Chapter 00

"Erin? I'm going out with my friends today." I heard Ate Zaf said from outside my bedroom.

I pouted as I continued to draw myself on my sketchbook. Hindi ako sumagot kaya narinig ko na naman ulit ang boses ni Ate.

"Erin, alam kong naririnig mo 'ko. Huwag ka na'ng magtampo. I'll buy you your favorite Pepero pag-uwi ko," she said that made me smile.

"Okay po!" I shouted back and I heard her groaned to which I just laughed.

I locked myself inside my room the whole day while my sister's out with her friends. Nagpapahatid na lang ako ng pagkain sa helper namin tuwing meal time na. My favorite pasta was delivered to me as well after I asked my sister to order it for me para 'yon na lang ang meryenda ko.

Kumakain lang ako habang nags-scroll sa P*******t. I was looking for new makeup and outfit ideas. Gusto ko kasing ibang look ko na naman ang makikita ng mga inggitera kong school mates ngayong pasukan. Last year, I went for the hot chic look. And I'm planning to go for the classy look this year.

I bit my lower lip as I silently squealed when I finally got to see a perfect inspo for my OOTDs and makeup.

Nag-scroll agad ako sa online shops para maghanap ng beauty essentials na kailangan ko para ma-achieve ang new look ko. I was feeling all giddy the whole afternoon. Lalo na no'ng naghahanap na ako ng new set of clothes na perfect for my new look.

I was also planning to go shopping with Ate Zaf next weekend para madagdagan ang new collections ko. I also needed to tell mom to purchase a new closet kasi hindi na kasya ang iba kong gamit sa walk-in closet ko.

Ang dami kong cute dresses, tops, and shoes na na-add to cart. Oh, how I love being a girly girl. Maarte man sa paningin ng iba, at least afford ko naman ang mga luho ko. I mean, I don't earn money yet since I'm still a minor. Pero provided na iyon ng parents ko. Para saan pa at pinanganak nila ako kung hindi nila ibibigay ang mga gusto ko? I would probably understand if we're born poor. But that's not the case. I was born with a silver spoon on my mouth, having everything I wanted served on a silver platter.

Lucky me, I guess?

My life's totally not perfect especially when it comes to family pero at least may ambag sila—which is 'yong pera nila. Okay na 'ko sa gano'n.

My phone vibrated as I received a text message from Jake, my boy best friend.

"Don't buy a lot of stuff," I read his text out loud.

I cracked into a laugh. For sure nakita na niya ang I*******m stories ko na screenshots ng mga in-order ko online.

Nag-reply na lang ako ng laughing emoji bago ako nag-ayos ng sarili. I was planning to go for a quick run at the park. I did nothing the whole day but be with my phone and lay down. I have to do something that would make me get sweaty.

After bathing myself for almost an hour, I put on a black sports bra and a legging. I paired them up with my Balenciaga running shoes. I also tied my hair up into a messy bun after putting some sunscreen on my face. Still gotta be careful although the sun is already down.

I took a quick selfie for fit check while holding my pink Aquaflask on my right hand. Then, I posted it on I*******m before storming out of the house. I didn't even bother looking back when I heard my mom asking if where I am off to. Hindi pa ba halatang mag-e-exercise ako? Or maybe she's acting dumb to initiate a conversation? Either way, wala akong pake.

Malapit lang sa bahay namin ang park ng subdivision kaya nag-picture muna ako bago nagsimulang tumakbo. I was planning on taking 10 laps before going home. Pagabi na rin kasi. Pero marami pa rin namang tao sa labas. Most of them were kids with their nannies. Typical sight in an exclusive subdivision.

I was breathing heavily as I stopped running. Agad akong uminom ng tubig bago iginala ang paningin sa paligid. The sun was already setting down, causing different colors to scatter in the horizon. Orange was more dominant, though. It was too pretty.

I fished my phone out to take photos of the sunset and a few more selfies. Napairap na lang ako nang tumawag si mommy. Hindi ko na 'yon sinagot pa pero naglakad na ako pauwi.

Napakunot ang noo ko nang maabutan pa ang mga kaibigan ni Ate Zafie sa receiving area ng bahay namin. Usually ay umaalis naman sila kaagad after dropping off my sister. What changed?

They were taking glances at me when I arrived. Napataas tuloy ang kilay ko.

What now? Ngayon lang ba sila nakakita ng 16 year old na ganito kaganda?

"Erin, sa'n ka galing?" Iyon agad ang bungad sa 'kin pagpasok ko pa lang.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Outside," I shortly replied.

"Anong oras na?" Mom asked as if wala akong relo or something.

"It's still past 6. Stop being dramatic," I can't help but say.

"Watch your words, Zephyrine." I heard my dad said.

But the hell to them. I don't fucking care.

Padabog akong naglakad papuntang kusina, passing by my sister's group of friends without even saying hi to them. I don't care if disrespectful ako sa paningin nila for today pero nabwisit kasi talaga ako sa mga magulang ko.

Ugh. Kung hindi lang sila mayaman, tagal ko na yatang naglayas.

"Oh, saan ka?" Puno ng pagtataka ang mukha ni Ate Zaf nang makita ako.

"Kitchen," tipid kong sagot.

Nilagpasan ko lang din siya at tumuloy na sa may kitchen. My eyes twinkled when I saw my favorite sweets on the kitchen island. There were donuts, cookies, chocolates, and a strawberry shake from Starbucks. Buti na lang.

I got one piece of chocolate donut and took a bite from it. I stormed out of the kitchen so I could go to my room and wash myself up.

My mouth parted a bit when I took a glance at a new face. I didn't see him before! New friend ba siya ni Ate? If yes, then that's great.

He was laughing with the other guys as my sister prepare snacks for them. And I was stuck in my place, watching him a bit too much. He was just too handsome I couldn't take my eyes off him.

Literally my type—chinito, matangkad, maputi, matangos ilong, at malinis tingnan. I would rate him 1000/10, while solely basing on his physical appearance yet. But I can conclude that he's the caring type of guy who's love language is acts of service, physical touch, and words of affirmation. Well, I bet he'd do all types of love languages if he's into you! I mean, he looks so dashing and all—but he also gives me off that good boy vibe.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang biglang napatingin siya sa gawi ko. I immediately averted my gaze and confidently walked away from them. I guess I exaggerated my walk a bit kasi feel ko para na akong model na naglalakad sa runway with the way I walk. Pero pake ko ba? I was trying to put on a good impression sa pogi na guy na 'yon.

"Hoy, Ethan, ano na? Ba't biglang natulala?" I heard one of their friends say.

I didn't heard that name before. So, I'm guessing that's his name, then. Walang friend si Ate na Ethan, eh. Not until now.

I silently squealed to myself, biting my lower lip harshly. Kinikilig na agad ako, eh wala pa nga siyang ginagawa.

I mean, looks pa lang niya, nakakakilig na talaga!

Okay. I don't hate my sister's friends na. Kahit na pupunta pa sila here daily, I won't mind. As long as that guy is with them. Ako pa nga yata ang maghahanda ng makakain at maiinom nila for that matter.

I stopped on my tracks as I immediately figured out what I was thinking. But instead of telling myself to back off, I just laughed at my silly thoughts and let fate work for me and that guy who turned to be a lot different from how I perceived him to be.