Bleeding Heart still Pounds

Achievements together

"Uhm,"

I did not know how to respond from what he said earlier. I had no plans na sagutin sya agad-agad. We need more time to know more about each other. Well, I liked him a lot but I'm afraid that our relationship wouldn't last if we rush things. I decided na sa July 31 ko sya sasagutin para seven months lang kami magmomonthsarry. I had to stick in my plans. Sapat na rin iyong panahon para matest ko kung hanggang kailan nya kayang mag-intay para sa'kin.

"Kaya kong maghintay ng matagal Ash." he smile when he saw that I'm getting uneasy now.

My mind and my heart were at peace after hearing what he said. I took off my school uniform as soon as arrived home. After that, I wore my panjamas and a light shirt, ready to sleep now.

My sleep was so peaceful so when I woke up the next day, I was in the good mood. I did my morning care routine and after that, I'm ready to go to school.

"Good morning." I greet Ate Maxine when I saw her getting mug on the kitchen. Magtitimpla siguro sya ng kape.

"Walang good sa morning." she answered without looking at me.

She was in a bad mood now huh? Poor her! Buti na lang, good mood ako ngayon. Thanks to my sweet dream!

"Ma, card giving na nga pala sa Thursday or Friday. Hindi pa sure iyon. Balitaan ko na lang kayo kapag may announcement na!" I shouted so that my mother can hear it from the kitchen.

I did not wait for her response because I'll gonna be late in school.

"Good morning." gwapong nilalang agad ang bumungad sa'kin pagkarating ko sa classroom.

"Good morning din." I answered so happily.

He smiled back while scanning my face. I got a little coscious of his stare so I refused to looked directly in his eyes.

"Quit staring." napapa-english na ako rito dahil sa pagkairita.

"Okay, sa isang kondisyon." his eyes were still into me.

"Ano 'yon?" I asked, getting irritated now.

"Stop being so cute. I don't like other boys glancing at you whenever I'm not around."

My lips parted after realizing what he said. Did he just called me cute? Well, I'm used to it naman because Jake always saying that I'm the real definition of cute but hearing it from Aldwin makes a lot of difference.

Also, I was really amazed remembering how good he was in speaking in English. It wasn't his first languange but it look like it his. He was kind of fluent in speaking in English. How talented of him! Kaya gusto ko sya e!

Tuesday had passed but I still have energy when I arrived home. I'm not really tired because some of our subject teachers did not attend in our class. They were all busy making our grades. I slept so early when I felt that my body was giving in. Wala naman kaming masyadong ginawa pero pakiramdam ko'y pagod na pagod na ako. Nasa highschool pa lang ako pero pagod na pagod na ang katawan at utak ko. Paano pa kaya kapag nagcollege na ako? Edi mas lalo na!

"Gawa na ang grades nyo. Sa Friday na ang card giving so pakisabihan na lang ang mga parents nyo para maka-attend sila."

Wednesday, the day when Ma'am Cortez wake up some of my classmates because of her announcements. Umalis na rin sya kaagad dahil magpiprint pa raw sya ng mga certificates ng perfect attendance at with honors.

"Sinong aattend sa'yo sa Friday?" I asked Aldwin.

We are sitting on the floor, only me and him. This time, 'yung ulo ko naman 'yung nakasandal sa balikat nya. He was also playing with my hands and fingers. Sinusukat nya ang kamay naming dalawa. Pinagkukumpara nya kung kaninong kamay ang mas malaki. Later on, he touch my ring finger, still playing with my hands.

"Sinong aattend sa'yo sa Friday?" I asked again when he did not answer me.

"Anong size ng ring finger mo? Bibilhan kita ng singsing." he said, obusely changing the topic.

"Sinong aattend sa'yo sa Friday?" I asked again, getting a little angry now because he keeps on refusing to answer my question.

He sighed heavily, accepting his defeat now. He probably knew that I won't stop until I heard an answer from him.

"Wala." he answered shortly.

"Wala? Anong wala? Bakit wala? Eh 'yung Ate mo? O kaya 'yung Kuya mo. Or 'yung Ninang mo... or lola ba 'yon? Basta, 'yung nagdala sa'yo ng white shoes mo." my brows furrowed, questioning myself if I say it correctly. "Or 'yung Papa mo?" I awkwardly smiled after seeing how his mood suddenly changed.

"Hindi pupunta si Papa dahil alam nya na mababa ang grades ko. Pupunitin nya lang ang card ko kapag nakita nya na napapabayaan ko na ang pag-aaral ko." he started to lose interest about the topic.

"Ang lupit naman ng erpats mo. Ang scary." inalis ko ang ulo sa balikat ni Aldwin. I make a scary expression on my face.

For some reason, I felt bad for Aldwin. I never imagined myself experiencing that kind of situation. He don't have his father's support in reaching his dream of playing in PBA. His father thought that his son wouldn't graduate in highschool just because Aldwin focused more on playing basketball than his study. Aldwin's father doesn't trusting his son. That thoughts make me want to pity Aldwin even more. How I wish, Aldwin achieve an achievement so that his father will get proud of him.

"With Honors, Alistair Dwin Austria." Ma'am Cortez called while handing the certificate to Aldwin.

That time, I can't help but to clapped my hands as if I am playing a supportive girlfriend role. I was just happy knowing that I am not actually prayed for it but God make a way so that Aldwin and his father be in good terms now. And the fact that Aldwin's father attend the card giving today makes me want to cry out of joy.

"Hello po Tito Gil." Tyron and Ren greet Aldwin's father here in the corridor.

Tito Gil just nod to them before he fixed his eyes to his son. He stared in Aldwin's card with a small eyes and strict look in his face.

"I'm sorry Pa, may isa akong line of 8." Aldwin said wearing his apologetic eyes. He looked down for a while.

Tito Gil's brow furrowed. Meanwhile, a smile slowly crept in his lips.

"Bakit ka nagsosorry? Ang tataas ng grades mo. Kailangan nating icelebrate ito." Tito Gil voice suddenly went happy and proud for his son.

"Po?" Aldwin slowly looked to his father.

"Good job 'Nak." Tito Gil tapped his son's shoulder.

Aldwin slowly break in tears after hearing what his father said.

"Ashley, it's so rude to eavesdrop to their conversation." my Mom suddenly pulled me away from Aldwin and Tito Gil.

Nagpatianod na lang ako sa hila nya dahil tama naman sya. It was so rude to eavesdrop to other's conversation.

" 'Nak, ang tataas ng grades mo ah!" my Mom commented while taking a picture of my card. With Honors din ako kaya't pinipicturan nya rin ang certificate ko.

"Sa'n mo gustong kumain 'Nak? Jollibee o Mcdonalds?" my Mom asked.

"Di na kailangan Ma. Busog pa ako." I refused.

"Ok sige. Aalis na ako. Maggogrocery pa ako e. Good job 'Nak." my Mom gave a peck of kiss in my cheek.

Saktong pag-alis ni Mama ay sya namang paglapit ni Aldwin sa'kin.

"Congratulations Babe." he proudly said.

"Congratulations din Babe." I smiled and then I gave him a quick hug.

"Picture tayo?" itinaas nya ang kanyang cellphone. Hinila nya rin si Ren papunta sa'min para maging photographer namin.

"1, 2, 3 smile!" Ren counted and then he took a photo of us. Nakaakbay sa'kin si Aldwin habang pinapakita ang certificate na aming naachieve.

"Salamat p're." Aldwin said to Ren while getting his cellphone out of Ren's hand.

"Your welcome p're." Ren answered and then he leave me with Aldwin.

I watched Aldwin as he upload our picture in f*******: with a caption 'another achievement for the both of us'. Itinag nya ako so nagreact ako ng love dito. Aldwin also set our picture as a wallpaper of his cellphone. Ganoon rin naman ang ginawa ko.

"I want to be successful with you." he looked at me with so much adoration, affection and determination in his eyes.

"I love you Ash."

My heart race so fast after hearing what he said. Did he just said that he loves me? Is it really possible that he was inlove with me in just a short period of time? I mean, gusto nya lang naman ako noon pero bakit mahal na nya ako ngayon? At bakit pakiramdam ko'y mahal ko na rin sya sa napakaikling panahon?

"I love you too." I bit my lower lip.

I went straight home after the card giving. I wore my pink panjamas and white sando. Before I go to bed, I drink my milk so that I can sleep quickly. Nakapagbilang na yata ako ng maraming tupa pero hindi pa rin ako nakakatulog.

Kinuha ko na lang ang cellphone ko para magscroll sa f*******:. I smiled when I saw that some of Aldwin's relatives commented on our photos together. They always commented that Aldwin and I were match for each other. Nagcomment din ang mga kaibigan ni Aldwin at ang mga kaibigan ko. Salamat naman at puro positive ang mga comments. Aldwin wasn't online tonight so I decided na tawagan si Jake. Good thing is online sya so nagriring na 'yung call.

[Offline ang bebe mo kaya't tinatawagan mo ako ngayon. Sige, gawin mo na akong option. Ganyan ka naman lagi.]

My brows furrowed when I heard his voice on the other line.

"Oy, anong drama 'yan?" I laughed.

[Hahaha. Wala lang. Umaakting lang ako. May balak kasi akong mag-artista.]

"Joke ba 'yan?" I can't help but to laugh.

[Hindi. Maga-artista talaga ako.] his voice was so confident.

"Maiba ako, kumain ka na?"

[Luh. Pafall.] tawa sya ng tawa sa kabilang linya.

"Alam mo, ang ayos mong kausap. Bye na nga." I ended the call without waiting for his answer.

When I woke up the next day, I'm in a bad mood. Thank God, there's no classes today. Nasa bahay lang ako buong araw hanggang sa sumapit ang araw ng Linggo. When the Monday came, I was already in good mood. Syempre, makikita ko na si Aldwin e.

"Having you near me, holding you near me, I want you to stay and never go away~~~~~~" Aldwin sang.

I smiled so wide when I heard his voice. Fan pala sya ng Air supply.

"I want you." I said so everyone looked at me as soon as I entered the classroom.

"Ano 'to? The Voice?" Jake laugh.

"Epal." I rolled my eyes to him.

"Good morning Babe." Aldwin get my bag from my hands.

Sasagutin ko na sana sya pero nagsalita na naman si Jake.

"Babe? Mag-on na ba kayong dalawa? Ashley, sinagot mo na ba itong si Aldwin?" Jake interrogate me.

"Bakit ang dami mong tanong?" my brows furrowed as a sign of irritation.

"Curious lang." Jake smile.

"Baka chismoso lang." I corrected.

All of us go back in our proper seat when Ma'am Cortez came. Our first class was Filipino while our second class was AP. Exactly 9:15 A.M. when our second class dismissed.

I was so tired so I stayed in the classroom. I didn't bother to buy food in the canteen. I just don't feel like eating anything. I want to sleep even if just a while.

My dreams easily disappered when someone shakes my body gently. I slowly looked up just to scold that person for disturbing my sleep.

"Ano ba? Istorbo ka naman. Natutulog 'yung tao e." I bit my lower lip when I saw Aldwin standing infront of my seat.

"Tao ka pala? Di ako nainform." he laugh so loud.

I rolled my eyes while making my hair in a messy bun. I make a 'pissed' expression on my face because he disturb my sleep. I looked at him again. He was still laughing at me so I started to get irritated now.

"Panget mo." I pointed to his f*****g face.

He smirk again, this time it was so playful.

"Kung panget ako, bakit ka nagkagusto sa'kin?" he brought his face closer to mine. Damn!! Alistair Dwin Austria, you are making my heart beats so damn fast! Sana aware ka!

"Cupid has something to do with this matter." I gently pushed him away just to calm my heart.

Aldwin laugh again as if I looked like a clown to him.

"Sinisi mo pa talaga si kupido. Ayaw mo na lang aminin na nalove at first sight ka sa'kin." he was so full of hisself. The guts of this guy was really unbelievable.

"Sa tanang buhay ko, hindi pa ako naiinlove sa unang kita ko pa lang sa tao." that was the reason why I am so proud of myself. For me, personality matters the most than looks.

My brow furrowed when Aldwin start turning his back from me. To prevent him from leaving, I hold his wrist to asked where is he going.

"Sa'n ka pupunta?" I looked down, feeling a little shy now that my hands were holding his wrist. I slowly removed my hand from holding

"Di'ba sabi mo hindi ka naniniwala sa love at first sight?" he asked again.

"Oo. Hindi nga ako naniniwala. Eh ano naman sa'yo?" I can't look at him in the eye because of the embarassment happened earlier. I shouldn't hold his wrist. It just make the atmosphere awkward for the both of us.

"Dadaan ulit ako sa harap mo para maniwala ka na ang love at first sight ay totoo." he seems so serious.

"Enough na nga. Ayoko na." I hold my stomach to prevent myself to laugh too much. God! Aldwin was really determined to make me believe in love at first sight.

Aldwin stopped talking and then he reached for my hands. He gave me a three rebisco and a zesto. My brows furrowed as I looked at the biscuit that he bought for me.

"Ang dami naman nito. Bakit tatlo?" I asked calmly.

"Tatlo kasi i love you." he smiled so sweetly to me.

I lightly punch him on his chest because of romantic excitement that I am feeling right now. Aldwin dramatically hold his chest while faking his tears.

"Masaket? Sorry." I laugh while caressing his chest.

"Luh, para-paraan. Chansing sya oh! Haha." he laugh again.

I gently pushed him away while rolling my eyes. I opened my rebisco and start to chew it. Aldwin was staring at me so I had to share my food to him.

"Gusto mo?" I asked him first.

"Ayoko. Binili ko 'yan para sa'yo e." he shook his head as an answer.

I'm not contented that I am the only one eating here. Kinuha ko ang biscuit at tinapat sa bibig ni Aldwin para subuan sya. I know that we are displaying affection but I don't care anymore.

Aldwin continue to shook his head so I said that I am mad now.

"Pasalamat ka mahal kita." he let out a sigh before he open his mouth. I smiled as a victory as he chewed the biscuit.

"Luh, ang landi." Angel said in disgust, probably envying me and Aldwin as a couple.

"Luh, inggitera." I laugh too loud probably to pissed Angel off. She was so excited to have a boyfriend but unfortunately, no one came yet. Baka naman otw na or natraffic 'yung lalaking para sa kanya. No one knows.

Angel walked out while saluting her middle finger to me. Ayos talaga!

"Luh..." Aldwin said out of the blue.

"Anong sabi mo?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Luhbyu. Yie, kileg." he teased me. Parang tanga talaga!

When the class dismissed, Aldwin and I went home together. We rode the same jeepney and he walked me home. The next morning, he was waiting for me at the gate of the school. Sabay kaming pumapasok at sabay ding umuuwi. Ganoon palagi ang nangyayari.

Aldwin and I need to focused on our studies so we rarely hangout. We just eat lunch together at the back of our school. We are loaded of school works so we least spend time for each other. Nadedepressed na nga ako at alam kong ganoon din sya. However, we managed to remind each other to prior our health than our studies.

A stressing hell week was finally over. It was Friday when I decided to sleep late. Wala namang pasok bukas kaya't ayos lamang kapag nagpuyat ako.

I quickly logged in to my messenger account just to see if Aldwin was online but unfortunately he wasn't. He was active one day ago. Natulog na rin ako dahil hindi naman sya online. The reason why I wanted to logged in to my messenger account was because I wanted to communicate with him. Malas ko nga lang ngayon dahil offline ang status nya.

The next morning, Mom ordered me to go grocery shopping. I'm still sleepy and tired but I had no choice but to obeyed her. I took a bath and wore a crop topped maroon shirt and a high waisted pants partnered with white sneakers. Hinayaan ko na lang na nakalugay ang buhok ko.

"Ma, bakit ang haba ng listahan? Ang dami ko namang bibilhin." I scratched my head a little, getting frustrated now.

" 'Wag ka ng magreklamo Ash. Marami akong lulutuin dahil maraming pupunta mamaya sa bahay natin." Mom hand me her card.

My brows furrowed in confusion. Why the hell Mom cooked so many dishes? And what's today's occassion that makes many people visit our house?

I was about to asked Mom but she pushed me away from the house as if she doesn's want me there. Ugh, what the hell?! Why does it feel like something will happen later? And why does it feel like I will have a big participation about that matter?! At bakit ako ang inutusan ni Mama na maggrocery?! Goodness gracious! This was so strange.

I rode a jeepney to dropped on the nearby supermarket. I logged in to my f*******: account while waiting for the jeepney to stopped at the puregold.

My cellphone beep over and over again when I successfully logged in to my account. My eyes were so wide when some of my friends posted on my timeline.

"f**k! Today was third day of July. It was my f*****g birthday." I whispered to myself.

My friends greet me a happy birthday. My family and relatives also greet me. Aldwin's friends also posted on my timeline, greeting me a happy birthday. Almost all of the person I know greet me a happy birthday but the person that I expected to greet me first did not even know that today was my birthday. Damn! How can he forget my birthday?! The thought of that makes me really upset.

"Bayad po." the voice seems so familiar.

I looked at the person who speak a minute ago. I get the coins from his hand and then I passed it to the person next to me.

"Uy! Birthday girl! Happy birthday!" Jake sat beside me. He was wearing a black skinny jeans, white loose shirt, white sneakers and a smart watch on his left wrist. His voice was so energetic, the reason why some passengers shifted their eyes on us.

"Tumahimik ka nga. Ang ingay mo." I rolled his eyes.

"Luh? Bakit badmood ka?" he keeps on poking me so I became more irritated.

"Nakalimutan ni Aldwin na birthday ko ngayon." I made a sad face.

"Belat nga. Haha." he laugh while pointing at my face.

I ignore his presence the whole ride. He was just making me pissed and I f*****g hate it. I dropped of the jeepney when it stopped in front of the puregold. Jake was following me but I completely ignore his presence.

I bought the things that my Mom wanted me to buy. After that, I paid the groceries on the counter.

"Ako na dyan." Jake stole the grocery bags from my hands.

"Ako na." I get it out of his hand.

Jake get the paperbag from my hand again. I glared at him as a sign that there's no need to help me.

"Oh, Ashley and Jake. We see each other again." Ate Eva which is Aldwin's sister recognized me. She was wearing a yellow squareneck top, highwaisted pants with a designer belt, and a white sneakers.

"Uh, hello po." I smiled awkwardly.

"Hello po." Jake also greet her.

"Oh, by the way, happy birthday. To be followed na lang 'yung gift ko, is that alright?"

I left speechless as soon as she greet me. How come that Ate Eva remember my birthday but her younger brother forgot it?! Damn Aldwin! You are driving me insane! Why did you forgot my birthday?!

"Oh no! Why are you crying? Are you mad that I don't have any gift for you? If that the case, do not worry. I'll buy a gift for yo----"

"Naku, hindi po sa gano'n 'yon. Hehe." Jake cut her off because Ate Eva misinterpret me.

Ate Eva keeps on comforting me. She just stopped when Jake said that we will be off now.

"Do not cry birthday girl. You should be happy." that was the last words that I heard from Ate Eva.

I was silent while riding the jeepney. When we dropped infront of our house, Jake stopped just to wipe my tears.

"Tumahan ka na. Baka sabihin nila, inaaway kita." I thought, Jake was worried about me but he was just worried about his reputation. That is what I see.

"Ssh, 'wag ka ng umiyak. Sige ka, papangit ka nyan." he became serious now. He wipe my tears while giving me a grocery bag. Hindi nya kayang bitbitin ang mga grocery bag dahil sobrang dami kong pinamili.

Out of pity, I get the grocery bag from his hand. Jake has a hard time carrying all the grocery bags but he managed to carried it until we reached the house.

I lose my grip on the grocery bag when I saw bunch of people wearing a party hats. As soon as I entered our house, my family and friends sang a birthday song for me. Jake also sang as if he knew that my family will throw a surprise birthday party for me. The decorations was simple yet it was so beautiful. There was a giant number '13' rosegold balloons. There was also a 'happy birthday' rosegold letter balloons. Rosegold balloons are accumulated up in the ceiling. Balloons are every corner of the house.

I felt my tears at the corner of my eyes. I slightly looked upwards to stopped my tears from falling it.

After they sang, Aldwin went near me while holding a cake.

"Happy Birthday Babe." Aldwin gave me a peck of kiss on my cheek. Parang beso, ganoon.

My tears continue to fall down from my eyes.

"Bakit ka naiyak?" Aldwin asked but he was laughing a little. Para bang alam nya kung bakit ako naluluha ng ganito.

"Nakakainis ka." I gave him a lightly punch in his chest.

"Ouch. Ba't nananakit ka? Inaano kita?" he asked, laughing again.

"Akala ko nakalimutan mo ang birthday ko. I hate you." I continue to give a light punch on his chest.

In a while, he gave the cake to Jake. Sa una ay nagreklamo si Jake pero kinuha nya rin ang cake sa huli. Aldwin wipe my tears. He pulled me closer to him and he hugged me so tight, just enough for me to breathe.

"Paano ko naman makakalimutan ang birthday ng babe ko?" he rubbed my back so I cried even more.

"I hate you." I said over and over again while tears continue to fall from my eyes.

"I feel the opposite babe. I love you birthday girl, not only today but for everyday." he kissed my forehead and then he gave me a warm hug.

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