Chapter 16: Lessons In Love

"Good morning Goddess," I bent down to kiss Aya's nose pero nagulat ako nang tumingkayad siya at hinalikan ako sa labi. Shit... gusto ko pa.

"Good morning Prince ko," she smiled up at me. I bent down to kiss her back but she held up her hand and covered my mouth. Anak ng...

"Mamaya na," she whispered conspiratorially as her gaze darted around to her brothers who are busy putting all of our stuff on the truckbeds. It's 3AM at naghahanda na kami para sa bakasyon sa Norte courtesy of Kuya Alphonse. Grabe, sobrang excited naming lahat and a month ago pa lang nakapaghanda na ang girls ng dadalhin.

"Ang daya mo naman eh," I whined at her, putting on my best puppy-dog-look. Napahagikhik siya.

" 'Kaw lakas mo mag-pa-cute ha," she stuck her tongue out at me.

" 'Kaw lakas mambitin," I grumbled and she laughed. I caught her in a bear hug, "Mamaya lagot ka sa'kin. I'll extract revenge."

"Hala Prince grabe ka, ji-no-joke lang naman kita eh," she smiled playfully, "Happy second monthsary."

"Happy second monthsary, Goddess," I whispered back to her. "Mamaya celebrate tayo ha?" She nodded her head eagerly.

"Excited na ko," she rubbed her nose against my chest, "Our first trip together."

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"Bro, tignan mo yung dalawang yun may sariling mundo," Siniko ko si Kuya Aidan na nasa tabi ko at nag-aayos ng mga crate ng gamit na dadalhin namin sa five-day-trip across the north.

"Hn. Kawawang Prince. Tignan mo yung mukha ni Alfredo, mukhang uupakan na siya," Nakangisi si Kuya Aidan.

"Kuya Alfredo naman kasi, akala mo tatay ni Diosa. Si Kuya Alphonse nga okay lang oh. Saka si Ate Lena, kinikilig pa," Iniabot ko sa kanya ang portable stove, "Tingin mo dun kay Prince, makakatagal pa kaya yun?"

"Gago," binatukan ako ni Kuya Aidan, "pero may point ka, I don't think kayang magpigil ni Prince ng tatlong taon. Sa sobrang lambing ni Aya, syet bilib na ako sa effort niya ngayon pa lang."

"One year kaya?"

"Six months," Anak ng, grabe naman prediction nitong si Kuya. Six months lang? Parang ayoko pa yatang isipin na ikakasal 'tong baby girl namin.

"Ano bang running bet natin?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Natawa siya, "Si Kuya Alphonse ayaw sumali, pero si Ate Lena sabi two years. Si Alfredo pinaninindigan yung three years niya. Si Ali, kahit isang taon man lang daw."

"Goodluck kay Prince. Pero sabagay, mawawala na ang mga umiiyak na girlfriends ng Zabala brothers dahil kay Diosa." Nag-high-five kami ni Aidan.

"Ano nga ulit yung last count ng mga nagselos na girlfriend kay Diosa?"

"Si Kuya Alphonse tatlo, kasi yung pang-apat na girlfriend niya si Ate Lena na. Si Albert, dalawa kasi nag-migrate agad siya sa UK at hindi nakilala ng iba niyang girlfriends si Diosa."

"Oo nga eh, yung wife material natin dapat number one rule, bawal magselos kay baby girl. Si Alejandro anim na girlfriends, yung isa pa inaway si Diosa kaya nagwala si Ali. Sa 'yo tatlo. Yung sa akin anim din," I grinned at the memory. Hindi ko alam bakit sobrang insecure ng girls kay Diosa. Napakabait naman nito at hindi nakikialam kapag may girlfriend kami. Sadyang parang magnet lang talaga siya ng selosang mga girlfriend. Siguro kasi nung nagsabog ng sweetness ang Diyos sa daigdig ay sinalo niya lahat kaya naman na-mi-misinterpret lagi. Nakakabwisit ang mga babaeng gumagawa ng malisya.

"Si Alfredo ang pinaka-epic, twenty seven girls. Pucha, isang kita pa lang kay Diosa, hiwalay na. Paano 'tong Kuya natin, avenging angel lagi. Hahaha!"

"Baliw yang si Kuya eh, hula ko iiyak yan sa kasal ni Diosa. Baka matindi pa yan kay Tita Delia,"

"Buti na lang si Ali, hindi nag-gi-girlfriend," I frowned as I leaned down at Aidan, "may problema kaya yun?"

"Si Ali? May makakatagal ba sa saltik nun? Kay baby girl lang yun malambing," Inilagay namin ang huling crate at itinali ito ng maayos, "Pero I wonder kung kelan siya makakahanap ng katapat."

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"So you think you can hide from me?" I grinned as I toyed with the edge of the slide function. "Amateur." I closed my tablet when I saw Aidan and Adam finish with their task. I switched to my mobile and used the Bluetooth headset. Pathetic. I turned my attention back to the miniature screen. I would have preferred my LED screen para kitang-kita yung facial expression niya, but I didn't want anyone to notice what I am doing.

"Sisirain ko sila, akin lang si Prince," her eyes darted around the room trying to look for me.

"I see you," I laughed softly as she pulled off the white covers of the paintings. Lahat, sira na. Black paint covered most of the canvasses. Napamura siya at natawa ako.

"Hayup ka! Hindi lang ito ang meron ako against Prince!" her eyes were wide and dilated. Bangag na bangag. What is it with people that they choose to destroy themselves with illegal substances? Sayang... I researched her background and found out what a gifted painter she is. Sinayang niya lang.

"You mean this?" I pushed a button and the screen of her computer monitor lit up. She stared in horror at the 45-second clip that I lifted from her hard drive, "Walang kwenta. However this..." The scene changed and she fell to the floor sobbing.

"Stop trying to go between Aya and Prince."

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"Okay ka lang, baby?" Prince put his scarf around my neck. Shocks, ang bango ng cologne niya. Madali talaga akong lamigin kaya nanginginig ako kahit naka-long sleeves na ako at jacket. I rubbed my hands together to create friction heat. Inabot ni Prince yung kamay ko and he breathed on them to keep them warm.

"Thank you," I smiled at him. He took my hand and entwined it with his bago ipinasok sa loob ng bulsa ng jacket niya.

"Stop over muna tayo dito sa Baguio para makapag-stretch," Kuya Alphonse announced. "Kain tayo ng lunch sa Mario's bago tayo tumuloy sa Burnham Park." He held his daughter Allison's hand as he guided his wife and year-old son, Aaron out of the car.

"Instagram tayo," I smiled up to Prince and he immediately took out his phone and aimed it at the two of us.

"Okay, yung sa akin naman para ma-chronicle natin," I took out my phone and took photos para gawing pic collage. I immediately uploaded the images and labeled it, 'Second monthsary with My Prince'. May nag-notification sa akin and I saw yung upload ni Prince, 'In-love with a Goddess'.

"Para tayong mga sira," I laughed and hugged his arm.

"Okay lang yun Goddess, love is crazy di ba?" He rubbed my arm, "Nilalamig ka pa rin?" I nodded at him.

"Aya, group pic tayo!" Kiko hollered and we went to where everybody was gathered to take the obligatory group photo.

I stood beside Prince pero bigla akong hinatak ni Kuya Alfredo sa tabi niya. "Dito ka baby girl." Natawa ako. Itong si Kuya parang baliw lang. Kanina pa sila may staring match ni Prince at feeling ko may usapan sila na di ko alam.

"Kuya, lakas ng trip mo talaga!" I slapped his arm, "Prince, dito ka sa kabila ko." I pulled him to my other side.

"Diosa!" Kuya Alfredo pouted and I pinched his cheek just as the camera flashed.

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"Tara," I whispered to Prince when I noticed that everyone was busy settling in at the hotel. Magkakasama sa room sila Kuya Adam, Prince at Kuya Alfred. Sa kabila naman si Kiko, Kuya Ali and Kuya Aidan. Isang room si Kuya Alphonse and his wife and kids, tapos kami ni Sab magka-room mate.

He grinned at me, "Wow, I didn't know may ninja-moves ka din," he pulled me close and dropped a kiss on top of my head. "Akyat tayo rooftop?" I nodded eagerly.

I shivered when we got to the roof. Malapit na ang sunset and the twilight sun winked its last dying rays at us. I felt Prince enfold me in his arms and I immediately felt warmth. I turned and buried my face against his shirt.

"Buti ka pa warm, nilalamig talaga ako," I murmured softly into his chest. His large hands started kneading my back and I felt a sort of lethargy enter my bones. "Pinapaantok mo naman ako eh," I pouted.

"Hindi naman," he murmured. He stopped what he was doing and cupped my cheeks, "Pati ilong mo malamig," he whispered as he dropped a kiss on my nose. "Gusto mo painitin kita?" he grinned at me mischievously. I swallowed hard at the suggestion.

"Parang gusto ko yan, pero parang iba yung ibig mong sabihin," I frowned at him, "Hine-hentai mo na naman ako Mr. Constantino?"

"Ang lamig mo kasi eh. 'Lika dito," he pulled me to sit on a lounge chair. The first stars started to wink at us. He sat and motioned me to sit between his legs, with my back to his. He started pulling off my jacket.

"Uy, ano ba nilalamig nga ako!" I scolded him. He laughed and tugged it completely off me. Goosebumps erupted along my whole body. Kahit naka-long-sleeves pa ako napasinghap ako sa lamig.

"Thermodynamics tayo," he smiled as he took off his own jacket. "I'll transfer my heat to you through physical contact."

"Prince, baka mapulmonya ka," I slapped his chest. Shet ang init talaga ng katawan niya. He grinned at me, "C'mon Goddess, I'll keep you warm." He pulled me against him. "This works better if all our clothes we're off pero baka mamaya mahuli tayo eh."

"Baliw ka talaga, blanket scenarios don't work this way," I murmured as I turned to him. He leaned down and gave me a soft kiss.

"Maniningil na 'ko ha," he whispered huskily, and that was my only warning before he pulled me tighter and opened his mouth over mine.

"Wait lang," I pushed him off a bit, "Akin na yung kamay mo." He frowned at me, "Dali na!" He showed me his palms. I entwined our hands together and placed them flat on the chair as I shifted to hover over him. "Mamaya manggigil ka na naman eh." He reddened but complied. Soon enough our kiss turned heated and it was I who let go of his hands to twine mine over his nape. I felt him slide his warm hands inside my shirt and I shuddered at the seeming electricity carried by his touch.

"Prince..." I moaned out. I'm no longer sure if I want him to take his hands off or not.

"Ngayon lang, ang lamig mo baby," he groaned to my ear. "Shit," he buried his face on the junction between my neck and shoulder, "Ang bango mo, Aya." He inhaled deeply and started dropping small kisses on the side of my neck. I felt tickled by his warm breath and pulled off with a laugh.

"Paano ako naging mabango? Hindi naman ako nagpapabango?" I frowned at him and he gave a low laugh. I love that laugh. I only hear that pag kaming dalawa lang.

"Basta masarap," he licked his lips, "I love your natural scent."

"Parang pheromones?" Kunot-noo kong tanong sa kanya, "Ji-no-joke mo naman ako eh. Gusto mo yung pawis-scented?"

"Aya-scented," he rubbed his nose on my collarbone, "enough talk." He caught my lips once again and I was soon lost in his passionate kiss. The hands on my skin rubbed up and down my back to create friction heat. I could feel something warm start to build in my body, straight to my core. I didn't even notice that I'm already unconsciously rubbing myself against his chest.

"Tama na," he whispered breathlessly when we parted, "baka iba na gawin ko." I scooted a bit away from him and tried to calm my own breathing.

"Wait, yung gift ko sa'yo," I picked up my jacket which he dropped to the floor, "Nagpaturo ako kay Kuya Alfredo kung pano gawin ito," I pulled out a small pouch which I dyed and hand painted. "Lagi kasing ikaw yung nagluluto so I wanted to make something for you too." he took the pouch and pulled off the string.

"Hazelnut? Favorite ko," he smiled as he took a bite of the chocolate-covered confectionery. "Mmm, dark-chocolate."

"Masarap ba?" I watched him as he licked his lips slowly. 'Langya 'tong boyfriend ko, kumakain lang ng tsokolate, nang-aakit pa.

"Gusto mo malaman?" I nodded. He smiled wickedly, then pulled me up and kissed me. His mouth tasted like chocolate: bitter, sweet, sinful...

"Thank you Aya," he smiled when we parted for air, "Ako rin may gift sa'yo." He pulled a small wooden box with a sliding cover from his pocket.

"Naalala mo si Greg?" I nodded and he handed me the box. It was carved with tiny flower motifs and finials. A thin sheet of hammered silver made up the initials A and C in a Celtic typeface on the cover. Grabe ang intricate ng design.

"His family owns a silver shop. He works part-time as a designer," he grinned, "buksan mo."

"Wow," I breathed in wonder. Nestled inside was a silver necklace. The chain was made up of delicate filaments of intertwined silver that looked so fragile to the touch. A small clasp in the form of an infinity sign was in the middle and made to nestle between the collar bone of the wearer.

"Suot ko sa'yo," he lifted it out and put it around my neck. "Do you like it? Ako nag-design niyan, then fina-fabricate ko kay Greg."

"Ang ganda," I touched the infinity sign. There are small, dark amethyst gems embedded on it. "Birthstone ko?"

"It's paired with mine," he pulled open his collar and I saw that he was also wearing one, albeit his chain is thicker and was designed with Celtic knotwork instead of the softly spun design of my own.

"Bakit A and C yung nasa cover?" I asked him. I didn't know it was possible but he blushed.

"It stands for, 'Aya Constantino'" he smiled shyly. Teka kinikilig siya?

"Are you laying a claim on me Mr. Constantino?" I asked playfully.

"Matagal na," he confessed, "are you mine, Goddess?"

"Definitely."

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"Hay Aya sa'n ba kayo nanggaling? Kakain na kaya tayo," Sab poked me on the side.

I flinched and laughed, "Sa rooftop. Maganda yung sunset."

"Talagang sunset ang maganda?" she smiled knowingly and I blushed. "Girl blooming ka. Aminin."

I wiped my nose with the back of my hand, "Nag-celebrate lang kami ng monthsary. Ganda ng gift niya sa'kin," I pulled the collar of my shirt and Sab gasped.

"Wow bes, siya gumawa nito? Ang ganda!"

"Design niya pero iba nag-fabricate," Grabe, parang sisipunin talaga ako. I feel the tell-tale signs of a cold creeping up on me.

"Diosa okay ka lang?" Kuya Adam put an arm around me, "You look pale."

"Parang sisipunin ako Kuya," I confessed. "Inom ako citrus and water."

"Kuha kita?" I shook my head. Sweet talaga nitong si Kuya Adam.

"Kinuha na po ako ni Prince." He smiled and nodded. Prince arrived with a plateful of food and a glass of water.

"Kain na tayo," he placed the food in front of me. "Okay ka lang?" he looked worried.

"Oo, parang sisipunin lang. Lamig kasi eh." He placed his hand on my forehead.

"Medyo mainit ka."

"Matutulog na lang ako ng maaga. Baka lumala pag di ako nagpahinga." I smiled up at him, "Okay lang ako, sipon lang naman eh."

"Sure ka? Bili ako gamot gusto mo?"

"Hindi na, fluids and rest lang 'to. May bonfire mamaya sila Kuya. Maki-bonding ka sa kanila." I pointed to where my brothers are busy building a pit.

"Sige. Pero pag di maganda pakiramdam mo, samahan kita," he smiled at me.

"Grabe, kayo na nilalanggam," Sab remarked with a laugh.

"Oo nga, may sariling mundo," Kuya Adam remarked, squeezing my shoulder. Hindi ko man lang napansin na nakaakbay pa rin siya sa akin.

"Sorry Kuya!" I turned to him, "Di ko po sinasadyang di mamansin."

"Sus, okay lang," he turned to Prince, "basta 'tol pahiram mo rin sa amin yung baby girl namin ha. Love namin to, nag-iisa eh."

"Adam naman, bakit hihiramin? Pwede namang i-share," he laughed.

"Sab, eto na food mo," Kiko arrived with two plates. "Yung favorite mo na lahat yan ha. Hi Aya, Prince," he greeted us. Prince lifted a brow and gestured for me to lean closer so he could whisper.

"Pansinin mo yang si Kiko," he gestured with his mouth. "Sobrang attentive kay Sab."

I frowned at him, "Ha? What do you mean?"

"Basta. I think there's something there," he smiled conspiratorially. I watched Sab and Kiko. Normal naman. Nag-aasaran.

"Look," Prince nudged me. Sab had her head turned and I saw Kiko's wistful expression.

"Hala..." I looked wide-eyed at Prince.

"Summer loving?" he winked at me.

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"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" I whispered when I felt the bed dip and Prince placed his hand on my forehead.

"Nag-iinuman sila dun. Si Aidan at Adam na lang ang gising at nag-ja-jamming," he climbed onto the bed with me, "mainit ka pa rin. Nilalamig ka?"

"Medyo" I admitted, "Prince bakit andito ka? Baka pagalitan tayo."

"Nagsabi ako kay Kuya Alphonse. I promised him I'll just watch over you," he grinned, "besides ayan lang si Sab sa kabilang bunk oh." He gestured to Sab who was sleeping deeply on the other bed.

"Prince sigurado ka ba? Ang liit kaya nitong bed. Hindi tayo kasya," I pouted.

"Sabi ni Kuya Ali pag UP student marunong gumawa ng paraan," he winked at me before standing. He took off the pillows placed on the side of the bed to make more room. Next, he pulled the bench inside the room to extend the side of the bunk before covering it with the comforter. "Kakasya tayo. Di ako papayag na hindi."

"Baliw," he laid down on his makeshift extension and opened his arms.

"Sleep na tayo. I want to hold you Goddess," I scooted close to him and he enveloped me in his warm arms.

"Goodnight Goddess," he placed a kiss on my forehead. "Happy second month."

"Goodnight my Prince."

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I woke up to the presence of someone spooning behind me. By instinct, I immediately knew that it was Prince who is rhythmically stroking my tummy and sides over my shirt. There is something about him and physical contact. Ever since the start of our relationship may ugali siya na yung kamay niya bigla na lang mag-s-slide over my clothes and he would trace soothing patterns on my skin. Hindi naman niya ginagawa kapag may ibang tao sa paligid, kapag kaming dalawa lang, so hindi ko feel na binabastos niya ako. He always stays clear away from parts covered by undergarments. Pero sa akin, nababaliw ako sa ginagawa niya. I feel so boneless whenever he starts his crazy touching thing and lahat ng huwisyo ko ay lumilipad sa alapaap. Siguro kung hubaran niya ako ng tuluyan ay hindi ko mapapansin. Slow burning sensation.

I touched his arm over my shirt and he stopped moving. Alam niyang gising na ako and I could feel him dropping soft kisses on my nape.

"Gising na Goddess ko?" his voice had that husky bedroom feel that sent electricity skittering along my skin.

I felt him turn me around and tuck me under his chin, his hands resumed their maddening dance on my back, "How do you feel? Okay ka na, baby?" His voice is a quiet rumble under my cheek.

"Okay na 'ko kasi andito ka," I murmured. Ayan na naman, boneless na naman ako sa mga bisig niya.

"Kaya lang..."

"Kaya lang?"

"Kasi ano..."

"Kasi?"

I realized I'm dying to ask him. Wala naman akong ibang matatanong and he's my boyfriend, "Why do you always do that?"

"Do what?" He frowned at me.

"Yang kamay mo. You always run your hands all over my back or my sides or my tummy," I hid my face on his chest. Kahit boyfriend ko na siya, naiilang akong magtanong. I've never been vocal with my sexuality with anyone kaya nahihiya ako.

"Ayaw mo?" His voice had a note of disappointment.

"Gusto," I shyly admitted, "Yun nga eh, masyado kong gusto. Parang umiinit yung katawan ko."

"Shit Aya..." he moaned softly, "wag ganun, na-aarouse ako," biglang nanlaki yung mata ko and I tried to push him off.

"Hentai ka!" hinampas ko yung dibdib niya. He just shrugged and pulled me closer.

"Hindi ganun, iba yung desire sa kamanyakan."

"Pa'nong iba?" I was burning with curiosity and he caught my expression. Natawa siya.

"Bakit mo 'ko tinatawanan? Hindi ko nga alam eh," I pouted.

"Uy nagtatampo ka naman agad" he pulled me upward and gave me a soft, lingering kiss. "Grabe sa pagkamatampuhin talaga 'tong Goddess ko".

I didn't say anything and glared at him. He stroked my cheeks and sighed, "Sarap naman, ako pa talaga magtuturo sa'yo... buti na lang love na love kita."

"Prince..." I was unfazed. Feeling ko napaka-childish ko.

"Seriously, hindi ba kayo nag-discuss sa Sex Ed about intimacy?" he grinned.

"Yung process ng sex lang ang in-explain saka yung emphasis ng discussion ay yung consequences pero wala naman sinabi about emotions na attached."

"Shet, walang kwenta naman prof niyo. Aya, normal lang na makaramdam ako ng desire. Girlfriend kita siyempre pagnanasaan kita, pero wala naman akong balak na pilitin ka or manyakin ka. Natural instinct na gusto kong mapalapit sayo."

"So pinagnanasaan mo nga ako?" I stared at him incredulously. He nodded.

"Most of the time," he confessed with a smile, "Pag kadikit kita umiinit yung pakiramdam ko. Parang gusto kita laging yakapin at halikan."

"Nyay, scary..." I swallowed hard and tried to push him off.

"Bakit ka matatakot? Normal lang yung reaction na yun. Ikaw, don't you have the urge to kiss me or touch me?" he narrowed his eyes at me.

I averted my gaze,"Meron." I saw him grin at my admission.

"See? Pareho lang tayo," He tucked my hair behind my ear, "I'm trying my best not to go too fast for you."

"Hindi sa ganun, pero 'most the time' talaga? Ibig sabihin lagi kang na-aarouse pag kasama ako?"

"Wait, paano ko ba i-e-explain sa'yo?" he stopped for a while with a thoughtful expression, "Look at it this way, kung talagang manyak lang ang habol ko sa'yo dapat naka-second base or third base na ako. Baka nga homerun pa, pero hindi, kasi hindi ka ready. It doesn't change the fact that I want you. All of you. I'll always want you Aya." He looked so solemn that I knew this had to be true. Pero nyay! Ganun ba talaga?

I was shocked when he pulled me on top of him and hooked his leg over my hips to press me against his lower half. I could feel his arousal through his pants.

"Ayan, nararamdaman mo?" O.M.G. Sensory overload.

"Prince bitawan mo 'ko!" Nagpapanic ako! Jusko Lord, ilayo niyo ako sa matigas!

"Relax ka lang. Wala akong gagawin sa'yo." He whispered to me as his arms tightened around my body. "Aya, mas na-aarouse ako pag malikot ka. Tama na okay."

That made me stop squirming. 'Langyang Prince 'to. Lakas makapang-gulat!

"Sorry" He pulled me to his side and put some space between our bodies. "Na-satisfy ko na ba yung curiosity mo?" Syet ayoko na yatang maging curious! Prince Constantino mababaliw ako sa'yo!

Hindi pa rin ako makapagsalita. Naloloka ako sa mga natututunan ko dito kay Prince. Syete ganito pala yung experienced ang boyfriend? Parang nahiya tuloy ako lalo na't alam kong wala akong panama sa previous girlfriends niya pagdating sa sex.

"Wait lang ha," he stood up and went out of the room. Narinig kong pumasok siya sa banyo. May kumatok sa pinto at bumaba ako ng kama para buksan.

"Hi bes okay ka na? Nagdala ako ng food." Bati sa akin ni Sab.

"Oh my Gahd Sab..." I murmured dazedly.

"Anong nangyari sa'yo? Asan si Prince?" She frowned as she entered our room and set the food on the side table.

"Sab grabe... shet... ganun pala pag matigas..."

"Matigas? Ang alin?" Sab had a confused look on her face until it dawned on her what I was talking about. "OhmyGahd girl!" She doubled over in laughter.

"Pinahawak niya sa'yo?" I shook my head vehemently, "Morning wood?"

"Yun yata yung tawag dun..." I could feel my cheeks heat up and I just had to cover them with my hands.

Napahagikhik si Sab, "Oh man, Aya ang epic ng mukha mo!"

" 'Langya naman yung 'Good morning' na 'to..." I swallowed hard.

"Aya, normal lang yun, ano ka ba?" Sab pulled me to sit beside her, "Alam mo ba, ang sarap mong asarin. Dati kasi hindi ako makapag-confide sa'yo dahil wala kang boyfriend or manliligaw. Tapos trip mo pa yaoi," Napatingin ako kay Sab. She already had four boyfriends in highschool at pinakamatagal si Roel. They broke up last year.

"Naawa tuloy ako sa boyfriend mo," She hugged me, "Mas mahirap magpigil para sa boys."

"Sab, naging intimate ba kayo ng boyfriends mo?" she smiled knowingly.

"Syempre naman. Ano kami magtititigan lang?" I dropped my gaze to my lap, "Pero Aya, I gave it only to one guy. Kaya nga masama yung loob ko nung break-up namin kasi antagal na namin, then ayaw niya mag-transfer here from UPLB kaya tuloy parang nabawasan ng unti-unti yung communication namin until finally, hindi na kami nag-uusap. Parang feeling ko taken-for-granted na ako." Her eyes got misty. Ngayon ko lang naramdaman kung gaano pa rin na-hurt si Sab.

"Sab I'm so sorry," niyakap ko siya, "I'm sure there's someone out there na talagang for you. Malay mo na-meet mo na siya pero hindi mo lang napapansin."

"Kung sino man siya, magparamdam na siya kasi atat na akong kiligin," she laughed, "Ayoko pa naman ng drama. Loko kang Aya ka, wag mo masyado pahirapan si Prince. Ang lambing mo pa naman I'm sure laging nagbabanyo yun pag kasama mo."

"Paano mo nalaman?" I looked up at her. Her jaw dropped before she slapped me hard on the back.

"Grabe, hindi kita kinakaya! Naku Aya, lagot ka pag nanggigil sa'yo si Prince," she wiped tears from her eyes, "Baka bigla ka na lang hatakin nun."

"Last time, nagkapasa ako kasi nanggigil siya nung nag-kiss kami," I blushed at the memory, "Sab, nakakatakot naman yan."

"Shet, kiss pa lang nanggigil na? Wow. Goodluck." She smiled at me, "Alam mo love ka talaga nun, kahit mga kuya mo nakita yung effort niya. Tapos pinaninindigan pa niya yang "gentleman" ek-ek niya."

"Ek-ek talaga?" natawa ako. Loka-loka talaga si Sab.

"Girl basta mag-ingat ka lang ha. Make sure na gusto mo yung ginagawa mo at walang pilitan," she leaned her head on my shoulder, "pag andun ka na sa moment wag mo kalimutan i-protect yung sarili mo. I'm sure kabisado naman ni Prince yun."

"Okay. Thank you, Sab."

-End Chapter 16-

A/N:

Thank you to everyone who is reading this story. I would really appreciate it if you share to me your thoughts regarding the story so far.

-AlaraChan

Edited: 08262014 Just fixing continuity issues to coincide with the new UP academic calendar. The story started in May and their trip is in the first week of July kaya two months na yung relationship nila Aya and Prince.