Half A Heart

Wake Me Up

Chapter 11: Wake Me Up

__________________________

October - Junior Year (Highschool)

October 13th. One Year. A very special day for Alexandra and Den. Sobrang dami ng nangyari. And it’s just one of those memories na they'll remember forever.

6AM nasa bahay na agad nila Den si Alexandra para sabay sila pumunta sa school. Habang naghihintay yung dalawa ng breakfast nasa sofa lang sila. Tulog pa yung Daddy ni Den so walang problema.

"Babe... Sitting. You're doing it wrong" sabi ni Alex kay Den dahil kumalong si Den sakanya.

"Pleasing your girlfriend in every possible way... you're doing it wrong," sabi naman ni Den kay Alex. Lumabas yung mommy ni Den galing sa kitchen dala yung dalawang plates na may pancakes.

"Giving mom a peaceful morning... both of you doing it wrong" sabi ng mommy ni Den at ngumiti siya sa dalawa "Kainin niyo na bago lumamig. Para maaga kayong makapasok"

"Wow... Tita ang sarap talaga ng pancakes mo" sabi ni Alex.

"Alexandra your dad's better in cooking, shut up and eat that" sabi ng mommy ni Den at natawa si Alexandra.

"Thank you Mom," sabi ni Den. Hinatid ng mommy ni Den si Alex at Den sa school.

Sabay silang dumating sa gym para mag practice malapit na kasi yung laro nila ulit. Another championship games para sa team nila. Kaya sobrang hectic ng sched nila kay Coach Tin.

"Bakit ang ingay dito?" sabi ni Alex habang sabay silang papasok ni Den sa gym na nakakuha ng pansin ni Ella at ngumiti yung kaibigan nila. "Kahit may bangs ka di matatago niyan na nakangiti ka..."

"Ang aga aga naman Lex! Anyway nagsisimula na kasi ng campaign si Nicole para sa prom..." sabi ni Ella at binaba na ni Alex yung bag niya.

"Prom? Anung petsa pa lang..." sabi ni Den.

"October..." sabi ni Alex.

"October pa lang... Prom? February pa yun!" sabi ni Den.

"Alam niyo naman. Frustrated. Dahil last year di niya nakuha yung korona..." sabi ni Ella.

"Wow super..." sabi ni Alex.

"Competitive..." sabi ni Den.

"Di niyo napapansin pero in-sync yung sentence niyo..." sabi ni Ella.

"Sweet no?" bulong ni Den kay Ella.

"No. Its creeping me out" sabi ni Ella at tinulak siya ni Den.

"Inggit ka lang!" sabi ni Den.

"Pero Happy Anniversary sainyo... weirdos" sabi ni Ella sa dalawa na silang tatlo lang nakarinig.

"Thanks pots" sabi ni Alex.

"Thank you Besh..." sabi ni Den.

At nagpractice na sila. Before mag 10 nakapagshower na sila para pumunta sa third Period. Tuwing Champioship week excuse sila sa isang subject everyday. Pero si Alex whole school year niya ginagawa yun... with jovee. Perks of Being Master of everything.

Sa lunch magkakasama ulit silang tatlo naglalakad papunta sa canteen. Puro poster na ng Drama Club yung hallway dahil yung president nila na si Nicole is making her way to everyone para maging prom Queen.

"Dont forget of Nicole sa prom!"

"Vote for Nicole!"

Yan lang naririnig nila sa hallways. Nakasalubong nila yung barkada ni Nicole at tiningnan lang sila ng masama. Di naman nagpatalo si Den at inirapan niya yung mga babae.

"Psss. Kala mo kung sinong maganda" sabi nila kay Den. Susugod na sana si Den pero hinila siya ni Alexandra.

"Hey, anung ginagawa mo? Wag mo ngang patulan yang mga yan" sabi ni Alex.

"Oo nga besh. Sa titig mo pa lang, ilang beses mo na sila nasaksak..." sabi ni Ella

"Hindi ko naman pinapakeelaman yung mga yun. Anung problema nun?" sabi ni Den

"Hey... Its 13th remember? Ayaw kong mababadtrip ka today..." sabi ni Alex at ngumiti si Den sakanya.

"Wow... you two stop eye humping on public places, for example, this damn hallway... Lets go. Gutom na ko" sabi ni Ella. "Dun na lang natin hintayin si Jovee sa canteen..."

Wala pang ilang minuto dumating na si Jovee at nakangiti.

"Sa wakas! San ka ba galing? Ang tagal mo!" sabi ni Alex.

"Hi Ysa!" sabi ni Jovee at ngumiti kay Den. Ella and Alex smiled because Jovee made it his obligation to call Den by her first name every time he could, he said to the gang that he like it more and will use it more. "Or should I start calling you your highness?" sabi ni Jovee at nagbow siya kay Den.

"Pinopormahan mo ba si Den?!" sabi ni Alex at medyo nagalit siya kay Jovee, hinawakan siya ni Den sa braso at kumalma naman siya agad.

"Calm down barbarian... Matunog lang talaga pangalan ni Den na makalaban sa Prom Queen ni Niks... You know this whole Kevin thingy going on" sabi ni Jovee at tiningnan siya ng masama ni Ella at Den "Ooops sorry to mention that name" sabi niya kay Alex.

"No. Hindi. Wala naman akong balak. Third year pa lang tayo. And Nicole is really into campaigning na... So its fine" sabi ni Den.

"No seriously. Its a great opportunity. Maganda ka naman talaga." sabi ni Jovee at dali dali siyang tumingin kay Alex. "Diba Lex?" sabi ni Jovee as he wiggle his brow.

"Shut up..." sabi niya sa bestfriend niya at tumingin siya kay Den "But if you really wanted to, you may. Its every girls dream... well except me obviously." sabi ni Alex at natawa sila.

"No... I just want a happy and simple highschool life with you..." sabi ni Den at malapit na sila magkiss ng umubo si Jovee.

"Ehem! Guys!" sabi ni Jovee at tinuro niya yung paligid "This is not Alex's room... Hahaha" sabi ni Jovee at namula yung dalawa. "Anyway I really need to go and be awesome... Catcha later! Adios!" at umalis si Jovee.

"Luko luko talaga yang isang yan" sabi ni Ella. "Sige na nakakaabala na ko... Una na ko" tumingin siya kay Den "Besh see you in 5th period"

At nung nakalayo na yung dalawa nagkatinginan si Alex at Den. They smile at each other, just like the first time they met.

"So..." sabi ni Alex "Dont forget about later okay?"

"As if... Hindi ko yun makakalimutan." sabi ni Den "Pero okay na ba yung leg mo?"

"It’s just a sprain. I’m fine." sabi ni Alex.

"I know... You always did well on everything." sabi ni Den as they both eat their lunch.

"Yeah? Tulad ng?" sabi ni Alex.

"Hmm. Magaling ka sa volleyball, Matalino ka, Magaling ka magluto.. Super galing mo magluto" sabi ni Den as Alex smile on every word Den says.

"Anu pa?"

"Meron pa ba?"

"Sabi mo everything..." sabi ni Alex at nagpout siya.

"Hey! Not that again! Unfair!!!" sabi ni Den at hinampas niya si Alex.

"Hahahaha" Tumatawa si Alex.

"How sweet... Its so sad naman dahil talunan ang Volleyball team." sabi ni Nicole.

"Anu bang problema mo?!" sabi ni Den at tumayo siya pero hinawakan siya ni Alex. Nag 'wooo' naman yung mga kasama ni Nicole.

"Oh? Anung gagawin mo? Im the Queen of this school. And you're the dirt" sabi ni Nicole sasampalin na sana ni Den pero pinigilan siya ulit ni Alex. Magagalit sana si Den kasi kanina pa siya pinipigilan ni Alex pero biglang tumayo si Alex.

"Maganda namang alikabok si Den. Ikaw? Sa kapal ng make up mo nahiya ang Websters Dictionary sayo... So scoot away" sabi ni Alex at may mga ilang nakarinig na tumawa nainis si Nicole and she stormed away. "b***h" sabi ni Alex nung umalis si Nicole.

"Wow..." sabi ni Den "Magagalit na sana ako... but never say never to Alexandra Valle, I dont think she'll make a great comeback after that." sabi ni Den at ngumiti siya at tumayo na sila ni Alex para maglakad sa next subject nila "Just one of many reasons to love you even more"

"Den... You're drooling." sabi ni Alex at ngumiti.

"What?!" sabi ni Den at kinapa niya yung bibig niya. Nung naramdaman niyang wala she squint her eyes to Alex.

"Kidding..." sabi ni Alex at hinampas siya ni Den. "Nakakailan ka na!" Pumasok na si Alex sa pinto ng klase niya at si Den dun pa sa kabila. "See you later..."

"Later monkey!" sabi ni Den at kumindat si Alex sakanya. Ngumingiti si Den nung pagpasok niya sa classroom.

"Not in the Janitor's closet again..." sabi ni Ella nang nakita niyang nakangiti si Den

"Not Today... I'll keep you posted" sabi ni Den.

"Gross"

"You started it" sabi ni Den.

__________________________

5PM. Nakaabang na sa pinto si Den para kay Alex. Nung narinig niya yung footsteps ni Alex binuksan niya agad yung pinto.

"Too excited?" sabi ni Alex at niyakap niya din si Den. "Parents mo?" sabi ni Alex as she gave Den the famous cheesecake of their family.

"Wala pa. Mga six pa sila uuwi." sabi ni Den at kinuha niya yung binigay ni Alex "Thank you dito. Pagkatapos mo ako ligawan parents ko naman. How great are you?"

"So great that you said yes to me..." sabi ni Alex.

"Touché" sabi ni Den. Ilang minutes pa lumabas na sila ni Alex at nakita niya na dala ni Alex yung mini van nila. "Are you sure about this? Magdadrive ka nanaman"

"Dont worry. Madali lang naman. I can teach you if you want..." sabi ni Alexandra "Tsaka next year naman aayusin na namin ni Dad para magkastudent license ako."

"Basta iuwi mo ako dito ng kumpleto ang parte ng katawan ko. hehehe" sabi ni Den.

"Tara na nga..." sabi ni Alex.

Nagmall lang silang dalawa. Nanuod lang sila ng movie, then konting shopping at naglaro sa arcade. Nothing too fancy. Dahil bukas masakit nanaman katawan nila sa training. Last stop ng dalawa yung Shop nila Alex sa mall.

"Hi Jane!" sabi ni Alex sa isang waitress "Nasaan si Dad?"

"Nasa kitchen... Nagchecheck ng supplies" sabi ni Jane.

"Pasabi naman nandito na kami..." sabi ni aly.

Umupo sila ni Den sa isang table na para sa apat na tao. Magkatabi sila. Dumating na yung Daddy ni Alex.

"Kamusta naman yung sasakyan ko? Sana walang gasgas..." sabi ng Daddy niya.

“Come on! Im the greatest driver!" sabi ni Alex at tumingin siya kay Den "Diba babe?"

"Hmmm. No comment" sabi ni Den at tumayo yung daddy ni Alex.

"You're so cute together... Wait ipagseserve ko kayo ng coffee. Then after I'll drive you kids home okay?"

Habang ineenjoy nung dalawa yung coffee nila. Hindi nila alam na may alipores si Nicole na sinusundan sila.

"Hello. Niks. You wont believe what I saw... Hmm. Oo. Sige. I'll get to you tomorrow" sabi nung babae at umalis na.

__________________________

Alexandra and her Dad dropped her off sa bahay nila.

"Tito thank you po..." sabi ni Den at niyakap niya yun daddy ni Alex "The best ka talaga!"

"The best ka din naman!" sabi ng daddy ni Alex.

"Dad baka makalimutan mong ako ang anak mo ah?" sabi ni Alex at tumawa yung dalawa. Hinatid ni aly si Den sa loob habang naghihintay yung daddy niya sa may sasakyan.

"So... Nagenjoy ka ba?" sabi ni Alex habang nasa pinto sila.

"I always have fun with you... Kahit nakaupo lang tayo maghapon nageenjoy ako." sabi ni Den.

"Aww. I dont know what I'll do without you..." sabi ni Alex at niyakap niya yung waist ni Den.

"Well today is your lucky day Miss Valle. Because you dont have to find out. Lagi lang ako nandito..." sabi ni Den at hinalikan niya si aly sa lips

"Kayo na ba yan?" sabi ng mommy ni Den at pumasok silang dalawa.

"Hi tita. Hinatid ko lang si Den. Aalis na din po ako..." sabi ni Alex.

"No. Wait. I need to talk to you..." sabi ng mommy ni Den at nagexcuse si Den at pumunta na sa kwarto niya. "Sige upo ka muna. I hope your dad wont mind if i talk to you for a bit..."

"Okay lang po tita..."

"So I know my daughter really loves you. I also think you are her first love... And she'll give everything you want..." sabi ng Mommy ni Den.

"Oh my gosh. Tita is this conversation is what I think it is?" sabi ni Alex.

"Yes. Wala naman akong problema sainyo, in fact im starting to like you... But I really want you to not rush things... mga bata pa kayo"

"Tita I swear wala pa kaming ginagawa ni Den!" sabi ni Alex at namumula na siya.

"I know, I know... Just saying. I also know you can’t get my daughter pregnant because-"

"Tita..."

"Sorry. Anyway. I just want na maghintay kayo ni Den. Sayo ko sinasabi to Alex because in this kind of thing I won’t trust my own daughter... At least you two wait until you get old enough to do... you know... the thing."

"Opo. I respect you tita. And I can handle that. I promise maghihintay po kami..." sabi ni Alex.

"Thank you. Dont take this the wrong way, Alex. I like you, and you really love my daughter. This is between you and me okay? Alam kong masiyadong affectionate si Den so please do everthing you can... She's so precious. Dont you ever ever ever... ever break her heart"

"Opo... You can trust me"

"Thank you..." sabi ng mommy ni Den at niyakap niya si Alex.

__________________________

Kinabukasan sumakit nanaman yung binti ni Alexandra kasi napwersa niya sa training yung paa niya. Nagwalk out si Den nung break at sumunod si Alex sakanya papunta sa likod nung gym.

"Hey!" sabi ni Alex habang hinahabol niya si Den.

"Ano?!" sabi ni Den.

"Bakit ka ba nagagalit?!"

"Sinisigawan mo ba ako ha Valle!? Can you please let that leg heal bago ka magwala sa training. We get it, magaling ka na. But please take care of yourself. Ano masakit nanaman yan diba?" sabi ni Den at nakapewang siya.

"Im sorry. Sige na magpapaexcuse na ko. Wag ka na magalit please. Babe..." sabi ni Alex.

"Awww Lovers Quarrel..." sabi ni Nicole na may kasamang apat pa na babae at nagulat si Den at Alex.

"Anu nanamang issue mo?!" sabi ni Alex.

"Mall. Yesterday. I got pictures. So best friends turn out to be Lovers... I should have known" sabi ni Nicole.

"Ano ba talaga gusto mo!?" sabi ni Alex at nakatayo lang si Den sa likod ni Alex.

"Very simple. If you Ysabelle turns out to be nominated as Prom Queen I want you to decline."

"You know what's sad? That you're too desperate to win..." sabi ni Alex

"Alex..." sabi ni Den as she step up and look at Nicole "Okay... Wala naman din talaga akong balak. So if you may, you can leave us alone now" sabi ni Den.

"Good. I'll promise my silence." sabi ni Nicole at umalis siya at tumatawa.

"Im sorry... If kailangan nating itago to. Ayoko lang namang mahirapan ka. Once na maout tayo sa buong school... Alam ko mahihirapan tayo, im not ashamed of you, I’m protecting you" sabi ni Alex. "Hindi ka pa tuloy makakaparticipate dahil sa akin"

"No. Babe listen to me. Im not mad. Totoo naman, ayoko talagang magparticipate. That's just one lame highschool antics. Its okay... You know what game I want to win?" sabi ni Den at hinawakan niya si Alex. "Our volleyball game... That's everything you love, and alam ko nasasaktan ka pag sinasabihan tayo ng ibang teams ng talunan. I want to win this game for you... Its all you ever dreamt of,"

"And you... Volleyball and You." sabi ni Alex.

"Wow... If kalevel ko na ang volleyball sa priorities mo then I’m so lucky..." sabi ni Den.

"Shut up" sabi ni Alex at tinititigan niya lang si Den.

"You can kiss me..." sabi ni Den and Alex are too obedient to decline. So she kisses Den anyway "So... What's up with you and mom?"

"Wala. We just talk" sabi ni Alex.

"Eh bakit namumula ka?" sabi ni Den "Kung anu man nasabi sayo ni Mommy hayaan mo na siya... okay? Kiss me again" Hinalikan ulit siya ni Alex"Pasok na ulit tayo... ayokong maparusahan ni Coach" sabay silang pumasok. At si Alexandra namumula at guilty pa din.

Ysabelle Garcia. Sabi ko na. Magiging problema kita sa utos ng mommy mo. Why can’t you just make my life easier... Oh yeah right, she's too damn insatiable.

__________________________

December - Junior Year (Highschool)

Alex and her parents decided to spend the holidays in HK. Unfortunately duty calls, Coach decided to have their training during the holidays. Hindi naman problema yun. Her parents understand... always.

"Jovee Avila!!!!" sabi ni Alex as she scanned the crowded house for Jovee.

"Hey... Alexandra I never thought you could throw a party like this! Super cool!" sabi ng isang schoolmate nila na di kilala ni Alex.

"Si Jovee? Nasaan siya?" sabi ni Alex dun sa di niya kakilalang schoolmate.

"I saw him sa kitchen... He's making drinks!"

"Jovee!" sabi ni Alex as she drags Jovee sa backyard. "What the f**k?! Yes, I agree for a new years party, sabi mo few people. Do these people look few?! I think the whole school are here!" sinigawan niya si Jovee at hinampas.

"Hey chill lang Lex. Ang cool nga ng party mo! Mas malaki bahay niyo kesa sa amin... Lumalabas nanaman yang inner barbarian mo!" sabi ni Jovee.

"Bakit hindi?! You're cleaning this all up tomorrow."

"Haay... Dadating din yun okay? I'll just assume na highblood ka dahil wala pa si Den..." pumasok si Jovee at Alex.

"HEY EVERYONE!!!" sumigaw si Jovee at tumigil yung tugtog at mga tao. "WE CAN ALL PARTY JUST DONT BREAK ANYTHING OKAY?!!!" sumagot yung mga tao ng hiyawan "LETS PARTYYYY!!!"

Umiling na lang si Alexandra. At kumuha ng kung anu mang una niyang nakitang drinks.

Alam ko namang lahat ng to malakas ang tama. I'll drink anything anyway...

Habang umiimom siya pumunta si Alex sa kwarto niya para kunin yung Phone niya. Pagbukas niya ng pinto she saw two naked bodies sa kwarto niya.

"Holy s**t!" binuksan ni Alex yung ilaw "Get out!!! Not in my room!" sabi ni Alex at pinagpagan niya yung kama niya. "Ewww. I really hate that moron right now"

11:00 PM na nakadating si Ella at Den sa bahay nila Alex. Just like freshman year, nakita nilang dalawa si jovee sa sofa nila Alex.

"Oh no. Not in that couch!" sabi ni Den. Yan yung favorite couch niya sa living room nila Alex.

"Hahaha Besh do you remember freshman year? Ganitong ganito yun. Go look for Alex. Ako na bahala dito sa lalaking to" sabi ni Ella.

Den knows where Alex is. She walk to the backyard and saw Alex on the back porch.

"Hey there punk!" sabi ni Den at tumingin si Alex sakanya at ngumiti.

"You're late..." sabi ni Alex at tumabi si Den sakanya.

"Sorry. Ayaw pa nga ako paalisin ni Daddy, nahiya lang siya kay Besh kaya pumayag na siya." sabi ni Den. Binigay niya isang maliit na box kay Alex "I’m not good. Pero sana magustuhan mo"

"Aww you dont have to do this..." sabi ni Alex at binuksan niya yung box. May tatlong malalaking bilog na cookies.

"Tinulungan ako ni Mommy. Kaya hindi yan katulad ng niluto ko dati..."

"Alin? yung double fried na hotdog? Hahaha sabi ko sayo masarap yun!" sabi ni Alex. "Here... siyempre meron din akong gift sayo..."

"Oh my gosh! Is that a cat?!" sabi ni Den nung nakita niya yung basket na may lamang super white at matabang puting pusa.

"Kitten... He's handsome right?" sabi ni Alex.

"He's sooo cute..." sabi ni Den. "Anung name niya?"

"Ikaw. Anung gusto mo?"

"Alexandra..."

"He's a guy..."

"Valle..."

"Verry funny ha ha ha... seriously?"

"Oh dont get mad... Do you think maganda yung cloud? He's so fluffy kasi... and white"

"Cloud? That's cute..." Kinuha ni Alex yung pusa and she tickle his neck "Hello there buddy... Cloud daw pangalan mo."

"Hi cloud..." sabi ni Den. "Lets go inside. Sayang naman yung party mo kung hindi tayo makikicelebrate. Lets put cloud muna sa room mo" sabi ni Den..

"Sure..."

__________________________

After 30 minutes. Si Alex lang ata ang hindi lasing. Everyone's gone wild. Well Ella and Alex actually. Di naman mahilig sa party si Ella.

"Its been a while since I cornered you" sabi ni Ella at umupo siya sa tabi ni Alex sa couch.

"Yeah? Namimiss mo lang ako..." sabi ni Alex at inakbayan niya si ella.

"Masyado ka kasing busy diyan sa girlfriend mo. Speaking of... Nasaan na yun?" sabi ni Ella as she leans on Alex's shoulder.

"Nandun sa kitchen, nakita niya yung mga mathlete kaya sumama muna siya" sabi ni Alex. "I miss you too pots."

"So how are you keeping up with the Garcias?"

"Same. Her Dad giving me a hard days night... hard day every day"

"Such a pain in the ass huh?"

"Yeah, but still. He's Den's father... Let it be" sabi ni Alex.

"Dont you dare quote another Beatles song to me... You're still a dork" sabi ni Ella.

"Oh how I would love jamming Beatles songs with you again..."

"I know. Kumakanta tayo kahit di naman tayo kagalingan... Hehehe. We love music..."

"But music doesnt love us..." sabi ni Alex at tumawa silang dalawa.

"Si Besh na ba talaga?" sabi ni Ella.

"I guess... we're so in love"

"Just dont make her cry Lex... You know I love you but she's my best friend so never ever okay?"

"Yes ma'am!"

"You should go check up on her. Magtetwelve na. I know your rituals..."

"Hahaha. Funny. Sige. I see you tomorrow. Dun ka na lang sa room ko matulog, tabi kayo ni Den sa bed ko. Ako na lang sa couch dun." sabi ni Alex.

"Sure... Have a great night"

Nakadating si Alex sa kitchen at nakita niya si Den.

"Oh no..." tumakbo siya kay Den na namumula na yung muka.

"Are you spinning?" sabi niya kay Alex.

"Lady you are drunk! Come here!" sabi ni Alex as she guide Den sa CR. She let Den vomit all over the bathroom. "You okay?" at tumungo lang si Den

"I need air..."

Alexandra guides Den sa may likod ng bahay at umupo sila dun sa rocking chair na sa lolo ni Alex pag umuuwi sa bahay nila. Kumalong si Den sakanya.

"I think you're sleepy" sabi ni Alex sakanya habang minamassage ni Alex yung ulo ni Den.

"No. Im fine."

"Did you enjoy?"

"Hm-mm" sabi ni Den habang nakapikit. Tiningnan siya ni Alex at napangiti na lang siya dahil lasing na lasing si Den.

"You're sleepy... I think you wont be getting any kisses tonight" sabi ni Alex at napamulat si Den.

"Shut it. Hmm fine. I feel hot."

"Because you are hot"

"Yea? Hm... Can we do it tonight?"

"Do what?"

"You know..."

"I dont think so... Den you're drunk."

"Hm-mmm"

"You should sleep now."

"Hm-mmm"

"Den?"

"Hm???"

"You still awake?"

"Hm-mmm" natatawa na si Alex kay Den dahil super antok na at pinipilit niya na lang mamulat.

"Really?"

"Hmmm"

"Can I ask you something"

"Hmm? ya"

"Do you love me?"

"'course ye"

"If I say I wanna marry you, you'll say yes?"

"Hmm"

"What?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Hmm"

"Ahahaha I’m so gonna use this against you sleepy head"

"What?"

"Nothing..."

After five minutes of silence nasa dreamland na si Den. Di na kinaya at natulog na siya.

"Nakatulog na din... Hahaha"

5

"You're still so pretty..."

4

"I’m a hundred percent sure that you'll be damn tomorrow if you think that you didn’t get the new years eve kiss"

3

"Not my fault though, you passed out"

2

"But I'll still kiss you anyway, you poor little thing"

1

"Happy New Year Baby!" sabi ni Alex and she kissed Den on the lips kahit tulog na. "You are so regretting this tomorrow"

__________________________

Nagising si Den at nakita niya si Ella na may nakapulupot na towel sa ulo. Kakatapos lang magshower.

"Ouch!" sabi ni Den "s**t nalasing ba ko?"

"Obviously yes..." sabi ni Ella at tinuro niya kay Den yung note sa ulo niya. Kinuha ni Den yung sticky note sa noo niya.

You passed out last night. Better luck next year sleepy head. - A.V.

"Oh my gosh! Nasaan si Alex?"

"Naglilinis sila ni Jov sa baba atsaka nagluluto ata ng breakfast" sabi ni Ella at tumakbo si Den pababa.

"Lex naman oh... Please, matutulog muna ako. Mamaya na natin ligpitin to oh" sabi ni Jovee nagmamakaawa na kay Alex.

"Nope. Clean before Sleep. Ayoko ng makalat dito, tapusin mo yan... I'll help you after this cooking done" sabi ni Alex. Narinig niya yapak ni Den rushing down the stairs at nakasunod naman si Ella.

"Valle! What's this?!" sabi ni Den nung pinakita niya yung note kay Alex "This is sooo rude!"

"Rude?" sabi niya kay Den at tinaasan ng kilay. Tumingin siya kay Ella at Jovee "Kain na kayo"

Umupo si Ella at Jovee pati si Alex at nakatayo pa din si Den.

"You too. Umupo ka na" sabi ni Alex at nagdabog si Den paupo.

"Hmp"

"What?" sabi ni Alex at mukang inosente. Natatawa si Ella at Jovee dahil kinuwento ni Alex yung tungkol sa history ng note.

"This!" Den said as she raise the note up in the air "I dont? You didnt even? uhmm" sabi ni Den at tumingin siya kay Ella at Jovee dahil nahihiya siya "Kiss me? You didnt?"

"No. Why would I do that?"

"Because you're suppose to do that!"

"But you're sleeping! Its worse if I did wake you up for that" sabi ni Alex at tumungo siya dahil ang cute ni Den... Super cute actually.

"Pero iba yun! New Years kiss yun! Lex naman! You should've woke me up!"

"Ysabelle why is it such a big deal?" sabi ni Jovee.

"Kaya nga Besh, ehdi next year na lang" sabi ni Ella.

"No!" kinuha ni Den yung plate niya at tumayo "Kakain lang ako at uuwi na kami ni Cloud mamaya! Bakit ganyan kayong tatlo? You're all mean to me!"

"Babe... Stop with your antics okay? Sit down." sabi ni Alex.

"No! You dont how important that is to me!" sabi ni Den at nagwalk out. Nagfist bump si Alex at Jovee, si Ella naman ngumiti at tumatawa lang habang umiiling.

"She's so cute..." sabi ni Alex.

"Kawawa naman talaga si Ysa sating tatlo..." sabi ni Jovee.

"Pagnalaman niyang niloloko lang natin siya may sermon nanaman tayo" sabi ni Ella.

"Kaya walang magpapaalam sakanya okay?!" sabi ni Alexandra. "Ayokong matulog sa bahay ni Cloud. Hahaha." at ngumiti lang silang tatlo as they fill themselves ng masarap na breakfast na niluto ni Alex...

One is enough. Two is too much. But three? Three is a crowd. Poor Den napagtripan nanaman ng three musketeers. But all in all, they just started their new year this great. Well except Ysabelle...

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