A Lifetime with You

CHAPTER 1 & 2 Witches and wizards were viewed as practitioners of the dark arts. Simula pa lamang ng panahon, nag-exist na ang mga kagaya namin. We’re called witches, wizards, and sorcerers/sorceresses. Allow me to give you a history class about our race. It all started with Hecate, the Greek goddess of Witchcraft and Sorcery. She was revered by many as the most powerful witch that has walked the Earth. She taught a select few the secrets and talent that is witchcraft and sorcery. And they became the first witches and wizards. Many had thought that you have to join a cult to become a witch. But, Hecate wanted to assure that their destinies will be set in stone. She infused her spell, her very soul at that, in the very being of those who were gifted with sorcery.   In other words, sorcery became hereditary.   When she decided to dwell in the Spirit Dimension, or in Mount Olympus, she took a part of her soul, merged it with someone she viewed as her successor, and who was destined to be her living heir. And we call that person the ‘Prime’.   For you to be recognized as the Prime, you must be able to perform the Sacred Flairs without passing out due to exhaustion and you must also safely and successfully perform Flera Resurgia or Resurgence.   The Sacred Flairs are the most complex magical abilities that the One must be able to master. Psycho-kinesis – the power of the mind. This particular Flair is divided into two. Mainly, telepathy and telekinesis, the power to read minds and move things with the mind respectively. Divination – is the ability to ‘read the stars’ or predict the future. You must be able to dwell into the cosmos for one to prophesize. Teleportation/Transmutation. It’s pretty much self-explanatory. Ability to transmute yourself into a different point in the physical realm. Only the Prime can transport/transmute himself/herself to and from the spirit realm because to do so requires the highest level of spirituality.  Medication and Purification – to heal and purify the tainted souls. Most witches are master ‘botanical chemists’ because it’s not only a delicate Flair but it is also a scientific one. Levitation – it’s an exceptionally tricky Flair. It demands the greatest level of concentration. It’s the ability to fly without the aid of a broom or an Animal Guide. Most animal guides are giant eagles or hawks.  Elemental Manipulation – to influence any element at will to a certain extent. Fire, water, earth, and air are common elements. Advance ones such as electricity, magma, lava, thunder, and lightning, etc., require mastery.  Shapeshifting – the ability to transform into one’s animal spirit. One who mastered this Flair is called a Maledictus.  Verum non Indicavit – the ability to use the 'Sight'. Sight is the ability to see the truth. This Flair is particularly difficult to master because you need to have experienced great pain and tragedy to successfully use it.  Vitalis Sacrificium – the Flair that restores the health of any individual. It can return the life of any dead individual but that person who died can only be treated with this Flair if his/her soul is still around. This is similarly dangerous to resurgence. An eighth the conductor’s soul will be transferred to the patient. The conductor may draw the life force from other sources but his soul will be the sole benefactor of the recipient.  Transferability – the ability to transfer any talent/flair to another. Resurgence – the ability to resurrect. Kahit sinong witch na may sapat na kakayahan at karunungan ay kayang gawin ang walo pang mga Flair. Pero, tanging ang Prime lang ang may kakayahang gamitin ang resurgence.    Our secret must be kept in complete confidentiality kasi kung hindi maaari kaming ipapatay. The existence of witches and wizards should be kept a secret because we do not want anything terrible to happen similar to the Salem Witch Trials. Tituba, the Caribbean Witch, was a Master Voodooist. She came from a two-thousand-year-old line of shamans and necromancers. She was the one who gifted those girls with her magic to help her end discrimination against the black race and their liberation from s*****y. But, despite their combined efforts, they couldn’t end it. Witch-skinned witches continued to demoralize the Black-skinned witches who ultimately started the pointless war between the Blacks and the Whites.   Damn the racists!   One black-skinned voodooist, in particular, Marie Laveau, Queen of the Voodooists, aided many with her abilities. She helped those in need of assistance; black or white. During her time, she made a pact or a truce with the then Prime, Elphaba Green, that no witches of white ethnicity will cross over the lines of New Orleans and any other state of America and vice versa without an acceptable reason, thus, postponing the war. Witchcraft started in the Philippines way back before the time of Lapu-Lapu’s rebel against the Spaniards. They were called the Babaylans or Shamans. They were the first ones to master the subtle art of necromancy. Males who display talents similar to the Babaylans are considered Albolaroyos or Healers. Only women are revered as babaylans. Voodoo reached the Philippines, but most practitioners of this craft purposely harm others. They’re called Mambabarangs. They imbue their powers and immerse themselves with and in dark magic ultimately causing bodily harm to those they punish. The council of witches, who are composed of three elders, calls them to court and will be given the verdict. The most painful and devastating verdict they can be sentenced with is death by fire. They will be burnt in front of an audience of witches and wizards as a reminder for everyone.   It has been years since a mystic practitioner was burnt at the stake for committing heinous crimes. The last as I recall was MiMi Doloree, a former Prime, for murdering the then corrupt and lascivious elder wizard Rodulphus Del Ree. Though her actions were driven by the fact that he tried to r**e her daughter, she acted on animalistic behavior. She burned him to ashes and cursed his soul and sent it to his hell. But, some scholars believe that she cursed his soul to spend an eternity holding a chalice with just two fingers, if it falls. Torment will come to him.   MiMi knew the gravity of harming another mystical practitioner. The council of elders tried to persuade from burning herself. But, no. Hindi natinag ang desisyon ni Prima MiMi. She gave way to her son, Evan Doloree, could rise as the first openly gay Prime. With her death, Evan Doloree ruled with an iron hand. He inforced rules with unclouded eyes. During his last years, he instituted a holy practice known as the Scared Reveal. Through it, he was able to identify his successor, Mariposa Urdenta, the first Transwoman to rule as Prime. But, she disappeared after ten years giving rise to the bitchiest Prime ever, Sylvia Ordoveza.   It’s the year 2020, most mystic arts practitioners cannot be distinguished by merely looking at them. We’re pretty much ordinary to say the least. The novel depictions of the witches are undeniably hilarious.   You know, green skin, aquiline nose, curly hair, eerie laughter, pots, and such. It’s almost historically accurate kasi.   In our world, there are three minor categories of mystic arts branching from the most ancient and most sacred of all forms, voodoo. Voodooists were ranked as the most powerful mystical practitioners because they draw their magic from nature itself. Those who practice witchcraft (referred to as witches) are exclusively women; those who practice wizardry (referred to as wizards) are exclusively male and those who practice sorcery (referred to as sorcerers/sorceresses) are exclusively members of the l***q+. In our world, discrimination towards the l***q+ Community is grounds for humanization. The present Prime or any Queen along with the Council will strip the defendant of their powers, rendering him powerless, thus, making them humans.   By the way, I am Angel Villareal. Come join me on my journey as a young sorcerer.     Angel’s POV I cannot believe it. Andito ako ngayon sa gate ng prestihiyosong school na nandito sa San Jose; The College of Occidental Mindoro ay isang public educational institution that offers quality education for the Midorenos and Mangyans. Nakatatakot kumilos dito sa school na ‘to. Baka kasi may makahalata na isa akong salamangkero at alam n’yo na. I don’t want any terrible thing to happen similar to the Salem Witch Trials. Just so you know, every mystic arts practitioner is gifted with his/her/their/ unique gift. You can either be gifted with any of the flairs which are common except for Flera Resurgia or Resurgence that can only be performed by the present Prime, Slyvia Ordoveza.   Every single member of my kind hated her. She’s cruel and manipulative; a vain narcissist and an overall b***h.   Pagpasok ko sa paaralan, I was almost in awe dahil sa mga nakikita ko. This school is about half a hectare wide and in length. At in fairness, ako lang ata ang hindi kagwapuhan dito. I am openly gay but I know I have the looks naman. Sorry, nagbuhat ako ng bangko. Oh! Kanina pa pala ako dada ng dada dito tapos hindi ko man lang nagawang magpakilala. Ako nga pala si Angel Villareal, sixteen years old, Grade 11 – HUMSS. Kinakabahan ako dahil hindi ko ugaling makipagusap sa kung kanino kasi natatakot akong makipaghalubilo. Kahit kasi nasa probinsya kami, maraming mga judgmental dito sa amin. I usually sit at the back or the far left or right of the classroom. I avoid the middle kasi nahihiya talaga akong makipagusap. Mabuti na lamang at hapon ang first period ko dahil hindi pa daw fixed ang schedule ko. Itong paaralan na aking pinapasukan ay kilala sa kanilang striktong pamamaraan. It is known to be the best school for criminology and education in Occidental Mindoro; having been able to produce the most number of takers and passers. Pagkarating ko sa room, napansin kong wala pa masyadong tao. So, as expected, I sat at the back. A few minutes later, unti-unting napuno ang silid ng mga estudyanteng iba’t iba ang personalidad, ugali, at ang mga paniniwala sa buhay. “Hello! May nakaupo na ba dito?” Agad akong lumingon sa boses na aking narinig. Halos tumigil ang mundo ko ng masilayan ko ang napakagwapong mukha ng aking katabi. Ang bilis ng t***k ng puso ko. Nakakainis. Maghunos-dili ka! “H-ha?” “Meron bang nakaupo dito?” “W-wala… sige, upo ka.” With that he smiled at me. Shutaaaaa! Ang gwapo talaga! Matangkad, Moreno, matikas ang pangangatawan, mukhang matalino, matangos ang ilong at higit sa lahat nagtataglay ng napakamapangakit ng ngiti. “Ako nga pala si John Vic de Guzman. Ikaw?” He said as he extended his hand to me. I shook it and gosh! Ang lambot. Hinding hingi ko huhugasan ‘to. Before our scenario would become awkward, I let his hand go and answered: “Ako nga pala si Angel Villareal.” “Hello! Angel, kumusta ka?” His sweet, mildly deep voice sounded sexy and inviting to me. “Ayos lang naman ako. Ikaw?” “Ayos lang din. Uhm… anong strand mo?” “HUMSS. Pangarap ko kasi maging guro. Ikaw?” “HUMSS din. Gusto kong maging Guidance Counselor eh o ‘di kaya’y Social Worker.” I cannot help but feel amazed with the fact na para bang bumabagal ang oras. Jusme! Angel, magtigil ka! You just met at nagiging maharot kana. Our conversation was cut short as I felt a very intimidating presence in front. Nang tumama ang tingin naming dal’wa, agad akong napayuko. I know he’s a teacher. But, a human couldn’t radiate this kind of aura. It’s almost nauseating. “Okay, listen up!” A deep, intimidating yet inviting voice echoed throughout the room. As I scanned the room, all eyes were focused on him. He can’t be human, I am sure of it. He blabbered about the rules in the school and his rules in general. From his choice of words, stoic facial expression, and his…somehow… unyielding personality, I am sure that he isn’t the type that one should cross paths with. As he went about the essentials of the subjects he’ll be teaching us (which are Understanding the Self and Qualitative Research for HUMSS students), Sir Juan Danilo “Sir Dan” Rafael made sure that there is a certain type of order in his room. He stood almost as the doorway and possessed a body that could topple anyone. “I’d like to answer any questions.” He said while walking down the aisle. The room fell into a deep, eerie silence and only his footsteps were heard. Every thud seemed to cause the atmosphere to become heavy. Out of the blue, one hipster tried to make a point. “Sir, what’s two plus one?” The idiotic boy said and giggled after. At ang nakatatakot pa, s’ya lamang ang natatawa. I saw the glint of annoyance in the eyes of Sir Dan as he turned to him with a… well, scary would be an understatement, but yes… his stare was truly terrifying. He eyed the boy with a look of pure annoyance and malice, but his facial expression remained the same. Unyielding. “Are you that stupid to not know the sum of two integers?” “I was only joking, Sir.” “Is any member of this class amused with his joke?” None of us chose to answer. He kept on calling the boy names. By reading the boy’s aura, I knew he was mad and hurt. That does it! I cannot take this anymore. “Sir!” As the boy was about to cry, I had to step in. Once Sir Dan turned his direction to me, I felt an intimidating aura from him at hindi kayang mag-emit ng ganoong kalakas na aura ang isang mortal. He’s not human. “I know I shouldn’t do this but I don’t think it’s proper to call him names in front of the classroom. It’s just—’’ “Are you questioning my authority in my classroom?” He stepped closer towards and with that, I knew he wasn’t human. He’s a full-pledge wizard. I knew this feeling because this kind of power is something that an arising elder emits. But, generally, elders should be around thirty. Mukha kasi s’yang nasa twenties lang. “Merely your way of talking---’ “Sir, with due respect, maybe we should discuss this matter---” “I didn’t know that we have a lawyer here. Lumabas na kayong lahat; maliban sa’yo, Villareal.” Everyone did as they were told. I was surprised to see John Vic looking at me and said: “Hihintayin kita sa labas.” When he went out of the room, shutting the door, an audio-repelling spell was being cast and yes, Sir Dan was doing it. I saw a blue, glowing stream was being emitted from his palm. After making sure that the spell was in place, he looked at me. “A sorcerer, in my room. Fancy meeting you here.” He said folding his sleeves, I prepared for an attack. I’m used to fighting but I learned various defensive spells. He smirked after seeing me in a defensive position. “I don’t think your spells will work when you’re faced against me. You’re just a kid.” “I know.” He just sat in front of me while looking at me with an incomprehensible look. He told me to calm down he won’t attack a defenseless child like me daw. I thought of attacking him but that would be imprudent and unwise of me to do so. “Bakit mo ‘ko pinaiwan, Sir? Kung tungkol ito sa ginawa ko kanina ---” “You have to be careful. The presence of the rising Prime is currently being felt by the Sages. Hindi ka man singlakas ng mga napipintong kandidato, ngunit lahat ng kabataang may pambihirang kakayahan ay kanilang sasalain.” What? The Sages? For the education of the public, the Sages are mystical practitioners who focused their time and spent their time searching for the rising Prime. The Sages train the Prime in using the highest form of spirituality.   If a new Prime is blooming, then the old one is withering… Prime Slyvia is dying? He telekinetically moved the chair for me to sit on. After being seated, he moved it towards him. He looked at me straight in the eyes and said: “I want to train you.” Never thought that Sir was this straightforward with a matter like this. I felt reluctant with what he just suggested, pero sa panahon ngayon na naglipana lahat ng mga masasamang elemento at nilalang ng dilim, it’d be stupid of me to decline. I accepted his offer to train me. Being trained by a Class Five, Order of the Grand Elders’ Honorary Counsellor, is truly a privilege. He looked young for someone wo attained so much. Before leaving the room, I gripped my arm. Napalingon ako at diretsong tumitig sa kanyang mga mata, I felt power entering my body… his transferring some to me… “I just gave you mastery over Vitalis Sacrificium. Use it only when necessary.” Vitalis Sacrificium… it’s one of the Sacred Flairs. He has given this to me for a reason. I bowed to him and went out of the room. Naging maayos naman ang mga klase naming ni John Vic althroughout the day.   Habang palabas ako ng room, I was a bit surprised to see John Vic outside of the school gates seemingly waiting for someone. Pagkaangat ng kanyang tingin, agaran syang ngumiti sa akin. Emegesh! Puso ko.. “Oh! Bat nandito ka pa?” “Sabi ko sa’yo na hihintayin kita diba?” Sana all hinihintay. Mabuti nalang I was able to suppress my blush, kundi baka mapaghalataan ako. Walking distance lang ang town plaza mula sa school namin, since both of us didn’t want to go home yet. Napagdesisyonan namin na maglakad-lakad muna. Nang makarating kami sa town plaza, I felt really reluctant to invite him to dito sa mga stalls. Mukha pa namang mamahalin ang kanyang tiyan. Baka mamaya magkasakit pa s’ya at ako ang masisi. Iilan na nga lang ang gwapo sa mundo, baka mabawasan pa. “Saan ka ba nakatira?” tanong ni John Vic. “Taga Caminawit ako. Medyo malayo dito. Maybe around fifteen minutes. Ikaw ba?” sabi ko habang nagmamasid sa kung ano ang p’wedeng malantakan. Ang hilig ko talagang kumain, hindi kasi ako nagbibisyo kaya sa pagkain ko nalang dinadaan. “Taga-Calamba, Laguna ako.” “Oh? Paanong napadpad ka dito? Ang layo n’on ah!” “Taga dito ang Lola ko. Wala s’yang kasama kaya ako nalang daw.” He said before stopping in front of a barbeque stand. You know naman the components of a barbeque stand here in the Philippines; meron isaw, tocino, tokong (pig intestine), balat, etc. Mukhang mayaman kasi s’yang anak-mayaman. Parang napakamapanghusga ko naman. “Oh bakit ganyan ka makatitig?” he asked with a smirk. Apaka-gwapo naman talaga. “Ehh.” “Ano?” “Wala kasi sa hitsura mo na ang kumakain n’yan eh.” He made a face and chuckled a little. I never knew that someone could be that sexy with just a simple chuckle. He shrugged that off and asked what I wanted. N’ong una, ayaw ko kasi nakahihiya. We just met tapos lilibre n’ya ako agad. It seems na kahit anong pilit kong umayaw, no choice ako kundi pumayag. Napaka- persuasive n’ya kasi. “Ang lakas mo palang kumain ng isaw?” Puna ko sa kanya. Nakakailang stick na kasi s’ya. “Paborito ko eh.” “Mukha ka kasing haciendero kaya hindi halatang kumakain ka n’yan.” He just laughed at what I said. Time flew slowly as we talked about a lot of things. I enjoyed my time with him lalo na’t napakasaya n’ya kausap. He ate and ate all that he could lay his eyes on. Kahit anong pilit ko na ako ang magbayad sa kinakain at kakainin ko, he was very adamant. Ayaw n’ya kasi daw s’ya ang nag-aya sa akin. S’ya daw dapat ang magbayad. “Uhm. Paano ka uuwi?” “Mag-ta-tricycle ako. The fare isn’t that pricey naman eh. Ikaw ba?” “Nasa school ko i-pi-nark ang kotse ko eh. Hatid na kita.” Kotse? “Meron kang kotse?” “Oo.” “Kung meron kang kotse, bakit naglakad tayo papunta dito?” I asked with a chuckle. “Ehh, napasarap ako sa kwentuhan natin eh. Hehe.” H-ha? Ang bilis naman. “Ahh… ano kasi eh.” “C’mon.” Nahihirapan akong mag-decide eh. Pero I stood my ground, ayoko talaga. Pinipilit pa rin n’y ako kaso ayoko talaga. Nakahihiya kasi talaga. Golly! We just met. “Ikaw kasi ang una kong kaibigan dito. S’yempre gusto ko na maging maganda ang impression ko sa’yo. Pero kung ayaw mo…” After hearing the upset tone fom him, lumingon ako sa kanya. Nakayuko ito at sinisipa-sipa ang mga bato sa kanyang paanan. Parang may kumurot sa puso ko nang makita ko ang puppy eyes nito habang naka-pout ang kanyang lips. Shemay! “Buti nalang pumayag ka. Kita mo, kung hindi ka pumayag, edi sana basa ka ng ulan ngayon.” He said a gleeful and triumphant expression. Oo, pumayag akong sumakay. Ayos lang naman daw kung out-of-way sa kanya, he didn’t mind the long drive. It takes his mind off of things. Habang nasa sasakyan, he started talking about himself. He’s John Vic Ortis de Guzman, six-foot, four-inches (6’4’’) tall, basketball/volleyball player, pangatlo sa apat na magkakapatid, may abs daw (of course, hindi muna ako maniniwala!), paboritong subject ang English at Science.   As we were driving to Barangay Pag-Asa, it suddenly poured cats and dogs to an extent na wala halos makita si John Vic; zero visibility kumbaga. I advised him na pumarada at hintaying tumila ang ulan. Mabuti na lamang at masunurin s’ya. “So, anong pinagkakabalahan mo?” he asked while munching on some chips he bought. “Well, wala naman masyado. Liban sa pagaayos ng gamit ko. Maghahanap kasi ako ng p’wedeng lipatan eh. Somewhere near our school.”   Caminawit is twenty minutes from Labangan (where the school is located). I am living alone after all. Ulilang lubos kasi ako. My mother and father were powerful practitioners and they were loved by those they governed. My mother was gifted with the ability to revitalize dead crops and lands, the Agricultural One was her monicker and my father was a powerful warrior. He didn’t rely solely on his strengths as a wizard but rather with his weapons as well.   An envious wizard cursed them. They died because of an uncurable disease. The elders believed that it was a poison where it could be transferred from parent to child via birth. Mabuti nalang daw at naipanganak na ako bago pa sila sinumpa.   On their death beds, they transferred their powers to me. Hindi ko palang nagagamit because wala pa naman akong nakikitang sitwasyon para gamitin iyon. Since then, I have been living all by myself. Thanks to Nanay’s magic, I was able to feed myself.   “Uhm. I live in an apartment. Meron pang extra bedroom d’on. Baka gusto mo lang.” he said while looking like some junior high school boy asking out someone for the first time. “Ahhh. M-mura lang naman. P’wedeng hati tayo sa renta. Or kung gusto mo, sixty-forty?” he said. Is this guy really trying to convince me?   “I’ll think about it.”   “Mabait akong kasama! Masinop ako sa gamit! Hindi ka mahihirapan promise!”   With the way he said those words, he’s giving me the impression na gusto n’yang may kasama. We talked about so many things habang pinapatila ang ulan, in the end… yes, na-convince n’ya ako. Nang tumila ang ulan, agad kaming dumiretso sa bahay. A las nueve na kami nakarating sa amin. Pinapasok ko s’ya sa bahay at nagmadaling nagpalit ng damit upang makausap ang landlady na mayari ng tinitirahan ko. Well, kagabi pa kasi ako nag-impake ng mga gamit ko. Medyo nahiya ako kasi hindi pa ako nakakapaglinis ng bahay, pero ang lalaking ito. Feel na feel naman ang pag-upo.  He was too busy scheming through his phone because he wasn’t able to notice me enter the room.   “Oy!” Pinigilan ko ang pagtawa dahil halos maibato n’ya ang cellphone na kanyang dahil sa gulat. This might come in handy. “Ay! Kahiman! Bakit nanggugulat?” “Hindi kita ginulat. Hindi ko kasalanan na nagulat ka.” “Anong sabi ng landlady?” “Bukas pa daw ako p’wedeng umalis. She didn’t want me to leave because of the weather.” And as if on cue, the rain poured heavily.  Hindi ko na sya pinaalis muna. Ayoko namang mapahamak s’ya kakakilala lang naming eh. So, I offered my humble abode to him habang umuulan pa. “Ipaghahain muna kita. Bawal tumanggi.” Before he could reply, inihanda ko na ang aming kakainin. I thought of some buttered veggies accompanied by simple fried porkchops. Mabuti na lamang at hindi napanis ang sinaing ko kanina. Habang kumakain kami, marami syang naikwento sa akin tungkol sa sarili n’ya magiliw akong nakinig at nagshare din ng konting information.   “Mukhang walang balak tumila ang ulan ah.” He said out of the blue habang iniimis ko ang pinagkainan naming dal’wa. Oo nga. Halos dal’wang oras na umuulan pa din. After wiping the plates dry, nakita ko syang lumabas ng bahay habang may kausap sa phone. Girlfriend?   “P’wede bang dito muna ako habang nagpapatila ng ulan? Hindi kasi safe mag-travel kapag basa ang daan eh.” Nginitian ko nalang sya at inanyayahang manuod ng kung anoman ang palabas sa telebisyon.  While watching, I sensed an eerie presence lurking about my house. There can be no mistake, there’s an entity outside. On instinct, I started to chant a protective spell to encapsulate the house. “Okay ka lang?” Mabuti na lamang at tapos ko nang ilagay ang spell sa bahay, bago nya ako tawagin. Otherwise, kailangan kong ulitin. Nginitian ko sya at ibinalik ang atensyon sa pinapanuod namin. Makalipas ang ilang oras, hindi ko nalamayan na nakatulog pala ako.   John Vic’s POV   I stirred a little before fully waking up. Tumingin ako sa aking relo and my eyes widened as I saw the time: two-thirty in the morning. At ang nakamamangha pa, umuulan pa rin.   Moments later, I noticed na may kumot na nakatabon sa katawan ko at electric fan na nakatapat sa akin. How accommodating. I scanned the room and he was nowhere to be found. Sa mumunting apartment na ito, iisa lamang ang kwarto na pwedeng tulugan, isang CR, kusina, at tanggapan.   I walked towards the room and went inside.   I saw Angel sleeping with sheets covering his waist downwards. He looks so peaceful though. s**t! I look like a p*****t though. Napansin kong nakaimpake na pala ang mga gamit n’ya. Well, nagsabi na rin nga pala sya na aalis din sya sa lugar na ito.   Kinuha ko ang unan at kumot na ipinatong marahil ni Angel kanina sa akin sa sofa at idinala dito sa kwarto pati na rin ang electric fan.   I stripped down to my boxers and laid beside him. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Lalaki naman kami parehas.   I think.   As I laid beside him, I felt this urge to seek warmth so I cuddled him. Meh, too soon? I don’t care.   I woke with a smile on my face as I felt an arm around my torso.   Hindi ko maintindihan ang aking pakiramdam. Bakit ang gaan-gaan ng loob ko sa kanya? Eh, kakakilala lang naman naming dal’wa. I started playing with this hair and what I found adorable was the act wherein he leaned towards my palm: pretty much like a cat.   “Good morning, Angel.”   “Good morning din.”   Pagkatapos n’on ay nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata, agad s’yang napatayo sa kama. He was blushing. Hmmm. Hindi sya agad nakatayo dahil nakabanda sya sa pader at ako naman ang nasa edge ng kama. So, practically, ako ang nakahawak.   “Uhm. May pasok tayo. Bumangon na tayo at magaayos pa ako.”   “Bakit pa? Wala naman tayong pasok eh. Check your phone.”   Well, totoong wala kaming pasok. It poured for almost half a day mula kagabi, kaya daw expect na binaha ang school. When it’s too cold function, the best way is to utilize and conserve heat is through cuddles. To which I am a sucker for.   “A-anong oras ka pumasok dito?” He stuttered. How cute. “Hmm. Maybe around three? Takot ako magisa matulog eh.” Liar. “B-bakit ka nakahubad?” Huh! So, he noticed. “Bakit? Maganda naman katawan ko ah. Pang-Bench.” I said while flexing na nagresulta sa pamumula ng kanyang mukha. I think ma-e-enjoy ko ang stay ko dito.