A few minutes later, Red finally arrived. “Sorry guys, I just came from another party. Ode, ako pala naka-bunot sa’yo.” He said as he handed a coffee table book of The Beattles to her.
------
After the party, Leni and Red walked outside the campus. He held her hand as they walked silently. At this moment, she could not ask for more. Being with her special someone on her birthday was surreal. Though they’ve been dating for two years, this was her first time to celebrate her birthday with him. Because, Red went out of the country with his family the year before that.
They sat on the benches in the field and started the conversation.
“How’s your birthday?”
“Perfect. I could not ask for more,Nandito ka na kasi.”
“I’m glad to hear that. But there’s something that I really wanted to tell you.”
Leni was getting excited to hear the next thing that he’s going to say.
“What is it?”
“It’s been two great years with you. However, since both of us we’re going to graduate and pursue our different endeavors, I think that we need some space. It’s difficult for me to say this. Magpahinga muna tayo ”
“Are you breaking up with me?”
Red shook his head and didn’t answer her question.
“Ok, I’ll make this easy for you. Lalayo na lang ako. When classes resume,I’ll pretend that nothing happened.”
“Leni, kung tayo naman, tayo talaga eh”
Both of them remained silent. He glanced at his watch while she stared at the sky.
From that moment, she realized that she lost her ‘fairy tale’. Hearing those words was like getting hit by a fourteen-wheeler truck.
She removed her necklace and gave it back to him. Leni walked away without saying a word.
Then, she called Adam and Faith to meet her at one of those benches near the football field.
“What’s wrong?” Faith asked.
“He broke up with me.”
“Ang ganda naman ng timing niya, sa birthday mo pa.” Adam added as he handed his handkerchief to her.
Leni couldn’t say a word because she’s still shocked with what happened. On their way home, they passed along a convenience store. The three of them went inside. They were surprised to see Red with flirting with another girl while entering the store.
When Faith saw this, she got furious and approached him. “Kapal naman nang mukha mo. Ang bilis mo naman siyang palitan. Sana pinalagpas mo man lang sana yung birthday ni Leni.” Then, Adam pulled her, “Tama na, wag kayong mag-scandalo dito.Ang dami nang naka-tingin sa atin. Red felt embarrassed and turned speechless.
“Adam’s right, Let’s leave them alone.” Leni said as she tried to hide the tears started to fall down her face.
Then, three of them went outside.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Faith asked.
“No thanks, Ok lang ako” She told them as she stepped out of the car.
She went straight to her room and cried. She played the CD that Adam gave her. Then she looked at the case and said, “Mabuti ka pa Billy, hindi mo ako iniiwan.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Chapter One: Part Three
Red and Leni had been dating for two years. Indeed, he became her college life. However, their relationship wasn’t really a fairytale after all. They would often have occasional fights. Red would complain about not having time for each other. Leni, on the other hand would get suspicious that he was cheating on her. She has mood swings that he sometimes can’t seem to handle. Her ‘prince’ wasn’t exactly the ‘Knight in Shining Armor’ that she thought. However, Leni would always be the first one to adjust in their relationship. Even if it means giving up most of her free time and rehearsals. She would often choose to bore herself watching basketball games rather than enjoying productions.
Whenever Red would feel guilty about this, he would make up for it. He would always give her something. Though he has feelings for this person, he still wasn’t sure about their relationship. Sometimes, he would look for someone who has the same passion as his. Red appreciates Leni’s effort to adjust, but that wasn’t enough.
Even if they had bad times, Leni would always think that he’s the one. She would often rely on ‘signs’. The moment that he asked her out, she felt that the ‘stars’ were telling something to her. Afterwards, everything felt right even if people around her weren’t in favor of their relationship because she lost her true self.
-------
Her birthday and their class’ Christmas party were held at the same time. It was their last Christmas together. Everyone made sure that this moment would be special. One group of guys made a spoof version of “Dyesebel”. All of them bursted into laughter. Ode, their class president prepared a slide show describing each person of the class. Before the party ended, they had their ‘kris kringle’ where each person would describe the gift and the receiver. Adam stood up and described the person that he picked. “I’ve known her since first year and I can say that she’s one of the people that made my college life interesting. Because, she would always give me a dose of showbiz update every time we hang out at La Prinsesa. Leni, I decided to give you the latest album of Billy Crawford. I know that you’re an avid fan of him since he began on ‘That’s Entertainment’. After getting the CD, she went back to her seat. Then, Ode asked her, “Where’s Red?” Leni, opened her cell phone and read the messages,” He texted me, hahabol daw siya. “
A few minutes later, Red finally arrived. “Sorry guys, I went to my cousin’s house.”
Whenever Red would feel guilty about this, he would make up for it. He would always give her something. Though he has feelings for this person, he still wasn’t sure about their relationship. Sometimes, he would look for someone who has the same passion as his. Red appreciates Leni’s effort to adjust, but that wasn’t enough.
Even if they had bad times, Leni would always think that he’s the one. She would often rely on ‘signs’. The moment that he asked her out, she felt that the ‘stars’ were telling something to her. Afterwards, everything felt right even if people around her weren’t in favor of their relationship because she lost her true self.
-------
Her birthday and their class’ Christmas party were held at the same time. It was their last Christmas together. Everyone made sure that this moment would be special. One group of guys made a spoof version of “Dyesebel”. All of them bursted into laughter. Ode, their class president prepared a slide show describing each person of the class. Before the party ended, they had their ‘kris kringle’ where each person would describe the gift and the receiver. Adam stood up and described the person that he picked. “I’ve known her since first year and I can say that she’s one of the people that made my college life interesting. Because, she would always give me a dose of showbiz update every time we hang out at La Prinsesa. Leni, I decided to give you the latest album of Billy Crawford. I know that you’re an avid fan of him since he began on ‘That’s Entertainment’. After getting the CD, she went back to her seat. Then, Ode asked her, “Where’s Red?” Leni, opened her cell phone and read the messages,” He texted me, hahabol daw siya. “
A few minutes later, Red finally arrived. “Sorry guys, I went to my cousin’s house.”
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Chapter One: Part Two
Leni was in the Library doing her research when she passed along Red and his teammates. When she saw them, she shot Red with dagger looks. Obviously, she haven’t recovered from what the guy did. “Pare, anong problema nun?” One of them asked. “Iniwan ko siya kasi sa terminal. Kinakausap ako. Yun bang may halong kilig,
eh hindi ko siya trip kausapin nun.”. “Type ka ata nun. Eh, bakit hindi mo ligawan?”. “ Nene pa yan, alam mo naman kung ano ang klase yung gusto ko di ba? “
Cocoy, one of Red’s buddies came up with a plan. Pare, why don’t you ask her out? For a change. Besides, you’ve been single for the past two months. Hindi mo ba naisip na kapag bata, madali utuin. “He thought about it for a moment, then agreed with them afterwards.
Leni was carrying three huge paper bags that contain the props for their presentation
in Literature class. Red took this chance to win her. “Need help?” He asked with a smile. “No” Leni replied as she struggled to carry those stuffs while Red followed him.
Unfortunately, the handle of the bag broke and the materials fell on the floor. She picked them up and Red helped her. “Why are you doing this? You don’t even want to talk to me, right?” Leni asked. “Look, I know that I made a huge mistake. I shouldn’t embarrass you in public. I’m really sorry.” Leni tried to walk away as Red persistently followed her. “I wanted to make it up to you, would you go out with me this coming Saturday?” After he asked her out, Leni realized that she was still attracted to this guy. She was still alluded by his charms. So, she agreed.
------
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Chapter One: Part One
Leni was having a cup of coffee with her classmates from college. Aside from catching up, they were planning to have a vacation outside Manila. While they were discussing on where they want to go, someone suggested Leni’s province.
“Leni, after I read your entries from your blog, I feel like I wanted to pack my things and go.” One of her classmates said. Aside from the places that she visited, she also wrote about the people that she met during her stay.
She paused and drank the last drop of coffee in her cup as thoughts ran through her head.
She looked back on the reason why she went there: Her break-up with Red.
The two accidentally bumped into each other at a concert. Afterwards, Leni can’t get her eyes off on him. From that moment, she thought, she already found her ‘prince’. Because, he reminded her of her those characters that she’d seen from the movies or read from novels. Since high school, Leni was so caught up with her idea of her “dream guy”. She was fond of watching cheesy, romantic flicks particularly the local ones dated from the eighties up to the present. She also splurged on paperback romance, some were handed down to her from her cousin Agatha, who passed away and some were bought, whether cheap or pricey.
Red was a star athlete in the University. Aside from being a player in court, he’s also a player in relationships. He changes his girlfriends the way the he change his clothes. Leni’s was aware of this but, she was blinded by infatuation. During freshmen, the best thing that she could do is to steal a glance from him. Nothing happened. Sophomore year came; both of them were on the same classes. Red eventually noticed that someone’s eyeing on him. Their professor noticed that Leni wasn’t paying attention. He got pissed and said,” Hija, if you want to pass my subject better listen. You could stare at him later.”
Leni’s faced turned red. To her embarrassment, she left the class and rushed at La Prinsesa, the café that became their hangout since first year. She grabbed herself a cup of coffee and sat on the couch. A few minutes later, her best buds, Adam and Faith followed. “ I know what happened, napahiya ka kay Red noh?” Adam said and chuckled.
“Guys, I’m fine, I just don’t want to talk about it, and I’m so pissed.” Faith consoled her, “ Leni, don’t worry, I guess, it doesn’t mean anything to Red. Baka nga hindi nya napansin eh?”
Leni was rushing herself to the FX terminal in order to catch her first class. When she reached the place, she was surprised to see Red. He smiled at her and she waved at him.
“Leni, dito ka”, He said. She tried to strike a conversation with him but he just wasn't interested. Red got his cell phone and pretended to text someone else right in front of Leni’s face. When the next ride came, she said “ Let’s sit at the back”. “ Aren’t you going to fall in line?” , He answered back. Red paused for a moment and came up with an excuse to avoid her. “ Leni, iwan muna kita ha, may nakalimutan ako sa bahay.”
To her embarrassment, she didn’t attend her first class that day. Instead, she headed to the café and ordered capuchino. A few hours later, Adam and Faith came.
“Bakit hindi ka pumasok? May quiz kaya tayo, ang hirap nga eh.” Faith said.
“Paanong hindi ka mahihirapan eh, inaaya kitang mag-aral kahapon, mas inuna mo pa yung mall tour ng ‘Dyesebel’.... Kuya, isang cup pa nga “. Leni replied as he called the waiter.
“Teka, bakit ka nga pala wala kanina?” Adam asked. Then, Leni told them what happened earlier. “ He’s a jerk, bastos siya ha. Grabe yang ginawa ng ‘Prince Charming’ mo. Di bale, marami naman diyan eh.” Faith said as she comforted her friend.
“Miss libre na yan kasi po ang promo namin ngayon na kapag naka apat na cups na kayo, may libreng isa.”,The waiter said as he handed the cup of coffee to her.
“Faith, you’re right. How about the owner of this shop? Mabuti pa siya nilibre ako ng kape. Napasaya pa niya ako kahit sandali.” She said jokingly. The three of them laughed. “Don’t think about him anymore, he’s not worth it.” Adam added.
“By the way, I heard that the owner of this café was a graduate of the university. He visits his shop once a week before it closes.” Faith said.
“Have you seen him?” She asked them
“Yes, but only once. It was first time visit this place when he served me a frappe. Ang bait nga eh, todo askikaso sa mga customer. He even offered me magazines to read while I was waiting. At first I thought he’s one of the crews, but I was surprised when one of them addressed him as ‘Sir’. Then, one staff told me that he’s the owner. “Adam said.
“I think he’s gay. Type ka ata nun eh.”
“How did you know?” Adam asked Leni as he lifted his eyebrow.
“Wala, naisip ko lang.” She replied
“I think we have to be friends with the owner so we could get free coffee. Sabi mo kasi mabait eh.” Faith told them.
“Leni, after I read your entries from your blog, I feel like I wanted to pack my things and go.” One of her classmates said. Aside from the places that she visited, she also wrote about the people that she met during her stay.
She paused and drank the last drop of coffee in her cup as thoughts ran through her head.
She looked back on the reason why she went there: Her break-up with Red.
The two accidentally bumped into each other at a concert. Afterwards, Leni can’t get her eyes off on him. From that moment, she thought, she already found her ‘prince’. Because, he reminded her of her those characters that she’d seen from the movies or read from novels. Since high school, Leni was so caught up with her idea of her “dream guy”. She was fond of watching cheesy, romantic flicks particularly the local ones dated from the eighties up to the present. She also splurged on paperback romance, some were handed down to her from her cousin Agatha, who passed away and some were bought, whether cheap or pricey.
Red was a star athlete in the University. Aside from being a player in court, he’s also a player in relationships. He changes his girlfriends the way the he change his clothes. Leni’s was aware of this but, she was blinded by infatuation. During freshmen, the best thing that she could do is to steal a glance from him. Nothing happened. Sophomore year came; both of them were on the same classes. Red eventually noticed that someone’s eyeing on him. Their professor noticed that Leni wasn’t paying attention. He got pissed and said,” Hija, if you want to pass my subject better listen. You could stare at him later.”
Leni’s faced turned red. To her embarrassment, she left the class and rushed at La Prinsesa, the café that became their hangout since first year. She grabbed herself a cup of coffee and sat on the couch. A few minutes later, her best buds, Adam and Faith followed. “ I know what happened, napahiya ka kay Red noh?” Adam said and chuckled.
“Guys, I’m fine, I just don’t want to talk about it, and I’m so pissed.” Faith consoled her, “ Leni, don’t worry, I guess, it doesn’t mean anything to Red. Baka nga hindi nya napansin eh?”
Leni was rushing herself to the FX terminal in order to catch her first class. When she reached the place, she was surprised to see Red. He smiled at her and she waved at him.
“Leni, dito ka”, He said. She tried to strike a conversation with him but he just wasn't interested. Red got his cell phone and pretended to text someone else right in front of Leni’s face. When the next ride came, she said “ Let’s sit at the back”. “ Aren’t you going to fall in line?” , He answered back. Red paused for a moment and came up with an excuse to avoid her. “ Leni, iwan muna kita ha, may nakalimutan ako sa bahay.”
To her embarrassment, she didn’t attend her first class that day. Instead, she headed to the café and ordered capuchino. A few hours later, Adam and Faith came.
“Bakit hindi ka pumasok? May quiz kaya tayo, ang hirap nga eh.” Faith said.
“Paanong hindi ka mahihirapan eh, inaaya kitang mag-aral kahapon, mas inuna mo pa yung mall tour ng ‘Dyesebel’.... Kuya, isang cup pa nga “. Leni replied as he called the waiter.
“Teka, bakit ka nga pala wala kanina?” Adam asked. Then, Leni told them what happened earlier. “ He’s a jerk, bastos siya ha. Grabe yang ginawa ng ‘Prince Charming’ mo. Di bale, marami naman diyan eh.” Faith said as she comforted her friend.
“Miss libre na yan kasi po ang promo namin ngayon na kapag naka apat na cups na kayo, may libreng isa.”,The waiter said as he handed the cup of coffee to her.
“Faith, you’re right. How about the owner of this shop? Mabuti pa siya nilibre ako ng kape. Napasaya pa niya ako kahit sandali.” She said jokingly. The three of them laughed. “Don’t think about him anymore, he’s not worth it.” Adam added.
“By the way, I heard that the owner of this café was a graduate of the university. He visits his shop once a week before it closes.” Faith said.
“Have you seen him?” She asked them
“Yes, but only once. It was first time visit this place when he served me a frappe. Ang bait nga eh, todo askikaso sa mga customer. He even offered me magazines to read while I was waiting. At first I thought he’s one of the crews, but I was surprised when one of them addressed him as ‘Sir’. Then, one staff told me that he’s the owner. “Adam said.
“I think he’s gay. Type ka ata nun eh.”
“How did you know?” Adam asked Leni as he lifted his eyebrow.
“Wala, naisip ko lang.” She replied
“I think we have to be friends with the owner so we could get free coffee. Sabi mo kasi mabait eh.” Faith told them.
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