December 2011

[Zoe's POV]

"Huh, worse? Why, what happened?" naguguluhan kong tanong sa kaniya.

He didn't utter any words, right away. Huminga siya nang malalim bago niya ako tignan at bahagyang ngumiti.

"You'll know soon, but for now let yourself adjust."

I blinked twice as my lips parted a bit. "S-soon? What d-do you, w-wait. What do you mean adjust? Shiz, are we staying here!?" I high-pitched. Napatingin ako kaagad sa paligid at tumikhim, hinihintay ko kung may magagalit.

Mukhang hindi naman masyadong malakas pagkakasabi ko dahil walang sumita sa akin.

Upon looking at the guy, I gulped before whispering with so much panic. "I thought makababalik tayo?"

Mahina siyang natawa sa reaksyon ko. "Do you wanna eat?" pag-iiba niya. "Pwede ka naman nang lumabas, sabi ng nurse sa akin." Saglit siyang yumuko at inangat ang kaniyang kamay. He shoved his sleeves on his wrist to look at his watch.

He squinted his eyes and moved his arm closer to his face.

"It's 10:30." He paused and put down his hand on his thigh before looking at me, smiling. "Recess with me? I'll show you around the school na rin."

Mahina akong napatawa. Na rin.

Kumunot ang noo niya at nagtatakang napangisi sa akin. "Why?"

Umiling ako. "Nothing. Cute lang 'yong na rin." I smiled but flattened my face right away. I casually stared his face.

"Good thing you've the ability to distract me with your..." I motioned my forefinger in circles at him "Face. Medyo nale-lessen panic ko."

The side of his lip rose. Pinanliitan niya ako ng kaniyang mga matang nagdududa at naiiling na tumayo. Wow, sanay na ba siyang masabihan ng gano'n kaya hindi siya nagulat o napahinto man lang?

"Tara." he said after buttoning his red coat.

I was about to shove off the blanket from my legs when the blue curtain at the foot's side of the bed suddenly opened.

"Boss!"

Napahinto ako at napatitig sa lalaking nagsalita. A tall guy, probably 5'11, in his university uniform, looked at me.

"Shh..."

Napahinto siya kaagad. He pursed his lips while his eyes were shocked. Napatakip siya sa kaniyang bibig at agad na sumilip sa labas, hawak pa rin ang kurtina.

He made a peace sign to someone. "Sorry, ma'am." He whispered carefully and smiled awkwardly.

It must have been the school nurse.

Binalik niya ang tingin sa akin at nang mapansin niyang may lalaki sa tabi ko ay lumipat doon ang tingin niya.

"Musta si boss, Iverson?" he asked him casually as if they were closed.

"Iverson?" wala sa sarili kong sabi at tumingala sa lalaking katabi ko. Holy crap, oo nga pala hindi ko pa natatanong pangalan niya.

Pero ba't ang gwapo pati name?

He just smiled at me and shifted his gaze to the other guy. "She's okay."

"Humilik ba?" Tumawa 'yong lalaki kaya sinita siya ulit ng nurse, napatikom tuloy siya ulit ng bibig niya pero bakas pa rin sa mukha niya ang nagpipigil na tawa.

Iverson smirked. "No."

"Huy, boss."

Lumipat ulit ang tingin ko sa lalaki.

Nakakunot ang noo niya. "Anong katangahan na naman ba ginawa mo, ha?"

His skin was tanned, he had his hair pushed back with wax. Red lips, hooded eyes, proud nose, square jaw, and just like what girls mostly liked about facial features of guys— thick brows. I couldn't see his lashes because of the shape of his eyelids.

Hindi naman masyadong matagal ang pagtitig na ginawa ko sa kaniya, pero hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano ang isasagot ko.

Sino ba 'to? Isa na naman ba 'to sa mga kaibigan ko na hindi ko kilala?

"Boss." He snapped his fingers right in front of my face. "Alam kong gwapo ako, 'wag mo akong titigan." He casually and proudly said.

He clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Ano, wala pa ring react, boss? Dami ko nang nasabi." Mukhang nadismaya siya dahil hindi ako nakikinig sa kung ano man ang sinabi niya kanina.

Hindi nakabutones ang kaniyang coat, kaya hinawi niya ang isang kamay niya roon at pumawemang sa harapan ko.

Mahinang natawa si Iverson. "Maybe she's judging how ugly you are." he playfully said. Close nga talaga sila— wait.

Paano sila naging close? Matagal na ba dito si Iverson at nagkaroon na siya ng kaibigan?

The guy squinted his eyes at Iverson. "Aba, may dumagdag sa mga nambu-bully sa akin."

"Whatever, Kevin." Iverson emphasized his name.

Okay, so is this how is he going to share the information?

"Do you wanna come with us? Magre-recess na kami."

Kevin arched his brow, as if something caught his attention. Napaayos ng tayo si Kevin at humalukipkip. Nakasingkit ang mga mata niya habang nagpapabalik-balik ng tingin sa aming dalawa.

"Masyado na kayong close... natututo ka na ring i-bully ako. Pinagpapalit mo na ba ako, Iverson? Wala kang kwentang kaibigan."

Natututo nang mam-bully ni Iverson? Why, dahil nagiging close kami? Wait... bakit ba parang ganito sila mag-usap na parang nag-i-exist na ako dito nang hindi ko alam?

They were calling me with a name that wasn't mine. They, who I didn't know and even met in my entire life, treated me like we were closed.

"I'm hungry. Tara na sa canteen." pag-aaya ni Iverson para matigil na ang gano'ng usapan. "May klase pa mamaya."

Para akong naiahon sa napakalalim na balon nang pag-iisip dahil sa narinig ko.

Holy pig. May klase!? Katatapos ko lang mag-aral kanina sa UST, tapos aral na naman!? Ah! Mas lalong nagulo ang utak ko! Wala man lang akong kaide-ideya kung ano ba talaga ang nangyayari dahil hindi kami nakapag-usap nang maayos ni Iverson kanina.

Napamasahe ako sa sintedo ko pagkaupo namin sa harapan ng lamesa sa canteen.

"Mukha kang stress, so new. Anong nangyari sa'yo?" tanong sa akin ni Kevin nang ibaba niya ang isang plato na may pancakes sa harapan ko at ibinaba niya naman ang pagkain niya sa kabilang upuan, sa tapat ko. Siya kasi ang bumili at naiwan ako rito sa table namin.

"Nothing." mahina kong sagot sa kaniya habang pinapanood ang butter na dumudulas sa ibabaw ng pancake na may syrup.

He took the seat on the opposite side of the table while Iverson sat beside me.

"Wait, tubig pala." Tumayo si Kevin at umalis.

"Hey." maingat na tawag sa akin ni Iverson.

Nilingon ko siya at tinaas ang dalawa kong kilay para tanungin kung ano ang sasabihin niya.

"What is it? Talk to me, so I could help you." He knew I'm struggling inside.

I laughed awkwardly to shake off the panic inside me. "Buti na lang talaga gwapo ka." Kapagkuwan ay bumuntong hininga ako at tumingin ako sa malayo.

"I'm so confused." When I looked back at him, my eyes met his. He was staring at me with so much compassion.

"Why am I here in the past— 2011?" Gulong -gulo na talaga ako. "Why are we here? Bakit nila ako tinatawag na Bella? My name is Zoe. Why are you here, why are we here? What are we doing in this place? Why am I wearing this kind of uniform?" I paused and stared at him. "This is not my life."

I didn't know what to feel. Pero sure akong nagpa-panic ako at gusto ko maluha dahil sa gulo ng mga katanungan sa utak ko, parang kapag may hindi ako ma-gets na lesson, gano'n feeling pero mas malala!

"Because you are in Bella's life."

I scoffed out of amusement. "Bella's life? Ano 'to, story sa wattpad?" I asked mockingly.

"Kinda."

Napahinto ako sa sinabi niya.

"Your soul traveled back in time, and now, you need to live her life," he said seriously.

My mind went blank. Pakiramdam ko huminto ang oras dahil sa narinig ko.

Napatingin siya sa ibang gawi, sa likuran ko, at tumikhim. "Kevs..." bulong niya sa akin para ipaalam na pabalik na siya.

"Naka-review ka na?" He changed the topic as he looked back at me.

My eyes widened. Bigla tuloy nagbago and mood ko.

Anong review ang pinagsasabi niya!? Holy shit. Don't tell me may exam sila Bella ngayon tapos ako ang magti-take!?

"Hala, 'di siya naka-review!" pang-aasar ni Kevin nang ilapag niya ang mineral water sa tapat ko at bumalik sa upuan niya.

"What do you mean naka-view na ba ako? May quiz ba?" mariin at pabulong kong tanong kay Iverson.

He smiled playfully. "Yes, classmate."  Iverson dropped the clue smoothly, again, about Bella's life facts or whatever that was connected to her.

I wanted to freak out about the Yes, we have a quiz thought but I was also relieved that he was with me... At least it wouldn't be that hard, pwede akong makakopya, right?

"But next week pa naman. Don't worry, pinakaba lang kita." He laughed and took some fries from the snack he bought.

Lihim akong napahinga nang malalim dahil doon! Shiz!

Sinuntok ko ang braso niya bago hinarap ang aking pagkain at nagsimulang lantakan ang pancake. Akala niya ba nakakatuwa 'yon!? Medyo kinabahan ako, ha! 'Di pa naman ako naka-review paano kung— wait. Shuta, mumster. Ano palang program ni Bella!?

"Where's Heidi?" Kevin asked while both of his hand hold utensils— fork and spoon. Hindi ko alam kung recess ba 'to o tanghalian niya dahil nagkanin siya at kaldereta.

Naningkit ang mga mata ko nang mapansing parang may hot sauce ang kanin niya.

"She's busy. President duties." Iverson answered plainly without looking at him.

Nawala sa isipan ko ang pagkain ni Kevin at saglit na sumulyap kay Iverson.

She's president of what, the class? Classmate ba namin siya?

"May klase kayo mamaya?" tanong ulit ni Kevin.

"Wala. Ma'am Salazar took an absent for today. Buti nalang, hindi pa naman naka-review 'yong isa riyan." He smirked and looked at me.

Oh, was he referring to me!?

"Hayst." Napasintak si Kevin at umiling habang dismayadong nakatingin sa akin. "Sipag-sipag naman diyan boss! Baka maalis ka sa accountancy kapag lagi kang tatamad-tamad."

Bigla akong napaubo sa sinabi niya dahil saktong kakalunok ko ng pancake. Tinapik ko ang dibdib ko tsaka mabilis na binuksan ang mineral water para uminom!

"Oh! Nabulunan?" Tumawa si Kevin habang si Iverson ay gano'n rin at mahinang tinatapik ang likuran ko.

Padabog kong binaba ang mineral water sa table at saglit pang hinabol ang aking hininga bago magsalita. "A-Accountancy?" hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong.

Shiz naman! I was just a Mechanical Engineering student a while ago, from 2020! Then now...an Accountancy student!?

"Gulat na gulat?" Kunot noo at natatawang tanong sa akin ni Kevin. "Ngayon mo lang nalaman course mo? Lutang ka, boss?" sarkastiko niyang dagdag.

"Oo, boss." sarkastiko ko ring sagot sa kaniya.

Napailing si Kevin, hindi alintana ang sinabi ko. Tumingin siya kay Iverson. "Pre, ayoko sanang makaabala, pero pwedeng pakitingin 'tong kaibigan ko? Lakas amats, ih."

"Ikaw na lang magbantay sa akin, inutusan mo pa kaibigan mo."

Napaatras siya habang may laman bibig niya, katatapos lang sumubo. Mabilis niya 'yong nginuya habang nakatikom.

Tinaasan niya ako ng kaniyang kilay. "Bakit magkaklase ba tayo?" tanong niya pagkalunok niya.

Oh, another learning! Hindi kami magkaklase pero friends kami. Okay, so same ba kami ng program at ibang class lang siya or iba talaga kurso niya?

"Edi... lumipat ka sa amin!" sagot ko sa kaniya. I was trying to make him spill about his program, indirectly— like what Iverson was doing, giving me information indirectly.

Pinanliitan niya ako ng kaniyang mga mata. "No, thanks. I love archi. Tsaka, 3rd year na ako. Ngayon pa ba ako lilipat?"

I just rolled my eyes at him 'coz I didn't know what to say anymore. Shiz, could I just go back? Ang daming mga impormasyon na kailangan ko pang alamin para lang mabuhay rito nang hindi ako nabubuko na hindi ako si Bella! Bakit ba kasi kailangan ko pang maging Bella? Bakit ba kasi at ako pa ang napili nilang mabuhay rito!?

Holy chickens, sino ba may pakana nito, ha? Masusuntok ko talaga.

"Don't worry, wala naman na masyadong ginagawa dahil malapit na Christmas break." Iverson said while we were walking at the hallway. Kaming dalawa na lang ang magkasama dahil pumunta na rin si Kevin sa klase niya pagkatapos naming mag-recess kanina.

"How does Bella act and can you tell me about her?" I curiously asked.

He scoffed out of amusement. "First and foremost, to act like Bella, be calm."

Shiz, what's kalma? Char.

"She's easy-going, quiet, down to earth person, well-mannered, the peace maker of the class, kapag may nag-aaway o maingay— not that she was a class officer but she was just..."

Peace maker? Lol, ako nga gusto kong may mag-away sa room tapos panoorin ko.

"She was also artistic, disciplined... but kinda lazy yet responsible." he said meaningfully.

Napalingon ako kaagad sa kaniya. "Are you telling me mahilig siyang mag-cram?"

He giggled. "Yes."

I groaned out of frustration. Sobrang opposite namin! I hate cramming!

"Who's Kevin and Heidi in her life? Who are you in her life?"

"Kevin, they're friends and they live in same subdivision." Nilingon niya ako. "And sabay pala sila lagi pumapasok at umuuwi."

"Okay."

"Heidi, she's her best friend. Kaklase rin natin siya."

Napabuntong hininga ako at napamasahe sa aking sintido. "Then, who are you in my life?"

"Me? Ahm..."

Tumaas ang kilay ko at tumingin sa kaniya nang huminto siya sa pagsasalita. "What?"

"I'm her classmate and friend." He gave me a half-smile.

I didn't know what was in his eyes, but I saw sadness. Did I say something that triggered his emotion?

"Hey, Bella!"

Bakit ba at kapag nagsisimula na akong magtanong tungkol sa mga bagay na kailangan kong malaman para maka-survive sa sitwasyon na ito, ay tsaka naman sumusulpot ang kung sino-sino?

Pabuntong hininga akong lumingon sa harapan. Heidi was walking from the opposite direction, holding some papers in her arms. She seemed stressed.

"Okay ka na?" tanong niya nang magkalapit kami sa isa't isa, sa tapat ng isang pintuan ng classroom.

I smiled and nodded. "Yes."

She took a deep breath and gave me a relieved smile.

"Mabuti naman."

Kumunot ang noo ko nang pumasok na siya sa room pagkatapos no'n. Hindi niya ba tatanungin ang tungkol sa nangyari kaninang umaga? Wasn't she bothered? Or she was just busy and didn't have time to ask?

"This is our room." Iverson held my elbow to make me faced the doorway and entered.

Bago kami pumasok ay bumulong siya sa akin. "First column, second to the last table, near the window. That's your seat. Megan is right next to you, besides the aisle."

Tumango ako bago naglakad papunta sa sinabi niyang pwesto ko. I tried my best to act normal as I sat on a white single plastic chair, next to Megan— my seatmeat. Palihim kong ginagala ang aking mata sa loob ng room para ikabisado ang itsura nito.

Ang mga pahabang table na may dalawang upuan ay nakaayos sa paraang may tatlong column at sampung rows. Iverson was sitting at the front row, column two. Mayroon pang isang pintuan malapit sa third column, front door na lang ang itatawag ko ro'n. Sa back door kami pumasok kanina.

"Bella." Napakurap ako kay Megan nang kumaway siya sa tapat ng mukha ko.

"Huh?" tanong ko.

Ngumuso siya sa table namin, tapat ko. "Ayan oh, paper mo." Her voice was soft. "Check mo kung okay na test paper mo bago i-record." 

She seemed sweet.

"Oh, okay..." Yumuko ako at tinignan ang papel. 48/50. Wow! Brainy pala 'tong si Bella.

"Pinunta ka raw sa clinic kanina, okay ka lang?" mahinahon niyang tanong.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya. Her eyes were worried about me.

She pushed the middle of her specs while still staring at me. My image reflected on her round eyeglasses. Her hair was curly and wasn't long enough to reach her shoulders. She had fair skin and some cute freckles on her cheeks. Her eyes were brown and round. She didn't have anything on her face. 

Megan was cute and kinda giving off a nerdy-girl vibe.

"Yes, I'm okay." Ngumiti ako sa kaniya para hindi na siya mag-alala.

Binalik ko ang tingin ko sa test paper ni Bella at tinitigan lang 'yon. Hindi ko naman alam kung anong gagawin roon dahil tungkol 'yon sa accounting na wala naman talaga akong kaalam-alam. Kunwari na lang akong pahawi-hawi ng papel para masabi na chineck ko kung wala na bang problema roon bago ko ipasa sa taong nasa harapan ko.

"Guys, please," mariin ang pagkakasabi ni Heidi na nakatayo sa harapan ng teacher's desk. "Yong mga hindi pa nagpapasa ng compilation magpasa na kayo sa vice president." Heidi collected the test papers from the people on the front seat.

"Hanggang kailan ba deadline no'n?" tanong ng isang lalaki na nasa likuran ni Iverson.

She arched a brow and gave that guy a frosty look, so cold. Itinaktak niya ang test papers sa table, para magpantay, habang ang mga mata niya ay hindi pa rin inaalis doon sa lalaki.

"Next week." She answered then paused for a moment.

"Ano, hihintayin mo pa deadline? Alam mo namang matagal kumilos si Mr. Gomez. Gusto mo bang mahuli niyang i-check 'yong atin para matagal din tayong magka-grade?"

Napalunok ako ng aking laway dahil sa sungit ni Heidi.

"Okay." The guy held up both of his hands, surrendering. "Tanong lang. Chill." He chuckled to shake off the heavy tension in the air. 

Hindi na sumagot si Heidi at muling lumabas ng room habang nakaipit ang test papers sa kaniyang braso. Napatagilid ang ulo ko habang nakatingin sa front door na pinaglabasan niya. Ngayon gets ko na kung anong ibig sabihin ni Iverson na president duties.

"Vacant na naman!" Megan stretched her hands up and yawned.

"Vacant pero may gagawin naman." sagot no'ng babae sa likuran namin.

Megan sighed as she put down her arms. She turned to her side, facing me, and twisted her body a bit to look at the two girls behind us. She rested her arm on top of the backrest of her chair and pressed her cheeks on it.

"Tapos mo na assignment kay Ma'am Malcomn?" inaantok na tanong niya sa babae na nasa likuran namin. An'dami ata nilang ginagawa.

The girl twisted her mouth and run her fingers through her hair to massage her head. "Hindi ko pa nga nababasa articles." she tiringly said.

Mahinang natawa si Megan. "Ako rin... ang dami naman kasi," reklamo niya.

Beside the girl, behind me, clapped her hands to get our attentions. "Alam niyo, magbasa na tayo."

Sabay na napabuntong hininga si Megan at ang babae na nasa likuran niya.

Napakamot ako sa batok ko, iniisip kung nagawa na ba 'yon ni Bella.

Kapag 'to 'di niya pa nagawa, ewan ko na lang talaga!

Napaayos ako ng upo nang maalala ko ang bag ko, I mean bag ni Bella. Nasaan na pala 'yon? Holy crap, wala naman akong napansin sa clinic kanina!

Nagpalinga-linga ako sa tabi ko, nagbabasakaling naroon. Napahinto ako nang makita ko 'yon sa likuran ko, nakasabit sa backrest ng upuan.

Kunot noo ko 'yong kinuha at ipinatong sa table. Baka si Heidi na ang naglagay rito o si Iverson? Wala rin siyang bag na hawak kanina, ih. Ewan, bahala na.

Hinalungkat ko ang bag ni Bella, pero walang masyadong laman. Isa-isa ko 'yong nilabas at nilagay sa lamesa. Isang notebook, hair brush, tapos pencil case. I opened it, but to only see one mechanical pen, eraser, and pilot pen.

I murmured a curse before putting it on the table.

"Yon lang?" hindi ko makapaniawalang tanong at binuksan pa ang ibang bulsa ng bag.

Napatingin na lang ako sa mga gamit na nasa table. I signed and rested both of my elbows on the table while I held my head, thinking how could I even adjust to being Bella? Napahilamos ang kamay ko sa aking mukha at muling huminga nang malalim para pakalmahin ang aking sarili.

She was so different from me! Laman palang ng bag! Wala man lang bang highlighters, glue, scissors, or white ink? Wala man lang paper? Shiz, isa ba si Bella sa mga nakikihingi na lang sa mga katabi? No offense naman, ano? 

I massaged the bridge of my nose before getting the small notebook of hers. I was frustrated as I opened it. Sana naman may laman na 'to. Pagkabuklat ko, unang pahina palang tumambad na sa akin ang sketch ng isang babae, it was me— I mean, her. Char, basta kamukha naming dalawa!

Unti-unting nawala ang kunot sa aking mukha habang inililipat ko ang pages ng notebook niya. She really was an artistic person.

I hooked my feet around the chair legs as I continued lifting the pages. Madaming sketches ang notebook niya, may watercolors din ang iba— some were landscapes, Hollywood personas, anime, and cartoons.

Napatagilid ang ulo ko nang makita ang Arch of Centuries.

Why did she draw this? Ang sumunod na mga pahina ay itsura ng Espana... kung saan ako nagmula. I sucked the insides of my cheeks while staring at it, getting confused.

May mga nasaksihan akong changes sa Espana at impossibleng sa time ni Bella ay ganito na ang itsura no'n dahil ang ganitong scene ay na-achieve lang naman nong 2019.

Shiz. This was from the future...

Feeling ko tuloy mukhang may alam rin siya sa nangyayari sa akin now. 

"Holy crap." Mariin akong napapikit at hinawakan ang ulo ko nang makaramdam na naman ako ng hilo.

Agad kong sinarado ang notebook ni Bella at ibinalik ang mga gamit niya sa bag.

"Bella, gusto mo bang sumama? Magri-recess kami." tanong sa akin ni Megan.

"Oh, ahm... Tapos na ako kanina." Ngumiti ako. "Kayo na lang muna." I tried to sound normal even if I was feeling dizzy.

She gave me a small smile before standing and joining the other girls walked out of the room while chitchatting. Napatingin ako sa ibang mga upuan na ngayon ay bakante na, mukhang lumabas lang din muna sila dahil naging vacant ang oras na 'to. Ma'am Salazar was supposed to be here, pero sabi nga ni Iverson she took an absent for today.

Bumuntong hininga ako bago itulak palayo ang bag na nasa lamesa para makayuko ako at matulog.

I tried to find a comfortable position while my forehead was resting over my arms. Just as I was about to find it, I felt someone sat beside me.

"What do you feel?"

Napaangat agad ang ulo ko at lumingon sa katabing upuan nang marinig ko ang pamilyar na boses.

Iverson was holding stapled coupon bands. Maybe one of their readings from Ma'am Malcomn, the one Megan and the other girls talking about earlier.

"I feel a li'l bit dizzy and tired." Bumalik ako sa posisyon ko pero ngayon ang pisngi ko na ang nakapatong sa aking kamay habang nakaharap ang aking mukha sa kaniya.

"You feel restless?" he asked softly, still wasn't looking at me.

"Yap..." halos pabulong na ako kung sumagot. I closed my eyes and waited for him to talk.

"Your soul traveled so far, that's why..." he said like he felt it too.

"You said you were from 2025. Did your soul travel too like mine and entered another body?"

"Yes."

I opened my eyes because of his answer.

Then he felt this too. 

He was just like me, but not like me who wanted to go back right away... 'coz he didn't seem to freak out, or maybe he didn't want me to see him like that 'coz he wanted to be the strong person for the both of us?

"Iverson was also my doppelganger from different time, which is this time. Just like Bella and you." He paused and smiled at his readings. "But I looked much older in 2025. This face, though, was also my face when I was at this age."

"Did you also... ahm nahimatay?" I forgot the English word to use.

Iverson giggled softly, finding my way of speaking cute. "You mean, faint? Conyo girl." He addressed me.

Mahina rin akong napatawa dahil sa sinabi niya. "Yes, did you also faint?" pag-aayos ko ng aking tanong.

"No, I just slept. Wala namang pasok no'ng nangyari ang akin."

"Kailan 'yon nangyari?"

"Last week." he said calmly.

It took me a couple of seconds before I asked another question again. Medyo nadi-distract pa ako sa panga niya. His face shaped was diamond, and his angle from here was very good.

"Why did you ask me if it was my first day here? Did you already know I wasn't her?"

"Yes, I did know it already when you were just standing there, so confused. Bella wouldn't be like that. Bakit naman siya tatayo roon kung siya talaga 'yon?" Natawa siya sa sinabi niya. "Besides, I wanna make fun of you. You should've seen yourself when I asked you about it."

Matalim ko siyang tinignan at binigyan ng suntok sa kaniyang balikat.

"How did you already know I wasn't her and didn't freak out? Does that mean you're expecting me?"

He pursed his lips before answering. "Yes, I was expecting you, we were expecting this would happen."

So, I was really meant to be here, that this was planned all along. Why?

"We?" pag-uulit ko sa sinabi niya. "Like... you and Bella?" hindi ko siguradong tanong.

He nodded. "And Iverson," dagdag niya.

I was getting more curious about these people.

"What was your relationship with Bella..."

He smirked. "The real Bella and Iverson were classmates and kinda friends. They had some same interest about something."

"That's Bella and real Iverson's relationship. I'm asking about your relationship with her." I was getting impatient.

He chuckled and glanced at me. "We were friends together with Iverson."

Napakunot ang noo ko dahil may loophole akong nakita sa sinabi niya. 

"How did you become friends?" agad kong tanong. "Napunta ka sa katawan ni Iverson, right? So paano mo siya naging friend? Paano mo siya na-meet?"

An amused smile formed on his lips. "You got so much questions, huh?" Nilingon niya ako mula sa pagbabasa niya sa readings. Nakakapagbasa ba siya sa kabila nang pag-uusap namin? Grabeng multi-tasking naman 'yon.

I bit the insides of my lower lip while looking at him. Kahit na hindi niya nasagot ang nauna kong tanong ay nagtanong pa rin ako ng iba.

"Why are you here?"

His brow palpitated. His smile got sad even his eyes. It was just like earlier.

He swallowed hard before speaking. "Just rest." Iverson looked at me and gave me a soft smile. "I'll wake you up later..."

Umayos ako ng upo at tinignan siya. "Okay lang ako. You can tell me now." I fixed my posture to convince him more.

He chuckled out of amusement. "Rest, Zoe... that's what you need right now. You'll know everything, bits by bits, from the basic to complicated facts..."

"You sound like you're asking me to trust you."

"What do you think?" he asked back.

I squinted my eyes at him and shook my head. "No, ayoko nga. What if you're a bad guy, huh?"

Natawa siya sa sinabi ko. "Do I look like a bad guy?"

I raised my one brow, challenging him. "Looks can be deceiving."

He stared at me intently, leaving us silent for a moment. "Then use your heart. What does your intuition say about me?" He smiled again and raised one brow confidently.

He looked away and continued reading. "Besides, I'm the only one who knows the real you and what's happening. You don't have anyone else. If you don't trust me, we'll be doomed."

I hated to admit it but he had a point.

"Okay, fine." Wala rin namang mangyayari kung pipilitin ko siya dahil may advantage talaga siya.

Mas mabuti na nga sigurong magpahinga muna ako and let him handle which information I should know first. 'Coz it seemed that every question that he answered had some other facts connected to it.

I allowed myself to rest just like what Iverson said. He just woke me when it was time for the next subject. Megan and the other girls also came back 5 minutes after the professor entered the room. The whole afternoon was tiring and brain numbing. Wala akong maintindihan sa mga sinasabi ng teacher sa harapan dahil ang utak ko ay lumilipad sa kawalan. Thank God, I survived the entire class up until the last subject for that day.

"Boss, you look exhausted." Tinawanan ni Kevin ang itsura ko pagkapasok ko sa kotse niya.

He was in the driving seat while I was on the shotgun, putting my seatbelt across my body.

"Do you have food?" I asked while he was reversing his car out of the parking position. Nagugutom ako, I didn't eat lunch 'coz I slept.

Sinagot niya ako habang nakatingin siya sa likuran. "Yeah." His hand was on my headrest and the other was on the steering wheel. "Diyan, oh." Saglit niyang tinignan ang nasa pagitan naming compartment at muling tumingin sa likuran.

Binuksan ko kaagad ang plastic ng mcdo. Wow, 'di pa uso ang paper bag dito.

"Ba't ka may mcdo? Sa'n ka bumili?" tanong ko sabay kuha ng fries sa loob.

"I had a date earlier." he smirked and fixed his sitting position after reversing his car.

"Date? Bakit wala kang pasok?"

I saw in my peripheral view the way his forehead creased. He glanced at me for a bit and looked back at the road.

"Meron, pero vacant kanina. So, lumabas muna kami."

"Nino?" tanong ko.

Hindi ko rin alam bakit nakikiintriga pa ako, 'di ko naman siya kakilala talaga. Whatever, at least I was being distracted.

"Ahm. Jessica."

Tumango na lang ako at sumubo ng fries.

"I mean, not sure." bigla niyang bawi. "I think it was Jamaica? Jasmine? No... I think it was Julia..."

Kumunot ang noo ko at tumingin sa kaniya. Was he even serious about that!? Hindi niya alam ang pangalan ng naka-date niya?

"Why aren't you sure!?" hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong sa kaniya.

"Uhm." He scratched the back of his ear, getting a li'l awkward. "Hindi ko kasi sigurado, boss. Basta nag-date kami."

I scoffed. "Siguro naman hindi mo 'yon girlfriend?"

Napaatras siya sa akin. "Syempre, hindi! Date lang!"

Bakit ramdam ko na playboy ang lalaking 'to? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Hay nako talaga.

Char, nagsalita 'yong madaming reserved na kalandian. Well, in my defense, I made it clear to them that it was just some kind of fling and fun! Besides, they agreed on my terms. So... I'm guilt free!

"Boss, baba na."

Napakurap ako kay Kevin dahil sa sinabi niya. The car was stopped in front of a gate. Dito ba nakatira si Bella? Bagong tirahan ko na ba 'to?

"Ayoko nga," kunwari kong sabi. I needed some confirmation from him that Bella really lived here.

Pinanliitan niya ako ng kaniyang mga mata. "Aba, anong gusto mo buhatin pa kita palabas ng kotse ko? Tamad mo. Layas na nga."

"Sinabi ko lang na ayaw ko, an'dami mo nang sinabi!"

Inirapan ko siya at padabog na kinuha ang supot ng mcdo na may natira pang fries. "Akin na 'to, ah! Thanks!" mabilis kong sabi bago buksan ang sasakyan at humakbang palabas.

"Huy! Nagsabing kunin mo fries ko!? 'Di ka na nga nagbabayad ng pamasahe mo sa akin tas nanakawan mo pa ako ng fries!?" he shouted, leaning his hand on the shotgun seat to look at me while I was standing outside of his car.

I bended down so we could see each other's eyes. "Sabi ni Jessica akin na raw. Joke, si Jamaica ata 'yon?" Ngumiwi ako at tumingin sa ibang gawi, kunwari nag-iisip. "Ay hindi si Jasmine pala." I gasped and covered my mouth for a bit. "Oh, si Julia! Siya talaga 'yon, final na." I said sarcastically before smiling.

Hindi ko na hinintay ang sasabihin niya dahil inunahan ko na siya. "Thanks for the ride, Kevin. Ingat!" Sinarado ko na ang pinto ng sasakyan niya tsaka tumalikod at naglakad palapit sa gate.

I heard him beeped before driving away. Lumingon ako at pinanood ang sasakyan niya kung saan 'yon hihinto. Akala ko malayo pa ang pagitan ng bahay na tinitirhan namin, 'yon pala dalawang bahay lang.

Napabuntong hininga ako. Shiz, buti na lang talaga hindi ako nahihirapang makihalubilo sa ibang tao. Buti na lang talaga may pagkabida-bida ako.

"Ma'am, nariyan na po pala kayo."

Bumalik ang tingin ko sa sliding gate na may pagitan ang bawat steel bars, kita ko ang pigura ng isang babae na naglakad palapit sa gate. Kumalabog bigla ang puso ko at napahigpit ang aking hawak sa sling bag nang bumukas ang single gate sa gilid. Tumambad sa akin ang isang babaeng naka-grey scrub suit. Nakapusod ang buhok nito at malinis tignan.

She called me— ma'am. Maybe she was a helper.

I thanked her before entering the gate. I didn't know what to do. My feet were trembling as I stepped at the stairs before the opened wooden front door.

Holy pigs! Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta pagkapasok ko! Saan ang kwarto ni Bella!?

I pursed my lips and tried to think of something so I could make the helper help me find Bella's room!

"Ahm..." Kumamot ako sa batok ko at lumingon sa helper.

"Yes, ma'am?" tanong niya sa akin.

"How's my room?" pasimple kong tanong, umaasang may masabi siyang makakatulong sa akin.

"Okay naman po, ma'am." She stuttered a bit, she seemed nervous. "Hindi ko po nilisan gaya ng dati, kasi sabi niyo po kayo po ang maglilinis doon. May hinabilin po ba kayo kanina?" nananantya niyang tanong. "Sorry po, ma'am, wala po akong maalala, ih."

Oh... ahm...

"It's okay, wala akong hinabilin... but can you please check my room if there's a cockroach? May nakita po kasi ako kaninang umaga, nakalimutan kong sabihin." Wala na akong maisip na iba. Bahala na talaga.

Napansin ko ang pagbuntong hininga niya, mukhang nabunutan siya ng tinik.

"Sige po, ma'am."

Naglakad siya palapit sa gawi ko at hinayaan ko siyang mauna pumasok ng bahay.

Shiz, it worked!

Sumunod ako sa kaniya at palihim na sumusulyap-sulyap sa bahay nila Bella, para kahit papaano may alam ako.

The helper walked up the stairs and when I was about to follow her steps, someone spoke.

"Belle."

Napahinto ako sa paglalakad at pati sa paghinga.

Sino 'yon? Wait, Bella... Belle... Okay, another nickname!

"Yes po?" magalang kong tanong at dahan-dahang lumingon.

"Po?" A man laughed about it. "Nakain mo?" he asked while holding a crinkle. He was in the living room, sitting on the sofa, in front of a coffee table with a plate of crinkles and juice on it. He was just wearing a comfy shorts and basic shirt with some cartoons printed on it. Parang hindi nga bagay sa kaniya dahil masyadong masculine ang dating niya.

Who is he? I wasn't sure what was his relationship with Bella but I could see their— our, since kamukha siya, right? Okay lang naman sigurong sabihing 'our'?— strong resemblance, especially in the eyes— almond type.

Shiz. I'm having a crisis on how should I address ownership around me.

"Ayaw mo?" Tinuro niya ang crinkles sa table bago kumuha ng isa at muling sumandal sa sofa.

I tried to analyze what he said, Ayaw mo? Did it mean Bella liked crinkles and he was confused why I didn't take anything yet or she didn't like it and this guy was teasing me— I mean Bella?

Ah! So frustrating!

Gusto ko na lang dumiretso sa kwarto niya para less possible trouble! Kaloka mga mumsh! Makaka-survive ba ako rito? Shiz, it shouldn't be a question.

I should survive, I must survive.

"Don't tell me you don't like it anymore? Dinaanan ko pa 'yan bago umuwi 'coz you said you wanted some."

Oh, so gusto nga 'yon ni Bella. Okay, fine.

"I still like it." Naglakad ako palapit doon at kumuha ng isa. "I'll eat more later. Akyat na muna ako." Mabilis kong tinapos ang usapan. I needed to excuse myself as soon as possible.

His brows creased out of confusion. "You okay?"

No, I'm not.

I nodded and gave him a small smile. "Just tired."

He hummed "Okay."

Umakyat na ako pagkatapos no'n at sakto nakita ko ang helper sa hallway na kalalabas lang mula sa isang kwarto.

"Chineck ko na po ma'am, wala pong ipis." She smiled.

Ngumiti muna ako sa kaniya at nagpasalamat bago pumunta sa kwartong pinagmulan niya. Shiz! Buti na lang naabutan ko pa siya kahit papaano!

"Kaloka na talaga mga mumsters." mahinang pagkausap ko sa aking sarili nang ibagsak ko ang aking katawan sa higaan ni Bella at tumingin sa kisame.

What would I do now?

While I was staring at the space, something vibrated on the coat pocket I was wearing. Kunot noo kong kinapa ang lower side ng coat para kunin 'yon.

Bumangon ako at flinip ang black Samsung phone niya.

I gasped out of shock and excitement as I realized it was the V820L model— my dream phone when I was a kid! I always wanted this 'coz the screen could also flip!

"Shiz!" Kinilig ako dahil sa phone.

Sa sobrang busy ko kiligin hindi ko nasagot ang tawag at nawala na ang pag-vibrate. Mas lalo na namang nawala sa isip ko ang tungkol doon dahil nawili akong iikot-ikot ang screen. Kung hindi pa ulit magva-vibrate ang phone ni Bella ay hindi ko pa maalala na may tumatawag kanina at si Iverson pala 'yon.

"Yes!?" I asked with so much enthusiasm.

"You sound happy." He tittered. "What happened?"

"Yong phone kasi ni Bella! It was my dream phone when I was a kid!" I even squealed through the phone, which made him chuckled.

"Nakauwi ka na?" he asked, still laughing a little.

Luh! Pa-fall. Char!

"Yep, you?"

"Yes." He paused for a second. "Bella said, you should check her closet. In between her clothes at the lower part, she has something for you that may help."

"May hinabilin siya?" naguguluhan kong tanong.

"Yes, just what I said earlier, we were expecting you."

Oo nga pala.

"You could now stop doubting me that I'm the bad guy." I heard him smirked.

I shrugged. "Maybe, after I found it." 

Nag-asaran pa kaming dalawa bago pinutol ang tawag. Bago ko hinanap ang bagay na sinasabi ni Iverson ay nagtungo muna ako sa CR at nag-shower. Nagtupis muna ako bago lumabas ng banyo at dumiretso sa mini walk in closet niya. May nahanap akong pink satin shirt and short set sa isang drawer niya kaya 'yon nalang sinuot ko.

I made a torbie twist on my hair before kneeling my one foot on the carpet and squeezed my hand in every bottom of Bella's cabinets and drawers. Medyo napapagod na ako nang may nahawakan akong matigas na bagay sa ilalim ng mga shorts niya. Masyado akong na-excite kaya bigla akong lumakas at mas lalo kong siniksik ang kamay ko at hinugot iyon palabas.

"Another journal?" kunot noo kong tanong nang mahila ko 'yon.

I saddled on the carpet and opened it.

I scoffed and giggled when I read a note stickered on the first page.

Don't fret, you can trust that scumbag— Iverson's doppelganger from 2025.

As I flipped the page the smile on my face vanished and my eyes widened.

Every account's password.

My lips formed an 'o'.

Was she being serious!? Pinagkakatiwala niya sa akin ang bagay na 'to!?

I continued sitting there while I read some information about Bella.

Her full name was Phoebe Leohanna Hernandez— 3rd year BSBA-A student.

Oh okay, it's  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Accounting. Ang haba ha. 

Her favorites were also listed: color, songs, food— oh crinkles! Another page was also filled with people she was closed with, including their photos attached. That crinkle guy was her older brother, Enrique, and he was a doctor!? Oh shiz... Wow. His nickname was Rick.

Her mom, Alegra, was a doctor too, a pediatrician, while his dad, Gregory, was a lawyer. She also had an older sister, Almira— nickname, Ami— who was taking legal management. Wow, wow, wow.

"Masyadong matatalino ang nasa pamilyang ito." bulong ko sa aking sarili bago tumayo at pumunta sa kama habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa kaniyang journal.

I continued reading when Bella's brother knocked on her door for dinner. Bumaba na lang din ako kaagad para makakain na. Dalawa nga lang kami sa dining table kanina dahil ang mom at dad daw nila ay may inaasikaso. Her mom was at the hospital, night shift. Their dad was at his office, finishing some documents for his current client's case.

"You're being extra quiet today."

Napahinto ako sa pagtutulak sa tinidor ng pagkain papunta sa kutsara. I looked at her brother casually who was sitting on the opposite of the table.

"I'm just tired." Palusot na muna bago sumubo.

Bella was sweet to her family, according to her journal, since she was the youngest. But I couldn't do that for now, too much for today... Maybe tomorrow I could at least try.

Hindi pa nga mayadong nagsi-sink in sa akin na nandito ako dahil sa rason na hindi ko pa alam, tapos aarte na ako na parang ako siya?

Let me breathe for a while. Alam kong ito na lang din ang pagkakataon para magawa ko 'yon, sigurado pagkatapos nito, sunod-sunod na kaganapan na ang malalaman ko.

To learn it was all planned, definitely, what I'm dealing with was a serious matter.

"Akyat na ako." paalam ko sa kuya ni Bella bago bumalik sa kwarto niya.

His brows were furrowed when he nodded. He was busy checking his phone while the helper fixed our plates.

Hinayaan ko na lang siya roon at umakyat na.

As soon as I entered Bella's room, I went straight to her bathroom to brush my teeth and do her night routine. After following those steps in her journal, I sat down in front of her study table and checked her whiteboard where she listed her tasks.

Mahina akong napamura nang makita ko kung gaano 'yon karami. Ang gulo pa ng mga nakasulat dahil 'yong iba may check. Nakakahilo tignan kung saan pa ba ang hindi niya tapos kaya inabot ko ang notepad niya na nasa gilid at inilista ang mga assignment na hindi niya pa nagagawa.

"Bakit mo naman ako pinapahirapan nang ganito, Bella?" Nanggigigil kong itinusok ang papel sa pinboard na nakasabit sa wall.

May mga due pa bukas kaya 'yon na lang ang inuna kong gawin. Good thing, Iverson sent me the answers, kaya kinopya ko na lang ang mga 'yon.

After doing that shits, I immediately jumped on her bed to rest. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, I wasn't sure if I really slept when her alarm clock, on her side table, rang. Para kasing gising ang diwa ko no'ng natulog ako.

The next day was Wednesday— December 7, 2011. It was washday, so I could choose my clothing but uniform. Ang pinoroblema ko lang ay magkaiba kami ng usual style. Her style was a bit loose yet still fits— like not hugging her body. Unlike me who prefer fitted-loose clothes, like balanced. I liked fitted jeans but she preferred elephant jeans! Argh.

In the end, ang style ko ang nasunod.

I just wore a neon green tube top and skinny denim jeans. Pinatungan ko nalang din ng denim jacket ang top ko 'coz it was too much fitted clothes. See, balanced style. Kapag fitted ang top dapat medyo loose ang bottom, vice versa. Naka-aircon rin sa school, kaya mabuti na ring magsuot ako ng gano'n dahil baka lamigin ako mamaya.

I picked her white chunky sneakers before going downstairs 'coz Kevin was already waiting. I just grabbed the crinkles in the fridge— that I forgot to eat last night— 'coz I didn't have time to eat breakfast at home! I took too much time picking my outfit for today.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto ng kotse, reklamo niya kaagad ang narinig ko. "Tagal naman—" naputol ang sinasabi niya nang mapansin ang outfit ko. "Anong nakain mo?" pagtataka niya habang kinakabit ko ang seatbelt sa katawan ko. "Ba't iba itsura mo? You're too sexy today. Hindi ko alam na may fitted jeans ka pala. No more elephant jeans? No more tita era?" nakangisi niyng pang-aasar.

Gano'n ba talaga kahalata? Magpapalit na ba ako?

He leaned and peeked at my feet. "Wow, sinuot mo ang regalo ko sa'yong rubber shoes? No more sandals? Are you turning a leaf?"

"Kevin, mag-drive ka na lang." masungit kong sabi. 

Bella and Kevin were friends, they liked roasting each other. Good thing I was used to that with my friends, especially with Sab. Kaya sa lahat ng mga bagay na ginagawa ko simula nang mapadpad ako rito, pagsusungit kay Kevin ang pinaka-comfy na gawin.

"Kumain ka na?" tanong ko sa kaniya bago kumagat sa crinkle.

"No," he said before we passed the subdivision gate. "Hindi ako kumakain ng pang-umagahan, remember?" He tsked. "Wala kang kwentang kaibigan, plastic."

Ahm, well sorry na kaagad, hindi naman kasi 'yan nakalagay sa journal ni Bella.

"Pero gusto ko rin ng crinkles, bigyan mo ko." Inilahad niya ang isang kamay niya sa akin.

Kumuha ako sa Tupperware ng isa at pinagpag ko pa 'yon para mahulog ang sobrang powdered sugar.

"Thanks." he said when I put it on his palm.

Sinubo niya 'yon nang buo at muling binalik ang kaniyang kamay sa steering wheel. He was wearing a black oversized shirt, black skinny cargo pants, paired with his black rubber shoes. A 6mm silver cuban chains around his neck, lying on top of his shirt. He had a silver watch on his wrist and a black-and-white handmade bracelet on his veined wrist.

Shiz! It was like the bracelet I used to make during my childhood days! 'Yong mahahabang tali na may iba't ibang kulay na tig-piso noon! Lagi naming binibili ni Sab 'yon tuwing uwian sa labas ng school.

"Anong oras na?" he asked me as he pulled the brake of his car before turning off the engine. Kakaparada niya lang sa parking lot ng school.

"May relo ka, 'di ba?" sarkastiko kong sagot sa kaniya nang alisin ko ang aking seatbelt at binuksan ang pinto ng sasakyan. Naglakad na ako at iniwan siya roon.

Ilang saglit lang narinig ko na ang boses niya. "Aba!" rinig kong sabi niya kasabay nang pagsarado niya rin ng pinto ng kotse.

"Ano?" paghahamon ko sa kaniya nang makasabay na siya sa paglalakad ko.

Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin.

I huffed. "Ano, walang masabi? Ano ba 'yan! Weak!" I challenged him, trying to pick a fight. I even stepped away and looked at him from head to toe, trying to insult him even more.

His lips parted out of disbelief. "Huh!?" Kevin pulled the one strap of his bag that was on his shoulder to secure it, readying himself to attack me!

"Halika rito nang mabuhat kita at itapon sa basurahan! Weak pala ah!"

Napasigaw ako at agad na tumakbo palayo sa kaniya nang hakbangin niya ang distansya namin.

Ang bilis tuloy naming nakapasok sa building!

"Ayoko na! Ayoko na!" I faked a sob habang nagmamakaawa ko sa kaniya habang patuloy pa ring tumatakbo at mahigpit ang aking hawak sa strap ng sling bag na dala ko para hindi mahulog.

"Ah!" napasigaw ako dahil sa gulat nang may nabunggo ako sa intersection ng hallway.

I stumbled on my feet and was about to fall when that person grabbed my arms and held me.

"What are you doing?" Medyo seryoso ang tono ng boses niya.

My lips automatically sealed as I looked at him with his furrowed eyebrows. Iverson was the one I bumped with.

Shiz! Sa oras ko lang no'n naramdaman ang sakit nang pagkakabangga ng braso ko!

"Ayan, ayan kasi! Lagot, Bella..." narinig kosi Kevin na nanggagatong papalapit sa amin. Naglalakad na siya at kunwaring kalmado para hindi madamay sa panenermon.

Alanganin akong ngumiti kay Iverson at hindi na muna pinansin si Kevin.

"Sorry..." I gave him an apologetic smile and a peace sign.

He gazed Kevin. Huminga siya nang malalim at napailing. Para naman kaming makukulit na bata dahil sa tingin niya sa amin. 

His facial expression relaxed, letting go of my arm. "It's okay, just be careful."

Iverson pulled the one strap of his bag, that was hanging on his elbow, back to his shoulder— probably fell when we bumped. 

Uso pala rito 'yong isang strap lang nakasabit sa balikat, 'no?

"Si Kevin, ih!" Kunot noo kong sabi, nagsusumbong.

Nilingon ko ang lalaking naging rason nang pagtakbo ko. "Itatapon daw ako sa basurahan!" dagdag ko pa, nagpapaawa lalo.

Napaataras siya sa amin at hinawakan ang kaniyang dibdib. "Grabe? Wala akong ginagawa, ah!"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Huy! Ang kapal mo!" Tinuro ko siya dahil sa gigil. Feeling innocent siya!

Iverson just giggled while his lips were closed. He held my wrist and pulled it down.

"Come on, mamaya niyo na ituloy away niyo."

I narrowed my eyes at Kevin and pointed my eyes with my two forefingers before pointing them at him.

"Magtutuos pa tayo mamaya." I threatened him.

He just made face and stuck his tongue out.

Iverson just pulled my arm to make me walk and separate our ways from Kevin.

"You guys are getting along pretty well." he said while smiling, not surprised.

Ngayon ko lang napansin ang outfit niya. Mas lalo siyang pumogi and he looked mabango!

Iverson was wearing a navy blue polo shirt, it was kinda fitted so it was complimenting the muscles in his arms. He paired it with his jeans and white shoes. He waxed his hair that was separated on his side, he also had a wristwatch accessory.

"That's good." He added. He seemed relieved that I was doing just fine, even a li'l bit...

I sighed and intertwined my hands before stretching my arms out in front of me. 

"Hmm, yeah..." Ngumiti rin ako sa kaniya.

Saglit akong tumingin sa daan at hinawakan ang aking sling bag. "So," pag-iiba ko. "What should be our lesson 1 for today, sir? I already finish my assignment, reading her journal." I proudly said.

He hummed and pursed his lips. "Very good, then." He let out some giggles and got serious after a couple of seconds.

"Read about astral projections and astral plane."

Mabilis na kumunot ang noo ko. "What? Why?"

"Why do you ask— why?" he laughed sarcastically, making me a little intimidated in some way. "Of course, it's our lesson number 1 that has something to do with what's happening."

"Oh." I said as I realized, getting a little shy. Ang tanga ko nga sa part na 'yon, nagtanong nga pala ako kung anong lesson 1 tapos no'ng sumagot tinanong ko kung bakit? Argh!

"It's where it all started." dagdag niya pa bago kami pumasok sa back door ng classroom... namin? Char, okay na bang sabihin kong namin? Ang weird sa feeling.

"And, by the way, I forgot something." Saglit siyang humarap sa akin at ngumiti. "Good morning, Zoe." mahina niyang sabi bago tumalikod at maglakad sa aisle papunta sa upuan niya.

I absent-mindedly bit the insides of my lower lip, still feeling a li'l bit embarrassed.

"Morning..." It was a casual-whisper-under-my-breath reply that he didn't even hear.

__________D.H