Huntress: Chapter 7

Huntress: Chapter 7

”Fourth Suspect”   

Time: 10 p.m.
Place: BlackPub

On word to describe the party:WILD. People dancing, getting wasted, making out. A typical scene in a club.

"Three Hard. One for me, and one each for these two hot ladies."Then Lydon winked.

"Cheers! Condolence for the newlywed Wess Chan !" He toasts my wineglass and then the others. Well, Wess is not definitely here. We’re on their circle of friends, about 10 ??? Napag-usapan lang si Wess Chan na kelan lang nauwi na sa kasal with at wala na yatang balak bumalik Pinas.

‘’Guys, meet Wess’ recent friend Nana Rossi and WynwynFross her cousin, we’re all schoolmates. ’’Lydon.

‘’Hey Nana, nice to meet you..’’ ‘’Hi Wynwyn’’ We shook all of their hands and we joined them in one set of couch. Galing din sila sa iba’t ibang elite schools. They were all goodlooking, rich, fashion, classy and some were high-profiles.

‘’Guys, pansin ko lang ha.. You Lydon, diba dati 5 kayo? Why is it isa-isa na kayong nawawala?’’Amanda.

‘’Yeah, first si Kyx nasa Venice, second si Atom sa Singapore and recently si Wess sa Hongkong. Baka mamaya nyan, ikaw na next Lydon, ha?’’-Sabrina chuckled.

‘’Tss, I don’t know what’s hell goin on.. Parang serial killer nga lang eh.. Iniisa-isa kame..’’Lydon laughs. Iniisa-isa pala ha.. I already emptied my hard drink and now switched to Dom Pierre Pérignon champagne. Whoah, two of the top champagne brands, I love this..Well, champagne is not widgets though. Edge dashed coolly on his sporty jacket and denim pants.

‘’Hey, ain’t yah guys introduce me to these beloved babes?’’Edge na nag-order agad ng hard drink.

‘’Dude, remember the girl bumped into Atom?’’ Lydon.

‘’The tall girl who spilled lemon juice?’’Edge.

‘’Exactly, she is. Edge, Nana Rossi and her cousin Wynwyn Fross.’’Lydon.

‘’Oh, Hi. Glad to meet you. The taekwondo girl, right?’’ Edge looking at me. Makes beso-beso.

“Exactly, Wess’ taekwondo classmate. , Edge.’’I flashed my very own pearly whites. **gritted teeth**

‘’And I’m her cousin, Wynwyn Fross! ‘’ Wynwyn.

‘’Hi Wynwyn, glad you’re here too.”Edge.

[WYNWYN FROSS]

Ang gwapo ni Edge Bang! He makes beso-beso me! Hindi nako maliligo! 3 years nakong nag-aaral sa Manhattan University but never meet them as close as this! Pati si Lydon Yap ang starplayer ng University!  Kahit na-oOP ako, go lang! Ang gwapo din pala nya sa malapitan kahit tan yung skin nya! Kung hindi pako ininvite ni Nana, hindi ko sila makikita ng ganito kalapit!

Mula nang bumalik-Pinas si Nana, mas lumaki yung chance ko to get close to the 5 MANHATTAN PRINCES. Starstruck talaga! Si Atom na billboard model, si Wess na taekwondo prince! Si Lydon na starplayer! Si Edge Bang na sportscar racer! At si Kyx na nasa Venice.

[NANA HARTNETT]

‘’Come on, lil Wynwyn, isang shot lang yan!’’ Edge almost drunk.

‘’Woooh! You got it girl, ayaw mo pa ng DARE ha?’’ girl 1 giggled.

We’re playing SHOT or DARE. It’s a wild wild night. The fun is in here! Others who fall into DARES, end up doing mess things like kissing the stranger’s lover, taking off brassiere, putting lipsticks on to men, touching someone’s butt and a whole lot sh*tty dares. I need to take Wynwyn home now. The bottle was pointed in my direction.

‘’You’re turn, Nana! Wooohooooh! DARE! DARE! DARE!’’Amanda.

‘’Fine! I’ll go for a DARE but after this, can I take Wynwyn home?’’-me

‘’Na-na, baka anung ipagawa shayo’’ Wynwyn whispered. She’s drunk. Dapat hindi ko na siya sinama dito. Ugh, another burden to situations like this.

“Hey, it’s only past 11, goin home?’’Edge.

‘’We’re now only starting the fun!! Woooh!!’’guy 3 almost drunk.

‘’ Sabrina, give the hardest DARE so they can’t go!’’guy2 chuckled.

‘’Hey, kanina ka pa nagpapa-dare Sab, let me take this.’’Lydon smirked. That’s an evil smile with an evil plan I’m sure.

‘’Dance with that Black American guy while taking off your bra then hand it to him.’’Lydon.

‘’Wooooh!!!Go!! Go!! Go Nana!!’’ They cheered. Lydon is such a perv. You know what, the common denominator about the 5 of them could be a PERVERT, MANIAC, MANSLUT!

‘’Dude, that’s too much. Kaka-invite lang natin sa kanya tas .’’Edge.

‘’No, dude, I’m only daring her hard para wag muna syang umalis..’’Lydon puffed his cigar. I stood and I shrugged.

‘’So if I successfully done, can we go now??’’I send him death glares. They boooo! The tension is rising.

‘’Whoah!! Nana’s creepy!! Panu ba yan dude, hinahamon ka niya. WE CAN’T WAIT IT!!’’guy3.

‘’TAKE OFF! TAKE OFF!’’They cheered. Tulog na si Wynwyn. Mga siraulong pervert.

I took off my coat, my long black hair covers my bare shoulders coz I’m only wearing a red tube top na almost above knee and a black stiletto. Men were eyeing on me as I passed them and dance on the middle. It’s all wild crowded.

[LYDON YAP]

‘’Brave chic. I’m not insisting she’ll suck up my dare. Let’s see. Prove us she’s not really a typical woman to date as Wess said.’’Sabi ko.

‘’Dude, she’s interesting, right?’’Edge.

‘’Yeah right, kaya pala laging wala nun si Wess’’

‘’Hey Wynwyn, you ok? Wynwyn?’’ Sabrina.

‘’Let her sleep, Sab. Tingnan lang natin kung may sinabi yang Nana na yan.’’Lydon.

She’s sexy in tube top red walking in the middle. Sa laki ng school, hindi ko sya madalas makita sa Manhattan since lagi akong nasa basketball court. Minsan lang pag nadadaanan ko syang nakasakay sa black Ducati. I’m not interested though pero nung minsan siyang binanggit samin ni Wess, I thought she’s not an ordinary girl.

‘’Lydon, she’s getting near to that Black American.’’Amanda.

Dim yung light and in motion dahil sa disco lights, crowded pa yung dancefloor but we can figure out where Nana dancing to this black man. She’s 5 meters away, perhaps? Sa sobrang crowded, kita na lang namin yung likod ng black man while they’re both dancing.

She raised her hand up high and flagged her brassiere.

‘’Woooh! Shoot it!! You got it Nana!!’’ Shouted and clapped the guys na nandito sa couch.

‘’Sabi ko sayo eh. Sama mu ulit yan, dude.’’guy 2.

She came back in the couch covering hands on her top. Sinuot agad niya yung coat.

‘’You did it girl!’’ yelled Sabrina.

‘’Well, I have to go now. Thank you for a fun night with you guys, bye.’’

Ibinangon nya yung pinsan nya. I dragged her arm.

‘’Hey, hatid na kita.’’alok ko. She threw me one seductive look and yanked off my hand holding hers.

‘’No, thanks! may kasabay nako, thank you na lang sa pag-invite samen ah, bye.’’She said. May dumating na isang lalake, classmate daw nya, yun yung umakay sa pinsan nya palabas. Umuwi na sila. Tss, naturn-off yata saken.

[NANA HARTNETT]

‘’Buti na lang nandito ka rin sa club nato.’’

‘’Kala mo saken, hindi pumupunta sa ganitong bar, tss.’’Kaiser.

‘’But anyway thank you ha, sige dito na lang kami ni Wynwyn.’’

‘’Sige na, hintayin ko munang makasakay kayo ng taxi.’’Kaiser.

‘’Naks, sweet, bigyan kita ng magazine ng superbikes tom.’’

‘’Kahit wag na. Bat mo nga pala kasama yung starplayer saka yung racer, freshman ka pa lang close mo na sila?’’Kaiser.

‘’Wala kong close sa kanila. Meron lang akong mission.’’ I smiled.

‘’Mission? Bat ngingiti-ngiti ka, anu bang mission yang sinasabi mo?’’ Kaiser.

‘’Mission nyang tugishin yung limang pumatay kay.’’Wynwyn. Oh sh*t!! Wynwyn!! Tinaakpan ko kaagad yung bibig niya.

‘’Mahabang kwento. bye Kaiser!! Goodnight!’’ taxi came.

[LYDON YAP]

‘’Hey! ‘’ One sexy Africanwoman came into our couch. Itinulak nya sila Homer,Ethan, Max at Zeke. Fvck, she’s damn hot. Sakin sya papunta..

‘’Hey,baby.’’African girl. She sat beside me and rubbed her hands against my shirt.

‘’Hey lady. Don’t be.’’

‘’Pssstt.’’ She neared her lips in my ear saying--

‘’Your friend in the red suit said, you want mah brassiere for $1000. Well, I’m giving it to you free darling.’’African girl said. Sh*t. So hindi kay Nana yung iwinagayaway niya sa dare.

‘’What?’’

‘’Darling, take this.’’May nilagay sya sa bulsa ng coat ko..

‘’Hey lady what’s this??”sabi ko. Bigla na lang syang tumayo and bid goodbye.

‘’Call me later, darling. Take that! THAT’S CLEAN, I WASHED IT!’’She winked and motioned flying kisses. Dammit ! Kinuha ko yung nilagay nya sa bulsa ko.Anu to? Her number written on her bra?

[NANA HARTNETT]

Lucky I was, the dormitory tolerates late comers every weekends. Wynwyn is still a baby. Unlike me, I can drink five bottles and I'm still normal. I think that's the effect of having bars as your second home. You get immuned.

Heavy Wynwyn, I can’t piggy-back ride her! Argh, second floor pa naman yung room namin, it’s 12 midnight, tulog na lahat ng tao, nobody would help me. Fortunately, may papaakyat sa dorm na ganito ka late but he was --

My ENEMY INSTRUCTOR..

‘’Anung nangyari kay Wynwyn?’’-Khalil na parang kagagaling lang din sa bar. But hindi naman ganung kalasing. Do instructors go bar? Sa bagay he’s young pa naman.

‘’She’s drunk, INSTRUCTOR (emphasizing).’’Naiinis talaga kong makipag-usap sa kanya.

‘’Khalil na lang okay. Tulungan na kita, ako na’ng bubuhat sa kanya.’’Khalil. Inalalayan nya si Wynwyn na nakasandal sa wall. Binuhat nya ng pa-piggy back ride si Wynwyn hanggang sa second floor. Dammit! My heart skipped a beat.. I remembered something.. Pwede namang buhatin ng pa-bridal style ah.

‘’Lydon my lovesh! Isang shot pa!’’Wynwyn na nag-iisleeptalk. Nakapulupot yung 2 arms nya sa leeg ni Khalil.

‘’Isha pa shabi eh! Hindi pa ko lashing!’’Wynwyn na nasagi yung eyeglasses ni Khalil. His rectangle-rimmed eyeglasses fell off the floor. Ang likot ni Wynwyn. Such a burden.psh..

‘’Ako na! ako na PONG pupulot INSTRUCTOR.’’Yuck.Toothbrush. Di na nya ibinaba si Wynwyn habang ako na pumulot ng eyeglasses nya. Gawdd.. I want to break this into pieces!

‘’Di ba sabi ko sayo, Khalil na lang.’’ Khalil insisted.

‘’Mas gusto ko PO kasing INSTUCTOR, at least I can remind myself that I’m talking to a professional.’’ I stood. Few steps na lang nasa sa second floor kame. I dunno if am I going to hang his eyeglasses in his t-shirt or am I going to wear it in his face?

‘’Paki anu nga.’’He closed his eyes. He motioned me na isuot ko sa kanya. Fvck that. Ang arte.

I came closer and closer. Wala pa ring pinagbago yung muka nya. Still, a picture perfect. His long lashes entice me to touch those. The face I’ve touched 4 years ago. Dammit! why can’t you remember me? Ako to si Nana, si Yanna.. half-sister ng ex mo! I was the kinky-haired fat highschool student 4 years ago. I was also the one you piggy-back ride when I sprained my ankle because my heels broke off in the prom. It was a cold night but you let your coat to wear myself. No one has ever done than sweeter than you did.My prom was messed up but you’ve given worth meaning to remember my senior days.

‘’Hey Nana, you’re idling. ’’Khalil said. I came back to my senses.

‘’A-ahm.. t-tiningnan ko lang ka-si… yung.. yung brand ng s-salamin mo. Gucci, n-nice.’’ I said. HOLYSH*T !!WHAT AN EXCUSE! BRAND? ERRRR! My heart thumps wild, it’s just crazy. It’s fvcking crazy! Ugh. NANA. YOU’RE GETTIN INSANE! Back off Nana. You b*tch!

Dammit! It’s already 2AM and I’m still wide awake. It fvckin bothers me! Gucci?? What the hell?? I rolled my body in our queen-sized bed. Wynwyn was tight sleeping. Why in the hell we have the same dorm living? Why is it of all the schools he will work, why in Manhattan and right exactly he is my instructor? And why after 4 years, he doesn’t even recognize me? I don’t effin care to tell him though! A bunch of WHYs.

Why my heart still throbbing? I spread my arms and legs and I looked up in the dim ceiling.. A flashback narrates itself..

***Flashback***

(4 years ago)

“Whoah.. my pretty little Yanna..! Believe ka na sa makeover over ko sayo, sis? Pang Next Top Model!’’ Chanel said. I look myself in front of the mirror. Psh. Like a  piggy with newly-ironed hair  and make up. Wearing a long splendid black gown.

I’m 16 a highschool senior. Yeah, I’m fat, anti-social, always alone, always been humiliated because of my figure but only ate Chanel has treated me the most beautiful girl. I love her although we often meet secretly because of my parents’ prohibition.

‘’Ate Chanel, hindi nako pupunta sa prom. Mabobore lang ako dun!’’I insisted.

‘’Look baby, you’re the most beautiful girl in the prom! Tingnan mo nga, we’re more like a twin! Iuuwi mo pa yung title noh.’’Chanel hugged me. She’s very sweet. Dito ako sa room nya, Tita Veronica worked sa office while Tito Mon nasa Cebu.

‘’Ikaw talaga ate, joker ka talaga! Wala naman akong sinabi sayo, you’re the Ms. SE University and I? Oh, I don’t need to say.’’ I said. She’s my idol, my bestfriend and my goddess sister. She looks like an angel, eye-catcher, head-turner, gorgeous and I’m quite the total opposite version. She’s taking BSN while his boyfriend is also her schoolmate. I rarely see her lover, only we often talk about him.

*Honk* *Honk*

‘’Oh, sino yun?’’ I asked.

‘’And to complete the total prom night.  I brought you an escort to drive you there.’’ Dumungaw sya sa window and she waved her hand to the man outside the white Chevrolet Corvette.

‘’Ate?’’ How sweet of her to ask her boyfriend to drive for me. Kaya lang I’m a bit shy. Kuya Khalil and I  are not that close. Look at myself, a piggy in a long black gown. Pinapunta nya sa sala si Kuya Khalil.

‘’Yanna! Labas na dyan! Gusto ka nang makita ng babes ko!’’Chanel. Makita? Nakakahiya. Nakasilip ako sa slightly close na pinto ng kwarto. Nasa second floor ako and I can see them very sweet sa sala. Bagay na bagay talaga sila. Parehong goodlooking.Ugh.

Talagang nakabihis pa sya ng pang-amerikana, black slacks and and black leather shoes. Lalo syang naging mas attractive. Sana katulad na lang nya  yung partner ko sa prom, if ever.

‘’Yanna! Tawag ka na ng driver mo!’’Chanel yelled. Khalil pulled her back to sofa.

 ‘’What do you call me? Ah drive?” He lay ate Channel down the sofa. They stared each other’s face.

 ‘’Eh totoo naman ah, hindi ka nga prepared, naka-suit. Nice!’’Ate Chanel pulled Kuya khal’s tie.

‘’Ikaw kaya ang mukang driver!’’ Kuya Khalil pinched ate Chanel’s nose.

‘’Aww. Baket?!’’Ate Chanel

‘’Coz you drive me crazy.’’Kuya Khalil smiled.

“Love you .“ He kissed her nose and lips gently.

‘’ Love you too, babe.’’

I silently locked the door. My heart skipped a beat. How sweet of kuya Khalil, I hope I can find a man same like him. But why I’m feeling a bit hurt.

‘’Yanna!!’’

Bam! Bam! Bam!   Ugh, si Ate talaga.

‘’Okay ate! I’m getting out.’’ I said.

I stepped out. Ate Chanel smiled to me. I carefully step my foot down the stairs. Kuya Khalil was waiting for me by the end, oh I was so shy and I can feel my cheeks heat up. It was a night of fairytale like most princesses arriving and waited by their princes. He flashed his pearly whites, his adoring eyes, his full handsomeness waiting to escort me out. By the end of my step, he took my hand and motioned me to turn around like dancing in a ball.

I’m so fully bloomed. I turned around and my long black gown shapes a circle growing. I haven’t felt this way before. Oh maybe I’m attracted to his gentleness or maybe no boys have ever let me feel this. We danced a lil bit. I was a kinda shy when he placed his hand at my waist. Ugh.. my excess fats. But he only smiled with that and I placed my hand on his shoulder and the other one holding his hand.

This is one of my greatest dreams. More like a fairytale dancing with a very handsome prince while the orchestra is playing one romantic song. And after the last turn around, he knelt in front of me. My eyes rolled around when he kissed my hand and said--

‘’Shall we go now, my princess?’’Kuya Khalil looking at me. Oh, I’m speechless, 2 seconds. 4 seconds. 5?  I only nodded because of great embarrassment. I can feel my cheeks burning hot.

*click*

‘’Whoaaahh.. Picture perfect.. Nainggit naman ako sa inyo.’’Ate Chanel went downstairs teasing us. She took photos of us.

‘’Ayoko na sayo, mas gusto ko na si Yanna. ’’ Khalil kidding Ate Chanel. Nahiya naman ako, naka-hook kasi yung arm ko sa arm nya habang nagbibiruan sila.

‘’Sayo na siya basta iuwi mo ng buong buo yan ha!’’ Ate Chanel.

‘’Bye ate! Thank you talaga..’’ I bid goodbye.

‘’Iuuwi ko nato samen!’’ Kuya Khalil kidding ate Chanel.  She frowned. Looks like pissed off na. Cute couple.

‘’Oh, galit na sya.. Mananampal na yan.’’Kuya Khalil, nakahawak sya sa magkabilang waist ni Ate.

‘’Sira!’’ Pinitik ni ate yung tip ng nose ni Kuya Khalil.

‘’Aww..  Totoo na yun ah! I’ll take her back to you safe and sound. Promise.’’ He cupped her face.

Tumalikod nako, I know it’s followed by a kiss then.I won’t deny, naiinggit ako sa relationship nila ate. They’re very cute together. He’s kind, sweet, loving, witty, handsome, what more can you ask for? Pinagdrive nya ko sa school, we talked about everything. Masarap pala syang kausap may sense, nakakatuwa pa, nahihiya kasi ako kaya aloof ako before sa kanya. Feel ko tuloy ang tagal na naming magkakilala.

When I arrived in the school, he escorted me in the main gate. . I was so shy when he hooked my arm on his. Pinagtitinginan kami ng ibang mga seniors. He really is a handsome guy. Akala nila kung sinong surprise guest ang dumating. Alam ko naman yung iba sa kanila in criticisms, as always. Tss.. Kung pwede lang sana, hindi nako aattend sa prom, dito na lang ako sa labas kasama siya.

‘’Sayang, bawal driver sa loob. Makikikain pa naman ako.’’ He smiled. I laughed.

‘’Driver? Hindi ah, ang gwapo nyo naman para mapagkamalang driver.’’ I said. Ang sarap maglakad papuntang main gate habang naka-hook yung arm ko sa kanya. Sana wala na tong hangganan.

‘’Panu ba yan, my princess. I should have let you go inside.’’ Kuya Khalil.

Tinawag na naman nya akong My Princess..

‘’Nakakahiya, wag nyo  na po akong tawaging ganyan, kuya Khal. Sige dito na lang ako.Thank you.’’

‘’Your, highness. I’ll pick you up at 12, right?’’he said smiling. I nodded.  It’s a very romantic night for me although he’s not my prom date. Eyes looking to us, I don’t give a damn for them. He got in the white Chevrolet Corvette and waved goodbye. This is my night. My dream night.  A smile left on my face. Nobody danced with me, almost spent time chatting with my friends and the rest counting hours to wait 12. I went in the washroom; I looked myself in the mirror.

‘’Am I beautiful?’’ Dork. Why I’m asking question like this. I never even care how do I look like. But my hand can’t help bring out the face powder and lipstick inside my bag. ‘’I’m beautiful, okay?’’ I said to my reflection. You only feel beautiful when somebody shows you how beautiful you can be. It’s not the critic eyes will judge you and tell who you are without knowing you deeply.

‘’Ito pala ang itsura ng giant panda pag binihisan.’’ Si Brianna, yung cheerleader.

‘’Ahahaha, kala mo naman nakabawas ng criticism sayo nung nagsama ka ng gwapong escort.’’ –Vanessa shrugged.

‘’Exactly, you only humiliated yourself bringing a goodlooking guy. He only outshines you and makes you look like an old filthy little hag.’’ Brianna laughed.

‘’Excuse me, may problema ba kayo saken?’’I sarcastically asked.

‘’Ikaw, ikaw ang problema!’’ Tinulak ako ni Brianna, she’s a real brat. She often starts fight. I was wearing  4inch stiletto and I lost my balance.

‘’Serves you right, panda girl !’’Vanessa chuckled.

‘’Try mo kasing mag-reduce para madaling tumayo b*tch! ’’Brianna. My foot, ugh. I sprained it. Ack! Why in the world I’m the destiny’s target to annoy?! Ack!! It fvckin hurts! Somebody help me! I solely walked in the ball, pinutol ko pareho yung heels. Iika-ika akong naglakad, my friends helped me though. Hinintay ko na lang mag 12, ang sakit talaga, buti hindi ulo ko ang tumama sa sink. Ang sama talaga ng ugali ng dalawang yun.

12:15 na, wala pa si kuya Khalil, nakauwi na lahat ng juniors, seniors, pati yung mga faculty members.. Nilalamig na ko dito sa tapat ng main gate. Dito ako nakaupo sa bench. Wala namang ibang susundo sakin since yung parents ko nag-out of town. Baka pag tinext ko si Ate Chanel na wala pa si Kuya Khalil, baka naman magalit yun. Ugh.. slowpoke..Naiwan ko nga pala yung fon kina ate. Psh.

Ang paa ko, baka nabalian nato, wag naman sana.. Yung guard na lang nandito saka yung mga dumadaang organizer ng prom. Nagliligpit na sila pero yung mobile tuloy pa rin sa pagplay ng song.

♫Drew looks at me,

I fake a smile so he won’t see

What I want what I’m needing

Everything that we should be♫

It’s getting cold.. Ang dilim na, yung lightpost na lang ang tumatanglaw sa schoolroad.

The mobile played Taylor Swift’s Teardrops on My Guitar.  A sad one.

♫I bet she’s beautiful that girl he talks about

And she’s got everything that I have to live without.

Drew talks to me I laugh coz it’s damn funny.

That I can’t even see anyone when he’s with me♫

Darating ka pa ba?

Ang sakit talaga. Hindi ko nato maigalaw. My tears bursted out.. I couldn’t hold back my tears. I wiped it. Ang lamig ng hangin.

I cupped my face. Somebody called my name. My eyes went blurry and only a silhouette of a man standing in front of me that I can see. He walked slowly going to me. I wiped my tears.

‘’Yanna.’’

♫He says he’s so in love he’s finally got it right

I wonder if he knows he’s all I think about at night. ♫

I wiped my tears.

‘’Sorry, I’m late.’’He said.

‘’Kala ko hindi ka na darating.’’ I said.

“Lagot ako sa BOSS ko pag hindi ako dumating ”  He took off his coat and put in to me to cover my back.

♫He’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitar

That only thing who keeps me wishing on a wishing star.

He’s the song in the car I keep singing don’t know what I do.

He’s the time taken up but there’s never enough and he’s all that I’m falling into♫

“Thank you..” I said. He knelt in front of me. Ibinaba nya yung dala nya. Why of all the song why is it the saddest one? Was that destined for me to hear?

‘’Sino bang siraulong pumilay sayo?’’ He said. Panu nya nalaman? Saka, why he’s kneeling in front of me?

‘’Ah.. eh, w-wala, tumayo ka na dyan, aksidenteng nadulas lang ako.’’

‘’Let me..’’ Hinubad nya yung stiletto kong pinutol ang heels. It’s totally wrecked and deformed. Alam nyang right foot ang napilay?

‘’Uy okay lang ako, wag na Kuya Khal !’’

‘’Behave, Yanna! Magagalit ang driver. Let me.’’ Tiningnan nya ko ng naka-smile. My God, what’s with the spell you put in his smile? Bakit habang lumalapit yung pagkakatingin ko sa kanya, lalong nagiging mas gwapo sya. Is it because of the romantic ambience? Cold night together with the man you like while a romantic song is played. Psh. My heart skipped a beat, He took out something from the  white plastic bag.

A bandage and an ankle support. Where did he…?

“Trust me, nag-aral din ako ng first aid ah.’’He smiled while rolling the bandage on my right foot. Kaya ba sya na-late? Why didn’t he even tell me na dadaan sya somewhere to purchase those? My heart thumps badly.

“Hindi mo naman kasi kailangan mag-stiletto, parang nakikita ko lang ang younger chubby version ni Chanel, okay? Still, beautiful..’’he said while looking at me. I chuckled and tears rolled down my face.

“Hey l Yanna, don’t cry! Sorry na kung na-late ako.”

“No, wala lang toh, nakakatawa ka lang kasi Kuya Khal!”

The real thing, I’m so touched. The light from the lightpost hides the real color of my cheeks. I’m blushing badly. And then lastly, he put the ankle support in my injured right foot. Still, I can’t move my right foot. Siguro kung my saklay ako. Hello, I’m big and a foot can’t balance me. Hindi naman pwede ipasok yung car nya, nakaharang sa way yung mga trucks ng organizer ng prom. Panu ba yan? Baka buhatin ako ni Kuya Khalil, nakakahiya na sobra..ang tanong kaya ba ko neto? Pumunta sya sa unahan ko at umupo..

“Sakay na.”

“Huh? Seryoso ka? I mean kaya mo ba ko?”

Nilingon nya ko and ngumiti na naman siya. “Kakayanin.”

Smile again? Ugh. Nakakahiya man, pero sumakay na talaga ko, seriously masakit talaga. Ewan ko pero nung gabi ko lang na-feel yung lakas ng thump ng heart ko. He carefully carried me in a piggy-back ride. Should I call it blessing in disguise? If I weren’t injured then I wouldn’t feel this damn happiness. God, thank you.

 “Hmmm.. how’s the prom? Kapit kang mabuti.” He was carrying me. Riding me at his back hides my cheeks blushing.

“Okay lang..it was a very happy one..” Am I taking advantage? sa pagkakakapit ko sa kanya feel ko tuloy nakayakap nako. Ugh.. His perfume. His broad shoulders. Nakaka-entice amuyin yung nape nya.

 “Obvious ngang happy ka, sinayaw ka siguro ng boyfriend mo no?”

“Boyfriend?? Hindi ah! May girlfriend na sya.. and.. sobra nyang mahal yun.” I’m happy when he danced with me sa house kanina. Ikaw lang naman yung nakasayaw ko eh.Ugh.This feeling really sucks!

“Aww. disappointed? Who knows  pag nagbreak sila, ikaw na yung ligawan nya.”

Silence filled the atmosphere. I only smiled.

♫Drew walks by me

Can’t he tell that I can’t breathe?

And there he goes so perfectly the kind of love that I wish I could be.

She better hold him tight give her all her love.

Look in those beautiful eyes. I know she’s lucky ‘cause

He’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitar

That only thing who keeps me wishing on a wishing star.

He’s the song in the car I keep singing don’t know what I do.

He’s the time taken up but there’s never enough and he’s all that I’m falling into♫

“Malabo naman nyang mapansin ako. “ A tear fell from my eyes.

My prom was messed up but you’ve given worth meaning to remember my senior days, Kuya Khalil.

***End of Flashback***

Malapit na ang school intramurals, sunod-sunod na ang practice sa iba’t-ibang field ng sports like tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball etc.

“Highschool pa lang si Lydon, active na siya sa basketball game. Marami na rin syang games na pinanalo at nung pumasok sya sa Manhattan, dun na nagsunod-sunod yung wins nya at ilang beses na ring nabigyan ng award as MVP. And since he got the looks and big buffed body, naging maingay din yung name nya sa internet and some of his photos were featured to some sports magazine.”Wynwyn.

“Magaling din sya sa swimming pero as part lang yun ng hobbies nya, balita ko ngayon, yung cheerleader ng school and Lydon are dating.”Wynwyn.

“Cheerleader?”I asked.

“Wait,browse ko lang yung pics nung girl.” Wynwyn on her iPad.

“This.” Inabot nya sakin yung iPad nya.And may ininom si Wynwyn na medicine.

“What was that for? Medicine?” I asked.

“Pain reliever, ack ang sakit kasi ng arm ko kaka-spike (volleyball)”Wynwyn.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Sure. Couz, wala nga pala kong pocket, palagay nga muna neto sa bulsa ng jeans mo.” She handed me the medicine,I kept in my pocket. I looked at the iPad, there these pics.

“Small world.”

“Small world na naman? Dati si Mr. Vargas, bakit, kilala mo ba sya (cheerleader)?”

“Yung naging dahilan kung bakit ang saya-saya ng senior prom ko.” I smiled.

“What? I don’t get you Nana huh?”

“She’s Brianna Meneses, my schoolmate.”

“Cousin, you sound a bit mad, huh? Parang alam ko yang binabalak mo.”

“Well, I think Brianna wouldn’t recognize me FOR THE SECOND TIME. I have changed a lot, I’m the new Nana. The one who was kicked my @ss off by that brat Brianna back on my senior year. Lydon’s next, sumabay pa talaga.”

**BOYS’ LOCKER ROOM**

“Baby, I’ve missed you so much.. Kelan ba matatapos yang practice mo, babe” Brianna on the boys locker room.

“Babe,malapit na try out, labas ka muna dito, puro lalake na dito.”Lydon nagbibihis from his sweaty jersey and shorts.

“Eh babe, hindi ko na talaga matiis na hindi ka makita eh.”

“Bawi ako mayang dinner,babe. Promise.”

“Kiss ko muna.”

“Come here, after this you’ll go, okay?” They kissed. Flirt Brianna.

Where am I? I’M HIDDEN. Sinisilip ko lang sila sa maliit na awang ng carton box na pinagtataguan ko. Ang daming boys dito sa locker room, buong team nila Lydon dito- the TIMBERWOLVES, kakagaling lang from basketball practice. Smells stingy. Lalabas na dapat ako sa locker room kanina nung bigla silang nagpasukan. Dammit! Ugh.. How long will it takes waiting here? They were all naked since it’s locker room, oh that’s I guessed. Psh.

“84-83, Timberwolves on the lead! Woooh!”guy1.

“Gago. That was close pre! Angas din ng kabilang team, lalo na yung #09” guy2.

“Sino? Si PUNZALAN?”guy3          .

“Sya nga, iba sya dumipensa. Balita ko sa dati nyang university, sya yungwagas mag-3 pointshoot.”guy4.

“Ano na? Dating gawe?”guy5.

What’s with that dating gawe? Jesus, I smell a bit fishy about their conversations. How long they’ll spend time chatting in the locker room when they can do all stuff out? I wanna go out from this dusty carton box. Geez, if I wouldn’t get out maybe I sneeze to death and get caught.

“Kating-kati na kong magpadugo ng nguso.”

“Ulol, mas malupit kung gilagid paduduguin mo!”

“Hey, relax lang mga dude. Painitin muna natin ang laban saka natin bigwasan.” Lydon.

OMG. it’s Lydon’s voice. Bigwasan? Aren’t they sporty or what? Couldn’t they fight a match fairly? This is something I should find out further. Tumahimik na sila. Tapos nang magshower. Hell, I was 5 minutes stuck in here. I can’t hear any sound. Clear na yung mga plastic long bench na inuupuan pag magbibihis. Sarado na rin lahat ng lockers. It’s time for me to get out. I carefully walked in full silence as I went on my pace but I accidentally made a sound. I bumped into the metal locker.

“Lumabas ka na.” I was hella stunned. It was Lydon’s voice and only a huge 30-door 7 feet high locker is the boundary between us. I was caught off guard. But not really until he finds out me here.

“Lalabas ka o ako ang kakaladkad sayo..” his voice is getting louder and full of authority. His getting nearer I was taken aback. Dammit ! where should I go?Nakasagad sa wall yung dulo ng locker at isa lang ang exit kung saan sya dadaan ngayon. To the left going to the shower room or to the right where he was on that way to catch me? Ugh. I can see his shadows going to me.

“Stalker ka ba o spy? No way you can hide. Lumabas ka!”

Ugh. step back.

Step back Step back.

I know what would happen to me after I heard their evil plan to the #09 player, pwede ko silang ireport sa dean’s office.Kung dati na nilang ginagawang manakit sa ibang player na hindi alam ng school, what more to a person like me eavesdropping lang.I can see his shadows carrying a long metal tube, nonetheless he’ll hit me that.

Step back. Step back .Step back.

Tumalikod ako. I was caught off guard.