Chapter Text
Aiah was supposed to be in college by now. Unfortunately, she failed Practical Research 2 all because her group mates were the worst. She doesn’t have the best luck and she got stuck with the airheads who don’t even try. So here she is, retaking Grade 12. Although, maybe it’s not entirely a bad thing. She wouldn’t have met her ‘for-lifers’, as she liked to call them, if she didn’t have to repeat her last year of senior high school.
Jhoanna and Stacey were a year below her. She met Stacey on the first day. It was a welcome for incoming grade 11 students and being the former student council vice president, she made sure to make the experience good for them. Even though she was bummed that she’s a super senior, it doesn’t mean she’s going to ruin others’ day.
She was giving out brochures about what it was like to be an ABM student when a girl dressed entirely in pink approached her. Aiah always thought that all-pink outfits are either childish or tacky, but this girl somehow made it work.
“Hi po, ate! I’m Stacey po. P’wede po ba magtanong?” Stacey said politely. Although Aiah wanted to tease her that she was already asking a question, she feared it may be off-putting considering they don’t know each other.
“Hi, Stacey! You can call me ate Aiah nalang. And of course you can, ano ‘yon?” Aiah answered after giving her brochures to another Grade 12 student. It was time for her break, and after accommodating Stacey, she’s heading to the food booths.
“Ate Aiah, saan po ba ‘yung rooms ng ABM?” Stacey asked.
“Sa may third floor lang ng Jacinto Building, hindi ba ‘yan nabanggit sa orientation n’yo?” Aiah asked, she was sure that the orientation included a campus tour.
“Hindi po kasi ako naka-attend eh hehe.” Stacey answered sheepishly and scratched the back of her neck. Aiah laughed, charmed by the girl.
“Okay lang ‘yan. Sakto, break ko na. Tour kita, gusto mo?” Aiah offered.
“Hindi po ba ako makakaabala? Sorry po, ate.” Stacey answered and looked down, a bit ashamed that she might be intruding.
“Naku, hindi ‘no. Tara na.” Aiah said before pulling the other girl by her wrist without waiting for a reply.
From then on, Aiah and Stacey became close friends. It was nice, Aiah thought. Students in her grade level already had their own circle of friends. They weren’t purposely leaving her out but it’s hard not to feel out of place when everyone already had pre-established friendships.
It did not take long before Aiah got curious about a certain girl Stacey seems to be able to mention in all their conversations. This girl ‘Jho’ who, from Stacey’s description, is the friendliest, most polite, and funniest person on Earth who is also a pretty genius who has thick black glasses and always buys clothes a size bigger than she is making her bad posture look even worse. She suspected that maybe this ‘Jho’ is not just a ‘best friend’, but Stacey’s always dating someone so she thought she was just speculating. Maybe they just have that kind of friendship where people might think they're a couple, Aiah thought, so she brushed off her theory.
It was during the campaign period when she finally put a face to the name. She was running for president, which she predicts would be a sure win considering she was the previous vice-president. While Jhoanna was running for secretary against two other candidates. One who looked like he ran as a joke while the other seemed like a good choice, but not as promising as Jhoanna.
Although Aiah and one of Jhoanna’s competitors were in the same partylist, Aiah was rooting for Jhoanna. She may not have personally known the girl but she looked at her credentials and she knew Jhoanna was the best candidate for the position. Stacey also speaks highly of the girl, although it might’ve been biased, Aiah trusts Stacey’s opinion.
Aiah only properly met Jhoanna when the student council officers celebrated their win in the office. Stacey was right, Aiah thought, Jhoanna really is the friendliest person anyone will ever meet. She was introducing herself to everyone and asking for their social media accounts. Some people hate sending a friend request or follow request first, but Jhoanna was sending requests left and right. Aiah immediately liked the girl, she thought Jhoanna has what it takes to be a good student leader.
“Hi po, ms. president! Jhoanna Robles pala ng HUMSS-13.” Jhoanna said enthusiastically as she introduced herself to Aiah.
“Hi, I’m Aiah of ABM-21. Congrats on the win ha.” Aiah said, happy that the girl won.
“Thank you po! Congrats din po pala, ate Aiah. Nakalimutan ko po pala.” Jhoanna answered and got slightly shy that she congratulated the older girl late. Aiah noticed the faint blush on the girl’s cheeks and giggled.
“Okay lang. You’re a friend of Stacey, ‘diba? Stacey Sevilleja of ABM-14?” Aiah asked to clarify even though she’s sure that she is the ‘Jho’ Stacey can’t stop talking about.
“Ah, opo. Paano n’yo po nalaman?” Jhoanna asked.
“Stacey’s a friend of mine, bukambibig ka n’ya ever since we met. Nababanggit ka ata n’ya sa’kin at least once a day eh.” Aiah said jokingly which made the girl’s blush worse. ‘Maybe I wasn’t wrong’ Aiah thought.
“Ah ganon po ba.” Jhoanna said shyly, looking to the ground. Aiah suspected she was trying to hide the reddening of her cheeks, unfortunately for her, Aiah already saw it.
“By the way, may sasabihin ako. Pero sa’tin lang ‘to ha?” Aiah said, changing the topic.
“Sige po, ano po ‘yun?” Jhoanna asked, curious what the older girl would say that needed secrecy. Aiah jokingly looked around before whispering to Jhoanna.
“Ikaw binoto ko for secretary.” Aiah said in a low voice to Jhoanna’s ear, earning a small laugh and grateful smile from the girl.
Aiah easily became close with Jhoanna as well. The junior was one of the officers she trusted most. Because of how busy the council could get, especially when intramurals were approaching, she saw Jhoanna more, and in turn, Stacey.
Although Stacey was not part of the council, she was there almost as much as Jhoanna was. She always brought Jhoanna lunch, even dinner when they had to stay late. Stacey even brings the rest of them food, especially when the girl wants to stay. She was there so often that she doesn’t even knock anymore, she just enters the office and slumps on the nearest chair to the door, staying there until Jhoanna’s finished with her tasks.
Sometimes Stacey's already there when she arrives at the office.
“Hi, ate Aiah! May dinala akong meryenda d’yan. Kain!” Stacey would say while she was half-lying down on the couch, scrolling on her phone.
There were other times they’ve been busy working for hours and Stacey’s arrival would lighten the mood.
“Hi po! May dala akong food here, kain kayo. Jhoanna, tama na. Kain ka muna.” Stacey said as she was arranging the food she brought.
“Wait lang, Stacks. Tapusin ko lang ‘to.” Jhoanna said, not taking her eyes off her laptop, which made Stacey’s brows furrow.
“Kanina ka pa ata d’yan, masama ‘yan sa mata mo, Jho.” Stacey said, convincing the girl to take a break.
“Saglit lang talaga.” Jhoanna said, still not taking her eyes off the laptop.
“10 minute break lang naman, Jho. Ate Aiah, gaano na ba katagal si Jho d’yan?” Stacey said, trying to find more reasons her friend should take a break.
“She was already there when I arrived eh.” Aiah answered and looked at the wall clock. “Which was about 3 hours ago, hindi pa tumatayo.”
“Robles!” Stacey said, her voice louder than it was before.
“I-ito na, Stacks.” Jhoanna said nervously. She stood up to look at the food the girl brought. “Ano ‘yan, Stacks? Mukha masarap ah.” Jhoanna continued, hoping to calm the girl but before she could reach the table, she was stopped by Stacey.
“Akala mo madadala mo ‘ko sa gan’yan? Ang tagal mo nang nakaupo d’yan tapos kung hindi pa ako sumigaw, hindi ka pa tatayo? Isusumbong na talaga kita kay tita eh.” Stacey reprimanded the girl.
“Sorry na, Stacks. Ito na po oh. Kakain na, sabay tayo?” Jhoanna said, her tone so soft that Stacey couldn’t stay mad at her. Add that with Jhoanna rubbing the girl’s shoulder to calm her, all Stacey could do was smile and forget why she was ever even mad in the first place.
Aiah watched the entire interaction, her suspicion just getting stronger. There is definitely something between them, she thought. She didn’t say anything though, she didn’t want to meddle since she didn’t have confirmation from either of the girls.
There were days that Stacey arrived earlier than Jhoanna.
“Oh, Stacey. Wala pa si Jho eh.” Aiah said, surprised at the girl’s arrival.
“Ah opo, one hour pa before dismissal n’ya eh. P’wede po ba ako mag-stay dito?” Stacey asked shyly, staying by the door in case she wasn’t allowed there.
“Oo naman, mas madalas ka pa nga ata rito kaysa sa ibang officers eh.” Aiah joked. “Uwian mo na ba?”
“Oo, ate.” Stacey answered as she was putting her things down by the side of the couch.
“Bakit hindi ka pa uuwi?” Aiah asked even though she already knew the answer.
“Hihintaying ko po si Jho eh.” Stacey answered, walking around the room before settling to sit on the chair in front of Aiah’s desk.
“Sabay ba kayo umuuwi?” Aiah asked. She knew Stacey was staying for Jhoanna but as far as she knew, the girls had their own rides home.
“Hindi po. Sinusundo s’ya ni tito and may service ako pero baka kasi hindi na naman kumain ate eh.” Stacey reasoned out while playing with the pens on Aiah’s desk.
Aiah’s suspicion only grew as the days went by. She knew that there were friendships that may just be like that, but she had a feeling this was something more. Stacey was always there, it was too much for someone that’s just a ‘friend’.
“Kunin ko lang ‘yung pina-deliver ko. Um-order ako ng Jollibee para sainyong lahat.” Stacey said before leaving the office.
“Uy, Jho. Single ba si Stacey? Reto mo naman ako oh.” The grade 11 representative said. Aiah saw that Jhoanna was stopped by the question but her eyes never left her work.
“Oo, pero hindi ka n’ya type. ‘Tsaka lagi naman s’yang nandito, bakit hindi mo s’ya lapitan? Duwag.” Jhoanna answered but said the last word under her breath, Aiah still heard it though.
“S’yempre, best friend ka kasi n’ya. Makikinig sa’yo ‘yun. Sige na, Jho. Ireto mo na ako.” The guy pleaded once more.
“Ayoko nga.” Jhoanna answered, her brows now furrowed but that can be mistaken as frustration towards her work. Before the guy could reply, Stacey came back with the food.
“I’m back, you guys! Tama na muna ‘yan, kumain na kayo.” Stacey said happily as she entered the room, oblivious to the conversation that just took place.
The officers thanked Stacey for the food but one remained seated. The person Stacey really bought the food for was still situated on the couch, typing away.
“Jhoanna, tama na muna. Kain na.” Stacey immediately noticed and called Jhoanna.
“Wait lang, Stacks. Patapos na.” Jhoanna answered the girl with a smile.
“Patapos na pala, edi kumain ka na at mamaya na ‘yan.” Stacey said as she was approaching the couch to sit beside the girl.
“Kakain ako, wait lang talaga.” Jhoanna said. Stacey, deciding she didn’t want to fight, stood up to get food for them. After getting enough, she came back to the busy girl’s side and prepared their food.
“Jho, say ahh.” Stacey said as she was holding up a fork with spaghetti in front of Jhoanna. The other girl opened her mouth mindlessly.
“Wait, huh? Kaya ko naman kumain mag-isa eh.” Jhoanna said when she realized what just happened.
“Jho, manners naman. Don’t talk with your mouth full.” Stacey said which Jhoanna replied with a quiet apology. “‘Tsaka ang tagal mo kasi, kanina ka pa hindi kumakain. Magkaka-ulcer ka n’yan. Magtrabaho ka lang d’yan, ako na magsusubo basta lunukin mo nalang.”
Aiah feels like her suspicion could not be more true. She had boyfriends who treated her with less thoughtfulness than Stacey did with Jhoanna. But what made her 100% sure was when Stacey waited for hours for Jhoanna.
It was 1 PM on the last day of Intramurals and Jhoanna was on the court writing an essay about the final basketball game, a paper for one of her major subjects.
This was one of the rare instances where Jhoanna and Stacey were not in the same place. While Jhoanna was on the court, Stacey went to the student council office. Aiah considers her an honorary officer at this point.
“Hi, po! May food akong dala. Kain!” Stacey said cheerily as she was closing the door.
“Wala si Jhoanna rito, nasa court.” One of the few officers in the office said. There were only four people in the office that time, one of which was Stacey. Everyone else was either enjoying the intramurals or taking the time to rest.
“Ahh, oo nga. Sabi n’ya hintayin ko nalang daw s’ya here eh. May tinatapos pa kasi s’yang paper, kasama n’ya mga classmates n’ya.” Stacey answered and sat on the couch, waiting for her best friend to come.
An hour passed and Jhoanna still hadn't come but still, Stacey waited patiently. She knew that Jhoanna took her academics seriously so maybe she was waiting for the game to finish to make sure her essay was perfect. Officers came and went, and when an officer enters, she told them about the food.
“Kain po. May food d’yan para sainyo.” Stacey said, sitting comfortably on the couch.
“Naku, Stacey. Lagi kang may dalang pagkain ha, nanganagmpanya ka na ba for next year?” The vice president teased the girl.
“Hindi po, pero si Jhoanna president next year ha. Vote Robles kung gusto n’yo parin ng food.” Stacey joked around, she was comfortable with the officers now as she’s used to spending hours with them at the office.
Two more hours passed and Stacey was still waiting. The result of the game was out and still no Jhoanna in sight.
“Stacey, hindi ka ba naiinip? Umidlip ka kaya muna?” Aiah asked the girl.
“Hindi na po, baka dumating na rin si Jho, ate eh.” Stacey, who’s now lying down on the couch, answered.
“P’wede namang gising ka nalang. Kanina ka pa kasi rito, baka pagod ka na.” Aiah said, worried about the girl.
“Pinapaalis mo na ba ako, ate Aiah?” Stacey teased the girl.
“Hindi ‘no. Bakit mo ba kasi hinihintay rito si Jhoanna, p’wede namang puntahan mo nalang s’ya sa court.” Aiah suggested.
“Pinapaalis mo na ako eh.” Stacey joked before continuing. “Gagala kasi kami ni Jho ate. Tinatapos n’ya lang ‘yung requirements n’ya tapos aalis na kami. Ayaw ko rin na puntahan s’ya sa court kasi baka makaistorbo lang ako. ‘Tsaka para din maging close sila ng classmates n’ya.” Stacey answered and yawned.
It was now 6 PM and still, Jhoanna was nowhere in sight. There were only the two of them left in the office. Honestly, Aiah wanted to leave a few hours ago but she didn’t want to leave the girl alone.
“Wala parin bang message si Jho, Stacey?” Aiah asked.
“Wala pa po eh, baka nagfa-finalize lang ng draft, ate. Alam mo naman ‘yun, napaka-grade conscious.” Stacey answered with a smile, but it was obvious she was starting to be concerned about her best friend’s absence.
“Uwi ka na kaya? Gabi na rin, hindi na kayo makakalabas ni Jhoanna nang matagal.” Aiah suggested to the girl who’s been waiting for five hours.
“May dinner reservation kasi kami, ate. Kaya sure akong pupunta si Jhoanna. Baka busy lang.” Stacey reasoned out, fully believing that Jhoanna was coming any minute now.
After 30 minutes, as Aiah was scrolling on her phone, she checked her Instagram. She clicked her friends’ stories but one specific story caught her attention. It was Jhoanna, having dinner with her classmates. Aiah didn’t know whether to tell Stacey knowing it might break her heart but she knew she can’t keep the girl waiting.
“Stacey…” Aiah called the girl.
“Yes, ate Aiah?” Stacey answered, eyes glued to her phone.
“You know Colet, right? Jhoanna’s classmate?” Aiah asked, trying to open the topic carefully.
“Yes po.” Stacey answered, a bit confused.
“Check her IG story.” Aiah said with a sad smile.
Stacey was confused but listened to the older girl. Aiah knew exactly when Stacey saw the story. Her face dropped and her eyes became glassy.
“Ahh, nagkayayaan ata. Baka nahila lang s’ya.” Stacey said and her voice broke halfway. Aiah can see how hard the girl was trying to stop her tears from falling.
“Stacey-” Aiah wanted to comfort the girl but she didn’t have the chance.
“Uwi na ako ate, ilang oras na rin ako rito. Sorry sa abala, nasayang ko pa oras mo.” Stacey said trying to act like she was okay but the trembling of her voice made it obvious she wasn’t. She gathered her things as fast as she could and left the office before Aiah could say anything else.
Aiah cleaned up around the office before leaving. When she reached her car, she immediately started the engine, eager to come home. But she remembered the two best friends, she wasn’t sure what to do but she wanted to check on them. So she called Jhoanna.
“Ate Aiah, may need po ba?” Jhoanna said after answering the call.
“Nasaan ka, Jho?” Aiah asked sternly, she was a bit mad at the girl for making Stacey wait for hours.
“Kumain lang po sa labas with my classmates, bakit po ate?” Jhoanna said, confused by the president’s tone.
“Nakausap mo na ba si Stacey?” Aiah asked.
“Bakit po? May kailangan ba kaming pag-usapan?” Jhoanna asked, more confused than she was before.
“Hinihintay ka n’ya sa office kanina.” Aiah answered, waiting for the girl to realize what she had done.
“Bakit naman n’ya a-” Jhoanna stopped, probably only now remembering that they had plans. “Gaano po s’ya katagal naghintay, ate?” Jhoanna asked, her voice sounding like she was panicking.
“Halos six hours din. Kakaalis n’ya lang a few minutes ago. After n’yang makita story ni Colet.” Aiah answered but what all she heard was a beep indicating the call had ended.
She took it as a sign that Jhoanna was finally going to apologize to the girl. She initially wanted to call Stacey as well but she knew Jhoanna was probably trying to apologize to the girl as of the moment so she chose to just drive home.
After parking her car, she checked her phone and saw that she received a text from Jhoanna.
‘Sorry sa pagbaba ng call, ate Aiah. Gusto ko na kasi tawagan si Stacey para mag-sorry.’
Aiah didn’t mind, what mattered was that Jhoanna was trying to fix things with Stacey. She saw how much the girl was hurt, and although she wanted to be mad at Jhoanna, it wasn’t her place.
The next week rolled by and she didn’t see Stacey in the office even once. Given that they weren’t as busy as before, but Jhoanna was still there often so it was worrying that Stacey hadn’t stopped by.
When the week passed and Stacey still hadn't visited, Aiah decided to finally ask Jhoanna.
“Jhoanna.” Aiah called the girl who was waiting for their papers to finish printing.
“Yes, pres?” Jhoanna answered, looking up to find the girl calling for her.
“Okay lang ba kayo ni Stacey?” Aiah asked and stood up to approach Jhoanna.
“Ah, opo.” Jhoanna answered, unable to meet the older girl’s eyes.
“‘Yung totoo, Jhoanna?” Aiah said as she leaned on the wall near the printer.
“Medyo hindi po. Nagtampo po kasi talaga si Stacey, ate.” Jhoanna answered and although she tried to smile, it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Nag-sorry ka naman na ‘diba?” Aiah knew Jhoanna would do that but she still had to make sure.
“S’yempre naman, ate. Pero nagtatampo parin s’ya. Naiintindihan ko naman po, medyo matagal na rin kasi naming plano ‘yun.” Jhoanna answered, watching the printer mindlessly.
“Kaya naman pala, maaayos n’yo rin yan.” Aiah said and hugged the girl. Although she didn’t like what the girl did, she still felt the need to comfort her.
“Hindi ko naman sinasadya eh. Nagkayayaan kasi bigla tapos nakalimutan ko sa pagod.” Jhoanna answered and Aiah can hear how much the girl regrets what she did.
“Okay lang ‘yan, Jho. Suyuin mo lang, hindi ka naman matitiis ni Stacey.” Aiah said and let go of their hug. She saw that Jhoanna was wiping her tears but chose not to comment on it.
Aiah went back to her desk but Jhoanna and Stacey hadn't left her mind. What they have is so confusing and yet, she somehow craved it. She knew that whatever it is that they are is probably the most complicated thing ever but she longs to be loved like that.
Although Stacey avoided the office, Aiah still had communication with her. They’re friends and their friendship isn’t bound to the student council office or Jhoanna, but their interactions lessened due to their busy schedules.
One evening, they finally had enough time to talk again. But what Aiah found out, shocked her. Stacey was going out with Andrew, the Grade 11 representative. To be honest, Aiah thought that if Stacey were to date an officer, it would’ve been Jhoanna. Although there was no rule against it, she thought Jhoanna and Stacey had some sort of agreement that Stacey wouldn’t date any officers.
She chose to keep her reaction to herself, she knew it wasn’t her place to say anything.
The next day, she entered the office and saw that Stacey finally visited again. She would’ve been happy if only the girl wasn’t on the couch flirting with Andrew.
“Hindi ‘to dating spot, guys. Reminder lang.” Aiah said as she was walking to her desk. She saw in her peripheral vision that the two was startled and sat up.
“Sorry pres.” Andrew said and stood up. “May class pa ako, alis na po ako.” Andrew proceeded to leave the office, shy about getting called out.
“Stacey.” Aiah called the girl.
“Yes, ate Aiah?” Stacey said casually, as if Aiah didn’t just see her with Andrew.
“Okay na ba kayo ni Jhoanna?” Aiah asked, looking at the girl instead of starting to work.
“O- s’yempre naman, ate. Bakit naman hindi?” Stacey answered, obviously startled by the girl’s question.
“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to use Andrew to distract yourself.” Aiah said and opened her laptop.
“Hindi ko naman ginagamit si Andrew.” Stacey said defensively but still keeping her polite tone, Aiah’s still older than her, after all.
“Sure, and grass isn’t green.” Aiah said, teasing the girl.
“Ate naman.” Stacey said, unsure of what to say to defend herself.
“Look, ang sinasabi ko lang naman, ayusin n’yo muna ni Jhoanna. Then, think about whether you really like Andrew or not.” Aiah gave her advice to the younger girl.
Stacey didn’t say anything, instead, she gathered her things to leave. Just as she was about to open the door, someone from the other side was entering and the two bumped each other. It was Jhoanna, and once Stacey realized that, she immediately left.
Jhoanna watched the girl leave without saying anything to her, when she looked back at Aiah, her tears were threatening to fall.
“Ate Aiah…” Jhoanna said as if she were about to cry, and went to hug the president.
“Hmm, Jho?” Aiah said, already knowing why the girl was in tears.
“Hindi parin ata kami okay, ate. Ni hindi nga n’ya sinabing sila na ni Andrew, nalaman ko lang sa iba.” Jhoanna said while her head was buried in Aiah’s shoulder.
“So you know na pala.” was all Aiah could say. What can she? She doesn’t know what the girls were actually going through.
“Hindi ko na alam ano gagawin ko, ate. Sinasabi n’ya laging okay lang kami pero hindi n’ya na ako pinupuntahan dito, pero si Andrew, oo.” Jhoanna said while still crying on the older girl’s shoulder.
“Jho, maaayos n’yo rin ‘yan. ‘Tsaka don’t worry about Andrew, I’m sure wala lang ‘yun. ‘Wag ka na magselos.” Aiah said, trying to comfort the girl.
“Po?” Jhoanna stopped crying for a moment, worried about what the other girl meant.
“Andrew’s just a distraction, hindi n’ya gusto ‘yun. Kaya ‘wag mo nang pagselosan.” Aiah clarified.
“Hindi ako nagseselos kay Andrew!” Jhoanna pulled back from the hug to defend herself.
“It’s fine, Jhoanna. Alam ko namang gusto mo si Stacey.” Aiah said, smiling at the girl warmly.
“Hindi po!” Jhoanna said even though she herself knew it was pointless.
“Jho…” Aiah said, waiting for the girl to admit it.
“Paano mo nalaman?” Jhoanna asked before hugging the girl once again.
“Halata lang.” Aiah answered. “Don’t worry, I don’t think she knows and wala naman akong balak sabihin. But earlier, I told her na ayusin n’yo. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
Aiah suspicions were finally confirmed. Even though it was only from Jhoanna, she was sure Stacey felt the same way. She thought about meddling but decided against it. She chose to just be an older sister figure to them, someone they can run to during times like this.
The next week, everything was back to normal. Stacey frequently visited the office once again, for Jhoanna, not Andrew. And speaking of Andrew, Stacey dropped him the day after Aiah talked to the girls. He was so heartbroken that he turned in a file of resignation. It wasn’t that big of a deal, he wasn’t that much help anyway.
Aiah kept observing the girls as the months went by. It was obvious that the girls were in love, but she was stumped on why they weren’t doing anything about it. Whatever the reason was, she decided she was just going to have to trust that they’ll eventually figure out.
(4 years have gone by and she’s still waiting.)