I ran to the hallway quickly and quietly. I don't want to attend the philosophy class. It's boring.“Hey, River,” Alice greeted me nang malampasan ko siya sa hallway.I winked at her and she held my arms. But damn, this isn’t the time for flirting.“I'll catch up with you later at the party. Right now, I just need to run away from class,” I said and kissed her cheeks.“Alright, see you later,” she said.I smirked and continued running. Surely, the lecturer will catch me in no time kaya mas dapat ko pang bilisan ang takbo. Madaya naman kasi at foundation day tapos may klase siya sa amin.

“You’re marrying Charlotte, and that’s final.” Napatanga ako sa sinabi ni Mom sa kabilang linya ng telepono. What the fuck?“Mom, I thought we’re on the same side? You promised me that we’ll convince Dad that I will never marry Cha!”Damn it. It’s been days since I went to Batanes with Cha. Pumayag akong pumunta rito, and even lied to my love that I have a business trip with Dad dahil nangako si Mom na tutulungan niya akong kausapin si Dad basta sumama muna ako pero…“I don’t like that girl, River! Kung ayaw mo siyang hiwalayan… ako ang maghihiwalay sa inyo.” Before I could even argue, ibinaba niya na ang telepono. This is frustrating!Pero hindi

“I'll stay here for a bit. Iuwi niyo na lang muna si Jordan. Susunduin ko na lang siya bago ako umuwi sa bahay,” sambit ko at inihiga ang natutulog na si Jordan sa backseat ng van kung nasaan si Aubree. “Alright. We'll go home already. Umuwi ka rin agad at magpahinga…” Dad said. Tumango ako at hinawakan ang pinto para isara. I closed the door and watched them go. Tahimik na ang lugar. The tent was still built, but the chairs were gone already. Bumuntonghininga ako at saka nilingon ang sasakyan ng taong alam kong kanina pa nanonood. “You can come near if you want to. Hindi kita bubugbugin ngayon,” I said after sitting in the grass in front of the grave, knowing that someone can hear me.