I celebrated Christmas in Australia with my mom. It was pretty fun specially Mom is so happy and still can't get over the pageant. We looked back at my photos that time and she would kiss me on my cheeks because of too much happiness.

About our food, it's just perfect for the two of us. And on the Christmas Day itself. We just stroll around the city and would go to some shops and buy some things for me.

Before New Year I came back to the Philippines and celebrated New Year with dad, Lola, and my cousins. There's also some late gifts for Christmas that my aunts and uncles gave.

But during those days, holidays and celebration. Jiro is always at my mind. Whenever I'm alone, I would text him and ask if how is he doing. On Christmas I woke up before 12 midnight to greet him. And to my surprise he answered.

He told me that him and his grandma were celebrating too. Just some bread and simple food such as pancit canton that he work for the money to buy it.

And in New Year, they just had a simple and normal breakfast. No special things. But he told me he's happy.

I also bought him gifts, but I told mom it's for my friend, Tobi. I buy a lot to be honest. Most are for girls, and some to for boys.

Classes started, usual things happen. Me going to school, classes, friends, then Jiro would pick me up after class.

When our town fiesta came me and and my friends watch the parade. And of course, we cheered for Ali who's the mother majorette of our school band.

After that, I excused myself before meeting up with Jiro. This time I watch the band competition with him. But I covered my face. And put on some jacket so my friends won't recognize me if ever they are still here. I hope they didn't.

Then few weeks, just after the town fiesta, the prom is a big talk to it School. Since we are incoming Senior high schools we are having a prom.

"So.. sino na ka partner niyo?" Ali ask before taking a bite of her egg pie.

Lory shrug. "I don't know, probably no one." She replied before taking a spoon of her porridge.

"Mag pa-partner pa kayo?" Gwen ask and we started laughing.

"Kailangan 'yon diba? Para sa cotillion?" Jax ask and I nod.

"Of course, sinabi na sa'tin na kailangan talaga." I replied looking at them.

We became silent for a moment before Ali put down her egg pie.

"Si Franco nalang kaya sa'kin? Pinsan ko naman, para walang issue. Tapos isayaw nalang ako ng gusto akong isayaw." Ali said.

"Pwede.. kung wala pang partner pinsan mo." Tobi said.

Ali scrunched up her nose. "Pero girls don't do first move daw. But I don't agree to that. Paano kung wala talagang may gusto sa'yo? Edi wala kang ka partner?" Ali said and we nod.

"Then ask who you want to ask. It's your decision." Lory said not even glancing at Ali.

Ali grunt, before ruffling her hair."Ano ba naman kasi 'yan?! Bakit wala akong crush dito!" She said before frowning.

Gwen scoffed. "Asan ba crush mo?" Gwen ask.

Ali pouted before looking at Gwen.

"Basta! Wala dito." Ali said.

Then Jax suddenly snap her head up. "Tanungin mo si Nico! Malay mo diba?" Jax said. Ali's eyes widened.

"Gaga oo nga!" She said and we started shaking our head in disagreement.

"Paano kung meron na siyang partner? Edi wasak ka nanaman Alejandra?!" Gwen said and Ali rolled her eyes.

"'Wag ka ngang negative masyado! 'A negative mind will never give you a positive life.'" Ali said and we started sighing. Tobi even gave palmed while Jax chuckled.

Ali looked at us. "Bakit? Tama naman ah!" She said and we just shake our heads.

"Ah basta! Bahala na nga! Bangko nalang ka partner ko." She said before crumbling the paper of her egg pie.

"Sige try mo.. tapos ihahampas ko na rin sa'yo pagkatapos." Gwen said.

When classes ended, Jiro fetch me as usual. But what surprised me is when he brought me to a restaurant without even asking me.

"Uh.. why are we here?" I ask..

He just chuckled before walking a table. Since our hands are intertwined I don't have a choice but to follow him.

He pull a chair for me which made me blush for a little.

"Order what you want.. but please not too expensive." He said and I smiled before nodding.

I just ordered a spaghetti and a cheeseburger. While he ordered palabok and siopao.

Just few minutes and our order arrived. Probably because we are the only customers here so they were able to do it quick.

As I stir my spaghetti to mix the noddles and the sauce I kept looking at Jiro.

What's with the sudden blowout? I remember our anniversary is by the 15th day of the month. And it's till a week before our anniversary.

"So.. uh. Any good news?" I hesitantly said. He chuckled before looking up meeting my eyes. Which made me blush.

His eyes is my weakness. Either his eyes looks mad or happy, worried or scared. It's my weakness.

"Yeah I have a pretty good one." He said before fixing his posture.

I leaned a little closer to hear what he's about to say.

"So..I have a job." He said and my eyes widened.

"Really?! Wow! That's great!" I exclaimed excitedly. He chuckled and nod.

"200 pesos per day. But it's like a hundred per hour." He said and my brows furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I confusedly ask.

"Well.. here's my deal with the owner of the computer and printing shop. Per every hour I work there. Help the customers with their computers, print or photocopy. I'll earn a hundred pesos. So yeah.. if every day I at least work there for two hours.. in a month I'll earn,6000-6,200 pesos." He explained and I nodded.

"That's actually a pretty good deal to be honest." I said and he nodded.

"It is.. the printing shop is doing good. And it's only me and the other worker there. So yeah.. hindi pa kuripot ang may-ari." He joked which make us both chuckle.

We continue to eat before we call for a tricycle and take me home. He still needs to at least arrive at the shop by 6:30 so he can stay until 8:30pm.

"Bye.. see you tomorrow." I said as I bid goodbye. As I walk towards our house. I saw one of our maids looking at me. Probably she saw what just happened. I started to panic but I keep it cool.

I walk towards her. "Bakit ka po andito?" I politely ask.

She look shocked when I speak to her.

"Ah.. a-ano po kasi Maam. Ano.. nagtapon lang po ako ng basura." She said and I nodded.

She pointed at the direction where the tricycle stopped a while ago.

"S-Sino po 'yung kasama niyo kanina?" She ask and I laughed.. but panicking at the same time.

"A friend.. ka kilala ko dati. Nagkasabay lang kami sa tricycle." I said before walking towards our house. I immediately run to my room before locking it.

I drop my bag on the floor before laying down on my bed.

"Fuck.." I mumbled before massaging my temples.

May nakakita, katulong pa namin, knowing that one maid of ours. Chismosa siya, malamang ay ikwe-kwento niya ito sa ibang nga katulong. Then they will tell Lola. Then Lola will ask me.

"Shit.." I cursed before standing up and taking a shower.

-

"May nakuha na kayong ka partner?" Ali ask.. all of us shake her head.

She suddenly squealed. "Mga gaga meron na ako!" She exclaimed. All of us turn our hands at her. Looking at her with confusion and surprised.

"Sino?! Sino ang nagayuma mo at napa payag mo?!" Gwen hysterical ask. Ali looked at her before rolling her eyes.

"Gaga! Ganda ang puhuna-

"Ganda?! Asan?! Alejandra Asan?! Asan 'yang ganda na sinasabi mo?! Hindi ko makita!" Gwen exclaimed. Ali rolled her eyes once again. We just chuckle and laugh at them both.

"Bulag amputa." Ali cursed.

Days later and we started practicing. I got a random guy for my partner. At least he's from our class. Jax got Tobi since the two have no other choices. Someone ask Lory and she just accepted him without even glancing at him.

Then Gwen got the son of her mom's friend. Every day that passes by is a hassle. Practice, class, projects. Since we are graduating highschool. soon we need a lot of requirements.

After few days and the day of our prom came. They want to call it a ball rather than prom. For it to sound more fancy and elegant.

I arrived on the venue. Our town covered court to be real. Our motif for our dress is blue and white. While the venue is gold, black, and white.

I walk towards the table where my friends at. But us just Gwen and Lory here. With their partners who they don't even talk to.

"Oh Laura.. you're here." Gwen said. I was taken a back with her sudden way of talking.

She smiled at me before looking around. Then she lean closer to my ears so I lean closer to.

"Tanggaris, anjan 'yung photographer na kilala ni mommy. Kailan mabait ako ngayon. Tigil muna tayo sa kalokohan." She whispered. I pull back and just nod. I look around and saw the photographer she's talking about.

I nod. "Okay.. so.. asan sila? Ali, Tobi, and Jax?" I ask. Gwen shrugged.

"Nasa kabilang table lang. Naka Blue si Ali, tapos si Jax naka silver." Lory suddenly said. Me and Gwen look at her but she just kept her head low, typing something on her phone.

Me and Gwen looked at each other.

"Tara?" I ask and she nodded.

She look at Lory. "How 'bout you Avery? Let's go?" Lory's head snap up. Her brows furrowed probably because Gwen used her first name.

Lory nod." Okay." She said and us three stood up. When we arrived in front of the other's table, Nico, Ali's partner stood up.

"Iiwan ko muna kayo, I'll feel out of place here." Nico said. I just eyes him as he walk away. And when he's nowhere around us. We took other seats.

"So guys.. kalma. Kailangan ko maging elegant at perfect sa gabing 'to." Gwen calmly said.

Ali's brows furrowed. "Bakit? Anong meron?" Ali ask.

Gwen sigh. "'Yung photographer na kinuha ng School, ay friend ni mommy. So.. kapag nakita niya ako na may kalokohang ginagawa. Or I'm not straight body, chest out, stomach in and walking properly, isusumbong niya ako kay mommy." Gwen explained and we just nodded.

"But what's with calling me Avery kanina?" Lory confusedly ask.

Gwen smiled, but a forced one. Before taking a deep breath. "Wala lang, why not let's try calling each other to their other names for just tonight?" Gwen ask calmly. Far from Gwen we talk at school everyday.

"Sige.. Gabriella ako." Jax excitedly said.

"So I'm Kassandra?" I ask pointing at myself.

"Avery." Lory said raising her hand.

"Emory?! Yucks ayaw ko!" Tobi said and we laughed. But Gwen on her character.

"Nope, Tobias." Lory said and Tobi nodded.

"Sa'kin Ive-

"Alejandr-

"Ivette!" Ali and Gwen argued. We just chuckle watching the two.

Gwen smile once again, her back straight and having that elegant aura. "Tangina Alejandra minsan lang 'to!" She calmly said.

Ali rolled her eyes before nodding. "Fine! I'm Alejandra for tonight." She said and Gwen smiled.

"Salamat." Gwen said and we laughed.

"Hindi naman ganon kasama ang Alejandra ah. Bakit ayaw mo na tawagin ka namin nun?" I ask.. Ali sigh before looking at me.

"Awan.. hindi lang ako sanay." She said and we nodded.

Soon the prom/ ball started. The entrance of the participants of the promenade started. Girl's first of course. I kept in my character too. As much as I don't want this. I also don't want to look bad here. Specially I'm wearing heels and gown. I used what I learn in the money contest when it comes time modeling.

Me and Ali pass by each other. She's always wearing that smile she have. Then Gwen, she's trained by her mom. To be perfect and elegant. And she's using it. Then there's Lory, having her own style and aura. Then Jax being the simple girl she is.

We walk with our partners. I'm really uncomfortable with my hand clung on my partner's arm.

Then cotillion came. Since me and my partner were placed in a part where we are not really visible to the audiences. I don't smile at all. I just dance what the instructor taught us.

I sigh as the cotillion end. We walk to our tables and listen to the welcome remarks and our principals words. Ms. Alma Matter's speech. And other parts.

The competition of Mr. and Ms. Prom. Me, Gwen, and Ali got selected as candidate for it. So we have to model for one more time.

In the end, Nico, Ali's partner won as prom King. And Gwen won as prom queen.

But Ali and I didn't care at all. After that we just sat down on our tables. Then our foods came. After we ate the song started to get hyper and our school mates started dancing.

I saw Ali, Jax, and Tobi walk towards the dance floor and started dancing. I look at Gwen and Lory. Lory is busy with her phone while Gwen just sat there, watching the other students dance.

I tap her hands. "Let's dance?" I ask.. she make face.

"I can't.. anjan pa 'yung photographer." She said, I frown.

"Ano naman? I-enjoy dapat natin ang prom." I said and she shake her head.

"I can't.." she said and I sigh.

I turn my body to Lory. "Avery.. let's dance?" I ask.. she look up and nod. She put her phone inside her pouch. When we stood up I look at Gwen.

"You sure Avelline? Let's go! Wala namang masama eh." I said. She scratch her bale before nodding and standing up.

We walk to the dance floor. Ali being herself would do some dance move. While us just sway our body to the music.

When love song came, it was Tobi and Jax who dance to the song. Since they're partners and friends at the same time so there's no issue.

The rest of the prom. We just sat there. On our phones or watching others dance or whatever.

Until 10pm came, we started going home. Our driver pick me up and sent me home. I removed my make up and change into pajama.

The next days were normal school days. Some last minute projects before we graduate highschool and before summer come.

Few weeks later we graduated high school. Not a big ceremony happened. It's almost like just a moving up since there is still Senior Highschool for us.

Right after our graduation. Ali invite us to her house. For a three night pajama party. Her room is in average size. Not so big and just perfect for us.

Gladly her parents let Tobi in. Since they know Tobi won't do nothing bad. Ever he's the only boy, they know Tobi. They know how he move and act.

"Anong tugtog?" Lory ask. She's holding the remote of Ali's television.

"Kpop? Pop? OPM?" She ask once again.

"Kpop.." Ali said as she brush her hair.

"Pop naman.. puro kpop eh." Gwen said as she hold the glass of her water.

"Pop nalang.." Jax said.

Ali let go of her brush. "Pop na nga lang.. pwede niyo ring lakasan. Wala naman sila mama at papa." Ali said and we started hyping up.

Lory played some pop songs that all of us hyped up. We played some board games. Some other games, for tonight our plan is to just play games.

Tomorrow morning is some sports. At night is movie night. Then next morning we are planning to go swimming at the pool near Ali's house.

Then at night are some talks and some open forum I guess.

By 12pm we decided to stop with the games. We help Ali put down the plates and glass we used. Jax washed the dishes as we clean Ali's floor so insects won't come.

In the morning we all wake up by 4am. Some are 4:30am then the last is 5am. By 5:30 am we are able to start our jogging.

Nakailang ikot kami sa subdivision ni Ali. Then we roll around the town. We even pass by near Jiro's work but I didn't utter any word.

By 8:30am we went back to Ali's house. Her parents already there that just came back from the sea since her mom go with her dad to the sea.

We ate breakfast. Then one by one take a bath. I was the last who take a bath. Just as I finished brushing my hair. Ali's mom called me to eat lunch. I went down and we ate. We even had he cream for dessert.

After that we stay at Ali's dance room. Yes, she have her own dance room right beside her bedroom. It's just Ali and Lory who dance decent. Then there's Gwen, on the side making her own funny moves. I just sat down on the floor and watch them. We would burst into laughter whenever Gwen would make some funny moves. Ali would roll on the floor pretending to do some b-boying.

"Tanggaris Tobias! Mukha kang kawayan! Tumigil ka!" Gwen said as Tobi started dancing and twerking.

"Kadiri Tobi! Kitang kita 'yung buto mo sa pwet!" Jax said which made Tobi stopped dancing and just sa down on the ground glaring at Jax.

I started laughing at them. When suddenly my phone beeped. My brows furrowed and pick it up from the ground.

My brows furrowed when I saw Jiro's name pop up.
I immediately tap on it and read his message.

From Jiro:
Pakitawagan 'tong number na 'to.

My brows furrowed, I look up and stare on the wall. I took a deep breath before pressing call. I stand up and walk to Ali's bedroom for them not hear our conversation.

Just two rings and someonce answered..

"Hello? Jiro?" I calmly said..

[Hello, this is Tagkawayan District Hospital. Andito po ang pasyente na si Jiro Engrasio, kung kakilala niyo po siya pakipuntahan naman po siya dito.]

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