"Hmmm, Hello?" I woke up with a severe headache. Dang, I still have low alcohol tolerance. I reached for my phone when I heard it ringing. With my eyes closed, I answered the call.
"Looks like someone is still on the bed," Dave said in the other line."Yeah, Got home at I think 1 am," I tried to recall. "So yeah, I'm on my way to Manila. I'm currently at SLEX. I will drive by. Want anything?" he asked. "Hmmm, breakfast and hot chocolate from Jollibee is fine with me," I said as I turned to turn off the bedside lamp."Alright. I'll call you up when I'm at the lobby," he stated. "Hmmm," I replied."Ingat ka," I added"Alright," He ended the call.After the call, I crawled out of the bed and headed towards the kitchen to get a glass of water. While drinking napansin kong umuulan sa labas. Lumapit ako sa may floor to ceiling na glass windows. I admire how the rainwater drips down the window. I kept the curtain open to enjoy the scenery.I sat down on the sofa and looked at my wristwatch. It's 9:00 am. No wonder I'm already starving.Today is a busy day. I need to finish the program then settle my clearance. I also need to answer some emails for promotion.Yeah, your girl is a #influencer. I laughed at the thought. Many will think that being an influencer is easy but oh boy it's far from being easy. Imagine balancing studies, personal life, and work.I walked back towards the bedroom to get my laptop and iPad. Dinala ko ang mga yon sa living room. Ipinatong ko iyon sa sofa at akoy sumalampak ng upo sa carpet. CozyI opened the program I'm working on. The only thing I need to do is insert Shaun. I decided to insert him after the presentations of the achievements of NU- Laguna for the past years.I realized that I need to email him the things that he will talk about.Well, I guess that's easy since it's not like I'm still crazy for him.I finished the program and send it to Dr. Apu's email. After finishing the program, I stood up to get a glass of water. I was drinking when Dave called."I'm at the parking lot," he announced. "I'm coming down," I replied instantly. I put down the glass of water and headed down to get Dave. I'm only wearing an oversized shirt with a sports bra and cycling shorts underneath. I'm also wearing my fluffy slippers.The elevator door opened. I was shocked to see Dwight freaking Jimenez with a coffee in his hands.His lips quickly formed into a smile upon seeing me."Wow, you look good in the morning," he stated with a smile. "Shut up." I was waiting for him to get off but he didn't. He has a coffee in his hands which means he is already heading back to his condo so why is he not getting off.Hindi ko pinahalata sa kanya ang iniisip ko. I pressed the Ground floor level."You're meeting someone looking like that?" usisa nito. Tskk so nosy."Yeah, besides it's just a friend of mine coming over," I answered. "This early?" he asked shockingly. "Ahmm, Sir? The last time I check we're not that close. And you're not supposed to ask someone who you're not close with questions like that," I roared. He was silenced. I elevator made a sound indicating that I'm already at the ground floor. Paglabas ko ng elevator nakita ko si Dave na nag-aabang. Tinakbo ko sya para yakapin. I miss this little guy. Well, technically he is not little."What a welcome hug from Ate Savannah. I'm moved." He jokes. "Silly. Come," sabi ko sa kanya at ikinuyabit ang braso sa braso nito"I bought pancakes, fries, and hot chocolate." It made me hungry.Nakatayo kami sa harap ng elevator. We're waiting for it to open. And when it opened, there is Dwight still holding his freaking coffee. Anong trip nitong lalakeng to? Joyride sa elevator?"Dwight!" masiglang bati ni Dave.Of course, they knew each other. They are teammates."Dave," Dwight replied with a cramped face. We entered the elevator. I stand in the middle of the two guys. I was still clinging to Dave at this moment."So I guess you guys are flying to Bahrain." Pagbubukas ng usapan ni Dave."Yeah," tipid na sagot nito. What's up with this guy? Kanina ang daldal nya tapos ngayong kinakausap sya ang tipid ng sagot. May sayad ata 'to."Well good luck man. The goal is 3-0," Dave giggled which made my heart jump. "The team will do its best besides we've been training for months," Dwight said.What's going with this guy? Is he this stoic? Where is the chatterbox guy I spoke with earlier?"Well yeah, you're the so-called St. Dwight after all. In addition, we have a great coaching staff," Dave added. "It should have been better if you aren't injured. You'll get to play some awesome teams then you can brag about it kay Shaun," pag-gagatong ko."You really know how to push his buttons," Dave laughed. We left the elevator first and headed towards Kuya's condo unit. If I'm not mistaken it's Dave's second time here and a lot of the interior has changed."Wow, the unit is far different from what I can remember. It's slowly getting. Hmmm, how should I put this? Feminine?" he said the moment he entered the living room. "Well I come here often, and Kuya is already planning to buy a house in Alabang," I explained to him. "Do you mean that this condo will soon be yours?" tanong nito."Yeah," I answered as I prepare some plates."I guess next you'll be staying here a lot," sabi nito habang inilalatag ang pagkain sa mesa."Oo, marami rin kasing shoots with brands." I sat down with him. Kumain kami ng agahan and after that, we talked about his plans for college. He is just a freshman yet he is already part of the national team. This guy is going places."By the way have you heard? Your dad is handling the case for a TV station," he said while glancing at me. "Wala namang bago kay Dad. He's always busy. I never got the chance to talk to him," I replied disappointedly. "I think that case is a downhill battle. There were rumors that the station didn't renew their franchise for 5 years. That can be used against them. I know and I trust Tito in his field but with this one, I don't see any escape route." He shared his opinion. "You know naman what happens when we step into his job. It can get really nasty. He is the father that won't hesitate to shoot his child if he needs to," mapait kong sabi."Hey don't say that. Tito loves you," he stated trying to cheer me up. "So any plans for summer? Are you done with your term na ba? Mine just ended yesterday. I'm a free human," I delightedly said."Mine ended also yesterday. At dahil parehas na tayong free from acad responsibility, we will party later at island!" he beamed. "Seriously," natatawa kong wika."Iba yung kagabi. Hindi mo ako kasama nun," he reasoned."Fine. Island for two nights is a great experience I guess" I gave up. Dave left because he got a call from her Mom. He told me that he will pick me up later by 8.When Dave left, I spend my time responding to emails. I came through half of them when I heard a doorbell.Tumayo ako at sinilip ang tao sa butas. Walang tao pero may package na nasa harap ng pinto. Binuksan ko ang pinto at tinitugan ang box. It's a black box with a cute bow on top of it. Kinuha ko iyon mula sa lapag at ipinasok sa loob. The box looks luxurious. I placed it on top of the counter and opened it. It was a portrait of me framed in a gold luxurious frame. The photo was of me during a campus pageant. It was my freshman year.Nang tignan ko ulit ang box ay may sulat but it doesn't indicate where it was from.Hi Miss Savannah!Here is one of my detailed sketches. I finally found the courage to send it to you. Hope you appreciate and keep it. Looking forward to your Senior Year as a bulldog. I'll be cheering for the blue and gold squad all the way from the green side.Greenside? LAU?I grabbed the picture frame and displayed it on my bedside table. Why are people blessed with so much talent?I walled back to the living room to continue responding to emails. I need to send Shaun an email. Should I be formal? Of course, I should be! It's for the school after all. I decided to compose an email.To: shaun_alfonso@nu.eduSubject: NU @ ##Greetings Bulldog!I'm Savannah Abad the program directress for National University's Founding Anniversary. We are pleased to invite you as one of our speakers for the upcoming event. Below are the ideas or topics that we would like to hear from you. Hope you soar high with the blue and gold colors!Topics:* Why National University?* What's your greatest achievement as a Bulldog?*How was your journey as a Bulldog?* What makes you proud about National University?*As a Bulldog, how did the university change the way you view life?* Message for future Bulldogs.Seems good enough. I decided to click send and turned off the laptop. It's already past lunch. I need to grab something to eat.I fetch my car keys and changed real quick into my black shirt and white Nike shirt. Pinaresan ko ito ng white shoes also from nike. #salamatnikeNung nasa elevator na ako ay kinuting-ting ko ang phone ko. It keeps beeping. I saw dozens of emails entering my phone. Oh heck. On top of all the emails is Shaun's name. Perhaps it's a message from Messenger.The elevator made a sound so I assumed that I'm already in the lobby but I realized it was way too late. Bumangga ako sa isang tao. Agad akong napatunghay para tignan sya at humingi ng paumanhin."Oh my God. I'm so sorry. I was busy with my phone. I thought I was already in the lobby. I'm so sorry." Paulit-ulit kong hingi ng tawad"It's okay. Just be careful. Buti na lang I'm not carrying anything," sabi ng babae at sumakay ito. She is tall and toned. I think she's an athlete. Maybe a swimmer or a volleyball player?"By the way, I'm Samantha Chen." Abot nito ng kamay. Agad ko yung tinanggap"Savannah Abad." Ngiti ko dito. She's the girlfriend.Nang tumunog muli ang elevator ay tinignan ko muna kung lobby na yon."Mauna na ako sayo. Nice meeting you Samanha," paalam ko dito.Paglabas ko ng elevator ay agad akong nagtungo sa parking lot. Pagkasakay ko ng sasakyan ko ay tumunog ang phone ko. It was Kuya."Hello?" I answered. "Hello, Sav?" he asked."Ano yon Kuya?" tanong ko dito. "I'm just checking on you. Nandito na ako sa apartment ko malapit sa ospital. Did you eat breakfast? How about lunch?" he inquired."Yes, Kuya I ate breakfast with Dave. I'm currently on my way to grab lunch. What about you? How was last night? You ditch me just to get laid.Talk about a good brother huh" pagtutuya sa huling linya. I heard him laughing from the other side.I started the engine and headed towards Steakhouse at Pasay."Well, I reached heaven last night. And yeah I already ate my breakfast and lunch," he answered. "Ewww. Kadiri ka Kuya," reklamo ko."Yeah, whatever. I'll hang up now. Be careful while driving," paalala nito. "I will." I ended the call. The guts of Kuya to really say na he reached heaven. Well, I'm not a kid anymore so I should be fine hearing it from people but I still can't stand it.Nandito kami ngayon ni Dave sa Island and unlike kagabi hindi ganun karami ang tao. Umupo kami sa table na nakapwesto sa may gilid na parte ng club."I think Kuya will be here. Nandun ako kanina nung nareceive nya yung email. Nakakatawa ang itsura nya. Hindi sya makapaniwala na nag email ka," sabi ni Dave ng maka-upo na kami. He's definitely wrong. Knowing Shaun, he's already oved on. I mean it's already a year."I have to. Parte yun ng role ko sa school," I explained my actions. "Wala naman akong sinabi ah," sabi nito habang pinapasadahan ng tingin ang buong club."So about the National Team, they are flying to Bahrain tomorrow right?" tanong ko dito."Yup," Dave replied with a popping P."You sure you ain't coming?" tanong ko dito. If he will say na he will come to watch I won't hesitate to come with him. I just need to destress."Sigurado akong hindi ako pupunta dun as a player. But I can go to watch the game if I want to. Bakit? Anong naiisip mo?" tanong nito. "I'm thinking of fl
"It's just .. I don't want to be a hot topic," sabi ko habang inaayos ang seatbelt ko. I'm saving myself, my family, and him from any scandal. Me interfering with a guy's relationship will be Dad's end. And besides, he still has a career and girlfriend to uphold.He started to maneuver the car away from the parking lot.We were on the road when he suddenly opened up a conversation."Ahmm so ah Since I'm driving you home tonight. Can I ask something in return?" he asked out of nowhere. Nabalot ako ng pagtataka dahil sa biglaan nitong panghihingi ng kapalit. I swear if this guy wants a night I'm going to straight-up call my Dad."Sure whatcha need?" I asked him casually but in my purse, I'm slowly scrolling through my contacts to look for Dad's phone number."We will be flying later to Bahrain. Since we are in the same building, I want you to come with me to the airport then drive my raptor back to the condo. I will also entrust you the key of my raptor" he replied. I felt relieved when
While we are on the road, I was responding to brand emails. He turned on the stereo of the car to play some music. Hard rock music bombarded my ears. My eyes widened a fraction.I hate rock music. It's too proud and arrogant in some ways. I don't like the lyrics. In general, I just hate it.I decided to reach for my Airpods to play my own music. On my peripheral vision, I see him looking at me with a puzzled face. He later puzzled it all up when I inserted one of my Airpods on my right ear. I was about to insert the other one when he stopped me."You don't like rock music?" kuryoso nyang tanong. I bared my teeth."Sorta. I prefer soft music rather than those that destroy eardrums," sabi ko as I proceed to insert the other piece."Fine. Connect your phone to the stereo. I won't mind. It's insulting to put on earphones when you're with someone you know," he complained. I didn't waste any time and connected my phone to the stereo. I played my favorite playlist. It's my OPM study playlist.
I drove out of the village to find a place to think and destress. I know that Dad has no intention to ruin my plans but at the back of my mind, a voice is whispering the opposite. I drove to the city and I find myself in a cafe near Perpetual. Am I being unreasonable? Am I being childish? Was I too sensitive? I ordered a latte and sat by the window. Tila nakikisama ang panahon sa nararamdaman ko. It's raining. I took two sips of my coffee and then I realized I didn't tell mom where I am going. I grabbed my phone and typed a message.To: MommyMom, I'm just in a near cafe. Kailangan ko lang pong magpalamig. Gusto ni Dad na two days lang ang trip namin to Bahrain kasi daw may event. I'll be home before it gets dark.I know mom is the only one who understands me. Sya lang naman ang nakasama ko sa bawat hakbang ko sa buhay.I was about to put my phone down when I received a message from Kuya. From: Kuya Umalis ka daw ng bahay sabi ni Mommy? Anong sinabi sayo ni dad? Text me back if na
Morning came. Kuya arrived exactly at 5 am. He is no longer in his scrubs nor his doctor's coat. He is wearing a polo paired with khaki shorts. Sasakyan nya ang ginamit namin dahil didiretso na sya sa ospital pag kahatid nya sakin sa airport.I noticed that Mom was a bit stiff when she offered us breakfast. Baka may pinag usapan sila ni Dad. That's the only reason I see for Mom to be this stressed out so early in the morning. I am wearing a white cropped top and black jeans. Kailangan presentable parin ang suot ko kahit lalabas ako ng bansa. Maaring may mga taong humahanap parin ng butas sa pamilya namin. "I'll try to convince Dad to extend your trip. Baka pwedeng hindi ka naman kasama sa event. I'll update you if it's really important. Paniguradong isang charity ball lang yun para mapabango yung pangalan nya. I heard from Mom that Dad is planning to run for a position in the Senate," Kuya said as soon as we started driving out of the village. Oh crap. Hindi na sya nakuntento sa firm
"If you can endure not talking to me, I'm cool with that. But I apologize in advance if I will bug you any chance I get." He left me speechless as he steps out of the elevator. Those were his words last night before I had my dose of melatonin. How can he be so confident in saying shits like that when he's in a relationship. His way of handling relationships is a pain in the butt. Doesn't that guy know the word loyalty or faithfulness? " We will look around the city. Gusto mo bang pumunta sa shopping center nila?" tanong ni Dave nang makalabas kami ng hotel. The weather here in Bahrain just like in the Philippines. Humid. "Let's just look around. Bukas na tayo pumunta sa shoppping center nila. I want to see the beauty of this country even in the suburbs," I answered as I fix my sunglasses. We decided to visit the National Museum. It's in Manama. It's convenient because the National Theater is also within the area. "The game starts at 6:00pm. Mag didinner na ba muna tayo or after na
There was never an odd moment during the dinner. There's always someone cracking up jokes. Well, that's on the team's table while in ours, it's like a prayer meeting. I thought he wanted to talk about something yet all I can hear are the clink of the utensils as we eat. I thought he wants to talk so why he is silent as a mute. Hindi na lang ako kumibo at itinutok ang atensyon sa pagkain. We're all having a rib-eye steak. As much I want to get a salad I didn't ask for one. These people will think that I'm that conscious with my weight that I won't eat what they're eating. "Did you look around the city? How was it?" he asked. Finally! Akala ko mapapanis lang ang laway ko dito. I lifted my head to make eye contact with him. "Yeah, We look around the city. We went to the museum and I can say that their museum is unique. We also took some pictures at the museum's lake. It was fascinating." He was speechless. Looks like he never expected my answer. I gave him a puzzled look before I spoke
Dave brought me to the gym where the national team is practicing. It was awkward because I was the only woman there. I also saw Coach Donny giving me a side-eye. This isn't doing me any better. Malayo ito sa inaasahan ko. "Just sit by the bleachers next to Coach Sandy," Dave said leaving me on the side of the court. Tinignan ko ang bleachers na itinuro nya. Medyo elevated iyon kaya kitang-kita ang buong court. Lumakad ako papalpit sa pwesto ni Coach Sandy. Habang paakyat ako ng hagdan ay nahagip ng mata ko si Dwight na nakatagilid ang ulo habang nag pupunas ng pawis. May stiff neck ba ang lalakeng iyon? "Watch your step." Coach Sandy extended his hand to guide me. I smiled at him and accepted his hand. When we were both settled on the platform, he then walks towards the railing and lean on it as he watches the players. "I heard that your Dad will be running for a senatorial