Chapter 1: Home

May 25, 2009

All I want was change. A change of pace. Everything had been the same in my life for a while now. The same buzzing alarm sound when i wake up. The same cereal I eat every morning. The same nagging brother that I have always telling me, "No boyfriend." The same ringtone that's ringing in my cellphone. Everything is the same.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Cara. It's Enzhelle."

"Hey, how's your summer?"

"Pretty good. I've read about 10 books. Teached some children in the summer camp. Finished my article for the local newspaper. How's your summer?"

"That's--That's great! I'm very proud of you. Well, for me, it's just he usual. Helping my mom. Cleaning our lawn."

"That's very exciting."

"Yeah it is. So, why are you calling?"

"Oh, yeah. I've got some great news for you."

"What is it?"

"Well, you got to come at the coffee place so that i could tell you."

"Were already talking."

"Just come to the coffee place. I've already called Sara, said she would come too. So, get moving lady."

"Okay, okay. I'll see you later then."

"Yeah. Bye."

Well, I thought this was going to be just another normal day for me. But that phone call started something that what i would call 'changes'.

"Ma, I'm going to the coffee place with Enzhelle and Sara."

"Oh, great timing then. Would you bring this to Mrs. Guevarra? It's the payment for the curtains she sewed for me."

"Okay."

"But be back by dinner okay?"

"Yes mom."

My mother's not always this nice. Most of the time she forbids me to go out with my friends because i need to be at home to help her with chores which i really hate on doing. But since dad died, she is the one who is working to pay our school bills. All I can do is be there to support her.

"Hey kiddo. You want a ride to the coffee place?"

"Of course kuya. Wait, why are you so nice today?

"It's a great day. Just appreciate it."

"Alright. Anything you say."

It is clear to me that this is no ordinary day. I mean it's been the same since i woke up this morning and all those kids playing outside. The people who chatting in the sari-sari store. And that guy who is standing in front of Mrs. Guevarra's house.

"Hey, weren't you supposed to bring something to Mrs. Guevarra?"

"Yeah."

"Well, we already past her house."

"Why didn't you stop?"

"You didn't told me stop. I thougt you saw her house but you didn't say anything."

"Yeah, i saw it. But i completely forgot what i was supposed to do."

"You're weird."

It was weird. I completely blank out on that particular moment, but why? I mean, I saw this guy and then nothing.

"You saw some guy, and then you forgot about going to Mrs. Guevarra's house?"

"Yes Enzhelle, that's what I said."

"To think Sara said that I was weird."

"I didn't say that."

"Well, you could probably say it to Cara. Now that she is completely blanking out and forgetting things."

"Can we just move on? What was the thing that you want to say to us?"

"Yeah, about that. This will excite you very much."

"What is it?"

"You know my mother works at the highschool were going to study in right. So, she said that she saw the class list on their faculty. And guessed who's going to be classmates?"

"You and your boyfriend?"

"What? Of course not!."

"You mean, us?"

"Yeah."

"Wow. That's great news."

"Of course it is. You don't have to worry about making assignments now that I'm your classmate."

"Enzhelle, don't make fun of yourself."

"I will make sure you can't join the peer counseling group, Sara."

"Hey, I'm just kidding."

It's nice, seeing these two again. Going to High School can't be fun without them. And being in the same section as they are is a great thing for me.

"So, Cara. About that guy you saw. Is he familiar? Does he live here?"

"No, I don't think so. Maybe he is just a relative of Mrs. Guevarra."

"Well, you described him as being the same age as we are right? So, probably he is her grandson."

"Grandson? I don't remember her having a grandson except for.."

"Except for who?"

"Yes, I remember her having a grandson. You told me and Sara about it when we are grade 2."

"Yeah, I remember that too. You clearly filled my brain with all those stories you have between you and that kid. But he left to go abroad right?"

I was silent at that time. So many things going through my mind.

"Cara, do you think that guy you saw is the same kid you used to play with? Your childhood sweetheart?"

"Enzhelle?!"

"What?, I'm just asking."

Maybe he is. Or maybe he isn't. To early to tell. To early to hope for. I just recently forgot about those things that happen well in the past. But now, they are coming back. All of it.

"Hey, Cara. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm just gonna go home. Mom said to go early or she will scold me again like the last time."

"Alright. When will we see each other again?"

"We'll see each other next week. The Freshman Orientation is scheduled on the 6th."

"Okay. I'll see you guys then. Take care of yourselves.

"You know we would. You are the one who needs to take care of yourself."

This is no ordinary day, alright. For months I've been wishing for a change. Because all things had been the same. But as I stand outside of Mrs. Guevarra's house, I ask myself..

"Is this the change I want?"

Cara

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All I want was change. Things had not been going well for a while now, and I had done everything I can to fix it. But still, nothing. So, all I want was change.

It's been a long day, gotten familiar with the neighborhood. All the memories of my past life here is coming back, except for one part, which I can't really remember. Walking to the place I once called home, I saw a girl standing in front of our house. She may be as old as I was. And so, I wondered what is she doing here.

"Excuse me? Umm, can I help you with something?"

"Oh, I was just.. I was just looking for Mrs. Guevarra. My mother wants to give her the payment for the curtain she sewed."

She seemed very shocked while looking at me. Maybe she knows me in some way. But I can't really remember if I had known her.

"Ahh. Well, I think she's not here yet. She left a while ago, maybe she had gone to the supermarket."

"Is that so. Hmm. Maybe, I could just give you this. You're her grandson right?"

Well, she knows me alright. But I really have no idea who she is.

"Yes. I'm her grandson."

"Then, here you go. That's about 500."

"Okay. Thanks, I'll just give her these."

"Thanks. I'm gonna go now."

As she walks away, I realize that I haven't asked her name yet. But as I have thought that it's too late for that, she turned back and told me something.

"I'm Cara by the way. Sorry, if I never told you my name."

"Oh, that's alright. I'm Zachery."

"Nice to meet you. So, I'll see you around then. Bye."

It's been quite a long time since I've been home. Everything had change. People had change. Places had change. So, I really don't know what to expect when I've decided to come back here, but I'm as my grandmother had said when I've arrive at the airport.

"You should look forward to the things that will happen to you now that you are back home."

And that's what I shall do.

Zachery

Author's Note: 18th Birthday

[caption id="attachment_143" align="aligncenter" width="418" caption="Cake"][/caption]

May 09, 2009. 12:00 am. Naghihintay ako ng text message. Wag mo ng tanungin kung kanino. Pero syempre dapat alam mo na kung ano ang maaaring dahilan kung bakit ang isang tao e gising ng ganitong oras para lamang maghintay ng text message. Bomblargs. Hindi yun. Kung anu ano iniisip mo. Syete.



Sa kasamaang palad dumating na naman ang araw na pinakahihintay ng isang bata sa kanyang buhay, siguro dahil sa mga regalong matatanggap niya sa mga ninong at ninang na pinili talaga ng kanyang mga magulang dahil sa a.) Mayaman sila at b.) Mayaman talaga sila. Ganun din ang paniniwala ko dati. Pero ngayon, ako ay nasa edad na kung saan legal ng lumayas ng bahay at legal ng uminom ng mas matapang na softdrinks. Ako ay labing-walong taong gulang na.

Nakakagulat pero totoo yun lahat. Pati dun sa parteng gwapo ako. Mahirap ipaliwanag ang mga emosyon na nararamdaman ko ngayon. Sa tingin ko nga wala akong nararamdaman e, pwera na lang dun sa tigyawat na biglang lumabas sa pisngi ko. Basta sa tingin ko pag kaawaran ng isang tao, dapat e masaya siya. Masaya naman ako, sana.

Balik tayo sa usapan kanina. Siguro alam nyo na kung ano yung hinihintay ko. Text message na naglalaman ng "Happy Birthday Pedro!". Isang message lang na ganun ang matanggap ko, pwede na akong matulog ng mahimbing.

*Beep-Beep*
*Beep-Beep*

Hanap na ringtone yan. Parang sa jeepney. Pero tama ang narinig nyo, meron na ngang nagtext sa akin. Excited na akong malaman kung sino ba ang unang bumati sa akin. Sana nga lang hindi yung sinumpang 2366 yung nagtext sa akin. Hindi ko kailangan ng special promos & downloads sa birthday ko.

Tokneneng
May 09, 2009
12:08 AM

Hoy! Pedro! Bayaran mo na yung utang mo sa akin! Sabi mo sa unang linggo ng Mayo mo babayaran yung utang mo. Potek na! Isang taon na yun ha! Magwawala na ako pag hindi mo pa binayaran yun. Siguro alam mo na kung ano mangyayari pag nagwala ako. Natatandaan mo naman nung isang buwan di ba? Basta dapat mamayang umaga nakalagay na sa isang sako ng bigas yung eksaktong bilang ng pera ko ha. At wag mo ulit lalagyan ng uling yon. Sawang-sawa na ako! Naku, Pedro!

P.S. - Maligayang kaarawan pala. Sabi nila birthday mo daw nung isang araw. Paburger ka naman. Syete.

Medyo badtrip ako dun ha. Pero at least may bumati sa akin. At ngayon ay kaya ko nang matulog ng mahimbing. Mamayang umaga ang simula ng aking super duper extravagant 18th birthday. Zzzzzz...

8:30 AM. Naririnig ko ang pagkanta ng mga ibon. Ang paghampas ng hangin sa mga puno ng buko. Ang paghihiyawan ng mga bata habang may ginagawang kababalaghan ang dalawang magsyotang aso. Ang pagputak ng manok dahil pinupugutan na ito ng ulo. At ang pagsigaw ng aking lola sa akin dahil tanghali na daw at nasa kama pa din ako.

Reenactment.

Mamma Mia: HOY PEDRO! Gumising ka na! Tanghali na! Bumili ka ng patis sa kanto!
Pedro: Anu ba?! Birthday ko e! Wag nyo na akong utusan!
Mamma Mia: Ano ka chicks?! Bahala ka, hindi maluluto yung handa mo pag hindi ka bumili! Belat!
Pedro: Naman kasi e! So much na! Ayaw ko na! ARAY!! Bakit nyo ako binatukan??
Mamma Mia: Potek ka! Bilisan mo at bumili ka na! Wala kang regalo sa akin pag hindi ka sumunod.
Pedro: Wah.

Maganda ang pakiramdam ko ngayong araw na to. Hindi lang dahil sa birthday ko. Kundi dahil 365 days na lang, birthday ko na ulit. Ang saya diba?
Pagkatingin ko sa cellphone ko. 14 messages. Waw. Ang dalawa dun ay mula sa 2977. Ang isa mula sa na-expired kong extra load. Meron din mula sa natapos kong unlimited text. Pito dun ay forwarded messages, na sinasabing mamalasin daw ako sa kaarawan ko pag hindi ko ipinasa sa benteng katao yung message na yun. At yung natirang tatlo, mula sa mga kaibigan ko na tinakot ko kagabi para padalhan ako ng birthday message.

Para sa mga hindi nakakaalam, ako ay naggugunita ng aking panglabingwalong kaarawan. Isang bagay na hindi pinapansin masyado ng MMDA pag tumawid ka sa highway. Pero ang mga babae naman, sobra sobra ang excitement pag 18th birthday nila, dahil siguro ito yung taon na magkakaroon sila ng magarbong selebrasyon na tinatawag ng mga matatanda na 'debut'.

Wala naman akong masyadong alam tungkol dito sa sinasabi nilang 'debut', akala ko nga dati eto yung araw na tutuliin ang mga babae, pero binatukan lang ako ng doktor nung tinanong ko sa kanya yun. Basta parang prom ang setting nito, makakakita ka ng madaming balloons, may catering pa minsan, kasama dun ang lechong baboy na merong papaya sa bibig. Meron din yatang magic show at agaw-bitin para hindi mabored ang mga bisita. At meron yung tinatawag nilang 18 roses, kung saan sinasayaw ng "debutant" ang labing-walong lalake na maaaring naging 'ex' nya, o kaya kaibigan sa frat, o kaya naman yung gardenero nilang macho. Basta kahit ano dun. Masaya yun, para sa mga babae. Ang mga lalake kasi, wala akong alam na nagkakaroon ng 'debut'. Hindi naman kasi yata kelangan talaga yun e, siguro pag naging bakla ka kelangan mo nun, pero anong point ng isang birthday celebration kung saan titignan ka lang ng mga tao dahil sa napakapanget mong gown, makapal na make-up, at high heels na pumipigil sa iyo para tumalon ng mataas sa agaw-bitin.

Anyway, ang tema ng kaarawan ko ngayong taon ay "Swimming/Reunion/Libre ko kayo ng pamasahe". Talo nyan ang tema ko last year na "Magbungkal sa kusina/Magkulong sa kwarto/Matulog hanggang sa matapos ang araw na ito". Medyo ayos sana yung last year kundi lang dahil sa suprise party nila sa akin, na sinasabi ko sa lahat na hindi naman talaga ako na-suprise.

10:00 AM. May tumatawag sa cellphone ko. Sinagot ko naman para maubos load nya. Kaibigan ko pala, sabi nya hindi na daw siya sasama sa swimming namin dahil daw mayron syang "money problems". Sabi ko naman ayus lang, basta next year wag ka ng magsasabi na sasama ka kahit hindi naman talaga. Sabay baba ng phone. Minus one na naman ang sasama sa aking birthday party. Syet. Kahapon lang may nagsabi din sa akin na hindi siya sasama dahil daw may sakit yung pagong nila. Siguro umiiwas lang talaga sila sa kaarawan ko, dahil nanghihingi kasi ako ng regalo pag kaarawan ko. Hindi pwedeng wala. Pag wala, tatawagin ko yung aso namin, codename tagpi, at ipapakagat ko sila dun. Kailangan yun para mapilitan magbigay ng regalo.

Actually, last week nga nagpadala ako ng invitation via Friendster.com sa aking mga "friends". Halos 800 yata yun. Labing-isa yung nagreply na hindi sila sigurado. Siyam naman yung nagsabing pag may pagkain pupunta sila. Lima yung nagtatanong kung may maganda ba daw na sasama. Isa yung nagsabing pupunta daw dahil idol nya ako. At 776 naman ang hindi pa nagrereply dahil na din siguro sa hindi naman nila ako kilala.

Binulong ko ulit sa sarili ko na ito ang magiging pinakamasayang kaarawan ko. Hindi dahil sa makapal kong wallet. Hindi rin dahil sa magandang babaeng sasama sa amin. At lalo nang hindi dahil sa nakukutuban kong may suprise sa akin yung mga kaibigan kong sasama.

12:00 PM. Nagdidilim. Parang maaga yata ang pagdating ng gabi ngayon. Tinutulak ng mga maiitim na ulap yung mapuputing ulap. Sa isang iglap, biglang nawala ang sikat ng araw. Nagtampo yata, ewan ko. Natakot tuloy ako, kasi ang panget naman kung mag-o-outing kami habang umuulan. Para na din yung pangangaroling sa halloween. Badtrip diba? Pero matibay naman ang loob ko, sabi ko lang e kung sakaling uulan marahil siguro blessing sa akin yun ni Papa Lord. Sana nga ganun.

Ayon sa librong, "Paano magkaroon ng very cool na birthday party", ang sangkap sa maayos at masayang birthday party ay malaking cake, isang bote ng coke at wala ng iba. Kung meron ka pang gustong idagdag, wag mo ng isali dahil makakasira lang sa party nyo kung ano man iyon. Sisisihin ka pa ng mga kasama mo dahil sinira mo ang dapat e masaya at makulay na birthday party nila.

Pagkain. Check. Inumin. Check. Plastic spoons and forks. Check. Disposable plates. Check. Body Odor. Check. Shades. Check. Lahat ng kailangan ko para sa araw na ito ay handa na. Sa tingin ko, ito na ang isa sa pinakamasayang birthday party sa buong bayan namin. Iyon ang pinagmalaki ko sa mga kabaranggay ko kahapon habang tumatakbo akong nakabrief lang sa harap ng baranggay hall namin. Pinagbigyan naman nila ako dahil sikat ako sa baranggay namin.

Lumarga ako paalis ng bahay namin para pumunta na sa meeting place ng aking mga kaibigan. Gamit ang kotse kong lumilipad, binenta ko iyon para meron akong pamasahe. Kahit na birthday ko, wala pa din akong pera. Isa sa mga katotohanan pag birthday ng isang tao e madami daw pera ang celebrant. Ito ang nag-uudyok sa mga kaibigan ng may birthday na sabihin ang mga katagang "Pa-burger ka naman." at ang sikat na sikat na "Blow-out! Blow out!" at ang hit sa mga kabataan na "Inuman! Inuman!"

Reenactment
Sa tindahan nina Tokneneng

Pedro: Tokeneng! Pabili nga ng patis!
Tokneneng: Anong patis?! Bayaran mo muna utang mo!
Pedro: Tokeneng naman. Para naman tayong walang pinagsamahan.
Tokneneng: Hmmp! Bahala ka sa lelang mo!
Juan: Yow! Pedro! Diba birthday mo ngayon? Pa-burger ka naman! Burger! Burger!
Tokneneng: Ano?! Birthday mo ngayon?! Naku bayaran mo na yung utang mo! Madami ka palang pera eh! At ibili mo na din ako ng burger para naman mapasaya mo ako! At isang case ng metal polish.
Pedro: Wala akong pera noh. Ano ba Juan, wag ka ngang humawak sa hita ko!
Juan: Dali na boy. Ilibre mo na ako. Dali na!
Tokneneng: Ako din.
Pedro: Ano kayo chicks?! Akin na nga yang patis na yan! (Sabay takbo.)
Juan: Oh? San niya dadalhin yung patis na yun?
Tokneneng: PEDROOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Iyan ang problema ng mga taong may birthday, sa kanya umaasa ang lahat bisita nyo. Parang palamunin nya ang buong barkada. Parang siyang tatakbong mayor sa pamamahagi nya ng isang platong pagkain at isang kilong bigas. Kaya merong mga taong kapag dumating ang kanyang kaarawan e nagtatago sa kaibigan nya. Iyon pala e may suprise party sila para sa kanya, kawawang bata.

Pagdating ko sa meeting place namin, wala na sila. Iniwan na nila ako dahil ang tagal ko daw, sambit pa ng isa naming kasama na nagpapalate daw ako e hindi ko naman daw birthday. Naiyak tuloy ako.

Dumiretso na ako sa pagdadausan ng aking birthday, ang <ilagay mo dito kung ano gusto mong resort>, maganda siya pero mas maganda yung nakalagay sa brochure. At wala yung sinasabi nilang roller coaster. Badtrip naman. Pagdating ko dun, sinalubong nila ako. Tuwang-tuwa sila ng kinuha nila sa akin yung pagkain. Pero sa kasamaang palad wala man lang bumati sa akin ng 'Happy Birthday'. Naiyak ulit ako.

Pagpunta namin sa entrance. Sabi ko sa kanila "ilabas na ang entrance fee." Pero wala kahit isa na nagbigay. Biglang may bumanat ng "Birthday mo eh!" Tapos ginatungan pa nung isa "Pa-burger ka naman!" Napakasaya ko nun. Kaya nilabas ko ang mataba kong wallet na butas naman pala dahil ningatngat ng daga. Tinanggal ko yung mga coupons at discount card sa mga bulsa at tinaktak ko para lumabas yung mga barya. May nahulog na singkong-butas. Sabi nila "Tara uwi!" Humahagulgol na ako sa oras na iyon.

Buti na lang yung isa naming kasama e may kilalang nagtratrabaho dun sa resort kaya nakakuha kami ng discount sa aming entrance fee, ngunit sinabi nya din na wag na daw kaming babalik doon. Ayos. Nakapasok na kami.Nakakuha na ng cottage. At ready ng sumakay sa roller coaster. Nabigla lang sila nung malaman nilang hindi pala totoo yun.

Reenactment
Sa inaanay na cottage na may butas-butas na yero

Juan: SSHHH! Wag kayong maingay, andyan na si Pedro. Basta get ready na lang kayo.
Pedro: O guys, ano ba problemo natin. Bakit ayaw nyo sumakay sa roller coaster? Mga KJ naman e. Guys? Bakit parang naging zombie kayo.
Lahat: 1..2..3..SUPRISE!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEDRO!!
Pedro: wow. Para sa akin ba yan?? Salamat guys. Nag-abala pa kayo. Thanks talaga. Teka, Ano to, Marble Cake to ha?!! DIBA SABI KO CHOCOLATE CAKE!!! ANO BA NAMAN GUYS!! CAKE NA LANG NAGKAMALI PA KAYO?!
Juan: Sorry boy, eto lang nakayanan namin e. Meron ka namang pansit dito e.
Pedro: PANSIT!!! SABI KO PASTA DIBA?!!
Juan: Wah.

Isa sa pinakahihintay ng birthday celebrant sa birthday niya, ay ang paghahati ng cake sabay ang pagkanta ng pinakasikat na kanta sa mundo, ang "Happy Birthday Song" Sa kasamaang palad nga lang, mistulang wala talaga yatang may alam na birthday ko nung araw na iyon. Dahil kahit cake, wala man lang nagdala. Nagkamot tuloy ako ng ulo habang nilalamutak nila sa bunganga nila yung mga pagkaing dinala ko.

"~Happy Birthday To You. Happy Birthday To You. Happy Birthday Dear <insert name here>. Happy Birthday To You."

Akala mo para sa akin yun noh. Well, tama ka. Ginawa ko lang suspense para masaya. Naiyak ulit ako nung nakita kong may cake sa harapan ko, with matching candles pa na para sa 8 years old. Sabi ng mga kaibigan ko, "Make a wish, baka madedo ka na bukas e." Dahil uto-uto ako, nagwish naman ako ng maraming laruan sa pasko. At syempre nagwish din ako ng maraming friends, para maraming pupunta sa susunod kong birthday party.

Sa kinalaunan, natapos ng matiwasay ang araw ng aking kaarawan. Sunod-sunod kaming umuwi sa aming mga bahay. Sinalubong ng aming mga magulang na nag-aalala na pala dahil walang ni-isa sa amin ang nagpaalam. Kinuwento ang mga pangyayaring tatatak sa isipan ng bawat isa. At masasabi ko nga, sa huling pagkakataon, na naging masaya ako ngayon. Ito ang pinakamasayang birthday ng buhay ko. Pero sisiguraduhin kong next year e mas magiging masaya pa, dahil babalik ulit kami dun sa resort na iyon. Sabi kasi nila itatayo na yung roller coaster. Tignan natin.

Day 6537 of my life

Recovering from the injury i've had from those pesky thorn bush.

Still recovering i say.

Also, PopCap's Plant vs Zombies is arguably one of the best defense tower game i've played for years.

You should try it now.

http://www.popcap.com/games/pvz

Ending Story

It is the fall of the afternoon sun, where the boy & the girl who fell in love in the same place as today met with each other to settle things with their relationship.

As they began to look into each others eyes, the boy already knew what was in the girl's mind. The boy remained calm despite his hands that is constantly shaking and his eyes that is already filling up with tears.

"How are you?" The boy uttered.
"I'm doing fine, but there are a lot of things going through my mind." The girl replied.

The girl continued to talk about what was going on with her life. They haven't talked for a couple of days now. Deciding that they should take a break and think about things within their relationship. It was a hard decision for both of them. And now they met with each to decide what will happen to their relationship, which is pretty much harder than one would think.

The boy listened to the girl, looking into the eyes of the one person he love the most. The boy didn't know how they ended up in this kind of situation.
A lot of reasons were going in & out of his mind. Maybe he is a bad boyfriend. Maybe she is not happy with him. Or maybe she is in love with someone else.

The sky is beginning to get dark as the boy noticed they could go on & on for hours. So, the boy interrupted the girl by saying "Just say what's on your mind right now." It was kind a harsh in the boy's part but the girl knew what he meant by that statement.

"I'm sorry if this had taken too long for you. But it's been really hard for me to figure this out. Things had been not going pretty well for us lately. And honestly I have no idea why..."

At that very moment, the boy couldn't hear a single word the girl is saying. He wants to listen, but he is too afraid to hear all those things that makes his heart hurt so bad. The boy was just looking at the girl he fell in love with. And as he snapped back to hear out what the girl is saying, he just heard her final words.

"I'm sorry."

Tears in her eyes. Her hands shaking abruptly. The boy knew it was the end. But he didn't fell apart like the girl. The boy looked into the girl's eyes, wiped her tears, held her hand and said...

"Don't cry. It was my fault anyway. But everything's gonna be okay."

The girl was shocked to hear that from the boy. She didn't thought he would say such a thing.

"I'm gonna go now. Just don't cry anymore, ok? And take care of yourself. Everything's gonna be ok."

It was a moment of sadness for both of them. But the boy realize that they have to be strong for each other even though things didn't go so well for them.

"Ok, I will."

The girl replied. An answer that made the boy felt that it was the right thing to do. That their relationship should end the way it should be.

"Goodbye."

The boy's parting words. He let go of her hands and turned away from her. Tears start falling from her eyes again. And tears began to fall from the boy's eye as he walk away from her.

The end.

Day 6534 of my life

This day was supposed to be a great day for me.

But it turned out to be a not-so-great-day.

I'll repeat.

a not-so-great-day.

Prologue III: The Moment Is Now

"I'm in love with you"

Cara was shocked as her long time friend, Chris uttered that statement while
they were talking after their elementary graduation ceremony. She thought
Chris was just kidding, but the look in his face says that he is serious about it.
She thought that this will just be their goodbye's to each other, but it turned
out different from what she expected.

"What do you want me to say to that?"
Cara replied. Hesitant about the way she should answer to his statement.

"I just thought that you should know, for once."

It was a thing that Chris didn't think through so much. He just wanted to say
his feelings for Cara. Something that he kept inside for so long than he could
remember. Just watching her being a friend to him, waiting for the right
moment to tell her, his feelings. But there was no right moment. There is just
what you should say now and what you should say later, and he didn't want
to say it later. So, he just stood up from his seat, walking through the
students who were so happy that they finally graduated, and went to the spot
where Cara is standing.

"I'm in love with you, and I know you could find it in your heart to love me
too."

Cara was just silent. But her silence made Chris figure out that it wasn't going
to work out the way he wanted to. He knew already that she just think of him
as a friend. And what he had said to her now is a huge risk to their friendship.
But he wasn't gonna give up on it.

"I know that you need some time to think about this, so I'll just wait for you
to make up your mind."

Chris looks at Cara for the last time and said his goodbye.
"I just hope you remember what that bracelet of yours meant."

Cara just stood at the same spot she was in when Chris told her about his
feelings. She just looks at him as he walk away from that spot. Holding the
bracelet that was in her arm. She whispered the only words that she can say at that point.

"I'm in love with you too..."

Love & Life: Didn't We Almost Have It All?

Today, I lost everything.
Not just a material thing.
Not just something you could buy in a store.
Not just a thing that maybe you could get as a gift.
And not just something that worth your salary.
It is everything that I cared about.
Everything that I had put my life with.
Everything that I cherish the most.
Everything that I loved.
And I lost it.
Probably will never find it again.
But I hope that It will end up at my doorstep.
Bringing back what I treasure the most.
And bringing back what I lost.

Day 6533 of my life

The end.

Prologue II: Where it all began

“You’re beautiful, he’s handsome. You two are like the perfect couple.”


Listening to my long-time friend, Sara, as she explained how I should begin to look towards having a boyfriend. Well, honestly I think that's just silly talk.

“You may never get the chance to find someone much better than him. There aren't a lot of guys like him.”

Come to think of it, her reasons are true. I've never had a friend like Chris whose just there for me always. I maybe passing on a chance at having a great guy by my side.
"Remember that High School is just around the corner. I will tell you that there will be lots of competition out there. And maybe Chris will fall in love with an another girl if you don't act now."

High School. How they say that it will definitely complicate things with us. We could still stay friends, but I don't think that Chris will take a rejection from me that easily. I don't want to hurt him, but I'm just not ready yet.

"And don't tell me that motto of yours that 'if you were meant for each other, you will cross each other's path no matter what'. Yeah, I do believe that sometimes, but your situation is very different now. You should think about this more openly and decide before it's too late."

This is just very complicated. Making my head hurt. Giving my heart a feeling of a pinch. This is just the beginning of a long road ahead of me. And the moment I've started thinking all of this. Is the moment where it all began.

Cara

Day 6525 of my life: 18th Birthday Edition

It is my birthday.

It's fun.
It's hip.
It's cool.
It's the greatest happening this year round.

I just hope it doesn't end up like the one with the troical storm for the weather and a bad cooked pasta for the food.

365 days to the til my next birthday!
xD

Author's Note: Cockroach

March 24, 2009. Walanghiyang ipis yan. Akala mo bahay nila to, e hindi naman sila nagbabayad ng kuryente namin. Masyado nilang inaangkin ang dapat e akin lamang. (Ang drama) Yan ang problema ko ngayong araw. Ipis. Habang nagsusulat nga ako ngayon, may ipis na gumagapang sa desk ko. Wait lang.

(Ayun, nakatakas. Badtrip. Babalikan kita mamaya. Patay ka sa akin.)



Nagsimula ang giyera ko sa mga ipis kagabi, dahil pagpasok ko ng kwarto ko may ipis na nakahiga sa kama ko. Naku, hindi man lang nagpaalam. Basta basta na lang sila namamakialam ng mga bagay na hindi naman sa kanila. Baka nga yung toothbrush ko, ginagamit na din nila e.

Dahil nga sarap na sarap ang ipis sa paghiga niya sa king-size super bed ko. Sinalubong ko sya ng hampas mula sa paborito kong magazine. Buhay pa din. Pero nanghihina na. Umarangkada ng takbo. Iniikot nya yung antenna nya. Nagtawag siguro ng resbak. Pero hindi ko na hinayaang makatakbo pa siya sa liblib na lugar sa kwarto ko. Kaya umarangkada na ako at PLAK!. Dedbol na si ipis. 1 for me. 0 for the ipis.

Reenactment

March 2008

Sa tagpi-tagping bahay ni Pedro

Juan: WAAAHHH!! PEDRO!! WALA NA TAYONG PULUTAN!!!

Pedro: Naubos na yong kornik?

Juan: OO!!

Pedro: Yung mani?

Juan: KANINA PA!!

Pedro: Yung bopis?

Juan: KINAIN NUNG ASO!!!

Pedro: Wala na tayong pang-pulutan. Pasensya na boy.

Juan: HINDI!!! KUMUHA KA NG IPIS DYAN AT IGISA MO!!

Pedro: Wala ng ipis dito. Pinatay ko na.

Juan: NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! (Inatake sa puso.)

Anu nga ba ang kahalagahan ng mga ipis sa buhay ng tao maliban sa masarap na pulutan ng mga lasinggero sa kabisayaan? Ang sagot ay nakuha ko sa biology teacher namin, na napagalaman ko na isa din palang ipis killer. Sabi niya ang ipis daw ay parte ng food chain, kung wala daw ipis e wala ng pulutan ang mga lasinggero na maaring maging dahilang ng pagkaubos ng mga lasinggero sa Pilipinas. Nakakalungkot na katotohanan. Perwisyo man sila sa atin, kailangan pa din natin ng mga ipis para magpatuloy ang buhay sa Earth.

Nakita ng ibang ipis ang ginawa kong pagpatay sa kalahi nila. Bigla tuloy nagpatupad ng martial law ang kumander nila. Handa daw silang lumaban sa giyerang sinimulan ko. Medyo nangiginig tuloy ako ngayon. Nasa panganib na ang pamilya ko ngayon. Pinaalis ko na yung mga ibang nakatira dito, sina butiki lilipat na daw sa kapitbahay. Sina gagamba, sa bodega muna daw. Yung aso namin, nagkulong sa doghouse kung saan ‘safe’ daw siya. Nagsuot na din ako ng bulletproof vest para siguradong makakaligtas ako kung ipabaril ako sa isang hitman.

Kinabukasan, wala pa namang nangyayaring kababalaghan. Kumpleto pa ang mga parte ng katawan ko paggising ko nung umaga. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Nakakatakot maging kalmado sa panahon ng civil war. Ang Pedro laban sa cookie-sized Cockroach para sa pagmamay-ari ng tagpi-tagping yero na tinatawag naming bahay. Hindi dapat magpatalo, dahil hindi ko alam kung saan kami pupulutin pag ginawang beerhouse ng mga ipis ang bahay namin.

Tanghaling tapat nagmadali akong pumunta sa supermarket para bumili ng isang dosenang insect spray. Baygon, Crocodile, Raid, Tide, Rexona, Bear Brand at Rejoice. Iba’t-ibang brand ng pamatay insekto (at tao na din) para mas effective ang pagpuksa ko sa kalaban. Bumili na din ako ng sabon para mabango pagkatapos maligo.

Pagkauwi ko, walang tao sa bahay. May nakadikit na papel sa pintuan ng ref, nakalagay “Umalis kami, nakakatakot ka kasama sa bahay e.” Bigla ko tuloy naisip na ako lang mag-isa ang haharap sa kalaban. Kahit na malaki ako, madami naman sila. Kaya lugi pa din. Hinanda ko na yung mga trap sa paligid at kasuluksulukan ng bahay namin habang may araw pa, dahil pagdating ng dilim, babangon na mula sa eskinita ng kisame namin ang mga salot ng lipunan. Naupo ako sa isang sulok, nakabalot ng sweater at kapote, hawak ang baygon sa kanang kamay at Jolly Hotdog sa kaliwa. Hinihintay ang pagsugod ng kalaban.

Reenactment

6:30 PM

Sa butas-butas na bahay na pagdadausan ng madugong labanan

Mama Mia: HOY PEDRO!!

Pedro: Ay! Putek na ipis ng nanay mo! Nay, anu ba?! Natutulog yung tao eh.

Mama Mia: BAKIT KA NATUTULOG DYAN SA ILALIM NG LAMISTA NATIN??!??!

Pedro: ahh, ehh. Wala, trip trip lang.

Mama Mia: Anak, adik ka ba?

Pedro: Anu ba nay! Hindi no, hinihintay kong lumabas yung mga ipis. Papatayin ko silang lahat.

Mama Mia: Naku, anak wala na yang mga hinihintay mo. Tumawag ako ng Ipis Exterminator kaninang umaga. Ayun, pinuksa nya lahat ng ipis sa atin. Siya pa nga ang naglinis nung mga bangkay e, iuuwi nya daw, masarap panggisa. Kaya tumayo ka na dyan. Potek ka! Nakalat ka pa ng mga mabahong medyas dito. Akala mo ba mapapatay mo yung mga ipis nyan!

At doon natapos ang aking kalbaryo laban sa mga ipis. Hindi man madugo ang kinahinatnan ng aming laban, at least nawala na sila dito. Makakatulog na ako ng mahimbing simula ngayon. Or makakatulog ba talaga ako ng mahimbing?

Prologue: Before it all started

"I was peeking out of the window. Looking at the world I've become  so very fond of. Thinking to myself if it's the right decision I'm making this time around. Maybe it is, or maybe it isn't. But I'm ready to try. Just for the sake of change. I don't think I'm leaving this other side of my life, rather than I'm thinking that I'm going forward into the life I want to have. And I think coming back home will lead me there. It will be a new beginning for me."

Zachery

Day 6519 of my life

May 3.

Just a few more days until my birthday.

I'm trying to figure out what bonuses I get from being 18.

xD

Also, I've created my an invitation for my "party".

What?
-Birthday ni Wong
-Swimming Reunion
When?
-May 9, hapon hanggang gabi
Where?
-Watercamp
Who?
-Ikaw at kung sinong gusto mo isama
Why?
-Masaya to, super party slash reunion slash wala kang kwenta pag hindi ka nagpunta.
How?
-Ewan ko sa lelang mo.
(Basta libre pagkain, masarap luto ng lola ko.)

Some of my friends already RSVP'ed.

So, I'm really excited.

>_<

But too bad she can't come.

It's really a bummer.

Day 6517 of my life: May 1 Edition

It's May 1 today.

Which means just a few days until my birthday.

Which gets me very excited. I don't know why.

Also note that it's Labor Day today.

So, every working person should get some rest for a change.