Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Hindi ko na alam kung makakayako pa~

’Di bale na lang kaya?~

She hums, vibing with the song as she walks on the polish wooden court. She stoped a few inches from the bench and pulled her wired earphones out of her ears.

Nandito ka nanaman?” Summer rolled her eyes for the nth time. 

Jersey, unfazed, holds out a bottle of water “Ang galing mo.” 

Zia on the bench lets out a chuckle, earning a judgy look from Summer. 

Even the bottle of water wasn’t safe from the judgy look so Jersey thought Summer wouldn’t take it but she did. Her heart bangs on her chest from the mere one second contact their fingers made. 

The volleyball’s team members greeted Jersey upon approaching the bench.

“Sup Jersey!”

“Hello.” She politely responds to every one of them. 

No one is surprised nor bothered to see her at the team’s practice, halos araw araw ba naman siyang pumupunta. Just like other typical schools, they have their popular athletes. 

Everyone knows Summer…meaning almost everyone knows Jersey too and nope, Jersey is not an athlete nor a celebrity. People know her for two different reasons: One, she’s an achiever, yung tipong hakot awards sa academic activities. Two, is because everyone knows Summer. 

She’s quite the down bad when it comes to Summer. Attending every game she has, watching their practice after classes and giving her stuff which were only a few of A+ for effort things she does. 

Most of those who know Summer then know Jersey. There’s a 50/50 chance she’s in the same room as Summer—maybe 75 percent chance but yeah. Not everyone is glad about that, not Summer’s unofficial fanclub.

“Go home, will you?” She said as she adjusted her pink hair clip. 

“Saturday naman bukas.” She said and pushed her glasses up her nose bridge. 

“Yeah, even more reasons to go home.” Summer answered with sarcasm. 

“Ayoko.” She said and went back to the bleachers, a little distant from the court. 

It was 7:30 in the evening when the practice finished. She pulled another bottle of water sa bag at saka nagmamadaling bumaba palapit sa bench. 

Before she could even offer Summer cut her off “May sarili ba kayong water refilling station?” 

“Meron, dalawa. Yung isa sa tabi lang ng bahay namin tapos yung isang location naman nasa street—.”

“Cut it.” 

Summer did not expect Jersey to actually say yes, she even sound so serious at mukhang nagsasabi ng totoo kaya lalo lang siyang nainis.

“Sige.” Sabi niya na lang. 

Summer couldn’t help but look at her with annoyance. No matter how mean she is, walang tumatabla. She has told her multiple times to stop but seeing as to how she’s present for today’s practice just shows na hindi gumagana ang pagtataboy niya. 

It was last year when Jersey approached her for the first time. That time, the girl walked to their bench after they won a tournament and held out a bottle of water. Summer is used to people offering her food and things and so she didn’t think much about it after accepting it. What surprised her is seeing Jersey sa practice. One time became two and two became three times, she started appearing more frequently. 

Jersey is never a bother during practice, oftentimes she’d just be reading a book with her headphones on and sometimes she watches a portion of it. Hindi naman bawal na manood sakanila ang ibang students so Summer can’t really kick her out unless she’s making a distraction sa mga naglalaro.

From that day to this day, she is consistent.

“Uuwi na pala ako, Summer.”

Summer scoffed “Literally should have done that kanina pa.”

“Bukas pala yung art exhibit—“ 

“No, I am not coming.”

Jersey rolled her eyes “Sino ba nag sabi na i-invite kita?” 

“Edi ano pala yung sasabihin mo?” 

Jersey glares at her, guilty. “Bawal na ba mag invite?!” 

Padabog na sinuot niya ang bag, Summer stares at it “Baka may tubig ka pa diyan, Ibigay mo na lahat.” She said, teasing. 

Padabog ulit na binagsak ni Jersey ang bag sa bench at saka binuksan. Summer was taken aback when Jersey pulled out two more bottles of water at saka pinatong sa upuan. 

“What the fuck? Wag ka na mag-dala ng tubig, okay?” 

A teammate stood beside Summer after watching Jersey pull out those water from her bag “Uy! Sayo pala galing yung mga tubig na binibigay samin ni Summer eh. Salamat ah!” Sabi niya sabay kuha ng isa. 

“W-welcome.” 

Jersey wasn’t really happy about the new info so she zipped up her bag and started walking away, not without giving Summer a death stare before leaving. 

Kainis ka, Sevilleja!

Valentine's day. 

“Bilis na, Shee.” 

Shelby struggles as she tries to match Jersey’s pace “Pwedeng mag-wait ka?  At saka huwag kang tumakbo—nako sinasabi ko talaga.”

“Hindi pwede, Shee. Wala na akong time mamaya saka surely marami nang nangbubulabog sakanya.” 

By that, she means maraming admirers na nagbigay ng kung ano kay Summer. Ibibigay niya sana kahit late na pero wala na siyang oras mamayang uwian kasi may lakad sila ng magulang niya. 

“Piskit na yan. Bulabog ka nga din eh. Magpalit ka na kasi ng crush, ideally yung crush ka din sana beh.”

“Shush. Eh siya yung gusto ko eh.”

“She’s not the only pretty girl at school, para lang malaman mo.”

As expected ibang scenario sa kadalasan ang inabutan nila sa canteen ngayon lunch. People are walking around with flowers, stuffed toys and chocolates. Parading items they receive and are going to give as if they are trophies. 

Jersey’s eyes quickly shots at the table kung saan laging nakaupo ang mga volleyball players. As again—expected most of them ay may natanggap na. 

Jersey swims through the crowd until she finally sees Summer “Kita ko na!” 

“Hey, Shelby.”

Sabay silang napatingin sa babaeng lumapit. It’s Gabby.

“Hello” 

Jersey gave Shelby a look, telling her na mauuna na siya. 

Jersey’s eyes were glued on Summer na kumakain. She smiled at sight, Summer has pink plain hair clips on at maarteng nakahawak sa tinidor. Kung ano naman ang kinaangas niya sa court ganon na lang ang pa kikay niya sa labas.

Jersey clutched onto the flowers na hawak niya, a letter and crocheted pink tulips. She rolls her eyes when a girl walks up to Summer and hands out a bar of chocolate and a note. It’s not unknown to her na madami siyang kalaban. She’s used to seeing Summer be adored by other people naman, hindi niya lang maiwasang umirap. 

Summer took the chocolate bar with and thanked the girl with a smile. Muntik nang kiligin si Jersey kung hindi niya lang naalala na dahil pala sa iba iyon. 

Mababaw na kung mababaw basta kinikilig siya. Summer’s smiles with her eyes and she thinks it’s the prettiest smile she has ever seen. Tipong kikiligin ka talaga lalo na kung ikaw ang dahilan. Unfortunately for Jersey, the last time was a long time ago, siguro noong hindi pa naiinis si Summer sakanya. 

Jersey waited for the girl to leave bago siya lumapit. She is immediately greeted by Summer’s teammates and Summer greets her with furrowed brows naman.

“Happy Valentines, Summer. Oh tanggapin mo.” She said at saka inabot ang dala niya. 

Some of the girls watched them interact, no more teasing kasi sanay na sila but they give each other meaningful looks from time to time.

“Demanding.” 

Summer takes it from her, puts it on the table and goes back to her food. Jersey patiently waited for more. 

“Ano?”

“Di ka man lang magtthank you?”

“No. You give me so much stuff, I’m starting to feel in debt against my will. I don’t like it.” She said, her face was stoic.

Jersey scoffs “Edi wag! Pag sa iba—hmp pasalamat ka—. Basta tanggapin mo yan kasi mag momove-on na ako bukas.” 

“As if.” 

“Kapal mo.”

“Ano ba ‘to? Ba’t nag e-LQ na kayo diyan?”

It is then yet another scene of her stomping her way out of wherever Summer is. Ang kaso nga lang ay may nakalimutan siyang ibigay kaya bumalik din siya pagkatapos niyang kunin sa room. 

Well, it is true that Jersey doesn’t take much offence with the way Summer responds to her but there are times when she just wants to kick her in the face. 

This is one of those times. 

When she got back sa canteen mas kaunti na yung mga tao. Summer’s teammates diffused from their table na din. Jersey watches Summer’s figure walk away, gifts in both hands…except the flowers she gave were left on the table she walked from.

A devastating sight. Pinaghirapan niya din kayang gawin ‘yon. Kaya nga siya nag crochet para hindi malanta agad. She hoped Summer at least took it with her. Jersey could imagine a random janitor picking up when they start cleaning the cafeteria. 

Summer is mean, mataray na talaga siya in general. But sometimes, Jersey can’t help but think that summer is a tad bit nicer to everyone and a little more meaner to her. Kasi bakit yung sakanya lang yung iniwan?

But, of course, the stubborn woman she is, picked it up and ran after Summer. 

“Hoy Summer!”

“Una na kami, Summer.” Her peer said.

Summer sighed before turning to her heel. 

“Ano nanaman, Robles?” She was prepared to meet Jersey’s annoying antics nanaman but she was surprised to see her with a long face. Her eyes darted on Jersey’s left hand holding the exact crocheted flowers she received earlier. She scans the items she has in her hands, the one she got earlier wasn’t in any of them. She left it then.

Jersey hands the stuff over to her, with an attitude.

“Hindi ka na talaga nakahintay na itapon?”

“Hindi ko naman itatapon—“

Jersey walks away before Summer could talk further. After all, she has feelings din naman. Kahit gaano siya kasanay—she could never be used to it enough for Summer’s indifference to not hurt at times.

Today is quite a different scene in the volleyball court. 

“Bakit wala si Jersey?” Ang agad na tanong ni Mikee nang mag water break. 

“Ba’t mo hinahanap?” 

“Wala kasi akong tubig, nakalimutan ko.”

Summer rolls her eyes. The statement pissed the shit out of her “Are you dumb? She’s not our watergirl.” 

It might have been exhaustion that both of them were on the edge. They could call each other dumb any other time and they would be fine but right now wasn’t one of those. 

“Sayo pa talaga nanggaling yan.” Asar pa ni Mikee. 

“Kanino ba dapat? Sayo? Maybe figure out your own hydration next time. Alam mo nang may practice wala kang tubig.” Her tone was sharper, and it caught some of their teammates. 

Mikee froze for a moment, caught off guard by the harshness of Summer’s response. 

Then frustration bubbled over. “Seryoso ka ba? You don’t even like Jersey, but you’re out here hoarding her kindness like it’s a prize. She’s been bringing you water for I don't know how long, and you don’t care, binibigay mo pa nga saamin diba? The rest of us actually appreciate it, y’know.”

Summer deadpanned “Tapos ka na?”

“No. Sa totoo lang dapat may magsabi sayo nito. You’re selfish, Summer and you don’t deserve her kindness. Kailan ka ba last na nagpasalamat sa dala niyang tubig, ha?”

Summer stares at her gritting her teeth. 

“‘Di mo matandaan, no? Ungrateful ka kasi.” 

Summer’s face flushed with anger as she grabbed Micha by the collar of her jersey, pulling her close. “You better watch your mouth, Mikee.” Summer hissed, her voice trembling with fury. “Ano bang alam mo? Sino ka ba para magsalita? You talk like you know me? Over a fucking water?”

The rest of their team were stunned, some going behind them to pull them away. 

Mikee scoffed “Ano? Nagagalit ka? Kasi totoo?”

At that moment, Jersey walked into the gymnasium, calm but carrying a clipboard and some papers. She was trying to avoid catching anyone’s attention, especially Summer’s, after deciding it would be best to keep her distance from now on. Seryoso siya noong sinabi niyang last na iyon.

She kept her head down as she walked across the gym floor, but a quick glance towards the bench made her freeze in her tracks. 

She was curious kung bakit nagkukumpulan yung iba. And then all of a sudden she got pushed, a member fell back on her. 

“Huy gago! May tao.”

After someone said that, the attention was shifted to her. But hers was on Mikee na nasa sahig. Summer, who was in front of Mikee, looks furious. 

Nag aaway ba sila?

Jersey gave Mikee a glance “Okay ka lang ba?” with worry in her voice. 

Mikee nodded and looked away “Guys, balik na kayo sa court. Okay lang kami.”

Summer crossed her arms, her earlier frustration reigniting again pero kay Jersey naman ngayon “Nandito ka nanaman? Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin na huwag ka nang nagdala ng kung ano-ano? I never asked you to bring me anything naman, diba? You insist on bringing me whatever the fuck it is kasi sinabi kong wag na tapos pag hindi ko tinanggap ako pa yung ungrateful? I don’t want anything, okay? Stop embarrassing yourself!”

Jersey blinked, confused by the hostility. “I’m not here for you or your practice…” she said softly. 

She’s just so confused as to how she went from walking inside to being thrown at with harshful words sa harap ng buong volleyball team.

And when she thought Summer was done, well, she didn’t let it go easily “Oh! Right. It And it’s just a coincidence you show up during practice again? Don’t act like this isn’t another excuse to hang around. I don’t need your water or your snacks—just stop.”

Jersey’s hands tightened around the clipboard, though she kept her voice steady. “Sorry,” she said quietly. 

She turned to leave, but Mikee called out to her. “Jersey, teka lang.” Mikee said gently. She lowered her voice, her earlier anger giving way to concern. “She’s right, I think it’s best if you don’t come to practice anymore. Summer here is not deserving. Hindi ba, Summer? Ayaw mo naman dito si Jersey?”

Jersey waited for Summer to answer despite knowing na oo yung sagot. The longer she waited the bigger the lump in her throat was. She blinked trying to stop the tears she felt build up. 

“Sorry…Hindi ko naman sinasadyang magulo yung practice niyo. Inutusan lang naman akong kunin yung attendance sheets ng gym ni Miss Villanueva…”

Mikee sighed, guilt flashing across her face “I just want you to know na wala kaming problema sayo.” She said pertaining to the other members. “I appreciate you watching pa nga eh.”

Jersey forced a smile “Ah oo, alam ko naman ‘yon. Sige…Bibilisan ko na lang, aalis din ako agad.” 

She picked up the papers she had dropped earlier at lakad-takbo na pumunta sa office ng gym. 

Summer stood frozen, her earlier anger draining as guilt took its place. Jersey’s words echoed in her mind—I wasn’t here for you. Jersey hadn’t come to practice for her this time, she was just doing what the teacher had asked. And yet, Summer had humiliated her, accused her of clinging, and said things she could never take back.

“Miss Sevilleja, I know mahirap pagsabayin yung volleyball at acads and I commend you for that but I’m afraid you need to exert extra effort para sa math subjects mo. Seeing how fairly good your grades are sa ibang subjects, I don’t think it’s impossible for you to pass the semester naman…Why don’t you try having a tutor? The math club offers help, baka gusto mo.”

With the inter-city game nearing na din, Summer finds less time to study. tatlo hanggang apat na araw yung practice kaya pag uwi ay pipiliin niya na lang na magpahinga kesa mag-aral. It was never a problem when she was in 11th grade but 12th grade is a big leap from that. She’s not very studious pero hindi pa naman siya bumagsak dati.

“Sige po.”

“If you are unsure kung sino ang pwedeng kausapin, may kilala ako. Estudyante ko din siya calculus, si Jersey ng class S1. Hindi ko lang alam kung kilala mo.”

Summer felt her throat dry “Kilala ko po.”

“Ayun! Buti naman. Kausapin mo siya kung sinong pwede magtutor sa club nila.”

“Summer, isheshare daw mamaya yung gym sa cheerleading team.”

Summer furrowed her brows “Hindi naman tayo kasya don. They literally have their own court space with the basketball team. What the fuck?”

“Inaayos daw kasi yung sahig ng court nila.” 

“Anong sabi ni Mikee?”

“Okay lang naman daw kay cap.”

It has been a week since the incident with Jersey sa gym. Isang linggo na siyang hindi pinapansin ni Mikee at isang linggo niya na ding binubugbog sa training ang team. She doesn’t really mind, lalamig din ang ulo non. 

The heat from that still lingers. One time kasi may teammate sila na nagtanong kung nasaan si Jersey, unaware sa nangyaring sagutan, and Mikee just made them stay for 3 more hours sa practice. Parang ipinagbabawal na na na banggitin yung pangalan niya.

It has also been a week worth of practice na walang Jersey na nanunuod. Summer realised she wasn’t joking when she said na magmomove-on na siya. It also means avoiding gazes and contacts whenever Summer is in the same room.

Summer wanted to talk to her about the tutoring and she hasn’t had a single chance to talk to Jersey until she realized she was being avoided on purpose. Jersey who was always somewhere close ay ngayon halos hindi niya na mahagilap. 

“Paanong hindi ka iiwasan, pinahiya mo.” 

“Gabby…”

Gabriella sighed “Si Morgan na lang tanungin mo.”

“Iba naman strand ni Morgan.” 

“Oo, pero imposibleng walang siyang kakilalang nasa math club.”

Gabriella was right. When she found time ay kinausap niya si Morgan, she asked if she knew someone from math club na pwede magtutor sakanya and she said she does. Morgan seems to know everyone in school so it wasn’t a surprise. 

“Ah yun lang ba? Hindi ba si Jersey Robles—“

“Huwag siya.” 

Morgan looks at her surprised bago tumawa “Ay may galit ka ata.” Sabi niya sabay tawa ulit “Si Seyjer tanungin mo kung pwede magtutor sayo.”

“Seyjer ano?” She asked, the name rolling weird off her tongue. 

“Seyjer Seblor.”

“Anong section?”

“S1 ata yun, matalino eh. Diba matalino lang dun?” Sabi niya pa at saka tumawa ulit. 

Summer scratched her head. Morgan was indeed helpful pero “Thank you pero huwag na tayo ulit mag-usap kahit kailan.” Biro niya at saka tumakbo. 

“Kainis. Madapa ka sana!” Sigaw nalang ni Morgan.

“Hi, Summer.” 

She awkwardly smiled at the guy na nakabantay sa pinto ng S1.

“May hinahanap ka ba?”

“Yes. Si Seyjer.” There was a bit of hesitation in her voice.

“Ha?” The guy looked confused. “Sino ulit yon?”

“Seyjer Seblor. S1 to diba?”

The guy nodded “Seyjer…hmm Seyjerseyjersey—ahh!” He stopped like he realized something at saka humarap sa loob sabay sigaw “Jersey! Tawag ka!”

“Nino?!” 

Summer’s eyes widened and her mouth hung “What the fuck? Morgan you—“ she taps the guy’s shoulder “Huwag na pala.” 

“Ano ‘yon?” 

She froze. Naisahan siya ni Morgan don! On the other hand, Jersey sounded casual naman. So instead of walking away, she opened the topic, nandoon na din naman siya. 

She cleared her throat “Nasa math club ka diba?” 

Before Jersey could answer, the guy interrupted, “I’m Walter nga pala, Summer.”

”Okay?” Summer said, uninterested. 

Jersey slightly pulled Walter back inside the room, “Teka lang, Waltz.” She said and gave him a smile. He just nodded at saka binigay ang pwesto kay Jersey, bago bumalik sa upuan niya sa loob.

Jersey’s attention went back to Summer na nanonood lang “Oo, member ako. Bakit?” Jersey wasn’t expecting anything, so she was surprised to hear about the math club from Summer. 

“I just want to know kung may available kayo na pwede mag tutor.”

“Ahh…depende. Kelan daw ba?”

“As soon as possible sana hanggang week before exams—”

“Ha?—eh sa isang buwan pa yung exam? Wait…” she fetched her phone out of her pocket and started taking notes “Ilang beses ba sa isang linggo?” Tanong niya. 

She’s asking for details para madali maghanap ng magtututor. Yes, she just automatically decided to help. Summer doesn’t seem to know anyone sa math club, kasi kung meron eh paniguradong hindi sakanya magtatanong to. Allergic pa naman si Summer sakanya kaya imposibleng siya ang unang choice.

“Wala.”

Summer stops on her tracks, just right outside the school’s gymnasium. She’s straight out of practice, sweaty and tired. Her teammates were surprised to see Jersey, some even greeting her. As for Mikee, she waved and shrugs at the fact that Summer is with her again. 

Summer didn’t want to tell her off again but she wants to ask why she’s outside the gymnasium at this hour. 

As if Jersey could read her, “Nag attend ako ng meeting. Pauwi na sana ako pero saktong labas niyo na.” She said, plainly explaining why she’s still at school “Nagtanong na pala ako sa gc namin. Sorry to inform you pero walang may kaya magtutor ng tatlong araw…actually meron pero two weeks lang daw. Walang willing sa three times a week hanggang before exam.”

Summer just nodded. 

In all honesty, Summer’s request is a lot, considering na libre lang ang tutoring ng math club. Hindi din common na isang buwan magpapaturo. Usually they help with tasks that require a shorter time. Ang kaso kay Summer parang full time tutor ang kailangan.

“Uhm Summer.” She hesitated but had to tell her, “Medyo mahirap kasi yung request mo. Kung willing ka gumastos, may alam akong nagpaprivate tutor.”

“I want someone from school. I don’t have much free time throughout the week so I was hoping for someone with a similar schedule and lessons as me.”

“So okay lang sayo magbayad?”

“I guess.” She shrugs, “I don’t mind paying, your club just happens to offer free tutoring. And now that you’ve mentioned it—medyo mabigat nga yung tatlong araw.” 

Jersey nodded, glad Summer understands “Sige. Tanungin ko sila ulit kung papayag sila nang may bayad.” She said and pushed her eyeglasses up her nose bridge.

“Sige.” 

They then found themselves in an awkward silence…and they have never been in a similar situation before. Either it’s Jersey doing something cheesy and Summer shoving her away or bardagulan. 

Jersey adjusted her messenger bag and started walking backwards, for some reason. “Sige alis na ako.”

Summer watched her walk, unsure with her steps, hanggang sa matalisod siya sa sariling paa. At the exact time, someone was walking behind her too. The horror on Jersey’s face was evident when she realized the girl had caught her body like the ones in the drama.

”Hala! Sorry po! Sorry po.” She even bowed in reflex.

”Hey. It’s okay.” It sounded like a girl.

And indeed it was, a very pretty one at that. Mukhang kakagaling niya lang din sa practice dahil sa duffel bag na bitbit, naka shorts at naka rubber shoes pa. She’s familiar—must not be from the volleyball team kasi kung oo matic kilala niya sana agad. Sobrang amo ng mukha kaya mas lalo lang siyang nahiya. 

”Jersey, right?” 

”Huh?” Jersey was surprised, “Ah oo.” She awkwardly chuckled at hindi mapirmi ang tingin “J-jersey nga pangalan ko. Paano mo nalaman?” She even stuttered. 

She just didn’t expect the girl to know her name. The girl seems familiar by face pero hindi niya lang maalala kung anong pangalan.

“I’m Athena Arceta.” Her eyes then darted on the other girl who seemed to just watch them converse, “I don’t know. I guess I just see you a lot during activities.” Sabi niya na lang pero ang totoo ay kilala niya si Jersey dahil kay Summer. It just didn’t feel right to say it in front of both of them at the moment. 

Athena Arceta! How could she forget? She’s familiar kasi nakikita niya kapag may laro, school’s cheerleader.

“Ah ganon ba?’ Jersey smiled, “Sorry ulit ah.”

Athena warmed up to her really quickly for some reason, “Don’t think about it too much, you felt like a feather nga eh.” She even joked. 

They were then interrupted by a clearing of the throat—it was Summer. In contrast to how warm Jersey felt, Summer was the opposite. Summer doesn’t seem so pleased pa naman na nakikihati sila ng court sa volleyball team. She’s the captain pero hindi naman hawak ang desisyon ng school.

“I have to go, Jersey. I hope to see you around more.” 

“Ako din.” Jersey answered without processing it first. Athena had left before she could say more. 

“Ano? Do you have more to say?” Biglang tanong ni Summer. Jersey had honestly almost forgotten na nandito pa si Summer. Her demeanor seemed to have changed din na para bang may ginawa nanaman siyang nakakainis. Kaya kahit si Jersey ay napapaisip kung may nagawa siyang hindi niya alam. 

“Wala na.”

Summer rolled her eyes, “Why did you make me wait then?”

Jersey looks at her weirdly, “Ha? Wala naman akong sinabi na maghintay ka ah.” Depensa niya. Ang naaalala niya ay paalis na siya nang mabangganiya si Athena, hindi na sila magkausap non! Kayya hindi niya alam kung anong pinagsasabi ni Summer na pinag hintay siya. Hindi din naman ganon katagal ang pag-uusap nila ni Athena para magreklamo siya.

Halatang wala na naman sa mood si Summer, alam ni Jersey yon. Summer is always grumpy towards her by default but there is a subtle difference kapag naiinis siya, naiirita o kaya bored. 

“Sorry na, okay? Hindi ko naman alam na naghihintay ka pala...” Jersey said as if surrendering. Kesa mainis na naman sakanya yung tao siya na magpapakumbaba, wala din naman silang mapapala. 

Summer’s brows relaxed. Jersey giving up so easily was new to her, hindi niya inaasahan. Now, she just feels so stupid getting so riled up again, “Tss, next time just tell me in the morning. Gabi na oh. Paano pag nakidnap ako?” Sabi niya na lang. 

Hindi na alam ni Jersey kung anong sasabihin dahil parang mas lalong dumadami ang reklamo ni Summer. Lagi naman siya nag c-commute which is relatively more dangerous than going with a private vehicle which as far as she knows ay meron si Summer. Madalas din naman siyang umuwi nang gabi dahil sa practice kaya hindi niya alam kung anong pinagsasabi ni Summer sakanya.

Jersey just sighed, “Tama ka. Sorry, gabi ko na nasabi.” 

“P-pano pag ikaw nakidnap?“ she asked. Jersey raised a brow at her, “I was the last person you were with! Ako pa tatanungin ng mga pulis.” Dagdag niya.

”Summer—.“ she sighed again, deeper this time, “Hindi ako mag papa-kidnap, okay? Sisiguraduhin kong hindi ako makikikidnap para hindi ka kwestyunin ng mga pulis at para matahimik ka na din.” Sabi niya na lang. 

They started heading out of the building, Jersey walking a few steps in front of Summer. They were walking side by side when they left the building but Jersey felt like she can’t walk with Summer that long sa labas and felt awkward doing so kaya nauuna siya, just enough para hindi naman masabi ni Summer na nilayasan lang siya bigla. 

Summer was waiting for Jersey to head to the left kung nasaan ang parking ng school pero diredirecho lang na naglalakad ang kasama niya. She stops on her tracks “Saan ka pupunta?” 

“Uuwi.” Jersey answered without stopping. “Sa kabila yung jeep ko pauwi.”

Saka lang narealize ni Summer na walang kotse si Jersey and wondered why she just assumed she does like most students at school. “Hoy!” Tawag niya. 

Jersey was surprised to see Summer steps away from her and then she remembered na ibang daan pala ang papuntang parking “Bakit?” Tanong niya, dahil magkasalubong nanaman ang kilay ni Summer. 

“Don’t you dare get kidnapped.” She warned. 

Jersey rolled her eyes “Oo na!” Sabi niya at saka naglakad palayo. 

Summer watched her walk away, even saw her greeting the guards sa may gate bago lumabas. 

“Leo.”

”Uy Jersey.”

Natanong na ni Jersey lahat ng pwedeng magtutor ki Summer pero wala talagang willing mag turo ng ganon karaming beses sa isang linggo tapos hanggang review week pa. Summer said she needed someone as soon as possible and so Jersey tried to ask people every chance she got. As soon as she sees someone from the club, she would ask right away.

Despite the efforts ay wala parin, pero kahit Naman kasi may bayad ay medyo mahirap talaga yung gustong mangyari ni Summer, she herself won’t take the job. Leo is the least person from the club na malapit sakanya and so he is the last person she’s going to ask. 

“Willing ka ba magtutor?”

She explained kung ilang beses sa isang linggo, hanggang kailan at syempre sinabi niya rin na may bayad.

”Medyo malabo yung hanggang week before exam Jersey eh. Sino ba? I could recommend some of the private tutors I know of.” 

“Si Summer Sevilleja.”

The guy was surprised “Woah…Like Summer Sevilleja, the volleyball player?” He asked a little more enthusiastically. 

Jersey nodded.

Leo seemed to have been swayed by that information. Nag isip-isip pa siya nang mass matagl at saka ulit sumagot “I think…I can—are you sure it’s Summer?”

Paulit ulit naman to.

Jersey faked a chuckle “Oo, sigurado ako.” Sagot niya. Hindi niya alam kung ilang assurance ba na si Summer ‘yon pero magsisimula na ulit ang klase at nasasayang ang oras nilang dalawa, malayo pa naman ang building nila sa kung nasaan sila ngayon, “Leo, pwedeng mamayang uwian na lang tayo mag-usap? Baka kasi malate ako sa sunod na kl—.”

“I’ll accept it.” He cuts her off.

“Talaga?!’ She beamed. “Sabihan ko si Summer mamayang lunch!”

The guy chuckled “No need. I can tell her. Anong section ba siya?”

Jersey hesitated pero naisip niya na wala namang pinagkaiba kung si Leo ang magsasabi kay Summer. After all, siya naman ang magtututor at wala na din namang kailangan pang sabihin si Jersey kay Summer. Pabor na din sakanya na wala na siyang kailangan gawin bukod sa kumain mamayang lunch. 

“Congrats pala doon sa art exhibit niyo last time. Oh my god, I forgot, I knew I forgot something, ngayon ko lang naalala. Rinig ko kay Morgan nabili daw agad yung sayo.” Shelby said and spun the fork in her pasta.

Ngumiti si Jersey sa kaibigan niya “Tagal na non. Oo nga, sayang hindi din ako nakapunta.”

“Ay! Talaga ba?’ Shelby exclaimed at saka pinanningkitan siya “Dahil ba hindi pumunta bebe mo?” Asar niya. 

Jersey rolled her eyes “Kelan ba pumunta ‘yon si Sevilleja?… May emergency kasi sa bahay kaya hindi ako nakapunta.”

“Wow. Last name basis, LQ ’to, for sure.” It was new to her. Aside from calling Summer by her last name, Jersey didn’t seem as enthusiastic as the last time they talked about the girl, “Wait! Move on ka na talaga?” 

Jersey nodded. She hasn’t had any interaction with Summer since the talk outside the gym. She hasn't heard from her about the tutoring, so she assumed na okay naman si Leo. She even saw them together one time at the library. 

Syempre masaya siya na natulungan niya si Summer but maybe some part of her hoped na magpapasalamat man lang sakanya yung tao. But then again, they aren’t exactly friends, they aren’t even on good terms—-hell they aren’t even a thing enough to have terms with each other. Baka nga nainis na sa kakulitan niya si Summer, that’s the only reason she could come up with. Her burst out noong pumasok siya sa gym para kunin yung attendance was a proof of that, wala na yung hindi siya magpasalamat sa pagtulong sakanya. 

Shelby abruptly stood up and hugged her “Finally! Congrats. Hindi na puno ng tubig ang bag mo.” Asar niya pa at saka nakangiting bumalik sa pagkain niya. Napatingin pa ang ibang kumakain sa lakas ng boses niya.

”Ingay mo naman.”

Ganoon ba siya ka simp para i congratss siya ng kaibigan niya sa pag momove-on? Looking back, she was foolishly admiring Summer nga. Kung ano anong binibigay niya kapag may okasyon, nanonood madalas ng practice, bukambibig si Summer at walang larong pinalampas. On days where she can’t concentrate ay sa gym siya nagpupunta para gumawa ng schoolworks. For some reason, mas nakakapag concentrate siya kapag may konting ingay, parang background music lang, except she can’t sing along para masdistact. Sa bahay naman…masyadong tahimik…The library is an option pero mas nauunang magsara kaysa sa gym kaya sa gym siya pumupunta pagkatapos. At sa araw araw ay may dala siyang dalawang bote ng tubig para ibigay kay Summer kahit ang bigat na ng bag niya.

Thinking about the amount of effort she has made, maybe, just maybe, Summer is just not into her. Sa dami din nang nagkakagusto kay Summer ay imposibleng wala siyang napapansin kahit isa, unfortunately hindi siya ‘yon. 

”Tama ka. Hindi lang si Summer ang maganda sa school.” She said when her eyes accidentally landed on someone familiar from afar. “May bago na akong crush.”

Athena.

”Ang speed mo naman. Babaero ang atake mo diyan.” Shelby said. 

Jersey frowned, “Anong babaero? Eh sobrang loyal ko nga noon kay Summer, diba?”

Tama nga naman. Shelby shrugs in defeat. 

“Well, di naman sa ’crush crush’, nagagandahan lang. Bawal ba?! Basta bago na.” She even explained. Parang happy crush lang, sabi niya sa isip niya. Hindi din naman ganon kadaling magpalit ng crush, at least for Jersey with Summer, hindi. Athena does seem like someone na magandang kaibigan, she sees her more that way.

”Summer.” 

Nilingon niya si Shelby at tinignan ng masama, “Hindi nga si Summer. May bago na nga akong gusto.”

”Robles.”

Jersey froze.

Gago bakit nandito ‘to?

They found themselves far from the crowd. Summer had completely interrupted her meal, asking her to step outside with her. 

“Where the fuck did you get thet Leo guy from?!”

Jersey was taken aback, “Bakit?” She asked, worried. Mukhang may galit na naman sa mundo si Summer. 

“That weirdo…” She mumbled to herself, calming down after Jersey’s soft reply to her aggressive approach. 

“Bakit nga?” She asked again, stepping closer to analyze Summer’s face better. She seems unhappy about Leo kaya imposibleng magandang balita ang bubungad sakanya. Syempre natatakot siya kung anong nangyari kasi siya yung kumausap kay Leo.

Summer glares at her but seeing Jersey’s genuinely worried face and frightened face, she looks away, “That weirdo is spreading rumors na may something daw kami.” She crossed her arms, ”He posted stolen pictures of me while studying on his instagram stories with captions hinting of us dating!”

Jersey was dumbfounded. She’s guilty, frightened and sorry. Paano kung may ibang kaweirduhan pang ginawa kay Summer yung tao? Kargo de konsensya niya pa ‘yon. “Hala! Sevilleja, Sorry…” naiiyak niyang sabi. “May masamang ginawa pa ba siya sa’yo?”

Summer furrowed her brows at her. Her surname sounded so off coming from Jersey, she has never addressed her with that. Jersey has always been ‘Summer Summer Summer’, na minsan nagrereply na sa utak niya. 

“Don’t call me ‘Sevilleja’.” She said, ignoring the fact na naiiyak na yung tao sa harap niya sa konsensya. 

“Ano nga kasi?”

”Anong ano?”

”Kung may ginawa pa ngang masama sa’yo?” She impatiently asked. Naiinis siya na nauna pa talagang pansinin yung pangalan niya kaysa sa issue. Naiiyak na nga ang tao. 

Summer noticed the growing anxiety of the girl at saka niya narealize na parang maiiyak na nga si Jersey kapag hindi niya sinagot. “Nothing else.” She finally answered. She sighed, “Bakit ano ba gagawin mo?”

”Aawayin ko.”

Summer rolled her, “Naiiyak ka na nga ngayon eh.” Kahit balagbag sumagot sakanya si Jersey minsan hindi naman siya mukhang makikipag-away sa ibang tao. sa sobrang tagal na nagpapapansin sakanya si Jersey natututo na lang sakanya sumagot hindi pa ganoon katagal. She was even surprised the first time Jersey talked back. 

Baka pag sinugod ni Jersey ‘yon, siya pa awayin. 

”Ikaw kasi!”

”Kasalanan ko pa?”

Jersey frowned “Hindi…Sorry na nga. Maghahanap ako agad ng papalit, promise maayos na ngayon.” sabi niya pa. 

“Huwag na.” She shook her head, as if disappointed. 

Mas lalo lang naguguilty si Jersey sa ginagawa ni Summer. She’s not getting straight to the point. Kung gusto niya lang ibalita yung nangyari ay paniguradong magrereklamo lang siya ng matagal at lalayasan si Jersey. Pero ngayon, binalot na sila ng katahimikan ay hindi padin umaalis si Summer. 

Summer’s wandering eyes darted on Jersey’s lips which were currently in between her teeth, absorbing her guilt and anxiousness. Summer tightly closed her eyes and sighed as if she caught herself sin. 

Jersey mistook her expression as annoyance, “Sevilleja, Sorry talaga. Hindi ko naman alam na ganon pala gagawin niya.”

Of course Jersey doesn’t know and Summer knows na hindi naman ganong klaseng tao si Jersey para isetup siya kahit pa gaano kapikon sakanya si Jersey minsan, “Mas magagalit ako kung alam mo.”

Jersey dumbly nodded, “Ano bang gusto mong gawin ko?” She asked.

Just like that, an idea hit Summer like a speeding truck. She sighed “I can’t believe that happened to me…” she softly said. She could see Jersey’s lips curled into a frown. “How creepy…” she added and looked away. 

”Summer naman eh…” hindi niya alam kung anong trip ni Summer pero konti na lang iiyak na talaga siya, “Ano ngang gusto mong gawin ko? Gagawin ko naman.”

Summer was convinced enough na hindi na siya makakatanggi. She dropped the act and said,  “Ikaw magtutor sakin.”

Mabilis pa sa alas kwatrong umatras ang mga luha niyang kanina niya pa gusto iiyak “Hoy! Sevilleja, ayoko...” Tanggi niya. 

“Did you already forget? May kasalanan ka pa sakin.”

It dawned on her, Sevilleja is blackmailing her. And it is working so damn well! Pagkatapos niya ba naman sabihing gagawin niya ang gusto ni Summer!

”Meet me in two days after class. I don’t have practice then, mag lelesson tayo.”

Jersey‘s shoulders fell in defeat. Summer started walking away, not giving her much chance to refuse. Ganyan siya, pag tapos na sa sasabihin, lalayasan ka. Meaning she was plotting kanina pa. Wala sa schedule ni Jersey ang magtutor!

A few steps away, Summer looked back at Jersey na nakapako sa tinatayuan niya. 

“And stop calling me ‘Sevilleja’, will you?” She said before dashing away from Jersey’s sight. 

Napasandal na lang si Jersey sa pader sa gilid niya. 

Tangina naman. Nag momove-on yung tao.

The same night, Jersey was rolling on her bed. Athena Arceta had followed her on social media and a private message came right after. Sa totoo lang, hindi niya inaasahan na kakausapin siya nito—and for a long time at that. Napuyat siya sa pakikipag-usap. 

They seem to share a lot of interests kaya ganon na lang din kahaba ang pag uusap nila. Athena is also into arts, she loves seeing other people’s style no matter what kind of craft it is. Jersey loved how appreciative Athena is with the art’s diversity, emphasizing even the smallest details that make one art different from another. Siya yung tipo ng tao na lahat ng sinasabi may sense. 

Jersey offered to show Athena one of her drawing books napuno niya na which Athena gladly accepted. She wasn’t just glad, she was excited. She asked Jersey to give it to her anytime the next day.

The next day, it was mostly all Jersey could think about. Hindi dahil may konting crush siya kay Athena kundi dahil ngayon lang nag alok na ipakita ang mga drawing niya na wala pang ibang nakakakita. After all, hindi naman lahat ng ginuguhit niya ay pinapakita sa art exhibit ng school. Sheena doesn’t have the same amount of interest din sa art, the only thing related to arts na may interest siya ay kay Gabby, ang bebe niyang tumutugtog.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t meet before the morning classes started dahil hapon na ang pasok ni Athena. They also missed each other during lunch but Athena was quick to send her a message, apologizing because she couldn’t come earlier. 

Jersey asked kung pwedeng pagkatapos niya na lang mag-aral sa library mamayang uwian and Athena said it was perfect kasi may practice naman sila sa gym hanggang gabi. 

After doing her homework ay dumiretso siya agad sa gym. Ang kaso lang, nahihirapan siyang pumasok. Pagkatapos ng nangyari noong nakaraan ay iniiwasan niya nang pumasok sa court ng volleyball team. Hindi naman kasi siya aware na sa volleyball court din pala nag ppractive ang cheerdancers, edi sana hindi siya nauna na niyang ibigay kay Athena bago siya nagpa library. 

“Jersey.”

She looks beside her to find a familiar red haired girl, “Mikee?”

The girl chuckled, “Anong ginagawa mo?”. She found Jersey standing in front of the door frozen, akala niya kung ano na nangyari. “You know you can still come sa practice, right? Anyone can come, don’t mind Summer, ako bahala sayo.” She added. She thought jersey might have felt shy to step inside dahil sa nangyari.

”Ah hindi naman si Summer yung pinunta ko.” Sabi niya at saka ngumiti, “Ang bait mo naman, buti ka pa.” She added and unintentionally patted Mikee’s head. They both froze from the sudden gesture. Hindi naman sila ganon ka close! 

Mikee laughed it out, she didn’t want Jersey to feel embarrassed about such a small thing. Hindi din siya nagrereklamo.

“Gagi. Sorry, Mikee.”

Mikee shook her head. She noticed how easy it is for the girl to just say sorry, just like last time. ”Okay lang, Jersey.” She assured her, “Who are you looking for nga pala? Ako na lang tatawag, para hindi ka na pumasok.”

Jersey raised her hand, refusing “Hala. Huwag na. Ako na lang.” She said shyly. “May ibibigay lang ako kay Athena. Mabilis lang naman ako.”

Mikee slowly nodded, “Ahh…sige sabay ka na sakin pumasok.” she said and pushed the door open for both of them. She would have told Jersey that she could stay longer just like last time but she didn’t. Jersey seem to still avoid the place, given na estatwa pa siya kanina sa labas. Okay na sila ni Summer pero parang biglang gusto niyang sapakin ulit ang kaibigan niya. 

Their entrance seemed to have caught some of the student’s attention. Especially Summer who watched them walk inside, noticing even the way Jersey said ‘Thank you’ to Mikee who kept the door open until she was inside. 

Summer expected Jersey to walk towards them, sit on that specific part of the benches, fetch her note, sketchpad or laptop to start keeping herself busy but she didn’t. Summer was a fool to think that, given na pinagtabuyan niya yung tao noong nakaraan. She watched Jersey take a bottle of water from her huge backpack at saka inabot kay Mikee before going the opposite way. 

For a second, Jersey’s eyes found hers, the girl quickly looked away, too quick for anyone else to notice. She wouldn’t have caught it if she wasn’t already looking at her.

“Huy Summer!” Their libero shouted. 

Nakalimutan niya nang may ginagawa sila. Her eyes then darted on their captain, walking towards their direction with her bottled water. 

Mikee traces Summer’s sight and starts being irritated again, “Ba’t ka nagpapahinga, Sevilleja?”

“Sobrang tagal mo.” reklamo ni Summer. 

“And?”

”Nauuhaw ako.” 

Mikee, keeping her eyes on Summer who seemed to have interest with what she has on hand, pops the water bottle’s cap, “Hawak ko ba tubig mo?”

Summer looks at her with a raised a brow, confused kung bakit mainit na naman ulo ni Mikee, eh bati naman na sila. “Did I ask you for one?” She sarcastically asked at saka inabot ang sariling tubig sa may bench. 

Their teammates, confused kung bakit bigla umiinom ng tubig yung dalawa ay nag water break na lang din. 

“May favoritism ata si Jersey.” Zia, a teammate who also saw what happened, commented. She got both Summer and Mikee’s attention, except they had completely different expressions. Mikee looked proud and Summer looked like she could spike Zia’s face like a ball at the moment. 

Zia awkwardly laughs and glances across the court, “Dami namang favorite ni Jersey.” she added. 

The other two spun their heads towards the same direction, even in unison. Catching a moment between their topic and the leader of the cheering squad. They both watched Jersey fetch a familiar sketchpad from her bag and passed it to Athena, who looked…overjoyed—overjoyed enough to wrap Jersey into a quick hug which the girl reciprocated. They watched the whole interaction, until the end, the way Jersey gave Athena the same brand of bottled water she gave the volleyball team’s captain just a few moments ago. 

“Dami namang tubig ni Jersey.” Zia commented again, talking with the air. 

Zia watched everything like a bird’s eye. The way her mates’ eyebrows meet and how they gulp their water like damn desert camels. Just to confirm her long suspicion, she had to comment again. Athena gave Jersey another hug before Jersey started walking away. “Ang sweet naman ni Jersey at—.”

“Zia, shut the fuck up.” “Stop yapping, Z.”

“Woah woah woah!” Zia started walking backward, shaking her head in disbelief. She uneasily chuckled, confirming her suspicions, “Patay tayo diyan.” She mumbled.

“Follow me on my socials.” Summer said as she passed by Jersey’s seat at the cafeteria. 

Inis na kinuha ni Jersey ang cellphone niya at saka nagbukas ng social media, “Wow. Makautos—kainis.”

Natatawa na lang siya sa kaibigan, “Ewan ko din sayo. You can just decline and ignore her if she insists.” Sabi niya. Totoo namang pwedeng gawin ni Jersey ‘yon. Nakwento na sakanya ang nangyari pati narin yung Leo incident at ang masasabi niya lang ay wala namang kasalanan si Jersey para magpaniwala kay Summer. 

“May kasalanan nga kasi ako.”

”Hindi mo nga kasalanan ‘yon. Who would have known na creep pala yung Leo? You just wanted to help naman. Gusto mo ba ako na magsabi kay Summer?” Shelby doesn’t mind, kahit makipag-away pa siya kay Summer ay gagawin niya. “You’re too kind for your own good ha, Jersey.”

Shelby tolerated lahat ng naging kahibangan ni Jersey kay Summer. Hell! tinulungan niya pa nga minsan gumawa ng paper flower bouquet ang kaibigan niya, she went to every single volleyball game na nandoon si Summer kahit wala siyang interes sa sports para samahan si Jersey, nakita niya lahat ng ka cheesy-han ni Jersey kay Summer. 

Jersey sighs, “Kailangan niya na daw kasi ng tutor—.”

”Beh, problema niya na yan. She is well-off enough to hire one for each subject. Baka gusto niya ako pa magbayad para tantanan ka na niya.” Shelby added. She watches Jersey’s every expression at alam na niya kung anong nasa utak neto, “You don’t want to.” 

“You don’t want to reject the offer, that's why you’re not trying hard enough to decline.” Shelby knows her enough, hindi din ganon kahirap basahin si Jersey, kaya alam niyang tama siya. 

“Last na ‘to, Shee.” 

Shelby just laughed, “Ganyan ba ang nag momove-on, maem?”

After lunch Jersey was surprised kung gaano karaming private messages ang natanggap niya galing kay Summer . Imbes matuwa ay nainis lang siya sa mga pinagsasabi sakanya. Bumalik muna siya sa room niya bagong nagreply.

Summer Sevilleja:

[12:35] Bakit ang tagal mo mag-follow?

[12:35] Hoy Robles.

[12:36] Are you ignoring my messages? Tatakas ka ba mamaya? You better not, lagot ka sakin.

[12:36] May kasalanan ka pa sakin.

[12:36] Did you forget already? 

[12:40] See me later.

[12:50] Reply.

Jersey Robles:

[13:00] Oo na! Wala naman akong sinabing hindi ako sisipot!

Summer Sevilleja:

[13:00] Follow me on IG too.

Someone leaned on the chair in front of her, it’s Walter. “Jersey, have you heard?”

”Ano?”

”Summer is seeing Leo daw. Leo sa kabilang section.” Pabulong niya pang sabi. It would have been a big scoop for Jersey, except she played an indirect role kung paano nagkaroon ng ganong issue. Waltz expected Jersey to be devastated o kahit mabigla man lang, pero hindi, “Aren’t you sad?” Tanong niya. 

The guy is genuinely concerned, because he himself is sad about it. “Hindi ba crush mo din si Summer?” Tanong niya pa. “Okay lang yan, she’s out of my league nga naman—pero kahit na. Bawal na ba malungkot? 6 months ko na siyang crush…”

Jersey scratched her head. Walter is just rambling, sakanya pa talaga nagrant eh magdadalawang taon na niyang gusto si Summer. “Kahit magpaka sad boy ka pa diyan. Hindi kita pipigilan.” Walang gana niyang sagot. 

Fake news lang naman ‘yon.

Mas iniisip niya pa yung pagrecommned niya kay Leo at sa ginawa niya kay Summer kaya magiging tutor ng wala sa oras ngayon. The whole afternoon class, her mind wasn't with her. It had stayed like that hanggang sa mag-uwian. She moved with haste, packing her stuff para makalabas agad ng room. Tinakbo niya na din yung hagdan papunta sa third floor kung nasaan yung classroom ni Summe kaysa mag elevator na madaming naghihintay.

The sticky feeling after running for a while is irritating her, ang bigat pa ng bag niya. She sees Summer at the end of the hallway, chatting with her classmates na mukhang kakalabas pa lang. She had always know Summer effect on her pero parang kahit kailan ay hindi siya masasanay sa tuwing nakikita niya si Summer na nakangiti. 

Yung iritasyon at inis niya, nawala na parang bula. Jersey’s feet slowly moved closer, eyes focused on Summer despite the distracting crowd of students gushing out of their rooms. Sobrang amo ng mukha ni Summer kapag nakangiti, hindi mo aakalaing kaya kang ispike-in na parang bola kung gugustuhin niya. Her eye smile, perfect teeth and the way her lips curve—ang perfect lang. Ang tipid niya nga lang! Lalo na kay Jersey.

They eyes meet in the midst of the crowd, agad ding nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Summer na para bang hindi pwedeng makita ni Jersey ‘yon per pedee sa iba. Napairap na lang si Jersey, asking herself again kung bakit sa dami ng tao si Summer pa. Elementary pa lang alam na si Jersey na nagkakagusto din siya sa babae, ilang babae na din ang naging crush niya pero kahit isang beses ay hindi siya nagkagusto sa babaeng sobrang kikay—until Summer happened. 

Summer crossed the far distance after parting ways with her peers, “You’re out of breath na parang galing ka sa practice.”

Jersey glared at her. 

May asthma kasi yung tao.

She took a deep breath bago sumagot, “Ikaw kasi…”

”I did not ask you to come upstairs, I’ll be walking past your room in order to leave the building naman, just so you know.” Summer answered, secretly checking up on Jersey who seemed to need some time to catch her breath.

“May tubig ka?”

Jersey shook her head, “Gusto mo ba? Hindi na ako nagdala ng extra.” 

“Not for me, for you. Uminom ka ng tubig.” She said, frowning. “Baka sabihin nila kasalanan ko pag nag collapse ka.” Mataray na sabi niya.

“Ewan ko sayo.” Sabi niya pero sumunod parin dahil medyo hingal pa nga siya dahil sa pagtakbo. Hindi niya alam kung bakit tingin ni Summer ay siya agad ang pagkakamalan ng tao kapag may nangyaring masama sakanya. Wala naman siyang ibang kakilalang ganon ka OA. Hindi niya alam kung inaasar lang siya ni Summer o sadyang ganon talaga siya. 

Inaya niya na agad si Summer sa library dahil alam niyang dadami ang tao doon agad kasi uwian niya. She wanted to hurry kasi baka maagaw yung paborito niyang pwesto doon pero parang mas lalong binabagalan ni Summer ang paglalakad! Pagkatapos siyang ispam ng messages kaninang lunch, siya naman ngayon ang babagal-bagal. 

“Summer, una na kaya ako sa library? Reserve na lang kita ng upuan.” Suggest niya na lang. Pareho din namang doon nag punta nila. “Ano?” Tanong niya sabay tingin sa kausap niya na nakasunod sakanya sa likod. 

“No.”

Jersey sighed, “Oh edi bilisan mo na lang ng konti.” reklamo niya. Mas mabilis pa yung lakad nila kanina kesa ngayon. 

“I don’t want to. Mapapagod ako tumakbo.” Sabi niya at mass mabagal na naglakad. 

Gustong magwala ni Jersey at ipaalala ki Summer na halos tatlo hanggang apat na araw siyang tumatakbo sa isang linggo para maghabol ng bola. What is a few meters of running compared to a whole volleyball practice? 

She has interacted with Summer enough times to know how stubborn and unfazed she could be, kapag ayaw niya ayaw niya. Seeing how unfazed Summer is kahit gaanong papansin ni Jersey is enough proof of that. Alam niyang hindi niya mapipilit tumakbo ‘to kaya hindi na siya mag aaksaya ng laway. Jersey could only hope na wala pang nakaupo sa pwesto niya.

At syempre, mahal na mahal siya ng maykapal, kaya may nakaupo na nga sa paborito niyang pwesto. It’s someone familiar, it’s always the nerdy looking guy from another section na trip din yung upuan niya. Best believe, kung hindi si Jersey ang nakaupo doon ay yung lalake ang nadoon.

Summer was just following Jersey the whole time. She was standing in the middle of an aisle in the library, eyeing the two person study carrel at the very end of the floor. Summer follows her sight, watching her look for another place to sit. At first, hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit nagmamadali si Jersey. The library is huge naman, unless it’s a week close to exams, hindi naman ito napupuno. Even now, there are still multiple seats available.

”Dito na lang tayo, gusto mo ba?” Sabi niya sabay hila sa upuan sa tabi niya. 

”It’s too bright, parang hospital.”

Jersey scanned again and pointed at a different seat na malayo sa bintana “Doon? Gusto mo?”

”Too dark, parang sinehan.”

“Hmm…doon sa kaharap?”

Summer shook her head again, “No, it’s—.”

”Ayoko na nga.” Jersey cuts her off, “Ikaw na maghanap kung saan mo gusto.” She whisper-shouted. 

Summer stared at her then to that specific seat Jersey was eyeing the moment they entered the library. She pointed in the direction, “Gusto ko yung upuan niya.”

A guy was occupying the one of seats already so Summer telling her she wants someone’s seat was funny, kasalanan niya din naman kung bakit may nakaupo na. Gusto niya din yung pwesto pero naunahan na sila, hindi naman pwedeng palayasin mo yung tao. 

“Huwag na diyan. Kita mong may nakaupo na.” 

“Okay, and?”

Piskit na ‘to.

 “Galing! Anong sinabi mo don?” Tanong si Jersey sabay turo sa lalaking lumipat sa ibang upuan. 

Summer pulls herself a chair and shrugs “Nothing.” 

Iniisip ni Jersey na baka tinarayan ni Summer yung lalake pero mukhang willing naman binigay yung upuan, he even had a small smile on his face when he walked away. 

“Ba’t ako…” Jersey trailed, “Noong ako nakipagpalit sakanya, sinungitan lang ako.” Reklamo niya. 

“He did that?” 

“Oo, feeling...” Jersey said and took her seat, “Nagtatanong lang eh.”

Strangely enough, the thought of someone else being mean towards Jersey pushes her buttons. “You’re not me kasi.” Summer boasts. 

Gets na ni Summer  kung bakit dito gusto umupo ni Jersey. Malaki yung carrel, medyo malayo sa mga taong palakad-lakad at sa ingay—isolated but not creepy in a way, walang kalapit na ibang pwedeng upuan ng students.

Jersey laid her bag on the wooden desk and Summer couldn't help but take a peek. In contrast to her flat bag, Jersey’s is a lot fuller. The girl started pulling out books and notes. At sa tuwing nakikita niyang may nilalabas na notebook si Jersey ay mas lalong tinatamad mag-aral si Summer. 

She solved her tutoring search but she forgot about the studying that comes with it. She groaned “Pwede bang huwag muna?”

Jersey stops at saka tumingin sakanya “Hmm pwede naman, ikaw naman bahala sa schedule eh.” Wala naman ki Jersey kung anong gustong gawin ni Summer dahil na rin hindi niya pa alam kung anong pace at intensity ba ng tutoring ang gusto ni Summer. She just assumes na si Sumer ang magdedesisyon ng lahat.

They decided to talk about the details ng tutoring to make use of the time and start later. Normally, Summer’s practice is every Monday, Thursday and Friday. Kapag may laro naman ay may practice din sila ng sabado. Jersey knows that much dahil nga nanonood siya ng practice nila—well, before siya pagbawalan ni Summer, that is. The school is managed well enough para hindi mag clash ang pasok ng mga senior high school students, meaning class schedules are fixed and the same for all sections and strands. 

”Every Tuesday and Wednesday, you have to wait for me outside the building.”

”Basta bilisan mo bumaba kasi baka maunahan tayo dito sa pwesto natin.”

Sabi ni Summer ay huwag na daw siyang tataas ulit sa third floor unless mag eelevator siya kasi nga daw baka siya pa yung mapagbintangan na may kasalanan kapag nahimatay si Jersey. May sense din naman na maghintay siya sa baba kasi pareho lang naman sila ng pupuntahan kaya hindi na siya nagreklamo.

”Akala ko ba three times a week?”

”Yeah. I’ll let you decide the day for the last one.”

Jersey’s schedule outside school hours are a bit all over the place. Her daily life is occupied by studies and activities related to school. She has occasional hang-outs with Sheena bago dumerecho sa bahay tapos minsan sa weekend nagsisimba lang siya at kumakain sa labas kasama ang mama niya. She is an active member of the art and math club na minsan lang naman magkaron ng live meeting. 

In the end, she decided to give her Saturdays up, apat na sabado lang naman iyon at hindi naman buong taon. 

“Is five thousand enough?”

Jersey nodded “Oo naman.”—Kahit nga huwag ka na magbayad, basta ngumiti ka lang. Bwiset!... “Isang buwan lang naman ‘yon, Summer. Bale labindalawang araw lang tayo magkikita—minus mo na yung ‘today’, eleven na lang.” Sagot niya at saka tumawa. 

It was quite funny talking about money with Summer, hindi lang siya sanay. 

“Five thousand per week, Robles”,  Summer rolled her eyes.

”Hoy!—“ napatakip ng bibig si Jersey at saka yumuko nang may sumita sa ingay niya. ”Anong five thousand per week pinagsasabi mo? Anak mayaman ka ba? Jusko.”

”I mean, you could say that, I guess…”

Jersey scratched her forehead “Wait lang ha. Masyadong malaki yung five thousand per week, Summer. Hindi ko kayang tumanggap ng ganon kalaking pera, tatlong araw lang yung lesson natin sa isang linggo, Summer.”

Summer felt Jersey’s genuine uneasiness sa amount na sana ay ibabayad niya. She genuinely thought Jersey’s work should at least be rewarded that much but from the girl’s reaction it seems as if her perspective of money is out of Jersey’s reality.  She had settled to pay for that much in her mind when she decided she’s going to pay whoever is teaching her kaya ngayon hindi niya na alam kung magkano ba dapat.

”I thought I should pay you that much pero hindi ko alam kung magkano ang gusto mo.”

Sa totoo lang, hindi na din pumasok sa isip ni Jersey na magbabayad nga si Summer. Pagkatapos kasi siyang mapa payag ni Summer dahil sa ginawa ni Leo, parang nagregister na lang sakanya na kaya siya mag tututor kay Summer ay para bumawi. Blackmail-in ba naman siya, kahit sino naman hindi na mag eexpect ng bayad non! Nevertheless, hindi niya kayang tumanggap ng ganon kalaki, daig nya pa ang may full-time job.

She was deep in her thoughts na hindi niya namalayang kanina pa siya nakatitig kay Summer, nag-iisip kung ano bang dapat sabihin. She snaps back into reality and shakes her head to clear her thoughts.

Summer looks away. Jersey was staring at her for a whole minute and it surprised her when she just started talking again. She doubts it was intentional but it made her feel funny.

“Pwede bang pagkatapos na lang? Bayaran mo na lang ako kapag tapos na ang isang buwan.” Jersey suggested, “Tapos kung gaano ka kasatisfied sa pagtuturo ko, doon mo ibase yung bayad. Ano g ka ba?”

Summer smirks. It sounds fair—but it isn’t, not for Jersey. It would just mean that Jersey’s pay would all be based on Summer’s judgement and no one else's. Walang problema kay Summer ng magbayad ng limang libro sa isang linggo. Kung sana pumayag si Jersey ay hindi na nila pinag-iisipan ngayon kung magkano ba dapat ang ibabayad niya.

“Okay.” Summer agress, knowing damn well she’ll pay the same amount of money she initially planned to despite how satisfied or unsatisfied she is. Wala na siyang balak maghanap pa ng ibang magtuturo. If Jersey isn’t fit enough to be one like the Leon guy then she has no choice but study by herself for the upcoming exams. Maghahanap na lang siya para susunod kung ganon.

“Okay!” Jersey started scanning the book and laid up her notes in front of Summer, “Pareho lang naman tayo ng coverage diba? Saang topic ka ba nahihirapan?” She asks, para makapagsimula na sila.

”Pwedeng huwag muna?” Summer answered. She’s scanning through Jersey’s notes. Sobrang linis ng sulat at pagkakasunod-sunod ng lesson. Colorful din ng notes niya na may assigned na highlighter color para sa numbering, main topic at saka sub-topic, naka highlight din ang sarili niyang explanation niya para sa ibang equation. Alam ni Summer na sariling explanation iyon ni Jersey kasi ang pagkakasulat ay parang kausap niya ang sarili niya ‘dalawang solution ang pwedeng gamitin pero mas madali kung isisimplify ko muna’, one of the explanations says.

Summer softly chuckled at the note, naalala niya kung gaano kagulo ang sulat niya sa notebook. It pisses her mom off since she was a kid sa tuwing tinitignan niya kung ano ang mga sinulat ni Summer sa araw na ‘yon. 

Sa tabi niya pinapanood siya ni Jersey na tumawa mag-isa, iniisip niya kung ano ba ang nakakatawa sa sulat niya at ipapa tarpaulin niya sana. Tutoring Summer will take some of her time to study for herself pero ano ba naman ang labindalawang araw na magtuturo siya. Si Summer na to! Sabi niya sa sarili niya ay si Summer na habol-habol niya ‘to. Habol-habol niya lang to tapos ngayon kasama niya sa library tapos katabi niya pa! Ang unfair lang na kung kailan pa niya naisip na mag move-on, saka pa siya nagkaroon ng interaction with Summer na ganito—it’s not a friendly nor romantic interaction naman but still…si Summer na ‘to.

Summer turns to her laughing, holding her notebook up to her, “Why are you congratulating yourself for solving an equation through notes?” She asked and took a photo of it.

Jersey froze, surprised. 

Ang ganda! Hesos. Bakit naman ganyan, Lord?