Chapter One:Part Six

Leni channeled all her energy in her thesis. As the defense was fast approaching, she would stay up late making revisions. Most of the time, she would sleep around 3 am even if her class would be at 7 am.
“Anak, it’s late. Can you do that tomorrow?” Her mom asked.
“I can’t, I’m going to have my defense already.” She said as she typed the last two sentences in her computer screen. Her mom knew that her daughter is just repressing her emotions. She grew bitter against her Dad and she feared that it would also happen to Red.

The defense was finally over. Leni, Adam, and Faith decided to go at the nearby mall to unwind and to shop for their graduation outfits. It was Leni’s turn to buy her dress.
The three of them had been to seven botiques already but Leni, still can’t decide what she really wanted. Not until she was stopped by this boutique.

“Ate Agatha used to buy dresses here.” Leni said as memories flashed back when she and her aunt would patiently wait for her cousin as she fit the clothes.
Faith waved her hand in front of Leni’s face. “ Leni, are you still with us? Tara, let’s get inside. We’re tired already.”
Leni tried six different pieces and none of them suited her.
“ I give up. I would just find something at home and re-construct it.” She said with exhaustion.
Adam hurriedly handed Leni a turquoise dress that they saw in the magazine a few weeks ago.
”Wait, here’s another one. I’m sure bagay sa’yo. This is your favorite color, right?”
Leni tried on the dress and it fitted her. Afterwards, she purchased the dress.

“Leni,pinagod mo kami dun ha, kaya manli-libre ka ngayon.” Faith joked.
“Pasalamat kayo, kaka-padala pa lang ng Dad ko ng allowance.Kung hindi, sorry kayo.”

Then, they went to a newly opened pizza chain.
“Finally, it’s over.” Adam cheered as he raised his glass of root beer. “I’ll drink to that.” Leni replied. “Feeling niyo naman beer yang hawak niyo” Faith said with a laugh.
They were having a great time until Leni imperceptibly asked Adam.
“Adam, are you gay?”
Adam raised his eyebrows and answered back “Uy, hindi ah! Bakit mo naman naisip ‘yon?”
“Well, when we were looking for my dress. I’m just wondering, how did you know that the dress would fit me perfectly? Most guys doesn’t know about anything about fashion.”
“My grandmother used to make gowns for affluent families. At a young age, I was already exposed with dressmaking. But, that doesn’t mean I’m gay. In fact, I really had feelings for this person since first year. She’s our classmate by the way. I just don’t have the courage to tell her that.”
“Why don’t you tell her? You might regret it if you don’t. After graduation, kanya-kanya na tayo.”Leni said.
He stood silent for a while before answering her question.
“Sa graduation na lang siguro… Ubusin na natin yung pizza bago lumamig.” He replied as he grabbed another slice.

Leni and Faith wondered who that person was, but they didn’t ask him.