A Day with You

Chapter 2

Hindi ko alam kung papaano ako nakabalik sa puwesto namin.Basta alam ko lang bumalik ako sa wisyo na naka-upo na ako dito.Pinakiramdaman ko 'yung puso ko and guess what?Parang nagwawala ito.Pakiramdam ko ilang sandali nalang ay aatakihin na ako sa puso.

I looked at Liam's side and I was shocked when he's looking at me.Oo,crush ko siya pero hindi porket gusto niya na din ako ay magiging kami na.Hello?Almost two years akong nagpapansin sa kaniya,yet parang friend lang turing niya sa'kin.And then now,bigla siyang nag-confess ng feelings niya sa 'kin?Ano 'to,joke?

I rolled my eyes when he smiled at me, obviously teasing me.I remember how my face heated up when he said that while our lips our only inch from each other.I badly want to punch his face,but my fist is not cooperating.What a traitor!

"Stop smiling, you're annoying."I hissed that makes him laugh.Bakit parang baliktad?Dapat ako 'yung mang-aasar sa kaniya 'diba?Hays,gago talaga.

"You're pretty when you're angry."I frowned at what he said.I don't know if I should accept that as a compliment or insult,but I chose the last option.

"So,I'm not pretty when I am smiling?Are you saying that I am ugly at all?"Well,I know I am pretty kahit anong ekspresyon.I just want to see what will be his reaction.

As expected,he didn't know what to say.Para siyang kinabahan bigla sa sinabi ko.As if he said something that would hurt my ego.I want to burst in laughter seeing his face.His expression was priceless!Ha!Gan'yan din ginawa mo sa'kin kanina.Atleast we're even now.I want to take him a picture as a remembrance.

"Stop making fun of me Bright.Even when you're just wearing a trash, you're beautiful."Ngumiwi ako para pigilan ngumiti.Nakakapanibago na kiligin ng ganito sa kaniya dahil ang lagi niyang sinasabi sa akin noon ay 'crush mo ba talaga ako?'.

"Sandali nga,kanina pa kayo naglalandian."What a term,Miko."Umamin kana ba,bro?"Agad napukaw ng atensyon ko ang sinabi niya.So,may alam siya about do'n?Napaka-nice naman talaga.

"Hoy!Ano 'yan?Sino umamin?"Nagsilapitan naman sila sa dalawa at animo'y mga chismoso.Pinanliitan ko ng mata si Liam.Subukan mong sabihin un-crush ka sa'kin.

Try me.Hindi ko talaga siya kakausapin.Iiwas na talaga ako.

"Inamin ko na..."Aba,talagang balak niyang sabihin,ha?Hinanap ng mga mata ko si Grace dahil pagbalik namin ay wala na siya dito."...ako talaga pinaka-gwapo sa atin."I forcedly close my eyes and breathe.

Why do I have a crush on someone who's full of himself?

"Gago ka talaga."At dahil nga sa sinabi niya ay nakatanggap siya ng sandamakmak na batok sa mga kaibigan.Miko was just laughing at him.Napapala mong mokong ka.

"Where's Grace?"I asked Miko when I suddenly remembered my friend.He then pointed to the swing near at us.There I saw my friend, peacefully sleeping.

I sighed and went to her.I hope soon she will move on.Ang laki ng epekto sa kaniya ng ex niya na 'yon.Who would have thought that this carefree girl was so lonely and sad inside?I was there when she breakdown.Kaya hindi ko na din siya pinigilan uminom ng marami kasi that's the only way for her to release her sadness.It's not healthy to hide it for a long time.Sometimes we need to open ourselves to release it.Yeah,she cried and felt the same pain again.But atleast nabawasan bigat na nararamdaman niya.

"Let her sleep.Let her rest for a while."Natigil ako sa pag-gising ko sa kaniya ng marinig na naman boses ng abnormal kong crush.

"It's already 8pm.Delikado kung maghihintay kami sa sakayan.Lalo na't lasing na 'to."I looked again at her with sadness in my eyes.She's always there to cheer me up,but I can't do anything for her to forget that guy.

"Ihahatid ko kayo,mamaya.Sumabay na kayo sa'kin pauwi."Tumayo ako at hinarap siya.Hinahanap sa mukha niya kung nagbibiro lang talaga siya.

"Why would do that,eh?"I crossed my arms and look at his eyes.

Kumunot ang noo niya at tumingin din sa'kin."Because she's my cousin?Is that a valid reason for you?"He took a two steps towards me.I gulped and saw him smirking."Or you are waiting for me to say that I don't want you in trouble?That I care for you?"Again,he comes closer to me until we're just few inch from each other.

"I'm not saying anything.Bakit ba trip na trip mong lumalapit sa'kin?"I glared at him only to saw that he's enjoying our position.This man is really getting into my nerves!

I remember how he pushed me away from him,years ago.Everytime he's asking me if I still like him and when I said yes,he will just vanished and leave me like a stupid.Even though,I hated him, that can't change the fact that I really like him.That's why I looked for him everytime when we're in school.Ayoko na mapahiya na lumapit sa kaniya tapos bigla akong iiwan nalang.Kaya nakuntento ako na magtanong nalang lagi kay Grace at Miko.Pero kung talagang pinaglalaruan ka ng tadhana 'diba?Sa tuwing nagtatanong ako about sa kaniya,bigla nalang siyang susulpot sa likod ko.

"Alam mo kung bakit?"I took a step back but he also took a step towards me.Annoying!

"No.So please stop playing around!"Mas lalong lumaki ang ngisi niya na lalong nagpa-irita sa akin.

"Kasi pwet mo may rocket."I heavily sighed and closed my eyes,just to control my temper.

Calm down,Brie.Crush mo siya,okay? Don't hurt him.Huwag mo ng patulan ang mga trip niyan,Brie.You're old enough to play around.Just breathe in, breathe out.Calm yourself,Brie.

Calm yourself,Brie.

Ah!Tangina,hindi ko kaya!

"Tarantado ka!"And just by that I kicked his leg as I can.

"Sh*t!"I smirked at him when he glared at me while slowly sitting on the ground.He keeps on murmuring bad words.

Hindi ko man kayang mang-sampal,kaya ko naman mang-sipa.

Napangiwi ako ng ika-ika siyang maglakad papunta sa'kin.Sobra bang lakas ng ginawa ko?Gosh,bigla akong na-guilty.Kasi naman nagtatanong ako ng maayos tapos biglang sagot 'pwet mo may rocket'.Asan utak 'di ba?Nasa paa?

"Hayst..."Inalalayan ko na siya pabalik sa mga pinsan niya.Baka magising si Grace dahil sa ingay naming dalawa.

"Be honest.Are you human?Grabe naman sakit no'n!"Napangiwi siya ng ibagsak ko siya paupo.Itinaas niya ang paa niya sa lamesa at minasahe ang parte kung saan siya napuruhan.

"Gusto mo masipa ulit?Sa kabila naman?"He 'tsked' and just divert his attention to his legs.

"Anong nangyari sa'yo,bro?"Sa halip na mag-alala sa kaibigan ay tinawan pa nito.Grabe talagang magkaibigan 'to.

"Sinipa ko,Miko."His eyes grew bigger when he looked at me standing in front of Liam.

"Pre,anong ginawa mo?"Hindi sumagot si Liam kaya naman tumayo na si Miko para ihatid sa labas ang mga bisita niya.Mga lasing na bisita to be exact.

"Kapag kayo hindi ko naihatid."He slowly shook his head then tried to stand up.Gladly,kaya niya naman.It's not that serious naman pala.Muntik pa ako makonsensya.Okay,I'm guilty pero konti lang.

"Grace,gising ka muna.Uuwi na tayo."She just moaned.Gosh,gigising nalang hindi pa magawa.

"Nandito ex mo."I rolled my eyes when she suddenly open hers.

Marupok na babae.

"Uuwi na tayo."Inalalayan ko siyang tumayo at inilagay ang kanang kamay niya sa balikat ko.

Naghihintay na sa kotse si Liam.Si Miko naman ay may iilang bisita pa na humabol kaya hindi siya makakasama sa paghatid sa amin.Grabe,ang bigat pala ng babaeng 'to.Uminom din naman ako pero hindi ako nalasing.Next time talaga hindi na 'to makakaulit.Hangga't maaari sa bahay nalang siya uminom.

"Brie,gusto ko siya kausapin..."Leche naman!Bakit po may kaibigan akong ganito?Ang sakit sa bangs!

"Can you just forget him? Isn't that easy?Why would you go crazy for that moron?He's not even worth it for your tears.Come on,just forget him."Binuksan ko na ang pinto sa back seat at pilit ipinasok sa loob si Grace.Inayos ko muna ang paa niya.I saw a single tear fall from her eyes.Then she closed her eyes,the next thing I knew was she's peacefully sleeping.

I sighed.

"Just forget him.A real man knows how to treasure his girl.Just like a diamond,no,more than that.I know, it's hard for you.But,I'm here.You can always count on me."Inayos ko ang nagulo niyang buhok at pinunasan ang takas na luha sa mga mata niya.

Isinara ko na ang pinto at pumunta sa passenger seat.I closed my eyes for a bit then took a deep breath.There's a deafening silence between the two of us.It's kinda bit awkward.I can't start a conversation for us.Should I ask him what's his favorite number on the electric fan?Was his father a male?Uh,those memes I saw on f******k.

It will took almost 30 minutes to reached our house.So,it will be a long suffocating time for me.Who would not feel awkward if your crush will drive you home,right?The part that I kicked him a while ago would make it more awkward.I did something bad to him and here he is willingly drive us home.Should I say sorry?I can't think properly because of the alcohol.Drinking alcohol won't make any better talaga.It will just worsen your situation.

"Uhm,sorry for what happened earlier..."Napakunot ang noo ko ng marinig ang sinabi niya.It was almost a whispered.Why is he saying sorry to me?It's me who did something bad to him.

"Why are you saying that?You did nothing."I said while still looking on the window.Watching every thing we passed by on the road.

I turned my gaze on him, obviously waiting for his answer.He shrugged."I kinda feel sorry.I thought you're still mad at me for pissing you."A while ago he's so full of himself and teasing me.Now,he is saying sorry because he thought I am mad.

Actually,I'm not mad at him.I'm having a second thought if I should apologize for what I did.Should I make it up to him?Alam ko medyo masakit 'yung ginawa ko sa kaniya.That's not a fair fireback.I should have fire some words than can shut's him up.I shouldn't have kicked him.

"I am the one who should apologize here.I shouldn't have done that, you know.I felt guilty of what I did."I sighed then looked at my nails."How can I make it up to you?"Then I looked at him,looking serious while driving.Just like that,a smile slowly formed on his lips.What's wrong with this man?

"Apology accepted.I will think about it."I just nod.I just hope that he wouldn't think of something ridiculous.

Since I didn't know what to talk about to,I just said our address before he could asked.Nakalimutan ko sabihin dahil masyadong pre-occupied ang utak ko.

"By the way,why is Grace being like that?She doesn't share her problems to me."I glance at my friend who's sleeping.

"Her ex cheated on her.Then dumped her like a trash.That man,if I will see him again.I will punch him in his face until it was damaged."I greeted my teeth and closed my fist.

"Who the hell was that man?"I can feel anger on his voice.Of course,he will be worried for her cousin.So,I understand him.

"A friend of the friend of your cousin Miko."He suddenly looked up.Probably trying to understand of what I said.I just rolled my eyes and turned my vision on the window.Bahala siyang umintindi sa sinabi ko.Chismoso kasi.

"Okay,I'm confused.Scratch that part."We suddenly stop because of some traffic.Bakit kahit sa province uso traffic?"I heard what you said to Grace earlier.You really treats her like a sister and I am thankful to have you on her side."He said using his soft voice.

"I don't know if you just whispered it,but I think it's not a whisper.You're too loud for me to hear that.Sorry for eavesdropping.Somehow,I agreed to what you say.A real man knows how to treasure his girl.How to protect her and make her happy.Yeah,you girls are most precious than a diamond.I suddenly want to punch that bastard's face for hurting my cousin."Hindi ko naiwasan na mapangiti sa sinabi niya.Now,I know why I like him.

I witnessed how he protect his girl friends.He was that someone that know how to value a girl.How worth it we are.And I admired him for that.When you look at him you will think that 'oh,this man is a real getleman'.That's one of the reasons I have for liking him.Bonus nalang na gwapo siya.He was almost a perfect guy.Scratch his attitude that really wants to play around.

"We're here."I didn't realize that we already arrived.I looked at my wrist watch and shocked when it was already 8:45 pm.

Shocks,I'm doomed.

Nagmamadali akong bumaba at sinilip ang bahay namin.The lights was still on.Gosh,nandiyan na si Tatay.Tumalikod na ako para gisingin si Grace.Liam was now lifting her.Binuksan ko nalang 'yung gate at pinatuloy siya sa loob.I saw my father watching a drama.My father was an owner of a cafè.We already have around 4 branches.May kaya gano'n kami.

"Hi,Tay.Uh,samahan ko lang siya papunta sa room para makapag-pahinga si Grace."My father looked at Liam.I gulped when a small grin formed on his face.

Of course my father knew Liam.Lagi ko 'to kinukwento sa kaniya.Umakyat na kami sa hagdan papunta sa kwarto.I glance again at my father and gestured him to shut up.He just shrugged and continue watching.We went upstairs hanggang sa kwarto namin ni Grace.

Hindi naman gano'n kalaki ang bahay namin.Sakto lang talaga para sa amin and hindi din maliit.It's in between kumbaga.Ibinaba na ni Liam si Grace sa kama nito.Inayos ko muna siya bago kinumutan.Sobrang wasted niya.Habang abala ako sa pag-ayos sa kaniya,inabala naman ni Liam ang sarili sa pag-ikot sa kwarto namin.

"Your room was classy and elegant."Then he looked at the picture frame on my study table.

It was a picture of me and my mother.I smiled bitterly.

"Let's go downstairs.You need to help me on explaining everything to my father."I walk out of the room and he followed me downstairs.

"The two of you,sit."Napanguso ako sa inutos ni Tatay.Para naman kaming aso niyan,eh.

"Bakit ngayon lang kayo umuwi?At lalaki pa naghatid sa inyo?Bakit mo hinayaan maglasing kaibigan mo?Uminom ka din ba?"Napapikit ako at napamasahe sa sintido ko.Gosh,isa-isa lang.

"Tay,kalma okay?Isa-isa lang tanong mahina kalaban."Napatikom ang bibig ko ng taasan niya ako ng kilay.Ma-attitude din pala Tatay ko?

"Ahm,ako na po magpapaliwanag.Grace was so drunk and already sleep there.It's too dangerous for them to ride a jeepney so I suggested that I'll drive them home.Sinabi ko po kay Brie na sumabay nalang sila sa akin kaso matatagalan pa ako doon.Kaya po ngayon lang sila nakauwi.Brie let Grace to be drunk because she's worried for her friend.It's not healthy for Grace to keep her problem on her self.Sorry po if nag-alala Kayo sa kanila."I blinked so many times.I didn't realize that I was looking at him na.My mouth almost opened when I heard him explaining.He didn't have to, actually.I was speechless after hearing his words.

I slowly glance at my father because he didn't utter a word.He was just looking at him straight in his eyes.Okay,it looks like there's a staring here.I swallowed hard when I saw how serious he is.

"Okay."Our jaw dropped at what he said.'Yun na 'yon?As in?Final na 'yan?

Nagkatinginan kami ni Liam.He looked at me confused and I just shrugged at him.

"HAHAHAHAHA!!!"We suddenly looked at my father who's now bursting in laughter.I glared at him.Nakakahiya kay Liam.Bakit ngayon pa sinumpong ng abnormalism ang tatay ko?

"Tay,it's not funny.Nakakahiya sa bisita."I almost whispered.Nakakainis din minsan ugali na ganito ni tatay.Wala sa timing.

"It is,anak.If you only saw your reaction it was priceless."Napapikit nalang ako dahil sa kahihiyan.I looked at Liam only to see him smiling while watching my father.

"Sorry,minsan talaga tinotopak si tatay."Sinaway ko ang tatay ko na mas lumakas ang tawa.

"No, it's fine.Your dad is cool,you know."He laugh a little.So,I guess everything's okay.

"You're her crush,right?Liam?"It took him a few seconds before he realized what my father is saying.He slowly nodded.

"Magandang lalaki naman anak sa personal.Magaling ka pumili."Bago pa may masabi na kung ano ang magaling kong ama ay hinila ko na patayo si Liam.

"Ihahatid ko na siya,Tay.Gabi na din masyado."When we reached the gate,I suddenly realized that I am still holding his hands.Bigla ko tuloy itong nabitawan.I felt my cheeks blushing because of the embarrassment.

"Sorry.Don't get me wrong,ah?I didn't like you because of your looks.It's just that...my father thinks it was the main reason why I like you.Bonus nalang na gwapo ka."I can't looked at his eyes while talking.I bit my lower lip because I was embarrassed.

Why the hell I am explaining myself to him?

"I understand.You don't have to say sorry.It's fun to be with your father.I hope the both of us can hangout some times?"I can't help but to smile while seeing him happy.

"I'm glad that your father knew me somehow.It's fluttering that you told him something about me."That's how proud I am for liking you.I am proud that my heart chose a real man.A good man to be exact.

"You should go home na.It's late na din."

"Okay,Grumps."Napakunot ang noo ko dahil sa itinawag niya sa akin.

"G-grumps?"I blinked and saw him laughing at my reaction.I shook my head and wave my hand on him.

"Goodnight,crush.Have a safe ride."I smiled at him sweetly.He just stared at me for seconds before giving me a smile.

"Before I forgot."

"Hmm?"

"Hindi ba tinanong mo ako kanina kung bakit trip ko lumapit sa'yo?"I nod out of nowhere.

"I wanted to become closer to you.I want to step in a little closer.I want to be close to you."He's looking at the steering wheel whole saying those words that made me speechless.Then he looked at me with smile on his face.

He started the engine and wave at me."Goodnight,Grumps.Hope you will dream about me."And he left me here speechless.

"Goodness..."Kumapit ako sa pinto ng gate namin.Pakiramdam ko kakapusin ako ng hininga.I can almost hear my heartbeats!I should get a check up some other time.

I put my hands on my cheeks.My face heated up remembering his wordsNapatili ako at hindi ko naiwasan mapangiti.Bakit ako kinikilig?

"Hilig talaga ng mga lalaki mang-asar para lang magpapansin."Iiling-iling kong sabi sa sarili ko pagkatapos ay isinara ang gate namin.Hindi mawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ko hanggang sa pumasok ako sa loob.

"Goodnight,Tay."I kissed him on his cheeks then went upstairs.

I lie down on my bed and looked at the ceiling.My heart still beats fast.I took a glance on Grace who's sleeping like she's not miserable.Sana kung masaya ako gano'n din siya,'noh?I shook my head.

Don't think of something negative,Brie.

"Did he mean,he wants to be part of my life?He's not joking around,right?If he does I will not talk to him."Nanguso ako ng maalala na dapat goodvibes lang.

"I wanted to become closer to you.I want to step in a little closer.I want to be close to you."

Nagpagulong-gulong ako sa kama ng maalala na naman ang sinabi niya sa 'kin.I was bitting my lips to stop my self from screaming.I felt my cheeks turning red again.In the middle of my day dreaming---no, night dreaming while awake.Hshshs.

My phone suddenly rang.Nakasimangot ko itong kinuha at tiningnan kung sino ang tumatawag.Napakunot ang noo ko dahil unknown number ito.Baka emergency kaya sinagot ko na.

"Hello?Sino 'to?"I can't hear anything from the other line except from his breathing.

"Grumps..."Hearing his voice made my heart skips a beat.

"Li-liam?"I asked."Why did you call?"

"Let's date tomorrow."After that he ended the call.I didn't have time to refuse dahil pinatay na niya.Hindi manlang nagpaalam.Ang puso ko gusto na 'yata kumala sa akin at pumunta kay Liam.

"Date?Omy goodie!May date kami?Shet!"Hindi ko naiwasan ang impit na tili.

Bakit ang dami kong blessing ngayon?

Date with Liam tomorrow.It was a dream come true.I didn't know that my wish will be granted after those false Finally,may date kami ng crush ko.Sarap matulog lalo na at na-crushback ako.