Chapter 2
The ride home was quiet but peaceful, the kind of silence that wasn’t uncomfortable but felt heavy with unspoken thoughts. The faint hum of the motorcycle engine filled the space between them as Stacey held onto Jhoanna’s back, her fingers lightly gripping the fabric of Jhoanna’s jacket. The earlier tension from the parking lot lingered, but neither of them was ready to bring it up again. Stacey knew better than to press Jhoanna about what had happened. Jhoanna wasn’t the type to explain her emotions, and Stacey had learned over the years that pushing her would only make her shut down further.
Still, it stung a little. Stacey shared everything with Jhoanna—her thoughts, her fears, her crushes—and yet, Jhoanna always kept parts of herself hidden. It wasn’t fair, but Stacey had come to accept it as part of their dynamic. They were different in so many ways, but they respected each other’s boundaries. Or at least Stacey tried to.
When they finally pulled up to Stacey’s house, the motorcycle came to a smooth stop. Stacey climbed off, brushing her hair back from her face as the drizzle started again. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. Before she could decide, Jhoanna broke the silence first, her voice light and teasing.
“Wag mo na kalimutan magdala ng payong sa susunod ah. Magkasakit ka niyan,” Jhoanna said with a smirk, though there was a faint awkwardness in her tone, likely leftover from their earlier emotional exchange.
Stacey rolled her eyes, the corners of her mouth lifting into a small smile. “Diba sabi ko sayo, wag ka na mag skip ng class. Ang kulit mo talaga. Pag ikaw hindi ko kasama grumaduate ah."
Jhoanna waved her hand dismissively, her expression nonchalant. “You and your perfect attendance. Don’t worry, I’ll be there. Kailan ba ako bumagsak.”
Stacey wanted to argue, to press her about how reckless she was being with her education, but she bit her tongue. She didn’t want to start another argument, especially not after the day they’d had. Instead, she grabbed her bag and turned back to Jhoanna, who was still sitting on the motorcycle, leaning back slightly as if she wasn’t in a rush to leave.
“So,” Jhoanna began, her voice casual but carrying a hint of curiosity, “about Gino… is he courting you or what? Tsaka bakit hindi ka niya hinatid?”
The question caught Stacey off guard. She froze for a moment, glancing at Jhoanna, whose expression was unreadable. Her tone was light, almost teasing, but there was something about the way she asked that made Stacey hesitate. “Gino is... well, yeah, he’s courting me now,” Stacey admitted, feeling a little shy about saying it out loud. She cleared her throat and continued, “But he didn’t bring me home because his car’s in the shop.”
Jhoanna raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. “Ahh, so backup mo pala ako? Dapat pala humingi na ako ng bayad sayo.”
Stacey laughed lightly, the sound easing some of the tension in the air. “Maybe you should. But don’t worry—I’ll just pay you with breakfast.”
Despite her playful tone, Jhoanna couldn’t shake the unease bubbling inside her. Stacey’s words echoed in her mind: Gino is courting me now. The idea of Stacey being with someone else—sharing her thoughts, her laughter, her time—made Jhoanna’s chest tighten. She hated the feeling, the way it twisted inside her like something was being taken away. But she couldn’t let Stacey see that. She couldn’t even explain it to herself.
Trying to shrug it off, Jhoanna scoffed. “Ayan, ayan, very good. Make sure it’s a big breakfast. I deserve it for putting up with you.”
Stacey smiled, but her gaze softened as she looked at Jhoanna. “Pero alam mo Jho… even if Gino had his car, ikaw pa rin ang gusto kong maghatid sakin pauwi.”
The words caught Jhoanna off guard, her heart skipping a beat. She masked her surprise with a smirk, leaning slightly on the handlebars. “Wow, ang special ko pala boss. Should I feel flattered?”
“Aba dapat lang, ako na to eh,” Stacey replied with a playful grin. “Don’t let it get to your head, though.”
As Stacey waved goodbye and headed inside, Jhoanna sat there for a moment, her smirk fading into a thoughtful expression. She revved the motorcycle, ready to drive off, but her thoughts stayed with Stacey’s words. Even if Gino had his car… ikaw pa rin ang gusto kong maghatid sakin pauwi.
Awa nalang, Stacey.
Jhoanna tried to dismiss it, but she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. The idea of Gino courting Stacey didn’t sit right with her, and it wasn’t just about being protective. Deep down, she knew there was more to it. She wasn’t ready to admit it—not to Stacey, not to herself—but one thing was certain: she wasn’t going to let Gino come between them.
As she sped off into the night, the rain pattering lightly against her helmet, Jhoanna’s determination hardened. She didn’t know how or why, but she was going to find a way to keep Stacey close. No matter what.
_________________
When Jhoanna arrived home, the house was quiet, as usual. The faint hum of the refrigerator and the ticking clock were the only sounds filling the space. Her parents weren’t home—they rarely were, with work keeping them away most of the time. It was just her and her grandmother, who had taken care of her for as long as she could remember. Dropping her keys on the counter, Jhoanna made her way to her lola’s room, peeking in to find her peacefully sleeping. A small smile tugged at Jhoanna’s lips. No matter how chaotic her day had been, seeing her lola safe and sound always brought her a sense of comfort.
On the kitchen counter, Jhoanna noticed a plate covered with a cloth. Lifting it, she found her lola had cooked dinner for her, as she always did. It was a simple meal, but Jhoanna couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude. She quickly grabbed a plate and sat down to eat, savoring the flavors that reminded her of home and love—something she felt she was losing grasp of lately.
After finishing dinner and cleaning up, Jhoanna headed to her room. She was just about to settle in for the night when her phone buzzed. It was Mikha, her classmate and occasional drinking buddy, calling. Jhoanna answered, already knowing what this was about.
“Hey, Jho!” Mikha’s voice was loud and lively. “I'm in the mood to drink tonight. Wanna join? Saturday naman tomorrow. It’s been a while since we hung out.”
Jhoanna hesitated, her fingers brushing over the edge of her desk. She wasn’t in the mood for loud music and strangers, but maybe unwinding wasn’t such a bad idea. Plus, Mikha was good at distracting her from her thoughts. After a moment, Jhoanna replied, “Sure I’m in. Gusto ko rin uminom eh.”
“Yown!” Mikha cheered. “Let’s make it a good night. Oh, and you better spill what’s got you so stressed lately. I’m dying to know who’s messing with our Jhoanna.”
Jhoanna chuckled softly. “Who says it’s about someone?”
“I know you too well,” Mikha teased. “C’mon, who’s the lucky girl?”
Jhoanna fell silent for a beat, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. The words left her lips before she could stop them. “It’s Stacey.”
There was a pause on Mikha’s end before a knowing laugh broke out. “Stacey, huh? Yung bestfriend mo? Man, I knew there was something there. So what’s the deal?”
Jhoanna sighed, running a hand through her hair. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out, Mikha. I don’t even know what I’m feeling anymore.”
“Well, that’s what drinks are for,” Mikha said with a grin in her voice. “I'll fetch you, bro. I'm not an expert ah pero we'll see kung ano marerealize natin."
Jhoanna agreed, hanging up with a small smile. Maybe Mikha was right—maybe it was time to let loose for a bit. She grabbed her jacket, the weight on her shoulders feeling just a little lighter as she headed out the door.
They found a cozy spot in the corner of the bar, the music thrumming in the background but not too loud to drown out their conversation. Mikha, ever the energetic one, signaled to the bartender and ordered two mojitos. Jhoanna raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair with a small laugh.
“Two mojitos? Are you trying to get me drunk?” she teased, smirking as the bartender slid their drinks onto the table.
Mikha grinned, raising her glass. “It’s just mojito. You’ll be fine. Besides, maybe you need it. Loosen up, Jho. Let out whatever you’ve been bottling up.”
Jhoanna sighed, taking a tentative sip from her glass. The cool, minty drink was refreshing, and she couldn’t help but smile slightly. "Di ko alam kung magpapasalamat ba ako o magdududa sa ginagaw mo eh.”
Mikha leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “Alright, spill. What’s going on with you? And don’t give me that ‘nothing’ nonsense—I know you better than that.”
Jhoanna hesitated, tapping her finger against the glass. Finally, she let out a slow breath. “It’s Stacey,” she admitted, her voice quieter now. “She has this suitor. Gino.”
Mikha’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh? And what’s wrong with that? Stacey’s allowed to have friends, right? Or ayaw mo lang na maging kaibigan niya yun."
Jhoanna sighed, exasperated. “Eh syempre—” She paused, trying to find the words. “Stacey has always been my person. You know? And now this guy comes along, and suddenly she’s talking about him, spending time with him. I hate it.”
Mikha snorted, shaking her head. “Damn, dude, you’re jealous. Very obvious.”
Jhoanna shot her a glare. “Hindi ah.”
“Yeah, ofcourse itatanggi mo, hays,” Mikha said, clearly unconvinced. “So, kung di ka naman nagseselos, bakit gigil ka sa guy?”
“Eh ang harot masyado eh, syempre bestfriend ako ni Stacey,” Jhoanna grumbled, but her defensive tone betrayed her.
Mikha leaned closer, her teasing expression softening. “Ayan, ginamit na ang bestfriend card kahit ang totoo, nasasaktan na. Eto sabihin ko sayo ah... okay lang naman makaramdam nun. Pero sa tagal na ng pinagsamahan niyo ni Stacey, it sounds like she’s more than just a best friend to you."
Jhoanna stared at her, her fingers tightening around her glass. “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” Mikha said, emphasizing each word, “you have two choices here. Either you let her go and support her, even if it’s with that guy—because that’s what bestfriends are for right? Or, kapalan mo yung mukha mo at umamin ka na sa kanya.”
Jhoanna frowned. “Umamin? Di ko kaya yun Mikhs. Alam mo naman yun eh.”
“Eh ano?” Mikha said, getting frustrated. “Mamimili ka lang sa dalawa. Kung gusto mo naman pala na hindi siya mapunta doon sa lalaking yon, kailangan mong kumilos at mag take ng risk. Otherwise, you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering what could’ve been.”
Jhoanna groaned, sinking back into her chair. “You make it sound so easy.”
Mikha smirked, taking a sip of her drink. “It’s never easy. Love never is. But it’s worth it. And let’s be honest, if Stacey knew how much you cared, that guy wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Jhoanna blinked, caught off guard by the confidence in Mikha’s voice. “Keme. Wag mo ko paasahin, pre.”
Mikha laughed. “Oh, come on. Sa tagal na namin kayong nakakasama ni Gwen, nakikita namin kung paano siya tumingin sayo. Kapag nga kakain kami kina Aiah tapos wala ka, tahimik lang yan. Pero pag nandyan ka, hindi matigil ang bunganga kakakwento. Ayan na oh, binibigyan ka na ng sign, tinataguan mo pa."
A faint blush crept up Jhoanna’s cheeks, and she quickly hid her face behind her glass. “Si oa magkwento.”
“Am I?” Mikha said with a playful smirk. “Osige ganto, who does Stacey always go home with, no matter what? Who does she call when she’s upset? Who does she wait for, even when she’s mad?”
Jhoanna didn’t answer, but the faint smile tugging at her lips gave her away.
“Odiba,” Mikha said, leaning back with a triumphant grin. “So stop overthinking, Jho. If you really want her, show her. Be honest. You don’t have to confess your undying love or anything, but let her know she’s special to you.”
Jhoanna chuckled, shaking her head. “Hays, parang nasa kdrama lang.”
Mikha smirked, raising her glass. “Torpe ka kasi,”
Jhoanna rolled her eyes but clinked her glass against Mikha’s. “Medyo lang”
“Gago,” Mikha shot back, laughing. “But seriously, Jho. You’ve got this. Stacey deserves to know how amazing you are—and how much you care.”
Jhoanna nodded slowly, the weight in her chest feeling a little lighter. “Thanks, Mikha. Kahit ganyan ka, alam mo pa rin kung paano isampal sakin ang mga sagot na hinahanap ko.”
“Kung pwede ka lang sampalin talaga para matauhan ka eh,” Mikha said, laughing. “Cheers!”
---------
The loud knocking on her bedroom door echoed through Jhoanna’s pounding head, dragging her reluctantly out of her hungover stupor. Groaning, she reached for her phone on the bedside table, squinting at the bright screen. It was already past ten in the morning. Panic gripped her as she bolted upright, the events of last night still a blur.
The knocking persisted, more insistent now. She shuffled to the door, her hair a messy halo, her eyes barely open. Swinging it open, she was met with the sight of Stacey, standing there with her arms crossed and an expression that was equal parts frustration and amusement.
“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” Stacey said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Did you forget what day it is?”
Jhoanna blinked at her, still groggy. “Uh… Saturday?”
“Exactly!” Stacey snapped. “Palengke day!”
Jhoanna’s eyes widened in horror as realization hit her. Without another word, she dashed to the kitchen, fully expecting to see her lola sitting there, disappointed and upset. But instead, she found her lola at the stove, humming softly as she stirred the sinigang.
“Lola, I’m so sorry!” Jhoanna blurted out, skidding to a halt. “Hindi ata tumunog yung—”
Her lola turned to her with a warm smile, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s alright, apo. Stacey took me to the market today. She was a big help.”
Jhoanna turned to see Stacey leaning casually against the doorframe, a triumphant grin plastered across her face.
“You’re welcome,” Stacey said smugly, raising an eyebrow. “Someone had to step up while you were… sleeping off whatever you were doing last night.”
Jhoanna winced, rubbing the back of her neck. “I… uh… I wasn’t—”
“Sus,” Stacey interrupted, walking into the kitchen. “Para kang pinasabugan diyan. Ano bang ginawa mo kagabi, ha?”
“Wala,” Jhoanna said quickly, avoiding Stacey’s gaze. “Gumala lang.”
Stacey’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as she pulled out a chair and sat at the table. “Gumala? 10pm? Sinong kasama mo?”
“Mikha,” Jhoanna replied, trying to sound casual as she grabbed a glass of water.
Stacey tilted her head. “Mikha? And what exactly did you two do?”
“Nag-usap lang,” Jhoanna said, taking a sip of water to hide her discomfort. “You know, catching up and stuff.”
Stacey leaned forward, her eyes studying Jhoanna’s face. “Catching up? Araw araw na kayo nagkikita sa school? Tsaka amoy alak ka, Jho. Don’t tell me you were out drinking.”
Jhoanna coughed, nearly choking on her water. “Huh? Hindi ah! I mean, maybe a little. But it wasn’t a big deal.”
“A little?” Stacey raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You look like you downed an entire bar. What’s going on, Jho? May problema ba?”
“Nothing’s going on,” Jhoanna said, her tone defensive as she avoided Stacey’s gaze. “It was just… a long week, okay? I needed to unwind.”
Stacey watched her for a moment, her expression softening. “Alright, fine. But if something’s bothering you, you know you can tell me, right?”
Jhoanna nodded quickly, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, I know. Thanks, Staku.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Jhoanna’s lola, who set two bowls of steaming sinigang on the table. “Eat up, girls,” she said with a smile. “Stacey, thank you for helping me today.”
Stacey beamed, giving Jhoanna a teasing glance. “It’s no problem, Lola. Someone has to look after your apo.”
Jhoanna groaned, slumping into a chair as Stacey laughed. “Oo na, sige na. Babawi ako,” Jhoanna muttered, picking up her spoon.
“Aba, dapat lang,” Stacey quipped, nudging her shoulder. “You’re lucky I’m such an amazing best friend.”
Jhoanna rolled her eyes, but a genuine smile tugged at her lips. “Laki nanaman ng ulo nyan.”
Stacey smirked, resting her chin on her hand. “By the way, ang sakit ng katawan ko. Parang mas mabigat pa sakin yung mga pinamili niya eh,”
“Serves you right,” Jhoanna shot back with a grin. “You’re always bragging about your strength.”
“Bragging?” Stacey gasped in mock offense. “Mapaso ka sana sa sabaw,”
“Sus Jhoanna said with a laugh. “Ikaw kamo, sana maubo ka,”
They shared a laugh, the tension easing between them as they dug into their meal. Despite her hangover, Jhoanna felt a sense of comfort settle over her. Stacey’s presence always had a way of making everything feel a little
brighter.
As Jhoanna and Stacey stood side by side in the kitchen, the sound of running water and the clinking of dishes filled the room. Jhoanna handed Stacey a soapy plate, watching as she dried it with practiced ease.
“So,” Jhoanna started casually, glancing at Stacey from the corner of her eye, “Ano agenda mo today?”
Stacey raised an eyebrow, pausing for a moment as she thought. “Hmm, wala naman. Bakit?”
Jhoanna hesitated for a second, pretending to focus on scrubbing a stubborn stain off a bowl. “Do you… want to go to a museum?”
Stacey blinked in surprise, the towel in her hand momentarily forgotten. “A museum? Why a museum all of a sudden?”
Jhoanna shrugged, keeping her expression as neutral as possible. “Wala, nakita ko lang sa tiktok. Mukha naman siyang maganda puntahan ah.”
Stacey’s eyebrows shot up even further. “Why would you want to bring me to a museum? May project ka bang kailangan gawin?”
“Wala,” Jhoanna said quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly. She turned back to the sink, focusing on the stream of water. “Para maiba lang. Tsaka... di mo ba ko namimiss? Bihira nalang tayo gumala no.”
Stacey tilted her head, studying Jhoanna’s profile with a hint of suspicion. “Nananawa na nga ako sa mukha mo Jhoanna, please lang. Ang weird ah, biglang nagka interest sa museum.”
“Hoy bakit, bawal ba?” Jhoanna said, her voice a touch defensive. She rinsed the bowl and handed it over to Stacey, avoiding her gaze. “I just thought it’d be fun, that’s all. Plus,” she added, glancing at Stacey with a small smile, "Pambawi ko lang sa pagtulong mo kay lola kanina.”
Stacey narrowed her eyes at Jhoanna, then sighed, her lips twitching into a smile. “Okay, sige. Ayusin mo, Jhoanna ah.”
Jhoanna grinned, relief washing over her. “Oo nga, to naman, walang bilib sakin. Tsaka after natin doon, pumili ka ng gusto mong kainan, kakain tayo doon.”
“Wow,” Stacey said, laughing as she dried the last plate. “Parang sugar mommy lang ang peg mo, Jho.”
“Whatever” Jhoanna muttered, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips. Deep down, she felt a warmth spreading in her chest. She didn’t care much about museums, but if it meant spending more time with Stacey, it was worth every second.
ikaw lang naman ang tititigan ko doon, Stacey. ikaw ang pinaka maganda para sa akin.
Stacey, on the other hand, gave Jhoanna a sideways glance, still puzzled by the sudden invitation. “This better not be one of your weird ideas, Jho. You’re acting strange.”
“I’m always strange,” Jhoanna shot back with a grin. “You should be used to it by now.”
Stacey shook her head, laughing softly as she hung the towel on the rack. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“And yet, here you are,” Jhoanna teased, grabbing her phone from the counter. “Alright, get ready. We’re leaving in an hour.”
“Bossy much?” Stacey muttered, but there was a playful spark in her eyes as she headed to the door.
As she left the kitchen, she couldn’t help but smile to herself, wondering what had gotten into Jhoanna lately.
papansin, Jhoanna.