Chapter 1: 1
(MITCH's POV)
"Hey!" I stumbled as I began chasing that filthy man who just snatched my bag.
"Hey! Hey! Anyone? Please help me!" The people just watched upon me while I was shrieking at the top of my lungs...I could hardly walk. I've tried to hhit him with one of my shoes, but.. James Bond eh? Damn! He was too fast. My feet sored bringing so much pain.
Suddenly, I saw them flabbergasted... A young man handed my bag while I'm on my knees grasping my breath. I've run so much. My heels got ruined. I don't think if I can still go to my bestfriend's debut in this situation. My dress were full of gucks.
Grrrrrrrrr! I pokily held my head up but I can hardly see his face because of the glare of sunlight. I took it slowly from his hands and then he walked without even looking back. " Hey. Thanks.." I don't think if he did heard me saying thanks. He just walk away.
Raawrrr...! I supposed to report this happening to the police. But, I don't want to ruin Sylvia's birthday just because I wasn't there. Oh God... It could take a long time.
Then my phone rang.
(On the other line) "Mitch, where are you, Girl. We've been waiting for you."
"Oh, I'm sorry Sylvia, I just that... I was in trouble."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Ahhh, I'll just tell you later. I'm on my way now."
" Okay..." I was still exhausted.
I quickly hanged up and jump in on a parked taxi nearby.
"Manong please hurry. Just go to this place. I handed him the address of Sylvia's debut reception."
Ahhh.. . ! what had happened today is traumatic. It's my first time having been robbed on the street. I shaked my head just thinking of it. I lean onto the taxi window. That man suddenly came into my mind. I feel like I have met my knight and shining armor. Aiishhh... I was totally disappointed. I did not even see his face.. Pfffttt.
"Ma'am nandito na po tayo. Eto na po ba iyon?"
I was out of my mind for a while. "Ahh.. yes Manong. Thank you. I handed him the fare and got out.
The place was bare. Where did my friends go? I glimpsed at my watch. It was still early, then why are they not here? Hmmm.. I called Sylvia...
"Hello" a soft voice on the line...
"Where are you guys,,"
"We're here.."
" I just arrive. It's bare."
"Just come inside."
"Ahh Okay."
This place was terrific. Flowers bloomed everywhere. Outside could be a good venue for the party. Why did they held it inside? I wondered.
The door was classy. I feel ignorant in a sense. I was planning to surprise them when I come inside.
I opened the door slowly, so they could not hear me coming. Slo-o-o-o-wwlyyy...
And... with a loud bang. "Surprise!"
My friends were indeed shock but I was shocked the most.
Standing before me are not just my friends. I crooked a smile. They were high class ladies and gentlemen. The ladies were dressed as if it was their debut. While the gentlemen are in their unique suit and tie. My eyes burst in embarrassment. I wasn't able to move.
Arggggggg!!!!! That's too much. Sylvia ran unto me and brought me to her dressing room.
"Oh God, Sylvia. I thought it was only us...!" I still couldn't believe it.
" Didn't I tell you about it?"
"No!"
"Hahahhahhaa I'm so sorry girl.."
"Hahaha.." I laughed sarcastically...
Sylvia and I were best friends since we were in high school. I could say, we were partners in crime. I am 3 years older than her because I missed a few years in school. Now we're in 4th year college taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
Hopefully, we'll graduate as soon as possible. J We grew a lot of many friends.. But, I and Sylvia will never break. Im so glad her birthday was held on a sem-break, otherwise we could not have a lot of fun. We've been planning to travel everywhere we could go but of course, to her expense.
"What happened to you? Why is your dressed like this.? "She wearily ask me.
I guessed she noticed the scrapes on my dress and my heels.
"I told you.. I was in trouble."
"What is it?"
"Ahh... it's a long story. Forget it. I'll just tell you later."
But she still insist.
I narrated to her all that happened earlier while she gasped in horror.
"Oh my God, Mitch. I'm glad you were fine." She hugged me tight.
While she released.." Oh and tell me more about that guy.."
"Hehe, I told you... I haven't seen his face."
"Oh, that was unlucky." She sighed in frustration.
The door opened...
"Birthday girl, the party is about to start," said Mica, one of our friends.
I quickly changed onto my dressed which Sylvia gave me then we headed outside..
I escorted her down the stairs. That feeling of embarrassment was still there. With a wide grin on my face, I wave to those who looks at me. Hahaha I feel funny.
As soon as the visitors were gathered. The music played. CLARITY instrumental by Daniel Jang probably violin. They were so good to look at on the dancefloor. I didn't have the urge to dance. But first, we had the 18 candle messages first. Of course, the last but not the least was I.
Hi, Sylvia.. You already know how much I love you best. Best wishes to your birthday. I hope this is truly unforgettable to you as you are so dear to us, and you know.. to me too..your friends, and your family.
I blabbed so many things about the past, about the funny and sad moments we had together.
That was a long message. She shed tears and hugged us one by one. The next was the 18 candles dance. Gentlemen were lined up. They were splendid. Stunning. Awesome.
I went to the bar counter. Drank a few red wine while watching some of my friends having fun with the other guys.
I listened to the song. The melody was good and pleasing to the ears. I feel sleepy. I love instrumentals though.
This song makes my heart flutter. As if there is something in it. I don't know. Maybe, I was drunk enough. But, that was just red wine. It's impossible. Ahh, I don't care. I gulp another shot of it. Maybe, I wasn't used to it.
I drank unto the rhythm and harmony of the song. It made me feel really sleepy. There are memories I couldn't gather. It's on the tip of my head. Ahh, whatever...
" Water, please." I heard an audible voice. I think he's just beside me. I laughed slowly thinking that such a man ordering water? Haha. The man sauntered by me. I went back to my senses.
This song has really something in it. Wait. Have I gone mad? When did I become like this? When did I become dramatic like this? My heart was beating fast.
I feel like crying. I pat my chest. It feels awful. I want to shed tears. What's with me? Am I that drunk enough?
"Mitch... Are you okay?" Sylvia approached me.
Although my sight was blurred. It's been a couple of minutes since I started drinking. I acted normal. "Yes, of course."
"Why are you here?" She held my shoulders. "Come with me."
'No, I'd like to stay here. " J-jj-just go. Have fun Girl, it's your birthday, okay. You know me. I don't like being with too many people.
"Okay.. You can go to my room if you feel sleepy, okay?"
"Okay. Don't worry." She headed back to the dance floor where all our visitors were.
I feel dizzy. But I still feel the urge to cry. There was really something in my head. But it's anonymous.
With the best of my strength, I carried myself and headed outside where there are no people.
That feeling when I don't understand. There is a hidden heartache and I want to spit it out. There's a burden inside my heart that I really want to cry a river. I headed straight to the pool. I sat on the bench. A few moments, tears began to roll on my face and then I can't stop myself from sobbing. What's with me? Am I crazy to act like this? I head the grass bustling. I was alone in the dark. What if someone is there? I quickly wipe the tears.
I went to a more darker place to make sure no ones gonna see me. This is terrible. A few seconds more, my phone rang. It was Sylvia. Maybe, the party's over. She must be worried sick where I was.
"Hello," I tried to hide the faint voice I have.
"Where are you?"
"I'm c-coming in. I was just taking a breath of fresh air here outside."
"Okay." I stand up and brushed the dust in my dress. There was a sudden feeling that someone is watching me close. It felt like it was just nearby. I feel creepy. It was dark here. I felt scared so I went back as fast as I could. Eeeehhhhh... J
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(SYLVIA's POV)
"It could last for a lifetime. But there is no guarantee. It is healthy. It can easily developed what was destroyed. Furthermore, there will be a huge possibility that it could unfold the things that was lost. You should be quite ready when the time comes. It could bring a huge blow. You might not be able to handle it. Just pray and hope that it will not happen."
I reminisce these things that was said to him a few years back. I feel innocent. I did not understand. It was sad. It was depressing and inconsolable. I pity her so much. I feel like now is the beginning of that moment to come. I could not comprehend that love can become like that. Ahhhh . . . It was beyond my ken.
Mitch has just arrive. She's tender and sad. I can see.
"Mitch, are you okay?" I pat her on both shoulders looking in her eyes.
"Yes... " she said confidently. "Why?" she asked.
"Ah, no, none at all. I was just wondering. You look sad."
"No, I'm fine."
"I'm not.." I said acting frustrated.
"Why?", she looked stunned. "It's your birthday."
"Because of you.."
"Huh?" Now she looked really really stunned, eyes dilated.
I observed her for a few seconds.
"Ha ha ha ha..." I burst a laugh. "I was just joking on you. Look at your face. Ha ha ha."
"What?" Now I see her grinned. Such a bright face when I see her smile. I don't know what came in her mind that she went back in her old self. She hooked her hands on my neck that it feel like it'll break. "Hey, happy birthday. Now, you can no longer call me big sister. Hahaha."
"Why can't I? Hey Mitch! Your still older than me. Hahaha." I teased her.
"No. I'm not ahhaha."
It feels good to have a big sister. Since she was older than me, I used to pester that like she was one. We have done making fun with each other. She went in first. I glimpsed on the ambient. The air was cold and fresh.
He was there from the direction where she was. Sad. He smiled. I smiled in return. I'm glad he's back.
**********~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~**********
L.A CALIFORNIA, 2009
(Jeff's POV)
"Jeff , wether you like it or not, you're going back to the Philippines!"
My pop has always been like this eve...ry morning. He's been insisting that I should go back to Phils due to my spares competence in school. Of course! Friends are the best. We incessantly hang-out after school. I mean, it's cool, it's awesome.
" I'm warning you, Jeff. Keep away from your friends. They're bad influences!"
We'll. . . he has no idea that I'm the boss. Hmmm... I shrug just thinking about it.
"Jeff, are you even listening!?" I guessed he's at the tip of his... what we call hyper-sensitivity. Syl got startled by his earsplitting voice. She looked funny in her reaction. "Calm down papa",she said.
I was just acting like reading some sort of a novel. It's in my hands but I don't know what it is.
"Jeff!"
"Yes!" Slightly threw the book nearby. I scunner.
"I know Pop. Did I even disagreed to your decision?" Now I feel him calming down.
"Besides, tomorrow's my flight. Don't worry Pop. I've also decided for a change." This time I acted considerate to him. "Pop, trust me." I held his shoulders. "I'm gonna change.."
"You know, son. . ." He just looked me in the eye as if saying something. It was a long moment of silence. He pat my shoulders and then left. Syl just starred. at me .
"Jeff...". I know what she means. Thirteen years old but mature enough to think what was happening. She's worried that dad might become sick because of me. Sometimes, she acts like she's the oldest. I wonder what could possibly happen to me if she's the oldest one.
I can't imagine having a big sister. She chased dad who's on his way out. She has been affectionate towards him since we had no mom at all.
Ahhh... the weather is just fine. Tomorrow will be the birth.... The birth of my F-R-E-E-D-O-M. At first I disregarded pop's decision because it means breaking my happiness. LA is my home. It's where my friends are. But, I soon realized. Hmmm.. (sighed). Yes! Once I got to Phils I can do whatever I want without even an eye on me.
"Learn to become independent."
"But, I'm still 18!. I don't even have a job! Pop, you're the one who taught me to be like this!
"Shut up, Jeff. Are you listening to yourself? 18? That's enough for you to learn! I did not said that you're gonna look for a job. Just finish tertiary. That's enough.I'm your father, of course it's my expense. Just stay with your aunt."
AUNT... mom's younger sister who lives in Phils with her two sons and her husband. Oww.. I miss mom... Where are you mom?
Going back to my senses...
I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T. Haha, that means, no ones gonna watch for me. Well... good enough! Aunt just needs some little tikky-talky. J
PHILIPPINES, July 2009
HO! Now I'm back. Don't worry about me pop. Just take care of Syl. You said I'm old enough. I thought. I've been here long time ago but it feels like I'm an alien in this country. Duhh... I don't care. As long as I have now my F-R-E-E-D-O-M. I stretched a little bit bringing my hands up. The next thing I know, eyes are all on me. It's a little embarrassing though.
I wandered outside. There I saw my name on a flashcard. Hmmm.. it must be my aunt's husband, uncle Fred. I heard, they are running a company here in Phils. I don't know much. He was tall bearded man. Dressed in corporate suit. Very elite to look. And then some men, three of them, on a black suit came before me. They took my luggage.
"Welcome to Phils,son." He said smiling.
I just gave a little crooked smile. Son?
"I guess you already forgot me a little bit," with an accompanied gesture in his hands.
I was just quiet. I thought, he'll just assume that I was a little bit strange in this country since it's my first after some time.
"I hope you'll enjoy here." He continued.
We'll I hope so...
We continued walking to the parking area. I wink at some girls who passed by. Having their flight eh?
We jump onto a black beautifully tainted Mercedez Benz. Quit classic huh.
There was a driver and one of the man-in-black-suit sat on the front seat while uncle Fred accompanied me at the back.
That was a long ride. I guess it took three hours. We're quiet. I don't want to talk. I just listened to some of the music I've saved on my Ipod. Uncle Fred seemed also busy. He's continuously scanning folders he had brought on his car.
"Are you fine? Hungry? We can buy food." He said smiling again.
"No, uncle I'm fine." I quickly put on my headset.
Hmm, finally. The car halted. It went into a subdivision. So quiet. They must be all business people here. They must be all have jobs here. There's not a single person I see. I opened the windows to breath some fresh air. And then the car continued into an open gate. The car stopped.
We jump out of the car. They took my luggage bags. I lately realized that we had two black cars following us. Each of this car are those men-in-black-suit. I'm quiet serious wandering my eyes on the house. It was big. A two-storey mansion. Classical in style. I didn't know they became this rich.
They must have heard the banging of the car doors. Tita Leila came out. Such a pretty in her 40's. Also dressed in corporate attire with a red blazer on it.
"OH. Jeff, darling. . ." she quickly hugged me tightly. "How have you been?"
"I'm good tita."
"If you're tired, just rest. I prepared your room." She was so gentle. She showed me to my bedroom. It was so clean. They must've prepared so hard for my arrival. I glanced at the windows to see if there are scaping passages. J
"Oh, that's right. Your father said we'll call him as soon as you're already here."
One maid gave her the phone.
Tita gestured that I should speak to dad. I took the phone and then she left and closed the door.
On the other line...
"Hello, son?"
"Hello pop."
"How's travel?"
"It's good."
"OKAY."
'Hmmm"
"There are some important things I want to remind you." He seemed very serious this time.
" We've discussed about the school your going in. And as of your security. You have bodyguards." As soon as I heard this I was deeply enraged.
"What?! Bodyguars?!"
"Yes, I don't yet trust you that much Jeff. "
"POP!"
"You cannot make any trouble there, son. They will always report to me. I have eyes there to watch you. You can't go to school without these bodyguards. I especially instructed them to follow you wherever you go. They will always keep an eye on you."
"NO! Your invading my freedom! I'm not a kid Pop!"
"That's why..."
This time I can't help myself but hang up the phone. GRRRRRR!!!!! How could he do this to me! I quickly went out the room passed by the living room where they are.
Tita Leila and tito Fred were curious about my facial expression. The guards seemed to follow me.
"Stop right there." I was completely angry.
They halted. Tita Leila also gestured to them not to follow me.
I went to the farthest of the ground. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I screamed with deep frustration.
WHAT THE HECK!
How can he do this to me? Treating me like a kid. I can't go to school with bodyguards. That means I can't hang out with friends. Parties. Ahhhh! This is totally absurd.
I scrape my head with my hands feeling tousled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mitch's POV
Hmmmm... a yawn of exasperation. Hours of days of adversity now begins. No more waking up at noon because I need to cook for myself at 4:30 am.
The sky was still covered with darkness. The wind was so cold. I slowly sauntered to the kitchen. Oh, the lights were on. I remember those movie scenes where there are serial killers hiding under the table. Eeeee it's creepy.
Well, it's my fault. I always actuate my imaginations. Hey Mitch... you better stop watching movies huh. The other side of my brain seems to divulge. It was really cold. I turned on the lights before proceeding.
Ahhh...whatever. I am Mitch. Only fools are afraid. And, I am not a fool you know.
I creeped. Then to the door of the kitchen. It's strange. Hmmm.... I acted Angelina Jolie haha. What's with me? I feel so funny...
"AHHH!!!!!" I almost lost my breath. I thought my soul would shun out of me. Oh GOD!
Tita Cora was going out the when she bump into me. Oh my God. I pat my chest. She, too, looked very terrified.
"In Jesus name." She screamed.
I couldn't further describe the look on her face.
" Tita? You're already awake? Woah, that totally frightened me. "
She hit me sally. " You almost brought me to heart attack, Mimi! Why are you creeping? You didn't even make a sound. Hahaha. You look so funny with your reaction.
A ahhhahaha!"
"Tita... are you making fun of me? I was there. I even turned the lights on. I was scared huh."
"I was drinking some coffee and I still feel asleep. I'm going back to my room."
"Okay tita."
In her forties, she's been suffering from a heart disease. And yes! That wasn't a joke. I'm glad she wasn't heart attacked earlier. She even manage to laugh in that situation. Wait. What did she say? Drinking coffee? Pssshhh. Tita, you're so bubbleheaded.
*******************************************************
SDlC ( Sam De la Cruz) University, BEdD
Hmmm, since earlier, haven't seen any unfamiliar, or should I say new students. I have mixed feelings though. First, it's because were Seniors this time. We gotta be serious so without doubt, we can proceed to college. Second, I hope I can handle the new challenges we gotta be facing. Third, we gotta spend this time heartedly. Time will move fast. Sooner or later, I'm gonna miss my classmates. I glanced at every corner of the campus. I greeted every teachers who passed by me. I noticed , there were new teachers.
"Good morning Po!"
"Good Morning Mimi." Miss Delilah answered. "Happy?" She added.
"Yes! The day is good!" I friendly said.
~~~~Hey yo.. hey yo....hey yo... Uh-hmmm.. I like the way you work it.... No diggity.. I gotta bag it up.. ( uh ohh) I like the way you work it...~~~~
~~~~Shorty get do-own. ...Good Lord.. baby got em all over town.. strictly bitch ..~~~ (uh ohh)~~~
-No diggity by Blackstreet
No doubt... these are my classmates... J
Summer days are gone. What could possibly it bring is the fun we are craving in high school our lives besides those expected stress causing research papers. Clap and clap. Bang and bang. To-to-to-tooott... Tsk..tsk..tsk.. Are we some sort of High School Musical dudes? Like those of Gabriela and Troy? Ryan and Sharpay? Naaaa... Yeah, that's us... Music is the language of our soul. Yeah right! J It's fun. Brooms, chairs, dustpans. Boom boom boom. Whatever it is that makes sound. Shhhhh... If you don't mind asking, we are the famed students in this campus. We had memorize every corners of the Principal's office and the guidance counselor's office. Do you know what I mean? Hahaha! You're right!
"Hello, good morning Miss President.."
My classmates teased me. Yes! I was a class pres. But that was just during our junior years. Who knows? I might be elected again.
"Duhhhh," I answered. Then I began choosing where to sit. I choose by the windows. It's air refreshing.
"Good Morning!"
A woman in checkered maroon uniform with beautifully designed eyeglass on her appeared to us. Oh! It's Miss Venez. Still fat... nothing change. She's been our Biology teacher in sophomore days.
We quickly stand and greeted her. "Good Morning Ma'am."
"Mitch... Hey! Mitch" (whispering) Jenna, caught my attention. She's just right behind me.
"Oh, Jenna, how are you? What?"
"Don't tell me, she's gonna be our adv-v-viserrrr.." (Whispering)
"I think so." (Whispering)
Miss Venez is just famed to be the most terror teacher in town... I mean in our school.
Miss Venez began speaking. "Oh! Nothing change! These are common faces!" She said pointing to us. "We'll, let me tell you class. I'm gonna be your adviser for this year."
"Ha-a-a-a-a-a-a?" The class complained.
"What!?" She was insulted. "Just make sure class that you are willing to gradu-u-ute." She teased us.
This year's gonna be awesome. Just wait for it... Well, I don't really like tender and union-skinned advisers who just catch up with her bully students. I like this.
Miss Venez mentioned a lot of class rules. Like:
No PDA (Public Display of Affiction)
No Cheating
No Vandalism
No Talking during class and etchetera, etchetera...
No Singing (No! It can't be!)
It's funny just thinking about it. I wonder if all of those were buried in the depths of our brains... ;)
"Oh, are there any new students?"
Eyes roamed around. "None, Miss Venez."
Hmmm... T'was a long day. Inspite of all those fun we had. I feel very tired. And I remembered.. Oh, I need to go to the bookstore. I can't wait to read the new released book of Andrew Lane, Young Sherlock Holmes.
I quickly leaped and started to head outside.
"Mitch." It was Jenna.
"Yeah?"
"Are you straight home?"
"Uhhh, no. I'm gonna hit the bookstore. Gonna buy somethin'. Why?"
"Oh, yes! Let's go together." She grabbed her bag and then we went together.
Seeing this huge piles of books. Ahhh, If only I can read them all.
"You really love reading book huh." Jenna peek at me while I was scanning at those books.
"Yes! It's more than watching movie, you know."
"Pffft.. no wonder your sometimes smart."
"Hahahha, please don't make that face. And what? Sometimes?"
At last, I found what I'm looking for. I bought it directly as we continued talking.
"Yes,sometimes."
I didn't care if I bump unto someone. I just ripped the plastic and began scanning the book.
"Why, sometimes. "
"Because you know.... Hmmm. Hahahah. Never mind."
My eyes were nailed into the pages. I couldn't wait.
I noticed other than the book, my hands were bare. Oh my God!
MY WALLET!
"Jenna! We should go back!"
"Why?"
"I left my wallet!"
"What. Hmmm. Can you calm down. It's in the bookstore maybe."
I couldn't calm down. My allowance was all inside it.
We went back as fast as we could. There were a lot of people going here and there.
"Where could you have put it?"
"I don't know, I forgot."
"Maybe at the counter?"
"Yeah, maybe."
We headed to the counter.
Wait. I noticed a man in red. He's in his 30's maybe. I seemed suspicious. Look. It's in his back pocket. I couldn't get wronged. It was really it.
"Hey, excuse me." I approached him.
"Mitch what are you doing?"
The man got anxious, I can see...
Without saying a word. He suddenly ran.
"Hey! Give me my wallet! That's mine."
I began chasing him. Jenna also then followed me very frightened. I saw the people at the bookstore panicked.
He was too fast. Some security guards also began chasing him.
"Ah, ahhhhh!!!" That hurts!
I just flipped my foot.
Arrrgggg... I forced myself to stand.
Then someone threw at me my wallet then he just head off running as fast as he could. I couldn't focused on him.
"Thanks!"
I wondered if he heard me. I think he's just a highschool lad like me.
"Mitch, are you okay?"
"Does it really hurt that much?"
Eyes were all on us. Some were gasping. Some were terrified, maybe. Maybe they couldn't imagine it. Chasing. And then stumbling'. Thanks to that lad.
Haaaa... thanks goodness...
"Let's get you ot here." Jenna held my hands.
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Weekly Power Status
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