Chapter 3

Nakita kong pinunasan nito ang kanyang ilong. Tumalikod ako at dumiretso muli sa ring. "Wait, Yna!" I heard him calling me but I ignored him instead.

"Please, let me talk to you." Pinakita ko sa kanya 'yong kamao kong nakakuyom.

"Gusto mo pang makaisa?" Umiling siya. "Iyon naman pala eh, stop bothering me!"

Napansin kong nakasunod pa rin siya. "Seriously, Brent? You won't stop pestering me?!"

"I'll do whatever you want. Just talk to me please." His voice sounded almost a pleading. Naningkit ang mata ko nang humarap muli sa kanya.

"You'll do whatever I want?" He nodded in response.

"Fine, beat me."

"What do you mean?" Tinuro ko 'yong ring. And for that moment, he knew what I meant.

"You're joking right?" Like he couldn't believe me.

"Mukha ba akong nagjo-joke?"

"No, I mean. You know I don't hurt girls."

"Talaga lang huh? E ako bakit mo 'ko sinaktan?" He was taken aback. I could see how he became uneasy with what I said. Serves him right!

"Fight me or you'll not talk to me forever?" I heard him letting out a deep sigh. I threw the gloves on him and he accepted it.

Just because we are women don't mean we cannot do things men can do. Is it always men who can do better? Kaya rin nating mga kababaihan.

I believe in equality. Sometimes, women find it hard to stand for their own, it's because their too afraid to take risks.

Nang manligaw ako sa kanya, hindi inaasahan ng iba. Malamang, babae ako. Pero, bakit? Porque babae ako kaya gano'n. Tapos na tayo sa mga babaeng laging sinasagip ng kanilang prinsipe. Women need to be bold sometimes and we need to come out from our own shells.

We can fight on our own. We can heave words that can impact lives. Our voices needed to be heard too. Takot lang tayo kasi iba ang pananaw ng iba sa kababaihan.

I took a deep breath as I faced Brent. I drew a smirk. Pumuwesto ako nang susugod sa kanya. Kita kong binabasa niya ang mga galaw ko.

Napansin ko rin dumadami na ang mga tao. There were women who were definitely ogling at the man in front of me. He looked hot though, I admit it. But I won't be distracted.

Gago 'yan! Gusto ko nga sanang isigaw sa kanila. I kept it to myself.

Nakarinig ako ng mga bulong bulungan. I don't know if they wer just  fascinated or what but based on how they look at us, they were  absolutely surprised seeing us fight.

Matagal ko na rin naman siyang gustong suntukin! Tangina niya! He deserved it.

His face when he tore the banner I made for him was still clear in my head. Hindi na ako 'yong babae na kaya niyang paikutin uli. Hindi na ako marupok, 'no!

I looked at him. He stared back. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko at ako na ang unang sumugod. I gave him my powerful punches but he was too fast dodging i. A grin was plastered on his face. Competitive, huh.

He's too determined to win.

"Not too fast, Yna."

I rolled my eyes. I kicked him. But then it seemed like he was really enjoying this! Akala niya ba nagpapatawa ako. Hindi ko siya madaplisan. Nakakainis! Ilang beses ko siyang sinubukang suntukin. Pero, wala man lang akong matamaan.

I heaved a great sigh. Humakbang ako paatras at kumuha ng bwelo. He looked confused.

I pulled all my force before throwing him a poweful kick. Napaatras pa ito. Halatang gulat din ito sa hindi ko inaasahang galaw. Akala niya diyan! Buti nga.

Nakarinig ako ng ilang pagsinghap sa mga nanunuod. Hindi ko na lang pinansin iyon.

I was about to throw him another punch but he locked me in his arms. Sinubukan kong kumawala. Ilang beses ko pa nga siyang pinaghahampas. At dahil doon sabay kaming napahiga. I was now on top of him. Shit! I gulped hard.

Flood of electricity flowed throughout my veins as I stare at  his beautiful and dazzling eyes.

I saw how his lips twitched. His eyes glinted in mischief.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"What if I say I do?"

"Tangina mo!" I throwed him my dagger looks.

He pulled me closer and he switched his position. He was on top of me now as he pinned me on the ground with his body.

"H-hoy! Alis," I awkwardly said.

"I know how you fantasize this one. Nandito na ako Yna, the guy you're dreaming of."

Ang kapal ng mukha!

I tried to get off from him. "Ano ba!"

"Damn. You're cute." Pinisil pa nito ang ilong ko.

"Isa, Alis!" Hindi niya ako pinansin. Naiilang ako sa paraan ng pagtitig niya. I tried avoiding his gaze but I just couldn't. The way he stare at me melts me to the core. I couldn'tt breathe properly knowing how close he was like this.

Hindi na ako marupok hindi ba? Inis ko pa rin siyang binalingan.

He stood up. Buti naman, he was too close! He even offered his hand but I refused. Tumayo na rin ako.

"Seems like I won," he said in mischief.

"Who told you?" He groaned in pain when I kicked him in the ball. Dahil doon napahiga rin siya. A smirk drawn on my lips.

He was still wincing when I throwed him my dagger looks.

"Fuck you!" I even gave him my middle finger.

"Aaaahhh! Fuck Yna." I hurriedly ran away. Nagkumpulan pa ang mga tao dahil doon pero hindi ko na lang pinansin.

Yna, you did great! I told myself.

"Pwede ba tigil tigilan mo ako?" Iritado kong sabi. Nasa labas na naman kasi siya ng classroom namin.

Well, I could see his efforts but let's see how could he endure it more. Ang layo ng Engineering Department dito, ginusto niya 'yan e panindigan niya.

"Please, Yna...Just this once. Ano pa bang gusto mong gawin ko?" He sounded so frustratred. Ilang beses niya na akong kinukulit. Naghihintay nga siya lagi sa labas ng room namin e. Minsan nga nagdadala ng pagkain.

But swear to God, I woulf not accept any of his reason! I knew it may sound unfair on his part pero masisisi niya ba ako. Those memories were too hard for me to get rid.

Gusto niya pa rin akong kausapin? Fine! Paghirapan niya. Maghabol siya kung gusto niya. Wala na akong pakialam! I didn't want to be swayed again.

Dati rati hindi niya napapansin ang mga nagawa ko sa kanya noon. Ngayon na hindi na ako nagpapakatakatanga sa kanya tsaka naman nabaliktad.

Fuuny how things really change in just a snap. Life is always full of surprises. You will never know what it brings.

We are afraid of dynamics in life but it's part of cruel reality.

Look at how he's trying to chase me now. But I would never give him what he wanted.

"No! You dumped me before, okay na ako malapit na akong makamove on eh tapos guguluhin mo ako? Ano ba ang gusto mo? Tama na Brent, please..." I didn't want to have any connection from him anymore. Best friend siya ng Kuya ko, hanggang doon na lamang iyon.

"You really won't hear me out Yna?  Kasalanan ko naman e. But fuck... I didn't know this could hurt so much." I gulped and bit my lip so hard.

"Teka nga Yna. Matanong kita. Ex mo ba 'yong si Brent?" I looked at Rashiel. Nandito ako sa kanila, gusto ko lang tumambay. Nagulat nga ako nang malaman na kapitbahay niya lang 'yong jowa niya. Kaya blooming lagi e.

"No way! Hindi no!"

"You sound so defensive."

"Hindi nga kasi." Umupo ako ng maayos sa couch nila at kinuha ang remote. Nabuburyo na kasi ako sa bahay. Si kuya hindi pa rin ako pinapansin. Dito na lang ako mambubulabog.

Siya naman nagbabasa ng libro. I'm not a book worm like her. She loves indulging herself into books which is very unlikely of me.

"Weh?" I can see that she's not conviced yet. Tsaka ayaw ko ng pag usapan 'yon, umiinit ang ulo ko.

"Ang kulit mo, Rashiel. Wala nga. Basta gago 'yon!"

"Don't lie to me, it's written all over your face." I made a face.

"Fine, he dumped me." She mouthed an 'O'. Definitely surprised with what I did.

"Yeah, I courted him. Pero, h*******k siya, pinaasa niya lang ako."

"Malay mo, may rason kung bakit ganoon ang nangyari. Sometimes we need to hear other's sides too."

"Anong point mo?"

"Why not hear him out?"

"Ayaw ko!"

"Bahala nga kayo, buhay niyo 'yan."

Ilang beses akong nagpagulong sa kama habang iniisip ang sinabi ni Rashiel. I sat up in frustration.

Maybe, she's right. But a part of me says that I should not. Ang gulo ng utak ko! When it comes to Brent, I can't seem to think rationally.

The next few days came and I busied myself with studying. I know I've been a student who doesn't aim for excellence at school. But, I needed this. Nahahawa na rin ako kay Rashiel.

Besides, studying is good for it is the foundation of life.

Tinanggal ko ang earphones ko at isinalampak ko ang ulo ko sa lamesa sa kwarto ko. Nakakapagod talagang magaral! I wonder how do smart people survive from studying and reading all day.

Bumaba ako at dumiretso sa kusina. Kumuha ako ng isang basong tubig. Ininom ko 'yon at inilapag pagkatapos.

I heard a knock at the door so I hurriedly went there. I gasped in horror as I saw the person standing in front of me.

"What the hell?!"

He flashed a boyish smile and leaned closer towards me. I leaned back. "I miss you Yna," he whispered. Shit!

"You really followed me all the way here?!" I growled.

"Yes and no," he replied.

"Fuck you , Brent! Gusto mo pa bang makaisa?" Inis kong sabi. He stepped backward. Nadala rin siguro sa ginawa ko nakaraan.

"Ahuh, no no. Yael invited me here.  I didn't follow you because you told me to stop chasing you which I did. Hindi mo lang alam ang pagpipigil ko. I'll give you time Yna if that's what you want," I pressed my lips together. Him saying these words to me felt surreal.

I remembered years ago when I was the one whose eager and desperate chasing him. Tapos, ngayon ito siya.

I let out a deep sigh. Narinig ko siyang tumikhim.

"Uhmm..." There was a hint of hesitation in his voice.

"Ano?"

"Would you please change your clothes? Y-You're making me uncomfortable." He looked at me from head to toe. Namula naman ang aking pisngi dahil doon. Tinakpan ko pa ang mukha sa hiya at dali daling umakyat sa kwarto. I even heard him calling my name. Shit ka Brent! Napasabunot ako sa buhok ko.

Kasi naman, naka sando lang ako at cotton shorts. Malay ko bang pupunta siya rito.

Umupo akong muli at binuksan ang libro ko. I needed this to divert my attention. Knowing he's around can't calm my heart. He's actually the one whose making me uncomfortable.

Kinuha ko ang laptop ko dahil may presentation din kami bukas. Binuksan ko ang drawer ng mesa at hinanap ang charger. Napasapo ako sa ulo ko.

Na kay kuya pala iyon. Ayoko namang bumaba kasi nandoon si Brent. Pinaypayan ko ang sarili ko at pilit na pinakalma ang puso ko kahit alam ko namang hindi.

I have no other option but to go downstairs. Nagpalit muna ako baka kung ano namang sabihin no'n. Nakita ko pang nag uusap si kuya at Brent. Seems like they're catching up with each other.

Simula kasi nang malaman ni kuya na nanligaw ako kay Brent pati pagkakaibigan nila nasira.

That was immature of me na ipagsiksikan pa ang sarili ko kahit alam ko namang wala akong panalo.

Bata pa lamang ako malaki na talaga ang paghanga ko kay Brent. I always anticipated whenever he came to our house straight from school.

Pero hindi niya ako napapansin. He's too busy playing basketball and with his girlfriend too. He's committed before I courted him. But that didn't stop me. Sabi ko nga sinugal ko lahat para sa kanya. When I learned that they broke up I took that opportunity to get him.

I snapped back to reality when I heard them laughing. Lumapit naman ako doon.

"Kuya." I caught Kuya's attention when he turned to me. Hindi pa rin kami okay ni Kuya ngayon. Hindi ko alam talaga kung paano pa magkakabati. That thought saddened me.

Napatingin din sa akin Brent. "Pahiram charger," aniya.

"Nasa kwarto ko."

"O-Okay." My eyes caught Brent looking at me but I looked away. Nanatil akong nakatayo.

"May kailangan ka pa?"

"Wala." I bit my lip suppressing myself from crying. I only have Kuya at my back tapos hindi pa kami bati. Padabog akong umakyat pabalik sa kwarto.

I really don't know what to do now. Sana pala pumunta na lang ako ng gym. I called Rashiel but she won't respond. Maybe she's busy dating her boyfriend. Buti pa siya! Kahit stress sa school healthy ang lovelife.

Nakaramdam naman ako ng gutom kaya bumaba ako. Si Brent lang ang nakita kong nakaupo roon habang nanonood ng basketball at may bola pa sa kamay niya. He really loves basketball! I suddenly remembered giving him a jersey before.

Syempre ang kapal ng mukha ko no'n, the back of the jersey was imprinted "Yna's property". Napahilamos ako sa mukha. Nakakahiya talaga ako no'n.

Lumapit ako sa kanya. "Where's Kuya?"

"He was in a rush a while ago when he received Jenny's call," he replied.

"What happened?" Bakas sa akin sa pag aalala.

He shrugged. "I don't know. Emergency ata."

"Why are you still here then?"

"I won't leave you here lalo na at mag isa ka lang rito sa bahay niyo," Inirapan ko lamang siya. Ayan na naman siya!

Umupo ako sa sofa malayo sa kanya. Ayoko ngang katabi siya. "Have you eaten?" His voice etched with utter concern. Tumango ako. Pero maya maya pa'y kumalam ang tiyan ko.

I heard him chuckled. I glared at him. "Hindi ka pala gutom, ha."

"Shut up!" I hissed. I walked away but he immediately grabbed my hand. I turned to look at him.

"I'll cook." He presented.

"What? You can cook?" I asked, surprised. Hindi pa ba sapat ang research ko noon? I really don't have any idea that he can cook. Madalas binibigyan ko siya ng pagkain noon kasi ang alam ko hindi siya marunong magluto.

Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin patungong kusina. "You seriously can cook?" My voice still amazed. He nodded in response.

May kinuha itong mga ingredients sa ref. I couldn't help but adore him more. Likod pa lang, ulam na! Tangina nanan! What's with these creepy thoughts? I wanted to slap myself.

Inilapag niya ang adobong manok na niluto. "Eat me..." My mouth was parted a bit with what he said. My cheeks flushed.

"I mean eat this one, you silly girl," he said with a grin on his face leaving me dumbfounded.