Written in the Stars

CHAPTER 2.2 - Trauma

•unhöflich•
rude
discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way

Marcus's POV

Last week, we went shopping at the ukay-ukay. It was unusual but it was so fun. Kisses and I didn't expect that Ate By was gonna bring us to a place like that. I'll admit that I'm glad that we had a project like that because I got to bond with them, especially Kisses. She's so cute and her personality is just colorful. She definitely likes, I mean loves, pancakes, by the way. Even though it's already lunch time, she ate like a dozen of them. I want to know her more, to be honest, and I'll try my best to do it.

A week has passed and I frequently hangout with them. They're fun to be with, as I've expected. But I really don't see the reason why Kisses and Edward don't seem to get along together and be in good terms. They always throw insults at each other. Edward is not like that, well he's kinda picky when it comes to friends but he's definitely a fun and nice person if you get to know him. We've been best friends since elementary years and he's for keeps.

This day, we're gonna present our clothing line to the class. I dropped by Kisses and Abigail's room so I can help them bring our project.

"Oh nandyan ka na pala, Marcus," Ate By opened the door when I knocked. She was carrying the clothes we created, more like recycled, that we all done well.

"I'll help you carry them," I offered help. I then helped her carry the clothes.

"Where's Kisses?" I asked.

"Ang tagal nga magayos eh, nagpapaganda pa para kay ano." she laughed.

"For whom?" I asked curiously. Ate By must've known Kisses's crush and my curiosity wanted to know.

"Hay nako, Marcus. Don't believe her. Wala nakong gusto sa kung sino man sinasabi niyan." Kisses said as she walked out of the room. She's pretty today even if she's wearing those glasses and braces. A lot of people don't see it in her because of her huge glasses and braces which makes her look geeky. But for me, she's one of the most beautiful, if not the most, girls in the campus. I can remember seeing her without her glasses once and she was mesmerizing. She's a lot prettier without her glasses.

"Huy Marcus, natulala ka na." Ate By snapped her fingers at my face. I didn't notice that I was dazed.

"Tara na." Kisses commanded so we followed her track.

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It's our turn to present so we changed into our first set of clothing; the casual ones. I wore a customized denim jacket and a shirt inside. Ate By wore an off shoulder which she completely created. And Kisses wore those crop top and jeans. Ate By got out first. She walked like a model but a little exaggerated. She swayed her hips in a funny manner. When she was on the middle, she posed. Hands on waist and elbow pointing forward like she's hungry but her arms are like broken. Everyone, even our teacher, broke into laughter. She exited to change to her formal wear.

I made my move just cool then posed in the middle. I can honestly hear some girls whisper-squeal. Am I that handsome? Hahaha.

Kisses was up next and she walked shyly. She's not confident with her stance.

"Ano ba yan, di naman bagay. Bilisan mo na nga lang." Allison said loud enough to be heard by everyone. Her group of friends laughed annoyingly like they usually do. There are also some laughs from others. I saw Kisses walk away quickly like she regretted going there. She went where we changed our clothes.

"Ayoko na bumalik dun." she had misty eyes.

"Huwag mo nang pansinin yun si Allison. Ang ganda mo kaya!" Ate By comforted her.

"I got your back, Kisses." I was concerned for her. She shouldn't be embarrassed in front like that.

"Kailangan ko na lumabas. Sunod kayo ah." Ate By said and she walked in front to show our masterpiece. She wore a violet night gown which we made from silk clothes.

I followed as soon as she got back. I wore a customized suit and tie. I walked normally because I was too worried on what's gonna happen to Kisses when she comes out.

I spoke too soon. When she came out wearing her pastel pink gown, Allison's friends started throwing insults at her.

"Eew. Hurry, girl."
"She dare come out again?"
"Nerd!"
"What a freak."

"She thought she's beautiful. Dream on, girl. You're like the ugliest geek in the campus." Allison mockingly insulted her. Tears ran down Kisses's face. Gasps came out from our other classmates while others laughed.

"Manahimik ka nga! Napakainsecure mo!" Ate By half-shouted angrily.

"Class, stop it." Ms. Miranda tried to silence the class but Allison just won't stop.

"It's true, kala niya may nagkakagusto sa kanya. NO! Go back where you came from." Allison said in a bitchy way and rolled her eyes. Gasps are now heard. Unexpectedly, Edward joined, "Yeah, no one will dare come near you." he added to the insults. That did it. Kisses ran out of the room as tears trailed her track. Of all people, Edward showed immaturity. How could he do that?

"Detention, Allison and company!" Ms. Miranda shouted with authority that silenced everyone.

Abigail and Crystal chased Kisses with worries on their faces.

"Not cool, bro" I said disappointed at Edward before following Kisses. He looked down. He looks kinda apologetic and worried but I can't really read his emotion sometimes.

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Crystal's POV

I was on my seat when it happened. They said harsh words at Kisses that would hurt anyone's feelings. She ran out of the room and we immediately followed her. Ate By and I was actually chasing her but we could not catch her.

"Wait lang, Kisses!" Ate By shouted. Then, Marcus came from behind and ran towards Kisses. He hugged her to make her stop running. We came near her who was crying endlessly. We hugged her to show comfort.

"Kung ayaw niyo sakin, pwede naman ako lumipat ulit." she said in between sobs. I felt sadness at her statement.

"Huy, hindi. Gusto ka namin Kisses. Wag mo nang isipin yung sinabi ni Allison." Ate By patted her back and gave her a hug.

"Wag kang aalis, Kisses. Tahan na." I also hugged her. After a while, we released from the embrace. She removed her glasses and wiped her tears. Marcus cupped her cheeks and wiped her remaining tears.

"You're one of the most precious persons I've ever met. Don't leave. Sige ka, pag umalis ka, di na kita mabibilhan ng pancakes." Marcus lightened her up. She chuckled. They look so sweet.

"Kisses, wag ka na magpapaapekto don sa dimonyitang yun kasi mas lalo ka niyang pagtitripan. Ipakita mong mas malakas ka!" Ate By advised her. I nodded in agreement.

"Tama ka Ate By. Dapat hindi ako magpapatalo dun sa babaeng yun. Maghanda lang siya." Kisses said confidently

"Just don't get too far," Marcus said with a laugh and scratched his nape. We all laughed.

"Thank you nga pala sa pagtanggol sakin kanina. Di ko talaga alam gagawin kung wala kayo!" Kisses cutely thanked us.

"Ikaw pa!" I messed her hair.

Ate By grabbed her shoulder so she can catch Kisses's attention, "Hay nako. Alam mo, insecure lang sila sayo. Kung tinawag ka nilang nerd, pwes ikaw ang pinakamagandang nerd na nakilala ko."