-Disclaimer: The story presented here is a fictional creation.

-Credits:

Pictures used in this story are credited to their respective owners.The song referenced above belongs to its rightful owner.

-Grammar Note: The translations provided aim to convey the meaning of the text accurately, but there may be grammatical errors depending on context and interpretation.

The word "matahom" is a Cebuano adjective that means "beautiful."

Gwen's POV

"Gwennnyyyyy bebe sige na pleaseee, samahan mo na ako libre ko naman eh," Sheena begged using her baby voice. Lagi niyang ginagawa 'yan if may kailangan siya, and right now di na ako papayag sa gusto niya.

"Sheena, ilang beses ko na bang sinabi sa'yo na hindi ako mahilig sa mga ganyang bagay," sagot ko, pilit na hindi nagpapadala sa pa-cute niya.

"Pero Gwenny, this is important! Promise, last na 'to," Sheena insisted, her eyes wide with fake innocence.

I sighed, knowing this conversation could go on forever. "Sheena, alam ko na naman na hindi ito last," I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. "And besides, may kailangan pa akong tapusin today."

Sheena pouted, her shoulders slumping in defeat. 

"Sige na nga, fine. Pero next time, di mo na ako matatakasan," she said, giving me a playful glare before walking away.

I chuckled, shaking my head. 

"Good luck with that, Sheena."

The next day, habang abala ako sa pagpa-practice ng sayaw sa studio, biglang dumating si Sheena na naka-pout ang labi.

"Gwenny," she whined, flopping down on our couch.

I paused, wiping sweat from my forehead, and looked at her. 

"Kumusta yung ginawa mo kahapon?"

Sheena sighed dramatically. "Hindi pa rin ako pinapansin ng crush ko," she said, crossing her arms and slumping back against the bench.

I couldn't help but laugh at her misfortune. 

"Hay nako, Sheena. Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo," I teased, shaking my head.

 "Gusto mo bang sayaw na lang tayo para mawala yang lungkot mo?"

Sheena made a face.

 "Gwenny, alam mo naman na I don't dance anymore."

I raised an eyebrow. "Well, might atleast try again?"

Sheena sat up, a mischievous glint in her eye.

 "Hmm, for a deal... I might consider it." She said

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Anong deal?"

"Samahan mo ako ulit next time na makita ko siya," Sheena proposed, her eyes wide with hope.

I sighed, knowing this was her way of getting what she wanted.

 "Sheena, hindi ba tapos na tayo sa usapang yan?"

"Please, Gwenny? Last na promise!" she pleaded, clasping her hands together in a dramatic fashion.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile at her antics. 

"Fine, fine. I'll go with you. Pero you have to dance with me today, ha?"

Sheena's face lit up, and she jumped off the coach.

 "Deal!" she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the center of the studio.

We spent the next hour dancing, with Sheena laughing and trying to keep up with the moves I'm doing. I don't know bakit hindi na siya sumasayaw but It was good to see her happy and having fun, even if it was just for a little while. 

The next day, habang naglalaro ako ng game console sa kwarto, kumatok ang nanay ko sa pinto.

"Anak, gusto mo bang sumama sa amin sa office?" tanong ni Mama habang binubuksan ang pinto.

Tumingin ako sa kanya at nag-alinlangan saglit bago sumagot, "May lakad ako kasama si Sheena ngayon, Ma."

Nagtaas ng kilay si Mama, mukhang nagtataka. "Sino si Sheena?" tanong niya.

"Kaibigan ko, Ma," sagot ko. "Bumibisita siya dito sa bahay halos araw-araw." Napatigil ako sandali bago ko naidagdag, "Ah, I almost forgot, you guys are always busy pala sa office kaya di niyo pa siya nakikilala."

Napabuntong-hininga si Mama at lumapit sa akin, hinawakan ang kamay ko. Napatingin ako sa kanya, kita ko sa mga mata niya ang pag-aalala. "I'm sorry, anak. Babawi kami ng papa mo, at sisiguraduhin kong makikilala namin si Sheena. Ayokong isipin mo na wala kaming oras para sa'yo, lalo na't siya lang ang kaibigan mo."

Nag-soften ang puso ko sa sinabi ni Mama. "It's okay, Ma," sagot ko, pilit na ngumiti. "Alam ko naman na busy kayo ni Papa. Pero, I'd really appreciate it if you could meet her. She's important to me."

Ngumiti si Mama at hinaplos ang pisngi ko. "Promise, anak. We'll make time. Gusto naming makilala si Sheena at makita kung gaano siya kahalaga sa'yo."

Niyakap ko si Mama ng mahigpit, nagpapasalamat sa pangako niyang bumawi.

Pagkalipas ng ilang oras ng paghihintay sa usual spot namin, dumating na rin sa wakas si Sheena. Tinignan ko siya mula ulo hanggang paa, napansin ko na balot na balot siya—naka-sweatshirt, black cap, naka-mask, at may glasses pa.

"Sheena, bakit ganyan ang suot mo?" tanong ko, hindi mapigilang magtaka.

"Wag ka na magtanong, Gwenny," sagot niya, bahagyang irita. "Puntahan na natin yung crush ko na nagpa-practice sa plaza ng basketball."

Napabuntong-hininga ako pero tumango na lang. "Sige na nga. Let's go."

Habang naglalakad kami papunta sa plaza, hindi ko maiwasang mapansin kung gaano ka-weird ang itsura ni Sheena. Parang nagtatago siya, pero ayoko na siyang kulitin pa.

Pagdating namin sa plaza, agad naming nakita yung crush niya na nagpa-practice ng basketball kasama ang ilang kaibigan.

"Ayan na siya," bulong ni Sheena, halata ang excitement sa boses niya.

"Okay, anong plano mo ngayon?" tanong ko, sinasabayan siya sa gilid ng court.

"Tayo lang dito, manood ka lang," sagot niya, parang nag-iisip ng susunod na gagawin.

Napailing na lang ako at naupo sa bench, pinapanood si Sheena na halatang kinikilig kahit na naka-mask siya. Nakakatawa pero nakakaaliw rin siyang panoorin.

Habang naglalaro yung crush niya, panay ang tili ni Sheena tuwing may magandang shot o galaw ito. Ako naman, nag-eenjoy na lang sa mga reaksyon ni Sheena.

Habang pinapanood ko si Sheena na nagti-tili tuwing may magandang shot ang crush niya, hindi ko maiwasang mag-isip kung bakit nga ba hindi niya kayang lumapit at kausapin ito.

Hanggang sa makauwi kami sa bahay ko, as usual walang tao dahil nasa work si mama at papa. At nainis ako nang maalala ko habang pinapanood ko si Sheena kanina na nagti-tili tuwing may magandang shot ang crush niya, hindi niya  rin pala kakausapin yung crush niya.

Ba't ba kasi may crush siya dun, ang asim nga tignan non.

Habang nag-uusap kami ni Sheena sa sala, napansin ko ang pananahimik niya. Ilang beses ko na rin siyang tinanong tungkol sa personal niyang buhay pero palaging iniiwasan niya ang mga tanong ko.

"Sheena, pwede ba tayong mag-usap?" tanong ko, pilit na ngumingiti.

"Ano ba, Gwen?" sagot niya, halata ang pag-aalinlangan sa kanyang boses.

"Gusto ko lang malaman, bakit parang ang dami mong itinatago?" diretsahang tanong ko.

Napatitig si Sheena sa akin. Ilang saglit pa bago siya nagdesisyong magsalita. "Alam mo, Gwen, hindi talaga ako open na tao. Maraming bagay na ayokong ibahagi kasi natatakot akong ma-judge o baka hindi mo ako maintindihan."

"Hinding-hindi kita i-jujudge, Sheena. Ikaw pa ba, kaibigan kita," sagot ko, pinipilit na iparamdam sa kanya ang sincerity ko.

Napabuntong-hininga si Sheena bago nagsalita muli. "Alam mo bang wala akong naging matalik na kaibigan bago kita nakilala? Lagi lang akong mag-isa. At natutunan kong maging independent dahil dun. Pero nung dumating ka sa buhay ko, nagbago lahat. May dahilan na akong ngumiti at magkwento. Hindi ko alam kung paano kita pasasalamatan, pero salamat talaga, Gwen."

Bigla akong napangiti sa mga sinabi niya. "Sheena, ako din naman. Masaya ako na nandito ka sa buhay ko. Kaya kung may problema ka o kahit ano pa man, nandito lang ako lagi para sa'yo."

Ngumiti si Sheena at parang nabawasan ang bigat na dinadala niya. "Salamat, Gwen. Ngayon, mas kampante na akong magkwento ng buhay ko."

Nagpatuloy ang pag-uusap namin ng mas malalim at mas bukas. Masaya akong makita si Sheena na unti-unting nagbubukas sa akin. Alam kong hindi madali para sa kanya, pero handa akong suportahan siya sa lahat ng paraan.

"Gwen," she started quietly,

 "Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for something or someone?"

I stopped walking and turned to her, my heart going out to her.

 "Yeah, I think everyone feels that way sometimes. Bakit?"

Sheena looked down, hesitating. 

"It's just... I've liked him for so long, but he never notices me. I feel like no matter what I do, it's not enough."

I put a hand on her shoulder, offering comfort.

 "Shee, you're amazing just the way you are. You don't need anyone's validation to know your worth."

Sheena smiled weakly, grateful for the support.

"Thanks, Gwen. I'm lucky to have you."

We continued walking in silence for a while, the weight of Sheena's words lingering between us. When we reached my house, I invited Sheena inside for a snack, hoping to lighten the mood.

As we sat in the kitchen, munching on cookies, I couldn't help but think about how much Sheena had grown since we first met. Her vulnerability today showed me a side of her I hadn't seen before, and it made me appreciate our friendship even more.

Later that evening, I saw the letter that sheena gave me awhile ago, thanking me for listening to her. 

"I'm really glad I have you, Gwen. You're like the sister I never had."

Sister lang pala.

As the days passed, I noticed a shift in Sheena's behavior. She no longer seemed preoccupied with catching her crush's attention. Instead, she was more focused on our friendship and spending time together. One evening, while we were hanging out in my room, I couldn't help but ask her about the change.

"Sheena, I've noticed you haven't been talking much about your crush lately," I remarked casually, sitting cross-legged on my bed.

Sheena looked at me, a thoughtful expression on her face. After a moment of hesitation, she replied, "Yeah, I guess I realized he's not worth my time if he doesn't see how amazing I am."

I nodded in understanding, sensing there was more to her words. "Is there something else on your mind?" I asked gently, encouraging her to open up.

Sheena took a deep breath, her gaze meeting mine earnestly. "Gwen, you know I've always been straightforward with you, right?"

I smiled softly, knowing exactly what she meant. "Yeah, you've never been one to beat around the bush."

Sheena fidgeted with the hem of her shirt nervously. "Well, there's something I've been meaning to tell you..."

My heart skipped a beat as I waited for her to continue. Sheena rarely hesitated, and her seriousness made me curious and a bit apprehensive at the same time.

"I... I really like you, Gwen," Sheena finally confessed, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "I mean, more than just a friend."

I blinked, processing her words. It wasn't something I had expected to hear, but the sincerity in her voice was unmistakable. For a moment, I was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.

"Sheena," I began slowly, trying to find the right words. "I value our friendship so much, and you mean a lot to me too."

Sheena looked down, her expression crestfallen. "I understand if you don't feel the same way. I just needed to tell you how I feel."

I reached out and gently lifted her chin, making her meet my gaze. "Sheena, I... I care about you deeply. You've been there for me through so much, and I cherish our friendship more than anything."

Sheena nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know, Gwen. And I wouldn't want to risk losing that because of my feelings."

I sighed softly, feeling conflicted. Sheena was my closest friend, and I didn't want anything to change between us. At the same time, I couldn't deny the flutter of warmth in my chest whenever I thought about her confession.

"We can talk more about this," I suggested gently, wanting to reassure her without making any promises I wasn't sure I could keep.

Sheena nodded again, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, let's just... take it one step at a time."

The days following Sheena's confession were filled with a new dynamic between us. 

Sheena was more attentive than ever, going out of her way to show how much she cared. She'd bring me my favorite snacks, help me with schoolwork, and even surprise me with small, thoughtful gifts. 

Her efforts were endearing, and I couldn't deny that her feelings were starting to have an impact on me.

One evening, as we were walking home from school, Sheena suddenly stopped and turned to me with a serious expression. 

"Gwen, do you think it's time I met your parents?"

I blinked in surprise, not expecting the question. "You really want to meet them?"

Sheena nodded earnestly. 

"Of course. You've talked about them a lot, and I feel like it's important for them to know who I am."

I smiled, touched by her sincerity. "Alright, let's set it up. I'll talk to them tonight and let you know."

Later that evening, I brought it up to my parents during dinner. 

"Ma, Pa, I was wondering if we could have Sheena over for dinner this weekend. She's really been wanting to meet you both."

Mama and Papa exchanged glances, then nodded approvingly. 

"Of course, anak," Mama said with a smile. "We'd love to meet Sheena."

Excited, I texted Sheena the good news, and she responded with a flurry of heart emojis and excited exclamations. 

The plan was set for Saturday evening, and both of us were looking forward to it.

When Saturday arrived, I spent the day cleaning the house and helping Mama prepare a special dinner. 

As the evening approached, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wanted everything to go perfectly.

By 6 PM, the table was set, and everything was ready.

 I texted Sheena, letting her know we were all set. But as the minutes ticked by, I didn't get a response. I tried calling her, but it went straight to voicemail.

"Maybe she's just running late," I told my parents, trying to stay calm.

Half an hour passed, then an hour. My worry grew with each passing minute. I called her again, but still no answer. Panic began to set in as I wondered what could have happened.

"Anak, why don't you try going to her house and checking on her?" Papa suggested gently.

Nodding, I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door. Sheena lived a few blocks away, so I hurried over, my heart pounding in my chest. When I reached her house, I knocked on the door, but there was no answer. I tried calling again, but still nothing.

Feeling desperate, I decided to look around the neighborhood, hoping to find some sign of her.

 As I walked down the familiar streets, memories of our times together flooded my mind.

 I couldn't understand why she would disappear like this, especially when she had been so excited to meet my parents.

Just as I was about to give up and head home, I spotted someone sitting alone on a park bench. My heart leaped when I recognized Sheena's distinctive sweatshirt.

"Sheena!" I called out, rushing over to her.

Sheena looked up, her eyes red and puffy. She had been crying.

 "Gwen," she said, her voice trembling.

I sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. 

"What happened? Why didn't you come to dinner?"

Sheena took a shaky breath, tears streaming down her face. 

"I'm sorry, Gwen. I just... I got scared."

"Scared? Of what?" I asked softly, gently brushing a tear from her cheek.

"Of not being accepted," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"What if your parents don't like me? What if they think I'm not good enough for you?"

My heart ached at her words. "Sheena, you're amazing just the way you are. My parents are going to love you because I love you. They just want to see me happy, and you make me happy."

Sheena sniffled, looking up at me with hopeful eyes. "Really?"

"Really," I assured her, pulling her into a tight hug.

 "Come on, let's go back to my place. My parents are waiting, and I'm sure they'd love to meet you."

Sheena hesitated for a moment before nodding, wiping her tears away. 

"Okay. Let's go."

Hand in hand, we walked back to my house. When we arrived, we saw mama at the front door standing and looks like may lakad ito.

"I'm we're really really sorry, we'll be meeting with a new client at nauna na ang papa mo." Sabi ni mama looking so worried at me, I nodded slowly and looked at Sheena who's still in silent.

"We understand, we'll move the dinner next saurday nalang po. And ma, this is sheena by the way." I said as I gave Sheena a reassuring smile as I squeez her hand.

"Hello po," Sheena said softly, her voice barely audible. I laughed lightly, glancing at Mama, who was looking between us, her expression unreadable. She seemed confused but then composed herself and smiled.

Her smile seemed weird, though.

"H-hi Sheena, it's nice meeting you," Mama said, still glancing back and forth between us. Sheena was now smiling.

"W-we're sorry about the dinner," Mama said, taking a deep breath as if she was nervous. "A-anyways, feel at home, anak. Mauna na ako sa inyo, your dad and our client's been waiting." She quickly took her keys from her pocket.

I looked at Sheena, who seemed so happy. 

"Thank you, Ma. We'll be fine."

Mama nodded, giving us one last smile before hurrying to her car. As she drove away, I turned to Sheena, who was beaming.

"See? That wasn't so bad," I said, giving her hand a squeeze.

Sheena nodded.

 "Yeah, it wasn't. Thank you, Gwen."

I pulled her into a hug. 

"Anytime, Sheena. Let's go inside and relax."

Hand in hand, we walked into the house, ready to enjoy the rest of our evening together.

As the days turned into weeks, my relationship with Sheena seemed to grow stronger and stronger. She was always there for me, and I felt happier than I had in a long time. 

However, there were moments when my parents exchanged worried glances and whispered conversations, but I brushed them off, thinking they were just being overprotective.

One evening, after a particularly enjoyable day spent with Sheena, my parents called me into the living room for a serious talk.

 They looked unusually somber, which made my heart race with anxiety.

"Anak," Mama began, her voice gentle yet firm, "we need to talk to you about Sheena."

I frowned, confused. "What about her, Mama?"

Papa took a deep breath and continued, "We know you care about her a lot, but..."

" Gwen, Sheena isn't real."

I laughed at what they said.

"You guys are joking right? Ma, kaka-meet mo palang nga sa kanya eh." I said at sumandal sa upuan.

"Anak, ikaw lang naman ang nakausap ng mama mo nung nakaraan."Sabi ni papa

"Anak, ayaw lang kitang gulatin that time kaya...kaya I pretended that I'm talking to her.."

"Anak....she's not real anak..." Mom was now in tears.

I stared at them in disbelief. 

"What are you talking about? Of course, she's real! She's my best friend! She's my Girlfriend!"

Mama reached out and took my hand, her eyes filled with concern. 

"We've been looking into this, anak. All the letters, the texts—everything from Sheena—they were all written by you. We've checked."

"Ang mga sinabi mong regalo na bigay ni Sheena, all of those are old gifts from us at kinuha mo lang ito sa old room