Alexis Charm

Chapter 2

“Mom, alis na po ako!” Malaki ang mga ngiti kong bumaba ng hagdan. Naabutan ko sila ni Daddy sa hapag at hinihintay ako.

Dad was still on his phone, though, parang may kausap pa yata about work. He’s always like that naman.

“You won’t eat? Come on, nagpaluto pa naman ako ng favorite breakfast mo,” may pagtatampong sabi ni Mommy na agad tumayo nang makita ako. I sighed and shook my head. Lumapit ako sa kanya at humalik sa kanyang pisngi.

I laughed a bit. “Fine, Mom, kahit na mali-late ako sa usapan namin niina Vera,” I said.

“Usapan? This early? I thought your class is still at eleven?” Naningkit ang mga mata niya sa akin. Iginiya niya ako papunta sa dining table. Sumunod ako. I kissed Dad on the cheek. He just smiled and nodded at me before turning to his phone again.

Nagkibit-balikat lang ako at saka umupo na sa tapat ni Mommy.

“Aw, thanks Mom!” I giggled when I saw my favorites on the table. Spam, ham and bacon. That’s the perfect breakfast combination for me. Tapos may orange juice and some buko salad as my dessert. Yep, I could eat buko salad everyday. It’s like my favorite dessert of all time pero mapili ako since I only eat iyong mga gawa ng kasambahay namin or ni Mom.

“I told you! So, you can’t skip breakfast!” sabi pa ni Mom. Natawa na lang ulit ako.

“Alright, alright, ito na,” sabi ko habang naiiling. I saw Dad putting down his phone and turning to us already.

“Good morning, beautiful ladies,” bati pa niya at hinalikan ang kamay ni Mommy. Napairap ako.

“Oh my gosh, parents!” I shrieked.

My parents just laugh at me. I shook my head and just ate anyway. We had our usual morning. My parents were talking about politics and the likes and I was just listening to them. Sometimes Dad would ask me for my opinion and such.

“Hija, do you think this ordinance would be enough to stop the spread of you know drugs? At least here in our town?” he asked. He was talking about an ordinance that he’s planning in support of the anti-drugs campaign of the National Government.

I pursed my lips, trying to phrase my answer. Since Daddy is the Mayor, hindi na iba sa akin ang mga usapang ganyan.

“Well, dad, you could stop the small ones. I mean those who are paid to do things, but the higher ones…hmm they’d still be invincible. Doesn’t matter naman kung may mahuli kayong pushers or users, e. We all know what the big bosses are capable of. They could easily order a killing spree for the ones you’ve imprisoned.” I shrugged. Daddy was still looking at me as if studying my point.

La Grande might be peaceful and silent, but the truth is marami sa mga leads daw ng mga drug-related cases sa bansa ay galing dito sa amin. It’s really sad, but it’s the reality. That’s why Daddy is really doing his best for this term. This is his second to the last term as mayor and as much as possible, he wants to make at least a dent on the drug issues of the town.

“Well, yeah, you’re right.” He smiled at me.

Ngumiti rin ako pabalik. “Goodluck with your endeavors, Dad, I’ll know you’ll make it naman,” I assured him. He just smiled at me.

“Well, I guess we could continue eating?” Mom said after clearing her throat. I laughed a bit before smiling at her.

Right after breakfast, nagpahatid na ako sa school. I was attending our community college here in La Grande. It’s a state school. Others may ask why I chose here when I could go to Manila naman to study in private and prestigious school, and my answer will be I just didn’t want to go. I don’t like Manila life. I love being here in the province. It’s fresh, and most of all peaceful – except for the issues and cases, though. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not as hectic and as loud as the city. Sa Cebu City nga napapangiwi na ako, what more kung sa Manila di ba? I didn’t want to add stress to my self, no. Isa pa, maganda naman ang training sa community college namin. A lot of our graduates have made big names in their industry, so I really see no reason to leave.

“Thanks, manong, I’ll text na lang po what time ako papakuha.” I told Manong Lito before closing the car’s door.

My shoulder bag was hanging on my arm as I walked down the campus corridors. Ang daming tao sa buong campus. Tanaw ko pa ang mga kumpol ng tao na nasa field. It’s actually our foundation week so wala talagang classes and everything. Busy lang ang marami sa mga ganaps. We’ll have some games din mamaya so, it’s quite exciting. I got my phone from my bag to text my friends. Ang alam ko kasi nandito na sila since dapat sabay kami kanina. I sighed.

Vera and Izzie replied.

Izzie:

We’re in the auditorium, Cass.

Ngumuso ako. I kept my phone and headed to our auditorium. When I entered it, I immediately saw my two friends waving at me. I waved back and smiled. I quickly went to them on the right side. I didn’t know what’s the ganap but it seemed like it’s the courtesy of the theater club with the sponsorship of Alpha Omicron since I saw their names on the backdrop of the stage.

“Ang tagal mo!” Vera said as I sat between them.

“Sorry, my parents wanted us to have breakfast together,” I explained and fixed my seat. I scattered my eyes around the room and saw many familiar faces buy I stopped on the person sitting at the opposite side. My lips parted a bit and my eyes squinted to check if it was really him. “Is that…” I began and immediately my friends looked at that direction.

“What?” Vera asked.

“Huh. Vernon Buenamonte,” it was Izzie who answered. I blinked twice.

“W-What is he doing here?” I bit my lip. Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa. They looked at each other too before Vera shrugged.

“Why can’t he? He was like the founder of Alpha Omicron,” Izzie said.

Ngumuso ako tapos ay kinagat ang aking labi. Tumikhim ako at saka umayos ng upo. It was uncomfortable to look at that side already, knowing that he’s there so sa harap na lang ako tumingin. Good thing, Izzie started talking about something sa block namin kaya nawala na rin ang atensyon ko kay Vernon.

Shocks. Vernon Buenamonte. I don’t even know why I’m feeling really shy and awkward whenever he’s around. Gosh, Cassidy, what are you even thinking? I heaved a sigh and stared at the stage. Maya-maya pa ay nagsimula na rin naman ang play nila or something. I kept my eyes busy there. But as the program advances naging bored lang ako. I looked at my friends and both of them were actually on their phones na. Napakunot tuloy ang noo ko.

Siniko ko si Vera. “What are we doing here if you two are busy?” I asked them.

Izzie made a face. “We’re waiting for Vera’s the one.” She rolled her eyes. I raised my eyebrows.

“Wew. Really, though? Who?” Pinaningkitan ko si Vera. Agad naman siyang nag-iwas ng tingin tapos ay yumuko. I gasped and looked at her unbelievably.

“Alpha Omicron’s vice president is her crush, Cass.” Izzie said, making Vera turn to us.

“Oh my gosh, Iz!” she exclaimed with her widened eyes. Medyo napalakas pa ang boses niya kaya nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil pinagtinginan kami ng ibang mga estudyante. Freak! I immediately covered my mouth to stop myself from laughing. Ang pula kasi ni Vera. I didn’t know lang kung narinig nila iyong sinabi ni Izzie or what pero oh my gosh!

I couldn’t stop giggling the whole time because of Vera’s face. Lumala pa iyon nang sa end ng presentation ay tinawag iyong members ng frat at nandoon nga iyong crush niyang fourth year. I laughed my ass out as I looked at my friend turning into some time bomb sa sobrang pula.

“Gosh, I told you message him on IG already!” Izzie said. Vera glared at her.

“Shut up, Iz! I’m not like you, no!”

“Yeah, no wonder you don’t have a boyfriend pa. You’re so traditional. If your man doesn’t move, make a move, b***h!”

I bit my lip to contain my laughter. I was seriously just looking at them back and forth as Izzie burns the hell out of Vera and as Vera stared at her man hopefully. Oh gosh, so we just came here to see this girl whipping over some man! I cannot believe I wasted time for this!

“Just go to him kasi!” Izzie prompted.

“Ayoko nga!” tanggi naman ni Vera. People were already going out of the auditorium and here we are, still on our seats kasi pinipilit ni Izzie si Vera to make a move na raw para di siya parang tanga na always looking from a far. Gosh these two!

“Oh gosh! Then what are we doing here pala? We all don’t like plays naman!” Tumayo na si Izzie at umirap.

Nakagat ko na lang ang labi at palipat-lipat na rin ang tingin sa kanila. I looked around, too, and gosh, kami-kami na lang pala ang mga tao roon! There were just some frat men sa may stage! Shocks! Nagbabangayan pa rin sila. I sighed and stood up already. I cleared my throat to get their attention. Agad na tumingin sila sa akin. Ngumiti ako at nag-peace sign pa sa kanila.

“Uhmm I think we need to go na? Tayo na lang dito.” I pouted and slowly got my bag. Nagkatinginan pa sila at nagkairapan. Sa huli ay kinuha rin naman nila ang bags nila. Nauna akong lumabas. Naririnig ko pa rin silang nagbabangayan sa likod kaya napapairap na lang din ako. Gosh, seriously these two!

Napailing ako. Wala naman silang pakialam kung saan kami pupunta kaya sinamantala ko na lang at tuloy-tuloy ako papuntang canteen. Iyong dalawa naman sumusunod lang at busy pa rin. Natatawa na lang ako sa kanila kasi nagbabangayan pa rin sila.

Almost every day yata silang ganyan na lang. Gosh. They always have opposite views on things kasi kaya talagang nagka-clash most of the time. I was always the one in between them. Nilingon ko sila na nasa may gilid na ng canteen while naka-line naman ako sa cashier. Nauuhaw ako sa bangayan nilang dalawa, e. I shook my head and focused on my line na muna.

“Isang iced coffee po,” sabi ko nang ako na iyong nasa edge. I got my wallet and paid for it. I was waiting for the coffee when I heard some guys talking behind me. I pursed my lips and turned my back. I thought they were just some random school mates but then I saw him with his brods. I immediately took away my glance. Saktong dumating na ang order ko kaya agad kong kinuha iyon.

“Thank you po,” I said and walked away quickly.

Gosh. I really hate that I feel like this when he’s around. He’s my crush, alright, but damn it, Cassidy? Really? High school lang? Ugh!

I went straight to my girls to check if they’re fine na.

“Okay na kayo?” I asked, drinking my iced coffee. Umirap lang si Vera habang si Izzie kinuha na ang phone niya. Napailing ako. “Let’s go watch games?” yaya ko at uminom ulit sa kape. Hindi sila nagsalita. Nagkibit-balikat lang din ako at nauna nang umalis doon. Sumunod din naman sila pagkatapos.

Hay nako.

We roam around the campus to check kung anong mga meron. Our community college is not that big so wala rin naman talagang masyadong ganap ang everything. May mga booths at saka mga pa-games and everything. I don’t know. Every school celebration naman may ganyan. Three sports lang ang meron: basketball, volleyball, soccer. Iyong iba hindi na physical sports. Mosty chess, scrabble etc.

We were just strolling around the field hanggang sa nag-decide si Izzie na sa basketball gym kami since it will be between Nursing and Political Science. The three of us are pol sci since our parents are from the same field – governance. All from politics kasi sila. Actually that’s the reason din kung bakit naging close kaming tatlo. We met in a lot of gatherings before and yeah, we clicked so that’s it.

“Grabe, ang daming tao,” Vera commented when we entered the gym.

My mouth formed an o as I surveyed the whole place. Nahati iyon sa dalawang colors: white and maroon. Obviously, sa Nursing iyong white at sa amin iyong maroon. The crowd was so wild na hindi na nga kami nagkakarinigan na tatlo.

Lumala pa iyon nang tumugtog ang drum and lyre.

“What’s up, LG?!” the emcee announced which made the whole place

The students were shouting and doing their own cheers already. Napanguso ako at saka umangkla kay Vera. Izzie wrapped her arms around mine, too, so naka-chain kaming tatlo habang sinusuot ang napakaraming tao. Gladly we were able to find three spots sa harapan. Almost bench nan ga iyon ng mga players, e.

“Hey, are you sure it’s okay to sit here?” I asked Izzie. Para kasing sinadya na i-leave empty iyon. Baka may reservation or something.

“Yup, why not? Wala namang tao.”

Ngumuso ako. “Baka lang ni-leave empty talaga nila,” sabi ko.

“They’ll tell us if it’s reserved nga,” si Vera.

I just rolled my eyes and shrugged. Well yeah, whatever. I crossed my leg and just watched the game anyway.

“Whooo!” we cheered as the game started. Hindi ko nan ga marinig ang boses ko dahil nasasapawan na iyon ng mga cheers.

We were given some cheerleading props pa as we cheered.

“Let’s go, Pol scie!”

“Go get them guys!” I shouted and then laughed. My girls were shouting at the top of their lungs too. Oh gosh, the adrenaline of the game was slowly getting into me!

“Excuse me.”

Natigil lang kami sa pagsigaw nang marinig iyon. Halos sabay pa kaming tatlo na napalingon sa nagsalita. My smile automatically went out when I saw Vernon with two men. Bahagya pang namilog ang mga mata ko at hindi na nakagalaw. The vice president of Alpha Omicron was there, too, so I felt Vera stiffened on my side. It was Izzie who asked them.

“Yes?”

The on Vernon’s left, who’s had a black leather jacket, smiled. Napakamot pa ito ng ulo. “Uhmm that’s our seats…” tila nahihiyang sabi pa niya. Napalunok ako at agad na tumayo.

“Uhm s-sige sorry we though-“

“It’s fine. You don’t have to move, Cassie.” Vernon cut me off before turning to his friend. “Let’s just go there, Stan. Hindi rin naman tayo magtatagal,” sabi niya pa. With that the three of them left us. Izzie immediately went back to the game and Vera just watched his man walk away. I even hear her murmur something and Izzie commenting pero hindi na iyon nag-register sa utak ko kasi ang tanging narinig ko na lang at ang pabalik-balik sa isipan ko ay ang sinabi ni Vernon.

‘Cassie. Cassie.’

I felt my cheeks heating as I recalled what he said. s**t. Did he just call me by my nickname?!

Oh my gosh!

I didn’t know what to do! I felt my heart pumping blood three times than its normal pace. Oh my gosh! I feel like a giddy high schooler right now! s**t. Calm down, Cassidy. f*****g calm down!

*****

I’ve got a crush on Vernon Buenamonte. A f*****g huge crush. That thought dawned into me that night. My foundation day experience was fun, but I wasn’t able to enjoy it na rin kalaunan kasi hindi matanggal sa isipan ko ang pagtawag ni Vernon sa akin ng Cassie. Oh my gosh, what the hell am I even thinking?

Binagsak ko ang aking katawan sa kama. Katatapos lang namin mag-dinner ng parents ko and since they have their date night outside, I just went here in my room immediately. Hindi mawala ang ngiti sa aking mukha. Tinakip ko pa ang dalawa kong kamay sa aking mukha at doon sumigaw nang sumigaw. Ano ba iyan, Cassidy! High school lang?!

I bit my lip and sprung up again. Hindi ako mapakali. It was such a big deal to me, bakit ba. Kinuha ko ang aking laptop at ni-on iyon. I signed up my social media accounts. Gosh I needed distraction. Baka mabaliw ako ngayong gabi sa kaiisip doon.

My gosh, Cassidy! You’re unbelievable. Napailing na lang ako sa kagagahan ko. I mean, seriously though. I suddenly remember my high school days na I was crushing on some Kpop Idols. Hay nako! I was scrolling through my wall when a shared post from Tita Victoria, Vernon’s mom, came up.

Victoria Buenamonte:

Congratulations, son! I am always proud of you!

Attached to that is a post from a page with names of students who are part of the president’s list. When I looked at it, I found out that it’s from his law school pala. Wow. He’s in his fourth year yata, if I’m not mistaken. It’s also the reason daw kung bakit siya hindi na tumakbo bilang counselor. He chose to focus on law school.

I looked at the post again. Siya iyong nasa unahan, so I’m guessing he’s got the highest average? I mean, I don’t know, hindi naman kasi alphabetical kasi rumble na iyong sumunod na mga pangalan. Gosh. Ang talino niya pala! Oh gosh, I suddenly feel small tuloy. Hindi naman kasi ako genius type, average lang. I needed to hustle to get good grades.

I bit my lip and clicked his tagged name. His profile picture was him in a suit and in a court room. Gosh, so hot! Nag-init ang pisngi ko. s**t. I’m actually becoming a stalker na! It’s not good. Napailing ako. I scrolled through his account and pressed my finger on the screen to read some of his educational and work attainment. Grabe naman talaga.

Napailing na lang ako at in-exit na iyon. Kinikilabutan ako, ha. My teenage Cassidy self is eating me out! Calm down! Crush lang iyan, no! Ganoon lang dapat!

Nahinto lang ako nang biglang mag-notify ang message ni Izzie sa group chat namin. Ni-click ko muna iyon.

Izzie:

Hey @Cassidy, you’re invited sa party ng mga Buenamonte right?

Kumunot ang noo ko.

Cassidy:

What party?

Izzie:

Sa weekend daw.

Cassidy:

I didn’t get one? Di rin ako sinabihan,

Ngumuso ako at sumandal sa headboard ng aking kama.

Izzie:

Baka wala pa? But for sure you’re invited no.

Vera:

Yeahhh! Sure iyan. If ever, sabay tayo bumili or mag-acquire ng gown please!

And they started talking about gowns na and everything. Hindi naman ako makasabay and wala talaga akong alam na party or whatsoever tapos sa city pa raw. Wala namang sinasabi si Mommy at Daddy sa akin. Oh well, kung meron man, I’m sure dad and mom will tell me.

Cassidy:

Sina mom na bahala siguro sa akin. I’m too tired to go to the city

Iyon ang reply ko sa kanila

Izzie:

Oh come on!

Vera:

Yeahh! Sige na!

I rolled my eyes. Di ko nga alam kung anong party pa or whatever. Hinayaan ko na lang silang mag-usap doon. The one that excites me lang ay ang makitang nandoon si Vernon sa party. Well whatever party is that will be fun for sure.

Izzie:

Gosh kuya Vernon will be there pa naman!

Vera:

Trueeee! Sama mo kami pag iisang table kayo Cassie hahahah

Napairap ako. Obviously, these two are a fan of him in a kuya way or some sort. Hindi ako nag-reply. I was about to exit my account when a notification popped.

Vernon Buenamonte accepted your friend request.

My eyeballs almost went out as my mouth dropped. What the freak?!