Chapter 4: PhotoArts
Kung ma'y gusto man akong gawin ngayon, 'yun ay ang tumalon sa third floor building na ito. Parang pinagsisisihan ko na ang pagsabak sa bagong problema ng buhay ko.
"Hala! Sorry I forgot to tell them. Hindi tuloy sila nakapagprepare kahit konting oras." Caryll said. Pero halata naman sa kanya na sinadya niya 'yon.
"Okay lang, it is impromptu. It's meant that way." The SC President said, who's no other than Felix Trono.
Tangina, anong impromptu? I hate impromptu!
"Ayon kay Mrs. Vergara, ang mga student na kumakandidato bilang President ng Photography at Draw Club ay magprepresent ng impromptu na agenda infront of the class with the SC Officers. This shall be done to prove yourselves as the president. We will be evaluating our impressions to Mrs. Vergara. Goodluck candidates!" The SC Vice President said, who is Spencer Diaz.
Yep, let me die right now.
I'm literally bad at impromptu speech.
"Unahin natin ang mga kumakandidato bilang Presidente ng Photography Club. May I see the representatives?" Saad ni Felix.
Tumayo ako at pati na rin si Tina. Nagulat naman si Felix nang makita niya ako. Di ko naman maipaliwanag ang itsura ni Jian, gulat na gulat?
"Marzia Cruz, ang Class Valedictorian, ma'y hilig ka pala sa Photography akala ko pa naman sa Photoshopping lang." He said and smiled, ito na naman siya nagpapakaplastik na naman.
"At si Ms. Tina Santos," He said without even looking at her.
Ang hirap siguro kapag kaharap mo si ex.
"Mukhang magiging maganda ang laban ninyong dalawa. Nais naming unahin si Ms. Marzia."
Tengene.
Naiinis ako! Is this a setup?! O talagang malakas lang ang trip nitong si Felix?! Nananadya ata siya, pfft.
"Can I bring my laptop?" I asked and he nodded.
Tumayo na ako sa unahan and sight. My hands and knees are trembling and my skin is sweating lalo na ang mga palad ko. Hindi ako sanay sa ganito but I have to do this if I really want to follow my passion.
I want to follow my passion to the next level.
Inayos ko ang laptop ko and I looked up to the audience. My eyes we're focused on the SC Officers.
Shit, hindi ko alam kung paano ko ito sisimulan...
Lalo na kung alam kong nandiyan si Jian bilang SC Secretary.
Tangina, why is he fucking laughing? Kitang-kita ko kung paano niya pigilan ang pagtawa niya. Shit, naaalala ko 'yung nickname niyang 'Sexytary'. Tangina Jian, wag ngayon.
Iniwasan ko na magkaroon nang kung ano mang eye contact sa kanya. Ngunit nagtama naman ang paningin namin ni Spencer. Nginitian niya ako and mouthed 'Goodluck'.
If this scenario go as planned, I have 51 percent chance on winning.
"Maligayang Everyone!---"
And everyone in the class laughed at me. Especially si Jian na tawang-tawa, gago. Nang tumahimik na ang klase, tsaka ako nagsimulang magsalita.
What a great way to start.
"I'm Marzia Cruz, running as the Club President of Photography."
Firstly, I discussed my main objectives. Second, my reason why am I running as the Club President. Third, my ideas about the activities na ipre-present ko sakaling manalo man ako, it's more like a propaganda lol. Literally, just kidding about that part.
"Lastly, I want to show a thing that I like you all to know." I said and I accidentally looked at Jian.
He seems to know what am I up to and from his face, I knew that he wont like it. Sinaksak ko na ang HDMI sa laptop at ipinakita sa kanila ang aking recent photographs.
"Aren't those from PhotoArts Page?"
"I thought I was the only one who noticed it"
"Nakaw niya lang ata 'yan eh. Do you know the word copyright?"
"What is she trying to do?"
"I am the owner of the PhotoArts Page" I said and flex my opened account on my laptop.
And their reaction is priceless, kahit ang mga SC Officers ay nagulat din sa nalaman nila. Kahit ako rin naman ay nabibigla na sa ginagawa ko. Pero sana hindi ko pagsisihan ang desisyon ko.
"No wayyy! No wayy!"
"Alahh shet! Nagpa-edit ako sa kanya once and I clearly loved it!"
"Siya pala 'yung kumakalat na magaling daw mag-Photoshopped!"
"I've been following her for a month now! Anggaling niya talaga. I'll send you the pics na inedit niya for my bday!"
Shit, I did not expect that almost all of my classmates were actually my followers. They really know how to appreciate great photographs then.
Many gasp about it whether it's real or fake. That's why I flex them some of my classmate's message request. This is the best tool to showcase them the truth. At dito na sila nagsimulang maniwala at mag-ingay.
"Marziaaaaa! Grabe grabe, totoo talaga!"
"Sobrang sikat na ng page mo pero hindi ka man lang nagsasabi ah! Andayaaaa."
Felix didnt seemed to be surprised at all. Para bang alam na niya ang lahat. He must have seen my Job Contact with her mother. It was Spencer who seems pretty much surprise. Unlike Jian na parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa.
In order to win, I have to reveal my identity as the owner of PhotoArts page. I have no choice but to do this, I need to gain support as well. Hindi ako mananalo kay Tina kung hindi ko ito gagawin. As I said, Tina is the worst opponent ever.
"I want to earn your trust and support by showing y'all this. I've been in contact with many customers before and I can assure you that I can handle this Club very carefully." I said, recalling what Tina said lately.
Tinanggal ko na ang HDMI sa laptop ko at maglalakad na sana sa upuan ko nang harangin ako ng mga kaklase ko at humihingi ng bullshit na autographs.
I refused to sign. Mahirap na, ayokong ipagbenta nila 'yong pirma ko. Marami pa namang kumakalat na dummy accounts, hayst.
But I know that even though my identity spreads sa School ay maraming hindi maniniwala na ako ang owner ng PhotoArts page. Well, somebody has to tell them the truth. Luckily, I know exactly who it is.
Bumalik na ako sa upuan ko at hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapatingin kay Jian. He looks like disappointed, akala ko pa naman siya ang unang tao na susuporta sakin.
"It's Tina's turn! Kindly present yourself infront, Ms. Tina Santos." Says Spencer.
Kitang-kita ko sa mga mata niya ang pagkawalang-gana niya. But she tries to force a smile and present herself really well. Halata sa kanya na sanay na sanay na siya sa nominee speech.
Ngunit hindi na siya pinagtuunan ng pansin ng mga kaklase namin. They we're all whispering about my page. Dapat matuwa ako pero nagi-guilty ako. I dont know why but maybe it's because kaibigan siya ni Jian at baka masira ang imahe ko sa kanya.
He's the only friend I have.
Sumunod na nagpresenta ay ang mga kumakandidato bilang Presidente ng Draw Club. Lumipas ang ilang oras at natapos na magpresenta ang lahat.
"Indeed, it was a great presentation! Our reviews will be held into Mrs. Vergara. Great job everyone! Thank you for your cooperation." Felix said at saktong nagbell.
Before they left our classroom, I caught Felix took a glimpse of me.
Samantalang di man lang ako tinapunan ng tingin ni Jian.
Marami na sa kaklase ko ang lumabas at lalabas na sana ako nang harangin ako ni Tina.
"I'm such a fan! Sorry, hindi ko sinasadya ang lahat."
What a pity.
"Let's enjoy this friendly competition." I said while smiling.
"It's such a shame for me to compete with my idol."
Ow bitch, don't act like you dont wanna have the position so bad.
"An idol-fan competition would be great, isn't it? You dont wanna break the fun out of it right?" I said and she smiled widely.
"Ofcourse! Marzia, you're the best! Sorry talaga." She said and hugged me. I just hugged her back for the sake of her will.
"Bye!" Saad niya at umalis na sa harap ko.
Nabigla naman ako sa presensiya ni Spencer. Nakatayo lamang siya sa side ng room namin at nagmumuni-muni. Ano pa bang ginagawa niya rito? Hindi ba't umalis na ang ibang officer?
Nahuli niya namang nakatingin ako sa kanya that's why I immediately looked away. Nagdere-deretso na lamang ako sa paglalakad hanggang sa malagpasan siya ngunit nakarinig ako ng yabag ng paa na palapit sa akin.
"Wait Marzia!" Spencer said at hinawakan ako sa balikat.
"Actually, I've been waiting for you." He said and smiled widely, nginitian ko rin siya.
"Tara gutom na ako" Sabi niya at hinila ako.
"Mas gutom ako" I said and we both laughed.
Naglakad kami patungo sa canteen. I saw Jian and Tina together at para bang naiiyak si Tina. What's the fucking problem with that girl? Ugh. I just avoided them.
"Anong gusto mo? Treat kita, ang galing mo kasi magpresent."
"Weh?"
"Ayaw mo?"
"Ofcourse I want it, it's free food dude" Sabi ko at pinisil niya ang pisngi ko. Pati ba naman siya?
"Umupo ka na lang, ako na bahala." Saad niya at nginitian ako.
Sa tuwing ngumingiti siya... nawawala talaga ang mga mata niya.
I go to the corner of the canteen and bring out my laptop. I need to finish all this pending works, ayoko naman na sabihan nila akong runaway editor.
"Legends always prefer to be alone and always work on their masterpiece." I look up to the man who was talking, it's Spencer.
"May I sit beside you?" He asks with a smile.
'Yung mga ganitong tao na laging nakangiti, masarap bungian 'e.
"Actually, the term 'Legend' really cringes me out." Sabi ko at parehas kaming natawa, umupo naman siya sa tabi ko.
"Binilhan nga pala kita ng desserts" Inilapit niya sa akin ang tatlong slice ng red velvet cake, maja at apple juice.
Ang dami ba namang binili ni Spencer.
Mukha tuloy akong patabaing baboy dito.
"Thanks" I said at kinuha ang cake.
Gutom na ko 'e.
"How lucky I am to be paired with the President." He said. "I know you'll win Marzia."
"Sana nga"
__________
It's finally our class dismissal. Naghihintay lamang ako rito sa Parking Lot para kay Felix. Her Mom texted me na sumabay lagi kay Felix, which I hated! Unfortunately, Tita Francine really did insists me to, sinabi niya na rin naman daw kay Mama kaya okay lang.
Nakita ko naman si Felix na palapit dito. Bigla na namang dumilim ang paningin niya nang makita ako, kahit kelan talaga hayst.
"Tara na" Sabi ko.
"Sinong ma'y sabi na sumabay ka sakin?" He said habang naglalakad patungo sa pintuan ng kotse niya.
"Mama mo," I said with a matter of fact tone. "wala ba siyang sinabi sayo?"
Iritang-irita siya akin samantalang kanina mukha siya maamong tigre. What a great way to maintain your good image.
"Tsk, tara na nga" Saad niya at pumasok na sa kotse.
Sumakay na rin ako sa kotse and from the start, I knew na hindi magiging maganda ang atmosphere sa pagitan namin.
He started the engine at nagpatakbo na ng sasakyan. It was a deafening-silence indeed. I'm checking my Facebook Page to avoid any awkward contacts with this guy.
"Alam mo, masayang kalaban si Tina," Sabi niya at ngumisi. "with her dirty works and connections to alot of authorized persons', mahihirapan ka pa rin na kalabanin siya"
Hindi ko alam kung tinutulungan niya ba ako to boost my self-esteem or nang-iinsulto siya. I just stayed silence at baka pagsimulan lamang namin ito ng away. Mahirap makipagtrabaho sa taong hindi mo kasundo, baka instead na improvement ang mangyari sa YT Channel niya ay sa pababa ang ratings nito dahil hindi niya ma-take ang suggestions ko.
Ganon naman ang tao, kapag galit 'yan sayo, lahat ng sabihin mo ay mali. And I don't want to have any conflicts with Felix at baka pilitin niya talaga si Tita Francine na ipatanggal ako sa trabaho. This offer is one of the best one kaya kung kailangan kong magtiis ay gagawin ko.
Kahit pa ikababa 'yan ng pagkatao ko. I'm doing this for money, to earn money and to finally save Dad.
"It's a great thing that you revealed your ownership to your page. Nang malaman ni Mrs. Vergara ang tungkol sayo'y nagbago ang isip niya na sapilitang ipanalo si Tina." He said and I already see that coming but the next thing he said surprised me the most.
"There are alot of opportunities coming in your way kung manalo ka man. You do know that great photographers are highly appreciated by other Schools especially in USA." Anong ibig niyang sabihin? Is it even true? I don't know if I want to believe it or not but he is the SC President after all.
Is he trying to persuade me to do something?
Don't tell me that.....
"To spill the beans, kung manalo ka man at mahandle mo ng maayos ang Club, you are more likely to be the international representative of our School. Makakalaban mo rin ang magiging President ng Draw Club, so you better watch out."
Shit, I want to shout so bad! If this happens, all of my dreams will finally come true!
"Take note that this is not unfair for Tina, she already knows this from the start, don't forget that she is always one step ahead of you."
I knew it, it was a setup after all. So that's why Caryll acts so aggressive against Tina. Malinaw kay Caryll ang nais ni Mrs. Vergara na mangyari kaya hinuhuli niya si Tina na umamin ngunit malakas talaga ang kapit ni Tina at panatag ang loob niya sa sitwasyon, because this opportunity can change a person's life that's why Caryll is pretty much against Tina.
Does she thinks that I deserve it instead?
"And you're saying this because?" I said while trying to act normal.
This is the opportunity I've been waiting for a very long time.
"You'll need it. Just like how you photoshopped photos, kinailangan mo kaya mo ginawa." He said and seriously glances at me.
This is when I started to freeze. What is he talking about? Is he still referring this to the viral photo of his?
"Uhm, Thanks?"
"Don't take this as if I am willing to help you win. I just don't like Tina and perhaps this opportunity will be more useful to you. Am I right? Kailangan mo diba?"
Anong kailangan? Does he knows about our situation? Impossible.
"Stop these nonsense!" I shouted and looked at him in an antipathy manner.
______
We reached their house at dumiretso na kami sa loob without letting a single word out of our mouth. In short, hindi na kami nag-usap simula nang sigawan ko siya. See, I already though about this na kapag nagusap kami ay magli-lead lamang ito into misunderstandings. Pfft, siya naman kasi! He is so pathetic as always.
I saw Tita Francine but I tried to avoid any eye contact with her. Pero ilang minuto lamang ang lumipas ay nakaramdam ako ng isang yakap mula kay Tita. She greets me with a smile bago kumawala sa yakap at nginitian ko na lamang din siya.
"Ija, kanina ko pa kayo hinihintay! Nagpahanda pa ako ng maraming pagkain para sa inyo." Sabi ni Tita and guide me all the way through their kitchen. Umupo naman ako sa silya at pinagmasdan ang napakahaba nilang lamesa.
"Bakit Ma? Fiesta ba? Atsaka wala namang dumating na importanteng tao ah." Ito na naman si Felix, nangiiyamot lang. Hindi parin siya makamove on, ano?
"Felix naman!" Sita ni Tita. "Hay nako. Hayaan mo na siya ija at wala lang 'yang masabe." Natawa naman ako kay Tita.
"Babawasan ko ang allowance mo!" Bigla namang natigilan si Felix sa ginagawa niya at dali-daling umupo sa hapag kainan.
"Ma naman!" He said and sight.
"You're just joking right? Pretty please, anything but not my allowance." Felix said while whining like a kid.
Woah, ma'y ganito pala siyang part hindi lang pala puro panggagago sakin.
But still, I can't ignore the fact na ganito pala sila kasayang pagmasdan, unlike my relationship with my mother, it's quite complicated.
"Kain na tayo!" Sabi ni Tita at nagsimula na kaming kumain. Sobrang dami naman ng pagkain na hinanda ni Tita para sa aming tatlo.
"Ma'y pinagiipunan ka ata Felix"
"Secret HEHE" Sabi ni Felix habang nakabungisngis sa Mama niya.
Seeing him smile is so weird, pero mas bagay talaga sa kanya ang nakangiti. Hindi 'yung palaging naka simangot na parang depress na depress sa buhay.
"Baka naman ma'y bisyo ka ha" Tita said at matalim na tumingin kay Felix.
"Hindi Ma" He said and smiled. "It's for someone special." Did I just saw him took a glimpse on me? Malabo namang mangyari 'yon.
"Ija, hinatid ka ba ni Felix dito?" Tita asked at napasulyap ako kay Felix.
"Opo Tita"
"Ako pa ba?" Saad ni Felix and slightly laugh, nakitawa na lang din ako.
Wow, parang kanina lang ayaw na ayaw niya akong pasabayin ha.
"Ihatid mo rin siya mamaya ha"
"Fine" Sagot ni Felix.
Libreng pamasahe na naman. It's not like na ma'y masasakyan pa ako mamaya.
Maya-maya lamang ay nagsalita nang muli si Tita.
"Anak, kayo pa ba ni Stacey?"
Parang gusto ko 'yung mga usapang ganito ah.
"Not anymore"
"Napakabait ng batang 'yon ah, bakit hindi mo iningatan?!" Tita said at matalim na tumingin kay Felix. "Kakatapos mo lang kay Tina diba tapos ngayon naman kay Stacey."
"I'm done with girlfriends for now. I'm going to focus on my studies from now on."
For now... I see.
He is really open with her Mom which makes me hate him less.
"SC President ka pa naman 'nak. Don't put too much pressure on yourself and burden on your shoulders."
"I won't"
Ang bait talaga ni Tita Francine. How lucky they are.
"Nga pala ija, alam mo ba sa sobrang adik ni Felix sa'yo ay punong-puno ang kwarto niya with your Artworks! Pilit niya talagang pinapatanggal 'yung watermarks. Atsaka ma'y message request din siya sayo---"
Muntikan na akong mabulunan sa sinabi ni Tita. What the heck?
"Mama naman" Pagrereklamo ni Felix.
"What a loyal fan" I said and smiled.
"It was a mistake being one" He whispered enough for me to hear it.
That is harsh, dude.
"Alam mo ba Marzia, ngayon lang 'yan naglinis ng kwarto dahil alam niyang darating ka."
Sumulyap naman ako kay Felix at tila ay nahihiya siya sa nasabi ng mama niya. His expression is priceless!
"Ma, you're unpredictable!"
_______
I'm currently in his room. I'm still wondering to where on earth is my working place at pinagmamasdan ko rin ang kwarto niya kung ma'y Art works nga ako rito.
Ang linis niya pagdating sa mga gamit, how come?
Totoo kaya 'yung sinabi ni Tita? I doubt it.
"About the way I acted, satin-satin na lang 'yon ni Mama, ayoko lang talagang mabawasan ang allowance ko." Sabi niya habang nagpapalit ng damit, buti na lang at kanina pa akong nakatalikod. Hindi niya ba alam na nandirito ako?
"Sure"
I wanted to ask him kung bakit ba takot na takot siyang mabawasan ng allowance kaso wag na lang at baka mainis lang siya. Like what I've said, I need to create a good image to keep this job going.
"I thought your room was filled of my Artworks" Nang maramdaman kong tapos na siyang magbihis ay umupo ako sa kama niya.
"Not until I find out that you're the one behind that page"
Nakatalikod siya sa akin ngunit alam kong magkasalubong na naman ang mga kilay niya. He is fixing the arrangement of his books.
"And when is that?"
"Just yesterday," he said. "My mom showed me your Job Contract with her. That's when I started to burn those Artwork of yours. It's been fun being your fan."
"I though so"
His words are hurting me. I didn't see him burned my Artworks but thinking of him who's burning one hurts me too much.
"Perhaps you still kept one?" Sabi ko at ngumisi nang makita ang nag-iisang Artwork ko na nakasabit sa gitna ng kwarto niya. Nilapitan ko ito at tama nga ang hinala ko, I still remember this one.
It's a silhoutte captured by her mother. It was his father and himself in the picture while inside a lighthouse. I worked for him once and he told me all the details about it. He asked me to edit it and make it a little bit brighter dahil halos di na sila makita ng Papa niya sa picture. At syempre, gumawa din ako ng himala.
"That's my ersatz so it doesn't count as your Artwork."
"But you can't deny the fact that you tried copying my style." He faced me at lumapit sa akin.
"I didn't said no," He said with a matter of fact tone. "Look, I don't know what your trying to prove here but it's getting annoying, so stop it."
"Oh well, it's quite getting fun already" Sabi ko na lalong ikinainis niya.
"So where is my working place?"
"Hindi mo ba nakikita 'to?" Sabi niya at naglakad palapit sa isang side ng bedroom niya kung saan puro computer ang nandoon. I though it's his gaming place. Nakita ko naman na ma'y tela na tumataklob sa isang malaking bagay.
"Literally here inside your room?" I ask in disbelief.
I thought I will have my own room but I guess I dreamed too much. Oh well, this would be one heck of a year in his room.
I'm literally feeling the awkwardness right now.
Para bang hindi ko kakayanin dito sa kwarto niya. Pano ba naman lagi na lang masama ang tingin sa'kin ni Felix. Mas maganda siguro kung hindi ko siya nakikita.
"Akala ko kasi kaya ko mag-edit kaya dito ko na pinalagay ang full set pero mahirap pala. Perhaps you could teach me?" Sabi niya at tinanggal ang telang nakaharang at hindi ako makapaniwala sa nakita ko.
"The freaking XYZ full set!" This set is every editors dream to have! Shit, I mind as well enjoy his company. "Can I get my hands on it?! Please!"
"The pleasure is yours" He said at dali-dali kong nilapitan ang full set ng computer and I started operating it.
"Who creates your blog contents?" I ask while browsing up the features of this computer.
"Myself"
"Ilan na ang subs mo?"
"3K palang" He said and sight.
"Ilang videos na ba ang na-produce mo?"
"Five"
I can't imagine him in a video, I find it awkward I guess.
"Kelan ka pa nagsimula?"
"Pa-2 weeks na ngayon"
"Not bad for a starter"
"Are you insulting me? Bakit, ilan na ba ang followers mo?"
"Can't you take a compliment?" I said and rolled my eyes. Bakit niya ba laging minamasama ang mga sinasabi ko. "I dont know, why don't you check my page instead and see for yourself."
I dont usually keep on track to my followers. Ang tanging mahalaga lamang sa akin ay ang message requests nila para makapagtrabaho ako at kumita syempre ng pera.
"Gusto mo lang ata akong yabangin eh, are you fucking kidding me? 250K followers in just three months? At tumatanggap ka rin pala ng international offers, edi ikaw na"
I was in shock na marinig kung gaano na karami ang followers ko. From the start, I really didn't see this coming. I dont have any idea kung saan ako dadalhin ng passion ko until just now. I really did improve alot huh.
"How can I improve like this?"
"A blogger's job is way too far from a photoshopper. Those two are different things so don't compare my improvement to yours." I said and smirked. "Mas magiging mahirap ang trabaho mo"
Duh. Blogging is hard people. You need to persuade the audience around you. For me, that's the hardest thing a blogger could do that a photoshopper can't.
"That's my middle name"
"No it isn't"
"Can't you take a joke?" I take a glimpse on him and he was glaring at me while holding his phone.
"Whatever"
I stopped browsing in the computer at tumayo ako para lumapit sa kanya. Umupo ako sa tabi niya at nagulat siya sa presensiya ko.
"Personal space?" Hindi ko na lang pinansin ang sinabi niya at nag-isip na lamang tungkol sa plano ko.
"What do you blog about?"
"Actually, I'm a travel blogger at sinimulan ko ang blog ko sa USA, pero dahil nasa Pilipinas ako I'll blog about random stuffs. School days kasi, mahirap isabay sa schedule." Tumango na lamang ako.
It's not like na makikinig siya sa'kin. Nagkwekwento nga siya pero nakatuon naman ang atensyon niya sa cellphone.
Hello! Nasa harap mo lang ako. Gago ka ba?
"Do you want to boost your subs?"
Finally, I caught his attention. All he did was to browse through his phone. Can't he atleast give a damn care about his Channel? I'm his editor pero wala siyang ginagawang blogs. How can I freaking start my job then?
"Ofcourse, sino ba namang Youtuber ang ayaw?" He puts down his phone and finally focuses on me.
"Maybe you?" I slightly laugh to tease him.
It's like all the words coming from my mouth is an absurd voice to his ears. My voice is really not that bad, it's worse than you think.
"Include me in one of your blogs" I said at tinitigan niya ako.
"No way," He said. "actually that's a pretty great idea but I don't want to depend on someone especially to a person like you."
Ouch. Is it that bad to try helping him for once?
Nilapit niya ang mukha niya sa akin and I tried to push him. It doesn't works, it's like his body is made of cement.
"You already did when you hired me as your editor."
Nilapit ko ang mukha ko sa kanya at kitang-kita ko ang pagkabigla niya. It's called reverse phsychology, genius. Akala ko ay aantras siya kaya ko 'yon ginawa ngunit lalo lamang siyang lumapit sa akin. He locked me into his arms sa dalawang panig ng tabi ko.
Does ever boys do this?
"Excuse me. I did not hired you. My Mom did so stop acting like my improvement depends on you."
"It does" Tumingin siya sa akin ng masama and looking at him so irritated is such a pleasure. "It's called getting some resources, dude. You should do it sometimes."
"Fine," He said in defeat and released his arms in both sides. "but you need to advertise me in your page."
Nagkasalubong naman ang kilay ko. Mukhang pabor na pabor sa kanya ang plano. I'm not liking this.
"No, isn't it unfair for me? You'll be introduce internationally while I gain nothing?"
"Ang kailangan mo lang naman ay ang boto mula sa school. You don't need to be introduce internationally as well, it's me who need that." He do have a point.
I think I am being selfish again. I looked down and saw him hold my hand. What is he doing? It's giving me chills and I am not liking it.
"So what's the plan?"
"I'll help you gain popularity."
"And how will that be possible? I'm like the girl who always prefer to be alone, has a social anxiety and---"
He cut me off and placed his index finger to my lips.
"Baby, everything is possible when you have me," he said and winked at me. "I will be your man and help you win the election."
Oh great, he will use his freaking charm. He is popular after all at napansin ko rin na mas nakilala si Stacey nang maging girlfriend niya 'to, kaso maganda si Stacey and it might not work for me.
Physical appearance matters much, aye?
I removed his index finger and stared at him like I was challenging him.
"I doubt it" I said to make him persuade me.
"Baby, don't forget that I am the SC President, the Bad Boy who's always been talking about, the Senior High School's Sweetheart," he paused for a minute and looked at my lips. "and the one who'll steal your heart"
"Fine! It's a deal, then."
He leans against me and my heart beat is flipping crazy. He gave me a peck on my lips and sincerely looked at me.
"It's sealed" He said and I looked down, I don't know why but am I being shy towards him?
"I really don't think that you want to be known as 'the owner of that popular page' at all."
I looked up to him and his eyes are drowning me. Why are you giving me this feeling? It's like he knows what I'm going through.
"You just want to won the election, don't you? You don't want attention from other's, you just want to grab that opportunity and chase your dreams."
"Felix," I looked at him sincerely atsaka inilabas ang galit ko. "you're a big damn jerk for stealing my first kiss!" He laughs really hard and I glared at him.
"Was it good? Do you want me to shower you with kisses?" He smirks as he come close to me.
I don't know why but I hugged him. Yes, I hugged him. I just got the urge to. He hugged me back and I felt warm in his arms.
"Let's grab our dreams together, shall we?" He said and squeezed me.
"No, let's steal it!"
I was about to release my arms to his but he did not let me.
"Just like how I stole your first kiss?" He chuckles and grins at me.
Hinampas ko siya pero parang ako lang din ang nasaktan.
"Marzia," He whisper behind my ear.
"I really want you in my arms so bad."
Felix...
________
Calling Caryll Mendoza...
Konting segundo ang lumipas at sinagot niya rin ito.
"Hi Caryll," I said through the phone.
"How are you?"
[Spill the beans, Marzia. Alam kong hindi mo ako tinawagan para lang kamustahin ako.]
Ang taray.
"Could you do me a salad and make a content about the owner of PhotoArts?"
[It would be an honor]
She ended up the call. Perhaps, she knows exactly what I'm up to.
--