THE UNTAMED LINA

CHAPTER 13: LOVE YOU LIKE A LOVE SONG

I was running through an endless forest, moonlight filtering through towering ancient trees. Silver mist curled around their roots, and every leaf shimmered as if touched by magic.

The air hummed softly...

“Aaahh… Aaaahhh…” a mystic singing voices drifted through the night, not cries of pain, but ethereal echoes, like spirits singing in harmony.

Fairy-like melodies wrapped around my heart, familiar yet distant, as if calling me back to a homeland I could not remember but somehow missed.

The place was breathtaking... like a sacred, paradise.

I ran with my barefoot over moss and glowing petals, my hand clasped tightly in Marvin’s. His grip was warm, grounding, as if anchoring me to this place.

Ahead of us, his twin brothers, Jade and Joel. They laughed as they raced through the trees, their movements swift and graceful, almost wolf-like. The silence beneath the moonlight, is like glowing eyes of the guardians of the forest.

We chased after them, laughter spilling from my lips as the wind rushed through my hair. My heart felt light, free, untethered from fear or doubt.

Suddenly, Marvin pulled me closer. In one smooth motion, he spun me around, and we lost our balance, tumbling onto the soft forest floor. Petals scattered into the air like falling stars as we laughed breathlessly. He hovered over me then, his face inches from mine, his breath warm, his gaze is so intense..

Time seemed too slow..

His lips were so close, just a breath away...

“No…” I whispered to myself.

I couldn’t give in. Not yet. I knew it deep within my soul. I wasn’t prepared for this bond, and this relationship. A wave of disappointment crashed over me, sharp and aching.

I pushed myself up and ran.

“Abby Jezz, wait! I’m sorry!”

Mr Albanzo’s voice echoed through the forest, stretching and breaking apart as if the trees themselves were carrying his words.

"I'm sorry… sorry… sorry…"

I didn’t look back.

I ran until my legs shook, and I was forced to slow down. Every breath burned. My body felt heavy, like it might give up at any moment.

I collapsed beside a small waterfall. Clear water flowed softly over smooth stones, shining faintly under the dying moonlight. I lay there, staring at the sky as tears slipped from my eyes without stopping.

My heart ached, full of longing, confusion, and a love I didn’t know how to face.

Then… a light appeared.

When I opened my eyes, a warm morning sunlight touched my face. I slowly sat up on the edge of my bed, the feeling of the forest still clinging to me, even though I was here in my room for the whole night.

I let out a shaky breath. A dream again?!!

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I wanted to enjoy this Sunday, so in the evening I prepared something special for my parents. I went to the kitchen and cooked carabao steak, brought out a bottle of wine, and carried everything to the living room where my dad was watching an action movie.

I set the table in front of him. He looked surprised when he saw the carabao steak. It’s one of our favorites.

“Oh, this looks delicious. Can I have a bite?” he asked.

“No, let’s wait for Mom,” I said, but he didn’t listen. He picked up a piece and took a bite anyway. Sometimes my dad can be so childish.

“Mom! Come here!” I called.

She came right away, already wearing her nightgown. I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw her.

“Your daughter is acting strange tonight,” Dad joked, still trying not to miss his movie.

Later, after the dinner we spent time together in front of the TV. The screen showed song lyrics. My mom isn’t really into singing, she likes music but the music doesn't like her.

But, she sang anyway!

We sang, danced, and laughed. Mom and Dad held the microphone and followed the lyrics. The song was entitled “I Love You Like a Love Song” by Selena Gomez.

“Ah, I love you like a love song, baby,” Dad sang, then kissed Mom. It made me smile to see how much they love each other. Laughing together before bedtime felt really nice. Soon after, we all said, “Good night."

My mom takes me to school early monday morning. I sit quietly in the car while she drives, my thoughts fixed on Marvin. I keep thinking about the second period and wondering if I can casually pass by his classroom on the way to math.

I don’t even notice when the car stops.

“We’re here,” Mom says gently.

“Oh. sorry, Mom. I was just thinking,” I replied. “Maybe I’m stressed about my subjects.”

She smiles. “Alright. Just make sure you keep up with your classes.” She leans in and kisses my cheek.

I wish it were that simple.

When I step out of the car, I see Jade and Joel waiting on the distance for me.

“Your bodyguards are ready,” Mom jokes. “I don’t want to keep them waiting.”

I roll my eyes and head toward the lockers with them.

“Are you okay, Jezz?” Joel asks.

“Yeah. I just had a weird dream last night.”

“Maybe you’re a night dreamer,” Jade teases.

“That’s funny,” I say flatly.

“I need to go to the English room to get something from Sir Marvin,” Jade says. “Let’s pass by before our first class.”

My heart jumps! What a relief. It feels like happiness explodes inside my heart.

“Shall we go?” Jade asks.

“Yeah,” Joel answers.

Do they know how much I need to see him? How does my heart feel tight until I do?

The hallway is quiet, filled only with distant classroom noise. As we get closer, I catch a familiar scent.... warm and comforting.

Before we can knock, the door opens.

Marvin turns toward us. Sunlight spills through the window behind him, highlighting the tired lines under his eyes. He runs a hand through his messy hair and smiles softly.

“Jezz, Are you okay? Did someone hurt you?” he says gently.

Something inside me loosens.

“I’m fine. Really.” I said.

For that morning, I breathe normally. Maybe this is what falling in love feels like, calm in the middle of somewhere. Perhaps I really like him.

The others talk for a bit, but their voices fade into the background. My focus was only about him. Until the bell rings.

He gives me a small nod, as if to say, "You’ll be okay"

I nod back.

Joel grabs my arm. “It’ll get easier,” he whispers.

“What?” I ask.

He just smiles. Somehow, I believe him.

In math class, the “wink guy” is there again. He grins at me, but I look away and focus on the lesson. Time moves painfully slowly.

By the time I reach English class, the heaviness in my heart is gone now..

Teacher Marvin stands at the front of the room, looking better now... no dark circles, just that easy smile.

“Good morning class, How are you today?” he asks.

“Good morning.. very good, Sir.” all of the class replied. and I mean it, imagining that he was talking to me, and only.

As I sat down, I noticed there was something new to him. He’s not the only one who looks better, I do too.

The room fills with quiet chatter and moving notebooks. After I finish answering a question, I hear a whisper from the back.

“Suck up.”

It stings.

Marvin’s eyes shift to the back.

“Do you have anything to add, Miss Guada?” he asks calmly.

The girl freezes. “No, Sir.”

Jade nudges me, trying not to laugh, but the tension fades.

Lunch Time;

Joel and Jade lead me back to Teacher's Marvin’s room.

“Thanks, guys,” I say.

“No problem,” Joel replies. “We eat here all the time.”

Inside, the air feels lighter. Marvin gestures to the seat beside him. I sit without thinking.

They talk about childhood memories... stealing mangoes, building slingshots, running from their mom’s scolding. Laughter fills the room. I watch my teacher Marvin as he talks. It’s more than admiration now. When his eyes meet mine, everything slows.

My heart raced, even this morning until I saw him. How could I ever run from this?

When they ask about my childhood, I talk about Surigao. They share stories about their father too.. Marvin speaks warmly, but there is a distance in his voice.

I stay quiet, understanding their pain.

Afternoon Class;

A girl openly flirts with Marvin, giggling nonstop.

“Miss Danny,” he says firmly, “if you continue, I’ll move you to another elective. There’s a waiting list for this class.”

Her face turns red. “Sorry, Sir.”

I hide my smile behind my papers.

School Parking Lot;

After class, we meet again. Joel jokes about a girl who won’t stop flirting with him.

“Why don’t you like her?” I ask.

“We don’t date for fun,” he says seriously. “When you meet the right person, you’ll know.”

I glance at Marvin. He nods slightly, eyes lingering on me.

“Wow,” I whisper. “You’ve all grown serious.”

He smiles... quiet and unreadable.

When it’s time to leave, our eyes meet one last time.

“Tomorrow,” he says.

I nod, forcing a smile.

That night, I tried to study, but my thoughts drift back to him. My head aches. I take Tylenol, knowing it’s not just tiredness.

Mom knocks. “Are you okay? Should I call a doctor?”

“No, Mom. I just need sleep.”

I can’t tell her the truth.. Maybe it's a lovesick over my teacher. I close my eyes and hope to dream of him without guilt.

"Okay, call us immediately if you need something." she reminded me then closed the door.

Unexpectedly, ten minutes after I receive a message from an unknown number: "see me at your window"

I wonder who this is but I still check who it was. Outside there is a car, then I remember it was Mr Albanzo's car!

The frozen sickness inside me was gone. Secretly I walked outside and got in his car. Mr. Albanzo turned off the light and let me sit on his lap.

I opened up all the buttons on his shirt and removed it. My heart beat started to slow down normally. I kissed him and let his hands crawl all over my body.

Then I lay down on his chest, skin to skin we felt the heat. His arms wrap me until we fall asleep.