Chapter 3

Kim ano na naman ba yang pinasukan mo? Kim thought to herself as she drove home after doing what must have been the stupidest thing she’s ever done in her entire life. “Naku, ang tanga tanga mo talaga,” she told herself out loud and cringed as the vision of her walking out from her friends kept rewinding before her eyes.
I need to get away for a while…I need time to think, she thought as she took out her cell phone and called her Mom at the hospital.
“Mom, I’m coming over in a few minutes. Bye!”
Her friends would be calling her anytime now, she was very sure of that so she immediately put off her cell phone after calling her mother. She needed to gather her thoughts and come up with a plausible and very convincing story to get out of the mess she herself had created.
When she arrived at their house, she just stowed away her school bag and then gathered the books, movies and toys she has bought to bring to the children in the cancer ward of the hospital. Without even changing clothes, she drove to the hospital where her mother worked as a nurse. Her mother was waiting for her at the entrance.
“Kim, what happened? You sounded so distraught over the phone,” her mother asked as soon as she saw Kim.
“Oh Mom,” she just broke down and cried in response to her mother’s question. Her mother quickly guided her towards the nurse’s quarters so Kim could cry in private. While waiting for Kim’s tears to subside, her mother rubbed her back and crooned soothing noises to her.
After all her tears were spent and she could finally speak coherently, Kim narrated to her mother the kiss between Gerald and Brenda that she witnessed.
“Mom, why does it hurt so much?” she asked her mother.
“That’s because you love him. Loving someone is never easy, you know.” Her mother replied before kissing her on the forehead.
“My baby has grown up already,” her mother smiled wistfully at her. “Before, you use to come running to me and cry over petty fights you had with your friends. But now, you come running to me about your love life.”
Kim looked at her mother in gratitude for she can see the sympathy in her eyes. Her mother was her most trusted confidant, the only one who knew about her real feelings for Gerald. She can tell her mother anything. Her relationship with her mother was based more on friendship than authority, making them very close to each other that some of her friend even envied her for it.
“You rest here for a while okay? There is food in my locker if you are hungry. Just go to the children’s ward if you are ready. I need to go now for my rounds.” Her mother stood up and left.
After a few minutes, Kim has calmed down and was ready to do some volunteer work. She grabbed the paper bag she brought and proceeded to the children’s ward.
“Hi Tita Alma,” Kim greeted the nurse, and her mother's good friend, who was standing by the door of the children's cancer ward.
“Kim, nandito ka pala. Wala ka bang pasok?”
“Tapos na po, at wala naman akong homework kaya naisipan kong pumunta dito.”
“That’s good. Sige, iwan na kita dito. Alam mo naman kung saan lahat ng mga kailangan mo, di ba?”
“Opo, Tita.” Kim replied and then went inside the room.
“Ate Kim!”
“Ate Ganda!”
Some of the children exclaimed when they saw Kim. All their little faces lit up when they saw her and it warmed her heart. Just making them smile was such a great accomplishment that she try to visit them when she has free time.
Those who were strong enough went down from their beds and ran towards Kim to hug her. She went to each children and took time listening to them. The children then asked her to read something to them so she took out one of the story books she brought and read to them aloud.
After the story reading, Kim saw some of them drooping in fatigue already so she told them to lie down on their beds as she put on the television and played one of the DVD cartoons she brought.
Towards the middle of the movie, her mother came into the room and told her that Gerald was on the phone, looking for her.
“Mom, please don’t tell him I’m here. Tell him you do not know where I am!” Kim informed her mother.
“But what if he will panic? He said he’s been calling you non-stop and your cell phone is off and nobody was answering at the house.” Her mother asked.
“Uhm…tell thim that… that maybe I had fallen asleep at the house. Just don’t tell him where I am yet. I am not ready to face them. Please Mom, maawa ka!”
“Ok then, if that’s what you want.” Her mother replied before stepping out of the ward.
While the children watched the movie, Kim was busy thinking of explanations and reasons to justify her dramatic walk out earlier. But the more she thought about reasons and explanations, the more she wanted to whack herself in the head. She knew now that she might get away with a little explanation and drama from the rest of their friends. But she knew it will never be enough for Gerald. “Hay naku, bahala na si Batman!” She blurted out loud, which made some of the kids near her giggle.As she waited for her mother’s shift to end, she spent her time helping the nurses give medicines to the kids and assisted them with their dinner. Then, she and her mother went home together.
“Ooopsies!” Kim muttered when she turned on their street and saw a lot of cars parked in front of their house. Gerald’s SUV was there, along with Melissa and Cathy’s cars.
Gerald was the first one to get out of the car when he recognized the oncoming car as Kim's. The others followed suit – Matt, Aldred, David, Melissa, Brenda, Cathy, Regine, Romeo and even Fred was there.
“Ano, kaya mo na bang harapin si Gerald?” Her Mom asked.
“Kayang kaya ko na po. I can handle this. I had ample time to think and to come to my senses.” She replied, causing her mother to laugh.
“Good evening po Tita,” Gerald called out to Kim’s mother when she stepped out of the car. The others greeted her too.
“Good evening sa inyong lahat.” Kim’s mother replied. “O sige, mag-usap muna kayo diyan ha?”
“Sige po. Thank you po Tita.” Gerald replied.
Kim gingerly got out of the car. She wanted to crawl into a hole and hide there because she never imagined that her little outburst would grow this big and involve the whole group. Now, the spotlight was focused on her and she did not like it one bit.
“Uy teka sandali, nakakahiya naman ito. Lahat kayo nandito. Ok lang ako, ano ba kayo. Di ba sabi ko na kanina, I’m okay.” She forced a laugh which no one believed at all.
“Kim, ang sasabihin ko sa yo….”
“Kim, let me explain!”
Gerald and Brenda spoke simultaneously.
“Hep teka!” Kim replied, raising her hand. “Wala kayong dapat i-explain. Kung kayo na talaga, hindi naman kayo dapat mag-explain kahit kanino eh, lalong lalo na sa akin!”
“What?”
“Ano?”
“Mag on si Gerald at Brenda?”
“Kelan lang yun?”
Came the simultaneous reaction from everyone around them.
“Bakit nyo tinago sa amin?” Romeo asked with matching pout and hands on his hips. “Wala ba kayong tiwala sa amin?”
“TEKA LANG! STOP! TIGIL!” Gerald shouted, causing everyone to keep quiet. “Kaya nga we are here to explain kung anong nakita ni Kim!”
Gerald explained to everyone what happened during basketball practice earlier and the kiss Kim witnessed. The others were a little sceptical but Matt confirmed Gerald’s story.
“Yes, I was there watching Gerald’s practice earlier. I know the winning team would get a prize, pero hindi sinabi muna kung ano ang prize.” Matt explained.
“Yung prize nga nila is kiss from the cheerleaders.” Brenda piped in. “Kinausap ni Coach Noel si Ms. Reyes, yung in-charge sa amin before the game. Eh, harmless naman yun at for fun lang naman, kaya ok lang sa amin lahat.”
“Kim, kung ayaw mong maniwala, gusto mo tawagin ko pa ang buong basketball team, cheerleading team at si Coach Noel to attest na totoo ito?”
Kim was speechless with mixed emotions: shame, disbelief, joy.
“Kaya Kim, please, huwag ka ng magalit, huwag ka nag magselos.” Gerald continued.
“Hoy, Gerald Randolph Anderson, ang kapal mo! Do you think I was angry at jealous dahil nakita ko kayong naghalikan ni Brenda? Hindi no!”
Oh Lord help, sana po huwag kumidlat kasi siguradong tatamaan ako, she thought to herself.
“Kayo talaga, touched naman ako sa concern ninyong lahat pero di ba, I told you na kaya ako nagmamadali kasi I’m late for my date with my Mom?”
“Magkasama kayo ni Tita all this time na hindi ka naming makontak?” Gerald asked.
She looked at Gerald because she heard the smile in his voice and saw a glint of mischief in his eyes. She nodded hesitantly. “Oo, magkasama kami.”
“Ahh…pero bakit nung tinawagan ko siya kanina sabi nya hindi daw kayo magkasama? Ilang beses ko pa nga siyang tinawagan.”
Naku patay! Huli ako. She thought silently. Lord, bakit hindi ko naalala na si Mommy ang ginawa kong excuse sa dramatic exit ko kanina? She cannot find a way out of the situation anymore so she just kept quiet.
“Uhm, guys, pwede bang mag-usap kami ni Kim na kaming dalawa lang?” Gerald asked their friends. They gave in to Gerald’s request but not before making sure that Kim was alright.
“Ok na ako, mga friends. Salamat talaga sa concern nyo sa akin. Nakakahiya sa inyo.” Kim remarked as she waved goodbye to them.
“Kim!” Brenda called from the car. “Sabi pala ni Michelle kailangan ka daw niyang makausap tomorrow. Urgent daw. Yan ang dapat na sasabihin ko sa iyo kanina.” Michelle was the president of the Commerce Department of their university, where Kim and most of them belong since they were taking commerce courses.
“Ah, ganun ba? Ok, salamat Brendz,” Kim called out to Brenda, her cheeks turning red in embarrassment. She should have let Brenda finish speaking earlier, then all of this would not have happened.
When all their friends have left, she turned towards Gerald. “Oh, ano na ang pag-uusapan natin?”
“Kim, I know you are lying.” Gerald said. “And you are a bad liar, you know that. Kaya sige na, aminin mo na nagselos ka at nagalit ka talaga sa akin!”
“Ang kapal mo talaga! Bakit ako magagalit at magseselos nga, hindi mo naman ako girlfriend para magkaroon ng karapatan para magselos at magalit dahil nakipaghalikan ka sa kung kani-kaninong babae!” She replied. Kasi nga best friend mo lang ako. She added silently.
“Nagseselos ka kasi nga nakita mo akong hinalikan ni Brenda. At alam mo si Brenda yun, kaibigan natin at hindi kung sino sino lang!”
“Sabi nga hindi ako nagseselos, ano ba! Ang kulit mo!” Her face was all scrunched up, nayayamot na.
“Kilala kita Kim, I’m very sure how your mind works. I can almost see the wheels turning and it’s projecting jealousy kasi akala mo may girlfriend na ako at hindi ko sinabi sa iyo. Di ba, tama ako? I am almost clairvoyant when it comes to you kaya huwag ka ng magdeny! The fact that you walked out sa barkada kanina at naging unreachable sa lahat for several hours were the ultimate proof na galit ka.”
“Hindi nga ako galit at hindi nga ako nagselos sabi eh!” Kim persistently denied.
“Sige, kumbinsihin mo ang sarili mo. Tatayo lang ako dito at hindi kita titigilan hangga’t hindi mo inaamin ang totoo!”
Kim heaved a great sigh, torn between denying to death or just admitting that she indeed got jealous and settle the matter before the night ends. After a few seconds she decided to admit the truth.
“Sige na nga, oo na, aminin ko na, nagselos talaga ako. Nasaktan ako kasi akala ko, may girlfriend ka na tapos hindi mo man lang ako sinabihan at pinakilala sa akin.”
“Woohoo! Sa wakas inamin din!” Gerald exclaimed, pounding his fist in the air. “Kim, I’m really sorry about what you witnessed but like I said, it was all part of the game. Nothing’s going on between Brenda and me. And I assure you, ikaw ang unang-unang makakaalam kung magkakaroon ako ng girlfriend.”
“Oo na, sige na, naniniwala na ako sa yo.”
“At pinapatawad mo na ako? Please, please? ” He pleaded with such an adorable expression on his face that Kim cannot help but smile and took a deep breath. Lord, bakit hindi ko talaga siya matitiis?
“Sige na, oo na, pinapatawad na kita!”
“Kim, thank you, thank you, that’s why I love you so,” Gerald said so casually while hugging Kim at the same time. Kim’s heart beat so fast. Oh my God, totoo ba yung narinig ko? Pero Kim, huwag mong isipin iyon. He just meant that he loves you as a friend, best friend, and nothing more. Huwag mong bigyan ng kulay ang sinabi nya.
“At hayaan mo sa susunod na practice, aalamin ko muna ang prize before motivating my teammates to win. Kasi kung kiss uli, magpapatalo na ako para hindi tayo mag away.”
“Sira ka talaga Ge,” Kim laughed and whacked Gerald in the stomach.
“Ano, okay na talaga tayo?” Gerald asked.
“Wala naman akong choice no! Kesa sa kulitin mo ako dito ng kulitin.”
“Okay, now that I’ve apologized, I think it’s your turn to ask for an apology.”
“My turn? And why is it my turn to apologize to you, aber?”
“One, for almost giving me a heart attack; two, for getting me into a fight with a wimp; and three, for lying to me!”
“WHAT?!?!” Kim asked, horrified. “Hoy Geraldo, ano ang ginawa mo? At bakit ako ang may kasalanan at ginawa mo yun lahat?
“Well, you seem to have a very short memory today, Ms. Chiu! So let me refresh it for you. Do you remember shouting to the world that you had the most beautiful day because Renz kissed you?”
“Hoy, exag ka ha! Hindi ko pinagsigawan yun no. Sinabi ko lang sa barkada!”
“Hah! Dami kayang nakarinig sa yo, isa na ako doon!”
“Ano? Narinig mo yun?” Oh my God! When will this day end? Kim silently asked.
Gerald then narrated to her the series of events that led to him being at the parking lot when she blurted the info.
“OO kaya muntik na din ako ma heart attack nung narinig ko yun. Pero I managed to squeeze out the truth from Villaruel at sinabi niya na accident lang yung kiss.” He finished but he couldn’t resist not pinching her nose.
“Naku! Ano ginawa mo kay Renz! At pano mo sya napaamin?”
“Sa akin na lang yun. Kaya alam na alam ko na nagseselos ka kaya mo ipinagyabang na nahalikan ka rin ni Renz! Tapos nagsinungaling ka sa akin nung hinanap kita sa Mommy mo at pinasabi mo sa kanya na wala ka doon.” He laughed.
“Kakainis ka! Bahala ka dyan sa buhay mo!” She stomped towards her house but Gerald grabbed her arms to stop her.
“Kim, ayan ka na naman eh! Ang dali mong mapikon. Sorry na please? Huwag ng magalit. Sorry na talaga. Uy, tatawa na yan?”
Kim refused to be charmed that easily, she turned her back to Gerald. Suddenly she screamed and couldn’t stop laughing when Gerald tickled her at sides.
“Ge, tama na…hahaha…” She raised her arm to beat him. But Gerald was ready, he reached for her armpits and tickled her there.
“Tama na…huwag…huwag diyan… tama na…GERALD!” She gasped trying to dislodge Gerald’s arm.
“Ok na, tama na, pinapatawad na kita uli!”

Always On Your Side: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Gerald was not able to stop himself from cursing out loud upon hearing Kim’s revelation, drawing the attention of all his friends gathered in the parking lot. His vision suddenly turned red and felt smoke come out of his ears. With fists clenched at his sides and murder in his eyes, Gerald abruptly turned around and broke into a run he did not hear Romeo scream in panic and the girls telling Matt, Aldred and David to go after Gerald while they will follow Kim.

He was just a few feet away from the gazebo where Renz and his friends usually hang out when he Renz’s bragging reached his ears.

“Pare, she was begging me to kiss her so alangan naman tumanggi ako no? So I gave in. You should have seen her after our kiss. She blushed so much she has turned red! Man, grabe siguro tama sa akin non!” They gave each other high-fives and laughed.

With all his fury channelled at his fists, Gerald launched himself at the unsuspecting Renz and punched him in the nose with all his might. Still not satisfied, he continued throwing punches at the fallen Renz, who was so surprised he did not even thought of raising his arms to fend off Gerald’s blows.

“You bastard! Take those words back! Hindi yan totoo!” Gerald shouted at Renz, trying to bluff him and make him admit the truth. He also didn’t know what really happed why Renz and Kim kissed but he knew Kim very well. She wouldn’t just ask any boy, let alone Renz kiss her just easily, unless they’re already an item. But knowing how Kim despised Renz, it was highly unlikely that she’d just kiss anyone because, first of all, she was not a flirt. Secondly, she was not boy-crazy and most of all, she was not that desperate.

Renz squealed and cowered behind his friends’ back when Gerald reached for him again. His three friends meanwhile were rooted on their spots in surprise and did not even attempt to stop Gerald as he pummelled Renz..

“Anderson! Stop, stop! Help!” Renz shouted in despair, his voice quivering.

Gerald grabbed for Renz again but suddenly he felt two people restraining him. David and Aldred were holding him on both arms while Matt went between him and the cowering Renz.

“Stay out of this Matt! And let go of me!” Gerald demanded of his friends. “I want to beat him to a pulp”

“Ooo…okkkaaayyyy, enough, I apologize An..Anderson! What I just said…what you heard just now… is not the truth. I Kiss… the… kk..kkiiss..was just an ac…accident. I SWEAR! I WAS…pulling her up from…FROM THE FLOOR. Then…then I was…a boy hit me from behind, so…my lips…my face landed into her. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! Believe me!” Renz cried.

Gerald glowered at Renz, causing the latter to squirm and hang his head in shame. But deep inside, Gerald felt as if a heavy burden was lifted off him, and his heart felt like soaring. So Kim has not kissed Renz willingly after all. The kiss that Kim was bragging about was just an accident. And he was very sure that she did it just out of jealousy.

“Listen to me very well, Villaruel because I’ll only say this one. I want you to apologize to Kim first thing tomorrow morning. Then, I better not be hearing even just a whisper of that accidental kiss around school because I will go after you again and skin your hide. Understood?” Gerald asked fiercely.

Renz whimpered and nodded in reply.

“And that goes to you three as well,” Gerald turned towards Renz’s friends who nodded their head vigorously in response.

Gerald glared at them for the last time before stomping away with Matt, Aldred and David at his heels.

“Did you see what a sissy he is?” Gerald asked. “He didn’t even fight back!”

“The way your eyes glowered and your body so taut, I can understand why he didn’t attempt to fight back Ge,” Matt replied.

“Yes, you were scary! That’s why we ran after you because we’re afraid you would murder Renz.” Aldred quipped.

“Wow, this is the first time I ever see you get mad Ge.” David commented bewilderedly for the Gerald they knew was very laid-back, easy going and seldom get irritated let alone get mad.

“You heard him brag about kissing Kim. So naturally, I had to defend her.” Gerald replied a little heatedly, causing his three friends to look at each other in wonder.

They wanted to correct him that it was Kim who bragged about the kiss causing him to go after Renz in the first place. Hearing Renz bragged about the accidental kiss just gave Gerald a very valid reason to beat him. But they thought better of it.

“Ge, relax ka lang, we are not the enemy. Let’s better go after Kim now. Maybe the girls have already caught up with her.” Aldred placated him.

The four of them went towards Gerald’s SUV.

“Give me your keys and I’ll drive.” Matt said, holding out his hand to Gerald, who turned over his keys without protest and just proceeded to the passenger seat. After a few minutes on their way, Gerald has calmed down enough to remember the turn of events that led to such a disastrous ending.

Basketball practice ended later than usual because the inter-school tournament was just around the corner. Coach Noel divided the team into two and made them compete with each other. To motivate them to give their best, Coach Noel announced that the winning team would receive a prize. Gerald, being the captain of the basketball team led the other team while Arron, his co-captain, led the other half.

Spurred by the thought of getting a prize, all the players, even the subs gave their best, resulting in one of their best practice performance of all time. Each team played so well that in the end, Gerald’s team won by just one point.

“So Coach, what’s our prize?” Gerald asked Coach Noel eagerly as the rest of his team beamed behind him. Someone tapped him on the shoulder and saw Matt standing there.

“Ge, mauuna na ako sa iyo. Gutom na ako eh,” Matt said to him.

“Sige pare. Hihintayin ko pa din si Kim eh. Kung makita mo siya, pakisabi hintayin niya ako ha?”

“Ok, sige.” Matt waved to him before going away.

“Gerald’s team, your prize is…a kiss!” Coach Noel jovially announced as he beckoned the cheerleader to come forward. The rest of Gerald’s team erupted into cheers and catcalls while the losing team pretended to be so distraught for losing and missed the chance of kissing the pretty and sexy cheerleaders.

Gerald on the other hand was speechless with disappointment over what he thought was very childish prize. The rest of his team eagerly and gamely claimed the kiss from the rest of the girls in the cheer dance squad while he dragged himself towards Brenda, the cheerleader captain, who was supposed to kiss him.

“Brendz, let’s get this over and done with,” he smiled at his friend, who smiled back and nodded. Brenda leaned towards him and kissed him on the cheek.

“Ms. Fox, Gerald deserves a kiss on the lips for the great game he played today. Kiss mo uli siya,” Coach Noel teased.

Brenda gave him an apologetic smile as she leaned towards him again and kissed him on the lips. Hoots, whistles and applause erupted around them as they stepped back from each other.
Gerald gave Brenda one of his heart-melting smiles and said. “Thank God you’re the cheerleader captain Brendz! Alam ng mga tao na friends tayo.” Gerald said. “Otherwise, sangkatutak na tsismis na naman ang aabutin ko nito.”

Brenda just laughed at Gerald and said, “Wala yun, part of the game lang naman ito. I’d better get going to the foodcourt. I’m starving. See you there!”

“See you,” Gerald replied.

He suddenly remembered that Kim was coming for him. When he did not see her around the court yet, he heaved a big sigh of relief and silently lifted his head in thanks above. Kim has not witnessed the kiss at all, thank God. Telling her about the kiss would be the first thing he would do the moment she arrives before the distorted and exaggerated version reaches her.
Since Kim has not arrived yet, he decided to change clothes first and get his things so they could immediately go the moment she arrives.

“Hey Jon,” Gerald called out to his friend and fellow teammate. “When Kim arrives, can you tell her that I’m just in the locket getting my things?”

“Will do bro,” Jon answered.

Gerald saluted to him in thanks.

When he came out of the locker room ten minutes later, he saw only a handful people around and yet still no sign of Kim. He sighed and sat down on one of the benches to wait for her because he promised he was the one who arranged for their meeting. He did not want this to be the cause of their tampuhan. Because Kim would then give him the cold shoulder and that would be the one thing he wanted to avoid. A very quiet and non-talking Kim was no joy to be around.
Earlier at lunch, he asked Kim to come and fetch him after his basketball practice so they could go to the food court together. Kim agreed without batting an eyelash.

Lately, he noticed that he enjoyed himself when he spent time alone with Kim, just the two of them talking about their day without the interruptions and noise of their big, boisterous group of friends. Being with their friends was always fun, noisy and full of laughter, but he cherished the quiet moments with Kim more. A feeling of peace, contentment and unparalleled joy came to him each time he was with her. She’s like the sunshine to his life, ever cheerful, ever making him smile, making his dim world brighter. He was lucky to have Kim, the bubbly and charming girl for his bestfriend.

He looked at his watch and saw that it was already twenty-five minutes past their agreed time. Kim was still not around. Suddenly his cell phone rang. He looked at the display and saw Matt’s name on the screen.

“Yes bro?” Gerald said as a way of greeting.

“Gerald what happened?” came Matt’s reply.

“What do you mean ‘what happened’? What are you talking about?”

“Kim’s here and she looked so forlorn. We can see that she’s been crying but when we asked her, she said everything’s fine. Did you two fight again or something?

“Matt, how can we fight when we haven’t even seen each other yet? I am still here at the covered court waiting for her.”

“But she was there. I knew because we passed each other on my way out. I even told her to wait for you, like you told me.”

“Really? When did you see her?”

“I met her at the door. She was coming in while I was on my way out. Teka, ano ba ang prize na nakuha niyo?”

“Wait Matt, Kim arrived only a few minutes after the game ended?”

“Yes that’s about the time. We even talked for a few seconds outside the door.”

“Oh shit. SHIT!”

“Bro, bakit? Anong nangyari?”

“Is Kim still there?”

“Yes, she’s still here. Tahimik nga eh at parang tulala. Kaya sabi ni Mel sa akin na tawagan daw kita at tanungin kung bakit ganito siya.”

“Alam ko na kung bakit. Sige takbo na ako dyan!”

“Nandito na kami sa parking lot. Hindi na kumain si Kim eh!”

Gerald just stopped the call and grabbed his bag. Then he sprinted towards the parking lot. SHIT, he thought to himself. I am sure that Kim saw my kiss with Brenda. The shortcut from the covered court to the parking lot saved him some precious minutes and he reached them just in time to hear Kim blurt out about the kiss with Renz.

Hearing those words suddenly made him mad that if he was the Hulk, he would have turned emerald green then and there. The knowledge that Renz kissed Kim evoked a strange feeling from deep inside him that he somehow cannot explain nor pinpoint exactly. Just the thought of beating Renz up would give him satisfaction, thus he went after the wimp.

Now that Renz has been dealt with, it’s time for him to face the bigger hurdle of pacifying and making peace with Kim. “Why did you all let Kim drive in that condition?” Gerald growled at them.

“Bro, it all happened so fast. We didn’t have time to stop her since we need to go after you too!” Aldred replied in a placating tone.

“Ge, teka bakit ba galit nag alit at masyadong affected ka? Ano ba ang ikinagalit mo?”

Matt’s questions silenced Gerald. He thought hard for a minute, trying to rationalize his behavior earlier. Why was he really upset to know that some boy has kissed Kim. Was it because he was jealous? But why would he be jealous. Kim was just like a sister to him. He was just feeling protective of his best friend. That’s it.

“I was just protecting Kim from that no-good wimp, kaya sinugod ko si Lawrence. I do not want just anybody taking advantage of her. I’m sure you’d do it for her too.” Gerald replied, trying to be convincing.

But Matt, David and Aldred shared a glance because they can feel that it was more than over-protectiveness. It was something more, and Gerald did not see it yet or he was denying it.
Gerald then took out his cell phone out and punched 1 on the keypad. Kim was number 1 on his speed dial list. A busy signal greeted him at first so he kept on dialling and until he got a dial tone. It just kept on ringing until he was informed that the subscriber cannot attend calls at the moment. Still her persisted.

“Damn it!” He exploded when he dialled next because the message that greeted him was that the subscriber cannot be reached or out of coverage area.

Chapter 1

“That’s fantastic everyone! You can have a break and then be back here in fifteen minutes for our final rehearsal.” Ms. Virgil clapped as the dance club she’s supervising almost perfectly executed the dance number for the school program tomorrow. Today’s practice was extra rigid for all the members since they’ve been rehearsing for almost two hours already.

Kim grabbed her towel from her bag and wiped the streaming sweat off her face and exclaimed to Melissa and Romeo, “It’s about time we’re given a break. I badly need a bathroom break!”

And she dashed out of the gymnasium towards the bathroom before her two friends could reply. She sprinted back towards the gym after she was finished and as she rounded the corner, she was not able to stop herself from colliding into the person rounding from the other side.

“Whoa… Kim? Why are you in such a hurry?” Lawrence asked as he grabbed for her before she fall down.

“Oooppssies! Sorry Renz,” Kim replied. “I’m on my way back to the gym. Our practice’s not finished yet.” Dang o dang, she thought, of all the people here in school, why should I bump into him? Renz or Lawrence Villaruel IV was a good looking boy, with clean-cut black hair, brown complexion, almond-shaped dark brown eyes, perfect teeth and a very attractive dimple on both his cheeks when he smiles. He’s one of the certified jocks at the university and girls promptly follow him everywhere. Many thought he is a good catch since aside from the fact that he is loaded with money, he’s also a decent student and a varsity of the school’s swimming team.

Kim on the other hand, thought that he’d be a good catch only to those who like airheads. She thought he would be a likable guy if he would just deflate his ego in half and do even just fifty percent of the things he said. She still could not forget how he bragged to a lot of people that he’s courting Kim when the only ‘courting’ thing he did was flirt with her when they meet in the corridors. He did not even call her or even ask her to the movies or take her out to eat. Not that she would agree if he asks, but those are the normal things a guy would if he was courting a girl. But the number one reason she disliked Renz was because Gerald didn’t like him at all. And that was reason enough already.

“I’ll walk with you then. I was also on my way there to watch the practice.” Lawrence said, much to Kim’s dismay.

“But aren’t you going to the opposite direction when we bumped into each other?” Kim asked.
“I was actually going to the library but I changed my mind. I’ll watch your dance practice instead.” He insisted. Kim just sighed inwardly. It was easier to give in than try to discourage him anyway.

“How are…” Kim started to ask Renz how he was but something suddenly hit her from the back that one moment she was upright, the next instant, she found herself sprawled on the floor. The wind was knocked out of Kim that she just laid there for a few seconds. Renz was just getting up from the floor when she finally got her breath and noticed him.

Two grade school boys were chasing each other and were running too fast when they rounded the corner they were not able to stop themselves from bumping into Kim and Lawrence. They just laughed at the two on the floor and continued their game without even a backward glance.

“Those stupid boys! And why are they playing here in the college building?” Renz barked. He held out his hands to pull Kim up when another boy came barreling around the same corner and bumped into him again. He landed smack into Kim, his face into her face, his lips right into her lips.

Kim was surprised with the accidental kiss she sprang up so fast that she got dizzy and swayed in her place. Renz grabbed her again to steady her and asked if she’s feeling all right.

She just nodded her head and with her face flaming, blurted out, “ I’m sorry…I’m going…very late for the practice!” She stammered and ran so fast as if the hounds from hell were after her.

Renz’s quizzing frown followed her back but after a few seconds, the frown was replaced by a smug look. She’s greatly affected, he said out loud, smiling widely as he walked away. She must have some feelings towards me.

*******
‘Mel, I’ll meet you at the food court. I promised Gerald I’ll meet him after his practice and I’m already ten minutes late, he would already be mad at me.’ Kim said to Melissa as they both grabbed their bags and headed towards the gym’s exit. Dance practice finally ended for the day and they’re the last ones to leave the gym.

Melissa saw the wide smile and the glow in her friend’s eyes when she mentioned Gerald. She can also feel Kim’s giddiness right that moment she looked at her friend questioningly and said, ‘Hhhmmmmmm…..you know what, I noticed something different about you lately. You seem to be glowing,’ Melissa remarked to Kim. “Especially when you talk about Gerald and then I noticed na lahat ng requests niya sinusunod mo. Minsan pa nga, hindi pa siya tapos sa request nya, tango ka na ng tango na parang mechanical dog na yung ulo, tumatango nonstop. Parang iba na yan ha, friend?’

‘Hoy, ano bang pinagsasabi mo dyan! Parang hindi mo pa alam na sya ang bestfriend ko among the guys. Katulad mo, ikaw ang bestfriend ko among the girls.’

‘Talaga? Bestfriend lang ha? Ako bestfriend mo din, pero bakit minsan hindi mo ako sinisipot sa usapan natin? Bakit hindi ka natataranta kung late ka sa date natin? Ano yun, mas lamang si Gerald kesa akin? Oh baka naman meron nang something between you two na hindi nyo lang sinasabi sa amin,’ Melissa replied, wiggling her eyebrows at Kim.

‘Hoy, tumigil ka nga! Nangingilabot ako sa sinasabi mo. Wala akong may sinasabi sa iyo kasi wala namang nangyayari sa amin aside from being bestfriends no!’ Kim answered back, but with less conviction than she intended. ‘Sige na, see you later friend.’

Wala naman talagang sasabihin eh Kim thought to herself as she walked towards the covered court where the school’s basketball team was temporarily practicing because the gym was being used by the dance club. There was nothing to tell anyone because there was nothing but deep friendship between her and Gerald. Nothing at all except deep friendship nga lang talaga dapat. But she didn’t know when her feelings towards Gerald changed. When was the exact time she crossed the line? She’s been racking her brains trying to pinpoint the exact time when her feelings for Gerald went beyond friendship but she could not remember.

All she knew was that she just woke up one day and realized she has already fallen for her best friend. She finally noticed Gerald’s brown eyes that sparkled when he’s happy and turned murky when he’s upset. The one hundred kilowatt smile he bestowed on her each time she did something for him was compensation enough for her to want to do anything he wanted. She had finally been aware of him physically and realized that he is drool-worthy handsome, that looking at him made her heart beat erratically, and tingles spread all over her body. Her male best friend was indeed gorgeous and she saw now what other girls had seen for a long time.

It’s not only Gerald’s physical traits that got her head over heels over him however. His innate kindness towards anyone was the one thing that she liked about him from the start. He got on so well with all kinds of people from different walks of life. He’s so selfless that he always think of others first, and would offer his food to others before taking a bite out of it. All their girl friends has gotten used to him opening doors for them, helping them carry heavy stuffs or wait for all of them to be seated first before he’d take a seat when they will eat together. He willingly helps people without being asked. These little things already impressed Kim even then.

She didn’t know if Gerald was feeling any different towards her but it doesn’t bother her at all. She’ll just try to ignore the strange but happy feeling bursting inside her whenever she’s with Gerald and be contented with the way things are at the moment.

The door of the covered court suddenly opened as she was reaching for it and Matt Evans, one of Gerald’s best buddies came out.

‘Matt! Are they finished with the practice?’

‘Yes Kim, And Gerald said you wait for him. Is Mel already at the foodcourt?’

‘Yes, she’s waiting for us there. See you later.’

She was giddy with excitement because for her, it seemed like she hasn’t seen Gerald in ages when in fact, they had lunch together earlier. She went inside the covered court and craned her neck to search for Gerald and found him after a few seconds search only. But what she saw froze her in place.

Gerald was kissing Brenda – their friend and cheerleader captain - right in front of the whole basketball and cheerleading team. Kim can only stare open-mouthed as the world tilted on its axis and crashed on her, taking all the air around her. The jeers, whistles and the applause from both teams jolted her back into reality.

She spun on her heels, trying to hold back the tears that were stubbornly falling down her cheeks. Kim, get a hold of yourself, she thought. After all, there’s nothing between you and Gerald. You have no right to feel the hurt, the pain and the jealousy that you’re feeling right now. You have no right, Kim. You do not own him.

Kim continued the chant inside her head, hoping to convince herself and most especially her heart. She took several deep breaths to compose herself, wiped the tears off her face and pasted on a smile before opening the door of the foodcourt. She immediately spotted Melissa and Matt at their usual place along with Romeo, Aldred, Cathy, Regine and David.

‘Hi guys, sorry I have no time to eat anymore. I forgot my Mom and I have somewhere else to go and I’m already running late!’

‘What? But where’s Gerald?’ Aldred asked.

‘Uhm…he’s still at the practice, so guys bye, I’ll go ahead.’

‘But Kim…wait, we’re going too.’ Melissa said and everyone stood up, gathered their things and followed Kim out of the foodcourt towards the parking lot.

‘Kim, is something wrong?’ Regine asked.

‘Something wrong?’ Kim pasted on a very bright, very fake smile and turned towards her friend.

‘No, nothing’s wrong. What made you think that way?’

Melissa, Romeo, Cathy and Regine just looked at each other and Cathy replied, ‘Uhm, it’s just that…’

‘Hello! I’m ok. Just running late for my date with my Mom.’

The others just looked at each other questioningly, for they can see tearstains on her face. But they just kept quiet and continued walking as Melissa sidled up to Matt and whispered something to him.

‘Guys! Good thing I caught up with you,’ Brenda exclaimed suddenly from behind. ‘I’ve been to the food court but none of you was there. Somebody told me you’ve already left so I ran as fast as I could hoping to catch you here and thank God I did.’

Kim greeted Brenda as cordially as she could, even though deep inside she’s hurting so much. It’s not Brenda’s fault Gerald chose her, so she cannot be angry with her friend. She had been a fool, pining over Gerald without even thinking that maybe Gerald is in love with someone else. And now she saw with her own eyes the proof that Gerald already has a girl. Aside from the pain and jealousy she felt, she’s also hurt that Gerald has not confided anything to her at all.

She continued walking towards her car as the others trooped behind her. They talked among themselves, catching each other about their day while shooting worried glances over a very quiet, spaced out Kim. Brenda suddenly said ‘Kim, may sasabihin pala ako sa iyo!’

Kim didn’t know what came over her but she just suddenly found herself blurting out, ‘Ah, alam ko na iyon. I saw Gerald kissing you.” She laughed a little hysterically and continued. “Siguro, it must be kissing day today coz I’ve been kissed by Renz too!’ And with that announcement, she ran towards her car and drove away in haste before any of her friends could utter a word.

Everyone can only gasp at Kim’s revelation, their eyes bulging out of the socket, their mouths hanging wide open. Then all their heads turned in unison when they heard someone exclaim from behind.

“That son of a bitch!”