Another Us in Parallel Universe

Chapter 9

Heather and the Prom

"You have to be the most stunning woman there, okay?!" Heather brushed my hair and put a pin on it.

Obviously, she's giving me a perfect makeover. Never have I imagined that I'll be having a bond with her. Akala ko kasi hindi kami magkakasundo, akala ko hindi siya papayag sa ganitong set-up, I really thought that this is the game over over. I thought she was the Heather who's so mean, snob or name it. I thought she was totally the opposite of me. But then, since she's been doing this since yesterday night, I might think that she's one of the nicest friends I've ever had. Hindi naman pala siya ganoon kasama.

Sobrang mali sa expectations ko. In fact, sobrang bait niya pa nga sa akin.

"Wait, another pin, uhmm!" She excitedly grabbed the hair pin and put it on the other side.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed when she pushed it too hard.

"Opps, sorry! Did I hurt you?"

Umiling ako, at tumawa siya.

Para tuloy ako nagkaroon ng instant na kakambal. Ganito pala sa feeling na may nakakausap ka at may nakakahang out sa kwarto mo. I used to dream of having someone I love in my room— hanging out with them like this— make over, kwentohan, and doing other girls stuff. I used to imagine this with my sister Sofie, pero ‘yon nga impossible kasi hindi kami sabay na lumaki. But now, sa kaniya ko lang pala maranasan. Even though, it kinda weird. But I still feel she's a part of me. Kahit na kakakilala at kakadiscover ko pa lang sa kaniya ay alam ko na ako siya, that she is still me.

I would never forget this day.

This is so unforgettable.

"You're really pretty!" She giggled after giving me a puff of vanilla perfume.

I laughed. "Of course, I am you."

Nagulat ako nang hinawakan niya ang dalawang balikat ko.

"Don't forget to walk like you own the street, okay?" Seryoso niyang sabi.

Well yeah, she is still the Heather I used to know. The one who always stands out. Kaya palagi niya sa akin pinapaalala kung gaano siya ka confident maglakat. She even taught me how to do it, but I said that I will do it for her.

"Okay! You can see your face na!" She exclaimed and slowly turned the chair on her vanity mirror.

Nanlaki mga mata ko nang makita ko sarili ko. I even stood up because of shocked.

"Is this... really me?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong.

I looked so expensive like her. YES, LIKE HER! Everything on me is glistening! I feel like I'm one of the stars who shines the brightest! Grabe, ako ba talaga 'to? This is the first time I saw myself wearing elegant stuff.

I am wearing a silver long gown perfectly fitted on my body which made my curve even sexier because of the slit on both sides. It's super revealing in front to the back because lace was the only thing that is attached, na kulang na lang hilahin ay mahuhubaran na ako. But overall, it is awesome!!! Tho, first time ko magsuot nito pero sobrang comportableng suotin para sa akin! I feel like I'm a different person, isama mo pa ang napakagandang make up! My hair was down with two pins on both sides, but may mga ilang strand lang naiwan. At the end of the hair, naka curly naman siya. I just can't... I'm speechless. This is too amazing. I couldn't believe it! Hindi ko talaga ma-explain, this is just so different.

"Ako ba talaga 'to?"

Napatingin ako kay Heather na tumawa.

"You already asked that two times. Yes, it's you..." she stopped. She caressed my hair and smiled. "It's us."

I looked at the mirror once again.

'How does it feel to be beautiful?'

I always asked that back then, but now, I had a chance to feel it.

And it feels like—- heaven.

Inayos ni Heather make ups niya at inalalayan akong tumayo. Nagtaka naman ako nang bigla siyang napaisip. Dali-dali naman siyang pumunta sa closet niya at binuksan ito. Lumuwa mga mata ko nang makitang sobrang dami niyang sapatos. Nakalimutan ko, nasa kwarta pala niya kami ngayon at hindi sa akin. Her room was filled with a lot of things. Sobrang resourceful. Sa tingin ko nga, lahat ng hahanapin ko ay nandito na. She really live different from me.

"Here, wear this." She gave me a pair of cigarette heels coated with silver dust. Dahil sa pagkagulat ko ay hindi ko ito natanggap kaagad kaya yumuko ito at umupo saka sinuot sa aking paa. Inipit niya mga nagkakalat niyang buhok sa tenga niya at masayang pinagpatuloy ginawa niya. Napangiti na lang ako dahil hindi ko akalain na mabait din pala siya. Yeah, maybe she has that attitude, but aren't we all? Everyone has, but that doesn't mean they are a good person. They are still and will always be.

"Perfect!" She clapped her hands and giggled. "I'm so happy for you."

Ngumiti siya ng peke. "I'm just so happy that you have a chance to date with your crush. Ako kasi, sobrang layo niya sa akin." She sighed.

So, pareho lang pala talaga kami. Sabagay, ito nga ‘yong nakita ko sa kaniyanv painting at sa kanta niya. Hay, by looking at her— she looks so down. Sa ganda ba naman ‘to, hindi magugustohan ng taong gusto niya? I doubt it. She could even snatch the guy she wants in just a snap. Lahat kasi ay nasa kaniya na. The beauty, the wit, the confidence, the talent and everything. Noong nagpaulan siguro ng perfect ay nasalo na niya lahat.

I tapped her shoulder and nodded. May sasabihin pa sana ako ngunit inunahan niya na ako.

"Bakit ba kasi ang suplado ni Logan? Duh, akala mo talaga. Amp!" reklamo nito.

Ha? What?

Logan? 'Yong bestfriend ko?

"So, may Logan din dito?" Taka kong tanong kasi nga nandito kami ngayon sa mundo nila. I don’t have the materials with me like dresses, make ups and heels kaya dito na niya ako pinatuloy.

And going back to Logan, I just wanna make sure of what I have heard.

Kinuha niya ang handy bag at binigay sa akin. "Yep, but whatever! You need to go downstairs because Asher might be there now. We are so pretty!" she exclaimed happily and pushed me outside.

I stayed still. “Hey—“

“Shh! You are going to be late! Stop talking!” She cutely said so I shut my mouth na at nagpadala na lang sa pagtulak niya sa akin.

"Don't worry, I'll behave!!" pahabol niya pang sabi bago sinirado ang pinto.

Umiling na lang ako at huminga nang malalim bago bumaba. Well, I was about to ask her about Logan ‘e. Kasi gusto kong makasigurado kung ang Logan na gusto niya ay ‘yong kamukha ng bestfriend ko, which she will be happy knowing about it kasi makakasama niya habang nagpapanggap siya ba ako siya.

Nagkibit balikat na lang ako at tuluyan na bumaba sa hagdan. As I went downstairs. I saw Asher waiting patiently on me. Tama nga si Heather, naghihintay na si Asher dito. Napangiti ako nang makita siya. Mas lalo siyang naging gwapo sa suot niyang itim na polo. Though the three buttons of it were still opened, showing his sexy chest. Napalunok ako nang tumaas ang tingin ko papuntang adam’s apple niya. Then, I looked at his face. As usual, he has this innocent face that makes him so hot and attractive. Iba kasi ‘yong beauty niya bilang lalaki, parang pang Daniel Padilla ang vibe, argh! He is so handsome! I cannot take my eyes off of him now.

When I finally reached in front of him, I stopped, he handed me his hand, "You look stunning," he complimented.

I feel like my cheeks burned again. Enebe, ako lang 'to.

Sabi ko na nga kay Heather ‘e na huwag na niya ako lagyan ng blush kasi ngiti pa lang ni Asher ay namumula na ako kaagad. Damn it, pigilan niya puso ko baka sumabog!

"Wow, ate!" Napatingin ako sa gilid. Then I saw Sofie and mom standing there, "Grabe ate, ampanget mo!"

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. Kinurot naman siya ni mommy at tumawa lang siya nang napakalakas.

So, Sofie is so mean with her ate here, huh. Pwede ko ba siyang piktusan? Hindi ko naman siya kapatid, ‘di ba? Pwede ko naman siya siguro sabunotan.

"Oh siya! Lumabas na kayo at baka malate kayo sa grand entrance!" Excited na sabi ni mommy. Though, she's not my mom but still, I have to call her mom. Kamukha niya naman si mommy. Besides, I want her to call mom. Kahit dito man lang, maranasan ko magkaroon ng ina.

Ngumiti ako sa kaniya at tumango. Lumapit ako at niyakap siya. Sobrang higpit. Parang ayaw ko na pakawalan dahil ngayon lang ulit ako nakayakap sa kaniya.

“Grabe, sobrang higpit, aattend ka lang naman ng prom ‘e. Bakit, hindi ka na ba iuuwi ni Asher dito sa amin?” Tanong nito kaya binitawan ko na ang yakap.

“Mom,” I said as if she is my mom. Naluha ko pero hindi ko lang pinahalata.

“I love you,” I finally spoke, trying not to break my voice.

Promise, babawi ako sa susunod na araw.

“I love you too, honey. Enjoy your prom!” Then we bid our goodbyes.

Inalalayan ako ni Asher papuntang kotse. Buong byahe ay walang nagsalita gawa ng medyo nahihiya pa ako sa kaniya. It only took 20 minutes to get at our location. Pagkababa nang pagkababa ko sa sasakyan ay sinalubong na kami kaagad ng mga photographers.

"Omg! Is that Heather?!"

"SHE'S WITH ASHER!"

"I wonder where Logan is."

"She's really gonna win this stage."

So, Heather is quite famous here. Ito na nga ang sinasabi niyang “people”.

At dahil sa lahat ng paalala niya at sinabi niya sa akin, ay huminga na ako nang malalim bago inayos ang tayo ko.

Then, I walked I like I own the street.

HEATHER 0.2's POV

I cleaned my dresser first before sneaking out at this house. I hate messy things! I can't stand looking at a mess. That is why I am making sure that if ever I leave my place, it's neat and clean. Nakakatulong 'to sa inner peace ko.

Nakarinig ako ng mga yapak papunta dito sa kwarto ko kaya dali-dali akong tumakbo papuntang banyo. Gosh! This is my house, my own room, but why do I feel like I'm a thief?!

Argh! Bakit kailangan kong kabahan?! Kainis naman. Aiysh!

"Woahhhh! A new make up set!"

I squinted my eyes when I heard Sofie's voice. What the f**k she's doing here?

I slowly opened the door and looked after her. Nanlaki mga mata ko nang makita siyang binuksan closet ko.

That brat kid! Pinapakealaman naman gamit ko!

"Ano kaya susuotin ko sa date namin?!" She asked herself and giggled.

Gusto kong lumabas at sabunotan siya. What the heck, date?! She's only 15 years old!

Tumunog cellphone niya at sinagot ito. "Yes?... oh hihi... yeah, I'm getting ready... yes!! Ate's not here.. yes.. I'm lucky hehe.. okay see you later then hehe... like you too!" After she hung up, she took my newest purchase dress and ran away.

Lumabas ako sa cr at sinirado ang pinto.

Patay ka saking bata ka. Susumbong talaga kita! Ka stress 'to, she always makes fun of me and even use her "bunso card'' to put all the blame on me. Let's see who's gonna beg soon.

Hindi ko na pinatagal at pumunta na ako sa bakuran. I travelled so easily.

I went to Heather's room and took all of the simple clothes she've had in her closet. Heather said that she wears simple clothes only. Alam kong simple lang, pero mukhang mahihirapan pa ata ako sa pagpili.

Ngumiwi ako nang makita ko ang simpleng black na tshirt. "Gosh, do I really need to wear this?"

Tinapon ko ito at nakita naman ang fitted pants. "Arghh, she doesn't have a taste! I wonder why Asher doesn't like her. Tsk."

Wala ba 'tong croptop? Shorts? O kahit man lang na lalabas ‘yong puson ko. Damn, I want to look sexy but why I can’t find one?

Hinalukay ko ang mga damit nito pero wala talaga. May nakita akong isang baggy pants kaya kinuha ko ito. I took the black shirt again and got scissors.

Ginawa ko itong croptop.

When I was satisfied, I wore it confidently.

"Perfect!" I smiled as I saw myself in the mirror. Kita ‘yong flat na tyan ko kaya mas lalo akong napangiti. Perfect talaga! I want this!

Simple lang pero tiyak na malakas ang dating. Of course, I am the one who is wearing this. Madadala ko naman ito.

Lumabas na ako at napansin na walang katao-tao.

Hay, she's so lonely here pala, and the whole house is so boring as fvck. Ito ata sinasabi niya na kabaliktaran buhay namin.

I shrugged.

Whatever, I'm just gonna enjoy and find Logan here. Baka baliktad din at gusto niya si Heather dito. Hihi!

Huminto ako sa paglalakad nang makita ko si Logan papunta sa kinaroroonan ko. I clutched my chest because of its unstoppable pounding.

As far as I remembered on my first day here, Logan approached me as if I'm one of his closest friend. Napapikit ako ng mata nang humito ito sa akin. Yes, right! He is coming towards my direction! Aaaack!

"What are you doing?"

"Pardon?" I asked when I opened my eyes.

He laughed.

"Para kang tae."

My eyes widened upon hearing his words. What the?! What did he just say??! Tae? How dare he call me tae?!

Seriously? He is not the Logan I know!

"Do I look like your s**t?!" I asked in disbelief.

His brows met. That's when I realized that maybe I overreacted too much. Oh no, baka mahalata niya.

"I mean— yeah?" I bit my lower lip.

Then he bursts in laughter. Gosh, ganito ba talaga siya ka jolly dito? Hindi ako na-inform. ‘Yong Logan na crush ko sobrang suplado no’n, ni-hindi man lang magawang tumingin sa akin.

"So, inaamin mo na na mukhang tae ka!" At tumawa ulit nang napakalas.

"No! You—"

“At ano na naman ‘yang suot mo? I mean, you looked good with that, okay? But this is my first time seeing you wearing that kind of clothes. Akala ko ba ayaw mo sa mga ganyan?”

Omg, he just said that I looked good on this!

I’m gonna die! Help!

He shrugged off.

“Be—“

"Halika nga dito! Pinagluto ka ni mommy."

My sentence was cut off because he grabbed my hand and put his hand on my shoulder.

Napapikit na lang ako nang mata habang lumalakad kami na naka-akbay siya sa akin. Ganito pala sila ka close. Napangiti na lang ako. Hindi ko pinagsisihan na ginawa ko 'to. Worth it pala ‘yong pagshift ko. Una-una kasi ay gusto ko lang naman mag-explore, pero ngayon ay alam ko na ang totoong rason ko kung bakit sumang-ayon ako sa kaniya.

When she explained to me about everything, I understand it even more. Hindi naman ako gano’n ka bobo at KJ, in fact naging excited pa nga ako because I have never heard of this.

Dumating kami sa bahay nila. Pinaupo niya muna ako sa sofa dahil naghahanda pa raw si mommy niya sa kusina. I wandered my eyes to see fully his house. As far as I know Logan there, he has a mansion. Pero dito, he only have this beautiful simple house. Mamahalin din ang mga gamit nila katulad noong sa mansion nila doon. But this house looks like smaller lang compared to their house. Pero sobrang pareho pa rin.

"Oh, ija! Nandito kana pala, hindi man lang sinabi ni Logan."

Tumayo ako nang makita mommy niya. I bowed down my head then smiled.

"Hello, tita!"

Nagulat ako nang lumapit ito sa akin at nakipagbeso.

"Sobrang ganda mo talagang bata ka! Hindi ako magsasawang tumingin sa mala-anghel mong mukha," gigil nitong sabi saka hinawakan ang kamay ko at kinaladkad papuntang kusina.

Sumunod naman si Logan habang tawang-tawa. "Saan banda ang maganda diyan?"

Tinignan siya ni mommy niya at pinandilitan ng mata. Nang makita akong nakatingin sa kanila ay ngumiti lang ito.

"Lokong-loko kang bata ka. Ibubuko kita, sige ka," ani ni tita na may konting kilig sa tono niya. Napakamot na lang si Logan saka binigyan ako ng upuan.

So, what's happening here?

Never have I thought that pretending to be Heather 0.1 could be this so hard. Marami akong walang alam! As in!

Umupo na kami. Tinignan ko ang nasa hapag kainan at halos madura ako sa nakita ko.

Seafood?! Gosh, allergy ako sa seafood!!

May mga crabs, shrimp at kahit anong klaseng malalaking pagkain sa harap. Magmumukbang ba kami?

"Naalala kasi kita anak na favorite mo ang seafod kaya nagdala ako sa pag-uwi ko dito. Andaming seafood sa probinsya!"

Napangiwi na lang ako at pilit napangiti.

Nooooo, this is not my favorite. Allergy nga ako dito e! Tapos wala man lang kahit isang hindi ako allergy.

"Oh, eto calamares! Ang paborito mong luto ni mommy! Mukhang ikaw na ata ang anak 'e, hindi man lang ako binilhan ng paborito kong sisig!" Tampong saad ni Logan.

"Sisig!" I exclaimed.

Nagulat sila dahil sa pagsasalita ko. Sisig is my favorite! Tinignan ko ang pagkain, pero tama nga si Logan, wala sa handa.

"What about sisig?" He asked.

"My favorite."

Nagsitinginan sila.

"I thought allergy ka diyan?" Logan asked.

"Oo nga, naalala ko noong naghanda din ako niyan last year, hindi mo sinabi sa akin, kumain ka lang! 'Yan tuloy, nagmumukha kang sili dahil sa pulang-pula mong mukha. Kaya natuto na ako at hindi naghanda." Ngumiti siya at tumawa naman so Logan.

"Yeah, I remembered I laughed so hard after you recovered. You looked like a Dalmatian type of dog. Arf arf!"

Arghhh!

So my favorite is Heather's hate, and my hate is Heather's favorite?

I have no choice but to smile. "T-thank you," I thanked awkwardly.

Nagdasal na sila at nalaman ko na death anniversary pala ng aso namin 'kuno' ni Logan. Last 2 years ago namatay, kaya ngayon 2nd anniversary na.

Logan's mom put so many amounts of seafood on my plate. They are so happy eating it, meanwhile, I don't like the idea of eating it.

Can someone help me to get out of here?!

"Kain na anak, habang mainit pa!"

I nodded then started crying inside.

Hinawakan ko ang kutsara at kinain una ang kanin. Logan put sauce on calamari then he nodded his head as a sign that I should eat it. He left me no choice but ate it.

Nginuya ko ito at ngumiti sa kanila.

"Masarap?!" His mom excitedly asked.

Tumango ako. "Masarap."

Masarap maglaho.

After minutes of eating it, nagsimula nang mangati ang binti ko. I lowkey scratched it using my hand.

Naka-pants pa ako. Argh!!

"Oh, kain ka pa!" His mom put another seafod on my plate.

Maiiyak na ako. Paano ko uubusin 'to?

They are happily talking to each other, but I understand nothing. How can I understand if I'm busy minding these f*****g stuff!

"Something's wrong?" Logan asked.

Umiling ako at kumain ulit. Pero ilang subo ko pa lang ay hindi ko na nakayanan ang sobrang init ng mukha ko. I'm burning!

"Heather, you're so red!!!" Logan immediately stood up. Hindi na ako makahinga.

"What's happening?!" His mom.

Nagsimula na magpanic ang lahat but my eyes are already blurring.

I stood up as well, but I think I'm gonna pass out.

"Heather! Mom, ready the car!" Inalalayan ako ni Logan at nagsimula kaming maglakad papuntang labas ng kitchen.

But before we could even get out, I saw Asher entered the kitchen. Then, darkness took over me.