, I'm not holding a grudge against him. I'd like to thank him pa nga
e. He made me realize na I shouldn't be the one chasing the guy. I have more worth
than that.

So nagbago ako. Nag-improve na rin ng bongga yung itsura ko from the last time na
nagkita kami, which was probably more than three years ago.

Teka lang. Papalapit siya sa table namin. Oh, my God. Siya yung magse-serve sa'min!
Couldn't this get any more awkward?

Casually, tumingin ako sa menu na parang hindi ko nakita si Tristan na tumayo sa

gilid ng table namin ni Kylee.

"Anong order mo, babe?" Kylee asked me.

"Hmm." Nagpanggap ako na nagko-concentrate sa paghanap ng makakain. "Kung ano

nalang sayo," I answered her, smiling as if hindi ko napapansin si Tristan.

Tumango si Kylee. Humarap siya kay Tristan at sinabi ang mga order namin. I finally
looked at him then. We made eye contact. There was a clear recognition there.

Syempre, kunwari nagulat ako.

"Uy!" sabi ko.

Tristan smiled. "Musta na?"

"Heto, ganun pa rin." Psh. Yeah, right. Ang laki kaya ng pinagbago ko, lalo na on
how to handle guys. Thanks to you. "Ikaw?" I added, being polite.

"Ayos lang. OJT ko dito."

"Ah." Awkward. Awkward. Awkward. "AH. Tristan, si Kylee. Kylee, Tristan - kapatid
ng tropa nila Ryan."

"Hello!" Kylee greeted him cheerfully.

"Hi." He smiled back at her, tapos tumingin ulit siya sa'kin. "'Di na kita nakikita
sa school."

He was being friendly. Okay, I could deal with that. Nakakapanibago lang kasi
tuwing magkakasalubong kami dati sa school, puro nods and polite smiles lang.

"Parati lang ako sa student council room e," sagot ko nalang, which was partly
true.

"Woo," singit ni Kylee with a teasing smile. "Student council room lang daw. 'Di ka
na kaya masyadong tumatambay sa campus kasi palagi ka nang nasa Manila noh."

I sheepishly smiled. "Yun din pala."

"Manila?" said Tristan incredulously. "Ang layo naman ng ginagalaan mo."

Pake mo ba? Gusto ko e.

Nakakainis yung tono ng pananalita niya. Hindi ko nagustuhan. Yung tono niya para
bang hindi ako bagay na gumala sa Manila? Ewan ko ba. Basta parang may mali.

"Ayeee!" tili ni Kylee. "Hatid-sundo naman siya e!"

Shy daw, sabi ni Oliver. Nasan ang shy dito? Hindi ko makita.

"May boyfriend ka na?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Tristan.

Last time na nagkita kasi kami, NBSB pa 'ko.

"Nagka-boyfriend na 'ko," I replied to him a-matter-of-factly. Ayan, safe answer.

Hindi ko talaga sinagot yung tanong niya, pero hindi naman siguro niya mahahalata
yun.

"Ah," lang ang sagot niya.

Awkwaaaaard.

"Sige, ayusin ko na orders niyo."

Ngumiti ako. "Thank you." Yes, tapos na sa wakas ang pilit at awkward na usapan!

He smiled politely, then he left.

When he was out of sight, I slowly leaned closer to Kylee.

"Kylee," I whispered, "siya yung ex-crush ko na kinwento ko sa inyo dati."

"Sino dun?" she whispered back. "Madami kang naging crush kaya."

Well, totoo yun.

"Remember the guy na nagpa-mukha sa'kin na may gusto siya sa ibang babae para lang
tigilan ko na siya kasi he doesn't have the balls to say it to my face?"

Shucks. Ang pathetic talaga ng sixteen-year-old self ko. Napapa-wince ang twenty-
year-old self ko whenever it crosses my mind.

"Ay, oh?!" nasigaw ni Kylee.

"SHH!" I hissed, glancing around. No one paid us any mind naman.

"Siya yun?" she demanded under her breath.

"Oo."

"Aaahh. Kaya pala ang plastik mo."

I laughed out loud when she said that. Yung mga nakakakilala lang talaga sa'kin ang
nakakapansin.
Before ako maka-reply, napansin kong umilaw yung phone ko. May text uli.

Zeo: Where ka?

Me: SM Dasma, with Kylee. Nakita ko yung ex-crush ko. Ang awkward. >_<

Zeo: Why is it awkward naman? Haha

Me: He's working here sa Pizza Hut. And he's being friendly. And Kylee's being a
blabbermouth.

Zeo: Perhaps you need a little rescuing. *biceps emoji* *smirk emoji*

Me: I think I'll survive. Haha! :P

Zeo: I'll drop by, anyways.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Seryoso ba siya?

Me: What? O_O

Zeo: Otw na ko. Coach invited the team to have dinner there in Tagaytay. See
you. :) xxx

I was about to ask him if he was driving and texting, but then knowing him, tatawag
nalang siya kung siya yung nagda-drive. Malamang may kasama siyang teammate.

Me: Ok. Ingat. :) xxx

I looked at Kylee. "Dadaan si Zeo."

"Dito?" asked Kylee, surprised.

I nodded, mentally preparing for it.

"AYEEEEE!"

I smiled giddily. I had to agree with her. Ayeeeee talaga.

Lana's List (22)

Kahit na halos everyday kaming naguusap ni Zeo, na-miss ko nang makita siya sa
personal. Shucks. Napapangiti tuloy ako lalo kapag naiisip kong makikita ko uli ng
malapitan yung cute dimples niya, mahahawakan ko siya, maaamoy ko uli yung
mabangong scent niya.
Feeling ko tuloy minsan ang stalker ng dating ko sa mga naiisip ko.

"Oh, my God!" she squealed. "Dahil ba yan kay Tristan?"

"I don't think so," sagot ko. "May dinner daw sila with their coach sa Tagaytay e."

"Edi hindi kasama si Oliver?"

Boom. Heto na.

"We haven't seen him in two weeks, babe," I said a little sadly. "Nag Asian Cruise
sila ng family niya with Audrey. Next pa daw balik nila."

Lumungkot yung expression ng mukha ni Kylee.

"You need to find another guy to crush on, Kylee. Ollie's sort of taken na kasi e."

"Kakaiba siya!" cried Kylee. "Ang hirap maghanap ng tahimik na lalaki na mahilig sa
indie music noh. Tapos ang astig pa ng dating niya. Huuu! Bakit kasi hindi pe-
pwedeng akin nalang siya?"

Hindi ako sumagot. Mabuti nalang at dumating na ang mga food namin. Kaso, heto na
naman ang awkwardness.

After placing it all on our table, Tristan smiled politely.

"Ipatawag niyo nalang ako kung may kailangan pa kayo."

"Okay," sabi ko nalang, hindi kasi siya pinapansin ni Kylee. "Thank you," I added
to Tristan. When he was gone, I turned to Kylee and said, "Masyado kang obvious."

"Oy, hindi ah." Sumimangot siya. "Hindi naman siya gwapo e."

Kung ikukumpara mo ba naman kay Zeo or Oliver, malamang hindi talaga. Wala pa nga
sa binti nilang dalawa si Tristan e. Pero may itsura na rin naman siya. Tsaka,
sobrang gentleman ni Tristan. Feel mo talaga yung pagka-babae mo kung itrato ka
niya. Medyo kilala din yung family nila in some parts of Tagaytay.

Tingin ko naman, hindi niya sinasadya yung nangyari. Siguro, hindi niya lang alam
kung paano i-handle yung ganung klaseng situation na yung babae ang naghahabol sa
kanya.

Geez. Nakakahiya talaga yung sarili ko that time. Sarap kong sampalin nung time na
yun. Seriously. Then again, kung hindi yun nangyari, I wouldn't be where I was now.

If I didn't make the list, wala sigurong 'Mufamba' ngayon.

Kylee sighed. "Mabuti pa ang pagkain, parating nandyan kapag malungkot ka."

Aaand we're back to that.

"I told you, hanap nalang kita ng ibang guy." Medyo mahirap nga lang yun kasi
mataas standards niya katulad ko. "Or better yet, mag-focus ka nalang muna sa ibang
stuff. Like Four! You have a major crush on Four, diba? Or Augustus Waters?"

Oops. Dapat pala hindi ko binanggit si Gus. Ayan na. Nagwa-watery na yung eyes ni
Kylee, as expected.

"Gus!" she wailed. "Masakit sa dibdib, ha."

At least hindi na siya malungkot dahil kay Oliver.

"Ikain nalang natin 'to," I suggested.

"Tapos, manuod uli tayo ng sine mamaya. Chick flick uli, okay?"

"Okay," I chuckled.

Kylee pouted. "Okay."

Oh, shiz. The word held meaning nga pala.

I shook my head in amusement, and began eating na. Kylee and I argued about Reign,
one of the many tv series na kinababaliwan namin ngayon. Team Bash kasi siya, while
Team Francis ako. Ilang episodes palang ang napapalabas, pero sobrang hooked na
namin ni Kylee.

'Di ko namalayan, may pinagtitinginan na pala ang mga tao sa labas. Wapakels lang
kami. Or at least, wapakels ako. Si Kylee, lumilingon na rin sa labas through the
glass para tignan kung anong meron.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko na-gets agad. I should've known it the moment na
nagkaroon ng mga echoserang waitress na lumabas pa talaga sa may entrance ng
restaurant para makasulyap sa kung sino mang sikat ang nandito sa SM Dasma. I
should've known it the moment na yung mga mata ng tao sa labas ay papunta dito sa
Pizza Hut.

Pero hindi e. Kailangan pa talagang pumasok ni Zeo sa loob ng restaurant bago ko

ma-realize na nandito na pala siya. Madalas, nakakalimutan ko na sikat nga pala ang
kumag.

I faintly heard Kylee shriek under her breath, habang naka-focus ako kay Zeo.
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko sa sobrang sabik. Kung wala lang taong nakatingin,
siguro tumakbo na 'ko sa kanya to hug him.

I feel like I haven't seen him for months. Paano ba naman, almost twenty-four/seven
kaming magkasama for a couple of weeks. Kaya it feels like months, when really
several days lang ang nakalipas since we last saw each other.

Zeo scanned the room with his eyes. Naka-simpleng white shirt and jeans lang siya
that fit him in all the right places. Yun lang suot niya pero my gulay. Ang lakas
ng dating!

I involuntarily bit my lip, thinking about what was under that shirt.

Kitams? Medyo pervert na rin ako after spending that much time with him. Pero sa
totoo lang, I didn't care. I could touch him whenever I felt like it. Sinong hindi
magiging pervert kapag meron kang karapatan to do that?

May lumapit sa kanyang waitress, obviously offering help. Sakto, his eyes found
mine at that moment. Siguro sa point of view ko lang, pero parang slow-mo yung pag-
ngiti niya na abot hanggang mata. Kitang kita ko din yung dimples niya from where I
was sitting.

I must have a goofy looking smile plastered on my face, but I'm too giddy to care.

"Anyare sa 'keep your cool' mo, babe?" natatawang sinabi ni Kylee.

I paused my ogling to give her a look. Tumawa lang siya. When I returned my eyes to
Zeo, nakita kong papalapit na siya sa table namin. He wasn't alone. Kasama niya si
Sev, teammate niya. I met him nung sembreak. Cool naman, for a rich kid.

I got out of the booth. Zeo raised his arms when he got near and pulled me into a
hug. Putting my arms around him, I rested my head on the crook of his neck.

"Missed me?" he asked in a playful manner.

"Sobra," I answered truthfully.

There are times na hindi mo na kailangang mag-pakipot. Like now, alam na naman ni
Zeo yung feelings ko sa kanya e. Plus, he feels the same way. So okay lang na
aminin na na-miss ko siya. Especially after spending that time with him in Puerto
Galera.

"Good to know I'm not the only one," he grinned, pulling away. Reluctantly, his
eyes left mine and wandered sa table. "Yo, Kylee."

"Hello!" greeted Kylee, abot tenga ang ngiti.

"This is Sev," pakilala ni Zeo sa naka semi-kalbo niyang kasama. "Sev, Kylee -
close friend ni Simba."

Sev smiled. "Hi."

Bumalik na ako sa pwesto ko, Zeo followed and sat beside me. Si Sev naman, umupo sa
tabi ni Kylee. In no time, dinaldal na ni Kylee si Sev. Kapag hindi niya talaga
crush, sobrang friendly niya.

Suddenly, I felt Zeo's fingers on my chin. He gently turned my face to him. Kahit
kailan talaga, I'm always entranced by those brown eyes pati yung little freckles
niya. Medyo tan na siya ngayon from all that time in the beach pero if anything,
that only made him look huskier.

I noticed his lips curve into that damn uber sexy smile.

"How's my girl?" he said in a soft voice.

. . .

Yung titig niya.

Yung solemn expression ng mukha niya.

Yung pagkakasabi niyaaaaa.

OMAYGAHD.

Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin kumukupas ang epekto niya sa'kin.

Ay, fudge. Tinanong nga pala niya 'ko.

"Craving for dessert," sagot ko casually. Sana hindi niya halata yung kilig ko.
Aasarin niya 'ko ng walang kamatayan, if ever. Lalo na, napaka-simple lang ng
sinabi niya.

The uber sexy smile was the last thing I saw before he leaned in and kissed me full
on the lips. Smack lang naman, pero grabe. I totally lost focus.
Holy shiz. I'm turning into goo.

"Is that sweet enough for you?" he asked when he pulled away, obvious sa boses niya
na nangaasar siya.

Ahh. So he's teasing me. Well, two can play at this game.

I hooked a finger sa may collar ng shirt niya. Hinila ko siya papalapit and placed
my mouth on his. I swiped my tongue across his bottom lip. I instantly felt his
hand grip my waist, making me smile inwardly. When he opened his mouth, lumayo ako.

The smug triumphant grin on my face was wide.

"Not quite sweet enough," I mocked.

Hindi ko maalis yung ngiti sa mukha ko. Yung itsura ni Zeo when I pulled away . . .
Priceless! He looked so hot and bothered. Akala niya ah. Bwahaha!

"You sure?" tanong ni Zeo. "Baka you need another taste pa."

Bago ako makasagot, winisikan kami ng tubig ni Sev.

What the?

Sinawsaw niya uli yung mga daliri niya sa baso ng tubig, tapos winisikan niya uli
kami ni Zeo while making a sizzling sound like, "Sssssssssssssssssh."

Tinignan namin siya ni Zeo with bemused looks.

"You lovebirds are too hot," he laughed. "Cool down nga."

Bigla akong tinuro ni Zeo. "Her fault."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. He only winked at me, then he looked around.

"San na yung ex-crush mo?"

"Sabi ko na e!" exclaimed Kylee, sabay turo kay Zeo. "Selos ka noh?"

"Kung alam niyo lang," snorted Sev.

Zeo shrugged nonchalantly. "Just curious."

Although thrilling kung iisipin na makikita ni Tristan kung sino ang sort of
boyfriend ko ngayon, ayoko naman ding ipa-mukha sa kanya yun. Bakit pa, diba? I
mean, it won't make me a better person. But too late, I guess. Nakita na niya, for
sure. The only thing I can do right now is to not rub it in his face.

As if on cue, lumapit si Tristan sa table namin.

"Behave ah," I told Zeo.

Mala-anghel yung ngiti ni Zeo, which only made me more suspicious.

"Hi," bati ni Tristan to one in particular. "May ia-add pa kayo?"

Tumingin silang lahat sa'kin.

"Uh, kakain ba kayo?" I asked Zeo and Sev.

They exchanged brief looks before Zeo turned to me.

"Sure, anything sweet," he answered with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "Kylee, you pick the dessert."

"Okay!" she beamed.

There was an uneasy silence habang tumitingin si Kylee sa menu. I guess it was time
to introduce those na mga hindi pa napapakilala.

"Tristan, si -"

"Zeo Alcante," nodded Tristan. Lumingon naman siya kay Sev. "Sev Rufino."

Of course, kilala niya. Ako lang ata ang hindi masyadong pala-nuod ng UAAP.

"Zeo, Sev, si Tristan," pakilala ko. "Schoolmate namin ni Kylee."

Tumango silang dalawa kay Tristan.

"Nice, Lana," sabi ni Tristan. "Si Zeo Alcante pala yung tinutukoy niyo kanina."

Hindi na ako nagkaroon ng chance mag-reply kasi nagsalita agad si Zeo.

"Paano kayo nag-meet?" tanong niya kay Tristan.

Medyo nagulat si Tristan sa biglaang tanong ni Zeo, pero mukhang nagustuhan naman
niya yung attention. "Sa birthday nung mutual friend namin dati," simpleng sagot
niya.

"Si Ryan yung 'mutual friend'," I explained to Mufasa.

Understanding crossed Zeo's features. "Ah."

"Kilala mo si Ryan?" Tristan asked Zeo in disbelief.

"Yeah," replied Zeo. "We went to Baguio together nung sembreak."

Hindi pala umabot kay Tristan yung balita. Pinagkakalat kasi ni Mika yun sa campus.
Syempre, siya ang bida sa story niya kaya hindi niya kinu-kwento yung part na may
something sa'min ni Zeo. In fairness, may bright side din yung pagiging self-
centered niya.

"Astig," said Tristan in awe.

Sa wakas, nakapili na rin si Kylee ng dessert. We all went with what she picked.
After taking our order, umalis na ulit si Tristan.

"Dude, Lana's right," said Sev. "Awkward nga. I could literally feel the tension."

"There's something fake about him," observed Zeo. "'Di ko ma point out what."

"Seems like an ordinary guy to me," shrugged Sev.

Hindi na sumagot si Zeo.

I took that chance to change the subject. We talked about our adventures nung
sembreak. Sev went abroad with their other friends, so we talked about that din.

Nung dumating na yung dessert, hindi na nag-linger around si Tristan para makipag-
kwentuhan (thank goodness). Hindi na talaga ako comfortable around him. Actually,
never akong naging comfortable kapag nandyan siya kahit dati pa.

After an hour of chatting, including na dun yung time na lumapit yung ibang mga tao
na may mga lakas ng loob para magpa-picture kina Zeo at Sev, kinuha na namin yung
bill. Nag-away pa kami ni Zeo kung sino ang magbabayad. Inaako niya kasi e. Parati
nalang. Hindi kaya healthy sa ego ko.

In the end, si Sev ang nagbayad habang busy kami ni Zeo mag-argue.

When we were making a move to leave, inayos na ni Tristan yung table.

"Swerte ni Lana," I heard him tell Zeo nung papunta na kami sa exit. "Clingy pala
mga type mo, dre," pabiro niyang dinagdag.

Zeo stared at him for a moment. His eyes switched to me.

He and I both knew na hindi ako clingy.

I could see it with the way he looked at me na he was putting two and two together.
He knew all about the boy who changed me. Naikwento ko sa kanya. Hindi ko lang
sinabi kung sino exactly. Since nabanggit ni Tristan kung paano kami nag-meet, at
nabanggit din niya na 'clingy' ako, nagka-hint si Zeo just who Tristan is.

Ngayon, mukhang alam na niya. Hindi ko sure kung guni-guni ko lang, pero parang
something changed in his eyes.

"You guys go ahead," sabi niya sa'min, nodding towards the exit.

Sumunod sina Sev at Kylee. Nauna na sila sa labas. I looked at Zeo curiously muna,
bago ako sumunod sa labas.

From outside, through the glass, kita ko ang nangyayari sa loob. Inakbayan ni Zeo
si Tristan as if long time friends sila. May sinabi siya kay Tristan, causing my
ex-crush to become pale. After seeing the effect his words had, Zeo smirked in
satisfaction. He patted Tristan and left. Just like that.

"Anong sinabi mo sa kanya?" I asked when Zeo neared us.

"Just gave him a tip on how to properly handle girls."

"Bakit siya namutla?"

"No idea," said Zeo innocently.

Tinitigan ko siya. "Mufasa."

"Simba."

"Mufamba!"

Tumingin sina Zeo at Sev kay Kylee, confusion etched on their faces.

"Mufamba?" sabay nilang tanong.

Tumawa si Kylee. "Wala yun."

"Anyway, date namin ni Kylee today," I reminded the two tall Soledarians bago pa
makapagtanong si Zeo tungkol sa nickname nila Kylee sa'min. "Manunuod pa kami ng
movie. How about you guys?"

"We'll go ahead na," declared Zeo. "Have fun," he added, stepping closer to give me
a hug.

"You, too." I hugged him back.

"Daan ako later sa house mo," he informed me as he pulled away.

"Sure." That's definitely something to look forward to.

"Later, Simba," he said, gently grabbing my neck towards him in order for him to
lay a kiss on my forehead.

Fudge. I love it when he does that.

"Bye," I murmured, the corners of my mouth lifting into a small smile.

There's nothing more kilig than a kiss on the forehead.

Nang wala na sina Zeo at Sev, nag-fangirl kami ni Kylee syempre. We honestly didn't
care kung may mga tumingin na tao habang papunta kami sa cinema house.

"Ayeeeee! Grabe, ang sweet talaga nung kiss sa noo!" kinikilig na sinabi ni Kylee.

"Kung kinikilig ka ng bongga, paano pa kaya ako?" I laughed.

Hanggang ngayon, mainit pa rin yung cheeks ko. Zeo started doing that nung nasa
Puerto Galera kami. And every time he does it, nagi-init ang mga pisngi ko. Simula
nun, naintindihan ko na ang expression na 'I'm fanning myself.'

Iba talaga yung feeling e. Yung para bang he's making little promises from that
soft peck? Parang he's telling me how important I am in his life and he's not going
anywhere.

I sure hope so.

Lana's List (23)

I suggest you guys to play the song Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez. SERYOSO. Haha.
Pero di nga, dudes. Play the song. You'll regret it if you don't. Lalo na dun sa
bandang huli ng chapter. ;)

_____________

Dapat wala akong pasok ngayon e, kaso we had a student council meeting regarding sa
upcoming school event this December sa campus.

Buti nalang magaling si Joshua sa duties and responsibilities niya as student

council President. Mawiwindang siguro ako kung ako yung nasa pwesto niya, lalo na't
less than a month nalang bago yung event. Kaya nga Vice President of Internal
Affairs lang ang tinakbo ko e - mataas na enough yung authority pero at the same
time, hindi masyado sa responsibilities.

My phone suddenly vibrated. Using that as an excuse not to listen to Joshua's

ongoing task-giving, kinuha ko ang phone ko from my pocket and checked who texted.

Zeo: Are u free tonight?

There was an automatic smile on my face.

Me: Yes. What's up?

Zeo: Let's go sailing. :)

Ha?! Anong ibig niyang sabihin? Pero wait, parang may clue ako.

Me: Sailing, as in on a yacht?

Zeo: Hell yeah. Natalo ko si Kuya sa poker last night. He lost his yacht to me. :P

Wow. Ganun ganun lang yun? Ang taray. I had to admit, though. Excited ako. I've
never been on a yacht before.

Me: I'm in! :)

Zeo: Awesome. I'll pick you up in an hour.

Me: Otw ka na agad? I'm at school.

Zeo: Too excited to wait e. I stopped by somewhere to buy take-out for us to eat
later.

Sasabihin ko sana na magkita nalang kami somewhere in between para hindi na siya
mag-abala pang pumunta dito. Malayo din 'to from where he's coming from ah.

But then . . .

Rule #16: Let him make an effort. Heto ang isa sa mga bagay na makakapag-patunay
kung interesado or seryoso ba talaga ang guy sa'yo. Mage-effort ba naman siya kung
hindi? (Unless may motive siyang hindi maganda.) Kung hindi siya nage-effort, bakit
ka pa aasa na magkaron kayo ng something? Hindi pwedeng ikaw lang ang magpipilit.
It comes both ways.

Keeping that rule in mind, hinayaan ko nalang siya. I'll let him make an effort. In
turn, I'll be patient about this thing we have.

Me: Be sure na masarap yan ah. XD

Zeo: May mas sasarap pa ba than me? :O

Pinigilan ko ang tawang nagpipilit lumabas. If I laughed out loud, patay ako kay
Joshua. Tamad na nga ako sa tasks, pati ba naman sa meeting hindi ako makikinig?

Well, hindi naman talaga ako nakikinig. Kapag sa ideas lang ako nagpa-participate.
Kaya siguro hindi sila masyadong nagre-reklamo kasi magaganda yung mga naiisip ko.

Nag-vibrate uli yung phone ko.

Zeo: Ouch. Silence means yes. :(

Me: Haha. See you later. Ingat. :) x

Zeo: Aight. :) xx

Buti nalang pwede yung suot ko na ipang-lakad; white sundress, white tennis shoes,
and army jacket. Simple.

At buti nalang, patapos na rin yung meeting. Naga-add nalang si Joshua ng several
reminders. Grabe. More than four hours din yung meeting ah.

"I need results next meeting, guys," said Joshua over the table with a no-nonsense
facial expression. "Dismissed."

Nagsi-tayuan na kami from the table. I was putting my notepad back to my bag when I
felt someone tap me on the shoulder. When I glanced back, nakita ko yung student
council Secretary namin na si Rica.

"Hi, Ate Lana!" she greeted rather cheerfully.

Siya lang ata ang hindi ako napipilitang pakisamahan sa mga officers. Dirty ang
politics, and even university ones weren't exempted to that fact. Pero for some
reason, magaang ang loob ko kay Rica.

"Hi, Rica," bati ko.

"Friends kayo ni Zeo Alcante, diba?" she asked eagerly.

Oh, no. Please don't give me a reason to not like you.

"Oo," I answered carefully.

"Kasi magkasama kayo sa Baguio nun, tapos nag-post siya ng picture ng girl.
Inaangkin nung pinsan ni Ryan Bernardo na siya daw yung nasa picture. Pero Ate
Lana, fino-follow ko kayo pareha ni Zeo Alcante sa Instagram. Nung sembreak,
parehas kayong nag-post ng picture ng beach. Parehas kayong nasa Puerto Galera nun!
Kadalasan pa, tuwing magpo-post isa sa inyo ng picture ng food, yung isa ganun din
after ng ilang oras from the same resto! Tapos nung first week ng second sem, may
nakakita daw sa inyo sa SM Dasma. Nandun pa nga daw si Sev Rufino e. Ikaw yung
mystery girl noh, Ate Lana?"

It took some time bago mag-sink in yun mga sinabi ni Rica. Medyo mabilis din yung
pagkaka-sabi niya e - dahil sa excitement from her theory malamang.

Sa totoo lang, nawindang ako. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko.

"Nung in-interview siya sa site ng Candy Mag, sabi niya he's 'seeing someone' daw,"
Rica added. "Ikaw yung special someone na yun, Ate Lana!"

Hindi na siya nagtatanong dun sa last statement niya. Naniniwala talaga siya sa
theory niya. It made me wonder, siya lang ba ang nagiisip ng ganun?

Nakalimutan kong i-consider na madami-dami din pala yung mga naka-follow sa'kin sa
social networks dahil sa status ko sa school. Kaso, hindi naman na ako mahilig mag-
basa ng comments sa Instagram. Basta post nalang ako ng post. Hindi na rin ako
nagbabasa ng tweets sa timeline ng twitter ko. Halos hindi na nga ako nagti-twitter
e.

I forgot na marami nga palang stalker sa mga ganun, lalo na if yung tao ay
associated with a famous person.

"Madami na ba kayong nagiisip niyan?" tinanong ko si Rica.

Tumango siya. "Oo, Ate."

Kaya pala dumami followers ko. At least yun, napansin ko.

"Madami akong haters noh?" pabiro kong sinabi.

Napaisip si Rica dun. "'Di ka naman kasi pala-tweet pati post ng kung anu-ano kaya
'di gaano. Tsaka, walang proof talaga na ikaw nga yung mystery girl. May haters at
bashers sa mga post ni Zeo, pero mas nangingibabaw kaming shippers niyo."

"Shippers?" I asked, horrified at the thought.

"Oo! Kinikilig kami sa inyo, Ate!"

'Di ako masyadong thrilled sa idea na yun. I mean, not being ungrateful . . . pero
I don't like the idea na may mga echosera sa buhay namin. It's none of their
business. Kaso yun nga, sikat si Zeo e. Wala na akong magagawa.

"So ikaw nga yun, Ate?"

I bit my lip. "'Wag mong ipagkalat, please?"

Tumili siya sa sobrang tuwa, she even bounced a little. Napalingon ako sa student
council room. Kaming dalawa nalang nandito. Buti nalang.

"Oh, my gosh! Sureness, Ate! Sabi na e! Ikaw nga yun! Aaahh! Yung mga post at tweet
ni Zeo, grabeng nakaka-oomph talaga! Tapos - oh my gosh - ikaw pala tinutukoy niya
sa mga yun! Kinikilig ako!"

I laughed kasi parang she voiced out lahat ng kilig na naiipon sa loob ko all this
time.

Nag-kwentuhan pa kami ni Rica on our way to the gate. It was refreshing seeing
things from her point of view. She made my life sound so interesting. In a way, I
guess it was. At least, having friends like Zeo and Oliver made my life much more
eventful.

While waiting for Zeo sa may gate, nagkwentuhan pa kami ni Rica about naman sa
school events next year. Lahat kami, looking forward sa Valentines' Day. Madami
kasing possibilities sa booths and attractions.

I didn't even notice Zeo's SUV pull up sa may harap. Narinig ko nalang na nagiingay
yung mga grupo ng lalaki sa may gilid na gate. I looked at them, they were admiring
something. I followed the direction of their eyes and saw the SUV.

"Secret's safe with me, Ate," bulong ni Rica.

"Thanks," I told her, smiling a little. "Una na 'ko."

She beamed and nodded.

Pinigilan kong tumawa as I headed towards the SUV. I pretended na hindi ko

napapansin yung mga tingin ng mga ibang estudyante. Usually, ang nakakakita ng
ganto ka-garang sasakyan dito ay yung mga may Saturday classes. Sila kasi yung
nakakakita sa pagsundo sa'kin nina Oliver at Zeo nun.

"You look cute," was the first thing Zeo said when I got inside.

"Always naman e," biro ko.

He laughed. "Nahahawa ka na sa kapal ng face ko."

"At least, mas makinis mukha ko."

He laughed harder.

Hindi ako nakasagot kasi naka-amoy ako ng pagkain. Burger. Mmm. My eyes wandered
around, searching for the source of the smell until nakita ko yung paperbags sa
backseat.

I gasped. "Army Navy!" Bigla tuloy akong nagutom.

"With freedom fries and jalapeño cheese dip," grinned Zeo.

Oh, my God. Naalala niya.

"Thank youuu."

Sa sobrang tuwa ko, I hugged him kahit na medyo uncomfortable ang pwesto namin.
Shucks. Feeling ko, ang swerte swerte ko talaga sa kanya.

"Wait 'til you see the yacht."

***

WOW.
Nandito kami sa docks ng exclusive yacht club ng Manila. I've always imagined na
luxurious ang pamumuhay ng mga elite ng Pilipinas. Pero grabe, seeing it firsthand
like this is something else. Sa totoo lang, nakaka-intimidate.

"It's not that big," Zeo told me. "Mas malaki yung kay Lolo."

Big or small, yacht pa rin. Expensive pa din. Besides, hindi pa ba malaki yan? It
could hold probably twenty or more people.

"Is it okay na po, Mang Jose?" tinanong ni Zeo yung lalaki na parang may inaayos sa
loob ng yacht.

"Ready na ho, sir," sabi ni Mang Jose pag labas niya.

"Thank you po," said Zeo, sabay hila sa'kin. "Tara."

Ngumiti si Mang Jose sa'min before leaving.

Sumampa na kami sa yacht. After that, I watched Zeo as he drove the yacht with
ease. Mukhang sanay na sanay na siya. Still, I had to ask.

"Sigurado kang you know what you're doing?"

"I'm doing it na nga oh," natatawa niyang sinabi.

In no time, we were in the middle of Manila Bay. Kitang kita ang Manila Skyline.
'Di ko aakalain na it would be so pretty. Speechless ako sa view, lalo na sa orange
sky from the sunset. Kaliwa't kanan, mamamangha ka sa makikita mo.

Awestruck ako. Hands down.

"Unbelievable view," breathed out Zeo, suddenly beside me.

Tumango nalang ako, still dazed by the incredible view surrounding us. Ang
peaceful. Wala kang halos maririnig. It was like being isolated from the world.

It reminded me of that time na nag-kayak kami. We just laid our backs there on the
kayak in the middle of the sea, away from it all. Our eyes were closed and the
warmth of the sun was hitting our faces. It was as if kami lang ang tao sa mundo.

Parang ganun din yung feeling dito.

"Kapag I'm pressured or stressed," started Zeo, looking at the lowering sun, "I'd
nick the keys from Kuya Zander and sneak out here. Lolo would always cover for me."

Tuwing nababanggit ni Zeo ang lolo niya, I'd always hear admiration from his voice.
He told me once na very close silang magpipinsan sa lolo nila. But he was the
favored one.

"Since I beat Kuya last night, it's mine," he said smugly.

I raised an eyebrow. "You didn't cheat naman ba?"

"No way," he replied smoothly. "I won fair and square."

"Defensive," I teased.

He studied me with curiosity in his eyes. "Ang lakas mo mang-asar ngayon ah."
Masaya kasi ako.

Gusto ko sana siyang tanungin kung bakit niya ko dinala dito. Pero instead, I just
smiled gratefully at him and said, "Thanks for bringing me along."

"Alam kong you'd like it. It's your first time on a yacht, diba?"

Nanlaki ng konti ang mga mata ko. "Pano mo nalaman?"

"Obvious sa expression mo earlier," he chuckled.

"Yaman mo kasi e."

He winked at me. "Born this way."

Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong kantahin yung kanta ni Lady Gaga na ganun ang title.

"Ikaw na," sabi ko nalang.

"I know."

Tinignan ko siya. He smiled.

"It's not my money," he admitted, staring into the horizon. "It will be soon,
though. Tapos nun, I'll have the responsibility to handle it wisely."

I couldn't think of anything to say yet. I just quietly stared at him.

Zeo's living the luxurious life. Ang tanong, is it as easy as those outside of
their circle think it is? Syempre, kailangan nilang i-maintain yung ganung
lifestyle. In order to do that, they have to keep their companies and businesses
running well. When you think about it, it's not as easy as it sounds.

Ang weird isipin na napaka-simple ng buhay ko if compared to his. Kung tatanungin

ang normal person, for sure sasabihin niya na mas easy ang pamumuhay ni Zeo. Pero
after thinking about it from his perspective, parang mas madali yung Class B life
ko.

"You lead a completely different life compared to mine," I stated, habang nakatitig
pa rin ako sa kanya.

He'd always been happy-go-lucky sa paningin ko. Pero after everything he showed and
told me, there was depth e.

"Yet here we are," he murmured, staring back at me. Then, he flashed me his uber
sexy smile, showing hints of his dimples.

'Di ko alam how long we looked in each other's eyes. I easily got lost in those
brown orbs. And before I knew it, my eyes were closed and his lips were on mine.
One of his hands made its way to my back, pulling me closer to him hanggang sa wala
nang space between us. Both of my hands naman were around his neck, then went to
his hair.

I'm lost in him again, consumed by this feeling of raw emotion.

I love the way he kisses me. It's as if he's kissing right into my soul.

I know, medyo OA. Pero yun talaga yung nararamdaman ko e.

As per usual, dumating din sa point na it got pretty heated na. It took all my will
power to get my head to think straight. Sobrang hirap pigilan, especially when ayaw
kong tumigil.

Holy shiz. Ayaw ko talagang tumigil.

Pero I had to.

By the time na nagkaron ako ng lakas to pull away, one of Zeo's hands was already
under my dress.

"Sorry," I panted, out of breath from all that. I knew for sure na mas mahirap 'to
for him. I felt bad, pero we really had to stop.

He rested his head on the crook of my neck, catching his breath. Tumaas balahibo ko
because his warm breath was hitting sensitive spots sa neck ko.

"I forgive you." I could hear the smile from his voice.

I laughed softly, thankful that he was keeping this light. May mga lalaki kasi na
sobra kung ma-badtrip kapag nabibitin. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung anong
mabuting ginawa ko to earn someone like Zeo's affection. He's so good to me.

Napatigil ako bigla. All thoughts flew out of my mind when I felt Zeo's lips
brushing against my skin. He left little kisses along my jawline . . . to the spot
beneath my earlobe . . . to my neck . . . to my collar bone . . .

"Are you seducing me?" I asked in disbelief.

"Did it work?" he whispered in a low husky voice, the warmth of his breath hitting
my skin made me shiver.

Holy. Effing. Shiz.

Grabe ang panghihina ang tuhod ko. Fuuudge. Hindi na niya kailangan pang mang-
seduce! Seductive na siya without him doing anything. Anak ng tokwa talaga. Gusto
ko nang bumigay.

I struggled to keep my voice from cracking.

"Konti. Pero still a 'no.'"

"Fair enough," he chuckled, standing up straight.

"Ikain nalang natin 'to?" pabiro kong sinabi. Bigla kong naalala na I said the
exact same words to Kylee weeks ago. Food is the solution to almost everything.

"Good idea. I'll get the food," he volunteered.

"I'm sorry talaga." I bit my lip, feeling really guilty.

I can't give you my virginity just like that.

He smiled warmly. "It's cool. I understand naman e." Leaning forward, he kissed me
on the forehead before going to get the food.

You'd think na yung tipo ni Zeo yung hindi talaga makakapagantay. Because of all
his flings, you'd think na magiging upset siya about not getting some. Pero that
was the thing about him nga e. There's more to him than meets the eye.

Kaya lang, hindi ko talaga kayang ibigay yung virginity ko. Sobrang important nun
e. Hindi naman ako santa to believe in marriage before sex. I just think na kung
sino man yung first ko, dun sa taong sigurado akong hindi ko pagsisisihan.

I want my first to be with someone that I truly connect with.

I want it to be with someone that I love and who also loves me back.

"Here you go," declared Zeo, placing the paper bags on the nearby table. "Just do
me a favor," he added, looking at me na parang handa siya to beg.

Curious, I waited for him to continue.

"Try not to moan so much," he pleaded.

At that, natawa ako. I remembered nung last time we ate food from Army Navy
together. I moaned so hard that day. Lakas pa niyang mang-asar nun.

"Serious ako," dagdag ni Zeo with a stern expression.

Shiz. He looked serious nga. So tumango nalang ako, nagpipigil ng tawa.

As much as I want to give 'it' to him, I can't. Kahit na alam ko sa sarili ko na

hindi ko pagsisisihan kung ano mang meron kami. Kahit na I connect with him more
than I have with anyone else. Kahit na I already know deep inside, I'm in love with
him.

I'm in love with Zeo Alcante.

Ang tanong, does he feel the same way?

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: Willing to wait. #coldshowersgalore

Lana's List (24)

Sa dinami-dami naman ng professors, talagang nataon pa na parehas kami ni Sean -
a.k.a Mr. Espasol? Hindi na nga kami classmates this semester e.

"Dapat dito 'ko nag-aral e," said Sean, thinking I'd care.

Kunwari wala akong narinig as I quietly followed the others.

Two different classes ang pinapunta dito sa Silvestre University nung magaling
namin na prof. Ang pinunta namin dito? Yung famous Silvestre Art Gallery. We were
required to do a paper on the artworks. Since it has over five hundred, pipili lang
kami ng twenty-five. The paper holds 50% of our midterm grade. Walang choice kundi
pumunta talaga dito.

The only bright side here is, dito nag-aaral si Oliver. And I haven't seen him in
almost two months! Oo, we've texted to catch up with each other's lives pero that's
it. Mi hindi pa nga namin nami-meet ni Zeo yung Audrey niya e.

Speaking of Zeo, dalawang linggo ko na siyang hindi nakakausap.

Rule #17: Make him miss you. Sooner or later, baka magkasawaan kayo kapag everyday
kayong magkausap. Wala nang room for space. So give him one. In the meantime, do
the things that you enjoy. If you have school or work, do that. Don't revolve your
world around him. May buhay ka din. Live it.

Naging busy ako with school mostly. The school event we were preparing for was last
week, tapos midterms this week. Sobrang hectic ng schedule ko na hindi ako nakaka-
reply sa mga texts ni Zeo. Kapag tatawag naman siya, hindi ko nasasagot kasi naka-
silent so that I could concentrate on school stuff.

I told him na I was studying for the coming hell week, besides the fact na sobrang
busy ako sa pagaasikaso ng mga kulang sa school event. He understood naman.

Sa totoo lang, I missed him. Kaso I needed to focus muna on my responsibilities.

And let's face it, he's quite good at distracting me.

Anyway, I texted Oliver this morning na pupunta ko sa university nila. We agreed to

have lunch together after kong tapusin yung dapat kong gawin.

Finally, nakarating na kami dun sa building where the art gallery was. Goal ko
talaga to get to the task as soon as makapasok kami. Kaso napatigil ako when I saw
all the place.

The place was clean, neat, and orderly. Very sophisticated ang feel ng lugar. After
seeing the artworks around, I wanted to stay and appreciate every single one of
them. My original planned was shattered.

"Nag-pair up yung iba," sabi ni Sean. "Partner na tayo, Lana." He said it like the
decision was final already, parang privilege ko pa na partner ko siya.

Hindi ko na kaya.

"Sean," I began. Paano ko ba sasabihin na ayaw ko siyang makasama kasi nagi-invade

siya ng personal space and privacy ko in a nice way? "I can't concentrate kapag may
kasama ako e. Iba nalang yayain mo."

Tinalikuran ko na siya. Siguro naman okay na yun. Pero hindi, he still fell in step
beside me and said, "Ayos lang. Hindi nalang ako magiingay."

What the fudge? Argh. Fine. Bahala siya. 'Di ko nalang siya papansinin.

All throughout ng pag-wander around the art gallery, magkasama kami ni Sean. We
were ten feet away from each other na parang hindi rin kami magkasama. In fairness
sa kanya, hindi nga siya nag-ingay. Hindi rin niya ko inistorbo.

When I got twenty-five artworks picked, tinago ko na ang notepad and ballpen ko sa
bag. Nagda-dalawang isip pa 'ko kung magpapaalam na 'ko kay Sean na mauuna na 'ko.
He wasn't as annoying as I expected him to be, after all.

"Una na 'ko, Sean," I told him, loud enough for him to hear.

"Hindi ka sasabay sa'min mag-lunch?" tanong niya.

"Nope. May kasabay na 'ko."

"Si Zeo Alcante?"

I looked at him suspiciously.

"Hindi," matipid kong sagot.

Kaya ba siya nagpi-pilit makipag-close sa'kin, dahil kay Zeo? At first, akala ko na
kasi VP ako sa school tapos medyo may kaya family ko kaya pasok sa high standards
of friends niya. Pero of course, it was because of Zeo.

Tinitigan ko pa siya more. Bakit may feeling ako na closet queen 'tong si Sean? At
bakit ngayon ko lang napansin? It would explain kung bakit parating natatahimik
siya tuwing suot ko yung jacket ni Zeo nun. Obviously, nagseselos siya.

Before ko pa mapagisipan ng mabuti, may nag-text sa'kin.

Ollie: Class over. San ka?

Me: SAG. Puntahan mo nalang ako dito?

Ollie: Yeah. Don't go wandering around.

Me: I know, baka maligaw ako. Haha.

Ollie: That, and baka makita mo ex mo. Ayokong ma-suspend for getting into a fight.

My eyes widened in that realization.

Shiz! Hindi pumasok sa isip ko si Calvin. Dito nga rin pala siya nag-aaral. Fudging
shiz. Hindi ko talaga yun naisip. Mi hindi ko naalala man lang. Wow. I guess this
proved na wala na talaga akong pakialam sa kanya.

Kaso it would totally complicate things kapag merong unfortunate chance na magkita
kami ngayon. Ayaw kong masira araw ko. I've seen enough of his face to last me a
lifetime.

Kaya I stayed put inside the art gallery habang nagaantay kay Oliver. Iniwasan ko
na yung mga schoolmates ko. Hindi ko na rin masyadong naisip yung pagka-bakla ni
Sean kasi masyado akong alert in case na makita ko si Calvin or kahit sino sa mga
barkada niya.

After a few minutes, dumating na rin si Oliver. He looked pretty much like the last
time I saw him. He wasn't wearing his favorite leather jacket, though. Blue raglan
shirt, jeans, and black Converse shoes lang. Typical nice guy look, only Oliver
gave it an edge.
"Lan," he greeted with a smile.

'Di ko napigilan ang sarili ko. My arms flew around him and hugged him tight.
Sobrang tagal naming 'di nagkita, grabe tuloy ang pagka-miss ko sa kanya.

"Ollieee!" gigil kong sinabi.

He chuckled. "I missed you, too."

"Two months!" I stated as I pulled away.

"Almost," he corrected.

We started walking. I let him lead the way since wala akong idea about this place
and where the closest fast food chain resto was.

"How's Audrey?" I asked.

He didn't speak for a moment, then he shook his head.

"Anong nangyari?" tanong ko, not expecting his reaction.

"'Di nag work-out," he shrugged.

"Hala. Bakit?"

"Either we changed or we grew too much apart. 'Di ako sure."

"Sayang." Bumalik pa si Audrey, tapos wala rin pala.

Oliver replied thoughtfully, "Hindi rin naman. We got closure. Hindi na kami magwo-
wonder about what ifs."

Sa bagay, may point siya dun.

"What now?" tinanong ko, after a moment of silence.

"Balik na siya sa States," he answered.

Tinry kong pakinggang mabuti yung tono ng boses niya. Hinahanap ko if there was any
hint of regret or sadness, pero parang wala naman. Instead, parang there was peace
- closure.

"Pero she requested to meet you guys first."

I looked at him. "Me and Zeo?"

He nodded.

"Bakit daw?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko.

"She's curious."

Tumaas kilay ko. "Sa relationship namin?"

"Sa relationship nating tatlo," he corrected.

"Threesome?" I gasped mockingly.

Napangiti si Oliver. "Alam niya kasing pinagaagawan natin si Zeo e."

I laughed out loud. Sumakay siya sa joke ko. Hahaha!

"Nabibilaukan na siguro yun," sabi ko, referring to Zeo.

Oliver's smile widened. "When was the last time ba na nagkita kayo?"

I thought about it. "Mga three weeks ago? Pero it's been two weeks since last time
na nagusap kami. Busy e."

He looked amused.

"What?" I asked, wondering kung ano ang nakakatawa.

"Wala."

"Ano nga yun?"

"Wala nga."

"Ang daya mo."

"Nosy ka lang."

"'Curious' ang proper term."

He grinned, sabay akbay sa'kin. "Na-miss kita, Lan."

"Ditto," I smiled.

Palabas na kami ng gate ng campus nila nang may sumalubong sa'ming girl. I noticed
na mahinhin siya. Tapos, simple but elegant ang peg ng porma niya. Alam mong rich
kid. Hindi lang niya pinamumukha sayo tulad ng iba.

Pinakilala kami ni Oliver sa isa't isa. I found out that her name's Angelica. Medyo
nagulat nga ako e. Her name fits her very well.

May inabot lang siya kay Oliver na hiniram daw ng kuya niya. Now na natitigan ko
siya, I realized na isa siya dun sa mga kasama ni Oliver nung UAAP Championships.

"Ikaw ah!" asar ko kay Oliver, when Angelica left. "Sino yun?"

"Just a friend," he simply answered as we continued walking.

Skeptical ako. "Yun lang?"

"She's not my type," he sighed.

Ay, hindi niya type yung mga mahihihinhin. Hmm. 'Di naman mahinhin si Kylee, pero
nagmumukha siyang shy type whenever Oliver's around.

"What exactly is your type?" tanong ko.

"Sweet girls . . ."

Kylee?! Sweet si Kylee!

". . . aren't my type."

BUUUUUGGGSSSSSHH.

Yun ang tunog ng gumuguho kong shipper hope sa loob-loob ko.

"Bakit naman?" tanong ko uli. Ang weird lang. Hindi ko naisip na hindi ganun yung
mga type niya. Akala ko mas type niya talaga yung mga ganun. Tas, hindi pala.

"Masyado kasing maalaga," he said, frowning a little. "I can take care of myself."

Wow. Medyo sexist, pero gets ko naman yung point niya. After what he said, napansin
ko na very Oliver-ish nga yung reason niya kung bakit ayaw niya sa sweet girls. Edi
yung mga type niya pala yung mga confident girls? Or ano?

Ang hirap talagang basahin ni Oliver. Sometimes, I wonder how we get along so well
despite our differences and our clashing personalities.

We were about to enter a restaurant I haven't heard of when he spoke again.

"Besides," he paused to open the door for me, "I'd rather take care of her."

Ah. Yun naman pala e.

We fell in line. Hindi ko alam ang pipiliin kong kainin kasi first time ko dito. It
wasn't a fast food restaurant. Mukhang mahal yung mga price ng food, not that
expensive naman pero not that cheap either.

I looked around. 'Di rin ganun kadami ang mga tao. Sakto lang. At least, walang
chance na makita ko yung schoolmates ko. I was fed up with school at the moment.

I let Oliver choose the food. He ordered some lasagna and a large pizza. After
that, we chose a table sa may window. In no time, dumating na yung food.

Ooh. Fast service. Me gusta.

Tinignan ko yung mga pagkain sa table.

Ooh. Looks yummy. Me gusta two times.

"Lan."

Lumingon ako kay Oliver.

"Smile."

Ako naman si gaga, ngumiti kahit walang idea kung anong meron.

*click*

"What . . . ?" I trailed off, one of my eyebrows raised.

"Contact photo, dude," he replied, already tapping away on his phone.

I shrugged and started eating. Naisip ko yung sinabi niya kanina about preferring
to take care of a girl than being taken care of. Sa totoo lang, it sounded too good
to be true.

"Bakit ganyan kayo ni Zeo?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, pagkalagay niya ng phone sa table.

"You guys are too good to be true," I stated out what was on my mind.

"Akala mo lang yun." He shook his head and took a bite of the pizza.

"Hindi kaya," I couldn't help but say kahit na may pagkain pa 'ko sa bibig.

"Normal guys lang din kami. We drink. We've tried smoking weed. We get horny. We
watch porn. We crave for sex. We'd rather play video games than go on a date. We
make mistakes and mess things up. We have flaws, too."

Hindi ako sumagot. Sumubo ako ng lasagna while thinking about what he said - and
admitted. I wasn't surprised.

"Nasasabi mo lang yan kasi Zeo and I know how to treat girls properly," he added.
"At least, we try our best to."

"Yun na nga e," I countered. "Not many guys are like that nowadays, especially guys
with your looks." Ang mga gwapo ngayon, either bakla or playboy. Sad, diba?

"Girls aren't looking in the right place kasi," he said disapprovingly. "Kaya nga a
lot of girls get heartbroken madalas kasi they get tired of waiting, so they settle
for less. Result? They think guys like me and Zeo are some sort of endangered
species. When really, that's not the case."

Okay, napapaisip ako dun. Medyo speechless din ako. Every time na our opinions were
involved, lumalabas ang pagka talktative ni Oliver. I-add mo pa na may sense yung
mga sinasabi niya.

We ate in silence as I continued to think about it.

"Heto nalang, try looking around you," he suggested as he put a slice of pizza on
my plate. "Observe."

"Kadalasan kasi, sa simula lang ideal yung lalaki," sabi ko, which was the truth
naman talaga. "Kapag sila na, guys change."

"Break up, then," he said as if it was the easiest thing to do in the world. "He's
not the guy she said 'yes' to. Why put up with him?"

"Ever heard of accepting one's flaws kung talagang mahal mo?"

"Not when he's not treating her the way he should."

"Edi girls should wait for their prince charming?" I clarified.

"No, girls should wait for someone who'll treat them right all the time."

Hmm. Tama siya. I'm reminded of why I loved talking to Oliver. May natututunan ako
sa kanya e. Tsaka, nakaka-refresh isipin ang mga bagay from his point. He could
make you think about some things differently.

Kaya madami ding nagkakagusto dito sa taong 'to e - like yung girl kanina. She
seemed cool and collected. Pero I saw right through it. Alam ko yung ganung
expression niya, na aakalain mong poker face pero self-conscious din naman. Ganun
din kasi ako e.

Biglang tumahimik yung buong place. Tahimik na naman before, pero this time it got
eerie quiet. Something wasn't right.

"Knew it," mumbled Oliver, amused.

"Sorry, I'm late."

I turned around so fast that for a moment akala ko may super speed ako. And there
he was, wearing a crooked smile as if walang masasamang looks directed his way.

Shiz. Siya ang dahilan kung bakit hindi champions ang Silvestre University. Anong
pumasok sa kumag na 'to at nagpunta siya dito? Is he out of his mind?

"Hey, bro," bati niya kay Oliver, all smiles.

Oliver returned the grin and nodded.

Zeo then sat on the vacant chair, facing the window. He took the last piece of
pizza and began eating. He looked so at ease na parang walang mali sa mundo.

Lana's List (25)

"Bakit ka nandito, Mufasa?" I asked, keeping myself from throwing my arms around
him.

Na-miss ko siya ng bongga. Seeing him in person like this makes the butterflies go
crazy in my stomach. Gusto kong halikan yung buong mukha niya, pero nakakahiya.
Tsaka, baka isipin nitong kumag na 'to na masyado akong obsessed sa kanya.

"Ayaw mo?" he asked in turn, with a teasing smile on.

"May sinabi ako?" mataray kong sagot.

"Miss mo lang ako e," he chuckled.

I didn't deny it. "Mas na-miss ko si Ollie, though," asar ko, grinning.

He laughed. "Ditto."

"I can't take the pressure ng pinagaagawan," Oliver said, mocking a look of stress.
He turned to Zeo and patted him on the shoulder. "I don't know how you do it."

"Sanayan lang yan, bro."

I shook my head in amusement. I missed these dorks.

"I texted him nga pala," Oliver told me.

"With your picture, Simba," added Zeo, before taking a sip from my glass of Coke.

Napanganga ako. "Yung picture ko kanina?" I asked Oliver.

He only grinned at me.

Psh. Kaya pala. Contact photo daw. Gusto lang niyang asarin si Zeo e.

"You're free na?" tinanong ako ni Zeo.

"'Di pa," malungkot kong sinabi. Gusto ko na silang maka-bonding! "One of my

classes required us to go sa Art Gallery ng school nila Ollie. Sakto, may pasok
siya."

"Buti nalang pala nasa area 'ko when Ollie texted."

"Oo nga, bro," said Oliver, natatawa. "Ang bilis mo."

Zeo glanced at me. When our eyes made contact, his lips stretched into that uber
sexy smile again. "Inspired e."

Pinigilan kong ngumiti. As in, pigil na pigil. Kaya I just rolled my eyes at him to
cover for the smile daring to show.

"How're you guys?" tanong ni Oliver, with a voice na nangaasar. "I bet you have
plenty of alone times without me."

"She's turned into a pervert," sagot agad ni Zeo with a huge grin.

Napanganga ako sa sinabi niya. Oh, my God. Ang kapal ng mukha niya. Okay, totoo nga
yung sinabi niya. Pero still, ang kapal pa rin ng mukha niya!

"Oy, hindi ah!" I defended myself. "Kapal mo."

"Makapal na rin mukha niya."

"Nahawa lang ako sayo noh."

"Mataray pa rin siya at times," considered Zeo, thinking about it. As his eyes
landed on me, a crooked smile creeped its way to his lips. "I managed to tame her a
bit, though."

Hindi ako nakapagsalita. I felt na nag-init yung cheeks ko. For sure, namumula na
yung mga yun. Pero nakaya ko namang i-maintain yung poker face ko.

"Zeo's turned mushy," ganti ko. Ha!

"That's not news," smirked Zeo. "Oliver knows that whenever I talk about you."

I blinked. What?

Lumingon ako kay Oliver. Tumango lang siya with that meaningful smile.

Holy shiz. Feeling ko yung mga butterflies na nasa stomach ko ay naging mga dragon
na. Nagwawala sila sa sobrang kilig.

"Anyway, kailan kayo free?" Oliver asked us, mukhang nagpipigil din ng tawa. "Gusto
kayong ma-meet ni Audrey."

"What, like a double date?" replied Zeo, raising an eyebrow. "Akala ko ba things
didn't work out sa inyo?"

Madalas siguro mag-usap 'tong dalawa. Updated si Zeo e. Pero anyway, medyo natuwa
ako sa idea ng double date. Cheesy, pero parang ang cute kung iisipin. Depende din
siguro sa mga kasama.

"'Di nga," sagot ni Oliver kay Zeo. "She just wants to hang out before she leaves."

"Pwede ako next week," I shrugged. "Basta before Christmas."

Sa Saturday sana kaso may lakad kami nila Cass and Kylee. Magce-celebrate kami ng
pag-survive namin from the Hell Week.

"Monday lang ako free," informed Zeo. "Flight na namin sa Tuesday."

Oliver and I stared at him with questionable looks.

"Going to Greece with the fam for the holidays," he explained, grinning.

Wow. Sosyaaaaal.

"Santorini?" asked Oliver.

Zeo nodded.

"Pasalubong?" biro ko, with a sheepish smile.

Zeo laughed. "Sure, Simba."

Ngumiti ako ng malaki. Spoiled na talaga ako sa kanila.

"I missed this," sighed Oliver.

Napatingin kami ni Zeo sa kanya. We didn't have to say anything. I knew we both
agreed. Sobrang nakaka-miss nga talaga.

Times like these with them made my life much brighter. Parang kahit walang sense
yung pinaguusapan, the company itself could make such a difference? Ang sarap
talaga sa feeling ng moments na ganito namin.

"Little trio bonding moments," I murmured.

When the boys heard, they burst out laughing.

"Yeah," breathed out Zeo, leaning back on his chair.

Oliver smiled naman.

Yup. Little trio bonding moments, for sure.

Kaso, biglang nagbago yung expression ng mukha ni Oliver. He turned very serious.
Parang may nakita siyang nakapagpasira ng araw niya. Sinundan namin ni Zeo yung
direction where Oliver was looking at.

My eyes widened.

Shiz. Shiz. Shiz!

"Fuck," grumbled Zeo.

Oha, pati siya napamura.

"Tara na?" yaya ko sa kanila.

Ayokong magkaron ng brawl dito. Alanganin si Zeo, nagiisa lang siya. Baka ma-
suspend din si Oliver. Mahirap na.

"They won't easily allow that," muttered Oliver, looking extremely displeased.

Fudge. Oo nga. Knowing Calvin, hindi nga niya kami papaalisin without having a say.
Lalo na't panigurado, tingin niya naghahanap si Zeo ng away by coming here.

What's his problem at hindi siya maka-move on? Grabe ah.

"Lakas ng loob mo, Alcante," said Calvin when he got near our table.

The whole place grew quiet, nagaabang ng mangyayari. Calvin wasn't alone. He had
his usual tropa with him. Napansin kong they were throwing uneasy looks toward
Oliver.

"At least, walang vag!na," smirked Zeo, taking a sip from my Coke and not bothering
to get up from his seat to face Calvin.

Ngingiti na sana ko sa sinabi niya if it weren't for the fact na nakita kong walang
natatawa. Wow. It was this serious, huh? Parang nung first time ko lang ma-meet
sina Oliver at Zeo. Grabe yung tension between them.

This time, mas malala kasi kakapanalo lang nila Zeo nung UAAP.

"Anong gusto mong patunayan at nagpunta ka pa talaga dito?" demanded Calvin.

Ang OA kung maka-react nito. Aakalain mo na part siya ng basketball team e sa

soccer team naman siya. You'd think na siya yung tinalo sa game e.

"May kailangan pa ba 'kong patunayan?" chuckled Zeo as if it was the most amusing
thing na narinig niya. "I already beat your asses."

"Exactly. Can't you see na maraming hindi natutuwa?"

Tumingin ako sa paligid. Marami ngang hindi natutuwa. Patay. Paano kami makakaalis
sa lugar na 'to without a scratch?

"Not in this dump," snorted Zeo.

Nagkaroon ako ng urge na batukan si Zeo. Lalong lalala yung situation namin sa mga
sagot niya e. Parang wala talagang kinakatakutan. Then again, dati na siyang
ganyan.

"You don't fvcking say that here," growled Calvin, through gritted teeth.

Zeo finally stood up and faced Calvin. Mufasa was taller. Hindi ko napansin nung
last time na nasa Largo Ave kami. Gabi din kasi nun. Medyo distracted din ako sa
realization na nagkaka-crush ako kay Zeo that time.

"I just did," shrugged Zeo, smiling like everything was dandy. "What are you gonna
do about it? Bugbugin ako like a bunch of scoundrels? Oh, wait." He paused and
pretended to remember something. "You only do that to girls, don't you?"

I stiffened in my seat. Holy shiz. Binanggit talaga ni Zeo. Not specifically, pero
duh. Obvious naman sa mga nakakaalam e.

As expected, napalingon sa'kin si Calvin.

Nawala ang gulat ko at tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"She told you," seryosong sinabi ni Calvin, pagbalik ng tingin niya kay Zeo. He
didn't sound angry. He was just stating out the facts.

"She didn't have to," piped up Oliver, getting up from his seat.
Napaatras yung ibang kasama ni Calvin, making me tilt my head a little. Just what
is Oliver's reputation dito sa Silvestre? At least, sa mga dati niyang teammates?

"We figured it out," continued Oliver. "I already got a hunch from that night when
those Soledarians attacked us in Haut."

"'Di ko kasalanan na warfreak pinsan niya," spat Calvin.

Aba, ang sarap kutusin nitong walang kwentang garapata na 'to ah. How dare he para
pagsalitaan ang pinsan ko ng ganun ganun nalang?

"Warfreak or not," singit ko, "he wasn't the one who ended up with a broken nose."

Calvin glanced at me for a second, pero tumingin ulit siya kay Oliver.

"You run with a Soledarian, Oliver," he stated na parang hindi ako nagsalita.

So nagpapanggap siya na wala ako dito? Wow lang ha.

"Your point is?" bored na tanong ni Oliver.

"You run with the wrong crowd."

Sobrang over na sana kung maka-asta sila e. Kaso seryoso yung mga expression ng
mukha nila. Atsaka, I knew talaga na grabe ang rivalry between the two
universities. Something like this wasn't unusual, just occasional.

"I used to," replied Oliver. "But then I quit the team, got rid of them."

Hindi naman bobo si Calvin para hindi niya ma-gets yung ibig sabihin ni Oliver. It
was written all over his face naman na naintindihan niya.

"Bakit 'di ka nalang mag-transfer if you think that way?"

"Ikaw ang mag-transfer, you're the disgrace."

Hindi nakapagsalita si Calvin sa sobrang galit niya. Pero for some reason, wala
siyang magawa kay Oliver. Halata namang gusto na niyang sunggaban. Something was
preventing him from doing so.

"Tapos ka na?" dagdag ni Oliver. "Can we go?"

Hindi gumalaw si Calvin. Nagtinginan yung mga kasama niya. Tumango sila kay Oliver,
while hinihila si Calvin paatras para makadaan kami.

Yes! Makakaalis na din kami dito. 'Di ko na kaya ang tension. Magkakasakit ako sa
puso sa sobrang kaba at pag-worry.

"They'll let me live?" asked Zeo sarcastically.

"They don't have the balls," said Oliver, looking straight sa ex-teammates niya.

"Lame," commented Zeo.

"Remember what I said about how much you Soledarians are talkers?"

Ako, I remember. Oliver said it on the first day na magkakila-kilala kami. And I
thought wala kaming pag-asa na maging friends. Tapos, ngayon best friends na kaming
tatlo.

Strange how things work out talaga.

Zeo nodded to Oliver. "Yeah."

"Ganun din some of us Silvestrians," admitted Oliver. Tumingin siya kay Zeo,
ngumiti na parang nangaasar, and added, "Not as big-headed as you, though."

Natawa si Zeo. "I know. We're big everywhere naman e."

Napa-facepalm ako inside.

Kahit kailan talaga, Mufasa. Napaka green-minded.

"Tara na, please?" yaya ko kina Zeo and Oliver.

Gusto ko nang umalis dito. Baka kung ano pang gawin ni Calvin. I've never seen him
na natameme ng ganun. Well, napahiya na rin siya sa witty mouth ni Zeo. Pero yung
tipong hindi man lang siya makaporma ng suntok kay Oliver? Never seen that before.

"That was fun," sabi ko, after namin makalayo dun sa restaurant.

"Ang gago ng ex mo, Simba," chuckled Zeo, sabay akbay sa'kin. "He's playing the
villain role too seriously."

"Psycho," said Oliver, shaking his head.

Wala na. Nasira na ang araw ko dahil kay Calvin. Badtrip talaga. Nakakainis. Ang
saya saya na kanina e. Bakit pa kasi dumating yun? Panira ng mood.

I sighed. "So much for our 'little trio bonding moments.'"

Zeo and Oliver exchanged glances.

"Bawi nalang tayo on Monday," promised Zeo, kissing me lightly on my temple.

"Audrey's cool," Oliver informed me. "It'll be fun."

Na-touch naman ako kasi they tried to cheer me up when sila nga yung muntik nang
mapasubo sa away kanina. Swerte ko talaga to have friends like them.

Nginitian ko sila ng malaki, nodding in agreement.

Lana's List (26)

WARNING: SUPER LONG CHAPTER AHEAD.
_____________

I need a car.
Naisip ko 'to pagkasakay na pagkasakay ko sa sasakyan ni Zeo. Hindi pwedeng parati
nalang nila ako sinusundo mula sa bahay. Unang una, malayo. Pangalawa, hindi ko
gusto yung feeling na parang nagiging dependent ako sa kanila ni Oliver or kung
sino man ang may kotse na kakilala ko.
Alam ko na! I'll ask for that as a graduation gift from Mommy and Daddy nalang!
Okay lang kahit hindi na magpa-party. Family dinner lang, keri na.
"Uwian ba talaga tayo?" I asked Zeo, when we passed a toll gate.
"Looks like it," he shrugged.
I raised an eyebrow. "Kaya mo?"
Dalawang lugar pupuntahan namin ngayon. At hindi lang sight-seeing ang gagawin
namin. Talagang outdoorsy activities kami the whole day. Dora the Explorer ang peg.
"Oo naman," he snorted. "'Sides, switch nalang kami ni Ollie."
May point siya.
Shucks. Mami-meet ko na si Audrey, ang tinaguriang first love ni Oliver. I have no
idea kung anong klaseng babae siya. 'Di ba naman ako binigyan ng description nung
chinitong yun. Hindi ako prepared.
Zeo's phone rang. Since traffic naman, sinagot niya.
"Yeah, bro?"
For sure, si Oliver kausap nito.
"MOA? . . . Where? . . . Ah, dun . . . Nah, it's cool . . . A'ight, see you there."
I looked expectantly at Zeo.
"Meet up nalang daw tayo sa McD's," he informed me, putting his phone back between
us on the holder.
Wow. Sosyaaal. McD's na ngayon ang McDo.
Tumingin ako kay Zeo, and said, "Madaming McDo sa Pilipinas."
He rolled his eyes and grinned. "The one along Macapagal."
"Yan. Dapat kasi nililinaw."
"Sometimes kasi, wala nang thrill kapag masyadong malinaw. Some things must be left
to imagination. Para hindi 'in your face' ang approach."
"Hashtag hugot."
He burst out laughing, making me smile.
Soon enough, dumating na kami sa McDo. Guess what?
Ang. Daming. Tao.
Shiz naman oh. Gutom na gutom na 'ko! Ang aga-aga pa, bakit ang dami nang tao dito?
Anong meron?
I looked around and saw DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) across the street. I
let out a sigh. Kaya naman pala e. No wonder.
Tumingin ako kay Zeo, pouting kasi I'm starving to death and I'm close to crying.
Ganto talaga kapag gutom, lumalabas ang vulnerable side. Parang may period ako, sa
totoo lang.
Zeo reached out his hand and pushed a strand of hair away from my face, placing it
behind my ear. His thumb caressed my cheek, then he seemed as if he was hesitating
on something. Without warning, he leaned close and pecked my nose.
I blinked, taken aback.
"What was that for?" I asked, feeling my cheeks heat up.
"Distracting you," he grinned.
Oh. Napatitig ako sa dimples niya for a moment, enchanted. Damn. Ang galing niyang
mang-distract talaga kahit kailan. Snapping out of it, I shook my head.
I sighed, placing a hand against my tummy as I looked around the place. Kahit saan
ako tumingin, walang vacant table. Ayoko naman sa labas. Grahobe ang init dun, dre.
"Take-out nalang tayo, you want?"
I bit my lip. "Pano ka kakain, e nagda-drive ka?"
"Ollie will feed me," he replied, amused.
Edi wow. 'Di man lang niya ko na-consider as an option. Grabe. The force of
bromance is too strong!
"Sakto, they're here," said Zeo, nodding behind me.
I turned around and laid eyes on the girl who I bet was Audrey.
She had shoulder length hair, and she wore glasses. A bit short sa height, pero
cute and petite ang dating. She was wearing a grey poncho over a black sando and
denim shorts, tas limited edition Taylor Swift Keds.
Taylor Swift. Huh. Magakaksundo sila ni Kylee.
"Hiyah!" she beamed, when she and Oliver neared.
Hala. Ang cute niyaaa.
"This is Audrey," introduced Oliver, scratching his head as if nahihiya siya. Aw.
Audrey waved at us with a toothy smile. "Auds, these are Zeo and Lana."
"Hey," nodded Zeo.
"H - Hi," I stammered, medyo na blown away e.
I mean, oo nga. Obvious naman na I couldn't expect any less from Oliver's first
love. Hello, si Ollie yan e. Pero still, hindi ko ine-expect na magiging super cute
yung girl. Alam yun, parang natural na sa kanya maging cute kahit wala siyang
ginagawa?
"Keys, bro," Oliver told Zeo. "Load ko lang yung gamit namin sa Benz mo."
"Pano kayo nagpunta dito?" tanong ko.
Supposedly kasi, susunduin namin sila.
"Cab," he simply said.
Hindi ko siya ma-imagine na sumakay ng taxi. Ang weird!
"Here." Zeo threw the keys to Oliver, which he easily caught. "Order mo?"
"The usual."
Mufasa saluted. "Got it."
"Wait," sabi ko. "Ikaw, Audrey?"
She smiled at me. "Quarter pounder, large fries, and apple pie."
Not bad. Malakas siya kumain. Magkakasundo kami.
I gave her a thumbs up. I also caught Oliver smile a little.
"C'mon, Auds," he called her.
She waved a hand at us as he almost dragged her out of the joint, habang pumila na
kami ni Zeo. We stared at the exit for a moment, bago humarap na kami sa counter.
"Holy shiz! Ang cute niya!" I gushed. "Gusto ko siyang i-uwi!"
"Where will you hide her naman?" chuckled Zeo.
"Car mo. Duh."
He shook his head in amusement, then he had a thoughtful look on his face as if he
just figured something out.
"Nerd pala type ni Ollie," he mumbled.
I playfully slapped his arm. "Hey! Malay mo naman malabo lang talaga mata niya." I
tsked. "Ang judgmental mo."
"Ganun talaga," he sighed, feigning sadness. "Minsan, we become judgmental kasi
nasaktan na tayo before."
"Kailangan pa rin natin magbigay ng benefit of the doubt. Kasi wala tayong malay,
pinapakawalan na pala natin yung destined para sa'tin."
"It's hard to mend a broken heart."
"But it's worth a shot to try and love again."
"Mahirap magmahal kapag nasaktan na."
Nagtinginan kami, trying to keep our straight faces still. I covered my mouth to
keep myself from laughing. He pressed his lips together and looked away, letting
out a chuckle disguised as a cough.
"Oi, tumawa ka!" I accused him. "Talo ka na," I added, laughing.
"Nobody said it was a contest."
"'Di pa rin kayo nakaka-order?" asked Oliver, when he arrived with Audrey.
"Si Zeo kasi," sabi ko, sabay turo sa kumag. "Lakas maka-hugot."
"It's not my fault," denied Zeo. "May line oh."
"Wala nang vacant table?" tanong ni Audrey.
Zeo and I shook our heads.
Tumingin sa paligid si Audrey. Tapos sa may glass window, may table for six na
nililinis nung staff. Kaso, may batang lalaki nang nakaupo. Lumapit pa rin si
Audrey.
"Excuse me, kid," she smiled. "May kasama ka?"
Lumingon yung bata sa kitchen staff na dumaan, then shook his head when he looked
back at her. Hmm. Staff siguro yung kasama niya.
"Pwede kaming umupo?"
Tumango yung bata. Yes! Ngumiti sa'min si Audrey.
Zeo gave a thumbs up. I clapped, impressed. Oliver just smiled.
"Why the hell didn't you bring trunks?" demanded Zeo, when we were settled and
about to eat na.
"I wasn't sure kung serious kayo about swimming," shrugged Oliver.
Binato ko siya ng crumpled tissue. "In case nga, diba?"
"I brought a swimsuit," piped in Audrey innocently.
"See?" I said. "Buti pa si Audrey."
"Edi I won't swim," replied Oliver nonchalantly, after taking a sip from his soda.
"No big deal. Ako nalang watch-out for our things. Problem solved."
Zeo shook his head in disagreement. He swallowed what he was chewing, then said,
"No way. You're gonna swim. Just buy what you need there. Madami sa Subic, bro."
Oliver let out a breath. "Fine."
Zeo and I grinned at each other, tas nag-apir kami triumphantly.
"Oo nga pala," I mentioned. "Alam niyo ba papunta sa Sandbox?"
Excited na talaga ko. Yung Sandbox kasi sa Porac, Pampanga parang playground for
adults. Literally in the middle of the desert. Astig, diba?
Ang plano, after namin sa Sandbox, diretso kami sa Subic para kumain. After nun,
mag-swimming sa beach. Talagang susulitin naming ang araw na 'to.
Nakaka-excite talaga! Woohoo!
"Waze," sabay na sagot nina Zeo at Oliver.
"Magaling," I nodded sarcastically.
Audrey giggled, making me glance at her.
"Iitim tayo," I warned her. Baka kasi manghinayang siya sa kutis niyang pang-
mayaman. Mabuti nang alam niya ang pinapasok niya.
She grinned at me. "Exactly."
Ooh. Hindi siya maarte.
I'm really starting to like her.
***
"Ollie, take over sa music please."
Hindi ko feel yung pinapatugtog ni Zeo. I want something with road trip feels. Chug
chug with lights yung peg niya ngayon e. Hindi bagay.
"Ouch," cried Zeo, from the driver's seat.
Oliver chuckled and leaned over from the passenger's seat to plug in his phone.
Soon enough, American Authors were playing. Indie rock. Ahh, now that was more like
it.
Sumandal ako sa likod and looked out the window to the clouds in the sky, nag
senti-sentihan habang nakikinig sa kanta. Parang music video lang.
Nasa NLEX na kami, sa wakas. Na-survive namin ang traffic ng EDSA.
I closed my eyes.
This is life.
Without meaning to, I fell asleep.
I woke when a warm hand was gently shaking my arm. Pag-dilat ko, nakita ko si
Audrey. She smiled and waved a hand. I blinked and straightened up.
"We're here," she said.
Tumingin ako sa paligid. Nasa parking lot na kami, in the middle of nowhere. I'm
not even kidding. From afar, kitang kita yung mga bundok. Pero before that, miles
of sand.
"You awake, Simba?" called Zeo, looking through his rearview mirror.
"Yeah," sabi ko, gathering my stuff.
"Mukhang mainit," commented Audrey.
Binuksan ko yung car door, then lumingon ako sa kanya.
"Yep," I confirmed.
I jumped out of the SUV and pulled off my plaid shirt. Dahil sa taas ng araw, I was
pretty sure mangingitim ko kahit konti. Mabuti nang naka white sando lang ako para
pantay yung tan sa arms ko para hindi naman masagwa sa future.
I looked down. Naka cut-off shorts ako and black sneakers. Ayos na 'to. Kinuha ko
yung classic Ray Ban ko and wore it. Done.
I closed the door and tinignan ko sila kung ready na. Zeo pressed the locks on his
car key as he walked towards me. He flashed his uber sexy smile at me, looking so
cool with his shades on. Naka white-grey stripes sando and khaki shorts siya, with
black Janoski shoes.
Natawa ako ng konti. Typical rick kid look. Pero ang lakas pa rin ng dating. Iba
talaga 'to magdala ng damit.
"Finished checking me out?" he teased.
I rolled my eyes and turned my back on him, making him laugh. He put an arm around
me as we caught up with Oliver and Audrey.
Ang tibay ni Oliver, naka blue shirt and jeans pa rin siya. Akala mo, pupunta lang
sa mall e. Samantalang si Audrey, inalis na yung poncho niya. Then again, wala nga
palang pang-palit si Oliver na dinala.
Naglakad kaming apat papunta sa entrance. When we passed by the huge life-sized
sign na 'SANDBOX', syempre we stopped to take a few pictures.
"Wait," stopped Oliver, "kunin ko lang yung camera ko."
Kinuha niya yung keys from Zeo and ran to the parking lot. Medyo malayo. In the
meantime, umakyat kami sa ibabaw ng letters at pumesto na kami nina Zeo at Audrey.
After a couple of minutes, hindi pa rin nakakabalik si Oliver. Nararamdaman na
namin ang matinding sinag ng araw. At grabe, masakit na sa balat ha.
"Ollie! Hurry the fuck up!" sigaw ni Zeo, with a playful tone pa rin naman.
"Nasusunog na kami, Ollie!" I yelled. "Maawa ka!"
"Namumula na kami dito, dude! I thought you're Blue Blur! Faker!"
"Poser!"
"Phony!"
"Impostor!"
"Hypocrite!"
"Deceiver!"
"Fraud!"
I opened my mouth to say something, kaso napatigil ako.
"Naubusan na 'ko ng synonym, Ollie! Wala ka pa rin!"
Zeo and Audrey laughed.
"Feeling ko kinukuha na 'ko ni Lord!" I whined really loud. Ang init kasi. Feeling
ko talaga nasusunog yung balat ko.
"Take me, Lord!" added Audrey suddenly.
Napatingin kami bigla ni Zeo sa kanya, our eyes wide. Audrey smiled sheepishly and
made a peace sign. The three of us burst out laughing.
As if on cue, dumating na si Oliver (thank goodness). He ran to us while he carried
his SLR camera. Kinausap na rin niya yung guard, if okay lang na magpa-picture
kami.
"Ang ingay niyo," sabi ni Oliver sa'min, paglapit niya.
Zeo helped him climb up the letters. Nasa gitna nila kong dalawa, while si Audrey
katabi ni Oliver on the other side.
"Narinig mo kami?" I chuckled.
"Oo. Crazy peeps."
We all laughed at that.
After ng picture-taking, pumasok na kami. We filled up some forms (medyo madami)
and paid our entrance fees, pati na rin yung package na pinili namin.
Ang laki nung place! Sandbox talaga. Ang cool. Hindi mapakali yung mga mata ko. May
Archery, Roller Coaster Zipline, Wall-climbing, Free Fall, Giant Swing, Mini Golf,
atsaka yung Aerial Walk. Gusto kong i-try lahat!
We tried the zipline first. Nung una, medyo nakaka-excite pa. Pero habang umaakyat
kami sa stairs, nari-realize namin kung gaano pala kataas yung ride na 'to.
Audrey and I exchanged nervous looks. Dahil takot kami, pinauna na muna namin yung
boys. Obvious na nag-enjoy sila. Mukhang ang saya-saya pa nila. Nakaka-encourage
kaya ako na sumunod na mag-try. Pero nalinlang ako.
I screamed bloody murder, shrieking like a mother-effing biik.
Walang poise. Hindi graceful at all. Hindi rin cool e. As in, sigaw ng
nakakarinding biik na kakatayin na para gawin lechon. Yun ang sigaw ko.
Halos hindi ako makalakad pagtapos, sa sobrang nginig ng tuhod ko. Yung pagbagsak
kasi yung nakakagulat e. Aakalain mo talagang mahuhulog ka.
Nung lumapit sakin yung Manila boys to check on me, sinuntok ko sila sa braso. They
yelped, but laughed nonetheless.
Audrey was another story. It took her twenty minutes before having the courage to
get the ride over with. Natakot ata sa mga sigaw ko. Oliver had to go up and ride
the zipline again to show her na hindi naman talaga totally nakakatakot.
Tawa kami ng tawa ni Zeo kasi before Oliver went up, sinabit ni Audrey yung legs
niya around a staff sa sobrang takot niyang tumuloy.
Tapos namin dun, we went to the archery! Katniss Everdeen ang peg ko ha. In
fairness, um-effect ata kasi halos lahat ng tira ko, pasok sa circle. Bwahaha!
Zeo and Audrey sucked on that one, while Oliver was the best amongst us. Sabi niya,
kakalaro lang daw siguro niya ng darts. Tas pabirong inaasar ako ni Zeo na
beginner's luck lang daw yung akin. Tse.
Dapat ita-try pa namin yung Aerial Walk, kaso sumakto na tanghali na. Gustong gusto
ko pa talaga. Kaya lang kasi, bukod sa napaka taas na ng araw, hinahabol na kami ng
gutom. Ayun, nag Giant Swing nalang yung boys for the finale while Audrey and I sat
that one out. Okay na kami dun sa nakakalokong zipline. 'Di na namin kaya.
"KJ!" yelled Zeo to us.
"Kuya, yung pinaka-mataas po ah," I whispered to the staff.
I heard Audrey giggle. Ngumiti lang si Kuya pero napansin kong he did what I asked.
"Salamat po!" I grinned.
"Woohoo! Let's do this!"
"'Wag kang sumigaw sa tenga ko."
"Gusto ko e."
"Bingi na 'ko tapos nito."
"Yeah! Ang taas! Sayaaa!"
"Masyado nang mataas, bro."
"Hindi pa ah. Higher po!"
"No! Okay na 'to!"
"Higheee - Ay, Kuya! Tama na!"
Audrey and I slapped each other from laughing too much.
"They can't hear us."
"Shit. It's too high. Ayoko na."
"Too late to back out, Zeo."
"Shut up, Ollie."
Silence.
Then, boom.
"AAAAAHHHWWWOOOOOHHHOOOHAHAHA!!"
Nagtinginan kami ni Audrey. And we laughed our asses off.
***
Natatawa na naman ako.
Every time maaalala ko mga pinaggagawa namin kanina, I'd burst out laughing. 'Di
maka get over e. Sobrang maloko pero sobrang saya. Just what I needed after a few
weeks of nonstop school work. Nakaka-refresh!
Heto pa. Biruin mo ba naman, tumigil kami ni the middle of SCTEX just to take a
picture sa gitna ng daan. Buwis buhay. Trip ng isa, trip ng lahat. Ang pinaka
masaya kasi, lahat kami go lang - kahit si Oliver na may pagka serious minsan.
Just now, we finished eating at a famous steakhouse in town. Nasa Royal Duty Free
na kami, shopping for essentials and Oliver's swimming trunks.
Nahiwalay kami ni Audrey from the boys. They went on to the clothes section, while
tengga kaming girls sa toys section.
"Wow! I want that!" she exclaimed, sabay takbo sa Spongebob-themed waterguns na
naka-display sa may center isle.
"Cute," I agreed, studying the odd-looking watergun. Blue and yellow, very simple
yung design. I took one and examined it, stretching it and got shocked. Madami-
daming tubig yung kaya niyang i-shoot. Ayos.
"Bili tayo," yaya ni Audrey, kitang kita ang pagiging excited niya.
Ang cute niya talaga. Sabi ni Oliver, ayaw niya sa mga sweet girls. Pero bakit
ganun, sa nakikita ko kay Audrey, parang medyo ganun siya?
"Tapos ambush natin yung boys mamaya sa beach!"
Of course, maloko din.
I thought about it. "Parang mas masaya kung bibili rin sila," I said, grinning
evilly. "Para full on war tayo later."
"Ooh, that sounds better." She raised an eyebrow and put a hand below her chin as
if she was stroking an invisible beard.
I laughed at her silly face. Oliver was right. She was cool.
"Game?"
She nodded. "Game!"
We high fived each other and bought four waterguns.
After namin sa Royal Duty Free, dumiretso na agad kami sa Camayan Beach Resort. It
was getting late in the afternoon na rin kasi. Natagalan kami sa pag-kain namin
kanina, lamon ba naman ang ginawa namin. Nahirapan lang ng konti sa daan, lubak-
lubak kasi e.
"Yan ang mahirap sa road na 'to e," began Zeo, sighing, "kailangan mong mangapa."
Here we go again. "Pero hindi ka lang dapat mangapa," I added seriously, "kailangan
mo ding iwasan yung mga lubak."
"May mga bagay talaga na kailangan mong iwasan," biglang sabi ni Oliver. "Baka kasi
may dumating na mas para sayo."
I bit my lip, pinigilan kong tumawa. Shucks. Iba talagang bumanat si Oliver.
"Ayan!" exclaimed Zeo. "The road's smooth again - Ay, 'di pa pala."
"Akala mo okay na, hindi pa pala."
Napatingin kami saglit kay Audrey. Bumanat din siya! Because of that, we all burst
out laughing. Pero behind the laughs, all of us knew there was some truth to the
statement. Hindi nalang namin pinansin.
Pagkadating namin sa resort, literal na nagtakbuhan kami papunta sa beach. Syempre,
nagbayad muna kami ng entrance, pati na rin yung cottage na gagamitin namin.
Hanggang 10pm pala yung use ng cottage pati yung beach. Awesome~!
We wasted no time. Nagpalit agad kami into our swimsuits. Mga sabik sa dagat.
Medyo madami ding tao. Holidays na rin naman kasi. Na-conscious pa nga ako e. Hindi
na talaga maiiwasan yun kapag nasa beach. Pero you know the weirdest part?
The moment we set foot in the sea, I didn't care anymore. The people around me
ceased to exist. I only saw the three people I was here with. Bakit? Kasi they were
pointing her water guns at me!
"It's on like Donkey Kong!" I war-cried.
Pinuno ko agad yung water gun ko, and quickly pointed at the boys. When I felt
someone hitting me from the back, I turned around. It was Audrey!
"Audrey, magkakampi tayo!" I told her, pulling up my arm to shield my face.
"Ay, sorry! My eyes were closed!" she apologized.
I inwardly facepalmed, then I heard Zeo and Oliver laughing.
Game on, bitches!
I loaded my gun before turning around and pointing to Oliver muna. Hindi ko
tinaasan yung water gun sa tubig para madali mag-load. The key is to hit the target
while they were still loading their guns. And that's exactly what I did.
Natamaan si Oliver sa mukha, making me laugh out loud - like, really loud.
"HAHAHA! HEADSHOT!"
Kaso sa kaka-celebrate ko, hindi ko namalayan si Zeo. He hit me right in the mouth.
I almost choked. Tinawanan lang ako ng walang hiyang kumag. Yung super lakas na
tawa pa, tipong abot hanggang kabilang island.
"You'll pay for that, Mufasa," sabi ko venomously.
He smirked. "Come at me, babe."
And so, the war went on. Tawa lang kami ng tawa, wapakels sa paligid namin. For
sure, may mga namukhaan si Zeo. Hindi lang sila makalapit kasi ayaw nilang i-
interrupt yung saya namin. Kung pwede nga lang may mag-picture samin e. Sobrang
cool siguro ng kalalabasan ng photo - with matching #SquadGoals.
Eventually, we called truce. Napagod din kami, kaya nag-chill nalang kami sa dagat.
"How'd you guys meet?" I asked Audrey, nodding to Oliver.
Lumingon siya kay Oliver and smiled. When she turned back to me, she answered, "We
were high school classmates."
"'Di ko ma-imagine si Ollie na nanliligaw," I admitted, chuckling.
She giggled and opened her mouth.
"Auds, don't," pleaded Oliver.
"He was shy," sinabi pa rin ni Audrey. Good girl! "He didn't speak up much, but he
gave me lots of gifts. Tapos, he'd open the door for me, carry my things - you
know, that sort of stuff. Even when we were together, he'd still do it. He's the
sweetest."
Oliver snorted, but didn't say anything.
"Mushy Ollie," chuckled Zeo.
Natawa na rin ako.
"Kanina pa sila dun," pouted Audrey, pointing to the floating raft thirty feet from
us.
May group of people na kanina pa tambay dun. Ayun, wala tuloy makalapit na ibang
tao. Palubog na rin yung araw, hindi pa sila umaalis.
"Tara," yaya ni Zeo, with an evil smile. "Let's attack them with our water guns."
"Lalapit tayo tas nasa ilalim ng tubig yung water guns," I cottoned on. "When we're
near enough, paawa effect kung pwedeng makiupo dun."
"Then, bam! We pull out our guns and splash them! Pew pew!"
"Sheerk sheerk!"
I comically demonstrated with Zeo, causing for Oliver and Audrey to laugh.
"Uy, teka," I said, looking at the raft. "Nakaramdam ata."
Yung group of people na kanina pa nakatambay dun, isa-isang umaalis. The four of us
exchanged looks for a couple of seconds. Quickly, we swam towards the floating raft
bago pa kami maunahan. Sakto, solo na namin. Yes!
When we're settled, we looked around. The sun was only just setting, as if it
waited until nasa perfect place na kami to watch it work its beautiful and colorful
magic.
We watched in silence.
Today was absolutely fun. Sobra-sobra. Everybody was cool and happy to be with. It
was always good to be with genuine people. They were natural, walang bahid ng
kaartehan. Walang bad vibes. Chill lang, pero adventurous pa rin.
When the sun was gone, I leaned my back on the raft and stared at the night sky.
The stars were coming out na. Without word, the others followed suit.
No one said anything.
We let the waves rock our bodies.
We let the moon shine on us.
We let nature do the talking.
I raised a hand in front of me, reaching for the stars. I wondered about the
universe. I wondered how many galaxies there were. I wondered if the other species
thought about the humans, too.
If there was a parallel world out there, friends pa rin kaya kaming tatlo? Would
Oliver choose to fight and still be with his first love? Would Zeo and I be
officially together?
Would I still be me?
"That's the Orion's Belt, diba?" asked Zeo's voice, bringing me back to reality.
I looked to where he was pointing to.
"I think so," sagot ko.
"Where's the North Star?" tanong naman ni Audrey.
"'Di ko lang alam," I admitted.
"Yun ba?" turo ni Oliver to a random star.
Walang sumagot. Wala sa'min ang nakakaalam e.
"Whatever," said Zeo. "Clap your feet nalang if you had fun today."
Lahat kami, nagtaas ng mga paa and clapped them. We all laughed at our silliness.
"Ang chill lang dito," I breathed out, closing my eyes.
"Yeah," they all sighed in unison.
"Thank you for this day, guys," whispered Audrey.
"Blame our curiosity," replied Zeo lightly. "You know, we couldn't pass up the
chance to meet Oliver's only ex."
I glanced to Zeo beside me and covered my mouth with a hand, muffling my laughter.
I saw Oliver raise a hand to flip the bird, causing Zeo to laugh harder.
Someone whistled from a distance.
Aw. Our time's up.
Bumangon ako and looked around. Maliwanag pa rin ng konti dahil dun sa spotlight
from the safeguard's house. Atsaka, 'di pa ganun kadilim. Kaya naman nakita yung
something not five feet from us.
"Uy! Ano yun? Shark ba yun?!"
Nagtinginan silang lahat dun sa black smooth thingy na tinuturo ko. It's not moving
. . . I think. I hope. I wish!
Zeo patted my head and sighed, "That's a rock."
"Mukhang kalbo," murmured Audrey.
"Kalbong shark?" said Zeo.
At that, naghalakhakan kami.
That's when I realized, this road trip turned into a laugh trip. Sobrang saya. No
dull moments with these people. I'm so lucky to have met them, even Audrey. She's
cool. I honestly like her. Sayang, babalik na siya sa abroad. At least, we got a
chance to bond.
May mailalagay na naman ako sa treasured memory chest ko.
2013 is such an awesome year.

At twitter . . .
@TheZeoAlcante: #TeamKalbongShark

_____________
SA WAKAAAAAS! << Yan sinisigaw niyo sa isip niyo noh? Hahaha!
Heto na. Advanced pa-birthday ko sa inyo (a year older na ko sa 7th. Huhu). Kayo,
anong pa-birthday niyo sakin? HAHA! JK.
Ngayon, di ko na talaga iu-upload ang Epilogue. Na-meet pa naman na ni Lana yung
mommy and lolo ni Zeo dun. Bwahaha~! Mababasa niyo ang epilogue sa... >:)

Lana's List (27)

IMPORTANT: Yes, dudes. Chappie 27 to. Nasaan ang 26? Hindi ko pa nasusulat. I
always believed na nasa parallel universe yung mga characters ko at tuwing nagli-
link lang yung minds namin, tsaka ako nakakapagsulat. Half the time, ganun. Chappie
26 is obviously about the hangout of the trio with Audrey. Kaso nga, for some
reason, hindi ko maisulat. As in. Pero nung sinulat ko 'tong Chappie 27, kaya
naman. Kaya heto nalang muna ang ipo-post ko. Weird? Yeah. Kanya kanyang style lang
yan ng pagsusulat. Haha. Besides, hindi naman maapektuhan nung 26 to e. Kapag
naisulat ko nalang yung 26, tapos kapag may changes, papalitan ko nalang. I'll
inform you guys, for sure. :) #dontbashme

WARNING: Btw, barely edited to. 6:30am na. Kaya check ko uli pagkagising ko tapos
revise revise nalang pag may nakita akong mali or feel kong palitan. Gusto ko lang
kasi na mabasa niyo na. Ganyan ko kayo kamahal. Chika. Hahahaha!

_____________

Woohoo! Joyride with mah cousins!

Kakatapos lang ng Noche Buena a couple of hours ago. Buong clan ng father's side ko
nasa bahay nina Lolo at Lola sa Supremo Heights na nasa Tagaytay din naman. Dun
kaming lahat mag-stay hanggang sa Media Noche. Mala-mansion din naman yung bahay
nila kaya kasya kaming lahat.

And yes, nandito din si daddy kasama ang new family niya. Medyo awkward, pero dahil
sa 'friendly' skills ko, ayos naman. Mabait naman stepmom ko, sort of. 'Di kasi
kami close kaya wala akong masyadong masabi. Thankfully, wala naman akong step-
siblings. Pero magkakaron na ako ng half-sister soon. Yun ang pinagkakaabalahan
nila ngayon.

Buti nalang wala naman masyadong tinatanong si daddy tungkol sa love life ko. Alam
niya kasing nadala na 'ko sa cheating cheater kong ex-boyfriend. Ha. Kung alam lang
niya kung sino bago kong nilalandi ngayon.

Kakatapos lang magbigayan ng mga regalo at nagtatawanan kaming magpipinsan sa sala

nang biglang magyaya si Brent na mag-cruising kami around Tagaytay.

You'd think na tatanggi ako kasi nandito sa Luzon ang daddy ko. Pero kahit naman
nandito si daddy, busy pa rin siya dun sa stepmom ko. I didn't mind. Sanay na 'ko
e.

Kaya syempre, go ako pati si Benjo. Sumama na rin si Tin na younger sister ni
Brent. Dalawang taon lang ang tanda ko kay Tin kaya parang magkasing edad lang din
kami. Same for Brent. Mas matanda lang siya ng dalawang taon sa'min ni Benjo.

Sinama na rin namin yung dalawang nasa puberty days na nila na sina Elmo at Liam.
Yung iba naming pinsan, mga tsikiting palang kaya 'di namin pwedeng isama.

Sakto kaming anim. Kasyang kasya sa yellow CR-V ni Brent.

"Gusto niyong mag-Yellowcab?" tanong ni Brent mula sa rearview mirror.

Nag-groan yung dalawang batang lalaki sa likod. Okay, hindi naman na talaga sila
bata. Fourteen yung isa, while fifteen yung isa. Pero parang ganun na rin yun kasi
sila yung pinaka-bata sa sasakyan.

"Kakakain lang natin," Tin reminded her older brother.

"Nagtatanong lang," said Brent defensively. "Maka-react kayo 'kala niyo dadalhin ko
kayo sa buffet e."

"Yellowcab plus you?" sabi ko, natatawa. "Ganun na rin yun."

Brent shook his head. "Wala. Ginaganyan niyo na 'ko porke wala sina Kuya Qin."

Tumawa si Benjo. "I bet nami-miss mo na yung three musketeers."

Hindi ko nakita expression ni Brent, pero paniguradong nakangiti yun.

Ang tinatawag na three musketeers ng pamilya namin ay sina Kuya Al, Kuya Jino, at
Kuya Qin. Sila yung mga basagulero kong pinsan na nagturo kay Benjo at sa iba pa
naming mga pinsan na lalaki na lumaban. Sobrang pasaway ng mga yun na para bang
walang maka-control sa kanila.

Tapos, si Brent yung lumalabas na 'D'Artagnan' nila.

Nasaan yung tatlo? Ayun, nasa bahay at nakikiinom sa mga tito namin. Hindi na sila
interesado masyado sa mga joyride tulad nito kasi napagsawaan na nila.

"Starbucks nalang tayo," suggested Tin from beside me.

"Agree ako," sabi ko agad.

"May bukas pa ba nun?" tanong ni Brent doubtfully.

"Try natin yung Starbucks sa may papuntang Picnic Grove," said Benjo.

Ay, gusto ko dun. Maganda yung ambiance ng place. Sa totoo lang, yun na ata ang
pinaka-magandang Starbucks na napuntahan ko.

In no time, nakarating na kami dun. Malapit lang naman e. Kaso, sobrang matirik nga
lang yung pababa papuntang parking lot.

"Mamamatay na tayo!" cried Liam, obvious na nangaasar.

"Mumultuhin kita, Kuya Brent!" banta ni Elmo.

I rolled my eyes in amusement.

"Pag hindi kayo namatay, ililibre niyo 'ko ng Coffee Jelly na vista ah?" pusta ni
Brent, lumilingon sa rearview mirror. "O, ano?"

"Lahat ng tao dumadating sa punto ng kamatayan, Kuya," sabi ni Elmo.

Benjo, Tin, and I slowly turned our heads to him. Slowly, para may effect. Tapos
sabay sabay kaming nagtawanan.

"Wala ka pala, B-man," said Benjo through his laughs.

Nang makarating na kami sa parking lot, nagtatawanan pa rin kami.

"Pano ba yan, edi libre mo sila?" biro ko kay Brent. I glanced behind me, and saw
the two boys grinning hopefully.

"May mga pera naman kayo ah," protested Brent, after turning off the engine.

"Nabara ka, Kuya, e," countered Tin, grinning.

The two boys chortled.

"Kuripot ni B-man oh," asar ni Benjo.

Brent sighed. "Dalawang frappe lang ah?" he cleared.

Nag-cheer kaming lahat. Brent just shook his head, but I caught him smiling.

Maingay kaming magpipinsan na naglakad papunta sa entrance ng Starbucks. Biglang

napatigil si Benjo. He turned around, wearing a disappointed face.

"Sarado," he announced.

Tumingin ako sa mga tao sa loob. Madami-dami pa naman. Ah, baka inaantay nalang
nilang umalis. Shiz. I'm craving for a frappe pa naman.

"Tinanong ko sa guard kung may bukas pa na Starbucks around Tagaytay," started Tin,
naglalakad papalapit sa'min. "Sila na raw yung pinaka late."

We all walked in silence pabalik sa CR-V. Pagpasok naming lahat, hindi muna
pinaandar ni Brent yung sasakyan. Parang may hinahanap siya sa phone niya.

"Sa Laguna yung pinaka malapit na posibleng bukas na Starbucks."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"Laguna?"

"Oo," he nodded. "Sa Nuvali. Gusto niyong pumunta?"

Lalong lumaki ang mga mata ko.

"Nuvali?"

"Oo nga."

"Seryoso ka, Kuya?" tanong ni Tin.

"Oo."

"'Ge ba!" excited na sagot ni Benjo. "Tara!"

"Ano, gusto niyo ba?" tinanong ni Brent kaming mga nasa likod.

"'Di pa 'ko nakakapuntang Nuvali," I admitted.

"Ako din," amin ni Tin.

"Edi tara na nga?"

"Pano yung mga bata?" I asked.

"Gusto namin," assured Liam.

Elmo nodded vigorously.

Tinaasan ko sila ng kilay. "Kaya niyong magpuyat?"

Tumango sila.

"Baka umagahin na tayo."

Tumango pa rin sila.

"Ayos lang yan, cuz," Brent told me. "Ginanyan din naman tayo nila Kuya Al e."

Sa bagay, may point siya dun. Sinasama nila kami dati kung saan saan kahit nasa
early teenage years palang kami. Para daw mamulat na yung mga mata namin at hindi
kami tatanga-tanga sa future.

Okay lang naman sa mga magulang namin. Alam din kasi nila na hindi hahayaan nila
Kuya Qin na may mangyari sa'ming masama. Lalo na si Kuya Al, siya pa naman ang
pinaka matanda sa'ming lahat.

I shrugged. "Okay, taralets." Ayoko din naman maging KJ noh.

"YAY!" cheered the boys behind me.

"ROADTRIP!" dagdag ni Benjo.

Brent grinned and started the engine.

"Patugtog tayo," sabi ni Benjo.

Hindi niya inantay ang reply namin, kusa nalang niyang sinaksak na yung iPhone niya
para ma-connect na sa audio system ng kotse ni Brent.

Biglang tumugtog yung kanta ni Jason Derulo na sikat ngayon sa clubs.

Talk Dirty - Jason Derulo

Pagdating sa chorus, sabay sabay kaming sumabay at sumayaw sa beat ng music.
Nagtatawanan kami kahit wala naman kaming pinagtatawanan in particular. Tapos
biglang nag-jejemon pose si Tin sa chorus. We all burst out laughing.

Yung pinili naming mga kanta after that ay yung mga masasaya din. Sa sobrang saya,
hindi namin namalayan na nasa Nuvali na pala kami.

Wala rin kaming masyadong nakita kasi gabi na, pero halata naman na maganda yung
lugar. Malinis.

Nagpaikot-ikot saglit si Brent, hinahanap yung Starbucks. When we finally found it,
to our dismay, sarado na rin pala.

"Pano na?" asked Brent, tumitingin uli sa phone niya.

"'Di ko alam kung meron sa Sta. Rosa e," said Benjo, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sa Biñan kaya . . ." wondered Brent.

"Sa may SLEX?" tanong ko.

Brent nodded. "Twenty-four hours naman siguro yun."

"Try natin," urged Tin.

Natawa ako. "Para lang sa Starbucks, ha?"

They all chuckled.

"Roadtrip din," grinned Benjo.

And so, nag-drive na uli si Brent. Makalipas ang ilang mga minuto, hindi ko alam
kung nasaan na kami pero bigla ko nalang narinig na nagbubulungan yung two boys sa
likod.

"Ang astig noh?" whispered Liam excitedly.

"Sagad sa astig," replied Elmo in the same tone. "Heto pala yung pinagkukwentuhan
nila dati. Naranasan na rin natin."

Nako, mas malala sina Kuya Qin. Grabe ang experience namin sa mga pinaggagagawa ng
mga yun. Hindi naman sila nagda-drugs or doing anything illegal. Like I said, mga
basagulero. Ano ba ang ginagawa ng mga ganun? Naghahanap ng away kung saan saan.

Syempre, kasama kami. Ayun, damay.

Bukod pa dun, ang dami nilang kalokohan. Kami bali ang minions. At dahil mas
matatanda sila, wala kaming choice kung hindi sumunod sa mga utos nila.

The two boys on the front laughed suddenly, bringing my attention to them.

"May kilala 'kong babae," began Benjo, smiling.

Napatitig ako dun sa ngiti niya. Hindi yun yung usual na pangasar niyang ngiti.
More on, parang he was recalling something pleasant that made him happy.

"Parati siyang nagme-make face," he continued. "Nakakatuwa."

My eyes widened, napanganga ako ng konti. Nagkatinginan kami ni Tin.

Nagkakagusto si Benjo sa girl?

Ang pinaka matagal niyang girlfriend, two years. High school kami nun. Nang mag-
college kami, isa lang ang naging girlfriend niya. And they lasted for about nine
months.

Yung mga nakaka-date naman niya, walang tumatagal enough para ipakilala niya
personally. All in all, dalawa palang ang mga nagiging girlfriend niya.

Hindi halata pero seryoso siya kapag gusto niya talaga yung girl. Ibibigay niya
talaga lahat, kaya medyo nakakatakot din 'to magmahal e.

Pero yun nga, may nagugustuhan ulit siya?

Isa pang clue besides dun sa smile niya, yung fact na he used the term 'nakakatuwa'
instead of 'nakakatawa.' There's a difference.

Napansin din yun ni Tin. Nakanganga siya e.

Nakaka-curious naman. Lalo na't hindi basta basta nagkakagusto si Benjo sa babae.
Madali kasi siyang ma-turn off. Kaya nga usually, yung mga nagugustuhan niya,
kilala na niya.

Hindi ko narinig yung reply ni Brent, pero natawa si Benjo.

Tumingin ako uli kay Tin with a questionable look, baka kasi narinig niya yung
sinabi ng kuya niya. Pero she only shrugged.

"Patay," said Brent, pulling up in front of a closed Starbucks.

"Wala na bang bukas na kahit anong café?" I sighed.

Gusto ko na talagang makatikim ng malamig na chocolate shake.

"Zilch," sagot ni Tin, looking around.

"Nasa SLEX na rin naman tayo, pumunta na tayong Alabang," suggested Benjo.

Napangiti ako. From Tagaytay to Alabang, para lang sa cravings namin.

"Go lang," sabi ko.

"All for the love of coffee," laughed Tin.

"Tinext mo ba sina mommy?" Brent asked her.

"Yes, my dear brother."

For sure, in-inform na ni tita ang buong family namin kung nasaan na kami. For sure
din, pinagtatawanan kami ngayon ng three musketeers. Mas hardcore kasi sila.

I looked at the time.

04:37am

Ilang oras na pala ang nakalipas mula nung umalis kami ng bahay.

Biglang nag-vibrate yung phone ko. Actually, kanina pa nagva-vibrate. Puro texts
and GMs wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas." I've replied to every single on of
them, including yung iMessages nung dalawang Manila boys.

Break muna 'ko sa love life - or at least, that part of my life - ngayong Pasko.

It's good for my soul to chill with my family, talking about childhood memories and
catching up with each other's lives. Hindi lang halata, pero family-oriented person
talaga ako. Hindi naman na ganun ka-close sa parents, close pa rin naman sa mga
pinsan, tito and tita, at sa grandparents ko.

"Yuck!" sigaw ni Tin. "Ang baboy mo!"

Nagtawanan sina Elmo at Liam, while the rest of us turned to Tin.

"Lumayo ka sa'kin, baka mahampas kita ng sapatos ko."

"Bakit, anong ginawa?" natatawang sinabi ni Brent, alam na agad na may ginawang
kawalanghiyaan yung two boys sa likod.

"Si Liam!" sumbong ni Tin, glaring at the back. "Inututan yung mukha ko!"

At that, we burst out laughing.

"Hindi kaya nakakatawa," irap ni Tin. After a moment, lumingon siya sa likod.
"Bakit parati niyo sa'kin ginagawa yan? Kay Nana, 'di niyo ginagawa."

Diba may nicknames tayo na yung mga kamag-anak lang natin ang gumagamit? 'Nana' ang
nickname ko sa family namin - from LaNA NAdine. Laking pasalamat ko nalang at hindi
'Ding' or anything na masagwa.

"Takot," laughed Benjo.

I smiled evilly.

Sinubukan nila Elmo at Liam gawin yun sa'kin dati. Pero dahil sanay na ako ng
bongga dahil ako ang ginaganun parati dati nila Kuya Qin (isama mo na si Brent at
Benjo), natuto akong lumaban at makipag-wrestling sa kanila.

"Malakas manipa si Ate Nana e," mumbled Liam.

Napatawa ako dun.

"Pag ako, nagpaturo manipa," warned Tin, "lagot kayo sa'kin."

"Magpaka-lalaki ka muna," said Elmo arrogantly.

Brent and Benjo laughed, making Tin roll her eyes.

"Marunong 'to," remarked Brent, mukhang impressed kay Elmo.

Medyo naawa ako sa kay Tin, lalo na't napagdaanan ko din yan kaya alam ko ang
feeling. Yun nga lang kasi, yung mga nakakaurat na pangbabara ng mga lalaki naming
pinsan ang nagturo sa'kin not to take crap from anyone else.

She'll thank them someday.

"Kanan na dito," turo ni Benjo sa aming munting driver.

Lahat kami naka-abang para makita ang bukas na Starbucks. And the moment we did, we
literally cheered out loud. Masyado kaming excited e.

Brent parked right out front kaya hindi na gaano ang nilakad namin. We embraced the
smell of coffee when we got inside. Pagkasabing pagkasabi ng orders nila, nauna na
sina Elmo at Liam para maghanap ng upuan. At baka kung anong kalokohan ang gawin ng
mga binatang yun, pinasunod namin kay Tin.

"Nana," called Brent.

I looked at him.

"Balita ko, luma-love life ka na daw uli."

Pumila muna ako sa likod ni Benjo bago sumagot.

"'Di ka approve?"

"Hindi," diretso niyang sagot.

I raised an eyebrow. "Bawal na 'kong magka-buhay ngayon?"

Seryoso yung mukha niya. Oh, shiz. I know that look. That's the look that all of my
guy cousins make when they get protective.

Tignan mo nga naman oh. Kanina lang, pinaguusapan namin nila Ate Janelle yung pagka
protective ng mga pinsan namin. Five lang kasi kaming babae sa generation namin,
baby pa lang yung isa.

Ngayon, I'm facing the infamous 'look.'

"Hindi kami okay sa boyfriend mo."

"'Kami'?" I repeated.

"Kami nila Kuya Al."

Si Brent talaga parating 'Kuya Al' ng 'Kuya Al'. Ako naman, si Kuya Qin. Si Benjo
naman, mala Kuya Jino. May kanya kanya kaming favorites. Pero pinaka close ko pa
rin si Benjo.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

"Sinabi sa inyo ni Benjo kung sino?" I asked, cutting to the chase. I glanced at
Benjo na madaling umalis sa counter pagkabayad niya.

Why did I even have to ask? Obvious na naman e.

"'Di ko siya boyfriend," I clarified, before Brent could reply. Um-order na 'ko ng
paborito ko at sinundan si Benjo sa claiming area. "Bakit hindi approve sina Kuya
kay Zeo?"

"I talk, cuz," shrugged Benjo. "Nakwento ko sa kanila yung mga kalokohan namin ni
Zeo for the past four years."

Sa'kin lang ata niya hindi nasabi na medyo close niya si Zeo e. Apat na taon na din
silang magkaibigan ha. Napapaisip tuloy ako. Sinadya ba niya yun? Was that his way
of protecting me?

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako or what.

"Alam din nila na he doesn't commit," added Benjo.

"Ayaw nila ng ganun para sa'kin," I stated.

Kasi para sa family namin, duwag ang ganun. Weak, kumbaga.

Fudge. Sinadyang sabihin ni Brent na 'boyfriend' ko si Zeo para i-correct ko siya.

That way, I confirmed what Benjo said. Effing shiz.

Benjo nodded.

Lumapit na sa'min si Brent at nanahimik na kami ni Benjo.

"Buhay mo pa rin naman yan, Nana," Brent simply told me, ruffling my hair.

"Uy!" I protested. "Yung buhok ko naman."

"Tinext ka nga daw pala ni Kuya Qin. Magreply ka daw."

Ah! Oo nga pala! Siya pala yung nag-text kanina. Nilabas ko agad ang phone ko and
went through the notifications.

Kuya Qin: If he breaks your heart, we break his bones.

My eyes widened at what I read. Grabe naman, Kuya!

Me: What if I break his heart?

Kuya Qin: He's too weak for you.

Me: What if it all goes well?

Kuya Qin: It's bound to go to hell.

Ang nega naman mag-isip! Nakaka-depress.

Si Kuya Qin talaga, para siyang darker and edgier Oliver. Meron siyang broody look
and soft features, pero yung aura niya lalayuan mo talaga. Isang tingin palang,
alam mo nang walang gawaing matino. Hindi naman siya parating tahimik, maloko din
naman. Pero parating may sense kausap.

Kaya din siguro comfortable na agad ako kay Oliver kahit dati pa. He reminds me of
Kuya Qin. A brighter version, at least.

Dumating na ang mga orders namin and hinanap na namin ang mga pinsan namin. We
found Tin, Elmo, and Liam sa second floor.

To get rid of my troubling thoughts, nakipagkwentuhan ako kay Tin. Pero sa totoo
lang, nagi-eavesdrop kaming dalawa sa conversation nina Brent at Benjo.
Pinaguusapan na naman nila yung girl na nagugustuhan ata ni Benjo.

"Meron siyang cute expression na siya lang yung gumagawa."

. . .

Oh. My. God.

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Pinagisipan ko talaga kung tama ba yung hula ko. Feeling ko talaga si Kylee yung
tinutukoy ni Benjo e. Siya lang naman yung may trademark expression na kilala ko.

Inisip ko yung times na magkakasama kami sa Dionysus. Pinilit kong i-remember yung
behavior ni Benjo. Normal lang naman. Hindi talaga halata.

So pano siya nagkagusto kay Kylee? And si Kylee nga ba?

Malakas kutob ko na si Kylee e. Wala lang akong proof.

"Nana," tawag sa'kin ni Kuya Qin.

I looked at him.

"Tira mo na."

Tumingin ako sa table. Naglalaro kami ng Tong-Its sa family room on the second
floor. Maganda yung view dito kasi glass yung walls facing the Taal Volcano. Kahit
na gabi, yung city lights sa baba, kitang kita.

Kanina, my cousins and I were playing poker. Kaso bumaba sina Kuya Jino kasama si
Brent at Benjo para ayusin yung mga paputok para mamaya.

Media Noche na.

Bumunot na 'ko ng card at nagbaba ng baraha. Si Kuya Qin naman ang titira.

"'Di ka ba magkekwento?" he asked, his eyes focused on his cards.

Naiwasan ko siya for a few days dahil alam kong ibi-bring up niya yung tungkol kay
Zeo. At dahil naiwan kaming dalawa dito, he grabbed the opportunity to have a
'talk' with me.

"I'm sure nakwento na sayo ni Benjo." I rolled my eyes. "What's there to tell?"

"Why do you like him?" he asked casually, pero he still wasn't looking at me.

I stared at him. He was laid back as he sat on the arm chair across from me. Naka
simpleng black hoodie sweatshirt lang siya, with the sleeves pulled up to his
elbows. Unlike most of us, hindi siya kulot. Pero may dark brown eyes siya, tsaka
maputi ang kulay niya.

"What's not to like?" I shrugged.

Hindi naman halatang iniiwasan ko yung tanong niya, noh? Kapag kasi sinagot ko yun,
parang feeling ko isa ako sa mga fangirls ni Zeo. Parang ang silly ng dating, lalo
na para kay Kuya Qin na medyo deep na tao.

"Hindi mo magugustuhan sagot ko diyan," he smirked, habang nagbababa ng card.

"Edi 'wag mong sagutin," I muttered.

"Bakit hindi ikaw ang sumagot?"

I sighed.

"Are you in love with him?"

This time, nakatingin siya straight into my eyes. Hindi ulit ako sumagot. Siya
naman ang bumuntong hininga, sabay shake ng head.

"Alalahanin mo lang yung sinabi ko sayo, Lana Nadine."

Patay. Binanggit niya yung full name ko. Seryoso talaga siya dun sa text niyang
yun. Shiz. Wala pa namang kasiguraduhan yung sa'min ni Zeo. Nakaka-sad.

Bago pa 'ko ma-depress sa thought ng future namin ni Mufasa, nagsalita ako.

"Opo, Kuya Joaqin," I replied with a grin, mentioning his full name din.

I caught a small smile from his lips. Okay na yan. At least, he'll let us be. Hindi
naman kontrabida type yung mga pinsan ko e. They let us live our own lives.

Biglang nag-vibrate yung phone ko na nasa table. Nagkatinginan kami ni Kuya Qin. I
looked at the screen to see kung sino ang nagtext.

Ollie

"Hindi siya 'to," sabi ko, while unlocking to open Oliver's message.

"Nagtatanong?"

"Sumasagot?" I replied automatically, sabay irap sa kanya.

Tumawa siya. Lakas mang-ata e. Parati nalang. Hmph.

Ollie: Free ka tomorrow, Lan?

Me: Yup! Why?

Ollie: We're having a garden party dito sa house. You wanna come?

Hmm. Sa Alabang si Oliver nakatira e. Pwede naman siguro. After all, ang importante
namang gawin with the family is yung Media Noche, which is happening tonight.

Wow. I just realized na mami-meet ko family niya for the first time. Shucks. Nahiya
naman ako bigla. Baka sobrang high-class nila. Magpapaka prim and proper nalang
ako.

Me: Sure. What time? :)

Ollie: I have to do an errand in QC, so I'll pick you up around lunch.

Something in my mind clicked. I looked at Kuya Qin and remembered na may lakad siya
sa Quezon City tomorrow.

"What time ka pupuntang Quezon City bukas?" I asked him.

"Alis ako ng morning."

"Saan ba punta mo?"

"La Loma."

Hala. Ang layo. "Bakit?"

"Daming tanong. Reporter ka ba?"

"Arte mo. May tinatago ka ba?"

He smirked. "Nagpapabili sila Mama ng lechon."

Ah. Tinext ko ulit si Oliver.

Me: Meet nalang tayo sa QC. Pupunta cousin ko sa La Loma. San ka?

Ollie: Oh? La Loma din. I'll buy a lechon for the party.

My eyes widened a bit. Yun naman pala e. Sakto!

Me: See you there, then? :)

Ollie: Yeah. See you. :)

Tumingin ako kay Kuya Qin.

"Sabay na 'ko sayo bukas."

"Kanino ka makikipagkita?" tanong niya agad.

"Oliver," I answered, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. "Friend ko na taga

Silvestre."

Understanding crossed his features.

"Ah, yung Blue Blur?" impressed na tanong ni Kuya Qin.

"Yup, nagiimbita sa bahay nila sa Alabang."

He stared at me. "Nanliligaw ba sayo?"

I snorted. "Hindi noh. Friends lang kami nun. Halos best friends na nga rin e."

"Ba't ka defensive?" he smiled teasingly.

"'Wag ka ngang maglagay ng malisya," suway ko. "Kadiri ka."

He shrugged. "Sabi mo e."

Tinitigan ko siya.

"Tong-Its," he grinned, placing his cards on the table for me to see.

Napanganga ako. Parang kakasimula palang namin ah!

"Sunog!" he laughed at me. "Walang bahay. Haha! Stupid."

Binaba ko ang mga cards na hawak ko and slowly placed it on the table. I stood up
and headed to the stairs.

"Hoy, san ka pupunta? Ligpitin mo 'to."

"Nagugutom na 'ko," sagot ko, without looking at him. Dali-dali akong pumunta sa
hagdan. "Ikaw naiwan, ikaw magligpit!" Lumingon ako para dilaan siya, tapos tumakbo
na 'ko pababa bago pa niya 'ko maabutan.

Nagmadali ako para magtago sa kitchen. Oops. Wrong move. Baka mautusan ako dito.
Nahuli na nila tita si Tin kanina, kaya wala siya sa taas e. Kaso, mahilig naman si
Tin sa culinary kaya okay lang sa kanya.

I turned around to escape when I heard someone call my name.

"Nana."

I made a face first, bago lumingon with an innocent expression.

"Bakit po, Tita Lea?" tanong ko sa mama ni Elmo.

"Paki labas naman itong mga plato, hija," pakiusap niya.

Medyo naawa naman ako, kasi kahit madami sila, kasama na dun yung dalawang maid
nila Lola dito sa bahay, kulang pa rin ang human resources.

"Sige po."

And so, I spent the next hour helping them set the dining table. Nginingitian ako
ni Ate Janelle kasi alam niyang ayaw ko ng gawaing bahay. Wala akong magagawa.
Nahuli ako e.

Karma siguro 'to. Tinakasan ko kasi si Kuya Qin sa pagligpit ng mga baraha e. Mas
malala tuloy yung karma sa'kin. Badtrip.

Naawa sa'kin si Ate Janelle, kaya pinatakas na niya 'ko. Agad naman akong pumunta
sa living room, kung saan nakatambay si Benjo. He was smiling gently habang
nakatitig sa phone niya. Hindi niya 'ko napansin na nag-enter. I took that
opportunity to play a little prank on him so I sneaked up behind him.

Gugulatin ko na sana siya when I saw a girl's facebook profile sa phone niya. Abot
lupa ang nganga ko when I saw exactly who that girl was.
I gasped. "Crush mo si Kylee?!"

Benjo jumped straight off the couch and turned around to face me.

"H - Ha?" he stuttered, quickly hiding his phone.

"Oh, my God!" I yelled, my eyes were about to pop out from its sockets sa
confirmation na nakita ko. "Crush mo si Kylee!!!"

"Tigil mo nga yan. Mukha kang tanga."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Mukha kang in-denial. Caught in the act ka na, cuz!"

"Tinitignan ko lang naman wall niya," said Benjo indignantly. "Crush na agad?"

Ako ang sinabihang mukhang tanga, pero siya naman 'tong halatang hindi mapigilan
yung ngiti niya. Parang ewan lang.

"Aminin mo na kasi," I urged him.

"Ano ba dapat kong aminin?" natatawa niyang sinabi.

"Ah, ganon? Pa-innocent effect ka?"

"Hala," he laughed.

I took out my phone. "Mai-text nga si Kylee," sabi ko. On the corner of my eye,
nakita kong nagpipigil si Benjo. I cleared my throat and said out loud, "'Kylee,
alam mo ba na nahuli ko si Benjo na -'"

Benjo snatched my phone from me.

"Okay, sige."

I smiled expectantly at him.

"She's cute," pa-cool niyang sinabi, aakalain mong hindi ko siya nahuling nags-
stalk ng facebook profile ng crush niya.

"Yun lang?" I asked, expecting more. "'Di ka ganyan kababaw."

"Hayaan mo nalang akong dumiskarte, pwede?" he smiled.

"Fine," I gave in, smiling as well.

"Thank you."

'Di ko napigilan. I pinched his cheeks.

"Kakilig kayo!" nanggigigil kong sinabi. Then, I stopped. "Kaso . . ."

"She likes Oliver?" he finished for me.

Medyo nagulat ako dun. How did he find out?

He must have seen the wonder in my face because he said, "Napansin ko."

I studied his expression. He didn't seemed fazed about knowing that fact. Parang
wala sa kanya na may gusto si Kylee na ibang guy. He looked . . . at ease.
"Anong balak mong gawin?"

He grinned. "Hayaan mo na nga lang akong dumiskarte, diba?"

"Ang confident mo, ha."

Hindi siya sumagot. He just continued smiling as if he was being humble, pero at
the same time there was confidence hidden beneath.

"Ten minutes nalang," informed Brent, as he passed us to go outside.

Benjo and I exchanged excited looks and headed outside.

_____________

This chapter was supposed to be looong. Kaso nawala yung mood ko ng pagta-type sa
nabasa kong spoiler sa facebook. Lesson learned: Stay away from social networks
when writing. Haha. Update ko nalang to kahit maikli. At least may update, diba?
Bawing bawi naman sa next chappie e. Puro *tooooot* ang susunod. Magugustuhan niyo
yun. May rule pang kasama. ;) #evillaugh

Lana's List (29)

Pa-birthday ko sa inyo. :)

Listen to the song Guilty by Blue while reading this chappie! :D (Thanks to my
special friend Pends for playing this in her car. Sakto sa chapter. Haha! :) xx)

_____________

Sunod-sunod ang pag-vibrate ng phone ko, texts and GMs wishing everyone a happy new
year. Nag-reply lang ako sa mga close friends ko; girlfriends kong sina Cass and
Kylee; tropapeeps na sila Ryan and Patrick; iMessage kina Oliver at Zeo. Tamad ako
mag-GM e, unless official Student Council business.

Zeo: Happy New Year, Simba! I'll call u later. :) x

Me: Sure, Mufasa. :) x

Bigla naman akong na-excite for 'later'. Hindi kami masyadong nakapagusap these
past few days dahil busy kami sa kanya-kanyang families.

After eating with the whole family, umakyat kaming magpipinsan sa family room para
uminom. Before I could follow them upstairs, Daddy stopped me.

"Nakausap ko mommy mo," he started.

I looked at him curiously.

"We agreed to give you a car as your graduation gift."

My eyes widened at what he said. Oh, my God! Ilang months nalang, graduation na! Sa
sobrang tuwa ko, nayakap ko si Daddy.

"Thank you po!" gigil kong sinabi.

Ngumiti siya. "You're welcome, Nana."

Sa wakas, magkakaron na rin ako ng kotse! Hindi ko na kailangang magpahatid kina

Zeo at Oliver or kanino man kapag may lakad kami. I could freely go wherever I
want. Yes!

Todo ang ngiti ko pag-akyat ko sa family room. Napansin nilang lahat. Gumawa nalang
muna ako ng dahilan kasi baka ma-jinx kapag sinabi ko na bibigyan ako nila mommy at
daddy ng car for graduation.

Naka ilang shots na rin ako nang mag-ring ang phone ko.

FaceTime Audio . . .

I hurried to somewhere quiet. Nagpunta nalang ako sa attic, where lahat kaming
single and young ay natutulog. I sat by the window and leaned on the wall before
answering the call.

"Hey," greeted Zeo.

"Musta?"

I have no idea how he's doing dahil hindi naman ako nagi-iMessage sa kanya. Well,
may idea ako ng konti because I stalk him in his Instagram.

Rule #18: Don't be clingy. Most guys don't like clingy girls - especially those na
wala namang karapatan. Cool ka lang. Kung mag-share siya, edi okay. If not, okay
lang din. Same goes for you. Hindi mo kailangang magsabi ng bawat galaw mo. Keep
him interested.

Hindi naman ako girlfriend, so why should I act like one?

"Saya," replied Zeo. "I love it here."

"Madaming chicks noh?" biro ko.

Wala naman talaga sa boses ko na nagseselos ako. Pero yung thought na maraming
nakakakita ng mala movie star niyang hot bod, tas wala ako dun para ipakita na
hindi siya available . . . Ugh. Kung nandun ako, baka kalmutin ko ang mga mata
nila.

Fudge. Nagiging possessive ako. Not good.

"Oh? 'Di ko sila napapansin," he said innocently, as if wala talaga siyang

napapansin na mga babae dun. Mapapaniwala ka sa boses niya.

"Wooshoo! Ano ka ba, enjoy your days there. If you wanna flirt, flirt."
After all, hindi naman tayo. Pero syempre, ayaw ko. You could say na test 'to.

"Can I flirt with you nalang?"

Feel na feel ko yung uber sexy smile niya through the phone. Anak ng tokwa. Boses
na nga lang, abot pa rin yung ngiti niyang nakakalaglag panty. My gulay naman.

"Landi mo talaga." Duh. Kilig ka naman, Lana.

He burst out laughing. "Bakit mo kasi ako pinipilit sa kanila? Alam mo naman na
ikaw ang gusto ko."

"Mm-hmm," I mumbled. Wala na akong masabi e.

Ang lakas talaga nito magpakilig. Shiz. Okay, I admit. Na-miss ko yung mga banat
lines niya na ganito. Kainis. Gusto kong tumili kaso baka marinig nila ako sa baba.

"How've you been?" he asked.

"Okay naman," sagot ko, grateful for the topic change. "Nag-roadtrip kami ng mga
cousins ko nung Christmas." Kinuwento ko lahat ng nangyari. Cheerful pa akong
nagkukwento, pero pagdating sa part na pag-disapprove nila Kuya Qin sa kanya,
napatigil ako.

"Tapos?"

"Uh, ayun. Bahala daw ako." I hesitated. "Pero sabi nila, 'if you break my heart,
they'll break your bones,'" I added in a light tone para 'di masyadong serious.

Tumawa si Zeo. "Now I see where Benjo gets his protective side."

"You've been warned, Mufasa."

"Crystal clear, Simba." I could hear the smile from his voice. "Tight ang family
mo. That's good."

"Sayo rin naman ah."

"Well, yeah." He paused. "It's funny how we both come from separated parents, pero
we're still so close to the rest of our families."

"Oo," I breathed out, with a small smile. "Swerte mo pa nga na may mga brothers ka
e."

"They're pain in the ass, though," he laughed. "You're lucky din. Despite having no
siblings, you're close with Benjo na parang kayo yung brother and sister."

I grinned wide. "Speaking of Benjo . . . He likes Kylee!"

"I know."

Napatigil ako. "Since when?"

"Since nung nasa Baguio tayo. Nahuli ko siya hiding his smile when Kylee made that
silly face whenever she squeals."

"Ang observant mo naman."

Napapansin din kaya niya yung kilig ko?

"It was pretty obvious."

"Parang 'di naman."

"You're busy lang kasi kakatitig sa'kin."

"Ay, ang kapal."

Tumawa siya. "Sabi na e. Yun yung sasabihin mo."

Hindi ako sumagot. There was a long pause. Then, I heard him sigh.

"I miss you, Simba," he whispered sincerely.

Sa totoo lang, it made my heart melt.

"Same here," I whispered back.

"Say the words."

"'Lam mo na yun."

"Daya mo."

Nai-imagine kong naka-pout siya. Natawa ako ng malakas.

"What have you been up to?" I asked, natatawa pa rin.

"Galing mag-divert ng topic."

Lalo akong natawa. "Dali na. Kwento."

"Been doing lots of things," he finally answered. "But mostly, I've been missing
you."

Grabe. Ang lakas talaga ng charm ng kumag na 'to.

"I wanted to call you earlier, you know," he added.

"Why didn't you?" tanong ko.

"I didn't want to disturb your time with your family e."

A warm smile stretched across my lips. Ang considerate niya. Actually, yun yung isa
sa mga bagay kaya hindi siguro kami nakakapagusap these past few days. Bukod sa
hindi ako nagiging clingy, ayaw ko ring istorbohin yung time niya with his family.

It turns out, parehas kami ng iniisip.

Hindi ko alam kung 'kilig' ba yung proper term sa nararamdaman ko ngayon. Basta
natutuwa ako ng sobra sa kanya. Naa-appreciate ko yung bawat galaw at iniisip niya.

It's safe to say na I'm absolutely happy with my life right now.

"Naks," sabi ko ng pabiro. "Ang thoughtful mo naman."

He chuckled. "It's one of the things you love about me."

"Pa-fall ka naman e," I said as a joke before I could stop myself.

Patay. Nasabi ko! Buti nalang, medyo joke ang labas. Pero everybody knows that
jokes are half-meant.

"Ouch."

Pinilit kong tumawa para lumabas na hindi ako seryoso sa sinabi ko. Sakto, may
pumasok sa room ng hindi kumakatok.

"Nana, 'di ka na ba iinom?"

"Kuya Qin!" I shrieked in startle. "Katok katok din 'pag may time."

"I-lock mo kung ayaw mong may pumasok bigla."

"What do you want ba?" I demanded, glaring at him.

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Conyo?"

Shiz. Nahahawa na talaga 'ko kay Zeo.

Speaking of the devil, tumatawa siya at the other end of the line.

"Sino kausap mo?" tanong ni Kuya Qin sa'kin.

"Uh, si . . ."

"Ikinahihiya mo 'ko?" teased Zeo.

I rolled my eyes. "Si Zeo."

Tumango lang si Kuya Qin. "Iinom ka pa?"

"Baka hindi na," sagot ko.

Kuya Qin only shrugged and left.

"Go ahead and drink if you want to pa," Zeo told me.

"What time na dyan?" I asked, ignoring what he said.

Kausap ko pa siya e. Na-miss ko boses niya kaya ayaw ko pang i-end yung call. Pero
kung magmi-midnight na dun, I understand if we had to end the call na.

"Around eleven," he answered.

I glanced at the time dito.

04:09am

"Lolo will call us naman if it's time na," he assured me, reading my mind. "So what
else happened to you?"

"Usual kulitan lang with the cousins. Nag-ikot ng konti around town. Nag-marathon
kami ng Harry Potter and Disney movies." I paused, remembering the feud between his
older brothers. "Ikaw, bati na yung mga kuya mo?"
Nag-away kasi yung mga kuya niya because of a girl. Caught in between sila ng mama
niya. Nothing serious naman. Tampuhan lang daw. Neither ended up with the girl pa.

Medyo naaawa nga ako sa mama niya e. Iniwan siya ng ganun ganun lang ng father nila
Zeo, tapos umalis na rin sa bahay nila yung panganay na si Zoren. They all kept in
touch, pero it wasn't the same daw.

Buti nalang, inayos ng lolo nila na ilipat yung last name nila sa 'Alcante' right
after their father left all those years ago kaya medyo safe sila sa upper class
world. Kaya rin matindi ang kapit ni Zoren sa lolo nila. Ayun, napilit naman na
sumama sa kanila sa Greece.

"Yeah, they worked their issues na ata," replied Zeo. "Ewan ko sa mga dickheads na
yun. Nothing but trouble."

"Looks who's talking," I snorted.

"Ouch. Strike two ka na ah."

Natawa ako.

Suddenly, someone from his end spoke.

"A'ight, sunod na 'ko," sabi ni Zeo dun sa nagsalita. I heard a door closing,
before he spoke again. "Kuya's telling me to go downstairs."

"Ah, okay." Nalungkot ako, pero I didn't let him know. "Good night! Happy new year
uli!"

"No, don't hang up," he quickly said. "Naka-earphones ako. You do the same."

"Ha?"

"Put on some earphones, kahit one lang," nilinaw niya. "Then, go join your cousins
while I join my family. We don't have to speak to each other. Basta don't end the
call."

Ooh. I like that. I like that idea a lot.

"Ang clingy mo ah," I laughed, grabbing my earphones from the bed.

Tumawa siya. "Missed you this much e."

I miss you, too.

"Tibay mo. You won't say it back."

I laughed my ass off sa sinabi niya.

"Alam mo naman na kasi."

"So pakipot talaga."

If possible, lalo akong tumawa. Hindi ko tuloy maisuksok yung dulo ng earphones sa
phone ko dahil nakapikit na 'ko sa kakatawa.

"Lalabas na 'ko ng room," sabi ko, when I finally put on the right side of the
earphone on my right ear.
"Same."

I heard walking noises from his end. Nai-imagine ko tuloy yung scenery sa Greece.
Ang ganda. Parang ang peaceful. Tapos nakapaligid pa yung dagat. It was our kind of
place.

Ang astig lang, pero sakto yung pagtigil niya sa paglalakad sa'kin.

"Welcome to my world, Simba," he breathed out in a soft voice.

"Welcome to mine, Mufasa," I murmured. Right after saying the last word, umupo na
'ko sa pwesto ko kanina.

"Drink up, cuz!" said Benjo, handing me the shot glass.

"Zeo, dear," narinig ko sa end ni Zeo. "Come and eat."

The rest of the hour went on like that. Feeling ko nandun talaga ko with Zeo. Medyo
mahirap sumabay sa dalawang conversations at the same time, kaya mas nakinig nalang
ako sa end ni Zeo.

I noticed na siya yung laging nagpapatawa sa family niya. Napansin ko rin na very
smart magsalita ang mga relatives niya. Nakaka-intimidate, pero they sound like a
wholesome bunch naman.

When midnight came, nilakasan ko na ang loob ko. Kahit ayaw kong maging mushy,
kahit ayaw kong dagdagan ang vulnerability ko when it comes to him, I said the
words I felt most at that moment anyways.

"I miss you," bulong ko, pouring our my feelings in those three little words.

Buti nalang, maiingay at sabog na ang mga pinsan ko at hindi nila narinig yung
sinabi ko. 'Di ko rin sure kung narinig ni Zeo kasi nagputukan ang mga fireworks sa
end niya. Plus, hindi rin siya nagre-reply.

"What's with the goofy smile, apo?"

I blinked, after hearing someone say that from his end of the call.

"I feel like it's gonna be a good year, lolo," Zeo answered, the smile clear from
his voice.

Pinigilan kong ngumiti.

All throughout the night, pinipigilan kong maging sweet sa kanya. Pinipigilan ko
ang sarili kong i-express masyado ang feelings ko. Mahirap kasing mahulog when
we're still at this stage of waiting - of going with the flow even when we lack
stability.

Nagre-rely kami on each other's feelings e.

Kaya mahirap mag-show ng feelings when anytime pwedeng bumitaw yung isa. Kapag weak
ako, wala na. Kaya I have to be strong. I have to hold back a little. Kasi in the
end, kapag sobra sobra akong nagpakita ng weakness, ako rin ang kawawa. Pero wala
e.

In love na 'ko.

Kaya kahit anong pigil ko sa pagngiti, even if I wasn't sure of our tomorrow, I
couldn't stop myself from hoping.

I smiled, trusting his words that it's gonna be a good year.

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: How I started the new year. *smirk emoji* *thumbs up*
#donthateappreciate
(screenshot: January 1, 2014 - 02:37am - Outgoing FaceTime Audio - 5 hours 9
minutes)

Lana's List (30)

TIP: Listento Up Dharma Down's Tadhana while reading this. :) I love the song with
this. Perfecto!

_____________

Never in a gazillion years kong aakalain na si Oliver - si Oliver Cojuangco aka

Blue Blur - ay masisiraan ng sasakyan. On his defense, hindi naman yung makina yung
may sira.

Problem? Flat tire.

Paalis na dapat kaming La Loma e. Dadaan sana kaming shortcut na alam ni Oliver
nang maramdaman niyang may problema sa isa sa mga tires.

Yun nga, flat tire.

I took my phone out of my pocket while Oliver worked on his replacing his flat
tire. I took a picture of him, laughing my ass off.

"Instagam na 'to," asar ko.

"You can't tag me," he replied.

"Pano kita mata-tag, e wala ka namang kahit anong social networks," I snorted. 9GAG
account and Skype lang ang alam kong meron siya.

"What's the point?" he panted, struggling with the tire.

I offered to help kanina kaso kaya na daw niya. Hindi ko na siya pinilit. Wala rin
naman akong masyadong maitutulong e.

"Nasa contacts ko na lahat ng interesado akong kausapin."

Taraaay. "Ikaw na," natatawa kong sinabi.

He smiled in turn.

"Kailangan niyo ng tulong?"

Sabay kaming lumingon ni Oliver sa nagsalita. Matandang lalaki. He looked genuinely

concerned sa'min. Nasa tabi naman kami ng kalye. Mariveles yung name ng street,
narinig kong sinabi ni Oliver nung may kausap siya sa phone kanina.

Buti na nga lang may silong dito. Atsaka, the weather wasn't as hot today. For
Quezon City, I'm actually surprised na medyo malamig yung hangin.

"Malapit lang yung talyer ko, sa kanto lang," sabi ni Manong.

Tinignan ko si Oliver. He looked reluctant.

"Pumayag ka na," I urged him. When he turned to me, I grinned really wide and
added, "Para mabilis?"

He let out a small laugh and nodded.

"Sige po," he told Manong.

I was about to go on the passenger seat when Oliver tapped on my shoulder.

"You steer the wheel, Lan," he ordered.

Nagulat ako. "Bakit?"

"Practice."

Ah, gets.

I couldn't hide the giddiness on my face. Alam ko na naman yung basics, tinuruan na
'ko ni Benjo. Kaya siguro Oliver let me drive his car for a little bit.

Sinundan namin si Manong na naglalakad. Ayaw niyang sumakay kasi rear tire yung may
singaw. Besides, malapit lang daw talaga.

Kumanan si Manong.

"Mag-signal ka," reminded Oliver.

I nodded and turned on the signal. Nasa first gear lang naman ako kaya no need to
step on the breaks as I turned right.

Seconds passed, nandito na kami agad sa talyer na nasa tapat ng chapel. Tama si
Manong. Grabe ang lapit nga lang talaga. Kabilang kanto lang pala. Ang swerte din
namin at nasiraan kami sa may malapit sa talyer.

When we got out of the Challenger, I looked at the chapel. It was open. Parang
kakatapos lang ng mass. Then, I remembered na bagong taon ngayon.

"Happy New Year po pala, Manong!"

Tumawa si Manong. "Happy New Year din sa inyo." He gestured toward the chapel.
"Magdasal muna kayo."

Grabe naman. Mukha ba kaming makasalanan?

"Hindi na po," sabi ko.

"E mag halo-halo nalang muna kayo dyan," sabi ni Manong, sabay turo sa labas ng
bahay na may nagtitinda.

Yan pa, pwede. "Salamat po." Nauna na 'ko, habang may sinasabi pa si Oliver kay
Manong. Guidelines siguro ng tamang pagalaga sa kotse niya.

I ordered two halo-halo for us. Saktong pagdating ni Oliver, tapos nang gawin yung
mga halo-halo namin. Inuna kong kainin yung slice ng ube at leche flan.

"'Di naman ako mao-OP sa family mo?" I asked Oliver, after swallowing.

"With your friendly skills? I doubt it."

Tumigil ako sa paghalo and stared at him.

"Nangaasar ka ba?" mataray kong sinabi. Pero syempre, joke lang.

"Nope. That's Zeo's job."

The playfulness disappeared. Tinignan ko si Oliver ng maigi. He looked

expressionless when he said it. Ewan ko ba, pero parang may na-feel akong tension.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero bigla akong kinabahan.

I got distracted when I felt someone staring at me. Lumingon ako. It was a girl.
Yung kasama niyang bumibili ng halo-halo, kinalabit niya.

"Izel, si Lana Lopez oh," she whispered. Or at least, tried to whisper. Rinig pa
rin namin ni Oliver e.

"Ha?" Tingin agad yung isa pang girl. When she got a good look at me, her eyes
widened. "Ay, shet. Oo nga."

I smiled briefly at them and looked away, pretending na hindi ko sila narinig. Pero
deep inside, ang lakas ng heartbeat ko at nagpa-panic ang utak ko.

Paano nila ko nakilala?! Sino sila?! Anong nangyayari?!

Then, it clicked.

Zeo.

"Pa-picture tayo, Izel."

Pa-picture?! Ano ko, celebrity?

"Ikaw nalang."

"Tara na."

Kain lang, Lana. Kunwari, wala kang naririnig. Kumain ka lang ng halo-halo.

"Ano ka ba, Beth. Nakakahiya."

"Sige na nga."

Silence.
"Girlfriend na kaya siya ni Zeo?"

Boom. Confirmed. Kay Zeo nga nila ko nakilala. They must have seen me in some of
his posts. We're friends, after all. Natural lang na mag-post siya minsan ng
picture ko kapag magkasama kami. Pero mas madalas kapag marami kami.

"Napanuod ko dati sa interview niya, 'di daw siya nagco-commit."

Ouch.

I felt Oliver's eyes on me. Naka-focus lang ako sa halo-halo ko, as if hindi ako
aware sa nasa paligid ko. Poker face. I've mastered that skill na talaga.

"Dati pa naman yun. Malay mo."

"Malay mo din isa lang siya sa mga flings."

Double ouch. Grabe naman, mga ate. Ang ha-harsh niyo naman. Ang lapit lapit ko lang
sa inyo oh. Be sensitive naman please.

Finally, umalis na sila. I watched as they went inside the yellow gate right in
front of the halo-halo stand, thinking about the things they said.

Totoo naman yung mga sinabi nila e. It just stings, hearing it from another person.
Nakaka-sad, pero poker face pa rin. Nasanay na e.

"Lan," started Oliver.

His voice was so solemn na napatingin ako sa kanya agad.

"You're one of my best friends," he continued. "I have to be honest."

I waited for him to continue, preparing myself.

"Yung inaantay mong mangyari sa inyo ni Zeo," he sighed. "I don't think it'll
happen anytime soon."

Hindi ko alam kung anong dapat kong maramdaman. Na-caught off guard ako sa
bluntness ni Oliver, while at the same time I was expecting him to say it.

As his words started to sink in, bumigat yung feeling ko. Masakit. Sobrang masakit
to hear it from someone who I know would tell the truth.

Ayokong umiyak. Hindi ako iiyak.

Oliver said the words I feared - yet again.

Oliver, the one who told me to wait and have faith. Now, he's telling me this. What
am I supposed to think? How am I supposed to react?

I could feel my eyes getting watery but I held back the tears. I wouldn't cry in
public. I couldn't. Kahit na it hurts talaga.

Fudge. I feel effing weak. This is so not good.

So hindi ako sumagot, only looking away.

"I'm sorry, Lan."

The way he sounded so sorry only made it feel more real.

"I told you to wait and go with the flow," he stated. "Kaso tingin ko, that only
made him feel assured. Naging kampante si Zeo that you won't go anywhere."

Nagkabaliktad yung roles namin ni Oliver. This time, siya yung pala salita while
tahimik lang ako - unable to speak.

Ayokong aminin sa kanya na naging kampante na rin ako. Sa pinapakitang actions ni

Zeo kasi, parang we're going on the right direction - the right path.

But what if this is a never ending ride? What if walang balak si Zeo na itigil yung
ride to finally define our relationship? What if . . . What if his strong feelings
for me aren't enough to make him fully commit?

"Make him claim you for real, Lan."

My eyes turned to him. "What?"

"Make him see that he's not your only option," said Oliver firmly, looking me
straight in the eye.

Weird.

I couldn't look away from his eyes.

Bakit . . . parang may double meaning yung pagkakasabi niya nun? Yung tingin din
niya, iba. Guni-guni ko lang ba or parang may sine-send saking message si Oliver
without saying anything? What would it be, though?

I looked at him curiously, studying him.

"Pagseselosin ko siya?" I clarified.

"Yeah."

I scoffed. "Next to impossible yun. Never pa siyang nagselos."

'Di naman siguro counted yung kina Sean at Dex. Alam kasi ni Zeo na 'di ko type
yung mga yun. Besides . . .

"Ang bitch ko naman masyado to use someone like that."

No. I won't use someone like that. That wouldn't be fair to that person.

Oliver tilted his head, in a gesture that he was agreeing with what I said.

I sighed and looked at the sky.

Bakit ang complicated ng love life? Wala bang problem-free na relationship out
there? Yung tipong, you meet a guy and you end up liking the guy then you date and
then you get together as a couple and fall in love then you get married eventually.
Simple.

Wala bang ganun?

"Matalino ka, Lan," breathed out Oliver. "Just figure out a way to bring him out of
his comfort zone."
"You make it sound so easy," sabi ko, nakatingala pa rin. "Lalo na't it's Zeo we're
talking about here."

He didn't reply.

As if on cue, dumating na si Manong para sabihing okay na yung flat tire. Tinapon
na namin ni Oliver yung plastic cups and went to the mechanic shop. After paying
Manong, we thanked him for his help.

Tahimik kami ni Oliver na sumakay sa Challenger. We didn't speak, the heaviness of

what we talked about still on our shoulders.

Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko.

Lana's List (31)

TIP: Play Up Dharma Down's Tadhana again while reading this. ;) #lamna

_____________

"Sigurado ka bang okay lang na nandito ako?"

Kinakabahan na ako. Yung depressing thoughts ko kanina, wala na. Napalitan na ng

nerbyos from meeting Oliver's parents.

Yung neighboorhood nila, nakakalaglag panga na sa kabonggahan. Double the size ang
laki ng mga bahay dito if compared sa mala mansion na bahay ni Lola. Imagine that!

Yung bahay palang nila, nakaka-intimidate na sa laki. How much more yung mismong
mga may-ari at nakatira dito? My gulay.

"Oo," said Oliver, leading me with his hand at the small of my back as we walked
towards the front door. "They don't bite." He paused, then added, "On second
thought, Jinny does. She's easy to please, though."

Jinny's his thirteen-year-old sister. Nakwento na niya before na choosy si Jinny sa

mga kinakaibigan, pero parang switch ang pagka clingy. Audrey told me about her na
rin when we hung out before Christmas.

As if inaabangan kami, the door opened just as we reached it. A chinita girl around
thirteen years old came to view. Mahaba ang buhok, may bangs. She looked super
cute.

"Ahia!" she exclaimed, upon seeing Oliver. Her eyes wandered to me. "You're Lana?"

I nodded and smiled.

"Hi, Jinny."

"Hello," dahan dahan niyang sinabi, while studying me.

"Sila Ma?" tanong ni Oliver sa kapatid niya.

"Garden," answered Jinny tonelessly, pointing outside. Tinitignan pa rin niya ako
from head to toe.
Napatingin na rin tuloy ako sa suot ko. Skinny jeans, fitted cropped tee with white
and blue stripes, and white Converse shoes. Okay naman ah. Very simple, but at the
same time effortlessly elegant.

Hala. Dapat ba nag-dress ako?

I looked at what Jinny was wearing. A white directioner shirt tucked in a black
skater skirt, and blue Keds. My eyes went back to the shirt. Interesting.

"Directioner ka pala," I remarked.

Jinny's face literally lit up. "You're a directioner din?" She looked at me
suspiciously. "Who's your favorite?"

"I love them all equally," I grinned.

"Spoken like a true directioner! I like you na," she giggled. She then looked at
Oliver in disbelief. "Why did you bring her ngayon lang?"

Oliver looked at me as if telling me 'I told you so.'

"Walang chance e," he told Jinny.

"Oh, right," said Jinny, understanding crossed her features. "Audrey."

"That's not it. Lana's a friend."

"Whatever," replied Jinny skeptically. "Tara na to the garden."

She didn't wait for us. She already went outside.

I took that chance to look around their house. Mataas ang ceiling. Maaliwalas. Yung
interior design, combination ng stones and wood. Tapos yung mga furnitures,
naglalaro lang sa mga earthly colors. Very cozy ang dating.

Air-conditioned pa ang buong bahay. Bongga sa bongga.

"I love her," sabi ni Oliver, while naglalakad kami palabas, "pero minsan she
annoys me to death."

I laughed. "Ang cute niya."

"Sometimes."

I shook my head in amusement. My amusement turned to awe at the sight of how

beautiful this place was. Talagang pinaghandaan nila. Parang wedding reception,
with the round clothed tables tapos lahat ng tao naka-porma.

This would be the first time that I would be around such people - the 'elite' as
some would call them. High-class.

Iba yung mayamang show off. Yung tipong alam mong mayaman with the way they dress,
their branded clothes, their expensive gadgets, and stuff.

Pero yung mga tao na nandito, sila yung mga tahimik na mayayaman. It was as if
their prosperity was oozing off their skin. It was like an aura engulfing them. It
was in the way the brought themselves, calm and confident.

Sa pagka-busy ko kaka-nganga sa paligid ko, 'di ko namalayan na nilalapit na pala

kami ni Oliver sa parents niya. Ngumiti ako agad, determined to make a good first
impression.

"Pa, Ma," bati ni Oliver, leaning closer to kiss them both in the cheeks. He pulled
away and gestured a hand towards me. "This is Lana."

"Hello po," I said politely, still smiling.

Oliver's parents greeted me warmly. 'Di ko ine-expect 'to. Sa totoo lang, I

expected them to be snobbish and high maintenance. Turned out, I was wrong.

"You're Lana," stated Mrs. Cojuangco, smiling at me. "Nice to finally meet you."

I slightly bowed. "Nice to finally meet you din po."

"But where's Zeo?" hanap ni Mr. Cojuangco.

"Still in Greece," simpleng sagot ni Oliver.

"Madaya ha," biro ng father niya. "You already met his mother and grandpa but we
have yet to meet him personally."

Oliver glanced at me agad. I frowned in confusion.

Pinakilala na ni Zeo si Oliver sa family niya . . . ?

I looked at Oliver questionably. The expression on his face confirmed it.

Pinakilala na nga siya.

What does that say about me? Hindi man lang ako mapakilala as a friend. Kahit
friend lang. Wala na ba ako sa category na yun kay Zeo?

Akala ko maganda ang umpisa ng new year na 'to. Wow. Too joyful kaninang madaling
araw, kaya binawa agad ngayong hapon?

Kaya ayokong maging masyadong masaya e. Parating may kapalit.

"Come, Lana," yaya ng mother ni Oliver sa'kin, pulling me out of my depressing

thoughts. "Do you want meat or salad?"

Test ba ito?

"Both po," sagot ko, with a sheepish smile.

We went to the buffet table, and she ordered me lots of food that I didn't catch
because I was too busy staring at all the food laid out in front of me. Shucks.
Mouthwatering!

"Ay, I almost forgot," sabi ko, handing her the bottle. "I brought wine po."

Nakakahiya naman kasing magpunta ng wala akong kahit anong dala for them. Naisip
kong bumili ng cake, pero handaan kasi 'to. Kaya wine nalang.

"That's nice of you. Thank you." Mrs. Conjuangco accepted the bottle and handed it
to the waiter para ilagay sa kitchen. "Oliver tells me you're graduating this
year?"

"Opo," I smiled. "I'm thinking of going to grad school next."

"That's good," she commented, impressed. "Have you thought about going to
Silvestre?"

"Opo," I admitted. "Either there or Soledad. Pinagiisipan ko pa po e."

She nodded. "Nakakatuwa talaga how you kids got together. Planned by fate, don't
you think so?" Then, she laugh gracefully.

"Sobra po." Nagiging comfortable na 'ko. Dumadaldal na 'ko e. "At first, Ollie and
Zeo didn't get along talaga. The next thing I know, parang long time 'bros' na
sila."

"And you were caught in the middle of that war."

"Yes po. Tapos ngayon, we get along so well na no one would dare to think we
started rough," I added, laughing.

Mrs. Conjuangco stared at me for a long while.

Hanggang sa nailang na 'ko.

"What's wrong po?"

"Nothing," she smiled. "I'm pleased you came today."

Aw. Nakakahiya naman. She looked like she really meant it.

"The pleasure's all mine po, Mrs. Conjuangco."

"Call me 'Tita Danica'."

"The pleasure's all mine po, Tita Danica."

She laughed. There goes the graceful laugh again. Napapatitig tuloy ako.

Tita Danica looked really beautiful. Parang Kris Aquino yung dating, milder nga
lang kasi may pagka mahinhin si Tita Danica.

"Ma, can I take Lana to my room?" called out Jinny, running to us.

"Let her eat first," said Tita Danica calmly.

"She can eat in my room naman e."

Natatawa ako. Ang conyo talaga ng batang 'to.

"Ask your Ahia."

Jinny's shoulders sagged, na para bang lost cause na.

"Ask me what?" piped up Oliver, suddenly appearing.

"I wanna take Lana to my room," pouted Jinny.

"'Di ko narinig yung tanong," replied Oliver.

"Can I take Lana to my room, Ahia?"

"No 'please'?"

Ang cuteski nilang magkatapid! Nakakagigil. Haha!

"Can I take Lana to my room please, Ahia?"

"No."

Jinny's mouth dropped open.

"Daya!"

"Later nalang, Jinny," chuckled Oliver, patting her head.

"Fine," sighed Jinny in defeat, turning around and walking away.

After Oliver got his food, naghanap na kami ng table to occupy.

"I told you she's clingy once you pleased her," he told me.

"Okay lang," tawa ko. Okay lang naman talaga. She seemed like a good kid.

We walked to an empty table by the far end at sat down. Oliver settled himself
beside me and immediately began eating, while I looked around. Naghahanap ako ng
mga kasing edad namin. Sino pa kaya ang mga dinala niya dito?

Pero the more I looked around, the more I realized na magkaka-mukha yung mga tao na
nandito. Puro singkit.

"Wala kang friend na dinala?" I asked Oliver.

"Ikaw."

"Bukod sa'kin."

"Nope. This is a family thing."

Unang reaction ko sa loob-loob ko: SHOCK. Bakit niya 'ko in-invite kung family
thing pala 'to?! Feeling ko tuloy nagi-intrude ako.

Second reaction ko, nang medyo kumalma na ako, napaisip ako.

"So . . . I'm like a sister to you?" linaw ko.

"No, it means you're special," he said casually, as though it wasn't a big deal.
Hindi din siya nakatingin sa'kin when he said it.

Uh, what?

What?!

WAIT.

Kalma, Lana. Never assume. Don't overthink.

"Naks naman," biro ko, trying to keep things light. "Dapat ba 'kong kiligin dyan?"

"Special friend, not special someone," chuckled Oliver. "Feeler, Lan."

Phew! Buti nalang. Tsupi, overthinking mind!

I tsked. "Minsan ka na nga lang mag-joke, corny pa."

"Kumain ka na before your food gets cold," he said instead, bossy but he look
amused naman.

"Opo, amang Oliver."

He suddenly made a face that screamed 'What the hell?'

I burst out laughing.

After that, things got easy. Oliver introduced me to his relatives. Tapos, his
cousins stopped by the table to chat. They were all very nice and accommodating.

I didn't feel left out at all.

Nung una, sabi ko na magpapaka prim and proper ako. Alam ko naman kasi when to
behave myself. Pero I guess no need for that, really. I could be myself with these
people.

At some point, nagyaya sila sa family room to play some Xbox.

Their family room consisted of a big flat screen TV na nasa wall. Pang-sine ang
dating. All around audio system pa. There were three big sofas na nakapaligid,
facing the TV. Nagkalat yung cushions around the center. There were shelves of
DVDs, VCDs, and vinyls on either side of the TV. There was even a jukebox on the
back corner.

Ang cool talaga ng room.

We played that game na gagayahin mo yung sumasayaw sa screen. We laughed so hard at

that. Kahit si Oliver, nahuli kong tumatawa. As in, halakhak. He looked like he was
really enjoying himself.

When night came, hinila ako ni Jinny papunta sa kwarto niya.

"I wanted to show you my posters saglit," she explained, sabay turo sa wall niyang
puno ng 1D posters at Taylor Swift.

"Swiftie ka rin?" I asked.

She nodded cheerfully in answer.

"When Harry and Taylor broke up, I was torn kung kanina ako kakampi. So I stayed
neutral," I laughed.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jinny. "Me, too!"

Hmm. She's very expressive, parang walang in between.

"Are you Ahia's new girlfriend?"

And blunt. Mana sa Kuya (or Ahia) niya.

"Tell me yung totoo," she demanded.

"We're just friends," I answered truthfully.

"'Di nga?"

"Oo nga."

"Pero you like him?"

"As a friend."

"You like Zeo more kasi?"

Napatitig ako sa kanya, managing not to drop my mouth open.

"How . . . ?"

Jinny shrugged and grinned innocently.

"Basta always come here ah," she half-pleaded. "I'm sorry I got carried away when I
found out you're a directioner."

This girl can be really sweet when she wants to be. Glad ako na nagustuhan niya
'ko. Ayos lang sa'kin pagka clingy niya, no matter what Oliver says.

"Don't worry," I assured her. "I'm always here to fangirl with you."

She grinned wide when she heard that.

Knock! Knock!

"Tapos na girl talk?" checked Oliver, cautiously entering the room. "Hinahanap na
si Lan for another round."

I turned to look at him. Napatigil ako, my eyes gazing - wondering.

I haven't seen Oliver this happy. Yung face niya kasi, very bright yung aura.
Tapos, parang nagti-twinkle din yung mga mata niya sa tuwa. Yung mouth niya,
stretched into what looked like a permanent smile.

I tilted my head, still staring.

So this is him when he's with his family.

'Di ko napansin, naka-ngiti na rin ako.

"Let's go na," decided Jinny, pulling me by the hand papunta sa family room.

"Jinny's finished welcoming you to her obsessive fandom, Lana?" joked Lian, older
girl cousin ni Oliver.

Bumalik na si Oliver sa sofa at the right side of the room na inuupan niya kanina
pa, while the rest of his cousins ay nasa gitna or nasa lapag. We were a little
more than fifteen people siguro in the room.

Sanay na 'ko sa malaking pamilya, kaya this wasn't new to me. In fact, I liked the
familiarity. Lalo na't okay ang pakikitungo sa'kin ng family ni Oliver.

I admit, I'm having fun with all of them.

Jinny playfully stuck her tongue out at Lian, causing Lian to laugh.
"Game na, Lana?" challenged Matthew, younger boy cousin naman. Naka pwesto na harap
ng flat sceen TV.

I grinned, feeling right at home here.

"Game."

Lana's List (32)

WARNING: Very short chapter.

TIP: Play Miguel Mendoza's version of Foolish Heart while reading this chapter.
(Thanks to Oldy for the recommendation months ago.)

_____________

My eyes were closed, as I swayed along with the music.

Foolish Heart - Miguel Mendoza

Nasa balcony ako ng house ko. Si Manang Judith, nagluluto sa baba.

For some reason, I grew to love that song. Whenever I hear it, mixed emotions ako.
I feel giddy but scared at the same time. Pero mostly kilig.

"But will my lonely heart play the part of the fool again?"

Suddenly, may humawak sa mga kamay ko. I opened my eyes and saw Zeo. He was back
from Greece since this morning. Nagpunta siya kaagad dito sa bahay. And now the sun
was setting already. Ang bilis talaga ng oras.

He went to his car to get something when Foolish Heart started playing on my iPod.
I didn't even hear his steps na paakyat.

My heartbeat accelerated at how close he was. I could never get used to his touch.
It always catches me off guard. He always catches me off guard.

Fudge. Na-miss ko siya ng sobra.

He pulled me closer, so I laid my head on his chest. I inhaled his scent and parang
it was the best thing I ever smelled. I wanted to rub my face on his shirt. Pero
that'd be weird na so I didn't.

Shiiiiiz. Define 'obsessed'. Ako yun.

"Foolish heart, hear me calling. Stop before you start falling."

My eyes widened at the realization that Zeo was singing. Well, more like humming
pero still! Na-shock ako dun ah. Tapos, sakto na yung kinanta niya! Shucks!

I remained still. We were slow dancing while he murmured the lyrics against my
ears. Hindi naman sobrang ganda ng boses niya, pero nasa tono naman siya kaya keri
na.

Ang nakakakilig kasi, binubulong niya.

With feelings.

Yung kanta.

Na sakto sa'min.

Using his husky voice.

Holy shiz.

"I'm feeling that feeling again," he continued softly.

Napakagat ako sa labi ko para pigilan yung kilig na umaapaw sa kalooblooban ko.
Baka kasi mag-squeal ako ng wala sa oras.

"And I'm back in the game I can't seem to win . . ."

My eyes closed. Suddenly, all the fears came rushing back. The doubts, the lack of
commitment, the never-ending ride . . . Kaya ko pa ba?

I'm so in love with him it hurts. Love's not supposed to hurt this bad. Love
shouldn't be this complicated. It's supposed to make you be happy about life,
believe in hope, and just glow in euphoria.

With Zeo's actions, it's as if he's in love with me, too. But is he, really? They
say 'action speaks louder than words.' Kaso kasi, sometimes, hindi enough ang
actions.

I need confirmation din. I need assurance.

"Zeo," I said quietly.

I felt him tense, being called by his name for the first time in forever. He
obviously sensed na may something sa pagka bigat ng boses ko.

"Where are we going with this?" I bravely asked him.

Sa totoo lang, I don't think makakatagal pa 'ko sa never-ending ride na 'to. Ayoko
ng ganitong feeling. Gusto ko yung care-free lang. I guess we passed that stage na.

Hindi siya sumagot kaagad.

"Can we not talk about that yet?" he finally replied.

Not the answer I was waiting for.

I pulled away and looked at him.

"Why?"

If not now, then when? Pero 'di ko sinabi yun. Tinignan ko lang siya, waiting -
always waiting for him. Pero walang choice e. Inlababo ang madir mo.

He took a deep breath and looked away. All playfulness gone.

"I don't wanna ruin this," he whispered. His eyes went back to mine. He looked like
he was close to pleading. "Please 'wag muna nating pagusapan."

Tama yung sabi ng mga kaibigan ko. Si Zeo yung tipo ng guy na magpapakilig sa'yo ng
bonggang bongga na abot sa Jupiter, pero may chance din na masaktan ka ng bongga.

Nakakainis. Of all the people, of all the effing guys, si Zeo freaking Alcante pa
ang natipuan ng foolish heart ko. Anak ng tokwa talaga si Tadhana.

Hindi ko babanggitin yung about sa pagpapakilala sa family. Ayokong i-demand yun sa

kanya. Ayoko rin ipa-mukha sa kanya na pinakilala na ko ni Oliver to his family.
What's the point? It'll just make things awkward for us.

Ano pa nga ba ang ire-reply ko sa kanya? 'Di ko naman siya mapipilit kung ayaw niya
talagang pagusapan yung 'relationship' namin. Naiiyak ako pero pinigilan ko. I
won't show him how much this is hurting me. Ayokong mag-commit siya dahil yun ang
gusto ko.

I want him to commit because he wants to, not because I forced him to.

So I simply said, "Okay."

_____________

You guys are hating on Zeo so much. :( Time for Lana to face the sad reality.

Lana's List (33)

"Huy!"

Napatingin ako sa paligid ko. Puro students at buildings ang nasa paligid.

Ay, oo nga pala. Nasa Silvestre University ako, with Cass and Kylee. Nag-inquire
kami for our Master's Degree. Kanina pa kami tapos mag-inquire, actually.
Naglalakad-lakad nalang kami dito sa loob, absorbing the university life in Manila.
Pero syempre, hindi nagre-register sa utak ko ang surroundings sa kaiisip sa'min ni
Zeo.

Official. Official. Official.

Oh, how one little word could complicate everything.

"Tunganga ka na naman, babe," puna ni Cass.

"May iniisip lang," matamlay kong sinabi.

"Pagselosin mo na kasi," sabi ni Cass, irritated. "Ang lagay e ikaw lang ang
magseselos? Tapos siya, kampante na nagaantay ka para sa kanya?"

She was talking about Tracy, yung varsity volleyball player ng Soledad.

Since Zeo got back, nagte-training sila ng madalas. Tinutulungan siya ni Zeo for
the upcoming UAAP for the girls volleyball team. I don't know much, but from what
I've heard magaling daw yung girl.

Magaling naman pala siya e. Bakit kailangan pa niya ng tulong sa training niya,
diba?

Okay, bitter much ako.

Maybe a little insecure din, kahit ayokong aminin. Pero DUH. Sinong hindi mai-
insecure dun sa Tracy na yun? She's pretty, she's rich, and she's athletic. Shiz.
Nakakababa ng self-esteem.

Tapos, madami pa silang shippers ni Zeo. As in, akala mo love team talaga sila. My
gulay. Tinatanggi naman nila, pati si Tracy. Pero na-sense ko na gusto niya yung
attention kahit dine-deny niya.

Duh again. Sinong hindi magugustuhan na i-love team ka ba naman kay Zeo Alcante?

Fudge. I sound like a bitter fangirl.

"Tulungan ka naming maghanap ng guy, gusto mo?" offered Cass.

I winced. "Ayokong gumamit ng tao."

"Sa bagay, masama kasi yun," added Kylee.

Cass rolled her eyes. "Edi konstabahin mo din yung guy."

"'Di din basta basta nagseselos si Zeo," I pointed out. "Parang sobrang laki ng ego
ng kumag na yun na drill ang kailangan para matamaan yung core."

"Grabe yung description ha," laughed Kylee.

"Dapat magpakita ka talaga ng interest, babe," Cass told me, desidido sa

pagpapaselos kay Zeo.

I considered her suggestion, stopping sa paglalakad to think thoroughly about it.

"Or ipakitang masaya 'ko, but not necessarily lalandiin ko?"

"Yeah!" agreed Cass.

"It has to be someone na alam niyang type ko," I said, pursing my lips.

'Di ko alam kung bakit, pero parang may magnet pushing me to look to my right. When
I did, I saw a familiar tall figure. Sa shock ko, nagtaka pa ako saglit kung anong
ginagawa niya dito. Then, I remembered dito nga pala siya nagaaral.

'Di niya kami napansin, he continued on walking. I honestly doubt na maaalala niya
kami. Five minutes lang ata ang paguusap namin nun e.

Just as he passed, our eyes met.

He stared.

Slowly, I could see recognition forming through his eyes. He instantly changed
direction and walked back to us.

Napatingin ako kina Cass at Kylee. Speechless si Kylee. Si Cass naman, mukhang
curious at nakangiti na parang may binabalak.

"Aren't you the girls from Baguio, the ones in Grotto?"

Tumingin sa'kin si Cass, silently telling me to answer.

Finally, I smiled up at him.

"Yeah," I simply said.

"You didn't tell us you go here, too," sabi niya, parang pleasant surprise pa yung
tono ng boses niya.

"We don't," I admitted. "We're just here to inquire for grad school."

Ayan. Napapa-english na rin tuloy ako. Anak ng tokwa.

"Oh, I'm Jesse," he introduced himself, reaching out his hand for a handshake.

"Lana," I replied, taking his hand. "These are my friends, Cass and Kylee."

He nodded. "Hey."

"Hi," pa-cool na bati ni Cass.

"Hello!" cheerful na bati naman ni Kylee.

"Small world, eh?" said Jesse, curiously looking at me.

Keep your cool. Pretend hindi siya tumititig sayo.

"Very." I'm so proud of my poker face.

"Well, I can't pass this by," he stated, flashing his charming smile. "Coincidences
like this isn't meant to be ignored."

Wow. That is one killer smile. Yung tipo ng ngiti na nakakahawa? Yun ang meron
siya.

"You'll get Lana's number, then?" Cass boldly asked him.

I shot her a sharp look, which she ignored. While Kylee's jaw dropped in surprise
from what Cass said.

"Depends," answered Jesse. "Will she give it to me?"

Lumingon ako kagad sa kanya.

Is he flirting with me? Or is he just being friendly?

I studied his expression. Hmm. I didn't see any playfulness I saw in most flirts.
Safe. He was just being friendly.

"Why not?" I shrugged.

"Okay, then." He smiled approvingly at me. "You girls game to have lunch with me
and my friends?"

"Now?" tanong ni Kylee incredulously.

Kitams. Pati si Kylee, napapa-english na rin. Lakas makahawa nitong si Jesse e.

"Yeah," he answered with ease.

Napansin ko, everything he did, he did with ease. Very laidback siya. Parang walang
pinoproblema sa mundo.

Buti pa siya.
"We're game!" sagot ni Cass, before pa ako makapagsalita.

"Awesome." He began texting, probably to inform his friends. When he was done, he
looked at us and added, "Let's go."

"Nagta-tagalog ka ba?" I asked him, after a few minutes of walking alongside him.

In-ignore ko nalang yung mga looks that we were getting from the students.

Bakit parang magnet ako ng mga campus celebrities this past school year? Yung mga
nagiging kaibigan ko . . . Grabe. Be careful what you wish for talaga.

Jesse laughed out loud. "Yeah, I do."

Anak ng tokwa. English pa rin yung sagot.

"Bakit hindi ka nagta-tagalog?"

"Do I have to?"

Aba, natural! Nasa Pilipinas ka, tsong!

"What do you think?" I said instead.

"Not really."

"Nako, ikinahihiya mo sarili mong wika. Bad yan."

"I was born in Canada."

I stared at him.

Tanned ang skin niya, kaya hindi mo matatawag na tisoy pero hindi rin naman gaano
ka moreno. Mukhang Pilipino, pero gwapo at matangkad na Pinoy. Yung mata niya,
parang pinaghalong bilugan at singkit. His black hair naman was clean cut.

Pinoy nga. Pero gwapo talaga.

"Still a Filipino," I told him a-matter-of-factly.

"Tell you what," he began with a grin, "if you survive the next hour talking only
in English, I'll speak as much Tagalog as you want."

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

Ooh. Challenge.

He waited for my answer, while I thought about it.

"Deal," I finally said.

He smiled, as though he was impressed that I wasn't backing down.

"We're here," he announced, pointing to -

Ah! Heto rin yung place na kinainan namin nila Oliver nun!

Speaking of Oliver, wala siyang klase ngayon kaya hindi kami makakapagkita. He told
me na susulitin daw niya yung Sabado na 'to at matutulog lang siya buong araw.

Si Zeo naman . . . Ehem, training.

Hmph. Nakaka-BV. Makakakain na nga lang.

Jesse led us inside. After ordering, we headed to a long table already half full of
guys. Big guys, mind you. Isang mukha lang ang familiar sa'kin. Si Matrix - and he
still looked as shy as he did the last time I saw him.

Magkakatabi kami nila Cass at Kylee, while the boys were seated across from us.
Kaharap ko si Jesse, keeping an eye for me because I was supposed to speak in
English for an hour. Madali lang naman siguro 'to.

"You guys remember?" Jesse asked them, sabay turo sa'min ni Cass.

"Ah, yung mga nang-indyan kay Matrix."

Napapanganga kami ni Cass dun sa nagsalita. He looked serious. What the? Hindi
naman kami um-oo nun ah!

Matrix nudged the person who spoke.

"Joke lang, syempre," grinned the guy.

Jesse shook his head. He introduced everyone to lessen awkwardness. We found out na
yung malakas mag-joke, Yves ang name.

Nag-vibrate yung phone ko.

Cass: Ang FC nung Yves. #BV

Kylee burst out laughing, making others look at her. Napatigil siya agad.

"Wala, may nagtext lang ng nakakatawa," she explained.

"Share na yan," urged Yves.

"Ah, hindi pwede," refused Kylee. "Inside joke kasi e."

"Ako yan noh?" tanong ni Yves.

Uy. Nakahalata si kuya.

Cass gave him a look that said, 'Weh?'

Papanuorin ko pa sana sila kaso na-feel kong may nakatitig sa'kin. My eyes wandered
around the table, and bingo. The boy named Troy was looking at me.

Mukhang napansin din ni Jesse, because he asked, "What's up?"

"She's friends with Zeo Alcante," said Troy, nodding to me. "Diba?"

"Yeah," I answered carefully.

Shiz. Was I in trouble? Were my friends and I in trouble?

Jesse's eyes landed on me. He looked expressionless.

"She's also tight with Oliver Cojuangco," dagdag ni Troy.

So what naman ba if kaibigan ko yung mga yun? Big deal much? OA naman. Ano ba
reputation ni Oliver dito? Nakaka-curious na talaga ah.

I was about to ask when Cass did it for me.

"Anong meron kay Oliver?"

Troy snorted. "Besides the fact that he's Blue Blur? He's pretty influential.
Anyone who's somebody in Silvestre knows him."

"He used to be the star player of our football team din," added Yves.

Matrix placed his elbows on the table and leaned closer. Mukhang nawawala na ang
shyness niya and nagiging comfortable na siya.

"He's good friends with all the right people, too," he grinned. "Like Jesse here."

I didn't expect that. I opened my mouth to say something when I realized na magta-
tagalog ako. Phew. Muntik na!

"You and Oliver know each other?" I asked Jesse in disbelief.

Jesse nodded. "Now, I get it. You're with him that time in Baguio."

"Why didn't you guys meet up?"

"'Cause I knew Alcante's around. I wasn't in the mood to be polite."

Hindi naman siya mukhang galit kay Oliver because he befriended Zeo. Then again,
that was a pretty shallow reason. And he didn't look unreasonable naman.

"Bitter pa nun e," teased Yves.

"Dito na kayo magaaral?" tanong ni Matrix.

"Agad agad?" natatawang sinabi ni Cass.

Sakto, the food came. We busied ourselves eating while the others continued to talk
about the facilities. Ako naman, lumilipad ang utak sa mga nalaman ko kaya
absentminded ako kung kumain.

Big time pala dito si Oliver e. Unreachable din, when you think about it. Shucks.
Ang a-astig naman ng mga naging ka-close ko.

Thank you po, Lord. Hindi niyo po ginagawang boring ang buhay ko kahit papaano.

"Interesting."

My eyes lifted up from my food and found Jesse's eyes on me.

"What is?" I asked him.

"The world keeps getting smaller."

I had to agree. "True."

"Ollie isn't friends with just anyone, you know," sabi niya sa'kin, his eyes
scrutinizing me.

"I know," sabi ko nalang.

"So you must be cool to hang around with," he concluded, smiling delightedly.

Kung ganun, bakit hindi mo pa kinukuha number ko?

Hindi naman sa I wanted him to take it. Nakakapag-wonder lang na sinabi niya kanina
na kukunin niya yet he still wasn't asking for it.

What was his game?

. . . . .

Shiz! That's his game!

Beware: There are two kinds of skilled playboys.

(Madaming klase ng plaboy, pero dalawa ang pinaka-magaling talaga.)

The Fast Chaser. Ito yung sa sobrang straightforward niya, maca-caught off guard ka
sa charm niya. He's unpredictable and charming. Super direct, sasabihin niya talaga
kung gusto ka niya. Walang paligoy-ligoy. He'll sweep you off his feet. And before
you know it, you've fallen hard for him. Downside? He could be gone just as fast.

The Slow Pacer. This type will be your friend, always there for you when you need
him. You'll joke around, open up to him, tell him your problems. He'll show you
that he can be the perfect boyfriend without actually being the boyfriend kasi nga
you're 'friends'. Mararamdaman mo na unti-unti, mahuhulog ka sa kanya. Ikaw ang
magtatapat so he won't have to do it. And when you do tapos he rejects you, you'll
feel like it's your fault that you fell for him. He gets away with it without
'doing' anything. Tapos the feelings? It'll take time to go away just like it took
time for you to fall for him. Deadly.

Looking at Jesse, nababasa ko na siya. He's definitely a Slow Pacer. Now that aware
ako, medyo safe na ako sa silent charm niya. Buti nalang nahuli ko kaagad.

"I guess it's because I call them out on their bullshits," I told him with a
straight face.

A slow smirk appeared on Jesse's face.

"Try to call me out on mine," he dared me.

"I think you knew all along that I'm friends with both Zeo and Ollie," I stated,
not daring to look away. "You knew about the incident that happened here last
December so you're curious. You're curious on what's so special about me that I'm
tight with those you consider unapproachable. You took the chance when you saw me
earlier and now we're here."
His eyes never left mine, his lips stretching into a wider crooked smile.

"You're right," he confirmed.

HA! Akala niya ah! Sa totoo lang, hula ko lang yun. Pero kita mo nga naman, tumama
ako sa hula ko. There was something about him kasi e.

"I'm sorry," apologized Jesse. "Now, I get it."

I raised an eyebrow at him.

"I get why they're friends with you," he explained. "Pretty sharp for a
probinsyana."

What the? "Assuming," I muttered, kahit tama naman talaga siya.

"Really?" he asked skeptically. "You mean, you're not from Tagaytay?"

Oh, my God. Paano niya yun nalaman?! Medyo creepy na ah!

"Stalker?" I gasped mockingly.

He laughed. "Ollie always went there last year. It made us wonder, you know. Gotta
be a girl, I thought. And what do you know, it is a girl."

"Double stalker," biro ko.

Nagsa-start na 'kong maging comfortable around him. Wala na yung tension before.
Kung hindi mo siya makakausap ng ganito, nakaka-intimidate siya ng sobra. Bagay nga
silang magkaibigan ni Oliver.

I glanced at my watch, making me laugh happily.

"My hour's up!" I cheerfully told Jesse. "Mag-tagalog ka na."

He smiled and shook his head, grabbing the napkin to wipe his mouth from the
dessert he was eating. I waited until he swallowed his food and drank his glass of
water.

"Fine, what do you want me to say?"

"Hmm."

Nag-isip ako. Kinuha ko yung phone ko at nag-google ng mga lumang kanta. Yung
traditional talaga, with matching sobrang malalalim na Tagalog words. Soon,
nakahanap ako.

Smiling evilly, I handed him my phone. I was shaking in silent laughter when Jesse
groaned as he scanned the lyrics.

Tumigil na sa pakikipagusap yung mga kasama namin to listen to him do the end of
his deal. Tawa ng tawa yung mga lalaki in anticipation. Apparently, it was rare for
them to hear Jesse speak in Tagalog.

This will be a sight to see.

"O, ilaw," started Jesse. He frowned a little, looking as if he was solving a

mathematical problem. "Sa gabing malamig, w - wangis mo'y bituin sa langit."
Lahat kami na nasa table burst out laughing. Grabe. Nakakatawa yung itsura niya! I
made the right decision choosing that song. Hahaha!

Sa totoo lang, it felt good to laugh like this again. Yung tipong, wholeheartedly
and carefree. Nakaka-gaang sa pakiramdam. Nakaka-miss tumawa ng ganito.

_____________

Like I said in twitter, I'm starting to like Jesse. Siguro kasi ayaw ko din ng
complications. If he and Lana were to be together, parang easy and laidback lang.
Pero yun naman e opinion ko lang. Tapos yung song pa! Haha! :P

What do you think? Do you like Jesse? :)

Lana's List (34)

Tuwing maaalala ko yung mga pinagsasasabi ni Jesse last week, natatawa ako. In
fairness naman, bagay sa kanya ang mag-tagalog. Feeling ko nga sinasadya niyang
maging bulol sa ibang words, kasi ayaw niya talaga.

Between acquaintances and friends kami. Not quite friends, but past acquaintances
na. We text each other sometimes, so that was refreshing.

Nakaka-miss din magkaron ng kakilalang guy who doesn't give a shiz about my issues.
He doesn't ask. He doesn't attempt. He doesn't even flirt with me. Tipong, he's
just there to have mindless fun.

Pumapasok sa isip ko yung word na 'Slow Pacer', pero tingin ko wala ako list of
quests niya e. I think he genuinely wants to be my friend. Just that.

"Ano ba yan," whined Kylee. "Hindi ko alam kung saan ako mag-aaral."

Nasa Soledad naman kami ngayong Wednesday. Inquire ulit, like nung sa Silvestre.
And as usual, nagiikot kami after naming mag-inquire. Sinusulit namin ang time
namin dito.

"Baka 'di na 'ko mag-grad school," admitted Cass, flicking a strand of hair away
from her face. "Gusto ko nang mag-work para may kita agad."

"Yun e kung makakahanap ka ng trabaho agad," countered Kylee.

"Psh," grumbled Cass, rolling her eyes. "Daming backers nila papa. Sa panahon
ngayon, 'di na credentials ang kailangan. Influences na."

"Sa bagay, noh?" said Kylee. "May point ka."

"Parang gusto ko sa Silvestre," I blurted out.

Sabay na tumingin sa'kin yung dalawa.

"Oh, my gosh!" gasped Kylee, her eyes wide. "Dahil ba yan kay Jesse? Paano na ang
Mufamba?"

"Nagpaparamdam ba?" tanong ni Cass, nakangiting aso.

Grabe magisip 'tong mga kaibigan ko.

"'Parang' pa lang," I clarified ng may pagka mataray. "Pinagiisipan ko pa. Atsaka,
porket gusto ko dun, dahil na agad sa lalaki? Over."

Mas peaceful kasi ang ambiance dun. Dito kasi, pressure na agad ang nafi-feel ko.
To think, hindi pa ako nagaaaral dito ah.

Yun din, si Zeo pa. He basically reigns this place. Not sure if that's a good thing
or a bad thing. Hindi ko masyadong gusto ang attention when I'm getting it because
of him.

"Easy, babe," laughed Cass. "Lumalabas ang claws."

"Mas gusto ko si Zeo," stated Kylee. "Ang dami niyo nang napagdaanan, ngayon ka pa
ba gi-give up?"

"Ewan ko," banat naman ni Cass. "Nadi-disappoint ako sa kanya. Nasaan ang balls
niya? Akala ko ba, he 'wants to claim you'? Anyare?"

"'Di pa siya ready e," defended Kylee. "Darating din sila dun. Tiwala lang!"

Ever the positive thinker.

"Mag Jesse ka nalang," Cass told me.

Wow. Parang shampoo lang?

"Ang daling gawin ah," sabi ko sa kanya nang nakataas ang isang kilay.

"Madali lang naman talaga e. Alisin mo lang konsensya mo sa katawan."

Natawa ako ng konti dun. Just then, my phone vibrated.

Zeo: Where r u?

Me: Aguinaldo Hall.

Zeo: Aight. See you in a bit. Xx

Nakarating kami ng girlfriends ko sa fifth floor ng Aguinaldo Hall. May mga bean
bags pala dito. Ang cool! Nakwento na nila Zeo 'to e. Hindi ko lang sure kung heto
yung mga bean bags talaga na may disgusting history.

I looked around the floor.

May mga naka-display din na art exhibit. Naalala ko bigla yung Silvestre Art
Gallery. And from that, naalala ko naman si Oliver.

Speaking of Oliver, nagyayaya siya sa Haut this Saturday. May dinagdag pa siya sa
text niya na 'just like old times.' Hmm. We'll see about that.

Uupo na sana kaming tatlo sa bean bags, when someone screamed.

"NO!"

Our heads instantly turned to the direction where the voice came from. We saw Sev a
few feet away hurrying towards us.

"Trust me, you don't wanna sit there," he said, when he got near.

I made a disgusted look. "Oh, my God. Heto yun?"

Shucks. Muntik na kaming umupo sa mga bean bags na may disgusting history. Buti
nalang dumating si Sev kundi hindi ko alam kung gaano kadaming germs ang lumipat
sa'min.

"Yeah," he breathed out seriously.

"Hi, Sev!" greeted Kylee.

"Hey," said Sev, smiling at her.

Pinakilala ko si Cass, who only smiled sabay wave ng hand.

"San si Zeo?" Sev asked me.

"On the way na daw."

"May date ba kayo ngayon?"

"Wala," I replied, slightly frowning. "Nag-inquire lang kami ng friends ko dito."

"Masters?" he guessed.

I nodded. "May training daw kayo with the girls volleyball team ah."

"Oh, shit," he muttered, his shoulders slouching. "Oo nga pala. Nakakatamad."

"Kailangan ba talagang tulungan niyo silang mag-train?" tanong ni Cass.

"Oo e," sighed Sev. "Team spirit and all."

Zeo: Here.

Hindi na 'ko nagreply kay Zeo. I lifted my head and looked at Sev.

"Okay ba si Tracy?" I asked him casually.

"She's cool," he answered. "Parang ikaw, but a little more on the girly side."

"Ah." Tumango nalang ako, looking away. Poker face, as usual.

"Friends lang sila ni Zeo."

My eyes instantly flew back to him. Sev only smiled as if he knew my secret. In
turn, I gave him my most innocent expression.

Hindi possible na alam niyang nagseselos ako. No. Hindi pwede! Nako, pag umabot 'to
kay Zeo, madadagdagan na naman reasons niya para maging kampante. Shiz.

"Yo." Zeo came from behind and kissed me on my temple. "Kumain na kayo?"
"'Di pa," sagot ko.

Syempre, bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko sa ginawa niya. Kinilabutan pa, reminding me
how soft his lips were. Hindi na nagbago ang epekto niya sa'kin. His smell, his
touch . . . I will never get used to it. I'll always crave for more - more of him.
All of him.

"Ay, ano," began Kylee. "May nakita akong KFC sa labas."

"Meron nga," confirmed Sev.

"Kain tayo dun?" yaya ni Zeo.

"Sige," agreed Sev. "Tas sabay na tayong pumunta sa gym later."

Zeo's warm brown eyes landed on me.

"Go lang," sabi ko, almost stuttering.

Tinitigan ako ni Zeo with a serious look. Last time we saw each other was the day
when he got back from Greece. That was almost two weeks ago.

Oo, naguusap naman kami. Pero whenever we talk, nakakalimutan ko yung mga issues
namin. Nakakalimutan ko yung mga problema na kailangan namin i-face sooner or
later.

It's just so easy to forget everything with him.

Pero the moment na hindi na kami magka-usap, parang bagyo kung bumuhos pabalik sa
utak ko. It's overwhelming.

"Tara," sabi ni Sev, heading to the escalator.

Cass and Kylee immediately followed after him. Sumunod na rin kami ni Zeo behind
them. When we reached the bottom floor, Zeo stopped me.

He reached for my chin and lifted it up so he could look into my eyes.

"You're not okay," he stated. It wasn't a question.

I considered confronting him again. Pero I changed my mind. There was a time and
place for that. And hindi ito yun.

At least, napansin niya na hindi ako okay. Kudos to him dahil expert ako sa poker
face. The fact na napansin niya ay medyo big deal para sa'kin.

"Simba, what's up?" he asked, the concern clear in his voice. Nakakunot na rin yung
forehead niya in worry. He leaned his face closer to mine pa.

Holy shiz. Kitang kita ko yung adorable freckles niyaaaaa!

"The question should be 'what's down'?" I managed to get out of my mouth. "Down ang
tolerance ko for starvation kaya kumain na tayo."

Bravo. I just won the award for coming up with the lamest excuse ever.

Zeo looked like he didn't believe me, but I could that he was letting the matter
go. He could probably see it on my face that I didn't want to talk about it.
Malamang, may idea na na siya kung anong problema. And he didn't want to talk about
it, too.

"Down din tolerance ko for lame jokes," he chuckled. "But for you, titiisin ko," he
added, mocking a pained expression.

"Ay, grabe," natatawa na rin ako. "Ang harsh mo, Mufasa."

"Totoo kasi kaya natamaan ka," he laughed.

"Two strikes ka na ah."

He grinned. "Gawin nating three?"

I rolled my eyes at him, but smiling all the same.

The next hour continued like that. Our usual banter eased the tension away. Nung
papunta kami sa KFC, madaming tumititig kina Zeo at Sev. Syempre, there was no
place they were better known at than here at Soledad.

May mga naglakas ng loob at nagpa-picture. For the first time, nakita kong annoyed
si Zeo. Yung pilit na ngiti with a closed mouth. Pati si Sev, ganun din. I guess
they also have their limits. Lalo na't lunch hour. Kumakain rin sila e.

Other than that, it was a pretty normal lunch hour naman. I was slowly remembering
the happy times with Zeo. Masaya talaga ako kapag kasama ko siya e.

Heto pa, he didn't let go of my hand. Pahirapan sa pagkain, but he didn't let go.
Para bang, he was silently assuring me that it was all going to be okay.

I felt secure with his warm hand intertwined with mine like that.

Until Tracy arrived.

"Hey, guys."

Napalingon kaming lahat. She was smiling politely at us.

Ang ganda niya talaga. Nakaipit yung buhok niya in a ponytail, which only made her
beautiful face stand out. Morena, tapos halatang makinis. Alagang Belo siguro siya.
Seryoso. Abnormal yung pagka-kinis niya e.

Aaminin ko, nakaka-insecure. Damn. Nafi-feel ko na ang self-esteem ko na bumababa.

Well, hindi naman kasi ako sobrang kagandahan. Sa ugali ako bumabawi.

Bwahaha!

Zeo groaned. "Is it time already?"

"Yeah." Her eyes flickered to me.

Oo na. Maganda ka na. Wala na 'kong binatbat sayo. Please go away. Now na.

"Lana, Tracy," introduced Zeo. "Tracy, Lana and her friends Cass and Kylee."

She smiled that polite smile again na hindi ko alam kung fake ba or what. Pero
malakas kutob ko na fake. Hindi lang halata kasi she polished it to perfection.

"Hi," bati niya.

"Hi," I replied, using my friendly smile that I used when I campaigned in school
last year.

"Sorry, but I have to drag these two knuckleheads to the gym," she laughed.

Pati ba naman tawa, maganda pa rin? Seryoso. Joke time ba 'to ni Tadhana sa'kin?

Rule #19: Don't be a nagger. Unang una, may karapatan ka ba? Pero kahit na meron,
'wag kang maging palengkera. Hindi mo ikagaganda ang pointless na pagtatalak. Hindi
rin maganda sa paningin ng guy na gusto mo, or kahit sino. May pinagaralan ka man o
wala, learn your manners. It's his own life. You're not his mother. Let him be.

"Go ahead," I laughed. Fake laughed, more like. Pero dahil ako nga ito, hindi nila
malalamang peke yung tawa ko.

"You sure?" asked Tracy.

"Yeah, knock yourselves out." Literally.

"You want me to call Oliver to get you girls?" Zeo asked me.

Hindi ako sumagot. Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay.

He laughed. "Okay, you can manage on your own."

"Let's go, Z," called Tracy.

Ngumiti ako kay Tracy. Slight lang naman yung urge, pero sarap sabunutan ng bruhang
'to. Kitang naguusap pa kami ni Zeo e. Asar.

Ang mas nakakaasar pa, pinipilit niyang magkaibigan lang sila ni Zeo pero obvious
naman talaga na natutuwa siya kasi nali-link siya sa tinaguriang Lion King ng
university nila.

"Ingat kayo," Zeo told us, kissing me on the forehead.

I smiled at him, while Kylee made an 'okay' sign.

Tumayo na sila ni Sev and made a move to leave when Cass spoke.

"Tinext ako ni Matrix, babe," sabi niya sa'kin. "Ano daw sinabi mo Jesse kanina,
tawa daw ng tawa. 'Di daw maka-shoot ng maayos sa practice nila."

I frowned in confusion. Nung isang araw pa yung last text namin ni Jesse. What Cass
said didn't make any sense. I stared at her, then it clicked. May binabalak 'to.
She was making things up e.

Sev halted. "Jesse Ortega?"

Zeo stopped in his tracks and faced us.

"You guys met again?" he asked, looking directly at me.

Ah, gets. Alam ko na ang binabalak ni Cass. Pinagseselos nito si Zeo. Oh, well.
Nasabi na ni Cass e, better for me na sumakay nalang.

"Yup, nung nagpunta kami sa Silvestre last week," I answered, with just the right
amount of innocence.

"Nag-lunch din kami kasama barkada niya," bragged Cass, clearly enjoying herself.

"Close pala sila ni Ollie?" dagdag ko.

"I know," matipid na sinabi ni Zeo.

Okay, ako naman ang halos hindi makapagsalita.

"You know?" I repeated.

"Even before we hung out, nakikita ko na silang magkasama sa Haut."

"Medyo parehas nga kayo ni Jesse e," piped up Kylee, talking to Zeo.

Uy. Sumakay si Kylee sa trip namin ni Cass.

"Parehong basketball player, palabiro, at gwapo," she continued, grinning. "Ganda

pa ng katawan. Lana's type talaga. Ayeeeee!"

Oh, no. Obvious na. Patay.

"He's got balls, too," added Cass.

Zeo's eyes switched to her. For the briefest moment, may pagka intense akong nakita
sa mga mata niya, before it disappeared na parang guni guni ko lang.

"Syempre," grinned Zeo confidently. "He's a basketball player, after all." He

glanced at Tracy over his shoulder. He looked at me and said, "Text me when you get
home."

"Okay," I nodded, before watching him leave him Sev.

"Fail ata," sabi ni Kylee.

"Natamaan yun," I said, recalling that tiny second of intensity in his eyes. "He
hid it well, pero nahuli ko for a moment na nawala yung wall of confidence niya."

"Ang ganda pala talaga ni Tracy sa personal ah," commented Kylee, na parang hindi
makapaniwala. "Kung wala lang sila sa hate list ko, nagpa-picture na 'ko sa kanya."

"Bagay sila," I murmured, hindi ko mapigilan yung sarili ko but to say it.

Cass sighed in frustration. "Nasaan na yung Lana na ina-admire ko? Yung kaibigan ko
na hindi ipagpipilitan ang sarili niya sa ibang tao. Yung hindi nagse-settle for
anything less. Yung hindi nai-insecure? Miss ko na siya."

I was so taken aback that I was rendered speechless.

"Kailangan na niyang bumalik," demanded Cass. "This weak Lana is depressing."

Natahimik ako dun. I looked away from her.

Masakit to hear those things from a friend. Isang malaking sampal e. Pero somehow .
. . it fired up something inside me. It angered me how much she was right. Tama
talaga siya sa mga sinabi niya. Bakit ngayon ko lang na-realize?

Nasaan na yung strong self ko na I tried hard to achieve? It took me years to be

who I wanted to be. Tapos, na in love lang ako and POOF! Nawala na siya.

That's not good.

Love is supposed to bring out the best part of myself, but somehow it brought out
the worst part of me. The weak side of me.

This wasn't healthy. I needed to get a grip of myself.

Cass's words were some sort of wake up call. It was time to turn things around. It
was time to do things my way.

Sabi nga dun sa quote na nabasa ko, "Accept what you can't change, and change what
you can't accept."

I needed to have that conversation with Zeo again. I was going to make him talk.

This time, no more weak Lana.

____________

I like Jesse. I really do. But remembering the early chapters, naalala ko just how
uber charismatic Zeo is. Ewan ko. Naguguluhan na ko kung sino ishi-ship kooo. >_<

Listers (LL readers): Loko ka pala, miss author e! Alam mo na mangyayari pero di mo
alam kung sino ishi-ship mo? Niloloko mo ba kami? XD

Lana's List (35)

Love the song Lock Me Up by The Cab with this chappie.

_____________

"We meet again," he said, loud enough for me to hear despite the loud roar of
dance music in the club.

I smiled at him, before ordering Zeo and Oliver's usual drinks to the bartender.
Kaso madami ding umo-order na iba kaya baka matagalan ako dito sa bar from waiting.

Tumingin ako kay Jesse, who happened to be here. At least, hindi ako mabo-bored sa
paga-antay. The Manila boys didn't want me to go here, pero I insisted.

"Musta?" I asked Jesse.

It was exactly one week ago since I last saw him. Syempre naman, nothing changed.
He was still the easy-going guy I came to know.

"Girl-hunting," he replied, nodding towards a group of girls nearby.

I laughed. "Okay, good luck."

"How 'bout you?" he asked, after taking a sip from his bottle of beer.

"With friends," I answered, sabay turo kina Oliver at Zeo.

So many things have changed since the last time I set foot in this place. Feels
like sobrang tagal nang hindi ako nagpupunta dito. Parang a lifetime ago na.

Oliver set up tonight para daw magkaron ulit kami ng 'little trio bonding moments'
namin na parang hindi naman nangyayari. It wasn't the same like before. Para bang,
something tainted our friendship.

Heto ang kinakatakot kong mangyari noon. I guess in a way, it was my fault. I gave
in to mother-effing love e. Syempre, something was about to change.

Tapos, parang pissed off pa si Oliver. Even though he was the one who planned and
insisted on making tonight happen, siya yung wala sa mood. He kept shooting glances
at Zeo, while Zeo kept brushing it off naman.

I couldn't take the silence, so I volunteered to get the drinks from the bar. Hindi
kasi yun yung peaceful silence na we used to have.

"Tell your boyfriend to chill out," Jesse told me. "Ain't gonna steal you from
him."

Napatingin ako kay Jesse. I followed where he was looking at, and I saw Zeo staring
this way from our table. He didn't look happy. He didn't look entirely furious
either. Basta he looked ready to charge, as if signal ko nalang inaantay niya.

"He's not my boyfriend," I said quietly, looking away. I wandered my eyes to the
sea of bodies on the dance floor.

I glanced at Jesse. Nakakunot yung forehead niya in wonder. Samantalang ako, patay
malisya lang. Hanggang sa slowly, understanding crossed his features.

"Wow," he breathed out. "What an ass."

I smiled sadly.

"That's not right."

No shiz, Sherlock.

"Pa-fall, amputa."

Flabbergasted, napatitig ako sa kanya ng matagal. As in, sobra talaga yung gulat ko
na nakatitig lang ako sa kanya.

Sa kaka-english niya, super duper weird na marinig siyang mag-tagalog tapos may
kasama pang mura tapos malutong pa! Holy shiz!

So I burst out laughing.

"What?" tanong niya, watching me laugh my ass off.

"You should speak Tagalog more often," sabi ko, natatawa pa rin. "It fits you."

"After what you made me say that day?" he snorted incredulously. "No, thanks."
At that, lalo akong tumawa. Naalala ko yung time na yun. Naka-focus talaga siya nun
tapos minsan confused pa yung expression niya sa sobrang bigat na Tagalog words.

Grabe. Sumasakit na yung tiyan ko kakatawa.

Buti pa kay Jesse, easy lang. Walang complications. Then again, we both know na
we're just friends. Nothing more. Kaya siguro easy lang, kasi alam namin exactly
where we are.

"Wala pa yung drinks?"

I froze. Instantly tumigil yung tawa ko. I looked up and laid my eyes on the boy
who was making me feel like nakasakay ako sa Flying Fiesta. Sobrang sarap pag nasa
taas kasi yung high nandun pa, pero nakakahilo pala pag nakababa ka na.

Lumingon ako sa bar. I brought my eyes back to Zeo and shook my head. Hindi ko
napigilan, my eyes switched to Jesse who was beside me.

Zeo was forced na rin to look at Jesse, kahit mukhang ayaw niya.

Jesse nodded to him in greeting.

Zeo returned the curt nod.

Kroo. Kroo. Kroo.

Awkwaaaaaaard.

"Balik ka na sa table," Zeo told me. "You don't have to wait here."

I was about to say something but Jesse piped up, "We're still talking."

"Oh?" Zeo's face looked fairly innocent, but his eyes were full of mock. "Sorry,
pare. 'Di halata e."

I bit my lip, sabay tingin sa star player ng Silvestre.

Jesse grinned. "Ganun talaga 'pag manhid."

Holy mother of shiz. Hindi ko gusto yung aura na nararamdaman kong pumapaligid
sa'min. Kinakabahan ako. Tumataas balahibo ko.

Pero wait! Nag-tagalog si Jesse! Sabi na e, marunong siya - fluent pa oh.

"It takes one to know one," countered Zeo, with a crooked smile.

"I know when to commit, though," shrugged Jesse, a smile playing on his lips.
"Clearly, you don't."

May nagbago sa paningin ni Zeo. It seemed like his eyes blazed, the crooked smile
was still there pero it looked humorless na. Jesse's grin grew wider, obviously
knowing he hit a sore spot.

I looked around for help. Hindi ako sigurado kung kakayanin kong awatin 'tong
dalawa kapag nagkaron ng brawl. Malalaking tao sila. Hindi ako shunga para
pumagitna sa kanila dahil alam kong mayuyupi ako kapag ginawa ko yun.

Nakita ko si Oliver sa table. Using my eyes, I willed him to look this way. He did.
Oh, my God. Buti nalang. It took him one look at the situation here. Tapos, he
quickly stood up and walked papunta dito.

I heard Zeo chuckle, making me turn my eyes to him again.

"Couldn't keep your nose out of it, can you?" he told Jesse, his voice amused.
"What, is your life really that boring na?"

Jesse laughed.

Hala. Ano ba ito?! Tumatawa sila na parang may nakakatawa pero wala naman. Parehas
silang nakangiti kahit wala namang pleasant thing na ikinangingiti. The tension was
practically oozing off their skins pero they still managed to act cool?! Yung
totoo, what kind of human beings were they?!

"Stop," I demanded, glaring at both of them. "Oo na, parehas na kayong magaling.
Walang magpapatalo sa inyo - ever. I get it. The whole effing universe gets it.
Now, just stop bago ko kayo pag-jombagin."

Nakakabanas e. Masyadong mga pa-cool. Letse.

Finally, Oliver came.

"May problema ba?"

Walang sumagot.

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay, but I glowered and looked away. Medyo amplified din
yung emotions ko dahil may period ako ngayon. Second day pa. Kaya konting kalabit
lang, boom.

"Jesse," called Oliver sternly.

Jesse groaned. "Look, I came here to have some fun. Tell this ass to stop being
possessive over someone who's not even his girlfriend."

Ouch.

Ouch din for Zeo, for sure. When I snuck a peek at him, he had a serious face. Ha.
Natamaan ng todo ang kumag that he couldn't even hide his expression.

"I'm outta here," declared Jesse. Tumingin siya sa'kin. When our eyes met, he
nodded in goodbye. Tapos, he patted Oliver on the shoulder as he passed him.

Even after wala na si Jesse, hindi kami nagsasalita ni Zeo. In fact, walang
nagsasalita sa'ming tatlo. There was too much angst.

I could feel Oliver's stare, so I looked up at him. His expression was grave, like
he wasn't too thrilled at what was happening with us - with his friends.

Bigla kong naalala yung time na akala ko nagpaparamdam si Oliver sa'kin. Grabe.
Nakakahiya talagang isipin na pumasok yun sa mind ko. Ang feelingera ko nun. I
completely misread things. He was only looking out for me, like he was looking out
for Zeo.

Like he's looking out for his friends that is so close from ruining the friendship
we built and considered like a safe haven.

How do I know? It's all over his face. Ayaw niyang may magbago. Kaya nga pinilit
niya yung paglabas namin ngayon e. Pero now, alam niyang meron nang iba sa'min.
Alam naming tatlo na may nag-iba na sa'min. Walang may gusto nito. It just
happened. And there's nothing we can do about it but face it.

"You two seriously need to talk," said Oliver, with a tone na sinasabing wala
kaming choice kundi magusap. Tumingin siya kay Zeo, like he was conveying sa silent
message.

Zeo frowned, staring right back at Oliver.

Oliver gave him a look that said, "Do it."

In answer, Zeo looked away from him.

Oliver shook his head, before declaring, "Mauna na 'ko." He turned towards the exit
pero tumigil siya saglit to add very seriously, "Talk."

Zeo sighed, while I took a deep breath.

Time for us to talk, then. This is it.

"Tara," yaya ko sa kanya, not waiting for him and heading to the exit.

"Saan?" he asked, as he caught up beside me.

"Condo mo."

Lana's List (36)

Please do play Kina Grannis' version of Say Something as you read this. :)

Dedicated to Eydee kasi nakonsensya talaga ko sa pagalis ko ngayong madaling araw.

XD

____________

Madalas ako dito sa condo ni Zeo nung sembreak. Nakaka-amaze kung gaano na kadami
ang nangyari since then. To the highest level ang honeymoon stage namin nun.

Ngayon, heto na kami. We're gonna have the 'talk.' I'm not backing down. Paguusapan
namin 'to whether he likes it or not.

While I waited for Zeo to get our hot chocos, I looked around his condo.

Malinis pa rin. Oo, may mga kalat here and there. Lalaki pa rin siya, after all.
Pero nothing too gross. Not much sa mga gamit din, kaya mas lalong na-emphasize
yung pagiging spacious nung lugar. Yung interior design, modern, black, and
screamed of a young man's flat. Walang trophy case or anything kasi inuuwi niya
yung trophies and medals niya sa bahay ng mom and lolo niya.

So many memories here. Madadagdagan pa tonight.

After a couple more minutes, dumating na si Zeo with the mugs of hot chocos. He sat
beside me on the leather sofa and handed me my mug.

"Thanks," I mumbled, before taking a sip.

For a moment, there was silence. Well, naka-on yung radio. Nagse-serve as a faint
background noise sa'min. Nakakainis pa kasi yung version ng song, sobrang lungkot
at sakto yung lyrics sa ngayon.

Say Something - Kina Grannis

Lakas talaga mangatat ni Tadhana.

I looked at Zeo, studying his features. Sumasakit puso ko just staring at his
handsome face. Ang haba ng eyelashes niya. Almost perfect yung structure ng face
niya, from jaws to his lips to his nose to his eyes to his brows.

As if sensing my gaze, his eyes wandered to me. The moment our eyes met, all kinds
of feelings engulfed me at once - overwhelming me.

"Ano ba talaga tayo, Zeo?" I asked him, close to pleading him to just tell me.

He looked away and didn't answer, which only made it even worse.

I shook my head and murmured, "What do you want from me?"

Pagod na 'ko. I'm tired of hoping for something that might not come soon. I'm tired
of feeling so weak. I'm tired of stressing over this.

"I want . . ." he whispered, trailing off. "I just want . . ."

"Ano?" I urged him, frustrated.

"I want this with you," he admitted, bringing his eyes back to mine. He hesitated,
then added quietly, "Pero kasi . . ."

"Takot kang mag-commit," I finished for him.

He frowned and ran a hand through his hair. He looked at anywhere but me.

I bit my lip, nafi-feel ko na yung paparating na luha.

"Hanggang fling lang ako," I concluded, my voice so quiet I doubted if he heard it.

But he did.

"No!" he told me indignantly, nakatingin na ulit sa'kin. "You're more than that."

I smiled at him sadly. "Pero not enough."

Pigilan mo luha mo, Lana.

"I've never," he paused to take a deep breath. "Never pa 'kong nag-commit. Fuck,
Lana. Natatakot ako."

"Tingin mo hindi ako natatakot? I'm scared din, Zeo." Tumigil ako saglit para
huminga. Shiz. Nanginginig na boses ko. "Unreachable ka e. But still I fell for
you," I continued, my voice finally cracking and tears finally falling. "Nakakainis
ka," I cried, punching him on his shoulder. "You should've stayed away. You
should've stopped me. Ang daya mong kumag ka."

The tears continued to roll down my face as I covered it with my hands. Tuloy tuloy
lang. Ayaw tumigil. Lahat ng inipon kong luha these past weeks, nagsisilabasan
ngayon. Lahat ng sakit poured out with my tears. Hinayaan ko lang.
Suddenly, I felt arms pulling me into a warm hug. Lalo akong naiyak. Ang ironic na
yung object ng pain ko was also the one who was comforting me. Ang ironic na I felt
so safe in his arms when our relationship was never safe from the start.

"I'm sorry," he whispered softly against my hair. "'Di ko napigilan sarili ko."

"The things is, I expected this," I managed to say through my sobs. "Pero hinayaan
ko pa rin, hoping for an effing fairy tale. I brought this to myself."

"No, it's my fault."

Hindi ko siya kinontra. Technically, kasalanan din naman niya e. Parehas kaming may
kasalanan. He made me fall for him. And I did.

I followed my list, pero nasaktan pa din ako. Why? Because I broke Rule #1. I
defined his status nga kaso naman I still chose to ignore it.

Zeo Alcante is unreachable. He will always be unreachable.

Rule #20: Accept defeat. Kung hindi gumana yung list, tanggapin mo nalang. There's
no point in deluding yourself that you can still make your crush fall for you.
Kahit gaano ka pa ka-determined, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Hindi mo
mapipilit yung feelings niya. So just move on, girl. It's over.

I have to stop this. I need to stop this.

Actually, scratch that.

We need to stop this.

Tama na. Naglolokohan lang kami sa ginagawa namin. He'll never commit. And I'll
never be satisfied. Itigil nalang namin.

"Balik nalang tayo to being friends," bulong ko, my tears finally stopping.

He gently leaned away to look me in they eye, probably to see if I was being
serious. When he saw that I was, his expression turned from concerned to serious.

"Just like that?"

"Anong gusto mo?" I asked him rhetorically. Pinunasan ko yung luha ko and stared at
him in disbelief. "We can't be official. And I have to stop settling for anything
less. Wala tayong claim sa isa't isa, kahit na parang meron. Ang hirap." I shook my
head, my determined face coming on. "I can't wait for you, Zeo."

He genuinely looked pained at what I said. He didn't look away from me as his brows
furrowed, his eyes expressing hurt. Para bang he was silently telling me to take
the words back. Bawiin ko and tell him otherwise.

But I'm not going to do that.

I'm done.

"Can't we just enjoy the moment?" he asked, almost begging. "'Wag nating hayaan na
i-ruin ng labels 'to."

"Ano nga ba 'ito'?"

"Something worth it."

"Worth it pero you can't take a risk?"

Hindi siya sumagot. Instead, his eyes turned away from me. He rubbed his face using
his right hand. He looked so lost - so sad. He looked as though he wanted to do
something about this - us - but he got no idea how to fix this. Not right now.

"Don't do this," he pleaded, his voice breaking.

My heart broke. Isang tingin ko lang sa mukha niya, gustong gusto ko nang bawiin
lahat ng sinabi ko. Pero hindi pwede.

"Naiintindihan ko naman e," I replied in a hushed voice. I tried to smile but it

ended up being weak, nanginginig na naman bibig ko. "I'm just not the girl that can
make you want to commit pa." A tear escaped. I immediately wiped it away. "Grabe.
Bakit parang nakikipag-break ako sayo?" I added with my eyes to the ceiling,
laughing softly.

"Aren't you?"

Tumingin ulit ako sa kanya. For a moment, tahimik lang kami as our eyes met -
connected like the way it used to be.

"How could I? I never had you in the first place."

I watched as his eyes turned flat. Then, inalis niya uli yung tingin niya sa'kin.
All throughout the night, napansin kong he couldn't seem to stare at me for so
long.

"Shit. I've been dumped," he said, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"There's a first for everything," I shrugged.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Friends?" I can't lose him.

He scoffed a laugh. "Na-friendzone pa 'ko," biro niya.

Napangiti ako dun. I couldn't laugh yet, kaya ngiti nalang muna.

I wasn't happy. Pero parang may malaking bato na umalis sa'kin at nag-vanish off
the face of the universe. Hindi man ako exactly masaya, pero magaang ang loob ko.

It just wasn't meant to be. Hindi talaga kami ni Zeo para sa isa't isa. We were
fooling ourselves that we could pull it off. Ayan tuloy, it didn't end well. At
least, lesson learned.

Sa totoo lang, I didn't regret anything. For a time, I was blissful. Nasa cloud
nine talaga ako nung mga panahon na yun. But it was time to go back down sa lupa
and face reality. I may have ended up broken and hurt, pero hindi ko
pinagsisisihan.

No regrets.
Basta ngayon, I feel relieved.

I'm free from hoping.

I'm free from stress.

I'm free from Zeo.

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: I think I love her. #fuck

Lana's List (37)

I embraced the sun and the breeze. I focused on my surroundings, loving the
familiarity of this place. Dito nalang din kaya ako mag-Masters?

"O," sabi ni Cass, sabay bigay sa'kin ng waffle na pinabili ko sa kanya.

"Salamat," I replied, opening the wrap para makakain na. "Nasan si Kylee?"

Nandito kami ngayon sa usual tambayan namin sa Liberty. Heto yung isa sa mga bench
na kitang kita mo yung Taal Volcano. Dahil uwian na, wala na masyadong nakatambay
kaya feel namin yung serene atmosphere.

"Nag-promise siya na 'wag ko munang sabihin sayo e," teased Cass, grinning.

I sat up straighter, na-intriga ako e.

"Spill!"

"'Di pwedeee."

I pouted. "Daya niyo naman!"

Tumawa siya. "Tanong mo pinsan mo." She winked at me.

My eyes widened, and I gasped. Oh, shiz!

"Nagparamdam na si Benjo?" I grinned, thrilled at the idea.

"Mm!" she nodded, giving me a meaningful look.

I laughed happily. "Sa wakas."

Nung Christmas pa yun e. It was about time! Grabe, pano kaya dumiskarte yung pinsan
ko na yun? Never pa siyang nagkwento kung exactly paano siya dumidiskarte.
"May date sila ngayon?" I asked Cass.

"'Di daw date e," she answered skeptically.

I snorted. "Yeah, right."

"Talaga," she agreed. "Text pa nga lang, ramdam na ramdam ko nang sumisigaw siya ng
'ayeee' sa utak niya. Kahit sinasabi niyang ayaw niya kay Benjo, obvious namang
kinikilig yun."

Tumaas kilay ko. "Ayaw niya kay Benjo?"

"E diba, may crush siya kay Oliver."

I stiffened at the mention of the name. Napansin ni Cass yung reaction ko kasi
nagiba yung expression ng mukha niya.

"Ano nang balita sa kanila?" she asked.

I only shrugged, biting my waffle.

Wala akong balita sa kahit sino sa Manila boys since last week. Si Oliver, tumawag
lang nung Sunday. After that, wala na. Pati si Zeo, ganun din. Parang binaliwala
niya yung sinabi kong maging friends nalang kami. I meant it. Sayang yung
friendship e.

MIA silang dalawa sa buhay ko this past week, which was probably the longest na
wala kaming communication sa isa't isa since after ng hell week last year. Wala
namang social networks si Oliver, tapos hindi na rin ako pala-check sa mga ganun ko
kasi busy ako sa pagaasikaso sa events ng school.

Si Jesse lang ang nakakausap ko, pero twice lang din kaming nagka-text this week. I
texted him to say sorry nung Monday. And of course, he was cool about it. Yun pa.
Hindi ko ina-apply yung list sa kanya kasi friends lang kami. In a way nga, we
friendzoned each other e. Seryoso. I guess we both want to treasure our easy
friendship.

Hindi ko alam ang iisipin ko dun kina Zeo at Oliver. Is our friendship over? Ganun
nalang yun? After ng ilang months naming pagsasama, pagiging sobrang close, POOF!
Ni ha ni ho, wala.

Tapos, napaka laking coincidence naman yun na nasakto pa after naming mag DTR
(Define The Relationship) ni Zeo, tsaka sila mawawala. Duh. Syempre, mapapaisip ako
dun.

"Bahala sila sa buhay nila," I muttered, naiirita.

Sinubo ko yung huling piece ng waffle, before leaning back at the bench and closing
my eyes. I focused on the taste of what I was eating. After I swallowed, I opened
my eyes and the Taal Volcano came to view.

Ahhh. Peaceful.

Binago ni Cass yung topic papunta sa pinaka pinaguusapang event sa February.

Kinulit niya ko sa mga booths na nandun. Ako naman, si kwento sa kung anong
pinaplano namin. Hindi namin namalayan, bumababa na pala yung araw. May liwanag pa
naman ng konti.

We took that as our cue para umuwi na.

Nagtatawanan pa kami ni Cass nang makarating kami sa gate. My eyes involuntarily
wandered around the lot in habit. I instantly stopped laughing when I spotted the
blue Challenger, my eyes slowly turning to the person leaning on it.

Oliver uncrossed his arms and straightened up when he saw me.

"Ayan naman pala e," bulong sa'kin ni Cass.

I wasn't able to speak kasi nakita kong papalapit sa'min si Oliver.

"Una na 'ko, babe," declared Cass.

Tumingin ako sa kanya.

"Ingat," I told her.

Tumango siya. "Patay na si weak Lana, ha?"

Kahit papano, napangiti ako dun.

"Yup."

I switched my eyes to Oliver, na sakto namang dumating sa harap ko. He waved at

Cass behind me briefly before looking back at me.

"Anong meron?" tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

He smiled, the meaningful one like he was having an inside joke to himself.

"We're all starting over," he said.

I stared at him, dumbfounded.

"'Starting over'?" I asked incredulously. "Ano na namang pakana 'to, Ollie? After
niyong hindi magparamdam pagtapos nung nangyari, bubulagin mo 'ko? 'Wag ganun."

"Ang dami mong sinabi," bulong niya, with a ghost of a smile.

BOOM! Parang sapul ako sa mukha ng déjà vu moment. Those exact words came out of
his mouth that first hangout we had. Yun din yung eksaktong pose niya kanina nung
unang punta niya dito.

"Tara na," yaya niya, turning around and heading to his car.

Ako naman, sumunod lang with my mind going on overdrive.

Parang nage-gets ko na yung sinabi niyang starting over kami. Edi gagawin namin
yung mga ginawa namin nung unang araw ng little trio bonding moments namin na yun?
After all, that was basically the day that changed everything for the three of us.

Wala naman sigurong mawawala sa'kin dito kung bibigyan ko ng chance yung sinasabi
ni Oliver. Sabi nga niya, we were starting over. So we all had clean slates
somehow.

"Ang lakas ng trip niyo," I murmured to myself as I put my seat belt on, shaking my
head in amusement.

Nasa road na kami when It's Time by Imagine Dragons began playing on his stereo. I
whipped my head so fast to look at him.

He grinned. I laughed.

Okay, this is turning out to be fun.

"Alam mo yung The Lumineers?" I asked him, smiling at how silly we were being but
also knowing that I loved it.

He glanced at me, his grin growing wider.

"Yeah, wait," he said, kinakalikot yung iPod niya na naka-connect sa stereo ng car.

"Sobrang chill lang ng music nila, noh?"

He nodded. "Anong favorite mong song nila?"

"Hmm, Charlie Boy," I decided.

That song reminds me of the earlier episodes of Reign, nung wala pa masyadong chaos
sa buhay nila Francis and Mary. Ewan ko. Listening to it calms me.

In no time, pinatugtog ni Oliver yun. We were quiet as we listened to the song.

Very mellow, pero it made me feel good.

"Oooh oh oh ooh ooh . . . Oooh oh oh ooh ooh . . ."

I closed my eyes, feeling it.

"Eargasm," I sighed. Sarap talaga pakinggan, especially the violin part.

He chuckled.

I ignored him and just listened to the song. At some point, hindi ko namalayang
kinakanta ko na ng pabulong yung lyrics while staring outside the window.

I watched as sky turned darker, hanggang sa maging gabi na talaga. Hindi ko na

napansin na nakailang songs na pala. Feeling ko kasi nasa music video ako. Kaya
nung wala nang tumugtog, nagising ako from my mindless thoughts.

Tumingin ako sa paligid and realized na malapit na kami sa MOA. As Oliver looked
for a vacant spot to park at, nagsalita siya.

"May Double O Seven mamaya."

Lumingon ako kay Oliver, feeling that déjà vu moment again.

"Gusto mong sumama?" he asked, glancing at me.

Unlike before, I didn't doubt him this time.

"Sure," I smiled.

"Good."

Dumeretso kami sa Charmuel's Cuisine from the parking lot. Naisip ko tuloy kung
iisa-isahin ba talaga namin yung mga ginawa namin dati. Nakaka-aliw in some way.
Pero parang wala ako sa mood na pumuntang Haut tonight.
We entered the place, and I followed Oliver to . . . Of course. Pinili din nila
yung exact table nung first hangout namin. 'Di ko napigilan ang sarili ko.

I laughed wholeheartedly.

Sa sobrang silliness ng trip namin ngayon, hindi na ako nagkaron ng time para
maging awkward makita ulit si Zeo. Mas napupuno yung self ko ng tuwa - sa effort
nila, sa trip nila, and sa will nila to make our friendship work again.

I'm truly happy.

"Hanep," I commented, after settling myself on my same seat dati.

"Nasan?" pilosopong sagot ni Zeo.

He looked at me the way he did before Baguio. Parang ako uli si Lana, his Simba,
one of his best friends. He looked confident, not at all the guy na kausap ko nung
Saturday night na full with uncertainty. It was as though 'us' never happened. He
did what I asked him to.

Sa totoo lang, I couldn't ask for more. Thankful ako na sinunod niya 'ko.

Oliver chuckled, causing Zeo to grin at me.

"Ay, dapat ba 'kong tumawa?" I said sarcastically.

"No, not really," replied Zeo, 'di natinag kasi naka-plaster pa rin yung ngiti niya
sa mukha niya e. "It's supposed to make other people laugh, which Olle just did."

"Hey," protested Oliver, looking up from the menu. "Leave me out of it."

"Whatever you say, bro," chuckled Zeo.

"Order na kayo," Oliver told us.

I scanned the menu, taking my time. When I found something I liked, sinabi ko dun
sa waitress. She nodded and turned to take the boys' order, making me look at them.

I missed this so much. Kaya siguro sila MIA this past week, kasi talagang pinag-
planuhan nila 'to. Siguro, MIA din sila with each other. Para talagang may effect
yung 'starting over' namin na 'to.

Syempre, it doesn't change the fact na meron talaga kaming history ni Zeo. Hindi
yun mabubura. But the thing is, we were friends before all the shiz complicated
everything. It almost ruined us. Pero heto na nga oh. Start from the beginning.
Friends uli.

One thing I learned from experience is kapag friends kami sa simula, kaya naming
maging friends even after the 'break-up' kasi we know how to be friends. Unlike dun
sa mga nagsimula ng may connection na agad na kapag nag 'break-up' e hindi na
talaga kayang maging friends, kasi hindi nila alam kung paano maging ganun dahil
hindi sila ever naging ganun.

Oo, I'm still in love with Zeo. It won't easily go away like that. Pero kaya ko
namang tanggapin na hanggang friends lang kami kasi alam ko sa sarili ko na
mawawala din 'to in time. Maybe not now. Maybe not tomorrow or next week. But
someday.

Kaya habang nagaantay ako sa time sa magle-level down yung pagka 'in love' ko sa
kanya to 'love' nalang, I'll focus on what's happening right now. I'll focus on
restarting our friendship. I'll focus on restoring our little trio bonding moments!

Pagkatapos nilang mag-order, ngumiti ako sa kanila as I recalled the really fun
things we did after we ate here.

"After dito, bowling tayo," I told them excitedly. Totoo, excited ako kasi ang
tagal ko nang hindi nagbo-bowling kasama sila.

Both of them exchanged pleased glances.

"Then, we'll go to the arcade," continued Oliver, smiling.

"Where I'll beat your asses sa hoops," laughed Zeo confidently.

"And I'll laugh at your attempts to beat me in racing," dagdag ni Oliver.

"Pero bago yun," I stopped them, raising a finger, "I'll defeat you both sa
bowling."

Neither of them disagreed, which made me look smug. Alam kasi nila na tama ako. Dun
ko na nga lang sila natatalo e, sasagarin ko na.

This is starting to feel like old times again. I just hope this aura lasts through
the night.

Lana's List (38)

Good news: Hindi kami nagpunta sa Haut. Yay!

Bad news: Nagka-brawl na naman sa Largo Ave.

Good news uli: Hindi nasuntok si Zeo this time.

Bad news uli: Ako ang nasuntok.

On my defense, hindi ko kasalanan na maraming aggressive fans at this time and age.
Madami ding bruhang assumera at pakielamera na wala sa lugar nila. Ang sarap lang
nilang hambalusin ng malaking tank ng tubig para magising.

Alam mo yun, kung kailan wala nang 'something' sa'min ni Zeo, tsaka sila umariba sa
mga pakikielam nila. Badtrip. Pero sobrang nakakainis talaga yung mukhang
sinindihang posporo na sumuntok sa'kin! Yun talaga e.

Aba, kasalanan ko bang nasa tabi ko Zeo habang nanunuod kami ng race ni Oliver?
Kasalanan ko bang kinurot niya yung pisngi ko na ginagawa na naman niya even before
pa kami magkaron ng 'something'? Kasalanan ko bang hindi na uma-attend si Zeo ng
training nila with the volleyball team?

Pinigilan naman ni Tracy yung kaibigan niya na nagskandalo. Bigla nalang kasing
nag-demand sa'kin na bakit ko daw inaagaw si Zeo kay Tracy. Blah blah blah. Pero
seryoso, mukhang ayaw talaga ni Tracy yung ginawa nung kaibigan niya.

Queen of Faking It ako, diba? Kaya kita ko talaga na nahiya siya sa'kin. She might
have liked the attention and the ship but I guessed she didn't want it to come to
the point of this. Over na rin naman kasi yung kaibigan niya. My gulay.

Besides, the bitch who hit me got what she deserved. Hahayaan ko bang masuntok ako
tapos hindi ako gaganti? Hindi pwede yun. Hindi ako tinuruan ng mga pinsan ko na
lumaban para lang sa wala.

Ayun, sinipa ko si Ms. Posporo reflexively. Sa waist lang, kasi yun lang naabot ko
e. Medyo napalakas nga ata yung sipa ko kasi natumba siya agad. Weak.

Pagka-sipa ko naman, pinigilan na 'ko ni Zeo by grabbing my waist. Sa sobrang shock

niya siguro sa ginawa ko, he was frozen on the spot for a moment kaya naka-isang
sipa pa 'ko dun sa bruhang posporo na yun.

Gaganti pa dapat si Ms. Posporo pagtayo niya pero tinalikod na ako ni Zeo, as if
shielding me from further attacks.

I admit, kinilig ng konti yung butterflies ko sa tiyan when he did that. Pero hindi
tulad ng dati na nagpa-panic pa 'ko tuwing mararamdaman ko yun. Ngayon, hinayaan ko
nalang.

Someone burst out laughing beside me, bringing me back to the present. I looked at
him with a bored expression, my right hand softly caressing the bruise on my cheek.
Nafi-feel ko na yung sting.

"I was honestly about to step in and tell her off," said Zeo, chortling while
trying to keep his eyes on the road. "Pero nakita ko na you had the situation under
control so I let you handle it. That kick, though." Tumawa ulit siya.

"Tawa pa, para marinig ng buong Cavite," irap ko.

Syempre, he obeyed and tumawa siya lalo.

"Sorry," he cleared his throat, trying to be serious. "We should ice that bruise."

"Sa Statique na," sabi ko, tumitingin sa labas para tignan kung nasan na kami.

Dasma na. Ilang minutes nalang, nasa Tagaytay na kami. I glanced at the side mirror
and saw Oliver still following us.

At dahil nasa race ulit siya, hindi niya nakita ang nangyari kanina. When he found
out, he wasn't too happy. Yung snobbish and uber sungit personality niya, lumabas
kanina while he looked at Ms. Posporo's group.

I actually heard him tell Zeo, "Handle your fans."

To which Zeo replied, "Already did."

Totoo yun. Nilapitan niya kanina yung grupo nila Tracy after mangyari yun.
Nakatalikod si Zeo, kaya hindi ko nakita kung ano expression ng mukha nila. Pero I
saw them flinch. Hindi ko lang sure kung ano yung sinabi niya.

Nag-signal si Zeo ng right. Nagising ako sa tunog.

Ah. Nandito na kami.

Hindi ko alam kung ako lang, or excited ba kaming lahat. Sobrang tagal na since the
last time na nandito kami. We were all looking forward to watching the sun rise
together. After all, that sort of sealed our friendship.

Nauna na akong umakyat sa kanila, picking our self-proclaimed table with the
perfect view of the sunset. Lumiliwanag na naman kaya medyo kita na yung Taal
Volcano, bukod sa maliliit na city lights sa baba.
"Here you go," said Oliver, as he handed me my frappe. He placed another one sa
table for Zeo, before finally settling himself sa usual seat niya.

"Thank you!" I giggled, thrilled at what was happening with us. Nakakatuwa yung
trip namin. It brought back so many memories while also creating new ones.

I immediately winced sa sakit ng bruise nung ngumiti ako. Shiz naman. Wrong timing
talaga yung bruise. Badtrip.

"Don't worry, kumuha na si Zeo ng ice," Oliver informed me, noticing my reaction.

As if on cue, dumating si Zeo with a little white face towel on his hand and a grin
on his face. He sat down and pulled his chair closer to mine.

"Oy, saglit!" napasigaw ako sa gulat from what he did. "W - What do you think
you're doing?" I demanded, leaning as far away from him as I could.

Ang lapit niya ha! Personal space invaderrrrr!

"Applying what you taught me," he winked.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, hindi nagpapa-apekto sa charm niya kahit ang lakas lakas
na ng force at nahihirapan na akong umilag.

"Kaya ko on my own, thank you," I told him, reaching for the towel with the ice in
it.

Nilayo niya from my reach. Duh. Syempre, dehins ako nagpatalo sa kanya. I leaned up
para maabot ko, pero his arm was too long. I leaned up more, basically squatting on
tiptoes, my right hand reaching for the towel while my left hand searched for
something to hold for balance. Pero na out of balance na ako.

He yelped. And I froze.

SHIZ.

Yung kamay ko . . .

FUDGE.

Tumingin ako kaagad kung san nahulog yung left hand ko.

HOLY EFFING MOTHER OF SHIZ!

Agad agad kong binawi yung kamay ko. OH, MY GOD. Punong puno ako ng kahihiyan.
Ayokong tumingin sa kanya. Hindi ako makatingin sa kanya. Nakakahiya! Sa dinami-
dami ng aksidenteng mahahawakan, yung ano niya pa!

Lalo pa 'kong nahiya to the highest level when I heard Zeo laughing his damn ass
off at what just happened. Nagiinit na nga yung mukha ko from embarrassment e.

Sumilip ako kay Oliver at nakitang nakakanganga siya. Wow. Okay, first time
makitang shocked ng ganito si Oliver na his mouth was open. After a couple more
seconds, he covered his face with his right hand and started shaking his head. I
was pretty sure I caught a wide smile behind his hand.

"Ayan kasi," piped up the person I didn't wanna see right now. "Kulit mo e. If you
just let me take care of that bruise, edi sana tapos na."
Huminga ako ng malalim before facing him. Na caught off guard ako when I saw that
he had his uber sexy smile on. Anak ng tokwa. Ang gwapo niya talaga.

"Kaya ko naman kasi," I told him in a very patronizing tone.

"That happened because of me," he pointed out, nodding towards my bruise.

May point siya dun. Pero still, hindi niya kailangang gawin 'to.

"Edi even na tayo kasi nagka-bruise ka din dati because of me, diba?"

"Yeah, and I let you put the ice on my face. So let me do it this time."

I opened my mouth to say something pero he beat me to it.

"Stop being stubborn. The ice is melting na oh."

I glared at him, but didn't say anything.

Taking that as a yes, he smiled and cautiously leaned forward. He turned my face by
my chin and gently patted the bruise on my cheek with the ice.

I winced at the cold contact. At first, iniwasan kong tumingin sa kanya. Pero sa
sobrang lapit niya, impossible na hindi ako mapapatingin sa kanya at some point.
And when I did, nagsisisi ako na hindi ako tumingin sa gwapo niyang mukha kanina
pa.

Iba talaga sa feeling kapag nakakakita ka ng gwapo. Nakakagaang sa pakiramdam.

Kahit hindi mo kausapin o lapitan o kahit ano. Basta makakita ka lang, your day
turns a bit brighter na. What more pa kaya na may feelings ka dun sa taong yun,
diba?

Then, I realized something. I paused admiring his features long enough to notice
that his focus wasn't on the bruise.

His eyes were on me - watching me, studying me. Para bang mine-memorize niya yung
mukha ko? Like what I was doing with him. (Thank goodness wala akong pimples
ngayon.)

I decided to tease him like he always did sa'kin.

"Alam kong maganda 'ko," I whispered, "pero baka malusaw na 'ko niyan."

He blinked, his eyes automatically finding mine. Nang ma-realize niyang nahuli siya
sa pagtitig sa'kin, he laughed. He didn't even look ashamed of it.

Suddenly, I heard a click. Napatingin ako agad kay Oliver. He was gazing at the
view, his right hand on his coffee while the other one on his phone placed on his
lap.

Before I could ask kung narinig ba niya yung narinig ko, the sun began to rise.
Heto na. Yung pinaka-aantay naming tatlo.

We watched in silence as the sun rose. It looked so beautiful - so serene.

Medyo weird siguro na ito yung ulitmate favorite thing to do naming tatlo tuwing
magkakasama kami. Pero iba kasi talaga sa feeling e.

The sun rising symbolizes hope. Hope for a new beginning, a good start. It reminds
us that whatever we did yesterday, we can make up for today. It tells us that no
matter how hopeless something may seem to be, there's still another chance to have
a go at it.

Kanina (or yesterday) is the perfect example.

Last Saturday, I could've sworn that things wouldn't go back to the way it used to
be. Ang labo na talaga. But then, they came up with the super duper brilliant idea
of starting over our friendship. Katulad nung sa kauna-unahan naming hangout.

Perhaps the past couldn't be changed, but the future could surely be rewritten.

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: Not liking her for me doesn't give you the right to attack her.
STOP. She doesn't deserve the hate. #pissedoffsofuckoff

_____________

THE END.

(No Epilogue)

.
.

Just kidding! Haha! Meron pang a couple of chapters? Di ko sure. Basta 1 or 2

chappies left. (Kung wala sigurong period, mas nakakakaba. Sayang. May problem kasi
sa spacing e kaya mahahalata. HAHAHA!)

Pero seriously, hindi ako maglalagay ng Epilogue. I don't post epilogues in

Wattpad. :)

Lana's List (39)

Pagdating talaga sa event bukas, ganadong ganado ang lahat. No one slacked off in
their duties and no one came late to council meetings. Everybody was excited.

Special day e. Plus, yun na rin ang last university event namin for this school
year. Kaya kailangan talaga na bongga.

After going through the check list one last time for today, I declared myself
dismissed. Nagsimula na 'kong ayusin yung gamit ko para makauwi na at makapag-chill
sa bahay.

Besides, nawi-weirdohan na ako sa tingin sa'kin ni Rica. She looked like she was
trying to figure something out. And I know kung ano yun.

I wasn't about to tell her na wala na kaming 'something' ni Zeo. Kahit na it had
been a month since nung breakdown ko that night, medyo raw pa rin sa'kin yung
topic. The way I felt for Zeo still hadn't changed. Konting patience pa siguro,
mawawala na rin 'to.

I said goodbye to the people in the room, who were doing some last-minute retouches
pa sa mga signs and props for tomorrow. Umalis na 'ko, taking a detour para
makadaan sa usual tambayan namin ng girlfriends ko.

On the brighter side, the things with Zeo and Oliver were really going great.
Things were back to the way it was. The flirting went down a notch, pero the
sarcastic banters were still there.

Sometimes, I wonder what if hindi ko kinausap si Zeo about 'us'. If I had a little
more patience to wait for him, would things have changed for the better? Or would
it turn out even worse that we couldn't even be friends na talaga?

I wonder if he regretted it, letting me go.

My phone vibrated, pulling me out of my thoughts. Nakatayo pala ako sa may favorite
bench namin nila Cass and Kylee as I stared off to space.

I checked to see who texted me.

Zeo: Ollie and I are at Sky Ranch. Sunod ka. :)

My eyes widened in surprise.

Me: Thursday ngayon ah. WTH are you guys doing here in Tagaytay?

Zeo: Trip lang. :P

I frowned at my phone. Wala ba 'tong mga pasok bukas? Well, si Zeo walang pasok
talaga kasi their classes end on Thursday. Pero si Oliver? Gabi na, tapos biglang
naisipang pumunta dito. Napaka random talaga nitong dalawa kahit kailan.

Me: Okay, fine. Papunta na ko.

I took one last look at the dark view, with the city lights below, then took off.

I'd be lying if I said na hindi ako nagmadali palabas ng school. Buti nalang,
nakita ko si Ryan na pasakay palang ng kotse niya.

"Ryan!" I called, running towards him. "Pasabay naman oh. Dyan lang ako sa Sky
Ranch."

Tumango siya. "Sige."

"Thank you!" I said, before opening the passenger's car door. When I settled myself
on the seat, I told him, "Akala ko magkasama kayo ni Cass."

"Umuwi lang sandali kasi nandun yung baby ng Ate niya," explained Ryan, putting his
Mustang on gear. "Ikaw, ba't ka pupunta sa Sky Ranch?"

"Uh, nandun sina Ollie."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit nag-hesitate ako. Siguro kasi understood nang kasama si
Zeo, and alam ni Ryan na nagtapos na ang pagiging mag-MU namin.

His brows raised in surprise, but he didn't say anything. At least, hindi siya nag-
comment tungkol dun. Tapos, bigla siyang nagtanong.

"Nagbubukas ka ba ng twitter?"

Napatingin ako sa kanya in confusion. His face was unreadable as he focused on the
road while driving. Napaka out of the blue nung tanong niya na it took a long while
before it mag-sink in sa utak ko.

"Hindi masyado," I finally replied. "Bakit?"

"Wala lang. May mga interesting tweets lang dun."

Okay. "Tulad ng?"

He nodded towards the lit up Sky Eye. "Nandito na tayo."

Psh. Rude. Hindi man lang sinagot tanong ko.

"Salamat, Ryan," I smiled at him, opening the car door. I was still grateful kasi
hinatid niya 'ko. I climbed out and added, "Say hi to Cass for me."

"Anytime," he saluted.

I closed the door and he drove away. Nilabas ko ang phone ko at tinawagan si Zeo.
On the second ring, sumagot siya.

"Yo."

"Dito na 'ko," I informed him. "San kayo?"

"Kenny Rogers," he said. "We ordered your food." Before I could ask, he chuckled as
he added, "Oo, we didn't forget your beloved mac 'n' cheese."

I grinned, half-running na. Nanlalasap na 'ko! Ngayon ko lang na-realize yung gutom
ko. Kaninang lunch pa pala yung huli kong kain, sa sobrang busy ko sa Student
Council Room.

"Thanks, see you in a sec."

I hung up and almost ran to the entrance. Hindi naman ganun karami ang tao kasi
weeknight, kaya it wasn't that hard to spot them. Dali-dali akong pumunta sa
kanila. Saktong sine-serve na yung pagkain.

YUMMEH.

I dropped to my seat and sighed.

"I'm starving," I said, my eyes never leaving the food laid out on the table.

"Dig in, then," urged Oliver.

So I did. Lafang ito.

I could hear Zeo and Oliver laughing at me. Pero wapakels ako. Nagugutom ako e.
Atsaka, sanay na naman sila sa'kin na ganito kumain kapag gutom. Walang kinakausap.
Kain lang ng kain na parang walang kasama.

Nung medyo may laman na tiyan ko at hindi na galit ang sikmura ko, tumingin ako sa
kanila and finally acknowledged their presence.

"Napadpad kayo dito on a weekday," I stated.

"I'm gonna skip class tomorrow," informed Oliver.

"No classes," simply said Zeo, before taking a bite of his chicken.

"Bakit ka magsi-skip?" tanong ko kay Oliver.

"Maingay sa school tomorrow, for sure."

Ay, oo nga pala. Holiday e.

"Have you decided kung saan ka magga-grad school?"

I hesitantly nodded. "Where I've always wanted to study; sa Soledad. Mas convenient
din kasi yun dahil may condo na si Benjo near the place. Graduating na rin naman si
Dex, so he'll move out and will be long gone before I move in." With the last word,
I put a spoonful of spaghetti in my mouth.

"Someone will be disappointed," he teased.

I rolled my eyes, habang nginunguya yung spaghetti. As soon as I swallowed, sabi

ko, "If you mean Jesse, alam nating dalawa na he'll get over it in seconds."

Jesse and I aren't even that close like I am with Zeo or Oliver. Pero nagkakasundo
kami na masasabi mong good friends kami somehow. Purely platonic ang relationship
namin kaya magkausap lang kami kapag bored siya or bored ako.

Oliver laughed, nodding in agreement.

Zeo raised a finger and pointed at himself.

"OP," he said tonelessly.

Oliver and I chortled silently.

Naba-badtrip si Zeo tuwing napapasok si Jesse sa usapan, which happens sometimes

kasi common friend na namin ni Oliver e kaya hindi maiiwasan. That didn't mean na
okay kay Zeo, though. Pero wala naman siyang magagawa e. Yun nga lang, nawawala
siya sa mood.

"Sorry." I bit my lip to keep myself from smiling.

"Looking forward sa next school year," said Zeo to no one in particular, stretching
his arms wide. Kulang nalang mag-yawn din siya. He looked adorable.

"I bet you are," Oliver muttered under his breath, with a meaningful smile.

I looked at him curiously. Anong ibig niyang sabihin? Andami na talaga nilang
sikreto sa'kin. Madaya. Tsk.

"I'm not," I said a-matter-of-factly.

They both looked at me.

"Baka masuntok na naman ako," I explained. "Ma-suspend pa 'ko ng hindi oras for
kicking some student's face."

"Nah," smirked Zeo. "I doubt that."

I tilted my head. "'Wag kang pakasigurado."

"Subukan lang nila," he added under his breath, letting out a small chuckle.

"Kaya ka ba excited sa next school year kasi makikita mo ulit si Tracy?" I blurted
out, before I could stop myself.

Shiz. Baka isipin ng kumag na nagseselos ako. Kahit hindi naman. No. Hindi kaya.

He immediately turned his eyes on me - watching me. Lumakas yung heartbeat ko. Yung
mga tingin niyang ganyan na nahuhuli ko ang isang bagay na nakakapag paisip sa'kin
if all his 'friendship only' treatment was fake. And if deep inside, meron pa ring
spark sa'min.

Wow. 'Spark.' What the fudge, Lana? Over ka na, diba?

Apparently not.

"Friends lang kami," he clarified, looking at me curiously while a ghost of a smile

was playing on his lips.

Friends lang din naman tayo ah. That didn't mean na wala tayong history.

As if reading my mind, he added, "She's not type. Never has, never will be." It
looked like he wanted to add more but he didn't.

"Sino ba type mo?" tanong ni Oliver kay Zeo, his eyes twinkling in a silent tease.

Zeo's lips stretched out into his uber sexy crooked smile.

"Hey, remember that research thing we did last year?" he said instead, completely
ignoring Oliver's question and changing the subject.

My curiosity peaked at the mention of that research that was the reason why we were
all here right now. Together.

"Oo, why?" sagot ko.

"I heard patapos na," said Oliver.

"Yeah," nodded Zeo. "Successful daw. Three out of five groups remained friends
after that, including us."

"Well," I started, "kapag nakita mo si Sir Daniel Chavez, tell him my thanks."

"Mine, too," added Oliver, with a small smile.

Zeo grinned. "Already did."

We were silent for a long while, taking in the fact that our friendship started out
as an experiment that ended up as a choice.

After a few more minutes, Oliver asked for the bill. Lumipat kami sa Statique Cafe.
Dala nila yung kanya-kanya nilang mga sasakyan, as always. We hung out there for
hours, talking about everything that came to mind.

An hour after midnight, Oliver stood up.

"I'll go ahead na."

My eyes widened. Maaga 'to para sa kanya.

"Nag-text yung friend ko," he explained, seeing my expression. "It's kinda urgent.
I have to go."

"Ah, okay." I instantly nodded in understanding.

Zeo and Oliver exchanged knowing looks, causing me to frown in frustration at their
silent conversation. In front of other people, I was included in that. Pero kapag
kaming tatlo lang, nako. Umaapaw ng bromance.

"Ingat," sabi ko, with a close-lipped smile.

Oliver returned the smile.

"Later, bro," waved Zeo.

"Sige," said Oliver, grabbing his leather jack off his chair. With one last nod, he
turned and left. He looked like he was hurrying.

Ano kayang nangyari dun sa friend niya?

Zeo shifted in his seat, making me look at him.

Natira na naman kaming dalawa.

Ngayon ko lang na-realize na parating nauunang umalis si Oliver, leaving me with

Zeo. Always nalang. Bakit ngayon ko lang napansin?

Zeo stood up and walked over to the railing, leaning over it. With nothing else to
do, sinundan ko siya and positioned myself next to him. We let the calm silence
engulfed us as we looked at the city lights below us.

I closed my eyes and felt the cold wind breeze against my face.

"May story ako."

My eyes turned to Zeo, waiting for him to continue.

"There's this dude," he continued, his eyes focused afar. "He likes to go out and
party. Meet people, flirt with girls. Live the most out of his youth. He was
satisfied with everything. He didn't bother with his studies, though. Kaya he
almost failed a couple of his classes. Napilitan tuloy siyang mag-volunteer for his
university's research program to make up for it."

I stared at him. He was talking about himself. Bakit parang kinakabahan ako?

"Four weeks lang naman e. He thought it'd be easy. And it was. Ang 'di lang niya
ine-expect, he'd meet two of his best friends from it. In his life kasi, it's hard
to find true friends. He's damn lucky. But here's the tricky part . . ."

He paused, licking his lips.

"He started liking the girl."

Oh, my God.

"'Di niya in-acknowledge at first. Kaso it was hard to ignore something that was
right in his face. So he accepted it. Kahit na he feared as hell that he might ruin
their friendship."

A small smile reached his lips.

"Tapos nagulat siya kasi the girl felt the same. He then started to express himself
more. He couldn't stop himself. Dream girl niya, nasa reality na niya e."

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

Yung tibok ng puso ko, sobrang lakas na. I kept my mouth shut. I wanted to hear
more. Grabe. Sinong hindi? He was confessing his side of the story!

Shh, Lana. Listen.

"He didn't think much of the risk as he took it recklessly. What came next became
the best weeks of his life," he said, softly smiling up to the starry night sky. It
was as if he was recalling precious moments. "He couldn't remember being happier.
He loved every minute with the girl."

Naluluha ako, pero I kept the tears from falling. Hindi pa siya tapos magkwento.

He sighed. "Kaso he screwed up. Naunahan ng takot. May trauma kasi siya sa
relationships, seeing what happened to his parents. He was skeptical of the thought
of 'true love' dahil dun. Hindi siya naniniwala basta basta."

I know. I get it.

"Then, the girl cried in front of him." He took a deep breath, his fists gripping
the iron railing. "He didn't like it. He hated it. 'Di siya makatingin ng maayos sa
girl kasi feeling niya dinudurog yung pinaka-mahalagang tao sa buhay niya. Masaklap
pa, siya yung dahilan."

Yun pala ang reason why he couldn't look at me straight in the eye that night. Yun
pala ang reason why he kept looking away from me.

"The thought . . . of losing the girl scared the shit out of him." He shook his
head. "But he couldn't do anything unless he was sure. Gusto niya, absolutely sure
siya bago pumasok sa isang bagay na seryoso. Gusto niyang alamin muna sa sarili
niya kung kaya ba niya yung responsibility ng commitment bago siya pumasok sa ganun
kasi ayaw niyang mag-backout bigla." He stopped, his eyes finally finding mine.
"Gusto niya na if he's in, he's in for good."

Sa sobrang lakas at bilis ng tibok ng puso ko, feeling ko hindi na ako makahinga.
Hindi ko maalis yung tingin ko sa kanya. Para bang, he was holding me in place with
the use of his warm brown eyes.

"Anong nangyari after that?" I asked in a whisper.

"The douchebag let her go," he answered in the same whispered tone. "Tapos nun, he
couldn't go to school for a week."

I cocked my head to the side in wonder.

"Kaya ka hindi um-attend ng training nun?"

Kaya ako nasuntok nung bruhang posporo?

Zeo let out a humorless laugh.

"Yeah, I was too busy keeping my shit together. I was coming up with a way to get
you back. Ollie made me realize something that time . . . Fact is, committed na 'ko
sayo even without the labels."

Napahawak ako sa chest ko, right by my heart. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko hinawakan
yun. Parang the information was too much. It was all too much. Whether it was a
good thing or a bad thing, hindi ko alam. Too many emotions swirling around me.

"Pero you treated me like you used to," sabi ko sa kanya. "Walang kahit anong trace
na naging more than friends tayo. I know I asked us to be friends again, but . . .
it stung a bit."

More like, a lot.

"Ikaw din kaya, hiding behind that poker face of yours," he countered. "Besides,
that's not true at all. You caught me staring at you while I was icing your
bruise." He smiled, amusement filling his eyes. "Gusto na talaga kitang i-kiss nun.
In fact, I want to kiss you all the time. Even now." His lips flew to my lips.

"Why didn't you?" I panted, parang out of breath ako.

"I wanted to take my time," sabi niya, his eyes still not leaving my lips. Then,
they went back to my eyes. His expression was serious. "Ayokong isipin mo na I only
wanted you back because I couldn't differentiate love from need. I didn't want you
to doubt yourself."

Holy shiz. I wanted to kiss him right then and there. But he didn't look like he
was finished with his little speech yet. Kaya hiyaan ko lang siya. Minsan lang 'to
mangyari. I wanted to savor every moment of it.

"Gusto kong malaman mo na I really did fall in love with you." He grimaced,
squeezing his eyes shut as if he said something wrong. "Shit, wait."

Hala. Nire-regret niya na sinabi niyang he fell in love with me? Ouch.

"Pano ba . . . ?" He took a deep breath. His eyes found mine again. They were full
of emotion that I couldn't name. "I'm not sure if this" (gestures between us) "is
love already. One thing I'm rock solid sure about is that . . ." He sighed, running
a hand through his hair. "I'm fucking crazy about you. Madly and deeply crazy about
you. And if this isn't love, then I don't know what is."

Gazing into his eyes, I saw it.

Oh, my God. I see it.

Nakikita ko yung sarili ko sa kanya. He has the same look as I do whenever I stare
at myself in the mirror. He doesn't know how to describe it kasi hindi pa niya
nararanasan before, pero alam niya kung gaano kabigat yung nararamdaman niya.

Andami niyang sinabi - inamin. I let it all sink in.

Hindi ako makapag-salita.

"I know," he nodded in defeat. "Cliché na I only realized how I felt after I lost
you. But I'm not perfect. And I'll understand if it's too late." He bit his lip. "I
just - I just want you to know that I've known your worth from the start. I just
didn't have enough balls to acknowledge the fact that you're it."

Patulo na luha ko. Shiz.

Zeo uber sexy smiled at me.

"You're it for me, Lana."

That's enough for me. Fudge, that's more than enough for me.

As if acting on their own, my hands pulled him towards me and my lips kissed him. I
didn't let go. For one tiny moment, he froze in startle. But then, he slowly
relaxed. His arms went around my waist, pulling me closer.

Na-miss ko siya. Sobra sobra yung pagka-miss ko sa kanya.

He tasted incredible. He smelled incredible. He felt incredible.

Lahat na. My gulay.

His kisses were slow, taking its time. Like he took his with me. I was getting lost
in him yet again. But this time, it was different. Good different.

Hindi ko alam exactly how long we stayed like that. Ang alam ko lang, I didn't want
to let go and I wanted to stay like that for so long to make up for the lost time.

Finally, I pulled away. Sabay sabi ng, "It's not too late." My eyes were still
closed as I tried to catch my breath.

Tumawa siya, hugging me. It felt like he didn't want to let go, as well.

"Edi you're officially mine na," he murmured against my ear.

Ako naman yung natawa.

"Manligaw ka muna," biro ko.

Yes, nauna yung kiss bago ligaw. Wala e. 'Di ko napigilan sarili ko. Who could
resist him naman, diba? At least, hindi ko nasuko yung virginity ko. (Ehem, yet?)

"Whatever it takes, Simba," he replied, a smile clear in his voice.

Shucks. Na-miss ko din yung pagtawag niya sa'kin ng 'Simba.' Ever since that night
kasi hindi na namin tinatawag yung isa't isa by our nicknames. It held too many
memories, emotions.

"Basta turuan mo 'kong manligaw."

"'Di ka marunong?" I really shouldn't be shocked.

"It wasn't necessary in the past," he said defensively. "Tayo nalang kasi."

I laughed. Ang gwapo niya talaga. He looked adorable being childish like that.

"Hindi pwede," I told him. "Manligaw ka muna."

"Can't I court you while we're together?"

I pretended to think about it. Nakakatuwa na siya naman yung namimilit na maging
kami ngayon. Hmm. Hindi pala ako dapat mag-inarte o mag-pakipot. Konti lang.

"I'll let you know bukas," I grinned, loving the power I had over him. Malakas ang
loob ko kasi this time, I knew we were even with our feelings.

"Daya," he said, but he was smiling all the same.

I playfully shoved his face away.

Ilayo mo sa'kin yan. Baka halikan ko na naman yan.

I wanted him officially mine. Legally off limits to anyone but me. Bwahaha!

Excited na 'ko bukas.

***

Pagka-gising ko, nasa bahay na 'ko.

I yawned, realizing that Zeo was spooning me. I stiffened. Looking around, nakita
ko na nasa kwarto ko kami. Holy! Tingin agad ako sa damit ko.

Phew! Suot ko pa naman.

So nakatulog lang talaga kami nung hinatid niya ko kaninang madaling araw. Hindi pa
muna siya umuwi. We talked. Non-stop talking, like we used to.

It was funny how things we did were done before pero the feelings were all renewed.
There was assurance now - commitment.

I smiled at his sleeping face. I ran a finger along his eyebrows, his nose, his
lips, his chin, to his jaw. I giggled when he was still sleeping.

Grabe. I feel so giddy right now. This handsome creature was mine.

I bit my lip, smiling in happiness.

Mine.

Zeo Alcante is mine.

OH, MY GOD.

ZEO FREAKING ALCANTE IS MINE.

KILIGERS TO THE MAX ITO.

Just then, my eyes looked over to the clock.

SHIZ. LATE NA 'KO.

I automatically got up, mumbling a sorry to a sleeping Zeo. Madali akong tumakbo
papunta sa bathroom. I took a quick shower and dressed up. Hindi na 'ko nag-bother
na maglagay ng too much make-up kahit na big event sa school. All the more reason
not to wear too much make-up. Mawawala din sa pawis. Kaya BB cream lang, okay na.

When I got out of the bathroom, Zeo was yawning at the edge of my bed. He grinned
when he saw me.

"'Morning, Simba," he said in a deep husky voice.

Isa sa mga favorite kong pakinggan ang sleepy morning voice ni Zeo. Umaapaw sa
hotness. Unfortunately, I can't enjoy for much long.

"Good morning, Mufasa," I replied, running around my room. "Late na 'ko. I gotta
help set up sa school." I picked up things needed and shoved them in my bag. "Kain
ka muna ng breakfast before you go home."

"Later na. Hatid na muna kita."

My brows furrowed. "Sure ka?"

Zeo nodded. "Give me a sec to brush my teeth."

I shrugged. "Okay. I'll wait downstairs."

It wasn't long before he came down after me. I headed straight to the door when he
reached the bottom stair.

"You won't eat breakfast?" he asked me.

"No time," I answered, shaking my head. "Sa school na."

He pursed his lips, but didn't say anything as I closed the door and walked with
him towards his SUV. He understood the urgency in my actions, kaya naman mabilis
lang din kami makarating ng school.

Medyo madami-dami nang students na nagpe-prepare ng booths and attractions. May

natatanaw na rin akong nagse-setup ng stage. Nasa may gate yung ibang Student
Council members, putting up signs and everything.

Sa sobrang engrossed ko sa pag-watch sa mga co-Libertians ko, hindi ko namalayan na

lumabas si Zeo ng sasakyan niya at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto.

I was so surprised na hindi pa muna ako naka-react.

First time niyang ginawa 'to. I mean, first time niyang lumabas ng sasakyan dito sa
Liberty. All those times na sinusundo niya 'ko, hindi siya bumababa ng sasakyan.
Ever.

I could feel the eyes of everyone on us - on him.

"Thanks, Mufasa," I told him, ignoring the stares we were receiving. May mga nakita
akong nagbubulungan na. I tiptoed and hugged him. "Ingat ka."

Before I could fully get away, he stopped me by holding my hand.

"Kiss ko?"

Napanganga ako. Seryoso ba siya? Tinitigan ko siya and realized na seryoso nga
siya! He wanted to do it now. In front of everyone.

"Daming tao!" I hissed.

He frowned, feigning hurt. "Ikinahihiya mo ba 'ko?"

I rolled my eyes. As if naman.

"Landi mo."

"So what if I am?" he said in that confident way he did. "Girlfriend kita. I have a
right na," he added. As though realizing what he said, he flashed me his uber sexy
smile.

Napangiti na rin ako. Badtrip. I could feel the butterflies rejoicing in me.

I'm Zeo Alcante's girlfriend.

Zeo Alcante is my boyfriend.

Damn, the feels.

"Kinikilig ka noh?" asar niya pa. "You have that look."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Nakangiti pa rin naman si gaga.

"You think?"

"I know," he grinned.

I wanted to kiss him so bad. Kaso . . . I bit my lip, looking around.

"Don't overthink kasi." Sabay hila sa kamay ko papunta sa kanya, kissing me full on
the lips. It was only a smack naman. "See you later?"

"Ha?" tanong ko, still dazed.

"Bibili lang ako ng take-out."

"Why?"

"You think I'll let my girlfriend starve?" he asked me in disbelief. "Uh, no."

Kaasar. Kinikilig na naman ako.

"Burger ah," I informed him, kahit na alam kong alam naman niya yung gusto ko.
"Large coke. Large fries na din."

He laughed. "Got it."

"Thank you!" I grinned happily. "Ingat ka."

He leaned forward and gently kissed me on the forehead. Na-miss ko din 'to ng
sobra. Andami kong na-miss. Pero this time, iba na talaga e. There was more to it.

Every look.

Every move.

Every word.

There was more to it now.

"So mine," he murmured.

I sighed in satisfaction.

"Officially mine," I mumbled.

He chuckled at that. "See you later." He pulled away and went to his side of the
vehicle. With one last grin at me, he climbed inside and went off to buy me food.

I was so lost in my own little world habang naglalakad papasok ng school. Hindi ko
napapansin yung mga tingin na natatanggap ko. Sa totoo lang, I didn't care.

I was happy. Blissfully happy. Even more so than the time when we were still on the
honeymoon stage late last year. This time, alam kong it will last kasi lahat ng
issues namin are laid out and resolved.

No complications na.

My phone vibrated. Agad kong kinuha from my pocket and binuksan, in case it was
Zeo. Pero hindi siya yung nag-text.

It was Oliver.
Curious, I opened his iMessage.

I blinked at the photo he sent me. It was a snapshot of our very first meeting.
Yung kamay ko na may hawak na towel na may ice, nasa cheek ni Zeo kasi he had a
bruise. We were staring at each other, looking into each other's eyes.

It amazed me how we looked so connected even then.

My eyes wandered to the message Oliver sent along with the photo.

Ollie: I knew it from the beginning. Happy Valentines', Lan. :)

Ngumiti ako.

He knew it from the start, even if neither Zeo and I knew it yet.

Akala ko dati, my List worked. Siguro naman, it did in some ways. Pero sa totoo
lang, hindi fully kasi I broke some of them. Tapos, hindi naman agad nag-commit si
Zeo. Depende rin sa lalaki yan. Hindi naman kasi sa lahat, nagwo-work yung List.

The List is a way to guide girls, not to make them pretentious.

Some guys like honesty, some guys don't like games, and some guys like girls for
being girls. It's a never-ending puzzle.

Minsan, it takes more than one heartbreak to finally find the right man for you.
There's no such thing as perfect or ideal. There's only that right one made exactly
for you.

I feel like that right one for me is Zeo. I really do.

Using my List or not, I just hope other girls out there find their Zeo. I hope din
na they have the patience. I hope na hindi nila isipin that the next guy that comes
around e yun na agad. Lastly, I hope they realize their worth and not settle for
anything less.

You'll find your Zeo. Tiwala lang.

At twitter . . .

@TheZeoAlcante: It's official. She's my girlfriend. #finally

_____________

THE END (for real)

First of all, IS IT THE ENDING YOU EXPECTED? TELL MEEEEEEEEEE!!! :)

Second, THANK YOU. Thank you so much for going on this ride with Lana. Thank you
for cheering her, relating with her, crying with her. Grabe hindi ko aakalaing
iiyak ako. Naiiyak ako. Haha! A few minutes ago, parang wala lang. Nawe-weirdohan
ako kasi bakit parang wala lang sakin na iu-upload ko na yung last chapter ng
Lana's List pero now that I'm typing this, I'm really getting emotional. :'( Thank
you talaga sa pagbasa at pagsuporta nitong storyang ito. It meant everything to me
kasi I truly created the list to protect myself. And now I've shared it with you. I
hope it helps you din in ways that it helped me be confident. This is my first
Taglish story, and I'm so very thankful na it received warm feedbacks. Maraming
maraming salamat po talaga. :)

Third, kung may tanong pa po kayo about Lana's List or the List Series, ask in the
comments. I'll answer them in a video. Gusto kong gumawa ng video saying my thanks.
It feels a bit more personal that way. :)

Fourth, no epilogues. I don't post epilogues on Wattpad or anywhere online.

Fifth, hush. May special chapter. Wag magalit. Okay? :)

Special Chapter: Angelica

Angelica:

He's here.

I could hear his deep voice slice through the quiet night.

I tried to be quiet as I held my glass of water against my chest, moving closer to

where he and my brother were. Nasa veranda sila, with beer bottles filling the
table.

He was wearing a blue striped long-sleeved shirt, pulled up by the elbows. His
black hair was in a mess, making that bad boy look incredibly sexy with his gentle
face. Mukhang galing siya somewhere far and cold.

I tilted my head in wonder.

Tagaytay? He always went there. The group wondered for a while last year kung bakit
madalas siya dun. Eventually, we found out that he became friends with Zeo Alcante.

Akala ko, imagination ko lang when I heard his voice as I passed by the glass
doors. Naka earphones din kasi ako kaya I wasn't sure. I had to pull one out to be
certain.

I'm somewhat thankful to my nightly routine to get a glass of water from the
kitchen. If not, wala akong idea that he was even here.

I knew eavesdropping was bad. But this has got to be an exception.

Oliver rarely shows up like this. To talk to my brother. With tons of beers.
Looking very serious and troubled.

What was up kaya?

Oliver sighed, rubbing his face with his right hand.

"Audrey made me realize something I wish I hadn't," he said.

"Is that why you brought her to the family thing you had last New Year's day?"
asked my brother, Jesse.

Oh. Siya din pala. Uncharacteristic of my brother to look serious. He was usually
laid-back. But tonight, it was as if Oliver's problem was his problem as well.

Ano bang meron with them?

"Oo," breathed out Oliver, staring at the bottle in his hand. "I was confused back
then. After namin magusap ni Auds, I started . . . looking at her in a different
way. I tried to stop it, but it just kept slipping sometimes."

I frowned. Who was 'her'? They couldn't be talking about Audrey kasi I knew she
went back to the States before Christmas.

Wait lang. I remember seeing Oliver with a girl at Silvestre around December last
year. Yun ba yung 'her' that they were talking about? Lana, I think her name is?

She was . . . pretty.

"You let him have her, though," replied Jesse, bringing the beer bottle to his
lips.

There was a long pause.

"I did," finally admitted Oliver, looking calm. He didn't look defeated.

Hindi ko maintindihan what was going on. He let some guy take this girl he liked?
Or starting to like? Pero he didn't look sad or angry. He just looked calm, like he
already accepted his fate long ago.

"Why, dude?" asked Jesse, a bit frustrated.

My brother is never frustrated. But he is now.

"You deserve her more than that ass do."

"Hindi e." Oliver shook his head. "It's not right."

"What isn't?"

"Us. Me." He paused. "I admit that Audrey's right. I like her."

He likes this Lana girl.

Masakit ah. Geez. It hurts me more than it should.

"But I just wasn't meant for her," he added.

My heart broke at the sound of his voice. There was only a tinge of sadness in it.
More than that, tanggap niya. He accepted the fact that he and this Lana weren't
meant to be.

Should I rejoice? Kasi hindi pa rin siya magkaka-girlfriend e. But that's really
just selfish of me. And even if wala siyang girlfriend, I know naman na wala akong
chance.

Kaya I'm sad. Kung hindi niya kayang maging malungkot para sa sarili niya, ako
nalang ang magiging sad for him. It's sort of ridiculous of me, I know. Pero ganun
kasi parati si Oliver e, hiding his feelings and accepting things he can't change.

Then again, 'like' palang naman yung nafi-feel niya dun sa girl. I'm just thankful
for that tiny mercy of fate that he didn't fall in love with her.

I don't want to see him brokenhearted. Hindi ko kakayanin to see him torn apart.

"You think Zeo Alcante's meant for her?" snorted Jesse. "Bullshit."

Oliver shook his head, as if my brother didn't understand.

"No matter which start it is, their chemistry's inevitable. Wala akong magagawa but
to step back." A small sad smile made its way to his lips. "They're it, Jesse."

Jesse stared at him for several minutes.

"Thank Zeus you're not in love with her, then. That would've sucked more."

Oliver didn't answer as he drank from his beer. His eyes wandered to the pool as he
swallowed the alcohol into his system.

"Sucks either way," he whispered.

I had to strain my neck a little to be sure kung yun nga ba sinabi niya. Pero it
looked like yun nga kasi Jesse didn't reply anymore.

I didn't personally know this Lana. Pero she was stupid if she chose that Zeo
Alcante over Oliver. If I was her, I would've chosen Oliver over any guy on the
planet.

Hello? Napaka caring kaya ni Oliver. He's the perfect boyfriend. Maaasahan mo siya
when you need someone. He's smart and responsible. Mabait pa, especially to his
little sister. Athletic din, kahit na mas prefer niya ang street racing than
sports. He's family oriented. Alam ko for a fact that he loves them to bits.

Oo nga, he has that chinito broody look going for him. Pero I love it most when he
smiles and his eyes disappear. Gosh, when he smiles my knees turn Jell-O.

Then again, that's just me.

I sighed and decided na it was time to stop eavesdropping. Bumalik na 'ko sa

kitchen and finished drinking my glass of water. I put my earphones back and
continued listening to Birdy, drowning out their voices outside.

It had been three years since nung nagsimula akong magka-crush kay Oliver.

Of course, I wasn't fully devoted. I'm not head over heels gaga over him naman. I
had a couple of boyfriends in the past years. One in high school, one in college.

I met Oliver in college.

Actually, in my senior high school pala. Nagpupunta na siya even before dito sa
house. He and my brother were a year older than me, see. They met during
orientation.
Anyways, I got intrigued by his mysterious personality the moment I laid my eyes on
him. Until slowly, nagpapakita na siya ng bits and pieces of himself the more I (or
we) got to know him. Lucky ako na I got included in their group when I entered
college.

Too bad my crush feels didn't waver. It strengthened pa nga e.

I closed my eyes as the melody of the song changed. I swayed my hips, wanting to
get lost in the music. Gusto ko munang i-forget yung never-ending crush feels ko
kay Oliver.

I carefully placed the empty glass on the counter para mai-raise ko yung hands ko.
I slowly turned and swayed, bobbing my head slightly.

I love music.

I love singing.

I love dancing.

But I'm not a dancer. Gusto ko lang isabay yung body ko sa beat. I like dancing to
feel good songs. It makes me happy - makes me forget the reality.

"Dreaming . . . Mmmmm . . . I know 'cause I've spent half this morning, thinking
about the tee shirt you sleep in . . ."

I stopped singing for a moment kasi hindi ko na alam yung lyrics. But then my
favorite part came next. Only one person ang nasa mind ko while singing the next
lyrics.

"When I saw you, everyone knew I like the effect that you had on my eyes . . ."

I smiled, opening my eyes.

A pair of singkit ones looked back at me.

!!!!!

With my eyes wide in shock, I instantly stopped dancing and froze on the spot.

Oh, my gosh! HE SAW ME DANCING! Major embarrassment right here!

I dropped my head, biting my lip. I removed my earphones but I couldn't move my

feet sa hiya! I wanted the floor to swallow me right now! Gosh, nakataas pa yung
kamay ko kanina. Para akong nasisiraan siguro in his eyes.

I heard him make a sound, causing me to look at him.

Naka-ngiti siya.

I blinked.

A real smile.

Hindi siya basta lang ngumingiti ng real smile.

Gosh. I'm melting.

"Sorry I interrupted you," chuckled Oliver.

Oh. Tumawa siya. Wait lang. Pinagtatawanan niya ako.

Golly. Swallow me now, floor!

But then a realization came to mind.

I put a smile on that handsome face. Me, when just minutes ago nagmumukmok siya
with my brother. Pero embarrassing pa rin na he saw me dancing na parang crazy
person lang ang peg ko. I wanted to hide.

"What were you listening to?" he asked me, as he opened the refrigerator to get
more bottles of beers.

"Birdy," I said quietly.

He nodded, as though approve siya in my choice of music.

Of course, I already knew the kind of music he liked to listen to. It just so
happened na I prefer even mellower songs.

Clearing my throat, I added, "It's not nice to sneak up on people like that."

He let out a laugh. "You were lost in the moment."

"You could've closed your eyes," I muttered under my breath.

Apparently, he heard because he said, "Probably."

Him and his one word sentences. Okay, fine. Looks like wala nang patutunguhan ang
conversation namin. Time to leave him alone.

"Akyat na 'ko," I told him. "Good night." I turned my back to him and walked away.

"G'night," I heard him say, right behind me.

Paalis na rin siya ng kitchen and I felt na nasa likod ko siya mismo.

"Don't stop being adorable."

My heartbeat accelerated.

Did he just say what I think I heard him say?

I quickly looked at him but he was already heading outside towards the glass doors.
Pero kailangan kong i-ask. Hindi ako makakatulog until I ask.

"Anong sabi mo just now?"

He looked over his shoulder to me, stopping by the glass doors. I couldn't see his
expression through the dark. I could only make out his silhouette.

"Sabi ko, don't grow up," he answered simply.

I frowned in confusion.

What?
Pero he was already outside before I could ask more.

I'm nineteen years old na. What did he mean 'don't grow up'? Am I not already a
grown up? Ang gulo niya talaga sometimes.

I went back to my room upstairs, trying hard not to think about what Oliver said.
Always naman kasi siyang nagsasabi ng mind-boggling things e. Kaya I better let it
go.

Also, I need to get over my crush on Oliver Conjuangco. I know naman din na there's
no possibility of him ever liking me. I'm not his type. I heard him say so when
Jesse grilled him a year ago.

I opened my bedroom door and walked inside, closing the door behind me. I leaned my
back on the door for a minute, tinitignan ang room ko.

Princess style bed with canopy frame. One huge bookshelf. Another princess style
white desk. A mini sofa by the bed where my childhood stuffed toys were.

Kahit saan ako tumingin . . . Pink. White. Pink.

Okay, so maybe medyo pangbata yung kwarto ko. But I like the color pink. I like the
memories held here in my room.

He said, 'Don't grow up.'

What did he mean by that?

Ugh.

I need to stop doing this to myself. I have to move on and terminate these
butterflies whenever he's around. I have to uncrush him.

Hmm, I tilted my head in wonder.

Tama. I have to uncrush Oliver.

I think time na to use my list.

_____________

Any thoughts? Violent reactions? For sure, meron. Hahaha! If you're gonna tweet
your reaction, put the hashtag #ollified so we can all see and fangirl together. ;)

At dahil alam kong mas dadami pa ang inyong mga katanungan, I decided na i-upload
muna itong special chapter bago ko gawin yung video. :) Now, ask away, my little
darlings. #lmao

Lana's List News

Akala mo special chapter noh?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

No.

Attached is the video where most of your questions about Lana's List and the List
Series are answered. Nag-tagalog ako sa video, dudes. Kaya parang kausap ko talaga
kayo. :)

Gusto ko nang gawin yung Angelica's List...

I miss Lana's List.

I miss their world.

Pero I promised to finish Mismatched Compatibility first so... :(

Again, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nagbasa at tumangkilik at nag-antay ng

update ng LL. So frickin' thankful! I love y'all! :D

Have a rockin' day, dudes!

Over and out. xx
-Louisse

PS. PLEASE paki-support po ang Realize! Out na po siya sa bookstores and

newsstands! First baby ko po yun. Magugustuhan niyo yun kung mahilig kayo sa light
stories lang. (Kelan ba ko gumawa ng mabigat sa dibdib? HAHA) THANK YOU PO IN
ADVANCE! Heehee :D

PPS. See you on PFF2! Pakalat-kalat lang ako dun. LOL!

PPPS. MMMMMMMWAH!

PPPPS. Kamusta ka na? Nagkakaron ka ba ng withdrawal from LL? Gumagana ba yung list
sayo at sa crush mo? Nag-move on ka na ba zeofied and olliefied feels? Anyare na
sayo? Haha.

PPPPPS. Sinong nai-imagine niyong Zeo Alcante at Oliver Cojuangco?

Special Chapter: Cass

Off Limits
May 2014
Cass:
Ayoko na.
Ryan calling...
I declined the call and blocked him. Wala ako sa mood makipag-usap sa gagong yan.
Ginusto niya 'to e. Sino ba ang na-pressure ng buddies niya mag-take ng ecstasy,
sabay inom? Sino ba ang nakipag-flirt sa ibang babae, at isisisi sa letsugas na
pill na yun? Sino ba ang nakipag-lampungan sa kama with a girl na hindi naman
kanya?
Tangina talaga. Nakakagago.
'And I'm here, to remind you of the mess you left when you went away. It's not
fair -'
"Oh?" I answered the call.
"San ka banda?"
"Arrival."
"Duh. Dito na kami."
I lifted my head and looked around. Nasa Silay Airport ako ngayon, far away from
the pain in the ass heartache that dumb fuck left me. Ganito 'ko e. I run away from
my problems. Instead na mag-sulk and feel sorry for myself, I'd rather go out and
about.
Sakto, nasa Bacolod sina Lana at Kylee. Nagbakasyon pati binisita nila yung pinsan
ni Lana na si Ate Janelle, kasal sa Ilonggo kaya nag-settle down na din dito sa
Negros. One week stay. Saya, no?
Dapat nga kasama ko e. Kaso heto, na-convince ng boyfriend - ehem, ex-boyfriend na
mag-stay sa Tagaytay. Gagong yun. Sarap ibaon sa lupa.
Buti nalang naka-abot ako sa girlfriends ko. Kahit sabihin mo pang Thursday na
ngayon, at ang uwi namin is on Sunday. Plenty of time to have fun pa rin.
"Cass!" yelled a high pitched voice.
I stood up and grabbed my bags. When I turned, I smiled at my ever grinning best
friend.
"Kamusta ka na, ha?" asked Kylee, giving me a big hug. Napansin ko na medyo kulot
na yung buhok niya ngayon. Tapos, lighter na rin yung shade of... orange? And wow.
Naka-shades ang bruha.
"Meh," I merely said, shrugging.
"Tsk, pag nakita ko talaga yung mokong na yun," growled Lana, stepping up to us.
She flashed me a sad smile, before hugging me.
"Pwede bang 'wag na natin siyang pag-usapan?" mataray kong sinabi, pero may
slightest hint of begging. I sighed. "So not worth it."
They both nodded. Then, I stared at Lana for a moment.
Ganun pa rin itsura niya, umitim lang. Ako ang morena sa'min, pero mukhang may
humahabol. Ha. I bet torn siya between regretting it or not. Ganun yan e. Go lang
ng go sa adventure pero conscious din sa itsura niya. 'Di lang halata.
"Umitim ka," I remarked with amusement.
Lana pouted. "Ayos lang, worth it naman e."
"Talaga lang ha."
Tumawa siya. "Oo nga!"
"'Kay."
"Tara na," yaya ni Lana. "Dun nag-park si Ate Jan."
"Nako, Cass!" gushed Kylee, habang naglalakad kami. "Ang dami mong na-miss!"
"We'll go to Mambukal tomorrow daw," Lana informed me.
I only nodded.
When Ate Janelle's maroon pick-up truck came to view, I took a deep breath. Kapag
kailangan namin ng advice, sa kanya kami tumatawag. Nag-serve na siya bilang ate
sa'ming lahat, hindi lang kay Lana. Ilang taon lang din kasi ang tanda niya sa'min.
She was a senior nung froshies palang kami.
"CAAAAASSSSSSSS!"
A laugh escaped my lips, as I opened my arms to a running Ate Janelle.
"I heard about what happened," she whispered, while hugging me.
"Sino bang hindi nakarinig?" I replied, without any emotion in my voice.
She pulled away and looked at me as if scrutinizing my face. Flipping her
shoulder-length hair, she said, "Let's go. Kailangan mo ng matamis."
"Bob's!" screamed Lana and Kylee in unison.
"Of course!" sabi ni Ate Janelle.
"Shotgun!" exclaimed Lana, sabay takbo sa front seat ng truck.
"Ang daya mo!" complained Kylee, stomping her foot. "Nung Monday ka pa sa harap
umuupo!"
Dinilaan lang siya ni Lana. I smirked, shaking my head in amusement. Childish,
pero I needed this goofiness. I patted Kylee's head when I passed her.
"Snooze, you lose," I shrugged smugly.
"Hmph!"
"Oh, tama na yan," said Ate Janelle. She raised her hand, and added, "Let's go,
girls!"
Girl time. Ito ang kailangan ko ngayon. I want a break from boys. No, I need it.
Nakakasawa nang mamroblema ng lalaki. I miss the single life.
This weekend, I'll just focus on finding myself again. Kaya nga ako umalis ng
city, to escape reality even for just a little while. Heto na chance ko.
Bukas, pupunta kami sa bundok. Sakto.
Solitude.
 * * *
"Ang sarap talaga, Ate Jan!" moaned Lana, munching on her Chicken Ala King.
Ganyan yan. Mahilig mag-moan sa pagkain. Hindi ko lang alam kung sa lalaki din.
I quietly laughed at my own joke.
"Bakit?" tanong ni Kylee, across from me sa dining table.
I shrugged. "Wala, natawa lang ako sa sarili ko." Kahit naman sabihin ko sa kanya,
hindi din niya mage-gets.
She looked at me weird. "Adik mo."
I laughed at that.
"Maligo ka na, Kylee," Ate Janelle told her, who was sitting at the head table.
"Ikaw pinaka-matagal sa CR, kaya mas okay kung mauna ka na. Go."
"Narinig mo si Ate Janelle," I said in a singsong voice, while I fixed myself
another sandwich.
"Okay, fine," natatawang sinabi ni Kylee. She got to her feet and went straight to
our room.
"Ihahatid ba tayo ni Kuya?" asked Lana, referring to Ate Janelle's hubby.
I poured my glass some water habang nakikinig sa usapan, after I finished making
the sandwich.
"Yeah," nodded Ate Janelle. "Tapos sa pauwi natin in the morning, mag-bus nalang
tayo."
Holding the sandwich with my left hand, I grabbed the glass of water with my right
one and placed it on my lips to drink.
"Sabay na kami," a deep voice piped up.
Sa gulat ko, I accidentally snorted the water. Shit. Ang sakit sa ilong ha!
Binaba ko yung baso. And as discreetly as I could, pinunasan ko yung ilong ko with
the sleeve of my shirt while inwardly cursing profanities at the man who showed up.
Anong ginagawa niya dito? Ang alam ko, nasa Cebu siya. So bakit siya nandito?!
Pucha naman. Anong kalokohan 'to, Bathala?
"Hala. Since when ka pa nandito?" tanong ni Lana, her tone etched with surprise.
Mukhang hindi din niya alam. Buti nalang. Kasi kung alam niyang nandito yang pinsan
niya at 'di niya sinabi sa'kin baka masabunutan ko siya.
"Kaninang madaling araw lang," he answered, his voice getting louder. Meaning,
papalapit din siya sa'min. Shit. Wala akong ayos. Hanep naman sa timing.
"Huh. Parang wala kang inabala, no?" said Ate Janelle.
"Admit it, you missed me." I could see him grinning while he said that.
Ate Janelle laughed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. Nagsawa lang kayo ng
friends mo sa Cebu kaya naisipan mong pumunta dito."
"Or baka may nakitang ex, kaya tumakbo agad dito," chuckled Lana.
"Psycho ex."
"Ha! I knew it!"
Ngumiti si Ate Janelle, sabay sabi ng, "Kumain ka na."
The chair beside me was pulled up, then he took a seat. Hindi ako lumilingon sa
kanya. Hindi din ako exaggerated kapag sinabi ko na kinilabutan ako sa warmth na
naramdaman ko galing sa kanya. Ang lakas ng presence niya kahit kailan.
"Taray," he crowed. "'Di namamansin."
I met Lana's eyes. She was looking back and forth between me and the person beside
me. Alam niyang nagka-crush ako sa cousin niya dati. Alam din niya yung epekto
sa'kin nitong nasa tabi ko.
Gustong gusto ko nang lumingon. Seryoso. Kaso baka malusaw ako ng wala sa oras.
Iisang lalaki lang ang kayang magpawala ng cool ko. Iisang lalaki lang ang kayang
gawin akong silly giddy.
And he's right freaking beside me.
"Akin na 'to," he said, sabay kuha ng sandwich sa kamay ko. "'Di mo naman kinakain
e."
"Hoy!" I protested, facing him.
Oops.
Tumingin ako sa kanya.
Our eyes met.
Patay.
 It did things to my stomach. Para kong natatae na ewan. Pero alam nating lahat na
butterflies lang 'to. Hanep. Parang hindi ko lang kaka-break sa one-year boyfriend
ko e.
Sisihin ang gwapong nilalang na nasa harap ko.
Hindi siya kulot, unlike Lana and the rest of their cousins. Although, maputi din
naman siya tulad nila. But from the looks of it, mukhang magkakaron na siya ng tan.
Namumula yung skin niya ng konti e. Toned arms, obvious from the sando he's
currently wearing.
My eyes wandered up to his full mouth. Hanggang ngayon, 'di ko gets kung bakit
pink pa rin yung lips niya kahit na naninigarilyo siya. I watched as its corners
pulled up in the slightest bit.
"You're drooling, Cassidy."
I blinked.
Fuuuuuuuck.
I heard him chuckle, making me look at him. Nage-enjoy siya sa pagkain ko. Letse,
makagawa na nga lang ulit. Hindi ako bata para makipag-agawan sa kanya. Baka
mahawakan ko pa biceps niya. Hindi lang drool ang gagawin ko kapag nangyari yun.
"In your dreams, Qin," I countered nonchalantly, reaching out to get another pair
of bread.
I haven't seen him in over a year. Last time na nagkita kami, I only caught a
glimpse of him from afar. We didn't usually stay in the same place long enough to
talk. Up close. Like this.
"You won't be drooling in my dreams, that's for sure."
I whipped my head towards him. Sinabi ba talaga niya yun, or guni-guni ko lang?
But he looked all casual and innocent while he munched on my food. (Wow, that
sounded dirty but whatever.)
I shook my head. He wouldn't say that. It would be too weird.
But then I thought, 'Really? Would it really be weird for him to flirt with you?'
Well, hindi naman. We've flirted before. But that was years ago.
Sumimangot ako.
No more boy problems nga, diba? Tapos dumating lang si Qin Lopez, nagwawala na
agad isip at girly parts ko. Bakit ba kasi attracted ako sa mga gago? Ang cliché
kasing sabihin pag 'bad boy.'
Atsaka, gago naman talaga si Joaqin Lopez e. Basagulero na, sugalero pa. Babaero
na, barumbado pa. Umiinom na, naninigarilyo pa. Oh, diba? Gago nga. Gwapong gago,
though.
Pero despite all that, there's that other side of good e. Yung other side na yun
yung dahilan kung bakit medyo nababaliw ako kapag nandyan siya. And that's probably
exactly why I can't let go of this school girl crush I have on him.
Tsk. Hirap maging hopeless romantic.
* * *
Ang tagal. Gusto ko nang umakyat ng bundok.
"Pupunta rin kayong Mambukal, Kuya Qin?" I heard Lana ask, as she loaded her bag
on the back of the pick-up truck with Qin and his two friends.
"Kaya nga kami sasabay, diba? Isip isip din."
Pucha. Aakyat din sila ng bundok?
"Kylee!" I called out, with my arms crossed as I leaned against the car door.
"Hurry up!"
"Heto na!" sigaw niya, stepping out of the house.
"Finally," I muttered, uncrossing my arms in a move to open the door.
But someone beat me to it.
"Ako na, miss," said one of Qin's friends, opening the door for me. His hair was
in a mess, and he wore glasses. Nerdy and sporty ang dating niya with his lean
build. Kinda cute. But not my type.
He grinned at me, while I raised an eyebrow in turn.
"Don't bother, Kevin," sabat ni Qin from the back of the truck. "She's taken."
I scoffed. "No, I'm not."
Qin paused from arranging the bags, and craned his neck to look at me. Hindi ko
mabasa yung expression ng mukha niya. Actually, he appeared casually curious. Yun
lang. Nonetheless, I didn't back down from his stare. He switched his eyes to Lana,
who nodded in confirmation.
I waited - for something. Anything.
Then, he shrugged as if it wasn't any of his business and went on to finish what
he was doing.
Ayos. Now I feel stupid for expecting him to be what, ecstatic na single ako? Ha!
As if. Wala naman akong ininom na pill, so bakit ang ilusyonada ko ngayon?
Nakakaloka.
"Don't worry," the guy Kevin told me, bringing me to face him again. "I'm just
being nice. Si Qin lang mahilig maglagay ng malisya." He leaned closer to whisper,
"Hindi kasi siya gentleman."
"Tangina mo," countered Qin, flipping Kevin the bird.
They laughed. I shook my head, pero nakangiti ako.
"Salamat," sabi ko kay Kevin, before climbing in the backseat.
Sa likod kasi yung mga lalaki. Naiinggit nga kaming mga babae, gusto din namin sa
likod ng truck. Kaso hindi na kasya kaya sa loob nalang kami. Saya pa naman siguro
nun.
After a few hours on the road, seeing nothing but ranches and sugarcanes, we
finally reached the famous Mambukal Mountain Resort. Ate Janelle's husband paid the
entrance fee, pati na rin yung two cabins we'll use tonight. Side by side yung
nakuha nila.
We settled in for half an hour in our cabins, charging our phones and preparing
the things we would bring when we hiked. Tapos, we decided to hike already so we
can get back for the hot springs before the sun went down.
"Sasabay pa rin kayo hanggang pag-akyat?" asked Lana in disbelief, staring at Qin.
Sakto kasi paglabas namin sa cabin, nasa labas na din sina Qin pati friends niya.
They looked ready to hike din. Obviously, sasama sila sa'min.
"Ayaw mo?" hamon ni Qin, may konting edge sa boses niya.
"Wala akong sinabi," shrugged Lana, turning to go on ahead of us.
"Para kang bata," I teased, following behind her. "Alam ba yan ni Zeo?"
"Malamang, hindi," added Kylee, laughing.
"Duh," snorted Lana. "Parang bata din yun e. Parehas lang kami."
We graduated two months ago. In fairness naman, may balak kaming tatlo na mag-grad
school. Yun nga lang, sa Soledad silang dalawa. Ako? Napunta sa Silvestre. Mas
recommended kasi yun sa line of career na balak ko.
"Wait, so law students kayong lahat?" I heard Ate Janelle ask Qin's friends.
I glanced back over my shoulder and saw them nod in answer. Before I could return
my eyes to my front, they locked with Qin's sharp gaze. Nanigas ako.
Edi yun, natapilok din ako.
I felt his big warm hand grab my arm before I could fall face first to the dirt.
Lumakas yung tibok ng puso ko. Shit. Parang kanta lang ah. Ano ko, Disney
character? Si Kylee yun.
"Tignan kasi yung dinadaanan," he said in a low voice.
Hindi ako makapagsalita. Gusto kong bumanat ng witty comeback. And if this was any
other guy, I definitely would. Pero si Qin nga 'to, diba? Natatameme ako pag nasa
harap ko siya. Blank ang utak ko parati kapag kausap ko siya.
My bitchy normal self? She ceased to exist when he's around.
"Uh, yeah," was the only thing I could say.
Lame much?
"Okay ka lang, Cass?" asked Ate Janelle, coming up beside me.
I felt Qin's hand release my arm, and I tried my best not to look disappointed.
"Wala pa tayo sa mismong trail, natatapilok ka na," asar ni Ate Janelle.
"Na-distract lang ako," I admitted, sort of truthfully. "May epal kasi."
Oo na. Hindi naman talaga niya kasalanan na may ability siya to freeze me on my
tracks. Pero hindi yun good for me. Clumsy ako e, 'di lang halata. Toxic siya sa
clumsiness ko.
"Everlasting peace and love?" said Qin innocently.
I glared at him. He only sent me a crooked smile.
Eventually we made it to the... entrance? 'Di ko alam kung anong itatawag ko sa
place, basta dun yung mga guide nakatambay while they wait for hikers. Dun din kami
maglo-log ng mga pangalan namin. Safety precautions and all that shit.
Akala ko magsi-split kami into two groups; ladies group and then the men. Pero
isang guide lang pala ang kailangan for a group of seven. Lalo na't ilang beses
nang nakaakyat si Ate Janelle dito, kaya keri na ang one guide.
Hindi na 'ko bumili ng bottled water kasi sabi nung guide meron naman daw maliit
na tindahan sa taas. Kaya ko naman sigurong tiisin yun.
. . .
Putang-ina.
Mamatay na 'ko sa uhaw.
Makiki-inom sana ako kina Lana kaso naubos na nila yung mga tubig nila. Pucha.
Namumuti na yung paningin ko. That's not good.
Tumingin ako sa falls from the rock I'm currently sitting on. This is the third
one. That means four to go nalang. Known kasi ang Mambukal for its seven
waterfalls. Yung seventh yung nasa pinaka-taas.
Pwede kayang inumin yung tubig dito?
Suddenly, I felt a cold wet object hit my arm. I jumped in startle. Lumingon ako
sa gilid ko and saw that it was a water bottle. I raised my head to find out whose
extended arm it was.
Qin.
He nudged me again with the bottle, urging me to take it. But his face remained
blank. I shrugged and took it. Nauuhaw na 'ko e. Magi-inarte pa ba 'ko?
"Thanks," I mumbled, before taking the cap off and drinking.
"Kailan pa kayo nag-break?"
Muntik ko nang ma-buga yung tubig na iniinom ko. I stared at him with wide eyes,
dumbfounded. Akala ko ba hindi siya interested?
I looked around. Kami lang ang nakaupo dito sa boulder. Nagpi-picture at nagku-
kwentuhan yung iba sa may malapit sa falls. Humarap ako uli kay Qin.
I had to compose myself for a moment kasi nakaka-off guard yung boyish look niya
ngayon. His baseball cap was on backwards, tapos he wore a white sando and blue
board shorts, showing off his cuts and muscular bod. Drop dead cute.
"Nung isang araw," I answered him.
He whistled, staring off to a distance.
I looked at my shoes, then said, "He cheated."
'Di siya nagsalita ng ilang segundo.
"Are you sad?" he finally asked in a quiet voice.
Napatigil ako.
Wala pang nagtatanong sa'kin nun. Everybody else just comforted me. But they never
asked. Sad nga ba ko? Now that I think about it, na-realize ko na hindi masyado.
Mas galit ako, kaysa malungkot. Para bang 80% angry and 20% sad. Sad kasi
nakakapanghinayang yung tagal ng relationship namin. More than a year din kami ah.
"Not really," I admitted, surprised at myself.
The longer I think about it, mas napapaisip ako. All of a sudden, something
clicked. A tiny part of me feels... relieved. Pero bakit? Why am I relieved?
Alam ko na hindi ako yung tipo na nagwa-walwal sa lalaki. Pero grabe naman na
hindi ako ganun ka-affected sa ending ng relationship namin ni Ryan. Minahal ko din
naman siya e.
Maybe the love faded throughout the relationship without me realizing it. I didn't
know what was sadder; the fact that my feelings for him faded, or the fact that I
didn't even notice it.
But... was I ever really in love with him? Yung hardcore in love, tipong Mufamba
style?
When Qin didn't say anything, tumingin ako sa kanya. I caught his eyes on me. I
felt tingly for some reason. It probably had something to do with the way he was
staring at me. Ang intense e.
His dark brown eyes stayed on me, doing things to my body without even touching
me.
Pucha. Pwede na bang malusaw?
"His loss," he said, without taking his eyes off me.
 I tilted my head, dying to know what was on his mind.
"Tara sa fifth falls," announced Ate Janelle. She waved to the guide who was
already climbing up the narrow steps at the side of the creek.
"What about yung fourth?" asked Lana, following them.
"Sarado daw sabi nung guide," explained Ate Janelle sadly. "Nawasak nung bagyo."
"Ay, sayang naman," said Kylee, who was behind Lana.
Yung mga friends ni Qin na sina Kevin and Owen, went on ahead na rin. But not
before sending curious looks our way. That was our cue. I gave back the water
bottle to him and got to my feet.
"'Di mo inubos," sabi ni Qin. "Nahiya ka pa."
Tumingin ako sa kanya. He brought the bottle to his lips and finished off the
drink in one gulp. I watched his Adam's apple bob up and down. Napalunok din ako.
When I realized what I did, I squeezed my eyes shut and muttered a curse.
Pinapanalangin ko na sana hindi niya nakita. Mukha akong enchanted sa kanya. Taylor
Swift lang?
I shook my head, turned around, and started walking.
Wala pang ten minutes, nagsusuka na si Lana sa likod ng malaking puno. We decided
to take a break from walking muna. 'Di ko alam na si Lana yung unang bibigay. Ine-
expect ko si Kylee e.
"Kailangan mo ng tubig?" Qin asked Lana, his voice full of concern.
"Please," she panted, reaching out her hand.
Ate Janelle handed him her bottle, while he gave it to Lana. He gently patted her
back while she tried to keep herself in control again. Nakakunot yung noo niya. He
looked slightly pissed.
Ang hot niya kapag galit siya.
"Bumabalik hika mo?"
"I think so."
Nagtinginan kami ni Kylee. She shook her head and raised her shoulders, her eyes
wide in shock. Parehas kami. 'Di namin alam na may hika pala si Lana.
"Malapit na tayo sa fifth falls," sabi ni Ate Janelle. "Pwede nang maligo dun."
"Kaya mo pa, o buhatin na kita?"
Nagtatanong lang naman si Qin, pero parang demand ang dating. Isa yan sa bagay na
gusto ko sa kanya. Ang protective niya sa mga pinsan niya. Paano kaya siya sa
girlfriend niya?
"Kaya 'ko, Kuya," Lana assured him.
He nodded, but still looked unsure.
"Sabihin mo lang," he told her.
Pagkatapos niyang mag-gurgle, humarap si Lana at nginitian si Qin. When our eyes
met, I raised an eyebrow and mouthed, "Okay ka na?"
She gave me a thumbs up. Tumango ako. Ayaw niya when people made a fuss about her.
Sasabihin naman niya kapag hindi na niya talaga kaya.
After what felt like ages, nakarating na rin kami sa fifth and sixth falls. Magka-
dikit pala sila. 'Di lang yun. May cliff din! Twelve feet daw yung lalim ng tubig
kaya pwedeng tumalon kung gusto namin.
Nagpalamig muna ko dun sa mababaw na part. Binasa ko yung mukha ko, pati ulo ko.
Nabasa na rin yung damit ko, pero yun naman yung point e. We were bound to get wet.
Hinihigpitan ko yung ponytail ko nang makarinig ako ng sigaw.
I turned my head to the direction of the laughter. Nauna pala si Ate Janelle
tumalon sa cliff. After laughing and giving out her two thumbs up nung umahon siya,
sumunod na rin yung mga lalaki pati sina Lana at Kylee. I only watched from a
distance.
Iniisip ko palang, nanginginig na tuhod ko. Hindi ko yan kaya. Alam ko limitations
ko.
"Hindi ka tatalon?"
Tumingala ako. A soaking wet Qin stood in front of me - shirtless.
Fuck me. Literally.
"Nope," sagot ko.
"Killjoy," he snorted, ruffling his wet hair and sending droplets on my skin.
"Epal," I muttered.
 He opened his mouth, and I stopped him.
"Don't say 'everlasting peace and love', please lang."
He grinned. Nasilaw ako. Hindi sa araw, kundi sa ngiti niya. Masyadong bright e.
Lumingon ako sa paligid. Nasaan na ba yung sunnies ko?
My eyes wandered to Owen who lit up a cigarette, nakaupo sila ni Kevin sa may mga
bato. Sinundan ni Qin yung tingin ko.
"'Di ka ba mags-smoke?" I asked, turning my eyes back to him.
He stretched his yummy glistening arms, before saying, "I quit."
"Oh?" I scoffed, hindi makapaniwala. "Bakit?"
"Nag-sawa na 'ko e," he shrugged, as if it wasn't a big deal. He glanced at the
cliff then back at me. "Ano, tatalon ka ba o hindi?"
I made a face and shook my head.
"What's the use of running away from reality if you don't make the best of your
escape?"
I bit my lip, considering it.
Tsk. It frustrated me how right his statement was.
Ngumiti siya na parang nabasa niya yung nasa isip ko. Hinahamon talaga ko nitong
gagong 'to ah.
I squinted my eyes at him. Gritting my teeth, I bit out, "Fine."
Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa may cliff. Habang papalapit ako, lalo kong nare-realize
kung gaano kataas yung tatalunin ko. I was about to stop walking and back out, but
then I felt him behind me. Tumigil ako when I was about two feet from the edge.
Shit shit shit.
"Not having second thoughts, are you?" taunted Qin, stepping up beside me.
"Maybe," I mumbled, sabay silip uli sa baba.
"'Kala ko ba, ikaw tough girl sa grupo niyo?"
"Sino naman nagsabi sayo nun?" I asked, looking at him incredulously.
He chuckled and flicked my forehead. "Ikaw."
I almost chocked. "Ako?"
"Yeah, about three years ago."
Oh. My. God.
"Don't tell me you forgot," he said slowly, studying my face.
Don't tell me you remember!
Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kanya.
Tanginaaa.
He burst out laughing - humorlessly? 'Di ako sigurado.
"Wow," he breathed out, shaking his head. Nakangiti siya, pero he doesn't look
pleased. Or maybe imagination ko lang yun. "Was Ryan that good that he made you
forget I was the one w -"
I covered his mouth with my hand, wildly looking around in case somebody
overheard. Lana was chatting with Ate Janelle down by the water. Si Kylee naman,
dinadaldal sina Kevin and Owen by the boulders being her Miss Tourism self as
usual.
My eyes wandered back to Qin's. I saw curiosity in them.
Hindi ako makapaniwalang ibi-bring up niya yun! I couldn't even believe na naalala
pa niya. Ang tagal na nun ah. No! Special siya, pero I refused to think na special
ako. Malabong maging totoo yun.
His hand grabbed my wrist, pulling my hand away from his mouth. His eyes narrowed
at me, as he gazed at me in what was a mixture of wonder and astonishment.
"You didn't tell them," he stated in a whisper.
Instead of answering him like a normal human being, I did what I did best.
Escape.
I turned around, took a step forward, and jumped off the cliff. Walang
preparations. Walang pep-talk sa sarili ko. Walang arte-arte. Tumalon nalang ako.
Tanga lang, 'di ko man lang naalis sapatos ko.
At dahil dun, syempre walang bahid ng poise. Sumigaw ako na parang mamamatay na
talaga 'ko. Shungaers, nakalimutan ko ding takpan yung ilong ko. Ayun. Hello, water
in the nose.
But despite all that, ang sarap pala talaga sa feeling. Pucha. Nagulat ako. Hindi
ko ine-expect na ganun pala kasaya yung adrenaline rush. No wonder ang daming naa-
adik sa extreme sports.
Kasi when I took that leap, I've never felt more free.
Not a moment later, I felt another splash several feet away from me. Tumingin ako
sa direksyon na yun at nag-antay hanggang sa lumitaw ang ulo ni Qin. He joggled his
head like a dog, tapos lumingon siya sa'kin. When his eyes landed on me, he didn't
look away. Tumitig pa kamo.
Lumakas na naman tibok ng puso ko. Wapakels lang. I was still high from what I
just experienced e. It was an unexpected pleasure from something I feared. Astig.
"You should smile more. It suits you."
I blinked, focusing on the person who had my stomach in knots. But he was already
swimming to his friends. Iniwan ba naman ako dito. Malay ba niya kung marunong
akong lumangoy, diba?
Tinalikuran ko ang mga kaibigan ko and reached up my fingers to my lips. Sure
enough, nakangiti ako tulad ng sabi ni Qin. Ang weird lang.
I didn't even know I was smiling 'til he mentioned it.
My thoughts went back to that particular night, back when I was still a sophomore.
Yung gabi kung kailan kami unang nagkakilala.
It was also the night that changed a part of me.
'Tough girl kaya ako,' I remember saying then.
'Mm,' was his only reply, as he took a sip from his beer. He looked amused.
Malamang. Lasing na 'ko e. Most drunk peeps were entertaining. Isa na siguro 'ko
dun.
Birthday kasi ni Lana, kaya nasa bahay kami ng lola niya ngayon. Inimbitahan niya
kami ni Kylee. Nagkakilala kami nung nasira yung vending machine sa school nung
froshies palang kami. Long story short, we related from the loss of the machine. We
bonded from there.
Alam ko. Puro kami mga weirdo.
So yun nga, nag-inuman kami kasama ng mga pinsan niya sa may balcony ng malaking
bahay ng lola nila. Hindi uminom si Kylee. Wine lang iniinom niyang alcohol. Ang
dahilan niya? Si Jesus din daw kasi uminom ng wine. Ayun, natulog nalang siya ng
maaga.
Unang bumigay si Lana, tas si Benjo, sunod yung mga pinsan nila. Hanggang sa
natira nalang sa mesa ay kami nung nakakatakot niyang Kuya Qin.
Okay, hindi naman talaga sobrang nakakatakot. Kung tumingin lang kasi, akala mo
may binabalak na masama sayo. Yung tipong mauuwi ka sa hospital. Nagjo-joke din
naman siya sa mga pinsan niya.
Harsh nga lang. Walang filter.
Ay, nasabi ko bang saksakan siya ng gwapo? Sobrang laidback, comfortable-in-his-
own-skin kind. Pero intimidating din, mapapa-isip ka talaga bago ka magsalita sa
harap niya. Para kasi siyang ticking bomb. Buti nalang lasing na 'ko. Wapakels na
to the world!
'Totoo nga!' pilit ko. Para kasing ayaw niyang maniwala na matatag ako e.
'Kumontra ba 'ko?' sabi niya, with a raised eyebrow.
'Edi okay,' I muttered, my eyebrows lifting up as I looked away.
'Namumula ka.'
'Ganun talaga pag nagi-init.' Gusto ko na ngang hubarin 'tong suot ko e. Ang init-
init kasi. To think, nasa Tagaytay kami ah. Madaling araw na din.
Qin's eyes widened as if he didn't expect me to say that, then a crooked smile
appeared on his face as he shook his head. I even caught his tongue dart out and
wet his lips before smiling again.
Napatitig ako sa kanya saglit.
Tangina. 'Di lang nalaglag panty ko, nakiliti din girly parts ko!
I quickly grabbed the glass of water. Kailangan ko ng tubig.
'Wala ka palang make-up.'
I cleared my throat, baka kasi mag-crack. 'Nakakatamad mag-lagay.'
Hindi siya sumagot. When I glanced at him, he was watching me. Nakasandal siya sa
upuan niya, yung isang braso nakapatong sa backrest. Yung isa naman nasa may tuhod
niya, slowly swirling the bottle of beer na halos wala nang laman. He had a
calculating face on.
I shifted in my seat, crossing my legs and trying to ignore how turned on I was.
Pucha, titig lang yun ah. TITIG palang.
Tubig! Kailangan ko ulit ng tubig!
'Nahalikan ka na ba?'
That made me choke on my water. I flashed him a questioning look, but he just
shrugged as if hindi personal yung tinanong niya sa'kin.
'Curious lang.'
He looked so smug. Grabe. Nairita ako. An awesome reply suddenly came to mind. The
thought of saying it out loud made my heart beat faster. Sasabihin ko ba talaga
yun?
Letse, bahala na.
I met his sharp gaze. I leaned back on my seat to show off confidence na wala
naman talaga sa'kin ngayon. Slightly tilting my head, I challenged him.
'Why don't you see for yourself?'
'Don't dare me,' he warned.
I raised an eyebrow. 'Oh, but I am.'
He stared at me for what felt like forever, probably trying to see if he could
call on my bluff. Bigla akong kinabahan. Ano kayang gagawin niya? Hindi ko alam
kung anong nakita niya sa mukha ko, but he finally shook his head and took a drink.
'Sleep it off, Cassidy,' he told me.
Wow ha. Ano 'ko, bata? I didn't like his condescending tone.
'Don't have the balls?' I taunted.
Salamat sa lakas ng loob, alak.
His dark brown eyes swiftly landed on me. Hindi ko mabasa kung anong nasa isip
niya. He finished the rest of his beer without breaking eye contact from me. Tapos,
pinatong niya yung bote sa mesa at nag-lean forward. He reached out both hands and
grabbed the sides of my chair. Smoothly, hinila niya yung upuan ko papalapit sa
kanya.
Shit. That was hot.
He moved closer until his face was directly in front of mine.
'I told you not to dare me,' he said quietly.
Ramdam na ramdam ko yung warmth ng breath niya. At yung boses niya! OHMIGOD. Ang
deep and husky! Take me now! 'Di ko na kaya 'to! Nalulusaw ako, 'nyeta.
'Still tough?' he asked, with a low voice.
I looked down to his mouth. I wanted a taste. Without thinking, I bit my lip.
'Fuck it,' he murmured, before closing the distance between us and -
I jumped in startle. Someone just sprayed my face with water, jolting me back to
the present.
What the?
"Kanina pa lumilipad utak mo," mentioned Lana, eyeing me closely. "Nasa seventh
falls na tayo, pero parang zombie pa rin yung expression mo. What's up ba?"
Hala. Nandito na pala kami.
Tumingin ako sa paligid. Naga-ayos yung iba ng gamit nila, bago sumulong sa tubig
para maligo ulit. My eyes wandered to the medium-sized falls in front of me. Whoa.
Ang ganda. Masarap din sa tenga yung tunog ng agos ng tubig. Ang galing talaga ni
Mother Nature.
"Earth to Cass," called Lana, waving a hand on my face.
"May naalala lang ako kanina," I explained, taking off my shoes.
"Good or bad?"
I unintentionally glanced at Qin. He casually positioned himself behind Kevin, who
was laughing at something Owen did. Walang sabi-sabi, he pushed Kevin into the
water using only a hand as if his friend didn't weigh a thing. Tapos, tinawanan
lang niya.
Gago talaga.
"Good," sagot ko, bago ibalik ang tingin ko kay Lana. "But embarrassing."
Her face scrunched up in confusion. "Okay," she said slowly. "Tungkol ba yan kay
Kuya Qin?"
I hesitated, then nodded. Hindi niya alam ang buong storya. Hindi ko sinabi sa
kanya yung iba pang nangyari nung gabing yun. Wala silang alam ni Kylee. I didn't
want them to think badly of me.
"Ang lakas ng tama mo sa kanya, babe," remarked Lana.
Kung alam mo lang.
"Minsan, napapaisip ako kung ganyan din ba kalakas tama mo kay Ryan nun."
"Third year na tayo nun nang magka-gusto ko sa letsugas na yun."
"So?"
"School girl crush lang yung kay Qin."
She sent me a skeptical look. "School girl crush pero ganyan ka."
Unreachable kasi si Qin. Hanggang pangarap nalang.
"Tara na nga," yaya ko, wanting to change the subject. "Gusto ko nang maligo."
Madali akong tumakas kay Lana at pumunta sa likod ni Qin. Hmm. Ipaghihiganti ko
nalang si Kevin, kahit hindi kami close. Dahilan na rin yun para mahawakan ko yung
sexy back niya. Malandi na kung malandi. Nagpapaka-totoo lang.
Nakita ako nila Owen at Kevin. They grinned wickedly, immediately getting what I
was trying to do. I heard Lana giggle, while sina Ate Janelle at Kylee pa-simpleng
naka-ngiti.
Just as I was about to push Qin, he turned around and saw me. Tinulak ko siya in
time bago pa siya fully makapag-react! Success!
I watched as he reached out a hand, parang slow motion lang. Oh, no. He swiftly
grabbed my arm, taking me with him. Shit. Fail!
Sabay kaming nahulog sa tubig.
It didn't escape me how his hands were suddenly on my bare waist, helping me up to
the surface. Tumaas kasi yung shirt na suot ko habang nasa tubig, kaya bare skin
ang nahawakan niya.
Kahit malamig yung tubig, nag-init yung katawan ko sa simple touch na yun.
Pucha naman oh. Kinilig na naman girly parts ko.
"Galing," natatawang sinabi ni Qin, after rubbing his face with his free hand.
"Success na e," I countered, laughing despite myself. "Panira ka lang."
"Plot twist tawag dun," he grinned.
Tumawa ako. "Hanep na plot twist. Nangdadamay pa."
He pulled me closer. Hindi pa niya inaalis yung isang kamay niya sa'kin sa ilalim
ng tubig. He leaned down until his lips was right by my ear. I shivered when I felt
his warmth breath touch my skin.
"If I fall," he whispered, "you fall."
I closed my eyes and sighed, loving his feel against me.
Narinig ko yung hinihingal na tawa ni Kylee sa malayo.
"Nakakatawa kayo!" sigaw niya.
Qin dropped his hand and stepped back, putting some distance between us.
Moment ruined. Shit.
"Pasok tayo sa falls!" suggested Lana, sabay hila sa'kin pati kay Kylee.
Nagpahila nalang ako. Kailangan ko din ng cold shower e.
The moment we got inside, nagtinginan kaming tatlo tapos nagtawanan kami bigla.
Para kaming mga sira sa kakatawa, pero ang saya lang kasi talaga. Nakaka-gaang sa
pakiramdam yung lugar, yung tunog, yung atmosphere. Nakaka-miss din yung days na
yung time namin, sa'ming tatlo lang.
"Mami-miss ko 'to," I admitted.
Lana and Kylee exchanged sad looks. Tapos, sabay nila akong niyakap.
"Bakit ka kasi sa Silvestre mag-aaral ng law?" whined Kylee, pulling away and
shaking me.
"Mas maganda dun e," I replied, patting her back.
"Maganda rin naman sa Soledad ah," pouted Lana.
"Bias lang kayo kasi yung boyfriends niyo, dun din nag-aaral."
Kylee slapped my shoulder. "'Di ko pa boyfriend si Benjo no!"
Lana and I laughed.
"Totoo!" she assured us.
Ine-expect naman naming lahat na hindi basta basta sasagutin ni Kylee si Benjo e.
Maninigurado muna siya kung si Benjo na talaga ang 'The One.' As for Lana, the
Mufamba ship is sailing strong. Zeo practically worships the ground she walks on.
 "Halos wala akong kilala sa Silvestre," I added. "Fresh start."
"'Di mo ba alam?" Lana asked me, looking at me weird.
Kumunot noo ko. "Ang alin?"
"Sa Silvestre Law School nagte-take up ng studies si Kuya Qin."
I felt like my eyes were about to pop out from their sockets.
"What?" I demanded.
Tumango siya. "Yuh."
Well, the chances of seeing him there are slim kaya keri lang.
"Kylee!" yelled Ate Janelle's voice, from afar. Not sure from which direction,
wala kasing makita dito kapag nasa loob ka ng falls. "Tignan mo 'to!"
"Wait lang," Kylee told us. "Tawag ako ni Ate Jan."
"Sige lang," sabi ko.
When she was gone, Lana faced me again.
"Bakit ka ba takot makita si Kuya Qin?" she asked. "Okay naman kayo ah."
I rubbed my face with both hands, taking a deep breath. Sasabihin ko ba? Bakit ba
kasi ayaw kong sabihin? Bakit ba ikinahihiya ko ang nangyari? Ang gulo-gulo ng isip
ko.
"Cass?"
Tinignan ko siya. She looked worried. And that made me decide.
I told her.
She gasped.
I bit my lip.
She got teary-eyed.
I shrugged.
She opened her arms and hugged me.
"Kaya pala," she mumbled.
"I don't regret it," I assured her.
She pulled away and I saw question in her eyes.
"Why?"
"Ewan ko," I breathed out. "Gusto kong isipin na swerte ako."
She scoffed. "Siya kaya ang swerte."
I laughed and shook my head. Then, I smiled at her, and said, "Thanks for not
judging me."
Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Duh. I don't blame you. Kuya Qin is hot." She groaned, and
her shoulders slouched. "Yuuuck. I can't believe that came out of my mouth! Bleah!"
Natawa 'ko sa itsura niya. Nandiri talaga siya e.
"Isipin mo nalang si Zeo," I suggested.
"Oh, shiz!" she panicked, her eyes wide. "Si Zeo! 'Di ko pa siya natatawagan!
Damn, baka worried na yun. Tawagan ko lang," she informed me, pointing outside.
"Go," I said, waving her off.
Baka sumugod pa dito sa Negros si Zeo ng wala sa oras.
"Okay ka lang dito?"
"Oo naman."
After glancing at me for the last time, she swam away.
I raised my head and closed my eyes, letting the water shower my face. I couldn't
hear anything but the splash of water. When I exhaled, I heard the sound of my own
breath.
It was calming.
Ang lamig ng tubig, pero ang sarap sa pakiramdam. Ayokong umalis dito sa pwesto
ko. Kaso, bigla ba naman akong may naramdaman sa binti ko. Napasigaw ako ng sobrang
lakas.
A second later, a laughing-his-ass-off Qin emerged from the water.
Pucha. Akala ko kung ano na.
He ran a hand through his hair, the other wiped his face. All the while, he had a
shit-eating grin on his handsome face.
"Yun na yun?" I snorted, trying to look unimpressed.
"What was that?" he said, leaning closer and putting a hand by his ear. "Sorry, I
can't hear you over all the screaming."
I chuckled and shoved his face away. He only smirked at me. Umiwas ako ng tingin,
focusing my attention on the droplets of water on my skin. A few moments passed,
before he spoke again.
"Sinabi mo kay Nana." It wasn't a question.
I looked at him. Hindi naman siya mukhang galit. Pero paano niya nalaman?
"Yung tingin niya e," he added, when he saw my puzzled face.
I gave him a skeptical look. He let out a chuckle.
"Her pokerface doesn't work on me." With a crooked smile, he pointed a finger to
his chest. "Sakin niya kaya yun nakuha."
That sure explained a lot. Ang tindi kasi ng blank expression niya e.
"Why tell now, Cassidy?" he suddenly asked, his voice dropping low.
Na-caught off guard ako sa tono ng boses niya, kaya napatingin ako bigla sa kamay
ko.
"Um."
Tangina, nagiging Maria Clara na naman ako sa hinhin.
He stepped closer, reached out, and gently pulled my chin up so I could look him
in the eye. Ganito kalapit, kitang-kita ko yung mga pilik mata niya. Bakit ka
ganyan, gago kaaa?
His eyes narrowed, slightly squinting as he gazed into mine.
"Brown pala mata mo," he mumbled, parang namamangha na ewan.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Oo," I merely replied.
"Wow."
I looked away. Hindi ko kinaya yung intensity ng tingin niya. Nanlalambot ako.
Lintik na yan.
"My ego's bruised, 'lam mo ba yun?"
I frowned, turning back to him. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"
I watched his eyes wander down to my lips.
"What do you remember from that night?" he asked instead.
"Not much," I admitted. Hazy ang gabing yun sakin. Flashes of memories lang ang
naalala ko, pati din yung importanteng part. Walang details.
"Exactly."
His thumb touched my bottom lip, softly pulling my lips apart. My eyelids
automatically drooped. I breathed out, my heart pounding hard against my chest. He
carefully leaned his face closer, until his mouth hovered over mine.
"Anong ginagawa mo, Qin?" tanong ko, a little out of breath.
"Wala pa 'kong ginagawa," bulong niya, our lips brushing from the movement.
Buti nalang nasa ilalim ng tubig yung mga tuhod ko. Nobody could see them
wobbling. Ayun nga lang, obvious na tumaas ang balahibo ko. Jusko.
Kanina, nanlalambot lang 'ko. Ngayon, nanghihina na 'ko.
"Baka may makakita," I whispered, when he pressed his lips against mine.
Talagang ngayon pa 'ko nagpaka-demure, ha?
"'They won't," he murmured, without pulling away. His hand traveled to the back of
my neck whil

Lana's List: PUBLISHED

Lana's List is now published under Summit Media!
It's now available in all leading bookstores nationwide, for P195!

What does it have in it?

Pin-ups of our favorite trio...

Epilogue where Lana finally met Zeo's family...

And the awesome book playlist.

What are you waiting for? Let's hunt down the book!!

You know, it was only supposed to be a list. It was only supposed be a guide for
myself that I decided to share with my friends. Then, it turned into a story - a
story that's real in sooo many ways.
It's my first Taglish book, and I didn't expect other girls to relate to it so
much. Maybe because it deals with the issue of that "it's complicated" crap, maybe
because girls are so fed up with being hopia to boys who are pa-fall, or maybe
because they're finally realizing their worth.
Sure, it's basically a how-to-make-him-fall-for-you list. But it's also a way to
keep up with the 21st century dude, with all the mixed signals and shiz that
confuses the heck outta you.
Don't settle for less. Know your worth.
I hope this book helps you be that strong person I know you are deep inside.