Fin.
Kakatapos lang ng activities nila sa auditorium and they have a few hours before dinner to roam around the school. Marami sa kanila ang nakatambay sa lilim ng mga puno sa paligid. Some are playing basketball on the court and the others play soccer on the field.
Si Jhoanna?
She’s at the back of the main building holding a pen and a piece of paper. Kung para saan? Secret muna. She needs peace kaya humanap talaga siya ng magandang pwesto. Buti nalang at napansin niya ang garden dito kanina na tanaw ang bundok sa hindi kalayuan. It feels so refreshing. Away from the noise and the chaos. Only the hum of the wind and the birds chirping in the background filled her surroundings.
This is what she exactly needs.
Her mind then reeled back on the things that happened between Aiah and her. It was so unexpected that until now she still cannot pinpoint how things turned out to be this way. Who would have thought that there will come a time where she will love being around the older girl. No annoyance brewing inside of her.
Few weeks before, they loathed each other but look at them now - sila na mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan para mapalapit sa isa’t isa. It feels so surreal in a good way.
But at the same time it is also scary. Things happened too fast. Kahapon lang ay bilang lang ang naging interaction nila kasi parehas silang busy for the final preparations for this field trip. Today? They even held hands, she held Aiah’s waist and the older girl even wiped her sweat.
Amidst all the happenings, Jhoanna still doesn’t have an inkling on what goes on in Aiah’s mind.
Kung gusto niya rin ba ang nangyayari.
Kung may nararamdaman na rin ba siya para kay Jhoanna.
Kung ano ba ang patutunguhan nilang dalawa.
Kung seryoso ba siya or kung trip niya lang lahat ng ginagawa niya ngayon.
Sana naman ang nauna. It will really break Jhoanna if it’s the latter. Hulog na hulog na kasi siya and she’s just letting everything be kasi in the first place ginusto niya naman ito.
Sunod niyang naisip kung saan nagsimulang magbago ang lahat. Surely, she isn’t interested with Aiah in the beginning. Totoong naiinis siya dito.
Sa jeep nga ata talaga nagsimula ang lahat. After that incident kasi, she has been feeling these weird shits whenever Aiah is near. But the thing that confirms everything was probably that time na malaman niyang may balak ng manligaw si Jeremy kay Aiah. She wants to act nonchalant about it but she just cannot. At first iniisip pa niya na baka kaya ayaw niyang manligaw si Jeremy dahil may possibility that she wouldn’t be able to joke or annoy the older girl since she’ll be having someone that’s going to defend her.
Ayaw niyang may sumisingit sa kanila.
That’s really the reason.
But what she didn’t predict was the explanation for that. Kaya pala ayaw niya na may sumisingit sa kanilang dalawa kasi gusto ni Jhoanna na sa kaniya lang si Aiah.
Realizing that there is no use in overthinking everything since wala naman siyang ibang gustong gawin but to get to the bottom of whatever this thing that’s been going on with Aiah, Jhoanna buries all her hesitations and focuses her attention on the view in front of her and on the thing she’s writing.
She is so busy admiring the tip of the mountain that she didn’t notice a pair of footsteps nearing her location.
“Hinahanap ka nila Colet.” A soft voice calls out. The very reason for her chaotic mind appears beside her. Umupo si Aiah sa tabi niya, also taking in the peaceful view. She looks at the older girl and Jhoanna cannot help but to be in awe. Alam naman niyang maganda si Aiah pero siguro nga totoo ang sinasabi nila na once you like someone, she’ll be the prettiest girl for you. Kasi ngayon, ramdam na naman niya ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso niya.
Sure, the view in front of her is really good. But this one, this girl beside her - is a sight to behold. Nothing can ever compare to the scene that’s playing in front of her eyes.
Jhoanna bets that anyone would be jealous and will fight her just to be in her position right now. Ang makita si Aiah habang hinahangin ang kaniyang buhok, the afternoon rays illuminating her face and not to mention her perfect features coupled by a serene expression as she closes her eyes.
Namiss niya tuloy bigla ang inisin ito, “Sila Colet ang naghahanap or ikaw?” Hence, she utters playfully.
At her familiar tone, kaagad siyang inirapan ni Aiah but this time there is a slight tug that’s grazing her lips. So, she is not plainly annoyed. It is more like she is amused as they are now bantering again.
“Medyo kumakapal na ang mukha natin, Jho ah.”
“Hmmm…” Jhoanna started before closing the distance between them. Kaagad na napausog si Aiah palayo sa kaniya but to no avail nasa dulo na siya ng bench na inuupuan nila.
With a playful smile ay inakbayan ni Jhoanna si Aiah.
“Ano ba, baka may makakita sa atin.” she utters with a whiny voice (which Jhoanna finds so endearing) and even proceeds to look around in order to see if there is anyone that might see them. Despite Aiah’s reluctance, Jhoanna kept her hand on the latter’s shoulder. She even caresses it softly as a sign that it is fine.
Pilit na hinuhuli ni Jhoanna ang mga mata ni Aiah pero umiiwas ito ng tingin which earned an amused chuckles from her, “Ngayon ka pa ba mahihiya eh pinunasan mo na nga pawis ko kanina.”
Nang makita niyang inirapan lang siya ni Aiah, “Sus irap irap pa eh gusto mo rin naman.”
Sa sinabi niya ay agad siyang siniko nito, “Aray!” Jhoanna dramatically exclaims as she clutches the pained area.
“Deserve mo ‘yan.”
Ipinagpatuloy niya lang ang pag-acting na nasasaktan siya. After a while, Aiah didn’t budge in her seat. The older girl even crossed her arms on her chest. With this, Jhoanna groans and pouts.
“Ano ba ‘yan. You’re no fun.” maktol niya at tinalikuran si Aiah. She looks like a sulking child right now.
Natawa si Aiah sa nakikita. She knew that Jhoanna can act childish sometimes but not this kind of childish, “Galingan mo kasi umarte next time.”
“Nagpapalambing lang eh.” the younger girl reasoned out and looked at Aiah for a few seconds with a frown.
“I don’t do lambing, Jho. Just so you know.”
“Eh ikaw, pwede ka bang lambingin?”
Nako naman. Ayaw talagang magpaawat. Aiah cannot help but to think as Jhoanna links their arms together, a wide smile is on the latter’s face. With a content sigh, the younger girl leans her chin on Aiah’s shoulder. Now, they are both engrossed in looking at all the things they can see around them.
No words are then spoken, but it was enough to know that they are enjoying each other’s company at the moment.
“Jho? Aiah?” A faint calling can be heard in the distance. Si Aiah ang unang nakapansin and immediately stood up to get away from Jhoanna’s hold.
As if that wasn’t enough.
“Aray!” this time, the younger girl is not acting anymore. Totoong masakit. Bigla ba naman siyang sinampal ni Aiah. Jhoanna can sense the guilt and shock on Aiah’s face before siya sinenyasan nito. Hindi niya gets noong una but then nakita niya sila Maloi and Stacey na papalapit.
“Nakakainis ka na talaga! Kanina ka pa ha.” Aiah acted out while looking at her like she’s saying that she should play along.
“Pumunta pa talaga kayong dalawa dito para mag-away?” Sabat ni Stacey habang tinatawanan silang dalawa. Nakita niya kasing nasampal ang bestfriend niya. Sa isip niya, ano na naman kayang kalokohan ang ginawa ni Jhoanna.
“Ah…” Gagi ano bang sasabihin ko?
A panicked look flashes on Aiah’s expression.
Sandali lang naman kasi. Nambibigla naman eh.
“Nyenye pikon. Nananampal nalang.” Jhoanna taunted habang nakangiwi. She even slightly glares at their two friends, wanting them to disappear. Panira kasi ng bebetime.
“I really hate your face. Diyan na nga kayo.” with that, Aiah stormed out of the scene.
Ang galing. Matapos akong sampalin, iiwan ako dito.
“Kung hindi ko lang nakita na nasampal ka ni Aiah. Iisipin ko na naghahalikan kayo dito sa pula ng pisngi mo.” Maloi teasingly uttered while checking her right cheek. Mukha ngang masakit. Akala pa naman niya magkabati na ang dalawa. Hindi pa pala. Mas lumalala pa ata dahil may kasama ng sampal.
“Pinagsasabi mo? Si Aiah hahalikan ko?!” Jhoanna exaggeratedly points at herself. Na para bang ang sinabi ni Maloi ay kahit kailan hindi mangyayari.
Pero ang totoo — Kung papayag si Aiah, why not?
Bago pa mabuko si Jhoanna ay tumayo na rin siya, “Ano ba kasing meron at hinahanap niyo kami?” She questions, annoyance is evident in her voice. Balak niya pa naman sanang tanungin kanina si Aiah ng ‘What are we?’ to clear everything . Sa nangyari hindi niya na tuloy alam kung kailan siya makaka-tyempo na silang dalawa lang.
Mga panira talaga.
“Nag-aalala lang si Colet at baka nagpapatayan na kayo kaya pinasunod kami dito. Tsaka may meryenda.” Explain ni Stacey habang sinusundan si Jhoanna palabas ng garden.
Hindi pa ata enough ang nasampal siya kasi ang bumungad ba naman kay Jhoanna ay ang magkatabi na naman na Aiah at Jeremy. Kung kanina ay hindi siya nainis. Pwes ngayon - sobra pa sa inis ang nararamdaman niya. Tapos ang clingy pa ng kumag, panay bigay kay Aiah ng turon at salin ng juice.
Isa pa ‘yang juice na ‘yan. Napaka-pafall. Sa inis ni Jhoanna ay tinungga niya ang baso ng coke na nasa tabi niya.
Eh ano naman kung magalit si Aiah. Bahala siya diyan.
“Ano na naman ang problema mo, ate Jho?” Sheena cannot help but to ask. Simula kasi ng umupo si Jhoanna sa tabi niya ay mahahalatang bad mood ito.
“Paano ba naman nasampal ni Aiah. Papansin kasi.” Singit ni Stacey which prompted Aiah to look at her with a guilty expression.
Anong gagawin ko sa puppy eyes na ‘yan? Manigas ka. She mentally stated and rolled her eyes at the older girl. Ramdam pa rin niya kasi ang hapdi sa pisngi niya.
“Ako pa talaga ang papansin? Kasama ka ba namin kanina noong nangyari ‘yon? Bakit alam na alam mo?” Jhoanna continuously fired back, clearly getting worked up.
“Oh sige nga, ano bang nangyari?” Kilala niya si Stacey. She too won’t back down easily.
“See? Ngayon ka pa nga nagtatanong pero nag-conclude ka na kaagad na ako ang papansin.”
Buti nalang at kaunti nalang ang natitira sa table kaya hindi sila masyadong agaw atensyon. Kung may away man na palaging nagaganap sa circle of friends nila bukod kay Aiah at Jhoanna, ang mag bestfriend na Stacey at Jhoanna ang madalas din na magtalo. Love language din kasi nila ang bardagulan.
Si Jeremy na nasa harap nila, hindi alam kung anong gagawin. This quarrel seems a little more serious than what it looks like to him.
Pero normal lang talaga ito. Mamaya ay mag-aasaran na naman si Jhoanna at Stacey na para bang hindi nagkasagutan ngayon.
Bago pamaging totoo ang away nila, Aiah decided to step in, she believes that she should be the one to blame for this, “Staks, tama na. It’s my fault. Walang kasalanan si Jho.”
Now… that is something that they didn’t expect to happen. Napatigil sa pagkain ang mga kaibigan nila. Maloi even choked on her food at Aiah’s words. Si Mikha naman ay nilunok nang maingat ang kinakain while looking at the older girl. Even Colet’s hand that holds the turon stops in mid-air.
Ineexpect kasi nila na gagatungan ni Aiah si Stacey, iinisin niya lalo si Jhoanna or will put the blame on the younger girl. But here she is, defending her.
Jhoanna just scoffed before walking away from them. She then opted to help some of the officers in preparing their dinner. May naka-assign naman na for this but maybe working will help her to clear her mind.
Pansin niya na rin kasi na iinit talaga ang ulo niya hangga’t hindi tinatantanan ni Jeremy si Aiah. But how can she complain about it, when she herself doesn’t know where she stands in Aiah’s life.
“Ikaw nalang magsaing ulit, Jho. Parang kukulangin pa kasi ang nasaing ni Taneo. Nasa tent namin ang rice cooker.” She nodded at RJ’s reply nang tanungin niya ito kung ano ang pwede niyang matulong.
She focuses on her task afterwards, thinking that it is Aiah’s call to begin with. Jhoanna doesn’t have the right to demand anything so she should settle with waiting until Aiah makes a decision. Sana lang kayanin niya kapag hindi siya ang pinili.
Nakakatangina naman if ever. Pati ba naman sa lovelife, pangalawa pa rin siya.
Jhoanna smiles triumphantly matapos niyang masaksak ang rice cooker. Pwedeng next naman si Jeremy ang sasaksakin? She chuckles at her silly and dark joke. Iba nga talaga ang epekto ng s— no freaking way!
Hindi siya nagseselos ‘no!
Bakit naman siya magseselos?!
“Nagseselos ka kanina?”
“Ay bilat!” sa gulat niya nang may magsalita sa tabi niya habang todo deny siya sa sarili niya, nasigaw tuloy ni Jhoanna ang usual expression ni Colet kapag nagugulat ito.
“Alam mo ba ibig sabihin niyan?” Aiah asked her while chucking amusedly. Jhoanna rolls her eyes at the sight of the older girl.
Galit ka okay? Kahit ang ganda niya kapag tumatawa. Tandaan mo Jhoanna, galit ka. She convinced herself.
“Okay, Jhoanna. Galit ka. But thanks for thinking that I am pretty while laughing.”
Gagi, mind reader ba ‘to? Bakit niya alam ang nasa utak ko?!
“You aren’t that good at keeping your thoughts.” Aiah answers her question. Doon niya lang napagtanto na nasasabi niya nga pala minsan ang nasa utak niya.
She closes her mouth at nilagpasan si Aiah to inform RJ na natapos na niya ang pinapagawa niya.
“Pahinga ka na, Vice. We’ve got this covered na. Thank you!” their PIO beams at her gratefully. Ramdam na kasi nila ang pagod ni Jhoanna. Banat na siya sa laro kanina tapos panay pa facilitate niya sa ibang activities together with their president.
“True true. You should rest na, Jhoanna” Aiah’s voice can be heard behind her at siya na mismo ang umakbay sa kaniya. Ang soft pa ng pagkakasabi niya sa pangalan ni Jhoanna.
Kagaya ng nangyari kanina ay natigilan ang lahat nang nakakita sa pag-akbay ni Aiah, including Jhoanna. Again, this is unusual for them.
Kanina lang ay sinampal siya nito para hindi sila makita ng mga kaibigan nila na magkalapit, pero ngayon, Aiah is the one that’s initiating. Konti nalang at iisipin niya nang parehas silang baliw ni Aiah.
“A-aray…” Daing ni Jhoanna as Aiah's point finger came into contact with her cheek. The older girl is currently putting an ointment on her still slightly reddened cheek.
They're on one of the makeshift beds inside a classroom that will become their sleeping quarters. They're in Blue Aquarius’ room because Aiah suggested that they should treat her cheek. Her first aid kit really comes in handy in the situation that she herself causes. She’s now feeling bad for the younger girl.
“Napalakas ba talaga ang sampal ko?” Aiah cannot help but to ask upon noticing that the redness didn't vanish fully.
“Tinatanong pa ba ‘yan. Nag-echo nga ang tunog kanina eh.” Jhoanna stated as a matter of fact.
“Dito ka.” She then softly utters while tugging Aiah on the space between her legs. As usual, wala na namang nagawa si Aiah. She looks down on Jhoanna to continue applying the ointment. While Jhoanna is just looking up at her fondly.
Without a warning, she then wraps her arms on Aiah's waist, keeping her in place.
Huh? Sinampal pala siya? Kahit magkabilaan pa basta si Aiah magiging nurse niya.
“Hindi na pala masakit hehe.” She sheepishly murmurs, pulling Aiah closer towards her.
Aiah's eyes widened at their proximity, her heartbeat quickening, “Jho, baka may dumating. Masampal na naman kita. Sige ka.” the older girl warns while trying to break free from the latter's hold.
A shrug and a nonchalant expression were thrown her way, “Edi makita nila.” Jhoanna even intertwines her hands on Aiah's back, now locking her in place.
Blush crept on both their faces as they stared at one another. Aiah looks down fondly, while Jhoanna is looking up, admiration evident on her expression.
“How about Jeremy?” Hindi niya na napigilang itanong matapos ang ilang segundong pagtititigan. She might have said that it's Aiah's call but at the same time she cannot wait to clear all the blurred lines between them.
“What about him?” Jhoanna nodded in disappointment. Talaga bang walang plano si Aiah to turn him down? When she's already acting like this towards her.
Jhoanna's hold immediately loosens. She then stood up, baka kasi may masabi siyang pagsisisihan niya sa huli.
“Hey.” Aiah calls her off while grasping her left wrist, preventing her from getting away.
“What's your problem na naman? Ang moody mo ata ngayon?” With that, tinanggal niya ang pagkakakapit ni Aiah sa kaniya. She cannot believe that the older girl can be this dense.
“Wala.” Jhoanna dismisses.
Pero hindi niya rin napigilan ang sarili niyang magtanong ulit, para isahang sakit nalang, “What do you think about Jeremy?”
Finally, recognition can be seen on Aiah's face. She was really confused a while ago why the topic of him was brought up.
Yes, he likes her. Pero hindi siya gusto ni Aiah. She just doesn't think that he would be that relevant.
“Nagseselos ka ba sa kaniya?” she asked the younger girl who's now trying to hide her face away from her playful gaze.
“Hindi ‘no! Ako magseselos? Asa ka!”
“Ang defensive mo naman ata.” Aiah taunted again, now stepping closer towards the latter.
“Ayoko lang…” Jhoanna started but she doesn't know if she can finish it. All the words that she thinks that she can utter are so corny for her. Natatanggal ang angas niya.
“Ayaw mo lang na?” This time, they stood face to face. Aiah lifts her chin so she can finally look Jhoanna in the eyes.
“Ang ano, Jhoanna? Kanina pa tayo nandito pero paulit ulit ka lang diyan.”
“Ayoko nga sabi! Bakit ba ang dense mo?!” Jhoanna's voice went up a notch due to her frustration. If may makarinig man sa kanila ngayon, iisipin ulit na na nag-aaway na naman sila.
“Ang alin nga?!” Aiah too is now getting slightly worked up. How can she exactly act on anything kung walang aaminin si Jhoanna sa kaniya?
“To be the second best when it comes to you! Kahit talunin mo pa ako sa lahat, Aiah. Basta kapag ikaw na ang usapan, ako dapat. Ako lang.”
There.
Jhoanna finally said it. She's even huffing after saying all that while looking straight at Aiah's face. Natigilan din si Aiah matapos itong marinig. Hindi naman siya manhid para hindi alam na may nararamdaman na si Jhoanna para sa kaniya. What she didn't know is the fact that Jhoanna can be this possessive towards her.
She should be though.
That's all Aiah wants.
Jhoanna should own her.
Sa kaniya naman na talaga siya from the time na sinabi niyang she should not say yes to Jeremy. Her silence that one afternoon is actually an agreement to her request.
She's never going to say yes to anyone. Kung hindi sila si Jhoanna.
Hindi pa pala tapos ito, “Akala mo ba ginusto ko ‘to? Tangina sino bang mag-aakala na gugustuhin kita ng ganito, Aiah?” Now, her voice is only above a whisper but it screams all the feelings she's bottling up.
“So you think that it's a bad idea to fall for me?” She's not offended, Aiah is actually teasing her. Ang dami kasi nitong sinasabi. Also, her dumbstruck expression is quite cute for Aiah.
“Hindi naman sa ganun.” She answers almost immediately.
Sensing that the older girl is just teasing her. With a whine, she exclaims, “Ano ba Aiah! That's clearly not the poin—” Aiah guesses she needs Jhoanna to stop.
A pull on the latter's shirt sent her a little forward, Jhoanna's eyes seems like it's going to bulge out of her socket due to her shock. Kagaya sa bus, gusto na namang magwala ni Jhoanna.
No. Hindi pala.
Mas malala pa ang gusto niyang gawin ngayon.
Tangina naman kasi.
Aiah just kissed— she's kissing her.
Present tense.
Aiah’s lips are still on hers.
Jhoanna is so taken aback that she never moves even an inch. Ang tanging nagawa niya lang ay ang mapahawak sa shirt ni Aiah to keep herself grounded. Kasi any minute by now, para na siyang hihimatayin.
When things are slowly registering in her malfunctioning brain.
Her initial thoughts revolve on Aiah's lips.
How soft it is.
How good it feels against her own.
How will it be if she will run her tong— fuck! Nababaliw na talaga siya.
Before she can reciprocate the kiss, Aiah breaks it.
“A-anong…” she stutters, clearly not knowing how to act or to respond. First kiss niya rin kasi ‘yun! May mga jowa nga siya but all of those are puppy love. Ayaw niya namang magpahalik kaagad ‘no!
But here is Aiah. Hindi pa nga niya jowa, nahalikan na siya.
Tangina talaga.
Isa pa nga.
Aiah smiles softly at her. And reached up to trace on her bottom lip.
Lord, awa nalang talaga.
“Just so you know... you actually can do so much more with this mouth of yours.” Aiah uttered lowly, pertaining to how Jhoanna kept on rambling a while ago but not taking any action on it.
She's just waiting lang naman kasi.
“Huh?” Jhoanna really has no idea how to act in this situation. Iba pala talaga ang epekto ni Aiah sa kaniya.
“I told you to take the hint.” Aiah's eyes are so intense, sucking every bit of rationality out of Jhoanna.
Leaving her only with the feelings of giddiness, thrill, happiness and a speck of nervousness due to their close proximity.
“Kiss me again, Robles.” There's something so hot with how her surname rolls out of Aiah's tongue that she cannot help herself anymore but to go all in.
At the granted permission, she eagerly claimed the older girl's lips. Her hands are now snaking on the latter's hips, pulling her closer towards her. Ramdam rin ni Jhoanna ang pagkapit ni Aiah sa batok niya. Bawat haplos ay para siyang nakukuryente.
Their kiss was hesitant at first as this was new to the both of them, albeit they had their first kiss already a few moments ago. Jhoanna settled on nibbling at Aiah's bottom lips, while the older one targeted her upper lips. They even tilted their heads out of instinct in order to deepen the kiss. Someone walking on them kissing each other becomes the last thing on their mind. They're too engrossed in their movements. Putting all their pent-up emotions into this kiss.
After getting their rhythm, time stood still and they're only aware of how they move their lips against each other and where their hand placements are.
When breathing became an issue, they pulled away, catching as much air as they could afterwards. Because that freaking kiss left the two of them breathless.
Jhoanna softly smiles at Aiah while leaning their foreheads together. She still cannot quite grasp what the hell just happened. Aiah on the other hand seems so calm, but the fondness in her eyes cannot be denied as she softly caresses Jhoanna's cheeks with both her hands.
“Huwag mo ‘kong sasampalin ulit ah.” Sambit ni Jhoanna habang tumatawa before dashing towards the window as if kanina pa siya nakatingin sa labas. Aiah too breaks away from their intimate moment and proceeds to arrange her things on her bed.
May panira na naman kasing paparating. Rustling footsteps can be heard from a short distance. That's why even though they’re reluctant, they need to stay away from each other.
“Okay na pisngi mo, Jho?” Colet asked the girl who's by the window. Nagpaalam kasi ang dalawa sa kanila kanina na gagamutin lang ni Aiah ang pisngi ni Jhoanna since siya naman ang sumampal dito.
“H-huh?” She acted as if she was disturbed from looking at the people outside.
“Oo, ate Colet. Nalagyan na ng ointment ni Aiah.”
Medyo gumagaling ng umarte ang baby ko na ‘yan. Aiah scoffed playfully, still rummaging through her things.
“Sorry ulit about it, Jho.” She apologizes again to make their act more believable.
“It's okay. Bumawi ka naman.” Jhoanna uttered cryptically with a smile before walking towards Colet and opening a topic. In order for the girl to not ask anything, hinila niya na ito palabas, leaving Aiah smiling to herself.
Stolen glances.
Knowing smiles.
Intentional touches.
Throughout their evening activities, Aiah and Jhoanna have been doing it behind everyone's backs. Para silang may tinatagong kasalanan. But it keeps the excitement pumping throughout their veins. Saying that they like it would be an understatement. Everything feels right and good.
They even banter from time to time to not make anything obvious.
The bonfire session came up as the clock struck eight. All of the students gathered around in a circle. Some of them are toasting marshmallows, others are engaged in various conversations while some are having a jamming session. It was lively and full of smiles.
This day couldn’t get any better for Jhoanna. Ang mga ngiti niya sa labi ay hindi na mawala-wala. Lalo na ang labing dumampi sa kaniya kanina. She shakes her head at her silly thoughts.
The source of everything? She’s already gazing at her right now who’s animatedly talking to Colet. Aiah sat not too far away from her. Sila Sheena and Stacey lang ang nasa pagitan nilang dalawa. Hindi naman sila pwedeng magtabi kasi parang they came into a mental agreement to keep things lowkey. People knowing about them will surely birth out hundreds of questions and prying eyes. They weren’t even able to sort everything out yet between the two of them. The last thing they would want are people meddling in between.
Excited hollers of people reverberated through the night as Jeremy was pushed by his friends towards Aiah’s direction. Their group of friends stopped talking to look at the commotion. Kaagad na napakunot ang noo ni Jhoanna after registering what might be happening. Her jaw slightly clenches while watching Jeremy, shyly walking towards Aiah.
Standing in front of her, he stretches his hand out. Jhoanna scoffed, not liking the scene one bit.
Pa-cut na po ng scene direk! May ending na po kanina. Yung kissing scene namin hehe.
Aiah looks hesitant. Worry creeping within her at the possibility of hurting Jhoanna. Gets na niya finally kung bakit masisingit at masisingit talaga si Jeremy sa usapan nila. Not until everything's clear.
With that thought in mind, she stands up on her own. Hindi niya inabot ang kamay ng lalaki. Aiah feels bad but it needs to be done.
A flash of hurt crossed his eyes but he soon masked it with a wide smile. Jeremy clears his throat first. Everyone's eyes were on them already. Hinihintay kung anong mangyayari, mostly are cheering silently for Jeremy. He's a good guy, so they don't see anything wrong if he'll be with their class president. Well, except for Jhoanna of course.
And Maloi. She is still trusting her instincts. Her eyes darted on Jhoanna. Yeah, she should trust her instinct. Upon seeing how intense Jhoanna is looking at the two while her jaw clenches. Maloi knew that she might be right all along. With a smirk, she awaits how things will unfold.
He gathers first a few deep breaths to calm his nerves. Jeremy then looks at his friends to boost his morale. Upon seeing them cheering for him. He decided that this will be now or never.
“I have been meaning to ask this, Aiah…” he started. Jeremy rehearses this line a hundred times already.
“You’re one of the most amazing people I have met. And I've admired you since then.” he shyly scratches the back of his neck after feeling that the attention the two of them are receiving because he pulled this stunt is getting too overwhelming.
“Eyyyy!” Another round of teasing remarks followed suit. Most of them are giggling. Except for Aiah’s group of friends. They have known Aiah for a while now to know that this is making her uncomfortable. It is evident in her features that she’s conflicted and worried. Hesitant is out of the question because it is clear for them that she didn’t like him. Kaya tumahimik na nga rin sina Stacey at Sheena, who’s been blatantly teasing the two for the past week.
This will not end well for Jeremy for sure.
“Can I court you? Wala naman sigurong magagalit diba?” his last line was supposed to be a joke, Jeremy even chuckles at it. He added it because he knows that Aiah doesn’t have a boyfriend. But honestly he shouldn’t have said it. That alone is enough for Aiah to make up her mind on what to say.
“Actually, meron.” Silence engulfed everyone at her reply. Aiah looks at him sadly, sorry filled her gaze. He’s a good guy. It is just that she didn’t like him.
He isn’t Jhoanna.
Speaking of the girl, Aiah subtly looks at her for a second, hoping that with this she can assure the latter, “Merong magagalit. I am sorry, Jeremy.” she clarified.
“H-hoooy! May jowa ka na, Aiah?!” Hindi makapaniwalang sabat ni Stacey. The topic is now diverted to the information that Aiah is seeing someone currently. Wala naman kasing nababanggit si Aiah na kahit sino. Wala nga silang alam na crush nito eh kaya gulat na gulat sila.
“Again, I really am sorry, Jeremy. You’ll find someone better. I am sure of it kasi you’re a good guy.” Aiah finishes before plopping herself again on her seat. The guy can only nod in understanding before making his way back to his friends. Aiah’s feelings are out of her control already. He is still glad that he was able to express his admiration for the girl. But he will be lying if sasabihin niyang hindi masakit. He’s been liking Aiah for quite some time after all.
She really feels bad for him but it cannot be helped. It needs to be cleared. She also doesn’t want Jhoanna to have any unnecessary thoughts.
Pagkaupo niya palang ay hindi na siya tinantanan ng tanong ng mga kaibigan nila.
“Lowkey nga muna kami. I’ll tell you girls when the time is right.” she reasons out. Aiah looks at Jhoanna who’s now blankly staring in front of her.
“Ano ba ‘yan!” Sheena groans, not liking her answer.
“Minsan ka na nga lang may lovelife. Ililihim mo pa.” Stacey added, even pinching her side in annoyance.
“Ang malas naman ng taong ‘yan.” singit ni Jhoanna, her tone playful. Naka-recover na ata ito sa kilig dahil sa sinabi ni Aiah.
Talagang merong magagalit. Siya!
Aiah looks at her with an offended expression, but there is a glint in her eyes that cannot be denied, “Wow ha. Baka baliktad, ako ang malas.” she bantered back while sticking out her tongue.
“Sino ba kasi ‘yan? Isang clue lang.” Colet bargained with a pout. They are really curious as to who was able to finally win Aiah’s heart.
“Hindi niyo mahuhulaan.” Aiah plainly uttered bago siya tumayo to get another pack of marshmallows. Para na rin makaiwas, baka kasi kung ano pa ang masabi niya.
The clue is a telltale sign. Jhoanna is indeed someone no one will guess that she’ll harbor feelings for. Kahit nga rin siya hindi inexpect na magkakagusto siya dito. But well, things happen.
Things happen, for the better.
“Sure kayo na hindi muna kayo papasok sa mga rooms niyo?” Ms. Kath asked the two again, looking at them curiously. Kakatapos lang nilang mag-rounds to check if lahat na ba ay nasa mga kwarto nila.
After doing the deed, Jhoanna and Aiah had asked their adviser if they could stay for a while in one of the benches near the field.
“Yes po, Ms Kath. Don’t worry po, hindi kami magtatagal.” Tumango nalang ito bago sila iwan. Responsable naman ang dalawa, nagtataka lang talaga siya on why they seem a little close right now. For all she knows, madalas mag-away ang dalawa.
Seeing that it’s only the two of them. Under the moonlit sky. Jhoanna snakes her hand on Aiah’s arm until it stops on her palms. Ngumiti muna siya dito before she intertwine both their hands.
Jhoanna sighs in contentment as she relishes the ambiance. It was indeed a good night. Not just because the moon shines bright and few clouds are present so the stars are also sparkling in the distance - it is mostly because of the presence of the girl beside her.
“Were you always this clingy?” Aiah asked amusedly. She kind of noticed that Jhoanna is a clingy friend. She usually initiated skinships with Maloi, Stacey and Sheena. Pero kasi Aiah never expected na ganito rin siya when it comes to her.
Jhoanna pouts at the question, “Ayaw mo?” sambit niya habang nakatingin kay Aiah as her chin is on the older girl’s shoulder.
“I would have pushed you already kung ayaw ko.” at her answer, Jhoanna snuggles more on her neck, inhaling her floral fragrance.
Silence enveloped them afterwards, with only the sound of crickets and their calm breathing filling their ears.
After a while, Jhoanna spoke, gratefulness evident in her voice, “Thank you.”
“Hmmm?” Aiah mumbles, lightly brushing Jhoanna’s hair with her free hand. Hawak pa rin kasi nito ang isa niyang kamay as if Jhoanna is getting accustomed to the feeling of how their hands perfectly fit together. From time to time ay pinaglalaruan niya ang kamay ni Aiah.
“For being honest to Jeremy.”
“I should. Tsaka baka mag-tantrums ka na naman diyan.” Aiah added while laughing.
“Hoy! After that kiss hindi na ‘no. Pero yeah, nakakaselos pa rin nga ng slight . Slight lang naman. Kanina nga kung pwede lang kitang higitin palayo eh.”
Aiah chuckles while Jhoanna is overexplaining things. Her expressions are slowly getting exaggerated. Binitawan pa niya ang kamay ni Aiah para mas makapag-explain siya nga maayos with all the hand gestures.
“Kita naman kasing pamilyadong tao ka na tapos may pa- ‘Can I court you, Aiah?’ pa siyang nalalaman.”
“Gusto mo lang ma-kiss ulit eh kaya gumaganiyan ka.” She raised her eyebrow at the latter.
“Halata ba?”
They are back at their usual bickering again. But this time, it is different.
Really different.
“Medyo halata ka nga. Tama na ‘yung kanina, Jho. Namimihasa ka na.” Aiah teases.
“Isa lang naman eh.” Jhoanna even leans closer towards her while puckering her lips. Kaagad naman na lumayo si Aiah, enjoying how Jhoanna’s lips morphed into another pout at her action.
To console the latter, Aiah’s now the one who takes the initiative to intertwine their fingers together. That did the trick, it successfully drew out a smile from the younger girl.
“Oo nga pala.” Jhoanna pulls out a familiar paper from her pocket before handing it to Aiah. Laman nito ang sinusulat niya sa garden.
“Ano ‘to?”
“Buksan mo nalang.”
Kanina kasi diba may poetry making sesh na naisip si Aiah for their afternoon activities. They were asked to pick two random words from a box which will become the theme for the poem they’re going to make. As if fate is taking its course, Jhoanna was able to pick the right words that encapsulates their situation.
“Is this the reason why you wouldn’t read your poem in front of everyone?” Jhoanna nodded.
“I feel like it should be for your eyes only.”
“I’ve picked Hate and Love .” At her confession, Aiah looks at her in pure disbelief.
See? Those words were really fitting.
They both have the same question swirling at the back of their minds.
What are the odds that Jhoanna will pick those very words?
Aiah’s reaction right now mirrors hers a while ago after seeing the pair of words that contrasted each other.
Just like how things unfold for the two of them.
Weeks before they were at each other’s throat. Throwing profanities, glares and even eye rolls. Now, here they are, hands intertwined as they contentedly bask in the moment of being in the other’s presence.
Aiah reads each stanza carefully. Her heart swells in all the right places.
Hate + Love = (?)
Hate.
Our bickering started as we vie for the top spot.
Things escalated and everything about you annoys me a lot.
How you stick out your tongue as you tease me.
How you always seem to know the right words to trigger me.
How you smile with everyone but with me it’s always a look of detest.
With all these,
I want nothing more than to put you in your place - the second best.
Who would have thought that things will take a 360 turn,
That one jeepney ride is to blame.
Liking you is not part of the plan,
Hell, I would have freaked out at anyone who will say that I can,
But here I am, seeing you in a different light.
I cannot believe that I have wasted years hating this sight.
Truly, fate has a knack of making things so surprising.
After all the confusion, I was finally able to discern what is this very feeling,
Love.
“Tapos na?” Aiah can only nod. Hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin. She was a representative in various debates ever since but this is the first time that she cannot even formulate a one coherent sentence at the get-go. Paano ba naman kasi, Jhoanna’s words are so genuine. While reading the poem, Aiah can feel how the younger girl pours her heart out on every word, every punctuation and in every space. Even how the poem is constructed.
She likes it. Very much.
Jhoanna doesn’t need to use any hifalutin words. Aiah even prefers its simplicity.
Raw and simple.
And through that, Jhoanna was able to evoke all the feelings that she aspires to be brought up within Aiah.
The poem even gave a glimpse of their a little crazy and chaotic beginning . How they come into terms about their mutual hate towards each other. Flashes of some of their bickering moments played also at the back of her mind afterwards. It brings Aiah back to those times na kulang nalang ay magpatayan sila dahil sa inis sa isa’t isa.
Then it highlights the moments where something changes gradually in Jhoanna’s perspective. Knowing the girl’s pride, it baffles and flatters Aiah at the same time that the latter can easily admit all these things.
The poem creates a whole picture embodying the two of them.
Together.
Throughout the years.
“Hindi mo tatanungin kung nasaan ang question mark?” Jhoanna points out, clearly steering their conversation to where it should be going.
“Where is it?” Aiah decided to play along. Tama nga naman. She should ask it since Jhoanna already explains the two words that make up the title.
With a swift motion, Jhoanna gets the paper out of Aiah’s hold. Folding it expertly, as if sanay na sanay na siya or napractice na niya ang gagawin ng ilang beses. The older girl just looks at her fondly, looking forward to what Jhoanna will pull up next, knowing how unpredictable the younger girl is.
“In Mathematics, it represents the unknown. It could be anything. It is not certain yet.” Jhoanna started while still continuing her work. After finishing it, she holds Aiah’s left hand.
“All I am saying is, let’s figure it out together, Aiah. Alam ko na pati ikaw ay naguguluhan about so many things between the two of us. Kasi diba ang bilis. Dapat nga nagsasapakan pa tayo ngayon pero here we are.” Napatawa silang dalawa sa huling sinabi niya.
“I may not have a definite idea of what tomorrow holds for the both of us. But here is the sign of my promise that I’ll be with you, Aiah, for as long as you want me to. Until we can have the answers to our uncertainties.” With that, Jhoanna slowly puts the paper ring she just folded minutes ago in Aiah’s ring finger.
She smiles at the older girl and with all the sincerity she can put out with every word that she will be uttering, Jhoanna makes sure that Aiah will feel it in her gaze, touch and voice, “Gusto kita, Aiah. Gustong-gusto.”
Aiah feels like crying due to the overwhelming surge of emotions she felt at the moment. Hindi niya aakalain that Jhoanna would be able to sweep her off her feet this hard.
Siya rin ay hulog na hulog na.
“I like you too, Jhoanna.” she mutters with a smile, leaning her forehead to Jhoanna’s. They stare at each other, relishing the warmth that’s emitting in being this close.
“Pwede na bang makahingi ng kiss?”
Aiah chuckles heartily, the younger girl even says it with her pleading eyes. Para siyang aso na hindi napagbigyan sa gusto niya kanina kaya umisa pa talaga.
“Way to ruin the mood, Jho.”
“Huwag na nga lan—” lalayo na sana siya para magtampo but Aiah gladly obliges. Keeping her in place by pulling her collar. Soon, her favorite pair of lips meet hers in a swift motion again that day. Just like the first time, it renders Jhoanna speechless and breathless. They both smile into the kiss, an unmistakable sign that whatever this is that’s going between them is making them happy beyond what they can imagine.
Ganito pala feeling maging paborito mo, Lord?
Truly, they might be going fast and the future ahead is uncertain but if there is one thing that they are certain at this moment…
It would be their feelings towards each other.
She admires Jhoanna and the girl feels the same way too. And for the both of them, knowing that is more than enough.
< Fin. >