Bonamine, Your Song and Juice
Aiah gathered everyone as they waited for their school bus to be ready. It is finally their field trip day after taking a three-day examination. After that one incident with Jhoanna while they’re going home, they have been busy reviewing. Hence, even if Aiah is hella curious what’s the matter with the younger girl. She tries to bury it at the back of her mind, Jhoanna is probably doing the same. They never interacted that much after. A few banters here and there but that’s just it. It feels like they have made a mental consensus to not talk about it again.
Her eyes darted on Jhoanna who’s standing near her. In the first place, she is the vice president so she should be. She briefed everyone about all the reminders for the trip and ran over again on the flow of the activities for the two-day trip. Jhoanna supplemented other things that need to be said that Aiah forgets.
The bus then arrived on time. They immediately loaded their things in order to find a seat they wanted. Maloi clings to Colet. While all the others in their friend group followed the two.
“Ako na, Aiah.” She hears a familiar voice uttered beside her.
It is Jeremy.
She smiles awkwardly at him. Aiah is well-aware of the rumor that went around the past few weeks. About him liking her. Honestly, it is flattering. He is not that bad to begin with. Jeremy is well-mannered, participates in class, athletic as he is the captain of the men’s basketball team and as a bonus - his looks aren’t also that bad.
But that’s just it.
It feels good knowing that someone admires her. At the back of her mind, she isn’t ready to enter a relationship or baka hindi lang siya ready kasi hindi naman niya talaga gusto si Jeremy.
Aiah handed her mini suitcase to him as she had no choice. A beaming smile was immediately plastered on his face at the approval. With steps that reeked enthusiasm, he gently placed it at the bus trunk. After doing the job, Jeremy then jogged back towards her. Now he is offering to carry her bag that contains her essentials.
Unbeknownst to the two, numerous pairs of eyes are staring at the whole exchange. With one pair unconsciously shooting daggers. Padabog itong umakyat sa bus. Maloi, who's in the front row of the scene, smirks knowingly. Ang mga natitira nilang kaibigan ay kinikilig lang sa gilid.
Kung alam lang nitong mga dense na ‘to. Sa isip ni Maloi bago hilahin si Colet.
“Settled na ba lahat?” Ms. Kath uttered, their homeroom teacher. She had a gentle smile on her face as she roamed her eyes on everyone.
“Actually, hindi ko gustong gawin ito pero it needs to be done para naman magka-bond ang lahat sa inyo.” she started. Sensing na may binabalak ito na hindi nila magugustuhan, some of them groaned na tinawanan lang ng homeroom teacher nila.
“You will be arranged alphabetically.” at her words, kaagad na bumulaga ang iba’t-ibang reaction. Pero mostly ay pagtutol.
“Ano ba ‘yan, Miss!”
“Miss namaaan.”
“Ang kj mo naman, Ma’am!” Most of these are along these words.
“This is also for your safety, okay? Para madali natin macheck kung sino ang wala pa. And again, talk to your seatmate.”
At least, hindi ko makakatabi si Aiah. Baka mabira ko kasi siya ngayon. Kaso huwag naman sana ako sa pinakadulo. Awa nalang talaga.
Our surnames being worlds apart is really a blessing in disguise.
“Pres and Vice. Dito kayo sa tabi ko. I have a few things to go over with the both of you.”
Or maybe not.
Both of them have bewildered expressions on their faces. Clearly not liking what is happening. Upon seeing Ms. Kath’s urging eyes, wala silang nagawa kung hindi ang sumunod dito. She gestures for them to take their seats at the back kung saan may available na five continuous seats. Kaagad na napatigil si Jhoanna.
Hindi pwede huhu
May vertigo kasi siya kaya ayaw niya sa likod umuupo. Ang malas niya naman ata ngayon. Jhoanna mentally cursed. For sure hindi na maipinta ang mukha niya. Colet looks at her worriedly. Parehas kasi sila na madaling masuka sa biyahe, parehas din sila ng danas ngayon since her surname starts with V so talagang sa pinaka-likod din siya.
Aiah cannot help but to glance at Jhoanna, she too knows that the girl cannot handle her motion sickness well. Ayaw man niyang malaman ang mga ito, they’re in the same circle of friends.
Kaya naman siguro ito ng bonamine ko. Jhoanna gaslights herself bago sumunod sa adviser nila.
“Here ka.” Aiah simply offers the window seat. She reads somewhere that sitting beside the window will help to alleviate motion sickness. She is not that bad to deprive Jhoanna of something like this.
Ms. Kath went over a few more reminders to the two of them. Mostly about roll call and all other things to keep everyone checked.
Thirty minutes into the ride, parang nasusuka na si Jhoanna. Uminom naman na sana siya kanina. She looks at her watch and she sighs in relief after seeing that it’s been five hours since her last intake. Kaagad niyang hinanap ang medicine box sa loob ng handbag niya.
Nang hindi niya ito makapa, Jhoanna immediately panics. Sure naman siyang hindi niya ito naiwan pero bakit wala ito sa loob ng bag niya. Muntik na niyang malabas lahat ng gamit niya pero hindi niya pa rin ito mahanap. She racks her brain on the possibilities kung saan niya ito nalagay.
“Tangina talaga.” she cursed under her breath upon realizing na sa isang bag pala niya ito nalagay which is unfortunately yung nasa trunk. Medyo napalakas ang mura niya kaya kaagad niyang tinignan kung narinig siya ni Ms. Kath. Buti nalang at busy ito na kausapin si Jao.
Her eyes then landed on Aiah na ngayon ay nakatingin din sa kaniya. Confusion is etched on her face and a flicker of worry. Sa sobrang inis niya ay inirapan niya ito. Alam naman niyang walang kasalanan si Aiah pero kasi ang malas niya ngayon kaya wala siyang pake kung damay na ang lahat.
To: Best girls <3 (except for someone)
Kahit ngayon urat pa rin siya sa gc name nila. Pero nakakapagod kasing makipag-away kay Aiah about it. Kada change ni Jhoanna ay ibabalik rin naman ni Aiah.
jho.eyna: @Col Ate Coleeet pahinging bonamine T_T nasa isang bag ko kasi nalagay. Konti nalang masusuka na ako .
Jhoanna typed habang pinipigilan na huwag maduwal. A phone dinged beside her as soon as she sent the message. It must be Aiah’s.
Busy si Jhoanna sa kakapigil that she didn’t even noticed Aiah’s movements. After retrieving a familiar box, she handed it to Jhoanna. She brings all sorts of medicine kasi just in case. She even brought a first aid kit.
The girl looks at her, her eyes asking what it is. But soon it morphed into a thankful one upon noticing the all too well small orange tablets.
“Sure ka?” Hindi niya makapaniwalang sabi. Never niya kasing naisip that Aiah will help her in something like this.
“Hindi ko ibibigay sayo ‘to kung— shit. Inumin mo nalang kasi, Jho!” Aiah scolded her after seeing the latter put her hand in front of her mouth. Nasusuka na talaga siya.
The older abruptly got one tablet and even offered her tumbler to Jhoanna in panic. All of the younger girl’s pride and confusion went out the drain, she immediately accepted all of Aiah’s help. After mainom ang gamot. She leans back on her seat. Pinagpawisan siya bigla doon ah. Hindi naman totally nawala kaagad ‘yung hilo niya pero sometimes it is a matter of mind conditioning, knowing na nakainom na siya ng gamot.
She looks at Aiah gratefully, a smile grazing on her lips.
This feeling is too familiar again.
It feels light just like what she feels when they’re at the library that one afternoon - bickering but somewhat it is peaceful.
“Thank you, Aiah.” the girl just nodded. Jhoanna focuses her attention outside the window. Baka kasi may maramdaman na naman siyang kakaiba. Buti nalang talaga at nag-offer si Aiah na dito siya maupo. She feels better now as she can fully shift her attention to the surroundings.
“Miss, patugtog po tayo para masaya.” Patrick suggested as he pointed at the speaker. Jhoanna beams at their adviser, pushing her to agree. Good music might help her out. Not to mention masaya rin siguro itong gawin based on the dramas she had watched na may mga field trip scene. Last year kasi ay sobrang killjoy ng adviser nila since medyo matanda na, para tuloy silang papuntang burol sa sobrang tahimik.
A bunch of urging followed suit from most of them, “Paalam muna kayo kay manong driver baka kasi makadisturbo sa kaniya.”
After getting the approval from the driver, excited squeals reverberated through the vehicle.
“Ako na magpapatugtog!” Sheena volunteered, tumayo pa ito.
“Paawat ka, Shee. Puro Enhypen ‘yan for sure.” Maloi teased pero may disapproval sa boses niya.
“Wow kung makasalita ang puro Twice ang nasa playlist!” Sheena bantered back while sticking out her tongue.
“Blackpink nalang!” Stacey added to the little commotion.
All the other students just watched the funny exchange. Ito talaga ang kahihinatnan kapag may soundtrip na magaganap since they all are fans of different groups and artists. Napangiwi slight si Jhoanna, hindi kasi siya masyadong kpop fan but she do likes some of the songs na narinig niya.
“Ganito nalang para walang away. Playlist nalang ni Aiah, siya naman ang president.”
“Huwag na ‘yan, ma’am. Pang tanders trip ni pres eh.” Sigaw ni Jao na ikinatawa naman nilang lahat.
“Wow ha!” Aiah lets out an offended expression and even tries to grab Jao kasi malapit lang ito sa kaniya. The president pouted when she was unable to reach the class secretary to pinch him. But then she smirks inwardly afterwards. Sino ba naman kasi ang hindi gugustuhin to be in charge with playing songs.
“I’ll be neutral with the song choices. Promise.” she added and soon connected her phone to the speaker.
“Bading!” Sabay na sigaw ng ilan sa kanila as the instrumental of the first song echoed inside.
Of course it’s Chappell Roan. Napangisi si Jhoanna after realizing it. Alam niya kasing paborito ito ni Aiah lately.
// It’s fine , it’s cool //
They all sing along to the last words of every phrase.
// You can say that we are nothing; but you know the truth
And guess I’m the fool
With her arms out like an angel through the car sunroof //
They braced themselves for the pre-chorus and chorus.
// I don’t wanna call it off, but you don’t wanna call it love
You only wanna be the one that I call “baby” //
Palakas nang palakas ang sigaw nila as they neared the chorus of the song. Their voices were full of excitement. They all should thank Patrick for the idea.
// You can kiss a hundred boys in bars
Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling
You can say it’s just the way you are
Make a new excuse, another reason //
// Good luck babe! //
(Well, good luck!) sigaw nilang lahat as if they were all second voices. Napatawa naman sila at their common understanding of how this song should be sung together.
They sing along to a few more songs to Aiah’s liking.
We Can’t Be Friends, Please Please Please and even Casual which prompted another teasing at the song’s lyrics.
Kpop songs followed suit, requested by her friends. She plays various groups to cater to everyone. She is a fan of Twice and Blackpink too kaya it is not a problem with her. Bading nga siya kay Mina eh. (A/N: Gets na gets ko talaga si Aiah about this.)
She then lets Colet take over at the OPM section of their ride. She knows for a fact that her friend’s taste in OPM is top-tier.
Few songs had already been played and mas lalong umingay since mostly ay familiar sa mga kanta na pini-play ni Colet.
// It took one look //
For some unknown reason, nagkatitigan sila ni Jhoanna as that specific line played. Kung gaano sila kabilis tumingin sa isa’t isa, ganoon din sila kabilis na umiwas ng tingin. Awkwardness then filled the air.
What the hell was that?
Tangina?
They both think at the same time after the incident. Bakit ba kasi nila naisipan na tignan ang isa’t isa at that specific time?
Hindi naman siguro ito sinasadya diba?
They then shook their heads.
Malamang hindi.
It doesn’t mean anything. They both tried to deny it.
Your Song by Parokya ni Edgar played in the background as both of them tried to gauge what the hell just happened. Undeniably, that one moment triggers some unexplainable feelings within the both of them which they both mentally agree to not be felt in the first place.
With that in mind, Jhoanna focuses her attention outside while Aiah tries her best to sleep. These actions are all in hopes to bury the unnecessary feelings that’s somewhat blooming within because of the past interactions they had with each other for the past few weeks.
Something has shifted and they don’t think they’re ready to acknowledge it yet. Mas mabuti pa nga sigurong mag-away sila kaysa ganito.
After a while ay nakatulog na sa Aiah at napansin ito ni Jhoanna. But this time hindi siya ang nagkusa because Aiah’s head leans to her as if automatically.
Bigla siyang napatigil when that happens, bumabalik na naman kasi sa kaniya ang mga nangyari sa jeep noong magkasabay silang umuwi. Doon talaga nagka-lintek lintek ang lahat.
Feeling niya that was the start of everything that shakes her resolve and how she feels about the older girl.
As she becomes aware of Aiah’s close presence again, lumalim ang paghinga niya. Adding to what she currently feels is the fact that the girl unconsciously snuggles on her side. All these prompted Jhoanna to know that she is indeed fucked up.
She actually likes this as much as she wants to deny it.
With an instinctive move, her hand has a mind of its own as she clasps Aiah’s. Para siyang timang na napangiti habang hawak ang mga kamay nito.
Contentment flows through her veins at the contact.
Aiah is warm.
A flame.
A strong pull.
Unluckily, Jhoanna is a moth that’s now drawn to it. And she feels like there is no turning back anymore.
She is falling head first.
Jhoanna is sure of it.
What she isn’t sure is how this girl beside her will take it.
Pero wala siyang pakialam. Ano naman kung hindi siya ma-crushback? It’s not going to be her loss though. Si Jhoanna Robles na ‘to oh, aayaw pa ba talaga si Aiah?
Gagi, crush ko na ba talaga siya? At her thought kaagad siya na napabitaw sa hawak sa kamay ni Aiah. The older girl groan slightly as soon as she did so at para na naman siyang baliw na hindi alam kung anong gagawin. She is now thinking hard on why the girl elicits that kind of sound at the moment.
Hindi ba nito gusto na bumitaw si Jhoanna?
Well, Jhoanna likes holding her hand. Kaya kaagad niya itong hinawakan ulit. She even intertwines their hands. Siguro kung gising lang si Aiah, tiyak sipa ang aabutin niya.
She then roams her eyes around, a panic in her look. Baka kasi pinagtitinginan na pala sila. Mostly naman ay tulog na. Buti nalang din at nakaharang ang bag ni Aiah kaya sure siya na walang nakakakita sa kabadingan niya ngayon. Dahil if ever man na meron, she really doesn’t know how to explain this. Gulong-gulo rin kasi siya but she likes having Aiah around - whether to tease her or be like this.
Wait. Shit. This should be consensual.
Bakit ba ang tanga niya at hindi niya narealize kaagad na she is clearly stepping in the older girl’s boundary. Another shot of panic mixed with shame surged within her.
Nakakahiya.
She shouldn’t have done this.
Jhoanna was on her way to retrieve her hand, when she felt that Aiah clasped it stronger. She stares at the older girl but she still has her eyes closed. Iniisip nalang ni Jhoanna na baka guni-guni niya lang ang nangyari kaya tatanggalin na sana niya ang kaniyang kamay when her world spins around at the next happening.
Aiah pulls on her hand, keeping it in place, “Can’t you take the hint, Robles? Don’t remove it.” she then mutters in Jhoanna’s ear. Her breath fanning on the younger’s neck who is now surely short-circuiting.
“Tangina, Lord.” Hindi na niya napigilan at may isang mura na talagang lumabas sa bibig niya.
Alam ni Jhoanna na pulang-pula na siya ngayon. Hindi siya mapakali. Parang gusto niyang lumabas ng bus na ewan.
Gusto niyang sumigaw or magwala.
Gusto niya rin si Aiah.
Pero mas gusto niya ata ang nangyayari ngayon.
Final na. Nababaliw na nga siya.
Mabuti nalang at ilang minuto lang ay nakarating na sila. She was on her way to ask Aiah about what just happened when the girl just stood up without sparing her a glance and soon went out of the bus.
Gago? Pinagtripan niya lang ba ako?! With that thought in mind, kaagad siyang nainis. Padabog niyang sinundan si Aiah.
Ganito pala ang gusto mo, Arceta. Humanda ka.
Ang annoying. She mutters under her breath while glaring at Aiah and Jeremy na kanina pa nag-uusap. Ever since nakababa sila ng bus, panay na ang dikit ni Jeremy sa kaniya. It seems like he's really determined to get Aiah's heart.
Papayag ba si Jhoanna? Syempre bahala sila. Hindi siya maghahabol ‘no.
She then focuses her attention on Jao who volunteered to facilitate the games for this morning. Despite her evident frown, she is getting excited with the event. Ito din naman kasi ang suggestion niya. Seeing na magka-teammates si Aiah at Jeremy. Jhoanna is more determined to defeat their team.
They're in the sister school of their university that's located in the countryside. Sa likod ng school ay bundok na while sa harap naman nito, a few meters away from the main road is a beach. It's location is really a perfect one to bond and have some fun. Hence, they're excited to be here.
Every year ay may paganito sa school nila. Parang health and wellness break for the students after a tiring midterms. Last year kasi ay sa museum ang punta nila kasi nga kj ang adviser nila. But for this year, under the advisory of Ms. Kath, finally their wish was granted. Kaya pinaghandaan talaga nila ito.
For the morning session, it will be a relay race followed by a boodle fight type of lunch. A rest for a few hours. Then at 2PM, sa auditorium naman sila to do some art activities that's planned by Aiah. She thought of painting, bracelet making and even a random poem making daw. The poems will be read aloud sa bonfire na gaganapin pagsapit ng gabi.
It is truly a jam packed day na pinag-isipan talaga ng lahat ng officers with the suggestions from everyone in their class. They just hope that everything will go smoothly.
Jhoanna clings to Stacey na ngayon pumunta sa tabi niya. Sayang lang at hindi nila ka-team si Sheena. Mas masaya siguro kung ganoon nga ang nangyari.
They arrange themselves in five lines, representing their teams which are composed of 9-10 members.
Since obsessed si Jao sa astrology, the format of team names is color then zodiac signs.
Blue Aquarius - Aiah
Red Aries - Jhoanna and Stacey
Black Taurus - Colet and Maloi
Orange Scorpios - Mikha and Gwen
Green Geminis - Sheena
This is the placement of their group of friends in each team.
The teams prepared a cheer beforehand so cheers and yells muna ang nangyari to hype everyone. Jhoanna's loud voice plus Stacey's chaotic attitude made the Red Aries earn the first thirty points for the event. Si Ms. Kath ang naging judge together with Jao who keeps insinuating na walang dayaan na nangyari.
They're under the scorching sun but they could care less about that, kasi minsan lang naman sila nakakapag-enjoy ng ganito. Buti nalang at cooperative mostly sa kanila. Hindi naman maiiwasan na may mga panay ang reklamo kesyo mainit daw or pinagpapawisan na sila. But upon hearing the prize for the winning team sa relay race courtesy by Ms. Kath. Mahahalatang ginanahan ang lahat.
Grilled beef lang naman kasi plus five 1.5 liters of soft drinks. May coke pa dito which is favorite ni Jhoanna.
She then leads the warm-up for their team which is natural since she's the team captain ng women's basketball team. Expected na talaga na siya. Dumako ang tingin niya sa team nila Aiah and as expected din si Jeremy ang nag-lead. She scoffed at the scene. Para kasing timang si Jeremy kung maka-smile kay Aiah.
“Jho!” Tawag ni Stacey kasi napahinto siya bigla sa pag-count.
“Sorry. Tama na ‘yan. Let's conserve our energy na.” She uttered then gathered everyone to strategize their plan on how to execute the first game na kaka-announce lang.
Pumito si Jao to indicate the start of the first game.
Typical sack race.
“Alam kong hindi na bago sa inyo ‘tong laro na ito. Basta by pair ha tapos lagpasan niyo lang ang mga chairs tapos balik kaagad sa starting line para next pair na naman hanggang sa matapos lahat.”
“May mga nine members diba, advantage na nila ‘yan.” Napatawa ito afterwards.
“Ang unfair naman!” Maktol ng iba.
“Shhhh lugi naman sila sa isang game mamaya. Fair nga ako diba.” Honestly, walang nakakaalam sa games na gaganapin ngayon kung hindi si Jao lang. Ang alam lang ng lahat, there would be relay race.
Pumito ulit siya at nagsimula na silang maglaro. Laughter and screams reverberated throughout the vast school field as everyone tried their best to win the game. May iba pa nga na natumba pero go pa rin. Jhoanna cheers her teammates, nagpahuli kasi sila ni Stacey.
Yes, isa sila sa team na may ten members. Sana lang talaga advantage nga nila ang next game.
So far ay nangunguna ang team nila Maloi. They're now down to their third pair. Habang mostly sa kanila ay sa second pair palang.
Kaniya kaniyang cheer ang lahat. Napadako ulit ang tingin ni Jhoanna sa gawi nila Aiah at napakunot na naman ang noo nito upon seeing na silang dalawa ni Jeremy ang last pair.
“Kailangan nating manalo dito, Staks.” Bulong niya bigla kay Stacey after witnessing the sight.
“Huling pair na sila ate Maloi oh.” Stacey pointed out.
But Jhoanna pulls her hand immediately ng turn na nila. Her competitiveness kicked in.
“Basta dapat mauna tayo kila Aiah.” Determination is evident in her voice.
Matalo na sila ng lahat, huwag lang ng Blue Aquarius. Ikamamatay siguro ni Jhoanna. OA na kung OA pero hindi siya papayag.
She kicks a pebble in her annoyance after the first game. They've earned third place in the sack race. Nagkasagian kasi sila ng kabilang team kaya natumba sila parehas. Naunahan tuloy sila ng team ni Aiah.
Despite tying with Colet and Maloi’s team as the first, hindi niya pa rin mapigilan ang hindi mainis. Everything seems to go downhill for her. Kanina pa talaga siya minamalas.
“Easy ka lang, Jho. Mas hindi tayo mananalo niyan kung ganiyan ka.” Stacey speaks beside her, she even caresses her shoulder to ease her tension.
She's been in almost a hundred basketball games pero ngayon lang siya naging ganito ka-competitive. Jhoanna is known to be level-headed in court. She rarely panics. Pero ngayon? She's clearly out of her head. Hindi niya kasi alam kung pinagtritripan lang siya ni Aiah. How can she do that thing sa bus then act like nothing happened?! Ayan ang hindi magets ni Jhoanna kaya inis na inis siya ngayon at wala siyang ibang gusto kung hindi ang matalo si Aiah.
It feels like she's being played kasi. Maybe Aiah already connected the dots ever since sinabi niyang huwag mag-yes kay Jeremy tapos that incident kanina na hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Aiah might have confirmed everything to the older girl. Kaya siguro naisipan ni Aiah na paglaruan siya ngayon. Kasi alam niyang may nararamdaman na siya.
With all these swirling thoughts, hindi niya mapigilan na hindi mainis.
Babawi siya. Two can play this game, Arceta. Hindi nga pwedeng ako lang ang affected.
With determined strides, she stood up and went to their other friends. Nandoon rin kasi ang target niya. Himala at hindi nakabuntot si Jeremy. Nahihiya siguro sa kanila.
Without a warning, she snakes her hand on Aiah's waist and immediately proceeds in opening a topic.
“Ang bilis niyo kanina, Ate Colet ah.” She utters with a teasing smile. Jhoanna smirks inwardly upon noticing how Aiah stilled for a moment. But the girl didn't make a move to remove her hand. She still animatedly continued her talk with Mikha.
“Masakit ba ang pagkakatumba, Jho?” Maloi teases her while laughing, remembering how Jhoanna fell together with Stacey a while ago.
Jhoanna groans to mask her smirk as an idea pops into her mind. She replies to Maloi all the while hiking up Aiah's shirt a little, successfully putting her palm on her bare skin this time.
Aiah is indeed warm.
She still feels the same tingling emotions but this time may halo na itong ulterior motive. Jhoanna wants to elicit some reaction from the older girl.
“Baliw ka ba?” This time si Aiah naman ang nagkukunwaring may tinitignan sa likod nila, as she whispers in Jhoanna's side. Hindi niya naman kasi magawang tanggalin ang kamay ni Jhoanna kasi mas mahahalata sila. So far wala namang nakakapansin pa sa kanila.
The younger girl chuckles before retreating her hand not forgetting to give it a little squeeze. A smirk soon grazed her lips after seeing a faint blush adorning Aiah's cheeks.
That's enough. More than enough.
For the second game, it was a tug of war. Indeed lugi ang may nine na members. Numerous rounds was held para malaman kung sino ang mananalo. Luck might not really be in Jhoanna’s side for today kasi ang team nila Aiah ang first place. Apat din kasi ang lalake sa kanila kaya it really is a huge advantage tapos ten members pa sila.
Again, third place ulit sila.
As Jao announced the last game for this morning, Jhoanna hyped herself up. This is her game. Finally the relay race. She is confident with this, panay ba naman ang takbo niya due to her playing a sport. But there is a nagging feeling within her kasi hindi lang naman siya ang varsity.
Si Jeremy din at iba pa nilang kaklase. Even si Mikha ay volleyball player.
Each team was asked to choose five representatives who will take turns in running and passing the baton towards the finish line.
She gestures for her teammates to gather around to choose their representatives and to boost their morale. For sure nawawalan na sila ng gana as they failed to snatch the first place in the first two games. Not to mention sila pa ang naunang makapuntos but currently third place nalang sila.
“Okay! Last game na guys and ito ang may pinakamalaking points. Kapag napanalo natin ito, tayo na ang first place…” she started as she looks at the scoreboard. Kaya pa nilang habulin for sure.
“Kaya pa natin!” she loudly exclaimed before asking kung sino ang confident sa laro. A few people raised their hands.
“Kaya niyo na ‘yan. Tiga-cheer nalang ako.” Her best friend declared. It would have been fun kung tatakbo si Stacey. Sa kikay ba naman nito for sure, ang amusing niyang tignan habang tumatakbo. But that is if she didn’t want to badly win.
Clearly, that is not the case so she agrees for Stacey to sit this one out.
Jhoanna stretches as she stands tens of meters away from the finish line. Her teammates decided na it will be better if she will be the last one to run since ‘yun ang pinakamalayong tatakbuhin. While their teammate na track and field member ang mauuna in order to build the momentum. Jhoanna is confident na kaya nila itong ipanalo. Sana lang talaga. Sayang din ang coke niya. She wants it badly. Kailangan ito ng lalamunan niya ngayon.
After a while, Jeremy stood in front of her which adds to the fuel and determination she is feeling inside. Mas ganado siyang manalo ngayon. Jhoanna then looks at Aiah, their eyes met for a few seconds before she cheers for Jeremy together with her teammates. Alam naman niyang si Jeremy talaga ang gusto nitong manalo, syempre magkakampi sila.
She just cannot help but to think how it feels when Aiah cheers for her. Kapag may basketball game siya tapos nasa bleachers si Aiah, screaming her name and even running towards her after the game kasi nanalo ang team niya. It will be a sight to behold knowing na madalas silang magbangayan.
Ano kaya ang magiging reaction ng lahat kapag nalaman nilang they’re actually girlfriends.
Shit. Anong girlfriends?! Ang advance mo naman ata, Jho. Baliw ka na ba?!
She hears Jao blew on his whistle, signalling the start of the game. She let out a relieved sigh nang makitang nangunguna sila. Jhoanna focuses all her attention on what’s currently happening. They need to win this.
As the fourth runner neared her, she stole one last glance at Aiah before snatching the baton on the latter’s hand and proceeded to run as if her life depended on it. They’re still in the lead pero ramdam niyang may nakakasunod na sa kaniya. She slightly looked back and saw na si Jeremy ‘yon.
Hindi pwede. She muttered under her breath and sped up. Hindi na nga niya feel ang hingal basta nakatuon lang ang buong attention niya sa finish line.
Cheers can be heard as all the runners are now on their way to win the game. They can feel the excitement surging through their veins as the team captains of both the women and men basketball teams race towards being the first. Nangunguna pa rin si Jhoanna pero konting mali niya lang, pwedeng-pwede siyang matalo ni Jeremy.
With one last push, Jhoanna gives her all in fastening her pace. Ilang metro nalang at tanaw na tanaw na niya ang red na ribbon that awaits in the finish line. Need niya lang na malampasan ito and she’ll be declared as a winner.
Her mind reeled back and Aiah’s face played through it like a little scene in the movie. Undeniably, it boosts something within her. Few steps more and she stretches her hand to grab the ribbon.
Cheers become deafening after a few seconds upon witnessing who is the winner. Jhoanna lies on the ground as she breathes heavily. Everything stills for her and she was just staring at the sky above, trying to regain her stable breathing. Sweat trickled on her body. She also knew that she’s so red right now due to the increase in her blood pressure. Hindi niya alam kung siya ba ang nanalo basta she was able to grab the ribbon pero baka kasi may nauna sa kaniya so she just awaits for Jao to announce something. But it was no use as she was immediately tackled by Stacey. Niyugyog pa siya nito while smiling widely.
“Baka bestfriend ko ‘yan!”
“Ang galing mo, Vice.”
“Angas mo talaga, Jho!” as if on cue, everyone’s voices finally registered through her brain. She hears more numerous praises, confirming na siya nga ang nanalo.
She smiles widely. Pinaghirapan niya ito - nila. She gathers her team in a celebratory hug after standing up. Binuhat pa siya ng mga ito, carefully throwing her slightly in the air.
Jhoanna roamed her eyes throughout the crowd in hopes to see that one familiar face.
Sana pala hindi niya nalang hinanap si Aiah.
She scoffed and her smile immediately disappeared. Nakita niya lang naman ito na inabutan si Jeremy ng bottled water while smiling widely at him. Aiah even congratulates him.
Hello? Ako ang nanalo oh. Ako dapat eh. Kainis naman ‘to. Her pettiness is now again acting up.
“Inom lang ako ng tubig.” paalam niya nang ibaba na siya ng mga teammates niya.
Throughout her way towards their designated canopy tent to get bottled water ay nakabusangot siya. Hindi pa rin mawala sa isip niya na hindi man lang siya nilapitan ni Aiah.
“May pa-’Can’t you take the hint, Robles? Don’t remove it.’ pa siya kanina tapos ngayon panay lapit naman sa iba.” She grumbles while making faces as she looks for the cooler.
Upon successfully retrieving a bottle. Kaagad siyang umupo sa harap ng electric fan habang umiinom dito.
She then feels a presence near her. Thinking that it is just one of her classmates ay nagpatuloy lang siya sa pag-inom. After a while, naramdaman niya nalang na may towel na pinupunas sa leeg niya. Muntik pa niyang mabuga ang iniinom sa gulat. She immediately looks back and upon knowing who it is ay nabitawan na nga niya ang bote ng tubig.
Sino ba naman kasing hindi?!
Aiah chuckles at her dumbfounded expression and soon continues her actions. Since nakatingin na si Jhoanna sa kaniya, mukha niya naman ang pinunasan nito. She is so gentle with her movement to the point that Jhoanna thinks that this might be the feeling when she will have Aiah as her girlfriend. Hindi niya inaakala na may ganito pala itong side.
Lord huhu. Send help! Mas hihimatayin pa ata siya sa nangyayari ngayon kaysa sa tinakbo niya kanina.
They stared at one another habang tinatapos ni Aiah ang pagpupunas ng mga pawis niya. They don’t really know what’s happening. But they like this. They like seeing how they have an effect on each other.
With a wink, Aiah steps away after seeing how everyone is now walking towards their direction. Out of impulse, Jhoanna softly grabs Aiah’s hand preventing her from getting away just like that. Malayo-layo pa naman ang mga classmates nila. Pwede pang hawakan ang kamay nito for a few seconds, “Five seconds lang.” she utters with a sheepish smile as she intertwines their hands together. Aiah just rolls her eyes but makes no attempts to reject her offer.
When the time is up. Aiah retrieves her hand and proceeds to walk towards their team's tent as if walang nangyari.
Jhoanna on the other hand, fans her face. Nakaharap na nga siya sa electric fan pero ang init pa rin para sa kaniya.
Fuck. Huwag mo akong subukan, Arceta. Kaya kitang yakapin sa harap nilang lahat.
After resting for a while after the game, they then settled under a huge tree on the side of the field to really feel the ambiance of the boodle fight. Mas maganda kasi talaga if outdoor ito gaganapin.
Since nanalo sila, totoo nga na binigyan sila ni Ms. Kath ng beef. Hindi na rin naman masama ang nakahanda in front of them. Slices of fruits, grilled pork, lumpia, pancit and a good amount of rice were scattered on a long table. May juice pa na nakatimpla sa isang malaking water jug.
“Grabe, Ms. Kath. I love you na po talaga!” Sheena exclaims and they all hollered, agreeing to it. Afterwards, they smile gratefully at their adviser. They're really spoiled. Ang swerte nila actually. Hindi lang kasi ito maganda pero sobrang bait pa.
As Jhoanna’s team won, nasa may portion sila kung saan nakalagay ang beef at softdrinks.
“Pahingi naman, Jho. Tropa tayo diba? Ang dami niyan oh.” Maloi bargained with a pout as she pointed at the grilled beef slices.
“Baliw. Hindi lang ako naghirap nito. Sabihan mo teammates ko.”
“Hindi pwede. Halos mamatay na kami kanina oh.” Stacey disapproves immediately. Her tone is playful. She even exaggerates a fainting expression.
“Wow. Nagsalita ang tumakbo.” Mikha countered na ikinatawa ng lahat.
“Tumigil ka, Mikhs. Talunan bleh.” Napailing nalang si Jhoanna at her bestfriend’s immature antics. Kalaunan ay namigay naman sila. Marami din kasi ito, hindi nila mauubos.
Jhoanna’s eyes darted in front of her where Aiah is. Katabi na naman nito si Jeremy. But for some known reason hindi na siya masyadong naiinis. Hindi naman kasi siya ang pinunasan ni Aiah kanina.
It was her.
Siya.
Si Jhoanna.
Upon sensing na busy lahat sa pagkain, she gets a few slices of the beef. Securing it beside her. Without second thoughts, isa-isa niya itong nilagay sa tabi ni Aiah habang nakikipagdaldalan kay Stacey para hindi masyadong halata.
Napansin niyang natigilan si Aiah sa pagkain before going towards her or more likely sa likod niya since doon nakalagay ang juice. As if on cue, sinundan niya ito sa pagkuha kahit may coke naman na siya.
They stood side by side, habang nagsasalin si Aiah ng juice, “Thank you sa beef. It is so good.”
“Bigyan pa kita?” she softly asked, pertaining to the beef slices.
“Nope. It’s fine. I am already full.” Aiah turns down her offer with a grateful smile.
“Don’t drink too much coke, Jho. It is not healthy.” Aiah reminded her with a slight sternness in her tone.
“Okay po. Nanginginig pa. Isang baso lang promise.” Ngayon lang nalaman ni Jhoanna na masunurin pala talaga siya sa mga taong gusto niya.
Natawa silang dalawa with how childish but at the same time domestic their conversation is. Not to mention na walang kaalam-alam ang mga taong nasa paligid nila ngayon.
After fetching a juice for herself, she proceeds to do the same to another glass and then hands it to Jhoanna.
“Or much better… mag-juice ka nalang kaya. Hmmm?” Aiah grabs Jhoanna’s hand and siya na mismo ang naglagay nito sa mga kamay niya.
Para namang timang si Jhoanna na tumango lang and soon proceeds to take a sip as if she’s being hypnotized. Paano ba naman nakahawak pa rin si Aiah sa kamay niya.
After a few seconds, their exchange was cut off nang may lumapit sa kanila, probably to get her share in the said drink. They then silently went back to their places with knowing smiles.
Jhoanna cannot help but to take small sips of the juice in her hand, unconsciously smiling while doing so.
After sensing her weird behavior kasi panay ang inom niya sa juice instead of the coke, Stacey asked her curiously, “Kailan mo pa mas ginusto ang juice kaysa sa coke ha?” Her best friend really knows her too well. Pero may hindi siya alam na silang dalawa lang ni Aiah ang nakakaalam.
“Ngayon lang. Ang sarap pala nito.” She knowingly utters while taking another sip. Jhoanna then spares a glance at the girl in front of her.
Inyo na ‘yang coke na ‘yan. Basta sa akin ang nagbigay nitong juice.
TBC.