"Sobrang stressful ng grade 12 sis!"

I chuckle while looking at Vien, who's throwing a fit. Naiiyak na siya habang nagsosolve ng math. Nasa canteen kasi kami at we're about to have lunch. Inaantay ko lang si Gahala na bumili ng ulam namin kasama si Lamore.

"Bakit pa kasi ako nag-STEM eh bobo naman ako sa math?" maiyak-iyak na sambit niya, saka trinay magsolve ulit pero wala siyang masulat.

"Ayoko na nga!" iritang sambit niya saka tinapon ang ballpen sa mesa at inis na humalukipkip. Dolly and Kala just laughed at her.

"Hindi mo sinolve?" kunot-noong tanong ni Lamore nang bumalik sila.

Here's a revised version of the text for better grammar, clarity, and flow:

I look up at Gahala when he plants a kiss on my head and sits beside me. May nabili na siyang ulam para sa amin. He opens our lunch box and arranges it.

"Trinay kong isolve, okay! Pakiramdam ko mali yung question," lusot ni Vien matapos nilang magsagutan ni Lamore because of a goddamn negative 2.

Lamore frowned, "Kakaturo ko lang nito sa 'yo kanina."

I look at Gahala when he held my hand underneath the table. I feel giddy in my seat, especially when he intertwined our fingers.

He looked at me when he noticed me staring. I frowned at him when he flicked my forehead, but it quickly disappeared and was replaced with a small smile when he tightened his grip on my hand.

Gano'n lang kami buong kainan. Ang ingay-ingay ng table namin dahil nag-uusap pa si Dolly at Kala dahil sa crush nila, and Vien and Lamore were still arguing about Math. Napapahilamos na lang ako ng mukha. Tapos ang magaling kong jowa, imbes na umawat, ginagatungan pa.

"May practice ulit kayo?" tanong ko kay Gahala habang naglalakad kami pabalik sa room. 

"Yeah, ihahatid lang kita," he smiled and messed up my hair.

"Ang daya," reklamo ko. Two weeks na kasi siyang nagprapractice sa room ni Sir Anniversaro for the upcoming debate niya with the Salles. Laging bakante yung katabi kong upuan.

Natawa siya saka ngumuso, kinikilig na naman. "Bakit? Miss mo 'ko?"

"Hmm," I just hummed and didn't answer him.

"May practice ka din sa journalism?" he asked when we stopped in front of our classroom.

I nodded at him. "Yeah, mamayang 3 pa."

Tumango lang siya bilang pagsang-ayon saka may inisip. "Date tayo sa Sabado?"

Napantig kaagad ang tenga ko. "Where?"

"Sa bahay lang," he shrugged.

"Sige," I giggled.

He chuckled and stared at my face for a few seconds before bidding his goodbye. Mamayang hapon na naman kami magkikita. Napabusangot tuloy ako habang papasok ng room. Noong 3 p.m. ay pinatawag kami para magpractice sa journalism. 

"Tiexiera, nak. Come here."

Napatigil ako sa pagsulat saka napatingala kay Sir na tinawag ako. Tumayo ako saka lumapit sa kaniya. "Yes sir?"

"Pwedeng pakitawag muna, nak, si Ma'am Aposaga sa kwarto ni Sir Anniversaro? Tell her we're going to talk about important matters."

"Sure po, Sir," I answered immediately after hearing the name of Gahala's coach.

I felt excited while heading there. Inaayos-ayos ko pa ng kaunti ang mukha ko bago umakyat sa kabilang floor ng building.

Papalapit pa lang ako, rinig na rinig ko na ang boses ng boyfriend ko. I stopped behind the door and peeked inside through  the window.

"There are always two sides of a coin: heads and tails. One must exist to contrast the other, similar to how white contrasts with black, or how good opposes evil, and how light is the opposite of darkness. Everything has advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons, which create both balance and conflict in the world. " Gahala stated. Hindi ko pa masyadong maintindihan so tinuloy ko ang pakikinig. 

"This phenomenon also occurs in situations where people disagree with your conviction. In the United States, the legalization of marijuana or cannabis has been the subject of heated discussion. Whether to legalize marijuana or not is a contentious issue between two opposing sides. "

Napatango agad ako nang maunawaan kung ano ang pinagdedebatehan nila. However, hindi ko alam kung saan siya papanig.

"Supporters and opponents of legalization present vastly different viewpoints. Those in favor of legalization point to its health benefits and argue that it is no more harmful than other legal substances. Opponents, however, view it as a harmful drug that poses risks to both individuals and society. They emphasize potential dangers such as abuse and addiction. "He added, trying to make the audience look at it objectively. "Despite their differing perspectives, both sides aim to protect lives. Opponents fear that legalization could lead to increased addiction, while supporters believe marijuana can be a life-saving medicine. Both arguments are valid...but I stand in favor of legalization."

Napatingin ako sa kaniya since I didn't expect na ganoong side ang pipiliin niya. Well, kung ganoong side kasi, people will always think, 'Aaa, siguro nagtutolerate siya ng addiction.' Something like that. However, I wanted to know his thoughts about this.

"If marijuana can help alleviate seizures, and relieve the symptoms of AIDS, cancer, and other conditions, how can we deny that chance and hope to those in need? We fear that legalizing marijuana might lead to increased addiction, yet we are not equally concerned about those who could die without access to this potentially life-saving treatment. Ladies and gentlemen, " he looked at the teachers. "The thing is, people still have the choice to say yes or no to addiction. However, those in critical condition, for whom marijuana is their last hope, have no choice but to suffer or die if it remains illegal."

"We just cannot say that there's a better alternative to marijuana because if there were, we wouldn't be having this debate. The fact that marijuana is considered despite its potential for addiction indicates that no superior solution currently exists."

Napatango-tango ako sa sinabi niya. Napepersuade ako at umiiba na ang pananaw ko.

"If the opposing side is concerned about potential dangers to individuals and society, such as the risks of abuse and addiction, then the government should strictly regulate marijuana for medicinal use only, ensuring it is inaccessible to the general public. Law enforcement authorities should enforce these regulations rigorously to maintain public safety and order."

"Instead of fearing the consequences of marijuana legalization leading people to try it and harm their lives, we should focus on educating the next generation about the dangers of drugs. Forums, symposiums, and other awareness-raising activities are crucial in empowering individuals to resist marijuana even if it becomes legally available."

"Ladies and gentlemen, preventing access to marijuana is possible, but finding effective treatments for severe illnesses is rare. That is why I support the legalization of marijuana. Yes to Cannabis! " Gahala smiled. "That's all," he solemnly said to the teachers who were watching them before going back to his seat.

I couldn't help but clap along with the teachers and his teammates. The teachers looked satisfied too.

He adjusted his seat and unexpectedly looked out the window. Our eyes met. He was startled for a second and then he blushed. He shyly looked away because he didn't expect me to be watching. It made me laugh a little. Ang gwapo niya kaya kanina kaya bakit siya nahihiya?

I faked a cough before knocking on the door to get their attention. Everyone looked at me except for Gahala. "Ma'am Aposaga, tawag ka daw po ni Sir Piñafloor. May pag-uusapan daw po kayo."

"Okay," Ma'am answered and stood up.

I looked at Gahala again. Nakatingin na siya sa akin saka nakanguso. Ma'am left first, so I followed. Napatigil ako sa paglalakad when someone tugged at the hem of my uniform. I turned to my boyfriend and raised my brows, asking him what he needs.

I stayed in my place as he leaned in saka tinakip ang kaniyang kamay at aktong may ibubulong pero hinalikan niya talaga pisngi ko!

He acted like nothing happened after straightening up. He's smiling now. "Have you been watching the whole time?"

"Yeah," I blushed and nervously glanced around. Thankfully, there aren't many people around because classes are still ongoing.

He licks his lower lip. "How was it?" He's referring to his debate.

Ngumuso ako. "You looked so handsome, I wanted to kiss you right then and there. It sucks that I had to hold back."

"What the hell babe," he laughed. I could see how his ears turned red. Kinikilig amp.

He sighed and glanced at Ma'am Aposaga who was gossiping with another teacher in a nearby classroom. "Bye," nakangusong paalam niya.

I nodded and panicked again when he leaned down. He chuckled softly in my ear at my reaction.

"Love you," he whispered like a kid and stole another quick kiss on my cheek before entering the classroom with a grin.

Namumula akong naglakad saka hirap ang sariling pigilan ang ngiti. Good mood tuloy akong buong maghapon.

Ugh. Ang lala ng epekto ni Gahala.

"Stress bebe ko," he teased after seeing my face. Gulo-gulo kasi ang buhok ko.

Okay lang 'yan, kahit haggard, baliw na baliw naman siya sa akin.

I just snorted at him. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya saka kinuha ang pantali. Lagi siyang may suot na pantali, daw kasi in case makalimutan ko ang akin.

Sinamahan niya lang akong maghintay ng sundo ko and just like what he said, nag-date nga kami noong Sabado.

"Babe, what are you reading?" he asked as he peeked at the book I was reading. Both of us were sitting and leaning against his bed while watching a movie.

Nasa kwarto niya kami gaya ng sinabi niyang date. Okay lang naman dahil dito naman kami laging nakatambay.

Nabored na siya siguro dahil tumingin na lang sa ginagawa ko. He leaned against my shoulder and kissed it several times. I showed him the book cover of the book I was reading to answer his question.

"Is it interesting?"

"Yeah," I shortly replied, preoccupied with the book. He fell silent afterward and didn't disturb me anymore.

I just glanced at him when his phone started ringing repeatedly. Natatawa pa siya habang nagtetext kaya napataas ang kilay ko.

I put a bookmark on the page I'm reading and closed the book. "Who's that?"

He stopped typing and looked at me. Ngumuso siya, "Sina Gray, inviting me to play. Is it fine?"

I nodded. "Yeah. It's fine."

"Sure 'yan? Kasi pwede namang hindi," paninigurado niya. May trust issues talaga 'to.

I smile to assure him, "Yeah. I'm busy reading too. Good luck."

"What if I win?" he asked in a business-like tone. He wanted to negotiate.

I paused because it seemed like he wanted a reward, so I said, "Bibigyan kita reward. Anything you want."

He grinned, "But what if I lose?"

I frowned, "It's fine, I'll pamper you."

He chuckled a little, enjoying the conversation because it's in his favor. "What if I want both?"

My brows furrowed. "The reward and the attention?"

"Yes," he nodded eagerly.

Napairap na lang ako, napakabusado talaga nito. "Then you can have it. "

Ngumuso siya, pinipigilang kiligin at napangiti. Lumapit siya sa akin saka nahihiyang yumakap. "Ayoko na ngang maglaro, panalo na ako dito "

I laughed and pushed him slightly, "Arte."

Natawa din siya sa kalokohan niya saka bumitaw sa yakap at hinalikan ako sa pisngi. It made me smile. "Love you."

"Me too," I replied.

Naglaro na nga siya doon kasama ang mga kaibigan niya. Naiwan naman akong nakaupo sa kama niya habang nagbabasa.

I glanced at Gahala when he turned off his PC after half an hour. He flopped onto the bed and rolled around as if he had nothing else to do in life.

"Bakit?" I asked him when I saw him staring at me while I was reading intently.

I glanced at him peripherally at nakangumuso siya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"I wanted your attention. Nagseselos na ako sa pagbabasa mo pero you looked happy while reading," may sama ng loob na sambit niya na nagpatawa sa akin ng kaunti.

I couldn't take him seriously because he was wearing my bunny headband and even pouting. He looked so cute. I chuckled and turned fully towards him. I extended my arms for a hug, and he immediately stood up to embrace me, nearly stumbling dahil sa pagmamadali.

I smiled as he kissed my cheek and buried his face in my neck. Kinakabahan pa ako ng kaunti dahil nasa labas lang si Tita. Baka maabutan kami sa ganitong posisyon.

"Are you reading again?" he asked when he heard the sound of the pages flipping. Hindi na siya gumalaw sa posisyon niya doon.

"I'm already at the climax. Things are getting exciting and I can't just... you know," ngiting aso that made him groan in annoyance and made me laugh. He hugged me tightly and buried his face deeper into my neck. I kissed his head when he fell silent, letting me continue reading.

Matapos ng ilang minuto ang napatingin ako sa kaniya nang gumalaw siya. "Let me read," he requested. It made me laugh again. He's demanding when he's jealous.

"I don't want to," I grinned to tease him, moving the book away from him when he tried to sneak a peek. Alam ko kaunting tulak na lang maiinis na siya sa akin.

Doon nga siya napikon. Napakunot na ang noo niya and I struggled not to grin. I rarely see him like this!

I couldn't take him seriously because of the headband he was wearing! He looked like an angry rabbit!

He tried to get the book from me pero tinaas ko ang kamay ko saka nilayo sa kaniya

"Amara," reklamo niya. "Bakit ayaw mong ipabasa?"

I snickered, which pissed him off even more. I stopped laughing because of what he did next. HHe pushed me onto the bed and hovered over me. My eyes widened a little as I looked at him.

"Got it," he smiled nang makuha na nga niya ang libro mula sa kamay ko.

Natanggal ang ngiti niya nang makita ang posisyon namin, at napaawang ng kaunti ang labi. "Damn. Now iba na ang gusto kong makuha." He whispered as he looked at my lips.

Napalunok din ako habang nakatitig sa kaniyang mata, trying to communicate. After that kiss kasi in our anniversary, hindi niya na ako ulit hinalikan sa labi! Napalunok tuloy ako, bahagyang nauhaw.

My eyes closed on their own when he dipped his head down. I encircled my arms around his shoulders to pull him closer. Parang may sasabog na kung ano sa kaloob-looban ko nang maglapat na ang aming labi. I mimicked how he moved his lips that day and he groaned. He moved his lips too and I pulled his hair.

The kiss started softly but quickly became more passionate. I was nervous about where this was going.

"Gahala," I moaned softly when he bit my lower lip. Even I was surprised by the sound I made, but it made him stop.

He cursed and panted. He groaned and closed his eyes tightly to calm himself before burying his face in my neck again.

"Shit. Bata pa tayo," sabi niya na parang pinapaalala niya sa sarili niya 'yon.

We just stayed like that for minutes. Walang nagsalita. I could hear our hearts pounding. Umalis siya sa aking leeg matapos ng ilang minuto saka ako tiningnan.

Yumuko siya ulit at masuyo niyang dinampi ang kaniyang labi sa aking noo. I gripped his shirt tighter as I closed my eyes for a moment. I could feel myself melting. It was exhilarating.

"I love you," he whispered, making me smile. His lips were slightly red from kissing, which made me blush.

"I told you, I love you more."

He laughed and shook his head. "Fine, Ms. Competitive who always wins because I always let you have your way."

I stuck my tongue out at him, proud that he couldn't resist me and always spoiled me.

Umalis siya sa ibabaw ko kaya umayos ako ng upo sa kama niya. We spent the remaining hours reading and watching mystery movies, betting on who killed the victim.

Napatingin kami sa pintuan nang may kumatok. "Snacks?" Tita asked, holding Gahala's one-year-old brother, Mixco. How quickly time flies. Parang kailan lang ang liit liit niya pa.

Things were going smoothly for them. The guy took responsibility, and I even met him once. He seems nice. Medyo malayo pa nga lang ang loob ni Gahala sa kaniya kasi naninibago pa siya. But I've seen how he's trying to get along with him since his mother looks happy with the new guy.

"Thank you, Tita," I smiled and stood up. I played with Mixco for a while, while Gahala took the food brought by his mom.

Movies, books, and his brother—that's how our date went.

Days passed, and we became busier with our studies. My journalism journey  ended because I only made it to the regional level. Hindi ako nanalo and it's fine.

"Bhe, ang daming gwapong taga-Salles talaga! Sure na akong sa maling paaralan ako nag-aral!"

I frowned at Vien as she giggled. We were at Salles now, in their gym where Gahala's debate was about to take place.

Wala si Dolly saka Kala kasi tinatamad kaninang pumunta which they regretted immediately kasi gagong Vien, nagpapicture ba naman sa mga gwapong nakakasalubong niya. Ngiting-ngiti pa ang gaga tapos isesend sa gc namin, iniinggit ang dalawa.

Nandito ako para suportahan si Gahala. Akala ko nandito din siya para suprotahan si Lamore pero mukhang iba ang pakay niya.

I sat in an empty seat near the front. Gahala's team was already on stage, at mukhang nag-uusap sila. The event continued, and I couldn't take my eyes off him.

I clicked my tongue because my boyfriend looked hot in a black and white striped long-sleeved shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. Two buttons were undone, and it was tucked into black slacks. He also wore a belt at suot niya din ang relong regalo ko. He paired it with clean Oxford shoes. He had worn the coat earlier but now draped it over his shoulder, wearing cufflinks. He looked expensive and commanding.

Nakita ko pang kinilig ang kalaban nilang babae sa kaniya nang magkamayan sila sa gitna before magstart ang laban. Napabusangot na lang ako nang ngumiti siya sa kanila.

"Gago, ang gwapo no'ng kalaban! Ano nga ulit pangalan no'n?! Isesearch ko sa facebook!"

He's pertaining to the guy with long hair and a long piercing in his left ear. "Si Okin ata. Kaibigan ni Gahala sa Salles dati," I shrugged. That's all I remembered because Gahala had mentioned him several times.

The debate was intense. Their arguments were fierce. It was as if they weren't friends before! They looked so professional.

"Teka ano daw?" nalilitong sambit ni Vien, hindi siya makasabay. Nakikisigaw lang siya kapag may sumisigaw.

I couldn't help but grin proudly when my man left Okin looking slightly stunned, as if he didn't know what to say.

"I rest my case," Gahala smirked and grinned at his friend before returning to his seat. When he sat down, I saw him stick his tongue out at Okin na pasimple din siyang tinaasan ng middle finger bilang ganti. Wow! Immature! 

I wasn't surprised when they won the debate. My man even won the Best Speaker award. I smiled proudly, applauding as he accepted the award.

"Love," ngiting-ngiting siyang lumapit sa akin nang matapos ang awarding. 

"Congratulations!" salubong ko. Iniwan ko na si Vien doon na busy kakapicture kay Lamore dahil nanalo din siya sa contest nila.

He kissed my forehead as a greetings amidst the crowd. "I won," nakangiting sambit niya sa akin na parang hindi ko pa alam.

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, I saw. I'm so proud of you. "

Nahiya ako nang sa akin niya pinasuot ang medal niya saka ako inakbayan. Nagtawag pa siya ng isang estudyante para picturan kami kaya nailang ako ng kaunti. Nang matapos ay tiningnan namin ang mga kuha.

"Gahala,"

Napatingala kami saka napatingin sa lalaking nakalaban niya kanina. He's with the guys, probably his friend.

"Bro," Gahala grinned, greeting him with a fist bump. He did the same with the other two guys.

"Congrats kahit nilampaso mo ako kanina. Mukhang may kasamang galit 'yon a. Are you still angry at me because you can't surpass me?" The Okin guy teasingly asked.

"You're the one who can't," my man smugged.

The latter chuckled and tapped Gahala on the shoulder. "But still, congrats. Sports lang." They laughed together, as if they hadn't crushed each other's faces using words earlier on stage.

"Hi, Amara!" the guy with a beauty mark on the side of the lips greeted me.

I suddenly felt awkward kasi hindi ko naman siya masyadong kilala. Sure, I've heard their voices before since Gahala's playing with them and I already saw them in old photos. However, I didn't know them personally, and this was the first time I met them in person.

"Ugh, hello," alanganing sagot ko kaya bahagyang natawa si Gahala.

"Mga pre, girlfriend ko, si Amara," ngiti-ngiting pakilala niya. "Paniguradong kilala niyo na."

"Okin," the guy with long hair introduced.

"Daven," the tall one offered his hand, which I gladly accepted and shook. "Lagi kang bukambibig nitong ni Jammes!" He laughed.

"Aiden nga pala!" masayang pakilala ng isa. Yung may nunal sa gilid ng labi. "Kilala mo ba si Marwan?! Pinsan ko 'yon!" Share niya that made my mouth formed an 'o'. I can see the resemblance kasi.

"Bro, Miera's already done with her contest. Puntahan ko lang, magpapasuyo ako kasi talo ako," ngisi noong Okin na parang nanalo din siya.

"Ulol, tangina mo. Umalis ka na nga," tulak sa kaniya ng mga kaibigan niya.

Nag-usap lang kami ng kaunti pero umalis din naman kaagad sila dahil tinawag na sila ni Okin, mukhang kakain na. Kasama niya na 'yong babaeng nakita ko sa birthday party ni Gahala at holding hands pa silang dalawa.

"Ano? Selos ka kay Okin dahil kay Miera?" tanong kay Gahala nang makaalis na sila, inaasar siya.

"Huh?! Hindi a! " Sagot niya kaagad na parang defensive kaya tinaasan ko ng kilay.

"Eto ka na naman e. Ibribring up mo yung past ko tapos aawayin mo ako," reklamo niya, mukhang nastrestress. "Ikaw lang gumagawa ng ikakasakit mo e. Tapos ako sisisihin mo." 

Natawa ako, "Chill ka lang. Hindi ka na mabiro." Ani ko kaya sinamaan niya ako ng tingin.

All in all, everything was fun. Sobrang saya na umabot na sa puntong kinakabahan ako sa magiging kapalit.

"What's this?" Napatingala ako kay Mama nang bigla niyang ipakita sa akin ang cellphone niya.

Taka akong tumingin sa screen, not getting kung ano ang gusto niyang makita ko doon. "Si Riokri?" Patanong na sagot ko sa pangalan ng pinsan ko dahil mukha niya lang naman 'yon. Selfie niya sa naganap na event sa Salles.

"Not that! But this!" she said angrily, then suddenly zoomed in on the picture at the side.

Bigla akong nanlamig nang makita ang pigura namin ni Gahala, hinahalikan ako sa ulo. She even swiped para ipakita ang next picture and zinoom ulit. Holding hands naman kami don.

"Ma..." Nanginginig ang boses na tawag ko sa kaniya. Para akong nakakita ng multo. We're keeping our relationship hidden, yes, and I'm expecting that they'll find out soon, but I never imagined it would happen like this.

"Huwag mo ng itanggi! Kitang kita naman!"

"Anong nangyayari?" biglang sulpot ni Papa kaya mas kinabahan ako. Parang gusto ko na lang maiyak sa pwesto ko. "Bakit ka na naman sumisigaw, Lilura?"

"Oh! Tingnan mo ang kalandian niyang anak mo, Gilbert!" pinakita sa kaniya ni Mama ang pictures.

Kunot-noo niya naman iyong tiningnan saka ako binalingan. "How long have you been doing this?" Papa asked in a dangerous voice after seeing the pictures. I could see disappointment in his eyes, and that hurt. Maybe he never expected na all of his daughters, ako pa talaga ang gumawa non.

I bit my lower lip. "Al...Almost 2 years, Pa."

I heard gasps and sharp intakes of breath. "2 years! Did you hear that, Gilbert?! 2 years ng nagpopokpok 'yang anak mo!" Mama exclaimed to Papa, as if I had committed a grave offense.

Napayuko lang ako and played with my hands. I felt so giddy and nervous in my seat. I suddenly felt worried about Gahala.

"Kaya pala nagkakaganiyan ka! Napapabayaan mo pag-aaral mo!" Pagsisi ni Mama. "Ghad Gilbert! Do something with your daughter!"

"No, Mom," I replied quickly. I won't let them badmouth Gahala, especially when he hadn't done anything wrong. "He's even helping me with my studies!"

"I don't care if he is or not, Amara. Break up with him."

I was stunned in my seat by my father's words. I bit my lower lip and refused to answer.

"Hindi mo ba narinig ang sinasabi ng Papa mo, Amara?" Mama asked through gritted teeth. "Makipagbreak ka sa kaniya!"

My eyes watered a little in nervousness," No." Tumulo na yung luha ko nang umiling ako. "I don't want to. Mahal ko po siya."

Napatahimik sila sa sinabi ko. Maya-maya pa'y sabay silang natawa na para bang may sinabi akong biro.

"Naririnig mo ba yang pinagsasabi mo? Goodness. Love?" Mama asked and laughed so hard. "You don't even know what love truly is, Amara!"

"Your Mama is right. You're still too young to understand such things. Madami ka pang makikilala sa buhay. In your current situation, either you two will fall out of love or he will become your greatest heartbreak. " Dugtong ni Papa.

"Pa, kahit anong sabihin niyo, hindi ako makikipagbreak sa kaniya. Gahala... I don't think I can function properly anymore if he's not in my life." Ayokong maniwala sa kanila. Hindi nila madidiktihan ang nararamdaman ko.

"See! Kita mo 'yan, Gilbert? Ever since nakilala niya 'yang si Gahala, hindi na 'yan nakikinig sa atin! Buti sana if she's qualified enough na makipaglandian!" She uttered the last word as if it's a disease kaya diring diri siya. "E pag-aaral niya pa nga lang, hindi niya pa magawa ng maayos! For sure she's also going to messed her relationship up! Goodness!"

Napatingin sa akin si Papa, mukhang nakita niyang hindi ako mapapasunod sa gusto nila. He sighed and turned to Mama, "Hayaan mo na, matatauhan din 'yan sa susunod." Iling niya ng ulo. "She will regret not listening to us one day."

My mother's face screamed disagreement, but my father's decision was already resolved.

"Quit it, Lilura. They won't last long. They're already in the phase where they're going to get bored with each other. It won't be long before they break up and for her to wake up from her delusional dream," sambit Papa, which hurt me.

I bit my lower lip and wiped my tears. Ang sakit naman non.

Mukhang nakumbinsi si Mama sa sinabi ni Papa kaya tumango siya. Don't come running to us when you wake up from your illusion, okay!" Mama reminded me with disgust. "We already warned you. Huwag kang tumakbo sa aming umiiyak o buntis." Mama shrugged. "Dalawa lang naman 'yan eh, mabubuntis ka or papaiyakin ka niya."

"He won't do that to me, Ma," I assured them. Gahala isn't that kind of person.

Napailing si Papa, "You don't even know how guys play, Amara. You entered a game without knowing the rules and cheating techniques. Always the stupid one. Hindi mo pa rin ginagamit utak mo."

I was hurt because of his words pero hinayaan ko lang. I wanted to prove them wrong. Magiging successful kaming dalawa ni Gahala at magkakatuluyan kami.

After that talked to my parents, naging usap-usapan ako sa buong angkan ko. Pinagchismisan nila akong maagang nagpokpok. Panigurado daw maaga din akong mabubuntis. Pinalusot ko na lang lahat ng 'yon sa kabila kong tenga dahil hindi naman importante ang mga sinasabi nila.

As long as I have Gahala, everything's fine.

Our second anniversary came, followed by our graduation. I no longer cared about what others said. I was already content with what I had.

Lamore graduated as the valedictorian, while Gahala graduated as the salutatorian. Points lang yung pinagkaiba nila. I followed Gahala in the ranking.

"Congratulations! Oh my god! Kaunting tulak na lang college na tayo!" Naiiyak na sambit ni Kala. Nasa isang restaurant kami for a graduation celebration.

"Ako din, excited na akong pumunta sa bar tapos magpakalasing tapos tamang hanap lang ng boylet!" Vien laughed a little. R.I.P Lamore.

"Can't wait to turn 18 because of the same reason! Sobra isang buwan na lang!" Dolly said in a thrilled tone "Ugh, freedom here I come!"

"Ano kukunin mo Vien?"

"Gusto ako nina Mamang magdoctor ako." Seryosong sambit niya. "Pero ayoko! Gusto kong mag-army!"

"Sinabi mo ba sa kanila 'yon?" tanong ko.

"Yes. Lolo wanted me to join the army too dahil nagdoctor yung lalaki kong kapatid. Inaaway niya pa parents ko pero desidido na silang pagdoctorin ako."

"Oh? Why daw?" Kala's brows furrowed.

"Babae daw kasi ako. Army is not for me daw." She chuckled sarcastically. "They already enrolled me in a medicine school where Lamore's studying."

Family of doctors kasi sila. Lolo lang ni Vien ang General noon at gusto niyang may nagmana ng trabaho niya sa isa sa mga apo niya kasi walang may nagmana sa mga anak niya. Nagrant pa siya about sa parents niya at nakirant din yung dalawa. Natawa lang ako saka hinayaan sila.

"Ikaw Ayel?" baling sa akin ni Vien.

I shrugged. "My parents already enrolled me in a private one. Malayo sa school ni Gahala." Nguso ko.

They laughed. Alam naman nila kung bakit 'yon ginawa ni Papa. Para hindi kami magkalapit na dalawa.

"By the way, saan ang venue ng debut mo bhe?!" Kala asked.

"Sa beach resort. That place is important to me," I smiled.

We continued talking to each other about our plans. That only stopped when the guys came. Nights passed, and when I opened my eyes, legality greeted me.

The whole celebration was tiring but fun because of my friends. The event continued with the 18 balloons, 18 candles, 18 blue bills, gifts, shots, and of course, the 18 roses.

I danced with Papa for the first rose and it was so awkward. Dumagdag pa doon ang kantang nakaplay which is danced with my father again. It was so dramatic. Some were even crying even though there was nothing to cry about.

Nagpakawala lang ako nang buntong hininga nang bitawan niya na ako. The dancing continued. Puro mga kaklase ko lang naman 'yong nakasayaw ko pero kaagad umugong ang tuksuhan nang tinawag na ang panghuling isasayaw ko.

Gahala looked handsome in his suit. He smiled at me and handed over the rose, which I accepted with a smile.

Natawa ang lahat when Papa pretended to cough into the microphone after Gahala placed his hand on my waist.

Ngumuso siya. "Sobrang ganda mo ngayon. " He sigh. "Girlfriend ba talaga kita? I mean, bakit mo ako pinatulan?"

I laughed, "Siraulo."

"You deserve the best baby. Sure ka na ba sa akin?" he teasingly asked.

My forehead creased. "You want someone better for me?"

Bumusangot siya. "Of course not. I want you just for me, but I feel like I'm not enough for you. I need to be incredibly successful to be the man you deserve." He smiled after saying those words.

I shook my head. "You've already set the bar so high that I don't want anyone else but you anymore. You're someone I already deserve."

He smiled at my words, and I closed my eyes for a moment as he lovingly kissed my forehead in front of my parents and everyone. It made my heart race...and I hope my parents will see kung gaano ako napapasaya ni Gahala.

"Wew, hindi ba ako gugulpihin ng papa mo?" he asked laughingly after that kissed kasi mukhang naalarma sila sa ginawa niya.

I laughed too and slapped him in the arm, "Sira. Hindi. Unless you'll run away with me."

"Nakakatakot ka naman mahalin pero keri lang," he smiled.

I just chuckled and rolled my eyes. "Ikaw halos lahat ng first dance ko ah," change topic ko.

Napangisi siya, proud because of it. " Ipapangako kong ako lahat ang magiging first mo. Pati sa kasal, ako ang masasayaw mo."

I stared at him adorably, and nodded with a contented smile plastered on my lips.

Pagod na kami nang matapos ang event. Nagsi-uwi na yung iba at yung mga kaibigan ko ay nasa kanilang hotel room na since overnight kami dito. Inaayos na lang yung venue habang kami ni Gahala ay nasa labas pa rin.

I posted our picture on Facebook for the first time since legal na naman kami. Kami 'yon na sumasayaw kanina sa gitna. We are looking at each other's faces and smiling. Our eyes are full of happiness.

I smiled as I typed the caption:

Keleya Amara Tiexiera: Celebrating legality with the man I met when I was 15.

Kaagad iyong dinumog ng react pero hindi ko na pinagtuunan ng pansin. I turned my phone off and hide it in my pocket. Nasa tabing dagat kami kami kahit madilim na dahil ala una na sa umaga.

"What are you thinking?" I asked him when I saw him smiling while looking at the horizon.

"Hmm," he hummed. "Just you and me, and what lies ahead of us."

Napatingin ako sa kaniya nang sabihin niya iyon. 

"I can't help but imagine our future, Amara. Just think about it. We'll slowly reach our dreams together," he told me, excitement lighting up his face. "We'll go to college, stay by each other's side through failures and achievements. We'll graduate, get our diplomas, take board exams, and work in our dream professions. Maybe you'll be a teacher by then, and I'll be a prosecutor," he said, gesturing animatedly.

I couldn't help but smile, watching his expression lift with each plan he shared. He seemed to be visualizing our future together.

"We'll both have stable jobs. And then," he paused, looking at me intently, "I'll be on my knees, Amara. I'll marry you. We'll build a family together. You'll be the mother of my children. We'll grow old together, witness our children and grandchildren grow up. We'll stay by each other's side until our hair turns gray and our senses dull with age. I can't wait to experience all of that with you," he laughed softly.

"I'll spend forever with you," he said firmly. "That's the plan." He smiled warmly, his eyes fixed on mine. "I can't imagine it with anyone else but you."

He took my hand and squeezed it. I gazed at him lovingly. "I'll love you, Amara, until our skin wrinkles and we turn to ashes," he said, his gaze holding mine as if he had already found forever in my eyes.

I smiled as contentment slowly filled my heart and soul.

My parents were wrong.

He won't be my greatest heartbreak. I'm going to be with him until the end, and I'll hold onto that. That's a promise.