Alone with the Cold Weather (Guerra Entre Familias Series #2)

CHAPTER 6

When I got home, I changed my clothes and went to my bed. It was such a long day and everything went so fast. Kaninang umaga lang ay halos pa-chill chill lang kami pero nang sumapit ang hapon ay naging stressful dahil sa biglaang adjustment na ginawa sa school schedule.

Pagkahiga ko ay chineck ko ang phone ko para tingnan ang text ni Felix. Tinatanong niya kung pwede raw ba niya akong puntahan sa room bukas. I just answered yes as a reply. Sa sobrang pagod ko ay hindi ko na hinintay na magreply siya at natulog na ako.

I woke up the next day still feeling tired. Gusto ko pa sanang matulog pa nang matagal kaso wala akong nagawa kundi bumangon na or else male-late na naman ako.

While on my way to school, nag-chat ako kay Danna at sinabi sa kanya ‘yung mga nangyari kahapon, lalo na ‘yung about kay Felix. Though alam kong hindi siya makaka-reply agad, atleast nau-update ko siya sa mga ganap sa’min para naman hindi siya ma-left out.

My day at school started like usual. The only difference was that a guy was waiting for me outside the classroom before arriving. With his hands in his pockets and his back leaning against the wall, Felix looked in my direction and I didn't help but smile at him. He then stood straight and walked towards me.

"Good morning, Francine," he said with a smile.

I admit, he looks so cute. He looks like a K-pop star. Based on what I remember, he doesn't look like Alex. However, I still remembered Alex through Felix because their names almost sounded the same. I pursed my lips. Even though I couldn't help it, hindi pa rin talaga magandang tignan na pinagkukumpara ko silang dalawa. They're both unique in their own way.

I suddenly realized that I no longer had dreams about Alex. It made me think that maybe Felix was the reason, but I'm not sure why. Even though I'm not sure about the exact reason, I should be nice to him because he's not doing anything wrong based on what I see.

I smiled at Felix even more. "Hi."

"I just wanna tell you something regarding our date. I want to surprise you but I realized that it's better if I tell you so that you can be ready."

"Why? Saan ba tayo pupunta?"

With a smile not leaving his face, he suddenly showed me two K-pop concert tickets in his hand. My eyes widened. "Omg! That's the concert ticket of my favorite K-pop group. You're serious?"

He chuckled. "I'm always serious when it comes to you."

Kaya pala ganon ang tinext niya sa'kin kahapon! I already knew that my favorite K-pop group will have a concert here. I tried to book a ticket pero agad nang na-sold out sa sobrang dami ng fans na gustong manood. Nagkataon din na close 'yong schedule ng concert sa exam days kaya hindi na ako umasa na makakapunta ako. I really thought I can't make it but Felix gave me hope!

"Oh my gosh, thank you!" I almost jumped with joy.

Napag-usapan namin na susunduin niya ako sa bahay ko at sa kanya na lang muna ang tickets namin para hindi mawala. He also told me some other details kagaya ng kung anong oras niya ako susunduin. Then after that, we bid each other goodbye and I went inside the classroom na. Pagkapasok ko sa room ay saka ko lang na-realize na pinagtitinginan na naman ako ng mga kaklase ko. Some of them were about to approach me but they stopped when Andria called me. Mag-isa siya sa pwesto namin. Pagkaupo na pagkaupo ko ay sinabi ko sa kanya ang napag-usapan namin ni Felix. I really felt that she was so happy for me. Habang nagkukwento ako kay Andria ay bigla akong napatingin sa direksyon ni Ericka at Diego na kadadating lang, mukhang sabay ata silang pumasok. The happiness I was feeling slightly decreased. I know I'm free to decide whom I should date but I know I should still consider those people who might get affected by my choices. Ericka is one of those people. Kapatid niya 'yong lalaking ni-reject ko a few days ago.

"Before exam ay may date ka?" Azi asked during our recess at the canteen. He glanced at Hugo before looking back at me. "Paano ka magre-review?"

'Yon nga din ang natanong ko sa sarili ko. Paano nga ba? I already said yes and we already have plans kaya hindi na ako makakaatras.

"I'm not yet sure kung paano ko magagawa 'yon pero magagawan ko naman siguro ng paraan," I said before taking a bite on the sandwhich I bought.

"Hugo, bakit ang tahimik mo?" Andria asked before slurping her shake.

We looked at Hugo who just got finished drinking a bottle of water. He looked at my friend. "I'm always quiet, Andria." Biglang tumunog ang phone niya na nakapatong sa table, mukhang may nag-message. "I gotta go. May aayusin pa kami ni Elliyah," aniya at hindi na niya hinintay ang sasabihin namin. Agad na niyang kinuha ang kanyang phone pati 'yong tray niya at naglakad na papalayo.

I looked at Azi. "May problem ba siya?" tanong ko sa kanya.

He gave me a teasing smile which made me wonder for a bit. "I don't know. Baka busy lang talaga."

Tumingin ulit ako sa direksyon na pinuntahan ni Hugo. I somehow felt guilty and shy. He and Azi are busy with their studies too, just like us, but they still do their best to help us. If only I could do something to give back all the help they do for us, aside from what Hugo and I discussed yesterday.

"May subjects kami na ang requirement ay groupings. Magkagrupo sila ni Elliyah sa English."

"Sinong kagrupo mo?" si Andria.

Hindi ko na nasundan ang pinag-uusapan nila the moment na narinig ko ang pangalan ni Elliyah. I can already imagine what might happen if I suddenly get bumped into her. Paniguradong awkward. They were all so nice to me; now I'm unsure if they will still be the same. I suddenly realized that I haven't talked to anyone of them since the day I rejected Joaquin. I only talked a bit with Ericka when she defended me yesterday and nothing more.

Having that thought made me stand up and do something about it. Napatingin sina Andria at Azi sa bigla kong pagtayo. "I gotta go. I also need to do something."

"Samahan na kita." Andria was about to stand up too but I immediately stopped her.

"No, it's fine. I can go alone. You can stay with Azi," sabi ko bago naglakad palayo. I know that I need to do this alone since I'm the one who started this issue and besides, I also want to give them some alone time together since I'm aware that Azi likes Andria.

Pagkadating ko sa classroom ay nakaupo si Ericka katabi si Diego. May ilan din kaming mga kaklase na nakaupo at nag-uusap. Suminghap ako bago lumapit sa pwesto nila at nang makalapit ako ay napatingin sila sa'kin. "Ericka, can I talk to you alone for a moment?"

Ericka glanced at Diego before looking back at me. "Sure."

With many pairs of eyes looking at us, we went out of the room. Habang naglalakad kami ay nadadaanan namin ang mga classroom ng ibang section. It took me a while to say something. "I'm sorry about what I did to your brother."

She looked at me with a confused look. "You already said sorry yesterday."

Oo, nakapag-sorry na ako kahapon pero parang nakukulangan ako sa mga sinabi ko. "Galit ba kayo sa'kin?"

"No." Ilang segundo pa bago niya tinuloy ang sasabihin niya. "I have a feeling that you wanted to talk to me because I've been acting kind of distant. Yes, it's because of what happened but that doesn't mean I'm mad or disappointed at you for not saying yes to him. I just don't know how to interact with you after that since it would feel awkward."

When we reached the gymnasium, I saw Danna busy playing volleyball with her teammates, as usual.

"But still, I wanna say sorry. You were all so good to me and that's what I did. I also feel awkward because days after rejecting your brother, I'm already planning to date someone new."

She smiled at me. "You already said sorry to me many times when you don't even have to, Francine. I already gave a stand regarding that topic yesterday, remember? Don't worry because we understand."

"Thank you."

"I wanna say sorry for acting distant. Hindi ko lang talaga alam kung paano kita ia-approach."

"Okay lang 'yon, naiintindihan din naman kita."

As we were heading back to our classroom, I saw Hugo sitting beside Elliyah. Nakaupo sila sa isang mahabang wooden chair at may mga gamit silang nakapatong sa mahabang wooden table. May dalawa pa silang kasama na sa tingin ko ay kagrupo din nila. Though we're already far from them, they obviously look so busy with what the're doing. Their spot is under the tree.

When we got back to our classroom, saktong magsisimula na rin ang klase. After our classes, Andria and I went to a cafe with Hugo and Azi para mag-review. We spent the following days continuing our review and finishing our tasks at the same time until the day I had been anticipating finally came.

I had my hair in a bun with a few strands down para may design. I also had some light makeup on. I wore a red crop top matched with my pair of black wide-leg jeans. Naisip kong magdala ng jacket para ready ako kung sakaling umulan or lamigin ako. I tied the long sleeves of my jacket around my waist for convenience and took my black bucket bag na naglalaman ng aking phone, powerbank, wallet, makeup (for retouching), and other things I will need like my lightstick.

I already told my parents about this days ago para naman aware sila kahit papaano. Tinanong nila ako kung sino ang kasama ko. Ang sinabi ko na lang ay may kasama akong kaibigan at siya ‘yong nagyaya sa’kin. Hindi rin naman na sila masyadong nagtanong. Felix told me na since we're still minors, kailangan namin ng kasama. His parents let us bring their driver and two of their yayas with us. Makakapasok rin sila sa venue ng concert dahil maraming nabiling tickets si Felix.

I was checking if I forgot something to put in my bag during the last minute when Felix texted that he has arrived. Nang masigurado ko na wala akong nalimutan ay lumabas na ako.

"I'm curious," I told him while we were inside the car, papunta na sa MOA. Kami lang dalawa ang nasa kotse bukod sa driver. 'Yong mga yaya ay may sadyang sasakyan at nakasunod sila sa'min. "Do you have Filipino ancestry?"

"None. Both of my parents are Koreans. My parents left South Korea and moved here to the Philippines when they got married. That happened before I was born. My mom told me they did that because both of their parents didn't approve of their relationship."

Wala agad akong nasabi dahil sa gulat. Malalim din pala life story niya. I smiled. "Your parents are very brave."

"They really are. When they first got here, they didn't know how to speak Filipino at all. Noong nag-start sila ng business dito ay hindi din naging madali 'yong process. They started from nothing and ended up owning various businesses."

"That's very inspiring. So, have you met your grandparents?"

"I haven't met them yet. Nagawa nilang ma-contact ang parents ko at nalaman na may apo na sila. They wanted us to come back to South Korea and stay there for good, saying that they'll accept us. But my parents can't decide yet since we already have a life here. Nandito sa Pilipinas ang mga business nila habang ako naman ay dito na lumaki at nag-aaral. Sinabi ng nanay ko na baka daw manibago ako do'n kapag doon na kami tumira."

"Pero kung ikaw ang tatanungin, gusto mo ba pumunta doon?"

"Oo. Pangarap ko maging K-pop idol." He smiled shyly after saying the last words.

"For sure mangyayari 'yan."

He looked at me with surprise and hope etched in his eyes. "Talaga?"

"Oo. You're a visual. Magaling ka din naman siguro kumanta at sumayaw. You can do it."

He smiled even more. "Salamat."

"Do you speak Korean?"

"Yes."

"Sige nga, sample."

"Nan nega joh-a, Peulaensin. Dangsin-eun maeu aleumdabseubnida."

"Wow! You sound different when you speak Korean. What does that mean?"

"It means, 'I like you, Francine. You are very beautiful'."

He likes me and it's because of that same reason. I didn't know what to tell him at that time so I just smiled at his response.

Pagdating namin sa MOA ay kumain muna kami sa isang Korean restaurant. We have our own table separate from the yayas and the driver. Sinabi ko sa kanila na okay lang na sama-sama kami sa table pero nag-insist sila na bumukod ng table since date naman daw talaga namin ni Felix 'to kaya wala akong magawa kundi mag-thank you na lang.

While we were eating, tumunog ang phone ko na nasa loob ng aking bag. I looked at Felix shyly because I forgot to put it in silent.

He was looking at me too. "It's okay, Francine. Go ahead. Baka importante 'yan."

I nodded at him. "Thank you." I took my phone out and put a spoonful of soup in my mouth before looking at the message. My eyes widened when I saw our Math teacher announce in the class group chat that she added some parts in the test that haven't been discussed yet! I clicked the picture our teacher sent us. Sa unang tingin ko pa lang ay masasabi kong mahirap 'yon! "Oh my gosh," I didn't help but say it out loud.

"What happened?" tanong ni Felix.

"Ngayon lang sinabi ni ma'am sa gc na may kasama pala sa exam na hindi na-dicuss sa'min." Uminom ako nang konti mula sa aking baso.

"Pwede ko ba makita ang sinend ni ma'am?"

I gave him my phone para makita niya.

"Oh. Ito pala 'yun. Naturo na sa'min 'yan ni ma'am. I promise you it's not that difficult," aniya bago binalik sa'kin ang aking phone.

"But I'm not really good at Math. Madali akong malito."

"I'll teach you if you want me to."

I suddenly felt torn. Napaisip ako saglit. Willing siyang turuan ako. But I'm with him right now para i-enjoy ang concert, hindi para magpa-tutor. I don't know pero parang unfair naman sa kanya 'yon, though important naman talaga na matutunan ko 'yong additional lesson na kasama sa exam. He did a lot of effort para lang matuloy ang date namin, para maka-attend kami ng concert.

I was about to talk when my phone rang again due to a new message. I checked it and saw my friends making noise at our group chat. Pinag-uusapan nila 'yong about sa Math.

Andria: Nagulat ako. Sinabi ni ma'am na may kasama daw sa exam na hindi naituro sa'min.

Hugo: Alin 'yon?

Sinend ni Andria 'yong picture ng lesson na sinend ni ma'am. Nireplayan 'yon ni Azi.

Azi: That's easy to solve, princess.

Andria: But it looks difficult. Paturo please 🥺.

Azi: Siyempre tuturuan kita. Ako bahala sa'yo don't worry 😉

Andria: Thank you @Dylan 🥹❤️

Azi: Always welcome @Elle. Guys tara mag-meet. Review tayo.

Andria: Okay 😊.

Danna: Sige, game.

Maya-maya pa ay minention na nila ako.

Hugo: @Francine. Tuturuan na lang kita mamaya via chat.

Andria: @Francine how are you there? We hope you're okay. Mag-enjoy ka na muna diyan. Tulungan ka nalang namin mag-review after ng date mo.

I was so thankful because I felt like niligtas nila ako. I didn't know what to do with my current situation pero agad nasolusyonan dahil sa kanila. Nag-chat ako sa kanila.

Thank you guys 😭 i love you all 🥹🩷.

I put my phone back inside my bag before I looking back at Felix, realizing that he's patiently waiting for my answer. I smiled at him. "Thank you sa offer but I think I'll be okay na."

He nodded. "Okay. But if you have any questions or if you need some help just feel free to ask me."

I smiled even more. "I will, thank you."

Pagkatapos naming kumain ay kumuha kami ng mga pictures namin. Then pumunta na kami sa venue ng concert para sa soundcheck. May mga ilang process pa kaming dinaanan, but it's all worth it. Ang saya namin kasi kitang-kita talaga namin 'yong mga members up-close. Ang pogi talaga nila in person! I took out my camera para makakuha ng pictures at videos, para may memories ako. One of the members even took my phone to take a selfie and a video with us! I felt like the luckiest fan on earth! From the soundcheck until the concert officially started and ended, everything was very memorable. Mga 9:00 p.m. na nang natapos ang concert. Medyo nagtagal lang kami sa pag-alis sa parking area kasi nagkaroon pa ng traffic doon.

Tinanggal ko ang pagkakatali ng jacket ko sa aking bewang at sinuot 'yon dahil sa lamig. It was already raining outside and we're already on our way home.

"I wanna give you something."

I looked at Felix when he said that. He took something from the back. Isa 'yong malaking paper bag. Inabot niya sa'kin 'yon kaya binuksan ko. Umawang ang bibig ko nang makita na plushie 'yon. Ang cute niya!

I hugged it and smiled at him. "You actually don't have to give me anything, but still. Thank you."

He smiled back and patted my head gently. "That's my thank you gift for letting me go on a date with you."

I pouted. "I should be the one giving you a thank you gift. I really had fun at the concert with you."

"Sapat na sa'kin na malaman na nag-enjoy ka kasama ako."

I smiled even more. "Thank you." Maya-maya pa ay tinakpan ko ng kamay ang bibig ko dahil sa biglang paghikab.

"I know you're tired. Feel free to take a nap because it'll take a while before we arrive at your house."

And I did take a nap. Nang magising ako ay nasa harap na ng bahay ko ang sasakyan. I also realized that I was resting my head on his shoulder while I was sleeping.

"Nangalay ba ang balikat mo? I'm sorry about that."

"Hindi mo kailangang mag-sorry. I don't mind."

Bumaba kami sa sasakyan niya at hinatid niya ako hanggang sa gate ng bahay. I smiled at him. I was very happy and thankful to him so I didn't help but give him a quick kiss on his cheek. Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko pero agad ring nawala 'yong gulat na 'yon at napalitan ng saya. "Thank you, Felix. Goodnight."

He hugged me and I let him. "Salamat din sa'yo kasi binigyan mo ako ng chance na maka-date ka. Goodnight."

Pagkaalis niya ay pumasok na ako sa loob. I knew my parents were already sleeping kaya dumeretso na ako sa kwarto ko para magpalit ng damit. I did my skin care routine quickly before going to my study area. I charged my phone and opened my laptop to check Hugo's chats. It's already late kaya alam kong tulog na sina Andria at tapos na rin sila mag-review. Of all my friends sa group chat, mukhang si Hugo na lang ang gising. Nag-chat ako sa kanya.

I'm sorry ngayon lang ako naka-reply.

Ilang saglit pa ay nag-reply siya.

Hugo: It's fine. You're already tired. I advise you to just review the additional pointers, the one your Math teacher didn't discuss. I already sent you my tutorials regarding that. If you have more questions, I'm still here.

Ako: Okay. Thank you very much.

Chineck ko 'yong mga sinend niya. I don't know if it's because I'm tired from all the things I did today or because I'm just really dumb but I really didn't get it. Nalilito pa rin ako doon sa lesson. May mga binigay siyang practice problems kaya tinry ko siyang sagutan. Pagkatapos ay sinend ko sa kanya 'yon.

Hugo: You got it all wrong. Nalilito ka pa.

Sinend niya sa'kin 'yung corrections ng sinagot ko at nag-send din siya ng mga bagong practice problems.

Hugo: Reviewhin mo kung saan ka nagkamali then balikan mo 'yung sinend kong tutorials. Pagkatapos ay mag-sagot ka ulit ng practice problems.

I did what he told me. It took me almost an hour before fully understanding the lesson. Thankful ako kasi ang haba ng naging pasensya ni Hugo sa'kin. Hinintay niya talaga na maintindihan ko 'yong lesson at matapos ako sa pagrereview bago siya nag-offline. Sa sobrang pagod ko ay sinara ko na agad ang laptop ko at pinatay ang ilaw bago tinapon ang sarili sa kama.