It Has Always Been You: Chapter 12- Another Competition

NOTE: Ang mga italicized words po eh yun po yung sinasabi nila sa ISIPAN nila. Dami po kasing konsensya na sumisingit dito sa chapter na’to eh. Baka po malito kayo. Hehe. Enjoy reading! :)

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On Ivan’s car:

Ivan: Ano’ng kakantahin niyo babe?

Devon: ‘Two Is Better Than One’. Si James pumili non.

Ivan: I’m sure you can do it. Besides, we’re here to support you. (smiled)

Devon: Aww, thanks babe. (smile)

Ivan: Do you like that song?

Devon: Yeah. Idol ko ata si Taylor Swift. (laughs)

Ivan: Haha. And Justin Bieber.

Devon: Yeah. (smile)

                Ivan parked his car outside the restaurant. Hindi naman ito malayo, 5 minutes lang siguro mararating  na nila ang restaurant. Nakasunod  lang din si James sa kanila. He parked his car next to Ivan’s car. Pumasok na sila ng restaurant at hinanap ang mga kasama.

Bret: Hey guys! (tawag nito sa kanila)

Devon: Sorry if natagalan kami.

Fretzie: Okay lang, um-order na kayo. (smile)

Ivan: Tara na.

                Um-order na sila at nagsimulang kumain.

Yen: Devs, ano nga pala ang kakantahin niyo?

Devon: ‘Two Is Better Than One’. Sabi kasi niya eh. (sabay turo kay James)

James: Maganda naman diba?

Bret: Yeah, okay naman ang song.

Fretzie: Eh kelan ang competition?

Devon: Next month sa Gems University.

James: Iba’t-ibang universities din makakalaban namin.

Bret: Sus! Don’t worry, we have the best singing duo. Mananalo sila dyan for sure. (smiled)

Devon: Naman! Nakaka-pressure nga eh.

James: Don’t worry. Nandito naman ako eh. (smiled) “I’ll be by your side always..”

Ivan: Yeah, you’ve been partners since our high school years and hindi kayo pumapalya sa mga competitions na sinasalihan niyo. If ever man na natalo kayo, at least 2^nd kayo, or 1^st runner-up.

Devon: But of course, I can’t help to worry.

Yen: Trust yourself. Pang-ilan na ba to’ng sali mo sa mga contest huh?

Fretzie: Hay naku Yen, di na mabilang. (laughs)

                Nakitawa na rin sila. Matapos kumain, pinasukan na nila ang huling subject nila. Nag-yaya si James na mag-practice sila. Pumunta silang lahat sa bahay ni James. Dahil mayaman ito, kumpleto ito sa gamit kaya hindi sila nahirapa’ng mag-practice. Sina Ivan at Bret ay naglalaro ng billiards habang nanunuod lang ng TV sina Fretzie at Yen.

James: Ready?

Devon: Yeah.

                Gamit ang guitar, tinugtog ni James ang kanta. Habang kumakanta sila, hindi mapigilan ni James na tumitig kay Devon. Si Devon naman, alam niyang tinititigan siya ni James. Nakikipaglabanan din siya ng titig sa lalaki. Pero siya ang unang umiiwas ng tingin, hindi niya yata kayang makipagtitigan ng matagal sa lalaking laman ng puso niya all these years.

James: Haay, darating pa kaya ang araw na ako ang nasa tabi mo palagi? Instead of Ivan?

Devon: Kaya mo ‘yan Devon. Malay mo, eto na yung last time na matititigan mo siya ng ganito. Dahil sa oras na ligawan na niya ang babaeng nagpapatibok ng puso niya, burado ka na sa paningin niya.

Ilang ulit pa nilang inulit ang kanta at maayos naman ang kinalabasan. After the practice, umuwi na sila sa kanikanilang bahay.

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The next day, The Singing Duo Audition

Ivan: Ready?

Devon: Yeah. Ilang audition na ang pinagdaanan ko pero parang iba ngayon eh. Parang kinakabahan ako na excited na excited. I don’t know. (bungingis smile)

Yen: Ang ganda nga ng aura mo ngayon eh. (smiled)

Ivan: Oo nga babe. Parang ang saya-saya mo.

Devon: I don’t know. Basta, I’m happy.

Yen: Maybe because you feel that you’re gonna be chosen to be the university’s representative.

Devon: Hindi naman ako ganun ka-confident noh? Haha.

Bret: Why not? Haha.

                Nilapitan sila ni Ms. Kaye.

Ms. Kaye: O, James and Devon, kayo na susunod. Give me your minus 1 CD.

James: Eto po. (sabay abot ng CD)

Fretzie: Good luck guys! (smiled)

                Natapos na ang isang pair, tinawag na silang dalawa. They climbed up the stage. Pumailanlang na ang tugtog.

James: I remember what you wore on the first day (stared at Devon)
              You came into my life and I thought, hey
              You know this could be something
              'Cause everything you do and words you say
              You know that it all takes my breath away
              And now I'm left with nothing
Duet: So maybe it's true
           That I can't live without you (James held her hands)
           And maybe two is better than one
           But there's so much time
           To figure out the rest of my life
           And you've already got me coming undone
           And I'm thinking two is better than one
Devon: I remember every look upon your face
 James: The way you roll your eyes, the way you say
              You make it hard for breathing
Devon: 'Cause when I close my eyes and drift away (stared at James)
              I think of you and everything's okay (nagsimulang pumatak ang mumunting butil ng luha niya)
              I'm finally now believing

Duet: That maybe it's true
           That I can't live without you (holding hands pa rin)
           And maybe two is better than one
           But there's so much time
           To figure out the rest of my life
           And you've already got me coming undone
           And I'm thinking two is better than one
James: I remember what you wore on the first day
             You came into my life and I thought, hey (pinahid ang mga luha ni Devon)
Duet: Maybe it's true
           That I can't live without you
           And maybe two is better than one
           There's so much time
           To figure out the rest of my life
           And you've already got me coming undone
James: And I'm thinking, ooh
Devon: I can't live without you (pumatak ulit ang luha niya)
Duet: 'Cause baby, two
            Is better than one
            There's so much time
            To figure out the rest of my life
            But I figured out with all that's said and done
            Two is better than one
            Two is better than one

                Nagkatinginan sila pagkatapos ng kanta. Umiwas naman ng tingin si Devon at pasimpleng pinahid ang luha niya. Nagpalakpakan ang mga students na nasa gymnasium.

On their minds:

Devon: Darn it, bakit umiyak pa’ko. Sana di nakita ng iba. Why do I have this feeling that the song is dedicated for the both of us? Ignore the feeling Devon! You’re doing well with Ivan.

James: I chose that song because I would like to dedicate it for you Devon. I think we’re better if we are One.

                Pababa na sila ng stage.

James: Hey, why did you cry? (worried niyang tanong kay Devon)

Devon: Nah! Don’t mind it. Maybe I was just carried away. (smiled)

James: I hope you cried because you realized that you can’t live without me, just like how you sang that line. I hope you love me too Devon, and that time will come for the both of us.

                Patungo na sila sa kinaroroonan ng mga kaibigan nila.

Yen: Hay naku. Panalo na ‘yan. Haha.

Ivan: Oo nga. Magaling ata ang babe ko. (smiled)

                Napatingin sina Bret at Fretzie kay Yen, na sa kasalukuyan ay nakangiti lang.

Bret: Ano’ng mararamdaman mo if you’re in Yen’s place? (bulong niya kay Fretzie)

Fretzie: Naku! Malamang sumuko na’ko. (bulong din kay Bret)

Bret: Buti na lang noh? Wala akong ibang mahal, ikaw lang. (smile)

Fretzie: Weh? Talaga? Haha.

Bret: Yeah, I’m sure. (smiled sweetly)

Fretzie: Nandito na sila oh. Congrats Devs. (smile)

Bret: “Ouch! She changed the topic.” Congrats dude. (tapped James’ shoulder)

Devon and James: Thank you. (smiled)

Ivan: Siguradong kayo na mapipili Babe. (hugged her)

Devon: Naks! Di naman..Haha. (hugged him back)

                Kinabukasan, nakatanggap sina James at Devon ng gate pass sa Gems University para makapasok sila at mag-register. Ibig sabihin, pumasa sila sa audition at sila ang napili to represent their university. Tuwang-tuwa ang barkada kahit alam na naman nila ang resulta ng audition.

Devon: Oh, ano na naman kakantahin natin?

James: Ikaw? Ano’ng gusto mo?

Bret: Why not ‘Hazy’? Maganda yung song na ‘yon.

Fretzie: Di ba parang ang dry naman nung Hazy? Di bagay ipanglaban sa competition.

Yen: Oo nga. Isip nalang tayo ng iba.

Ivan: Hindi ba pwede’ng ‘Two Is Better Than One’ ulit kantahin niyo?

James: Pwede naman, pero I feel hindi siya bagay ipanlaban sa competition.

Devon: Yeah, kasi medyo dry din yung kanta. Iba nalang, please…. (pleading eyes)

James: Yeah. Yeah. We’ll choose another song. Stop doing that. It doesn’t suit you. (tumawa ng malakas)

                Nagsitawanan ang lahat maliban kay Devon.

Devon: Ah ganun?! Ang sama niyo talaga. Fretz! Yen! Pati ba naman kayo? (nakasimangot niyang sabi)

Fretzie: Sorry Devs, si James kasi eh.

Yen: Yeah. Sorry. Shut up na ‘ko. (pinipilit na hindi na tumawa)

Devon: Ikaw talaga, nag-iisip tayo dito eh, panira ka talaga.

James: Just kidding. Sorry. (tawa pa rin ng tawa)

Devon: Isa ka pa! Sige, pagtawanan mo ‘ko. (sabay hampas kay Ivan)

Ivan: Ouch. Sorry na babe. (hugged Devon)

James: Guys! May naisip na akong song!

All: Ano?

James: How about ‘Pyramid’?

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WM: Hmm.. Bakit kaya parang excited na excited si Devon sa darating na competition? Abangan! May bago pong tauhan sa storya. Someone close to Devon. Oh ayan huh! Ang taas na niyan. Ito na so far ang piankamataas na sinulat ko. Haha. Don’t forget your comments Gems. IT’S HIGHLY APPRECIATED. :)

It Has Always Been You: Chapter 11- A Pair Made In Heaven

                Nasa kalagitnaan sila ng discussion nang pumasok si Ms. Kaye sa klase nina Devon.

Ms. Kaye: Good morning class.

Students: Good morning Ma’am.

                Si Ms. Kaye ay ang talent coordinator ng department nila. Nakipag-usap siya kay Mr. Sid, instructor nila sa subject na ‘yon.

Seating Arrangement: Bret, Fretzie, Yen, Ivan, Devon, James

Fretzie: Ano na naman kaya ang meron?

Yen: Baka may competition na naman.

Bret: Oo nga. Ano’ng klaseng competition naman kaya?

Ivan: It’s hard to guess. My babe and James are partners sa dancing at sa kantahan diba? Bret at James, pambato natin sa kantahan sa male category. At syempre, sa female category, ang babe ko ang pambato natin. (hinawakan ang chin ni Devon)

Devon: Nakakahiya, tigilan mo yan huh. (smiled)

                “Stop being so sweet to her Ivan. It doesn’t suit you.”, sabi ni James sa sarili.

                Natapos ang usapan ng dalawang instructor. Nagpaalam na si Ms. Kaye sa kanila at lumabas ng classroom.

Mr. Sid: Class, as you all know, Ms. Kaye is our talent coordinator, so I guess, alam niyo na may mangyayaring competition.

Students: Yes Sir.

Mr. Sid: This time, magkakaroon ng audition every department para sa Singing Contest na ihe-held sa sister school natin, the Gems University. Ang mapipili sa audition ay siyang lalaban holding the name of the university sa “The Singing Duet”. Yes, you heard me right, duet. Ibig sabihin, kailangang may dalawang representative tayo. Alam niyo kung bakit tayo ang sinabihan ni Ms. Kaye?

Students: Yes Sir. (nagsitinginan kina James at Devon)

Mr. Sid: I think pareho tayo ng iniisip. It’s because nandito si Ms. Devon Milano and Mr. James Burgoyne. Pagkatapos ng klase, you are both requested to the P.E Faculty Room, okay?

Devon & James: Yes Sir.

                After 2 hours, natapos na ang klase nila. Nagsitayuan at naglabasan na ang ilang students.

Ivan: Tara na. Baka marami na’ng tao sa restaurant.

Fretzie: Yeah, sabay sabay pa naman tayong nag-dismiss.

Bret: Devs, James, diba pupunta pa kayo ng faculty room?

Devon: Ay oo nga pala!

Ivan: Ok guys, hihintayin ko nalang sila, mauna na kayo sa restaurant.

Bret: Ok, sunod kayo agad huh.

Yen: Bye. (smiled)

Devon: Sige. (smiled)

James: Let’s go.

                Naglalakad sila patungong Faculty Room. Nagpaalam si Ivan na magsi-CR. Susunod nalang daw ito.

James: Devs, sawa na’ko.

Devon: Sawa sa ano? (looked at him)

James: In joining every competition with you. Wala na ba’ng iba? Ikaw kasi palagi ang kasama ko. Nakakasawa na. (looked at her direction and smiled)

Devon: Ah ganun! Sige, I’ll tell Ms. Kaye na hindi ako magpa-participate. (nagkasalubong ang kilay)

James: Uy joke lang! Hindi ka naman mabiro. Haha.

Devon: Ahh, so pinagtatawanan mo’ko? (Sabay hampas sa braso ni James)

James: Ouch! Metal hands again! (hinimas ang nasktang braso)

Devon: Ikaw kasi eh. Haha. (tawa ng tawa)

James: At tumatawa ka pa. Eto’ng sa’yo! (kiniliti si Devon sa tagiliran)

Devon: James, tigilan mo yan. Tatahimik na. (nasabi niyang natatawa pa rin)

                Lingid sa kaalaman nila, may mga matang nakatingin sa kanila.

Guy1: Ano kaya’ng pinag-uusapan nila? Ba’t ang saya nila? May kilitian at hampasan pa.

                Narating na nila ang faculty room. Kumatok si James at pinihit ang siradura. Pumasok silang dalawa at nagtungo sa desk ni Ms. Kaye. Nadatnan nila itong nagsusulat.

James: Excuse me Miss.

Ms. Kaye: Oh, kayo pala, have a seat.

Devon: Thank you po.

Ms. Kaye: Alam na naman siguro ninyo na kayo ang pambato ng department niyo.

                Tumango lang ang dalawa.

Ms. Kaye: Tomorrow ang audition at 3pm sa gymnasium. May klase ba kayo niyan?

James: Wala po. Hanggang 2pm lang po ang klase namin.

Ms. Kaye: Good. May napili na ba kayo’ng kanta?

Devon: Eh miss, hindi pa po namin napag-uusapan eh.

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                Habang nasa CR si Ivan, tumunog ang phone niya, 1 message received.

Guy: Dude, I saw your girl with another guy. Bakit ang sweet nila? Is she cheating on you? Mag-ingat ka dude. Baka niloloko ka lang ng babaeng ‘yan. In the first place, I don’t like her for you.

                Nang mabasa ni Ivan ang message, parang kinukorot ang puso niya. Alam niyang magkasama sina Devon at James. “Bakit nasasaktan ako whenever James is around her? I trust James, hindi ko masasabi na he likes Devon. Pero si Devon, I can feel that she likes being around with James than me. I hope nagkakamali lang ako.”

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James: Eh kung ‘Two Is Better Than One’ nalang kaya kantahin natin?

Ms. Kaye: Good choice. (tumango-tango siya)

Devon: Oh sige na nga. Miss, yun nalang po.

Ms. Kaye: Okay. The competition will be next month. It will be held at Gems University, alam niyo naman diba na sister school din natin iyon?(smiled)

James: Yes miss. Don’t worry po, we won’t let you down. Sige po, mauna na kami. May nagugutom na kasi rito eh. (tumingin kay Devon)

Devon: Uy hindi ah! Kaw talaga.

Ms. Kaye: Kayo talaga’ng dalawa. Para sa’kin, you’re a pair made in heaven. Magka-partner nalang kasi kayo lagi eh. (smiled)

                Nagulat ang dalawa sa sinabi ni Ms. Kaye.  James is observing Devon’s reaction. Ngumiti lang si Devon.

On their mind,

James:  “Gotcha! Why do you look being awkward? Haha. I know Devon, there is something. Haha.”

Devon: “Gosh! A pair made in heaven? Grabeh naman. Kaloka ka Ms. Kaye.”

Devon: Bye miss. Thank you. (smiled)

Lumabas na sila ng faculty. Nadatnan nila si Ivan na naka-upo sa stairs.

Devon: Tara na. (yaya kay Ivan)

James: Kasi nagugutom na siya. (smiled)

Devon: Hindi nga. Kasi naghihintay na sila sa’tin! (hampas sa braso)

James: Ouch again. Nakakarami ka na huh. Dude, you should handcuff her. Palaging nananakit. Haha.

Ivan: Oo nga eh. Harmful na sa mga tao. Haha.

Devon: Ano naman’g tingin niyo sa’kin? Asong ulol? (crossed arms)

                Nagtawanan lang ang dalawa sa sinabi ni Devon.

Devon: Ah ganun. Sige lang, magkampihan kayo. (naglakad ng mabilis, iniwan ang dalawa)

Ivan: Babe! We’re just kidding. (ran to catch up with her)

                Nagkukulitan silang dalawa ni Ivan. Kahit papano, natutunan na din niyang mahalin ang binata gaya ng ginagawa nito sa kanya. Natatawag niya na din itong ‘babe’ nang walang pagka-asiwa.

Devon: “Keep it up Devon. Hindi ka na naaasiwa pag andyan siya. Bakit ba kasi hindi mo maalis si James sa puso mo?!”

                Nakita ni James ang kulitan nina Ivan at Devon dahil nakasunod siya sa dalawa. Nahihirapan man, parang nasanay na ata siya sa ganung mga tagpo.

James: “A pair made in heaven? Galing mo Ms. Kaye! But sad to say, hanggang sayawan at kantahin nalang kami, kasi may nagmamay-ari na ng puso niya.”

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WM: Sorry kasi super duper tagal ng kasunod. Anyways, sino kaya ang nag-text kay Ivan? Hmmm.. hulaan niyo nga.. Abangan ang next chapter bukas.. Hope you enjoyed.. :)

It Has Always Been You: Chapter 10- Caught in the Act

Ann: Hi! (smiled at him sweetly)

James: Oh, it’s you. (continued reading)

Ann: James, can I join you for lunch? Tricia is not around so I’m alone today. (put a sad face)

James: I’m in the middle of studying now Ann, better ask someone else. (kinda irritated)

Ann: But James, I want to have lunch with you, especially now that you’re alone too.

James: What do you mean?

Ann: I saw your friends leaving earlier.

James: Ann, I’m busy.

Ann: James please, just this once? (hinawakan niya ang kamay ni James)

James: Why me? (hinablot ang kamay niya)

Ann: Because I think you’re already opening your heart to me. (smiled)

James: What?! (inis na ang lolo niyo..haha)

Ann: When you waved back at me, after the competition, at the backstage, remember? (smiled)

                James then remembered that time. He can’t help but smile when he remembered that Devon frowned upon seeing him waving back at Ann and Tricia.

Ann: Oh! You remembered! You’re smiling! Lucky! (she said excitedly)

James: Yeah, I remembered, but it doesn’t mean anything Ann.

Ann: James, just eat lunch with me..please? (ignored the hurt James is causing)

James: Okay. Just this once. “Argh! Why do I have to listen to her?!”

                James drove off towards his favorite restaurant, together with Ann. They went directly at the counter. When he turned his back, he was surprised to see his friends, staring at him, with surprised looks.

                All of them were surprised to see James with Ann, especially Devon. She really didn’t expect James meant Ann as the girl he currently loves. “Oh my God! So it’s really her! Get a hold of yourself Devon. Kaya mo ‘yan!”

                James was about to walk towards them but Ann grabbed his arm and walked the other way. But James felt he needs to explain why they are having lunch together.

James: Ann, wait, I have something to tell them. Pero mauna ka na’ng kumain.

                He already walked away before Ann could say anything.

James: Hey guys. I’m sorry.

Devon: Sorry for what? For choosing her than us? (raised her eyebrows)

Ivan: Hey, calm down babe. Maybe he has a good explanation. (rubbed Devon’s back, smiling)

Bret: Yeah, I thought you’re in the library.

James: I was! I don’t have plans for lunch but then she came and asks to have lunch with me.

Yen: At umo-o ka naman?! (eyes widened, halatang shock)

James: Tumanggi ako, but she insisted and I was irritated so I agreed just to finish things, just this once.

Ivan: Are you sure just this once? (laughed)

James: Yeah of course. She just barged in, believe me. (pleading eyes)

Bret, Fretzie, Yen: I believe you. (nagkatinginan at tumawa)

James: Thank you. (sighed, smiled)

Devon: Guys let’s go. Baka ma-late na’ko sa susunod ko’ng klase. And besides, his date is waiting for him. (tumayo na at diretso sa pintuan)

                The four of them had nothing to do but to follow her. James on the other hand is smiling.

Fretzie: We better go, looks like galit talaga siya. (laugh)

Ivan&Bret: Bye dude. (tap his shoulder)

                Yen was the last one walking. James called her and she turned to him.

James: You should congratulate me, parang nagseselos siya. (laugh)

Yen: Hahaha, don’t get it wrong. But maybe she really is. Hahaha, bye for now! (waved at him)

                James returned to the table where Ann is. He saw her crying, head bowed down.

James: Hey, why are you crying?

Ann: What took you so long? Akala ko nakalimutan mo na ‘ko. (sobs)

James: May sinabi lang ako sa kanila. And why are you so affected? (grimaced face na ang James)

Ann: Because I love you James! Since our first year, I already loved you. (napalakas ang boses)

James: Hinaan mo boses mo Ann. You don’t understand, I love someone else. I already loved her for more than 5 years.

Ann: What? Who is she?

James: Someone you don’t have to know.  I mean, it’s not important.

Ann: James, is it hard to love me? I’m popular, I’m pretty, I can be whatever you want me to be. Just love me! (wiped her tears)

James: I know Ann, you would do anything for love. You deserve someone who will love you and it’s not me. I’m sorry, I hope you understand. Now if you’re done eating, let’s go.

Ann: You’re not eating anything?

James: No, nawalan na’ko ng gana.

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                On the car, Devon is so silent. “Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala na mahal niya si Ann. Eh hindi nga niya yun pinapansin eh!”

Ivan: Babe? Are you okay?

Devon: Huh? Yeah, I’m fine. Why?

Ivan: I just thought there might be something bothering you. And are you really mad back there?

Devon: Kinda. I just don’t get it why he chose Ann than us.

Ivan: Calm down, why are you even mad? He said Ann just barged in and he agreed just to finish things.

Devon: I don’t believe it.

Ivan: Okay, Just calm down. “Why are you so affected Devon. I hope I’m wrong. I hope I’m just imagining things.”

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                James and Ann are heading to the school. James is concentrating in driving. Ann breaks the silence.

Ann: James, I truly understand now. But, can we still be friends? (faced James)

James: I have nothing against you, so why not? (smiled at her)

                James parked his car at the school’s parking lot.

Ann: Friends? (lend her hand)

James: Friends. (took her hand)

Ann: Thank you James, for accepting my friendship.

James: No problem. (smiled and stopped the engine of the car)

Ann: Una na’ko. Ayoko’ng makita tayo ng mahal mo na magkasama. Baka mawalan ka na talaga ng pag-asa. Sayang naman ang five years. Haha! (akmang bubuksan na niya ang kotse nang pigilan siya ni James)

James: Huh? Ano’ng pinagsasasabi mo?

Ann: The one you love for more than five years….it’s Devon…am I right?

James: How did you… how did you know? (he was really surprised)

Ann: Come on James. You said you loved her for more than five years, you’ve known each other since high school right? I know it’s not Fretzie because she already has Bret. It’s not also Yen, I haven’t seen you being so close to her. And that’s left Devon. I always observe you when you’re together. You act different when Ivan is around. I saw your reaction when Ivan confessed to her in front of us. I’ve seen through it James. But don’t worry, my mouth is zipped.

                Ann smiled to James who is currently surprised. Lumabas na siya ng kotse at naiwan si James na surprised pa rin.

                “Why does she have to know? Am I that obvious? If so, good thing Fretzie, Ivan and Devon haven’t noticed it. I really hate keeping things from myself. I hope I can confess to you before our graduation. I only have 5 months left.”

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Writer's Mind: Mapasakanya kaya si Devon before graduation?.. :)