One day the situations have changed.
As usual, Joseph & I keep doing what were doing.
Sherwin has started to reciprocate the favors I was doing in behalf of Joseph. But, the reciprocity is not for his secret admirer. Every time, I gave something to Sherwin, he would also give me something in return. And this gift, he wrote a note with it and directly named me as the recipient with his personal dedication. I was completely shocked and caught me off-guard. Also, it made me blush a lot.
Joseph has no idea about what was happening. I never told him about it. I am confused and did not know what to do. I thought it would be better if I would not say anything because I was afraid he would get hurt and may take it against me and eventually ruin our friendship. But I know I cannot keep this forever and one day Joseph will going to find out and I have no slightest idea what to tell him and how am I going to explain everything to him. So, that day came!!!
One day when I came to the class. There was something on my desk. Joseph was already there sitting in his desk and pretending to be reading. As soon as I came to my desk and sit, I pretend to be very surprised and very shocked. It was a chocolate bar with a small note. The note said, "dear toni, have a nice day, from sherwin".
As soon as I have read the note, I slowly look at Sherwin and there he was looking at me with a very huge smile. I just ignore him and twist my head to the other side to see Joseph. He was not looking but I can sense he knows what is going on?
I asked Joseph if he wants some chocolate then he asked me who gave it to me. I know I could not lie in that moment because I am pretty sure he already read the note before I came in. So I told him the truth and he said "ok" with a blank face.
Joseph & I were not talking during the entire class. And I am pretending to be busy and talking with Ariel all the time and discuss about the class, the topic, the assignments, etc.
After the class, Joseph was rushing to leave and did not say goodbye to us. When he was gone, Sherwin approached me and ask me if I like the chocolate. I said, I have not eaten it & I could not eat it at this point and pretend that I have a tooth ache and Ariel butted-in and asked me when did I ever had a tooth ache since I always take care of my teeth. I saw Sherwin's face & see his disappointment and then he left. I ran after him and call his name. He stopped and I rushed towards him and I said 'thank you'. He smiled. But then I said, next time please don't give me anything anymore and then I left.
I came to look for Joseph everywhere but I was not able to see him anymore that day.
The next morning, it's our physical education day. We were all in our PE uniforms. The girls are gathered in the volleyball area of the campus while the boys are all together in the basketball area. Everybody has to practice how to play basketball but not everybody can play the actual games. Our PE teacher is observing everybody how we practice to play and will choose in the last hour of the activity who will be playing the actual games. He chose the players based on different criteria: height, skills and who has experience how to play already. Even though, I can play a little bit but I am little bit short and a little bit slow. My brother, Sherwin and the rest of the boys were chosen to play the games. While, the rest will be cheering, assist or sit and watch. So I end up sitting and watch the games with Joseph and rest of the boys.
They started the games and since my brother and Sherwin belong to the same team so I cheer for them. Sherwin was having a hard time playing because he was wearing his glasses. Although, he can play very well but he is too cautious and trying to avoid body contact with their opponents. Our coach teacher noticed it and asked Sherwin if he can still able to play without his glasses on. He said he could try. He removes his glasses and approach the bench going straight towards where Joseph & I were sitting. Joseph stand up, raise his right hand and ready to grab Sherwin's glasses. He smiled at Joseph then passes by him and walks to me then hand me his glasses and asked me if I can keep his glasses for a while. Without hesitation, I grab it right away and then he left. Everyone in the bench saw what Sherwin did while Joseph returns back to his seat next to me & pretended that nothings happen. That moment was very awkward. Every one in the bench were yelling and cheering except Joseph and me.
After a few minutes, Joseph breaks the silence and asked me I would like a drink. I said yes and offer myself to come with him. He said its okay he can handle it.
When Joseph returns, everyone is together in the bench. The coach asked for a break. Sherwin is sitting beside me but we are not talking. He is already wearing his glasses and he was busy talking to his friends while I am chatting with my brother and his friends who were standing in front of me. Joseph bought two drinks and handed me the other one. As I am about to take it, Sherwin quickly grabs the drink from Joseph's hand and makes a sip first and gives it to me. I saw how Joseph's face changed from smiling into a shock reaction because he thought Sherwin wants the drink for himself but gave it to me.
I knew already how Joseph was disappointed of Sherwin's actions so I gave back the drink to Sherwin and I stand up and grabbed Ariel's arm away and asked him to get a drink in the canteen together.
Days passed, Joseph & I were not really on a speaking terms a lot, just simple hello and goodbye.
Just when we are about to be talking a lot again after a few days (thanks to our group project) Joseph told me that he wants to reveal himself with Sherwin and confess his admiration. And he asked me if I could set up a private meeting with him. And he prefers to do it on Valentine's Day.
Of course I said yes.