Chapter 14

I waved at Axev when I saw him exiting their building. When he saw me, he said something to his classmates before he came to me.

I pouted a little when I saw him carrying so many things. His T-Square, drawing tube, and his laptop. When he stood in front of me, I immediately noticed that he don't have enough sleep. He still looks radiant though which is unfair, kasi kapag ako ang puyat, halatang halata ang eyebags ko.

"Do you want me to help you carry those?" Nginuso ko ang mga gamit niya.

"I can manage. Where do you want to eat?" He asked and fixed the sling of his T-Square bag on his shoulder.

"Are you sure? SM tayo para ma-iba naman. Is that alright?"

Kumunot ang kaniyang noo. "Why are you asking for my permission? Wherever you want."

"That's not how relationship works. It should be decided on both sides, hindi isa lang." Umiling ako at nagsimula kaming maglakad papunta sa gate.

"Are we in a relationship now?" He asked that made me look at him.

Nakanguso siya, may sinusupil na ngiti sa labi nang malingunan ko. I almost caught my tongue at his question if only I didn't dodge it right away. I rolled my eyes at him, driving him to show me his smirk.

"That's not what I meant. Ang ibig kong sabihin, dapat hindi lang isa ang nagdedesisyon. We should both participate on the decision-making so there'll be no arguments in the end."

"I know. Akala ko lang sinasagot mo na ako." He shrugged.

I couldn't help but smirk at his remark. Nagtaas lang siya ng kilay sa akin at umiling. Habang naglalakad kami papuntang SM ay marami kaming nakasalubong na kakilala niya. Mostly ay mga Arki students din and he said they were his former classmates.

"Ang ga-gwapo pala ng mga Arki students, 'no?" I jested when another good-looking guy greeted him.

"Yeah, you're talking to one right now." He replied and I noticed the mock in his tone.

Sinulyapan ko siya. "Are you bragging to me right now, Evander?"

"Nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo." Pinirmi niya ang labi pagkatapos.

I laughed and shook my head. Bigla niya akong hinila para hindi ko mabangga iyong makakasalubong namin na grupo ng mga lalaki. He glared at me when I stopped laughing.

And I'm brutally honest when I say that as much as I love to see him smile, I also love to see his glare or the way he raises his brows... it's cute.

"Jollibee tayo?" I asked when we're already at SM.

"Fast foods are not healthy." He noted and looked around.

Ngumuso ako at tiningnan ang loob ng Jollibee na hindi naman masyadong puno. I can feel myself salivating just by thinking that spicy and crispy fried chicken.

"Everything here is fast food, Evander."

"I thought you don't eat heavy lunch?" Hinarap niya ako.

"It's cheat day! I'm craving. Isang buwan na kaya akong hindi kumakain dito. It's my favourite." I bit my lip.

He stared at me and he glanced at the restaurant. "Gusto mo talaga d'yan?"

Napakurap ako. I realized he's not into fast foods. Palagi kasing kapag kumakain kami ay napapansin ko na mostly ay may kasamang gulay ang kinakain niya. Ngayon pa lang kami kakain ng fast food kung sakali.

"Pwede namang sa iba na lang. Saan mo ba gusto?" I asked so it wouldn't be unfair on his side.

Tinitigan niya ako pagkatapos ay umiling siya. Bahagya pa akong nagulat nang naglakad siya papuntang Jollibee. Wala akong nagawa kundi sumunod.

"Axev, we can eat somewhere else naman..."

"Nagniningning 'yang mata mo habang nakatingin sa bubuyog na 'to." He said and pointed at Jollibee's statue beside the entrance.

My lips parted and I hit him softly. "Hindi kaya! You're exaggerating."

He shook his head and tilted his head. "Dito na tayo kakain. Ako na nag mag-oorder. Find us a table."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit napangiti na lamang ako. Napatitig siya dahil sa pagngiti ko. I cleared my throat and pursed my lips.

"Ilapag mo muna 'yang mga gamit mo para 'di ka mabigatan." I said.

Pagkatapos naming makahanap ng upuan ay iniwan niya ako ro'n para mag-order. I gave him my money and my order. Hindi naman siya nagtagal at pagkabalik niya ay dala na niya ang mga order namin.

"You don't like fast foods, 'no?" I asked when we started eating.

Burger at fries lang sa kaniya. Medyo nahiya tuloy ako at super meal iyong akin, may kasama pang float. I was just craving and now I regret it a little after seeing his choice of food.

"It was part of our training back then to eat healthy foods. Strikto si coach at ipinagbabawal 'tong mga ganito. We have cheat days but I'm still not grown used to it." He explained.

That's why he's always on veggies with meat. I puckered my lips and sipped on my drink.

"Then consider this as your cheat day. Hindi na tayo rito kakain next time para fair naman sayo." I said.

Tumaas ang kilay niya sa akin. "Hindi na kailangan. Just tell me if you want to eat here para dito na tayo. Besides, I'm not on training anymore."

Pero hindi ka sanay, gusto ko pa sanang sabihin pero itinikom ko na lamang ang mga labi. I just smiled at him and started eating my food.

"Hindi mo talaga kayang pagsabayin ang Taekwondo at pag-aaral? You've trained for how many years..." I can't help but ask.

"I tried to manage my time during my first year in college. I was a student-athlete. I know I can manage my time since I'm used to the trainings and pressure but I just wanted to focus more on my studies."

"You don't have plans on going back?" I asked.

"Hindi na siguro..." aniya at inabot sa akin ang tubig.

Hinatid niya ako sa Lecaros pagkatapos namin sa SM. Habang lumilipas ang araw ay mas lalo siyang nagiging busy at gano'n din naman ako lalo't graduating na kami.

Sa ibang araw, magkasama kami sa lunch lalo na kung vacant niya at palagi'y hinahatid rin niya ako kapag maaga ang kaniyang uwian. Minsan naman kapag may gagawin siya ay nagsasabi siya kaagad kaya sina Tina ang kasama ko.

"Kahit mamaya na 'yan, Sien." Tinapik ni Kelly ang balikat ko.

Umiling ako at nagpatuloy sa pagsusulat. Kakaumpisa ko pa lang at sobrang dami pa ng kailangang gawin tapos pasahan na agad next week kaya 'di ko kayang ipagpaliban.

Umalis sina Kelly para bumili ng meryenda nila habang naiwan ako kasama ng dalawang ka-grupo namin sa General Chemistry 2. We already divided the works and I have started my own.

Nasa main sina Tina at kumakain. Hindi ko naman kasi sila ka-grupo at sinubukan nila akong isama kaso nga lang mas importante ito para sa akin. Mahirap ang lesson lalo't mapapadalas ang expirement namin. May mga computations pa na minsan hindi na sakop ng kapangyarihan ko.

"Sien, si Nicus. Tawag ka."

Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Wacky na nasa harapan ko at nagbabasa ng libro niya. Tumingin ako sa labas ng kubo at nakita si Nicus sa labas na nakataas ang kilay sa akin.

I put down my pen. Inayos ko ang aking skirt bago lumabas ng kubo. Nakatayo siya sa harap at may hawak na maliit na paper bag sa kamay. Nang makalapit ako ay inabot niya agad sa akin 'yon.

"Ano 'to?" I asked and got the paper bag from him.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang pagkain iyon. Apat na turon at dalawang empanada na nakabalot sa plastic. May mango shake din do'n. Inangat ko ang tingin kay Nicus at tinaas siya ng kilay.

"Libre mo?" Tanong ko.

"Swerte mo naman," he scoffed. "Bigay ng manliligaw mo."

My lips parted a little. Si Axev? I bit my lip to subdue my smile. I cleared my throat and looked at Nicus and asked him again.

"Saan siya?"

"I don't know. Nakita niya lang ako sa may Fountain, kasama niya sina Brett. He told me to give it to you."

"Thank you." I nodded at him.

"Hindi mo pa sinasagot? Isang buwan na rin 'yan ah. Something really changed, huh." He raised his brow.

"Ang tsismoso mo, ano?" I glared at him.

He mocked me first before he left. Babalik daw sa main dahil naro'n sina Cadeo. Bumalik ako sa kubo at agad hinanap ang phone ko. I messaged Axev that I can't meet him for lunch today since I have something to do. May reply siya at hindi na ako nag-reply pa.

Sien Almagro:

Thank you, ang dami nito. Libre kita next time. You know I don't let anyone pay for me.

Umiling ako nang masend ko 'yon. This is the first time he paid for me and he can't get away with it. Palagi sa tuwing lumalabas kaming dalawa ay hindi ko hinahayaang magbayad siya para sa akin. Hindi naman siya namimilit at hinahayaan ako.

I started eating what he bought for me and since I know I can't finish all of those, binigay ko 'yong dalawang turon at isang empanada sa mga kasama ko. He knows that I don't eat heavy lunch so he bought me my favorite snack instead.

Axev Manzanar:

Alam ko. Libre mo na lang ako ng cheese corn bukas.

Today is Wednesday and he has night classes. I replied 'Okay' then his reply was quick.

Axev Manzanar:

Chat mo ako kung naka-uwi ka na.

Nang mag-uwian ay kasama ko si Tina at Yesica. We were walking towards the parking lot of the main campus when I saw Zion on the learning hall with his classmates. Nagsalubong ang tingin naming at nagtagal sa akin ang tingin niya. I looked away and shrugged it off.

Madalang ko siyang makita since nasa kolehiyo na at syempre hindi kami pareho ng campus. Maliban do'n, hindi naman na ako interesado at wala na rin naman kaming komunikasyon. And I heard he's dating someone new. Mula 'yon sa pasmadong bibig ni Tina.

When I got home I messaged Axev. He's not yet online since he's still at the university. I rested for a while then took my shower. Kasabay ko si Tito kumain since nasa hospital pa si Tita at mamaya pa ang uwi. Pagkatapos ay muli akong umakyat at sinimulan muling gawin iyong activity namin.

Axev sent a picture of a new set of technical pens with a background of book shelves. Nasa National Book Store siya at katatapos lang ng klase niya. It's already quarter to 8 in the evening. We chatted for a bit and when I told him I'm doing something, he encouraged me to do it first since he's also going home.

After my class, I immediately rushed to the main campus. Nagkaro'n kami ng madaliang group meeting at gano'n din sina Tina. Nagpaalam din ako sa kanila bago umalis at mukhang alam na nila kung bakit.

I immediately saw Axev who's wearing their own uniform. The uniform designated for Architecture students. Abala siya sa plates niya nang madatnan ko. Iyon pa rin 'yong ginagawa niya no'ng Lunes at mukhang tinatapos na lang niya.

He looked up when he felt my present. I smiled a little and sat in front of him. He pinched the bridge of his nose and put down his pen. I took my ponytail and started tying my hair into a bun while staring at his drawing.

"Patapos na 'yan?" I asked.

His lips protruded while watching me. He cleared his throat and nodded.

"Yeah. I can finish this tonight. How about your activity?" He asked and started fixing his things.

I finished tying up my hair and watched him fix his things. Nilagay niya sa storage tube ang drawing niya at sinara ito.

"I'm halfway through it. Kaunting research pa," I said.

"Chemistry, right? You want help with anything?" Marahan niyang tanong nang inangat niya ang tingin sa akin.

Ngumuso ako at itinaas ang kilay. Tumaas din ang kilay niya sa akin kaya hindi ko na napigilang ngumiti. He always does that. Every time I give attitude, he gives attitude too.

"Ang swerte naman ng magiging girlfriend mo. May boyfriend na nga, may tagagawa pa ng requirements." I teased.

He pushed his tongue on the insides of his cheek. "Ang swerte mo kung gano'n."

It took me a while to get his reply. I almost laughed when I realized what he meant. Umiling ako at pinagtaasan siya ng kilay.

"I'm not your girlfriend. At paano mo nasisigurado na sasagutin kita?"

He stared at me, tilted his head and shrugged.

"You like me." He said like it's enough to answer my query.

"Tss." I rolled my eyes at him.

"Do you always tie your hair like that?" Kumunot ang kaniyang noo.

Nagsalubong saglit ang kilay ko. I touched my messy bun and gazed at him before nodding. His hazel eyes were watching me closely. I felt the complicated beat of my heart again. Sometimes it feels calm but sometimes it beat frantically out of sudden.

"Oo. Why?"

Umiling siya at tumayo na. Kinuha niya ang kaniyang bag at tumingin sa akin. Tumayo na rin ako at inayos ang uniform. Since we agreed that I'll treat him today, dumiretso agad kami sa may main gate dahil do'n ang pwesto ni Manong Romeo, ang nagtitinda ng cheese corn.

I almost jumped in surprise when someone tugged my uniform. Nalingunan ko ang dalawang batang madungis at mukhang iyong mga palaboy laboy dito. Isang babae at isang lalaki. The boy looks older and maybe around seven to nine while the girl looks around four to seven.

Pinakita ng babae ang palad sa akin, asking for something – either money or food. Nilingon ko si Axev na nakatingin din sa mga bata. The little girl tugged my uniform again and I saw how it stained the white cloth. Tinuro niya ang binebenta ni Mang Romeo.

"Ate, g-gusto ko po niya'n." She said eagerly.

Something pinched my heart while watching them. Pagkaabot na pagkaabot ni Mang Romeo ng binili ko ay agad ko itong inabot sa kaniya. Axev gave his to the boy.

"Huwag niyo'ng kamayin ha. Gamitin niyo 'yong spoon." I said as I guide the little girl.

"Thank you, po..." the boy said.

"Nasaan mga magulang niyo?" Axev asked while he ordered us another cheese corn.

"Nasa bahay po si Mama... may tubig ka, Kuya?" Tanong ng batang lalaki habang ngumunguya, mukhang gutom na gutom.

I was about to pull my tumbler out when Axev handed him his bottled water. Kaunti lang ang nabawas do'n. I asked for their names and I also found out that they were siblings. I couldn't help but feel like something is breaking inside me while watching the children in their thin and dirty state.

"Kumain na ba kayo?" I asked.

Umiling si Angel at halos mas nauna pa nitong naubos ang kinakain kaysa sa Kuya niya. I glanced at Axev and I think he noticed in my eyes what I wanted to do. He licked his lips and glanced at the children.

Dinala namin sila sa isang karinderya malapit sa university. Pinagtitinginan pa kami ng ibang estudyante habang inaasikaso namin ang mga bata.

I gave them wet wipes to clean the dirt in their hands. I asked them questions while they were eating. Axev was just watching them especially the little girl who's around Ely's age. We paid half-half for their food.

Walang trabaho ang Mama nila at wala na raw silang ama. They're not studying too and they go around asking for alms or anything that would just satisfy their hunger. Nag-take out pa kami ni Axev para sa Mama nila.

"Umuwi na kayo, gabi na. Iuwi mo na itong kapatid mo, Jenor." Axev said while we're walking out of the eatery.

"Opo, Kuya. Maraming salamat po." The boy said politely.

"Kapag nakita niyo ulit ako, lapit lang kayo sa akin ha." I smiled at them.

"Uy, Angel, mag-thank you ka." Jenor nudged his sister softly.

"S-salamat po..." mahinang sinabi ni Angel, mukhang inaantok pa ito.

We watched them as they walked towards the other street. Hindi matanggal ang tingin ko sa kanila hanggang sa mawala sila sa paningin namin. I pursed my lips when I felt the sting in my eyes and the tweak in my heart.

"Are you alright?" Tanong ni Axev makalipas ang isang minuto.

I looked at him and smiled a little. "I just don't understand why everyone can't live the same. Why others need to experience poverty and inequality."

"It's never their choice to live like that, however they are neglected by their own society and sometimes the government share that responsibility." He said coldly.

Nilingon ko siya. He was serious and brooding. I can't help but wonder in his statement. He's right but I can't still help but have a little wild thought.

"Is it really the government? I mean, sometimes... we have the choice to pursue a better life if we want, right? Kung gusto naman nating takasan ang hirap ng buhay, may mga paraan naman. I'm not saying that they chose to live like that kaya hirap pa rin sila ngayon but... that's just my opinion..." I said faintly.

"They tried to but underprivileged people like them are deprived of almost everything especially their rights to live a good quality of life. Gano'n kapangit ang sistema. Privileged people look down on them instead of trying to elevate their burden. That's how society works."

"And the government?" I asked.

Tinitigan niya ako at kumurap. "Hindi ang gobyerno mismo. It's the corrupt government officials and their incompetency that presses more burdens to these people. They affirmed to protect and serve their citizens but others are just serving themselves."

Tinitigan ko siya. Sometimes his words keep me in deep thoughts and then it hits me hard. I smiled a little and nodded. Tinitigan niya ako pabalik bago siya huminga ng malalim.

"If only I can let them experience the things I have..." mahina kong sinabi.

I caught him smile a little at me before I look away. Kahit nang pauwi na kami ay hindi natanggal sa isipin ko ang nangyari. So I promised that if I see those siblings again, I will treat them to a better restaurant! I can also ask Tita if we can visit their house and give a little help.

Thinking about it gives me comfort because it makes me feel a little bad that I am living a life where I don't need to worry where to find food. However, I am also thankful that I have this life and one way to be grateful is to give to those in need.

Bumaba kami pareho ni Axev nang traysikel. He walked me towards our gate and when I was about to bid my goodbye to him, I saw a familiar Fortuner nearing us. Napatingin din do'n si Axev at umawang ang labi ko nang makitang bumaba ro'n si Tita.

Ramdam ko ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso ko habang naglalakad ito palapit sa amin. Nakatayo kami sa harap ng gate habang ang sasakyan ay nasa gilid na ng bahay, saktong bumukas ang gate at nakita ko ro'n ang guard.

"Sien," Tita smiled at me.

"Tita..." my lips trembled.

Tumingin si Tita kay Axev na nakatayo sa tabi ko. Nagkatinginan kami ni Axev. I smiled awkwardly at him. Hindi siya ngumiti pabalik, seryoso lang ang tingin niya. Palagi niya akong hinahatid pero ito ang unang beses na nasaktuhan namin ang pag-uwi nina Tita. And I'm lying if I say I'm not nervous!

Aside from my friends, this is the first time I brought a guy a home. I didn't literally bring him but what else does this look likes, right? Kinagat ko ang labi nang tinitigan ni Tita si Axev. Ano 'to? Meet the guardians na? Ni hindi ko pa nga sinasagot!

"Magandang gabi po," Axev greeted politely.

"Magandang gabi, rin. Bakit narito kayo sa labas? Pasok muna kayo sa loob." Tita smiled and looked at me.

Umawang ang bibig ko para magsalita kaso tango lamang ang naisagot ko. Tita said something to the guard and went inside first. Gumilid kami sa daan para maipasok ni Tito ang sasakyan sa loob.

"I'm sorry. Okay lang ba sayo?" Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla akong nahiya!

Nagtaas ng kilay si Axev. "Ako dapat ang nagtatanong sayo. I'm a guy so it's just right to face them since I'm courting you. Okay lang ba sayo?"

"Uhm... it's fine. I'm just a little nervous since this is the first I bought a guy home aside from my friends." I nibbled my lower lip.

Ngumuso siya, wala akong