The Ravages of Time

Kabanata 06

Kabanata 06

The Reason Why

"Congratulations to us, guys!"

Winning a competition is such a great moment. After the hard work we have done, we've harvested what we planted.

"I told you, mananalo tayo rito!" Irene added.

"Alam niyo, 'yong kabilang section may ginaya sa steppings natin!" singit ni Jerome. Kasabay no'n ang pagsayaw niya ng isang stepping sa sayaw namin.

"Walang originality, sus!"

Yes, we won a dance competition together with my grade 10 classmates during the culminating activity. After the tears, hard work, and sweat we've put through... it was all worth it. And of course, hindi nawawala ang away during practice.

"Cheers!" we've all raised our glasses.

"Babe."

Napalingon ako kay Gio, he is not my boyfriend. He's also my classmate and everyone thinks we're in a relationship because he kept calling me that stinky nickname. He's been courting me for months now and I had no plans to answer him.

"Gio," bored na bati ko sa kanya.

He sat down next to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked around and Kuya was not here yet. Reighn and Connor are also busy talking with other classmates, so Gio and I were the only ones at the table.

And of course, Jushen's not here because her mom won't allow her. I guess nag-aaral siya sa mga oras na 'to.

"Wala pa si Owen?" he asked.

I awkwardly gulped.

"May nakikita ka bang Owen?" I sarcastically answered and rolled my eyes secretly.

"Attitude naman." I heard him murmur.

Look who's complaining now, as if gusto kong makausap ka. Gio is such a clingy guy. And for all I know, he is a flirt. He already had three exes in my classmates and obviously, I am the next target. Who knows baka may sampung ex pa 'yan sa labas. Uhaw na uhaw, e.

I tried to remove his hand from my shoulder, but he pressed his grip even harder. I faked a cough.

"Can you please remove your hands? It's uncomfortable," I requested. I tried to be kind as long as I can.

"Ay sorry, babe," he apologized. He released his grip on my shoulder.

God knows how disgusted I am whenever I heard the word 'babe.' I tried to warn him once not to call me that, but he does not listen.

"Umiinom ka?" he asked again.

I tried to control my temper. Isn't it obvious to him that I'm annoyed when I talk to him?

"No," I simply answered.

"Good girl, pero nag-try ka na?"

I closed my eyes tightly.

"No," I answered annoyingly.

It's late now but with the loud music here at my classmate's house, everything is getting lively. It was like we were at the bar because the lights were dim.

Actually, we are not allowed to do this.

But Irene, one of my pabidang classmates, insisted since nagpakahirap din naman kami and we deserve this party.