Sheena's POV
"I think I have a crush ..."
A year after Keith and Colet's break up, my dear best friend has finally admitted of crushing over someone. I had this theory that Mikha secretly likes Jhoanna but Colet? Alam kong hindi parang kay Jhoanna ang mga tipo niya. But I made a mistake with my own theory. All this time, si Colet pala ang may gusto sa kanya.
The cute part is -- Colet likes Jhoanna and Maloi likes Stacey which happens to be my girl friend's best friends. Mukhang mapapadali ang buhay ng dalawa because of this at siyempre, makakapamburaot ako sa kanila because I will help them. About Mikha, she hasn't tell us yet if she likes someone na. Mas lalo lang siyang sumungit when Colet confessed that she likes Jhoanna eh. Baka nataon lang na may dalaw?
We're here at Bloom's to celebrate the result of our recitation in History. My three friends handled the recitation very well while me, hindi ako natawag. Anak ako ni Lord eh. Today is my lucky day siguro.
I smirked when I saw Colet enjoying her iced caramel macchiato. "Is that Jhoanna?" I announced. And just like that, Colet stiffed and when she recovered, she turned around to see every corner of the coffee shop. See? Down bad!
"Colet 'simp' Vergara!" I teased.
Mikha shook her head and take a sip of her fruit soda. "Easy there, Col! We won't make you look stupid around Jhoanna." she assured our poor best friend.
"I'm still trying to figure out how much I like her." she simply told us.
"If that's the case, we have something for you." Maloi butted in and I exchanged knowing looks with her.
"Here's some of our researches about Jhoanna. Brace yourself, Colet!" Mikha added.
"Thanks to my girlfriend..." I giggled. Bakit ba? Kinikilig pa rin ako whenever I call Gwen my girlfriend eh! "... hmm, she's part of the broadcasting team and theater club. She loves to sing, dance, and perform. She's a jolly person like me, she's a consistent honor student-leader, she's fond of sunset like my bebe, she likes music and ice cream." hiningal ako doon kaya i took a sip of my milkshake.
"And? What am I going to do with that?" Colet looked at me so I tried to make an eye contact with her. It lasted for a minute but I looked away. Nakakatakot naman si Colet! Napindot na naman yata niya si Anger eh.
I dramatically wiped my fake tears. "Aren't you going to thank us? We made a research for you! Dapat may libre ako sa'yo hoy! Napaka kuripot mo naman. Hindi mo pa nga naibabalik 'yong 11 pesos na sobra sa sukli mo last week." mahabang litanya ko but she didn't respond.
Wala akong napala kaya nanahimik nalang ako. That's when Gwen texted me.
Gwen: bebe, we're on the way. I'm with Stacey and Jhoanna. she texted.
Sheena: Hurry up, love! Baka biglang umalis 'tong si Colet. Sayang effort nating ipakilala sila. I smiled upon sending my reply. Sinong matapang Colet? Ngayon mo ilabas ang tapang mo! I told myself.
Few minutes later, natanaw ko na ang aking pinaka mamahal na girl friend with the girls. "Wtf! Col, Jhoanna is here! Look!" Maloi whispered. But instead of her panicking, she remained calm and smirked at Maloi. Tanga! Nasa likod mo nalang 'yong crush mo.
When she realized that we're not joking, her smirk disappeared. She slowly turned around and saw Jhoanna with Stacey and my girlfriend. They're heading towards us.
"Guys, hide me!" she whispered and was about to stand up pero hinawakan ko ang balikat niya at buong lakas na inupo. Sino nga ulit ang matapang ngayon?
"Pfft, what now, coward?" Mikha teased.
"Hi Bebe Shee!" Gwen greeted as soon as they've reached our table.
I smiled as I tap the chair beside me, signaling Gwen to sit on it. "Hello, bebe! Remember my chaotic friends? Maloi, Mikha, and Colet." I told her.
"Oh, just in case you forgot, I'm Gwen. This is Stacey and Jhoanna." she replied and finally sat beside me. Gwen looked at Colet when she said Jhoanna. Kahit hindi ko sabihin, alam kong halos mamatay na kakapigil ng tawa 'yong dalawa kong kaibigan dahil hindi na maipinta ang mukha ni Colet ngayon.
While the others are busy interacting with each other, I simply looked at Colet and winked at her. She should treat me to dinner for this. Aba! Pinagsama ko lang naman ang circle namin sa circle nila Gwen. This is a huge start for her to make a move.
When we're done catching up with Gwen's friends, nagpaalam na rin sila dahil andyan na ang mga sundo nila. I decided to walk Gwen home to have more time with her. Haharapin ko na rin siguro ang parents at kuya niya to formally tell them that we're finally together.
We're near the school gate when we saw Colet looking at the other side of the road. Sinundan namin siya ng tingin hanggang sa makita namin si Jhoanna na nakikipag-usap sa mga street children after giving them foods. Kaya pala nagtake out siya kanina sa Bloom's ng maraming pagkain. Akala ko pa naman sobrang takaw niya!
"Look at my friend, love. She finally found her perfect match." I laughed while pointing at Colet who's smiling like an idiot now while eyeing Jhoanna.
"Let her be, love. We all do unusual things when we're in love." Gwen answered and smiled at me.
I shrugged off my shoulder at hinayaan nalang sila kagaya ng sabi ng girl friend ko. We continued walking at dahil tanga si COlet, hindi niya kami napansin na dumaan sa likod niya. She's too busy with Jhoanna. Few meters away, natanaw ko ang kotse ni Mikha. Nagtaka pa ako dahil akala ko umuwi na siya. But after a few minutes, umalis lang din ito.
Okay, that was weird. But who the fuck cares? I'm with my girl and that's all that matters.
"How did your classes go?" Gwen suddenly asked.
I suddenly remembered that we will be having 3 quizzes tomorrow. Mabibigat lahat 'yon.
"Fine, bebe. But we have 3 quizzes tomorrow. Kokopya nalang ako kila Colet." I replied and smiled sheepishly at her.
She gasped and slapped the back of my head. That was hard! Girlfriend niya ba talaga ako? Minsan nagtataka na rin ako eh. "Stupid! Bakit ka kokopya when you can study naman?" she asked.
I scratched my head. "Nakakatamad eh."
Binatukan niya ulit ako. "Give me your notes. Gagawa ako ng reviewer mo."
"Love naman! Wag na. Syempre babasahin ko 'yon dahil alam kong gawa mo. Wag mo na ako bigyan ng responsibilidad." I reasoned out.
"That's the point, Sheena Mae." and that's when I know that she's being serious now. She called me with my two names already.
"Fine." I looked away. The things you do to me, Gweneth Apuli.
She held my hand and squeezed it gently. "One kiss every time you'll get to pass your quizzes." she assured me.
"Damn! Tatlo lang ba quiz namin bukas? Sana lahat ng subjects nalang." I teased and smirked at her. "Pwedeng advance na 'yong isa?" I pouted, waiting for her to kiss me.
Tinulak niya lang ako at nilagpasan. Grabe talaga!
I keep up to her pacing. "Wait up, love." I told her and held her shoulders to make her turn to me. "Oo na. I'll study hard. My girlfriend is a top student. Siguro dapat pagbutihin ko rin to be called deserving of her love." I whispered but she heard me.
Unti-unting gumuhit ang mga ngiti sa labi niya. "And who's that girlfriend of yours again?"
I smirked. "It's you. Of course, the Gweneth Apuli." I nodded.
We continued walking with smiles all over our faces. "Oh my gosh, is that..."
I pointed across the street, a brightly colored ice cream truck plays its iconic jingle. A line of children snakes around the corner.
"Looks like it! Feeling spontaneous?" Gwen asked playfully.
"Absolutely! Race you!" I shouted and takes off before Gwen can even react, my laughter echoing down the street. Gwen laughs too, shaking her head fondly, and chases after me.
I made little bounces on my toes as we wait in line. "Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles, for sure. What about you?"
"Hmm, maybe cookies and cream today." she responded.
We always get different flavors so we can share bites. It's our little tradition. Finally, it's our turn. We ordered our ice cream, the friendly vendor scooping generous portions into waffle cones.
I licked my ice cream with delight and closed my eyes in pure bliss.
"Mmm, this hits the spot!" I commented.
"See? Best decision ever." Gwen added in.
We continue walking, savoring our ice cream and the warm afternoon breeze. "So, did you hear about the school chorale tryouts?"
Gwen nodded. "Yeah, I'm thinking of auditioning. A little nervous, though."
"Gwen, nervous? You'd be amazing! You should give it a shot, you have a great voice and. Natutulugan ko nga minsan sa calls natin eh." I teased.
"That's different, love. But you're right, maybe I should give it a shot." she smiled at me.
"Definitely! You've got this. Besides, if you finally decided what song you'd like to use for the audition, we can practice together after school." I told her.
She heaved a sighed and faced me. " Hmm. Sounds like a plan. Thanks, love. You always know how to cheer me up."
We walk in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company.
"Hey, love?" I called for her attention.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for being you." I uttered.
Gwen smiles, her eyes are twinkling. She may not be expressive most of the times, but once she showed you any expression of her, you'd be amaze.
"Thanks for being you too, Sheena."
We continue down the street, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Our laughter mingles with the chirping of birds, a perfect end to another ordinary, yet extraordinary, day.
Hindi na niya ako pinayagan magtagal sa kanila because I need to review for my quizzes tomorrow. Pagka-uwi ko, hinintay ko ang ginawa niyang reviewer. Kahit na hindi ako sanay ay pinilit ko mag-aral hanggang sa alam kong ready na ako. It was almost 3am when I finally finished the last piece of the reviewer made by her.
I set an alarm around 6am. Not a usual thing to do for an asshole like me. But I still did it. When I get up, I read again and recalled the things I studied.
The things you do to me, Gwen.
*************
This chapter contains spoilers from BINI Series #1: Things She'll Never Know and BINI Series #2: Midnight in December :)