"Putres, any moment pwedeng lumabas na yung results ng UPCAT. Kinakabahan ako, tangina!" Gwen cursed while we are just sitting there on our chairs. Silently and using our phones. The half of the class are not even here.

Kasi naman.. 3 days nalang, graduation na namin. Of course hindi na sila papasok. And I think our teachers doesn't care anymore. Hinahayaan nalang nila na out of 35 students.. 15 nalang kaming pumapasok.

"Kalma lang bhie, makakapasa ka. Ako nga'y 'wag mong pinaglololoko! Valedictorian ka ng batch natin! Bibigwasan kita dyan eh!" Ali said while looking at Gwen.

I hear Gwen scoffed, "Iba pa rin yung kaba 'no!" Gwen exclaimed.

"Sus.. tigil, magki-kita kita tayo sa Manila, pupunta tayong university golf, kung ano man tawag don!" Ali said making us laugh a bit.

"Kayo ba? Lory? Jax? Tobi? Saan kayo?" Ali asked,

Tobi put down his phone with a smile plastered on his face.

"Uhm.. puta, naka jackpot 'tong lalaking 'to! May mga ngiti sa labi! Spill the tsaa!" Gwen said and Tobi smiled. Para bang nagpapakipot siya having umiinat pa.

"Sa USTE ako mag co-college." He said and or eyes widened.

"Ay puta sanaol." I hear Ali mumbled, Gwen stared at Tobi with an unexplainable look at her face.

"Aba'y puta sanaol. May mas patutunguhan pa ang buhay mo kaysa sa buhay ko ah." Gwen said making us laugh.

"Uy! Tobi same! USTE rin ako! Sama tayo! Yieeee!!" Jax said and the two squealed together. Nakisama si Gwen sa pag tili pero agad natigilan.

"Parang mga tanga, di kayo nagsasawa sa mukha ng isa't isa?" She ask and Tobi and Jax shakes their head.

"Ikaw Lory? Saan ka?" Ali asked, Lory look at us and put down her phone.

"La Salle siguro or USTE na rin. To be honest, hindi ko alam." She replied and we slowly nod.

"Si Ali I'm sure UP." I mumbled and Ali looked at me with wide eyes.

"Ay gaga, di pa sure oy!" She said with a joking tone.

"Alejandra, magsasama tayo sa UP sinasabi ko sayo!" Gwen said making Ali chuckle.

"Ali, you know Zach diba? Yung naka sama ko sa short film. Taga UST siya, then he have this senior na taga UST din. Gwapo, matangkad, medicine course, years older than us though. I'm sure kung saka-sakaling sa USTE ka, magugustuhan mo siya." I said and Ali's jaw dropped. I hear Gwen snorts and slap Ali's arm.

"Ay putres, ayan, Alejandra! Pati si Kassandra nahahawa mo ng karupukan."Gwen said and I pouted.

"Oy hindi ah! We just meet there then when I saw his face I immediately thought of Ali kasi he's like.. Ali's type nga." I said and Gwen bursted into laughter and Jax as well.

"Ali oh, ibinubugaw ka ni Laura." Jax said and Tobi joined them to their laughter. I look at Ali who is frowning while looking at me.

"Gagi kayo," she mumbled before bringing up her phone back. Ignoring the laughing 3 of our friends.

"Oy," I look at Lory when I felt her tap my shoulder.

"Diba.. you told us that Jiro took the UPCAT as well. Kamusta daw?" She ask and I slowly shake my head.

"I don't know, all I know is that pinapunta siya ulit ng Manila." I said and her brows furrowed.

"What do you mean? Ang gastos naman. Bakit daw? Hindi ba niya sinabi?" She ask and I slowly shake my head.

"Hindi, kahit daw siya hindi alam kung bakit siya tinawagan at pinapunta ulit." I said and she slowly nods.

"Weird," she mumbled and I nod.

"Oo nga," I replied.

Lunch came and us 6 decided to not go home and just eat at the restaurant. Since we are going to graduate in few days, napag isip-isipan na rin namin to hang out more with each other.

Cause college is sure heck stressing and tiring. There's no guarantee that we will see each other often in college. That's why we are enjoying the remaining days of senior high days.

"Spaghetti sa akin." Jax said while looking at the menu.

"Baked mac sa 'kin." Tobi said,

"Ako rin." Lory said.

"Ayaw ko ng spaghetti eh, baked mac nalang din." Gwen said, then I look at Ali.

"You?" I ask and I was confused when I saw her got startled.

"A-Ah.. ano nalang, ahm.. fajitas." She said and I slowly nod. We gave or orders and take a seat. We gather the payments and Lory will be the one who will pay for us.

When the foods arrived, of course we dig in. We need to go back in school by 1pm since we will have another graduation practice.

When we finished eating, Gwen got a text saying that we just have to go straight to the venue where our graduation will be held. And gladly, that place is just walking distance to this restaurant. Heck it's so close actually. Almost in front of this restaurant.

"Tara na? Tapos na kayo?" Ali ask and I nod.

"Let's go?" I ask and the others nod. We paid for our orders and leave the restaurant. While walking, 3 teenage girls suddenly appeared at our back.

"Hi miss Laura, pwede po bang pa picture?" One ask, Ali and Gwen look at me before I look at the three girls and nod.

The three squealed and pull out their phones.

"Pa picture naman po kami." One handed her phone to Ali, then one to Gwen then to Jax.

I stand between them three and smiled. It was just maybe around 4 pictures and the three thanked us and leave.

"Putres Kassandra magsuot ka ng mask." Gwen said and I chuckled before putting on one.

"Tangina.. hindi ko pinangarap maging photographer. Hindi ko pa gusto attitude nung isa." Ali said making us laugh.

"Forget about it, hayaan na natin." I said and we continue to walk towards the venue. When we arrived inside, some of our batch mates are already there. And of course.. us six, being introvert with other people. We stayed at the corner and mind our own business. When the practice started of course we went to the starting position.

It was Gwen's speech that she's practicing so hard. Of course everyone expects her grammar and pronunciation correct. So she don't get embarrassed and so are her parents.

By the end of the day, of course, ang dami nanamang tao na nanonood. Gosh, ano ba 'to? Its really embarrassing when men started screaming my name. And mind you, they doesn't look so trust worthy.

"Laura ingat ka!" Ali screamed and I just smiled at her and nod before entering my van.

"Jusko maam, hirapan kami kanina makapasok. Ang dami talagang tao." My driver said. I just forced a laugh and look at my Instagram page.

I've been posting pictures of me.. taken by my friends. Sometimes it's with them and sometimes.. just picture of the view of our school.

When we arrived home.. of course I immediately received a kiss from mom. Then I saw dad at the dining table looking at his phone.

"Bumati ka sa dad mo." Mom said and I look at her as if I'm asking her not to let me do it. But she nod so I had no other choice.

"Hi dad, good afternoon po." I greeted before passing by him and walking towards the stairs when he suddenly called me.

"Laura maupo ka muna. I have something to tell you." Dad said and my brows furrowed I slowly turn my body at his side.

"What is it dad? May gagawin pa ako." I said and dad shakes his head.

"No, sit down. This is important." He said and I rolled my eyes before walking towards the dining table and sitting down on my chair. Mom take her chair as well that's why I assume mom already know about this.

"Since you're taking your college in Ateneo. I decided to introduce you to my friend's son already. Then maybe.. you two can go on dates. Then.. live together already." He said and my eyes widened.

"What!? No, no, no dad. Are you out of your mind? Dad, I'm just 18, you're arranging me to a 20 years old guy that I don't even know his name." I irritatedly said.

Gosh, are they not using their minds!? Seryoso ba sila!? Their 18 years old daughter! Living with a man!?

"That's why we want to introduce him to you." Dad calmly said, but I already know he's just holding himself.

"That's pathetic dad. Ayoko, I don't want him." I said and dad raised his brows.

"How can you be so sure? He's handsome, he's rich, his family owns a company, his family can supply our company and help it grow bigger. You just have to marry him-

"Marry!? Marry already!? Dad what were you thinking!? Nilalamon ka na ba ng business mo!? You're going to give me to them just for the company?? That's so stupid!" I said raising my voice.

Dad look at me with wide eyes.

"Who told you you can raise your voice at me!?" He shouted,

"And who told you that you can just arrange me to your stupid friend's son-

My head snap at the other side as I felt a stingy pain on my cheeks. I heard my mom gasp and the chairs moving.

"You know what Laura.. naging model ka lang akala mo you can do everything on your own already! Ang taas na agad ng tingin mo sa sarili mo! You thought you can live on your own. But I know you can't." Dad sternly said. With my tears threading to fall down my cheeks I look at him.

"I'm 18, and hundreds and thousands, I am giving my self own beauty treatments, buying myself things I want. And giving myself my own allowance. I'm not using the money you give me. I'm trying to be an independent woman already." I said and tears started pouring down my cheeks.

"Hindi mo pa rin kakayanin." My dad said, I tighten my jaw before grabbing my bag and marching upstairs my room.

As I enter my room I slam the door and throw my bag at the side of my room before laying down on my bed and cried.

I can't believe he did that! What did I ever do to him! Ever since I was kid I always obey him! I tried my best to be that perfect daughter! Polite and silent! I made sure I always look presentable whenever he would take me to his business events and introduce me to his business partners. I always dress well so he can brag that I am his daughter. That his daughter wear expensive clothes, shoes and jewelries.

But during those time he's probably already talking to that darn bullshit friend of his and arranging me to a marriage already.

But I won't let that happen. I won't let him force me to whoever that guy is.

I was crying for 5 minutes straight. I'm making audible sounds and I don't care if they hear it. Are they expecting me not to cry after what he did!? After what he said!? They're so messed up!

And mom!? She didn't even stoped dad! Akala ko ba kakampi ko siya!? Pero bakit parang hinayaan lang niya sabihin ni dad kahat ng 'yon sa akin!?

My head snap up when I hear my phone ring. I walk towards my bag and search for my ringing phone and answered the call.

"Hello? Miss Ava?" I said,

[Oh, what's wrong Laura? You're crying?] she ask and my eyes widened. I immediately shake my head.

"No maam, I'm just.. I was just watching a movie and you called in the middle of the drama." I replied and I hear her hum.

[So.. I guess you better calm yourself down first because I have a very good news for you.] she said and my brows furrowed.

"Hold on maam, I'm just gonna sit down." I said and she hum.

I walk back towards my bed and sit down.

"Okay I'm listening." I said,

[Please.. please think about this offer. So our company have a partner company in New York, and.. the company is willing to send you there, and give you a scholarship for Mass Communication. Think about it Laura, you're graduating from your senior high. You can take your college there. And have more opportunities! Please Laura! Wag mo naman na sanang palampasin 'to. Sayang, 3 kayong ipapadala dun kung saka-sakali. The company is amazed with your modeling skills and beauty. I'm sure it's ready for abroad projects. Please Laura..]

The whole time my mouth is wide open. I stared at the wall and tried to process everything.

That's a great idea! If I went there and take my college in New York. I won't need to marry that guy. And I will be on my own and be independent! I will earn money and work! I don't need their support anymore! Their financial support!! I can be on my own!

But Jiro..

"Maam.. I.. I'll think about it. Give me ahm.. after our graduation. Please ma'am, it's a good opportunity. But I have to think." I said.

[I know you're worried about him. But you're just 18 Laura, and there are more things waiting for you in New York. Why don't you chase your dreams first? If he really love you. He can wait.] she said and I slowly nod.

"I know Maam, but I'll still think about it." I said,

[Please Laura, please consider this. The company will provide you everything. Scholarship, an apartment, a good one. And everything! You just have to rock the industry.] she said and I nod.

"Yes ma'am.. I'll think about it." I said and she hum. She bid a goodbye and ended the call.

The whole night I was thinking of if I should grab the opportunity and go to New York. I mean, there's nothing I'll leave here behind except my friends and Jiro.

Right now, my parents are not in my head. I won't think about them. After what they did. No one ever laid a hand on me. It was so surprising when my dad was the first one who raised and laid a hand on me.

"Ahh!! What should I do!?" I groan while squirming on my bed. I pick up my phone and called Ali. In terms like this. It's always Ali who I need to talk. I just feel like.. she can do these kinds of things. She can easily think of things.

[Oh? What's with the sudden call?] she ask slightly panting. Is this girl dancing or something?

"Ahm.. I need help." I hesitantly said.

[Sure.. go on.] she said and I nod.

"Ahm.. my manager called me, I'll make this short. The company wants to send me sa New York to model. They'll give me scholarship and an apartment. So what do you think?" I ask,

[Gaga edi go! What's stopping you!? Kung ako sayo, hindi na ako magdadalawang isip. I don't care if my parents won't let me. I'll still go. Kaya ano na? Go lang!] she said and I bit my lower lip.

"And Jiro?" I ask,

[Sus, he's not your priority Laura. Trust me, support ko kayo, pero Laura naman. You're just 18, you deserve the world first than him. Chase those fucking dreams. And when you're tired of modeling. Then you two can come back to each other. Ganun lang yun.] she said and I frown.

"Paano kung pag balik ko wala na siya?" I ask and I hear her chuckle.

[Edi wala, yun lang yun. It means hindi talaga siya para sayo. Kasi kung para sayo siya. Mag hihintay yon. Pero kung hindi, edi hindi. Ang tanga kasi Laura kung hindi mo tatanggapin yang offer na yan dahil sa kaniya. Seryoso, ang tanga mo kung ganon.] she said, putting a stress on her word 'tanga'.

I slightly chuckle, "Okay.. okay, thank you. It helped me." I said and she hum.

[Oo, no prob, ikaw pa. Lakas mo sa 'kin.] she said and I chuckled.

"I'll hung up now na, byee!"

—

"Gaga! Putangina! Oyyy! Pasado kami ni Ali! Oyyy!" Gwen started jumping as she held her phone tight on her hand. Ali came is running as well before sitting down on her seat and cried on Lory's shoulder.

"Putangina.. nakapasa ako, hayop." She cried and Lory started caressing her back.

"Tangina, puta, shit, ahh!! Worth it yung 3 basong kape at pag palpitate ng puso ko!" Gwen said and I look at her then at Ali who's now wiping her tears.

"Oy Laura.." Ali called and I look at her.

"Pasado Jiro mo." She said and my eyes widened. Gwen showed me her phone where his name is flashed on the screen.

"Call him," Lory said and immediately pull out my phone but before I could even dial his number. He's already calling.

"Hello!? Congrats! I'm so happy for you!" I immediately said as I answer his call.

[Thank you! I did it! I did it Laura! I got the scholarship! But there's more we need to talk about.] he said and my brows furrowed.

"What is it?" I ask and I saw y friends looking at me with worried eyes.

[Lets meet, we have too.] he said and I slowly nod.

"Sa likod ng bahay, you know it right? It's safe there, mag ingat ka lang." I said and he hum before ending the call.

"Ano daw? Uy, ang seryoso." Ali said and I shake my head.

"Tapos na ba ang practice? Uwian na ba?" I ask and they nod.

"Oo, hinintay lang talaga natin malaman nung dalawa ang results." Tobi said and I nod before grabbing my bag and rushing towards my van who has been waiting for me for minutes already.

When we arrived at home. I was confused when I saw the maids lined and their heads low. Then I saw my mom and dad glaring at me.

"So that's why you don't want to get married to him?" Dad said and my brows furrowed.

"What are you talking about?" I ask,

Dad smirked, "Jiro Oliver Engrasio? Scholar at TNHS, chess player, computer shop worker and... isang hampas lupa?" My dad said and my eyes grew wide.

"Dad! That's not nice to say!" I said and dad chuckled.

"You're going to break up with him!" He said and I shake my head.

"No, I'm not! Saan niyo ba nalaman yang mga yan!?" I screamed and look at the maids.

"Sila ba!? May nagsabi ba sa kanila!?" I ask pointing at the maids.

"Yes, sila ang nagsabi. And kung hindi pala sila magsasabi hindi pa namin malalaman!" Dad shouts.

"You're going to break up with him-

"Dad no!-

"Yes! You're going to break up with him or I'll end to whatever he have! His grandma?" Dad said and my eyes widened.

"What's wrong with you! Napaka inosente nilang tao! Is money really taking all over your system!?" I screamed and dad just chuckled.

"Just do what we said. Hindi mo alam kung anong pwede kong gawin." Dad said and I look at mom.

"Mom.." I called her but she just look away.

"Napaka bata mo pa to enter a relationship. At sa ganong klase lalaki pa talaga!? Where's your standards Laura!? Nakakahiya ka!" Dad said and my head snap at his direction.

"You're so.. cruel!" I said before running upstairs to my room.

Another afternoon of crying, heck I thought I'm done with this!

I waited until the sun sets. I received a text from Jiro that's he's already at the place. I sneak out of the house and went to the place. As he saw me.. his face lit up and immediately run towards me go hug me.

"I miss you, sobra! Ang busy talaga." He said and I slowly nod.

He pull away from the hug, smiling.

I look at him with blank expression.

"May problema ba?" He ask and I shake my head.

"Eh bakit ka ganiyan?" He ask,

I shook my head, "Sabihin mo na kung anong gusto mong sabihin." I said and he slowly nod.

"Remember the other day? I went to Manila cause UP called me. There I took another test. Then after that.. they put me to an interview." He said and I raised my eyebrows.

"And?" I ask,

He smiled at me, "Laura.. Laura nakapasa ako sa Harvard. I know that university but I was never aiming for that. But that test and interview was for Harvard. And within a day they messaged me again. Laura.. they're offering me to study in Harvard. Pero ayaw kitang iwan dito." He said and I smiled.

"No, go to Harvard. Study there." I said but he shakes his head.

"Pero Laura.. ayaw nga kitang iwan dito." He said, I pursed my lips and cross my arms.

"Then.. let's end this. Para naman sa ikabubuti mo eh. Let's end this para wala kang maiwan dito. Para wala ka nang alalahanin. Mga bata pa tayo Jiro. I'm sure we are not meant for each other. That's why let's end this!" I said and he stared at me.

"Ano nanaman ba 'to Laura? Ano nanamang kasalanan ko-

"Wala, wala kang kasalanan, but I think it's better if we break up. Like what I said bata pa tayo. And to be honest, I don't know why I even liked you. You're far from my level, baka napilitan lang ako or what. That's why let's end this." I said, trying to keep my voice straight and not stutter.

"Tingnan mo nga sarili ko Jiro. Even from the start, hindi pa ako nagiging model my level is so far from you already. Lalo pa nung naging model ako. Look at you, then at me. See the difference Jiro?" I sternly said,

But deep inside, I'm breaking into pieces. I can't believe I'm spitting all those words to him.

He look at me with blank expression.

"Okay, okay, oo nga pala. You're a model, rich and beautiful daughter. Eh sino ba naman ako? I'm just no one. Minsan naisip ko na rin yun Laura. It was my fear na baka ibato mo lahat sa akin yon. And my fear just happened. You really said those things to me." He said and my expression dropped.

Oh no, I hurt him. Fuck!

"Hindi kita hahabulin. Hindi ako magmamaka-awa sayo. Because I know you deserve someone better. Wealthy, handsome, and probably famous as well." He said and that's when tears started building up in my eyes.

"It was nice having you once. But like what you said.. let's end this." He said and take step backwards.

"Good luck on your career Ms. Milendez, you'll always capture my eyes every time I see your face printed on papers. I'll still go crazy over you on papers. Remember that." He said before turning his back at me and walking away. As he leave our backyard. That's when tears started pouring down my cheeks.

I'm sorry Jiro, but you are not my dream for now. I want to experience the world first. Before I fully give my world to you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•