DAYEdalera

BUT, Chapter “Ever After” will be the last.

I want to thank those who faithfully followed my blogoserye and for giving just good comments. You inspired me to continue writing each day despite my busy schedule just hearing you begging for the next chapters. I hope reading my love story has somehow made you believe that love is at work.

Love and Be Loved.

I would want to share stories of how Mr. Simpatiko is courting me each day of my life but Blogger & Multiply might run out of space and besides I want to be modest of the things that happened between “US” during the past eight years of our relationship.

You may not agree - BUT FOR ME, Gil’s amazing courtship skills will truly defeat Vampire Edward Cullen’s romantic prose and poetries. My proof would be how each day since October 30 of 2000 has been filled with LOVE.

When we met and fell in love it is as if the whole universe conspired. His voice became music to my ears, his gentle care was kisses on my cheeks, his warm smile is always a hug and when he says “I love you”, nothing is left of me; it is the most wonderful part of my everyday.

Now, I can say I never really loved until he came and I am hopeful that each passing year he will always stay true to his promise of courting me forever. I AM HOPEFUL BECAUSE LOVING GIL IS THE GREATEST FEELING I EVER HAD.

Labels: ever after, love, love story

Daye: I said “Yes”.

Mr. Simpatiko: “Yes to what?”

I smiled.

Daye: “Be loved.”

Mr. Simpatiko still can’t get the idea that I have to further explain.

Daye: "YES. I WANT TO BE LOVED. I am agreeing with your proposal, IT IS NOW “US” AND YOU WILL COURT ME FOREVER."

Mr. Simpatiko: "Are you sure?"

Daye: "Yes I am. I am giving myself the opportunity to “be loved” as well as I have loved. I am giving “US” the chance to grow."

He looked at me seeking my sincerity. I nodded.

Thereafter, he looked at his watch and said – “Its six quarter pm of October 30, 2000, now I am your boyfriend and beginning this hour I can bring you home to your apartment.”

I smiled and called Doris, Rollie and Mr. Council to introduce Mr. Simpatiko – “Meet my first boyfriend, Gil B. Ocampo.”

And from that moment… Hopefully…. WE will LOVE…. Happily ever after.

Labels: courtship, ever after, love, love story

After some pleasantries, I excused myself, I have to leave because my highschool friends were already texting where am I as they cannot arrange the apartment without my ‘not so artistic interior designing’.

He begged me to stay a little more and promised to bring me in V. Cruz. Ooppsss, that’s not quite a good idea I thought, as all my ‘housemates’ know that I am involved and exclusively dating Mr. Council and bringing a new guy in the apartment will surely solicit rumors and never-ending ridicule of my NBSB (No BF Since Birth) status. Hmmm.

I agreed to stay until 5pm provided he will not insist going to my apartment stating My Rule: No other guys can visit ME at home, except my friends and boyfriend!

He agreed. He handed me something – it was a St. Francis of Assisi Novena. I looked at him demanding an explanation. He said – “He recently interceded for me and my wish was granted, I promised to pass on the prayer. I chose you.”

I said thank you and kept the prayer in my wallet.

Doris and Rollie came along. Doris pulled me to accompany her at Kuya Jan’s boarding house. She is planning to move in there and wants to check the girl’s room and so I agreed.

I didn’t know that Mr. Council and Rollie live in the same boarding house with Kuya Jan and Eric. So when, Mr. Council heard we’re going, he joined us. Mr. Simpatiko, left with no option, of course joined us.

I and Mr. Simpatiko walked through Teresa St. behind us was Rollie, Mr. Council and Doris. We met Kuya Jan and Eric along Zamora Bridge Road (which after 8 years, is still known as Bagong-Tulay), and proceeded to the boarding house.

Mr. Simpatiko never repeated his proposal, but he was fascinatingly telling me old jokes and I am amusingly buying those. We walked for about, 15-25 minutes, which I have to mention that I enjoyed every minute to the seconds I am with him. (And more to my delight Mr. Council was obviously jealous).

After seeing the place, Doris decided to move in. It was already 5:30pm when we left the boarding house. This time, I and Mr. Simpatiko was behind Rollie, Doris and Mr. Council.

Mr. Simpatiko was telling me something but I was distracted by a sticker sign stating – “BE LOVED.”

Suddenly, without thinking, I commented “Yes.”

Mr. Simpatiko thought I was saying something and asked me – “What did you just said?

to be continued...

Labels: courtship, love, love story, signs

The weekend passed without any thought in my mind but the series of events concerning Mr. Simpatiko, I was then watching a teenage-oriented show and at the same time wondering why ‘having a relationship’ was an issue if you are in college. I remember my favorite high-school teacher advising me to go get a boyfriend before I study law, as she said being a lawyer would make me beyond reach of cool guys and I will forever be involved with guys who are either has a girlfriend, married or could be a DOM, worst a single man who is not good looking.



I smiled and re-counted my standards and did my regular mind-tabulation:

1. Must be a Doctor, an Architect or and Engineer; (No, he is not qualified!)
2. Older by not more than four years my age; (Sakto!)
3. Surnames A-L, such as Ayala, Cojuangco, Gokongwei, and the likes… (3 notches short)
4. Good-looking is an ADVANTAGE. (Over-qualified!)
5. Can make me smile from start ‘til end of the day… (Definitely…)

I castigated myself, Mr. Simpatiko was not even courting me. He just proposed to be my boyfriend and the courtship will just follow if ever he’ll be.

It was Manic Monday, and it is expected that regular classes will start, all my professors was present so I had no chance to see Mr. Council at the office. Maybe its better, I can get away with his cold treatment after he learned that I am being linked with Mr. Simpatiko.

During lunch, Doris told me the ‘news’, she had committed herself to ‘Mr. Strepsils’ – That was fast. Really fast. I saw stars in her eyes and the sweetest smile she had since I met her. She talked about ‘it’ in manner a fairy tale storyteller could tell. I am happy for her.

In the afternoon, about 2:30, I am at the Extension Office trying to be so cool about the ‘icy treatment’ from Mr. Council when I received a call from Kuya Jan.

Kuya Jan: Daye, still in PUP?
Daye: Yes but I am suppose to leave at 3pm, we are moving in to a new apartment in V.Cruz.
Kuya Jan: Mr. Simpatiko told me, please wait for him.
Daye: I can’t.

I didn’t know that Kuya Jan was in his cellphone talking to me while at the same time talking to Mr. Simpatiko in the landline. Kuya Jan literally was the ‘bridge’, appropriately in current terms the ‘hub’.

Kuya Jan: (to Mr. Simpatiko) She can’t wait. She’s leaving by 3pm. (to Daye) Can’t you wait until 3:30?
Daye: I need to help my friends to move out and clean the new apartment. I promised to be there by 3PM.

Kuya Jan: Make it 3:30. He’ll be there.
Daye: Where is he coming from?
Kuya Jan: Tondo, Manila.
Daye: What??????!!!!!
Kuya Jan: For me, please, 3:30PM?
Daye: Ok ‘til 3:30.

About 3:30, no signs that Mr. Simpatiko is coming. I extended the time to 3:35, then, to 3:40. Further to 3:45 and exactly at the time I am preparing to leave, Mr. Simpatiko came.

to be continued...

Labels: courtship, love, love story, signs

After I finished the PSS Week Project Proposal, Doris and I went to her dormitory to get some things. She’ll be sleeping-over in my apartment as I am alone, my boardmates are still enjoying the semestral break.

I received a text from Kuya Jan’s number – “I love you. –Mr. Simpatiko”

I showed it to Doris and we are both convinced it was not Mr. Simpatiko who texted me, it was his loyal ever supportive bestfriend, Kuya Jan.

Another text followed – “Still here at LPHQ, I will wait for you. – Mr. Simpatiko”

I didn’t bother to send a reply, I just thought – “We’ll see.”

I knocked at the door of the LPHQ, Kuya Jan opened the door. I lost hope; I know Mr. Simpatiko was not there after all, he already told me he’s going home early.

Kuya Jan pointed to my stuff properly arranged at Kuya Ronnie’s desk. I started to lift my baggage when Kuya Jan said – “Aren’t you going to help her, Mr. Simpatiko?” and immediately he was at my back.

He reached the baggage and helped me and Doris to pull it out from the storage. I said my ‘thank you’ and bade goodbye to Kuya Jan.

Again, Kuya Jan remarked “Mr. Simpatiko, aren’t you going to bring them down to get a ride?”

Mr. Simpatiko sought my approval and I nod. He brought all our baggage and helped us find a ‘tricycle’ bound to Altura.

Several days passed, Mr. Simpatiko was everywhere, in PUP, in LPHQ, in my cellphone, in my mind, in my dreams….

In my heart? I still don’t know. I almost asked my heart to squeeze out Mr. Council to open-up a space for Mr. Simpatiko. In fact, that Thursday was the last day of my 9-weeks St. Jude novena, on which I fervently prayed that if Mr. Council is not meant for me, may I let go easily of this feelings.

Numerous nights after Mr. Simpatiko made his proposal, I am restless and for the nth time, I can’t sleep. I want to find an answer to the question: “HOW LONG WILL THIS “MAGIC” LAST?”

to be continued...

Labels: courtship, love, love story, magic, signs

Thursday, (a week after I sought succor in Baguio City and its ‘magic’) straight from Cavite, I attended the first day of class. No professors were around yet as PUP always start classes ahead of the ‘All Saints Day’ holiday. In my three years, seldom a professor will attend classes on the last week of October. My classmates already declared an early dismissal after an hour of waiting.

I immediately took my bag and headed to W-211, the Student Orgs Office and there I saw Mr. Council who just glanced at me. Domeng, my VP External upon seeing me exclaimed – “Madame Pres, Kuya Mr. Simpatiko was looking for you earlier…were you able to see him?”

I said – “No. Where is he?” and the reaction of Mr. Council did not escape my eyes.

After which, I said – “Kuya Ritz, I think I found a BF prospect in Baguio” (giggling). Again, I saw Mr. Council frowned.

Kuya Ritz replied – “Be careful. You don’t know Mr. Simpatiko well.”

I just smiled. (While anticipating a confrontation scenario between me and Mr. Council and finally having the opportunity to tell his face, I am no longer into ‘IT’ – the no commitment set-up)

Then, I thought, Am I persuaded by the ‘love talk’? Am I starting to dump the ‘love without commitment’ and adopting the ‘commitment and courtship later’ method? Hmmmm.

In a while, I saw a very familiar face in the window. He was so hesitant to enter the office that I took the initiative to go out for him. We talked at the lobby, not facing each other. We are both facing the lagoon as if we are not comfortable with each other. I felt uneasy knowing that Mr. Council has a full-view of me and Mr. Simpatiko. It may be superfluous to state that I want him to be jealous, but I don’t want him to think I’m that ‘easy-to-get’ either…

Mr. Simpatiko said – “Your stuff is at the LPHQ, you can get it later. I might go home early.”

“Its ok.” I said. “I’ll get it later after some PSS paperworks.”

Then, he said ‘goodbye’.

When he walked away from me, I thought – if he looks back, I will give him a chance.

And just before he turned right to the stairs, HE GAVE ME A LOOK. HE SMILED. HE WAVED HIS HAND.

to be continued...

Labels: love, love story

About 5AM, Doris, Eric and I rode a tricycle from the resort to the main high-way, Mr. Simpatiko and Kuya Jan brought us to the terminal. I remember handing a ‘thank you note’ to Mr. Simpatiko stating – “thank you for making me feel like a real woman in the last few days and for being such a gentleman” (at least that’s the thought; I cannot remember the exact words…)

The bus came and we said ‘goodbye’ to Kuya Jan and Mr. Simpatiko. I left my Baguio goodies with him and he said he will leave it at the KALIPI-HQ. My mind protested – I thought he’ll take it to see me again in Manila?

At the bus, despite the ‘noisy’ sound the clutch created during shifts and the desire to sleep, I CAN’T. I AM WORRYING. I AM RESTLESS.

How am I to face Mr. Council? (I am so afraid to fall for him all over again if I happen to see his smile, hear him talk and more)

Was Mr. Simpatiko serious on me? (I am half-heartedly decided to give this person a chance should he prove himself worthy of it.)

Should I just focus on getting the ‘magna’ and FORGET both of them? (I detested the idea, I promised myself to get a boyfriend on my third year in college and the second semester has already started without any outstanding prospect. I think I have invested so much on Mr. Council. Hayhay.)

Doris and Eric were sound asleep like babies, while in between them was me rushing myself to grow up. I am always like that…RUSHING THE UNIVERSE TO CONSPIRE.

I discarded the idea and tried sleeping.

We reached Cavite about 2pm and ate our late lunch. Mileth was so excited to hear stories about Baguio and ‘girls like us’ won’t miss details. We chatted until midnight while Eric was sleeping so soundly. When Doris announced that we have to sleep, Melissa agreed. The ‘to sleep’ vote had it.

Left with no choice, I tried hard to sleep but the recent ‘dusk until dawn’ moments in Baguio has greatly affected my body clock. I CAN’T SLEEP.

At about four AM, I received a text from Kuya Jan – “I love you. – Mr. Simpatiko”

My heart and brain palpitated in a moment, but I know the text message was not from him, he told me blatant he never say "ILY" to court a girl, he says it ONLY when he meant it.

My instinct tells me – it was from Kuya Jan, Mr. Simpatiko’s bestfriend, persistently played ‘bridge’, ‘Mr. Cupid’ or ‘Dr. Love’ just to link me with Mr. Simpatiko and I know by that text message, he is trying to get circumstantial or corroborating evidence if I do like Mr. Simpatiko. Kuya Jan’s ploy must not work; it will mean the total destruction of my ‘I value courtship’ scheme.

I CAN’T SLEEP. I CAN’T SLEEP. I CAN’T SLEEP.

to be continued...

Labels: love, love story

We arrived in La Union before dinner time. Since everybody was so excited to swim, we had dinner immediately. I shared the dining table with “Hepa Guy” and I wasn’t able to control my amazement seeing him eating just veggies, I really admire vegetarians because I know I can’t and won’t be like them.

I saw Mr. Simpatiko from afar, he was talking to Mae girl and other LGBT advocates, I don’t know if I was jealous but my inner self detested the idea and instead thought that Mr. Simpatiko was jealous of “Hepa guy”. Yeah! I am conceited but that was my brainy self, my soft bones cannot deny the fact, I’M JEALOUS.

After dinner, we immediately went swimming. There, I was able to talk with Kuya Rodney, we talked about law school, being a lawyer, law stuffs. I was so enthusiastic then to enroll in law school after college that our talk lasted nearly two hours when suddenly, Doris was pestered by itchiness. We came to the rescue; it was a sting from a jellyfish. After some first aid, Doris suddenly had fever which cut-shorted the swimming fun. I joined her at the cottage and there we fell asleep.

About 1AM, Eric knocked at the door and brought Doris some analgesic. Being supportive, Jorie asked me to go out. I told Doris, we will just go out and breathe.

At the terrace of the cottage, I and Jorie were chatting when Mr. Simpatiko and some people passed-by. Mr. Simpatiko invited us to walk in the beachfront. We agreed.

We walked without slippers and felt the sand in our feet. We walked and talked. Mr. Simpatiko gets hold of my elbow as we walked. That’s it! That’s the last of my standards of a gentleman. He passed.

In a while, I noticed, I and MR. SIMPATIKO were ALONE TOGETHER in the shore. I can’t see Jorie and the other guys, I thought – “must be of my poor eyesight.”

Mr. Simpatiko pointed a dying bonfire and invited me to sit near it. I obliged.

He continued the ‘love talk’ and I just listened until he asked:

Mr. Simpatiko : “Nagtataka ako, maganda ka, matalino, mabait, bakit hindi ka pa nagkakaboyfriend?”

Daye: “Hindi pa siguro time. Wala pa akong nakikita na kayang intindihin yung sschedule ko eh. Hirap baka mapabayaan ko ang PSS, gusto ko pa mag-Law, saka yung gusto ko (referring to Mr. Council) ambisyoso masyado, hindi ko kayang sabayan.”

Mr. Simpatiko : “Paano kung dumating yung tao na willing intindihin yung schedule mo, yung dreams mo, tapos pareho pa kayo ng standards sa relationship, gugustuhin mo nab a magkaboyfriend?”

Daye: “I will cross the bridge when I get there. Wala pa naman akong nakikilalang tao nag anon eh, saka ko na lang pag-iisipan kapag nandiyan na sya…”

Mr. Simpatiko: (persistently) “Paano nga kung nandiyan na? Yung di mo lang napapansin pero nasa tabi mo na pala….”

I looked at the stars in the sky and said – “Hindi pa rin ako magboboyfriend.” I courageously asked the next question – “Nanliligaw ka ba?”

Mr. Simpatiko: “Hindi naman ako naniniwala sa ligaw di ba? I like you and if you like me, let us commit and I will court you forever.”

Daye: “If you will insist on that, HINDI pa rin.” - “Naniniwala kasi ako sa courtship, sa getting-to-know process, hindi tayo pareho.”

Mr. Simpatiko: “Ang worry ko baka hindi na tayo magkita after nito, at least kung tayo na, may reason para magkita pa tayo.”

I raised my eyebrow and told him – “Lame excuse. We are in the same school. We are both in KALIPI. We have the same circle of friends. Kung gusto mo talaga, magkikita at magkikita pa rin tayo.”

I saw Jorie and company heading towards us, they told me that Doris and Eric were already prepared for our 5am schedule bound to Silang, Cavite, the three of us are leaving ahead of the group because Mileth invited us to their town fiesta.

On our way back to the cottage, Mr. Simpatiko said – “Just leave your bag and other stuff with me, so that you can travel light to Cavite and that I will have a reason to see you again in Manila.”

to be continued…

Labels: love, love story

I was awakened by a ‘beep’ sound from my cellphone, I thought it was my alarm but I saw the name of Mr. Council flashing on screen. Deadma. I intentionally missed the call. I tried to sleep again but a text message followed – “Ingat pag-uwi.”

I did not bother to reply instead I pulled my blanket and tried to sleep again.

Another text message followed, this time it was from Kuya Jan, telling me and Doris that we’ll be roaming around Baguio before we proceed to the beach party hosted by then KALIPI President Ka Henry in La Union.

I hurriedly proceeded to the shower room and dressed-up. After, I woke up Doris to prepare. We packed our bags and in a while we’re both ready to go.

We met the KALIPI group at the lobby of the hotel. This time, it was exclusively me and Doris as buddies. Doris and Eric became aloof to each other because of the ‘twitting’ events (this is purely my opinion).

We went to ‘Mines View Park’ and I can no longer remember the details except that we ate ‘inihaw na pusit’ (grilled dried squids) while we waited so long for Mr. Simpatiko.

Because of Doris and Eric’s detachment, I have to stay beside Doris and when Mr. Simpatiko noticed that he find his own companion, many things were in my mind – (a) Is he avoiding me because of last night’s card game and his admission? (b) The activity has ended and there is no more reason for him to stay with me, he is no longer in the Commission E where I am? (c) He felt like I was avoiding him?

When he came back, he told Kuya Jan he was able to buy a ‘Kubing’ – it is a bamboo musical instrument played by use of lips and by tapping its edge with the index finger.

Since, we were already complete; we ride an FX taxi to the bus terminal bound to La Union. I and Doris took the seats in front, while Kuya Jan, Eric and Mr. Simpatiko was at the middle seats. Mr. Simpatiko kept on playing his ‘kubing’ that made Eric inquire – “what is it for?”

Mr. Simpatiko replied – “THIS IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT NATIVES USE IN COURTING THE GIRLS THEY LIKE.”

As a response Eric and Kuya Jan giggled while me and Doris were rubbing elbows. I should admit - that statement boggled my peace and kept on repeating in my mind. “THIS IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT NATIVES USE IN COURTING THE GIRLS THEY LIKE.” - “THIS IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT NATIVES USE IN COURTING THE GIRLS THEY LIKE.” - “THIS IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT NATIVES USE IN COURTING THE GIRLS THEY LIKE.” - “THIS IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT NATIVES USE IN COURTING THE GIRLS THEY LIKE.” – Until we reached the terminal.

The bus was ordinary. It was a prototype old bus with not so comfortable seats, the left side for three persons and the other side for two persons. Kuya Jan and Eric took the right side and since we were 11, one group should be by threes – Doris, Me and Mr. Simpatiko. I was sandwiched between them.

Doris was sensitive enough, she slept during the ride. Mr. Simpatiko and I engaged in some ‘love talks’. On that, he admitted that he never had long relationships but had seven girlfriends. My mind agreed – “It’s not impossible, he seems to be a professional palikero”. He talked too much that I just listened. He talked how each relationship failed, his expectations in a relationship, his ideal girl, his coping mechanisms after a break-up and a lot of things.

He never mentioned courtship, so I had the opportunity to ask – “Do you believe in courtship?” He said – “No.” followed by a brief explanation “I prefer to settle immediately with a girl who I like and likes me as well and court her forever.”

I vehemently objected – “That is the reason why you never had lasting relationships.” Further explaining “courtship is a getting-to-know process, it is when you discover things you’ll love about the person and bad things about her that you should love better.”

He was about to say a thing but Doris woke up. Without warning, he silently closed his eyes and slept.

The ‘love talk’ was so bitin, that I texted Doris – “Matulog ka nga ulit. Hehe”

to be continued…

Labels: kubing, love, love story

I am ready to go to sleep, but Doris was persistent – “Daye, it’s our last night here, let’s join them playing cards.”

(Btw, Doris had her own “twitting” moment in Baguio, but I have not yet able to secure permission to publish it.)

I agreed though I am already sleepy, ironically after a dose of Decolgen-No Drowse. Hmmm. It is our last night and suddenly I remember, Mr. Council is back in Manila by this moment, he hasn’t texted me for a while except for some forwarded messages, and then I felt like crying again. The sturdy side of me protested – “I will play cards and there in Kuya Jan’s room, the presence of Mr. Simpatiko will SUREly put a smile.”

We headed to Kuya Jan’s room. The 1-2-3 pass card game started. The losing party will have to choose “truth” or “consequence”.

Initially, everybody opted “consequence” but Kuya Jan changed the rules. Penalty would be “truth” or “dare” (in its literal sense), by the change in the rules almost everybody chose “truth”.

I lost twice. My first admission was –

X: Who is your crush in the conference?

Daye: The guy wearing a yellow shirt yesterday.

Everybody tried to remember the “Hepa guy”, but they failed.

X: what’s the name?

Daye: Oooppps. I am only under obligation to say who was he, not what’s his name.

Second admission was:

Y: Describe who is he? (Hmmmmm, Mr. Y was not good in asking questions, this is a bad question in eliciting the desired information…in trial, it is irrelevant.)

Daye: He has a distinct personality. One who will stand-out in a crowd. His advocacy is admirable and a vegetarian.

I saw a stratagem grin in everyone yet I know the vegetarian thing will confuse everybody. (Anyway, I can extra-judicially confess, there is really a “Hepa guy” but he came second to Mr. Simpatiko and since I don’t want to incriminate myself. I lied. Haha.)

Mr. Simpatiko was likewise sanctioned, if I remember it right more than thrice. The most ‘kilig’ was:

(Since I was the last to be subjected to a ‘truth’ question, I will be the one to ask a question)

Daye: Who is the most special person you met in this conference?

Mr. Simpatiko: “IKAW.” (You…) (Followed by the most passionate look from his very capturing eyes that could melt even entire Alaska)

I ran out of words. I just heard everyone….. Uuuuuyyyyyyy….

to be continued…

Labels: card games, love, love story

I can no longer recall the succession of events, but three (3) nights were vivid in my memory.

The first night I already recounted in Chapter 5, the Brentwood - Burnham walk.

Second, we attended a Human Rights Rally at the Plaza (other side of Burnham Park), on our walk from the hotel to Session road, this Mae girl keeps on walking with us, trying to be noticed by Mr. Simpatiko, and she is shouting the advocacy of the Human Rights Youth Action Network at the top of her lungs at my left side. I considered her a ‘nuisance’ as she continually doing a catwalk in front of me and Mr. Simpatiko.

Mr. Simpatiko told me that this Mae girl is courting him. I was shocked; it was my first time to hear a story of a girl courting a guy. To my heart’s content, Mr. Simpatiko offered me a bottle of water in front of her and assisted me as we go down the road. I saw her face grimaced and she gave me a sarcastic look as if saying – “get lost.”

The rally was fun but what made it enjoyable was I am sharing a bench with Mr. Simpatiko while he was singing silently “Longer” by Dan F. and though his voice was not amazing, I am amazed, as the lyrics lingered in my mind and gave me some pounding in the heart – “Longer than…. I’ve been in love with you…”

Third night of walking, we spent at Teacher’s Camp; we were ghost hunting, passing through Hyatt ruins and the White Mansion. The coldness of the night gave me shivers that seem to stimulate my cough in its worst sound.

He lends me his scarf saying – “you should cover your head, babies aren’t supposed to go out at night.”

“thank you.” I replied.

“Walk by two-s!” Kuya Jan shouted. “We have to be three meters apart from each pair.”

I randomly counted – “We’re eleven, one pair should be by three-s”

Pet, being my PSS crony joined me and Mr. Simpatiko in the walk. While we were passing Hyatt, somebody made a creepy sound of a horse – “Hiyyaaaa….”

Instinctively, I held the arms of Pet and Mr. Simpatiko. I was in the middle and so coward, I continued walking with my eyes almost closed, both of them guiding me as if I am blind.

“Let’s go back to the hotel.” Kuya Jan shouted.

Pet removed his arms and proceeded to the pair ahead of us. I was left alone with Mr. Simpatiko. My conservative side tried to remove my arms locked in his but to no avail, he kept the lock tighter leaving me with no choice but to allow our arms locked as if I am a debutante. We remained in-two-s until we reached the Teacher’s Camp gate. Finally he let go of my arm and pull something out of his jacket, it was dried petals of a rose, and the one he kept from the ceremony we had on the first day and gave it to me.

My heart pounded faster, as he handed it to me while saying – “red roses would fit your red blouse, but I only have petals.”

We were one kilometer away from the hotel, I never said a thing. He never mentioned a word. We walked in serenity.

We reached the hotel and at the stairs we separated ways still saying ‘nothing’.

Kuya Jan told me and Doris – “let’s play cards later in our room.”

Doris answered in the affirmative saying – “Ok po, we’ll be there later.”

To be continued…

Labels: dawn, dusk, love, love story