Chapter Text
It was mid morning of the first week of August. There was a chatter of excitement amongst the freshmen outside the gates of Palma Hall. Students flocked in every direction as different clubs and orgs were scattered all over. Among them was not an Iska, rather, an Atenista who sat behind the photography club.
Sabrina Sevilleja was sure there was a specific name for the club she was currently attending as a favor from her friend, but as always, anything that doesn’t interest her flies out of her memory. She lifted her fan slightly higher, directly in front of her neck, as heat prickled with the morning wind. She knew she was frowning, but she didn't care. She knew why Melody purposely placed her behind the booth.
“Sab, I swear, just for one day lang talaga!” Melody pleaded, both her hands on Sabrina’s left wrist. “Kulang kasi recruits namin last year, tapos may quota pa kami, then if di namin naabot yon, babawasan yung budget namin.”
“Mel, I don’t get kasi bakit ako pa talaga need mo? I don’t even study dyan sa Diliman, or even a member of your club.” Sabrina replied.
“Eh kasi, nung nagpunta ka dito noong fair, marami nagtatanong kung pwede pa raw ba sumali sa club.” Melody explained, her doe eyes directed at the confused expression of her friend. “Totoo to, Sab! Kahit tanong mo pa si Charlie, dumami sales namin dahil anduon ka!”
Sabrina, on the other hand, was not amused. “I only did that kasi hawak nyo nila Gail yung video ko na umiiyak noong birthday mo pa.” She then turned to Susie, who was the main perpetrator of the said video. “Speaking of, nabura mo na ba, Sue?”
“Ate Sab, wala ka ba tiwala sakin?” Sabrina shook her head, while her youngest friend gasped loudly. “Grabe ka na, Ate! Wala na sya sa phone ni Gail, kahit check mo pa.”
“Please, Sab. I promise, I’ll do any favor na hingilin mo. Totoo yan!” Melody raised her right hand with a serious expression.
“Just one day?”
“Oo! Wala ka gagawin na kahit ano, legit to! Just stay there and be an eye candy for us! Kami na ni Charlie ang bahala sa recruitment.”
Sabrina clicked her tongue in annoyance as her mini fan’s battery was already half empty. And it wasn’t even past ten. She already regretted wearing her flared jeans, no matter how fashionable it was, as the fabric was not helping her body to cool. Since the start of the event, there must’ve been more than fifteen people who had already signed up for the club. She knew it wasn’t only her who was pulling all those recruits. Melody had her magnetic charm that seemed to work on everybody who looked her way. Even Charlie, with her cool persona, had attracted a certain number of people, regardless of their talent in photography.
Truthfully, she was sure her presence wasn’t needed anymore. She overheard the club officer that they already reached their quota for the semester. She didn’t bother to listen to what happens after they sign up, but she knew it wasn’t an easy club to get into. If Melody and Charlie alone had garnered this many people, yet have few active members, surely there was something about the process that hindered the majority to join.
Sabrina picked up her water bottle, however, noted that it was nearing empty. She stood up, and tapped Charlie’s shoulder. “Cha, refill lang ako ng water. May bilihan ba dito ng tubig?”
“Ay, oo. Baba ka lang doon tapos kanan, tapos diretso lang. Tabi-tabi na yung mga tindahan dyan sa likod.” Charlie fished out a bill out of her pocket. “Pasabay na rin si Mel ng tubig at siomai rice. Di pa raw kasi siya kumain ng breakfast kakamadali.”
“Later mo na ako bayaran, Cha.” Sabrina pushed her hand with her hip. “Pag hinanap ako ni Mel, sabihin mo lang may binili ha?”
“Ate, isang siomai rice po tsaka apat tubig.” Sabrina took out her phone and scanned the QR code that was plastered on the wall. “Magkano po lahat?”
“200 lang, hija.”
With her tumbler full once again, Sabrina went back to the booth. On one hand, she had her tumbler, siomai rice, and Charlie and Melody’s water bottles. On the other, she was taking a video of the busy scene in front of her. The constant chatters of the students were still present, but all came to mute when her camera panned to a halt.
And there she was.
Sabrina, unknowingly, had not stopped the recording, and instead, with a curious gaze, watched the girl continue to give out flyers. The bright smile on her face hadn’t faltered for a single moment, even when others didn’t take the similarly bright colored paper. The wide rimmed black glasses sat perfectly on top of her head, dark hair was tied with a blue hair claw clip, and those eyes were now looking at her.
Wait, at her. Fuck, at me. She’s looking at me.
Sabrina barely had time to compose herself (and to stop the video) when she approached her with that wide smile of hers.
“Hi! Would you like to join UPD’s Tanghalang Teatro? We’re currently recruiting new members to add to our family. Need mo lang may i-present sa auditions, then-”
Sabrina had zoned out. She didn’t mean to. She wasn’t usually this inattentive when someone was speaking to her directly. Her mother didn’t raise her to be this disrespectful, though she did unintentionally raise someone to be this gay. Sabrina gave herself a pat in the back that she ignored Melody’s wishes to stop wearing her sunglasses. If she had, then she wouldn’t be able to stare at the girl’s awaiting expression.
Shit, not again.
“Sorry, ano kasi-” Sabrina was about to explain her side, but was cut off by the girl.
“Hindi ka student dito, right?” The way the color of her eyes shone from the filtered sunlight behind the leaves of the trees stopped making any sense to Sabrina. She held out a hand for Sabrina to shake. “I’m Jillian Claire Robles, you can call me Jill. Second year, Journalism. Ikaw?”
Sabrina tried to ignore the flutters in her stomach as she gently shook Jillian’s soft hand. “Sabrina Audrey Sevilleja, third year, legal management sa Ateneo.”
Jillian laughed before she released Sabrina’s hand. “Sabi na eh, atenista ang datingan mo dito.”
“Oh? Was it too obvious?” Sabrina couldn’t take her eyes off from Jillian.
“With your Prada sunglasses and bag, Owala tumbler, and most likely a pair of designer clothes? Hindi naman.” Jillian shrugged, a teasing tone in her voice. “Pero, you look out of place sa hawak mo na siomai rice. Pinabili lang yan, no?”
“Oo, though I sense a bit of a judgement in that tone, Jillian Claire.” Sabrina couldn’t stop her mouth from saying her name. It felt… right.
“Jill lang! Grabe, pati second name ko sinabi mo na.” Jillian replied, a smile still on her face. Her eyes strayed for a moment before she cocked her head slightly. “Hanap ka na ata ng friend mo, Sabie.”
“Sabie?” That was new.
“Sabrina! Takte ka, kinabahan si Melody baka raw mawala ka at pinahanap ka sakin.” Sabrina barely registered Charlie’s voice from behind. “Oh? Jill, andyan ka pala. Dami mo na siguro nakuhang recruits, no?”
“Parang wala nga interesado eh. Tanong lang sila ng tanong ng number ko, kaya yung binigay ko, yung number ng org. Nagbabakasakali na at least may lima sa kanila na gusto sumali.” Jill sighed, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “Kala ko nga your friend was interested, tapos tiga Ateneo pala.”
“Ay, oo nga pala. Jillian, si Sabrina, ang eye candy ng org namin.” Charlie tapped Sabrina’s shoulder, while the latter only sighed loudly. “Sab, si Jillian, ang eye candy ng kanilang org. Super sikat nitong si Jill. Dami pa admirers.”
“Hoy, pinagkakalat mo dyan, Charlotte Vergara.” A pink blush made its way on top of Jillian’s cheeks. Sabrina absently nodded, entranced at how pretty she was. Even Charlie’s loud laugh wasn’t enough to break her staring. “Wag ka maniwala dyan kay Charlie, gawa gawa lang yan ng issue.”
“Lika na nga Sab, baka nakakagulo pa tayo sa recruitment process ni Jill.” Sabrina felt Charlie’s hand on her arm, gently pulling her back to reality, and to the booth. “Una na kami, ha? Meet up nalang tayo pag di na masyadong busy!”
“Text mo lang ako, Ate Cha.” Jillian said, then turned her attention to Sabrina. “Nice meeting you, Sabie! Sama ka sa hang out namin nila Ate Cha next time.” She started to walk backwards before turning to another direction, off to find another student.
Words seemed to die down on her throat before Sabrina could say her reply. She watched as another student came up to Jillian, though judging by his flustered state, he wasn’t interested in the club. Both Charlie and Sabrina walked back to the booth. The former had a knowing glint in her eye as she observed the taller girl beside her. The latter, however, was quiet. Though it wasn’t unusual for her to be in such a state. Her friends knew that she needed a moment in between their loudness, something that they all learned after being friends since high school.
“So, Sabie pala, ah.” Charlie said as she laughed under her breath. Even though she couldn’t see Sabrina’s eyes, she was sure it rolled under the dark shades. “Huling huli ko mga tinginan mo, Sab. You’re not subtle with how you stare.”
“Nag-assume ka nanaman, Ate Cha. Try mo rin kaya sa kung ano man namamagitan between you and Ate Mel?” Sabrina replied, irritated that her friend was insinuating something innocent. Sure, she stared more than usual.
Hindi naman masama tumingin eh.
“Daming sabi,” Charlie laughed as she shook her head. “So, bakit ka biglang nilapitan ni Jill?”
“Siya ang lumapit, hindi ako.” Sabrina gave the plastic to Charlie. “Ayan, food ni Mel tsaka tubig nyo. Wag mo na ako bayaran, mura lang naman yung pagkain.” She walked behind the booth, acknowledging Melody’s thankful stare with a nod.
“Tinanong ka siguro ni Jill if gusto mo sumali, no?” Apparently, Charlie wasn’t over the whole interaction.
“Jill? As in Jillian Claire Robles?” Melody joined in the conversation and sat on a chair. “Bakit? Ano meron?”
“Nahuli ko naguusap sila ni Sab.” Charlie crossed her arms with a smirk. “Kwento mo na kasi, ang damot mo naman!”
Sabrina huffed in exasperation. “Siya nga kasi yung lumapit. Tinanong niya ako if gusto sumali sa club, kaso napansin niya na hindi naman ako nag-aaral dito, kaya nagpakilala na lang siya.”
“Ah, ganon talaga si Jill. Super friendly non. Stellar pa sa academics, theatre tsaka student leader din sya dito. Marami sya sinalihan, di na nga ako maka-keep up eh.” Melody replied, though curious as to why this was the topic. “Pero, bakit mo kinukulit si Sab about kay Jill?”
“Kasi nga, nahuli ko kabadingan ni Sab.” Charlie ignored the glare from the younger girl. “Titig na titig si beh, kulang na lang buhatin ni Jill buong convo nila.”
“Crush mo si Jill?” Melody turned to Sabrina, a hand on her mouth. “Nako, Sab, wag don. Straight yun eh.”
“Makasabi ng straight parang napakasamang bagay.” Charlie managed to say in between her laugh. She noticed the way Sabrina raised a brow. “ Baka straight, ha. Never pa kasi yon nakitang may kadate na babae. Usually guys, pero di rin nagtatagal dahil sobrang busy ni Jill.”
“Eh ano namang pake ko kung straight si Jillian? Di ko naman siya gusto.” Sabrina said. Though in the back of her mind, it felt a bit… weird.
Pero, totoo naman. Nagandahan lang siya kay Jillian. Di naman need lagyan lahat ng meaning eh.
“Ah, basta. Wag kay Jillian. Red flag ka pa naman, Sab.” Charlie teased the younger student. “Kala mo di kumakalat yung mga balita dito na ghoster ka raw, ah.”
“Tanginang balita yan. Di naman totoo.” Irritation flared up inside Sabrina. One thing she hated more than cockroaches was the constant rumors about her dating life. “Tsaka wala akong ghinost. Tanong nyo pa sila Ate Agatha tsaka Michelle. All stupid lies.”
Melody held an arm out on Charlie, already sensing that one more teasing word from her, Sabrina would've drive home without hesitation. And she needed to find more people to join their club pa. “Okay, tama na yan. Sab, we all know it’s a lie naman. All the people you dated, lahat yon binigyan mo ng clean break. So kung sino man yung nagkalat ng balita is probably bitter. Hayaan mo na.”
“Whatever,” Sabrina groaned as she leaned her head back. “Until lunch time lang ako dito ah. Tapos aalis na ako. Nagsabi kasi ako kay Ate Agatha na tutulong ako sa event nila mamaya.”
“Ay, shit, oo nga pala. Pasabi kay Agatha na mal-late kami ah.” Charlie sighed as she took in the application forms on the box. “Hahabol kami ni Mel, need lang namin ayusin mga papeles.”
Sabrina nodded, her eyes absently sweeping at the scene across from her. At the right moment, on the corner of her vision, she saw Jillian once again with a guy on her side, a similar flyer on his hand. She didn’t give the guy a single glance, all focus on the sunshine impersonation who was currently pointing in a direction opposite from her.
Meanwhile, Melody noticed her friend had stopped speaking. She was about to ask why, when she saw Sabrina’s head slightly turned to the right. She nudged Charlie with her finger, and silently pointed at what or who was currently occupying Sabrina’s attention. She raised both of her brows with mischief, while Charlie suppressed a laugh.
Things were starting to get interesting.
80’s makeout session by dacelynn played inside the car. Sabrina tapped the wheel upon the beat, as she tried to settle her nerves. It had been a month since she last met up with Melody and Charlie, as schoolworks had started to ramp up and lectures that needed to be reviewed. It only took endless nagging (two hours) from Susie and Michelle for her to come out and unwind. Now, she had the time for their usual get together, which normally happens every month at one’s condo, usually Agatha’s. But now, since her older cousin was staying at her condo, they opted to spend it over at Susie’s instead.
There was a catch, however, with this specific hangout. Earlier, Charlie had surprised them all, with the exception of Melody, in the group chat about inviting a friend over. She didn’t pay any mind, of course, but upon reading the name on her phone, it sent a chilling sensation on her back.
[Charlie]: Guys, ininvite namin si Jill ah
Sabrina didn’t know that their friend group knew who Jillian was. Even Gail, who was the least social among them, knew who Jillian was. Something about them being semi-active members of a dance group last year.
So, was she the only one who truly didn’t know Jillian?
Her answer came easily when she arrived at Susie’s unit. There was already a chatter in between the clinks of utensils against Susie’s ceramic plates that she bought at a flea market at Cubao. The scent of viands were scattered in the air, though the distinct smell of binagoong was apparent. She knew Agatha had brought over her mom’s kare-kare for today’s dinner, as it was frequently requested.
As she took off her shoes, the first person she saw was Michelle, who was standing idly as she waited for the others to settle in their respective seats.
“Hey, late ka na.” Michelle greeted her with a grin. “Kanina pa sila nagtatalo kung sino kukuha ng spot mo. They thought you’re not gonna sipot eh.”
“Conyo mo, gago.” Sabrina laughed at the middle finger sent her way, and walked towards the sink to wash her hands. “Walang kukuha ng upuan ko, andito na ako!”
“Ay wala na, andyan na pala si Sab.”
“Tagal nyo kasi umupo, yan tuloy.”
“Sab, finally! Umupo ka na rito para manahimik na sila.”
As Sabrina turned around, she saw why they were fighting over her seat. In there sat Jillian, who was sporting a grin as she watched the chaos that surrounded her. And when her eyes met Jillian’s? Everything was suddenly on mute, and Sabrina could only hear the heavy thumping on her chest.
What the hell?
Thankfully, Charlie managed to get her out of whatever the hell was that.
“Kilala niyo naman isa’t isa diba? Ayoko ng awkward, guys, ah.” Susie pointed at her and Jillian. Charlie pushed her towards her spot, and she couldn’t stop the scowl that was clearly on her face before she even sat down.
“Ingay niyo naman.” Sabrina rolled her eyes.
“Oo nga. Di na kayo nahiya kay Jillian, baka di na siya sumama next time.” Gail laughed behind her hand, as Jillian shook her head in disagreement.
“Huy! Okay lang, nakakaenjoy nga kayo panoorin.” Jillian said as her gaze ran to the group before finally settling it on Sabrina. “Wag kayo mahihiya sakin, ako lang ‘to.”
After a while, they finally arranged themselves in an appropriate manner. The makeshift table from outside the veranda was brought inside to fit all eight of them. On the right side sat: Sabrina, Jillian, Melody, and Charlie, while the other sat: Susie, Gail, Michelle, and Agatha respectively.
Since Sabrina was on the outer side of the table, it was easier for her to stand up and grab the napkins and whatnot. As she grabbed the plate full of rice, she noticed Jillian’s empty plate as she was preoccupied with her conversation with Susie. Without a thought, she put on spoonfuls of rice on Jillian’s plate, which caused a sudden pause at the table.
“What?” Sabrina paused in her task at hand. When no one answered, she turned to Jillian and asked, “Okay na to? Or dagdagan ko pa?”
“Ah, okay na. Thank you, Sabie.” Jillian gave her a smile, while Sabrina hummed in reply. While she was busy putting rice on her own plate, she failed to see Susie mouthing ‘Sabie?’ to their friends.
“Susie, ubusin mo na ‘to para malagyan ko uli ng kanin.” Sabrina held the plate to Susie.
“Ate Sab, lagyan mo rin ako ng kanin.” Susie flashed a sweet smile to the older girl, who raised a brow in return. “Sige na, Ate Sab.”
“Wala ka ba kamay, Susanna?” Sabrina asked, while Susie winced in return.
“Susie kasi!” Susie rolled her eyes, while Sabrina shrugged in return. “Pag kay Jill, ang sweet, sa akin hindi.”
Heat flushed Sabrina’s neck as she glared at Susie’s innocent expression. “Kumain ka na nga dyan, Sue. Baka i-lock kita sa kwarto, sige.”
“Ate Agatha,” Susie faced the oldest, who was in mid-bite of her meal. “Inaaway ako ni Ate Sab.”
“Kain na kasi, Sue. Kaya ka inaaway kasi ang kulit mo eh.” Agatha said, which made Sabrina feel vindicated. For a short amount of time. “Ikaw naman, Sab, dapat binigyan mo na si Sue. Ikaw kasi namimili ng tao sa pagiging sweet.”
“Ate Agatha naman eh.”
“‘Te Aga, ikaw na talaga favorite ko!”
After dinner, they all sat in the living room. Currently, Susie had set up a board game for them to enjoy, as well as the Bluetooth mic for those who wanted to sing their hearts out.
Sabrina watched as Susie shook the dice in her hand before throwing it on the board. Her, Susie, Agatha, Melody, and Jillian were playing Monopoly. Meanwhile, Gail, Michelle, and Charlie were focused on playing Mobile Legends in the other corner. They were just twenty minutes from the game, when Melody suddenly declared bankruptcy. Sabrina, who was handling the bank while playing, knew it was a tactic to escape the game. She noticed how Melody was starting to get bored and was now humming a song, not caring if Agatha and Susie were arguing on how the latter was getting ripped off the former’s rent.
“Oh? Hindi ko naman kasalanan na lagi napupunta ang pusa mo sa mga properties ko?” Agatha argued, while Sabrina resisted the urge to groan.
“Well, to be fair, nabili mo na kasi Ate Quin halos lahat ng brown and blue properties.” Jillian pointed out. “Diba, Sab?”
Jillian calling her with the usual nickname doesn’t feel right, but she wasn’t about to tell that to anyone else. “Eh sadyang maswerte talaga si Ate Quin today. Wala tayong magagawa dyan.”
“Pwede ba na mag karaoke nalang tayo? O kaya gawa ng TikTok dance?” Melody suddenly sat up, hair messed up from laying on the floor.
“Uy, gusto ko nan! Ate Mel, may nakita ako na dance na madali lang, gawin ba natin?” Susie gave back the paper money to Sabrina, who met Agatha’s eyes and silently agreed that they were done for the night.
“So, does that mean panalo si Ate Agatha?” Jillian asked the two.
“Looks like it.” Agatha shrugged, then turned to Jillian. “So, Jill, huling kita pa natin was last two months ago, no? Anything new sayo? Nanliligaw pa rin ba yung guy? Ano name niya? Francis ba?”
“Ah, si Franco, Ate. Hindi na. Pinatigil ko na sya after one week.” Jillian said as she sat up straight, her back on the sofa. “And before ka magtanong uli, yes, wala pa rin ako ine-entertain na manliligaw. Busy lang these days.”
“So, if mayroon na manliligaw, would you?” Sabrina suddenly asked, aware of the other five pairs of eyes on her. “Entertain, I mean.”
Jillian seemed stunned at first, then slowly, a smile crept on her pink lips. “Depende if type ko sila.”
“Ano ba type mo, Jill?” Agatha couldn’t help but join the conversation. There was something thrilling about finally witnessing Sabrina take interest in another person once again.
“Ewan? I mean, mabait, mahaba pasensya, may respeto, ganon.” Jillian could feel her ears burn with all of the attention she had received now.
“What if masungit siya?” Charlie asked as she placed her phone on the coffee table and took a seat next to Sabrina.
“Edi mag sungit siya, pero wag lang sakin.” Jillian laughed, unaware of Charlie’s teasing gaze on Sabrina who rolled her eyes in return.
“What if maarte sya ganon? Ayaw sa tao minsan?” Melody joined in behind Jillian, who shrieked in surprise.
“Ate Mel, nanggugulat ka nanaman eh.” Jillian pouted. “Okay lang kung ayaw niya sa tao, basta gusto niya ako.”
“What if babae yung nanligaw sayo?” Susie asked, while Sabrina unconsciously held her breath.
Jillian, however, was stunned at the question. “Look, I support the LGBTQ+ community naman eh. Pero, I don’t really swing that way.”
Sabrina felt her heart drop at the admission. She barely felt Charlie’s grip tightening on her hand.
But, it’s not like Sabrina expected a different answer. Lie.
She barely even knew Jillian. She wanted to.
It’s not like Sabrina developed any deep feelings towards Jillian. Happy crush nga lang.
“You don’t swing that way, or baka di mo pa nararanasan?” Agatha probed, curious to know if someone like Jillian had ever experienced the receiving end of a woman’s affections.
“W-well, hindi ko pa nga nararanasan.” Jillian stuttered, but grew confused at how the others nodded their heads. All except, Sabrina, who maintained her impassive expression. “Oh, bakit kayo tumatango dyan?”
“Like, not once, may umamin sayo na babae?” Even Gail, who was known to show interest in gossip, hopped on the train of questions.
“I mean, may nagsasabi na maganda ako ganon, pero does that really count as a confession?” Jillian was beginning to get embarrassed at the amount of attention she was receiving. “Teka nga, bakit ako ang na-hotseat niyo today? Diba dapat isa-isa tayo dito?”
“Eh, kasi kami, na-experience na namin.” Michelle, who finally put down her game, replied from across the room.
“Totoo ba? As in lahat kayo?” That piqued Jillian’s curiosity. “Ikaw din, Ate Agatha?”
“Yeah, I had an ex-girlfriend back then nga eh. We broke up lang ‘cos we got too busy na.” Agatha explained like it was no big deal.
“Oh, then…” Jillian turned to Sabrina.
“Yeah, I had an ex-girlfriend too.”
“Ah, sorry, I thought you were straight like me.” Jillian was definitely feeling embarrassed now. Especially when the other girls, specifically, Susie, Charlie, and Melody, started laughing.
“Don’t worry, halos lahat ata ng tao akala straight si Sab.” Melody patted Jillian’s shoulder. “Aura nya kasi pang-straight tapos ang sungit nya pa. Kaya yan campus crush ng Ateneo.”
“Ate Mel!” Sabrina groaned, “gumagawa ka nanaman ng kwento dyan.”
“Totoo naman kasi.” Gail said with a yawn. “I can’t even recall how many people have asked me if pumapatol ka rin daw ba sa babae. They don’t even know na ikaw pinakamaraming ex dito sa room na ‘to.”
“Tangina naman, Gail.” Sabrina could feel her ears burn, as well as the heavy stare from Jillian. “Ex-flings yun, okay? I only had one serious relationship and then it ended.” She clarified for no one. Well, just one.
No one was talking for a while, until a loud ring from Jillian’s phone popped the bubble of silence. Jillian took a look at the clock, and noted how late it was already.
“Thank you pala sa pag invite sa akin sa dinner nyo. Kahit ako lang yung na-hotseat for the night.” Jillian let out a laugh. “Sa susunod, si Melody naman yung nakaupo dito sa gitna.”
“Sorry, Jill, pero parang welcome to the club na yung pag hotseat namin sayo.” Charlie grinned, placing her head against Sabrina’s shoulder. “Pero next dinner, promise, itong katabi ko na nakaupo diyan sa gitna.”
“Totoo yan ah!” Sabrina saw how excited Jillian was at the thought of her being placed in the center. It made her wonder how curious was Jillian over someone like her.
“As much as gusto ko mag stay at makipag bonding sa inyo, kailangan ko na umuwi. Hinahanap na kasi ako ng mama ko.” Jillian stood up, hugging each of the girls briefly.
“Paano ka uuwi nan?” Agatha asked after she got her hug from Jillian.
“Mag-book nalang ako ng Grab.” Jillian answered, quickly hugging Michelle. “Send ko na lang sa group chat yung link para di kayo mag-alala.”
“Saan ka ba umuuwi?”
“Sa bahay daw ako umuwi sabi ni Mama, kaya sa Bulacan pa ako uuwi.” Jillian pecked Gail and Susie’s forehead before she settled on Sabrina, who was the last person she needed to say goodbye to. “Sabie, ano gusto mo? Hug or kiss?”
Sabrina, however, didn’t answer and stood up, which surprised Jillian. “Uwi na rin ako, guys.” She gave Jillian a look. “Sabay ka na sakin. Papunta rin ako Bulacan.”
“Dun ka rin ba nakatira?” Jillian asked as she placed her glasses on again.
“Hindi. Si Mama lang.” Sabrina took her bag and checked for her car keys. “Lika na?”
“Ah, oo.” Jillian immediately took her bag. She looked back and saw a mix of confusion and amusement among the group. “Thank you uli, guys!”
“Bye, Jill. Ingat kayo!”
“Sab, ingat sa pag drive ah!”
“Chat kayo pag nasa Bulacan na kayo.”
As soon as the door closed, they all laughed. Susie was the first to speak. “Diba si Tita Sev sa may bandang White Plains lang nakatira?”
“Oo. Galawan talaga ni Sabrina.” Charlie clutched on her stomach now and wiped the tears from her eyes.
“Kaya campus crush eh.” Agatha chimed, her cheeks ached from laughing.
“Sus, parang di ka rin tinatakan ng ‘Ateneo’s First Love’ dyan, Ate Quin.” Michelle teased the oldest by kicking her foot off the sofa.
“Tangina? Totoo ba yon? Ang corny naman!! Ay!” Charlie laughed once more, almost falling off the couch, but Melody caught her in time. “Gagi, ayoko na mamamatay ako ng maaga sa inyo.”
“Kami pa talaga sinisi mo, Cha.” Michelle rolled her eyes, but the slight up curve of her lips was noticeable.
“Kamusta na kaya sila ngayon?” Susie wondered out loud. “Di sila masyado nag uusap kanina eh. Di kaya maging awkward yung dalawa?”
Melody dismissed the idea swiftly. “Jill pa? Eh ang daldal non. Feel ko mabilis din magiging comfortable si Sab sa ingay ni Jill.”
“Bagay sila though.” Gail mused. She relaxed her shoulder so Susie could rest her head more comfortably. “Di ka nagseselos, Ate Quin?”
“Huh? Baliw, ba’t naman ako magseselos?” Agatha almost laughed at the idea of her being jealous over Sabrina having her attention on someone else.
“Diba naging crush mo sya?” Melody asked.
“Saglit lang. Mas better kami as friends.” Agatha answered, though she couldn’t help but tease more. “Ikaw din naman naging crush mo ko, diba?”
“Luh! Tagal na non, Ate Quin!” Melody hid behind Charlie’s shaking shoulders. “Balik na tayo kay Sab, please.”
Sabrina approached her car, a customized maroon 2019 4x4 Jeep Wrangler, and opened the passenger seat for Jillian. “Sorry, medyo makalat sa likod. Nag all nighter kasi ako last week sa condo ni Gail. I forgot to clean it up.” She knew she was rambling, pero she had to. To keep herself from spiraling over the fact that she was willing to drive from Katipunan to Bulacan.
I should’ve shut up. But, the thought of Jillian travelling to Bulacan at this late night didn’t bid well to her.
“Grabe hindi nga eh. Mas malinis pa nga yung car mo compared sa room ko.” Jillian replied with an awkward laugh, which went unnoticed by Sabrina. She watched as Sabrina slid on the driver seat, arranged the side mirrors, and slipped on her seatbelt. Jillian did the same and hoped that whatever her stomach was feeling would settle down.
As Sabrina drove out of the condo’s parking area and onto the streets, Jillian took note of how effortless she drove. From the way she turned the steering wheel to how she shifted the gears. It was almost… attractive?
Jillian put her thoughts on a halt. She should start talking. Now.
“So, do you have any song requests or should I put this on shuffle?” Sabrina spoke first. They were on a red stoplight, so she opened her Spotify.
“Kahit ano na muna.” Jillian said. She can’t help, but shy away at how intense Sabrina looked at her from time to time. “Unless, Hev Abi enjoyer ka, then I have to intervene.”
When Sabrina laughed, it only made Jillian a bit (more) flustered, which, thankfully, went unnoticed. “Hindi naman. I mostly hear it sa TikTok ni Sue.”
“Ah, that’s Sue eh. Lagi siyang updated sa trends ng socmed.” Jillian, in all her extrovertedness, suddenly blanked out. She doesn’t know what to say next.
Jusko naman, Jill. Ngayon pa talaga?
Sabrina wasn’t faring any better. She didn’t know what else to say. It had been a while since she was put in a position where she’d have to be the one who was doing all the work when it comes to making new friends. When it comes to that, Susie or Melody would be her best bet, and she’d follow along with any of their questions. That was how she became close with Michelle and Gail.
Great going, Sab. Make her feel awkward. Mom would be laughing at me now.
“Hindi ba weird na kilala ko lahat ng nasa circle of friends mo, pero never pa tayo nagkita until now?” Jillian suddenly asked out of the blue. Sabrina glanced at her before returning her focus to the road.
“I actually did find it weird.” Sabrina admitted, and it was true. She did find it weird that they only met now. Was that a sign for something? Was fate simply playing at both of them? Or was there another hand at play that kept them from meeting? “So, it means you have to get to know me well para kasama ka na sa circle of friends ko.”
“Okay, madali lang yan. Be prepared to know my lore, Sabie.”
For the next hour, Sabrina learned that Jillian is a single child. Her parents lived in Bocaue, Bulacan, but because she wanted to study at UP Diliman, she currently stays at a dorm along Maginhawa. And that every weekend, she tries to visit her parents because she misses them a lot. She enjoys cooking for her friends, hence, in her free time, she can be seen reading recipes or watching food videos. She has one dog, Aki, short for Achilles, though he was living with her parents, and can only see him if she goes home on the weekend. She took Journalism as her major because she wanted to become a newscaster. She liked singing and acting, hence, she joined theatre, but never really expected to be good at it. She also danced in her free time and signed up to a local dance troupe, which was why she became friends with Melody, Charlie, Susie and Gail.
“Okay, pero paano mo naman naging friend si Mich? And si Ate Agatha?” Sabrina asked, though there was a smile now on her lips after Jillian’s very detailed story of how Susie convinced them to do a skit for a TikTok.
Jillian absentmindedly tapped her finger on her lap before she let out a sound. “Ah! Nag cover kasi ako ng ka-member ko as courtside reporter for this volleyball game, eh hindi ko naman alam na legit play pala yon, like UAAP level na pala. So, ayon, una ako nag interview kay Michelle, then nagustuhan niya yung way ko mag interview kasi di raw magulo.”
“And si Ate Agatha?”
“Leadership workshop. Since first year ko pa kilala si Ate Quin dahil dun ako nagsimula na mag lead ng campaigns around UP. Super bait niya nung time na yon. Gets ko kung bakit tinitilian siya ng mga kasama ko nun.” Jillian reminisced with a grin. “Di lang nila alam na ang lakas mang asar non si Ate Quin.
“And then, you.”
Sabrina stole a glance at Jillian then back at the road. “Anong ako, Jillian Claire?”
“Alam mo, I approached you kasi akala ko nawawala ka sa labas ng Palma Hall.” Jillian turned and faced her. “Sabi ko pa sa sarili ko, ‘ba’t naman magiging tour guide ako nang wala sa oras’. Kaso nakita ko yung suot mo.”
“So, you judged me nga, Jillian Claire?”
“Slight lang.” She saw Jillian pinch her thumb and forefinger. “I tried to recruit you naman, kaso di ka ata nakikinig sakin non. Tapos, di ko pa alam kung saan ka tumitingin kasi naka-shades ka. Malay ko ba kung may hinahanap ka na ibang tao.”
“Sayo lang naman ako nakatingin.”
“Ha?”
Sabrina pushed down the nerves that fought their way past her throat. “Oo, sayo lang. Ang laki kasi ng smile mo nun. Kahit tinatapon lang nila yung flyers, parang wala lang. Ngiti ka pa rin. Maganda pa rin.”
She didn’t dare to look at the woman beside her. Too engrossed with the way she didn’t try to hold back her words. Almost as if she had word-vomited her perception of Jillian Claire.
Maybe if she did look, she would’ve seen how red Jillian was. Maybe she would’ve known that there was a chance, even if it was a small one.
Sabrina saw the sign that they were approaching Bocaue, and handed her phone to Jillian to place the exact address of her house on the Waze app. It wasn’t very far either. Only twenty minutes left, though she doubted the travel time if it was in the morning.
“Nalimutan ko pala tanungin. Tiga san yung mama mo dito sa Bulacan? Para bukas madaanan namin kayo ni Papa at mag abot kami ng pagkain.” Jillian placed Sabrina’s phone on the magnetic phone holder.
However, it took a while before Sabrina answered. And when she did, there was a hint of hesitance beneath her usual confident aura. “Jillian Claire, promise mo muna sa akin na hindi ka magagalit, okay?”
“What? Sabie, bakit ko naman need mag promise?” Jillian was now confused. Why did Sabrina said that instead of answering the question? Unless… “Sabrina Louise Audrey Sevilleja, nag sinungaling ka ba sakin? Hindi talaga dito nakatira ang mommy mo, ‘no?”
“Okay, medyo rinig ko na yung frustration mo sa boses mo pa lang. Pero, Jillian Claire, I can explain-”
“Naiinis ako sayo, Sabie.” Jillian can’t help, but snap at her new friend. “Alam mo naman na kakasabi ko lang kanina na ayoko sa mga nagsisinungaling, diba?”
“You did, you did.” Sabrina was guilty, and tried to save herself from Jillian’s anger. She took Jillian’s left hand and held it firmly. “And I’m really sorry na I disappointed you this early on. Pero, Jill naman, anong oras na tapos bibiyahe ka pa sa Grab? That’s not safe kahit pa registered sila. At least when I drive, you’re safe with me.”
“Paano ka naman uuwi nan?”
“Baka mag Grab ako-”
“Maayos na sagot sana, Sabrina.”
“Mag-drive rin ako pabalik.” Her reply was met with silence. “Jill? Hey, talk to me na po.” More silence. “If iniisip mo na hassle ‘to, it’s not, okay? May NLEX naman kaya mabilis yung biyahe, tapos di rin naman traffic sa EDSA ng ganitong oras kaya makakauwi rin ako agad.”
“Naiinis pa ako sayo, Sabie.” Jillian huffed in frustration. One of the things she hated was being a burden to other people. Which was why she worked her ass off to maintain a scholarship and offered tutoring lessons to other students, so she could have her own money to pay for her extracurriculars. Sure, her parents sent her allowance for food and rent, but she rarely asks for extra because she didn’t want her parents to worry about the cost.
But, this? Jillian had a budget set aside for her Grab fare whenever she goes home on the weekends. It’s like an irritating scab that she had unknowingly burdened another person. She felt the car slow until it stopped in front of their gate. She didn’t even realize that they had arrived, and that she was still holding Sabrina’s right hand.
“I’ll pay for your gas money.” Jillian’s voice carried authority as she met Sabrina’s gaze.
Unfortunately for her, Sabrina had her fair share of troubles dealing with authorities, which was ironic for someone taking a Legal Management course. “No, Jillian. I’m sorry, pero hindi ko tatanggapin yan.”
“Sabie naman. Hindi na mura ang gas ngayon-”
“Jillian, afford ko, okay? You don’t need to pay for anything dahil choice ko naman na ihatid ka pauwi. I want to be assured na makakauwi ka, and the only way I know how is by doing this.”
Sabrina’s warm gaze, along with her words, made Jillian accept the situation slightly. Still, she was annoyed and worried. It was 2 in the morning, and Sabrina would have to drive back to Katipunan alone.
“I also want to be assured na makakauwi ka ng ligtas.” Jillian, with her messy hair, crooked eyeglasses, furrowed brows, and her very obvious annoyance at Sabrina- those all made Sabrina like her even more.
“I’m not driving back with you, Jillian Claire.” Sabrina said, firm on her decision to drive back alone. “Kakasabi mo lang kanina na miss mo na luto ng papa mo eh. Enjoy mo yung weekend mo with them. I’ll be fine naman eh.”
“Then you don’t drop the call.”
“Ano?”
“You’re on call with me mula dito hangga’t makauwi ka sa condo mo.”
“Paano if makatulog ka?”
“Edi gisingin mo ‘ko, Sabie.”
“What if antukin ak-”
“Subukan mo lang, Sabrina.”
“Joke lang eh. Paano if lowbat ka?”
“May charger ako, Sabie!”
“Okay, then what if ma-lowbat naman ako?”
“Ano ba silbi ng magsafe mo Sab?!”
Sabrina was now smiling widely, while Jillian was scowling.
Ang ganda mo, Jillian Claire.
“Okay. Magka-call tayo until I reach home.”
[2:13 AM]
After Jillian stepped out of the car, she immediately called Sabrina’s phone.
“Miss mo ba ako agad, Jillian Claire?” Sabrina asked through the phone, a smile already on her lips as she watched Jillian roll her eyes from the window.
“Sabrina, umuwi ka na.”
“Not until nakapasok ka na ng gate nyo.”
The glare from Jillian didn’t faze Sabrina at all. It only made her more attractive in her eyes. “Eto na. Di ko pa naririnig na nagstart yung kotse mo, Sab.”
“Sabie.” Sabrina said as she started her car after she saw Jillian disappear behind the gate. “Sabie for you, Jillian.”
“Oo na. Naririnig ko pa rin yung kotse. Di ka pa rin nakakaalis, Sabie?”
“Baka kasi mamiss mo ‘ko-”
“Sabie naman!”
“Eto na po, mag U-turn lang.”
[2:34 AM]
“Alam mo, pinagsabihan ako ni mama. Dapat daw pinapasok kita sa bahay at pinakain bago kita pinaalis.”
“Pinakilala mo na ako agad kay Tita Beth? Crush mo ba ‘ko, Jillian Claire?”
“Ayoko na pala kita kausap, Sabie. Kumukulo dugo ko sayo.”
“Hala, ayoko naman nun. Baba ko na ba yung call para di mag init dugo mo?”
“Hindi kita kakausapin buong taon pag binaba mo talaga.”
“Ay, hindi na nga. Baka mamiss mo ko lalo eh, kawawa ka pa naman.”
“Wag ka na magsalita, please lang.”
[3:06 AM]
“Wait, so tama nga hinala ko? May something sila Ate Charlie at Ate Melody?”
“Actually, di namin sure. Bihira lang kasi mag open si Charlie regarding sa topic na yan. As much as possible nga, gusto niya maayos ng walang tulong ng iba.”
“Good luck to them, siguro. Love ko si Ate Mel, pero medyo slow siya sa pag recognize ng feelings nya.”
Sabrina could hear Jillian yawn on the phone. A part of her felt guilty that she was forcing Jillian to stay up when she’s probably tired. But knowing her, at least for a short time, she knew Jillian was as hard headed as she was. “Boring ba ako kausap, Jillian Claire? Baba ko na yung call?”
“Subukan mo lang, Sabie. F.O. na tayo agad.” A pause. “Bakit full name ko lagi ang binabanggit mo?”
“Well, bukod sa wala akong maisip na nickname for you, I also like how your name sounds.” Sabrina cleared her throat. “Jillian Claire.”
“Hindi ba sya nakakapagod banggitin? Maraming syllables oh.”
“Hindi ako mapapagod tawagin ka ng Jillian Claire.”
“How about, JC?”
“Pass.”
“Claire?”
“Pass.”
“Baby…”
“Ha?!” Sabrina felt her heart on a sudden stop. Much like the state of her car on the red light along North Avenue.
“Ay! Sorry, si Aki kasi nakadungaw sa door kaya tinawag ko. Baby Aki, come here. Meet mo bago kong friend.”
“Gago mo pala, Jillian Claire.” Sabrina laughed while she heard the bark of Aki in the background.
“Lagi nalang ako, Sabie.”
“Pwede namang ikaw nalang, Jillian Claire.”
“Dami mong banat sa call. Sa personal di masabi ah.”
“Baka kasi kiligin ka tapos tumiklop ka tas maging siomai ka. Paano nalang si Aki kung naging siomai ka?”
“Parang gago talaga, Sabie. Malapit ka na ba? Need mo na kasi magpahinga at nahihibang ka na ata.”
“Mga fifteen to twenty minutes pa, lovey.”
“Nahihibang ka na talaga, Sabrina.”
“Kinilig ka ba, Jillian Claire?”
“Oo, sa ihi.”
“Dugyot mo, gago!” Sabrina let out a laugh.
“Andami mo kasing sinasabing kagaguhan, Sabie. Ayaw mo mag seryoso eh.”
“Jillian Claire, baka iba na sabihin mo pag talagang sineryoso kita.”
“...”
“Claire? Andyan ka pa?”
“...”
“Nakatulog ka na ba sa boses ko, Jillian Claire?”
“Kailan mo ako seseryosohin?”
“...”
“...”
“Tangi-”
“HAHAHA! Ano ka ngayon, Sabrina Louise? Ikaw pala magiging siomai sa ating dalawa eh.”
[3:33 AM]
“Oo, andito na ako sa condo.” Sabrina turned on her video once more as she placed the phone on the coffee table by the living room. Jillian’s sleepy eyes were adorable, but Sabrina had to manage to keep it together. “Meaning non pwede ko na ibaba yung call, Jillian Claire.”
“Okay, tutulog na ako, Sabie. Good night. Thank you sa paghatid.”
“Thank you rin. Sinamahan mo ako pabalik. Kahit galit tono mo half of the time.”
“Iniinis mo kasi ako, Sabie.” Jillian glared with all her best efforts, but sadly, her eyes were too tired to even keep it open for a longer period of time. “Makikita ba kita uli sa Monday?”
“Gusto mo ba ako makita sa Monday, Jillian Claire?” Sabrina asked, a hint of vulnerability beneath her tone.
“Oo.”
“Okay. Then, I’ll see you on Monday.”
Sabrina leaned back against her couch. Her neck ached, but damn, her heart was full. She noted that the smile she wore hadn’t left her face since she was with Jillian.
Binabaliw mo ko, Jillian Claire.
Can I really make you fall for me?