Shattered Paradigm

CHAPTER 3

"Sabihin mo kasi!" Sigaw ni Elijah saakin.

Nakita niya kasi kami kagabi ni ms. Fuego na magkasama sa 7/11, tapos hitong si ma'am naman akala ko alam niya talaga kung saan ako nakatira. Panay pa pilit kung saan ako ihahatid.

Na scam ba naman ako ng masungit na 'yon, tapos sa may epal akong kaibigan doon ako sumakay. Dahil may tumawag pa sa scammer kong professor na agad nagmadaling umalis at iniwan ako sa kaibigan ko ma hanggang ngayon panay asar saakin.

"Akala ko si Aiden? Bakit utak professor kana din. Ano 'to mana sa pinsan?" Tanong nito at tumawa pa kaya agad ako sumimangot.

Asan na ba kasi yung pinsan ko! Kanina ko pa hindi nakikita simula ng makarating ako dito sa eskwelahan, sabi niya magkikita kami kasi may ipapakita siya, pero itong anak ni satanas pa ang nakita ko.

Nakita ko naman kaagad si Hailey na parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa sa sama ng mukha, masama nanga ang mukha nakuha niya pang mas ipasama.

Umirap ito kay Elijah at niyakap ako sabay halik sa pisnge ko, binalatan naman niya ang isa na ikinasama ng mukha nito.

"Aba, gagu ka?"

"Tanong mo sarili mo, sasagot 'yan." Pang babara nito at pagod na sumandal saakin.

What happened to this woman, wala ba siyang nakamomol at ganito saakin. Aba tarantada siya kung ganun, humina bigla s*x communication niya kung wala siyang ikakama. Wala pa naman sa bokabolaryo nito na walang maikamang tatlo sa isang linggo.

Agad nangunot ang noo ko ng biglang mag send ang pinsan ko ng picture, she's with her woman who's currently lying in bed together with her while sleeping. She's smiling while kissing and another picture was send and this time she's kissing her woman in lips. Agad ko siyang blinock ng mang asar pa siya. Aba gagu. She's in cebu.

In every suffering there's a way the the happiness, and that's was my sister walking in. She's already enough with those nights and fear of dark. She's now facing it and trying to stand by her own. Even before, she's just with herself, doesn't want others help. But it's sick to hear her painful sobs when she's drunk, asking where's her girl, and trying to act cool if she's not drunk anymore.

And that's the reason why i am here too, trying to fight back and face the consequences that myself still standing unto her past. I can't fight my own, because we all know. That ourselves is our strong enemy. Kaya ko kinakalaban ang sarili ko, pero sa huli alam kong ito rin ang magiging kakampi ko.

"Time na! Si Ma'am Cervantes!" Sigaw ni Elijah at nagmadaling umalis sa harap namin ni Hailey na nakahilig pa rin saakin.

Napalingon kaming pareho ni Hailey sa sinasabi niyang Ma'am, i didn't hear that professor surename before... maybe a new one.

But when my eyes diverted to the woman that Elijah's shouted earlier, i didn't expect that i will see her again, with a connected eye contact. Her eyes remained emotionless while staring at me, her brown orbs that still staring at my whole me.

Agad akong napaiwas ng hindi ito umiwas kakatitig saakin, nakakalunod ang kayumangi nitong mga mata na hindi ko kayang tagalan.

Napaubo ako dahil parang may bumara sa lalamunan ko ng bigla itong naglakad papasok ng cafeteria, deretso itong nagtungo sa kapehan at bumili at kaagad umalis. Umiwas pa ako ng tingin dahil nakatutok ang makapatay tingin nito sakin.

"Ang ganda." Bulong ng katabi ko na ikinainit ng ulo ko sa hindi alam na kadahilanan.

Tumayo na ako at nagmadaling umalis patungo sa department ko, time na nga pala.

Hindi ko pa rin maiwasan isipin ang kagandahan ng propesora, agad naman ako napatigil ng makitang may sumabay sakin sa paglalakad.

Bumungad saakin ang nakangiting mukha ni Aiden, na agad ko ikinairap. Ito nanaman ako sa puso ko na hindi ko na alam kong ano pinanggagawa.

There's this times when Aiden is near at me, bumibilis ang t***k ng puso ko. Hindi ko talaga alam bakit ganito ito. Maybe it's just attachment or what. Perhaps, baka takot lang? Dahil sa pagsigaw nito sakin. But i already forgive her naman, pero ngayon nalang ulit kami magkakausap.

"Hm, free ka?" Tanong nito.

Hindi ako sumagot pero tumango ako, that make her smile wider. Napahinto naman kaagad kami ng may umubo sa harapan. Nasa harap na pala ako ng room ko.

And again, the brown orbs that can melt me is staring at my soul. Nakakamatay, nakakapanghina at nakakapanlunod. Hindi ko din alam sa sarili ko kung bakit ako natataranta o natatakot na baka singhalan ako. Eh wala naman akong ginawa diba? Except nalang dahil late.. ay puta oo late ako.

Siya ba ang professor namin? No f*****g way. Ang sama ng ugali napakagaspang, akala mo naman pinakain niya ako para sungit-sungitan.

"You're five minutes late Miss, Adler." Walang kaganang sabi nito.

What!?

She knows me? Napanganga ako at tumingin sa loob, subrang tahimik at parang takot pa sila gumawa ng ingay. Paano hindi matatakot parang mangangain itong kaharap ko.

I heard Aiden cleared her throat at taas noong tumingin sa propesorang ang sama rin ng tingin sakaniya. Umirap ito na nagpanganga naman kay Aiden. I can sense amusement in her eyes when the woman infront of us do that thing. She's sexy doing that on bed...

"Sorry miss, there's emergency in math club, that why we're late po." Magalang na sabi nito kay miss... hindi alam ang pangalan ni apelyido. Ay oo si Ms. Cervantes.

Walang pasabi itong umaligi nagsasabing pwede kaming pumasok, naunang pumasok si Aiden at nahuli ako. Aapak na ako paloob ng humarang ito saakin at walang pasabing umirap at naunang pumaloob.

What the f**k? What the hell is her problem? I didn't do anything... walang gana akong umupo sa tabi ni Aiden dahil sa magaspang na ugali ng propesora na nag umpisa na ng kaniyang lesson saamin.

Unang pasok durog agad utak namin. Nagparecite ba naman kaagad, ata kapag hindi ka nakasagot tatayo ka ng dalawang oras hanggang sa matapos ang klase. Subrang strikto din at napakalamig saamin.

Ang expensive seguro ng mga salita nito. Dalawa o tatlong salita lang parati niyang sagot saamin maliban sa mga binibigkas niyang aralin.

She's our Professor in Financial analysis which is also my favorite subject. Perhaps she will be my favorite subject.

She stand straight and start her discussion. She also said what she doesn't want. Which is being late, and rude attitude.

"Alright, class, today we're going to discuss the concept of Discounted Cash Flow in financial analysis." She seriously said and stared the class. "It's a crucial tool to determine the present value of future cash flows. Who would like to kick off the discussion?" She added that made this room intense.

Some of my classmates are trying to hide their selves, para lang hindi matukso o mapuna ng guro sa unahan. Ang iba naman ay nanginginig at namamawis na.

Sa kadahilanang walang may gustong magsimula ay agad napadako ang mata ng propesora sakin. Like she wanted me to stand and begin the class with my own opinion or idea.

"DCF might be popular, it has some serious flaws. One major problem is its heavy reliance on assumptions about future cash flows. Predicting future cash flows accurately is practically impossible, given the dynamic and uncertain nature of markets and businesses." I confidently said and smiled at her that just make her rolled her eyes.

Sumandal ito sa mesa niya at nilaro ang ballpen na nasakamay habang seryoso akong tinititigan.

Why this goddess is already infront of us? Is she aware of her behavior? Nakakamatay ang tingin niya nakakatunaw ng pagtibok ng puso ko.

Every step she add while staring everyone in this class is making this room more tense. I wont deny this time, she's gorgeous. No! I mean beyond that one. Pero masama pa rin ang ugali.

"I understand your concern about uncertainties in predicting future cash flows." Bumuntong hininga ito at naglakad sa gitna ng Kwartong ito. "However, DCF remains a fundamental technique used in financial analysis precisely because it allows us to incorporate those uncertainties through sensitivity analyses and scenario-based assessments." She said that made me curious.

"I get that, but isn't DCF's long-term approach problematic? It assumes a company's cash flows will continue indefinitely, which is unrealistic, especially for young and dynamic businesses. Additionally, the use of a single discount rate doesn't consider the changing risk profile of a company over time." I fight her back that made her face more serious.

Why am i her challenging her? She's more professional than me.

Napalunok ako ng tumingin na ito saakin, tumigil kakalakad at hinahampas hampas ang dulo ng ballpen sa palad nito.

"You raise a valid point." She coldly utter and diverted her gaze to my classmates that gasping some air in this room because of her uncomfortable presence.

Even me that still standing and wanted to end this lesson now is trembling, not in fear but in her eyes that can made you kneel because of her gazes.

"DCF does assume cash flows continue indefinitely, but this can be mitigated by using different stages with varying growth rates or employing other valuation methods like the terminal value approach." She coldly utter again and walk by the side if her table. "As for the discount rate, it's true that using a constant rate might not fully capture the changing risk, but adjusting for risk can be achieved through the discount rate's composition and estimation."

I really wanted to end this now. I can sense that some of my classmates are scared because i am still defending my side. But Aiden in another side is enjoying the show.

Is this even special? She just wanted me to start the lesson. But here i am still defending my side because of my assumption. I wonder what she's thinking now because of her drowning gazes towards me.

I nodded on her respond and wanted to continue defending my side.

"I still believe DCF has inherent weaknesses compared to other valuation methods, Ma'am." I defended that made her brows knotted because of my unprofessional respond.

Even my classmates gasp because i still didn't stop. I saw how her eyes amused because of my unending responses on her defending answers towards mine.

"For instance, the emphasis on free cash flows ignores a company's relative value compared to competitors or the industry. Valuation multiples, such as Price/Earnings or Price/Book Value, offer a more holistic view of a company's position." I smirked when i see her reaction.

She inhale trying to composed herself. Can i now leave this room and kick myself outside because of my terrible mouth. I can't stop myself defending my side.

"While valuation multiples are indeed useful and widely applied, they have their limitations as well." She walk near me.

And here again my melting heart, trying to avoid beating because of her brown orbs that connecting on mine. Is she my caused of death? If yes then i will thank her. Because my death Cause is beautiful.

"Multiples may not consider the unique characteristics of a company and can be heavily influenced by market sentiment and external factors. DCF, on the other hand, allows us to delve deeper into the company's operations and fundamentals, offering a comprehensive intrinsic valuation." She then defend again.

The room is now more in tence. They're trying to make me stop using their eyes. But i can't, i want to prove that it's still true what i am fighting for. This is my pride and ego mga idiots.

"I understand the thoroughness of DCF, Ma'am. But it's a time-consuming process. In the fast-paced financial world, making timely decisions is vital. Valuation multiples can quickly provide an estimate, allowing for more agile decision-making." She nodded like she's agreeing with me that made me smile.

"Agreed, time is of the essence in finance. However, I must stress that relying solely on quick estimates might lead to uninformed decisions. DCF, although more time-consuming, provides a more robust and rational valuation, ensuring we don't overlook critical factors that could significantly impact our investment choices." She said that made my classmates exhale in relief.

She put her ballpen in her blazer and fold her hands together, staring at me and trying to control my eyes but i just smiled and trying to find another answer to her throwing words.

"I still feel that DCF is too dependent on projections and too rigid in its assumptions. Can't we find a more flexible approach that combines the strengths of various methods, avoiding the pitfalls of each?" I asked that made her arch her brows.

"That's an interesting suggestion! In practice, many analysts do use a combination of valuation techniques to cross-validate their findings. Utilizing both DCF and valuation multiples can provide a balanced view, taking into account the company's unique aspects while still being mindful of market dynamics." She seriously said still agreeing with me now.

But still there's still habe opposite on her defending words. And i can't blame her, because that's her own.

"Fair enough, Ma'am. I suppose it comes down to the importance of adaptability in financial analysis. While DCF has its merits, it should be just one tool in our arsenal, complemented by other methods to make well-informed and agile decisions." I smiled that made the room fell in loud claps.

I thought she's already done with her defending debate, but it's opposite. Like she's irritated.

"Exactly! Financial analysis is an ever-evolving field, and the ability to adapt and integrate various approaches is crucial. Remember, the ultimate goal is to make informed decisions that stand up to rigorous scrutiny. DCF and other methods each offer valuable insights, and as analysts, we must strive to strike the right balance between them." She rolled her eyes and walk gracefully to her table.

Maluwag naman akong nahinga dahil sa sinabi niya, akala ko lalabanan niya pa ako.

But still, we have the same ideas. There's still similarities in our opinions.

Uupo na sana ako pero hindi ako nito hinayaan, trying my smart brain again. But i don't know what to say anymore. Perhaps, i will agree to her then.

"Agreed, Ma'am. I appreciate the insightful discussion and the perspective you've offered. It's essential to approach financial analysis with an open mind, willing to explore the strengths of each method while acknowledging their limitations." I ended and trying to composed myself because of the tension for almost a hours.

She guided me to seat on my chair that i obliged. Ngumiti saakin si Aiden and made a thumbs up na ikinangiti ko din. Hito nanaman ang init sa mukha ko. Am i blushing?

"Well said! The beauty of finance lies in its complexities and the continuous quest for better decision-making tools. As we progress in our careers, we'll encounter various scenarios where different methods shine, and that's when our skills as analysts truly come into play." She said and gaze at me.

I stared at her while she's still talking, i can't take off my eyes on her orbs. Para akong hinihila at ayaw makawala sa lubid na ginamit nito.

Doon lang ako napahinga ng tumunog ang bell indicating that it's already lunch time. Tatayo na sana ako pero agad ko narinig ang nakakahalinang boses nito.

"Stay for a while Ms. Adler, i want to have a word from you."

Para akong na estatwa dahil ito ang pinakaayaw ko sa lahat, ang maiwan sa propesorang ayaw patigilin at pahingain ang puso kong nagwawala na sa loob.

What is this feeling anyway? Para akong tumatakbo sa presensya niya. Na para bang kilala siya ng puso ko. Tumango lang ako kay Aiden ng makitang naghihintay ito sa labas ng pintuan.

I walked to her table waiting for her talk but she remained her eyes on her laptop.

"M-miss-" natigil ako sa sasabihin ng bigla itong nag angat ng tingin.

Ito nanaman ang nagrarambulang paro-paro sa tiyan ko na parang akala mo nilalaro sila sa loob dahil sa init na dala ng magagandang nata ng Guro na nakatingin saakin ngayon.

Napalunok naman ako ng tumayo ito at namutawi sa ilong ko ang bango nito. She give her things to me and i know what she wanted me to do.

Huminga ako ng malalim bago iyon abutin, nauna itong umalis sa room ba sinunod ko naman kaagad. Habang naglalakad kami ay panay tingin ako kung paano siya gumalaw.

Para siyang naglalakad sa palasyo dahil sa bawat dinadaanan niya ay napapayuko ang mga estudyante, sa paraang maipakita nila ang galang nila sa propesora.

Dumating kami sa opesina nito na walang imikan, she step a side and look at me then to the books that i am holding. Binigay nito saakin ang alcohol na ikinaikot ng mata ko.

"Stop giving me that behavior Miss Adler." She coldly said and walk to her seat and open her laptop to start typing. "I really amazed by your words." She boringly said.

Wow amazed siya sa ganun? Hindi halata sa boses ah. Pero sige thank you nag compliment ba naman ang diwata sayo, sino naman ako para hindi sumaya ng peke ha.ha

"Thank you Miss."

"Math Club?" Tanong nito at nag angat ng tingin.

Agad ko nasipat ang hininga sa biglaang pagtingin nito saakin, para namang sira si ma'am eh. Papatayin ha ako nito? Ang ganda niya tapos gaganiton ako aba.

Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago lumonok at tumango. Yumuko din naman ito kaagad at nagpatuloy sa pagtype.

"You are with Miss Walton?" She asked the obvious again.

Malamang nasabi na ni Aiden 'yun kanina, hindi pa ba halata ma'am? Nakakainis ka naman.

"Stop pouting it doesn't suit you." She said again na ikinasama ng mukha ko. "You may go now Miss adler if you still giving me such a attitude." She brodly said.

Embes na sundin siya ay hindi ko ginawa, tumayo pa rin ako sa harapan niya at tinitigan siyang magtrabaho.

Hindi nakakasawang tignan ang mukha niya. Para talaga siyang anghel na may demonyong ugali.

"Stop straing Ms. Adler, just leave." Naiinis nitong wika at masama akong tinignan.

"Sorry ma'am. Alis na po ako." Sabi ko pero hindi ako nito pinansin at masamang tinitignan ang laptop nito na akala mo may kasalanan sakaniya sa sama ng tingin.

When i get outside ay doon lang ako nakahinga nga maluwag, tangina akala ko sa loob na ako mamamatay sa ganda niya. Buti kinaya pa ng powers kong pakisamahan ang panginginig ko sa loob.

Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago umalis doon at nagtungo sa cafeteria para kumain, nag chat na rin kasi si Hailey na andoon na sila at nang iinis na daw si Elijah sakaniya.

Ang sariwang hangin ang sumasalubong sa bawat hakbang na tinatahak ko patungong cafeteria, may bumabati din na tinatanguam at nginingitian ko. Pero agad naman ako napasimangot ng makasalubong ko si Aiden na masayang kasama si miss Solene.

"Oh, hi Raith!" Sigaw nito at ngumiti ng malapad.

Hindi naman nakatakas sa mata ko kung paano ako irapan ng Guro sa likuran nito. Tangina talagang babae 'to kung anong kalandian sa katawan ang ginagawa at idadamay pa ako sa nakakamatay na tingin ng guro sa likuran.

Napakurap kurap naman ako ng ngumiti ito kay Aiden ng tumingin si Aiden sakaniya, ang ganda niya. Pero mas maganda yung masungit na guro sa loob opesina nito ngayon-

"Stop staring to Ms. Adler like thay Solene!" Inis na boses na nasa likuran ko na nagpa estatwa ulit sa kinatatayuan ko.

Hito nanaman ang puso ko na hindi alam ang gagawin, maging ang kamay ko ay namamawis ng malamig ang paa ko na hindi makaalis sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon.

Samantalang ang babaing may gawa nito saakin ay normal na nakatayo ngayon sa gilid mo at nakikipagsukatan ng tingin kay Ms. Solene at Aiden na masa ding nakatingin sakaniya.

Nakakahilo sila, aalis na sana ako pero dalawang kamay ang humila saakin. Akala ko si Aiden lang pero hindi. May dalawang kamay pa ang humila saakin. Si Ms. Solene At Ms. Cervantes. Na masama pa ring nakatingin sa isa't isa.

"Mga ma'am chill lang, hindi naman tatakas si Raith eh." Nakasimangot na sabi ni Aiden at umirap sa dalawa na inirapan din siya.

What happened? Is this two fighting using their minds or what? Tangina bakit ako pa napagtripan nila. Hindi ba sila naawa sakin? Ang sakit ng kamay nilang nakakapit sakin.

Napansin seguro ni Aiden na nasasaktan na ako kaya siya na ang kumuha ng dalawang kamay ng guro at hinila ako patalikod sakaniya.

I even saw Ms. Cervantes spray some alcohol to her hand that holding mind kanina. Hindi ko alam kung bakit biglang sumikdo ng masakit ang puso ko eh normal lang naman na nag aalcohol siya kapag may nahahawakan siyang hindi niya gusto. And i am one of that things that she doesn't want.

"Puntahan mo na sila Elijah, kanina ka pa nila hinihintay gutom na yung mga yun." Malambing na sabi ni Aiden at ngumiti saakin.

I smiled back at yumuko sa dalawang propesor para magbigay galang sakanila at agad na umalis.

Napahawak ako sa dibdib mo sa biglang pagsakit nito, hanggang ngayon ay iba pa rin ang t***k niya na parang tinutusok.

Umiling iling ako para baliwalain ito, pero tangina ang liit lang na ginawa nong Ms. Cervantes na iyon ay nasaktan agad ako ng hindi ko alam.

"Tumigil kanga Laperal!"

"Hindi ka lang pinansin ganyan kana? Ayaw mo na ba saakin? Nakakainis kana baby." Madramang sagot ni Elijah kay Hailey na masama na siyang tinitignan.

Hito nanaman sila sa pag aasaran nila, tapos magpipikunan. Umupi ako sa tabi ni Elijah na ikinasimangot ni Hailey.

Alam ko namang gusto niya ako katabi kasi tinatamad na ako umikot para makatabi siya. At isa kanina pa ako ginugutom, epal kasi ni Ms. Cervantes at ang kagandahan niya eh.

Umirap si Hailey kay Elijah na ikinatawa nito bago tumingin sa likod.

"Cervantes." Buling nito na ikinakunot noo ko.

Doon ko lang nakita na nandito pala si Ms. Cervantes kasama si Aiden, Ms. Solene at iyong dalawa pang nagagandahang propesor na hindi ko kilala.

Sa lahat silang nasa mesa ay ang tatlo lang ang panay talak ng talak. Kasi obvious naman sa dalawa na parang may tension sa pamamagitan nila. Ni magtinginan ay hindi nila magawa dahil sa kasungitan sa katawan.

"Ang ganda sana ng Cervantes, kaso pass." Bulong ni Hailey at humigop sa kaping binili niya.

"What do you mean?" Takang tanong ko na ikinangisi ng katabi ko.

Huh? Wala namang nakakatawa sa tanong ko auh. Umirap ako kay Elijah ng tumawa ito na sinabayan naman ni Hailey.

"What!?" Inis kong tanong.

"First time mo ma curious. Ang nakakabahala sa mga Cervantes pa." Ngisi nito. "Eh diba fiance ni pinsan mo Cervantes?" Tanong nito na ikinailing ko.

The hell?

"Oo, Cervantes yung fiancee ng pinsan mo." Sagot naman ni Elijah dahil nakakunot na dalaga ang noo ko.

Tumawa ulit ang dalawa at nagtaas ng kilay saakin at tumingin sa kabilang mesa na ang isang propesor ay nakatingin din saamin.

Napahigit ako ng hininga dahil sa pag salubong ng Kayumangi nitong mga mata saakin. Para ako nitong kinokontrol. Buti nalang at ginagagu pa ako ng dalawa kaya nakabawi ako kaagad.

Cervantes? Not even ring a bell on me. Ano ba meron sakanila at parang naging interesado ako.

"Road way tayo maya. Sirado kasi resto ni tito hindi tayo makakalibre ng inomin." Sabi ni Elijah na sinang ayunan ni Hailey.

Iinom nanaman sila.

Pero bumabagabag talaga sa isip ko ang Cervantes. So Cervantes din si Aiden? So kaano ano niya si Ms. Cervantes?

Napahinga ako ng malalim na ikinataka ng dalawa at tinaasan pa ako ng kilay pero kalaunan ay natawa.

"Ang cute mo pala ma curious Buwan." Tawa ni Elijah at tumingin sa kabilang mesa.

Pero ayaw ko na tumingin doon, nakakatakot salubungin ang magaganda niyang mata na kayang pahintuin ang aking paghinha.

Arghhh!

"Kung anong ikinayaman ng mga Allegre ay mas mayaman sila. Kaya nilang kunin ang ano mang gusto nila kung gugustuhin nila." Sabi ni Elijah at ngumiti ng pilit saakin.

Oh ngayon siya na ang gagu. Tumingin ako kay Hailey na iniinom na ang binili kung kape. Gagu. Talaga ayaw bumilo ng sakaniya at ang sakin ang pinakialaman.

"They also owned tha La Celestial Mancha, na palagi mong tinatamabayan kapag nangangabayo ka." Sabi nito na ikinalaki ng mata ko.

Tumawa naman ang dalawa at hindi makapaniwala akong tinignan.

"Putangina buwan, four years of horse riding on that place. But you didn't know who's the owner? You're insane gosh. All people in this country know that place as number one famous horse riding, and one of the best traveling place." Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Hailey na ikinasama ko.

Paki ko ba na hindi ako chismosa? As what they say. First time nila ako makitang curious, kasi never naman ako nagtanong ng kung ano-ano now lang talaga.

Umirap ako sakanila at inisip ang sinabi ni Hailey. La Celestial Mancha.

Yan ang palagi kong pinupuntahan para mag horse riding, maganda ang tanawin at masaya ang makipaglaro sa kabayo. Bonding din namin ng pinsan ko ang palaging pumunta doon.

In fact si ate ang nag ayaw sa pinsan ko, at ang pinsan ko nag aya sakin na mag horse riding sa lugar na iyon, wala naman talaga ako kaalam alam sa lugar na iyon dahil mas ginugusto kong tumambay sa Los Sona Adrade ang tinatambayan namin ni lolo para mag laro ng karera ng kabayo niya.

Nang malaman ng pinsan ko na mahilig din ako sa kabayo ay kaagad ako nitong inaya sa parati nilang pinupuntahan ni ate. Wala na raw kasi siyang kasamang pumunta doon dahil umalis na si ate ng oras na iyon.

"Sa Road way mamaya ah. Susunduin kita buwan, alam kong tatakasan mo nanaman kami." Pahabol ni hailey.

I'm not fun of bar hoping, hindi ko alam. I find it crowded. Ay tanga crowded naman talaga. Basta ang ingay kasi sa loob, i want peaceful place.

Pero mukhang ngayong gabi hindi ako makakatakas sa dalawang kumag dahil susunduin pa talaga ako.

Last subject nalang naman sa ngayon at plano kong umuwi sa bahay para kamustahin si mama. At makipaggaguhan kay ate na kakarating lang din.

"Free ka diba?" Biglang sulpot ni Aiden na ikinagulat ko. "Sorry." Sabi nito na may ngisi sa labi.

Ang ganda niyang ngumiti, pero ang sarapa niyang ibalibag sa ngayon dahil sa pag gulat saakin.

I forgot, umoo din pala ako sakaniya kaninang umaga. Napahinga ako ng malalim bago nagsabing oo.

Unahin ko muna siya, mamayang gabi pa naman ang inuman nila. Oo nila, hindi ako kasama kasi alam kong tig bantay lang naman ako ulit ng katarantaduhan nilang dalawa. Mga tarantado talaga sila eh.

"Ang galing mo makipag debate kanina auh." Puri nito saakin na ikinainit ng pisnge ko.

Matalino din naman si Aiden, kaso in a cold way yung pag iinteract niya sa mga prof namin. Minsan nga natutulog lang klase. Pero hinahayaan siya ng mga guro. All her quizzes got an perfect score as always naman. Kaya hinahayaan na minsan ng mga teacher.

"Tara, sa Aristocrat tayo kumain." Sabi nito na ikinatigil ko.

Tarantada ba 'to, ang mahal kaya kumain doon. Tapos doon niya ako dadalhin? Uuwi nalang ako kung ganun.

"Hey. Tara na, libre ko naman." Sabi nito na ikinailing ko.

"Ang mahal dun Aiden jusko." Hindi makapaniwalang sagot ko.

She stared at me in amusement, na agad naman ikinatawa nito. Anong nakakatawa? Totoo naman kasing mahal doon.

"It's all me Raith. Tsaka kilala ko mag ari doon. Tara?" Tanong dito.

Nag aalangan pa ako kung sasama pa ba ako. Pero no choice kaya sumakay na ako sa kotse nito.

Bigla namang umilaw ang cp ko seguro nagchat ang mga damuho.

Tressmis

Haileysex addict:

Asan na kayo!? Lima na nakahalikan ko dito pero wala pa kayo!

Elijahindot:

Walang hiya, magseen ka

Buwan nandito ako sa

Condo mo!

Haileysex addict:

Nugagawen?

Elijahindot:

Tamaccana bakla.

Raith Runner:

Kasama ko pa si Aiden,

kakain muna kami.

Haileysex addict:

K. Hanap ako new bestty.

Elijahindot:

??.

Natawa ako sa nga reaction nila na ikinakunot ni Aiden habang nasa daan pa rin ang tingin.

"What?" Tanong nito saakin pero umiling lang ako.

In a quite road, nestled between rolling road and a glistening stars above, I found myself comfortable with her presence. She opened the door for me and i thank her warmly.

The restaurant was a hub for artists, writers, and thinkers, a place where ideas freely floated in the air, waiting to be exchanged. As I sat there waiting for our orders, I approached Aiden, and without hesitation, she smiled warmly and asked if i am ok, and i nod. Intrigued, I smiled at her.

As we began to talk about our lives, we realized our perspectives on life were vastly different. Aidem was a firm believer in seizing the day, living in the moment, and finding joy in the simplest of things. Her journey had taught her that happiness lay in appreciating the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

On the other hand, I, with my roots anchored deep in tradition and responsibility, valued foresight and planning. I found comfort in knowing that I was prepared for whatever life might throw my way. To me, life was a canvas where every decision contributed to a grand masterpiece, and each brushstroke represented a part of my journey.

We engaged in a friendly talk, neither trying to convince the other to change their view, but rather to learn and appreciate the beauty of different perspectives. As the night began to set, casting a golden glow over our table, Aiden shared a story of an encounter she had during her childhood.

"I once met an beautiful girl in La celestial Mancha," she began, "Her eyes sparkled with wisdom, and her face told tales of a lifetime of experiences. She told me that life was like a kaleidoscope, with each turn, the patterns shifted, colors intertwined, and new beauty emerged."