I opened the door and was surprised to see AB standing there. She was soaked and shivering. She was wearing the same clothes she was on this morning, her jacket unzipped. I can see through her wet white shirt. All the muscles in my belly stiffened but I had to constrain the unwanted sensation when I saw her swollen eyes. I knew that she's been crying. All the anguish that I felt earlier suddenly evaporated into thin air. All I want to do now is to comfort her. Without having second thoughts, I grabbed her arm and dragged her to the bathroom. I set the water heater on as well as the shower. "Take a bath before you get sick. I'll just get clean clothes." I closed the door before me leaning against it, fighting back to urge to open it again and take her by surprise. I rummaged through my closet and drawers looking for clothes. I settled for sweatpants and white t-shirt. These should be fine. I walked towards the bathroom and stopped in front of the door. My heart rate started to escalate. I raised my hand to knock but it was left suspended in the air when the door suddenly opened. And there she was, standing, gloriously nude. ---- This is a short story. We'll make this quick and easy.

Tinitignan ko siya habang nasa taas ng entablado para sa speech niya. "Alex, salamat dahil palagi kang nasa tabi ko para umalalay sa akin. Ikaw ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ako nagsasalita dito ngayon. I love you." Isang matamis na ngiti ang ibinato niya sa akin. I love you. Masarap pakinggan. Kung sana ang ibig sabihin nito kay Raine ay katulad ng ibig sabihin nito sa akin. Ngunit para kay Raine, ang I love you ay parang good morning lang. Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses niya akong sinabihan nito. Ang natatandaan ko lang ay nag-umpisa niyang sabihin ang mga katagang iyon nang maghiwalay ang mga magulang niya. Noong gabi-gabi siyang umaakyat sa fire exit at pumupunta sa kwarto ko para doon matulog. Gabi-gabi akong napupuyat dahil magdamag ko siyang pinagmamasdan. Gabi-gabi akong nagtatapat ng pag-ibig ko sa kanya nang hindi niya nalalaman. Nasanay na akong palagi siyang kasama kaya ngayong magtatapos na kami, labis ang lungkot na nararamdaman ko dahil maghihiwalay na kami. Pupunta na siya sa Australia para makasama ang kanyang ina. "Congrats bestfriend." Niyakap niya ako nang mahigpit. "Sundan mo ako sa Australia ha?" "Susubukan ko." Niyakap ko siya upang itago ang aking mga luha. Kaya ko bang mawala si Raine sa akin? Natatakot ako na baka hindi niya ako matanggap. Bagamat alam kong malawak ang kanyang pag-iisip, batid ko rin na mahigpit niyang pinanghahawakan ang kanyang prinsipyo. Umalingawngaw ang palakpakan sa loob ng gusali kasunod ng sunud-sunod na pagtawag ng pangalan ng mga magsisipagtapos. Sa daan paakyat ng entablado, mabilis kong isinilid sa basurahan ang kwintas na balak kong ibigay sa kanya kasabay ng confession ko. Hindi kami pwede ni Raine. Hindi ngayon, hindi kailanman. Umakyat ako ng entablado pagkarinig ng aking pangalan. "Alexandria Eunice Delos Santos, Salutatorian." "Lorraine Ingrid Lacsamana, Valedictorian."

Wanted: Babymaker Bucket list of a successful Bachelorette : 1. Earn LOTS of money 2. Be famous 3. Have a beautiful child 3.1. Child only. Father not included 3.2. Father has to be gorgeous AF 3.3. Father's identity should be kept secret 3.4. If revealed, kill the father

Encar's heart started to race as she looked at Javi's sparkling eyes. If there is anyone she would like to give her first kiss to, it would be Javi. She could feel his breath as he moved closer. She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch and drowning in his intoxicating perfume. Then she felt it. Like electricity running through her veins when soft lips landed on hers. This is it! My perfect first kiss! Her mind was shouting in glee. She opened her eyes to meet those of her first love. Her palms and feet went cold, realizing those pair of eyes where not Javi's. "What the hell!" where the only words she could utter.