Chapter Five
994 Words
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“Bro, this is new to me. I haven’t seen you get so serious with a girl” Alex asked Gerard while having lunch at their school canteen.”
Gerard just look at his friend.
“I think I’m getting jealous of Soraya. You spent more time with her now. We seldom hangout anymore. “ Alex kidded .
A wry smile was all Gerard could muster.
“You must be in love with her.?
“ I don’t know, I only know I am happy with I’m with her.”
“Is she your girl now”
“Ummmmm, No, we’re just close friends, I would like to think.”
“What?!! How long has it been , Six months? Man, you are slipping, you used to have two ex-girlfriends by then.”
“Do you think she likes you” Alex added.
“I think so bro, I mean ,I really hope so.” Gerard said, his voice almost a whisper.
That was all Gerard could say about his relationship with Soraya. True, they went out several times more after that dinner at “Little Quiapo” . Lunch, dinner, even movies. But always with Aida for company. He pursued her relentlessly, doing things he never did with all the girls in his past. He gave her flowers., her favorite yellow tulips , and chocolates. He fetched her at school, patiently waiting near the school gate for a chance that he could walk her home.
But Soraya’s extra curricular activities and her commitment to Kamanyang, wouldn’t allow her to go out with him as often as he wanted to.
Gerard knew Soraya had many admirers and several serious suitors like him. Popular guys from different schools including an Athlete, a scholar, a rock band member, and a student leader . He didn’t want to know if Soraya also went out with them.
But he would like to think that Soraya liked him. That he had a chance.
He was sure she was happy as he was, when they were together. They could talked about anything under the sun. ..from the profound to the inane. They are both smart and strong-willed which sometimes led to a clash of opinions, especially on the subject of politics and religion. Soraya was anti-establishment, he was for the status quo. She is a Roman catholic. He is agnostic. But despite this, they respected each other’s conviction.
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Gerard started visiting Soraya at her dorm on Sundays. He even went to church with her.
It was five months since their first dinner before Soraya finally went out with him without Aida. Gerard was the perfect gentleman, not because he wanted to impress her. He wanted it to be different with her. She was not just another girl. She was very especial to him.
He called her “Raya” . She called him Gard.
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A week before Soraya’s birthday, Gerard dropped by her dorm.
“Happy Birthday Raya” He kissed her cheek as he handed her a big envelope. It was the first time he had kissed her.
“What’s this? It’s next week yet.” Soraya said.
“I know, but have to leave for Australia tomorrow. “ He replied. His voice sad.
Surprised, Soraya couldn’t say a word. She just stared at Gerard.
“My grandma is very sick. I was told only last night. My whole family is already there. “
“I see..I hope she gets well” was all Soraya could say. Disappointment mirrored in her eyes.
Gerard did not stay long.
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Despite the many gifts and dinner invitations from admirers, Soraya chose to celebrate her birthday with Aida and Ricky. They just had a simple dinner after watching a movie. Soraya tried to put up a happy front, but Aida knew her friend well enough to see through her. She also knew the reason for Soraya’s sombre mood.
The sadness in Soraya’s eyes also did not escape Ricky. It hurt him, knowing it wasn’t him on Soraya’s mind. He had long been in love with her. He was one of her ardent suitors since their first year at PCC until he realized they could never be more than friends.
Ricky came from a good family, the boy next door type any mother would like to have for their daughter. An average student but diligent in his studies. Truly, a good boyfriend material. Aida couldn’t understand why Soraya couldn’t love him. She felt sorry for Ricky but glad that he and Soraya remained close friends. They were all Kamanyang members although Ricky and Aida were not performers like Soraya.
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As soon as they got to their dorm, Soraya took out Gerard’s gift to her. She had looked at it so many times since she woke up in the early morning. A 20 x20 –inch charcoal portrait of her. She saw her herself in the loving eyes of Gerard.
Raya,
Makibaka, Huwag matakot!
Gard
Soraya could not contained her feelings anymore as she again read Gerard’s handwriting at the bottom of the portrait.
“I love him” She blurted out loud.
“I know” Aida said with a knowing smile on her face.
Soraya looked at her friend.
“I knew it all along , long before you admit it to yourself. I thought you were a smart girll!” She chided as she hugged her best friend.
Two weeks past before Gerard saw Soraya at her dorm. He barely got passed the door when Soraya almost run to him, embracing him so tight he could hardly breathe. He hugged her, his hands gently caressing her back. Not a word was spoken.
No word was necessary.
- Writer
