Liham sa Ulap

“Jhoanna, may nagawa ka bang reviewer sa Heat Transfer natin? Pwede bang pa-picture kung sakali?” One of Jhoanna’s classmates asked politely.

Jhoanna nodded, and handed them her reviewer which she spent her time on last night. “Ah, oo, ito oh. Dalian niyo nalang picture’an ha, pupunta pa ako ng office eh.”

The girls nodded and deliberately take a picture on Jhoanna’s reviewer. After this ay nag thank you sila bago umalis. Jhoanna smiled at them as they turned their backs and went home. Wala na silang klase for the remaining day but Jhoanna needed to go to the Student Council office para magcheck ng mga gagawin and such. Ayaw na ayaw niyang nagkakaroon siya ng backlogs kaya kung may kailangan nang gawin ay agad na rin niyang tatapusin.

“They’re the same girls na humihingi palagi ng reviewer mo ah? Hindi ba sila marunong gumawa? Last year ko pa ata sila nakikita na humihingi sa’yo.” a voice suddenly pops out just when Jhoanna made her way to the SC office.

Jhoanna looked at Aiah, who’s the owner of the voice and smiles, “Yeah.” She simply replied. “Maybe wala lang silang time gumawa ng reviewer? Marami na rin kasi kaming activities sa iba’t ibang subject.”

“Oh, yeah? But how come na ikaw eh nakagawa naman? I mean, you’re also the vice president of the whole campus kaya hindi hamak na mas marami kang kailangang gawin kaysa sa kanila, Jho.” Aiah then clicked her tongue and shooks her head, “Ang sabihin mo, tamad lang talaga silang gumawa.” Her voice, filled with disappointment.

“It didn’t cross my mind na ganoon. Saka hayaan mo na, hindi naman masama maging mabait.”

“Hindi masama, but they’re obviously taking advantage of you kasi hindi ka marunong humindi.”

Jhoanna chuckles, “ano ka ba, I simply just want to help them pass. Okay lang sa akin na mag reach out sila ng help sa akin every time basta ganoon yung reason.”

Her answer made Aiah looks at her with disbelief. Her brows furrowed and her lips settled into a thin line. Aiah did not want this side of Jhoanna. She doesn’t see it yet because she’s naturally too kind and helpful. Sa pagiging mabait nito’y hindi niya napapansin na pinagsasamantalahan na siya ng iba. But Aiah likes to think na aware si Jhoanna na naaabuso yung kindness niya but she chose to ignore it. She doesn’t want to see the bad in people. That made Aiah’s blood boil for some reason. She hates that her dear friend is like this.

Aiah sighed in defeat, walang patutunguhan ang pakikipag usap niya kay Jhoanna tungkol sa mga ganito. “Just… next time, learn to say ‘no’, Jho. Hindi okay na nagiging dependent lang sila sa’yo kahit sa ganoong reason pa. Please, allow them to do it on their own sa susunod. Okay?”

Jhoanna, sensing Aiah’s concern, nods her head and smiles gently. “Masusunod, Aiah.”

Matagal na siyang napagsasabihan ng mga kaibigan niya na huwag puro “sige” or “oo” ang tugon niya every time na may hihingi sa kanya ng favor. But for Jhoanna, it was always okay to help people as long as valid ang nirarason ng mga humihingi sa kanya ng tulong. Basta walang tinatapakan na tao, go lang. But she made a mental note to consider Aiah’s request.

“Siya nga pala, where are you heading? At ano ‘yang mga bitbit mo?” Jhoanna asked when it dawns to her that Aiah is beside her with some stuffs. Mukhang mabigat pa ang laman ng isang bag.

“These were my materials for arts lang. Hihiramin siya ng pinsan ko sa susunod na araw for their activity daw. I’m on my way sa office na sana but I saw you here kaya dito na rin ako dumaan. I figured na pupunta ka rin doon since tapos na ang klase niyo, right?”

“Ha? Paano mo nalaman na wala na akong class?”

“Silly, nakadikit kasi ‘yung class schedule mo sa desk so I kinda memorize it kasi palagi kong nakikita whenever.” Aiah chuckles.

“Ah,” Jhoanna simply replies then looked at the bag that Aiah was holding, “Let me hold that one for you. May bitbit ka pang isa eh.” Sabay kuha sa isang malaking bag na hawak hawak nung isa.

Aiah handed her bag and thanked her. Hinayaan niya na lamang kunin ito ni Jhoanna dahil ganito naman ang ginagawa niya palagi. Jhoanna is persistent on helping Aiah with a lot of things. Minsan ay pinagtatalunan pa nila ito dahil kahit sana’y kaya naman ni Aiah na gawin ang mga ibang bagay ay palagi paring tumutulong si Jhoanna. In the end, she just let her do it to avoid further argument until it became their thing. Jhoanna always helps Aiah, whether it’s a big thing or not.

The wooden door of the student council office creaked open, revealing a small but spacious, cluttered room. Aiah looks at Jhoanna, gesturing that she steps inside first before her. Jhoanna nodded and walks in; Aiah follows and closed the door. The other officers are already present and doing their specific tasks. The air was thick with the scent of stale coffee, half eaten snacks, and youthful energy.

“Thanks, Jho.” Tugon ni Aiah when Jhoanna puts her bag on her desk. Jhoanna then smiles and later proceeded on her seat, which is just a meter away from Aiah.

Wala pang isang minuto ay narinig nilang may tumawa nang malakas kaya napatingin ang dalawa sa naggalingan ng ingay. Jhoanna frowns, when she saw Stacey laughing her ass out for whatever reason it is. Nakita niyang nasa table siya ni Maloi which made her brows furrowed because ang alam nito’y umuwi na siya. Stacey’s laugh didn’t falter yet, sinusuway na rin siya ni katabi niya na huwag maingay dahil napansin niyang nakatingin na sa way nila ang ibang officers.

“Anong ginagawa mo rito? Nag-iistorbo ka lang ng mga tao rito oh.” Suway ni Jhoanna nang makarating ito sa pwesto nila. Stacey noticed her and she wipes her eyes dahil naiiyak na siya kakatawa.

“Hi, bebe!” Maloi beamed and she got up from her chair to give Jhoanna a hug. “Buti naman nandito ka na, dito ka na hinintay ni Stacey kasi humiwalay ka raw kanina eh. Kaya ‘yun inentertain ko muna rito while she’s waiting for you.”

“Anong ako ang humiwalay? Imbento talaga ‘to eh. Ako nga ‘yung naghahanap sa kanya kanina.”

“Eh sabi mo kasi kanina may pupuntahan ka lang saglit pero ang tagal mo naman! Saka alam ko naman na dito ka dederetso kaya dito nalang din ako pumunta.” Sagot naman ni Stacey.

Jhoanna scoffed. “Grabe, matagal na ang five minutes sa’yo? Ako nga ‘yung naghintay nang matagal kasi hindi ka nagrereply sa mga chats ko.”

Nagpabalik balik ang tingin ni Malo isa kanilang dalawa kaya nung napansin niyang lumalala na naman ang bangayan nila’y pumagitna na lamang siya para pigilan sila. “Hep! Tama na ‘yan nagbabangayan na naman kayo eh. Maya niyan baka magsabunutan pa kayo.”

“Hinayaan mo nalang sana, ate Maloi, para may live sabunutan naming kaming makita. Boring na kasi eh, wala man lang nagsusuntukan or nag aaway man lang sa room namin.” Mikha, one of the board members, suggest.

Maloi furrowed her brows at her from her remarks. “Huwag mo nang ipilit, beh. Baka matapos pa sila ng madaling araw para matapos ang bangayan nila.”

Mikha shrugged, “Edi let them be.” Mikha then replied before she returned her head on her laptop.

Stacey pouts and hugged Jhoanna’s arms. “Sorry na, wala kasi akong pasensya kanina kaya nauna nalang ako rito.”

“Wala kasi akong pasensya kaya nauna nalang ako rito.” Jhoanna replies to Stacey, repeating what she said with a mocking voice, “Sisisihin pa ako sa kasalanan niya eh.”

“Oo nan ga, kaya nga nagsosorry na ‘yung tao ‘di ba?”

“Mag shut up ka nalang diyan.” Sagot ni Jhoanna sabay tanggal sa kamay ni Stacey na nakapulupot sa kanya.

“Sabay nalang ako sa’yo mamaya. Wala rin naman akong gagawin sa apartment eh.”

“Nagpaalam ka pa eh sa’kin ka naman talaga sumasabay mapa-uwian man o pasukan eh.” Jhoanna then clicked her tongue and the latter just sticks her tongue for a reply.

It’s true, palaging sumasakay sa sasakyan niya si Stacey dahil magkaklase lang din naman sila’t nadadaanan din ni Jhoanna ang apartment niya. The first time Jhoanna drives Stacey to school was just a coincidence. 7 am ang klase nila noon, malapit na ang rush hour when Jhoanna saw Stacey waiting for a cab to go to school. Good thing that Jhoanna recognizes her that time. Well, it wasn’t hard to realize that she was Stacey dahil uniform niya lang ang hindi kulay pink. Her bag, including her phone and nails are pink-- ultimo pati sapatos nito ay pink! Jhoanna couldn’t believe that there is someone who loves one color so much that it became their personality. Pink screams femininity and playfulness, which likely Stacey is. When Jhoanna and her became friends, tinulungan nito si Jhoanna sa maraming bagay, most likely on how Jhoanna styles herself.

Hindi noon marunong pumorma sa sarili si Jhoanna, she is very aware of that. She only settles on a fitted jeans and an oversized shirt, partnered with a black rubber shoe every Wednesday. Wala naman siyang pakialam dati sa kung anuman ang kanyang susuotin. She doesn’t need to impress someone that’s why. But it changed when Stacey, her ever maarteng friend, complains about her outfit every single time. Nang marindi na si Jhoanna sa kakareklamo nito’y pumayag na lamang siya noong nag suggest ang kaibigan niyang pumunta sa mall para i-level up ang fashion niya.

Fashionable and stylist: that’s two things that Jhoanna also knows from her Stacey. She knows her for her unique sense of style and often experiments with different fashion trends.

“Ayan ang mga damit na bagay mo. That way, hindi ka na magiging mukhang manang and mas maha-highlight ‘yang beauty and body mo. Okay?” Stacey proudly said when they already done shopping. She knew that she had done a great job for her friend.

Jhoanna sighed, “Thank you nalang sa pagpapagod sa akin, Staks.” She weakly replied, her voice almost a whisper caused by exhaustion.

“You’re always welcome, mah mehn.” She playfully replies and winks at her. Wala nang nagawa si Jhoanna kung hindi bumuntong hininga hanggang sa nakauwi na siya.

Aiah, from across the room, watched Jhoanna and Stacey’s playful banter with a smile playing in her lips. Stacey isn’t part of the student council but she’s always welcome at the office dahil kaibigan nito si Jhoanna. She isn’t a bother either, hence, she radiates a playful, bubbly, and energetic energy. She has an infectious smile and playful personality, frequently bringing a lively atmosphere to the group.

 “Pres,” Aiah tore her gaze from the two when Colet, the secretary, suddenly spoke, with a pile of paper weighing in her arms. That made Aiah sighed, the responsibilities again seeking at her. “Here are the student council reports. Kailangan ng approval mo para sa budget proposal ng upcoming intramurals.”

“Isn’t that a month and a half away pa? Ang aga ata nilang magpasa ng proposal ah.” She replies, the last sentence almost a whisper. Aiah then gets the papers from Colet and puts it on her desk.

“Did anything urgent come up aside from this?”

Colet shook her head, a deliccate curve to her brow. “Nothing out of the ordinary naman. Pero nagtatanong si Dean Reyes kung may progress sa mga scholarship applications. But I assure him naman na nasa schedule ‘yun.”

Aiah nodded, her gaze returning to the student council reports. “Makikipag coordinate ako sa office of the student development and welfare para diyan. Thank you, Colet. Let me know nalang ulit if anything requires immediate attention.”

Colet smiled gently and excused herself to get back on her own desk. Aiah, feeling the weight of responsibility down on her, began to review the stack of papers lying on her table. Jhoanna on the other hand, noticed Aiah being engrossed with the papers, and just as the weight of the task began to feel overwhelming for Aiah, Jhoanna’s already back in her seat and pushed it closer to Aiah’s desk.

“Do you need a hand? Ano ang mga ‘yan?” she asked, her voice warm and supportive.

Aiah, grateful for the assistance, quickly explained the process and delegated the task of initial screening to Jhoanna. “Focus on the applicants’ grades and records.” Aiah instructed. “Tignan mo if consistent na mataas ang grades nila, lalong lalo na sa mga core subjects. Also, see if there are any trends, like yung mga area kung saan sila nag excel.”

Jhoanna, ever efficient, immediately dove into the task. She meticulously examined each transcript, highlighting key information such as GPA, class rank, and notable achievements. Aiah, meanwhile turned her attention to the intramurals budget proposal.

For Aiah, Jhoanna is one of the epitomes of brilliance. She has known her first through Maloi. Even before the election period, Maloi has been telling Aiah how she and her have so much in common, lalong lalo na kung sa katalinuhan. She also told her that Jhoanna also fulfills a lot of achievements during her high school years, either academic or extra-curricular activities. Kung sa extra-curricular ang usapan, she found out that Jhoanna starts to play chess at 8 years old, and consistent provincial level qualifier siya from elementary to high school. Aside from that, NSPC qualifier din si Jhoanna. In terms of leadership, Aiah knew that Jhoanna became a great leader considering that she became the SSG president for three consecutive years nang wala siyang kalaban. That thought alone speaks more about her being a reliable and great leader. She also had learned that Jhoanna was a quiet girl, always engrossed in her studies.

Nasaksihan din mismo ni Aiah kung gaano nga kagaling itong si Jhoanna academically when the school posted a tarpaulin near the gate. Aiah’s in awe when she read the bold letters and saw a larged photographed displayed a beaming young girl holding a trophy. “Jhoanna Christine Robles, Regional Math Champion”. Aiah knew this is Jhoanna from Maloi’s stories.

This wasn’t just the “Smartest girl in the class” anymore; this was the girl, a champion, a source of inspiration, Aiah thought, still in surprised.

From that day on, Aiah’s admiration for Jhoanna sparks beyond tales that Maloi shared. She saw Jhoanna as a role model, a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. Thankful siya at nagkaroon ng pagkakataong magkakilala sila at maging magkaibigan.

As the afternoon wore on, Aiah and Jhoanna worked in tandem, their combined efforts making the daunting task seem more manageable. Aiah appreciated Jhoanna’s insightful observations on the academic trends among the applicants, while Jhoanna valued Aiah’s expertise in financial analysis. They then discussed the budget item thoroughly along with the other officers, sharing their perspectives and debating the best course of action.

As the last ray of sunlight faded from the window, Aiah and Jhoanna finished their review. They leaned back on their chairs, a sense of accomplishment washing over them.

“Thank you, Jho. Ang kailangan nalang gawin doon ay ipasa sa OSDW para sila na mismo ang magreview kung sino ang mga kukunin nila for the scholarship.” Saad ni Aiah habang nag aayos ng mga gamit. Yung ibang officers ay uuwi na’t tatlo nalang sila ni Stacey ang natitira.

“You’re always welcome, Pres.” Jhoanna then smiled and scratch the back of her neck, “M-may sasakyan ka bang dala? Sama ka nalang sa amin kung sakali, along the highway lang din naman ang apartment mo, ihahatid nalang kita.”

Aiah smiled apologetically, “Thanks sa offer, Jho, but Gelo told me kanina na siya na ang maghahatid sa akin mamaya.”

Jhoanna’s smile faltered, “Oh, okay. No worries.” But the words tasted like ashes in her mouth.

“Sabay nalang ako sa inyong lumabas, total naghihintay naman na siya sa akin doon lang malapit sa gym.”

“S-sige”

Naunang lumabas si Aiah sa office at si Jhoanna na ang nag lock ng door. Stacey is already outside waiting for them. Habang naglalakad ay nag uusap-usap din sila tungkol sa kung anu-ano. The rhythmic sound of their shoes echoed against the polished door through the hallway as the three ladies made their way towards the gymnasium where Gelo is waiting for Aiah.

As they walked, Aiah couldn’t help but to notice the subtle yet undeniable intimacy between Jhoanna and Stacey. Jhoanna puts her bag on the other side to slung her arm around Stacey’s waist, their hands occasionally brushing against each other. Stacey, in return, had her own arm draped over Jhoanna’s shoulders, their fingers intertwining from time to time. It was a picture of comfortable familiarity, a silent language of affection that spoke volumes. She knew that Jhoanna and Stacey had a special bond, a friendship that transcended the ordinary. Their playful banter, their shared laughter, their effortless ease around each other—it was clear that they cherished each other deeply.

Aiah couldn’t suppress her smile while she looks at them but at the same time, an unfamiliar feeling gnawing at her chest. Pero bakit hindi nagiging ganyan ka-clingy sa akin si Jho? She couldn’t ask but to ask herself. But she didn’t want that thought to linger on her mind so she shook her head. Silly, mas nauna silang nagkakilala and mas close lang sila kaya ganyan. She reminded herself.

“Naks, may pa-flowers pa siya.” Stacey suddenly voices out which made Jhoanna and Aiah looks at the direction she was looking.

There he was, Gelo. Leaning in his car, a genuine smile gracing his lips with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. The sunlight catching the glint of his watch, the way his hair tousled in the breeze, the effortless charm that always seemed to radiate from him—it hit Jhoanna with the force of a tidal wave. Her insecurities kicking her again.

Aiah, stopped walking beside them when she felt a warm feeling. She smiles and wave her hand. Gelo is nothing but sweet and caring for her, and that made her feel special.

Aiah faced Stacey and Jhoanna, readying herself to bid goodbye when Stacey suddenly asks, “Kailan mo ba siya sasagutin, ate Aiah? Isa rin ako sa mga abangers ng love story niyo eh. Buong campus ata hinihintay na maging official na kayo.” There was giddiness in her voice and her expression seems hopeful.

That made Aiah short circuit for a moment. Hindi agad siya nakasagot sa tanong na iyon. Her mind searching for answers and her mouth slightly opens but no words were able to come out. Then suddenly, her eyes accidentally found Jhoanna, her face has a touch of something. That made Aiah looks puzzled, she swore that she saw sadness in Jhoanna’s eyes… but why?

Jhoanna, sensing Aiah’s lingered her attention for her a little longer, tore her gaze away. Her heart pounding on her chest, a wave of familiar sadness washed over her. It wasn’t jealousy, exactly. More like… a quiet ache.

“Huwag mo kasi siyang i-pressure, Staks. Malay mo naghihintay nalang si Pres ng tamang panahon para diyan. I-I’m sure naman na they are getting there na.” Jhoanna replies Stacey instead when Aiah isn’t answering. She swallowed the lump onto her throat and forced a smile.

“Ay, sorry. Nagtatanong lang naman.” She sheepishly smiles and made a peace sign.

Aiah, although still puzzled, gathered her thoughts together and smiles gently before she replies, “Yeah, there’s a right time for that, I’m sure.” She then clears her throat. “Well then, mauna na ako. Thank you for walking me here, Jho and Stacey.” She eyed both of them and waves her hand for goodbye.

The other girls nod their heads and they watched her go. Sa paglalakad palang ni Aiah ay mas lalo nang lumaki ang ngiti ni Gelo sa malayuan. Stacey beside her is mumbling something but it became muffled sound for Jhoanna. She just focused herself on watching the two. How Gelo sweetly smiles at Aiah before handing her the bouquet, how Aiah gently holds the flower, and how Gelo holds Aiah in her waist. He holds her swiftly and gently like she’s the most fragile thing in the world, and being the gentleman that he is, guides Aiah from entering his car. In the passenger seat, to be specific. She knew she shouldn’t feel this way. Aiah deserved to be happy, and Gelo seemed like a good man. But the sight of them together, the effortless ease with which they connected, had stirred something deep within her, an undeniable ache that refused to be ignored.

She watched their car go, with Gelo honking at them for goodbye.

Stacey, on the other hand, feels an aching pain on her waist. She looks at Jhoanna, whose gaze fixed on the spot where Gelo and Aiah disapeared. Hindi ata napansin neto na humihigpit na yung hawak niya sa kanyang baywang kaya pinitik niya ang kamay ni Jhoanna bago magreklamo sa sakit. Jhoanna’s eyes widened at the realization. Sa sobrang preoccupied niya sa nakita’y hindi niya namalayan na nasasaktan na niya pala si Stacey. Ni hindi rin nito narinig ang mga sinasabi niya kanina kaya dali dali siyang humingi ng tawad.

“Oh my Gosh! Im sorry, Staks. Hindi ko namalayan.” She genuinely exclaimed and patted Stacey’s waist, as if it eases the pain.

“Okay lang, beh. Ano bang iniisip mo? Ang higpit ng hawak mo eh.”

Jhoanna didn’t reply, instead, she sighed weakly and continues to pat Stacey’s waist. Stacey, sensing her distress, gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Hey,” she murmured, her voice soft and soothing, “Come on, may problema ba? Bigla ka nalang tumahimik diyan.”

Jhoanna managed a weak smile and shook her head, “I’m fine, medyo pagod lang.”

“Sure ka?” she faced Jhoanna, her hands resting on Jhoanna’s cheeks, examining every spot on her face to look for something. “You know you can tell me everything, right? Kaya kung may problema ka man, pwede mong sabihin sa akin. May pagka-gaga lang ako pero hindi ako masamang tao, Jhoanna.”

That sent a shiver down Jhoanna’s spine. Stacey, being like this is rare. She smiles, then replies shortly, “Okay”, and her words almost not audible because Stacey is squeezing both of cheeks with her hands. Bigla tuloy natawa sa Stacey sa mukha nito, which made Jhoanna furrowed her brows and quickly withdraw from Stacey’s touch.

Stacey didn’t press any further about Jhoanna’s situation, but her eyes held a knowing sympathy. Jhoanna appreciated the silent support, the ache in her chest slowly subsided, grateful for Stacey’s understanding. The comforting weight of Stacey’s presence did little to dispel the gloom that had settled over Jhoana. But it offers a small measure of solace, a reminder that even in the face of unexpected sadness, she wasn’t alone.

“Ang pangit mo. Libre mo nga ako ng ice cream bago tayo umuwi.” Stacey suggests, which made Jhoanna instantly rolled her eyes. And, they’re back again in their playful demeanor.

Meanwhile, the car ride with Gelo and Aiah was always a comfortable and easygoing affair. They talked about everything and nothing, from the matters that includes school to anything, in particular. Gelo, as always, was charming and attentive, making Aiah laugh with his witty remarks and his genuine interest in Aiah’s life. But throughout the conversation, a nagging thought lingered in the back of Aiah’s mind. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off. She’d seemed a bit subdued, a bit… confused, even.

“Queen, are you okay?” Gelo asked, his brow furrowed with concern. “Parang ang lalim ng iniisip mo diyan.”

“Hmm?”, she’s a bit surprised at the sudden question but still manage to construct a reply, “Oh, I’m fine. Siguro pagod lang.”

Gelo gave her a skeptical look, but chose to keep quiet instead. Aiah sighed and suddenly, her attention turns into the cupboard, where her matcha latte that Gelo got her stands. Napangiti ito bigla nang maalala niya sa Jhoanna. She remembered their little interaction at the coffee shop. Kinuha niya ang inumin mula sa cupboard at saka kinuha nito ang kanyang phone to take a picture of it. Gelo witnessed this cute moment and it made him smile. The sight of Aiah appreciating his little gift from him makes his heart melt.

But his thoughts were wrong.

To: Jhoanna

<sent a photo>

<Look oh. This matcha latte reminded me of you :P>

Aiah automatically smiles when she saw that Jhoanna already seen the picture and reacts on it. Jhoanna then replies with a picture of her and Stacey eating ice cream together at a known convenience store. She pouts at the sight, secretly wishing that she was there too. When she scrolled on to her feed, she came across a story from Stacey. It was a picture of her and Jhoanna at the ice cream parlor, both of them smiling brightly. Her eyes lingered on the particular person smiling as she holds a chocolate coned ice cream in her hand.

Kumunot ang noo nito nang napagtanto niya kung anong ginagawa niya. Kaya’t bago pa man siya maweirduhan sa kanyang sarili ay tinadtad niya na lamang ng heart reacts ang story ni Stacey bago nito itago ulit ang phone niya sa kanyang bag. A few minutes later, they arrived at Aiah’s apartment and bid her goodbye to Gelo.

Being a 4th-year Biology student means you need to drown in a sea of deadlines. Aiah, faces two days grappling with mountain of academic works. Ni hindi na rin siya nakakabisita sa SC office dahil sa dami ng kanyang ginnagawa. Thankfully, Jhoanna is there to work on the backlogs and be the responsible acting president at the same time.

“Kaya na namin dito, Aiah. Huwag kang mag alala, nandito naman ako.” She couldn’t be more thankful for Jhoanna’s reassuring words.

Day one begins with intense study for a Developmental Biology seminar, focusing on the complex intricacies of organogenesis. This followed by a late-night lab report for Molecular Biology, where she analyzes electrophoresis gels and grapples with DNA sequencing data. The day culminates in a mandatory study session for Physiology, delving into the complexities of Neural signaling and hormonal cascades.

Day two dawns with the pressure of an immunology presentation. Aiah rigorously prepares her slides, analyzes research data, and practices her delivery. The presentation is a success, but respite is short-lived. A mountain of reading assignments in Ecology and Evolution awaits. Despite exhaustion, Aiah pushes through, devouring research articles and grappling with complex ecological and evolutionary concepts. Sumabay pa ang thesis nila sa mga Gawain at kinailangan pang mag overnight nina Maloi at Colet, ka-trio niya sa thesis, sa apartment niya para matapos hanggang chapter 3 ang kanilang paper. And as the day draws to a close, she allows herself a moment of respite, reflecting on the challenges she has overcome.

Aiah is typing on her computer when her phone suddenly dings, indicating someone had message her. She looks through her lockscreen, not even bothered to unlock it. Other messages, including from Gelo’s, still hasn’t opened yet. But when Aiah saw that it was Jhoanna who messaged her, she immediately stops typing and opens her phone instead.

From: Jhoanna

<Hello, Aiah. Kakauwi ko lang. Tinapos ko na lahat ng gawain mo sa SC. If you have time, you can double check this if you want.>

<sent a file>

<Here, ito yung soft copy niya. You don’t need to rush. Take your time.>

<and, don’t forget to rest. Take care of yourself kahit busy ka.>

Aiah smiles at the way Jhoanna messaged her. Napaka formal, corporate ang atake. She opens her account on her laptop and downloaded the file first before she typed her reply.

To: Jhoanna

<Thanks, Jho. Ur da best! :P>

<I’ll libre you later. Or do you want mwamwa instead? :* >

She added playfully. Her laptop, now long forgotten and she just smiles at her phone instead, waiting for Jhoanna’s response.

From: Jhoanna

<Baliw ka talaga. Akala ko ba busy ka?>

<Focus on your academic responsibilities na. I’ll be double checking the file rin if you don’t have time>

<Later, when you go back sa office, pag usapan nalang natin ‘yung tungkol sa report.>

<Have a good night, Aiah.>

Aiah pouts at her reply. Ano ba naman si Jhoanna, walang thrill. She had no choice but to look at her laptop again, engrossing herself at her activities. She realized that being a 4th year student is filled with challenging subjects and relentless academic pressure. Yet, fueled by her passion for the field and an unwavering determination, she perseveres, knowing that each hurdle overcome brings her closer to her academic and professional goals.

Aiah then closed her eyes, savoring the quiet. She had survived, another day conquered. She looks at the time and she saw that it is nearing 10 o’clock in the evening. Pinakiramdaman niya muna ang kanyang sarili bago tumayo. Nang mapagtanto niyang hindi pa siya inaantok ay dali-dali siyang nagpalit ng pang jogging niya. She often jogs at this time. Wala na kasing masyadong tao sa time na iyon at malapit lang sa apartment niya ang sports complex. She choses to jog her exhaustion out, founding solace and clarity in the rhythmic motion.

Each stride was a conscious effort to clear Aiah’s mind, to let go of the anxieties that clung to her like a cobweb. The rhythmic pounding oof her feet against the pavement provided a counterpoint to the racing thoughts that had dominated her day. The cool night air whipped through her hair, a refreshing contrast to the stifling heat of the day. With each breath, she felt a sense of calm descending, the weight of her academic burdens momentarily forgotten. Jogging became her form of meditation, a way to reconnect with her body and find a sense of balanced amidst the whirlwind of her academic life.

When she is satisfied, nagpahinga na lamang muna siya sa damuhan bago ito umuwi. She gets her water and drinks from it while she is scrolling through her phone. Nanonood lamang siya ng Instagram stories when one account has gotten her attention. It was from Gwen’s, their friend who often posts online.

Curiosity fueled her so she decided to open it but she almost choked when Gwen’s story started to play. Nanlaki ng bahagya ang mata ni Aiah nang makita niyang si Jhoanna ang laman ng story niya.

“What the hell?!” She muttered under her breath, still coughing from nearly choking to death.

Jhoanna is in Gwen’s story, dancing on the popular Tiktok dance trend na “Bad Girls Like You”, and the caption says “HAHA, natalo kaya sasayaw ka ngayon”. Ano naman kaya ang ginawa nila’t natalo si Jhoanna?

Aiah feels her cheeks warming as she watched Jhoanna dancing. Her movements a blur of color and motion. She gasped and covers her mouth when the hip dip came, her body undulating with a sensual grace.

“What the hell, Jhoanna?” Aiah cursed, again, with her cheeks flushed obviously not from the exhaustion.