Zec (COMPLETE)

CHAPTER V: Tempestuous Streak

I lost the game of winning your heart…

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That painful afternoon, I hurriedly went straight to our home in Ilocos. I cried my hurt feelings to my Grandma who knew that I adore Milena from the day we met.

The next morning, I didn’t have the energy to get out of bed. I felt like my world already crumbled to pieces. I should have known that when it comes to love, you also need to be punctual! Like the phrase, "The early bird catches the worm!"

I lounged myself at a couch and immersed myself in watching sad movies. But still, my mind kept wandering off to somewhere --- the real reason for the void in my heart. The image of my love and that brat kissing kept replaying on my mind!

I perked up when I received a text message notification. I thought it was Milena, but my enthusiasm dampened when I read the text from Jojo, “Frince, where are you? Why are you absent today? Your rival’s gaining points again! I saw them being sweet together before their class started!”

Two more text notifications came. I saw Ven and Carlo’s names, they were Milena’s classmates who became my friends too.

Ven said, “Cez! You didn’t tell me that your Lena is a slugabed! She slept during our first class and when our substitute teacher woke her up, she asked for five more minutes!”

Carlo’s text message was, “Frincez May, your BFF Milena, really has a charismatic personality! We think Miss Isabel likes her too!”

Then Jojo sent another text message, “Milena asked me for your whereabouts. You didn’t reply to my first text, so I made up an alibi. I said that you’re not feeling well and couldn’t attend your classes. She told one of your classmates to let you copy all their homeworks. Isn’t she sweet?”

I read all their messages but didn’t reply to any of them. I sighed deeply. What is my next plan? What will I do tomorrow? Could I continue pretending that I just see her as my best friend? Will I be capable to burden the pain if ever I see the two of them tomorrow? Or could I handle the upcoming days? I sighed again. Maybe I should handle the hurt so that I could stay by her side. Oh crap! It’s my problem for tomorrow! For now, I will sulk all day in my room!

I was startled when someone knocked at the door, “Cez? Are you there?”

Oh! My parents were here already! We have a family business in Vigan City, so they needed to stay in Ilocos, but they sometimes visit me and my sister in Manila.

“Yes Mom! Come in!”

“Hi sweetie! I was surprised when your grandma told us that you’re here since last night! Why didn’t you send us a text message or even call? And, don’t you have classes today? Are you sick?”, she asked then walked beside me to feel my forehead and neck, checking my body temperature.

“I feel sick Mom, but I don’t have a fever. I will attend our classes tomorrow. I reserved a bus ticket back to Manila at 6 PM.”

“Okay. Rest for a while and drink plenty of water or calamansi juice. Drink a medicine too and stop watching television! Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Yes Mom! Thank you!”

Yes, I’ve eaten. A chocolate bar last night. I didn’t have the appetite to eat! My life is meaningless without Milena. What’s my purpose if she’s already in love with someone else? I never knew the reason why I loved her this much. She simply attracts everyone with her charismatic personality. I accepted before that she could never love me back. But that was because she never liked girls romantically! So, what the heck is this?! She liked a girl!

“Alright. If you want to have an early lunch, just go downstairs. Guess what?! Your grandma made you your favorite Bagnet!”, my mom said before she left me sulking again in my room.

My mobile phone vibrated. I thought it was one of the boys again but all the bitterness I felt inside vanished when I saw Milena’s name.

I read her message, "Hey Princess and My Madrid Queen. Get well soon. I miss you!"

I didn’t want her to worry so I sent an immediate reply, “Don’t worry Mi. I’m not sick. I visited grandma yesterday. Will be back tomorrow. See you!”

I’m not sick. I’m just broken. I miss you too and I love you so much, Milena! That’s what I really wanted to say to her… But I couldn’t.

I went downstairs and ate my scrumptious lunch because my appetite’s back! One text from her made me happy in an instant! I planned to go to their house before going to school tomorrow. I wanted to surprise her!

I saw Mom preparing delicacies for me to take home. Then she gave me the heart keychain I handmade last year. It was adorned with beautiful shells and my name engraved on the back of it while Milena’s name at the top. It was before me and Milena became best of friends. I already forgot that I made this gift!“

Your grandma told me you should give that to Milena.”, my mom said.

Oh, Milena! If only you knew how long I’ve been secretly in love with you!