Chapter 1
In the quiet part of the school where students who avoid socializing, who want to study, or just love to read their books, Juliana, is hiding her face behind her books at their school library. Trying to spend her vacant hours in peace just how she likes it.
Flipping page after page, she delved into the world of her fantasies and enjoyed herself while trying to fix her big glasses as it constantly fell while she was in awe of her reading, not minding any matter until her phone vibrated continuously with messages flooding around.
Juliana scowled at her phone, annoyingly grabbed it because of the interruption it has caused. She went to her phone and suddenly changed her expression when she read who texted her.
“Juls, where are you?”
“Can I go to you?”
“I need someone to talk to.”
It was Serena. Without second thoughts, Juliana cleaned her table, arranged her things, and went out of the library. She knows where Serena would be right now if ever she gives off a vibe like this.
Juliana went to Serena as fast as she could, worried. She probably knows what could be the reason why Serena suddenly needs her.
“Serena…” Juliana called Serena as she went inside the latter’s condo. She was able to open it since Serena gave her access to it. “Juls, ang bilis mo naman” Serena said in a joking tone. But she knew something was bothering the latter.
“Quit it, anyare sayo?
“Eto naman, alam mo naman eh” Serena said and hid her face because she was about to cry “I… i just don’t understand him anymore, Juls” Juliana was shocked with her friend’s outburst, she went to Serena and hugged her while she was still crying.
Seeing Serena cry always makes the latter’s heart break. Pinuntahan niya ka agad si Serena para aluhin.
Kung ako na lang sana minahal mo Seer baka hindi ganito.
Juliana and Serena had been best friends for years. They have been together since high school and ever since they always have each other’s backs.
On the other hand, Juliana has been catching feelings for Serena and has been trying to cancel it since Serena has always had an on and off relationship with her boyfriend.
After the long hours of crying her heart out Serena hugged Juliana and asked the latter to sleep in her condo. With nothing on her plate, Juliana sighs and agrees.
She has been avoiding Serena for quite a time now to finally move on. But with just one text from her she went directly to her like she was the flash. Juliana stayed in the condo as per request and spent the night.
As the latter was trying to sleep, she cant help but think. Serena wasn’t able to notice that she was gone, she was avoiding her. Hindi niya pala ako hinanap.
Trying her best to hide that she’s still awake she turned her back and hid her face opposite from where Serena would be. She could feel her tears despite trying to hold them back.
Morning came and Juliana woke up without Serena by her side. She rubbed her eyes and went straight to the bathroom and prepared herself for school.
She had clothes stacked on Serena’s wardrobe, she used some of it and went down to see Serena cooking breakfast with all smiles. She was also happy to see Serena because she thought the latter would take a while to smile because of the heartbreak she suffered yesterday. The chinky eyed girl signaled her to sit on the high chair on her counter top while preparing their breakfast.
“I made you breakfast, bee” Serena said sweetly which infected the glasses to smile. Bee is their long time endearment short for the word “bestfriend”.
“Wow, ganda mo ah… nagluto ka lang, i mean ganda ng gising mo ah, nagluto ka lang naman” Juliana panicky rephrased her words as she took a bite on Serena’s cooked breakfast and ate it with a smile.
“Ang sarap!”
“Bolera, As if I didn’t hear your reklamos about my cooking before!”
“Ang alat kaya nun, akala ko nga you were pranking me”
“Kesa sa pancit canton mo. Naging noodles”
“Sabi mo masarap!”
“Kumain ka nalang nga”
The two had talked about what their plans would be and filled each other’s questions about their life since they haven’t hung out in a while. Serena was in the mood for jokes and Juliana was all laughing.
Juliana enjoyed her breakfast with the latter, her heart beating so fast whenever Serena laughs. And Juliana can't help but ask about her sudden change of demeanor. “Ang saya natin ngayon ah?”
“Well… we may have fixed the issue…”
Serena said in a slow and gentle way hoping Juliana wouldn’t react but before she could finish her words. Juliana dropped her silverwares and look at Serena with a disappointed look “Don’t tell me na pinatawad mo na ka agad?”
“I… I.. no, I did not. He was persuasive, Juls. And you know, Ken. He ha-“ Without a word Juliana stood up and cleaned her plate. She’s ready to go to school not trying to let Serena finish her words because she knows what exactly she will say.
“Thank you for the food,” Juliana said coldly.
“Juls, I know you’re just worried about me pero he’s changing-“
“How many times do I have to hear that, Seer? This is not the first time this happened. He cheated on you multiple times!”
“This will be his last chance, Juls. I promi-“ Juliana scoffed at her remarks. Cant believe what has gotten into her best friend’s mind
“Those were the exact words you used 3 months ago, Serena.” Juliana said bluntly and continued
“This is not even because I like you. This is about me being your friend. I care for you-“
Serena was about to defend herself to Juliana but Juliana continued
”If you really are going back to that man and he tries to break you again, mabuti pang putulin na natin ang ating pagkakaibigan, Seer. Dahil pagod na akong nakikita kang paulit-ulit na lang niloloko. Nasasaktan ako” Juliana said not looking on Serena while pool of tear were forming on her brown eyes
Serena was too stunned to speak while the other girl went out and slammed the door, leaving Serena at her condo, dumbfounded.
Juliana busied herself with her books. Nasa library siya at paulit-ulit binabasa ang litanya sa libro niya na hindi nya pa rin ma intindihan.
Growing more impatient, sinabunutan niya ang sairili niya.
Argh!! Ba’t mo pa sinali yun Juls. Bobo mo naman! Wala na, awkward na ulit.
Juliana tried her best to entertain herself and went onto her reality until she heard squeaks behind her. Two girls were giggling about some social media posts.
Ang ingay naman. Parang wala sa library te?
“Nakita mo post ni Kenn? Binigyan lang naman ng flowers si Serena” girl no. 1
“ Kaya nga e ang swerte talaga ni Serena sa kanya” girl no. 2
“I wish for a love kagaya sa kanila” girl no. 1
Juliana can’t help but roll her eyes when she heard those words. She tried to dismiss what she heard and returned to her books but she only caught herself scowling at her book.
Out of frustration, Juliana then grabbed her cell phone trying to divert her attention from hearing those girls.
She read some messages from Calista on their group chat asking if they could all hang out later to catch up. Although, Juliana normally doesn't respond nor seen their gc. She typed and messaged she’s going and left everyone on the group chat in controversy on her sudden message.
…
“Iba ka rin e noh? Nagpapakita lang pag gusto”
Calista greeted Juliana as she entered to their VIP room sa bar nila Calista. Georgia and Mackenzie also greeted her with a fist bump and Juliana continued to walk and find herself a seat.
Alcohols were already on their table, four glasses were already around, and it looks like they’re on their second bottle.
“What’s up, nerd. Ba’t ngayon ka lang nagpakita?” Mackenzie
“Juls, buti naman at pumunta rin” Georgia
Juliana let out a long sigh. Sadness was evident in her demeanor that made her friends divert their attention to her.
They stole glances at each other, they had an idea why their friend would suddenly hang around with them.
“If this is still about Serena, Juls, alam mo naman na makikinig kami” Calista
“I told you to look at other girls, nerd. Stop obsessing with my cousin” Mackenzie said it as if it was the only solution
“Shut up, Mac” Calista
“Oo nga, you’re only with your books if you’re not with us or with Serena. Loosen up, Juls” Georgia
“You too” Calista again
Juliana scowled at her two friends.
The four of them knew each other since time immemorial, and now they’re still together on the same university. Plus one, since they also grew up together with Serena since high school . Both Mackenzie and Georgia love to explore relationships and are known to be heartbreakers. Calista, on the other hand has different ways of handling a relationship, although she is also like the other two, she is more mature in handling her relationships, making her more dangerous to deal with. Juliana sighed on thinking she is very different from her circle. How come girls would gush over to these red flags? Ba’t kaya sila nababaliw sa tatlong ito. Juliana can't help but wonder
“It’s hard guys. Serena goes to me whenever she needs someone to talk to” Juliana heaves a long sigh and takes a glass of tequila and shrugs it.
“We got you always, nerd. I hope you find someone that deserves you” Mackenzie
“Humanap ka na lang kase ng iba, Juls. Try mo si Mara” Gwen
“Back off” Biglang saad ni Mackenzie “Popormahan ko yun”
“Huh? Sino naman yan?” Juliana asked out of curiosity
“Real talk pala talagang nerd ka? Akala ko pa naman kilala mo na yan kasi nasa Council ka” Calista joined in the conversation as she heard the mentioned name
“Stop it with your books and start flirting with girls, Juls. Start to have fun” Georgia cooly said as if having girls is just a hobby
“I hope you find your karma this year, player” Juliana spat
Georgia only smiled and did a disagreeable head shake looking so boastful that she will never fall for someone. “Me? In love? Never” Georgie scoffed
“Okay, wanna bet Cali? I say Gorg won't fall for anyone this year” Mackenzie asked Calista
“Your call, I’ll say the other way around” Calista smirked
“Naman oh, pinupustahan pa talaga” Georgia
Juliana could only laugh at her 3 naughty friends.
The night went on with the four of them talking, laughing, and dancing. The two players couldn’t let the night end without girls. So, later on that night they brought in girls in their VIP room.
Juliana could only protest but still let them do their thing. Their night went hard, Juliana was also flocked with girls but kept on rejecting despite being drunk. She remained calm despite being drunk like her friends.
Juliana peeked at her phone and saw Serena’s flood messages.
Being selflessly crazy over Serena, Juliana thought that she should make it up with her best friend. Oras na siguro para makipag ayos.
“Juls, wag kang aalis. Hindi ka sanay maglasing” Calista said when she saw Juliana standing
“CR lang” Juliana made an excuse to let herself go from Calista’s grip. Her friend only nodded thinking Juliana was just going to the comfort room
Being too drunk, Juliana left her friends and tried to find the exit, when she reached outside the VIP room, she tried to find the exit, she roamed the area and passed through the dancing floor, before she could process, Juliana was enjoying the party, people were wildly dancing and Juliana being drunk started feeling the music and danced with the crowd, completely forgot that she was going to Serena.
She felt the music and was consumed by the booming crowd, she danced and enjoyed the moment, having the time of her life.
Before she could process anything somebody grabbed and asked if she could kiss her. She felt stuck and her mind went completely blank when she felt the lips of the stranger.
…
Next thing in the morning Juliana groaned and found herself in discomfort with a heavy headache trying to recall what had happened last night. Last tagay na talaga ito
Juliana was still groaning her way up to the bed and put her legs down the floor slowly while still holding her head. She looked around for her glasses and put them on, she realized that she’s not in her condo unit.
That made her look around the place with a shocked expression, trying to process what really happened last night. She checked on herself, her clothes, her jewelries, and her cellphone which was all at the bedside table. It’s all intact. I'm safe.
She then again scanned the room and tried to stand up but ended up sitting down due to her throbbing head.
freaking hangover, ngayon pa talaga where am i?
With no sense of hope getting up. Juliana took her phone and as to her expectations, she was bombarded with unending messages from her friends, and Serena.
Cali
What the hell Juls.
You said youre only going to the bathroom!
I cant believe youll ditch us too soon
Text me when you get home
Why are you not answering? Sabi ni Serena wala ka sa condo
Answer the goddamn phone Juliana!
17 missed calls
What are you doing with a girl?
Juls, not funny. Next time sabihan mo kami
Mac
Hey nerd, i know you’re going home but couo you just say it to us instead of leaving directly.
you’re not home yet Juls.
Where are you???
Cali is mad!! Answer it Juls you’re making us worried Juliana answer our calls
AT LEAST TELL US WHERE YOU ARE
Yo nerd, i cant believe you’re with a girl rn.
Do it right ;)
goodnight
8 missed calls
Gorg
Did the girls pester you?Just give them a chance and you’ll like them Juls nukaba naman
Ride home safe.
Magsabi ka sa susunod bansot
wth am i hearing na hindi ka pa umuwi?
hindi na tayo mapapayagan ni cali mag party sa susunod dahil sayo bansot!!
Babae pala ha.
Galingan mo aking kaibigan.Wag mo akong ipahiya
3 missed calls
Serena
Hi I know we’re not okay and i know you didn’t mean those words. Bati na tayo bee :((
I know that my relationship with Kenn is toxic and you’re caught in the middle dahil best friend mo ako at sinaktan niya ako and i understand where your anger is coming from pero juls more patience pa please, for me. I can lose my relationship with him but not our friendship.
Im really sorry for being hard headed, bee
Nasa condo ka?
Can we see each other?
Pansinin mo ako sisiw Puntahan na lang kita sa ayaw at sa gusto mo
Where are you?
I called Mac and Cali and you’re not with them na raw.
Juliana, saan ka ba? puntahan kita Im getting worried
You’re with a girl raw?
Sino? susunduin kita
Whos the girl Juliana Claire?
Where are you really?
Why are you with a girl at bakit hindi ko kilala, ?
Im not sleeping until you reply Juliana Rivera. Im so angry at you for making me worry!!
32 missed calls
A few more messages were still from Serena and Calista. Juliana couldn’t fathom what had happened and how she got into this situation .
Moments after she read the messages her friends sent, she felt the door open and there popped out a girl.
The girl was oozing with a calm demeanor and looked at her with concern and comfort. The girl fake coughed to get more of her attention and because of that Juliana notice that she is bringing with her something
“How are you feeling? I brought you breakfast and some meds in case you’re not feeling well”
Juliana could only stare, she didn't know what to say, the two of them were silent for a moment.
“Totoo pala sinabi mo kagabi na baka hindi mo na ako maalala”
“Did i… Uhh, my head is throbbing, I'm sorry pero I'm really confused. I completely forgot what happened last night”
The girl only chuckled at the thought. Only radiating peaceful energy towards Juliana
“Then let me introduce myself again.” The girl said and offered her hand to Juliana “Hi Juliana, my name is Kyu and we met sa club last night right after we… well we danced and talked and…. Um, I introduced you to some people that I know” The girl was hesitant about what she said to the glasses girl but Juliana took Kyu’s hand and shake it off.
Not sure of what the latter saw but she was quite sure that she saw Kyu’s face reddened and looked away from her.
Her name suits her, Kyu… cute
“Nice to meet you, Kyu. Sa tingin ko kilala mo na ako kasi tinawag mo na first name ko. Ang awkward naman”
Kyu only chuckled
“Okay, so I didn’t do anything weird or something?”
“No, you were completely fine and fun to be with”
“I see”
“But you keep on telling me that you’re so drunk you’ll probably forget about me and I could just leave you on the streets”
The latter tried to hide her face from embarrassment on what Kyu said and couldn’t believe what gotten into her that night Julianna scratched her ears in awkwardness, “I'm really sorry for being a bother that night, Kyu. Hiyang hiya ako. I'm not a heavy drinker and hindi rin ako sanay maglasing kaya pasensya na sa abala”
“No, hindi ka abala. You helped me a lot last night, Juliana.”
Kyu genuinely smiled at her and made Juliana stare and think what did she do to entice the pretty girl in front of her
“I dont know what to say. I went blank”
“It’s fine, really. By the way, your cell phone kept on ringing last night, which is the reason why I answered it. Your friends were worried kaya sinabi ko na lang na you’re fine and just so drunk. I think the person I talked to was Cali? Not sure”
“Thank you for that too”
“Now, eat first then drink your medicine. I’ll be outside if you need me. Make yourself comfortable”
In the next few days, Juliana busied herself with her books, and is sometimes called by the student council to help with some papers or if someone will need her assistance she would offer her service.
She is now on the school’s rooftop and is doing her papers. Completely isolating from everyone.
Juliana still hasn’t talked to Serena and her friends since the incident. She’s not sure on how she will greet the latter since she felt that she cheated on her. Bobo mo naman Juls, hindi naman kayo ni Serena. Eh ano naman sakanya kung may humalik sa’yo? It was a memory from that night that has been slowly coming back into Juliana’s head that’s making her awkward and tense in front of everyone she knows.
The sun was setting down the reason why Juliana got up and cleaned her scattered things on the floor to head home.
As she was walking through the corridors when someone with a familiar voice called her that made her spines shiver, “Juliana, you’re avoiding me” it wasn’t a question. Juliana turned to look
“Hindi ah”
“Yes, you are. 3 days no reply.”
“Hindi nga, Seer”
“Then why are you so distant to me? I was worried sa’yo that night at ngayon hindi mo ako pinapansin” Serena said with a pout
“I broke up with him, Juls. You were right. I shouldn’t settle for less. And hindi ako pumunta dito dahil break na kami, okay? I just miss you”
The latter was shocked at the other girl’s statement, she didn't know how to react nor what to say. She was left speechless and just looked at Serena.
Without notice Serena walked towards Juliana and hugged her in response to her silence. The latter let Serena hug her and just let her feel the comfort she gives to her.
“Galit ka pa rin ba?”
“Hindi naman ako galit”
“Galit ka e”
“Hindi nga. Panget mo mag pout”
“Amoy araw ka nga e”
“Dun ka nga!”
“Ito naman ang oa rin e”
Juliana shrugs her shoulders and feels the moment with Serena. Oh, how she loves to be with Serena.
In between their moments someone caught Juliana’s eye that made her jump. The girl named Kyu is in the area, humming with her headphones passing through and wasn’t able to see Juliana and Serena in the hallways.
“Hoy okay ka lang?” Serena asks Juliana that made her jump
“Ha? Oo naman. Gutom ka ba? Kain tayo”
“Okay…” Serena with a question mark on her head
...
Serena and Juliana ate at the cafeteria. Juliana ate her usual biscuit and juice and Serena ordered her pasta and coffee. They talked about what happened that night and said their sorrys.
Serena listened to Juliana expressing her feelings and smiled while looking at her full of emotions on what she felt the reason she stormed out
“Like I said, I didnt mean to shout at you. Nakaka confuse ka kase”
“I’m sorry rin, Juls. I realized na parati na lang ikaw ang tinatawag ko pag hindi kami okay”
“That’s not it. I like it when you call me to talk about your problems. It’s just that sawa na akong pa ulit ulit ka na lang niloloko ng lalaking ‘yon”
“Bati na tayo?” Serena said in a sweet tone
“Oo, bati na tayo”
Juliana smiled sweetly while looking at her best friend. She felt relief that they settled what tore them apart.
All she can think about right now is how Serena looks, she was wearing a pink cut tube top together with a white cardigan, and long stylish shirt with her brown boots, sitting in front of her, yapping and smiling.
She's so pretty, why does she have to look preety all the time?
She is looking directly at Serena’s eyes and smiling genuinely not minding her heart beating loudly. Not a second lasts, Serena while talking noticed her best friend wasn't responding. So she took a glanced and found Juliana's shameless staring at her. She smiled and thought of how cute Juliana could be.
Their little growing bubble suddenly popped when someone entered the picture.
“Yo, nerd! I can't believe you, Di ka man lang nag reply!” Mackenzie
“Yeah. What’s up with you? We were worried Juls” Georgia
“Okay ka na ba?” Calista
The three girls came out from nowhere, making Juliana and Serena surprised by their arrival.
Juliana only gave her friends an annoying look. What the heck is their problem? I was having my moment!
“Hi to you three as well” Serena said casually to the three girls that just arrived
“Yo”
“Cousin”
“Hey Seer”
The three simultaneously greeted Serena at the same time. And made their seat beside the two. Juliana could only look at them with annoyance and let them slide in not trying to say any word
“Bakit kayo nandito?” Juliana couldnt hide the annoyance from her tone. Serene only let out a soft chuckle.
“Wow ha, yan talaga bungad mo? You went missing that night!”
“Oo nga, we’re here to ask you about the girl, nerd” Mackenzie
Juliana was caught off guard with her friend’s question and immediately took a glance at Serena. Serena’s chinky eyes suddenly widened, peeking with curiosity, blazing with unanswered questions. The older girl's demeanor suddenly changed, she squinted her eyes and tried to look for the girl with glasses' eyes.
When the younger girl noticed that Serena glanced at her she immediately looked away and looked down while she busied herself with her food. Trying to avoid any eye contact, hiding from her glasses, looking so guilty.
Her best friend tried to ask about what happened that night but to Serena’s dismay, Juliana has been dismissing the topic. She doesn't want to answer about it yet. Not yet especially to Serena
Calista reading the room pinched Mackenzie on the shoulder to have some sense on why the room became quiet. “Ow, what was that for? I mean-”
Serene broke the talk “Okay… I better get going.” she stands up signaling that she’s leaving and looks at the gang,“I have errands.” She scanned the gang and stopped her eyes at Juliana, her eyes were cold, trying to let Juliana see her reaction, but to her dismay, Juliana was still trying to avoid eye contact. She hates it when her best friend is not telling her everything.
“Juls, I’ll text you” Serena said in a cold tone not waiting for any reply between the four girls sitting and just went out.
“Galit ba yon?” Georgia
Juliana could only watch Serena walk away. She wasn't sure but she could feel the coldness dripping from Serena's voice. Was she angry?