"Ate are you okay? You've been spacing out." I was a taken a back when Theo suddenly speaks. I glance at his direction who's just beside me at the kitchen island. 

I forced a smile and nod, "Yes, I am fine, why?" I ask, he sigh and slowly shake his head. 

He return his gaze on his notebook, "Wala naman po, I just noticed you were spacing out. Maybe you have a problem." he said, my lips parted a bit. 

I gulp before shaking my head, "Wala, ate's fine Theo." I said and he slowly nod. 

But honestly... I am not fine. 

I get down from the high chair, "Ate will be just at her room, okay?" I said as I pick up my bag from the island.  

He lift his head up and look at me before nodding, I gave him a smile before exiting the kitchen. Taking the elevator to get on the seconds floor of the house. Once the door of the elevator opened, I march out of the lift and walk through the hallway until I get to my bedroom. I get in and immediately close the door after. I dropped my bag on the floor near my bed before throwing myself on the soft matress. 

I pick up a pillow, "Ahh!!!" I screamed while covering my face with the pillow I got. 

Once I removed the pillow form my face, I am panting badly, "Kainis! Nakakainis ka!! Ahh!!" I shouted before throwing the pillow on my headboard. My hair messed up as it is on loose and not on any ponytail. 

With a frown on my face, I pick up my bag from the floor and rummage inside to get my phone. Once my phone is on my hand, I immediately look for Ali's number and once I have found it, I immediately pressed call. 

Within three rings she picked up, [Hallo? You oke?] she ask, she sounded like she's doing fine because of her words and tone. Of course who would not be okay if its Friday afternoon and weekdays is over. 

"I'm not," I replied, almost a whisper as I feel shy when I share my feelings and emotions. 

[Oh... wait lang ha. Ma, sa kwarto lang me.] I heard her said, the next things I heard are her footsteps. Few seconds later is a the door being shut and the lock clicking. 

"Are you alone na?" I ask before biting my lowerlip. 

[Yep, kwento na, what happened ba?] she ask from the other line. Her voice sounds soft and soothing already. 

"Remember I got arranged into a marriage, diba?" I started and I hear her hum. 

[Yep, what's up about that?] she ask, 

I started biting my finger nails, "It's been a week na but it keeps on bothering me so I decided to call for help." I said while continue biting my nails. 

[Oh? Why? What happened? What did the guy did?] she ask, she sounded worried and alarmed so I know I have to assure her nothing bad happened. 

"That's not like that, wala siyang ginawa sa akin na masama. But..." I paused, 

[But? Anong but, Lory? Anong nangyari?] she ask from the other line. 

I took a deep breath and scratch the top of my head, "I've been seeing this other guy. He's... well he's a friend. We... we are friends, we were together noong fiesta. We were eating together then... then the guy I was arranged to saw us and now... and now I'm scared that he might tell mom and mom gets mad and... and... fuck..." I cursed as I don't know what to say next. I lay down on my bed as I stare on the ceiling, head empty. 

[Okay... kalma lang, ikalma mo muna ang sarili mo. I-analyze ko lang mga sinabi mo.] she said from the other line. I nod and slowly take deep breaths while staring at the ceiling. 

[So let's say si guy number 1 ay si future hubby mo, and... may new friend ka na guy. So siya ni guy number 2. You and guy number 2 were together noong fiesta, tama ba?] she ask and I nod, 

"Yes, we were eating together." I replied and she hums. 

[Ngayon... si guy number 1 nakita kayo ni guy number 2 na magkasama. And now... you're scared na baka isumbong ka niya sa mom mo?] she ask and I once again nods. 

"Yes, that's what has been bothering for the whole week." I replied and she hums. 

[Kaya pala natutulala this week. Anyways... may naisip na akong paraan para hindi kana mautas sa kaka-isip niyan.] she said and  brows furrowed. 

"Mautas? What's that?" I confusedly ask. This is why it is sometimes hard to talk with Ali. Her knowledge in Filipino language is very wide. 

[Ahm... like... mabulok sa kakaisip, mapagod, basta yun. Para hindi mo na isipin... meet up with guy number 1. Ask him not to say it to your parents. Sabi mo naman he's not arrogant and rude guy. So... baka hindi niya sabihin diba?] she said, she even sounded unsure on what she's saying but she has a point. 

"Do you think that would work? You know I hate asking for favors, Ali. What if in the future he use it against me and sabihin na I ask him a favor then he would ask something from me too! Ayaw ko Ali! Ayaw ko!" I exclaimed before sitting up on my bed and removing some strands of my hair away from my face. 

[Eh? Bakit may naiisip ka ba na ibang paraan? It's up to you naman, Lory. That's just my suggestion. If you don't want, then let's think of another way. You can just brush it off, kasi nga diba, he's a nice guy. So baka hindi rin naman niya sabihin. Pero we're not sure about that. Are you gonna risk na bigla-bigla nalang magagalit si tita sayo kasi nalaman na niya ang tungkol kay guy number 2?] She replied, a frustrated sigh escaped my lips as I once again lay down on my bed. 

She have a point again! I can't risk it. What if mom would just suddenly kick me again because she finds out? 

"I hate that you're making point and you're suggestions are actually good one." I said and I hear her chuckle. 

[Dibaaa!! Kahiit ikaw hindi maitanggi na may point yung sinabi ko!] she exclaimed from the other line before burst out laughing. 

[So ano na? Anong gagaiwn mo?] She ask, I push my hair back before taking a deep breath. 

"The first one, I'll tell him to meet me tomorrow." I said and I hear her squeal. 

[Yieee!! Sino ba kasi 'yang guy number 2 na 'yan!? Ha!? At... wow ha! Willing humingi ng favor sa fiance!] she exclaimed and my eyes widened. 

"Ew!! Ali!! I'm 16!! Nakakadiring fiance ang tawag!" I exclaimed and she burst out laughing. 

[Oh bakit? Doon din naman uwi niyo--]

"Ew! Ew! EW!! NO!!" I cute her off before covering my ears like a kid. 

[Pero sis, seryoso, ang importante naman ni guy 2 para sayo.] she said, I slowly remove my hands away from my ears. 

"Well... maybe because he's a friend. And what if mom finds out and order me not to see him anymore, diba?" I said and she hums. 

[May point, pero ha, I'm proud of you cause you're making friends! Ever since elem wala akong ibang alam na kaibigan mo. But look at you now! You have a friend!] she exclaimed from the other line like a proud mom. 

I started chuckling, "You sound like a mom. Shut up." I said and she giggled. 

[Curious ako sa fiance mo, sino yun? Taga dito ba sa Tagkawayan?] she ask, I sigh and massage my temples. 

"Yes, anak ng may ari ng Pondz, Samuel Matias Ponce. Baka kilala mo naman or naririnig mo name niya." I said and I hear her gasp. 

"Why? Kilala mo?" I ask, she knows him? Hindi naman malabo. Ponce is a big surname here in Tagkawayan next to Valdez. 

[Hindi naman... hindi ah. Malay ko diyan.] she said and I slightly chuckled before rolling my eyes. 

[Pero mas na curious ako kay guy number 2. Si fiance na reveal, si guy number 2 hindi. Naku sis... parang teleserye na 'yan ah! Arranged marriage pero may iba kang mahal! Yiieee!!! Aahh!!] she exclaimed which made my jaw dropped. She started blabbering words from the other line that I truly don't understand. 

"Ew Ali!! That's so gross! I don't even want to see Sam's face!" I exclaimed with a hint of disgust in my voice. 

She burst out laughing, [Oh zige! Sabi mo eh! Goodluck nalang sa inyo bukas ha!] she said and I rolled my eyes. 

"Fine, thank you for your suggestion. I'll end the call now. Bye." I said and she giggled. 

[Bye! Labyu!! Muah muah muah!] She said which made me smile before I end the call. 

After ending the call, I tightly grip on my phone, looking on the ceiling and taking deep breaths. A favor won't harm me. But I know it will be a big problem if mom finds out about Inin. And it will cause a big trouble to me if I no longer have a friend that I can go to when I feel bored. 

So with a heavy feeling in my heart, I dialed Sam's number. On the second ring he picks up. 

[Hey, what's up miss Valdez?] his voice already sounds like he knows the reason why I'm calling. 

I sigh and rolled my eyes, I get annoyed just by his voice, "Where are you right now?" I ask with a stern voice. 

[I'm in Manila, why?] he ask, I sigh and massage my temples. 

"Let's see each other tomorrow, 6PM, Alfresco." I said, I don't care if he's in Manila. I don't care if he's out of the country or in the outer space. We need to talk as soon as possible. 

[Oh, okay, I'll be there. Is that all?] he ask and I nod. 

"Yes, that's all, bye." Without waiting for his reply, I ended the call. I place down my phone on my bed and took a deep breath. 

We just need to talk. That's it. I'm sure he will agree on what I want. I'll just simply ask him to tell mom. That's a very simple favor to ask. Baka naman manghingi pa siya ng kapalit. 

The next day, I woke up around 9AM, since it's Saturday, it's okay for us to not eat at the same time. I did a small clean up in my room. Some trash or used clothes are scattered around the place and I hate it. Even though I am also the one who did it. After cleaning up my room, I took a shower and put on a sport shorts and an oversized shirt. 

I'm walking towards the kitchen when I saw tito Thiago on his corporal attire. Looks like he's about to go somewhere. 

"Lory, did you eat na?" he ask while fixing his coat. 

I stopped on my tracks and shake my head, "About to," I replied and he nods. 

"Me and your mom will be going to Naga. Do you want something?" he ask and I shake my head. 

"None po, have a safe trip." I said and he nods. He was about to walk pass by me when I speak. 

"I'll be meeting with Sam po tonight. Please pakisabi nalang kay mom." I said and he looked at me and smiled. 

"Sure, have fun you two." He said and I nod. He continue walking and exited the house while I took a seat to the dining and start my brunch. 

My brunch ended around 11:08. Once the maid started cleaning the table. I went to the kitchen to grab a pint of ice cream and a spoon and brought it upstairs. I started watching movies since I don't have anything to do. Ali sent us pictures of her and the other band members who are celebrating because they are the champion on the drum and lyre band competition and they are now in a pool party. 

I was startled when someone suddenly knocked on my door, followed by Theo's voice. 

"Ate! Let's eat lunch na!" I look at the clock and saw that it's just 12:30. 

I sigh and stand up from the sofa and walk towards the door, once I opened it, I saw him there standing. 

"Let's eat na ate. Wala po akong kasabay." he said, I pursed my lips and slowly nod before exiting my bedroom. As much as ayaw ko nang bumaba. I had no choice, kaysa wala siyang kasabay na kumain. 

While he's enjoying his lunch, I just sat there pretending I am also eating. I put some rice and embotido on my plate but I barely even move it. I'm just here so he have someone to eat with and he won't eat alone. Gladly he finished fast. Just like me, he also grab a tub of ice cream from the freezer and the both of us head upstairs. 

I wait for the clock to strike 5PM before I took a body wash and change into some baby pink dress. I put my hair into a high ponytail and applied some make up. I also prepared my bag that have my phone and other essentials inside. 

I put on my white heels and take another glance on myself on the mirror before exiting my room. 

"Ate, kuya Sam is here." Theo said when I head down the stairs. 

"He is? He didn't told me he'll pick me up." I said and he shrug before facing back the television. 

"Ate might get home late. Don't wait for me, okay?" I said as I give him a kiss on the forehead and head out the house. There I see him once again leaning on his car. 

"Let's go?" He raised a brow and I just nod before walking towards his car, he opened the door for me and I hop in. He get to the driver's seat and drive off. 

When we arrived at the Alfresco, there's few people around. But I didn't really paid attention to them and just choose a table. 

"I already ordered us some foods, I hope you don't mind. You can order more if you like." He said once we sat down on. 

I glance at him and nod, "That's better, mas mabibilisan tayo." I said and he nods. The food started coming. He ordered the same foods we ordered the last time we went here. 

"You didn't ordered anything different. These are what we ordered before." I said as I pick up the spoon and fork. 

"Why? Do you not like it? Order other foods if you want just like what I said." he said and I shake my head. 

"No, these are fine." I said and he nods, I took a bite of my food first, not even glancing at him or speaking anything. 

After swallowing my food and taking a sip of water, I wipe the side of my lips and clear my throat to get his attention. 

"I'll be straight forward to you." I said with a monotone voice, he look at me and squints his eyes a bit. 

"Go on..." he said, 

"Whatever you saw during the town fiesta, forget about it and never tell anyone. I am warning you Ponce." I said with a threating voice. He didn't showed any emotions and just stared at me. 

"Or else??" he ask and my lips parted a bit. 

I gulp, "You don't want to know." I replied, still keeping the threatening tone. 

I am shocked when he smiled, a genuine one, "Of course I won't tell it to anyone. Your little secret is safe with me." he said and there is a small feeling of relief in me after hearing that. 

"Who is he by the way? Boyfriend?" I was taken a back with his question. My brows furrowed and I glared at him. 

"It's none of your business--"

"Well if you're my fiance-like, then I should just know, right? I'll also be honest with you. There's this classmate of mine that I am having my eyes on. But she's not my girlfriend. What about you? Is the guy your boyfriend?" He ask before raising a brow, and that's when anger starts building up in me. 

He's being too nosy!

"I didn't asked you to tell me that. And you don't need to know anything about him." I said before paying attention back to my food. 

He gone silent for few minutes and I thought his talking is over. 

"Well if you don't want to answer me then I'll assume he's your boyfriend." He said, I sigh and slowly lift my head up. 

"He's not, he's a friend." I said and he raised both of his eyebrows. 

"See, is that hard to say? You make friends naman pala eh. And you were so happy with him. Opposite when you're with me. You're always mad and frowning." he said and I rolled my eyes. 

"Nakakainis ka eh, that's why." I said and he chuckled, 

"Why? Is that guy not annoying? Well... he makes you smile and laugh. You probably like him." he said and my brows furrowed. 

"Like him?" I asked and he nod, "Like him... as a human being." He said and I slowly nod. 

"Right, he's nice, he's joyful, he's funny, he's fun to be with." I said and he chuckled. 

"Sounds like someone you like romantically." He said and my brows furrowed. 

"Shut up, he's a friend." I said before taking a bite of my food. 

"Yes, a friend, a friend who'll you will end up being in a relationship with." he said with a teasing smirk on his face. 

I sigh and shake my head, "You're speaking non-sense." I said and take a sip of water. 

"I think where this all arrange marriage thing is going." he said and my brows furrowed. 

"Where?" I confusedly ask, he smiled at me, a genuine one, "Secret, I'll just watch this little drama-like life of our and watch myself be the bad guy."