(WRITTEN SERIES #3)
Having their hearts broken after an expected affair, Penny and Clifford unexpectedly found comfort from each other. But as the bond between the two of them deepens, secrets resurface as conflicts wreck havoc to their present. Can...
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PENNY
"ANO?! Japan?!"
All I could do was close my eyes shut when my friends screamed in unison. After a few moments of silence, dahan-dahan ko nang iminulat ang mga mata ko. Hindi ko mapigilang matawa nang makitang halos lumuwa na ang mga mata nilang apat habang nakatingin sa akin.
"Yes. Japan," I repeated, nodding as I watched their faces with amusement. "We're going to Japan this summer."
Nagpalitan silang apat ng tingin dahil sa sinabi ko. Buti na lang at walang masyadong tao ngayon dito sa café kundi baka mareklamo kami sa sobrang ingay namin.
"But, Bitchshiewap..." Cora called, looking at me with a hint of hesitation on her face. "Hindi namin sure kung papayagan kami d'yan."
"Oo nga! Tsaka, sabi namin, road trip! Hindi mag-ibang bansa! Depota ka!" bulyaw naman sa 'kin ni Remi.
I shrugged as I smiled sheepishly. Hindi ko rin alam sa sarili ko kung bakit ko naisipang sa Japan kami magpunta for our summer break. Siguro kasi matagal ko na ring gustong ma-experience na makapunta doon since isa 'yon sa mga pangarap ko. And what could be better than to go there with the best people in my life.
"Don't worry about your parents' approval. Ako nang bahala doʼn," I assured them confidently.
"Pero, Penny..." I turned to look at Clifford when he spoke, a worried expression plastered on his face. "Baka hindi kayanin ng pera namin ang papunta doon."
"Ako na rin ang bahala sa gastos," walang pag-aalinlangan kong sagot dahilan para manlaki na naman ang mga mata nila.
"Bitchshiewap!" Napatingin ako kay Cora nang kumapit siya sa braso ko. Itʼs a good thing na break time namin ni Clifford kaya pwede na kaming makipag-usap sa kanila.
"What?" I laughed, but Cora only pouted at me.
"Depota ka talaga, Penelopota," I heard Remi said and when I turned to look at her, she already facepalmed herself.
"Nakakahiya naman 'pag gano'n!" sabat naman ni Jago na umupo sa countertop. Agad naman siyang itinulak ni Cliff paalis dahilan para mapasimangot siya at maupo na lang sa upuan.
"Ayokong um-agree sa gagong 'to, pero tama siya." I looked at Clifford, great uncertainty written all over his face. "Nakakahiya sa 'yo, Penny."
"They're right, Bitchshiewap," Cora added, still clinging to my arm. "You're our Mommy Penny, not a sugar mommy."
Napangiwi na lang ako dahil sa sinabi niya. Meanwhile, the shitty trinity completely burst into laughter. These dumb bitches...
Nang matigil na sa pagtatawanan ang tatlo, nagsalita si Remi. "Pero tama si Cora, 'tol. Kabigan ka namin, hindi ATM machine."
"But I'm doing this wholeheartedly!" I defended myself. Aware naman ako na hindi mga mukhang pera ang mga kaibigan ko. I hate people who use me so why would I be friends with them kung pera lang ang habol sa 'kin in the first place?
