Chapter 14
[Chapter 14]
He still hadn’t let go of my hand as we walked out of the unit.
“Where are we going?”
“On a date.”
I was shocked when we walked past his car.
“You’re not using your car?”
“No need, since I’m with you.”
I swallowed hard. What? Am I supposed to feel giddy about that?
Okay, Garnett, relax. Watch Raven's moves closely. This way, you'll figure out who you should choose. Sigh!
“Where do you want to go?” he asked.
I thought for a moment.
Aha! I know! Hahaha!
“To Intramuros.”
“But why?”
I looked at him.
“I want to visit San Agustin Church,” I said with a smile.
He smiled back.
Ugh, such a charmer.
“Sure,” he said.
---
When we reached the corner of Intramuros...
“Waaaaa! Wow, this place is beautiful!” I shouted.
“What’s so beautiful about it?” he asked. Tsk, party pooper.
I faced him, took out my phone, and handed it to him.
“Take my picture, quick!” I demanded.
“Let’s use my phone instead; it’s HD,” he teased, mocking my old phone.
“Pose now, quick,” he said.
I struck a pose immediately.
Click.
“One more.”
Click.
Click.
Click.
“That’s enough! Hahaha!” I laughed.
He finally stopped taking pictures, smiling at his phone as he looked through them.
Tsk.
“Your turn! Let me take your picture,” I said.
“Sure, let’s use your phone this time,” he said.
“What? The camera is blurry!”
“Fine,” he said, handing me his phone and moving to the center of the Intramuros gate.
As he posed, I quickly snapped pictures from different angles. I couldn’t help but smile—he’s so handsome! Hahaha! Ugh, Raven, if only you’d tone down your arrogance sometimes!
“All done,” I said.
He walked over and took his phone.
“Your phone?” he asked.
“Why?”
“Just give it to me.”
Tsk.
I handed my phone to him.
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m sending my pictures to your phone so you won’t miss me too much,” he said, winking.
Wow.
“As if I’d miss you,” I rolled my eyes.
He just grinned.
After that, he held my hand again as we entered Intramuros.
---
“I think San Agustin Church is still far,” he said.
“No, it’s close,” I replied.
“How do you know?” he asked, looking at me.
“Don’t worry, I just know,” I said, pulling him along.
As we walked, a lot of women were looking at him, some even turning back for a second glance. I looked at Raven—he was focused on the path ahead, looking serious.
“Oh my gosh, he’s so handsome!”
“Yeah, too bad he has a girlfriend.”
I turned to the two women sitting nearby and smiled briefly. Bwahahaha! It felt so good that they thought I was this handsome guy’s girlfriend.
“Why are you laughing?”
I froze. Wait, was I laughing out loud?
“Ah, it’s nothing,” I said, avoiding his gaze and walking faster.
“Wait,” he said, grabbing my hand again.
“What?”
“There’s ice cream. Let’s get some,” he said, dragging me toward a sorbetes cart.
He bought two cones for 15 pesos each. We sat on the side near Casa Manila as we ate.
“Have you ever been inside there?” I asked, pointing to Casa Manila.
“No, and I don’t plan to,” he answered bluntly. So grumpy.
“Oh, okay,” I said, focusing on my ice cream.
“What the—fix the way you’re eating that ice cream,” he said.
I stopped and wiped my lips, glancing at him as he ate his ice cream with an annoyed expression. What’s his problem? Tsk. George would have gently wiped it for me if I had something on my face.
Then I noticed Raven glaring at someone. I looked over and saw a Chinese-looking guy staring at me.
“Stop looking at that guy,” Raven said.
I turned to him.
“He’s staring, what do you want me to do?” I asked.
“Don’t look back!”
Tsk.
“Let’s go. There’s the San Agustin Church,” I said, pointing it out.
He stood up but kept glaring at the guy.
“Hey, enough already. You’re not as tough as you think,” I teased.
He looked at me and smirked before walking over to the guy. I didn’t follow him—I was too embarrassed.
When he came back...
“What did you say to him?”
“I just said, ‘Ni Hao Ma.’”
I stared at him. Was that a joke? I didn’t bother replying anymore.
We finally went inside the church and sat down in silence. While I was gazing at the altar, I felt Raven’s hand inching toward mine. I pulled my hand away immediately.
I heard him sigh.
“Let’s go. I’m bored,” he said.
I looked at him.
“Stop being a demon. We’re in a church,” I whispered.
“So being bored makes me a demon?” he said loudly.
“Psst. You know, I’m surprised you haven’t been struck by lightning yet,” I retorted.
He stuck out his tongue and pulled on his ears. I rolled my eyes and walked ahead of him.
We passed a candle-lighting area near the gate. I grabbed a candle.
“Hey, I’ll light one too,” Raven said, standing next to me.
I ignored him and lit my candle. He lit his using mine. Tsk!
After placing our candles together, we glanced at each other. He chuckled softly.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I’m not laughing; this is how I get giddy.”
Huh?
“You look ugly when you’re giddy,” I said, joking. He’s handsome, after all.
He frowned.
“Tsk, you ruin the moment! Never mind,” he said, pressing his hands together in prayer.
I couldn’t help but smile widely as I watched him.
I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes.
I had only one wish—that I’d be given a sign about who I should choose between George and Raven. I hope I don’t make the wrong choice and get hurt again.
---
Later, we walked back toward the unit.
It was unusual—he was quiet.
“So...” he whispered.
I looked at him, and he stopped walking.
“Are you going to work tomorrow?”
“Of course,” I said.
“So, can I pick you up?”
“Why?”
He frowned.
“Why do you even have to ask?!”
His nostrils flared, and I felt my patience wearing thin. Seriously, what’s his deal?
“Just wait for me tomorrow. I’ll pick you up before work.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. Sigh! Why can’t I say no to him right now?!
(HAZEL POV)
We are here at the mall, shopping for books and project materials.
"Do you think Garnett has already gone home?" Elisha asked.
"I don't know, but maybe." Ami answered.
Then I suddenly remembered something.
"Do you guys think something's going on between Garnett and Raven?" I asked.
They seemed to be thinking about it too.
"I don't think so." Ami said.
"I hope not." Elisha added.
"Why 'hope not'? Raven’s okay, right?" I said.
"Aha. No way! I'm for George." Ami said.
"Me too." Elisha said, then they high-fived.
"Hmm, well, Raven did hurt Garnett." I said.
"Exactly." Ami agreed.
When we entered the National Bookstore, we all split up to look for the books we needed.
Sigh, I need to find the book about mammals.
"Hazeeeel!"
I turned when I heard someone call my name.
What the heck?
It was just Cristina, and she pulled Jerome along.
"Wow, you're here too?" Cristina said, smiling at me.
"A-Ah yeah, I'm with the others." I said.
"Really? What are you buying here?"
I looked at Jerome, who was staring at me. Oh my gosh, don't look at me! Huhu.
"A-Ah, um... books." I said, swallowing nervously. Gosh! Where are the others?
Cristina nodded, still smiling, and holding onto Jerome’s arm.
Sigh!
"By the way Hazel, have I introduced you to Jerome?"
"H-Huh?" I looked at Jerome, but he was looking elsewhere.
I couldn't stop swallowing. Why does it feel so awkward? Sigh!
"My boyfriend, Jerome—oh, I mean my fiancé." Cristina introduced him.
"Tss, I already know her, she's my classmate." Jerome said.
Cristina’s eyes widened.
"Oh my god?! Really? Wow!" Cristina said, really excited. Why is she so happy? "Oh my god, does this mean I can visit your classroom during breaktime?" she added, feeling giddy.
Jerome just tss-ed and looked at me, but immediately turned away.
"A-Ah, okay then, I’ll go ahead." I said.
"Okay, take care Hazel." Cristina said.
I just nodded and smiled.
Forward!
(ELISHA POV)
"Why does your face look red, Hazel?" I asked.
"Huh? It's not!" she replied, while holding both of her cheeks.
Ami and I exchanged looks, it was weird.
We were about to leave the mall when we bumped into the three members of Star Prince.
Calvin, Arvin, and Dexter...
"Wow, the freak squad?" Arvin said.
The three of them approached us.
"What are you doing here?" Dexter asked.
"What's it to you?" Ami retorted.
They all laughed.
"Wow, you're feisty. We’re just asking," Arvin said.
"We don’t have to tell you what we’re doing here." I said.
"Tss, let’s go," Calvin said to the others.
"Wait a minute, guys, by the way, the freak squad is having a party tomorrow night at Raven’s house," Dexter said.
"And so?" Hazel asked.
"Why’d you tell them, man? Raven's probably gonna get mad again," Arvin said, laughing.
We looked at each other.
"Just tell us. Why do you want our help with the party at Raven's house?" Ami asked.
"Okay, it’s Raven’s birthday tomorrow," Calvin said, surprising all three of us.
"Oh?" Ami asked.
"Yep, and he said he wants to surprise Garnett tomorrow. It's probably better that we tell you now because we need your help," Calvin explained.
I rolled my eyes.
"No, we’re not helping with that." I said.
"Huh? Why?!" Arvin asked.
"We’re voting for George, we’re with George," Ami said.
"Tss, you guys are so dramatic!" Dexter said.
"Guys, let’s listen to them first," Hazel said.
I looked back at the three of them, especially at Arvin who was right in front of me.
"Tell us. Why do you want us to help?" I asked.
"One reason: because our friend is really into your friend," Calvin said.
"And haven’t you realized? Raven wants to surprise Garnett, even though it’s his birthday," Arvin added.
I glared at Arvin.
I heard him tss.
"Okay. What do we need to do? What can we help with?"
Hazel and I exchanged looks.
"Hazel?" I called.
She looked at us, then pulled us away from the three.
"Let’s just agree, guys. Let’s help Raven show Garnett that he likes him," Hazel said.
"Hazel, have you forgotten that Raven hurt Garnett?" I asked, getting a little annoyed.
"Of course I haven’t forgotten, but Garnett’s still the one in charge here. His heart is still the one that matters, even if he doesn’t tell us. I think he’s still in love with him," she said.
I took a deep breath. Ami did the same.
"Don’t you want Garnett to be happy?" Hazel asked.
Ami and I exchanged looks, then looked at her.
"Whatever." Ami said.
---
The next day
(GARNETT POV)
Just as the three of us were leaving...
"Good morning, my honey bunny," he winked.
What the heck?
"What are you doing here again?!" I asked him.
He was already getting closer to me.
"I told you yesterday I was picking you up. Did you forget already?!"
Then I remembered. Oh right. I couldn’t say anything.
"So what now, Garnett?" Elisha asked.
"He’s riding with me first, girls. Goodbye," he said, pulling me along.
While we were on the way, I noticed Raven was smiling at nothing. Weirdo!
"You know what? This day is special for me," he said while driving.
I didn’t respond. I just stared out the window.
Garnett, remember not to fall for it! When we arrived on campus, I immediately opened the car door and got out.
"Garnett, are you okay?" he asked, walking up to me and tapping my forehead.
"What is it?" I pretended to be irritated.
"You’ve been quiet since earlier, are you feeling sick?"
"What are you talking about, I’m fine!" I said, then walked ahead of him.
"Are you sure?" he followed me.
I just nodded.
"Ah, Garnett, later—"
"Mr. Alvarez," our professor called, stopping both of us.
Sir walked up to us.
"Sir?" Raven asked.
"Follow me to my office, I need you to do something," our professor said.
Raven looked at me.
"Go ahead, I’ll meet you later for lunch," he said quietly.
Then he left. I sighed deeply.
Sigh!
I went to the library to look for a book. After that, I left right away.
When I reached the first floor, I saw the three of them.
"Guys!" I called out to them.
"Oh, Garnett? How’s it going?" Ami asked.
"How’s what going?"
"How’s your date with Raven?" Hazel asked.
Sigh! These guys.
"Crazy people."
While we were walking down the corridor, I saw George in the distance, looking like he was in a hurry to leave. What could’ve happened?
"Ah, Garnett, after you’re done at Sir Ravil’s restaurant, wait for us, okay?" Hazel said.
"Huh? What are you going to do there?"
"We’ll pick you up," Elisha said.
"And why?"
"We want to walk around the park tonight, it’s nice there," Ami said.
I just laughed and nodded.
"Okay, I’ll wait for you guys."
After that, when we entered the classroom...
"Hey, there are cookies on your seat," Elisha pointed out. I saw them and picked them up.
"Where did these come from?" I asked.
"Check if there’s a note," Ami said.
I looked, but there wasn’t one.
"What is it?"
I felt goosebumps on my neck when I sensed someone’s face near mine. When I turned, I quickly pulled away. Tsk, why did he have to whisper in my ear?!
I just looked at him, then ignored him.
"I said, what is it?" he asked again.
"Cookies," I said, showing them to him.
"Where are they from?"
Tss, why does he need to know?!
"I don’t know?"
His eyebrows furrowed, and he was about to snatch the cookies, but I quickly hid them in my pocket.
"Why won’t you show me?" he asked.
"Why? They’re just cookies."
"Well, I have the right to know where they came from."
I furrowed my brows.
"Stop being crazy."
"Tss, don’t tell me you’re going to eat those? Your stomach’s gonna hurt later," he lectured me. Tch!
I just rolled my eyes and sat down at my seat. He was about to approach me, but our professor arrived. I saw him shake his head and had no choice but to sit at his seat.
Forward!
During breaktime, I immediately invited the three of them to go out.
"Let’s eat outside," I said, pulling them along.
"Why are you in such a hurry, Garnett?" Ami asked.
"Well, Raven might start bothering us again," I said.
"Wait a minute, Garnett," Hazel stopped me.
I looked at the three of them.
"One question, one answer: Is there something going on between you and Raven?" Hazel asked.
I was shocked by their question. I swallowed hard because I suddenly remembered what happened yesterday morning in my room. Oh my god?!
"N-No. Why are you asking something like that?"
"Okay, do you still like him?" Elisha asked.
I couldn’t answer, I just stared at them.
"I-I don’t know."
"How can you not know?" Ami asked.
"Well... hays!" I ran my hand through my hair. "I just don’t want to say anything yet. I-I don’t want to say anything until I’m sure."
They all went quiet.
"Garnett!"
I immediately turned around, my eyes wide. Tsk, it’s him again.
"Let's go, hurry."
The three of them didn’t follow. Raven got closer to me.
"Where are you going?!"
Tsk!
"We’re eating outside. Why?" I asked.
"I said we should eat together."
Tsk! I don’t want to, I don’t want to fall more for you, Raven! Not right now!
"I don’t want to. I don’t want to eat with you," I said. I need to avoid him for now. I don’t want to fall deeper for him. P-please not now.
"Why?!" he asked, annoyed.
"Because I’m eating with them," I pointed to the three of them.
He looked at them but then back at me.
"Then I’ll just eat with you guys," he said.
"Stop being persistent! I don’t want to eat with you! This is our time to bond as friends, so don’t butt in."
He fell silent suddenly.
"Goodbye!" I said, then pulled the three of them with me.
Later, while we were eating kwek-kwek, I suddenly stopped eating. Wait, is that George sitting by the school gate, his head bowed?
"What’s wrong, Garnett?" Ami asked.
"Is that George?" I pointed.
The three of them looked.
"Yeah, that’s him, but why? What happened?" Hazel asked.
I took a deep breath and didn’t hesitate to walk towards him. I slowly approached, and when I got closer, I sat beside him.
He was just bowing his head, resting on his arms. What could have happened? Earlier, I saw him running.
I gently placed my hand on his shoulder.
"George? Are you okay?"
He moved and immediately looked at me. I saw his eyes, clearly from crying.
"What happened?" I asked, concerned.
He smiled at me, but it was a sad smile.
"It’s nothing, I’m fine," he whispered, wiping his cheeks.
"George, I don’t believe you. Even though we’ve only known each other for a short time, I can tell you’re going through something. What happened?"
He stopped at my words. Tears formed in his eyes again, and he quickly bowed his head.
I felt like I was about to cry too.
"George..." I tapped his back again.
"My... my mom... I found out she’s in the hospital right now, and... her condition is critical."
I was shocked by what he said. I didn’t know what to say to make him feel better.
"I-I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose her, Garnett... what if..."
I hugged him gently.
"You can do it, George. I’m here by your side."
(RAVEN POV)
I just stood here by the gate, watching the two of them.
Why does it hurt so much?
Why do I feel this intense pain?
This is my first time...
This is the first time I’ve been hurt by something so simple.
I don’t know?! For me, it was a big deal when she said earlier that she didn’t want to eat with me. Yes, I was hurt by that. But I understand because she said it was their bonding time with her friends.
But what is this that I’m seeing now?!
I can’t help it...
I can’t help but get annoyed, frustrated, angry, and hurt.
Tss!
I thought today was my special day, but I think... this is my worst day ever!
May nararamdaman din ako
Di kasi manhid na tulad mo
Alam kong sanay bumitaw
Ang isang tulad mo
Lalayo na ba ako
Pano naman ako
Nahulog na sayo
Binitawan mo lang ba talaga ako
[Featured Song: Pano by Zack Tabudlo]