Lisa’s POV
I stood there with my head bowed, hands clasped nervously in front of me. I wasn’t sure if it was fear, embarrassment, or something in between, but my heart was pounding. He was here—right outside our humble bamboo house—holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates like some romantic scene out of a teleserye. Our neighbors were already peeking out from their windows and peering over fences, whispering, giggling, even shrieking with glee like they'd just been zapped with electricity. One of them was Marie, my supposed demure best friend, who was clearly holding back an excited scream as her lips quivered and her eyes sparkled with delight. "Good morning! Hi, Lisa!" he greeted sweetly as he approached our wooden gate. He gave a slight, courteous bow that made him look even more charming—too charming, if you asked me. "Lisa, introduce us to your handsome boyfriend!" teased Aling Minda, who was sweeping the yard with a broom made of twigs. "You didn’t tell us you had a suitor—and this handsome too! Hi there, cutie!" gushed Markus, an old classmate of mine, now more flamboyant than ever. Marie grabbed my hand, trying to get me to react instead of just staring down at my feet like a shy little girl. I didn’t know how to act. When I finally looked up, Fier’s eyes met mine. He smiled gently, still holding the flowers and chocolates. "Please, come in, s-sir—ah, Fier!" I stammered, then quickly glanced around to make sure no one caught my slip-up. Why the heck did I call him sir? Ugh! I seriously needed to get used to saying his name casually—maybe even sweetly. He handed me the bouquet. I accepted it awkwardly, too shy to meet his eyes. It was beautiful—I've never seen such an expensive-looking arrangement. A huge sunflower stood proudly at the center, surrounded by dainty white blooms, all wrapped in pink and netted paper. I wanted to bury my nose in it and take in the scent, but I knew he was still watching me. Marie nudged me playfully from behind, nearly pushing me forward. Ugh. Too obvious, girl. “T-thank you,” I muttered, and stepped aside to let him in. Marie took that as her cue to dash toward the backyard, where my mother was working. I invited Fier to sit on our bamboo bench, and I noticed his eyes scanning the room. Was he curious? Disgusted? Our house was modest—half-concrete, half-wood. Most of our things were old. We didn’t have fancy appliances. Just an electric fan with a missing back cover, two bamboo chairs, and a small bamboo table in the living room. Our windows were propped open with sticks, pink curtains fluttering in the breeze. “Would you like something to drink? Juice? Coffee?” I offered, trying to sound calm. He shook his head and patted the seat beside him. I’d prepared for this visit since yesterday. Bought some juice and biscuits—simple snacks, nothing extravagant like they probably had in his mansion. But it was the best I could do. If he didn’t like it, well, that was on him. "Hello po!" he greeted as my mom entered, bowing slightly when he saw her. "You didn’t tell me we had a guest, anak," Nanay said, wiping her hands on her skirt before extending one to Fier, who respectfully took it for a bless. That shocked me. He knew the tradition? “Good morning po,” he said warmly and handed her a bouquet—this one filled with white roses. Sunflowers for me. White roses for Nanay. This guy definitely knew what he was doing. Nanay glanced at me with surprise, but managed to smile and thank him anyway. I quietly slipped away to the kitchen, where Marie was washing glasses we rarely used—ones reserved for special guests. She placed them neatly on a tray, beaming with excitement. I saw she’d already poured some juice, though it wasn’t cold. I was about to grab my wallet to buy ice when she turned to me, letting out a soft squeal and bouncing in place. “My friend!” she whispered with exaggerated glee. I rolled my eyes and gulped down a full glass of juice to quench my nervousness. “He’s so handsome! Where are the others? Are they coming too? Ask him, quick!” she said, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me so hard I spilled the next glass. "Maybe they didn't want to come ‘cause you’re already here,” I teased. “Wow, rude,” she pouted. “Now that you have a future husband, you’ve changed. What about our friendship?” “Just go buy some ice,” I sighed. “I’ll pay you later.” Shockingly, she obeyed without complaint. Before she could walk out, I added, “Buy Stick-O, five Barnuts, or Honey. And if they have chocolate kisses—get a lot!” She gave me a thumbs-up from the street, not even turning back. I laughed to myself, proud of my minor victory. Moments like these? I needed more of them. But as I turned around, I crashed straight into a firm chest. “Oh, shoot!” I gasped, clutching my forehead, which had bumped into his scented shirt. I looked up. Fier’s face was blank now—no smile, no warmth. He glanced toward the kitchen where I’d just been squealing. “Who were you talking to?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “N-no one. Just Marie. I told her to buy ice,” I stammered. “Why, what’s up?” “We almost blew our cover earlier. You called me ‘sir’? Seriously? Act like we’re in love. How will they believe us if you flinch every time I’m near you?” he hissed softly. “Sorry... I’m just not used to saying your name,” I whispered, looking down. I heard Marie’s footsteps returning, so I smiled weakly at Fier. He did the same, quickly switching back to his charming mode and chatting with Marie like nothing happened. I let out a shaky breath. This was just the beginning, and I was already stressed out. He helped me carry the drinks to the living room, then pulled me down beside him on the bench, holding my hand for added effect. “You might get tired,” he whispered, smiling like a doting boyfriend. Right. Act, Lisa. Act. “Thank you... Sorry our house is so small. And thank you for the flowers and chocolates. You really didn’t have to...” I said shyly, softening my tone. “It's nothing,” he replied, his smile melting me a little. If I didn’t know this was all an act, I might’ve actually believed he meant every word. But this was his forte—acting. He was just playing his role. “Ah, hijo... is it Philer?” Nanay asked, mispronouncing his name, making me bite my tongue to keep from laughing. “Fier po,” he corrected gently. “Your home is beautiful, and it’s so close to the sea.” “Yes,” Nanay smiled. “Lisa buys fish there and sells them around the neighborhood.” “No wonder her fish is always fresh and delicious,” Fier said. Marie choked on her juice. Nanay patted her back while I giggled. “So, how did you two meet?” Nanay asked. “Are you courting my daughter?” Fier glanced at me, then said, “She’s so kind and lovely. From the moment I met her, my heart knew. In the short time we’ve known each other, I’ve already fallen in love with her. And I know—I made the right decision.” What? My eyes widened. That was deep... and fast. “What decision, hijo?” Nanay asked, straightening in her seat. “You haven’t told them yet, Babe?” he turned to me, head tilted—a silent nudge to play along. “What is it?” Nanay pressed. “Ahm, we... we’re planning to get married soon,” I said, barely able to speak. Fier took over for me again. Nanay’s voice thundered. “What?! Lisa, what’s the meaning of this?” I froze under her gaze. Fier squeezed my hand tighter. “I’m serious about your daughter,” he said. “There’s nothing more I could ever ask for in a woman. She’s all I want—” Nanay cut him off. “Why are we only hearing about this now? Lisa, what were you planning?” she asked me. “It wasn’t her idea. I proposed to her. I want to marry her—soon,” Fier said, trying to protect me. I pulled my hand away, but he held it tighter. Nanay stared at our joined hands, then sighed. “Can we speak in private, Mr... Phil, or whatever your name is? You may go now.” Fier stood, kissed my forehead, and whispered, “You got this.” Then, he caressed my cheek, said goodbye, and left. “Lisa,” Nanay said firmly, not looking at me. “When were you planning to tell me?” Marie slowly got up and left us alone. “Nanay...” I whispered. I had no idea what to say. What now? I'm alone in this.
