Swayed on the Waves

Chapter One:

Umahon agad ako sa pool at nilapitan ang sun lounger upang kunin ang gamit ko. My next class was about to start, and I needed to hurry up and get ready.

I rushed into the ladies' room, took a quick shower, and changed into my uniform. Lumabas agad ako pagkatapos at nakita ko si Vera na papasalubong saakin sa ground.

"Galing kang practice?" she asked with brows furrowed, eyeing me from head to toe.

I raised an eyebrow and pointed at my dripping wet hair. "Hindi ba halata?"

"Aba, malay ko ba kung trip mo lang na maligo" she shot back.

I rolled my eyes, clutching the paper bag with my wet clothes and towel. We stopped by the lockers so I could drop them off and just pick them up later after class.

"5 minutes na kayong late, bilisan nyo na" sabi ni Helene saamin na nasa labas ng hallway.

"Easy ka lang, Helene. Makakarating din naman kami dyan" Vera chuckled, completely unbothered.

Helene just glared at her. I let out a sigh as we went straight into the room. The place was as loud as ever, everyone minding their own little worlds. Helene was busy collecting payments for something. Vera had already joined a group, chatting away.

I went to my seat and noticed the guy sitting next to me, completely immersed in a novel by Edgar Allan Poe.

I nudged him. "Nice book,”

The guy flinched slightly when he looked at me, then smiled shyly. "A bit tricky because of the terms he used,"

I chuckled. "I can tell you the whole story if you want"

His eyes widened. "Talaga?"

"Oo naman" I said, chuckling.

I glanced at the corridor to check if our next teacher was coming, but there was still no sign of her. So, while we had time, I started summarizing the story for him. He even asked a few questions, which I answered easily.

"Hoy, Vera. Hindi porket kaibigan kita, e, hahayaan kitang 'wag magbayad. Pengeng 5 pesos"

"Para saan ba yang sinisingil mo, ha?"

"Sa quiz natin. Ako ang nagprint sa bahay dahil sarado kahapon sa ibaba,”

"Lah, may quiz pa? Dapat hindi kana nagpa print,”

"Lul, hindi mo ako utusan,”

"Atsaka ang laki ng binabayaran kong tuition fee tapos magbabayad pa ako? Unfair!"

"Ikaw ba nagbabayad ng tuition mo?"

As usual, whenever these two were together, they couldn’t go a minute without bickering. They loved pushing each other’s buttons until both of them snapped.

Natapos lang silang mag away nang pumasok ang teacher namin kaya nag ayusan agad kami ng upo. The lesson started, and I just listened without bothering to take notes—unlike the people around me. I had already done some advance reading, so I knew everything being discussed.

Pasimple akong humikab.

"Ma'am, may inaantok po oh" Helene teased from the next table.

I shot her a glare, but she only smirked and continued listening to the lecture.

–

"Girls!" Dahlia called out dramatically as she walked toward us.

Kakatapos lang ng klase at vacant na namin. We stood in the hallway, staring at Dahlia’s bandaged hand.

"Buhay ka pa pala" Helene joked.

"Ay hindi, kaluluwa ko lang to" Dahlia shot back sarcastically.

Ngumiwi si Vera habang tinitignan ang naka bendang kamay ni Dahlia. "Robotic na ata kamay mo nyan,"

"Volleyball pa," I said.

"Robotic? Na strain lang kamay ko hindi nabali" Dahlia glared at us.

Then, shifting topics, she said, "Oo nga pala, inaya ako ni Easton na pumunta sa soccer game nila. G ba tayo?"

With brows furrowed, I asked. "Hindi ba bawal pumasok sa school nila?"

She waved a hand dismissively. "Magagawan ng paraan ng pinsan ko 'yan. Ano, nood tayo? Bukas na 'to,”

I shrugged and waited for the others’ response. If they were going, I’d go too. It would be awkward to watch alone, especially at another school.

"Sige na yan ah? Sasabihan ko na si Easton," Dahlia said merrily.

The other two agreed, so that meant I was in as well.

Sabay sabay na kaming bumaba para mag vacant. While eating, our conversation shifted to the upcoming prom.

"Nakakasawa na pumunta sa ganyan. Sayaw at kain lang rin naman," I groaned.

"Ah, akala ko nakakasawa na manalo sa prom e" Helene chuckled.

"A-attend pa kayo? Huwag na!”

Vera, grinning mischievously, leaned in and said, "Bar na lang tayo."

"17 palang tayo. Hindi tayo papapasukin," I said.

Isang taon nalang naman ang hihintayin ko at makakapag bar na rin ako sa wakas. I was curious about what it felt like to be in a bar—dancing, socializing, just experiencing the vibe.

"Oo nga, 17 ka palang pero nakaka inom ka na ng alak. Iba rin!" Dahlia teased.

"Red wine palang naman ang natitikman ko" I defended myself.

–

Hindi ko alam kung paano namin nalusutan ang guard at booth doon sa entrance. Vera just flashed some paper and an ID, and we were let in.

I thought we’d wait until prom night to go here, but plans changed, and now we were already inside.

"Ano 'yon?" Helene nudged Vera, eyeing the paper she had used.

"Fake birth certifs. Don't worry, walang bayad" Vera rolled her eyes.

"Hala, paano kung mabisto?" I asked, worried.

"Para naman tayong gagawa ng krimen sa bar na to" Dahlia laughed, roaming her eyes around the place.

I had to admit, I was a bit in awe too. The dim lighting, the constantly shifting strobe lights, the expensive-looking bottles lined up

behind the bartender’s counter, and the sleek high stools surrounding it. The tables varied—some with simple chairs, others with plush sofas.

"Order muna tayo. Try n’yo ‘yung gustong gusto n’yo matikman. Dali!" Vera said excitedly, already claiming a high stool and talking to the bartender.

"Tonic saakin" Helene ordered.

"Mojito, please” Dahlia added.

I hesitated, then stammered, "Uh, t-tubig."

The three of them gave me a sharp look, making me flash an awkward smile at the bartender who was ready to hand us our drinks.

“Joke lang po, isang vodka sa’kin,”

"Isang bote?" Helene asked with wide eyes.

"Yung isang baso lang syempre," I said with brows furrowed.

"Baka isang shot," Vera laughed.

After a minute of waiting, we all took our drinks in one go. I was nervous, but at the same time, excited because this was my first time tasting vodka. I’d only ever heard about it from my cousins.

The moment the alcohol touched my tongue, my face scrunched involuntarily. Ang init at ang pait sa lalamunan!

he bartender glanced at me, probably because of my reaction. Out of sheer panic and not wanting to embarrass myself, I just gulped it down until it was gone. Naghiyawan pa sila habang ako ay halos mapatakip sa bibig dahil gusto ko itong iduwal.

A waste of money!

"Malakas ka pala, Silene, e!" Dahlia teased.

I glared at her while trying to endure the taste of the alcohol. My whole body heated up instantly, making me clutch my stomach. I ended up ordering a cocktail instead—at least that would have a sweeter taste.

Habang sila Vera ay parang mga professional drinker dahil parang wala lang sa kanila ang lasa dahil nakakapag tawanan pa sila.

"Nasaan ang powder room dito?" I asked the bartender.

Tinuro niya ang daan kaya nagpasalamat ako bago nagpaalam kila Vera na pupunta ako ng powder room. As soon as I entered, I simply washed my hands and fixed myself.

My eyes were teary from the taste earlier. I blotted my face, fixed my hair, and then stepped out.

"Hoy, hindi kayo titigil?" Dahlia warned Vera and Helene, who were bickering again.

–

Papunta na kami ngayon sa kabilang school. Our classes ended earlier than Easton’s, Dahlia's cousin, so we were heading there to watch the soccer game.

Wala akong hilig sa mga panonood ng ibang sports bukod sa swimming pero dahil nandito na ako ay makikisama nalang ako.

Besides, our swimming practice wouldn’t start until tomorrow, and after that, I wouldn’t have much free time to hang out anymore.

Since their university was within walking distance, we decided to just go on foot. Thankfully, the weather was nice today. It took us fifteen minutes to get there.

And now, we were standing outside their university, waiting for Dahlia's cousin to fetch us. While waiting, I busied myself by looking at the campus exterior. It was impressive and spacious, even just from the outside. You could tell the tuition fees here were more expensive.

Some students were glancing at us, probably wondering why we were here. I sighed heavily and turned to look at Dahlia. She was still standing near the gate, focused on her phone—probably messaging her cousin.

Vera stood beside her, arms crossed, waiting patiently. Si Helene naman ay nakatingin lang sa loob mula dito sa labas ng gate. Nang magkatinginan kami ng guwardya ay nag iwas agad ako ng tingin. Kanina pa siya saamin nakatingin, nagtataka kung bakit kami nandito sa labas.

"Hintayin nalang natin si Easton, mamaya pa naman daw mag start ang game" Dahlia said when she turned to us.

We waited as she instructed until a tall, handsome man finally came to fetch us. He chuckled upon seeing Dahlia, but she immediately scolded him for making us wait too long.

I walked beside Helene to whisper. "Pinsan yan ni Dahlia, bakit hindi naman hawig?"

There wasn’t a single facial feature that resembled Dahlia. She had an innocent-looking face, though her personality was the complete opposite. Meanwhile, her cousin, Easton, had that classic "bad boy" look, especially with the way he smirked at us earlier.

But when he spoke, he actually seemed friendly.

"Tanga, hindi naman kasi lalaki si Dahlia" she said, laughing before playfully swatting my left arm.

We watched as her cousin spoke with the guard until we were finally allowed inside. They let us in, but we had to leave our IDs at

the entrance before entering.

As we walked, I scanned the campus again. It was much bigger than it looked from the outside. We even passed by some small stores inside, which seemed really convenient. No need to go outside just to buy essentials.

Mas pinagtinginan kami pagkapasok namin pero hindi ko sila pinagtuunan ng pansin. Nag uusap ang magpinsan sa unahan habang nakasunod lang kaming tatlo.

Vera and Helene were even waving at some students as if they belonged here.

We headed straight for the soccer field. It wasn’t massive, but it was big enough for proper games. Bleachers lined both sides, and they were already starting to fill up.

May kinausap si Easton na nakatingin pa saamin. Probably wondering who we were and why we were here. After a few seconds of conversation, he finally led us inside.

"Sakto ang pwesto natin," Vera said.

We were sitting at the top of the bleachers, giving us a great view of the field. A few players were already wearing their jerseys, warming up in the middle.

"Hindi raw maglalaro sila Jeff ngayon ah" I overheard someone from the row below us say.

"Oh, akala ko pa naman maglalaro sila kasi narinig ko sila kanina" her friend replied, sounding disappointed.

Ilang minuto ay sumulpot muli si Easton na galing sa cafeteria ata nila at inabutan kami ng tig iisang tubig at may sinabi pa kay Dahlia bago na naman ito umalis.

"Sino ‘yung mga dayo?" I heard someone ask.

"I don't know. Pinsan ata o girlfriend ni East ang isa sa kanila" another one answered.

We couldn’t help but raise our eyebrows at them. Bakit ba hindi nalang kayo manahimik at hintayin nalang na mag start ang game?

Hindi naman kami ang dapat pagtuunan dito ng pansin.

"Instant celebrity pala tayo dito," Vera chuckled.

"Hindi mo man lang sinabi saamin, Dahlia, na sikat pala ang pinsan mo" Helene added.

"Ngayon ko lang rin nalaman," Dahlia replied.

A whistle blew, signaling the start of the game. The players took their positions and immediately began running, passing the ball to each other.

Tumili ang iilan. "Scam ka, Jas! Nandyan nga si Justin oh!"

"Wooh, go, Easton!" Dahlia cheered for her cousin.

I focused on the numbers on their jerseys, cheering whenever I saw an impressive play.

"Go, number 27!" I joined the excitement, nearly standing up from my seat to support my favorite player. He was really good—he kept scoring goals.

"Ano kayang pangalan nung naka 27?" I whispered to myself.

I clapped and cheered again when the number 27 guy scored another point, but I quickly felt awkward when some girls turned to look at us. Maybe they were annoyed by our noise.

Sa kalagitnaan ng laro ay nag vibrate ang cellphone ko dahil sa tawag ni Jackson. I stepped out since it was too noisy inside, and we

wouldn’t be able to hear each other properly.

"Hello, Jack" I greeted.

"Kakatapos mo lang sa practice?" he asked in his husky voice. He sounded like he had just woken up.

"Wala kaming practice. Bukas meron. Kasama ko sila Dahlia ngayon sa kabilang school e," I said.

"Anong ginagawa n’yo dyan?" He asked, confused.

"Nanonood kami ng soccer game. Ikaw, wala ka bang ibang gagawin ngayon?" I asked.

"May pupuntahan rin ako. Text mo nalang ako kapag nakauwi ka na,” he said, his tone already dismissing me.

"Uh, okay," I replied.

I hung up and zoned out for a few seconds, recalling our brief conversation. Para siyang nagmamadali, mukhang may pupuntahan. I checked my wristwatch—it was already four o’clock.

Bumalik ako sa loob, nagtataka pang lumingon si Helene saakin. "Lalaki mo?"

I nodded. "Nagtanong lang kung nasaan ako,"

She nodded and then went back from cheering.

We immediately headed out after the game ended. As we walked out, even more people were looking at us, but we just ignored them.

"Saan ba tayo pagkatapos nito?" I asked Vera.

"Samgyup?" Her tone was hesitant.

"Hi, Silene!" Someone called me in a very friendly tone.

I turned to see a group of guys walking toward us as they were leaving.

Bahagya akong napangiwi at tumingin pa sa mga kaibigan ko. When the guy reached me, he extended his hand, and although I was confused, I shook it anyway.

Who the f**k is he? I can't remember his name!

He smiled revealing a dimple. "Naalala mo pa ba ‘ko?"

"Hindi,” I replied quickly, still staring at him.

He laughed and scratched the back of his head. Someone teased him, and I turned to look. There were two of them.

One was slightly darker-skinned, shorter than the guy standing beside him.

"I'm Justin," the guy in front of me introduced himself.

"Magkakilala pala kayo nito dati," Dahlia chuckled.

"Sorry, pero hindi lang kita mamukhaan" I said with a faint smile.

"Jeff, saan ba tayo pupunta?" the other man asked with brows furrowed.

"Sa samgyup daw sabi ni Veronica e," Jeff replied, pointing his thumb at Vera.

I squinted my eyes, examining the man. He actually looked familiar. Out of the three of them, I had a stronger feeling that I knew this one.

"Russel?" I asked hesitantly.

Napatingin sya saakin at seryoso lang ang mata nya.

His brows furrowed even more. "Bakit?"

I knew it! Kaya pala pamilyar sya e talagang nakaka usap ko at nakikita ko ito noon sa bahay!

"You're Tita Ynna's son, right?" I asked.

His face relaxed a bit, but there was still hesitation in his eyes. "Who are you?"

"Silene Kostelo. Hindi mo ako maalala?" I raised an eyebrow.

He looked at me carefully, from head to toe, before meeting my gaze again.

A smirk played on his lips. "Ah, ikaw pala ‘yung batang spoiled...ang laki mo na ah,”

I rolled my eyes at him and turned to Dahlia, who was already discussing where we should eat. In the end, they decided on a Korean restaurant just across the street, so we had to cross.

The others walked ahead, while I lagged about five steps behind. Russel was behind me.

Binuksan ko ang cellphone at nag chat kay Jackson upang ipaalam na uuwi na ako pagkatapos namin kumain. I nearly jumped in shock when Russel suddenly grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

Mabibilis ang takbo ng mga sasakyan sa harap ko. I hadn’t even realized I was about to cross when the signal was still green. Our friends had already made it across and were waiting for us.

I heard him click his tongue. "Inuuna pa kasi ang ibang bagay" I saw how he rolled his eyes.