18 Chapter Seventeen

Three Months Later

Erin Brits and the rest of the events committee, except for Rebecca Greene, have a meeting. They are conducting for the up-coming event, the Home Coming Ball.

So, it is already 30 minutes, wala pa rin si Rebecca. So, she presumed, "Ok, let's start! Talaga naman hindi maasahan ang babaeng yan eh."

And, Trish asked, "So, what's the plan for this event?"

"I am thinking about the movie theme, Frozen? And, Trish would try to coordinate with the caterers." initiated Erin Brits.

"Good idea!" responded Trish.

Erin glared at Issa, "So, that's it! Meeting adjourned! And, by the way, Issa, try to coordinate with Rebecca. The two of you and your other friends will be the props men. You will be designing the lay-out for this event. And, I wanted it to be perfect!"

"Yes, Erin. Don't worry. I would not disappoint you." replied Issa.

At nang umalis na silang lahat, naiwan na lang si Issa. Hindi niya maiwasan na umiyak. She thought it is her fault why Erin hated her so much. And, she also let down the principal due to what happened to last event, the Filipino Week.

At bigla na lang pumasok si Rebecca, kasama niya si Joey. Nakita ni Issa sina Joey at Rebecca na magka-holding hands. At napansin ni Rebecca na masama ang tingin ni Issa sa kanila kaya binitawan na ni Rebecca ang kamay niya kay Joey.

Rebecca didn't say a word as Issa walked out from the room.

"Haven't you tell her?" tanong ni Rebecca kay Joey.

"Not yet. But, I will soon tell her about it. I know it will hurt her feelings. But, don't worry. I know how to deal with it." sagot naman ni Joey.

Ngumiti si Rebecca sa kanya. At maya-maya, biglang napadaan si Arvin, nakita silang magkasama.

Sabi niya, "So, it's true. Totoo pala ang tsismis. Na niloloko niyo ang kapatid ko."

"No, you don't understand..." sabi ni Rebecca.

But, before Rebecca finished her sentence, Joey interrupted her to explain it to Arvin, "Si Issa itong unang lumayo sa amin. Naka-ilang beses punta ako sa condo unit niya para humingi ng tawad, hindi naman niya ako ineentertain. Naka-ilang beses din ako tumawag sa cellphone niya, pero hindi naman niya ako sinasagot. Balita ko, nagpalit na yata ng number."

"Pero, Joey, Issa trusted you. Kaya siya nakipag-coordinate sa iyo para maging maayos ang art exhibit niyo. Pero, naging pabaya ka rin. Hinayaan mo na lang sina CJ at Miggy mag-set-up. Tapos, heto pa, hindi niyo man lang pinagbilin sa mga guards na bantayan yung exhibit. Tapos, hinayaan niyo na lang siyang masira o masabotahe ng kung sinuman." sabi ng nagmamaktol itong si Arvin.

"Lecheng art exhibit na yan! Aksidente lang ang nangyari. Tapos, kaming magbabarkada ang sisisihin." inis niya.

Hinila niya si Rebecca at iniwan na nila si Arvin.

Sa isip ni Arvin, "Sana magtagal pa ang relationship ninyo. Pinili niyo ang landas na yan, eh di magpakasaya kayo."

Hindi napansin ni Arvin na nasa tabi-tabi lang si Denise at nakikinig sa usapan nila. Lumapit sa kanya si Denise para bigyan siya ng payo, "Hi, Arvin. I know you are upset because of what happen to your sister. But, it's alright. Past is past. We need to move on."

Arvin smiled at him, "Thanks, Denise, for your concern. I really appreciate it. Sana matutunan ko rin ang magpatawad."

Denise replied, "Of course, you will."

At umalis na si Denise, patungo sa kanyang klase. Ito naman si Arvin, gustong sumabay sa kanya, tutal magkaklase naman sila sa subject na yon, "Denise, wait. Sasabay na ako sa iyo."

"Sure." ngiti ni Denise sa kanya.

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