Chapter 5

Vince helped me unload all my belongings in the compartment of his car.

“Are you sure you will be fine here?” he asked me several times while we were on our way to Sofia’s apartment. I know that he can't help but worry about me after what happened.

“Vince, how many times I should answer that same question?” hindi sa naiinis ako pero malapit na roon, Isa pang tanong niya maiinis na talaga ako.

 

“You’ll answered as many questions as I could asked you.” He sarcastically responds, without looking at me, he walked inside the apartment and he left me alone outside. Looks like I already pissed him off. Sumunod nalang ako at nanahimik, pinagbuksan naman kami ng pinto ni Sofia. We put the things down next to the bed, here in the bedroom.

“Once you need anything just call me. You should take care of yourself while I’m not around. I have something important to do, I should go now.” I smile at him and nodded onto him. He lowered his head a little and kissed me on my forehead then he gave me a quick hugged. He looked at me and smiled. He turned his head to face Sofia. 

“You better keep on watching her.” He smiled and topped Sofia’s shoulder then headed out of the apartment. I ran after him to see him leaving. 

“Thank you, Vince!” I shouted with a big smiled on my face, but it’s looks like he doesn’t hear me. Kaya naman bumalik na ako sa loob ng apartment, at nakita ko si Sofia na naghihintay sa may sala.

“How? How could Mr. Vince Conner Valencia of Prairie University can look at you like that?” manlaki ang kaniyang mga mata at parang hindi makapaniwala sa mga ikinilos kanina ni Vince. 

“Girl, I saw the way he looked at you. It’s like, you are one of the very special persons for him. " napaupo siya sa sofa na nandito sa may sala and still wondering why, para navi- visualize ko lahat ng tanong sa isip niya. 

“How he can be super caring, super worried and over protective to you?” she looked at me and blinked three times. I just laughed at her reaction and just shook my head then sat down next to her. 

“I really can't believe he has that kind of personality. We all know that he always wearing his crazy smile towards other girls. But on you!" she pointed her index finger towards me.

"You are different. I saw his genuine look, his gentle and dazzling smile, and the way he talks to you. You really feel the sincerity and generosity of his words that you can really trust.” Hindi ko maiwasan na hindi matawa sa mga ikinikilos niya. She seemed to recall Vince’s actions earlier while looking at the ceiling. Ibinaling niya ang kaniyang atensyon sa akin, tinignan ako sa mga mata at hinawakan ang dalawa kong kamay. Wait it looks like she forgot something.

“Girl anong ginawa mo kay Vince? Hindi naman siya gan’on.” napailing siya at isinandal ang kaniyang likuran sa may sofa and then she looked at her hands as if she’s counting.

“Hindi talaga gan’on ang pagkakakilala ko kay Vince, whenever he looks other girls, parang naglalaro ang kaniyang mga mata. So, if your face is round, his gaze will play around with your face and once he showed you his charming but mischievous smile, tapos tinitigan mo pa ng ilang minuto, iyon na ang sinyales na nahulog kana sa kaniya. And wait, it doesn’t end there, when you listen to his playful words you will be left hanging.” Nagulat ako ng bigla niya hinarap ang mukha niya sa akin at mababasa sa mukha niya ang tanong na ano ba talaga ang ginawa mo kay Vince? 

“Girl tigilan mo na si Vince, okay. We both know that he is my boy best friend.” I got up and walked into the room after I while I heard her follow me. 

"Sige maiba ako, are you sure that you really want to stay here?" Sofia concernedly asked. I did not expect it's really happening. 

"Yes best. Thank you for letting me stay here. It seems a lot to me." I confirmedly answered, while I put my baggage on the floor beside of her the bed. Kanina pa kasi nag-aalala si Sofia sa akin. 

"So best, maliit lang 'tong apartment, hindi kagaya ng bahay mo." She stated. I sit on her bed and I look at her. Actually, hindi ko na kailangan ang bahay namin, okay na kaya 'tong apartment niya. 

"It's not problem best, besides I'm so thankful." After what I said she suddenly pull me near to her and she hold my both shoulder and now we are already facing each other. 

"Best I think I'm the one who really need to say thank you. Thank you! You know what, if it is not because of you, I can't pay this apartment." Sofia thankfully mumbled and she gave a tight hugged and then she turns me around to face the living room. 

“As you can see mailit lang ang living room pero okay na ‘yan.” She turned around then she grabbed my hand, and all of a sudden, she turned me again to face the bedroom. 

"We only have two beds here.  Pero may nagmamay-ari na nang isa, si Leona. So, technically this is my bed at d'yan tayo matutulog." She uttered and pull me towards the kitchen, why is she so strong to pull me around the house?

 

"Best, this is the kitchen. Maliit pero okay na." She continues pulling me to the bathroom. 

"Best, this is the bathroom. Sorry 'cause we don't have shower here. We only have dipper, basta alam mo na ’yan gamitin, Pilipino ka naman e." napatawa ako sa mga huli niyang sinabi, when Sofia wanted to pull me again. I stop her and turn her around to face me. I was the one who got tired of what she doing. 

"Best, thank you for your concerned. But you don't have to do this and to worried about. I'm fine." Bumalik kami sa kama niya. We bought take our seat. 

"Best are you sure on this? Kaya mo ba talaga? Ayaw mo na ba talagang umuwi? Kung umuwi ka nalang kaya? Bawiin mo 'yong bahay mo." She asked in a worried tone. I know Sofia is concerned and worried about my situation. Pero sobra na paulit-ulit nalang kami. 

"Yes, I'm sure about this. Believe me best, I can do this. Pinatuloy mo na nga ako dito diba, then why do you want me to go home. It's better if you tell me more about Leona." Siguro curious kayo sa mga tanong ni Sofia at sa mga sagot ko. Later on, you will find out the reason. 

"Si Leona Catherine Ibarra? Ka year lang natin siya. She's kind and beautiful. Hindi ba nakasama na natin siya sa party." mukha kahit papano naiba ko na ang topic, and yeah, I remember Leona. We both faced the door slowly open, and a beautiful lady came in. I admit she's beautiful, but I am most beautiful than her.

"Speaking of Leona." Bigla namang nagsalita si Sofia at tumayo. 

"Leona, I want you to meet Divina, my best friend. Divina Clare Reyes this is Leona Catherine Ibarra. Nagkakilala na kayo sa party. Siya ang kasama ko dito sa apartment." ang kulit ni Sofia, after the introducing I stood up and I offer my right hand for a shake hand, I think it's better to do it again, since, dito naman na rin ako titira. 

"Hi, I'm Divina." And she did the same. At least she did the same thing. 

"Hello, I'm Leona." she gave me a friendly smile and so do I. I felt awkward but I hope this will disappear soon. 

"Leona remember what I told you earlier? 'Yung makakasama natin dito? Si Divina 'yon." I look Leona from her feet goes to her head. I could say that she is sexier than me, but I'm more beautiful than her. Pero mas sexy si Sofia sa aming tatlo, may pagkapayat kasi.

"Divina, we have only a two key here. You can borrow mine or ‘yong kay Sofia. Or if you want ipa-duplicate mo ito key. To have your own." Leona said while she removing her hills. I nodded as a respond to her and I smile. 

"Kumain na ba kayo?" Tanong niya at may kinuha siyang malaking box nang pizza, hindi ko napansin na may dala-dala pala siyang box of pizza. 

"Kain na." She happily offered tapos kumain na kami. Look like there is something missing. 

"Saan galing 'to?" Sofia asked, ang kaniyang pagtatanong ay tila may ibang pahiwatig.

"Ah, e... Binigay lang." Leona answered. I just continue my food as they continue talking. I think there is something here. 

"Nakipag date ka?!" Sofia integrated. Yeah, that's it.

"Don't worry may kasama naman ako." Leona protested. I can't help but to listen on their conversation. Date ba ang tawag d'on kung may kasama? E, Baka naman double date. 

"To whom?" Tanong naman ni Sofia. She's really good at throwing out the right questions.

"Basta-basta. Don't worry I can handle myself." Protesta ulit ni Leona. Ano ba ang mayr'on sa date niya at parang pinagbabawalan niya si Leona. 

"Can you please guys stop." I groined, then stood up and I made my way to the kitchen. I grabbed the glass and I put some water then I drink. 

"Divinaaaaa!" Sofia screamed in a high tone at dahil doon ay bigla akong naubo. Mabilis naman akong bumalik sa kwarto.

"Bakit mo naman kinalahati itong pizza." Bungad na tanong ni Sofia sa akin. Kasi naka anim na ata ako ng pizza. For additional information, pizza is one of my favorite snacks. 

"Sorry best. Kayo kasi dada ng dada. Alam mo naman sa bahay diba. Kumakain nga kami ng sabay-sabay pero tahimik naman." I chuckled and I give her a apologetic expression. Hindi naman gan'on dati pero noong na wala si dad naging gan'on na. It looks like I need to learn how to get along with other people.

"I think I like you Divina, you’re so confident. We can be friends. Just feel at home." Sabat naman ni Leona. I think she's kind too but I am not confident, I'm just being myself that's it. 

"Sorry best I forgot." She apologized sincerely. I gave her a smile. I miss my dad, if only he were here.

"It's okay best. Can I take a quickly shower?" I asked and they both nodded I smiled back to them as my response. I get my things at pumunta na nang banyo. 

"Pagkatapos mo, ako na!" Rinig ko na sigaw ni Sofia. After ko mag shower si Sofia naman ang pumasok sa banyo. I lay down on Sofia’s bed. Gosh! There's a lot of things that happened today. 

"Kasya ba kayo d'yan?" Bigla namang tanong ni Leona sa akin. Nakita ko ang bagahe ko, bigla ata akong napagod to think na hindi ko papala naaayos ang mga gamit ko. 

"Saan?" Tanong ko. This time I gave her my attention and I look at her.

"Sa kama ni Sofia." She grinned at tumayo sa kabila ng kama niya. Ano ang binabalak nito? 

"I think so." I responded and I closed my eyes to take a sleep. I'm so tired kaya matutulog na ako. 

"Stand up!" She commanded in her authority voice. 

"Ah!?" nakapagtataka naman na bigla niya akong patayuin, antok na atok na ako. Ano naman ang gusto nito? I whispered on my mind. 

"Tamayo ka na!" Pamimilit niya kaya tumayo nalang ako. Nabigla nalang ako kasi tinulak niya ang kaniyang kama, papunta sa gitna. Ano nanaman ang gagawin nito? She's so weird or hindi lang ako sanay. I whispered again to myself. 

"Do you want to help me?" Leona sarcastically asked hindi na ako nagsalita, tumulungan ko nalang siya. 

I can't understand her! Kanina mabait nag-offered panga ng pizza. Tapos naging weird. Ngayon naman sarcastic.

Hai! Grabe na 'to! Did I really talk to myself? Bulong kasi ako ng bulong sa sarili ko. Teka! Kailan ko pa ba kinausap ang sarili ko. Never mind maybe I'm so tried for this day. 

"Itulak natin 'yung kay Sofia." Utos niya ulit at tinulak naman namin.  Pinagtabi namin 'yung dalawang kama. Mag kapareho naman ang dalawang kama, sa laki at baha. 

"Ayan! Tayong tatlo d'yan. Atleast hindi ganun ka sikip, 'di ba. Igitna natin si Sofia." She said with willingness. I think she's kind like what Sofia said. 

"Thank you, Leona." I said as my response to her then I smile.

"Good night!" I closed my eyes as I said good night to her and now, I was ready to go to sleep when the things happened the night suddenly appeared and became clear in my mind.

I got up from lying on my bed, the moment I felt his hand playing and running on my legs. I try to move away from him quickly. But he so strong to pulled me back on my bed. 

I gave my best to push him back, I also gave all my strength in every attempt to push him away from me but nothing happened, 

He so strong to stop me to move, he held my two hands tightly and put them above my head. He used force get on my top. 

I started cry and shout as load as I can, hoping that nanay Perla, or kuya June will hear me. But I think they are in the kitchen, so no one can hear me but I still give it a try so start to shout.

“Please someone can help me!?” I shouted many times, my voice was shaking, I’m so afraid and so terrified, I was crying out load while trying to escape and scream hoping someone can hear me. 

When suddenly, someone knocking on the door. 

“Divina! Divina!” and a familiar voice shouted my name and he trying to open the door but the door was locked. 

“Vince, help me!” I shouted back, I tried my best escape from this man and I also used my adrenaline rush to exert more strengths to push him. 

“Nay Perla, have you found the key to Divina’s room!?” I heard him asked with his loud and worried tone. A few seconds later Vince opened the door and he quickly rushed at Benjie and gave a strong punch to his face. Benjie lay down but Vince kept punching him in his face. 

Nanay Perla run towards me and she gave me a hugged and I hugged her back and continue crying. While kuya June run over to Vince to stop him. When Vince was stopped by kuya June, Benjie took the time to run.

“Best wake up.” Dinig ko ang boses ni Sofia at ang pagyugyog niya sa aking katawan. 

“Are you okay? Nananagip ka ata.” Bungad na tanong niya pagbukas na pagbukas nang aking mga mata. I can feel my face was wet because of my tears.

“Napaginipan ko ang ginawa ni Benjie sa akin.” Umupo ako mula sa pagkakahiga. Niyakap naman ako ni Sofia at inalalayan ako sa aking muling paghiga. 

“You must go back to sleep. I am here and I won’t leave you.” Her words make me comfortable to sleep again.

I'm so blessed to have a girl best friend like Sofia Natalie Corpuz. She is so warm-hearted person that’s how she can be friend with other people easily. Sofia is so hard-working person I’ve ever known, pinapasok niya lahat ng matinong trabaho na pwedi niyang pasukan upang may panggastos sa araw-araw niyang gastusin.  She is also smart kaya nga siya naging scholar sa Prairie University. I can say that Sofia is a generous and kind person, bukod sobrang daldal niya ay may kakayahan siyang pasayahin ang mga taong kausap niya dahil masiyahin siyang tao and full of energy, ewan ko ba parang hindi napapagod ang babaing ito. She is the kind of person na iisipin niya muna ang iba bago siya magdesisyon kung baga thoughtful and considerate person. ‘Yun nga lang may pagka kill joy kung minsan at ang pinaka gusto ko sa ugali niya, mapagkakatiwalaan at maaasahan siya.