A Unique And Funny Letter From My Niece

I received this letter when the school celebrated Parents Day at school. My niece is somewhat shy when it comes to giving cards or any stuff to us. She doesn't like somebody would see it or anything like that.

Apparently, I received the homemade card after the event at school when we had our lunch at Jollibee. While reading the card, I am not sure if I would cry, laugh or be annoyed of what she wrote.

Dear Mary Ann :) [Bow] (Now, what happen to Ate Mary Ann? Tsk, tsk, tsk)

Unsa man akong e. ingon? wala man ko'y maisip hahaist. Kay Mama unta ni nako e.hatag [Napilitan nalang cuu] hehe! Atik lang JOKE! Pangit man acong agi uie! :) pangit ka au ang card noh?! haha ingon man gud daw ni ms. home made daw dapat, bahala na ni uie. hehehe! ang akong maingon lang kay mangayo ko'g 10 pesos para tagaan tkag bulak ugma sugot ka? haha! Nimata pa jud si Faith gabii nag ngisi ngisi pa jud hahah :DD !! Suko na pud to siya kay pag tuo niya nag saba2x ko wala gani taka lang!! hehe kani serious na jud ni => moadto pa baya ko sa isa pa ka x mas party pagka hapon. Sugti ko ha?! Promise na!! Hehe naa pa sa likod vie. Basig gikapoy na ka ug basa te hah? kay nonsense kaau? Hehe!! Kani serious na jud nii ==> Te salamat sa pag... maulaw man ko vie kay OA kaau. salamat sa pagbigay ng baon haha!! increasi pud na vie e. 50 na taas na baya ang pamasahe. hehe atik lang pero kung gusto ka O.K. kaayo pero kung dili ok na lang haha.

Salamat sa inyo ni Mommy kay ginahatag ninyo tanan nako kailangan maskiing wala diri si Mama usahay gani makalimot ko ug pasalamat sa inyoha maulaw man gud ko feeling nako O.A. kau ko hehehe. bahala na nii vie! May gani naa mo kay para alagaan ko ninyo kamo na akong producer aie guardians diay sorry nagkamali hehe! tama na ni vie taas na kaayo kapoy sulat haha! pangit baya kau kog agi, kung wala kay nasabtan, sabta lang jud kaya na nimo! e cheeer ta ka Go Ate Mary Ann!! Ayaw ni e pakita nila Mommy ha? bantay lang jud. Till here.

Now here's the face behind that letter:

Victoria's Secret Giveaways

One of my friends here in blogosphere told me on this amazing blog contest hosted by A Family Completed. Why I find it so amazing? It is because the giveaways I am talking about here is the $5o gift card from Victoria Secret to spend it just in time for Valentines Day.

For more mechanics of this wonderful contest just click the link: Victoria's Secrets Giveaways.

How To Add A Signature In Your Blog

In my previous signature in my other blog just before it was redesign, I just used to copy paste the code from live signature to my site manually. It was indeed a very time consuming coz I have to open the live signature site first.

Recently, through the help of Grace of my beauty within, I was able to know how to put the signature in the HTML, actually she was the one who set it to my blog and when I make a peep after she has done it I finally figure it out how.

First, write your signature name in photo shop, design it with the font you like best then save the image to your computer, make sure that it is with JPEG or GIF. Then sign in to your photo bucket and down load the signature and put some cute designs like heart shape or flower then save the image. For me I went over first to piknik.com and edit my signature there with that teddy bear then I sign in to photo bucket for the code.

Second, go to your dashboard then click the lay out, and click the edit HTML, to be more secure back up your templates first. Click the expand widget templates and find the

click the image to enlarge

[For you to be easy to find it just press the ctrl F altogether]

Third, copy the code in the image of your signature from photo bucket, choose the Direct link then paste it after the so it will look like this:

click the image to enlarge

Please take note the code after the data post body. For you not to get the error message especially the IMG and SRC.

I hope this would help you to put the signature in your blog automatically.

My Blog Is Now "Do Follow"

I did not care about the do follow and no follow in blog before but Mommy Gen of Life's Journey had enlightened me about this. When you set your blog to no follow, you actually not allowing any search engines to evaluate the link of your commentator unlike if you set your blog to "do follow" the search engine would calculate the link of the one who posted a comment to your blog to Page Rank.

And I am proud to say that My Little Home and Mary Anne's Musings are now "do follow" so whenever you posted a comment on either two of my blogs, it surely give you back links. But I suggest first that you set your blog to do follow option. Here's how to set your blog to do follow from no follow.

Thanks to Mommy Gen for changing both of my blogs from no follow to do follow. Happy blogging guys!

If You're Leaving Me, I'm Going With You

I supposed to sleep already right now, but I can't seem to just sleep with no updates in this blog. Actually my head is already spinning while I am writing on this post. But before I would go to my dream land let me share the story of a two couple who keeps on fighting and thought all a sudden that the marriage was a big mistake. While the husband decides to leave her at that, guess what the wife just did?

Read the story and you may give your opinion on this:

In 1939, in a small town in Oklahoma, a young couple had been married a few short and disappointing months. He never dreamed there were so many ways to ruin fried chicken. She couldn't imagine why she ever thought his jokes were funny. Neither one said aloud what they were both thinking - the marriage was a big mistake.

One hot afternoon, they got into a terrible argument about whether they could afford to paint the living room. Tempers flared, voices were raised, and somehow one of the wedding gift plates crashed to the floor. She burst into tears, called him heartless and a cheapskate. He shouted that he'd rather be a cheapskate than a nag, then grabbed the car keys on his way out. His parting words, punctuated by the slam of the screen door, were, "That''s it! I'm leaving you!"

But before he could coax their rickety car into gear, the passenger door flew open and his bride landed on the seat beside him. She stared straight ahead, her face tear-streaked but determined.

"And just where do you think you're going?" he asked in amazement.

She hesitated only a moment before replying, just long enough to be sure of the answer that would decide the direction of their lives for the next forty-three years.

"If you're leaving me," my mother said, "I'm going with you."

Chicken soup for the soul

The story only mean that even you get a huge fight with your husband or with your wife, do not give up that easy, instead try to extend your patience and understanding and let the love be on top of everything. Once the argument is done, make peace and rejuvenate the care and love toward each other.

As the famous saying goes : Marriage is not a joke nor it's like a food that when it is hot, you easily just spit out.

Internet Connection Went Off Just When The EC Kicked In

One of my task that I like to do every morning and at nighttime before I go to sleep is to fulfill the 300 EC drop both in Mary Anne's Musing and My Little Home Blog. But sadly this past few days I was not able to do it because of the seemingly endless disconnections that my Internet provider experience.

This morning when my connections got back, I hurriedly log to my entre card to see who drop me an EC but to my disappointment it didn't allow me to log, said they had experiencing down time and that it will go back sooner.

So what I did was just roamed around the planet [LOL] blog hopping is what I mean and read the recent post of my co blogger posted. While doing that, I also checking the entre card if their system went back already.

After few minutes of checking and roaming and refreshing the entre card website, it finally went on but guess what? The moment the entre card kicked in just then my Internet connection started to off, isn't it great?

Anyway guys, my apology if I was not able to drop you an EC I promise once this stuff would be fix, I will do my best to reach and drop 300 EC as I can.

You Were Dumped

I have few friends who were dumped by a man whom they thought that the love they posses is for last only they realize at the end that these men were only for bed when they just bade goodbye to you because they're done with you.

Oh how I wish to bounce back for them, I remember one of my friend receives a text message from her boyfriend saying " It's time for you to move on" Now in wondrous reaction, my friend asks me what does that supposed to mean? I answered her "message him back and said " Didn't you know I moved on a long time ago” You know, just for him to realize he was wrong to say that and for my friend to bounce back that striking painful words he send her.

Anyway, I know that whoever in her shoe would also be confused on what is the best primary thing to do. I got this tip from one magazine I just read on how to bounce back effectively.

First and foremost you have to live a balanced life, now how would you do it? Well, you just need to confront it and feel the emotions, but you need to put a cap on it as well. Meantime when you are still in pain then indulge and have that spare time to think and feel over the pains, let's say two hours or one hour of crying but don't spilled your tears too much. Then after that breathe and let go, think of some things to occupy your mind, you might also go out and see some friends. Do some other things that you have not done in your life.

Just remember that some aspects in life are uncontrollable and one of them are the sadness of goodbye from someone you love. But you can be more resilient in facing break ups and disappointment by creating as strong circle of supportive family and friends, talk with them of some fun you can do together, get more activity with family and make your day a good one with them this is better than letting those ties lapse on getting serious with someone.

A Message Of Thanks

Let me grab this opportunity to say Thank you to those who follow and read the Love Story. It was my pleasure to share this kakilig to the bones story. Good thing I was able to grab a copy when I was still working there.

What's so funny was that all of us in the call floor were inspired to share also our piece because of her. Some shared about their affair with another guy, some shared about choosing the knight armor but realizes that they were just a beast from nowhere and that it's too late for them to let go, and some shared about the journey of finding one real love.

I tell you I wanted to grab all the stories they shared but was not able to do so because our not so good looking technician blocked all means of transferring data's to our personal email. I don't have any choice but to indulge the life's lesson through the write-ups of my colleague alone.

Anyway, at least I have transferred this first story in our notepad. And I thank you very much for appreciating the unique way of courtship that only Filipino can. I must say although some of our men are not so much like this, still there are Filipino men out there who carries the true attitude of being one. Cheers to that!

But bear this in mind, that love knows no bounds whatever race you have, whatever color of our blood that run through our veins, whatever our capacity in the society. When true love strike in our hearts, even our mind could not control it. It flows like a river into the ocean until the end of time.

So if you get the chance perhaps today or tomorrow to say the three magic words "I love you” of the person whom you love so dearly, then you must grab the chance. No one knows what will happen tomorrow but what if it’s too late to let him or her know you care.

The Love Story Final Episode

Hear ye! Hear ye! The most awaited final episode of The Love Story has finally come. Watch out of the kilig to the bones conversation of the two when they finally admitted to each other that they want for no one else but them to be together but how long? Would it be until forever?

"Anne, I love you." HE FINALLY SAID IT!! AT LAST!!

"Hahay! Nasulti na jud nimo." He looked at me in surprise. And later on, interpreted what I said.

"Dugay na jud kong gatagad, Ron Navarro . At last nasulti na nimong amawa ka!"

"Ha?"

"Amaw jud ka! Sige ka yawyaw nga dugay tika sugton unya wala kay ingon-ingon kung unsa ko sa imo or unsa imo nabati nako. Tarong ba na?"

He chuckled. Then we were silent for a while. He stood and took my hand. Tindog sad ko. Shit! Kulbaan jud ko ba! He embraced me dayun. I embraced back. I was smiling because he kept on telling me he loves me. I can't respond anyway kay mura kog teddy bear gihalog ug ulitawo. Imagine?! 5'11 vs. 5'2..

Damn! It felt so good to be in his arms. I know he is the right one for me. I don't believe in soulmates, though I know he's the one. I want to feel this forever just like he promised me and kissed my forehead. Now, we're almost 4 years and still going strong. I love him, he loves me. We are a happy family (Kanta yun!!) and I know it will last forever and ever.. Amen.. THE END.. Yahu! Yahu! Yahu!

'I have loved you only in my mind,
But I know that there will come a time
You'll feel this feeling I have inside...
You're a hopeless romantic is what they say
Falling in and out of love just like a play
Memorizing each lines I still don't know what to say...what to say..

Cho:
Don't know what to do whenever you are near
Don't know what to say my heart is flowing in tears
When you pass by I could fly.
Every minute, every second of the day
I dream of you in the most special way
Here beside me all the time.

I have loved you and I always will
Call it crazy but I know someday you'll feel
This feeling I have for you inside
I'm a hopeless romantic I know I am
Memorizing each lines but here I am
Struggling for words I still don't know what to say...what to say..

Repeat Cho:
...all the time.. all

The Love Story Part 4

Have you ever remember what song was that when you first saw your husband or boyfriend, that even how many years that passes by, you could remember the song and until now your still humming it because the entire meaning of the song was already place in your heart?

"O sige moangkon na ko. Ikaw to gikaibgan nako,Bai. I love you, Ron!!" Everybody giggled. I also laughed with them. You really can't talk serious matters with Balot. It'll just be a waste of time.

"Ayaw pag-ing ana, Bai. Naay magselos," Christian replied to Balot's joke. And then again and always, they teased me... (Ako, lagi na lang ako....) Later on Balot answered that it was Irish that he liked so much. That he was imitating Ron's strategy to be Irish anonymous textmate but since his birthday was so far, he dropped the matter and told Irish about his identity. He asked me that I should not tell Irish kay magpakipot daw si Balot niya (Amaw jud!)

Balot spun the bottle and Libeth was the next one. Christopher asked him if it's true that Jepoi courted him before. And her answer was "yes" We teased them. So that explains the sundo sundo issue.

Libeth spun the bottle and it was Jepoi's turn Virgilio asked him if he still like Libeth. And his answer was also a "Yes" Why wont just the two of them show what they feel. I've always known that Libeth like Jepoi.

Jepoi spun the bottle. It pointed at Ron. He was looking at me, I didn't notice. Goodluck to the question. (Pero I doubt that he will tell. Torpe kaha siya!!!)

"Bai, birthday man jud nimo. Motug-an jud ka sa tinuod ha? Unsa man jud nang nabati nimo ni Anne? Iping-Iping lang or tinud anay nang imo?" I was listening to Ron's reply to Chris question (magkaalaman na!!)

I was not looking at him and was busying myself tying my shoes. (Para kunwari wala naminaw.) Libeth beside me was pinching my upper left leg. I think she wants me to listen to Ron's reply.

"Tinud anay uy! Maing ani ba ko ug binuang lang? He replied!!! Everybody teased. Mingislit gud ko kay mura kog gigitik. ( Chika oi!!!tu u pod siya oi.)

"Uuuuyyy... Basig hinubog lang na, Bai, ha?" Balot asked. (Bitaw jud. Kaino, gud ka!!)


"Bai, musulti bya ug tinuod ng mga nakainon," Chris told Balot.

"Unya, Anne. Kamo na ni Ron?" Virgilio asked. Toink!!! (Unsa man intawon akong itubag oi?!!) I want to melt infront of them all!! Why is Ron passing all the burden to me? I need help here....

"Unsaon nila pagkauyab nga wala pa man gani daw kaingon si kuya" Libeth replied. Everybody said 'What?!" and looked at him (Thanks, Libeth! But no thanks ... Gibuking hinuon ko sa baje. Ingnon pa lang, gatagad ko niya...)

"Nanguyab ko oi. Wala pa ko gisugot, Ron replied. ( wala pa gisugot ha?)

"Kay sugton diay ka ni Anne?" Mumay asked. (sus! ang mga questions kay sa iya gi-address pero mura man ug ako ang kinahanglan motubag ato uy!! Uli na jud ko ba!!)

"Ambot niya. Ug sugton ko, maayo, ug dili,wa tay mahimo. May mag mapugos ng gugma," Ron said.(Haler! Corny ba!!)

"Da! Hisgot na jud siya ug gugma o. Lahi na jud ng imo, Bai. Virus!" Balot said. Virus is thier expression for a statement that they can't relate. They Usually imply it to their major subject(s) that is so hard to understand (Virus!!)

"Hoy! Dili na kunu ta manhilabot sa ilang lovelife kay murag sila ra dapat mag-istorya bahin ana," Jepoi said.


"Ana jud," I seconded. (First time that I said something!! Virus!!)

Everybody laughed. We continued playing spin the bottle since they already consumed the 1 case of beer. (Mga palahubog!!) We joked, laughed and sang and dance. I haven't even noticed that Ron's arm was behind me. I just lay my head listening to Virgilio's 'revised' songs of F4. Jepoi and Chris were having 'punung braso' on the bed, while Libeth and Mumay was checking on Ron's books. (He's got 5 books of Integral/Differential Calculus that time and other books that I can't relate. Virus!!) The two girls were very engrossed reading them. (Lingaw sila sa mga numero ug letters ug mga linya ug angles, ako dili jud!! Can we eat na lang? I'm starving again!)


It was just me and Ron on the sofa. He held my hawak kay murag wala jud ko pansin-pansin niya!!! (Grabe ang kurente do!! Di mabangbang!!)

"Anne, ug manguyab ko nimo, naa ko pag-asa?" he asked looking straight into my eyes. I can smell his breath and his cologne. (Mura kog mawindang, katawhan!! I wanna tell him 'Of course!!Ikaw pa!!' pero pakipot sad ta gamay uy..)

"Siguro naa kung dili ka manggitik ug kalit diha" I replied smiling to him.

"Wala man ko nanggitik. Di man gud ka mulantaw nako be" he said to me now putting his head on my shoulders. (Gaksa na lang ko uy! Ulaw-ulaw pa ka diha! Pagdaleeeee...)

"Alangan na man sad nga magsige ko ug tutok nimo nga murag buang?" I said and chuckled.

"Aw, dili man pod sa ingon. Akong kiss, asa na?"

"Hilom diha. Haluki imong mata" I replied

"Ako na lang kiss nimo sa lips be"

"Kiss ug sulay kay di na jud tika pansinon ever."But actually our faces were so close to each other that if he or me will move forward, kissing would be VERY possible. (Move your face forward, Ron!!)

"Ganun? Sige, dili na lang kiss. Asa akong gift?"

"Ako man imong gift. Ana ka if muanhi ko kay di na ko magdalag gift, di ba?"

"Ay o. Nalimot ko da"

"Hubog na man gud ka"

"Dili pa ko hubog uy. Makatulog man ko ug mahubog ko. Kanus-a ko nimo sugton?"

"Nanguyab diay ka?"

"Hala, laina uy. Wala pa ba diay ko nanguyab ani nga style?"

"Aw, nanguyab na diay ka anang styla? Bantog ra sige ka ug kabasted," I said and chuckled.


"Ouch! Bastedon pod diay ko nimo?"

"Basin. Lahi ra kaayo ka makainom,no? Tabian kaayo ka"

"Tabian man jud ko. Maamang ra man ko ug naa ka. Pa-cute ra ko taman" (Wala na.. Nakainom jud diay siya.. Wala man ko masulti na uy!May pag mangaon ta!!)


"Gutom man ko, Ron. Naa pa pagkaon?" I asked to divert his attention.

"Change topic lagi dayun. Kinsay gigutom pa diha?"Ron asked them. (Wala.... wala... Butangi gayuma iya food, Ron.!)


"Ice cream, kuya, naa pa?"Mumay asked.


"O, naa pa. Kamo, Bai, ice cream"

"Dad-i lang mi, 'may" Virgilio said.


The three of us went back to the kitchen. Ron opened the ref and brought out the ice cream. Mumay pull out glasses and spoons from a small cabinet and brought it outside. Ron signaled me to sit on the table.

"Tagad lang. Hatod sa ko ning ice cream"


He left. I just sat there. (Imbes nga mamira ko ug kauban, kami ra nuong duha mabilin diri. Giahak uy!! )

When Ron returned, he got a plate and a glass. He got the food inside the ref and put it on the table. He opened the rice cooker and brought plenty of newly cooked rice. When he reached the table, he sat beside me. We looked at each other for a long time. I don't know what to do because the food that he served were so plenty.

"Kaon man kaha ka. Kaon na or pahungit pa ka?"; he told me.

"Ikaw diay. Dili ka mokaon?"

"Nabusog na ko ug nilantaw nimo." I rolled my eyes.

"Corny!&";

"Lagi! Dili mutuu ay!"

"Kaon ug apil kay lain kaayo sige ka tutuk nako."

"Okay. Share lang ta plate ha?"

"Ikaw bahala."

We talked between eating. I laughed a lot on his jokes. Sometimes he feeds me (not just food) with all the corny things you could hear. He told me that I'm the one he thinks about before he sleeps and when he wakes up. (Ako pud, ing-ana!!) He told me also that one time, he thought he saw someone who looks like me and when he approached the person, it's bading pala! (Hahahahaha...!!) Sometimes daw he was caught by their boring professor not listening to the discussion because he was writing my name with his lastname. (So kilig!!) Their professor asked him if he was gay because he was using a lady's name instead of his real name. (Hahahaha!!!)

Everything was like perfect. Everything was great. But the antagonist came -- his ex! She arrived at the middle of our splendid moment. I hate this girl!! (You'll hate her too.) She was wearing a halter top (exposing her muscles on the arms!!) and a skirt just below her (dark) knees. We were about to stand up to 'acknowledge' the arrival of the uninvited guest (Here comes the black witch!!), when suddenly he kissed Ron on the LIPS INFRONT OF ME!!! (Grrrrrr...)

I was slightly shocked and stood. Ron stood up too.

"Happy birthday, Ron! Surprise!" She said after kissing him and handed him a small box. I was flabbergasted that I dropped the spoon I'm holding. Ron looked at me and I know he saw I was really shocked. He brought Hannah outside, maybe to hide her from me. (Maayo iya gitago, wala pa, bun-og jud to nako!!) I felt a stinging sensation against my heart that I just finished the food as fast as I can. I washed the dishes and almost dropped the (mamahaling) plate into the sink. (May pag gibuak nimo to dayun kuhaa ang mga bildo, ipakaon sa black witch!!) I felt numb again, or maybe I was hurting that I think it's too much to bear so I just thought I felt nothing. I kept the food inside the ref and got the watermelon to eat it. (I always eat when I'm depressed or does not feel good.)

I want to go out and scratch out the eyes of the black witch! How dare her kiss my Ron!! But still, I don't have the right to confront her. First reason, the Association of Animals will sue me for hurting their queen. (Wahehehehe..) Second, Ron's not my boyfriend. (Unya kay uyab pud diay sila?) Third, Hinhin bya kunuhay ko. If Ron sees me killing her, he might think twice in courting me. (Pakipot man! Gabaan!)

I went outside bringing the tray of food with me. Ron and the Animal Queen were talking under the tree. Ron saw me and he avoided my stare. It means something that made my tears wanna roll out. (Bad man si Ron uy! Two-timer!!)

I went to his room and brought the food in the middle. Everybody grabbed a bite. Libeth was looking at me. I know she's worried. (She's always like that.) I smiled at her even if I know it's ngiting-aso. I'm so transparent kasi!

Everybody was so quiet except for Virgilio, coz he was singing. I can see them from where I am seated. Ron was explaining while Hannah was listening. Then, suddenly she grabbed his arm and hugged him. Ron hugged him too. And damn this heart of mine. So sensitive that even my toes could feel how aching it was to see the guy I loved with somebody's arms. (Virus na si Anne!! Corny..) I felt a tear dropped on my cheek and hurriedly wiped it. I transferred to where Jepoi was sitting and continued to eat.

Balot who went to the CR came back with a bottle of Grande. (Grabe jud ug ilong si Balot basta beer!!) He opened it and poured it in a glass. Balot asked who would want to drink first. Out of no thinking, I raised my hand. Libeth smiled and everybody cheered. I drank the beer up to the last drop. (It was my first time to drink beer... Yipee!) Actually, it feels good even if it smells bad. It was like an achievement. Balot distributed the glass one by one and when it reached me, I hurriedly drank it.

I felt nothing at first but since I drank 2 more glasses, I felt na the effect of the beer. It's so hot the inside of my tummy like something's burning. I also noticed that I'm talking so loud as if I'm with deaf people. Just then Ron entered the room. Hannah's not with him. (Why are you looking for that bitch=b(lack w)itch???) I stood to have my aux 4. Ron looked at me but I ignored him.

As I went inside, I saw Hannah just coming out of the CR. She taas-taas her kilay at me and I just wrinkled my forehead silently telling her 'Naunsa ka?' (Away na to!!) As I reach the doorknob, she hurdled her ugly legs infront of me and said:

"Ug abi nimo gi seryoso kang Ron, please mata na kay gadamgo ra ka. Gipustahan lang ka nilang Balot ug Rey ug maka-score ba akong uyab nimo. Since nga hapit na man siguro nimo siya sugton, daog na gihapon siya."; Actually, I think she said it like that but I'm not quite sure. Basta, one thing I'm sure of is that she said nga 'gipustahan' ra daw ko nila. (Ouch, man!) Balos sad ko uy!

"Ug abi sad nimo nga naibog ko sa imong uyab, hala mata na pud. Kay giurom na ka! Kinsa gud intawon ganahan ana niya nga murag ikaw ra man. Mabaw ra man gud ka ug taste,"; I replied to her. Swear to God I didn't mean to say that. I want to say the opposite. Pero alangan naman nga muingon ko'g: 'Ipaglalaban ko siya. Magkamatayan man!!' Haler! I'm still not out of my mind!!


So grabe my high blood that time that I want to kick his legs blocking my way. I think she saw it in my eyes coz she pulled her feet and left. (Kalami ra jud laruton sa iyang mga patay nga buhok!! Grrrr...)

As I was inside the CR/bathroom, I can't help but cry. Giatay! Talagsa ra ka ma-inlove, binuangan pa jud ka sa mga animal! I tried to fight the tears but it won't stop falling. I think I'm drunk coz I'm getting emotional. I want to punch his face and see it bleed. I want to strangle him to death. (Si Ron ang 'him' ako pasabot..) But my opposite mind tells me that I was just bitter. I know I am. (Sakit gud!) Suddenly, somebody knocked on the door.

"Unsa man?!"I said sounding so condescending.

"Uhm..Anne, ok ra ka diha?Ganina ra man gud ka."; It was the kapre talking outside. Mibalik akong kalagot, do!!!!

"Nalibang ko diri, ayaw ko samoka!"; I shouted. (Ug di ka muhawa, iitsa ko ning tae nimo, you like??!! If not, hala tsupe...)

"Ah, sorry!"; Then I heard footsteps leaving.

Shit! I'm left all alone again. (Bantay lang mo inig gawas nako o! Bantay lang jud mong mga amawa mo! Bantay lang!) I washed my face and headed straight to Ron's room. They were laughing and was facing another bottle of Grande. I sat beside Libeth smilingly just infront of the witch. (Plastikan na to, Bai!!) The witch smiled at me, a very friendly smile. (So plastik jud! Lami kaayo bungian ba!!) I ignored her and took a glass of beer. Ron held my hand.

"Dili ka ana kay dili maayo," he said.

"Di ka magbuot kay dili ta uyab!" I replied giving him the shock of his life. (Midako iya mata ba!!) Everybody was quiet. Still Ron did not let go of my hand. Instead, he used the other hand to get the glass of beer and he drank it to the last drop.

"Dili na ka muinom kay lain na ka ug timpla," he said to me. Everybody teased us and someone said 'Concern siya!' I wrinkled my forehead and sandig on the sofa in defeat. (Hmp! Di jud! Palahubog jud kang amawa ka!) I started to be quiet (again) since that confrontation and slept maybe for a few minutes. (Nalipong na man jud siguro ko ba!!) When I woke up, it was Ron's voice that I could hear. He was sitting beside and me and my head was on his shoulder. (Put your head on my shoulder ang drama..)

I stood immediately coz I felt awkward. And where were they? Did they left me? They're not here anymore!!

"Naa sila sa dakong balay, nangaon. Labad imong ulo?"; he asked.

"Excuse me pero wala ko nahubog,"; I replied blatantly. He drew a deep breath. He was looking at me intently but I can't stand the stare that I headed outside the door. He held my hand to stop me.

"Unsa gud?";I said impatiently.

"Diri lang sa gud ta, Anne,"he said to me, pleading.

"Nabuing ka diha. Naa tang duha sulod sa kwarto nimo. Huna-hunaa kuno unsa ilang huna-hunaon labaw na nako,"; I said to him. I'm about to cry again. I don't want to be left alone with him. I can feel my heart bursting with love and hate.

"Kabalo man silang nakatulog ka," he replied.

"Mag-unsa man pud intawon ta diri uy! Masuko unya imong uyab,"I said. (Me and my big mouth jud! Mabuking na sad ko ani ba!!)

";storya-istorya lang gud ta."; (Wa jud tubaga ang uyab part!!)

"Unya kay gigutom man ko. Di nimo pakan-on imong bisita?"I'm being sarcastic na. i just want to get away. He was still holding my hand and If he won't let me go, mabuang na jud ko sa kagilok sa kuryenteng galatay-latay sa akong panit!! (may gani wa ka labasi a2!!! wehehe)

"Ikaw gud,"he said after a long while. (I won!)

We went to the kitchen surprised not to see the witch there. She went home, I guess. The food were still plenty. And since I'm depressed, lamon na sad ko!! (Bahala sila!) It was almost 6 pm when we all decided to go home. Ron will be using the van to hatid all of us. Since I went pa to the CR, they were all plastar na inside the van when I returned. Which gives me all the privilege to sit infront just beside the driver.( Ug sa dihang si Ron ang mag-drive.)

When I sat there (pa-as if walang nangyari), the engine started to run and we hit the streets. Last stop was our boarding house. Libeth already went down but I can't open the damn door. Libeth was smiling and I know why na. She left me inside the van with Ron.

"Ablihi ba kay manaog ko,"I said demandingly.

"Unya ra ba. Mag-istorya sa ta,"he replied calmly. (Dili lagi ko ganahan ani ba! Hilak ko karon!)

"Unsa gud ato istoryahan?" (Init lang akong ulo aning orasa.)

"Ok na man ta ganina. Naing-ana lang ka pag-abot ni Hannah. Anne, dili bya mi uyab."

"Dayun? Unsa man intawon ako labot if uyab ba mo or dili. Inyuha man intawon nang problema oi." (Gaaso na akong ilong aning panahona!!)

"Anne, paminaw ba. Wala ka kasabot sa akong gibati?"

"Wala." (Mubuto na jud akong kalagot!! Abi niya wala pa ko kabalo! Grrrr..)

"Anne pod uy."

"Wala lagi. Unsa man diay imong nabati? Nalipay ka kay hapit ka makadaog sa inyong pustaanay? Kabalo na ko, Ron. Ayaw na pag-inatik sa imong mga gibati diha kay murag wala na jud kay angay paminawon. Ablihi ning pultahan kung di ka gusto nga buk-on ko ning samin sa bintana. Pamili."; (Mi-ratatat na jud akong baba! Galagot jud uroy ko.. Ablihi pultahan kay kahilakon na ko!) I heard him sigh and released the latch. I immediately opened the door and left him there. I heard the screeching of the tires signaling that he left me. My tears were flowing when I was still heading the stairs because Ron already had a BIG place in my heart. I don't know if he knows. Libeth saw me as I was heading to the 3rd floor. I almost lose my grip on the stairs.

"Anne, hali. Tabangan tika," Libeth said. I wish she could help me. She guided me to my bed and patted my shoulder. I can't say a word. I just cried and cried.

"Ihilak lang, Anne. Mawala ra na." I heard her say. I cried my heart out. Crying for the lost love I never had. I never stopped crying until Anne Marie came in.

";Anne, ngano man ka?":; Marie asked and went beside me. Marie's voice was so loud that I heard my dormmates heading to our room. I hide my face from them by covering it with my hands. Everybody was asking Libeth why am I crying but I haven't heard her said something. They were all very supportive. They were telling me to be strong. One told me that it was her first time to see me cry. Actually, they never did see me cry coz I don't cry that much. Even when my mom died, I never cried because she don't want me too. That was her last request.

They stayed inside the room until its almost late. They were talking about bloopers of teachers whom I don't know. They were having fun but I was making myself lonely thinking of Ron and the pustahan thing. Sometimes a tear will drop, sometimes I felt so numb. What I wanna do that moment was to call my dad. He knows many things. (I'm daddy's girl kasi!!) But that time, since we were not that maluho (and my dad doesn't want to buy cellphone that time coz it's magastos sa load), I just text one of his subordinates. But I erased the idea. (Magguol unya to.Tiguwang na raba..)

Suddenly, Libeth's phone rang. Maybe it's her father checking on her because she didn't went home. I was lying on my bed already and drama to the max. My back was on them. They were quiet and I can still hear Libeth's phone ringing. (Wala siguro nadungog ni Libeth.)

I bangon myself and looked their way. I saw Marie pushing Libeth to my direction holding her phone. They all laughed when I caught them. I laughed too but an empty sound. The call is for me and I can feel that it's Ron.

";Beth, ug siya na ingna nga natulog na ko be,"; I said in a pleading, broken voice. Libeth just nodded and answered the call. All of us listened intently.

";Hello, kuya...Natulog na raba... Ganina ra kaayo pag-abot namo..Lagi, promise...Ha?...O ingnon lang nako ugma..Sige, ba bye..";

Everybody was so quiet. I did not ask Libeth what it was all about. Actually, I wanna snatch the phone and hear his voice. That might be the last time I'll hear it. But (As usual, there's my usyusera dormmates..) they asked anyway. I was just quiet listening.

";Unsa daw, Beth?"; Ate Yummy asked first. But instead of answering, Libeth laughed so hard. (Tag-ana daw ninyo ngano..)

";Hoy! Unsa ba? Share pod,"; Marie sa id impatiently.

";Nanawag siya kay dili daw siya katulog. Sorry daw, Anne,"; Libeth said. (Ha? Unsay kataw-anan ato?)

";Dayun? Mao ra?"; Ate Bai asked.

";Mao ra.";

";Unya unsa may kataw-anan ato?"; Verna asked.

";Wala man. Buot mo katawa ko!"; Libeth replied. But I can sense that she's lying. She just doesn't want to tell the others whatever Ron told her. I went back to my bed and slept. This was a very long day. I wish I never replied to Tall&Dark the time he texted me.

I made myself busy on the first two days of the next school week. Ron tried to talk to me on our English 3 class but I ignored him and shot him an icy stare. He keeps on texting and calling Libeth but I don't glance at her phone anymore. Honestly, i missed Ron that everytime I remember him (which is most of the time) I just embrace the bolster so tight imagining it was him. One time I went to Gaisano to buy mamam for the week, I saw Ron just on the other side of the street looking at me. I just ignored him but deep inside I want to run to him and forget about the pustahan. (Pero sakit gihapon, do! Di jud mabangbang! Mura kog patay the whole time di man lang makakatawa ug kusog...)

It was Wednesday night when Libeth handed me a letter. It was a stationery in color pink. And damn, I know the smell very well. I did not ask Libeth from whom it came from because I know and I can feel that it was from Ron. My heart was weeping again remembering the asshole who broke it. I was making my assignment then. I ignored the letter. But I can't concentrate anymore on what I was doing. I looked at the letter as if it was a porcupine that if I touch it, it will shoot thorns to any direction.

";Anne, ayaw na pugngi imong self. Basaha na ang sulat ni kuya. Malay mo, suicide letter na!"; Libeth said.

";Amaw!"; (Bahala siya pakamatay. Muhilak ba diay ko? <Hilak jud!!&;)

I read his letter na lang jud. I thouht it was so long but it's just 3 words written so big.

'Anne,


I LOVE YOU


Ron'

That's all. Libeth took a peek and smiled at me.

"Hmm.. In love na jud akong kuya. Balos pud,&" Libeth said.

"Yahay! Tuu pod ka niya? Atik ra ni uy.." I said but smiling again.

"Atik ra daw, katawa na man lagi ka?"

&"Alangan, kataw-anan bya jud."

"Kataw-anan o kilig. Aminin!"

Libeth was shouting her lungs out. And good luck to my dormmates coz they'll be here in 3,2,1...Here they are!

"Unsa man nang kilig-kilig ha? Dungog namo to,"ate Bai was the first one to
enter the room. (Daan pa ko. Libeth talaga... Gituyo to niya ba!!)

"Wala, te, uy! Libeth ra ana ay!"

"Dili tuud, te. Nagpadala ug love letter si kuya Ron niya. All things he wants to say just ended up in three letters. I....LOVE....YOU..." Everybody teased me. I just laughed.

"Anne, sa wakas mikatawa na jud ka. Share pud what happened atong birthday niya kay para dili mi mag-wonder why ka gahilak-hilak. Abi namo gi-rape ka pero kauban man mong Libeth,di ba?" Marie said. Here it goes. Libeth also doesn't know about the pustahan thing.

I told them the story since they won't stop bothering me about it. It's just funny that they thought I was raped. (Hahaha.. Raped by Ron?.. Hmmm...) I told them from the moment that there's no water up to the pustahan issue and the hatid-hatid chuva! They had different comments about it. As for Marie, she wants to strangle the black witch and flush her into the toilet.

"Anne, basin namutbot tong wakwak nimo," ate Bai commented.

"No, Ate Bai. I confronted him bya in the van, wala man siya mitingog. Gipagawas lang dayun ko niya," I replied.

"It's true nga gipustahan ka nila.Pero basin na-inlove na si Ron nimo, wala na niya gidayun ang pusta. Pareha gud atong sa salida ni Antoinette Taus ug Dingdong Dantes," Verna said.

"Unya, Vern, dili bya ni movie. True-to-life story ire," Marie countered.

"Asa man diay gi base ang mga movies nga sa real lives man," Verna replied.

"Hala, pag-away mo diha. Basta, Anne, try diay mo ug istorya. Masumhan gani na nimo, basin maghilak na pod ka. feel nako kay but-an man pod siya," Ate Bai said to me.

"Unyag gapadayun pa diay sila ug pusta, te. Daog na siya, kauyab pa jud. Hayahay kaayong ungoy!"Marie said. I smiled. I used to call him monkey before. (Karemember mo, people of the Philippines?)

"Dili ba. Ang amoa lang kay tagaan ug chance ang ilang kaugalingon. Malay natin, they were meant for each other," Ate Bai said.

"Ate Bai, mura man nimog gibugaw si genius niya uy! "

"Bitaw jud,te bai. Gbugaw ko nimo.."

"Dili man na bugaw. In love man sad ka niya kay imong giiyakan, go for it na lang. Sumhan gani na nimo, mangita na ug lain. Hala ka!"

'Bahala siya. I want him to feel what I felt. Ang kaso kay ing-ana lang ba kasayon magpasaylo?"

"Anne Abedoza, dili ko katuo nga makasulti ka ug ing-ana. Onxce gani musulod ka anang mga butanga, dapat ma-realize nimo nga walay lugar ang pagka-selfish. Nagtuo ba ka nga wala pod siya nasakitan? Sige ra ba nako siya mabantayan diha sa gawas o. Magsige ug lingi diri. Kulang na lang haranahon ka," Ate bai said. (Kasab-an ko, people of the Phils!!!)

I was quiet. They were all teasing me when i smiled. I made up my mind already. I will talk to him as soon as he approaches me again. Can't wait for that moment. Makauyab na jud ko!!!!

Ate Bai and the rest stayed inside the room 'til they are too sleepy to stay. I continued finishing my assignment and note-taking until 1 am. I'm too inspired to sleep. I have my English 3 that day to look forward to. I also rehearsed (on my mind) the things I wanna tell Ron if (ever) he approaches me. I thought of the countless times he tried to approach me since Monday. I know he really wants to explain but I almost run when I see him coming. Actually, I was confused so I always avoid him even if I really want to stay and listen to him and talk to him and forgive him and forget everything and held his hand and tell him that I love him so. Damn! I can't do that, of course. (Dalagang Pilipina yata ako...)

I woke up that day so refreshed. I wanted to go to school and (try my luck) see Ron. But I don't have a class that morning so I just have to wait 'til afternoon. Libeth went to school already. She was so early since she was the first one to sleep the night before.

It was almost 2:30 when I went to school. Making my eyes so active for any sign of Ron. But I didn't saw him as I headed to my first class. Since I wanna see just a glimpse of him, I went to their department to use their CR after the class even if it's soOoOo far. (Mura jud ko'g amaw! hehehe...) I haven't seen him still. (Grrr... nag-effort pa ako!!)

As I went back to the dorm, I stayed pa downstairs and opened the gate to view the sari-sari store where I saw Ron the other day. (Mura jud ko'g buang ba!! Hehehehe) He was not there. (hay! So tired of waiting ba!!) I closed na lang the gate. But I was about to close it when (then and there..) I saw HIM riding a sikad. He's with Balot!!! Balot saw me and waved. I smiled at Balot. Ron was not looking my way. It's like Balot told him that i'm looking and he looked this way. (Weeeee....) He was smiling. I just looked at him, never knew that I missed him pala. (Char!!!) My spirit was jumping with joy and gladness (pareha ra man guro to..Hmmm...)

I went upstairs with wings on my feet. (Wee...) I was smiling from ear to ear. (Kadugay ba mag-5:30 oi!) It's still an hour away. I wore off my uniform and ironed it. (Bisag di jud kum-ot ba!! Sumbong tika sa landlady!! Kalas kuryente!) I polished my shoes for the second time this week. (May pinaghahandaan ah!) I was so tired but still smiling. It was 5:15 on the clock but I am ready to go.

I stayed downstairs na lang to kill the time. I was reading my workbook then and practicing pronunciation drill when Libeth arrived.

"Anne, naay nangita nimo o," Libeth said. My heart was beating so hard imagining that it might be Ron. (Shit! Nalimot nuon ko sa akong gi-rehearse da!!)

"Ha? Kinsa man?"(Atik oi! Murag wala naanad. Alangan naman ang witch ang mangita nimo? Haler!!)

"Hali na ba! Sulod dayun gud. Arte uy!" Libeth talking to the 'person' outside. (Siya na jud na, 'day! Ay, mabuang ko!! Helped!!! Wahehehehe..)

"Kinsa na, Beth?" I asked in a maldita tone. (Defense mechanism na nako pagaka maldita. Pasensiya na poh.... :D )

"Maulaw ang amaw! Dali ba! Suko na si Anne o,"Libeth threatened the person. ('The person' pa ka diha. Kabalo na bya na siya kinsa..)

Libeth pulled 'the person' inside the compound and there he was, standing in front of me with super smile as ever and kalot-kalot in the head. (Wla guro xa ligo...Wahehehehe..)

"Hi, Anne," he said. Damn! ('My heart beats like a drum, like a drum, dum dum dum...dum dum dum') What is it in him that makes my nervous system overreact? Also my digestive system and my respiratory system. (Reproductive system nimo? Wild pod?!! Hmmmm.. Wahehehe..)

I looked at him as if I still can't believe that he was there. Libeth left us alone and I can't possibly think of anything to say or an introductory phrase. (Speech ba ire? May introductory chuva!!) But later on, I thought that he should be the one thinking of something to say first. (bitaw jud. Siya kaha nakasala... Taksil siya. Pahalik-halik pa sila sa harap ko. Didn't he know that my lips tastes sweeter than anyone else. Maka-realize ra ka, Ron Navarro.. Soon.. :D )

"Anne, pwede ta mag-istorya. Please paminaw nako bisag kadyot lang ba," he said to me. I pointed the chair so he can sit. Good alibi because my knees were shaking too. (Naapektuhan sad ang iyang skeletal system!!!)

Gosh! He was staring at me INTENTLY. I remember that some people say that you will know if a person is lying if he can't look into your eyes. Hmm..

"Anne, sorry jud kaayo," he started. (What a good start!!)

" Dako jud kaayo akong sayop, kabalo jud ko ana. Akong angkunon nga tinuod jud tong pustaanay namo nilang Balot pero wala pa man gud mi nagngalan ato pa. Naa man gud pod si Hannah ato dayun tong ato nga time kay dili na jud kami. Anyway, ikaw ang natripingan nila kay kabantay man sila nga sige ko lantaw nimo.
"Daan pa man intawon sa una kay kabantay na ko nimo. Di lang jud ko kaduol kay abi jud nako nga uyab mong Ian. Dayun, karong pagka classmate na nato sa English, since wala sad kay uyab, nagpasumbingay na ko. Pero malditahan ra man ko nimo nga murag naa jud ko nabuhat sala nimo. Masuya gani ko ni Balot kay makaduol siya nimo nga dili magtagbo imong kilay. Murag naa jud ko dakong sala nabuhat ba, wala lang jud siguro ko kabalo." (Wala jud siya kabalo nga gitawag ko niyang sipsip... Hmp!)

"Na challenge hinuon ko pero gikalimtan na namo ang pusta, promise. Dugay na kaayo namo tong gikalimtan. Since maldita man gihapon kaayo ka, nakigtextmate na lang ko nimo. Since wala kay cellphone, kay Libeth na lang ko mag-text. Bahala pa ug mahurot akong allowance, at least I tried. Grabe lagi akong kabuang, Anne. Wala nako sultii si Libeth ato kay isumbong unya ko sa imo. Ma-bokya na sad ko sa imo."

I was quiet all along and can't believe what I'm hearing. But still, this is just one of the things I wanna hear from him. We were staring at each others eyes then. I can't bare to look away. The magical feeling might go away if I did. (Magical feeling daw o... wooooooooo)

"Dayun? Unsa may punto nimo karon?"

"Anne, last chance lang. Please! Magsugod ko panguyab, bahalag dugay ko nimo sugton. Bahala pa ug malditahan ko nimo. Bahala pa ug ako manlibre nimo kada kaon, ok lang. Please, tagai ko last chance lang. Please? "

"Unsay bahalag dugay tika sugton? Gisugot na ba diay tika?"

"Ahm.. As far as I know, hapit na unta," he replied and kalot2x again his hair. I kunot2x my forehead. (Hapit na jud! Ikaw man be... Bleeh.. magdusa ka.)

"Ma-late na ta. Pagdali diha,"; I said to him. He stood immediately and gathered my book. I was smiling but hiding it to him. I walked as fast as I can. (Habulin mo ako.... Wahehehehe..)

"Anne...Anne..tagad lang sa gud. Unsa man? Last chance or no chance?"

"Ako ba diay mag-decide ana. May mag ako manguyab nga ikaw man," I replied still not smiling at him. He was smiling when I looked at him in return. We were almost late and I can see Irish's and Charmy's eyes looking at me when Ron handed me my workbook.

"Hmm...Improving yata si Mr. Right,"Irish commented.

"Saba diha. Madungog unya ka," I said to them. I know they want to ask something and I know what but Mrs. Abasolo came in with a big surprise for all of us. Our midterm exam would be an activity not a written exam. We will choose between a song or an introductory speech to be performed INDIVIDUALLY. We were asked to write our names on a 1/8 sheet of paper for the sequence of calling.

Ron will be performing on the 17th of August. That's tuesday. And I will be performing 19th of August together with Irish and Charmy.( Oh my God! )

After the class, Ron and I and Balot went to the nearest carenderia to ate our dinner. I didn't let Ron pay for my food even if he insisted of paying for it. (KKB mi kay gitablan na ko ug kaulaw ba!!)

After eating, Ron hanged out in the dorm with me and my dormmates. It was like 1 versus 100. But good thing he's very open to jokes and great thing coz no one from my dormmates told him that I cried on the night of his birthday. (Makapatay jud ko ug dormmate.) In other term, gipanitan nila akong Ron.

We were always seen together, Ron and I, since then. Sometimes he visits me at our department but most of the time he fetches me from the dorm if he's got the time. Irish and Charmy took advantage of the magical moments by letting Ron answer their trigo assignments. (These gurlz, mga baga ug face..) Sometimes he helps me on my math problems which I enjoy so much because BOGO jud ko ug math. Tsansing-tsansing sad ko niya. (wahehehe.. Kay ganahan kaayo ko sa feeling inig mag-touch any part of our body.) You know the feeling that a tickling current is flowing to your entire being? (I know you do... ) I think he's the one I'm looking for...

Few days later, he keeps on asking me if 'nus-a daw nako siya sugton'. ('Nus-a' man iya ask nako. Alangan sugton nako siyag 'O'?) I just reply that maybe he was tired na of me so he's asking me that question. He will tell me lang:

"Dili man gud, Anne. Ug sugton ko nimo karon or sunod tuig, mao ra gihapon." I just laugh it out. (Sakto bya pod ang ungo.. ) But the thing is I'm waiting for the right moment. Where we will both hear our hearts beating as one, feel the moment entirely just for the two of us. I'm a sentimental fool bya. I want to make it special as possible as I(we) can. (Corny sad ko... Wahehehehe...)

It's the second week of August when Ron and I don't see that often. He had so many plates to finish. I also have so many programs to create. However, despite the busy schedule, he still have time to text me (through Libeth's phone, of chors..) One time, I passed by their department. I was just trying my luck to see him (just a glimpse). And there he was, on the third floor lobby, chatting with Balot and Libeth. Libeth saw me and told Ron. I just waved at them and signalled that I'm heading to the gym. Ron gestured a wait sign and I stopped along my tracks.

"Hi, Anne. Long time no see," he said to me.

"Di na man gud ka pakita nako. Nakauyab na guro ka," I replied.

"Busy ko oi. Ikaw gani, busy kaayo. Kit-an ta mong Ian ganina ba. Payong-payong pa mo padulong canteen." (hehehe..jelly?!) I chuckled.

"Ah, ay o. Nanlibre siya nako," I replied.

"Ngano gilibre man ka niya?"

"Wala lang. Pirmi man siya manlibre nako. But-an siya noh?"

"Sige saka na ko, Anne. Klase man namo. Adto ko dorm ninyo unya ha? After panihapon." He didn't answer my question. (Big deal gyud niya si Ian ba. Initan niya ang tawo nga pirti kabut-an.) Is he jealous? (Unsa pa, ping. Kaklaro ana!!)

"Ok. Panawag lang," I replied. I left him smilingly. Ian has really a big impact to him. (Selos siya ato nga mas love nako siya. Di man gud siya mangutana if love ba nako siya. Sige lang mi ug discuss bout topics sa school. Corny-han siguro siya ba.)

After my class, I headed to the dorm to cook and eat early dinner. i finished all my assignments so that if Ron arrives, no worries. I waited for him downstairs na lang since I don't have anything to do upstairs. He was so dugay. I've waited for him for quarter of an hour. Good thing that ate Bai was downstairs, I had someone to chika2x with. He arrived almost 8:00 pm. And take note, he was with the black witch. I heard the witch's ugly voice.

"Bye, Ron. Thanks for the help. Ugma na pod?"The witch said. Aguy!!! (Nagpanting jud akong tainga! Bantog ra dugay kaayo ang ungo!!!)

He was about to call me on the third floor window but I opened the gate.

"Hoy, naa na ko diri," I said irritatingly.

"Aw, gatagad diay ka nako? First time lagi," he asked. (Kalami sumbagon sa amaw! Smile2x pa siya nako!)

"Wala uy. Yahay ayo ka! Tabi ming ate Bai," I said in a cold voice. (Balaw ko tagad2x nimong amawa ka, kauban lang diay mo sa haliparut nimong ex! )

"Yahay jud. May gani wala kaayo lamok diri. Ga-shorts man lagi ka," he noticed. Good thing you noticed, amaw! You spoiled my beautY by letting me wait for (almost) an hour.

"Shorts lang. Dis a man ka? Wala pa ka kauli no?"

"Nagtiwas ug plates. GItabangan sad nako ako classmates. Nihapon na ka?"

"Classmate o ex?"Maybe he thinks I'm jealous, but I'm not.. Promise!!!. Cross my heart, I was not jealous!! I'm just pissed off.

"Classmatessssss ug ex,"; he replied emphasizing the 's' in the word 'classmates'. He looked amuse pa. His eyes were smiling at me and lips slightly twitched. I don't know but I felt a bit odd. I sat on the chair and he sat next to me. Ate Bai went upstairs already.

"Nag-unsa mo?" I asked in a very not interested voice.

"Wala lang. Nag-discuss sa plates, nihapon, istorya ginagmay," he replied. He's looking at me intently. If I don't know him that much, I might say that he's trying to readmy mind.

"Ug flirt-flirt ginagmay,"I continued. Maybe that's the magic word because he laughed so hard that it made me frown. However, the sound of his voice as he laugh tickles my ears.

"It's not funny kay gatagad ko nimo hapit isa ka oras!" I said to him.

"Ingon ka wala ka gatagad nako. Unsa man gyud?" Toink! (Saxpan ko!!!) He stopped laughing and pulled the chair nearer to me.

"Wala bitaw. Mag-unsa man ka diri?"I asked in askance.

"Mianhi ko kay mamisita nimo, kay gusto ko makakita nimo, kay gusto ko makadungog sa imo tingog. 3 reasons to siya. Ikaw? Nganong murag gisapot na man sad ka?"

"Gisapot? ako? Wala uy. Gikapoy lang ko," I replied and kept quiet. I felt he was staring at me.

"Ngano gud sige ka tutok uy!" I said to him. (Maldita na sad!! Hmp.. Baka meron...)

"Magsige man jud ko ug tutok nimo. Yaw ingna karon pa ka kabantay. Paulia na lang ko uy, sapot man ka. Balik na lang ko unyag bugnaw na imo ulo, unsa man?" he asked. I was stunned but since ma-high pride ako, miinit sad ako ulo.

"Lakaw, uli na. Ayaw na lang pud kaha balik para totally mabugnaw akong ulo," I replied and stood. I heard him sighed and he also stood.

"May pag gisayon nimo ug ingon, Anne, nga ing ani ra diay padulngan ani. Di na lagi ko muanhi diri, yaw kabalaka." He said and left.

Shit! Shit! Shit! What have I done? I want to call him back but I heard him calling a tricycle na. I was shocked and exalted and silenced for a long moment. That's it? I asked myself. I'm so OA kasi. I went upstairs in a very undefined mood. I sat on my bed not noticing Marie and Libeth were staring at me.

"Anne? Kita ka ug white lady? Tulala man ka,"Marie asked.

"Ha? Wala. Gikapoy lang ko," I replied and lay down.

"Anne, naa daw minus one nga tape si Jacky. Mao to iya gigamit last sem pagkanta sa english 3," Libeth told me.

"Pangutan-a daw, beth, if pwede huslan," I said lamely and pulling my diary under the pillow. I just feel so exhausted to write anything on it.

"Actually, gihuslan na nako. Gipraktisan nilang ate Bai sa ila room," Libeth replied. Great! I'll just check it tomorrow.

I was reading my diary then and plan of writing na lang the incident happened just now. So that my disappointment will subside, if it will. Damn! I feel so awful. Ron might be angry. (Might be?.. Suko jud to!! maldita man gud ka!!! Bleeehhh...) I felt so bad even though it was a petty fight. (Fight? Ikaw ra nangaway diha. Wawa naman si Papa Ron...)

After writing on my diary, I headed to my bed and tried to sleep. But I can hear Ate Bai singing a song. It's so familiar that the title is just on top of my tongue. (Actually, right now, it still is.)

It was a nice song. I was humming the song til I slept that night. The song made my bad air forgotten for a while. (Dili utot ha? Bad mood ba...)

It was Thursday morning and my lids felt heavy. 7 days from now, I will sing infront of my classmates. But I still haven't decide what song to sing. Good luck na lang to me!! (Pray over! Pray over! Pray OVER!!) Gusto ko mag-emote today!!!!

I was late on my first class in the morning. It's just a dreary day that's why I feel like this. (No,it's not the weather. It's Ron..Ron.. RON!!!!) <Shut up, conscience!! I don't wanna think about him!!>

After the class, I slept until 2:00 pm. Damn! I felt so tired and lost and bad and sick. I was so absent-minded that even the teacher called me twice, I still didn't heard him. It's like I fet empty and shattered. (Feeling baso ang bida!!) After my Philosophy class, I went back to he dorm. I didn't expect to see Ron there with Libeth and Balot and the witch, but they were there. Laughing and talking and giggling. Balot was the loudest talker. I just passed quietly, my heart was hurting and beating so strong when I didn't see Ron looked my way.

Special Segment: Labanan ng self at conscience...
(Da! Da! Da! OA man.)
Lagi! OA na kung OA! Akala ko ba kakampi tayo. Di ba konsensiya kita?
(Kampi bitaw. Unya kay ikaw may nangaway sa imong self kay pugong-pugong ka sa imong gibati.. Bahala ka diha! )
Hmp! Taksil ra ba iyang gikampihan. Magsama kayo!!)

Damn! I can still hear him laughing on Balot's joke. I haven't heard him laughed like that before.

(Masaya siya sa piling ng ex niya, that's why!! Wahehehe...)
<I hate you na jud, konsensiya ko!!>

I've been waiting for 5:30 to come. I wanna arrive there late. damn! I don't wanna go to school!!

(Wag naman. Di nimo makit-an si Ron na masaya sa piling ng iba. Wahehehe)
<Shut up!>

I went to school 5:45 pm. They were all staring at me when I arrive.

"Sorry, Ma'am I was late. I forgot my workbook and went back home again," I lied.

"It's ok, Ms. Abedoza. You belong to Mr. Navarro's group. Start the activity and I'll be back to collect the reports. Ok, class?";

Great! I'm under his team?! (Great activity, you mean?!) Really great!! I went to their circle of chairs and sat on a vacant seat. Everybody was quiet then. I can hear my heart so loud, it's like shouting for Ron to look my way.(Hmmm.. I can feel the tension... Hmmmmmmmm....)

"What are we gonna do?"; I asked as they were looking at me. <Ron's not looking at me.. :(

"We're done naman, " a girl replied and smiled at me.

"Ah ok. Good,"; I said and sat there quietly. Damn! I can't take the pressure anymore. I stood and went outside. It's almost dark. The place is sympathizing with my emotions. (Emote to the max!!! OA man...) When Mrs. Abasolo returned, the reporting started. I was sitting beside Irish already. Our activity was about a word given by Mrs. Abasolo. We have to create a poem about it. Our team has the word 'Goodbye'. (Woow!! Bagay na bagay!!) <Shut up!> (Wahehehe..)

One of my teammates recited the poem. It was so sad that Mrs. Abasolo gave us the highest score for the night. I was curious who wrote that poem but the girl handed the paper back to one of her classmate. Maybe she was the one who wrote that. I asked a copy of it after the class. (But unfortunately, I lost the copy!!)

As soon as Mrs. Abasolo dismissed us, I hurriedly went back to the dorm. I don't actually looked at him that time 'coz I know since yesternight that he won't make an affort to come near me. We're done. And it hurts like hell. (Why don't you talk to him first? Just an advice from your conscience..) <Di ko maulaw ko uy!! Bahala diha..> (Aha! Ok ra diay nimo nga maadto siya sa witch?) <Di naman sa ganun. Kaya lang...> (Di jud. Mao jud imo gusto. Hala, bahala ka!)

I can hear Irish and Charmy calling me but I just don't want a glimpse of Ron one more time. (Talawan! Magmahay ra ka.. Tan-awa!!) <You know, conscience, I'd rather forget about him.> (And put yourself in misery? Bahala ka...)

I walked as fast as I can until I reach the dorm. I forgot to buy viand pa gani. My mind is very preoccupied. (Preoccupied by what?...este.. by whom?) When I arrived in my room, Libeth was already there. She looked at me as if it was her first time to see me.

"Anne, LQ mo no?" Shocking question coz I'm not ready.

"We're not lovers bya," I replied and laughed at myself. She just smiled and shrugged and continued to write. I was sitting there on my bed and was still not removing my shoes. I wanna go down but what if Ron was down there or on the street, basta I don't want to bump into him. Grrr.. This feeling makes me sick. (Mao na na diha karon.. Didn't you noticed that Ron did not come after you? Kaw man gud.. ) <Bleeh..>

I went to Ate Bai's room. They were eating dinner then. Ate Bai and Marie were eating.

"Hey, you have corned beef? Pa-borrow be," I asked.

"Why man? Wala si Libre King?"Marie asked.

"Kinsa?"I asked.

"Si Ron ba."(Ipaalala ba?!)

"Ulaw na ko palibre oi. Mag-corned beef na lang ko."

Ate Bai handed me a can of corned beef. Libeth teased me pa gani for. I'm OA daw on my budget. After I ate, I sat there on my bed and read my notes for tomorrow's subjects. Few minutes passed I realized that I've been reading the same line for so many times never understanding a word of it. What is the hell happening to me? Why am I so bothered? so preoccupied? (Bitaw jud.. Bakit kaya?)

Suddenly I can't take it no longer. I stood and went to the lobby of the dorm. I sat by the window and eyed the people passing by. Damn! I missed him, I mean it. It hurts me like hell imagining that he was enjoying someone's company other than me. (It might be the witch that he's with right now.) <Shut up!!> It's such a bad feeling. It's like you have something inside that you cannot express. It's like everything is not on it's rightful place. Should I be sorry? <No, I should not.> (Ma-pride chicken ka kasi!!)

<Ai da!! Matulog ko oi! Bahala diha. Alangan naman, muduol ko niya. Giingnan lang ug may pag di na lang siya pakita, patuo pod. Problema na ba nako? Iya na ng problema no! Nganong ako man ang ma-hassle intawon ana oi! Matulog na ko.. Matulog na ko.. MATULOG NA KOOO....>

I went to bed and tried my best to sleep. But I can't sleep. It's always him on my mind. I sat on my bed and sighed. Libeth was still awake. And damn, she's singing me a song.

"Di makatulog sa gabi sa kaiisip,
Sa diwa ko'y ikaw ang aking panaginip
O bakit ba ikaw ang siyang laging laman ng isip ko..."Libeth sang.

"Hahaha.. Funny.." I said.

"Anne, you're in love. Klaro kaayo. Pugong-pugong ka diha, maunhan jud ka ni Hanna," Libeth said to me.

"Dili na siya nako, Beth, uy! Gisumhan na siya," I replied. I almost choke on the last sentence.

"Gisumhan ba nga sigeg text nako ga-ask ug gaunsa ka?" My head spun directly to her. I smiled and sat beside Libeth.

"Sure ka, Beth? I asked. Libeth laughed.

"Mabuang ko ninyong duha uy! Pag-uyab na lang kaha mong duha para wala'y problema. Ako pirmi maipit ninyo," she said and took her cellphone. She let me view her inbox and I read all of Ron's text.

He was asking Libeth if I already ate dinner. The other one was telling Libeth that she should not tell me that he was texting her and asking about me. The other one was asking Libeth if I was asking about him. My heart jumped with joy at the thought that he was thinking of me. I wanna reply 'Ron, could you pls come over here? We need to talk.' No, it was me who SHOULD do the talking. I felt so excited on the idea that I hugged Libeth.

"Ug sugton gani, karon dayon para walay langan," Libeth said. Then Ate Bai rushed in holding in her hand the tape that Libeth borrowed from Jacky (Libeth's classmate.)

"Genius, di ka magpraktis kanta? Next week na man inyo English presentation di ba?";Ate Bai asked.

"Hala! Ay, o... > (Limtanon uy!)

"Wala man ko kabalo unsa ako kantahon, 'Te"I replied.

"Daghan man nice diri. Naay All By Myself. Kato na lang," she suggested.

"Mabugto akong ginhawa ana te. Walay sayun-sayun lang?"

"It Might Be You. Ubos ra man siya."

"Unsa pa jud nindot?"

"My Valentine. Somewhere Down the Road. Mao ra ako nindutan."Ate Bai said. I thought for a while. It seems the songs were not suited. 'My Valentine' is nice but it's not the season of hearts. 'Somewhere Down the Road' na man was performed by a guy singer. 'It Might Be You' is also nice but I think it's too long to sing infront of my classmates. And I don't want to the repeat until fade chuvaness! Then I remembered the song Ate Bai was singing last night. I liked that song! It's short and easy to sing.

"Te, kato gikanta nimo gabie ang nice. Mao na nga tape inyong gigamit?" I said.

"Asa ato?" Suddenly, like an answer. Anne Marie strutted to the room singing the song I've been asking Ate Bai.

"Kana! Kana ako kantahon, te Bai. Teach me the lyrics please.." I asked.

"Ay kana? Ganahan sad ko ana. Hmmm... Special dedication dayun kay Ron." I just smiled at her.

Anne Marie started teaching me the lyrics. And I've been practicing the song since then. The song seems fitted to Ron, I might say. He should be the one singing this but, unfortunately, he can't sing. He's just gonna deliver an introductory speech.

The week of the presentation has finally arrived. I could memorize the song well but Ron and I were still not talking. We keep on seeing each other but don't have the time to sort things out. I have a plan anyway. Ron and I will be talking just before the week ends. i promised myself. And when I do a pact with myself, I do everything to accomplish it NO MATTER WHAT.

It was August 17 on the calendar. Presentation of the first batch on our Englis 3 class together with Ron and Balot. Ron made a great speech but was not loking at me. (Ouch! That hurts!) But I can see that he has trembling hands on the mini stage. Almost all of the performers that day were doing speech. The only funny thing happened was when Balot sang his piece. He sang 'Somewhere Down the Road'. (Good thing you didn't chose that song..) <Yea, Good thing!!> It was so funny because he was like serenading Irish. He brought pa a rose (nga kinawat sa garden sa owner sa school..Hahahaha...) I was really enjoying the scene that I let Balot sat on my chair and went on the back of the classroom. I noticed Ron stood and gestured me to sit there. I smiled at him (for the appetizer) and sat there. It's like he was stunned to see me smile at him. (Appetizer pa lang na, Ron. Wait til Thursday...)

After Mrs. Abasolo dismissed us, I walked with Irish and Charmy. We were teasing Irish and I can't just believe that Balot was just following us with Ron and Rey and Mumay. God! My heart feels like a wild horse ready for a battle. But I stayed calm. I always caught Ron looking at me. I just smile at him but it's as if he was a shy little boy that he just looked away. (Pakipot ka ha? Hmmm...)

It was August 18 that I started to get nervous for the presentation. Damn! I can feel my whole body shivering in nervousness. But I slept early as I can. As Anne Marie adviced me to, sleeping early makes the vocal chords ready for 'the battle'. (Tuo na lang ko para walay lalis. Way mawala if I try.)

August 19, one of the most memorable day of my life. (Night man to, di ba?) <Saba ba!! Hmp!) I had the same feeling with Irish and Charmy. They will also sing but I did not bother to ask them what song they chose. (Basta as of the other day, wala koy kaparehag kanta.) With jitters, we attended our earlier classes. It was 4:00 pm that I did my last practice and neatly wrote the lyrics on a short bondpaper to be submitted to Mrs. Abasolo. It was almost 5:30 that I felt the adrenalin rush. It's like there were tiny feathers tickling my feet and my tummy. Damn!! (Mura kog mahutdag kusog!!) I arrived late as well as the others for just 2-3 minutes.

Ron was not on his seat, I noticed. Where could he be? He should be here. He should hear me singing even if I don't have the best voice ever. He should hear me singing because I dedicate the song for him. Then, Mrs. Abasolo arrived. She started the roll call. Charmy was the first one to sing. She sang the 'My Valentine'. Everybody was so quiet that it made me think that they might also be that quiet when I'm on the stage. (Wag naman po...)

Everybody clapped after Charmy sang. Ron was still not there but Balot was there already. Cheering for Irish. Few students were called on the stage. Some sang, some did the speech. My classmates were not listening anymore to the performer. They were busy chatting with their seatmates.

And then, Irish was called. And guess what? She sang the 'It might Be You'. I've always known that she has a beautiful voice. Very alluring that made the class quiet. But Ron was still not around. I think he was absent. (Why this day pa jud?) I guess my plan won't work after all. (Sayang naman...) After the song, everybody clapped. (Ako pod!! Friend ko yun!! Galing noh?!!)

Suddenly, my name was called. I was so shocked that I almost did not move from my chair. Irish kuhit me on the shoulder to get my attention. Damn!! (Ako na jud!! Patay na ni...) I felt like I forgot the lyrics when I stood on the stage. Shit! I'm not liking this!

The operator of the machine (I don't know what's the machine they used) started to play the tape. It was on the instrumental na and I was about to sing na when a figure came into the room. Damn!!! It was Ron! He was here! He was HERE!! But you think it made me calmer. NO, IT DID NOT!!! He stared at me when he pass.

"Taronga, Anne," he said to me. Woow! What an encouragement! (Tarongon na niya o...) I just smiled at him in response and told Mrs. Abasolo why he was late.

"Kuya, utro be," i said to the operator. Buti na lang he obliged and just smiled. When the intro started everybody started to tease me. Because Ron was sitting on my chair just infront of me. (What a pressure, dude!!) Then I started to sing.

";...I have loved you only in my mind
But I know that there will come a time
You'll feel this feeling I have inside...";

Everybody was so quiet. I don't know what to do then. Should I smile and glance at them? (No!! You should look into Ron's eyes...) <Di ko uy. Mauwaw ko...> (Amaw!! Bahala ka uy!!)

";..You're a hopeless romantic is what they say
Falling in and out of love just like a play
Memorizing each lines I still don't know what to say...what to say..";

I still dont have the guts to glance to the whole class but when I looked to Mrs. Abasolo, it's like her smile was an encouragement. I looked at the back first then to everyone for nice emote-emote chuva!! Then I looked at Ron!! He was staring at me I-N-T-E-N-T-L-Y!!!

";...Don't know what to do whenever you are near
Don't know what to say my heart is flowing in tears
When you pass by I could fly.
Every minute, every second of the day
I dream of you in the most special way
Here beside me all the time...";

It seems the world stopped turning. It feels like just the two of us. It's like I'm singing the song just for him.

";...I have loved you and I always will
Call it crazy but I know someday you'll feel
This feeling I have for you inside...";

Actually, it seems funny. I feel funny and I was smiling at him while singing the song.

";...I'm a hopeless romantic I know I am
Memorizing each lines but here I am
Struggling for words I still don't know what to say...what to say..";

";...Don't know what to do whenever you are near
Don't know what to say my heart is flowing in tears
When you pass by I could fly.
Every minute, every second of the day
I dream of you in the most special way
Here beside me all the time...";

When I finished the song, I can't believe it that all of them clapped. Mrs. Abasolo too. When I went to my chair, Ron was still there sitting. I felt a tornado inside my chest. Everybody teased us when I stared at him. Somebody's yelling 'Kiss! Kiss!' But my heart stopped when he whispered something to my ear.

"Hatod tika unya ha?" (Plan A successful!! Proceed to Plan B..)

"Ha? Ok," I replied smilingly. My plan is working!!!

He went back to his chair. Balot was teasing him and I just smiled at the thought that he was not saying anything.He's not defending himself. Balot was teasing him that he's more in love daw. (Samot jud to siya ka inlove.. Weeeee....) <Way to go!!!>

It's like the time was so slow. It's so dugay the class dismissal. As soon as Mrs. Abasolo dismissed us, everybody stood and hurried home. But, unlike me, I hinay2x pa myself coz I have to wait for Ron. Irish and Charmy left me already. They were teasing Ron that he should make it this time. I don't know what they mean by that.

Now, it was just me and Ron. We ate and he walked me to the dorm. I feel so awkward. I feel like I'm gonna blow up this time. He's so quiet and I feel like I can't breathe. I want to start the talk but it would be too malandi. Suddenly, cleared his throat.

"Ahhammm..."

";Hmm?"; I asked as if he said something that I did not hear. I felt so stupid because he shrugged. We looked at each other and we laughed so hard. Then we were quiet again. I sighed.

";Boring no?"; he asked. It's time I encourage him to talk.

";Boring jud. Wala ka isulti nako?"; I asked him.

";Uhmmm.... Naa unta pero wala ko kabalo unsaon pagsugod.";

";Start by saying the subject.";

";I missed you."; Damn! (Nanimbarot akong tanang balahibo! Pag-sure uy!) I was quiet with his reply but I felt an overflowing happiness I've never felt before.

";Actually, wala lang tika na-miss. Kada adlaw nga wala ta nagkita kay gasige ko pangutana ni Libeth if ok lang ba ka."; (Nindot lagi basta direct to the point ang una isulti kay explain ang sunod... ) <Dili man to direct to the point intawon oi. Lahi ako gusto madungog! >

";Abi ko suko jud ka nako. Di na man gud ka mamansin sa school,"; he continued.

";Wala uy! Ikaw ra na dili mamansin,"; I countered.

";Ana man ka nga di na ko pakita nimo. E di dili.";

";Tuu pod ka nako?";

";Abi ko basted na ko.";

";Ingon diay ko nga basted na ka?";

";Wala man ka gaingon. Pero ang dating kay murag ing ato be.So, dili jud ko basted."; I shrugged and smiled.

";Anne, kabalo ko busy ka kaayo pero nagka-time jud ka nako."; (Alangan, in love ko nimo, amaw!!)

";The best ang feeling kung kauban ka. Mao nang gusto ko nga mahimong part sa imong life if musugot ka."; (Hala.. wala ko kabasa ato sa pocketbook ba.. Original!!! Kilig ko da!) I was just quiet looking at him. Damn! He looks so serious.

The Love Story Part 3

Hi guys! I am here again, I just want to clarify that the character of the story is not me, [LOL] this is not a fiction too, it really happens when she was yet in college. Anyway, I wrote a love story before when I was in high school but every time I finish one story I end up taking Paracetamol and lie in bed for hours because of migraine and that pain seems to crack my head. So I did not enhance whatever the talent I have before. I wish I had the same talent with her.

Enjoy reading guys and have a nice day!

Atong miagi, balot. Dayun halo-halo na sad? Amigohon nato siya, Irish, para libre sad ta" Charmy said. I just laughed. (Charmy talaga..)

Finally, the class started. An hour of discussion had passed. 30 minutes more.

"Discussion is done. What will we have next is an activity again. I'll be calling one student to stand here in front. The student should think of something found inside the room and describe it. If someone can guess it, the chosen student must choose another student to stand infront and do the same and so on" ; Mrs. Abasolo said. Oh no! Individual activity. I hate standing infront.

"Ok, let's start with Ms. Duma" Mrs. Abasolo announced. Irish was the first one. (Giuna pa jud ang pinakaulawon!! Good luck, gurl!!)

"Uhm, I'm thinking of something very common! I use it everyday and I think I can't live without it. It comes in different colors and sizes. It's solid but don't drop it 'coz it might break" Irish said. I know what she's referring to. I raised my hand.

"A comb" I said.

"It's correct, Ma'am" Irish said to Mrs. Abasolo. Everybody chuckled.

"You know your friend well, Ms. Abedoza. I'll give you 5 points for oral recitation. Ms. Duma, choose another student" (Yehey! 5 points in oral recitation. I'm needing that one.) My classmates were buzzing up talking about the guessing game. They thought it's boring, but since that you could get points, I guess they're interested.

"Ms. Awa, Ma'am," Irish said and chuckled. That was Charmy. (Another ulawon. Hehehe.. These gurlz..) Charmy was still grumpy even if she was already infront. She doesn't want the limelight. (Hahahaha..)

"It's a thing that we check all the time. Comes in different colors and sizes. It's very portable that you can bring it anywhere except on wet areas. It has numbers too. What do you think is it? "; Charmy said. Somebody raised his hand.

"Watch?" a guy at the back said.

"No." Charmy replied. Irish raised her hand and answered.

"Cellphone!"

"Correct, Ma'am!" Charmy said to Mrs. Abasolo and Irish was also graded 5 points in oral recitation. I can guess that Charmy will be calling me too.

"Ms. Abedoza next, Ma'am." Charmy said.

"Ma'am can I use something abstract?" I asked. I'm thinking of the word LOVE.

"Yeah,sure, " Mrs. Abasolo replied.

"Ok. I have this thing in mind. We cannot detect this using our sensory perception but it has been in the world since the world begun. It has always been in us. We cannot divide it but one thing for sure, we'll do everything for it. It's been written in all books, heard in all musics and seen in every angle of the world, " I said. Everybody was quiet. They're thinking.Somebody raised his hand. IT'S RON!!

"Uhm.. God! " (Toink! Wrong answer..)

"No. He provided it for us to believe in Him, " I replied. (Corny na ako... Help!!) He just stood there, thinking deeply.

"I'll give 8 points to anyone who can answer this one," Mrs. Abasolo interrupted. She was smiling at me and I know she knows the answer. (Hay! This people cannot give me an answer to a simple riddle. What's wrong with the world, Mama? ..Where is the love?!!) Ron raised his hand again.

"He provided it to believe in Him?..to have faith in him.. Love?" he said. (Wow! Kabalo siya!!)

"Correct, Ma'am! " I said to Mrs. Abasolo. I heard sounds of regret. (Regret jud kay sayang kaayo ang 8 points.)

"I can say that you knew Ms. Abedoza well, Mr. Navarro. You'd be a nice couple, I think, " Mrs. Abedoza commented smilingly. (Mrs. Abasolo talaga. She's making me blush!!) Everyone in the room teased the two of us. I just smiled and went back to my chair. I don't want to look behind me. It will be a great deal of teasing if I did that.

"Ma'am, Mr. Navarro got a girlfriend already. A nursing student" Irish said. (Aguy, this girl. Sometimes i can feel that she can read my mind.)

"She's not a girlfriend, Ma'am. Apple is my niece, " Ron replied. (Ay! Dili diay uyab uy! Yehey!!) Was he explaining his self? Getting away from the bad boy image? The teasing went louder this time. (Shet!! Kalami ra malanay uy! Wala siyay uyab diay.. Pwede!!)

"Class, keep quiet. We are so noisy. Mr. Navarro got 8 points because of Ms. Abedoza's LOVE, " Mrs. Abasolo announced speakin the word LOVE very meaningfully. The teasing went on and much louder this time. (Mrs. Abasolo jud. She wants us to keep quiet but she's the one making it a very big issue. I felt ecstatic, people of the Philippines!!!)

"Ok, class, enough. Mr. Navarro, please?" ; The teasing went quiet but when he reached my chair, the teasing started again. I was just smiling. Irish and Charmy were teasing me too. They stopped when Ron was already holding the microphone. He described a teacher and Charmy got the points for that. We played the guessing game until 7:00 pm. Good thing that the topic about us was not raised again.


I reached the dorm with Ron and Balot. We were still talking about the guessing game. Balot excused himself to buy something at the store infront of the dorm. Ron and I were inside the compound of the dorm. Actually, I can feel that he wants to say something. (Sana, it's not about Apple... Nyawa na ni!!!)

"Musaka na ko ha? Mukaon pa ko,"; I started the conversation.

";Unya ra. Diri sa gud ta. Manambok jud ka sigeg kinaon,"; Ron said to me.

";Heh! Wala man gud ka istorya-istorya diha, saka na lang ko,"; I said.

";Mao gani unya na saka kay naa ko isulti,"; he insisted.

";Unsa lagi imo isulti!"; (Hay! This guy's confusing me..)

";Uhm..Kanang..Ok man ang gabie. Basin ganahan ka maglakaw-lakaw or mangaon sa gawas. So...uhm, unsa man?"; Is he asking me for another date? ( I like that!! Sige...sige..)

";Asa man pod maglakaw-lakaw or mangaon sa gawas?"; I asked him. I'm enjoying his facial reaction. It's like he has a hard time talking and did I forgot to say he looks pale?

";Uhm.. Gamay na lang man abri nga kan-anan ron. Uhm.. Mukaon ka ug bar-b-q? Naa ko nahibal-an nga lugar. Basin lang pod ganahan ka.. Uhm.. So, laag ta?"; He's wiping his forehead. Is he sweating? He looks excited for my answer. I don't want to disappoint him.

";Mangaon ug bar-b-q? Sige ba.. Pero mag-ilis sa ko. Ikaw? Mag uniform ka mokaon?"; I replied. His eyes sparkled and his smile was so genuine. (Kana nga smile ako ganahan! :)

";Naa man ko sapaw nga shirt! Diri ra ko magtagad. Pagdalig ilis kay kabalo ko gigutom na ka!"; He said to me.

";Heh! Lagi uy! Pagtagad,"; I replied and went upstairs.

Verna and Marie was on the room when I arrived. They were eating together with Libeth.

";Kaon na, Anne,"; Libeth invited.

";Sige lang, Beth. Mangaon mi ni Ron ug ni James Anthony sa bar-b-q-han daw. Misaka ra ko para mag-ilis,"; i replied.

";Aba! 2 days straight na lagi ng kaon-kaon ninyo sa gawas. Kabalo na ko asa na padulong ba! Mi-text bya si Kyut. Ingon ra man siya nga ayaw daw kalimot sa inyong sabot. Uyy! Torn between two lovers si Anne. Yihee,"; Libeth commented. I just chuckled and hurriedly dressed.

";Adto na ko, gurlz. Ba bye,"; I said to them.

";Pamiga jud genius kay panalagsa ra nang higayuna!!"; Marie shouted. The three of them laughed. Good thing that they were the only people in the 3rd floor that time. When I arrived downstairs, Ron and Balot were already 'dressed'. They have white shirt behind their uniforms pala. Ron looks neater and (yummier!..este ) somewhat taller. They wore jeans with a pair of shoes. Me? I'm wearing jogging pants, a simple tee and pair of slippers. (Bahala na! Kaon ra bitaw ni!!)

";Tara kay gutom na ko!"; I said to them. When we reach the place, I felt my tummy grumble. There are lots of bar-b-q vendors in the area. It's like a bar-b-q land. (Humot kaayo! This is a paradise.)

The three of us ordered all the bar-b-q and puso we could eat. Plus, a liter of Coke. (So yummy, people of the Philippines!!) We've been eating for almost an hour until I give up. We were talking while eating. And I'm loving the moment. Eating with Ron while listening to his stories about his escapades with his friends, laughing with him and asking him about anything under the sun. I'm still not used to his smile 'coz I still shiver whenever he smiles with those dark brown eyes staring at me.

I don't understand how I feel but I know I'm happy. Just a sight of him makes me happy. Just a sound of his voice makes me happy. Everything about him makes me happy. I've never been so happy before. I want to feel this happiness always. And if that means to be with him always, I'll do it. It's just this moment that I realized that I'm falling in love with this man. The man I used to call monkey. (hehehehe..) The man that used to be the recycle bin of all my anger. Now, he's my happiness. (Corny!! But it's true... => ) My one time happiness. I can' wait to tell Kyut about him. I know he'll be happy for me.

We shared the bill, the three of us. Actually, Ron won't allow it but I insist. (Maulaw ko oi! Dako bya kaayo ko kaon!!) Later on, balot said farewell 'coz his aunt was already looking for him. Hala!! It's just the two of us!!

";Magsakay ta o maglakaw?"; Ron asked me staring at my eyes again! (What's with the tutok-tutok ha?!) My heart was hammering so wildly that his question didn't register on my mind. How could I possibly answer him? I want to be with him longer but I don't want us to be alone. I might say the realization that hit me a while ago. I might say I love him, that it just hit me like a baseball very hard on the head and in the heart. Just that simple question made me emotionally stressed.

";Ikaw?"; I replied. I'd rather give him back the question so he could decide.

";Sakay lang ta kay para dili kaayo ka hago,"; he said smilingly and called for a tricycle. I felt disappointed and at the same time relieved. I don't understand how I feel. We were sitting side by side inside the tricycle. He was so quiet. So was I. I just want to experience the pleasure beside him. I never thought that it felt this good. Before, I was restraining myself to this feeling because I thought it was anger that I 'should' feel for him. I was totally wrong for reining myself. I was totally wrong in doing that. Absolutely wrong!! It's so funny 'coz I don't want the tricycle to arrive the dorm immediately.

My dormmates was teasing us when we arrive the dorm. They were outside the compound and was playing badminton. Libeth was also there.

Libeth: Lahi na jud na, kuya Ron. Dili na jud ko mutuo nga wala nay hidden agenda!

I just smiled at her comment. Ron was smiling too. Still, the teasing went on. I guided him inside the compound for privacy. We sat on the chair around the table facing each other. Again, I can sense that he wants to say something but he just can't open his mouth. (Grrr. This guy. Can't you just ask me to be your girlfriend? TORPE!!!)

Anne: Salamat sa kaon. Lingaw kaayo ko.
Ron: Ako pod.
Anne: Busog pod kaayo ko.
Ron: (chuckle) Ako pod. (Can't he say anything asides from "Ako pod"??)
Anne: Mubalik jud ko didto.
Ron: Ako pod.
Anne: (Silence) Uhm...Wala na ko masulti. Ikaw pod?

He looked at me and we laughed together. I felt great laughing with him. I remember Mrs. Abasolo's comment that she thinks we'd be a great couple together. Did Ron also thought about that? Does he like me the way I like him? But I just don' t like him: I LOVE HIM! I know I've never been in love before but I know I'm in love. Every symptom that I read from pocketbooks: the feeling of like being electrocuted when your skin touches, the hammering of my chest every glimpse of him, the feeling of satisfaction whenever he is talking with you and etc. I wish I had someone to talk to..... Si Kyut! I'm going to ask Kyut about this. I know he understands.

Anne: May pag uli na ka, Ron. Gipangita na unya ka sa inyo.
Ron: Uli na lang ko uy! Nangabog na man ka nako.
Anne: Wala ko nangabog uy! Di ba.. Basin gipangita na ka kay 8 na kapin wala pa ka kauli.
Ron: Lagi, Ma'am. Muuli na ko. Uhm... Naa ka buhaton karong sabado or dominggo?
Anne: Ngano man? (Naa ko buhaton, Ron. Magkita ming Kyut!! Dili na pwede i-postpone.. =< )
Ron: Wala lang. Basin ganahan ka maglaag-laag.
Anne: Ikaw ha? Himuon ko nimong laagan. (laugh)
Ron: Dili man. Lingaw-lingaw lang gud gamay.
Anne: Naa man ko lakaw nga importante uy! Next time na lang ha?
Ron: Ah, ok! Pero dili ka muuli 'no?
Anne: Dili man. Diri ra ko whole weekend.
Ron: Ah, ok. Uhm, sige, Anne. Uli na ko. Ba bye. Salamat sa time.
Anne: Ok ra uy! Sige, ba-bye. Ingat sa pag-uli.

As Ron closed the gate, I was still sitting there. I heard Libeth calling out for Ron. Few seconds later, my dormmates came in.

Libeth: Kumusta ang date?
Anne: Date? 3 kaha ming Balot nangaon.
Libeth: Kani jud si Balot, mapapel.
Anne: Sige na lang gud. At least dili kaayo awkward nga kami ra duha magkaon-kaon.
Ate Bai: Unsay awkward ana? Mas awkward kung ga-date mo 3 mo kabuok.
Marie: Mutubag pod na ug 'Friendly date ra man 'to, Ate Bai.'
Anne: Tinuud bya. It's a friendly date.
Vernalyn: Friendly date ra jud to. Dili man gani kaingon tong laki. Sige lang ug 'ako pod...ako pod..ako pod..manlaag na sad ta..'

Everybody laughed. So, these girls were listening to us. Hmmm... My dormmates talaga!
YVIE=========

Marie: Ug manguyab na jud siya, Anne, naa kahay paglaum?
Anne: 'Paglaum' jud ang term ha? Uhmm... Ambot lang. Depende.
Ate Yummy: Mao nang wala kay uyab kay gasige lang ka ug 'Depende.'
Verna: Unsa nga depende?
Anne: Maminaw sa ko sa akong heart and mind para dili ko masakitan.
Ate Yummy: Hay naku! Wala diay kay na-feel nga chemistry? Kanang feeling nga murag kamo lang duha sa kalibutan if magtagbo inyong eyes. (Eksakto kaayo ug description, Ate Yum!!)
Anne: Musaka na ko kay naa pa ko daghang buhaton.


Libeth: Umiiwas. Ayaw sagutin. Naog pagkahuman kay dula ta badminton, Ms. Expressive Eyes.

I just smiled at them and headed for my room. It somehow confuses me. You know, knowing that I'm in love just for a short span of time we've been hanging out. It's like 'Is it that easy?' (Wala man lang kaabot ug usa ka simana.. Dapat jud ka mag-wonder..)

Anyway, in pocketbooks, it's also like that. They easily fall for each other but before they 'amin' to themselves that they're in love, they get broken-hearted first 'coz of third party. But in our case, there's no third party. Then, something hit me!! I need to talk to Kyut. He can help me. I must text him...now!!

I went downstairs again and asked Libeth if I could borrow her phone. I'm gonna text Kyut!

Libeth: Ok lang uy! Naa sa taas, ilalom sa akong unlan.
Anne: Thanks, Libeth!! Ate Bai, pa load ko 30 be.
Ate Bai: Bilib na jud ko nimo, genius. Naa na boyfriend, naa pa textmate. Ako ani? Wa jamo!
Anne: Dili nako to boyfriend, te, uy! Classmate ra to nako.
Ate Bai: Sa pagkakaron kay classmate pa lang. Maybe ugma, uyab na jud.
Anne: Simba ko, palayo.
Ate Bai: Hoy! Ka- exaj gud aning bataa ni. Yummy o! Simba ko, palayo daw.
Ate Yummy: Hala lakaw! Simba didto, genius! Be the peace of the Lord be with you.
Anne: I'll be needing that, Ate Yum. Peace of mind.
Marie: Woow! Magulo ba ang pag-iisip mo, Anne? Umiibig ka nga!!
Everyone except Anne: Uuuuuyyyyyy... Ikaw na jud!!
Anne: Heh! Pagdula na mo diha. Ako lang inyo gikabuangan ha.. Saka na ko. 'Lamat, Beth, te Bai.

When i reached the room, i hurriedly rang Kyut's number. It rang!!

'Hi, Kyut! Bc u? Wana ask advice kasi e.'

--'Hi, Kyut. Txt na unta q nmo,my gni naglod ka!How s my luvly txpal?'

'Not ok.I hav a big problm.Its bout d guy I alwys col monkey. Huhuhuhu..'

--'Nanu mn?Wat mn problm bout nya?'

'Kyut,I think m n luv w/ him.I dnt kno wat hapend.We use 2go out na kc.'

--'Problm jud na! Sa aqa dpat ka ma nluv!!! Huhuhu..'

'Kyut sad oi..B serius ba!Help me nman.'

--'Ok.M on serius mode na.Wats d problm jd d i? I dnt c sumting rong.'

'Unsy wla?I h8 him b4 den kalit2x q ma nluv.Mposible!'

--'Bcn nluv n ka nya daan pa,kron lng ka kbalo.'

'Toink!Giunsa?Wla q ksabot.'

--'Advys nq nmo no?Go w/ d flow.Psagdhi imong hart mg dsyd,d jud ka mgmahay.'

'Toink!Wa mn gni q kbalo f he luvs me 2 or juz fling2x.'

--'Kyut,1s ang guy mg lend ug tym sa usa ka tawo,mportante 2ng tawo pra nya.'

'He 2ld me he lykd me but I turnd him down.Bcn revenge lng ni nya or wa lng xa lingaw.'

--'Obviusly,he lyks u mor ky nanguyb mn xa blik nmo.Dli n revenge uy!'

'Wla mn xa nanguyab,Kyut.Chika2x lng mi prmi.Wla n xa naghisgot nga lyk q nya.'

--'Action spiks louder dan words.Mgw8 n lng mi ug ryt tym 2 say d ryt words.'

'Da oi,Kyut!Mhadlok q ma-broken harted.Ma discorej n q,bcn d n jud q ma nluv.'

--'1 leson Iv lernd. Luv s not luv w/out hurt.Kaubn jd n cla.Ol or nothing.'

'Ganun?Ol or nothing jd?Kalain ba ana oi.Unya,Kyut,f frenship r d i iyang habol nq.'

--'Hy nq!Dghana sd nmo ug mga theory.Folow ur hart lgi.'

'Folow my hart? I'l try.Tnx, Kyut!!'

--'Welcum! Hpit n aq bday.Bring urself ha?I'l b w8ing..'

'Lgi. Dad-a imong prospect gf pra mkaila q.'

--'I'l try.Mejo init p mn xa nq oi.Pbugnawon sa..'

'Wla p mo gauyab,away na. Tsk Tsk Tsk.Not a gud start!'

--'Dli oi.Confuse p cguro xa.Wla p gni q kaingon ky msamot unya xag klibog,mpurnada pa.'

'Hahaha..Ana jud.Hnay2x lng.Kyut,mgdla q ug kaubn ha?aq fren.1 r kbuok.'

--'Ok ra oi.Bsta ang mportante ky ad2 jud ka.Ha?'

'Wat day man?Sat or Sun?Db ngon ka qhaon q nmo.'

--'Sat ug Sun..Hehehehe..Wla mn q kblo sa imo adres,unsaon pgqha?'

'Hnuon! Wat day ba.Dli m2g an o.. =< '

--'Motx r lgi q ani nga #.Pgw8 lng rong Sat ha?'

'Lagi. Bsta ba kaon nga libre,mgtgad jud q.Hehehehe..'

--'Hala,plakaon d i ka?Mlugi imo mauyab ana.'

'Ayw saba ba.Mdungog unya.Wa n jd manguyab nq.Wawa n mn aq.'

--'Ge lng.Naa mn q. Aq nlng salo nmo.Hehehe..'

'Hmp!!As f nman nga in-ana q ka undesirable.'

--'Mla2man ntin yan sa susunod na kabanata.Wahehehehe..'

'Kyut,1 question lng ha?Ayw kalain.Dli ka rapist?'

--'Hoy! Virgin pa ni oi! Rapist ka dha.'

'Owz..D q 2o b.'

-'Gentleman q oi!Tman r q holding hans ug kis sa lips.'

'Owz..Tnuod?'

--'Tnuod lgi..Kbata p nq pra musulay ana.Msuq aqng mama oi.'

'Toink!As f nman mnanghid p ka nya noh.. hahahaha'

--''Saway2x ka nq kron! Y mn? Ksulay na ka? Daw b.'

'Toink!Wla mn gni q nkauyab pa,try nuon ana..Gpkatwa ka,Kyut?Gitika q..Hahahaha'

--'Gtikon jud tka.K2log n dha oi ky gbhat q ug pl8s s aq clasm8 i-pas ugma.'

'Hala! Nka disturb jud ko nmo. Pgbhat n dha,Kyut.Slamat s tym!'

--'Wla ka nka dsturb oi! Routin n nq motx nmo evrynyt of my lyf..'

'Drama oi!! Cge,bday boy. Sau pa aq klac ugma.2log pd sau.Nytnyt! :) '

--'Nytnyt.. ;) '

Wheew!! Now i'm relieved. Follow your heart. Just like in a song. Yes, he's right. I just have to follow my heart. What does my heart tells me? I don't know. I just know that I'm happy (very happy) when we are together. I feel good when he stares at me as if I'm the only one around. I'm excited to see him but his presence makes my heart beat so fast that I'm gonna need more oxygen to breathe. I don't understand the good feeling But it really feels great. I want to know what he feels for me. I should know. There is something and I must know as soon as possible. When? How? I don't know. Basta..the time for truth is very near. I can feel it.

It was Wednesday and I was late for my first class in the morning. Good thing that I almost finished our activity that will be passed today. Irish and Charmy were still burning their eyebrows finishing the activity. (Sige man gud tabi atong monday. Dah!! Dah!!)

After the class, I hurriedly went back to the dorm because I forgot to bring my Philosophy book. Philosophy's my next subject. Exactly as I reached the room, a working student told us that our teacher won't be able to come for some emergency chuva!! (Great!! Giuli pa nako akong libro sa wala! Grrr.) Everybody was glad including me. Now, I can go home earlier.

I reached the dorm and changed to pambahay outfit since my next class would be 3:00 pm. I kept on counting the days until weekend. I'll be seeing my tall and dark textmate. He is harmless, I can feel it. That's why I agreed on meeting him. Tomorrow is Thursday. Ron and I will be seeing each other again. To what other eating place would he take me? I was daydreaming when Libeth rushed in.

Libeth: Kainit sa kalibutan. Gaunsa ka?
Anne: Wala. Nag-daydreaming lang.
Libeth: Ayaw na pag-daydream diha kay naa siya sa ubos nangita nimo.
Anne: Ha? Kinsa nga siya? (As if wala kaila.. Chuva oi!!)
Libeth: Si Tom Cruise naa sa ubos.
Anne: Hmp! Unsaon ko mana siya uy. Dili ko gwapohan niya.
Libeth: Hay, Anne! Dili si Tom Cruise ang naa sa ubos uy!
Anne: Kinsa lagi? Ingon ka si Tom Cruise. (Cheka kaau ka,madir!! )
Libeth: Si kuya Ron uy. Naa daw siya ihatag nimo. Ug pagkaon, tagai ko ha?
Anne: Unsa pod iya ihatag nako?
Libeth: Ay, ambot lang. Basta, ug pagkaon ha?
Anne: Tan-awon lang.
Libeth: Magdinalo na ka salig naa na ka uyab.
Anne: Dili mi uyab uy. We're just friends.
Libeth: Showbiz!! Adto na.

A while ago, I was thinking of him. Now, he's here looking for me. My heart was beating so hard that I was holding the railing to keep myself in balance. His back was on me. Can I just stay here and have a good look at him?

Anne: Psst.. Nangita man ka nako?
Ron: Wala lang.
Anne: Ingon Libeth kay naa daw ka ihatag. Unsa man to.
Ron: Wala na uy. Gihurot ni Balot.
Anne: Makaon diay?
Ron: Makaon jud.
Anne: Patambukon ko nimo? Unsa to nga makaon?
Ron: Chocolate ra. Padala sa akong uncle.
Anne: Tuk on ko ni si Balot. Gikaon akong chocolate.

He chuckled. We were quiet again. He was standing so I can see how tall he is. (Taga-abaga ra ko, people of the Philippines.) He was wearing a white cap complementing his white Tshirt.

Anne: Lingkod uy! Walay tambal sa varicose.
Ron: Lagi? Uhm..Naa ka lakaw karong gabie?
Anne: Wala man. manlaag na sad ta? Asa man.
Ron: Diha sa park. Or sa Cotta ba kaha. 5:00 man mahuman akong klase.
Anne: Ok. 5:00 sad mahuman akong klase. Asa man ta manihapon?
Ron: Naa man mga kan-anan duol sa Cotta.
Anne: So, sa Cotta jud ta? Sige. Anhi lang diri unya.
Ron: Ok. Adto na ko kay magtagad si Balot nako sa skwelahan.
Anne: Sige. Ba-bye.

I waved goodbye to him. I was so cheerful that afternoon and all my classmates noticed that. Of course, I have a date later. But as my 4:00 pm class was about to finish, the weather was not looking good. It will be raining SO HARD later. The weather won't coincide with my cheerfulness. If it rains, Dili madayun among date. Romantic raba kaayo sa Cotta!! GGGRRRRRR....



I was right all along. As soon as the class was finished, a very heavy rain came. And the best of all, I'm stucked here in Maria Mercado Bldg. I remember that Ron haven't returned my umbrella when I let him borrow it. What a lucky day!!

Students were getting fewer this time inside the building. And I don't want to stay any longer because this building give me the creeps. But I don't wanna go home dripping with rainwater. Where could Ron be right now? Waiting for me? Nah. I guess he went home already. When will this rain stop? Until tonight? No way! ( Uli na lang ko bahalag basa kaysa ako na lang mabilin diri.. Naa mumu ani nga building..)

When out of the corner of my eye, I think I saw someone familiar. Someone I knew. No doubt!! Ron is coming with my umbrella!! My knight in shining armor!! He looks so fine to me even if he was holding an umbrella. (Knight in shining umbrella.. Hahahaha...)

My heart was 'tugudug-tugudug' again. I felt like my underarms were sweating even when the air was so cold. He's coming this way.. (Love, love has come my way! Everything is gonna be ok...)

Ron: Hi! Ganina ra ka diri?
Anne: O. Ganina ra. Kabalo lagi ka nga naa ko diri.
Ron: Naa na man ko sa inyong dorm ganina pa. Unya kay miulan man pirting kusuga. Gidala man nako ang payong nimo. Gipangutana nako si Libeth asa imo room kay basin---------

I haven't heard his long speech 'coz I was just staring at him. He is such a sweetheart? Very thoughtful. He came back to school to personally deliver my umbrella. (ella-ella-eh-eh. Wahehe..)

Ron: Anne? Naminaw ka nako?
Anne: Ha? Unsa to? (Dah! Sige man ug imagine gud!!)
Ron: Ana ko, ihatod na ba tika sa inyong dorm.
Anne: Ay o. Tara.

He also brought another umbrella and it was Libeth's. It's much bigger but it's color pink. A kninght in pink. So cute!!

We were about to go when one of his classmates (a girl) was calling him. She wants to go with us -- actually with him. (Imo na lang ni ako payong o. Kami ni Ron mag-share.) And why is this girl so dikit to him? It irritates me. I want to pull down her hair. (Bugnuon ko ning bayhana karon!) Even Ron was holding the umbrella, she was also holding the umbrella. Their hands are almost intertwined na. (Maglagot ko maglantaw! Lami kaayo siya putlan ug kamot!!) The girl was FC-FC pa and Ron was smiling pa jud. (Aguy! Kalami nila labayug bato.) Since the girl was on my right, I furiosly stumped my right foot on the gutter between us. The dirty water didn't hit me but it hit her skirt. (Our skirt is golden yellow so the stain was so obvious. Bwahahahahaha.. I'm so mean! Makalagot man gud! Gunit na gani si Ron sa payong, gunit pod siya sa payong. Hmp!)

Anne: Hala, sorry. Wala ko nagbantay sa akong gilakwan.
The Girl: Nah! Nahugaw akong uniform.
Ron: Aha daw be. Hugaw jud. Labhi na lang pag-uli nimo.
The girl: Dili na ni mauga pagkaugma. 7 ra ba aq klase.
Anne: Sorry jud ha? Mauga ra na, ipatungod lang sa electric fan.
Ron: Magdali ta kay mukusog na sad ning ulan o. Asa man ka manakayan?
The Girl: Magtagad ra ko sa akong kuya. Uban na lang sa ko ninyo be. Asa man mo?
Ron: Sa dorm niya. Tara dali.

Hay, naku! The girl will come with us pa jud!! So great! Really great!!

When we reached the dorm, I left them first. I will change my outfit since the hem of my skirt was already wet. (I almost had the longest skirt ever seen inside the campus. Conservative aq papa. Gusto nya taas kaayo!! ) I hung it near the electric fan.

When I went down, Libeth and Balot was already there. Ron was changing in the bathroom. Balot brought a shirt and a knee-length camouflage trousers. The girl was still there and was talking to Balot about their subject. Ron went beside, very near beside me.

Ron: Dili man ta kaadto ug Cotta kay ulan kaayo. Diha na lang ta mangaon sa gawas o.

It was almost a whisper to me that I felt my hair strands stood and my head elongated. I giggled a little and everyone looked at me.

Balot: Kamo ha? Secret-secret na mo. Unsa man inyo gihisgutan? Ha?
Anne: Wala uy!

Its as if I saw the girl lifted her right eyebrow. (Aba! Malditahan ko sa maot!!) Let me describe the girl to you from head to foot. Her short hair was obviously maltreated by medicine from a cheap parlor through relaxing. It seems all her hair were dead. Her face is free of pimples but her eyes were big as a 1-peso coin. Her nostrils seems like inherited from a hipopotamus. She's got a snouty mouth. Her neck was short. She has big pair of breasts but her waist and hips were like put together as one. (In short, wala ra siya sa kalingkingan sa akong beauty!! Char!!--meaning, ug maot ko, labaw pa siya!! )

Anne: Naa man gud siya giingon nako nga nagkatawa ko.
Balot: I share sad ang joke nimo, Bai!
Ron: Wala ko nag-joke. Ana lang ko nga kusog kaayo ang ulan. Mao ra.
The Girl: Kani man gud si Ron daghan kaayo na siyag mga sekreto nga sa usa ka tawo ra jud niya i-share. Ron noh?

What does she mean about that? Ron did not respond. I saw him looking at the girl and then at me. I guess they had once an affair. Gggrrrrr. (Lami kaayo ingnon: ";Miss, di pa ka mulayas?";)

Libeth: Mao ba? Naa na diay siyay giingon nga sekreto nimo kay nakaingon ka ana.
The Girl: Sa amoa na lang tong duha.
Anne: Wala pa ang mukuha nimo? Panuhutan unya ka sa imo gisuot kay basa.
The Girl: Gi-text-an na nako among driver.

Wooow! She's got her driver. (Basin driver na sa tricycle ha!)

Ron: Manlakaw na man gud mi, Han. Kaming upat.
Balot: O. Naa mi adtoon.
The Girl: Uban na lang ko. Pareha gud sa una, Ron.

Ron was quiet again. Balot did not respond. This girl is making my kilay salubong. IS she looking for World War III? Why is she emphasizing their past?! Doesn't she know that I AM RON'S FUTURE?!!! HA? HA? HHHAAAA?!!!!

Libeth: Unya kay imong sundo? Maabot unya.
The Girl: Maayo. Para siya maghatod nato sa atong adtoan.
Balot: Dili pwede mga sakyanan didto kay lapok kaayo ang agianan.
The GIrl: Sige lang gud. Ang driver bitaw manlimpyo sa sakyanan, dili ako. Uban ko Ron ha?
Ron: Ikaw gud. Nganong ako man magbuot?

Suddenly, a car parked infront of the dorm. Her car? Yes. An old man went down smiling at them. I thought he was the driver but he doesn't look like one. It was the girl's father pala. His father was itsuraan, maybe she's ampon.

The Father: Uy, dong. Kumusta naman?
Ron: Ok lang, sir. Kuhaon na ninyo si Hanna?
The Father: O. Bataa ni. Tara na, Han.
The Girl: Unya ra, Pa. Naa pa mi lakaw.
The Father: Tala na kay nmubalik pa ko opisina. Mianhi lang ko para kuhaon ka.Naay nagtagad nako.
The Girl: Si Manong na lang kaha na iya gipadala. Papa pod uy.
The Father: Gigamit sa imo mama ang isa ka sakyanan. Nangadto silag Tangub. Adto sa mi, mga dodong ug mga inday.
We: Sige, sir!

The girl glanced at me pa for the last time. (Maldita jud! Kulatahon jud tika inig kita nato utro!) I just looked at her with a mocking smile. Bleh! (Pikat!)

Libeth: Wala na imong ex, Ron. mangaon na ta?
Balot: Gibati gud ko ug kaigang ganiha. May gani wala to nag-minaldita nimo, Anne.
Anne: Ngano man gud mag-ing-ana siya nako. Giunsa man nako siya?
Ron: Bitaw jud. Kamo jud.
Balot: Bai, ngano gani gipanguyaban to nimo?
Ron: Wala ko nanguyab niya uy!
Balot: Nganong nagkauyab man mo?
Ron: Gikidhatan ra man to nako siya, gikalat na dayun niya nga uyab mi. Wala na ko nabuhat.

We all laughed. (Haler! Kapal muks this guy!)

Anne: Asa ta mangadto?
Libeth: Didto sa unlimited puso ba.
Ron: Barbequehan gihapon, Anne. Pero didto ta sa unlimited puso kay kusog kaayo ka mukaon ug rice.
Anne: Kusog ka diha! Pila diay imong nahurot nga puso gahapon?
Ron: Ako? 10 ra bya to. Kay Balot pod, 10 kabuok. Imoha kay 12.
Anne: Giihap jud nimo ha! Unya kay mas daghan man inyong barbeque. Patas ra kaha.
Balot: Tara na, mga dakog kaon kay gigutom na ko ug sugod.

We went to another barbeque haus. It was unlimited puso. I enjoyed every moment of eating, talking and laughing. Our skin sometimes touch that makes me quiet for a while. Many times I caught him staring at me but I just smile at him in return, even though my heart was beating so fast. When we were done eating and paid the bill, the rain already stopped. Now, the four of us were just strolling on the street. We were walking by pair, Libeth and Balot were ahead of us. I was on Ron's left side. Sometimes, our hands touched. I try to ignore the different sensation that tickles me on the inside. We were not talking anymore, just listening to Balot and Libeth. When we reached a curve, where we need to cross the highway, Ron held my hand. I let him hold my hand actually. He was holding my hand and clasping the spaces between my fingers. I didn't care. I like it, anyway. At first, it feels awkward because he was like afraid of tightening his hold. But, later on, I was also holding his hand. He never let go of my hand anymore until we reached the dorm. I feel so happy. I'll always remember this day. (It was July 22, 2004. I remember jud!)

When Balot and Ron said goodbye, it's like I don't want him to go anymore. I wish he could stay. I was already upstairs when my dormmates asked about the gate. Hmm.. It seems like Libeth already told them. They all look so excited.

Ate Bai: Uy, genius. Kamo na jud 'no?
Anne: Dili pa te oi.
Marie: Ang tinubagan, paminawa ninyo. 'Dili pa' daw. Hapit na siguro.
Everybody except me: Uuuuyyy!
Libeth: Hapit na jud. Holding hands na gani sila.
Everybody except me: Uuuuyyy!
Anne: Wala to uy. (I was smiling.)
Verna: Wala daw. Unsay feeling makipag holding hands, Anne?
Anne: Wala lang.
Libeth: Wala lang nga wala na man gani gabulag inyong mga kamot.
Everybody except me: Uuuuyyy!
Anne: Heh! Well, nindot man gud. Init imong kamot. Dili nako ma-explain.
Marie: Ayaw na hugasi imong kamot ha?
Anne: Dili pod na magsilbi oi. Bahong barbeque akong kamot.
Ate Yum: Naka first base na siya nimo. Sunod ana kiss na.
Everybody except me: Uuuuyyy!
Anne: Dah! Matulog na ko uy! Bahala mo diha.
Ate Bai: Matulog o mag-imagine?
Everybody except me: Uuuuyyy!
Anne: Bahala mo diha. Bleh!

They were still teasing me when I went to my room. I just shook my head. I brushed my teeth and washed my feet then I went to my bed to sleep early. I don't know how many hours I've been staying on my bed but I was still awake. I just pretended to sleep when Libeth came in and turned off the light. I know Libeth was already asleep because I can hear her rhythmical breathing. I can' t make myself sleep. Ron's face kept on pushing on my head. I decided to stand and stay on the couch outside the room. I thought I was alone. But suddenly, I heard Marie's voice. She's singing.

'Di makatulog sa gabi sa kaiisip,
Sa diwa ko'y ikaw ang aking panaginip,
O bakit ba ikaw ang siyang laging laman ng isip ko?'

Anne: Corny!!! Matulog na lang ko uy!
Marie: (Laugh) Joke ra gani. Tulog na jud kay inig magka-pimple ka ugma, kantahan na sad tika.
Anne: Unsa man sad imo kantahon?
Marie: 'Taghiyawat sa ilong, pati na sa pisngi, sa kakaisip sayo, taghiyawat dumarami..'

I looked at her in disgust and we both laughed. I went to my room until I fell asleep.

I woke up late the next day. I still feel so dreary because I was not able to sleep well. I went to school as if on a haze. The half day was so tiring that when I arrived the dorm, I slept until 1:30 pm. I still have a class to attend until 4:00 pm.

After the class, I went back to the dorm and slept. It was almost 5:30 when I woke up. Good thing Libeth woke me up. I was late for my English 3 class that when I reach the room, Mrs. Abasolo was already discussing the topic. I sat beside Irish and started to listen to the discussion.

After the lecture, Mrs. Abasolo left us to get her purse inside her office. Irish and Charmy started to asked me if what's my problem all about.

Anne: Wala man. Kulang lang ko ug tulog.
Charmy: Mao pa pagmata nimo 'no?
Anne: Ana jud.
Irish: Naa mi i-ask nimo ba. Ganina ra kaayo mi gatagad nimo.

Thinking that it was just about one of our lesson in programming:

Anne: Sure. Unsa man?
Irish: Uyab na mong Navarro?

I was strucked by her question for a few moments?

Anne: Kinsa gaingon?
Charmy: Actually, dili gyud siya ingon nga sulti jud. Pangutana sad siya.

I almost forgot that Balot and Irish were textmates.

Anne: Dili. Ngano man?
Irish: Sure ka, Anne?
Anne: Ngano gud intawong mamutbot ko ninyo?
Charmy: Padulong siya diri, Anne. Uuuyyy..

I thought it was Balot who's coming my way. It was Ron pala.

Ron: Anne, na-late lagi ka?
Anne: Ay, nakatulog ko. Dugay ko kamata. May gani gipukaw ko ni Libeth.
Ron: Naa man ko ganina sa inyo. Udto to siya. natulog pod daw gihapon ka. Gihilantan ka?
Anne: Wala man. Kulang lang ko ug tulog. Mao ra.
Ron: Nabilar diay ka? Ngano man?

Why is he asking the reason? Siyempre, tungod nimo!!

Anne: Dugay lang jud ko katulog gabie.
Ron: Ako pod gani. Hatod tika unya. Nanihapon na ka?
Anne: Wala pa gani ko paniudto.
Ron: Ha? Naunsa man ka uy! Nganong wala man ka naniudto?
Anne: Nakatulog lagi ko ba. (I smiled at him. His forehead was wrinkled.)
Ron: Sige, tagad diha.
Anne: Asa man ka?

He did not answer me anymore. He went outside the room. Where does he think he's going?

Charmy: Asa man to? LQ mo?
Anne: Dili mi lovers kaha. Ambot asa to.

Mrs. Abasolo went back to the room but Ron was still outside. This guy! The activity will start na!! Exactly as Mrs. Abasolo started the instructions for the group activity, Ron returned and handed me his hankie. What am I gonna do with the hankie? I looked at him in confusion bt he gave me a signal pointing to his lips. Now, I get it. He bought me food. When I opened his hankie, 3 small-sized pack of wafer appeared before my eyes. How sweet! I looked back at where he is, he was still staring at me. I said 'thank you' and he just smiled at me showing his dimples.

Irish: 3 kabuok? That means I love you.
Anne: Utang kaha ni.

During the activity, I ate the wafers. I never knew I was hungry until I finished the 3 wafers. My tummy was still grumbling. I was already hoping that the class would end earlier.

After the class, Ron brought me immediately to the nearest carenderia. He told me to eat until I get full. I did what he said. Balot, Rey, Aljun and Piux was there. They were on the opposite table eating. They don't want to join us 'coz they feel they might disturb 'us'. After we ate, Ron brought me to the dorm.

Ron: Nabusog na ka, Anne?
Anne: O, salamat.
Ron: Uhm.. sige. Una na ko kay magtiwas pa mi ug plates.
Anne: Sige. Salamat kaayo.
Ron: Sulod na.
Anne: Lagi, salamat.
Ron: Wala kay masulti except salamat?
Anne: Wala. (Laughed)
Ron: Ok. Sulod na, Anne. Tulog na ka sayo ha?
Anne: Lagi. Thank you kaayo.
Ron: Imo rang gi-english.

I just smiled at him. I can feel again his urge to say something to me. ( Why can't you just say it? Say it, man!! Say it! Please?)

Ron: Uhm.. uh... Adto na ko. Ba-bye.

Toink! Pagkatorpe gud uy!

Anne: Sige, bye.

I already closed the door and laughed at myself. He's funny. (Nganong di man niya masulti utro? Nasulti na niya kas-a. Haler!!) I remembered Kyut. He told me: 'Magtagad na lang mi ug right time to say the right words.' (Kanus-a man ang right time? Sunod tuig? Haler!!)

I'd rather rest than make myself worry. Marie might get the chance to sing that ugly song to me. Eeewww...

No one's inside the room when I went inside. But Libeth left a note saying that she'll be sleeping at her classmate's house to finish her plates. So boring the dorm. So quiet. So I slept early. Tomorrow's Friday. Kyut's birthday is so near. I'll be meeting him na. I'll tell him about Ron. He''ll be happy for me.

Friday was a dreary day. I haven't seen Ron 'til afternoon. Libeth was also busy with her plate that we don't talk that much. I'm so excited for Kyut's birthday that I kept on hugging the bolster I bought for him. Will he like this? I hope he would. I slept that night with a smile on my face.

Early morning when I heard Libeth's phone ringing. It was almost 7:00 in the morning. Libeth was not there. maybe she did not sleep here again. I found her phone underneath her pillow. It's a call from Kyut. My heart was beating so fast like coinciding with the ring. Why is he calling? I discarded the call. I've seen 3 unread messages and I read it. It was all from Kyut.

--'Gud mawnin, Kyut. Today s my bday. I'l juz txt u ky d tka mqha.gm2n and sakyanan mn gud.'

--'Kyut,anhi bya ha?Ur my spxal guest 4 2day.Pls dnt disapoint me.'

--'2log pa ka,Kyut?Mata na!Anser my col.. :) '

So,today's his birthday. Today's July 25. What time will I go there? Where's Libeth? I still haven't asked her to accompany me. Will she go with me? If Libeth won't go with me, will I go? I should go. That's been decided a long time ago. (It's written in the stars!) What will be my reaction? How does he look like? Soon...



I was still clutching Libeth's phone when she arrived.

Anne: Asa ka gikan, Beth?
Libeth: Sa gawas. Sayo kaayo ko gikuha sa akong mga classmates.
Anne: Naa unta ko tuyo ba.
Libeth: Unsa man? Wala pa ko kwarta karon, Anne, just in case mao na imong tuyo. (Libeth giggled.)
Anne: Dili uy! Kanang today ba, pauban ko nimo be.
Libeth: Asa man?
Anne: Da uy. Maulaw man ko.
Libeth: Ulaw ka diha! Unsa ba?!
Anne: Kanang.., kuwan man gud...,uhmm...
Libeth: Hay naku! Sulti ba! Gimingaw ka ni kuya 'no? Aminin!
Anne: (Yes! Pirting mingawa!) Wala uy! Dili about niya. Si Kyut ba. Mag-meet mi karon.
Libeth: Ah! Pauban ka nako. Ok sure ba! Ubani pod ko unya.
Anne: Ubanan tika asa man?
Libeth: Basta. What time mo magkita?
Anne: Wala ko kabalo. Mo-text lang daw siya nimo.
Libeth: Hmm.. Excited ko dah!
Anne: Ako pod! Ligo sa ko.
Libeth: Oops! Nalimot ko ug ingon nimo nga walay agas karon taman unyang gabie.
Anne: Great! Mag-meet mi nga wala koy ligo.
Libeth: Ok ra na uy! Pag-perfume lang gud.
Anne:Musamot bya siguro ang baho.
Libeth: As if naman pila ka days ka walay ligo. Naghimasa bitaw ka gabie.
Anne: Hinuon. Ayaw lang saba niya nga wala koy ligo. (giggle)
Libeth: Tibuok Ozamiz kaha walay tubig. Swerte ang mga naay poso.
Anne: Sa araw-araw namang ginawa ng Diyos ang mundo, bakit ngayon pa nawalan ng tubig?
Libeth: Wala tay mahemz ana.
Anne: Basin naa reserba silang tiya. Mangutana sa ko.
Libeth: Hala, lakaw!

I went downstairs and knocked on our landlady's door. But I guess it was written on the stars that I won't be able to take a bath today because they also don't have reserved water for this kind of emergency. Why is the world so rude to me! PALIGUA KO NINYO...WOOW...WOOW..WOOW!!!!!

It was already 10 in the morning and was still hoping against hope that the water will run. But I'm already hopeless, because according to the news that the MOWD was fixing a tunnel and may take time. Grrrr.... It's really a great day!! How could Kyut's birthday be this bad for me? Was it an omen that I should not meet him today? But Kyut will be disappointed if I won't show up. It's his birthday today. I should be there supporting his handa!!! (Hahahaha....)

It was 11 in the morning when Kyut texted Libeth. He was asking for my fuckin' address and I'm so damn nervous to reply!! My hands were trembling and my heart was beating like a drum. So intense that I could almost hear them through my ears.

Libeth: Anne, reply na!
Anne: Kita na lang adto sa ila, Beth. Para surprise..
Libeth: Sige, replyi lagi.
Anne: Di ko katuplok tarong sa keypad. Ikaw ra reply.
Libeth: Ambi be.

'Wla mi sa dorm now, Kyut.Kmi nlng anha dha pra d nmo mblin imong bsita.'

--'Sure ka,kyut? Slmat sa pg undrstand.Naa mn gud aq mga clasm8 dri.'

'Unsaon mn pg-anha dha?'

--'Skay mo motor padulong Banadero Sulod.Hunong mo s MIT.Tagbuun ta mo dd2.'

'Ok.C ya,kyut!'

--'Mkakta n jud q nmo,kyut!'

4/25/08
---------------------------------------
Libeth did not reply to him anymore. My hands were trembling that time but I just blame it for not eating breakfast. Damn! I'm so nervous that I wore my shirt inside out!! And since my jeans were newly washed, it's crumpled and the Libeth's magical iron was not working. Why is everything not seems right? When I feel this way I know that something unexpected will happen today, something very unexpected.

Libeth was already dressed up and telling me that I should relax.

Anne: Why? What's wrong with me?
Libeth: Mura kag wala sa imong self karon. It's just a matter of meeting your textmate.
Anne: Wala lang koy pamahaw.
Libeth: Giandaman jud nimo iya birthday ha? Kay wala jud ka mikaon.
Anne: Wala ko gana uy!
Libeth: See? Kanus-a gud nawad-an ug gana si Anne Abedoza?
Anne: Ambot, Beth, uy! Lahi jud akong feeling.
Libeth: Hay, Anne. Ikaligo lang na unya inig uli nato.

We laughed.

Anne: Bitaw, Beth. Feel nako noh kay mura kog malumos nga wala ko kasabot.
Libeth: Hapit na jud ka malumos sa pulbos kay halos imo na ng giligo sa imong lawas.

We laughed again. I did not took abath that's why I'm conscious of my smell. I'd rather drown myself with baby powder than cologne. (At least, amoy baby. Magsagul pa lang ang baho sa singot ug cologne... eewww!!!)

Suddenly, Kyut texted Libeth.

--'Kyut,naa na mo diha?La mn gud mo txt.'

Anne: Tara na, Beth.
Libeth: Tara.. Ikaw ra may dugay kaayo mag-ilis. Replyi o.
Anne: Unya na lang uy. Mahurot imong load.

We were already downstairs and waiting for a tricycle when Libeth received another message. It was from her classmate telling her that they will go to one of their classmate's house.

Libeth: Napuro kaon lagi karong adlawa ay. Ubani ko, Anne, ha after nato ilang Kyut.
Anne: Ha? Pero dili man ko engineering uy. Maulaw ko magsagol-sagol sa inyo.
Libeth: Sige na gud. Naa man sad si Balot ug kuya Ron didto. Naa pa jud si Jepoi. Dili ra ka ma OP. Sige na, para naa ko kauban pauli.
Anne: Lagi uy. Tutal, giubanan raba ko nimo karon.

The name 'Ron' made my decision change. Actually, I missed him since I haven't seen him the whole day yesterday. (Do you think he missed me too? Charut...) The unexpected incident siguro kay si Ron.. Yahuu!!!

Libeth replied to her classmate that we will just drop by to someone's birthday then we'll go to the place. We were already riding the tricycle when I forgot to bring Kyut's gift! I crocheted pa naman the word 'Kyut' on the bolster so he can remember me every night. Ggrrr... I guess I just have to give it to him some other time.

The driver already dropped us at the place where Kyut will be fetching us. But unfortunately, he was still not there. I texted him already that we were there waiting for him. My God!! I was so nervous that my hands were so cold and my knees felt like jelly.

We were already sitting near a store since it was so hot already. It's almost 12 and Kyut was still not around. Maybe he's got many visitors that he forgot to check his phone. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a tall and dark guy wearing a red tee and six-pocket pants was standing on the very place where me and Libeth was standing. My heart was pounding so fast and so strong that I can't hear any Libeth's word anymore. He can't see us from where we were. He dialled something on the phone and put it near his right ear. He was calling somebody. And guess what?! Libeth's phone rang instantly. This is the birthday guy we were looking for.



The sight of the guy made my heart jumped. It's like everything was in color gray. Yes, he is tall and dark. But I didn't know that he was long hair and older than I've thought. I thought he's from 17-20 years old but this man I'm looking at looks like 25 years old. Might have been he already had a family. Libeth approached him first. (Ug sa dihang gapa cute ang baye!) Now, we are face to face. He was smiling at me and I smiled back. (Actually, I'm disappointed. Mao ni si Kyut? He is not cute at all!!)

";Hi,"; I said to him.

";Hi! Ikaw si Kyut?"; he asked. (Kalami ba mudagan oi!)

";O. Ikaw akong textmate? Happy birthday!"; I said in a jolly voice.

God! He just smiled! I think it's a yes. I wanna go home and cry.

";Tara. Adto ta sa among balay,"; he said to us.

I just nodded and held Libeth's hand. I squeezed it sending a message to her that he is not the guy I'm actually expecting. Libeth just smiled. Kyut was so quiet all the way. He keeps on looking at me and smiles at me when I caught him looking. I was memorizing all the landmarks so if ever he plans to do something bad, we will be able to go out of this place. (Kick his ass first!!)

Later, we reached a 2-storey house. It was in color white. There's a terrace where 2 kids were playing, a girl and a boy. As he opened the gate, I also noticed a house/room separated from the main house. The main house was beautiful outside and was wonderfully styled inside. The tiled floor were so shiny and the sofa looks very inviting.

";Lingkod sa 'mo, Kyut. Tagad sa ta sa mga bisita ha?"; he said to us.

";Ok ra oi,"; I said smilingly to him.

He went upstairs and was calling the kids. And take note, people of the Philippines, the kids called him 'Papa'!! (Unsa man akong nasudlan oi?)

";Hala ka, Beth. Minyo na man siguro ni siya oi,"; I whispered to Libeth.

";Lagi. Mao pod ako tan-aw. Pero at least naay kaon, unya ra ta lakaw ha?"; she replied. We giggled and was quiet when a white van was honking on the front gate. The bisita are here. Kyut went downstairs together with the cute kids. The girl smiled at me and I smiled back. (Sus, Ginoo! Ma instant mother man guro ko aning mga bataa ni ug si Kyut akong uyab!)

";Gawas sa ko kadyot ha? Naabot na sila,"; Kyut said.

";Ok ra uy!"; I replied.

Her daughter sat between me and Libeth.

";Birthday sa akong kuya karon,"; she said.

I was slightly confused because if it's her kuya's birthday, she might be pertaining to the other kid she was playing with at the terrace.

";Dili diay imong papa ang magbirthday karon, 'day?"; Libeth asked.

";Human na ang birthday ni Papa atong March 1. Kay kuya nga birthday man karon,"; she replied.

Aha! He fooled me. Birthday niya pala ha!?!? (Burit jud! Bantay ka lang kapreha ka!!) Why didn't he just told me that he already had a family?! Eww.. I fantasized about him pa jud!! (Isumpa jud ko sa akong self!!)

";Daghan mo ug bisita, 'day?"; I asked.

";Bea akong name. Si kuya ra man naay bisita. Iyang mga classmate ra man. Uyab mo ni, kuya, te?"; This little girl asked me that question.

";Dili. Friend ra sila. Gamay pa man imong kuya para magka-girlfriend,"; Libeth explained. I really can't believe this situation I am right now.

";Dili si kuya Bryan ang ako pasabot. Si kuya nga ig-agaw nako. Dako na siya. College na gani siya,"; Bea explained. Now, I'm really confused!!

";So, Bea, kaning kuya nga ig-agaw nimo ang naay birthday karon?"; I asked. Listening intently to her next reply! Bea giggled as if enjoying the moment of her reply.

";O. Wala ba diay mo kabalo nga birthday niya karon. Mao gani naa mo diri, di ba, mga ate?"; So innocent this little girl.

I'm so confused na!!! I was about to ask Bea where his 'kuya' is. But I already knew the answer. I just looked up at the guy coming this way. Damn this tall guy! Damn his smile that haunts me every night! Damn Tall& Dark because he is standing now infront of me with those cute dimples on his face that wrecks my straight thinking and reasoning!! Damn him because he is Ron Navarro! Kyut is Ron Navarro!! (Will somebody catch me 'coz I'm gonna faint!)

";Hi, Kyut, "; he said to me. I can't speak! What will I say? Damn! I can't even move!

";Ikaw diay si Kyut, kuya! Wala man ka klaro uy!"; Libeth teased him.

";Dili ako uy! Pataka lang o,"; he replied. Libeth was pounding his arm.

"Butbut nimo! Ikaw textmate ni Anne ba. Gitawag gud nimo siya ug Kyut!" Libeth said. I was just so quiet standing beside Bea and was still absorbing the moment. (It was a nuclear bomb to me!!)

";Dili lagi ako. Bahala ka diha. Ganiha ra mo, Anne?" ; he asked me.

Shit! I cannot talk. I just looked at him and nodded to answer. I am not depressed. I'm just too surprised and too shocked and too exalted that even blinking is hard to do. I also felt betrayed. How could he lie to me? He could just tell me the first time he texted me that he's Ron. I would (maybe) rather appreciate it than it's like this. Maybe Balot knew about this or his friends and classmates and it's just me who doesn't know. (And Libeth pud diay. Hindi ako nag-iisa!!) It's not annoying but, people of the Philippines, do you know the feeling that the world already knew and ONLY YOU who does not?! I wanna cry at that moment.

"Anne, naminaw ka?" Libeth said.

"Ha? Unsa, Beth?" I replied. See? I sat beside Libeth but I did not heard her talk.

"Ingon ko, like jud ka ni kuya kay nangita jud siya way para maka-contact nimo bisan wala ka cellphone. Uuyyy!! Pogi points to siya ug ako mag-rate" she said.

"Ah! Ok, " I replied. (Sus, Lilibeth! Ug nakabalo lang ka sa akong gibati!)

"Unsa man ka uy! Mura man kag napaakan ug halas diha. Manggawas ta kay naa silang Jepoi ug Mumay sa gawas o" Libeth felt the excitement. Me?! I felt nothing. I felt so numb that I just let her pull me 'til we were outside. Jepoi and Mumay were there. There was Balot (of course), Christopher, a tall guy whom I forgot the name, Virgilio, Virgilio's cousin, and three more guys I don't even remember seeing at school.

"Aba! Ang special guest nimo Bai kay present jud! Pagkaanindot sa imong birthday!"Balot exclaimed. Everybody teased us. I just smiled at them. (Kalami ra jud upawan nimo Balot!)

"Bantog ra wala nagpahapit, una-una ra diay ka diri?" Mumay said to Libeth.

"Wala ko kabalo nga diri mo padulong uy!" Libeth replied.

"Wala nuon ka kasakay ug van nga aircon. Magdungan lagi ta sunod," Balot told her.

"Wala gani ko kabalo nga diri diay ko dad-on ni Anne," she replied. I was quiet all along. Then, Ron went out from the room separated from the main house. I guess that's his room. He saw me looking at him and winked at me pa. How dare him to let my heart beat like it's gonna blow out!!!

"Boys, tabangi ko ug hukad para makakaon na ang mga girls," he announced smiling at me!!! Is he annoying me again?!

Then he headed for the main house passing the sala up to the kitchen. He wore a pair of faded jeans and a red shirt that fits snugly to his body. He was scratching his head (And he looks damn so cute with that style. Murag unggoy nga nangalot!! Joke!!) Libeth interrupted me.

"Anne, what if manguyab na jud si kuya nimo?" Libeth asked.

"HA? Ambot? Imposible sad oi, " replied hoping against hope that he will. (Naa man diay feelings, pakipot pa!)

"Imposible ka diha. Unsa pa man nga proof imo gusto?" Libeth really liked this mongrel. (Hala, kamo pag-uyab! Samok!)

"Nanguyab na jud diay si kuya nimo, Anne?" Mumay asked me. (Mutabang nalang kaha ko sa kusina kay masalang lang ko sa hotseat pirmi!!)

"Wala uy. Si Libeth ra gabuot-buot diha ay," i replied but can't help myself from smiling.

"Unsay ako gabuot-buot? TAwagon nato si kuya o," Libeth dared.

"Bahala ka diha. Kato, manguyab? Taman ra man to lantaw," I replied hoping that Libeth won't tell Ron.

"Taman lantaw ha? Sumbong tika," Mumay said then the three of us giggled.

The three of us were still talking about the birthday boy when (speaking of the devil!) he went to us and announced that the table is ready. I'm really hungry. Maybe, mawala ra ako kalagot after ko makakaon. (Yummy!)

Before we ate, we prayed and thank the Lord for the yummy blessings. It's funny his prayer because Balot keep on mentioning the term 'yummy blessings' and lastly he emphasized that the Lord should give the celebrant a girlfriend that will hurdle him from doing nasty things because Balot is tired na of going with him daw. There was teasing after the prayer. I just wrinkled my forehead.

Super the handa! I don't want to stop eating. There's sinugbang baboy and isda, lechon kawali and watermelon for desert, Pepsi and chiffon cake. (Mabuang ko sa pagkaon! Ron was sitting beside me and he keeps on handing me the food. I always caught not just Libeth's glance but everyone because of the special attention that the celebrant is giving me. He still doesn't know that I am a little bit pissed off!!



The food was so great that I almost had a hard time pulling myself up. Libeth was still munching on a watermelon. Ron left to get something from the ref. I went to the sala to watch TV. I sat beside Bea who was busy writing something on a piece of paper.

"Bea, wala pa lagi ka mikaon?" I asked her.

"Unya ra mi kaon ni Papa after ninyo. Puno na ang table. Human na ka kaon, te?" she asked in reply.

"O. Human na. Gutom na ka?" I asked her again.

"O. Ganina ra. Papa man gud uy. Maulaw daw siya modungan ninyo mao dula na lang sila basketball ni kuya Bryan," she replied. Kawawa naman this girl, she's pretty pa naman. I was about to get food in the kitchen when I saw Ron coming my way holding 2 cups of ice cream. I wrinkled my forehead. This guy is so insensitive. There are still people who haven't eaten lunch yet he have the guts of letting us eat as long as we want.. Grrr...

"Hoy! Wala pa'y kaon silang Bea o," I said to him.

"Human na sila ug kaon uy! Gauna pa kaha na sila nato," he replied handing the cup of ice cream to me.

"Unya kay gigutom man daw ang bata be," I said.

"Gasige na lang na ug kaon. Bea, sumbong tika sa imo papa ron," Ron was addressing the kid. Bea just giggled and asked for a cup of ice cream instead. Ron told him to ask for the ice cream from his classmates in the kitchen.

"See? Human na siyag paniudto. Nabusog ra ka?" Ron asked me now. Bea went into the kitchen shouting 'Yehey!'. Now, it's just the two of us. (I wanna leave na. I don't want to be left with him alone!!)

I just nodded without returning his smile. I guess he knew that I'm slightly mad at him because he drew a deep breath.

"Daan pa ko nga lahi jud ka ug timpla ganina pa," he said to himself.

I want him to feel that I am somewhat (daw!) pissed off. But hey, it's his birthday. Wala'y mawala if pabut-an effect ko just for today. Again, just for today!! Can I do it? I'll try..

"Lahi'g timpla ka diha. Chocolate ra ang flavor sa ice cream?" I finally said.

"Mitingog ra jud siya nako. Nasuko ka, Kyut?" He did not answer the damn question. (Nangitag sakit sa lawas o!!)

"Kyut ka diha. Wala man. Na-surprise lang ko ba nga ikaw diay ang (amaw nako nga..) textmate nga ako ginatagad-tagad. Wala lang. Medyo makahimuot lang," I said in a sarcastic/sweet way. I know he's insensitive so he won't know that I'm being sarcastic. (Mitukar akong pagkapalaaway!!)

"Pero nasuko jud ka nako, di ba? Sorry na gud, Anne. Kabalo na man pod siguro ka sa rason nganong nabuhat nako to," he explained. (Ug biklon ko ning amawa ni, makasulti ba kaha ni siya? Try daw be...)

"Actually, wala ko kabalo sa imong rason," I replied that made him cough because he ate a mouthful of ice cream that time. I laughed at his discomfort. He looked at me now smiling as if he wants to strangle me. I just playfully smiled at him.

"Woow! Hapit maputol ako ginhawa ato. Kataw-an ra diay ko nimo ug matinud-an kaha to," he asked me.

"Depende. So, tell me sa imong reason nga secret-secret kunuhay imong identity," I asked in super pabikil.

"Ikaw bya ga una-una ato. Dili ka mutug-an, dili pud ko. Dayun maldita pa man gud kaayo ka ato nako.." he explained. Hay! So childlike explanation. Why don't he just answer the damn question (or just say that he likes me so much para mahuman na ni..) I was about to tell him that I don't accept his explanation but Balot went out from the kitchen. (Always wrong timing this person.. Hahay..)

"Bai, walay inom?" he asked rubbing his bulging tummy.

Ron looked at me as if he was asking permission. (Nganong tan-aw man ka nako? Lugiton ko na imong mata karon!!)

"Bai, mag-inom ta? Nakakita man gud ko ug grande sa inyong ref, " Balot asked again.

(Aguy! Apologetic look diay ang gihatag kay ready naman diay ang mga amaw!!)

"Naa man mga babaye, Bai. Basin malain sila ba," he replied to Balot.

"Ok ra nilang Anne uy. Anne noh?" Balot asked me.

"Ha?! Ok ra man," I replied. (Ok ra jud!! Basta apil ko...Hehehehe.. Di bitaw ko moinom..)

"Ok ra daw o... andama na, Bai. Lami na kaayo banatan o kay human busog kaayo ko," Balot said.

"Unya ra gud. Wala pa gani sila nahuman ug kaon," Ron said.

After all of them finished eating, we gathered under a shade of a tree. There were 1 case of Gold Eagle beer in the middle. Virgilio brought with him his guitar and sang all the panghubog songs you ever known. His cousin sometimes sings with him. It's really fun to be with them, I should have known. Libeth and Mumay joined the inuman session and Libeth was blushing already. It was only me who haven't drink even a single drop. Ron gets the glass of beer that Balot is giving me and drank to the last drop. So, in a round, Ron drinks two glasses. I don't like the smell of the beer kasi. It makes me grimace.

Later on that afternoon, a drizzle poured on our heads. We all headed to Ron's room and continued the chika2x. Ron was blushing already. I was the last one to enter the room so it happens that they reserved a seat for me just beside Ron. He was smiling when I sat beside him and everyone were teasing me. Jepoi was singing a love song (I forgot the title) that Balot was translating into Bisaya. Since he misinterprets some of the words, we all laughed. I haven't noticed that Ron's arm was at my back. I only noticed it when I straightened my back. I just ignored it thinking that Ron was already nangangalay.

Then, later that, he whispered to me. I didn't understand what he said that I looked at him immediately not having the knowledge that our faces were so close that if I just tilt my head a little to the left or to the right might give him the chance to kiss me on the LIPS! (How exciting!!) He made a little move towards me and I think he really wants to kiss me INFRONT OF HIS FRIENDS. I moved my face backwards and pushed him a little. He made a short laughing sound that I was the only one heard it. He whispered to me again. I wrinkled my forehead because I realized why he laughed.

He whispered a while ago that he wants to claim the kiss I promised him (sa text). Then, I looked at him so he thought that its ok for him to kiss me.

"Yahay kaayo ka!" I said to him.

"Dili man. Promise bya to nimo nako. Wala nako gi-erase imo message ba. Mobasa ka?" Ron replied looking at my eyes then to my lips and vice versa. (Hubog naman siguro ni si Navarro!! and good luck to me, he's got proof about the kiss... )

"Dili ko uy! Bahala ka diha. Muuli na lang ko," I said. I was about to stand up when he lay his head on my lap. I was shocked that I held my breath for a few moments. He was smiling at me.

"Dili ka kauli unless walay kiss," he said loudly. Everyone looked at us and Virgilio stopped singing.

"Uuyyy.. Ka sweet nila uy! Kita pod, 'may," Christopher said.

"Pagbigyan mo na. Birthday bitaw," Balot said. This guys talaga!! (Sige na nga!! Joke!!Hehehe)

"Maayo pag magdula ta ug spin the bottle. Daghan kaayo botelya o," Libeth noticed. (I love you, Beth!) She is my saviour because the guys agreed. (Labas ang kiss issue!!)

It was Ron who spun the bottle first. It stopped infront of Balot. Jepoi asked Balot.

"Kinsa gikaibogan nimo diri sa room, Balot?" Jepoi asked.

"Wala diri uy. Pero ug ako si Ron naa jud ko matubag," Balot replied. (Balik na pod sa isyu..)

"Dili. Kanang ikaw jud," Ron said.

Note: Its two sets to go yet and were done. So stay tuned!